After being told I'm all cleared for the recent health assessment, doctor has suggested to me to start taking folic acid supplements.
just so that i don't overdose myself in the future, here's to pen down what i've found out so far:
Facts about Folic Acid
Folic acid, a B-vitamin, is necessary for proper cell growth and development of the embryo. Folic acid in a vitamin supplement, when taken one month before conception and throughout the first trimester, has been proven to reduce the risk for a Neural Tube Defect (NTD)-affected pregnancy by 50 to 70 percent.
When to eat it
Women need to get enough folic acid every day throughout their reproductive years. To prevent NTDs, a woman must take folic acid daily at least one month before she conceives and continue taking it through the first trimester.
How much is enough
Under normal circumstances, at least 400 micrograms (0.4 miligram) daily.
Larger amount i.e. 4000 micrograms (4 miligram) may be required for women who have had NTD-affected pregnancy.
Over-consumption?
Even in very high amounts, folic acid is nontoxic. Nevertheless, with the exception of women who have had a prior Neural Tube Defect (NTD)-affected pregnancy, it is recommended that women consume no more than 1,000 micrograms (1mg) of synthetic folic acid a day.
Reference 1
Reference 2
Beliefs
31 July 2012
"For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." ~ Stuart Chase
"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it." ~ Gautama Siddharta
欲言又止
24 July 2012
Labels:
thoughts
常常在FACEBOOK上看到其他人在抱怨。
是也怨, 不是也怨...
不過想想看，能杷憋在心裡的話發洩出來也好。
我偶爾會抱怨一下不過不太會放在FACEBOOK上。
頂多跟比較要好的朋友或我家的何桑嘮叨一下也就算了。
不過越是令自己難過的事, 其實我越說不出口.
坦白說，是連提都不想提。
逃避吧？不提就不會去想。
不想雖然不會因此讓問題解決不過.... 我就是不想面對就是了。
看到好友在線上，腦袋里浮出憋在心裡的話卻又欲言又止。
如果能嚎啕大哭的話還可以安撫一下心情。
但我也只能發呆。腦袋里一片空白。
即使眼淚流不停，卻連哭泣的聲音也發不出來。
好想去旅遊。既然想逃避那我想逃到國外去~
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A hole opened up yesterday and swallowed me alive.
I found myself digging at the walls of the hole wanting to get out.
Echoes of voices flooded in and I was not able to keep them out.
They whispered into my ears against my will, of truths I do not wish to find out.
The ugly faces of selfishness revealed themselves to me and I wished I could not see.
Give me wings now so that I can take flight.
是也怨, 不是也怨...
不過想想看，能杷憋在心裡的話發洩出來也好。
我偶爾會抱怨一下不過不太會放在FACEBOOK上。
頂多跟比較要好的朋友或我家的何桑嘮叨一下也就算了。
不過越是令自己難過的事, 其實我越說不出口.
坦白說，是連提都不想提。
逃避吧？不提就不會去想。
不想雖然不會因此讓問題解決不過.... 我就是不想面對就是了。
看到好友在線上，腦袋里浮出憋在心裡的話卻又欲言又止。
如果能嚎啕大哭的話還可以安撫一下心情。
但我也只能發呆。腦袋里一片空白。
即使眼淚流不停，卻連哭泣的聲音也發不出來。
好想去旅遊。既然想逃避那我想逃到國外去~
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A hole opened up yesterday and swallowed me alive.
I found myself digging at the walls of the hole wanting to get out.
Echoes of voices flooded in and I was not able to keep them out.
They whispered into my ears against my will, of truths I do not wish to find out.
The ugly faces of selfishness revealed themselves to me and I wished I could not see.
Give me wings now so that I can take flight.
ONE OK ROCK CONCERT
05 July 2012
Labels:
friends,
one ok rock,
special occasions,
thoughts
Sanoへ：
今まで、私はONE OK ROCKのライブを見るのは想像以外と思っています。でも君のおかげで、私はONE OK ROCKのコンサートを知ってた、そして見に行きました。あの夜は最高でした。人生で大切な思い出のひとつになりました。自分がとても好きなバンドのパフォーマンスを見られる、心から感謝します。仲間と一緒にこの体験を共にできるのは...良かったね～
マリアより。
今まで、私はONE OK ROCKのライブを見るのは想像以外と思っています。でも君のおかげで、私はONE OK ROCKのコンサートを知ってた、そして見に行きました。あの夜は最高でした。人生で大切な思い出のひとつになりました。自分がとても好きなバンドのパフォーマンスを見られる、心から感謝します。仲間と一緒にこの体験を共にできるのは...良かったね～
マリアより。
Unprepared
26 June 2012
Labels:
thoughts
At first, I blame it on my own sensitivity. I think too much and read too deeply into things and was picking up the wrong signals too easily. As a result, it led me into a state of self-doubt and unhappiness. It made the ugly side of me come to surface where negative emotions are becoming a constant state of mind. This state of mind gets triggered by everything possible, no matter how little. It's as though invisible landmines are all around me or to get stuck in some old well that's full of snakes. All my effort seems futile and all action seems to become personal (personal attack?) and it affected my mood.
I have spent months trying to resolve this unhappiness. I thought hard, I dwelled upon it, I got frustrated over it, I tried to rationalise to make sense of it all. It worked for a while but it's inching back a little every once in awhile.
I launched a series of self-blame... (or at least that's what my husband observed)... on myself wondering what I've done wrong or could've done better. In a way, I found new methods and improved but the root to the problem has yet to be solved.
Yes it's true that one could not possible solve everything and when that happens, we learn to let go.
However, I get chest pains lately. Mild ones. The fact that it happens only when specific incidents agitate me makes it worrying. My negative energy has evolved from emotional discomfort into physical ones and this is a bad sign.
It's like a scene from some bad korean drama where mother-in-laws pound their chest furiously after their kids pissed them off.
Today, I conclude I am allergic to selfishness. Not just any kind of selfishness since I am not a saint and have such bad habits as well. I'm refering to the kind where another would unconsciously/consciously unload their negative emotions on you when it's no fault of yours and the receiving end gets confused. Worse off, to find out only in the end that the issue does not lie with us. Sensitive soul like me, our heart breaks easily even if we have a strong front. Especially from people whom I've allowed into my circle of friendship. I can be very patient and have the tendency to think for others. This attribute would sometimes put me in a very disadvantageous position. However, if undesirable traits of others are overt, I guess the damage is less since it's 'expected of'' and I would've developed a mentality to counter this. I am prepared for it. However, undesirable traits masked under the preface of good ones that reveals its tails only occasionally and if one pays enough attention is like consuming poison that that kills slowly.
I have spent months trying to resolve this unhappiness. I thought hard, I dwelled upon it, I got frustrated over it, I tried to rationalise to make sense of it all. It worked for a while but it's inching back a little every once in awhile.
I launched a series of self-blame... (or at least that's what my husband observed)... on myself wondering what I've done wrong or could've done better. In a way, I found new methods and improved but the root to the problem has yet to be solved.
Yes it's true that one could not possible solve everything and when that happens, we learn to let go.
However, I get chest pains lately. Mild ones. The fact that it happens only when specific incidents agitate me makes it worrying. My negative energy has evolved from emotional discomfort into physical ones and this is a bad sign.
It's like a scene from some bad korean drama where mother-in-laws pound their chest furiously after their kids pissed them off.
Today, I conclude I am allergic to selfishness. Not just any kind of selfishness since I am not a saint and have such bad habits as well. I'm refering to the kind where another would unconsciously/consciously unload their negative emotions on you when it's no fault of yours and the receiving end gets confused. Worse off, to find out only in the end that the issue does not lie with us. Sensitive soul like me, our heart breaks easily even if we have a strong front. Especially from people whom I've allowed into my circle of friendship. I can be very patient and have the tendency to think for others. This attribute would sometimes put me in a very disadvantageous position. However, if undesirable traits of others are overt, I guess the damage is less since it's 'expected of'' and I would've developed a mentality to counter this. I am prepared for it. However, undesirable traits masked under the preface of good ones that reveals its tails only occasionally and if one pays enough attention is like consuming poison that that kills slowly.
看漫画
31 March 2012
Labels:
comic,
manga/anime,
thoughts
以前看漫画，同样一本漫画起码可以看三次吧？
第一次阅读，吸取的是漫画里节奏和各个角色的情感。
第二次翻查，慢慢阅读每一个文字，让自己把看漏了的通通吸取。
第三次翻阅，让我从温认识到的故事。
不知道什么时候开始不这么做了。最近漫画只读一次。记得的话就多看一次。也不是因为对看漫画的喜爱减少了。所以是为什么呢？以前书包里一定会有一两本漫画，坐也看，走也看。现在有空记得了才看。
什么时候开始我不知不觉地忘了放下平时的包袱，让自己陶醉在嗜好里？
me & my perfectionist streak
23 February 2012
Labels:
handmade items,
thoughts
Started work on a new crochet project on Sunday after I purchased the yarn from the store I frequent in Chinatown.
It's a Japanese pattern for a sweet baby cardigan which I'm working on for Minhung's newborn daughter.
Worked on it relentlessly for the subsequent days and I must admit, it's fun but quite tiring. In fact, I think it's more tiring than knitting the sweater a few years ago for Min Hung's eldest daughter. However, as I crochet along, there is this growing frustration inside me. The thought of "something is not right" and "I'm doing something wrong" was nagging at me constantly. I call it my creative gut feel. Lo and behold! My gut feel was right. I was making mistakes that surfaced as I worked on the last few rows of the first pattern. A lot of "Argh! I should've done it this way!" surfaced and a lot of "It could've have been better" was swimming around in my head.
I've worked ahead quite far in this pattern but I know it is heading towards doom and I know I could finish the cardigan anyhow but... it will not be perfect. It would not have bugged me if I know I tried and perhaps failed. It would definitely kill me if I knew what's wrong and did not go back and correct it when I had the chance and end up with a B grade work. So on the fourth day of my project.... I ribbed it.
I pulled the yarn and pattern apart to undo every thing to restart from scratch.
The result was instantly gratifying. I felt relieved and happy to re-do the pattern. I must be insane.
On the night I re-worked the pattern, the result was clear. It was a good decision and I could see the pattern better now with better workmanship. Now, I must refrain from working on the pattern with a distracted mind or to "steal time" to work on it as it will lead to careless mistakes.
Cross my fingers and all my toes that this baby sweater will turn out right because it's just so darn pretty!
I will chart my progress with photos below.
.jpg)
It's a Japanese pattern for a sweet baby cardigan which I'm working on for Minhung's newborn daughter.
Worked on it relentlessly for the subsequent days and I must admit, it's fun but quite tiring. In fact, I think it's more tiring than knitting the sweater a few years ago for Min Hung's eldest daughter. However, as I crochet along, there is this growing frustration inside me. The thought of "something is not right" and "I'm doing something wrong" was nagging at me constantly. I call it my creative gut feel. Lo and behold! My gut feel was right. I was making mistakes that surfaced as I worked on the last few rows of the first pattern. A lot of "Argh! I should've done it this way!" surfaced and a lot of "It could've have been better" was swimming around in my head.
I've worked ahead quite far in this pattern but I know it is heading towards doom and I know I could finish the cardigan anyhow but... it will not be perfect. It would not have bugged me if I know I tried and perhaps failed. It would definitely kill me if I knew what's wrong and did not go back and correct it when I had the chance and end up with a B grade work. So on the fourth day of my project.... I ribbed it.
I pulled the yarn and pattern apart to undo every thing to restart from scratch.
The result was instantly gratifying. I felt relieved and happy to re-do the pattern. I must be insane.
On the night I re-worked the pattern, the result was clear. It was a good decision and I could see the pattern better now with better workmanship. Now, I must refrain from working on the pattern with a distracted mind or to "steal time" to work on it as it will lead to careless mistakes.
Cross my fingers and all my toes that this baby sweater will turn out right because it's just so darn pretty!
I will chart my progress with photos below.
Update 25 Feb 2012
.jpg)
Update 18 Mar 2012
Update 4 Apr 2012
Final
《宫锁心玉》中四阿哥写给晴川的情书《见或不见》
10 January 2012
Found this from the internet and decided to pen it down before it gets lost. This is a nicely written 'love letter' except it's really just a message from the heart delivered but cannot be returned so all it could do is walk down the lonely hallway of the sender's empty heart.
你见 或者不见我
我就在那里
不悲不喜
你念 或者不念我
情就在那里
不来不去
你爱 或者不爱我
爱就在那里
不增不减
你跟 或者不跟我
我的手就在你手里
不舍不弃
来我的怀里
或者
让我住进你的心里
默然 相爱
寂静 欢喜
你见 或者不见我
我就在那里
不悲不喜
你念 或者不念我
情就在那里
不来不去
你爱 或者不爱我
爱就在那里
不增不减
你跟 或者不跟我
我的手就在你手里
不舍不弃
来我的怀里
或者
让我住进你的心里
默然 相爱
寂静 欢喜
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!!
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| 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.
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| 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!
