Merry Christmas Eve!

I love Christmas, particularly Christmas eve night, when you have your wonderful friends with you for a nice meal and cozy gathering. It must be the most important evening for me, for the entire year. And even more important than my own wedding. I can always smell the love, friendship and fun under the Christmas Tree!

Those are the food we have and some pictures I have taken. I can't wait for the next one to come!

Hmmm, time to control spendings :)

Today there was an Ermenegildo Zegna sale in my office building of up to 70%. I can't help but bought a shirt, nothing too expensive. Then I realised I bought another white elephant :) It is ok but in turbulent times like this, it is better to hold cash than white elephants. Next time, I will control bah :)

Life has certainly many ups and downs. All the rainy seasons will come to a stop, and we are not alone. So let's not get too worried and upset as they are not within our controls. Let's hold our hands together and celebrate this Christmas happily :)

My words to a lost friend and another wonderless teenage girl

Both of you are smart people, but you refuse to see what is ahead. You knew the obstacles ahead, but you chose take the easy way. You have the sword in your hands, but you tend to let your inner-self betray you. Many have succeeded in overcome their own problems and rise to be successful in their lives, so can you. Provided you try! Your future is bright, but don't avoid it because you are not the ones who have the downs of the day.

For me, I will also take the remaining weeks of this year to do some soul-searching and ensure another good year in 2009. Gambarimasho.

Happily Ever After

This entry is specially for my friend A-Wonder & Steve, on their special day, and happily every after!

Happy Christmas Present

Christmas is a time for presents. There is always hope and love in this beautiful season.

I was not expecting much for the next 12 months, considering the gloom around us. But there is always a ray of light amidst the cloud, and I got a big surprise today. Something I didn't dare to dream of. My heart really popped out when I opened this present. I will cherish it, knowing that I am the lucky few. Suddenly, I am happy and relieved.....

Cheers, everyone!

(My apologies if I am not able to reveal this surprise, but the message here is, there is always hope, even when things seems to turn bad.)

The Sword in The Stone

In the above story, the young boy used his bravery to pull out the sword. 2008 is a year of disasters, be it earthquake or terrorist attack or the financial turmoil, as we are nearing December, let's all take out the sword and cast away the evils and the negativities..... and of course, have a nice Christmas, filled with hope, love and dreams.....

If we cannot solve those problems, leave it, take a rest for the year, and fight again in 2009!

3 MORE WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS.....

I was tempted to buy this from disneyoutlet online, but I have successfully resisted it. I am happily proud to claim that I have been saving all this while. I will conserve my reserves for Hong Kong trip this year end. I will see no snow, but G-san and me will enjoy a cooling weather.

We have a long weekend this week. I have not gone out at all, but lazing through the weekend. It is raining outside now, and the cool weather makes it feels like a nice december afternoon (and G-san is sleeping soundly on the couch now) :P

Sweet December

I love December since young. It has always been always a nice month, leading to Christmas, followed by New year's eve. I told G-san, that Christmas Eve, is the most important day to me in each year, even more than my birthday. This is a day of love, celebration, coziness and warmth. Of course, I love the snow, the Christmas spirit, the holiday season...... This year, I will not see snow, but I am still looking forward to my year-end holiday, as long as it is not in hot Singapore. Hmmmm, I can really smell Christmas now.

Christmas started in Madeira in 2008

Christmas is here, G-san and me have managed to put up the decorations.... let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

DVD weekend

I have been watching so many shows lately, lazing at home and enjoying the air-conditioning while watching. And I am a greedy person, so I am in the middle of several shows:

English Televisions:
Weeds 3: Starting 3rd season. It is funny and not soapy.
Lipstick Jungle: Finished 1 episode only
Grey's Anatomy 4: Finished 10 of 17 episodes, my all-time favourite. I am taking my time in these as I have to wait for 1 year for Season 5.
Ugly Betty 1: I am at episode 5 now.
Ally Mcbeal 2 : Left with 1 disc (it took me 1 year to reach this :) )

Cantonese dramas: I am in between Moonlight Resonance and Beautiful 7th days.

I think I still prefer English DVDs because of the clever and witty plots. Cantonese dramas tends to drag and it is time consuming - I realised the reason I watched is due to nostagic reasons being a cantonese.

How did I manage to watch so many dramas? During the travelling time from office to home evening of course helps.......

Christmas spirit in early October.....

Suddenly, in Singapore, we can smell Christmas before the last week of October. Retailers are trying to remind us of Christmas spending before the global economic conditions declines further. Good for Singaporeans, at least, I still read that the travel fair this week is still doing robustly well and people are still purchasing electrical products like before, at least, it is not as grey as the Americans or the Europeans.

Right now, being prudent is good and cash is king. So let's all look forward to a nice Christmas, and forget the economic woes bah.

This week is a short 4-day week, hooray!

(This is my Christmas tree in 2004..... I am looking forward to putting it up again)

This is life.......

Some girls on Taiwanese TV said that the motto of their life is "This is life........". Well there are ups and downs. Just like our economy....last year was at an all-time high, and it is now at a 5-year low. What does that mean? Life is a full of surprises, full of ups and downs, full of happiness and setbacks. So..... this is life. All we need to do is, adjust our views to a positive mind, and all should be fine.

I have settled down from the Tokyo trip, and life seems to normalise. Weekends are nice, work is rushing sometimes, and home is always sweet. My pc is down and thanks to G-san for sending it for repair for me. Thank you, G-san!

After my Japanese trip, it is a new start.....

My Tokyo trip comes and goes fast. The unforgettables during this trip include:
(i) desserts, sweet plucked apples, juicy grapes
(ii) duochan's home-prepared nabe
(iii) apples farm, cosmos (autumn sakura hill)
(iii) daikanyama, ikspiari, kichioji
(iv) catching up with my wonderful Japanese pals
(v) got some nice stuff: a pair of boots, 23 cds, clothes (business & casuals), and a nice fan :)

The pictures above speak for itself, don't they?

Today is my first day of work, also my first day as a hunter RM. I am still trying to get used to it, and accept the new challenges :)

In this volatile environment, which started 2 weeks ago, in the hard shockingly manner, whereby the world has gone into a deep recession (never before since 1930s), we have to be on our guard, work hard, and prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead! In the mid / long term, all should be fine, so we have to go through the challenging period.

Gambarimasho, folks! Tomorrow will be better!

After about 8 years....... a visit to JB again

I was in JB yesterday with my colleagues. It has been 8 years or so, and I missed the food...... I shall not use words to describe further, and the taste is still in my mind now:)

Be Careful and Prudent..... to fight the Economic downturn!

Everyone's talking about the coming crisis, well, we know it is coming (at least this week has proven the damages in the stock market) and no one can predict if the bottom has been felt. Never mind, maintain a positive mind, carry with a positive attitude, and be prudent.... we should ride through and become a stronger person!

Investment

When you are in your twenties, you play hard
When you are in your thirties, you work hard
When you are in your forties, you stabilise your life.....

Like many of my peers, many of us are in the phase of growing our savings and I saw different many types of investment, be it in properties, equities or insurances. Face it, with the high inflation rate, (even my laundry services is raising their rates exorbitantly from S$3 to S$3.50 for a shirt), we have to grow our savings faster than inflation!

Being thirties is the best time to save and work hard as this is our golden age, with the abundance of opportunities. If we are to miss it now, it will be more challenging and difficult, especially in Singapore. So I will not waste my time in my thirties, but of course, I will remember to relax and have fun too. That's my priorities now.

I have seen friends around my age having successful investments, and I have also seen friends buried under senseless credit card debts. Thus, investing in the right thing at the right time is important, be it spiritually or financially.

Gambarimasho!

Food without the Commercial Taste

These days, I do not really enjoy dishes from chain-run restaurants or high end restaurants. Neither dishes "manufactured" from "factories of foreign workers" (certainly not chefs). They might be able to create good tasting or delicious dishes for many, but I always felt that they lack the "home" or "personal" favour. Which is why, I prefer restaurants or food stalls that serves food that was cooked with heart and less of a commercialised favour. That explains why I do not fancy chain-brands like Crystal Jade, Ding Tai Feng or even higher end ones.

Recently, I found a restaurant at City Square selling Fried Chicken. The taste may not be as tasty as KFC, but at least I thought the taste is not commercialised and it taste homely.......that's what I like. Perhaps, it is old-time taste!

My Lunch Today

This is one of my most nicest lunch recently, at a quiet restaurant near my office, with good food at reasonable price. Meatball Potato with Salad, Hibiscus Cheesecake and Strawberry Citrus Tea. All-price? Less than S$20!

Iphone Arrival

I didn't expect an iphone so soon, not when I have just gotten the 6500 slide a few months back. I thought it is a handy equipment with simple functions: camera, phone, ipod and internet (which I am not likely to use it often). So it just serves my purpose. I am a guy who dun like to carry too many things in my hands, especially during a tour, so by just having an equipment is more than fine. And it's fun.

This sunday evening, I will just stay at home and watch season one of Private Practice on cable, which is a spinoff from my favourite drama, Grey's anatomy. And it is running on tv now :)

Mid 30 crisis declaration

I watched a tv programme today, which is to simplify your life in order to have a meaningful life. I agree, there is endless pursues of dreams and materialistics needs. We have to know what is enough and what is necessary, though some level of pampering is still sufficient. I am now in my mid 30s or late 30s.... half my life gone, so the other life has to be meaningful, happy and healthy!

I hate taxes!

I was never really good at economics. In school, I studied to pass exams, and the minute after the exam is over, the memories would be half erased. The point I am directing, I am never really interested in economics despite having worked in the financial sector for near to 12 years. It is quite amazing to hear that stock market is coming down, recession is coming, but property prices are still fueling well, and taxes are getting higher coupled with the higher inflation. Essentially, my sentiments on that is that our dear Singapore government has written to tell me to pay higher property tax because the value of my house has appreciated (but I have not sold it at all, needless to say, make a profit out of it). So I am paying the S$102 for no reason, or for being "grateful" that the property has appreciated? In short, talk about sympathies by Mr Lee Hsien Loong after his national day speech yesterday, our Government is rubbing wound into salt?

Still, life goes on. What is most important, life goes on happily, despite some barriers or thorns on the way.

Waking up early during the weekends

I believed most if not all believe weekend is the time to wake up late. I used to think so, and thought that weekend is the time to catch some sleep. However, I realised, waking up early can have its advantages. Saturday, I woke up at 7 am without the aim of an alarm clock, and I did my housework and run, and finished all I need to do by 9:30 am, and the rest of the day is really free. As compared to waking up late the day looks longer and the weekend seems more enjoyable. So is my Sunday, and I finished my run by 9:30, and for the rest of the day til now, I felt good, really good.

This week, I appear to have some gastric problems, so I will take care of diet and my well-being :)

Am I really quieter now?

Recently, some colleagues have said that I am quieter, in terms of verbal conversation. I didn't really felt it, until today, despite being a weekend. Suddenly, I felt I have not spoken so much these days, even to friends. Or in certain conversations, I choose to remain silent so as to avoid unnecessary arguments with friends or colleagues or superior. I have to assured all, it is NOT a deliberate move on my part. Sub-conciously, sometimes I felt that talking can takes a lot of energy and may to an extent invite more trouble maybe. For instance, sometimes voicing your problems may make me feel even miserable?

Actually I do not know the reasons too..... blame it to the natural aging process bah! Hey friends, having said that, I felt that the above has not lessen my happiness level. I thought I am a happier person these days.

Future is always in our hands......

This is something always so true, the future is in our hands. Stresses are self-generated, re-focus, and they can be reduced significantly sometimes. That's what I thought. There's these much we can do in our office, but I always remind myself, future is in our hands. All we have to do is, (i) maintain good health (ii) think positive and forward (iii) fight for your future. If you do not fight for yourself, who will?

Enjoy each day, always :P

Summer is here (both in Singapore, always and in Tokyo). Weather is hot, and I realised I have started taking afternoon naps during weekends, blame it on the drowsy medication that I am taking for my slight cough. That's quite fine to me.

Since returning from HK one and half week ago, life has gradually settled down and I have felt rested. I could not do my usual jogging for a while because of the cough, and sometimes I felt that my legs are like tofu, so I sleep again (sometimes as early as ten during weekdays). Well, fortunately, work has slowed down a fair bit last week, so I should be thankful for that.

I have been eating a lot recently. Eat and eat. I knew I was rounded, but I refused to use the weighing machine. I want to pamper myself and enjoy each day as its own.

I have got 2 holidays this year (Tokyo in May & HK in Dec). When is the next one? Let me settle down in Singapore, and we will decide bah.

[Attached herewith is a nice steak on Friday and a simple HK breakfast, now you know the reason of my weight gain]

2 Magical Castles with Love

I have visited two castles this year, the top is the home of Cinderella (Tokyo) while the latter is that of Sleeping Beauty (Hong Kong). Despite being a smaller castle, I enjoyed the Sleeping Beauty Castle, being my first visit there. It appears small compared to Cinderella's, but it has the mountains as its background which makes it warm and real too. In short, I thought I would not enjoy it on Tuesday, but I did (since I have had really expectations prior to the visit).

It will not be fair to compare the number of rides between Tokyo & HK Disneyland, but they are 2 different theme parks totally and I did not try to compare them. Needless to say, Sleeping Beauty being a less popular princess has a significantly smaller home than Cinderella's. Though it was a hot sunny day, I was relieved that the park was not crowded (with mainlanders) and the queue was pretty short. There were also variations of the rides in both parks, and I enjoyed the attractions well too, plus it is new. Unfortunately, I completed the main rides by 3:00 and left the park after the parade at 4 pm after the parade. One funny thing though, most eateries in the HK disneyland serves Chinese food ranging from Tim Sum to Char Siew Rice, which is funny.

My favorite ride attraction must be Mickey's Phiharmagic particularly with Peter Pan & Wendy and Aladdin & Jasmine flying in the sky. Other enjoyable ones include It's a Small World (this one has Disney characters in it and we were busily searching for them throughout the rides), and Stitch Encounter (which was quite cute too).

Overall, it is still enjoyable day well spent in HK, and I have been thinking about it the last few days. I hope G-san & Melodii enjoyed the day at Disneyland too.

Being Sick

I have been sick for the last 2 days, but it appears my heart seems to be still at work, and I still kept worrying despite at home. I admit that this is totally uncalled for, unnecessary, and has no meanings. I worried too much for too many things which may not be even within my control. Is that a reason I fall sick? In order not to be back to my old self, I have decided to bite the bullet and go through it gracefully I will not think about it but just practice what I have said earlier, leave work during office hours, and have a life during the non-working hours. I knew I should not be affected by this, and I should grow up and go through it!

Hot Summer

Summer is here, in fact it is always here. I always tried to avoid the sun especially on weekdays when I have to work. I would eat in airconditioned places, and avoid the sun. It makes me hot and hot-tempered. So I have to cool down, otherwise, it will worsen things.

Bad monday is over, so now is sweet monday night. Home is sweet sweet sweet...... how many times do i wanna repeat that?

Friends out there, we have worries, and down days, but just a job and let it settle during your paid hours, not your rest hours!

The route back home is ...... so sweet

Suddenly, when I was on the train, I felt that I was enjoying the route home. Nevermind the tiredness or the stickiness, the journey is an enjoyable one. I was looking forward to a bath, to a good rest, to talk to my friends on MSN, and to be myself. For that, I am happy, and contented. Hmmmmm....... nothing more can express that!

Wow, what a week...... but I am glad I have learnt

This is a horrible week, I thought I was unhappy and anxious. At times, this week, I might have displayed signs of nervousness or anxiety. But I think I have learnt to take it lightly, after all, it is just a job, and I have not brought it home. So that's fine......

This week, apart from the new lights, I am also looking forward to a new TV too...... and I can watch TV in the bedroom too, next week onward in bed! Hehehehhehe...... I am looking forward to it.

Home Sweet Home under a New Light

The new lights are up today, which makes me love my home more, and sweeter.

Lollipop Sweetness.......

It is out...... and I got it this weekend! And I am watching it today......

Midweek Break..... What a breeze

I cannot remember when is the last time, I took leave and did nothing at home. Each time, my leave is either spent on travelling and outing, or some activities. I could not remember, I took leave without a purpose. This afternoon, I did took half a day. While typing this mail, I am looking out of my bedroom window, looking at the sky, and lying comfortably on my bean bag. Yes, I enjoyed it...... and the background is soft new age music with my aromatherapic aroma oil. I cannot believe it myself...... sometimes, I cannot but help in self-indulgence..... that's so so me!

Being lazy on a quiet sunday afternoon is so wonderfully sinful

Being sick means I have to stay at home this weekend, with G-san and Jojo here today. I can't sleep much but lazing at home is so so nice and sincerely comfortable. I hate noise this at this point of life and I always enjoyed a cup of nice tea instead of coffee, so life seems to be slowing down..... I supposed I do not want excitement, so it is just just nice. And I want to enjoy it.

Weekend .... and I am falling sick

I am falling sick, down with bad throat and looks like a bad cough is on the way. Fortunately weekend is here, and I am glad I have done my routine housework :), so the programme for this weekend is relax, rest and sleep. I will pamper myself with that, and no compromise definitely. And immerse with the aroma of home sweet home......

Counting Down

Today, as I was walking to my office, my coworker, Mr L came to me and said "5 more days to weekend". That's really sad, really, because I have been hoping that time flies to weekend immediately. In that sense, the journey was lost, just hoping to reach the destination as soon as possible. Well, life is a journey with ups and downs, I better learn to enjoy the "downs" too, as it is also part of life, and which makes the "up" so so sweet. So I will learn not to avoid or escape anymore neh :)

Prince Caspian

This weekend, I watched another movie again, Prince Caspian. I have always enjoyed fantasy movies with some fairy tale element. Well, however, this movie was spoilt by children screaming in the cinema, which makes the viewing of the movie uneasy, despite a generally entertaining movie. Even though it was a 9:15 pm screening, I have decided to watch midnight movies from now on to avoid families and kids. Besides, the walk from West Mall to my house after midnight is a blissful and relaxing one.

Sunday was the usual morning breakfast to Holland Village and then followed by a short trip down to Orchard Road. I managed to see some nice home accessories for the home and now, I hope to continue to doll up the house, since I am beginning to love lazing at home during weekends.

Tomorrow, I suppose is the start of another week, a new challenge, and yes, challenge to overcome myself, and perhaps learn to love the job a little bit more (not that I dislike it, but it can be too challenging at times for the weak heart :) ). So I have to face it and overcome it!

But now, it is just lazing on the bed :) listening to SENS......

Overcome Oneself

The week has not been exactly smooth, but I told myself, it is a challenge, which is to overcome oneself. Otherwise, the problems will never be solved, and such that the problems can dissolve by itself. Thinking back, I am relieved that it is over, and I managed well, so that it is time to rest now, since it is a lazy saturday afternoon now. Dun see things too far, take one thing at a time when it comes, we can never avoid all the future problems anyway....

To all my friends all there, I would like to share this MV, as it is the theme song specially written for Tokyo Disney Resort 25th Anniversary. I love the magical feel......

http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/movie/25thsong.html

Music In The Morning

Suddenly, I started to used my Ipod Mini, yes, the first generation Ipod Mini. I used it to and fro work. However, instead of my usual Jpop, I started to listen to New Age and Yoga type of music. The reason is simple, that's to relax, when I go to work and come back from work. I thought it helps to soothes the tension in me, if any. The sudden change is perhaps due to an article in a chinese book that I am now reading which suggested that listening to soft music in the morning does improves your day. I felt a little over the last two days, but I certainly enjoyed it.

Apart from that, I also try to reduce my time spent on TV and PC during weekdays and in turn, spend more time listening to music and reading on my bed. Yes I am slowly adjusting my lifestyle.

Suddenly, I realised Kevin Kern's music is an investment :)

[Quote of the day: Pooh san said today,if you are defeat by work today, just hang on and treat this as a challenge, and you will learn. Similarly, for me, with a tough boss, that's also another way to overcome myself and to bring myself to earth.]

Sunday nights

I have dislike Sunday nights, because that's a signal that the good relaxing days are over, and weekend is coming to an end. Well, like it or not, Mondays will come, there is no way to avoid it. So perhaps, I should let Monday come gracefully. Afterall, 5 days later, it is another weekend. The last few hours of Sunday are meant to continue relaxing, not beginning to worry, because we can start to worry on Monday to Friday, anytime we want or don't want. So leave Sunday nights alone as still part of the weekend, and continue to relax bah....... I have to learn that! And before, I slept tonight, I will tell myself, I have a good weekend.

I am happy and grateful that my weekends have been good and satisfying. This weekend, I have heard of a friend who has a sad weekend due to a family dispute. And this has to come in when it is time to relax. So to this friend, who may be reading, I would say, take one thing at one time, and keep things basic and simple. The bad times will be over soon. So remember to rest well and relax, don't let the bad things worsen your life.

Achievements does not equate to no problems

I have seen friends around me, achieving success in their lifes, be it making it big in their career or leading an improved lifestyle. For me, I felt that I have made some success too, in my career and in my lifestyle. Like me, and the rest, we still face with problems, and occasional stress.

Problem is a problem, when you think that it is a problem. Similarly, stress is still stress, when you feel stressful. So it is all up in the mind, what we perceive. At times with problems and stress, perhaps, we should still maintain a positive attitude and face it, rather than escaping it, unless there is no choice, or if it is meaningful to continue. Having said that to face it, it does not mean, that we have to worry about it or worst still, magnify the problem.

So having the right state of mind with a positive attitude is important. Recently, I also do not like to meet people who are negative or tends to aggravate their issues. If things are over, or if things are still uncertain, unless there is a fruitful discussion, otherwise, it is better not to think about it or talk about it. When things come, let them come bah :) When it is on a weekend, why talk about things that happen in the weekday :)

So when we all thought that we have achieve somethings in our life, it does not mean that we have no problems, but certainly, it also does not imply that we have to magnifying such issues or keep talking about them. Let it be, let it be, let it be..... time is the best solution.

How lucky are we?

I have watched many programmes on the Sichuan earthquake and the related charity shows on cable tv. It has touched lifes and it has affected us in some ways too. There are people, who lost their lives, loved ones and homes. Some even lost parts of their bodies, but it is for this incident, they became brave and vowed to continue their lives.

Yet on the other hand, we, in the civilised society, has taken our lives for granted. Have we really cherished it? I think I have not. I have complained about small, petty things and I have got stressed so often over unnecessary issues. What are these anyway? Am I finding problems for myself or solutions? The Sichuan incident, has definitely left a deep impression in my life and I hope that going forward, I will cherish myself and my loved ones more.

Who says we are not lucky?

Tokyo short break

I am back to Singapore today after a nice break in Tokyo with G-san. It is certainly nice to see Onechan again, and this time, she takes care of us very well again. The trip is short, but I enjoyed it certainly.

This trip, I thought I like our evening at Ikspiari, my onsen at Kameari, our evening in Daikanyama, and the lazy afternoon shopping at Shimokitazawa and Kichijoji. I love my tea-time and dessert especially. While Disneyland was crowded, but all the queues for the rides were swift, and we manage to catch the new parade for the 25 anniversary.

I didn't got many things, but of course, G-san and myself, bought a few nice things to pamper ourselves respectively.

Last but not least, I want to thank G-san for his wonderful company, and Onechan, who has always been a dear dear sister and has always made our Tokyo trip a very comfortable and memorable one.

Tomorrow is a new day in office, and I will continue to work hard for myself and my life and my loved ones.

MC Today

I am on medical leave today, with swollen eyes and migraine. No worries, I am pretty ok now. It is nice to take a break midweek and I have a relaxed afternoon resting at home, lazing on my bed which is my favourite furniture in this house :)

Recently, I asked myself, what do I really want in life? A meaningful one probably, as this answer always changes.
(i) I want to have good memories in this life and happy moments that will form an everlasting picture. This would be my most precious asset.
(ii) Sharing my good times with closest pal(s). Having my closest pals around me all the time, so that I have the courage and encouragement to meet all the challenges.
(iii) Financially debt-free with continuous flow of passive income, so I do not need to lead a 9 to 6 job. Hope I really can achieve that at the age of 40. This will allow me to do a job I want.
(iv) Having good health and a happy lifestyle, without unnecessary fear and worries.

I know I will make it, no doubts!

Learn from basics

Many times, I realised that as we became more experienced in life and have deemed to see more in life, he tend to be more sophisticated about our needs and wants. Sometimes, we aim more, sometimes we want more, and sometimes, we felt that now is still not good enough. Things will always never be good, when we reached "there", we realised that "there" is still not better than now. We will still have our far share of complains and we will still have our fair share of problems. So, I learnt that, at least at this moment, we have to enjoy the journey to "there", and we have to do it in a meaningful, simple way. Being simple is important. To enjoy in a simple way, may be even better than having the luxuries of our material accomplishments. Therefore, having a piece of cake may be shi-a-wa-se (fortunate and satisfactory) and so is having a nice simple weekend. Back to basics is thus important, and many times, I forgot that basics can be just, if not more, satisfying and fortunate.

THis weekend, I have enjoyed it truly. It is simple, really simple. I share a nice cake with G-san from Awfully Chocolate, I read completed a good book, I watched a few tv programmes (nip/tuck, ally mcbeal, one pound of fukuin and lollipop), and I also enjoyed a bowl of big fried intestine porridge :) These are the simple things that can make us happy.

In life, we have endless pressures from work and others, but to know when to forget the problems for the time being and enjoy the present moments is just a simple thing we need to learn and appreciate :) We can have also have endless happiness too.

Weekend's aroma......

Yeah, I can smell it. Near and these days, it comes so fast and goes so fast. I looked forward to my breakfast on saturday with G-san, I wanted to eat something good :) to pamper myself and of course, go for a good run. Sunday, well, friends these days know I like to watch Lollipop, hahhahahhaha, so I may just stay home and rest.

I have been happy lately, I have been getting strong and been taking challenges. I might not be successful but I think I managed to conquer my fears and worrying habit, which gives me the satisfaction!

Go on go on....... gambarimasho!

2.5

2.5 seems a very common number each weekday, because after I knocked off from work each day, from the moment I stepped home to the moment I sleep, it is 2.5 hours. This 2.5 hours are my sacred hours, because this is the time I cherish most, the time I relaxed and the time my soul is at ease. Short, but if made full use, it can be meaningful too. Don't ask me how, but I believe it is in the mind, and yes, I am relaxing now :) Hehehehe...... 2 more days to weekend!

I am glad there's no party

I like my birthday yesterday, simple and nice. For a while, despite my taste buds have turned against Chinese dishes, I was happy to start the morning with dim-sum at Holland Village and tea at Provence with friends. Then it was lazing at home before a nice visit from Melodii who bought small cakes and durian puffs for me at G-san and me and my house. We ordered pizza and pasta, which I enjoyed and the highlight is the yu-sheng with clams (for once I took during non-CNY period). Before it ended the day, Pete dropped by to passed us presents.

This year, I am satisfied with the programme, and I am glad it wasn't a busy and rush day with too much frills. I have relaxed, and I have my simple fun, and that's memorable, so that makes a great day! So today's G-san's birthday! Happy Birthday G-san!

I am 36 y.o. today

I am one year older today and hopefully, one year wiser. The previous year has its share of ups and downs, but overall, still a good one generally. I have my wonderful friends around me, good health and a comfortable lifestyle, and I am satisfied and contented. Thanks all for your encouragement and support always.

Today will be a day for me to re-charge, re-organise and re-invent myself. I wanna to be a better person, and a wiser one, of course, materiality wise, the more the merrier. Last few months, in view of my tight work schedule, I have learnt to cherish my life and loved ones better, and knew to segregate my life with my work (that's important). Life's filled with everlasting challenges, but most importantly, I wanna conquer myself again :) and this year, I just hope that the happy moments can be happier and more shi-a-wa-se (fortunate / lucky), and I want to have a more meaningful life ahead!

It is always nice that G-san's birthday and mine is one day apart and it is nice to celebrate our birthdays together. Coincidentally, on the day of my birthday, we will be of the same age, just for one day! G-san, it's great to celebrate together again! Omeideito too!

The best is yet to come

The past few weeks ben filled with ups and downs. I felt good at work and at home. I managed to run and perspire during the weekends, and in short, I am satisfied. Everyone thought I was stressed, yes to a certain degree at work, but I am glad that I am able to distinguish feeling stressed after off-office hours. At least, I am not paid for that, and if one has to feel miserable, u knew it has a recurring negative effect in the life. So, when it's time not to think about negative stuff, drop it, and such that good times can resumed.

Now I want my holiday plans. This time, I do not want stressful hours, I want my quiet nice tea-times and my nice cakes. The last thing I want is to rush during a holiday, so a peaceful one will do. I hope for three this year. Nevermind if it is costly, at most, I will cut down on unnecessary luxury items :) Pampering myself need not equate to buying luxuries because I realised I never enjoy them anyway as it is always in the cupboard eventually. Further, it drifts me further from my dreams and what I really need.

So much so for this week....... the best is yet to come!

Busy Sakura Season

There is one thing that I missed this month, the Sakura. For the past consecutive years, I was in Tokyo during this season. I enjoyed the moment when the breeze carries the Sakura petals, and suddenly the world looks so pretty. This year, I missed it, well, there's always a next year :)

Yes, it is a busy season for me, at work. Things were not particularly smooth, but I see this as a training time for me, to tone and tame my temper and to take things easy even when it comes in a half way. I believe this is part of growing and learning, and so far, I have no regrets and essentially I learnt to cherish more. Being angry or anxious will only makes one feel worse, and I am really relieved I am neither. There are plans ahead and the road may or may not be smooth, but it is ok, "one step one day".

2 weeks later, it will be my birthday and G-san's birthday. It is always nice to have a close pal to celebrate your birthday together, and all this while, it has been enjoyable and memorable. I certainly look forward to it!

I have neglected my health!

Just like last few weeks, the week that just passed was not a different one. I was still busy, and at times, there were nervous moments but I have worked hard and I was satisfied. It wasn't until I have a migraine attack mid-week. I realised that I have neglected in exercising, and that made me physically weaker and more prone to such attacks. This weekend was a quiet one because I was forced to stay home to study for a simple test, and I took some time to jog. Perspiration makes me feel alive again!
So I am aiming that for the week to come, I plan to run for at least 2 nights! I have to work hard for my health too!

Long Term Plans

This evening, I have dinner with Australian migrated Jonnie with friends. Suddenly, I felt that I have the urge to migrate too: (i) Singapore is not a friendly place for employees above 40 and thus sustaining the current lifestyle is not easy (ii) I do not want to be too stressed after 40s (iii) Singapore is not a suitable place for me for certain reasons that I cannot disclose here.

Essentially, life as a 40-something in Singapore will be very different than in the 30s and below.

Then thereagain, I felt that migration may not be the only option. Will my companion like it too? What about moving to a HDB flat? I think it is still feasible to find a 3.5 HDB apartment in Telok Blangah? Eunos? Kallang? I think 3.5 room is just suitable for me, nothing smaller or bigger :)

Well, these are just some options for long-term plans.

Investments?

Despite being in the financial sector in the banking sector, I have to admit that I am bad in investments myself. I haven't made any monies really in investments. I felt that rather than losing money, I am better at saving money, and I thought I didn't do a bad job. I was never a greedy person, at least, not at the expense of my savings. So perhaps, I will invest again when the investments prices go down, such as properties etc. But now, I don't even have interests in unit trust. Wait and see neh :) One just has to be contented with life.....hahaha

On MC On MC today

I was on MC, managed to leave office at 11 am. I am glad to have a bit of rest and stay at home at watch tv. Today, I have a surprise, that is, I happened to have dinner with Pooh-san with G-san. It has been so long since I catched up with this friend and I was glad we picked up again. Sometimes, if friends are friends, they will still talk even after a long period of absense. I agree on that, definitely.....

SCV finally......

Finally I got my SCV cable installed and since it is really getting cheaper now, so I guessed it is time. It is time to have more tv choices. Recently, I was kind of left out when my friends are talking about AXN and StarTV, and have realised that Singaporeans of my age group or younger have got over the free channels. That has prompted me to upgrade for my house and parents', both at the same time.

Today, it is Thunder's birthday and I look forward to our dinner with G-san, Milk, PL and Malcolm :). Hope all have a good weekend!

Friday midnight......

I felt so good now, because it is Friday midnite, going on saturday. At 1 pm, I really felt so peaceful, and on the other hand, happy to feel that the next 2 days will be fun. This evening, I spent again. This time round a pair of black leather shoes and another business pants I like quite a lot. I have been spending quite aimlessly recently, but I guessed that's ok lah, because I have been saving hard, working hard and playing hard :)

Yhew...... hope this weekend and last longer.....

Lydia Sum...... I salute to you!

I would like to pay tribute on this space to the late comedian host, Lydia Sum. I respect her fighting spirit to live. In life, yet, I saw so many people who treat their lives so cruelly, and self-torture themselves. There are people in this world who fought so hard to live, and I still see many people who never cherish their lives. Even for myself, sometimes, I took things too seriously that I have self-punished or self-torture myself. So that's a good reminder to us, to take good care of ourselves, my bodies and our happiness. What's more can I say?

Time = Luxurious Asset

One of the important things I learnt since taking up this job is managing the time I have for myself outside work. Since the working hours are now longer, I cherish my time outside work more.

I would want to do things I want to do within the limited time, and make sure I achieved it. On last saturday, I desperately told myself I need a haircut (I never have one during weekend for years as weekends are precious), so I make sure I spent my time wisely and also to ensure that I have sufficient nap. That will also means cutting down the soapy TVB dramas, which I have quitted successfully since last year :P

I tend to take care of myself and my loved ones more. I want to make sure that the precious hours are for pampering myself and my loved ones. So I will make sure I have a good time, and such that I will not complain that I have wasted my time.

I have learnt to rest my body more despite lesser hours, because I do not wanna get sick nor have no energy to work and play. So exercise is important, as well as recuperating the tired soul too.

Most importantly, I have finally realised that time is a luxurious asset :)

I hope I am not falling sick

Suddenly, I felt kind of tired this weekend. I am not too sure if it is the medication for my running-nose though, but I will surely take care of myself well enough :) Nonetheless, I managed to have a hair-cut yesterday, and got myself 2 books at Kinokuniya, 1 shirt and 1 Betula sandals. Hahahaa......and we alI have a good dinner at Al-Dente at Holland Village to celebrate Malcolm's birthday. Here's his cake from Hilton. I was kind of sorry that we have another friend's birthday on the same day, JC, but guessed we will meet her on another occasion.

Today, Melodii, Milk and PT will be here to have a Yu-sheng session (glad I am staying indoors). This year new year could have been meaningless without these friends. I definitely didn't feel the festive mood but I didn't care much either, since CNY was not my favourite occasion.

Hmmmm......I think I better catch some sleep before they come......

Long Hours ..... It's Ok Yo

I have many things to learn in this job, many procedures to follow, and thus many hours have been spent. I have not been working so hard or rather so many hours in my career. I felt that I am growing in this job and maturing too. Well, actually I think this job is miles ahead of the previous chinese bank, and I have no regrets a bit. So I strive to do better :)

Gambarimasho!

Viewing Problems...... Solving Problems

Some complicated problems happened in office today. Some of these problems have been magnified and some are as a result of miscommunication. I was glad that I have managed to stay calm to resolve everything, and left office in a satisfied way.

The lesson of the day is: problems come often, in different ways. Being careful, can avoid some but not all problems. What is important is, when such problems come, can we be calm and confident to conquer it? That would relates to our problem solving skills, communication / interpersonal skills. Not all problems can be solved the way we want. But if we can get it solved, we have succeeded. Therefore, if problem comes while it cannot avoid, just let it come and face it confidently and accept that challenge to conquer it. Fearing the arrival of problems will make you miserable.

Well, for that, I am happy that I have solved my problems satisfactorily and I have also learnt an important lesson. Cheers!

Tomorrow is valentine's day, so happy valentine's day, folks!

After a long day's work......

I am lazing on my bed, aimlessly and wanderlessly.... after a long day's work. We have to work hard and play hard, don't we? Most importantly to relax when u need to. The luxury of lazing is always wonderful, and it gives me the sense of peace, calm and feeling cozy and some nice soft music enhances the cozy ambience. Seeping my tea occasionally. Which is why, this is always the best part of the day. This is also a reason I do not want to sleep early, as the moments are luxurious.

Happy Chinese New Year Folks

This Chinese New Year brought us a 4-day long weekend. I have spent 2 days with friends and another 2 days resting at home. This is quite a good mix of play and rest. Although it can be tiring or busy, I like to play host to gatherings at my place and have catching up time. Yes, Yusheng, Bun-Luck, friends gatherings and my long sleeping hours are the highlights this year. Perhaps, this is my RAT year, I have won a little bit of money at Bun-Luck, but most importantly, it makes me cherish those around me even more and made this holiday a more re-charged and cozy one. Thanks, G-san and all for everything.

This is also the first time I debut using my new mac-book, having J-boy (my real nephew) teaching me and G-san how to switch from Microsoft to Mac. It's fun and interesting, and suddenly G-san and me became young students exploring new toys again.

So far, this year, I have enjoyed myself so far, be it at office or home. And I certainly hope it will continue. Last but not least, I wanna wish all everlasting health, beauty, youth and prosperity for the new year! Cheers


(Attached picture is my re-union dinner at my parent's place)

It's blogging time again

Life in 2008 has started quietly and busily ..... the new job has been challenging and different after a long while. I have been learning and adapting to the new job environment, and the experience, so far, has been enriching, despite the generally longer hours. That explains the long absence from blogging. It may be physically tired, but mentally, I am feeling good and 元気　(genki). Colleagues around me are friendly and positive, and that's good too.

Despite in a Ninhon environment, I have not been practising my Japanese language due to timing constraints, but I hope to start again. This is one of my resolutions this year, though there aren't any serious ones this year, really. I have only want to be put in my best in life and work this year.

Well, this few months, while I am grounded due to job probation and the longer working hours, I have also realised that I tend to spend more on myself. It is worth it, I think. If spending money can help you to uplift your spirit, it is worth it, so is spending money to save time and reduce inconvenience. At last, I think I am beginning to pamper myself.

While the economic situation may not be good for the coming months, I feel that this is not going to impact my spirits :) I believe it will go away some day this year or so. So let's be positive on that.

Blogging today may not have a particular subject, just my thoughts all over.....

May tomorrow be a good day too, and yes, it is Friday again!