Super Coincidence

A fellow colleague of mine (PH) is happily preparing his ROM and his new "love-nest". I shall talk about the latter.

He is very happy with the unit he has just bought.
Reasons :
a) It is big.
b) It is not at a premier area and therefore the price is not that hefty.
c) It is rather accessible by MRT.
d) It is within walking distance from his work place.
e) His wife-to-be likes it too.

Dream House
It need not be big. It can be big and cold.
It can be spartan. It can be spartan yet warm.
Hope everyone can have a Dream Home and not just a Dream House.

Anyway, our little conversation went like this (I don't remember the exact words of course) :

PH : Wa.. Buying a house is so like simple. Just sign a paper and a few hundred thousands dollars is gone.
Me : You have decided on a unit already.
PH : I'd just bought it and had signed the papers.
Me : Where is it?
PH : In Yishun area.
Me : Oh, that is nice. Which block?
PH : 7X2.

Mm.. I think I must have that kind of contemplating expression. Frankly, I was really trying to figure out where that block is in Yishun. I couldn't figure it out at that moment. And so he continues...
PH : Oh, it is very near to Khatib MRT.
Me : Wa.. That's rather near here. (We were both at our work place.)

At that moment, I saw an A4 size plan view of a unit lying on his desk.
Me : What's that? A plan view of your unit? Can I take a look?
PH : Sure. It's from HDB.
Me : Oh where's the main door? I may be so sotong and think that the window is the main door. Haha.. Oh, I got it. (I got it before he tried to show me hor. So I'm not that sotong after all.)

After glancing through the plan view for a quite...
Me : The plan view of your unit.. erm.. it looks kind of familiar to me.
PH : Really?
Me : (Still glancing at the plan view, trying to understand my strange feeling, why such sense of familiarity) Is this the original plan view of the unit? Did the previous owner make any alteration?
PH : Oh, this is the original plan view. But the previous owner has blocked one of the two entrances of the kitchen near the main door, so that the kitchen may only be access through the dining area. And... (he continues..)

At that moment. I saw something startling familiar printed at one corner of the plan view. The full address of the unit was printed there..
Me : You say the block number is 7X2?
PH : Yeah.
Me : Your unit number is #xx-344x?
PH : Yes.

Of course, if I were to look at the individual information (like 7x2, Yishun, Khatib MRT, the familiar floor plan, #xx-344x) separately, they don't really mean much. Now that I try to link everything together... erm... unbelievable.

When my head starts to auto-link all these bits and pieces of information together, I usually have a brief intense expression.

PH : What happen?
Me : I think I'd visited a unit of such at the same block, but at a different level.
PH :(He was pretty amazed.) Huh? Really? Why you go there? You are also looking for a unit for yourself?
Me : Haha.. no lah. I have a pal staying at that block. Now that I think of it, the plan view is exactly the same. No wonder I find it kind of familiar. I couldn't really recall his unit number. But looking at the plan view, you could be at one of those units directly above him.
PH : What a coincident?! (He exclaimed.)

- - - - - - - - - -

I find the experience rather interesting. I mean ... Just see how the almost unrelated bits and pieces of information, piecing together almost automatically at the brain faculty, giving startling feelings of familiarity.

This is certainly not the first time for me. Too many times, in fact.
Many things that I had seen or being told to me or that I had dreamt about or some questions that I don't understand, seem to be recorded somewhere back in my mind. The bits and pieces of information will somewhat automatically resurface (to provide some sort of answers) when the links are provided at a later stage in time.

- - - - - - - - - -



有人说：
不要追求圣人，要追求圣人所追求的事务。
不是只会拜观音菩萨，要知道观音菩萨拜什么？
或是观音菩萨在佛教扮演什么角色？
既然拜观音菩萨，就是他的门徒，就要来实行他的志愿。
观音菩萨也绝对没有说要我们拜他。他一心就是要我们来觉悟、来发挥我们的本来佛性。

Super Inflamed

My throat is inflamed.
My nose is inflamed (oh well, that explains why the sensitivity for so long).
And.. erm..
I'm "in flame" (oh, that means running a temperature).

When all come together. Wow.. How to forget the experience?

Fire. Hot. Nose. Throat. Body. Flame.
These words are "synonyms" to me at the moment.

This is the first time, I "complain" to a doctor about my sensitive nose. If not because of the inflamed throat and "in-flame-body", I wouldn't even think of visiting a doctor. So, I was in for a different treat. I was given a nasal spray for the nose problem. I didn't know such thing actually exits before at all. It's funny even trying to apply that medicine and I would chose to only do it privately.

The nasal spray is effective but I think I am experiencing some side effects. Some minutes after the spray, I would experience a foreign feeling, not on my nose, but on my eyes. I do not know exactly how to describe. Erm.. There seems to be some kind of pressure build up on the eyes and the eyes will gradually become rather watery. A bit scary. Oh well, I shall continue to monitor.

Anyway, I would like to talk a little bit about Silver Cross Clinic.

In general, I like to visit Silver Cross. Erm.. Only when I am not feeling well, of course. And not because of the ladies at the registration counter or dispensing the medicine hor. I find their medicines are rather effective (at least for me). Besides, all the doctors (so far) seem rather young, approachable and friendly at the same time. Most importantly, the clinic is open round the clock.

Okay, for a more balanced "argument", I must also highlight some of its negative points. The consultation fees (that is, the amount you pay for just looking at the doctor or rather letting the doctor access you, even when no medicine is prescribed as a result) is one of the highest around. Next, much due to its strategic location, the queue is hardly short most of the time. If you are really sick... erm... haiz... the wait can be maddening. But again, if you are "polyclinic-trained", I supposed you are okay with the wait. Furthermore, we cannot made prior appointment to see the doctor.

When we are sick, we really want to get well soonest so that we can get on with our life normally as soon as possible. I have to weigh against the pros and cons. I took a closer look at the consultation fees for different timing. (You may like to note that the timing refers to the time of registration and not the time of consultation.)

CONSULTATION FEES :

Monday to Friday :
7am to 10pm : $16
10pm to 11pm : $21
11pm to 12mn : $32
12mn to 7am : $55 !!

Saturday :
7am to 12pm : $16
12pm to 9pm : $18
9pm ... : just some colossal numbers. This is the time-frame I will try to avoid as much as possible.

Sunday :
7am to 12pm : $18
12pm to 9pm : $22
9pm ... : just some colossal numbers. This is the time-frame I will try to avoid as much as possible.

I have a little conclusion :
(1) Before any visit, give a ring to the clinic to check on the queue. They don't accept appointment booking, but they will be truthful about the queue factor. Then, we can decide whether to go there or to visit other clinics.
(2) Go in the morning just passed 7am. That is when the consultation fees is the lowest and the queue is usually short. Hey, we understand that many sick people just choose to sleep later, and only visit a doctor at a later time.
(3) Just go to some more ulu clinics in your neighbourhood which you are comfortable enough with la. They are usually much cheaper and the queues are much more bearable. I don't know why, maybe doctors have different sources for their medicine. Some of the medicines prescribed at some private clinics just don't work well for me.

- - - - - - - - - -



有人说：
生命就像一把盐，
你该承受多少痛苦，这些盐是不多也不少。
人总是抱怨，痛苦太多、快乐太少。
可是抱怨的同时，却忽略了是自己选择。
将这些盐放入装着水的杯子，所以难以承受痛苦。
反过来想，若我不选择杯子而选择做一个湖泊，这些盐在湖泊中稀释，还会那么令人难以接受吗？

My Nose is Trying to be Funny..

If I remember correctly, since 10th Dec 2005 my nose has been in such a "sorry" state. Almost throughout the day (yes, everyday), I am either sneezing or the nose is runny. To be fair, alright, the sneezing and the runny condition do stop occasionally, but such periods are rather insignificantly short. The sensation of feeling not-too-right is perpetually there all the time. Haiz..

The symptoms are flu-like, I agree. But I am rather sure I am not having flu. Besides there, I am feeling alright and I can actually clock better timing in jogging. Strange.

I remember the day (10th Dec 2005) so well. That was the day I had decided to clean up my room. It was supposed to be my early spring cleaning and much dirt and dust were dug out. Yes, dust - my weakest link. The natural wall of protection gave way and the sensitivity of my nose heightened. Aiyah.. Basically, I have sensitive nose lah. Silly me, still went back to college to clean up my entire work desk in the morning. The nose conditions only get worsened now. Mm..

A silly invention, I am thinking of using.

When the sense of the smell is lost, the sense of taste is gone as well, I think. Maybe it is scientifically true. I just know that food really becomes plainer lately and I don't take much too. Mm..

- - - - - - - - - -



有一位圣者这么说：
不要因为别人的原故而使自己跌倒，
也不要因为自己的原故而使别人跌倒。

Looking Back 2005 is...

I'm trying to recollect.
Looking back..
What have I done?
What have I achieved?
What have I lost?
What are the lessons learnt?

There were plenty memorable first-times. At first, I was thinking of listing them down. But it will be boring this way, yes, even to myself. Besides, all readers will understand how first-time feels.
有相当多值得回忆的第一次。

However, there were some "down-times" too. Natural, I guess. Equally, if not more memorable in fact. Mm.. However, I think I see myself better, understand my feelings clearer. I am just not good enough. I just got to gather more courage to strive for betterment. But firstly, I have to apologise to all, the possible hurt or any discomfort of any kind that I have caused to anyone (especially... mm... he knows..).
I'm sorry.
How can I do or what can I do to "rectify"?.
然而也有少许的不如意。尤其是在十一月和十二月，过的有一点辛苦。我自觉惭愧，但也甘愿承受。

There were many (natural) disasters around the globe. The more reported ones were the many "strong winds" and "unwanted waters" around. Remember Hurricane katrina? I wonder if this article 1 or this article 2 may make you think slightly differently.
Besides, the worries of the "worrisome flu bugs" linger.

I can only pray for the world.
Maybe, everyone can "contribute". How?...
By not releasing more "negative energy" into the universal through our greed, anger and ignorance (贪、嗔、痴).

A little tomato worm, "praying". See! It is also trying to "contribute".

Looking back actually helps me to look ahead.
The years to come may not be easy. I think the only choice is to brave it through. Along the way, let our wisdom grow, as every encounter is a learning experience.
All the best to everyone! Yes, you included! :)

- - - - - - - - - -



有一位圣者这么说：
留心您的思想，因为他将变成你的言语；
留心您的言语，因为他将变成你的行动；
留心您的行动，因为他将变成你的习惯；
留心您的习惯，因为他将变成你的性格；
留心您的性格，因为他将决定你的命运！
『心念』影响巨大，所以更要「存好心、说好话、做好事」让世界更美好！

Random Recollection Series 2005/Part 16

(1) Christmas is a message of LOVE. We have only 365 (or 366) days in a year. There are many saints, much more than we can ever imagine up there. So today (I don't know when you will be reading this, but it will still be valid anyway) is definitely also a birthday of many saints.
"圣诞"就是圣人的诞辰之日。天上的神圣如此多，所以天天都是圣诞节。
I am not trying to undermine the significance of 25 Dec. It is a good to have. I am basically trying to reiterate, the message of LOVE shall not be 1-day's affair.

(2) She is so far away. She has problem adapting to the new environment. She questioned what is "四海为家". She may go on a "hunger-strike". I hope I can do something for her, yet I can't really do anything. Mm..

(3) It is definitely useful to look at any event in another person's perspective.
试着以别人的立场来看待或对待每一件事。相信我们会有另一番体悟。

(4) We were instructed to switch off the phone. I did. At a critical moment, an alarm went off near me and that ring-tone was particularly familiar. My first thought was ".. who can't follow simple instruction??!!.. but ha.. Same taste to have selected the same ring-tone as me..."
Gradually, I noticed that there were stares glaring towards me. By courtesy, I went to check my phone, doing it in such a style to demonstrate you-see-it's-not-from-my-phone. I was wrong. I learnt that my phone will ring at any preset alarm whether it is being switched off or on. I was left apologizing profusely. OMG! Sony Ericsson phone made me so malu!

暂别

Shall be away for a while..
No updates till then..

这一趟，心情是沉重的。
面临着似乎是凶多吉少的局面，我又该如何？
Mm... 还是得去面对...


This morning ：

- I thought of bringing that digital Casio watch along. I picked it up this morning, only to realise the black rubber strap had snapped, but the pieces were lying neatly there. Unheard of. Rubber strap can snap??!! I was using the watch a few days ago and I didn't notice any problem then. Mm..

- I was searching for some better pairs of socks in the store room. I accidentally (lightly) knocked something off the top of a shoe-rack. No big deal, I thought. From the sound it made when it fell, I knew the thing got to be a small metallic can. But I heard a dull sound "tooom" as well. Some kind of thick liquid was flowing (within the metal can), I guess. The room was quite dark and my first thought was to just ignore it as I was kind of rushing for time too.
But.. I got to be responsible. Without much delay, I switched on the light, trying to find the metal can and to put it in place. To my horror, what I saw was a big dark pool of thick black liquid surrounding that metal can. The blackness of the liquid seemed to have intensified against the pale marble floor. So the thing that fell was a metal can of black oil-based paint!! The lid of the can was not even probably shut in the first place, and a light knock from me, result in the "disaster".
While I was trying to clear it, the plastic bag used to contain the mess leaked. Try to imagine the mess. Mm..

难道是兆？

Extendable Car

Compare the car to the left and to the right in the picture below :

Lateral View

Just another comparison :

Top-Down View

Ladies and gentlemen, yes, it's the same car you are seeing. This car is extendable! Frankly speaking, I am pretty amazed. The idea is wonderful to me, who can't really execute parallel parking smoothly.

Luckily the design doesn't appeal to me as much, if not... *evil grin.

A more artistic shot :

Eating Slowly

We had witnessed competitions, seeing how people gobbled down huge quantity of food in the shortest time possible. It's harmful.

As the festive season is drawing near, people tend to over-eat. And there are people out there worrying about their figure, as they know full well they wouldn't be able to resist the good food.

It can be so irresistable.

I would say, what the heck, just eat! But... please watch how you eat.

It has come to my attention that many French foods are richer in "oil and fats", I think. However, French seems to have their health / figure more well-maintained, compared to American or British. What's their "secret"?

Just by eating slowly, I was told. Yes, I mean just take small bites and take your time to chew more thoroughly.

There was a test.
A big fat man can easily gulped down 40 delicious dumplings in a go to feel satisfactorily full. His wife proposed a strategy. She requested him to chew each dumpling twenty times slowly before swallowing it.
The obese man took up the suggestion (on another fine hungry day, of course). After eating 15 dumplings, he was already feeling very full and couldn't eat anymore. The guy was amazed and from then on, he made an effort to eat really slowly (taking small bites and chewing thoroughly). Not only he felt that the food became more delicious but he noticed his intake of food became significantly lesser. In a relatively short period of time, his weight went down and he could comfortably engage in some form of light-exercises. This went on for a while and the end-result was desirable.

This approach is pretty scientific. The stomach takes a little while to send signals to our brain to inform that we are full. If we eat too quickly, chances are, when the signals are finally received by our brain, we have already over-eaten by a lot. I believe we have such experiences. I mean we ate quickly and we finally thought we had comfortably enough, only to realise about 10 to 15 minutes later that we were feeling much too uncomfortably full.

So, let's try it. :)
(Of course, I still believe in eating more veggies. Leave the animals alone, if possible.)

M3 : Another (Small) Injury

I noted another injury on my M3, after my lunch today. There is now a pretty deep scratch around the right eye (the head light on the driver side). And the culprit cannot be found! Haiz.. As if it will make a difference if I were to know who he is or she is. Mm..

My M3 is barely 9-month old and has already suffered quite a few (4 and counting, if I'm not wrong) physical injuries, some more obvious than the other. Mm..

The obvious scratch suffered this afternoon :

Oh dear, now that I'm preparing this, I also notice the picture seems to suggest that the bonnet cover has a slight shift in alignment. Did you notice it as well? :(

A close-up :

It is my car, but all injuries were not contributed (directly) by me. Haha.. How ironical? Nvm ...

大长今 (Again)

I know very well this is not my first mention of 大长今. But I "cannot help it", I just feel like talking about it again. Just a little.

Ha.. I have watched the entire series of 48 VCDs (almost) in a breathe. I was captivated by many scenes and re-watched certain portions of them.

Certainly, I gathered from what I've watched..

- the indomitable spirit demonstrated by 徐长今 was admirable
I would have collapsed (physically and mentally),if I were to be in her situation. She demonstrated what I have always look up to. Nevertheless, I shall strive to achieve alike.

- the political/power struggles in the palace were dark
I have no sense of politics and prefer to remain powerless. However, the "power" demonstrated by 徐长今 surpassed many. I actually pity 崔成琴、崔今英 for their believe in that form of power.

- the relationship between 徐长今 and 闵正浩 was really beautiful
I am very impressed/touched by their 爱慕方式. 但是我不会羡慕他们，只是由衷的为他们高兴。

- the importance of doing/saying the right thing at the right time was highlighted

- the friendship between 徐长今 and her friends can be so strong, so true and touching
It's heart-warming to see how the different characters supported each other in difficult times. Oh, how can I forget 闵尚宫? Her simplicity (单纯) in thoughts, whole-heartedness (没有杂念) in doing whatever she was assigned to, brought about much sense of joy.

I believe I will be easily melted, if such a lady like 徐长今 were to appear in my life. Dream on..

人不为己，天诛地灭

我又听到有人说：“人不为己，天诛地灭”。这是流传已久的一句话，没有错。

有相当多的人在极度被人欺压或是极度占上风的时候都会特别“认 同”这一句话。他们认为，我们人绝对不能被人欺压，一定要先为自己的利益着想。也有好多人认为这一句话表现的太过“自私自利”。他们认为人与人之间，本来 就是要互助互利，不应该有“自扫门前雪”的心态。当然论点还有很多。

今天我想换个（比较不同的）角度来谈谈。

我只是单纯的认为，我们可以掌握我们自己的生命。虽然，好多人都以为命中注定。可是就是前世之因来注定今生的果。同样的道理，我们今生的因，就可以注定来生的果。如此一来生命不就是掌握在我们自己的手中吗？然而我们要如何确保有美好的未来呢？所有的圣人都引导我们要修行。

修行不是要我们出家。修行本来就很生活化。对父母的孝、对兄弟姐妹的悌、对引导人的忠、对朋友的信、人与人之间的礼、义、廉、耻、等等。这一些事，没有人能帮我们做。我们只能互相鼓励对方而已。

圣人都是想要引导我们走向一条能通往天堂的路。这一条路是光明的，但不一定是平坦的。为了我们自己，我们自然要好好的来修行。若是没有什么修为，我们又凭什么能在百岁年后登上天堂呢？这与“天诛地灭”何异？

所以，以灵性的角度来看，我是认同“人不为己，天诛地灭”这一句话的。了解这一点，我们不但不会自私自利，反而会更加积极的来面对我们的人生。

Random Recollection Series 2005/Part 15

(1) Someone asked about how’s the 大长今 I am watching.
I said,“小长今相当可爱，大长今很好看” .
The pun is intended. :P

(2) One of my fellow colleagues (LS) was proclaiming very loudly he likes his 炒果条 to be fried in wetter style.
“我喜欢湿的”,he said.
WK was asking him,“你喜欢咸的吗？”
LS's answer was,“我也喜欢啊。”
WK added,“哦，你喜欢咸湿。”
People around was laughing (at LS). LS had a rather amusing look on his face, trying hard to decipher what was going on.
He missed something at first, but he got it finally.
What's“咸湿” in Cantonese? :P

(3) I can see a change in my spending habit. Recently, I went out for a shopping trip. I picked up quite many items I like. Before paying for them, I actually put them back.
I used to think : it would be so nice if I can have this.
Now I think : I am already living well before I have this. I can live as well without this.
Ha.. Am I too thrifty? Maybe, yes.
There are exceptions. And that is when eating with friends is concerned.

(4)
自古以来，有人教“相敬如宾”。
可叹这世间有好多的相“敬”如冰，亦有不少的相“敬”如兵。
人与人之间的大小纷争，夺去世间许多暖意；
国与国之间的干戈四起，破碎世间无数家园。
咳！

Have Someone Lately Told Us ... ?

Some silly scenarios I thought of today .

(A) When a person comes to us and tell us how wonderful we are ...
(i) We are really wonderful.
(ii) We need not be wonderful, but the person saying the praise is, as a wonderful person sees everything to be wonderful.
(iii) Both, that person and us need not be wonderful, as the person is basically a hypocrite.
(iv) Both are wonderful people coming together.

(B) When a person comes to us and tell us our shortcoming ...
(i) We really have the shortcoming. Be thankful, accept it and learn to change. This person certainly plays a part in our progress.
(ii) We need not have the shortcoming, but the person saying it may have a "problem", as a "problematic" person sees everything to be "problematic".
(iii) Both are just "problematic" people coming together.
(iv) Both are still wonderful people, with one ever willing to change, and the other ever willing to help.

(C) When no one comes to us and tell us how wonderful we are ...
(i) We may have a problem.
(ii) We are wonderful but our company just isn't observant enough.
(iii) The environment is just so negative and "positive stroke" doesn't exist.

(D) When no one comes to us and tell us our shortcoming ...
(i) We are really wonderful and perfect.
(ii) We are just not approachable enough and no one really tells us something that "intimate".
(iii) We do have shortcomings, just that people around us do not really wish to hurt us and we go on thinking that we are pretty wonderful.

- - - -

A(iv) and B(iv) are simply amazing.
C(iii) and D(iii) are just kind of... erm... sad.

These are just some silly scenarios and shallow opinions, and certainly not exhaustive.

The bottom-line is still, we are who we are.
Unless we make an effort to improve, if not we will always remain where we are or even glide further down. When we really are into improving ourselves, people around us will be our "guardians" and "angels". Their comments and reactions may act as "indicators" of what kind of people we are.

过不惮改
闻过则喜
闻善则拜

Usually @ December...

I think I like December.
- I can have much more time for myself.
- I can give more time for my friends.
- I can see the world, if I wish to.
- I can have more quality reflection time, and this is when I feel I can grow.
- I can have more exercises and eventually feeling healthier.

Nevertheless, I feel a little strange.
This is the month :
- I don't work and yet get paid.
- X times of bonus flows in.
- Connect Plan Award streams in (on certain years).

What have I done to deserve these?
I only think I may deserve these just because my fellow colleagues are getting them, not because I think I really deserve them. Strange of me, indeed.

I just have to always feel thankful for everything. Mm..

A small fly, contemplating.
What's my next move?

Jogging..

I jogged 5.6km two days ago. This evening I jogged another 5.6km. The timing I clocked this evening was even better than what I had on Monday, despite I am down with a little flu-like symptoms.

Am I serious? I don’t know...
I do admit I am a little impressed with myself. I don’t remember cover that kind of distance in such a short span of time, after I left army.

Oh well, I think that’s because I have some jogging kakis. They are my fellow colleagues.

In the midst of our running, we admit that we would have given up if we were jogging alone. We felt drained of our energy, but everyone was still jogging because we think that the others were still going strong. Ha.. In a way, we pushed each other on, without specially making an effort of doing so.

Eating lesser..
Exercising more..
I think I am getting fitter (I hope)..

My First Encounter with 大长今

I was told (by quite many) quite long time ago that 大长今 is nice.
I didn't know it is that nice, until today.
Ha.. At least, I find the plot rather "rich".

Gosh! 48 VCDs in all??!!
Do I have the stamina?

I can't deny. I think she is gorgeous.

Invited for Lunch ..

I was really glad to be invited for lunch. I mean invited over to someone else's home for a home-cook lunch. There wasn't any special occasion. SF happens to be on leave and she thought of a simple gathering for a few of us over lunch. That's really nice of her, I must say. Erps.. When the time was near, I was even reminded with a SMS. :P

I was the first to reach. Wa.. Like so yao gui like that.

In fact, she was still preparing the lunch when I arrived. I helped out a little. (Or did I mess up a little?) Anyway, there was still time and I took a few shots of some of the ingredients for the Mee Soto (with my hand-phone) :

And the lunch was not just Mee Soto only okay!
She even prepared the following as finger-food :

Not only that, when her mum returned, her mum prepared freshly squashed fruit juices for all of us. I was honoured to receive the first biggest cup.

The gathering was fine. The food was fine. *Burps* I was so full. Thanks!

Random Recollection Series 2005/Part 14

(1) Can you try to guess what the thing in the picture could be?

Answer : click here.

I had a hard time trying to capture this image. I had to make sure that the "coast is clear". It is understandable at that kind of location, people will be a little sensitive if we were to flip out our camera and start snapping away. :P

(2) Finally got wired to CableTV. It can be quite fun. There is no way I can be bored now. Nay.. If time allows, I only like the World News and Education basic groups.

(3) Just had an interesting view of the underside of my car. I asked the mechanic to check and he invited me to check along with him. It was rather fascinating.
[ Lately, I had been carrying more "loads" in my car. Consequently, my dear dear M3's bottom had rubbed against the humps I was clearing, on quite a few occasions. Ha.. Apparently, its bottom is very much intact. ]

(4) I was talking to a *little pal last night. I find this part of our conversation a little funny.
潘小弟问：“老师，你有喝酒吗？”
我说：“我可是千杯不醉啊！”
他用一种好羡慕以及崇拜的眼神看过来。
我继续说：“千杯是千杯，我是我。我不去沾它，自然就不会醉。所以说，我是千杯不醉！”
他无言以对，在原地愣了一会儿。他的表情是这样的 (-.-"')。
哈哈。。

@ Costa Sands Resort (Pasir Ris)…

I’d only returned from a gathering at around 2am today. It was a class gathering of my *little pals and I was invited along. I’m rather glad I played a slightly more active role in the “setting up” this time round, since 1pm yesterday.

What’s more memorable :
(1) Small talks with some individuals. I think I will always enjoy little chat here and there with anyone, particularly with those I am closer with. This occasion certainly provides much opportunity, especially with ZR and LP.
(2) The class attendance was 23 out of 26. I think that was impressive. Aiyo.. I was the only adult there. I think they were suspecting my other colleagues had pulled some kind of “stunt”.. ha.. which I don’t think so lah.
(3) We thought of night cycling. I was pretty thrilled. Erps.. We went to the bicycle renting stall a little too late and the idea was shelved.
(4) Though I have not played badminton for quite some time, I think I am still slightly (not much) better than some of them. :P Oh yes, they brought along rackets and shuttle cords. Ha..
(5) I discovered my retainer which was placed on the table went missing. Someone had cleared the table and may have unintentionally cleared away my retainer as rubbish. When I announced my concern to the ladies (as they are likely to be the ones clearing the table), they stopped their game and many of them, plunged their bare hands into the filthy dustbin in search for it. I must say, I am pretty touched. The retainer was recovered but not from among the trash in the dustbin.
(6) The guys were more into gaming with XBOX and the ladies were more into watching TV. Nevertheless, quite a good complement.
(7) Was a little surprised that there is a vegetarian stall at DOWN TOWN EAST selling cooked food near midnight. Okay, not really fantastic but edible, I guess.
(8) Driving some *little pals out hunting for drinks and supper. We were wondering in the car, chatting ... no worries, we did find some real food.

- - - - -

If simple gathering promotes bonding, this time it sure did. :)

I Seldom Bargain..

I seldom bargain, but when I do, the success rate is pretty high. Haha..
Just two slightly more recent tales that I could recall now :

Tale One..
I was browsing at some CDs. Mm.. Some caught my fancy. I asked for a better price and I got about a 10% off effortlessly. Just before I was about to foot the bill, another guy came by, picked his choices and asked for a better price. The stall owner insisted that his prices were already the best and he couldn't give further discount. He ridiculously suggested that, if the price was too high, maybe that guy just buy one CD and not two CDs. Aiyo.. I know this is tactless on his part, but it was done in a rather candid tone and no one find it being offending, I hope. I feel a little strange of course. I mean I got the discount from the same range of product (effortlessly), but not the other guy just beside me.
When I was paying him the money, the stall owner asked me a question, "Have anyone ever mention to you that you look like someone?"
I smiled and replied, "Huh? Who?"
He said, "Sxx's¹ 的师傅 ：Lxx 啊。哇！脸型和气质都很像²。"
I said even more politely, "没有啦，我一点音乐细胞都没有。哈哈。。 谢谢。。"
I didn't know just by looking like someone has such "benefits" (albeit this time is a cheapo one).

Tale Two..
It is stipulated very clearly on the pamphlet that the company only cater a buffet spread for a minimum of 20 people. In fact many other company set the minimum to be 30.
I went down personally to the company and managed to clinch a deal of a buffet spread for only 15 people. Hehe..
My only relief will be my fellow colleagues like the buffet spread and there wasn't any wastage of food.

I am sure that there are other instances, but I don't intend to recall till so far back.
I usually don't bargain. I will just look at the price tag, and if the price is already reasonable. Bingo! If not, I may look at it longer, closer, then leave it alone and walk away.　

- - - - -
¹ Sxx is a super super star okay! :P
² I certainly have a common face (大众脸). Many times, I was told I look like who and who or so and so. Haha.. the names are not even consistent.

Stark Differences...

Believe me, we are already so blessed.
I don’t intend to reason this out. Keep our eyes open and see it for ourselves.

If we want to complain about our learning or working environment ...

If we are thinking of complaining what we are eating...

If we are so sick of the game we are playing...

If we are thinking that our bed is not comfortable enough...

There could be a difference in the feel of a hug...

When size matters ...

Be contented.
Be grateful of what we have.
Be forgiving.
Crave less.
Make a difference... in whatever little ways within our means...

送别了好友 ..

说着、说着，YG 今天就飞过去越南与 GX 同甘共苦了。

GX 也算是兄弟一场，我当然得送 YG 到机场。这一回他们应该是到农历新年才会回来吧。

相信我会相当想念他们。想念他的“唠叨”、想念她的料理。哈哈。。
中午去接她的时候，还吃了她亲手煮的“黑胡椒 Udon”。哇！赞！

在未上飞机前， YG 问了我一个问题。
她说：“你不认为夫妻俩儿同在一间公司上班会很可怕吗？”

哈哈... 这叫我应该怎么回答嘛？:p
经验告诉我，她要的不是答案。如果她真的觉得“可怕”，她也早以提起勇气来面对。
祝福他们！：）

- - - - - -
Side Note :
Our airport terminals both have staff canteens which are not "publicized". They are not big and there will not be obvious signboards leading you there. But these are the places where we can get food at more or less around standard hawker centre rates in Changi Airport! How's that?

So, how to get there?

In Terminal 2 :
Go to level 3. Head towards Car Park C. When we are just out of the main building and just right into Car Park C, we will see a signboard telling us to take the staircase to access the staff canteen, on the right. There is a vegetarian stall (慈心) there. Yahoo!
In fact, a lady told us (I did the exploration with YG) that all the restaurants/eateries in our airport are briefed to provide vegetarian food upon request of guests.

In Terminal 1 :
That lady also told us that the staff canteen is at the basement in T1. I have yet to see it myself, so no detail here.

谈“心”

Some days ago,
-Fly- was saying 世界万物，始终还是围绕着用“心”对待.
I quite like it. However, thinking about it now, I have a little "caution".

Let's look at the word “心”:

Wa! Did you see what I see? Yes, the little hook (勾) within the character right at the corner (角). I would like to call this character “勾心”. Hence, I don't think it is a good idea to 用“勾心”对待.
No wonder there are just so many unnecessary 勾心斗角. Haha..

Let's look at another character :

Albeit this may not be a standard chinese character, everyone will not fail to recognise that it also represents the heart. There isn't any hook or corner, it's upright and straight. I would like to call this character “直心” or “竖心”.

It's not difficult to see what I am driving at. While we remind ourselves to treat people using our heart, we ought to understand what kind of heart we are using. If the "hooked heart" is used, we might end up hurting each other. If the "upright heart" is used, be sure we shall be rewarded. At least we still can hold our heads high and bear a clear conscience. :)

大家都是有心人。:)

The Wedding of F and DY..

The Wedding Bell has rung for F and DY.
Wow! Lovely!

F is such a fine colleague and I can say we are pretty close, right from the beginning. He is forever that humble and so willing to learn. Many times, we open-heartedly talked about the "problems" we encounter with our *little pals and see how we can best "solve" them. He is always thinking of how he could best help his *little pals. I think it is his genuine spirit in sharing, his openness, his demonstration of trust and respect in people, that inevitably draws many people rather close to him.

Somehow, I feel so much different about this wedding of his. Maybe because I'm more involved in this wedding than any other I had attended so far.

Many of us (his colleagues) gathered a day before to assist in the preparation of about 450 sets of welcoming gifts to be given to all his guests during his church-wedding. The idea came from some fellow female colleagues and mind-you, they started off a few days earlier and the gifts were largely hand-made. It involved ordering of 900 packets of honey sachets, purchasing 9 big rolls of ribbon, a few yards of satin to sew the packaging. We worked through to put all these items together in the way we want them to be. Nice.

Oh yes, many of us also went down to his church the night before to arrange the furniture, just to set it right. And it only became right near 11pm. Oh, by then, one of them realised he needed to get his car "conditioned". *Ahem, he went to get it cleaned and vacuumed. Just imagined how late he turned in.

On the actual day (yesterday). Ha.. I also found myself useful. I was a few hours early and I thought I will be idling. Nope. Haha.. I was asked to do some final touch-up to the venue before the church wedding. Certainly gladly and proudly offered my service.

Oh, after the church wedding, we had to proceed straight to his wedding banquet at The Oriental, Singapore. I need to be there early also. I was the appointed MC (Master of Ceremony) of the night. He didn't know (or didn't believe) I have kind of stage fright. But how can I say "no" to him? Haha.. I accepted his request when he approached me many weeks ago. I said "yes". For a friend, I am willing to face my "fear" and think of how to battle it myself. :)

@ The Oriental, Singapore.
(1) Firstly, I'm rather impressed with this venue. It's classy, really. The ballroom is really nice.
- The ceiling is high enough. No "cramped up" feeling.
- The lightings have a warm feeling, yet it is bright enough. Photography wouldn't be a problem at all, I think.
- It is more or less shaped like a fan (not the boring rectangular). There isn't any pillar to block the views of almost anywhere. Almost everyone is within line-of-sight with each other. Cool.
- The table cloth used has nice texture on it, breaking the monotony.
- The white porcelain plates used by the individuals are squarish with a slight artistic twist.
(2) The service is good. But not without reasons. *Ahem, there was a briefing conducted to all their waiters and waitresses at around 6pm. I tell you, the briefing was done in olden military style. It was loud and delivered much like an angry order. I heard, "If I catch any one of you eating at the back, I make sure I charge you the amount I charge the clients." Yet another, "Besides...., the rest come right to the front NOW!" and many more in fact. I am not saying I like that kind of style. I learnt from another colleague of mine who was there last year. He witnessed the same thing.
(3) There was also a briefing by the hotel manager to the groom, our overall coordinator, and me. I think the briefing was very useful. Wa.. After witnessing the kind of briefing the waiters and waitresses had had, I was thinking what kind of tone, will the hotel manager use to brief us. On the contrary, he was overly friendly and accommodating. He was very experienced and really of great help throughout the entire night, giving me the more vital cues along the way.
(4) Oh, my MC-ing part in Chinese. I was nervous, as always before any stage-appearance (be it singing, performing, giving a speech, etc.). The frequency of the wash-room rush increased. My hands became rather clammy (cold sweat?). The stage just doesn't belong to me, I think. Yet no one will believe me that I can be that nervous. Ha.. Maybe as always, strangely, I will become very much stablised after speaking two lines or so.
Erm.. I was told by the overall coordinator, many sisters (姐妹团) he was working with, had shown a little interest in me, after my first delivery.
They were asking about my name, my nationality, whether is it that I am really that poetic, blah, blah, blah.. .. the overall coordinator must be kidding.
Aiyo.. he was teasing me like hell... haha.. only making me more nervous for my second appearance. Haha.. Rather funny, there were indeed much more friendly stares and smiles when I was walking to and fro the wash-room after my delivery. A bit paiseh also lah.
I am only glad that I can do my little part upon the request of a colleague, a friend. Yes, for a friend, I am willing to battle my own "fear", my own "weakness". Okay, I must also know my limits.
(5) Towards, the end of the dinner. Many of us (his fellow colleagues) were the last few to leave. I like the warm hand-shakes from the bride and groom at the end of it all.
(6) I said something before we took our leave from the bride and groom. And that set all of them laughing so hard. What a neat way to end the dinner. :) Oh what did I say? I was looking sincerely into his eyes and I said very slowly and seriously, “F 长大咯！从今天开始就要懂得好好做人咯。” The pun is intended. :P

~ ~ ~
Wishing Them Happiness and Good Health Lifetme Ahead

Random Recollection Series 2005/Part 13

(1) Since Monday, I cleared away almost everything on my desktop. It looks bare. I think I like it this way. What a clear start! Besides, JP is right. Starting up becomes so much faster.

(2) Just the other day, I travelled more than 20 km just to get a packet of noodles for mum. The contentment on her face is contentment for me too. See, for food, I travel. Heh..

(3) A *little pal went overseas and returned lately and he got me a little gift. Ha.. it is really a little gift, but the thought of which is heart-warming enough, isn't it? I didn't expect that at all. I am certainly delighted. I shall treasure it. :)

(4) 常言道：“君子动口不动手。” 哈哈 ... 我倒是有另一番的体悟。

(5) I remembered a particular instance some time ago, while I was playing with a kid. I think he is just about 2 to 3 year-old. Before we parted, he came near me and actually called me "小和尚". Heh.. There were so many people around. His voice might be tiny, but the subsequent attention he drew (upon me!) from the crowd was rather "powerful" man. Hahaha..

The Message from Water ...

Dr Masaru Emoto is the man behind this.

" From Mr. Emotos work we are provided with factual evidence, that human vibrational energy, thoughts, words, ideas and music, affect the molecular structure of water, the very same water that comprises over seventy percent of a mature human body and covers the same amount of our planet. Water is the very source of all life on this planet, its quality and integrity are vitally important to all forms of life. The body is very much like a sponge and is composed of trillions of chambers called cells that hold liquid. The quality of our life is directly connected to the quality of our water."
~~ An extract from http://www.wellnessgoods.com/messages.asp

Even Institute of Science of Society (ISIS) talks about it here.

- - - -

I heard about it quite a long time ago, I wasn’t so fascinated then. All of a sudden, it came back to me yesterday. I find it pretty amazing, now.

It sets me thinking about the possible implications.
Our thoughts, attitude, emotions can
- positively impact our environment,
- favourably impact our personal health, and so on ..

We also heard of people mentioning
- plants grow better when we talk to them nicely, praise them, sing to them, or expose them to classical music,
- how effective 胎教 is, and so on..
Don't you think, the theory behind these is the same? Ha..

我们问问自己，我们对周遭的人、事、物
存有感恩几分、产生埋怨多少？
在天地间，我们是增加了多一股善气，还是多添了一份恶缘？

其实不只“水”对环境的心念、态度、情绪有感应，万物万灵也在感应着！

这果真是属灵的世纪啊！

An Extraordinary Interview ...

An Extraordinary Interview
~ ~ Interview with God ~ ~

I dreamed I had an interview with God.

“So you would like to interview me?” God asked

“If you have the time” I said.

God smiled
“My time is eternity”
“What questions do you have in mind for me?”

“What surprises you most about humankind?...”

God answered...
“That they get bored with childhood.
They rush to grow up and then long to be children again.”
“That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health.”
“That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live in neither
the present nor the future.”
“That they live as if they will never die, and die as if they had never lived.”

God’s hand took mine and we were silent for a while
And then I asked...
“As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons you want your children to learn?”

God replied with a smile
“To learn they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is let themselves be loved.”
“To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others.”
“To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.”
“To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and it takes many years to heal them.”
“To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.”
“To learn that there are persons who love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings.”
“To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it differently.”
“To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others. But that they must forgive themselves.”
“And to learn that I am here always.”

- - - - -
This is not the first time I am reading this. You too, perhaps.
Nevertheless, this "interview" is ever so moving, to me.
The words used are so "light", yet the implications they carry are so "strong".
Lovely. Pretty timely.

If we are given a chance to interview God, what will we ask Him?
He is here always. Go on, just ask.
However, we must be calm enough to hear, to listen, to follow ...

~ ~ ~

Monday Blues?

Flying away. There's always something left behind.

Morning has broken.
What an explanation.
I only see mist, hear nothing.
No quarrels. No arguments.. .. Just an “ill” feeling.
Oh, and no “making amendments”.

Afternoon come and gone.
It must be, I am not too sure. Never mind.
Am I dead wrong?
Not wrong, not in terms of intention.
I proceeded with the best of intention, I know of.
Hurting, causing discomfortable are the last things in my mind.
No, not even a trace of such can be found. Not even now.

I have to accept that my approaches were wrong, then.

When the night falls.
Not much difference at all.
What surprised me was the years of knowing, going through thick-&-thin has such weak foundation.

I’d tried.
But the attempts were best viewed as “oblivious” of the situation.
I’d tried. Why am I trying so hard?
Instinct tells me I may be still trying.
Friends are always friends to me.
What more when brotherhood was nearly forged?

A blank left in me. Void.
Glad it’s just in me. You carry on, please.

或许这是一堂课 : 缘起缘灭嘛。

我也比较深的体会到
若对一个人有不顺心的感觉，他所说的一切、做的种种只是会徒增反感。
若对一个人只有真心的关怀，不管他如何的误解、甚至伤害，我们仍然懂得包容。
难道“弥补”二字，在现实生活当中只是一种虚幻？