Food for your soul

Never Say I "die"

2008-06-05T18:49:00.002+08:00

Dear Readers,

I am back now since long drought from blogging. How Long? since februaury?

Long enough for me to be missing in action.....

Long enough to be in slumber land only to wake up and blog here.

Am i up to travel again? No....drowned in work and immersed into deaf sports. I must admit that by immersing into deaf sports, i begin to discover more fun and even the fun journey as a onlooker for deaf community where there are many different characters.

Stubborn, good, straightfoward, "wanting to give up because i m not appreciated" are many triats i start to observe while i am doing deaf sports.

Interesting enough to keep me going on and i had my own ups and downs in my own private moments.

nothing interesting to share but to pen down my thoughts here.

anything good to share with me, you can always email me using the first name ,"citrusbe"@xx.com. I am sure that your mail will find the way to my mailbox.

Ho Ho...another interesting and fun way for you to find me.

Cheers

Guten Tag!

Guess the answer

2008-02-24T22:04:00.002+08:00

My question for the readers of my blog is

Which country will have the 3rd Golden Palm Tree Water Villas in the world?

So happy guessing...

Malaysia

2008-02-24T21:53:00.005+08:00

Many hiddenfood secrets in Meleka...Full of hertiage...

Cendols (durian or coconut of your choice). Taste nice of they have lot of generous serving in brown sugar instead of my hated durian and coconut flavours!!

Skewers ready for something?? what's this in dinner in Meleka?

See what is next......

Satay SteamBoat!!!! It is worth one hour queue....Yummy..Heaty huh?

Photos!!!!

2008-02-24T20:34:00.007+08:00

Photos are up from what i was doing in 2007. Sorry Hunks and Babes, i fail to deliver the promise....

Hong Kong Trip

Look at the lights on sign board.. Deaf user friendly where we depend on the visual and able to know which station we are at

Lip Smacking Mango Dessert!!!!!!

Wax duck!!!! Salty huh???!!!! you try bring one home from Hong Kong

What's that?? Abuse of Marine animals by selling fish at Fish Market in Mongkok??

Finally i blog here

2007-11-24T15:09:00.000+08:00

Folks,
I am back here again.

BUSy is the greatest excuse to label me as a busy woman.

Travelling out of country, work and attending to many things that took out of my time.

i can be a little brat, anger my mummy, daddy who frown at my luggage. Sorry folks.

My luggage is now being abused at convenyor belts during these few months when i am travelling to attend regional workshop and conferences.

My mind full of nonsenses from workshops and conferences. My eyes see different things. My legs do walking on foreign soils. My hands do talking in sign language. My stomach to digest different food.

Now my body is taking a rest and my hands typing away for this blog.

Folks, take a look at my photos what i had been doing for past few months. Guess where i was disappearing to.....

My photos will be up in few days time. Promise?? aiyoo Promises can be empty but i must be a woman of words.

See you in next entry

Singapore Girl

2007-09-03T20:58:00.000+08:00

I was reading a magazine and come across one article talking about SIngapore Girl.

I am pulling this article for you to read. This describe aptly for Singapore Girl.

"In essence, The Singapore Girl is independent, capable,gracious and well travelled. She is cosmopolitan, yet intrinsically Asian. "

"They have grown up with Western Urban Culture, yet retain many Asian values but alas, some are now capable of exhibiting the same traits as us local men, with the gusto of female fury said one man ( annoymous)"

Happy reading

Tastes of Croatia

2007-08-02T14:12:00.000+08:00

Seee....BLUE TRain... wah....It attract my attention when i took a walk around in Zagreb, Croatia.

Damn Cool..unlike the trains in Paris, France!

Tell me if it is made of REAL GOLD.....

Dare if you bite that statues.

You wont believe that this meal only cost me $15. Yummy i ever ate at cafe. Damn nice to eat at open space, enjoying the cool air and watch people passing by you.

Simply love this cool weather and this relaxed life style. Mountains are plenty in Croatia!

To summarise on this trip, it was truly magical that lives fresh in your mind when you return home. Europe trip was always my magical memories like in my previous trip to Italy. It was awe some feeling when i returned home from Europe. It remained fresh in my memory till today that hold the magic for me. I am looking forward to Europe again on my next trip...

Even more magical than Asia trip....

so long....

Photos of France

2007-08-02T14:01:00.000+08:00

Is it TGV? Haaa..No..

This is Effiel Tower. It is hard to catch the whole tall tall Tower on camera. So i had to wander around till i found a perfect place to capture this... Bravo...

I took a tour around in Lourve Museum which is the world's largest Musuem that houses many many paintings, scupltures etc...Famous Mona Lisa's smile was one of paintings by Da Vinci. So awe some.

See this cute ..haha...

Getting around in France was my journey where i started to understand what is meaning of getting out of comfort zone with only one train map.

Unprepared in foreign land and with zero in French language, you tapped on your survival instinct to get around in France..

What a GREAT time i ever had but i dislike Paris from my emotional instinctive.. Woman of me!

France and Croatia

2007-07-22T00:06:00.000+08:00

Shortly after my return from Penang, I was asked to attend the Symposium about Deaf Sports Reform in Zagreb, Croatia.

I immediately flew off to Zagreb, Croatia after so much fuss over air ticket. Please remember that buying air ticket is not easy in summer vacation to Europe as people are having their vacation in Europe.

I was having long transit in Paris, France from 6.20am to 11.15pm. What a long transit I ever had during my travel!

I decided to go out to the heart of Paris to explore on my own. In my hand, there is only a train map. No other map or guide book at all. Ahem folks, I had to depend on my instinct to get around in Paris. It was last minute arrangement.

I remembered that my friend told me that Effiel Tower was very near to train station. If you see the big tower, just walk towards the Tower.

The first thing I see on train map was sooo complicated. I took about 15 to 20 minutes to figure out where is the airport as there are many airports in France. My eyes nearly popped out when I see train map.

Oh my so complicated. I managed to circle 2 places of interest that I wanted to visit.

1) Effiel Tower
2) Lourve Museum, the world largest museum

I had to track carefully where to change train and to check out where is my airport so that I can return back to catch plane to Zagreb, Croatia.

Please see the photos below about Paris, France. Even through I had a short stay in France, it was a pleasant place to visit despite the high expense i spent.

My next stop was Zagreb, Croatia. I arrived in Zagreb at late hour and it was nearly midnight. It was fortunate that I saw 2 deaf people waiting at terminal because they were picking up one delegate from Italy.

They offered me a ride to hotel. What a warm welcome….

Zagreb holds a nice Meriditian flavours. By meeting the Italian delegate, i started to reminsce on my previous trip to Italy. Feel like i am in Europe again.

If you come across the famous water foundation in Rome, Italy and make a wish by throwing the coin from the right side of back, the sayings will be " You will return to Italy." This saying is common among the tourists in Italy.

The feeling of wander lust rushed through my body and Iwas high with ardealin rushing through to see more of sights in Zagreb.

To end the trip, it did not went well but it was a learning experience where i managed to stand strong to make decisions on my own at the critical period.

Promise to post in the photos of my trip in few days later.

Will carry on more later...

Penang Trip

2007-07-21T23:42:00.000+08:00

Hello Folks,

Before I can pen it down on my travels, I really do not know what words to describe my feelings during my travel.

Each time after I return, I would rave about the places but come to think, it was the people whom you met that will make your travel amazing and wonderful.

My travel to Penang was to see the Dragon Boat Festival and to meet up with deaf people. Not only that, I am building the net work and to carry MY Silent Dragon’s spirit overseas. At least I tried and know the outcome.

See the photos below and each picture will tell you on my trip to Penang through my eyes.

Old old charming shop houses

IS it mac donald?????? haaaaa

I am BacK Home

2007-07-15T22:00:00.000+08:00

Hellooo every oneee

I am Back Home from Traveling.

Penang in JUne, Had Dragon Boat race on end of JUne in Singapore before i was off to travel to France and Croatia.

So tired and i need rest.

I will write again here

Yippeee

LOve

DEaf-Mute?

2007-06-13T22:27:00.000+08:00

What irks me most is that crappy show on Channel 8 at 9pm. That word, deaf-mute made me upset that i wrote the letter to Straits times forum. Here is my excerpt from Straits Times Forum Online. I am grateful that my letter is choosen over 70 letters to be on line.

Happy reading. If i am wrong in some ways, please do leave comment here.

June 12, 2007

TV programme gives wrong concept of the deaf mute
I APPLAUD the efforts on the show, The Greatest Love, now airing on Channel 8 at 9pm.
This drama showcases not only some of the disabilities in Singapore but also the social workers who are working closely with these people.
Being part of the disabled community (I am a deaf/hearing impaired person), I am really happy that this drama is able to create awareness of disabilities in the public.
However, I've noticed the usage of 'deaf-mute' on the subtitles. I would like to specifically highlight that there is a misconception of using this term in this show.
The correct and more accurate word should be either 'deaf' or 'hearing impaired'. Using 'deaf-mute' will create the wrong perception among viewers of this show that many deaf people are mute.
To educate and create more awareness to people especially young children, I would like to explain that many deaf people do have a voice box. They are able to use their voice if they are properly trained in it. When communicating, it is entirely up to them if they wish to use their voice.
Education through the media is a very important and powerful tool that will and can affect the perceptions of many people.
It would be good if MediaCorp and the production team for this drama can make an effort to correct some of the misconceptions caused and to partner the disabled community to pass on the right concepts to the general public.

Jane Lim Ee Lee (Miss)

Over Due Break

2007-06-07T22:11:00.000+08:00

Hello

Back to write short blog here before i am off to Penang.

MYYYYYYyyy LoNg Over Due Break after slogging so hard. Time to travel out and have beautiful cure for my travel BUg.

Cambodia cancelled all thanks to my work!!!

China postponed all thanks to my mum who needs me most.

Now i am off to Penang

Hope to bring in more stories to share.

LIfe with Courage

2007-05-19T22:10:00.000+08:00

Celebrate Your LIfe with Courage.

Venture Into the unknown elements with broad mind and you are actually learning on your own.

Widen your perceptives and add another dimension what's life is made of..

Beautiful life With COURAGE and you find your self in light of positiveness....

Sail through the wind and over come obstacles with faith and strength unto GOD. Courage will come to you and you will see many glorious years to come.

SIt back on sofa and recall the days how much you have achieve. Tell your own stories to your friends and your life partner who will join you in the journey where you both will share....

Sexual Attraction vs Mutal attraction

2007-04-14T22:02:00.000+08:00

What is sexual attraction?

Attracted to hot bods of guys or shapely women? IS it sexual attraction that you want to have one night stand or flings?

Babes and Dudes will definitely fantanise in their thought. HUH? Am i too straight forward here?

Well, to put here, at the first sight, will you look at their face or body first? It is physical attraction.

What about personality? Will they look deeper beyond the physical attraction?

Mutal attraction in my opinion is about the two parties starting off as friends and developed friendship over years. Some where in friendship, they are attracted to qualities they had shown to each other and show respect to who they are. It is attraction between them based on friendship and start in relationship later on.

Sexual attraction is .....whoa....looking at the physical and feeling of physical touch that make one feel aroused and wanting more of looking at the person before looking into their personality.

How long will the sexual attraction last? what about mutal attraction?

I am leavin you all to have your answer in your heart. Hey dudes and babes, i am not too extreme but penning down my crappy thoughts here

Under population or Over population In Singapore

2007-03-30T23:49:00.000+08:00

As bright lights beckon you to Singapore, the beautiful skyline of tall buildings look brighter against the night backdrop with serene Singapore River.

I walked down Clarke Quay and was amazed at the changes of Clarke Quay. It used to be quiet but now it is bustling with alot of pubs and unsual haunts especially the largest disco that hailed from UK called The Ministry of Sound.

I walked through many pubs and saw one pub called The Clinic. It had the blood tube hanging on the pole.

Amazed at the changes and its liveliness. It was very comoposilitian where many Chinese and Expats blend in together. East meet West.

Ask youself if Singapore had changed alot. It is bustling city that never sleeps. In day, you can see many people busy walking down in Finanical district, at night, time to unwind and relax.

Singapore is now having 4million people or more. I wonder if housing in Singapore will never end till it will be more cramped like Hong Kong or the units will get smaller like Sengkang.

Many people tends to slide down to comfort zone and tends to lead urban lifestyle. How many people can venture out of comfort zone to do community work overseas?

It reminded me of my 18 days in Vietnam doing community work. Night life was not much in Vietnam and you will see many Vietnamese people sleeping away. Quiet and serene that you are able to see sky above you when you lie down on grass.

I simply love the peace and spend time doing soul searching. Prioritizing my life and what will be your goals?

This morning till now, i realised that i should not yelled or vent frustration on other people. Quick temper is difficult to control because it come and go that can hurt people easily.

Simply that comfort zone will sink in your life as your environment changed for better. You will find yourself being redunant.

How to achieve your goal with clear head and to appreciate your life in better way?

I do wish to do more community work overseas in the years to come.

Taxi Drivers' Service

2007-03-11T20:30:00.000+08:00

I am lamenting over the taxi drivers' service and their knowledge on Singapore's roads.

I had bad experiences with them several times but i can remember 2 terrible encounters with them.

Let me recount one that occured on last friday night. I was still grossing over this till now but it was also partly my fault. But it had made me see what kind of service they do provide.

I was in rush and was late for team managers' briefing for the upcoming race in dragon boat. I hailed the taxi from the MRT station to get to the destination. The destination was Nee Soon South Community Centre.

I showed the first taxi driver the destination. He nodded and drive me all the way to the place.

Wah liaoz. When i looked up to the name of community centre(CC), it was Chong Pang. I asked him if it was correct place. He nodded and said that it was correct place. "Chong Pang is Nee Soon South."

I looked at him and paid the fare. I was in hurry and find the meeting room. Hey...right place or not? My instinct tells me that it was wrong. I walked to the main office and asked the lady if it was Nee Soon South CC. She said no. She told me that it was at Khatib Central. I fumed!!!! $5.00 was eaten up by that stupid taxi driver.

I hailed another taxi as the time was running short. I showed him the destination. He nodded and said that i know the place.He immediately drove and stop at the place. Wrong place.

I said to him it was NEE SOON EAST CC!!! He looked at the word and said sorry. I said that it was at Khatib.

He said oh i know where the place is....

Drive drive in one circle in whole Yishun and then cannot find. I WAS so frustrated and asked for street directory. He said DONT HAVE. Wah liaoz

He stopped and ask his fellow taxt driver where the place. The fellow taxi driver gave him the direction. It turned out to be MERRY GO ROUND.

I was sooo snappy and snapped at him. STOP.... He stopped and said that Nee Soon South CC was some where near. I know where it is....

I said that you know where and we go in one circle. STOP.

He listened to me. My instinct tells me that it may be beyond khatib.

I told him to follow my direction. FOUND the place after MERRY GO ROUND. I was furious and demand refund from him.

He said okay okay.

One hour wasted and i missed the meeting!!!!! I m thanking my lucky star that the person in charge saw me arriving late and said that he will email what had transpired in meeting.

He is so sweet and understanding. PHEW.. No excuse is whipped at him.

I went home feeling sooooo annoyed at the taxi drivers' egoistic attitude. I will definitely look up at the street directory next time before i go to any unknown place.

It was my fault too...NEVER look up in directory.

SIGHZZZ.....

What a weekend i had!!!

2007-03-04T20:59:00.000+08:00

Weekend is the day i always look forward because it is good to escape from work that can drive me nuts.. =P~

This weekend was really nuts for me. Why? It was supposed to be relaxing but whoa....

SAT=> Had dragon boat training and irish team came down to do training with us. Great time but had to catch up with them in terms of power! They are big sized. Wish us well.....Down with bad abrasion on my right thighs. Very UGLY all thanks to dragon boat (Champion Boat). Kept on rubbing against the seat side.

What is the worst????? My friends grasp when they saw this UGLY abrasion on sunday.

Aiyooo... I had biathlon which consist of swim (1.5km) and run (10km). I was wearing my swimming costume and my friends saw this UGLY abrasion.. Arghhhh

I hate this ABRASION..sighz I have to live through one week of fresh abrasion and its pain of sitting down on chair. DON'T Laugh...

Biathlon on Sunday=> This was my warming up but it was my worst i ever had..

My eyes open wide when i read my wave time. Women wave start last at 12noon. Damn it. Because at noon, it was very very HOT day that sapped your energy.

After 1.2km swim in sea,i was very tired to carry on but i had to carry on to finish 300metres. Strong currents sweeping me away but i had to force myself to swim harder.

Did my run well. Too tired after biathlon that i went home to rest. Heavy rain made me stuck at bicycle kiosk at East Coast Park. So heavy and i am murmuring curse while waiting for rain to lighten..

Bed calling me now. It was 9pm now and i have to ZZZzzz Now.

Night Dudes and Babes.

Happiness

2007-02-24T12:07:00.000+08:00

Chinese New Year (CNY) was here and every one was busy preparing for CNY.

As I looked at the red greeting cards sent by many well wishers, the common greetings written on card will be Happy Prosperous Lunar New Year or May your new year fill with happiness, prosperity and luck.

What is happiness?

Last Wednesday, Adrian persuaded me to go with him to a lunch gathering. I finally agreed and went along with him. I did not know that it had left me with impression and with the understanding of happiness.

Happiness is not about putting the person with pressure. It is not about changing the person according to your preference or expectation. It is not about one person giving all what he/she has to other person with love.

It is to encourage, build the person up to remain true to oneself. Being true to oneself is like having happiness so that the person is able to share the happiness with other people.

The person will grow up to be wise and is able to love himself/herself first with confidence in the eyes of many people.

Searching for the answers immediately is not the short cut to loving yourself but to have the journey of life long learning with bad and good experience. Facing up to harsh and cruel world out there, it depends on how you make your life interesting even in small country, Singapore.

Making out from your life is your achievement and live your life to fullest through your eyes will make things beautiful. Inner peace will come to individuals as they walk the long journey full of surprises and laughters.

It is happiness. It is my opinion. When I see each individual growing up and move on to new phrase, I m happy because it is their achievement, how big or small but it play vital role in shaping their lives.

Beautiful life is not nothing but with the confidence you will face up to reality and to have practical things to pursue your own dreams. Facing up to reality can be cruel but it gives the person the heart with love and wisdom.

To love yourself and to be true to yourself is the road to happiness.

Love you for what you are and life is beautiful….Never give up till you have your own achievement.

Book i am reading

2007-02-06T20:24:00.000+08:00

I was reading the book written by Queen Noor of Jordan and was surprised by its contents of the book.The book is called Leap of Faith.

It gave me the insight of the lives on late King Huessin and his vision in peace keeping for Middle East. It was very humatrian way of writing the book. It give you the revealing account that was very straight forward. It also provide the understanding and made the Arab community more human in many ways.

Queen Noor had her way of merging the different cultures of Arab and West and her devoted life to Jordanians in Jordan. It simply show how she lost her heart to a king who worked so hard for the peace in Middle East and to his people.

In some way, it also provide me another insight on how many women suffered in Jordan and how Jordanians bridge the understandings in Arab community.

I am leaving you to read more if you are curious about Arab people.

From few books i had read on Arab community, it gives me different insight on their social life, their countries and their people. It was ever rich in their history but in their thinking. Of course they have their principles and their religion to follow but it open up on how they blend their own heritage into West.

Quite pleasant to read. I started to wonder on how women play a role in many ways. As the Chinese proverb says: "Women hold up the half of the sky."

It is up to you to ponder on it. I had seen how many women had placed deep impact on people's lives.

To name few: Mother Thersa in her community work, Princess Diana in her influence as Princess for her humaritian works, Queen Noor for Arab women's cause, Hiliary Clinton in her leadership qualities, Madgeline Albright in her role as former Secratary of USA, Margaret Tharacter as former PM of UK who raise UK from poverty to one of rich countries in Europe.

I was surprised that women are able to stand equal as men but in different ways. They can contribute to their own community.

I quoted in the article in Singapore Women's Weekly's Nov 2006 issue: Make a Difference in your community and treat everyone equally regardless of disability, age, race, religion or status.

So long....

Surf & SwEat

2007-02-04T20:20:00.000+08:00

I was cursing loudly at NTU for setting the wave time at early hours. My friends woke up at early hour before the sun rise and took taxi down to Tanjong beach.

Damn too early that i drag my feet out of my bed. Beauty sleep i really need but have to drag my feet to hail taxi. Hey dont forget my stuffs for Surf & Sweat 2007.

Arrived bright and early to register. Arwwww.. My registration starts at 9am and my wave start at 10.41am. Wah liao.. i had to sit and eat snake for one hour 40 mins before my wave.

Bumped into my Coach who was taking part in SUrf N Sweat. Real cool even my team mates (4 team mates) also taking part in this.

2 of them will be in cycling category will 2 of them are in running category after surf. Guess what i m doing after the surf?

My wave had started. Wah phew.....Ready 3...2...1... Start.. i dragged the surf board out to sea and climb on the board. I started to paddle till i felt that it was not moving. Wah i m so mad!!! i turn my head and saw my friends' faces. Wah... The fin of the board got struck in the beach!!!!....

I push the board further and started to paddle all the way (300m) to the finishing point in triangle.

At the side of triangle, i was so tired that i cannot paddle with my arms. Damn it... i paddled harder harder till my board went out of the way... Gosh.. i dont care till i reach the beach.

I emerged out of the beach and dump the life vest.

Run out after cleaning my feet at the water point. Ran like mad towards Rasa Sentosa Resort from Tamjong Beach and made u turn back to Tanjong Beach (5km long). Towards the finishing line, i ran harder and faster till i reached the finishing line.

Wah....so tired man because i had my inline skating yesterday.. Too tired man.......

I immediately crawl to my bag and took a breather... My friends and i decided to have good lunch to replinish our energy.

I reached home feeling tired and feel good. I could not nap even through i was very tired. Insomina kicked in again.......

I realised that i had not been sleeping well lately ever since i started working. I woke up at 2am or 3am or 5am irregularly before my actual wake up call at 530am.

Even on week end, it kicked in the same pattern that i slept from 530am to 9am. It was difficult to have a good sleep these days for the complete 7 hours' sleep. I can count that i only sleep about 4 hours each day.

Alamak.. any way i depend on tea to perk me up every morning before starting work. Milo is the way out of line that i will feel grouchy for a whole day!

Morning is getting colder each day. Wondering if it is global warming???

I am whining at LOUSY Instructor

2007-02-03T21:37:00.000+08:00

Saturday is here and i am looking forward to have skating lesson. Picked it up as I had little free time to make use to learn.

Schedule is very hectic in 2006 that i never learn skating. Skating is what i always wanted to pick up because it is also one of elements used in Adventure Racing. Over the mountain or on rough trail, skating is one of element that the race director in USA will use to test the mental frame of the adventure racer in mountain or on rough trail beside abseiling, kayaking, cycling, running, orienteering and sleeping in wilderness that is beyond your wild dream.

Eco-Callenge Adventure racing was shown on AXN where many racers have to go through different elements in ECO-Challenge Adventure Racing. Skating on trail in mountain is one of the elements in Eco-Challenge.

In SIngapore, i took part in adventure racing which consist of abseiling, Kayak, cycling, running and to do orienteering in wilderness. My team and i must finish within the time frame that test on our endurance and mental frame.

That's why i took skating up basically because of adventure racing and to keep myself fit. It do help me to maintence my body frame as i used to be very fat. I shedded off weights over years due to dragon boat, adventure racing, triathlon.

Now i am whining at the lousy teaching quality of the instructors ( will not say the name of company in case i will be "sued" for opening my sacrastic). They never teach the proper posture and just teach superfically what they know than teaching the proper steps in skating.

It is damn dangerous if i learn wrong way of skating. It is fortunate that i met a nice lady from other shop who taught me right posture and steps. I vowed that i will strike a big red light at the fourth lesson and go to other person who can teach right steps.

I am even more angry and wanted to curse loudly in front of my friends. My friends do share the same sentiments with me.

Enough of cursing other wise i will be very very sacrastic that wound their pride and will make me bad. I am soft hearted at certain times.

2 weeks ago, i taught 4 youths. They have problem in their attitudes towards studies that they came late for tuition. They have this bad habit of coming late for 30-one hour that i had to wait. The other tutor gave up on them. Sighhhzzz... i gave them scoldings that made me feel bad.

Last friday, i decided to write 4 cards and chocolates to apologise for my scolding. My heart is soooo soft because they are young. Hope that they will understand the importance of studies. Again 3 of them sabotaged the tuition lessons that the tuition co ordinator had to call their parents up. Hope that they will come for the next lesson. I am thank ful that one of them showed the positive attitude and brought text book to revise through.

3 cheers for HIM.

Road less travelled

2007-02-02T23:59:00.000+08:00

God had blessed me with other lessons to learn and grow from very beginning of year, 2007.

Time moves with the seasons that change but one will grow more wiser and stronger through tribulations and trials. I must thank God for his mighty hand that hold me in times of bad times in 2006 and brought me to see the true essence of friendship and the kinship of family.

I m enjoying the warmth and the fruits being sowed in past few years. Results produced in the end will be fruitful or 50%. Even 20% of the result will be produced as long as you put efforts in the process of working in work place, family, friends, trainings ..so on... No short cut but to thrive on patience that produce results.

When i looked back in year 2006, i was blessed with friendship shared in dragon boat, personal friendship with adrian, brother-sister in christ with church friends, strong family ties that bring us closer. Lessons to be learnt through heart rendered relationship, my friendship taken for granted but thankfully learn the true essence of it and handling conflicts with team. Lastly of all, best awards come from winning gold in dragon boat and being nominated in the award for Singapore Women's Weekly for Great Women of Our Time.

Given the choice, i would give my life to God who made me to be what i am today.

At the beginning of 2007, it was whirl wind but i started to pick up under water hockey, skating and gearing up for triathlon which is in my heart (aDdictive). I started to appreciate sports even more because it shape my perceptive and put me in sharp focus at my work place and in tuition centre where i teach 4 youths.

4 youths are other challenge that i face after i had taught one youth who turned over new leaf. They gave me alot of problems but the most challenging of all are to instill the interest of studying in them.

today one of them turned up early and show his interest in studies. It was amazing after last week's scolding for them who came very late for lessons. They had their habits for whipping excuses and coming late for tuition that cause other tutors to give up on them.

I learnt how to add compassion on them beside being strict and firm with them. Pray that they will turn around when they realise the importance of studies and their parents' hard work to see them thru education.

Growing up period for them will change them and they tends to go rebellious. i have to adopt the different approach after observing and scolding them last week.

Oh God, my Father, i pray that they will open up to you and see the importance of studies. Therefore they will be able to reap the hard work they put in.

Thank you Father. Amen

Photo collections

2006-12-25T18:33:00.000+08:00

You can see this Indian workers crowding around, eagerly to get something for Christmas.

This picture depict the habit of smokers

Black and white of Orchard Road Christmas Light up

Fish And Chip

2006-12-25T18:24:00.000+08:00

I found this fish and chip quite tasty and authentic. Fish and Chip is orginated from England.

Origin of Fish and Chip

It goes back in Great Britain to the early days of the 19th century. Charles Dickens, in his novel Oliver Twist, mentions a fried fish warehouse, but it was not until the 1860s that the trade began to develop as we know it now.Through the latter part of the 19th century and well into the present century, the trade expanded greatly to satisfy the needs of the growing industrial population of Great Britain. The development of the steam trawler brought to these shores fish from all over the North Atlantic, the water round Iceland and Greenland and off the North Cape of Norway.

From the very beginning fish and chipped potatoes have been recognised by the great mass of the British population as providing a nourishing meal offering good value for money. Even today, with many competitive products being offered in the take-away and fast food trades, the traditional British fish and chip shop is still the leader in this particular field

I recommend this place with its branch:

Blk 177 Toa Payoh ( Very tiny food Court where you can see fish and chip stall)

At the corner at coffee shop under new block of flat opposite Kallang Mrt Station

The owner himself was from England, learning how to cook Fish and Chip. He decide to come back to Singapore for good, bringing in the receipe of Fish And Chip.

I must say that the mashed potato is oppmmmhhh good. When you dig in, it will not drop off from your fork. Fish is not so oily and well fried.

Give it a try!

Christmas

2006-12-25T18:09:00.000+08:00

It is long time since I last blog here.

Christmas is round the corner with festive goodies and cheers from our family, friends and relatives.

I felt so much warmth this Christmas not because it is just a Christmas. It is more than Christmas that many people find this a chore to buy presents and whipping up feast for their guests to eat. It is about sharing warmth and joy. What is warmth and joy that radiate from Christmas?

In 2000 years ago when Jesus came to earth to be a man, he was born to Mary and Joseph. Can you imagine that the winter was so cold and there were no rooms for them to stay while Mary was heavy with the child?

People are cold in their hearts that turn them away in bitter cold winter till an inn keeper led them to stable where they find warmth in hay and animals. Mary gave birth to Jesus and there are no people celebrating the joy of birth of Jesus. Angels sing in sky to celebrate the birth of Jesus and announce good news to shepherds and wise men.

Indeed they were few people that travel far to see Jesus and bring warmth to Mary and Joseph that all are not lost.

It is joy to have people coming together to share Christmas and to spread the message that we have not forgetten our family, relatives and friends. Not only that, we must not forget the people whom we do not know or know briefly. Also our Father God who create this earth as our home.

As I was in Orchard Road last Sunday, it was heavy in rain and people were shopping for last min presents. It awe me a lot on their spending power. As we live with good government and have comfort, we also have good earnings to set us in comfort. We tends to spend lot on presents for our families or friends that people in other countries do not have chance to receive presents.

I was doing ginger bread houses with my friends for Youth/Kids Christmas Party and it was fun. We put love and warmth in the houses and to share simple thoughts that the youths/kids are not forgetten even through they come from broken homes or Chinese-speaking parents. Henceforth I found true meaning in Christmas where we sing carols, sharing simple gifts and have good feasts. God is among us touching lives where they come to know that we are not lost.

Alot of good food were shared among friends with red wine that get people drunk. Festive mood set on this christmas compared to last year which was very quiet.

Enjoy the “bitterness” in tea

2006-11-03T12:04:00.000+08:00

Going through the phrase where you experience bitterness, sorrows and happiness that you find peace in your heart, you will find yourself being in calm and steady inner self.

Smiling and keeping cool on many things show your strength and essence in your work you are doing.

I am tea lover. Usually I use 1 tea spoon of sugar for my morning tea so not to taste the bitterness of tea. Floral or fruit tea do not require any sugar.

It is very simple analogy in life. Sweetness represent that you have not went through some hard ship or taste the sorrows that you had cried. You are in comfort zone.

When I drink tea without sugar, I was surprised that I am able to drink tea without sugar. I found the great pleasure in drinking tea and able to enjoy its full flavour of tea. I sipped it slowly and enjoy every minute of savouring tea. No bitterness and I found peace and content in drinking tea.

I asked myself if my taste had changed. I do not like to add too much sugar or no sugar to tea these days and love tea very much.

It strike me that I find that my heart is at peace and serene. I realized that I had went through ups and down and this year was pretty bad that I felt very depressed. Starting from March, I begin to bounce back with positiveness and show my own strength.

Slowly I picked up the pieces and moved on. I was surprised to see many things happening that kept my mind occupied. Most of all, I really enjoyed doing things. My team, MYMCA work and other voluntary work. What is the best to come is to take part in triathlon where I do enjoy swimming in sea. Full of challenges that put you in the zone where you find unknown elements to mould yourself and test your courage.

As the day draw closer where I am celebrating myself coming into this world, every breathes I breathe, lessons in my life and feelings being developed over the years had accumulated and make me strong in many ways.

I met up with some tutors from MHI (Wesley Methodist Church’s Tuition centre for deaf) and we touched on the topics on how to have good approach towards deaf children.

I provided feedback based on my experience of tutoring kids and having interacted with deaf people. To add it on, I provided quirky school life stories that motivate tutors.

One of them remarked that from my English command, he knew that it was based on how I interacted with people and on how I have parent upbringings.

I highlighted to him that some deaf people comes from Chinese speaking family. This is one of factor that contribute to the development of the child. Over all, it turned out to be very fruitful discussion.

In my personal opinion, it was very fruitful because I had went through a lot, facing struggles as deaf individual and on how I overcome my fear to explore the unknown land.

It is the journey of self discovery where the person grow with experience.

I use tea as my simple analogy because tea is bitter. When the person drink the tea without sugar, the person had been through bitterness, hard life and with enriched experience that tea will be able to be tasted bitter. The person will find the bitterness in tea which will bring out the flavour of the tea.

I simply enjoy the tea.

Give it a try to drink tea without sugar and you will understand the bitterness of your life when you are down with bad times.

“Drugs” from Triathlon

2006-10-25T22:00:00.000+08:00

Don’t worship drugs given to you to eat or sniff!!!!

I am much in love with triathlon that I am signing up for OSIM corporate mini triathlon on 4th November. Mini Triathlon will be 200m in swim followed by 10km in cycling and last of all, 2km run. My aim for my timing to complete all the discipline will be within 1 hour.

Initally I wanted to have sprint triathlon( 500m swim, 22km cycling and 5km run) but my prolonged cough had put me off. I just recovered from my cough and do not wish to aggravate this cough in taking part in vigorous activity.

I am still high and very itchy to go for triathlon. Addictive huh? Yes yes very addictive!!!! But I am not so confident in cycling. I just go ahead for this with my gung ho spirit.

To start off with triathlon, the person must have strong mentally to try out this vigorous activity. Knowing how to swim is the important factor because it is not easy to navigate through current with a lot of strong swimmers that will either pull or push you in sea.

I hate running but of course I have to run because it helps me to improve in my breathing techniques and to build up the stamina. Not only that, it also gives you a platform to build strong mind to run well in long distance without feeling tiredness.

It does help me in my dragon boat training where it does involve a lot of stamina and breathing techniques. It also strengthen your mind frame that you are able to do beyond your limit. Endurance is important. It teaches you to be patient with yourself in pacing.

In life, patience is key factor to have success in you. Pacing yourself with others will encourage you to learn from one another. For example, when you run fast like hare in race and you will not learn many things along the way. When you slow down, you are able to see the big picture and learn what you see along the way in order to reach the finishing line. You will meet different people or encounter with unususal things.

I remembered my days spent in South Vietnam where I had my daily morning run with my lecturer across the sands plain near the village in Binh Dong, South Vietnam before staring community work. One morning run saw us running on the road where there were a lot of motorcyclists staring at us running on road. Running through roads made me enjoy the sights of morning activity of Vietnamese. It was December and South East Asia Games was held in Vietnam.

Sights of women selling bbq pork or chicken noodles, big French loaf of bread filled with eggs or sausages or chicken, coffee dripped in special small pot brought out the morning fresh breath in your life. Aroma from coffee was so nice that wake up your inner discovery of yourself.

I will be up running again overseas in December. Guess which country I will have my own morning run?

Food to recommend

2006-10-24T17:35:00.000+08:00

So long time since i last blog on 1st Oct. Feeling gulity!!!!

I am now sharing my good food experience that i had been eating lately either with my good friends or alone.

Food is a pleasure that you will scrumb down to your cravings. Not so long ago, i went with my parent to the temporary market at China Town when Hong Lim Hawker centre was under renovation.

We met 2 old couples who seem enjoying the food. They said that they were very faithful to the same stalls in Hong LIm Hawker Centre and even went to the temporary market to eat the same foods.

They recommended one stall that sell marvellous Hong Kong style fish. Another stall to recommend is their famous claypot rice. The old couples said that they are really happy eating these food. It surprised me alot that in their golden age, they find small pleasure in food.

I had tried the steamed fish from other stall at temporary market at china town. It is at the junction of the road opposite SGH.

Sorry people, i ate half of this fish head. Big fleshy fresh fish head steamed in yellow bean paste. Yummy

Another good food to eat is at Big O cafe at Wheelock place.

This is roasted duck on the top of whipped potato and vegetables. It tastes excellent with the spices. When you first bite the duck, it is very tender and juicy. Excellent...

Guess where is this stall? Those who had patronised it, would definitely say that it is best tau kwa pau. It is found in Katong where there are alot of Perankan Food restuarants. But i found this stall hidden away in old coffee shop. Newspapers cutting rate this best and it made me curious to try this stall out.

Hey, dont be pissed off by this picture but you can see the generous topping on the tau kwa pau. The toppings consists of fish cake bits, scrambled hard boiled eggs and crispy beancurd bits. When you bite the tau kwa pau, you will find its soft juicy tofu while its outer is crispy. It goes well with indian chilli that are often served in indian rojak.

I give it thumbs up and you will find yourself craving more for it!!!

Ice lemon tea is also a great drink made by the indian man. It served in large mug that you will find it so delicious to sip greedily!!!

This picture showed of this famous tau kwa pau with a big mug of ice lemon tea.

I had it few times because i had this craving for this dish.

I will blog for more 'gourmet" food after trying for more food in Singapore.......Yumdeliciously!!!!!

Sisterly bond

2006-10-01T21:11:00.000+08:00

Today i brought my grandma to visit my grand aunt at St Luke's Hopsital.

What brought us to the attention? My grand aunt was lying on bed and was bedridden. She barely could not move let alone her arms. She felt uncomfortable and wanted to pull off the tube from her nose.

The tube attached to her nose is the feeding tube for the liquid food that she cannot eat solid food.

She seems worn out and thinner. She tried to talk to my grandma but my grand ma could not understand her.

When my grandma reached to her hands and hold, my grand aunt opened her eyes wide and tears fell on her cheeks. She blinked at my grandma. Strong sister bond passed through 2 women that moved me deeply.

Wrinkles on their face showed the stories in their life and they are very close despite 2 years difference.

They went through hardships, going through World War II, losing their only brother in war. Therefore in their later years, they faced hardship in keeping families together, running vegetable stall at Balestier Road. They enjoyed the fruits of their hard work only to lose the loved one in their own age.

My grand aunt lost her beloved 2nd grand child whose age was 24 years old. Her beloved grand child was only 24 years old who was bright student and a graduate from NUS. Losing her own grand child was a heavy blow to her that she was half paraysled.

My grand ma went through World War II to see her husband having second wife and lost her own son to heart attack in later years.

That's why they shared strong bond and understanding how they face hard ship and tears in their years. That moved me to tears.

My grand ma took my hands and told me " Achieving something is the achievement that you can enjoy and learn to be strong despite the hard time. Take this in stride and you will be strong in later years."

My grand ma talked to my grand aunt till my grand aunt fell sleep. My grand ma took a walk down, reminscing the memories and said to me, " Strength is what you have in you and us where we face hard times."

She walked with me to eat lunch. I looked at her face and could not believe how strong my grandma walked and chatted despite her old age. I knew that she was strong woman i ever admire. She took care of me when i was little girl. She dealt with many heavy blows that she remains strong till today.

She showed her positive side on life and remain simple in her perceptives on how things changed around her.

How would you cope with your life? Add colours to your life.....

PreSS My BuTTon and I am So AngRy

2006-09-29T23:02:00.000+08:00

TodaY is friday and it was long after one week's SAVA Sprint race.

At SAVA Sprint, my team won gold under North East GRC Novelty Race. It was close fierce battle with KKH Hospital, GRC National Councillor, Breast Cancer Foundation and The TEachers from North East GRC.

Neck to Neck Race that my boat suddenly slowed down half way. We got into very sync and begin to whip out the secret weapon. Starting in beautiful sync, we started to charge up with full energy and shoot off to the finishing line. My team mates screamed out of their lungs towards the finishing line.

I am truly proud of this team who showed strength, unity during the bad and good times. Blind rowers showed their good paddling skills by rowing quite hard. Kudos to them for being in sync with us...

Winning gold is not important but on how we left the deep impact to the spectators. We showed the triumph in coming together as ONE Team consists of deaf, blind and hearing people and stuck together through bad and good times with great coach.

I managed to get good sleep on Monday and suddenly down with flu and bad cough.

Worst of all, somebody pressed wrong button on me and i was on stressed mode facing tons of orders and warranty at work.

Pressing wrong button made me quite upset and suddenly i took a step back to calm myself.

Went to orchard. Stop at Watson, Taka. They are having opening ceremony and all items are at 20% off.

So i bought some stuffs from Watson without thinking. Screaming off my head, i begin to think and drink in some solance. Wandering off in Taka and i felt peace at my heart.

Come to think of this....

How do you find solance for your inner being?

Understanding yourself in new perceptives wil throw you in confusion and you are heading to grit your teeth with anger. Take a step back and think. Analyse where your fault lies in and what are your shortfalls.

I do admit that i have my own weakness that people do misunderstand me. How to improve myself?

Ask one person to keep check on you or you can be very open to any feedback, good or bad. You got to strive and keep on improving on your self.

In the end of day, you will see yourself in new light. I am TRYING hard....to curb down my language using "I". I must use "we" or "Our".

I am TRYING to keep my pace in moderate in order to see different things.

Manage to finish Aquatlon

2006-09-06T21:59:00.000+08:00

Last weekend was hot hot day and it was real intensive treatment for my body.

On saturday morning, my mood was ruined by very rude taxi driver that left me fuming away. He rudely waved in front of my eyes saying "why this big change of $50 note?" and showed his rude expression.

I told him if he wants money or i will leave. Then he slapped the change on my hands. I was so furious at his service. Earlier on, i told him to go to car park F2 at East Coast park. Uncertain if it was teh right place, i ask him to stop at hawker centre first to check out. Then i told him to drive ahead to F2.

He was so rude that left me fuming with anger. I stepped out of his taxi and slapped the door loudly. I gave it "bo chap" attitude and walked off to the tent where many aqua atheltes were seen preparing themselves for the race.

My mood is ruined!!!!.. Emily tried to pacifiy me and i went off for warming up session. I never got angry over this issue but i really dislike any people who ruin my mood in early morning which was supposed to be great for me to perk up at the sight of aquathlon.

My wave started and i begin my 1.5km swim. To my surprise, i was not tired after long swim and exited to the transiation area to put on my running shoes.

It was nearly 11.05am and it was really HoT day. I begin my run in 10km and grabbed 100plus many times to quench my thirst.

When i checked my result, i was quite surprised that i did better than my previous aquathlon in term of swimming. Managed to shave off 10 min in my swimming time despite lack of training.

I dragged my heels under hot sun. The last 200m to finishing line, i immediately gave my best and ran with my might just because i HATE the HOT Sun that burn my back skin.

On sunday, it was really hot day and i rowed harder harder in front of boat. The coach asked me to improve more on my recovery stroke. Oh Damn ...my back was burning...

When i went home to bath, i screamed in bath room. Guess what?

My back was rooasted red like suckling pig...To my horror, i can see the line of my swimming costume and my tank top strip....

Arghhhh.......On monday, becomes darker..hehehe

Sianz week

2006-08-18T21:36:00.000+08:00

Very sianz week...Not so busy but i am grateful for the office mailbox that connect me to the outside world.

I am also grateful for my team mate, Eden for setting up yahoo group that feeds me with alot of messages and my close friend for his daily emails that feeds me about outside world.

I am becoming little country mouse that "cuts" off from the outside world. Can you imagine what it is like living in 3rd world countries with little technology?

I am breathing in city life on weekend. Darn it i even do not have chance to hang around at newly underground shopping arcade at Raffles City but had sat with my close friend for drinks.

Breath in city life again and i am city girl again.....

Realised one thing..You can give 50% to your work that you may not enjoy but give the rest of % to something that you enjoy doing.

I am looking forward to dragon boat where people gets crazy and to chill out in sun. This beats sitting in office facing computer. What's good are the colourful personalities in dragon boat. Bravo..i am looking forward to weekend where i can chill out..

will blog again.. WIth hugs and kisses...I wish to have hugs from friends to comfort. Hugs do bring comfort that speak no words and warmth to the person...

How i celebrate National day in Singapore?

2006-08-09T21:25:00.000+08:00

How time had flown.. Singapore had grown from an small island to commerical city to global city where many foreigners and local come together to make Singapore a place for us to work and play..

Come to think, as living standard has risen up, many young Singaporeans are venturing out to foreign land learning many new things to bring home to share and to contribute to economy. Singapore spirit are united in times of SARS. Salute to doctors and nurses who are fighting to save lives. Singaporeans also stay united to make sure that we are healthy enough to make our home clean.

Landscape of Singapore had changed from Old Singapore where there were many shop houses in China town. No tall buildings for offices to work... Only coolies and trishaw men to be seen in street working so hard to make SIngapore our home.

Old Singapore (Shop Houses in Chinatown)

Looking at this photo. Can you imagine how this shop houses had sprouted into high rise commerical buildings?

As i was taking part in NUS Triathlon Sprint, the cycling route was challenging for me, an invoice who picked up cycling a year ago. I had near-death experience in my adventure race while riding on bicycle not long after i learnt how to ride bicycle.

The cycling route in Triathlon was from East Coast Hawker Centre via Big Splash. I begin to cycle faster towards Fort Road exited to Mountbatten Road. Then along the Mountbatten road passing SADeaf and turn to Nicholl HighWay. What a sight of high rise commerical buildings standing in the heart of city.

I begin to cycle towards Esplande and made U-turn to the road via Suntec that lead back to Nicholl Highway. I started to marvel at the fast changing of Singapore.

Taking part in NUS Triathlon was the way to celebrate Singapore's birthday. When i return back to Fort Road and enter East Coast Park, weariness started to over come me.

Suddenly i pedalled furiously back to East Coast Park Hawker Centre (Transition area) to finish one more discipline.

After putting back the bike at Transition area, i begin to run 5km. It was fairly short for me and managed to finish all 3 disciplines, 500m swim followed by 22km cycling and last of all, 5km run.

It was great sprint i ever did this year.

Had a good rest and head for dragon boat training which last for 2.5 hours. Shiok that i could not sleep well at night. Grab 3 hours sleep and went blur at work in morning.

Feeling high after triathlon and will take part again in Aqauthlon(Swim and run) in coming September..

Happy Birthday , Singapore with my best timing of swimming and running (cycling is unbearable!!)

Motivation and passion?

2006-08-02T21:33:00.000+08:00

Motivation comes from individuals or your own achievements. Passion stem out from the individual in areas of serving God, volunteerism or at work or your own goals you want to achieve.

For example, one volunteer started his/her volunteer work in one community service. Initally, he/she does not know whether volunteerism is her/his calling. When the person is engrossed in doing many things for the community services with her/his giving heart, he/she will feel the sense of achievement from the work done in community services. Hence it sparks off the passion in her/his heart to continue his/her calling.

Therefore she/he finds the motivation in the service of volunteerism. Motivation does not mean that it comes from passion. People around her/his also play the role in bringing the passion to higher calling.

If the people are like-minded in serving with the giving heart without uttering compliants or share the same passion, motivation starts to form. The person will feel the sense of belonging because she/he knows that there are support from other people. People can support one another when in times of troubles or weariness or oberburnt.

Being supportive will motivate the person to stay in line of her/his passion to achieve more.

The environment does play a role too. For example, volunteers are caring and supportive despite the landscape of politics conflicts. It is good because people knows that they are united in team spirit despite the difference in view points or personality.

It taught me many lessons as i went along managing my dragon boat team. I know that the team is growing but the lessons i draw are the support and team being united to work towards the common goal, to have a great race that each person will not forget.

My goal for SAVA Sprint race will not be about winning. I want to make things happen that people will not forget. SAVA Sprint race should be the memorable race for everyone to experience how to row with visually handicapped and deaf people.

Continue from lessons

2006-07-31T22:09:00.000+08:00

2) As you are leaving your mark about your work, people will remember your work and yourself. I recalled the days i spent my days in MHI as committee member.

I started in helping out in sign language department. Soon it sparked my passion in training people.It taught me alot in handling different people and built my confidence to face people.

As i read one brief chapter from the leadership book written by John Maxwell about the Power of Influence, John wrote about Princess Diana who died in car accident.

Many people remember her as the humaritian Amabassdor who did alot of charity work. She made use of her title as Princess Diana to raise awareness about humantrian works despite her troubled marriage.

It is her work that people remember her and cried for her when she died from car accident. It is one of the leadership area that she has strong influence over people.

During my days in MHI, i remember that i get to work with hearing people on projects. The viewpoints between HI individual and hearing individual are different that have alot of disagreement. But it did have everlasting good or bad experience for individual to work together.

Two different worlds coming together is not easy task because of its communication and deaf's command in English language. It takes two hands to clap.

Courage to over come the barrier of communication and to communicate the ideas across to the other party is the achievement for people to make the project a success.

Not many people are open to the new ideas. They can be very cautious over many things for various reasons and hence slow down the work.

Lesson to draw from here: If you find that things are not in favour, try to take a step back and think where it go wrong.

Pace is also important. If you run too fast, you will have your friends lagging behind. So you will stop to pace beside your friend towards the finishing line.

Sunday??

2006-07-30T22:09:00.000+08:00

Lessons learnt today had brought me to understand my LOrd, my Mighty Father better.

He is wonderful God that always works around me and he had given me lessons to learn.

1) Volunteers=> I must thank the 2 role models whom i had known for about 4 or 5 years for inspiring to continue to do volunteer works.

Victor and Evelyn were the example that they showed their passion in serving deaf community. Victor started learning American Sign Language at about 25 years old and went out mixing with deaf. It built up his passion to continue to serve deaf community til today. He is now in late 30s.

Evelyn was another example. Her strong faith in achieving one goal to bridge 2 worlds, hearing and deaf never waver. She strongly emphasis that hearing people never be "2nd class" citizen but to be equal as deaf people in doing volunteer work. She had come far to show that it can be achieved. Collebartion between hearing and deaf can be feasible.

Hearing people can be "listening ear" for deaf people when comes to certain and important issues so that deaf people are able to make decision in better and constructive way.

Both of them inspire me alot til today, i did an interview with them for International Day for Deaf. It was surprising indeed for me because i also manage a dragon boat team which consist of hearing and deaf team mates. I came to understand their passion in volunteerism for deaf community.

I shared my thoughts with my christian team mate how blessed we are by our God that he gave us lessons to grow and to have different perceptives.

Praise our Lord, our Father and Jesus Christ, Amen

Words from your mouth can either "kill" or comfort people

2006-07-26T22:06:00.000+08:00

Whenever you speak, words coming from your mouth can speak the volume of your thoughts.

Sometimes the person with no intention speak from her thoughts can be a disaster or good news. Even writing an email can be a poison too.

People can misunderstand or misinterprete your words. How would we get our message across to other people?

1) Write in simple English in email that can be straight forward. It mean no malice.

2) Some people find hard to express their thoughts into the words and tend to keep quiet in fear of facing objections or rejection from people around them.

3) When embarking on projects or working with people, communication can be important. Sometimes, the person tends to with hold information with reasons and will tell people bits by bits till the person feel ready to accept the major project or assignments.

4) In the rush hours especially at work, the person tends to make things short and gives out the key information without going into details. It can cause alot of misunderstanding.

Sometimes people tends to use words to express their thoughts but can be easily misinterprete by other people.

Is it good to be straight forward without malice or drop hints that people will understand?

Some people do not like hints or cannot get hints because they prefer the straight forward way so that they will understand easily.

In emotional, some people tends to use words carefully to comfort the person or choose to keep quiet not to fan the flames. Sometimes words can be very harsh that woke the person up. It is the most direct way that stir up the raw nerves in the person.

My thoughts here: If i am tactful, will the misunderstanding be minimized? It is something that we have to be tactful in some ways.

But words can speak the volumes of our personality. Even writing simple english is able to get the message across to the other people.

Sometimes words from simple english show no malice and cause people to think more than just a meaning.

Sleepy in my office

2006-07-25T21:34:00.000+08:00

Dozing off in office in front of PC...wah liaozzzzz..Too sleepppyyyy that i cannot keep my eyes open to do work..

I kept on going to toliet to wash my face..

Oh thank god, i managed to finish work before 3pm. My desk is unusally clear unlike the few weeks that my desk got messy with papers everywhere.

My supervisor is so pleased with me today and praised me.. Phewwwww..what a relief despite my sleepy eyes..!!!

Wednesday, dont make me sleeppyyyy

Interesting turns on Sunday

2006-07-25T21:04:00.000+08:00

At 630am, I buzzed my "hubby" if he was awake for Mizuno Wave Run. It was very early fresh morning that about more than 1000 heartlanders and a few teams of dragon boat people signed up.

"Hubby" buzzed me that he was picking up in yellow cab and we headed to Kovan where the run begun at 730am.

I never run for 10km for almost 3months. What a long dry spell for me not to run till yesterday.I told myself to pace myself at slow motion at the start.

Pink bibs numbers for competitive ladies, Green bibs numbers for competitive men and white bibs number for those who take part in fun run.

Flag off at Kovan Hub and the crowd begin to run...At 2.5km, many people grabbed to drink well-deserved water and threw cups on ground. At 5km, i felt heat and sweats coming from the runners.

The atmosphere were still high and people started to slow down. Some people were seen walking. Bravo of my team mate, Victor who was seen using ski sticks to support his crippled legs. He was doing "Terry Fox" style... What a great style!!!

Saw my hunky coach running ahead of me with his team mates. At the end of the run, many people were seen grabbing free goodies bags with exclusive dri-fit shirts. "Hubby" sat on the pavement near ambulance, frowning..I asked him what happen. He did not eat breakfast before the run and felt dizzy. Wearing tight cap was another factor to his dizzness. Lucky man that he finished his run.

Rushed home to take my stuffs for my dragon boat. Excitement still high because my team will have combined training with visually handicapped people to do rowing. My coach was "loaned" to my team because he was the coach for visually handicapped team.

Co-ordination in stroking were corrected by the coach and getting the team to do the sets. Shiok...I was so excited because it really motivated my team to work harder and take training seriously for upcoming race, SAVA Sprint.

I only can pray that by the race, the team will be fit enough to do well in the race.

Adding the dimension to my daily life

2006-07-22T00:04:00.000+08:00

While preparing the lesson for my student, i was wandering into some thoughts and recalled back on how i taught my student.

2 years had passed like flash. My student had grown up into a mature little lady from the rebellious kid.

I remmeber when i first started tuition with her at MHI, she was not serious in her studies. She always skipped the tuition lessons to play in arcade. Can you imagine that i had to sit and wait for her to come?

I always headed to arcade to find her and bring her back.At each lesson, i often scold her with my harsh words. I can be very sacrastic towards her that fright her out of her wits.

In the moment of folly, she felt discouraged and quit halfway from her studies. Somehow she faced another problem in finding a job with only her PSLE qualification. She suddenly remembered my words. My words kept on barking in her mind.

It was fortunate that her school principal was understanding and accept her back to school.

Given this blessing that she was back to studies and decide to be serious, she gave me a call to thank me and wanted me to give her tuition.I was surprised at the change in her attitude towards her studies.

My patience and scoldings (harsh words) are worth all the efforts i put in her. I decided to give her extra tuition given her pace of learning.

This lesson had moved the heart of tuition co-ordinator that she was glad to see her getting serious in studies. Morever she was glad that i had brought her back to right track.

Maintain her pace of learning...

One lady from tuition centre remembered me and we kept talking about deaf issues. This led to one topic on my life. Before she left, she said to me that from my action and my life, this had inspired her to stay on to tutor deaf kids.

On my way out to lift, a guy who studied in USA and had learnt ASL. He was happy to encounter a deaf lady like me who use sign language and strike an conservation with me. He was so excited by seeing me using gestures in my sign language.

Asked me alot of questions and we touched on topics in deaf people in States where he met.

It reminded me of Kenchi who was an American Deaf guy and Yen who was my partner in Master of Ceremony for Family Day2006.Kenchi came to Singapore cos of his marriage to his Singaporean wife. Yen studied in New York and had picked up sign language from deaf people. He was very fluent in sign language. They showed different perceptives on the life style in USA. The thing that attract them to deaf community is their freedom and right in disability system in USA.

This trigger my thoughts and realised that things in Singapore had progressed very fast but deaf people of this generation today had lagged behind in the education where the syballus had been changing over years.

This forced them to think out of box and to be creative where deaf children find hard to catch up.

This is another dimension in my daily life where the person have to adapt to the ever changing world with open mind. The person has to navigate through the obstacles with wits, survival instinct that build the security area around them.

Working in Male-dominated environment

2006-07-07T22:23:00.000+08:00

After many days or months, i had not added my blogs here ever since i started work at NSL Engineering (NatSteel).

Woopz...Leaving me tired after work and rise before the darkness breaking into morning. Catching the bus among the ordinary folks who jam pack at Jurong Bus Interchange.

Eyes sleepy and folks bring their own breakfast to office to eat. Catching 40winks in bus before starting the day at work. Machines start whirling with noises at 8am sharp on dot.

Indian workers climbling out of trucks driven by their foreman to production and start work stretching from 8am to 7pm.

Food not plenty but I am grateful for 2 canteens that cater to Malay minorities and serve little variety of food that leaves you feeling bored. Food in city becomes your luxury when you get off from work on friday and on weekend, head to city to enjoy the food.

Typical day with many emails from clients that want the products filled with parts.

Running around to check stock and go through drawings to match with products before passing to Quality Control Dept for checking.

After approval, the production will start with the new project.

Manuals needed to be sent locally or overseas by DHL in express. Rush manuals to give the warranty for the finished products.

At the end of day, workers rushed out from office at 530pm on dot to catch the company bus before the bus leave after waiting for 5minutes. How impatient of bus driver...Cannot wait even the last worker dare to stop the bus in front of him/her..opzzz..Near -death experience...hehe

Dropping off workers at 5 drop-off points.In bus many workers are seen sleeping or chatting...

chinese cupping therapy

2006-05-23T17:56:00.000+08:00

As i was walking along in Waterloo Street, i saw one interesting sight on Chinese Cupping Therapy.

I asked myself what's good about this althrough it look yucky that leave the patches on your body.

It reminded me of the day when i sprained my ankle (second time) that it hurt very badly. I could not walk so my father decided to bring me to a chinese doctor.

It could easily make my heart go weak...The chinese doctor told me that it looked bad so he need to do suction cupping on my ankle. I looked at him in bewilderment and thought that it was just a massage.

It turned out that he used needles to poke on my ankle and leave few holes. Then he used suction cupping to suck away the blood. Arghhh it nearly made me scream in fear...

He said that it will help to regulate the blood flow and to reduce the clot. My ankle would not be swollen like lump.

I nearly cried because of the suction cupping that suck away my blood. Soon after the blood was dried, he banadged my ankle with strong smelly chinese paste.

I hopped all the way home with less pain. My first sprain was worse that i could not hardly walked. It was when i was in Primary 6.

At Waterloo Street, I was curious and asked myself why many old men goes for the Chinese Cupping Therapy.

Here are little information i had read up.

Cupping is a practice of Chinese medicine recommended primarily for treating bronchial congestion, arthritis, and pain. It is also promoted to ease depression and reduce swelling. It can be used to soothe coughs, treat common colds, relieve tension and pain in the body, treat sports injuries, lower back pain, stress and menstrual problems.

Cupping is supposed to realign and balance the flow of vital energy or life force called qi (or chi, pronounced “chee”). In the presence of illness or injury proponents say, the qi is disturbed and there may be too much or too little at certain points. The practitioner diagnoses any imbalances in the qi and attempts to restore them. Although not widely used as an alternative method of treatment for cancer, some practitioners may use it to rebalance energy in the body that has been blocked by certain tumors.

There are few types of cupping therapies but the 2 types of cupping therapies are commonly used.

Traditional cupping, with use of heated cups, also has some similarity to moxibustion therapy. Heating of the cups was the method used to obtain suction: the hot air in the cups has a low density and, as the cups cool with the opening sealed by the skin, the pressure within the cups declines, sucking the skin into it. In this case, the cups are hot and have a stimulating effect something like that of burning moxa wool.

Moxibustion therapy has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. Moxibustion, uses the common herb Aiye, usually in combination with other herbs. The herbal compound is burned over certain acupuncture points or areas of the body. The dried mugwort leaves are rolled into a cigar-like stick or used loose over protected skin to create warmth and facilitate healing.

Suction Cupping Therapy is a suction gun that used to create a negative air pressure vacumn in the cups placed on the skin. This negative suction is able to release rigid soft tissues and muscles and bring blood flow to stagnant skin. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutes, the skin will turn red, indicating that circulation has been brought to the surface.

Benefits

The skin is our largest organ, containing fluid, blood, blood vessels, connective tissue, muscle and rich in nerve supplies. By creating suction, cupping is used to drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue, and bring blood flow to stagnant muscles and skin. Cupping should generally improve blood and Qi flow in any ‘congested’ area of the body where it is used.

Common disorders treated by cupping therapy:

- Abdominal pain
- Anaemia
- Asthma
- Atrophy syndrome
- Back pain
- Common cold and influenza
- Constipation
- Cough
- Hypertension
- Muscular and joint pain
- Skin complaints
- Varicose and broken veins

The Family Stone hit the chord in my heart

2006-05-20T23:45:00.000+08:00

Packed my stuff for my running with my church friend. It was my first time to have the short training on running with my church friend who wants to lose her weight.

Planned the route within the heart of city. I never knew that there are many routes that can be tailored for the beginners and for the runners who had been running for many years.

I set the time for 20 minutes to start from YWCA enroute towards Clarke Quay, pass through Ministry of Informations and Arts building to Park Mall. The finishing route will be along the road beside Singapore Shopping Centre to YWCA (finishing point). This suit well for the beginners given its flat ground.

This will work out well on legs and to build up the stamina. My friend tried to run continuously but stopped due to tiredness and short of breaths.

I encouraged her to finish the route within 20 minutes so to build up her stamina and on easy route that give her ample time to view Clarke Quay and the sights of Raffles Place.

Soon after finish the services, I went with youths and church friends for dinner. Food at Long John Silver at Macdonalds House is so cold to serve that i went up to the counter to complain. Cold food is not good for stomach. Piping hot food will warm your stomach that you are able to enjoy its freshness.

After dinner, we went back to YWCA Mhi Centre to watch a dvd movie, The Family Stone.

This story is about a New Yorker based career woman,Meredith whose personality that speak volumes on her tailored suits and her face to show that she was very composed and contempory. She faced the unconventional New England family, the Stone of her boyfriend, Everett Stone and the open hostility from the youngest, outspoken sister, Amy Stone.

In the process of adjusting to the Stone family, complications arises when Meredith's easy going sister Julie arrived. The scene of the family showed the great love and support towards Thad Stone who is deaf gay and his boyfriend.

With Meredith facing the hostility and the wrong relationship with Everett, this strike the chord in my heart because this movie show the strong personality of Meredith and soft side of Julie that brings out the open secret of Mrs Stone's diease and lastly of all, to discover the true love in midst of Christmas. Mr Stone showed his side in keeping family together and his warm welcome towards Meredith and Julie. Amy Stone showed her outgoing and frankness that brought her mother and Meredith closer. Ben Stone displayed his easy going character that was able to break the cold wall of Meredith.

It is heart warming towards the end of the show that i can feel the warmth of Christmas spirit and their acceptance of Thad Stone and his partner's decision to adopt a child.

It is the meaningful movie that made me appreciate what i have around me. I really love you Adrian for what you are and for your friendship we shared.

10KM Challenge by Sava Photos

2006-05-17T22:37:00.000+08:00

Finally i found photos in my mail archives. Decided to share this 10km challenge. Sweats, joy and tears to be tasted after the completion of 10km.

Kudos to this fatansic team with their perservance and strength. If not for the endurance, we easily give up.

Photos to share and to be savoured....

22 teams in Kallang River rowing and pit against each other to complete 10km

"NuDe" Blog

2006-05-17T22:19:00.000+08:00

Nothing here.. No Links...How shall i do with links? Sound "Nude" ..naked to the readers who will yawn away....

I am reading up on depression.. Kinda grouchy but got something to read and share in case you get misconception on the words,"depressed" and "depression"

Understanding depression=> you have no idea how it struck you.

Whatever its cause, depression is not just a state of mind. It is related to physical changes in the brain, and connected to an imbalance of a type of chemical that carries signals in your brain and nerves. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters.

Types of Depression

Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as is the case with other illnesses such as heart disease. This pamphlet briefly describes three of the most common types of depressive disorders. However, within these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence.

Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptom list) that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.

A less severe type of depression, dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.

Another type of depression is bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, the individual may be overactive, overtalkative, and have a great deal of energy. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, the individual in a manic phase may feel elated, full of grand schemes that might range from unwise business decisions to romantic sprees. Mania, left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic state.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND MANIA

Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time.

Depression

Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

Mania

Abnormal or excessive elation
Unusual irritability
Decreased need for sleep
Grandiose notions
Increased talking
Racing thoughts
Increased sexual desire
Markedly increased energy
Poor judgment
Inappropriate social behavior

Who get this depression?

Women are almost twice as likely to become depressed as men. The higher risk may be due partly to hormonal changes brought on by puberty, menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy.

Men. Although their risk for depression is lower, men are more likely to go undiagnosed and less likely to seek help. They may show the typical symptoms of depression, but are more likely to be angry and hostile or to mask their condition with alcohol or drug abuse. Suicide is an especially serious risk for men with depression, who are four times more likely than women to kill themselves.

Elderly. Older people may lose loved ones and have to adjust to living alone. They may become physically ill and unable to be as active as they once were. These changes can all contribute to depression. Loved ones may attribute the signs of depression to the normal results of aging, and many older people are reluctant to talk about their symptoms. As a result, older people may not receive treatment for their depression.

How to help yourself if you are depressed

It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime:

-Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
-Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.
-Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
-Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
-Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.
-Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.

It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition like change jobs, get married or divorced

-Discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.

People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.

Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.

Let your family and friends help you.

Dabbling with protaits/photos by Adrian

2006-05-15T14:58:00.000+08:00

I love this photo because it do have its natural effect and its background.

Changed to the sepia effect. It do invoke the thoughts on how the person is deep in the thoughts while looking out to Kallang River

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals. "
Henry Ford

Training and ...Irritation

2006-05-15T13:51:00.000+08:00

Rain pelting on windows and i thought if it continue to rain, training had to be cancelled. On second thoughts, it should not be cancelled because i do not like to dampen the team spirit by cancelling the training.

Met an lady, Wai Fun who read my article in Straits Times. At least it have some awareness on deafness and on how a deaf person lead their life. She was very keen on dragon boat. My God...somebody called her auntie....sending sweats on my forehead...Yes she is married lady.

One person really irritate me by giving me constant smses..Really stalked me after a night out with my friend on Vesak Day.

Manipulating the person's emotions really pissed me off and it gives the ugly side that the person is either obessed or want to possess over you. I cannot be so judgemental but i really feel that way... The person has their own right to have their privacy and their control over their well being.

During the training, i switched with Serene Leong to do some rowings. Felt much better despite the bad cramp on my right leg. Pulled slight injury while running with New Balance running group 2 weeks ago. Gave bad cramps.

Anyway after the training, Adrian looked moody so i sat beside him talking about the direction in our careers. We discussed further on how to reach out to our goals we have.

Goals are that gave you the purpose to live for and to work hard. The road may be hard but you have a goal or 2 to work towards. It is a purpose of living for. I realised that in the end of day, you will know that all the hard work you are working is for the goals you are having.

Had a great dinner. Looking at guys walking past us.

In streets of Orchard, we bumped into Adrian's ex. His ex did not bother to say Hi and walked off. It made me laugh because as ex, it can be awkward to see my own ex. but i see that it should be good if he or she treat us as a friend by saying hi. No grudges....Anyway, just brush it off and continued walking down to the bookshop.

I went out with Adrian to take a look at the books at bookshop which are related to career development and gave us some ideas on how to start out with choosing a career that we are interested in and to enjoy what we want.

Continued to Wheelock place to view the photos exhibition.

Gasp....The photographer showed his awesome work using the pillars. He captured the pillars in Venice at the San Marco Plaza. He managed to take photos of the pillars in the course of weathering and aging, developing its own individuality.

He played with lens and light and hence use the theme, "a bright forest" to describe his exhibition.

It left me with the impression that his mind is simply unfathomable but express his thoughts through the work. I tried to read his mind but his work speaks the volumes of words to decsribe each photo.

I saw a book which has japanese language and its translation in English. A thought popped in my mind and i decided to ask Adrian to read Japanese language and translate it into English. Adrian is curently taking japanese language as it is part of his interest to read japanese language.Impressed with his hard work in translating, it opened my mind that things can be translated in many ways.

For example, one photo you will see. It all depend on each individual how to translate the photographer's mind into words.

I caught the bus home...Constant Smses from the stalker that irritate me and i wanted to switched off my handphone but i cannot because i need to be in touch with my friends.

Keep my cool till i reached home. Almost had night mare but i have to deal with it.

I decided to harden my stance and sms back to the person not to bother me and to respect me and my privacy.

To finish the smses, i told him not to bother me and gave him harsh words through Smses..Finally peace unveil throughout the morning.....

Continued...Ferry Terminal not Tourist friendly!!!

2006-05-13T22:44:00.000+08:00

Immediately i went out to catch a cab to Grand Palace which is the residency for the Thai Royal Family. Next to the Grand Palace was the Wat Phra Kaeo in the same compound enshrines the Emerald Buddha image, most revered by the Thai people.

It was so hot hot that i kept on drinking mineral water. Water is so precious that i am thankful for Singapore water which is so clean that you can drink from tap.

Took Tuk Tuk to Chinatown. Driver so witty to navigate through busy roads full of cars giving out black smoke( Carbon Monoxide)..Coughs coughs....

China town was full of vendors selling handicrafts, plastic bags ..etc at cheap price...I bought about 50 pieces of earrings ( Hope i am not that freak but sad to say that i am collector of earrings and watches). Real dirt cheap...make me....spend money on these items.. Knit my brows.Opss

Had my thai salad full of fruits and vegetables for my lunch.Honey dew is my most hated fruit that i put it aside.

Walking around Chinatown for 4 hours hunting for bargains till i was very very contented with my stuffs. Walked to ferry terminal.

It was not tourist friendly. 2 ang moh guys and i were so frustrated with the little information which ferry to Central Pier. We just sat down looking at the boats. I went off to ask one Thai lady. Just too bad she do not speak English. So i kept on gesturing which boat to take to Central Pier. One ang moh guy point at the map of Lonely Planet. She nodded and helped us to the right boat. Thanks to Lonely Planet book that is great to use....

Hopped off to Central Pier and caught train back to Silom Area. Night fell and the activities at night market was in swing..buzz with noises and sex shows.

Gave myself a little treat at Japanese Resturant which serve nice and cheap bentos.

Great dinner to end my bangkok trip but not the ending yet.....

Shopping was the last thing to do before ending my trip in Bangkok.

Next day=> Went down to a famous shopping centre, MBK. Spent almost half a day walking around. Browsed around DVDs collection and bought a few.

To end my trip, encountered with good and bad incidents.

When i was having my early dinner before catching taxi to airport, i heard a loud slap. My goodness....i turned around and saw a man slap so hard on a lady who looked so angry. They were fighting outside food court. This is really absurd.....Slapping a lady in public is uncalled. A man should settle the problem as a gentle man instead of slapping her...That lady ran off after the man wanted to slap her more. Fortunately, a few bypassers helped to stop him from slapping her.

Then i walked off to catch taxi. I was surprised to see 2 gays holding hands looking very initimate. Wow...In Singapore, it was frowned!!!...

Took a taxi to airport to catch my flight home. SUprise??? The taxi fare only cost 150 bahts compared to the taxi i took from airport to hostel.. What a RIP off!!!!!!!!

Flew home with memories of this trip...

A note to say with a beautiful quote i read.

"Life is either a great adventure or nothing."
Helen Keller

Being a back packer going on trips alone and being a woman had my friends being so concerned about my safety. But I decided to go ahead with this trip despite the stories told by my friends about abductions.

Overall, this trip was an eye opener and open up the windows to the whole new world where you learn the way of local people living and to have discovery of yourself. It was the adventure of self-discovery with good and bad experiences.

When I was sitting listening to my pastor's sermon, she talked about having adventure in your life. Going out to the world, transform many lives will be your adventure. It was another adventure where you stand up from the couch and come out from comfort zone to discover the "new" yourself.

I began to know myself better after my return from Bangkok. Went through the great changes and the roller coast of emotions but i am thank ful for the support from my good friends. Thank you, A for your patience with my whimps and tears and H, P for your prayers and K for his leadership advice.

TuK TuK in the middle of polution on road

2006-05-13T21:52:00.000+08:00

In early morning, the lady boss of Urban Age handed me the map with Thai language on it. She said that she came to know about my asking for help on the direction after i check in Urban Age. So she decided to print the map for me. Thumbs up for her service. (Extra mile for this service).

She also helped to write Thai language to the interesting places for communication to drivers in case i take taxi or tuk tuk around in Bangkok.

Hailed the taxi to National Association for Deaf which was situated out of city and was 30 minutes drive away from Silom Area.

Phew, not caught in traffic jam in morning hour otherwise my legs cannot stand the small space in taxi.

So remote place and i noticed that National Association for Deaf was at the far tiny corner after the white big rich houses. I stepped in and 2 deaf ladies looked at me with many questions in their mind.

I quickly introduced myself from Singapore in ASL(American Sign Language). One deaf lady, Saowanee smiled and signed in ASL. We immediately clicked well using ASL and her Thai sign Language. I told her that i wanted to look around the association and its function.

Saowanee showed me the management chart. Dont make my jaws drop including yours. National Association for Deaf in Bangkok is the head quarter for the whole Thailand. They have regional quarters in different parts of Thailand. They are North East, South, Central and North.

Once every 3 months, the presidents of regional quarters will gather in Bangkok for General meeting to update the happenings in their regions and to list down the needs required so that National Association for Deaf will look into.

Thailand is quite big country comparing with Singapore which is just a tiny dot on the world map yet National Association for Deaf have to look into the regional quarters to meet the needs of deaf individuals.

I met an old deaf lady who was so zeal in bringing deaf youths to the association and never fail to smile. Guess how old was she? 64 years old..wah..She still have this zeal and energy to help deaf people out of her golden heart. Will you have this energy to do volunteer work? Suppose that many people want to enjoy the golden years of retirement....

It really invoke my inspiration in being an advocate for deaf community. Like Helen Keller who was an deaf educator in USA and had tirelessly gave lectures to inspire people despite her being blind and deaf. Full of optimistim...

Then i bought 6 parts of Thai Sign Language to add to the collection of international sign language books by this dare devil friend.

(continued......)

Thai Massage (Part 2)

2006-05-11T00:07:00.000+08:00

Before i retire early for the next day trip to National Deaf Association, i went to massage parlour. Bangkok is said to be famous for their thai massage. So i gave it a try..

Shiok...Different from here which give you superficial massage.

Thai massage or Ancient Massage is an extraordinary method of aligning the energies of the body, and originates from the time of the Buddha.

They incorporate everything from Yoga positions and Yoga therapeutic practices to Reflexology and Thai style foot massage.Thai Massage treats the whole person in their entirety... mind, body and spirit.

It provides relaxation, balance in the body's various centers, healthy blood circulation, and an overall manipulation of the physical form and structure of the body.

You are given pajamas to change and lie down on mat. The masseur will start with your legs followed by your arms and lastly of all, your back. Yoga positions will be done together with your masseur.

It was very relaxing session that last only one hour. In fact i wanted to do more of this massage but time was short that my stomach was growling with hunger!!!

As i looked up the facts about thai massage techniques in internet, i came across interesting facts about this techniques. It was no wonder that the masseur did body contract with my body in order to allow the flow from the massuer from my body.

Techniques

1) It's done with both palms of the hands. The most of Thai massage is based on finger pressure.In the process of circulation, the venous flux is generated by the muscles that, pressuring the vein, assist the blood circulation

2)The masseuses will use their feet on your back, even walking on it.

3)The massage giver leans on the recipient's body using hands and forearms to apply firm rhythmic pressure to almost every part of the taker's body

Physical Benefits from this massage

1)Help detoxification of the body and boost immune system

2)Increase blood circulation, lower blood pressure

3)Good for muscle relaxation, increase flexibility in your muscles, increase mobility

4) Improve breathing

5)Improves posture, balance, corrects body alignments and dissolves energy blockages

6)Improves athletic performance

7) Help arthritis and back pain

8)Help tone the body, strengthen joints and fight diseases, including chronic joint problems

9)Prevents illnesses and alleviates degenerative diseases

10)Slows the aging process

Mental Benefits

1)Improve your outlook towards life; builds an emotional balance

2) Help with concentration and creativity/ Mind and body concentration

3)Clear and calm your mind

4)Help you gain mental clarity

Ripped off and bunk at Silom Area in Bangkok(Part 1)

2006-05-10T00:25:00.000+08:00

Caught afternoon flight on budget plane, Tiger Airways to Bangkok. TigerAirways did not provide any drinks and food on board so you had to buy instant noodles, bread, coffee..etc.. from them on board.

Be ware of taxi booths at the arrival hall when you cleared the immigration area. What a rip off!!!!

When i looked for one taxi booth that offered affordable price that would bring you into city, i was so amazed that they over charged you. Every taxi booth offer 700 bahts ( S$30) plus 60 bahts for toll on highway. They were like sharks that is ready to rip you off your money. I only discovered this when i returned home from Bangkok and my dad forget to warn me about these taxi booths...Remember to go to 2nd level at airport where you will find taxi meter that offer you affordable price to city.

Urban Age is a backpacker hostel that have all the basic needs. Quite good stay especially these nice ladies who offered you all the help you need. Urban Age was situated in Silom Area where you can go to night bazzaar and able to see many ladies doing bar top dance in bikini. What a feast for your eyes.

Silom Area sell alot of pirated DVDs, "branded" bags, wallets and shoes. Alot of good things you can find there.

I trotted down to have my dinner. Food was cheap that you can afford to eat in restuarant. One set meal in restuarant would only cost you only $6 to 10 including services charges.

Thai fried rice noodles was one of Thai's speciality and i tried it. Full of noodles with chicken and hard vegetables that you could not chew properly.

What a night that i walked around Silom area, breathing in night life and enjoying seeing many men asking passerby to come in and watch sex show. They are pimps la..

Time to retire for the next day...

Off to BanGKoK

2006-05-03T09:08:00.000+08:00

Hello

Please be patient for 3 or 4 parts about my BangKok trip.

Off to budget terminal that i never see before.

So Enjoy reading my blog and put up your comments if you have your own blog........

Cheers

Japanese Ice Cream At Marina Square

2006-04-30T23:09:00.000+08:00

Time to show off my photography skills but with digital camera, it look even sweeter.

Yesterday my friends and i went down for japanese ice cream for our dessert. Red bean, japanese chewy glutionous flour sweet taste yummy!!!!!!.....It really whet my appetite. Worth my queuing up for 20 min for that japanese ice cream.
Doris and Charlene, sorry for capturing you both on this camera but ice cream look even more livelier with your expression...hehe ..This is the ice cream i ordered for myself to rest my soul.... Green Tea Ice cream is really mouth smacking. Not so strong green tea taste but mild. I simply love it. Got vanilla ice cream. Damn better than Macdonald ice cream which have milky taste( I Hate THAT!!!).. When you dig in, you will find KAYO jelly which will melt in your mouth.

Charlene ordered japanese pancakes filled with fine roasted peanut (I can smell its fragrance from far away as it just fried) and red bean air flown from Japan.

Lip Smacking and it leave me very full... I simply love that dessert!!!! Cross my heart....

Running in the heart of city

2006-04-27T23:29:00.000+08:00

I am quite happy that i picked up my running shoes again after several months (lost count) in abyss of dark period. I could not pick up my running shoes due to removal of my mole and my own affair that i did not feel good.

I saw a group of runners started by a few volunteers with passion in running at New Balance a few months back. Thought of joining them til today i started my first run with them.

They asked me to choose the shortest route(about 5km) or longest route (about 10km). Hmmmm Guess what i do?...I ask my running partner..Wah liao..He insist taking on 10km...

My mind wanted 5km so to build up the mileage and my stamina again like i used before. To maximum my stamina and to add the mileage, i decide to take 10 km no matter how slow i am.

Oh my..the other runners shoot off like veterans running so confidently...Oh my...I ran so slow...

Long time ever since i last run for biathlon before my removal of mole....Running is not about winning or to get better in running. It is about overcome many barriers in your life no matter how fast or slow pace you set in your life. Thoughts came to my mind. Years went past from my childhood to present. I was so amazed on how I managed to sail past the obstacles with GOD's strength. God made things possible for me. I thank God for this in my short prayer.

As i ran through Fort Canning, I saw the colours of lights with dome shaped shelter at Clarke Quay. I was so amazed how Singapore had changed alot within shortest time. So much vibration and you can feel the night of life from the distance where you stand at Fort Canning. My heart beat beat as i ran through Clarke Quay. Saw many pubs and resturants full of people eating and drinking to hearts' content.

I asked myself, WOW so much life at Clarke Quay...what about your healthy life style?

I remembered that i worked in Brewkerz ( American pub cum resturant) for a short time to earn money. Met many different people especially expats. They love christmas parties that i worked til late nights for a week. Slogging with long hours but it gave me different insights on how expats live their lives out in Singapore. Really bring in their own skills to contribute to economy in Singapore and quite resourceful. They also brought their families for breakfast on Sunday.

Brewkerz management emphasis on sporting lifestyle that they have dragon boat team, rughby..so on...that is open to expats to join in. So vibrtating working environment that i enjoyed working there during my short stint.

Also worked at coffee club at Raffles place. It was quite different from Brewkerz in terms of catering to customers. The exceutives often drop by for a short drink and went off to work. At night, they just grabbed drinks and went off.

Wow..so many colourful pictures in different part of city that i wanted to take photos. Damn it..No camera...

Running is not about running but in your life, HOW would you change your own course of life with your running shoes? Running is to build mileage you can run. Mileage is about your achievements in your life you had achieved or overcome.

Coffee facts from Reuters

2006-04-25T22:58:00.000+08:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Go ahead and have that second cup of coffee -- or third, or fourth. A study published on Monday shows heavy, long-term coffee drinking does not raise the risk of heart disease for most people.

The study, which followed 128,000 men and women for as long as 20 years, showed that drinking filtered coffee -- not espresso or French-style brews -- did not raise the risk of heart disease.

Heavy coffee drinkers did tend to smoke and drink alcohol more often and those two factors clearly do raise heart risk, the researchers report in the journal Circulation.

"We believe this study clearly shows there is no association between filtered coffee consumption and coronary heart disease," said Esther Lopez-Garcia, an instructor in the School of Medicine at the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid in Spain, who worked on the study.

"This lack of effect is good news, because coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world."

Researchers also found no link between heart disease and how much caffeine, tea or decaffeinated coffee people drank.

But this does not mean that everyone can overload on coffee with impunity, said Rob van Dam of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

"We can't exclude the association between coffee consumption and the risk of (heart disease) in small groups of people," Van Dam said in a statement.
In March, a study published in the

Journal of the American Medical Association showed that people with a "slow" version of a particular liver enzyme gene had a higher risk of heart disease if they drank more coffee, compared to those with a fast-metabolizing version. Liver enzymes metabolize coffee and many other compounds.

And several studies have shown a link with heart disease and copious drinking of French press coffee, made using a mesh filter instead of a paper drip filter, or perked coffee.

The Harvard and Madrid teams used data from two ongoing studies -- the all-male Health Professionals Follow-up Study, which began in 1986, and the all-female Nurses' Health Study, which started in 1976.

Volunteers in both studies fill out periodic questionnaires about their diet, exercise and other health habits and undergo regular physical exams.

The researchers found more than half the women and 30 percent of men who drank six or more cups of coffee a day were also more likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol and use aspirin, and were less likely to drink tea, exercise or take vitamin supplements.

But once these factors were accounted for, there was no difference in heart attack risks between the very light and heavy coffee drinkers.

A study published last November found no link between coffee drinking and high blood pressure, but an apparent association with drinking caffeinated sodas.

SlogGing Hard and I am Not PerFecT...

2006-04-25T21:32:00.000+08:00

Breaking into sweats after attending the dragon boat manager's briefing for 10km challenge. Safety is my top priority for all my crew members. Wah.. Strong teams with Ang Moh burly people...Sweat sweat...

Friday-Met up with Jelly Belly for short quick discussion and had dinner with toad..

Stretch my body on one fine morning, 22 April.. I dragged myself to meet Pastor David Wee to discuss on MYMCA. My mind still in slumber land...Struggled to keep my eyes open..Rushing down to Ikea burger king and grab hot tea to keep me alert for a whole day. Really perk me up....after having this heavenly tea.

After the discussion, i "zoomed" through the maze in IKEA to buy "kiddy" colourful mats to save the butts of a few crew members.

Took the bus to Plaza SIngapura to buy bananas, drinks and bread for carbo meals. Met toad and the tallest bean stalk to help me with these provisions. Feeling like housewife buying groceries for the household needs.

Hunger pangs.....Grab fried rice and brief the members who arrived early. Wow..Excitement high in air!!!!!

Are You Ready? Up...Popping sound and here we go with other 19 boats down Kallang River.

Wah Liao..Strong men furiously paddle paddle hard that have backwash of water. Nearly capsize us but we paddle paddle harder.

HI Raleigh crew members sang loudly all the way in Kallang river. Hope it wont awake the river ghosts and grab us down.....*Touch wood*

Splashing down on my face, hoping that my contact lens won't drop off... 1 more laps to go...aiyooo..Team morale went down after seeing the boats complete 1 lap. We were far far behind them but we still continued to paddle one more lap....Wahh...

Cramps Cramps on my right leg that i cannot move..Suspension bridge come faster..i cannot wait to finish...

Ahhh last 2.5km to go.....One boat came after us.. Ohhhh all guys in that boat capsized earlier..It gave the advantage..Paddle fast!!!

The guys sailed past us towards the finishing line...wah..I screamed screamed loudly to step up and paddle harder.We gave it all the best while singing the worst song...Gritted thru teeth..

Ahh at least land comes up..I could not barely stand up due to the cramps.

10 Km to accomplished in our pioneer 10 km event...Ya...

My body nearly went dead but had to do mind mapping for dragon boat proposal.

Hit the pillow to slumberland.....Monday and today, i went blur...Busy with work and went to bed late for past few days.Emailing was another mistake for me. Forget to email to certain people and even add NO heading..impolite of me!!!!

Today, i got time mixed up. Supposed to hit gym at 9pm after watching T.V but saw the clock, 10pm.. aiyooo so late.. so i took a bath.

ping ping..Saw 9.15pm clock on my laptop and double check with my watch.. Wah Liao...i got time mixed up. There goes my gym ritual!!!!! Toad dont scold me but my mind is tooo tired..Toad spare the rod for me. I want to save my butt.

Off to slumber land at 10.30pm to rest my mind. Very hazy that cause me to feel blur and my mind is not in sharp form for few days.

Blog here..Terrible blog ...I hope to blog more informations in few days'time...

Packed week

2006-04-21T01:20:00.000+08:00

Back from Dragon boat manager's meeting. What a long week that my legs are aching...

Doing road shows to present MYMCA deaf club at different organisations and meeting people to collect feedbacks.

This week is really HIGH Roller Coaster for me. SAd, emotionally stirred that makes me go nuts.

MonDay and TUesday, I had been "yelling", getting into squabbles with my Dare-Devil friend in msn. Tuesday- my mind "nagging alot" that made me mentally deaf. Think like deaf but cannnot think that way otherwise i will find myself sinking into dirt and dark abyss of negativity.

Wednesday- Did presentation with MHI programme coordinator who agree to help me to arrange a date to show to youths and other people in MHI what is MYMCA deaf club. Rushed down to see the interested people...WOW..POsitive signs...My god, you really bless my day.

Article running in STraits Times "Mind your Body" about my life and dragon boat team. Emails flooding in my mail box that took me hours hours to reply them. One deaf lady sms-ed that she was struck in her words that could not be expressed. Glad that that article inspire some people in positive way. Postive way attract POSITIVENESS!!!!....

My ex-student sms-ed me that she wanted me to give her tuition as she is struggling in her studies. Due to my strict, (sparing the rod) and firm tongue leashing, she managed to pass PSLE at her second attempt. She dropped out from sec school and break break my heart. NOw she made a big step in her decision to continue her studies. Cheers...Mend my heart....

Hope that she wont disappoint me again...Pray hard..

Today, went off to Manager's briefing. Many questions shooting at the organisers (Damn cool)...
Heck it off...i struggled to understand through the interpreter (one of rower) and goggle at ang moh guys who are drinking at Irish pub.. Weird ah?? Briefing at pub..Real CoooooL...

came back home late after dinner..Drop email what will happen on this sat (10km Challenge) to all dragon boat crew members. It really make me break in sweats....

Sweats...Blog here at this hour..Sleepyyyy...

Toad, dont cane me la...Remember not to soak in milky muddy pond or it will give you electricity.. Dont let your memory fail..or i will waste my saliva repeating repeating..

My heart Sink!!!

2006-04-16T22:19:00.000+08:00

My Heart Sink Sink.........

I dunno why i love dimples....

Dimples make my heart melt....

Smile with dimples soften my heart.....

My heart sink......

Let's Look Forward to the "Land of Smiles" where i can find dimples to sweep me again....

My long weekend

2006-04-16T21:42:00.000+08:00

What a bad start on Saturday morning after a great dinner and dessert with my friends on Good Friday.

I was supposed to meet friends to mingle around with deaf youths and to practice photography but i completely forget the important meeting. What a bad start...

Alarm clock buzzing away and shake my bed. I snub the clock and sleep longer like beauty. Handphone vibrate and vibrate. What an irritating morning that disrupt my beauty sleep......My left eye flew open to read sms. Eyes widen open when i read the sms....Opzzzzzzz...

I shoot off from the bed and panick. I dunno where to start. Bag first...I immediate chuck the important items that i need especially my newly lip balm bought from Tupperware in my bag. Bath to wake myself up from slumber land. Brain Brain wake up and stay sharp for the long day!!!..

Taxi Taxi come into my mind to rush down for the meeting. What a relief..People are waiting for me so that we can proceed with the meeting. It was my first time that i over look the important meeting. What earth happen to my memory? Damn it....

After the meeting, i went off with Adrian for lunch. Yummy chicken rice at far east plaza and took a walk to Orchard Library to browse the book. Guess what????

At Kinokuniya, i saw Nanz Cheong-Komo who was the founder of $1.99 shop (closed down due to bankrupt). Damn sweet and pretty. Down to earth lady i must say... I whipped out a paper to write a note to encourage her to stay positive. She is real brave woman that face the world when she was in bankrupt. I bought her book to read.Take my hat off to her.

Strolling down Orcahrd and catch bus to Suntec City to browse around at "Why Pay More?"

Tempted to buy sports gear and a bag....Dont give me this hell....Temptation is something you have to resist... I told myself hundreds times not to buy anything til my trip to Bangkok.

Hellish thoughts...Throw it away from my brain...

As usual, i paid a visit to my grandma. She whipped up a feast for 15 people (consists of my uncles,aunties and cousins).. Ohhhhhaaaahhhhh... 1 pot of beehoon, 1big plate of Hokkien Mee,1big plate of Ee mee and 2 pots of her super super trademark hot curry!!!!

My cousins groaned and stuffed themselves with dinner to please my happy grandma... I even groaned cos i am sooo scared of putting on weight!!!!...

Mango is my favourite fruit to finish off after my dinner. Yummy....

Went home late with my sleepy head.. Off to slumber land..

What a boring day so i blog here....

My Abstaining from Tea for a Day..

2006-04-13T22:30:00.000+08:00

Tea is the best cup/starter to start a day ahead of you. I often start the day with breakfast tea with my breakfast. Tea truly perk me up so that i can face the long busy day ahead.

I decided to have milo with dark chocolate powder for a change and decided to abstain from drinking tea for a whole day. I usually drink 3 or 4 teas a day to keep me sane.

What an incurable habit!!!!!.....Time ticking away and my eyes struggle to stay open to do work. Ahem....Suddenly lethergic creeps in and my mind started to slow down. Ohhh..dear..i kept on telling myself not to take tea.

Lunch hour.....I dashed out of office...Opzzz..Did i drink any ice lemon tea for my lunch? Dragon fruit with honey is out of the world....It simply taste good.Crumb my craving.

Another half day to go till i met up with 2 friends to exchange the pointers on photography. I almost wanted to order teh-o but refrained from it. Lime juice to end the dinner well.

So lethergic after the whole day without tea. I am tea lover that have this incurable habit. LOve tea....Finally i gave myself a treat by having a morning tea the next day. Bottoms up.

Facts about Green Tea (Best to drink it)

The active ingredient in green tea, catechin, has also been found to outperform Vitamin C and beta-carotene ten times in scavenging the alkyl peroxyl radical. One study found green tea polyphenols to be more potent antioxidants than Vitamin C, Vitamin E, rosemary extract, and even curcumin in some systems.

According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, in laboratory studies using animals, catechins scavenged oxidants before cell damage occurred, reduced the number and size of tumors, and inhibited the growth of cancer cells. White tea is said to be even more effective. However, human studies have proven more contradictory, perhaps due to such factors as variances in diet, environments, and populations

Benefits of drinking green tea

Prevents Cavities
Green Tea contains fluorine that helps prevent cavities and strengthens teeth. Green Tea is also said to be able to kill oral bacteria that may cause bad breath.

Cancer
Breast cancer A recent Japanese study explored in greater detail the epidemiological findings on green tea's protection against breast cancer. In this case, women with stage I, II and III breast cancer were assessed in terms of their green tea consumption. It was found that "premenopausal women who consumed more green tea had a lower number of lymph node metastases. In postmenopausal women greater consumption of green tea correlated with increased expression of the estrogen and progesterone receptor, which implies more differentiated tumor cells and better prognosis." Finally, in a seven-year follow it was found that "women with stage I or II cancer who consumed five or more cups of green tea a day had approximately half the recurrence rate of those women who consumed four cups or less." Researchers at the Department of Surgery, Division of Oncology and. Center for Human Nutrition, University of California found that Inhibition of VEGF transcription appeared to be one of the molecular mechanism(s) involved in the antiangiogenic effects of green tea, which may contribute to its potential use for breast cancer treatment and/or prevention.

Heart

Since blood sugar tends to increase with age, accelerating aging by cross-linking with proteins (glycation), the ability of green tea to lower serum glucose levels is extremely important as part of its anti-aging benefits. Some would argue that tea's ability to lower blood sugar, and thus insulin levels and glycation, is its most important anti-aging property. A study comparing the effects of 75-day feeding of green tea and black tea to aged rats found that green tea lowered blood sugar only slightly better than black tea (23.9% vs 22.8%), but was markedly superior in reducing triglycerides (33.3% vs 25%; high triglycerides are strongly associated a high risk of cardiovascular disease). A low ratio of triglycerides to HDL is an excellent marker of cardiovascular health. Black tea, however, was a better inducer of superoxide dismutase (SOD; the activity of SOD was 117% higher in the black tea group vs. control, as compared to 90.8% higher in the green tea group), and a better blocker of the harmful malondialdehyde, a byproduct of lipid peroxidation (black tea reduced it by 34.6%; green tea by 25.4%). The authors' conclusion that black tea is a more powerful antioxidant in vivo needs to be confirmed by other studies.

WhAt Is YouR ContRiBuTioN?Is this Your Legacy?

2006-04-11T23:42:00.000+08:00

I am getting more gulity. Why dont i go to gym today to do workout? Lame Lame excuse. Anyway i am in not good mood that i went to do some research and read up on many words. I must stick stick more papers in my room to remind me to do gym for workout instead of sitting in room reading books?

I thought of this word: Contribution

Contribution i am talking in this blog is the word i had been thinking for a whole day.

Contribution can be defined in many ways. Your time and your effort to share your passion in your area of interest? Your money that make things easier for other people?Ideas to make things work in an organisation?

People view this in different way. I will write more later on...

Search for Hostel in Bangkok

2006-04-11T00:06:00.000+08:00

As i was browsing through the website for cheap and good hostel for my bangkok trip, i came across one website that i love very much. Wish that the kind soul will sponsor my one night stay for this hostel so that i can laze there. Wishing Star, please grant my wish...(giggles)

http://www.khaosanroad.com/swanna/rooms.htm

This room seem so yippeee and chic that will make you feel more lazy. One room cost about S$50 per night. Sound steep for the backpacker like me who is on budget.But this room is what i dream to stay there unlike the 3 or 4 star hotel that give standard look for the hotel room. Stiff, boring room with brown blanket on bed...Yawn...

I am budget concious and have to look for cheaper hostel. I came to realise that there are 5 or 6 districts in Bangkok. In China town, there are many backpacker hostels that you will definetely choose but have to share with the travellers.

I like this toliet part because of its design. You can check this whether the mirror will tell you if you are fat or slim. You can take your sweet time having shower or sleep there with your mouth open. Not only that, you can doll up to nines with make up and be more concious about your look before you step out to visit places. Real cool and hippy...

I am not bluffing.. Look at toilet seat...Shiny enough...Clean and sleek. Huh? Do these photos decieve you?

Please do click on url address i had upload in this blog and check this out.

Those people who are clean freak and on budget, this hostel is recommended and make sure you dont complain that this hostel clean you out of money.

Sound negative? Haa..I wish that these design will be for my own home pad where i can jump, sleep or eat or excerise even at the corner, i can huddle and sleep.

Real cool and very sleek that suit for a couple who want to be on honey moon. Nice pad for the couple who can have their own privacy so that they can get lost in their world.

Enough of my raving raving about this hostel....

My "Punishment"

2006-04-08T14:16:00.000+08:00

My friend admonished me last thursday on my leadership qualities. It set me thinking for a few days.

As i was writing the this blog, thoughts started to run inmy mind. It do help me to reflect on my leadership qualities.

I realised that for the past 3 years, i had been learning many things from the individual that comes along my path. Learning many things and having going through many painful trial-and-errors that brought me heart aches in past years.

It is time to anaylse my leadership style again and to refresh myself.

It all start with the renew passion that i have to take a rest and to think again. I am stepping in the new level of leadership where i have to motivate people, give the direction for them to lead. What's important for me is to allow the ownership filter through the team mates with firm decisions.

I am reading up on the book about leadership again.It renew my faith in my leadership qualities. Motivation comes from the passion within you that you will flourish to be better leader with sound and decisive mind. This is the basic principle that i need to remember all over again.

Over the years, i had been doing many things that i had forgetten the basic principle. It is time for me to sit back to reflect.

I have to change my thinking and must be more pro active in creating an environment where the mates will find the ownership to lead before i can move on.

Tips for you and myself to remember:

Create a reliable, robust and attractive vision of the future that people will respect and believe in (meaning that they'll enthusiastically follow your lead)
Communicate your vision, and see the benefits as people work to the best of their abilities to complete the projects you initiate successfully
Grow your self-confidence, becoming a calm and self-confident leader, and one who inspires confidence in others
Build a reputation for expertise and a track record of achievement that teams members and your peers will come to respect, value and trust
Make good decisions under pressure, with the confidence that you’ve done the homework needed for these decisions to be right
Build a strong, flexible and highly effective team, expanding your ability to deliver many times over
Develop the sureness of touch shown by the best leaders, and learn to build the empathic, mutually trusting relationships needed for maximum team performance
Enjoy mutually rewarding, co-operative working relationships with team members and peers.
Enjoy the happy, energizing atmosphere that comes with this;
Keep people on target and performing well together in a “firm but fair way” that gets the job done while respecting the rights of team members
Learn to inspire and motivate team members so that they'll "go to the ends of the Earth" to give their very best
Become a truly inspirational leader, and enjoy the perks that come with this

This brought me many memories in past where i was very active in leading people. Over years, i had been learning and enrich myself that i develop my own personality.

I thank my LORD for the valuable lessons being learnt for past years and for the strong friendship i share with this funky, yuppie friend. Amen

It is like marking on the book, correct the mistakes that you will learn and understand.Red marking will make you remember not to fail and to pick up, remember and move on with fresh start.

Think twice

2006-04-07T07:27:00.000+08:00

Hello folks,

I may be slow in blogging today. Please bear bear with me as i was juggling with work, emailings, MSN and doing research at the same time.

Please check this blog tonight as it may be long long blog.

Gulity...

2006-04-05T23:34:00.000+08:00

I am feeling gulity...Extra Gulity!!!!!!!..Always make excuse for myself but all excuses are too concidenctial that make me feel more gulitier!!!!!!

What's about thingy that make me feel gulitier?

May god bless me with good things that will comfort my gulit...

Well, it is about my body that make me feel more more awkward. I see fat gaining around my waist.. Woah....Had been eating good food lately that i may revert back to my old habit, eating bringe.

Eating bringe used to be my best best comfort to comfort my inner soul and to give me peace away from the naggings, stress and many unpleasantness. Food is great pleasure that can be savoured with every bite. Suddenly, you will bringe bringe without gulit and felt happier.

The body is your temple that you should take good care and to have well-balanced lifestyle with excerises and good food.

Good food does not mean you can eat any kind of food. I am now fruit-juice freak that will have fruit juice (3 mixtures of different fruits) once or twice a week to detoxify my body. You have to watch what kind of food to eat. No use having CRASH DIET or you will develop gastric pain like my sister (my goodness that she do not land up in hospital).

Food to eat for lunch: Soup or light meal like having little rice with more vegetables and meat or you will find yourself yawning away at work after lunch.

Dinner: you can have your favourite food to eat. Try to avoid fried food as it contains alot of oil and fatty. I hate fried food since young that i ate KFC in blue moon. Try grilled food as it contain less oil. Soup is also good to hydrate your body after being "freezed" in office.

Excerise to take note: Running can be your best or weakest forte. I hate running but i have to run to burn my fats and to sweat out. I used to pant pant after 2.5km run. Try to improvise on your distance first.

For example, you can choose your favourite place and set the distance in your mind. Mentally is important as it help you to aim and finish your aim. Start off with 2.5km within 15 minutes twice a week. You can add 1km to 2.5km til you will find yourself not panting so hard. It can progress up to 10km within 2 months if you have good stamina and determined to finish 10km.

You can consider a tryout at Standard Chartered Marathon for 10 km to see if you are able to finish it within your own timing.

I am feeling gulity because i had not run for long time. So i have been starting doing weights in gym last week after the stitches had been removed (tell you more in next blog).

I am so scared that my body may go out of shape. Vain of myself .....

Last note before i pen it off from blog.

Every morning, do 30 minutes's quiet time to yourself in train or bus so that you will have sound clearer mind to face the long busy at work. During 30 minutes, focus on happy and good thoughts that you will find that the day will unfold in marvellous way.

So start your day well.

Flea MArket Makes me feel Fatigued

2006-04-04T09:58:00.000+08:00

My mother told that in chinese saying that the rain fall will bring alot of money. Unbelievable??? I was having my flea market on sunday that left me feeling fatigued on monday after a long day of work.

Flea market at Expo was in atrium where my friends, Alicia, her sweet hubby and Charlene were setting up a stall beside my stall. Hot day settled down on us that we felt sleepy cos we woke up early to set up the stall.

Crowds were the people from different churches at Expo having their services and popped in to shop around at flea market.

I decided to have a look at different stalls during my break away from my stall. I bumped into another deaf friend who was having a stall at different area. There were 3 areas, A, B, C. My deaf friend was in Area A while my stall was in Area C.

I did not expect that many deaf people came down to flea market after their services. Browsing around the stalls, I liked one stall selling cute padlocks that was suitable for your travelling bag. It came in different designs of animals. How cute....$14.90 per padlock that set me thinking if i want to buy.

Remind myself not to buy anything from flea market because of my promise to myself to buy the items from my upcoming trip to Bangkok, i managed to walk away and look more into stalls.

Cute guys selling slippers......Colourful, loud necklaces and earrings are the novelty among the young ladies. Seconded handed(vintage) jeans are hot selling among the guys who wanted to own jeans in their collection.

Rain started to fall heavily in late afternoon that put many people indoor. It did not dampen the spirit of the stall owners.

Too sleepy, my friends and i decided to call the day off and closed the stalls early.

Tired, i went home and dumped the stuffs on floor. Having a good long shower and went straight to bed.

I thank God for the rain that i did not make any money from the flea market. Amen

Fruits for detoxify your body

2006-04-01T23:44:00.001+08:00

What a long day rushing around preparing for flea market, tagging price for items that made my stomach growl with hunger...Thinking of chicken rice i had with this dare devil friend and his french, nice guy for lunch, it did my stomach with saltness.

Food are half digested as the time ticked towards dinner...Chicken rice had not digested completely...

Deciding to walk down Smith Street at China Town, i saw a stall that offer the mixing of different fruit juice at $2.00. What a steal!!!....More fruits i can ask for, they will do it. They are soooooo generous with the portion. The nice lady ask me to finish the half of fruit juice and top up with more juice...Yummyyyyyyy ..I simply love this and this was the great day ending with good fruits to detoxify your body.

Get the nutrients facts here what i drank just now:

1) Raw Beet Roothas for many years been used as a treatment for cancer in Europe. Specific anti-carcinogens are bound to the red colouring matter which supposedly helps fight against cancer and beetroot also increases the uptake of oxygen by as much as 400 percent.which stimulates the function of liver cells and protects the liver and bile ducts. Recent studies point to betaine as contributing to the prevention of coronary and cerebral artery diseases.

2) Carrots are considered to be 'the best' vegetable for balanced nutrition. Many treatments for chronic disease such as cancer and arthritis use the regular consumption of large quantities of carrot juice as an important part of the treatment protocol. Carrots are famous for their high vitamin A content. They are also rich in vitamin C.

3) Green Apples are considered to be 'the best' vegetable for balanced nutrition. Many treatments for chronic disease such as cancer and arthritis use the regular consumption of large quantities of carrot juice as an important part of the treatment protocol. Carrots are famous for their high vitamin A content. They are also rich in vitamin C.

Fruits juice recommended for these conditions:

For Tired body, Jetleg, Hangover-Apple, Orange, Carrot, Beetroot

For Relaxation-Apple, Pineapple, Mint, Lime

For reducing Stress-Tomato, Carrot, Coriander, Broccoli, Celery

For improving Digestion-Apple, Beetroot, Ginger, Carrot

For improving Immune SystemAnti Flu, Anti cold-Apple, Carrot, Lemon, Ginger, Garlic

For Detoxing Body-Apple, Grapefruit, Watermelon, Ginger

For Cleansing Liver-Pineapple, Carrot, Beetroot, Lime

As a Skin Tonic-Carrot, Capsicum, Spinach

Fruit Juice Recommended for these dieases

Gout-Celery + parsley juice

Heart-Carrot + pineapple juice with honeyAlfalfaParsley + alfalfa + pineapple juice

Insomnia (sleeplessness)-Lettuce + celery juice

Sore Throat-Watercress + apple juice with 1/4 tsp pure cream of tartar

Weight Improvement-Coconut milk + fig juice + parsley + carrot juice

Weight Reducing-Parsley + grape juice + pineapple juice

Youth retaining-Cucumber + radish + pepper (1/3 cup each)2/3 cup concord grape juice + 1/3 cup pineapple juice

Thyroid-Clam juice + celery juice

Complexion problems-1 Tbsp apple concentrate juice +, 1/2 glass cucumber juice + 1/2 glass water

Colds-Watercress + apple juice with 1/4 tsp. pure cream of tartar

Alot of good facts about fruits will keep the doctor away and help to detoxify your body. Those who hate fruits, just bear in mind that fruits are good for your health. You do not need to eat it raw but make juices out from raw fruits and add honey to it to make it sweeter.

Nutrients can be absorbed faster into blood from the juices you are drinking.

I am so happy drinking fruit juice and brought a tube of honey to add in the juice to make it

sweeter.

Dark Chocolate that make you feel very sin ful

2006-03-31T09:23:00.000+08:00

Last Wed, when i was walking past the chocolate bar, Baroque that sell lovely colourful swirl chocolate, it attract my attention.

Drool.....Drool...It make me feel sooo sinful. Tempting huh? Cos of its colourful swirl, i immediately bought each flavour of 3 chocolates. Early Grey tea, Lychee, and Cherry Brandy..ooahhh sound tempting that i cannot wait to open thepackage with my shaky hand.

Dinner? So i immediately whet my appetite for the japanese food that is quite platable for my stomach and goes well with chocolate that i bought.

Drowning down the food and clean my stomach with water so to taste the chocolate in better way.

Soo heavenly that it melt in my mouth. Not so rich and i felt the tinge of guilt in my heart. Quite sinful and kept on telling me that i should not put on weight.

Today i read up the fact on chocolate. Facts for Chocolatic fantics out there, hear this:

1)Research has shown that chocolate is packed with high-quality polyphenol antioxidants that may reduce the risk of developing cancer and heart disease.

2)Chocolate and cocoa do not cause obsesity. It is the quantity of food eaten, combined with the level of physical activity and underlying genetics, which determine whether a person will gain weight. Balance is the key. Fitness depends on eating a balanced diet and being physically active every day.

3)Chocolate provides a significant amount of magnesium and iron, which are minerals the body needs.

4)The chemical in chocolate that is said to boost people's mood is phenylethylamine. When chocolate melts in the mouth, it has a soothing, pleasurable quality and people feel happy. Scientists in Finland say eating chocolate during pregnancy may make for happier, livelier babies

My First blog

2006-03-31T00:16:00.000+08:00

Today i learnt how to create this blog through fast and easy steps introduced by the dare devil friend.

Sound like writing diary but thought that it may be good as people like to read blog to feed their inner soul after the long day at work.

Thought of doing weights at gym today but my right arm is aching. Cannot give it as an excuse but really ache badly that i could not lift my hand to move my tiny cute mouse in my laptop.

Recommend a quote for a day that i was reading during the rush hour in train.

"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of stars, or sailed to an unchartered land or opened a new heaven to the human spirit"

Helen Keller

Wosh sound profound?..It's up to us if we are willing to step out from the comfort zone to face new, unknown challenges.