Christmas

02 November 2011

1 comments
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

0 comments
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. :)

Age

0 comments
Age does funny things sometimes.
With the years gained, some things doesn't drive me up the wall anymore.
With the years gained, some things drives me wild and the intolerance gets worse with age.

counting down the hours

29 September 2011

0 comments
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. >_<

anticipation

01 September 2011

0 comments
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*


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

0 comments
i love these wallpapers.

Nordic Leaves


Nordic Blossom Selection
 

Happy Nature


wallpapers from Fiona Wall Design

等待

25 July 2011

0 comments
等待的那一方,时间总是过的比较慢而失落感加倍的体验着。回家的路上拖着脚步走,所看的一切覆盖着一层灰色的忧郁。没办法怀着期待的身躯让身心莫名的疲惫。思念缠绕着却又没办法兑现。一切只能靠等待然而等待总是那么漫长。

Thanks but no thanks

14 July 2011

0 comments
THANKS for spoiling my day.

COD.. me?!

29 June 2011

0 comments
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.

動物占い (Zoological Fortune-tellling)

23 May 2011

0 comments


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!

坚强

17 May 2011

0 comments
越是这种时候,越需要坚强。
The harder things get, you just need to become even stronger.

"me" time... for sulking

25 April 2011

0 comments
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.

誤解

18 April 2011

0 comments
我討厭被誤解。


所以常常在日常生活跟行為上貫徹自己的概念。


不過難免生命中會出現一些人,你即使不想被他們誤解但是要保持這一點卻很難。


有機會培養感情和信任的話還好。


但是我還是覺得這種事可欲不可求...


只能當個悶葫蘆吧。


誤解するのこと...大嫌いなんだ!!!!

sense of protectiveness

14 April 2011

0 comments
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

0 comments
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.

shoulder aches

09 February 2011

2 comments
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.

delayed depression

0 comments
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.

ang pow extortion

0 comments
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.