Christmas
02 November 2011
Labels:
family,
special occasions,
thoughts
I suddenly recall something from the past and it's about Christmas. I've had gatherings over at a relative's place where my cousins will all be around and we'll gather around collecting presents from the adults. I remember I liked it a lot and the present I've received was a moon globe figurine which I get to paint in colours. Then I started to look forward to Christmas and waited for the next one to come. But it never did. Not the way I wished for. That was the last family gathering we had back in the nineties to celebrate Christmas. I wonder why the adults didn't keep up with it.
Japan Trip 2011
27 October 2011
I've been pondering for the longest time how to blog about my Japan trip.
I'm more concerned about which aspect of the trip I'd like to describe. Anyway, let's just start with SOMETHING and eventually... all will fall into place. I hope.
I think I'll start with the overall emotion/feelings/thoughts gathered from this trip.
I was mightily excited about trip before we depart from Singapore. I was alone at home while Mr Ho was still at work and my heart was pounding away as if I had too many cups of caffeine for the day. When Mr Ho opened the living room door, I was at the doorstep greeting him with my megawatt grin. My parents stayed up to send us off at AM in the morning and Kelv was being such a gem for joining us at the airport.
The week in Kyoto (Kansai Region) with Mr Ho was, I guess, the most enjoyable part of the whole trip. Love the pace, love the temperature, love the people. The view was breath-taking, we walked a lot and shopped a lot, saw temples, met nice people, it was really really fun.
Tokyo, the big city, brought about a bit of depression to the both of us... and this is rather unfortunate. I guess we both prefer something closer to countryside. Tokyo still did impress us but having been so deliriously happy in Kyoto, it did pull the brakes on us by quite a fair bit.
Having said so, I'm somewhat glad with my choice of location for the Ryokan and Guest House which were in Kasuga and Asakusa respectively. Kasuga is a quite old neighbourhood and it removed the sense of "big city" from Tokyo. I loved the family bathroom big time cos then I can soak my tired body and feet in the hot onsen bath. Then came Asakusa which is bustling with crowd and full of energy that shooed away the uncaring sense of "mind your own business" attitude which we get from the Tokyo crowd. Getting advancements in development comes at a price. There are other reasons contributing to the disappointment in Tokyo but I will not venture into that.
One thing noteworthy is the unwavered dedication and sense of responsibility we observed from the Japanese. How they put in an effort in tasks, no matter how small, to perfect it and to do it right. Then there are those who were very helpful in lending us a hand when we were confused about directions and all. Some of them offered to help us even though we didn't ask and we felt a sense of gratitude that made us want to 'give back' what 'we have received' to others who also needed help. Unfortunately, this thought evaporated when we were back in Singapore. sigh.
I'd like to visit other parts of Japan soon. :)
I'm more concerned about which aspect of the trip I'd like to describe. Anyway, let's just start with SOMETHING and eventually... all will fall into place. I hope.
I think I'll start with the overall emotion/feelings/thoughts gathered from this trip.
I was mightily excited about trip before we depart from Singapore. I was alone at home while Mr Ho was still at work and my heart was pounding away as if I had too many cups of caffeine for the day. When Mr Ho opened the living room door, I was at the doorstep greeting him with my megawatt grin. My parents stayed up to send us off at AM in the morning and Kelv was being such a gem for joining us at the airport.
The week in Kyoto (Kansai Region) with Mr Ho was, I guess, the most enjoyable part of the whole trip. Love the pace, love the temperature, love the people. The view was breath-taking, we walked a lot and shopped a lot, saw temples, met nice people, it was really really fun.
Tokyo, the big city, brought about a bit of depression to the both of us... and this is rather unfortunate. I guess we both prefer something closer to countryside. Tokyo still did impress us but having been so deliriously happy in Kyoto, it did pull the brakes on us by quite a fair bit.
Having said so, I'm somewhat glad with my choice of location for the Ryokan and Guest House which were in Kasuga and Asakusa respectively. Kasuga is a quite old neighbourhood and it removed the sense of "big city" from Tokyo. I loved the family bathroom big time cos then I can soak my tired body and feet in the hot onsen bath. Then came Asakusa which is bustling with crowd and full of energy that shooed away the uncaring sense of "mind your own business" attitude which we get from the Tokyo crowd. Getting advancements in development comes at a price. There are other reasons contributing to the disappointment in Tokyo but I will not venture into that.
One thing noteworthy is the unwavered dedication and sense of responsibility we observed from the Japanese. How they put in an effort in tasks, no matter how small, to perfect it and to do it right. Then there are those who were very helpful in lending us a hand when we were confused about directions and all. Some of them offered to help us even though we didn't ask and we felt a sense of gratitude that made us want to 'give back' what 'we have received' to others who also needed help. Unfortunately, this thought evaporated when we were back in Singapore. sigh.
I'd like to visit other parts of Japan soon. :)
counting down the hours
29 September 2011
Labels:
holiday
11 hours to go! i've been super restless and woke up at 10.30AM.... 1 hour ahead of my pre-set alarm!
the rest of the day was running errands.. shuffling between banks...getting some remainder money changed to yen.... now i'm back home being super restless.
i've finished playing sims social so i have nothing more to keep myself occupied.
kelv is dropping by my place after work. mom n dad will send us off at the airport. uncle will drive us over in his maxi-cab....
OMG SO EXCITED. my heart. ouch. >_<
the rest of the day was running errands.. shuffling between banks...getting some remainder money changed to yen.... now i'm back home being super restless.
i've finished playing sims social so i have nothing more to keep myself occupied.
kelv is dropping by my place after work. mom n dad will send us off at the airport. uncle will drive us over in his maxi-cab....
OMG SO EXCITED. my heart. ouch. >_<
anticipation
01 September 2011
For the first time, I am feeling the joy (?) of anticipation for a trip. Something I didn't grasp during earlier trips. Not for my taiwan trips nor my phuket trip.
The "butterflies in the stomach", "nervousness", "too excited to fall asleep" doesn't seem to apply to me and wilson.
But now, since I've maniacally planned for AGES for this upcoming Japan trip, researched through wee hours, obsessively hand-written all my itineary and whipped (almost) the three boys into doing their homework to contribute to our trip planning... we're finally moving into the countdown period!!! LESS THAN A MONTH TO GO! *gasp*
change money - checked!
book air tickets - checked!
book all hotels - checked!
plan itineary - almost there!
pack bag - not yet!
Now my No. 1 priority is to get Wilson excited too so that we can be in the same psychotic state once we step onto the land of the rising sun. Mr Ho takes time to warm up. I secretly downloaded a countdown widget and placed it rather prominently in his moblie phone. It has minimal effect. Perhaps it will take a week or two to work it's magic.I must find alternative methods in the mean time. Maybe I'll sing him a song every day. Plant the idea like INCEPTION. woo! If this method fails,I will show him daily pictures of food we'll get to eat in Japan. Mr Ho is more receptive when it comes to food. This plan might work.
Just to commerate the moment and also to remind myself how obsessive compulsive I can get when it comes to planning, here's the milestone:
wahahahaha one entire year of planning. insane.
[photos to be posted here]
What were some of the challenges I faced during planning? I recall several occasions when I felt absolutely frustrated, baffled and confused. But with the help and strength garnered from Mr Ho, I pulled through!
Danlin-the-great and khim khim helped a lot too with the information they freely shared.I am blessed to have friends like that who shared my anticipation and were enthusiastic about keeping me informed.
MAKING SENSE OF INFORMATION THAT IS NOT STRAIGHT-FORWARD
Trying to figure out how on earth to get to Hakone and to do an accurate calculation of the cost can be such a pain in the ass. Having a lot of "one-day" pass or similar in Japan is good for saving cost but it can likewise be utterly baffling if one is not sure what to look out for. planning what to do in Hakone is just as confusing but luckily I have Danlin's previous trip's itineary to use as a gauge and from there I searched out bits and pieces of information. The last thing I need is to lose our way and waste precious time. I've gotten a few "I think so..." answers from various people, even those at NATAS fair but seriously? "I think so..." is almost as good as "I don't know". I cannot tahan ambiguous answers!! RAWR!
Arashiyama in Kyoto is another Hakone-like maze for information. Thank god I understand a little bit of Japanese. Frankly speaking, one can find loads of information when planning for trips to Japan but what's ironic is that a lot of information are also not readily available in Japanese especially discount coupon printouts or when the Japanese websites are more sophisticated and detailed than their English sites.
There's a lot of 1 + 1 = 2 involved!!
DECIDING ON THE DAILY ITINEARY
Had to ask myself this question. Do I want to cover many parts of Japan or do I want to have ample time to know each part of Japan? I dislike rushing for places and constantly re-packing my stuff to get to the next train/bus/flight to the next place. I like leisure walks and discovery of a neighbourhood. Bearing this idea in mind, this was how I planned our itineary. Of course, I had to seek confirmation from the others to see if we share the same thoughts. There was a wee bit of brainwashing involved. *rub hands*
SO,waking up early and returning late to maximise our day is a must. Seriously. Saving time in certain area (e.g. lazing in hotel, over-sleeping) means giving ourselves more time for other activities (longer leisure walk). This also explain why I'm so obsessive about the need to get our homework done and facts right so that we don't waste time getting lost. Half an hour getting frustrated and lost is better spent in a deliberate choice to wander about in a particular neighbourhood. It's about cultivating good and positive energy which heals the soul.
One more thing, having incompatible travel partners... kills the spirit. RAWR!
GATHERING MAPS
One thing I've learnt is that maps are sometimes deceiving. What looks like a breeze to walk is potentially a damn long one... hah! Other than that, maps are damn useful and Japan have a lot of nicely done maps or subway route in PDF format. I now have a new found hobby of gathering maps and there are really all sorts of maps that can be gathered.
PLANNING CAN BE DAMN FUN
I think when I got past the initial stage of "what the heck am I supposed to look out for" state, I start to enjoy researching online and planning. Well, either I'm sick in the head or something... Otherwise, I feel seriously happy when I finally figure out pieces of information that didn't make sense before or discover new places or interesting facts etc. This is cooler than doing math.
My brain becomes sharper I think. I have to look out for fine prints (which I kinda always do) or invisible prints (means things that don't make sense and I have to start doing the 1+1 thing again). Reading Engrish is also a very painful process.
With the language barrier, I have to learn to ask the RIGHT questions. More importantly, to also ask the questions in a way the recipient can understand. It kinda trained me to think through what I answers am I seeking for before I even proceed to ask.
I get a deeper understanding of places, perhaps a little bit of its history and definitely a better idea of the geographical landscape of that country. My internal north-south-east-west radar is not very good. heh With the amount of pre-trip homework I've amassed, I intend to be a full-fledge airhead when I'm in Japan. I will switch on my auto-pilot mode. Maybe my itineary will have stuff like "walk 10 steps to the left and see tofu shop" or something.
The "butterflies in the stomach", "nervousness", "too excited to fall asleep" doesn't seem to apply to me and wilson.
But now, since I've maniacally planned for AGES for this upcoming Japan trip, researched through wee hours, obsessively hand-written all my itineary and whipped (almost) the three boys into doing their homework to contribute to our trip planning... we're finally moving into the countdown period!!! LESS THAN A MONTH TO GO! *gasp*
 |
| Handwritten Itineary |
change money - checked!
book air tickets - checked!
book all hotels - checked!
plan itineary - almost there!
pack bag - not yet!
Now my No. 1 priority is to get Wilson excited too so that we can be in the same psychotic state once we step onto the land of the rising sun. Mr Ho takes time to warm up. I secretly downloaded a countdown widget and placed it rather prominently in his moblie phone. It has minimal effect. Perhaps it will take a week or two to work it's magic.I must find alternative methods in the mean time. Maybe I'll sing him a song every day. Plant the idea like INCEPTION. woo! If this method fails,I will show him daily pictures of food we'll get to eat in Japan. Mr Ho is more receptive when it comes to food. This plan might work.
Just to commerate the moment and also to remind myself how obsessive compulsive I can get when it comes to planning, here's the milestone:
- My first email out to the boys was titled "Japanese Ryokan (traditional Inn) in Tokyo". This email was send on 18/10/2010!! This email was sent post-research so we probably started planning in September 2010!?
wahahahaha one entire year of planning. insane.
- Sept - Dec 2010: Research planning on accomodation and transportation related information
- Dec 2010 - current: On-going research to improve itineary
- January 2011: Initial trip costing drafted
- February 2011: Homeikan (ryokan) room reservation made.
- April 2011: revised trip costing
- June 2011: revised trip costing
- July 2011: Super Hotel (hotel) and Khaosan Kabuki (budget hotel) room reservation made.
- August 2011: Air tickets and Willer Express bus pass purchased. Senkei Plaza Inn (Hakone hotel) room reservation made.
- September 2011: Ghibli museum tickets purchased.
[photos to be posted here]
What were some of the challenges I faced during planning? I recall several occasions when I felt absolutely frustrated, baffled and confused. But with the help and strength garnered from Mr Ho, I pulled through!
Danlin-the-great and khim khim helped a lot too with the information they freely shared.I am blessed to have friends like that who shared my anticipation and were enthusiastic about keeping me informed.
MAKING SENSE OF INFORMATION THAT IS NOT STRAIGHT-FORWARD
Trying to figure out how on earth to get to Hakone and to do an accurate calculation of the cost can be such a pain in the ass. Having a lot of "one-day" pass or similar in Japan is good for saving cost but it can likewise be utterly baffling if one is not sure what to look out for. planning what to do in Hakone is just as confusing but luckily I have Danlin's previous trip's itineary to use as a gauge and from there I searched out bits and pieces of information. The last thing I need is to lose our way and waste precious time. I've gotten a few "I think so..." answers from various people, even those at NATAS fair but seriously? "I think so..." is almost as good as "I don't know". I cannot tahan ambiguous answers!! RAWR!
Arashiyama in Kyoto is another Hakone-like maze for information. Thank god I understand a little bit of Japanese. Frankly speaking, one can find loads of information when planning for trips to Japan but what's ironic is that a lot of information are also not readily available in Japanese especially discount coupon printouts or when the Japanese websites are more sophisticated and detailed than their English sites.
There's a lot of 1 + 1 = 2 involved!!
 |
| Example of a Japanese website offering better info. |
DECIDING ON THE DAILY ITINEARY
Had to ask myself this question. Do I want to cover many parts of Japan or do I want to have ample time to know each part of Japan? I dislike rushing for places and constantly re-packing my stuff to get to the next train/bus/flight to the next place. I like leisure walks and discovery of a neighbourhood. Bearing this idea in mind, this was how I planned our itineary. Of course, I had to seek confirmation from the others to see if we share the same thoughts. There was a wee bit of brainwashing involved. *rub hands*
SO,waking up early and returning late to maximise our day is a must. Seriously. Saving time in certain area (e.g. lazing in hotel, over-sleeping) means giving ourselves more time for other activities (longer leisure walk). This also explain why I'm so obsessive about the need to get our homework done and facts right so that we don't waste time getting lost. Half an hour getting frustrated and lost is better spent in a deliberate choice to wander about in a particular neighbourhood. It's about cultivating good and positive energy which heals the soul.
One more thing, having incompatible travel partners... kills the spirit. RAWR!
GATHERING MAPS
One thing I've learnt is that maps are sometimes deceiving. What looks like a breeze to walk is potentially a damn long one... hah! Other than that, maps are damn useful and Japan have a lot of nicely done maps or subway route in PDF format. I now have a new found hobby of gathering maps and there are really all sorts of maps that can be gathered.
 |
| Left to right: Kyoto bus map, Osaka Subway Map, Directions to Kabuki Khaosan, Hakone Map |
PLANNING CAN BE DAMN FUN
I think when I got past the initial stage of "what the heck am I supposed to look out for" state, I start to enjoy researching online and planning. Well, either I'm sick in the head or something... Otherwise, I feel seriously happy when I finally figure out pieces of information that didn't make sense before or discover new places or interesting facts etc. This is cooler than doing math.
My brain becomes sharper I think. I have to look out for fine prints (which I kinda always do) or invisible prints (means things that don't make sense and I have to start doing the 1+1 thing again). Reading Engrish is also a very painful process.
With the language barrier, I have to learn to ask the RIGHT questions. More importantly, to also ask the questions in a way the recipient can understand. It kinda trained me to think through what I answers am I seeking for before I even proceed to ask.
I get a deeper understanding of places, perhaps a little bit of its history and definitely a better idea of the geographical landscape of that country. My internal north-south-east-west radar is not very good. heh With the amount of pre-trip homework I've amassed, I intend to be a full-fledge airhead when I'm in Japan. I will switch on my auto-pilot mode. Maybe my itineary will have stuff like "walk 10 steps to the left and see tofu shop" or something.
wallpapers
08 August 2011
Labels:
home ideas
i love these wallpapers.
Nordic Leaves
Nordic Blossom Selection
Happy Nature
wallpapers from Fiona Wall Design
Nordic Leaves
Nordic Blossom Selection
Happy Nature
wallpapers from Fiona Wall Design
COD.. me?!
29 June 2011
Labels:
thoughts
Sometimes I wish I could take my persistence to "greater heights". lol like.. to extend it entirely into every possible thing I do, be it hobby or a project or whatever as if I eat, live and breathe them.
Alas, I'm just a half-assed person who is too lazy.
Friends comment saying I have compulsive obsessive disorder (I don't. seriously). Classmates say I'm sort that refuses to quit at something I start (aka the roach that never dies). My husband say I am perfectionist (I only try to be). But when it comes to things that matters... my Japanese language learning, my handicrafts... I am a bum. sigh.
Alas, I'm just a half-assed person who is too lazy.
Friends comment saying I have compulsive obsessive disorder (I don't. seriously). Classmates say I'm sort that refuses to quit at something I start (aka the roach that never dies). My husband say I am perfectionist (I only try to be). But when it comes to things that matters... my Japanese language learning, my handicrafts... I am a bum. sigh.
Presentations
21 June 2011
Just though i'd stash the link to an interesting link for future references. heh.
Are Your Presentations Powerful Or Pathetic? 4 Persuasive Presentation Preparation Tips
Are Your Presentations Powerful Or Pathetic? 4 Persuasive Presentation Preparation Tips
動物占い (Zoological Fortune-tellling)
23 May 2011
You are Green Lion, who gives graceful and pure impression.
You are dignified, and possess delicate sensitivity and cool intelligence along side your sweetness.
But unlike your friendly outlook, you are very cautious towards others, and can not relax in front of anyone.
Your weakness is that you can not adapt easily to new environments.
You tend to take a very passive attitude when starting something.
But when it comes nearer towards the goal, you become very obstinate, and your ego will start to show up.
You may become very dogmatic, but because of your personality, people will not feel harmed.
You possess a skill of a manager, and even if you experience difficulty, you don't show grimness.
You are very practical and precise person.
You can make sound and rational decisions, but sometimes can be argumentative.
In life, you are long distance runner type.
You treasure your past and find something from there.
You will have your best days in old age.
You are not so emotional type, and therefore look much older than your actual age.
You should not think things according to your own interest.
Your reliable character is trusted by people around you.
After getting married you may turn out a little nagging type.
But will be a good wife and a mother.
[Results from world.doubutsu-uranai]
面白いそう！I am Green Lion desu!!! RAAAAARRR!
"me" time... for sulking
25 April 2011
Everyone needs a bit of 'me' time... even if it's to sulk.
times like this, i like to just find a quiet spot to immerse myself, or rather, distract myself by reading something or to randomly surf the net so that the negative emotions can dissipate.
but this 'self-healing' moments often get disrupted by my parents with their constant queries and requests.
shut the door and they barge in to ask questions. don't feel like eating and they ask even more persistently. shut the door a little harder and they think the tantrum is directed at them (when it's not).
the deeper i hide, the deeper they pry.
the more i avoid contact to prevent my temper from seeping, the more invasion i face.
times like this... it makes me wish for my own house minus the parents.
on the bright side, times like this makes me appreciate my husband who is both a mediator between me and my folks while telling me he understands.
it ain't so bad after all.
times like this, i like to just find a quiet spot to immerse myself, or rather, distract myself by reading something or to randomly surf the net so that the negative emotions can dissipate.
but this 'self-healing' moments often get disrupted by my parents with their constant queries and requests.
shut the door and they barge in to ask questions. don't feel like eating and they ask even more persistently. shut the door a little harder and they think the tantrum is directed at them (when it's not).
the deeper i hide, the deeper they pry.
the more i avoid contact to prevent my temper from seeping, the more invasion i face.
times like this... it makes me wish for my own house minus the parents.
on the bright side, times like this makes me appreciate my husband who is both a mediator between me and my folks while telling me he understands.
it ain't so bad after all.
sense of protectiveness
14 April 2011
Maria says:
monday my colleague's daughter (1 yr old) fell sick and was rushed to kkh but now ok.
it kinda got me thinking
if i had my own kid
and i'm the kind that worry loads.
i think i'll hv panic attacks every other day
-__-
maciam someone cut my flesh
i think i will become godzilla mom
Dil says:
i wonder if you'll be the ultra-protective of the kid
*ultra-protective parent
Maria says:
prob not the senseless kind. but def protective as in like if some kid bully my kid
I'LL BEAT THEM UP
Dil says:
i can so forsee that happening~
i dont know eh.. but i guess kids these days do fall sick easier
Maria says:
ya so u dun come n poke my cow jr. i'll beat u up
Dil says:
"come with uncle susu k? uncle will buy you stufffffff" HAHAHAH
kidding
i'll probably be the play-time uncle
XD
Maria says:
i will show pictures n tell him 'this one, is uncle mt fuji susu. u must ask hiim buy things for u'
XD
Dil says:ISH!
dream trip
05 April 2011
noooooooooooooooooo......!!
why... have... i procrastinated again!
just visited tokyobling for my daily dose of sanity and here i am re-arranging my thoughts about 'our' dream trip to Japan. we're going ahead as planned. insane? not entirely.
at the end of the day, it's my believe and my fellow travelling partners', that the trip is still possible and things are not as bad as it seems.
i'm tired explaining myself and more so after reading something which rings true in a forum. those bent on going will still go or find solid reasons to. those who does not will find just about anything to be a reason for them to not go.
my thoughts? it's not like i'm not afraid to die you know. my life is precious and the people who is going with me is just as precious. having said that this is 'our' dream trip & on this journey together, we're realising what each of us have been planning for the longest time ever. because of that, we're diligently monitoring the situation in Japan to equip ourselves with the necessary information about whether or not we should proceed as planned.
now that yen is dropping (i'm sorry that this is happening because of a natural disaster), sano & I have our eyes glued to the foreign exchange chart right now.
i hope Yunnessan will re-open soon and the timetable for the transports in Hakone will be back to normal soon.
why... have... i procrastinated again!
just visited tokyobling for my daily dose of sanity and here i am re-arranging my thoughts about 'our' dream trip to Japan. we're going ahead as planned. insane? not entirely.
at the end of the day, it's my believe and my fellow travelling partners', that the trip is still possible and things are not as bad as it seems.
i'm tired explaining myself and more so after reading something which rings true in a forum. those bent on going will still go or find solid reasons to. those who does not will find just about anything to be a reason for them to not go.
my thoughts? it's not like i'm not afraid to die you know. my life is precious and the people who is going with me is just as precious. having said that this is 'our' dream trip & on this journey together, we're realising what each of us have been planning for the longest time ever. because of that, we're diligently monitoring the situation in Japan to equip ourselves with the necessary information about whether or not we should proceed as planned.
now that yen is dropping (i'm sorry that this is happening because of a natural disaster), sano & I have our eyes glued to the foreign exchange chart right now.
i hope Yunnessan will re-open soon and the timetable for the transports in Hakone will be back to normal soon.
shoulder aches
09 February 2011
Pissed pissed pissed totally totally pissed off. Now I just want to go home and freaking hide under my blanket and sleep. Good bye world.
My fucking shoulder is aching since morning. I’m only 27 but I’m aching like a 60 year old with bad rheumatism. What’s wrong with you! *attempts communication with bad shoulders* Urgh.
My fucking shoulder is aching since morning. I’m only 27 but I’m aching like a 60 year old with bad rheumatism. What’s wrong with you! *attempts communication with bad shoulders* Urgh.
delayed depression
for a moment there, i was amazed at myself for not getting into fits. i was amazed at myself for being entirely cool about a super long email that's packed with a fair amount of explosives that'll usually ignite me. i was amazed that i'm still feeling chirpy.
then i realised.. hours later, i started to dwell on it. eventually i started to visualise my imagination. then i started feeling indignation. then i started feeling crappy like it's the worst day ever and i just want to go home and sleep.
zzzzzzz......
my intention to recharge and restart my new year with more positive energy has gone back into hibernation.
then i realised.. hours later, i started to dwell on it. eventually i started to visualise my imagination. then i started feeling indignation. then i started feeling crappy like it's the worst day ever and i just want to go home and sleep.
zzzzzzz......
my intention to recharge and restart my new year with more positive energy has gone back into hibernation.
ang pow extortion
Labels:
work
mr kee attempted to extort ang pows from me last wednesday on chinese new year's eve.
i gave him bah kwas instead.
he finished them.
now he attempts the extortion again.
damnit.
i gave him bah kwas instead.
he finished them.
now he attempts the extortion again.
damnit.
トイレの神様
28 January 2011
トイレの神様 means "God of Toilet" if you do a literal translation from the Japanese text. :D
I came across this song by chance and thought the title sounded cute so I've decided to click on it and have a listen. Hiding behind ths seemigly cute and random title lies a 10 minute journey through a woman's memories of her grandmother.
very meaningful and touching song.
小３の頃からなぜだが
小三開始,不知為甚麼
おばあちゃんと暮らしてた
我與奶奶住在一起
実家の隣だったけど
雖然就在本家的隔壁
おばあちゃんと暮らしてた
但我與奶奶住在一起
毎日お手伝いをして
每天幫忙奶奶做家事
五目並べもした
也會一起下五子棋
でも、トイレ掃除だけ苦手な私に
但是對於十分討厭打掃廁所的我
おばあちゃんがこう言った
奶奶這麼說到
トイレには
廁所裡面
それはそれはキレイな女神様がいるんやで
可是住著一位很漂亮的女神哦
だから毎日キレイにしたら
所以假如每天打掃的很乾淨的話
女神様みたいにべっぴんさんになれるやで
就可以變成像女神一樣漂亮的女生哦
その日から私は
自從那一天起
トイレをピカピカにし始めた
我開始將廁所打掃的乾乾淨淨
べっぴんさんに絶対なりたくて
因為一定要成為美女
毎日磨いてた
每天都刷的乾乾淨淨
買い物に出かけて時には
出門買東西的時候
二人で鴨なんば食べた
倆人一起吃了鴨肉湯麵
新喜劇録画し損ねたおばあちゃんを
泣いて責めたりました
我也曾經一邊哭著, 對著沒有幫我錄到新喜劇節目的奶奶發脾氣
トイレには
廁所裡面
それはそれはキレイな女神様がいるんやで
可是住著一位很漂亮的女神哦
だから毎日キレイにしたら
所以假如每天打掃的很乾淨的話
女神様みたいにべっぴｎさんになれるやで
就可以變成像女神一樣漂亮的女生哦
少し大人になった私は
稍微長大後的我
おばあちゃんとぶつかった
和奶奶起了爭執
家族ともうまくやれなくて
和家人也處的不好
居場所がなくなった
失去了容身之處
休みの日も家に帰らず
即使放假也不回家
彼氏と遊んだりした
與男朋友到處玩
五目並べも鴨なんばも
五子棋也好鴨肉湯麵也罷
二人の間から消えてった
倆人共處的時光已逝
どうしてだろう？
到底為甚麼呢?
人は人を傷付け、大切なものをなくしてく
人與人之間要互相傷害, 然後舍去重要的東西
いつも味方をしてくれたおばあちゃん残して
我留下總是支持著我的奶奶
ひとりきり
一個人
家 離れた
離家而去
上京して２年が過ぎて
到東京已經過了兩年
おばあちゃんが入院した
奶奶她住院了
痩せて細くなってしまった
おばあちゃんに会いに行った
於是我去探望變得瘦弱的奶奶
「おばあちゃん、ただいまー！」ってわざと
昔みたいに言ってみたけど
刻意像以往一般的說“奶奶， 我回來了!”
ちょっと話しただけだったのに
但是才沒說到幾句話
「もう帰りー。」って
病室を出された
就被一句“該回去了。”趕出病房
次の日の朝
隔日的早上
おばあちゃんは静かに眠りについた
奶奶她靜靜的離去
まるで まるで
就好像 就好像
私がくるの待っていてくれたように
在等著我的到來一般
ちゃんと育ててくれたのに
雖然辛苦的拉拔我長大
恩返しもしてないのに
我卻還沒報答恩情
いい孫じゃなかったのに
明明是個不聽話的孫女
こんな私を
待っててくれたんやね
卻還是一直等著這樣的我呀
トイレには
廁所裡面
それはそれはキレイな女神様がいるんやで
可是住著一位很漂亮的女神哦
おばあちゃんがくれた言葉は
奶奶給我的一句話
今日の私をべっぴんさんにしてくれるかな
現在的我是否能成為美女呢
トイレには
廁所裡面
それはそれはキレイな女神様がいるんやで
可是住著一位很漂亮的女神哦
だから毎日キレイしたら
所以假如每天打掃的很乾淨的話
女神様みたいにべっぴんさんになれるやで
就可以變成像女神一樣漂亮的女生哦
気立ての良いお嫁さんになるのが夢だった私を
曾盡夢想可以成為一個溫柔女孩的我
今日もせっせと
今天也要很認真地
トイレをピカピカにする
將廁所打掃的乾乾淨淨
おばあちゃん
奶奶
おばあちゃん
奶奶
ありがとう
謝謝你
おばあちゃん
奶奶
ホンマに
真的
ありがとう
謝謝你
I came across this song by chance and thought the title sounded cute so I've decided to click on it and have a listen. Hiding behind ths seemigly cute and random title lies a 10 minute journey through a woman's memories of her grandmother.
very meaningful and touching song.
歌手：植村花菜
作詞：植村花菜・山田ひろし
作曲：植村花菜
小３の頃からなぜだが
小三開始,不知為甚麼
おばあちゃんと暮らしてた
我與奶奶住在一起
実家の隣だったけど
雖然就在本家的隔壁
おばあちゃんと暮らしてた
但我與奶奶住在一起
毎日お手伝いをして
每天幫忙奶奶做家事
五目並べもした
也會一起下五子棋
でも、トイレ掃除だけ苦手な私に
但是對於十分討厭打掃廁所的我
おばあちゃんがこう言った
奶奶這麼說到
トイレには
廁所裡面
それはそれはキレイな女神様がいるんやで
可是住著一位很漂亮的女神哦
だから毎日キレイにしたら
所以假如每天打掃的很乾淨的話
女神様みたいにべっぴんさんになれるやで
就可以變成像女神一樣漂亮的女生哦
その日から私は
自從那一天起
トイレをピカピカにし始めた
我開始將廁所打掃的乾乾淨淨
べっぴんさんに絶対なりたくて
因為一定要成為美女
毎日磨いてた
每天都刷的乾乾淨淨
買い物に出かけて時には
出門買東西的時候
二人で鴨なんば食べた
倆人一起吃了鴨肉湯麵
新喜劇録画し損ねたおばあちゃんを
泣いて責めたりました
我也曾經一邊哭著, 對著沒有幫我錄到新喜劇節目的奶奶發脾氣
トイレには
廁所裡面
それはそれはキレイな女神様がいるんやで
可是住著一位很漂亮的女神哦
だから毎日キレイにしたら
所以假如每天打掃的很乾淨的話
女神様みたいにべっぴｎさんになれるやで
就可以變成像女神一樣漂亮的女生哦
少し大人になった私は
稍微長大後的我
おばあちゃんとぶつかった
和奶奶起了爭執
家族ともうまくやれなくて
和家人也處的不好
居場所がなくなった
失去了容身之處
休みの日も家に帰らず
即使放假也不回家
彼氏と遊んだりした
與男朋友到處玩
五目並べも鴨なんばも
五子棋也好鴨肉湯麵也罷
二人の間から消えてった
倆人共處的時光已逝
どうしてだろう？
到底為甚麼呢?
人は人を傷付け、大切なものをなくしてく
人與人之間要互相傷害, 然後舍去重要的東西
いつも味方をしてくれたおばあちゃん残して
我留下總是支持著我的奶奶
ひとりきり
一個人
家 離れた
離家而去
上京して２年が過ぎて
到東京已經過了兩年
おばあちゃんが入院した
奶奶她住院了
痩せて細くなってしまった
おばあちゃんに会いに行った
於是我去探望變得瘦弱的奶奶
「おばあちゃん、ただいまー！」ってわざと
昔みたいに言ってみたけど
刻意像以往一般的說“奶奶， 我回來了!”
ちょっと話しただけだったのに
但是才沒說到幾句話
「もう帰りー。」って
病室を出された
就被一句“該回去了。”趕出病房
次の日の朝
隔日的早上
おばあちゃんは静かに眠りについた
奶奶她靜靜的離去
まるで まるで
就好像 就好像
私がくるの待っていてくれたように
在等著我的到來一般
ちゃんと育ててくれたのに
雖然辛苦的拉拔我長大
恩返しもしてないのに
我卻還沒報答恩情
いい孫じゃなかったのに
明明是個不聽話的孫女
こんな私を
待っててくれたんやね
卻還是一直等著這樣的我呀
トイレには
廁所裡面
それはそれはキレイな女神様がいるんやで
可是住著一位很漂亮的女神哦
おばあちゃんがくれた言葉は
奶奶給我的一句話
今日の私をべっぴんさんにしてくれるかな
現在的我是否能成為美女呢
トイレには
廁所裡面
それはそれはキレイな女神様がいるんやで
可是住著一位很漂亮的女神哦
だから毎日キレイしたら
所以假如每天打掃的很乾淨的話
女神様みたいにべっぴんさんになれるやで
就可以變成像女神一樣漂亮的女生哦
気立ての良いお嫁さんになるのが夢だった私を
曾盡夢想可以成為一個溫柔女孩的我
今日もせっせと
今天也要很認真地
トイレをピカピカにする
將廁所打掃的乾乾淨淨
おばあちゃん
奶奶
おばあちゃん
奶奶
ありがとう
謝謝你
おばあちゃん
奶奶
ホンマに
真的
ありがとう
謝謝你
dog
25 January 2011
few years ago,ever since i saw Ryan's blog and his dogs... i wanted a Affenpinscher.
I STILL WANT ONE NOW.
But i've NEVER seen anyone in Singapore having one and Wilson strongly abhors the idea.
WWWWWHHHHHHHHYYYYYYY!
ok fine! so it's kinda shaggy...
it's kinda black...
it can look kinda ugly almost gremlin like...
but it's the Johnny Depp of the doggie world!
given the right grooming... it can look... ruggedly charming! and least it's not just 'cute'.
Some stuff I read from a website:
PRO
I STILL WANT ONE NOW.
But i've NEVER seen anyone in Singapore having one and Wilson strongly abhors the idea.
WWWWWHHHHHHHHYYYYYYY!
ok fine! so it's kinda shaggy...
it's kinda black...
it can look kinda ugly almost gremlin like...
but it's the Johnny Depp of the doggie world!
given the right grooming... it can look... ruggedly charming! and least it's not just 'cute'.
Some stuff I read from a website:
PRO
- They tend to get along with other dogs and pets especially when they are raised with them.
- They are busy, bold, inquisitive and stubborn, but they also love to monkey around, being playful and mischievous.
- A lively sharp-witted, little dog that is courageous and confident.
- It is very affectionate and amusing. This friendly little dog enjoys being with its family.
- This breed sheds little to no hair.
- A fearless defender, the Affenpinscher will quickly become an authoritarian, if owners do not give the proper rules, boundaries, limitations and constantly be this dogs pack leader.
- Without leadership, it may unwisely challenge large dogs and other large animals. They tend to bark and even climb.
white is my fav colour
18 January 2011
Labels:
home ideas
i love having the house brimming with brightness conjured by sunlight (excluding the heat).
natural light against clean white/light coloured walls fills me with energy and i love them to death.
and i like good hidden storage spaces.
today, i stumbled across a new site, The Lettered Cottage, and i immediately decided it'll be one of my fav pages to visit now. i love what i see!
omg! i love!! Read more here.
did i just mentioned hidden storage spaces?
it can be yet another joy waiting to be discovered once you open it.
hoho! Read here.
natural light against clean white/light coloured walls fills me with energy and i love them to death.
and i like good hidden storage spaces.
today, i stumbled across a new site, The Lettered Cottage, and i immediately decided it'll be one of my fav pages to visit now. i love what i see!
omg! i love!! Read more here.
did i just mentioned hidden storage spaces?
it can be yet another joy waiting to be discovered once you open it.
hoho! Read here.
familiar faces from my past
14 January 2011
my lousy stamina during the muay thai training session made me wonder where my energy has gone. hah! in my younger years (bras basah era), i could run around whole day along playing soccer, rollerblade, block catching etc. now, i can't last long enough before i need to stop and catch my breath. brutal truth of aging. sigh~
then the thinking back of my long-gone younger years, reminded me of my fun-filled days in bras basah: the shouting across blocks, the games, quarrels and laughters, the young girl crushes i've had, tons of messages i received on my pager from weiming ask me to come down to play soccer... now that it's gone and will never return.. i'm just glad that at least, i had those memories before.
then this reminiscing had me stalked Jack's facebook for a while heh I was trying very hard to find old faces and hoping that perhaps.. some of them kept contact with each other. for my secondary school (CHIJ girls) friends, it was a breeze. but somehow, for these bunch of idiots (bras basah boys), IT WAS HARD!
geez!
i managed to only find Alvin cos he is Jack's cousin and i suspect William is Jia Hao but i'm not sure cos i can barely recall his looks... but.. WHERE ARE THE OTHERS!? my goodness. so damn hard to find! worse is the fact that they might have some self-given English names by now?? i know them all by their chinese names! they might not even be on facebook!
and the thing about childhood friends is there features will change over the years. either they look pretty much the same, or they look different (for the better or for the worse). i know i look different from what i used to be in those primary-secondary school years so i was surprised when Jack could recognize me when we bumped into each other again in Tampines about 4 years ago. noteworthy fact is that it did take him several minutes walking next to me while we were heading towards the same direction ahead and all we did was continue to walk and stare at each other with squinty eyes and after what seemed like forever, he asked "Maria...??". i replied him with a grin. he looked the same but i've changed.
i remember bumping into xinxian at bras basah and exchanged phone numbers with him but we barely contacted each other so once again, contact was lost. i'm just not thick skinned enough to keep msging someone randomly. i think partly it was due to low self-esteem.
so for a final count, i have Ivan and Jack in my list. i'm not sure why but i didn't add Alvin. The rest... are lost.. in the haystack. hehz
then the thinking back of my long-gone younger years, reminded me of my fun-filled days in bras basah: the shouting across blocks, the games, quarrels and laughters, the young girl crushes i've had, tons of messages i received on my pager from weiming ask me to come down to play soccer... now that it's gone and will never return.. i'm just glad that at least, i had those memories before.
then this reminiscing had me stalked Jack's facebook for a while heh I was trying very hard to find old faces and hoping that perhaps.. some of them kept contact with each other. for my secondary school (CHIJ girls) friends, it was a breeze. but somehow, for these bunch of idiots (bras basah boys), IT WAS HARD!
geez!
i managed to only find Alvin cos he is Jack's cousin and i suspect William is Jia Hao but i'm not sure cos i can barely recall his looks... but.. WHERE ARE THE OTHERS!? my goodness. so damn hard to find! worse is the fact that they might have some self-given English names by now?? i know them all by their chinese names! they might not even be on facebook!
and the thing about childhood friends is there features will change over the years. either they look pretty much the same, or they look different (for the better or for the worse). i know i look different from what i used to be in those primary-secondary school years so i was surprised when Jack could recognize me when we bumped into each other again in Tampines about 4 years ago. noteworthy fact is that it did take him several minutes walking next to me while we were heading towards the same direction ahead and all we did was continue to walk and stare at each other with squinty eyes and after what seemed like forever, he asked "Maria...??". i replied him with a grin. he looked the same but i've changed.
i remember bumping into xinxian at bras basah and exchanged phone numbers with him but we barely contacted each other so once again, contact was lost. i'm just not thick skinned enough to keep msging someone randomly. i think partly it was due to low self-esteem.
so for a final count, i have Ivan and Jack in my list. i'm not sure why but i didn't add Alvin. The rest... are lost.. in the haystack. hehz
slowly but surely
13 January 2011
Labels:
handmade items
knitting without my 'guru' around to consult on difficult or ambiguous stitches can be rather daunting. now i can only rely on youtube videos to figure out the stitches. if the instructional video is good, i'm in luck. if it's not... well, i'll have to just try and re-watch it a few times.
but i guess that's part and parcel of learning. the knitted babywear project is coming along fine and past (common) mistakes are occurring less frequently. i've managed to complete 5" of the bodice and i'm currently moving on to knit the skirt area. it's pretty twist and twirly around this part so i've been extremely slow and careful to make sure each stitch is right. took me about half an hour to finish a row. geez! 6 down 5 more to go!
i'm a little uncertain about sizing since i don't always play with babies so this is pretty experimental. i keep alternating between thinking it's too small or it's too big. can't make up my mind. just have to fit a baby in it!!! if all goes well, the end result is gonna adorable although everyone can't quite imagine "how" yet.
tonight is my 2nd session in muay thai training. well.. not the hardcore kind so i'm just learning some basic techniques, throwing a few punches and kicks while my instructor confuses me with his constant change of combinations... i'm just trying to keep fit otherwise knowing me, i'll never exercise. hurhur
my body ached like mad for days after the 1st session last Thursday. I've just recovered and it's time for another round. sigh. i can sense my reluctance to get back since it's not cheap and it's tiring and it's late in the evening after work but i'm trying to encourage myself to go so that i can support my husband in the activities he does and also to keep fit. i need to lose a few inches before i gorge myself to death during my much anticipated Japan trip.
but i guess that's part and parcel of learning. the knitted babywear project is coming along fine and past (common) mistakes are occurring less frequently. i've managed to complete 5" of the bodice and i'm currently moving on to knit the skirt area. it's pretty twist and twirly around this part so i've been extremely slow and careful to make sure each stitch is right. took me about half an hour to finish a row. geez! 6 down 5 more to go!
i'm a little uncertain about sizing since i don't always play with babies so this is pretty experimental. i keep alternating between thinking it's too small or it's too big. can't make up my mind. just have to fit a baby in it!!! if all goes well, the end result is gonna adorable although everyone can't quite imagine "how" yet.
tonight is my 2nd session in muay thai training. well.. not the hardcore kind so i'm just learning some basic techniques, throwing a few punches and kicks while my instructor confuses me with his constant change of combinations... i'm just trying to keep fit otherwise knowing me, i'll never exercise. hurhur
my body ached like mad for days after the 1st session last Thursday. I've just recovered and it's time for another round. sigh. i can sense my reluctance to get back since it's not cheap and it's tiring and it's late in the evening after work but i'm trying to encourage myself to go so that i can support my husband in the activities he does and also to keep fit. i need to lose a few inches before i gorge myself to death during my much anticipated Japan trip.
sleep mode
12 January 2011
Labels:
thoughts
think my brain is currently in "sleep mode".
it's pretty numb to what's going on and i'm tired most of the time. time for more gingko pills.
time is passing pretty slowly at work today even though i can't say i'm free nor very busy either. i have things to do, that's all.
start of a new year and back at work... how boring.
the day repeats itself again and again.
my obsessive japan trip planning has come to a close for now since i've drafted most of what i need to do and what's left for now is to monitor the foreign exchange rates and look out for good airfares.
then there's Heidi's birthday where i am making a point to knit something adorable for her.
i need to dig out my japanese notes to do some self-study soon.
how insanely boring.
it's pretty numb to what's going on and i'm tired most of the time. time for more gingko pills.
time is passing pretty slowly at work today even though i can't say i'm free nor very busy either. i have things to do, that's all.
start of a new year and back at work... how boring.
the day repeats itself again and again.
my obsessive japan trip planning has come to a close for now since i've drafted most of what i need to do and what's left for now is to monitor the foreign exchange rates and look out for good airfares.
then there's Heidi's birthday where i am making a point to knit something adorable for her.
i need to dig out my japanese notes to do some self-study soon.
how insanely boring.
ran out of holes to dig
05 January 2011
Labels:
thoughts
switching off my handphone during the night so that i can have an uninterrupted sleep for the night (& morning) during a off day.
burying my face deep into my husband's chest to block out my folk's quarrelling from my left ear while flooding my right ear with random dialogues from the TV.
all these... are merely means and ways i developed to live like an ostrich.
to bury my head deep into the sands to escape even though nothing really gets solved.
i just need to... run away.
it started off as a rather distressful situation to be stucked in.
now...i know... it's becoming a mental condition.
i need to save myself from it but i don't know how.
i know it's becoming worse because i can literally jump out of bed once my phone rings even though i'm sound asleep...
i know it's becoming worse because my back feels cold and my fingers goes numb whenever someone calls me to tell me there's an issue or i hear my folks quarrelling.
i sit in a trance and break out in cold sweat.
i freeze.
my heart sinks.
it's been more than a year now. i thought i've developed enough coping mechanism but i'm wrong.
now i know how it's so hard to get rid of and so easily re-triggered.
all these while i have my husband around to keep me sane.
if my husband is not around... will i... do something drastic some day just to escape?
i don't know.
pray that day does not come.
burying my face deep into my husband's chest to block out my folk's quarrelling from my left ear while flooding my right ear with random dialogues from the TV.
all these... are merely means and ways i developed to live like an ostrich.
to bury my head deep into the sands to escape even though nothing really gets solved.
i just need to... run away.
it started off as a rather distressful situation to be stucked in.
now...i know... it's becoming a mental condition.
i need to save myself from it but i don't know how.
i know it's becoming worse because i can literally jump out of bed once my phone rings even though i'm sound asleep...
i know it's becoming worse because my back feels cold and my fingers goes numb whenever someone calls me to tell me there's an issue or i hear my folks quarrelling.
i sit in a trance and break out in cold sweat.
i freeze.
my heart sinks.
it's been more than a year now. i thought i've developed enough coping mechanism but i'm wrong.
now i know how it's so hard to get rid of and so easily re-triggered.
all these while i have my husband around to keep me sane.
if my husband is not around... will i... do something drastic some day just to escape?
i don't know.
pray that day does not come.
