Really love the choreography on this one...paso doble with touches of jazz. Love her dresses!
Monday, August 11, 2008
A Morning
I had quite a morning.
The first thing that happened really shook me a little. I was taking a nap as I had woken up really early. Just before I woke up, I was in a dream where I seemed to be sleeping just like I was real life. I wonder if I was really dreaming when I think about it now.
I felt like someone was pressing on me on the side. I don't know why but I thought maybe it was a child playing with me, pressing my comforter on the side of my face. For some reason, I thought I heard people playing mahjong so I thought maybe my mum was playing. It was strange I thought of it because it wasn't possible.
The strange thing was I tried to talk, to get the feeling off my face but no sound emerged from my throat. I tried again and failed. I couldn't open my fingers either. I felt awake and yet not. After what seemed like a long time but probably half a minute, I opened my eyes and woke up to my actual life.
It was really bizarre.
The second incident is a far more positive one. I watched the 100m men backstroke as I walked to the kitchen. When I saw the atheletes getting ready, I could feel the tension written all over their faces. It was like their whole lives hung on that one swim.
I also saw the prize award ceremony for the 100m breaststroke. A Japanese swimmer Kosuke Hitajima (I think?) had beaten a Norwegian and a French to clinch the Gold. He was a smaller guy compared to the other two and he only came to the same height when he stood on the winner's elevated platform, but that did not stop him from winning the gold. As an Asian, I felt proud and moved even if it was not the Singaporean flag they were flying or our National Anthem that was echoing off the walls. For a moment, I understood what atheletes meant when they say they are proud to represent the country.
It must be quite an irony that the Japanese flag and anthem should fly high in Beijing, given the history of the Japanese and Chinese.
Nonetheless, good luck to all the atheletes and to all the Asian athelete, thank you for making us proud.
The first thing that happened really shook me a little. I was taking a nap as I had woken up really early. Just before I woke up, I was in a dream where I seemed to be sleeping just like I was real life. I wonder if I was really dreaming when I think about it now.
I felt like someone was pressing on me on the side. I don't know why but I thought maybe it was a child playing with me, pressing my comforter on the side of my face. For some reason, I thought I heard people playing mahjong so I thought maybe my mum was playing. It was strange I thought of it because it wasn't possible.
The strange thing was I tried to talk, to get the feeling off my face but no sound emerged from my throat. I tried again and failed. I couldn't open my fingers either. I felt awake and yet not. After what seemed like a long time but probably half a minute, I opened my eyes and woke up to my actual life.
It was really bizarre.
The second incident is a far more positive one. I watched the 100m men backstroke as I walked to the kitchen. When I saw the atheletes getting ready, I could feel the tension written all over their faces. It was like their whole lives hung on that one swim.
I also saw the prize award ceremony for the 100m breaststroke. A Japanese swimmer Kosuke Hitajima (I think?) had beaten a Norwegian and a French to clinch the Gold. He was a smaller guy compared to the other two and he only came to the same height when he stood on the winner's elevated platform, but that did not stop him from winning the gold. As an Asian, I felt proud and moved even if it was not the Singaporean flag they were flying or our National Anthem that was echoing off the walls. For a moment, I understood what atheletes meant when they say they are proud to represent the country.
It must be quite an irony that the Japanese flag and anthem should fly high in Beijing, given the history of the Japanese and Chinese.
Nonetheless, good luck to all the atheletes and to all the Asian athelete, thank you for making us proud.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Because People Want Something To Believe In
A guy friend of mine showed me this video and honestly I didn't expect this video to come from him.
It's a story of a father's love and a relationship between father and son. It's really moving and prepare tissues when you see this.
We see things that make our hearts go cold everyday in the papers. Yet, people would still look out for things like that and hope to share with other people. I think at the end of the day, no matter man or woman, we want to believe that there is pure love and some warmth in this world.
It's a story of a father's love and a relationship between father and son. It's really moving and prepare tissues when you see this.
We see things that make our hearts go cold everyday in the papers. Yet, people would still look out for things like that and hope to share with other people. I think at the end of the day, no matter man or woman, we want to believe that there is pure love and some warmth in this world.
Monday, July 28, 2008
20.07.2008 (Ok a few days late)
Dear me,
I am a little late in writing my annual birthday entry this year but it was because I didn't know what I wanted to write about. I finally got the idea today.
Today, I was talking to a friend who's going through an unlucky patch. I remember a patch of my life where it was similar. Thus, I am thankful for the improvements that I have seen since then. Instead of writing about what I would like to wish for, I would just like to be thankful for the wonderful things that have happened in my life.
The People....
My brothers whom may not have been openly affectionate but have been the reason why I made it through school and several low patches in my life. More than siblings, they have played the role of my parents whenever it came to an area my parents could not help in. I have come to recognise my brothers' way of loving and indeed I am lucky to have them.
My parents who are the reason why I even am here.
Sex & The City bunch who move me everytime they make the special effort to celebrate my birthday with me. The girls who have watched and stayed with me throughout all this time.
Sotong Clan who's been people more than just friends to spazz with but also friends with whom I can share my life with.
Folks at En Motion who have given me a home in salsa.
My readers who have kept me company in my journey of writing, for which the journey would have been terribly lonely.
My Soompi friends who have showed me that distance and nationality does not matter in friendship.
My clients without whom life would be tough and because this business is more than just money.
DBSK who is very much the spark behind the beginning of my writing and the reason why I have a piggy bank. Whenever I feel like giving up, I look at them and I feel motivated to continue.
and of course...God whom I do not need words for. Thank God for everything.
The Things and Happenings...
For discovering writing because I continue to feel fortunate in discovering this love and continue to hope to take this further.
For better health because this is something that is so important and can be so expensive if something does go wrong!
For improvements in business for obvious reasons!! LOL
For savings and my piggy bank because this has been one area that I have been wanting to improve. This is the first time my piggy bank is actually getting stuff inside no matter how small it is LOL
For all the good things that have come my way because it is important to be thankful!
Happy Birthday to me, try to worry less and try not to think too much about the impending big 3.
With love,
Me
I am a little late in writing my annual birthday entry this year but it was because I didn't know what I wanted to write about. I finally got the idea today.
Today, I was talking to a friend who's going through an unlucky patch. I remember a patch of my life where it was similar. Thus, I am thankful for the improvements that I have seen since then. Instead of writing about what I would like to wish for, I would just like to be thankful for the wonderful things that have happened in my life.
The People....
My brothers whom may not have been openly affectionate but have been the reason why I made it through school and several low patches in my life. More than siblings, they have played the role of my parents whenever it came to an area my parents could not help in. I have come to recognise my brothers' way of loving and indeed I am lucky to have them.
My parents who are the reason why I even am here.
Sex & The City bunch who move me everytime they make the special effort to celebrate my birthday with me. The girls who have watched and stayed with me throughout all this time.
Sotong Clan who's been people more than just friends to spazz with but also friends with whom I can share my life with.
Folks at En Motion who have given me a home in salsa.
My readers who have kept me company in my journey of writing, for which the journey would have been terribly lonely.
My Soompi friends who have showed me that distance and nationality does not matter in friendship.
My clients without whom life would be tough and because this business is more than just money.
DBSK who is very much the spark behind the beginning of my writing and the reason why I have a piggy bank. Whenever I feel like giving up, I look at them and I feel motivated to continue.
and of course...God whom I do not need words for. Thank God for everything.
The Things and Happenings...
For discovering writing because I continue to feel fortunate in discovering this love and continue to hope to take this further.
For better health because this is something that is so important and can be so expensive if something does go wrong!
For improvements in business for obvious reasons!! LOL
For savings and my piggy bank because this has been one area that I have been wanting to improve. This is the first time my piggy bank is actually getting stuff inside no matter how small it is LOL
For all the good things that have come my way because it is important to be thankful!
Happy Birthday to me, try to worry less and try not to think too much about the impending big 3.
With love,
Me
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Person...
"Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be"
-DBSK
Wow that I have to agree. Maybe that's why they are this successful. Now my boys have given me something to write about. It's not the first time I have talked about this. Sometime back, I have talked about this topic with a couple of friends.
I came to realise that amongst most people I know, there seems to be a differentiation between who we want to be, meant to be and can be. For example, I wanted to be a dancer but this doesn't mean that I was meant to be and can be. I am okay with it because maybe I was meant to be someone else. It is when the three are aligned that a person will feel fulfilled, happy and achieve the extraordinary.
Subconsciously, I realise people spend their lives trying to find the person they were meant to be and in the process come to see what they want and can be. The issue is that the answer doesn't come easily and even when it does, people don't necessarily take the steps to become what they were meant to be. It's like seeing the destination but taking a different road.
I like to think that if a person was meant to be something, he or she would be blessed with certain qualities to realise it. Even perseverence is a talent. It's a matter of realising it and wanting it. Someone may have be meant to be an award winning musician and have talent in it but stops himself from wanting it because it is not practical. The three are not aligned and thats when you see doctors and lawyers turn musicians at night or on weekends. Sure they would and can be very successful in the paths they choose but that missing bit would always be there. I had a friend who gave up his profitable medical practice to study music because he finally decided this was who he really wanted to be.
Have you found the person you were truly meant to be, want to be and can be?
Monday, July 14, 2008
Haunted
Honestly, I have been contemplating shutting this blog down because there are people reading this whom I really rather they not be reading. I don't understand why they do too.
If anyone knows how I can friend lock my blog, please do let me know.
Thanks...
If anyone knows how I can friend lock my blog, please do let me know.
Thanks...
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Search
Recently, a friend of mine had been contemplating career choices and one of the topics we talked about was happiness.
She said that for the past 12 years of her life, she had been living under the fear of not having enough, not earning enough. Hence, she always chose a job that gave her that. There's nothing wrong with it but now after 12 years, she says she realised that she has not been and is not happy. I wonder if it is the fear of not having enough or the pain of not doing what she liked that was talking. She isn't the only one who has told me the same thing over the last few years.
Happiness is something people often search their whole lives for. People feel happy for different reasons. Some people feel that happiness comes with a price. Some people feel that happiness comes for free. I like to think of it as a little of both.
To me, happiness is like air. It's always around and you don't have to pay for it most of the time. Happiness arises even in the smallest of things- a good day with clear blue sky, a good meal, a good chat with a dear friend. There are many opportunities for happiness. If that is the case, why do so many people feel unhappy? I am inclined to think that we like unhappiness more than happiness because we seem very happy to live with it.
There are times you can buy happiness. I sure feel very happy when I buy something I like or know that I have the ability to buy something I like. Yet, there are times you can't have it even if you paid for it.
There are times when happiness comes with a price - when it requires much sacrifice, whether from oneself or from another. The thing is, most people tend to focus on and require this area of happiness more than what little everyday joys can give. Most of the time, it requires a choice, a sacrifice of time, effort or money. What I do see more often is that even when a choice of happiness was available, people would walk away from it. That friend of mine said that another friend of hers had encouraged her to set up her own business because it was rewarding. I say, if you like it, anything is rewarding.
I think happiness is a combination of many things - expectations, desires and choices. Just do what you like, find joy in little things, take contentment in achievements even as you look to the horizon and make wise choices. Awfully simple and even more awfully cliche but it's amazing how we so often not do it, isn't it?
She said that for the past 12 years of her life, she had been living under the fear of not having enough, not earning enough. Hence, she always chose a job that gave her that. There's nothing wrong with it but now after 12 years, she says she realised that she has not been and is not happy. I wonder if it is the fear of not having enough or the pain of not doing what she liked that was talking. She isn't the only one who has told me the same thing over the last few years.
Happiness is something people often search their whole lives for. People feel happy for different reasons. Some people feel that happiness comes with a price. Some people feel that happiness comes for free. I like to think of it as a little of both.
To me, happiness is like air. It's always around and you don't have to pay for it most of the time. Happiness arises even in the smallest of things- a good day with clear blue sky, a good meal, a good chat with a dear friend. There are many opportunities for happiness. If that is the case, why do so many people feel unhappy? I am inclined to think that we like unhappiness more than happiness because we seem very happy to live with it.
There are times you can buy happiness. I sure feel very happy when I buy something I like or know that I have the ability to buy something I like. Yet, there are times you can't have it even if you paid for it.
There are times when happiness comes with a price - when it requires much sacrifice, whether from oneself or from another. The thing is, most people tend to focus on and require this area of happiness more than what little everyday joys can give. Most of the time, it requires a choice, a sacrifice of time, effort or money. What I do see more often is that even when a choice of happiness was available, people would walk away from it. That friend of mine said that another friend of hers had encouraged her to set up her own business because it was rewarding. I say, if you like it, anything is rewarding.
I think happiness is a combination of many things - expectations, desires and choices. Just do what you like, find joy in little things, take contentment in achievements even as you look to the horizon and make wise choices. Awfully simple and even more awfully cliche but it's amazing how we so often not do it, isn't it?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Ahhh So Romannnttiiccc
Gosh this is beautiful...I actually like this version more than the originals...You won't even be able to tell that it was sung by a Korean..she's got such a voice!
El Dia Que Me Quieras
Lee Yin Young
A Moment To Remember OST
Spanish:
caricia mi ensueñoel suave murmullode tu suspirar.
Cómo ríe la vidasi tus ojos negrosme quieren mirar.
Y si es mío el amparode tu risa leveque es como un cantar,ella aquieta mi herida,todo todo se olvida.
El día que me quierasla rosa que engalanase vestirá de fiestacon su mejor color.
Y al viento las campanasdirán que ya eres mía,y locas las fontanasse contarán su amor.
La noche que me quierasdesde el azul del cielo,las estrellas celosasnos mirarán pasar.
Y un rayo misteriosohará nido en tu pelo,luciérnaga curiosa que verásque eres mi consuelo.
English:
It caresses my dream the smooth murmur of your sighing.
How life laughs if your black eyes want to look at me.
And if it is mine the shelter of your slight laughter that is like singing,
it calms my wound, everything is forgotten.
The day that you love me
The rose that adorns, will dress in celebration with its best color
And to the wind the church bells will say that already you are mine, and the crazy fountains will tell about their love.
The night that you love me from the blue of the sky the jealous stars will watch us go by.
And a mysterious ray will nest in your hair, inquisitive glow-worm that'll see that you are my consolation.
The day that you love me there'll be nothing but harmony.
The dawn will be clear and the water spring will be happy.
The breeze will quietly bring a rumor of melody.
And the fountains will give us their crystal song.
The day that you love me the singing bird will sweeten its cords.
Life will bloom pain will no exist.
The night that you love me from the blue of the sky the jealous stars will watch us go by.
And a mysterious ray will nest in your hair, inquisitive glow-worm that'll see that you are my consolation.
credits: www.planet-tango.com
El Dia Que Me Quieras
Lee Yin Young
A Moment To Remember OST
Spanish:
caricia mi ensueñoel suave murmullode tu suspirar.
Cómo ríe la vidasi tus ojos negrosme quieren mirar.
Y si es mío el amparode tu risa leveque es como un cantar,ella aquieta mi herida,todo todo se olvida.
El día que me quierasla rosa que engalanase vestirá de fiestacon su mejor color.
Y al viento las campanasdirán que ya eres mía,y locas las fontanasse contarán su amor.
La noche que me quierasdesde el azul del cielo,las estrellas celosasnos mirarán pasar.
Y un rayo misteriosohará nido en tu pelo,luciérnaga curiosa que verásque eres mi consuelo.
English:
It caresses my dream the smooth murmur of your sighing.
How life laughs if your black eyes want to look at me.
And if it is mine the shelter of your slight laughter that is like singing,
it calms my wound, everything is forgotten.
The day that you love me
The rose that adorns, will dress in celebration with its best color
And to the wind the church bells will say that already you are mine, and the crazy fountains will tell about their love.
The night that you love me from the blue of the sky the jealous stars will watch us go by.
And a mysterious ray will nest in your hair, inquisitive glow-worm that'll see that you are my consolation.
The day that you love me there'll be nothing but harmony.
The dawn will be clear and the water spring will be happy.
The breeze will quietly bring a rumor of melody.
And the fountains will give us their crystal song.
The day that you love me the singing bird will sweeten its cords.
Life will bloom pain will no exist.
The night that you love me from the blue of the sky the jealous stars will watch us go by.
And a mysterious ray will nest in your hair, inquisitive glow-worm that'll see that you are my consolation.
credits: www.planet-tango.com
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Goodbye Jimmy
For the man who always asked me to put on more make-up...
He always scolded me for not having enough make up on even though I had put on more black eye shadow that I ever used.
He always scolded me for not having enough make up on even though I had put on more black eye shadow that I ever used.
For the man who always insisted on lashes for his shows...
I remember the time I tried to avoid seeing when I forgot to bring lashes. Big mistake.
For the man who always had the glitziest and shiniest costumes...
Who can possibly forget the sequins?
For the man who spoke to me more than a choreographer...
I remember the time when he was worrying if I got enough and the time he spoke about his personal life backstage.
For the man whom I didn't get to know better...
I never got to know him enough. It was always rehearsals, show and home. In my memory, he was always lively and bubbly, always full of energy and running around getting dancers ready, costumes sorted out, show organised, putting on impeccable make-up, with lashes that would beat all the other female dancers.
Perhaps that's why my tears felt like falling when I saw his cold body lying in a coffin wearing a make-up of another kind. That's not the Jimmy I remembered. Even if I didn't know him that well, it still shocked me and made me sad to hear of the news. It was so sudden...I was just thinking of calling him up recently...
I would like to say goodbye and rest in peace...
Goodbye Jimmy.
Jimmy Newton Lim
(February 13, 1969 - June 7, 2008)
Sunday, April 27, 2008
IceBox
I have been into this song recently and I found it's got really moving lyrics actually...
IceBox
Omarion
Fussin' and fightin', we back at it again
I know that, its my fault, but you don't understand (no)
I got memories, this is crazy
You ain't nothing like the girl I used to know
Good with ma, good with pa, cool with all my niggas
I should try to decide, wanna let u in, but no
That means memories, and its crazy
You ain't nothing like the girl I used to know
Girl I really wanna work this out, cause I'm tired of fightin'
And I really hope you still want me the way I want you
I said I really wanna work this out, damn girl I'm tryin'
Its no excuse, no excuse
But I got this
I got this icebox where my heart used to be (but I got this)
I got this icebox where my heart used to be (said I got this)
I'm so cold, I'm so cold, I'm so cold, I'm so cold
I'm so cold, I'm so cold, I'm so cold
Why cant I get it right, just cant let it go
I opened up, she let me down, I wont feel that no more
I got memories, this is crazy
She ain't nothing like the girl I used to know
I don't mean to take it out on you baby but I cant help
my heart is in the same ol' condition that baby left it
And I, I apologize, for makin' you cry
Look me in my eye and promise you won't do me the same
WATCH THE VIDEO at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItbFzQ-L45c
AND the lyrics for the remix by Usher is nice too..
IceBox Remix
Omarion & Usher
[Omarion]
I don't know
Should I stay
Should I go
Yeah, I knowIt's the remix, remix
Yeah
See I'm in this situation
Think I need a little help
Let's go
When this began, we were friends
She knew all my business (business)
All my good, all my bad
Said that she was with it (now)
I got memories, this is crazy
She ain't nothing like that girl I used to know
Didn't believe she would creep
Thought we was forever (oh)
She broke out, I broke down
& that's just all that left of us (oh)
Now these memories, they be haunting me
You ain't feeling me
My girl's about to go
I really wanna work this out
Cause I'm tired of fighting (if that don't work) &
I really hope she still want me the way I want her (you'll get your feelings hurt)
I said I really wanna work this out
Damn girl I'm trying
Here's the remix (remix)
I got this ice box where my heart used to be [2x]
but (said)I'm so cold, I'm so cold, I'm so cold, I'm so cold (ohh)
I'm so cold, I'm so cold, I'm so cold
[Usher]
Ha pimping listen
Hold up now
Take your time
Let me get this right (huh)
You tripping on what's in front of you
Cause you're looking behind you (yeah but I mean)
You got memories (but)
Take it from me (cause)
ain't nothing like oh girl you used to know
If shawty's doing right by you
Maybe you should let it go
At the end of the day,
It ain't worth it
Wanna know how I know (how you know)
Remember confessions
So you already know that it's gonna hurt
Shawty, learn your lesson
You don't really wanna feel the burn
No, listen
If you really wanna work it out
Then stop denying (denying)
Quit living in the past of time
You face the truth (truth)
If it's ever gonna work out
You gotta stop lying
Stop blaming her when it's you, that's
Got the ice box where your heart used to be
Got a ice box where your heart used to be
[Omarion]
I'm so cold I'm so cold I'm so cold I'm so cold (ohh)
I'm so cold I'm so cold I'm so cold
[Usher]
Boy you gotta ice box
[Omarion]
I don't wanna be stuck off in this cold cold world
Don't wanna mess this up
Better keep your eye on me, girl
[Usher]
Leave the past in the past
Gotta let it go
You gotta know when to move on
You gotta know when to let go (yes sir)
Don't lose ya lady
This is the remix
This is the remix
Go ahead replay it
This is the remix
[Omarion]
Girl, I really wanna work this out
Cause I'm tired of fighting
LISTEN TO IT at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4eztX0uNYw&feature=related
IceBox
Omarion
Fussin' and fightin', we back at it again
I know that, its my fault, but you don't understand (no)
I got memories, this is crazy
You ain't nothing like the girl I used to know
Good with ma, good with pa, cool with all my niggas
I should try to decide, wanna let u in, but no
That means memories, and its crazy
You ain't nothing like the girl I used to know
Girl I really wanna work this out, cause I'm tired of fightin'
And I really hope you still want me the way I want you
I said I really wanna work this out, damn girl I'm tryin'
Its no excuse, no excuse
But I got this
I got this icebox where my heart used to be (but I got this)
I got this icebox where my heart used to be (said I got this)
I'm so cold, I'm so cold, I'm so cold, I'm so cold
I'm so cold, I'm so cold, I'm so cold
Why cant I get it right, just cant let it go
I opened up, she let me down, I wont feel that no more
I got memories, this is crazy
She ain't nothing like the girl I used to know
I don't mean to take it out on you baby but I cant help
my heart is in the same ol' condition that baby left it
And I, I apologize, for makin' you cry
Look me in my eye and promise you won't do me the same
WATCH THE VIDEO at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItbFzQ-L45c
AND the lyrics for the remix by Usher is nice too..
IceBox Remix
Omarion & Usher
[Omarion]
I don't know
Should I stay
Should I go
Yeah, I knowIt's the remix, remix
Yeah
See I'm in this situation
Think I need a little help
Let's go
When this began, we were friends
She knew all my business (business)
All my good, all my bad
Said that she was with it (now)
I got memories, this is crazy
She ain't nothing like that girl I used to know
Didn't believe she would creep
Thought we was forever (oh)
She broke out, I broke down
& that's just all that left of us (oh)
Now these memories, they be haunting me
You ain't feeling me
My girl's about to go
I really wanna work this out
Cause I'm tired of fighting (if that don't work) &
I really hope she still want me the way I want her (you'll get your feelings hurt)
I said I really wanna work this out
Damn girl I'm trying
Here's the remix (remix)
I got this ice box where my heart used to be [2x]
but (said)I'm so cold, I'm so cold, I'm so cold, I'm so cold (ohh)
I'm so cold, I'm so cold, I'm so cold
[Usher]
Ha pimping listen
Hold up now
Take your time
Let me get this right (huh)
You tripping on what's in front of you
Cause you're looking behind you (yeah but I mean)
You got memories (but)
Take it from me (cause)
ain't nothing like oh girl you used to know
If shawty's doing right by you
Maybe you should let it go
At the end of the day,
It ain't worth it
Wanna know how I know (how you know)
Remember confessions
So you already know that it's gonna hurt
Shawty, learn your lesson
You don't really wanna feel the burn
No, listen
If you really wanna work it out
Then stop denying (denying)
Quit living in the past of time
You face the truth (truth)
If it's ever gonna work out
You gotta stop lying
Stop blaming her when it's you, that's
Got the ice box where your heart used to be
Got a ice box where your heart used to be
[Omarion]
I'm so cold I'm so cold I'm so cold I'm so cold (ohh)
I'm so cold I'm so cold I'm so cold
[Usher]
Boy you gotta ice box
[Omarion]
I don't wanna be stuck off in this cold cold world
Don't wanna mess this up
Better keep your eye on me, girl
[Usher]
Leave the past in the past
Gotta let it go
You gotta know when to move on
You gotta know when to let go (yes sir)
Don't lose ya lady
This is the remix
This is the remix
Go ahead replay it
This is the remix
[Omarion]
Girl, I really wanna work this out
Cause I'm tired of fighting
LISTEN TO IT at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4eztX0uNYw&feature=related
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Free Rice
This is a fun way to do charity. Every word you get right helps donate 20g of rice to the poor. Improve your English and do charity in a fun way...why not? :)
www.freerice.com
I am trying to target 1-2kg a day hahaha
www.freerice.com
I am trying to target 1-2kg a day hahaha
Friday, April 18, 2008
S'poreans Materially Rich, But Spiritually Poor?
I came across this acrticle through my email at work. The guy who sends me market updates every day sent this artilcle which I can't help but agree on some parts.
-------------------------------------------------------------
18 Apr 2008 10:56 CST DJ
Singapore Materially Rich, Spiritually Poor: Author -AFP SINGAPORE (AFP)
Singapore is materially rich but spiritually poor -- and the government is partly to blame, one of the city-state's most prominent authors says.
Catherine Lim, also a political commentator, is one of a very few to publicly criticize the government in Southeast Asia's most economically advanced society.
Lim said that while Singapore is consistently ranked high in various surveys on material measures, such as business friendliness and economic achievement, the standings are reversed when other factors are considered.
"Press freedom, happiness and even love life and romance and so on, Singapore is ranked very low," Lim said in an interview with AFP.
"Maybe it leads to some questions. Are we achieving all this material prosperity at the cost of something? Soul, spirit, heart, senses, whatever you want to call it?" She said the government's tight political control is partly to blame for a lack of happiness among the city-state's 4.6 million people.
"If there were less of a climate of fear... we would be a happier society," she said.
Singapore is one of the most politically stable countries in the region and has become the base for thousands of foreign firms.
The country's leaders say its tough laws against dissent and other political activity are necessary to ensure such stability which has helped it achieve economic success.
It is illegal, for example, to hold a public gathering of five or more people in Singapore without a permit, meaning demonstrations seldom occur.
Singapore's leaders maintain that Western-style liberal democracy is not suitable for the tiny, multi-racial nation which has been ruled by the People's Action Party since 1959.
Lim said the government is doing much better than others in helping to deal with "material issues", including rising global food prices.
"This is a very pro-active government... a very pragmatic, problem-solving leadership," the Malaysian-born Lim, 66, said.
"The problem is in the other areas, political and social liberties that we don't hear much of here in Singapore." Lim, who has lived in the city-state since 1967, spoke to AFP on the sidelines of a conference on The New Science of Happiness and Well-being, where she was invited to speak, and which ended Thursday.
Paris based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders ranked the city-state at 146 out of 168 nations, lower than Zimbabwe at 140, on a global index of press freedom released last year.
Singapore has also placed at the lower end in global surveys of sex frequency and satisfaction. A recent poll by advertising firm Grey Group found that nine in 10 people living in Singapore said they were stressed.
Singaporeans are not "unhappy in the real sense of the word as in poverty-stricken countries", Lim said, but they seem to feel something is missing to complete their happiness.
"We need more time to relax. Singaporeans are always talking about pressure. We make money, but hey, we don't have the leisure to spend our money." Lim has written more than nine collections of short stories, five novels and a book on poems. Her works have been published internationally.
Last year she also turned to the Internet, after the pro-government Straits Times refused to publish one of her commentaries, her website says.
The newspaper had, for 13 years, published her commentaries even though they were critical of the government, she wrote on the website.
But in September it rejected one on "the need for a political opening up", the website says. The Today daily also refused to publish it, forcing her to go online, she says on the website.
Direct criticism of the government is rare in Singapore's mainstream media, forcing dissatisfied Singaporeans to resort to the web to express their views.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
-------------------------------------------------------------
18 Apr 2008 10:56 CST DJ
Singapore Materially Rich, Spiritually Poor: Author -AFP SINGAPORE (AFP)
Singapore is materially rich but spiritually poor -- and the government is partly to blame, one of the city-state's most prominent authors says.
Catherine Lim, also a political commentator, is one of a very few to publicly criticize the government in Southeast Asia's most economically advanced society.
Lim said that while Singapore is consistently ranked high in various surveys on material measures, such as business friendliness and economic achievement, the standings are reversed when other factors are considered.
"Press freedom, happiness and even love life and romance and so on, Singapore is ranked very low," Lim said in an interview with AFP.
"Maybe it leads to some questions. Are we achieving all this material prosperity at the cost of something? Soul, spirit, heart, senses, whatever you want to call it?" She said the government's tight political control is partly to blame for a lack of happiness among the city-state's 4.6 million people.
"If there were less of a climate of fear... we would be a happier society," she said.
Singapore is one of the most politically stable countries in the region and has become the base for thousands of foreign firms.
The country's leaders say its tough laws against dissent and other political activity are necessary to ensure such stability which has helped it achieve economic success.
It is illegal, for example, to hold a public gathering of five or more people in Singapore without a permit, meaning demonstrations seldom occur.
Singapore's leaders maintain that Western-style liberal democracy is not suitable for the tiny, multi-racial nation which has been ruled by the People's Action Party since 1959.
Lim said the government is doing much better than others in helping to deal with "material issues", including rising global food prices.
"This is a very pro-active government... a very pragmatic, problem-solving leadership," the Malaysian-born Lim, 66, said.
"The problem is in the other areas, political and social liberties that we don't hear much of here in Singapore." Lim, who has lived in the city-state since 1967, spoke to AFP on the sidelines of a conference on The New Science of Happiness and Well-being, where she was invited to speak, and which ended Thursday.
Paris based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders ranked the city-state at 146 out of 168 nations, lower than Zimbabwe at 140, on a global index of press freedom released last year.
Singapore has also placed at the lower end in global surveys of sex frequency and satisfaction. A recent poll by advertising firm Grey Group found that nine in 10 people living in Singapore said they were stressed.
Singaporeans are not "unhappy in the real sense of the word as in poverty-stricken countries", Lim said, but they seem to feel something is missing to complete their happiness.
"We need more time to relax. Singaporeans are always talking about pressure. We make money, but hey, we don't have the leisure to spend our money." Lim has written more than nine collections of short stories, five novels and a book on poems. Her works have been published internationally.
Last year she also turned to the Internet, after the pro-government Straits Times refused to publish one of her commentaries, her website says.
The newspaper had, for 13 years, published her commentaries even though they were critical of the government, she wrote on the website.
But in September it rejected one on "the need for a political opening up", the website says. The Today daily also refused to publish it, forcing her to go online, she says on the website.
Direct criticism of the government is rare in Singapore's mainstream media, forcing dissatisfied Singaporeans to resort to the web to express their views.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
Friday, April 04, 2008
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
The New and Not-So-New Dating Game
I met up with my Sex and The City bunch the other day and I tell you, our conversations resemble episodes out of the series more and more. We talk about work, men or the lack of it, marriage and gasp, kids. Is it us growing old or what? Coming from the one who always touches the new age band first amongst us, I can tell you: Yes we are growing older.
Having stayed out of the dating game, I got my feeds of the modern dating game from a girlfriend who has had other friends that have been most enthusiastic about setting her up. "Apparently I give people the vibe that I want a boyfriend. People are just setting me up!" She exclaims.
Well, I wonder why when it's really not hard to forget the "I want a boyfriend" statement made about five minutes before that comment *LAUGHS*
We all know that after the first date, one should always make the follow up call a little later. The key is to appear interested, but not overly-interested. Read: interested, not desperate.
Apparently, now there is a socially acceptable timeframe to call someone. It's always been there but this has taken on a new level of scientific refinement. I always just thought it was a rule of thumb but now it has come down to:
Calling immediately: DESPERATE
Calling 3 days after: OK, QUITE INTERESTED. IDEAL.
Calling 1 week after: HMM MAY BE INTERESTED
Calling 2 weeks after or not calling: HE THINKS YOU ARE A COW.
Fill in the in betweens yourself according to the gauge of interest as marked by the milestones. Er, to the person who made this comment, please correct me if I am wrong. We call this THE SOCIAL WINDOW.
My goodness. And you ask me why I can't really be bothered with dating.
The truth is, I would like to meet someone nice but I can't seem to find the energy for the dating game. I can't enjoy it like my girlfriend does. Besides, I am actually pretty grateful for the opportunity to focus on the loves that I have finally found in my life. I guess God also knows I don't really want to date now so he's keeping the right person at bay. Not too bad an idea actually. Just like the 14-year-old violinist who aced 13 subjects AND violin, she wants to focus on her violin which makes her happy. I would like to do the same as I already have a lot of loves that need me.
That being said, I would still like to meet someone nice when the time is right.
I was recently watching an anime and drama and it made me understand a little about why women go for successful men. Material comforts aside, there is something inherently sexy about a man who is capable and focused on his betterment. That gives the woman a man to look up to and trust.
There's a popular saying that behind every successful man is a woman. I think of it as a woman wants a man whose success she can be a part of. She wants to be the one to share his dream and work with him to lift him to achieve those dreams. A man who has those dreams gives the woman a chance to be part of that exciting venture even as she is chasing her own. Like what a girlfriend of mine says, "No matter how strong I am, I want a man I can lean on and be a xiao nu ren at times."
The story in the drama was a about a musical genius whose dream was to be a successful conductor. He meets this girl who is a piano prodigy whose talent has yet to be developed. As I watched her admire him (literally from behind his back) while he was conducting, I felt the moment where a woman can claim her pride of her man.
I am sure the feminists will hang me for this but trust me: Even for someone like myself who believes in being your own woman, there is something about the feeling of "Ah this is my man, not yours." Man have their feeling of conquest for women, so do women. Women are proud of being with a successful man just as men are proud of bagging a beautiful woman.
Of course, the measures of success aren't always material. Like the character in the story, it was the man's talent and passion for what he loves that instills pride within her. Whilst material success is often used as a benchmark for success, gentlemen should always look at your women carefully and see what really moves her. You might be surprised.
There's something else I notice about the dating game as you get older. When you are young, you fall down and you get up easily. Yes, you may wail and all but it just seems so much easier to get up and not to mention that your wounds heal a lot faster. However, as time passes, wounds take longer to heal. I don't mean just the physical ones. Even the emotional ones take a longer time. It almost seems like the rate of recovery for emotional wounds parallel that of the physical ones.
I remember when we were younger, people got together and broke more often and more eaily than they do now. As age grew, we began to think more, consider more and fear more. A child may not be afraid of jumping into a puddle but the adult will think "Ah I will get wet." We grow more wary of putting ourselves where we could be hurt, be it physically or emotionally. When the inevitable of pain arises, we take that much longer to walk out of it. What used to take months now take years. Sometimes, they never quite go away because they take residence as scars that add more to the consideration process for the next one to come. Maybe this is why we grow more picky as we get older. It's not only about knowing more clearly what you want but also what you don't want. As a result, things get "complicated".
Sometimes, it is that little spirit of fearlessness and adventure that I miss. It was just much simpler and easier.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Dreams On The Walls
Some of you who have seen my room will know that I have pictures that hang off the wall near my bed. Actually I chose all the pictures with a reason behind every picture.
The strength of the female in domino, the freedom of the girl dancing with her flowing dress, the passion of the lovers, the romanticism of the kisses, the innocence of children and the words that I found some time back...
Hope
Love
The Title of My Memoir
How I'd Like To Change The World
The One Thing I Want To Be Remembered For
I kept them on my wall for a long time because I knew someday the answers will come. I believe that what you hang and see everyday is important. Indeed, I think finding that answer is the best thing that ever happened to me in my life so far.
Thank you, God.
The strength of the female in domino, the freedom of the girl dancing with her flowing dress, the passion of the lovers, the romanticism of the kisses, the innocence of children and the words that I found some time back...
Hope
Love
The Title of My Memoir
How I'd Like To Change The World
The One Thing I Want To Be Remembered For
I kept them on my wall for a long time because I knew someday the answers will come. I believe that what you hang and see everyday is important. Indeed, I think finding that answer is the best thing that ever happened to me in my life so far.
Thank you, God.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
This Is Why It's Worth It
I am very lucky in the sense that I have had such encouraging comments from readers. They are one of the main forces that keep me going. Once in a while, you get one that jumps out at you and convinces you that all that effort is worth it.
I have never met her and this was the first comment she left me towards the end of Midnight City:
Hey. I'm sorry, i don't think i've ever replied. I planned to, after reading Colored Rhythms first, and after the Chapter "Sirens." But stuff just came up and I never got around to replying. Finally, now that i have time, I figured, oh i wanna become a good/loyal reader by catching up and leaving comments. But by now you've already added 3 chapters and the whole story is completed.@-@ And I know you hate silent readers too ><;;.
Wow. Colored Rhythms and this was... so incredibly different. I mean, don't get me wrong. Both of them were very well written and amazing. But this. This story just took my breath away. I have to say, this fic is probably the best I've ever read on soompi (and I've been a soompier since... 2002?). Yes. I will definitely remember you, and yes. You most definitely are/will become a soompi legend (in fic writing at least). No kidding. I mean I've read quite a few wonderful stories here, but none of them were as realistic (not the whole Yunho-as-a-spirit of course, but in terms of the way events were portrayed/perceived).
This fic really left a huge impact on me. I felt like crying in almost every chapter, literally. I have to say, this made me kinda depressed, because this really reminded me of a lot of events in my life. But that's a good thing in a way because it also made me realize a lot of things. The relationships b/w certain characters made me reflect on my own with others. ...like with my relationship with my father. Uh, how do i say this, he was not really there throughout my whole childhood, and recently, I found out that he's really not who I thought he was after certain events. I discovered that he was dishonest about many, many things. I never really forgave him. It was easy for me to hate him, especially since we were never close to begin with.
But after looking at the relationships (albeit ficitional) b/w Junsu and his ex-gf, Yunho and yejin, yunho and his parents..etc, etc, I've come to realize that we are all humans; we all have desires/ambitions, and ultimately, we're all imperfect and make mistakes. I realized that despite everything, my father is human also. Even though he did some horrible things and he's not quite the man i thought he was my whole life, he's still my father and that he actually really cares about me and loves me.
Oh boy. How did i get so into this. Some of my best friends and my cousins don't even know about this and here I am rambling about it. Sorry, I got so off topic. But what I'm trying to say, what i want to say is: Thank you for writing such an amazing story because it truly opened my eyes to a lot of things. I really hope I didn't freak you out here. I'm really sorry. You must think I'm a nutcase and need psych-help desperately. ^^;; --BTW, I've noticed for both fics, you uploaded a lot of OSTs and I. LOVE. YOUR. TASTE. IN. MUSIC. Hahah, i'm not sure if you've seen me around in your threads, but for a while now, I would just come home, click on your threads, leave it open and click on the OSTs. LOL. I was hooked onto "Speechless" (both versions) for a while, and now a bunch of DBSK's songs, and "Driving." The other ones are great too.
Looking forward to more of your stories. ^^
This is from a reader from Venezuela, who has become a good friend to me:
I loved it! Midnight City couldn't have a better end. Thanks for writing such a marvelous piece of fiction. Seriously, and I mentioned this before to you, I hadn't found a story that could move me and play with my emotions so much like MC did in a looong while.
I have always wanted to write stuff that not only move people but also make people think and leave a positive impact on their lives. I have had the honor of some readers telling me they think a little differently about death, think a little harder about their decisions and so on after they read Midnight City. As the writer, I cannot tell you how happy and honored that makes me feel.
This is why it's worth it. This is why my dream lives.
Thank you, dear readers.
I have never met her and this was the first comment she left me towards the end of Midnight City:
Hey. I'm sorry, i don't think i've ever replied. I planned to, after reading Colored Rhythms first, and after the Chapter "Sirens." But stuff just came up and I never got around to replying. Finally, now that i have time, I figured, oh i wanna become a good/loyal reader by catching up and leaving comments. But by now you've already added 3 chapters and the whole story is completed.@-@ And I know you hate silent readers too ><;;.
Wow. Colored Rhythms and this was... so incredibly different. I mean, don't get me wrong. Both of them were very well written and amazing. But this. This story just took my breath away. I have to say, this fic is probably the best I've ever read on soompi (and I've been a soompier since... 2002?). Yes. I will definitely remember you, and yes. You most definitely are/will become a soompi legend (in fic writing at least). No kidding. I mean I've read quite a few wonderful stories here, but none of them were as realistic (not the whole Yunho-as-a-spirit of course, but in terms of the way events were portrayed/perceived).
This fic really left a huge impact on me. I felt like crying in almost every chapter, literally. I have to say, this made me kinda depressed, because this really reminded me of a lot of events in my life. But that's a good thing in a way because it also made me realize a lot of things. The relationships b/w certain characters made me reflect on my own with others. ...like with my relationship with my father. Uh, how do i say this, he was not really there throughout my whole childhood, and recently, I found out that he's really not who I thought he was after certain events. I discovered that he was dishonest about many, many things. I never really forgave him. It was easy for me to hate him, especially since we were never close to begin with.
But after looking at the relationships (albeit ficitional) b/w Junsu and his ex-gf, Yunho and yejin, yunho and his parents..etc, etc, I've come to realize that we are all humans; we all have desires/ambitions, and ultimately, we're all imperfect and make mistakes. I realized that despite everything, my father is human also. Even though he did some horrible things and he's not quite the man i thought he was my whole life, he's still my father and that he actually really cares about me and loves me.
Oh boy. How did i get so into this. Some of my best friends and my cousins don't even know about this and here I am rambling about it. Sorry, I got so off topic. But what I'm trying to say, what i want to say is: Thank you for writing such an amazing story because it truly opened my eyes to a lot of things. I really hope I didn't freak you out here. I'm really sorry. You must think I'm a nutcase and need psych-help desperately. ^^;; --BTW, I've noticed for both fics, you uploaded a lot of OSTs and I. LOVE. YOUR. TASTE. IN. MUSIC. Hahah, i'm not sure if you've seen me around in your threads, but for a while now, I would just come home, click on your threads, leave it open and click on the OSTs. LOL. I was hooked onto "Speechless" (both versions) for a while, and now a bunch of DBSK's songs, and "Driving." The other ones are great too.
Looking forward to more of your stories. ^^
This is from a reader from Venezuela, who has become a good friend to me:
I loved it! Midnight City couldn't have a better end. Thanks for writing such a marvelous piece of fiction. Seriously, and I mentioned this before to you, I hadn't found a story that could move me and play with my emotions so much like MC did in a looong while.
I have always wanted to write stuff that not only move people but also make people think and leave a positive impact on their lives. I have had the honor of some readers telling me they think a little differently about death, think a little harder about their decisions and so on after they read Midnight City. As the writer, I cannot tell you how happy and honored that makes me feel.
This is why it's worth it. This is why my dream lives.
Thank you, dear readers.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The Lover
Today I am going to talk about a lover I had for the last 3 years.
There's love at first sight but it wasn't the case for me because my lover was difficult and new to me. It had started out of my self-interest and I didn't really know if I love my lover then.
As time passed, there were times I felt like leaving, times I asked if my lover was right for me. I have seen my lover's down days, felt the irks and also felt moments of satisfaction. I've had affairs but I always came back to it. Strangely, it never really occurred to me to leave.
And before I knew it, 3 years had passed. Recently, I took a hard look at my lover and realised that while it had never been burning like a bonfire, I do love my lover. I prefer it this way; to love slowly despite all ugliness than to claim a wild fire at the start which may die out eventually.
Don't know who my lover is? I talk about it quite often actually.
It's my business in wealth managment.
There are days which I have considered dropping it. There are people who have asked me to leave for something else that has the comfort of a monthly salary. I have tried some ventures here and there but somehow I never got round to leaving. It was through time's passing that I slowly realised the love for the work.
It hasn't gotten easier. If anything, it's become more challenging and competitive than ever. Yet, I realised in this business, it's really about the people. I have grown a certain affinity to my clients, especially those who continually make my stay in this business worth it. My relationship with this work is different from the love I have for writing. Its akin to the comparison between a steady flame to a burning wild fire. They are both love, just different.
I think it means a lot to me. I can safely say not many people can say they like their job, much less love it. For a very big part of my life, I have been searching and I can quite happily say that I am gettin closer to realising the things that matter, the things I want and the things I was meant to do - not decided by anyone else but me.
All I ask is for God's blessings to succeed because He knows I am not a hard core hard sell salesman. Other than that, I am really quite grateful.
There's love at first sight but it wasn't the case for me because my lover was difficult and new to me. It had started out of my self-interest and I didn't really know if I love my lover then.
As time passed, there were times I felt like leaving, times I asked if my lover was right for me. I have seen my lover's down days, felt the irks and also felt moments of satisfaction. I've had affairs but I always came back to it. Strangely, it never really occurred to me to leave.
And before I knew it, 3 years had passed. Recently, I took a hard look at my lover and realised that while it had never been burning like a bonfire, I do love my lover. I prefer it this way; to love slowly despite all ugliness than to claim a wild fire at the start which may die out eventually.
Don't know who my lover is? I talk about it quite often actually.
It's my business in wealth managment.
There are days which I have considered dropping it. There are people who have asked me to leave for something else that has the comfort of a monthly salary. I have tried some ventures here and there but somehow I never got round to leaving. It was through time's passing that I slowly realised the love for the work.
It hasn't gotten easier. If anything, it's become more challenging and competitive than ever. Yet, I realised in this business, it's really about the people. I have grown a certain affinity to my clients, especially those who continually make my stay in this business worth it. My relationship with this work is different from the love I have for writing. Its akin to the comparison between a steady flame to a burning wild fire. They are both love, just different.
I think it means a lot to me. I can safely say not many people can say they like their job, much less love it. For a very big part of my life, I have been searching and I can quite happily say that I am gettin closer to realising the things that matter, the things I want and the things I was meant to do - not decided by anyone else but me.
All I ask is for God's blessings to succeed because He knows I am not a hard core hard sell salesman. Other than that, I am really quite grateful.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Dance Class
One of my recent dance classes...I thought the girls did pretty well so here it is :)
Drop That Heater
by Omarion
Drop That Heater
by Omarion
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