Single Card Tarot on 30th April 2010

Ten of Cups 

Briefly: This card symbolises great happiness and contentment.

Full Meaning: This card shows a cup, held in a man’s hand, and joined by a woman’s hand, as they appear to be about to sip together from the liquid in the cup, as if sharing in a celebration of some wonderful event.  There is a rainbow in the background and several tall, green trees, some shrubs, beside a river and with mountains in the far distance.  The sky is blue and the day looks warm as in Springtime.  There are 9 cups across the sky in front of the rainbow. This card symbolises great happiness and contentment.  Two people are brought together in unison and peace to share a special time in their lives.  A joint project has obviously reached fruition and they are proud of their achievements and wish to celebrate in grand style. If you draw this card you may rest assured, that even though it took a long time to get where you are, it has all been worth the effort and the energy expended.  You can relax in your new found comfort zone and pursue your other objectives with peace of mind, knowing that your life is now more secure than it has ever been.

Bflygal's comments: And so I chose to reject because Oracle tells me to Stay optimistic.. after telling me to believe in my power and to tell me to accept heaven's help. So why did I reject.. because it says "Your dreams are coming true. Don't quit right before the miracle occurs." And I thought that means I should not stop waiting.. so I reject. But she tried to hold me and in the end, it is still back to square one.

At 10.20pm, she called to say she is willing to match what the other side offer. I had never once thought of asking a pay increment from them. And I certainly did not reject as a 吊起来卖 tactic. I just rejected cos the card tells me so. So is this my dreams come true?

Accept heaven's help. So what's next?

And doc prob going to complain this is not scientific again... yah I am playing by instinct because Steve Jobs once said Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish. Thanks to senior to remind me of his speech.. and to intro to me JK Rowling's "The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination".

12 Month Overview on 30th April 2010

May - Ten of Cups

Briefly: This card symbolises great happiness and contentment.

Full Meaning: This card shows a cup, held in a man’s hand, and joined by a woman’s hand, as they appear to be about to sip together from the liquid in the cup, as if sharing in a celebration of some wonderful event. There is a rainbow in the background and several tall, green trees, some shrubs, beside a river and with mountains in the far distance. The sky is blue and the day looks warm as in Springtime. There are 9 cups across the sky in front of the rainbow. This card symbolises great happiness and contentment. Two people are brought together in unison and peace to share a special time in their lives. A joint project has obviously reached fruition and they are proud of their achievements and wish to celebrate in grand style. If you draw this card you may rest assured, that even though it took a long time to get where you are, it has all been worth the effort and the energy expended. You can relax in your new found comfort zone and pursue your other objectives with peace of mind, knowing that your life is now more secure than it has ever been.

June - Ace of Pentacles

Briefly: You will be surprised to learn that one of your greatest financial wishes is about to come true.

Full Meaning: This card shows a large pentacle in the middle which is symbolic of material wealth and abundance. If you should receive this card in your layout, and it is representative of a future event, then you will be surprised to learn that one of your greatest financial wishes is about to come true. This can bring financial stability to those who have never had it before in their life.

July - King of Pentacles

Briefly: A man whose aim is to appear wealthy, which is his ultimate goal.

Full Meaning: On this card we see a man seated on a throne. He looks regal and sophisticated. He holds a sceptre in his left hand and a Pentacle in his right hand. This man is very serious about financial security and has made the accumulation of funds his main preoccupation in life. He is very proud of his achievements and willing to show others his prized possessions. At this time in his life he is probably aged around late thirties to early forties. His work may involve him in the field of banking or the stock-market. The main aim of his life is to be financially secure and then he can relax in his later years in luxury and comfort. Appearances are important to him and to this end he dresses very conservatively and smartly. Comfort is also a factor in his well made and expensive attire. The aim is to appear wealthy, which is his ultimate goal. Usually he rides the wave of success in mid life and is therefore able to display an air of authority and confidence in his position. Others respect him for his determination and passion to succeed. He has mastered his life successfully and is usually married with a few children. His wife is conscious of his material desires and needs and accepts her role as the caretaker of all he owns.

August - The Chariot

Briefly: Travel awaits you. Should the other travel card, the six of swords also be in your card layout, then this is an indicator that you are to move across new ground, or maybe even purchase a mode of travel such as a car.

Full Meaning:

Generally speaking this card depicts some kind of travel. Should the other travel card, the six of swords also be in your card layout, then this is an indicator that you are to move across new ground. However, even by itself, as this is a major arcana card, travel is still a strong possibility. You may travel quite a distance and your goal is to get there, by whatever means you can find, even horseback if necessary. This can also mean that someone is coming from a long distance towards you.

For some people this can represent getting a new mode of transport, such as buying your first car, or buying a new car or bike or whatever. The emphasis is on getting to your destination by the quickest route available.

This card too is about choices. You may have to make a major decision around this time that will alter your circumstances quite dramatically. Do not resist change for that will disrupt the natural flow of events that are waiting to unfold for you.

Also I have seen this card manifest in matters to do with re-decorating the home. Sometimes it is just new curtains or cushions, however the aim is to bring comfort into the home.

September - Nine of Swords

Briefly: An amount of inner tension that needs to find an outlet.

Full Meaning: When you draw this card you are experience a huge amount of inner tension that needs to find an outlet. The card depicts hands tied with rope, and that can represent how you may be feeling deep inside. You could feel you are in a stranglehold situation in various areas of your life and it may seem insurmountable at this time. However, this is quite a temporary state of affairs. All you really have to do is decide what it is that you really want to do about your life and current situation, and then start the wheels in motion to bring it about. This card is also about thoughts and how your thinking is strongly affecting your actions. If your thoughts are depressed, then you may find that you don't quite know just yet how to change anything. All is not lost. You just need to try to alter your thinking slightly and soon you will gain a new perspective. It is just a matter of a little time to allow the thought process to really sink in and then you can take the required action to do what it is necessary to change your life. The amount of time required may also very well correspond with the number nine, e.g. nine days or nine weeks or in the ninth month of September may somehow be relevant. Whatever you do, don't allow other people to make your decisions at this point in time, for you may be very misled and later regret whatever action you took that was not your own true wish.

October - Four of Cups

Briefly: An offer should be considered.

Full Meaning: The picture on this card shows a hand holding a cup and this is reaching out from a cloud and presenting the cup to a person who is surrounded by leaves and there is a hill in the background and many trees. There are three cups full of liquid in the foreground. This can represent an offer to be considered. Sometimes it can symbolise that the person is reluctant to accept any offers. However, the wise person should at least investigate what is being presented, rather than dismissing it without knowing all the facts. Something can arise out of the blue and be a surprise. If you happen to notice that your circumstances may alter quite significantly if you take up some new direction, then proceed with assurance that this is the right path for you at this point in time.

November - Page of Pentacles

Briefly: You may be on the receiving end of some really good news within about one month.

Full Meaning: The picture on this card shows a good looking man of about 22 who is clean shaven and rugged up ready for winter or a long journey. He wears a beret with a feather in it, and a coat with stripes on the sleeves, which could represent a military uniform or other suit related to his field of work. He looks strong and courageous. He is headed in a certain direction and carrying a large Pentacle. He is obviously on a mission to bring some good news to someone. In the background are mountains and a river with tall trees dotting the landscape. This could represent a place you will visit in the near future, or where you will live. If you draw this card, you may be on the receiving end of some really good news within about one month. If the card represents someone you already know, rest assured success lies ahead for them. If the card is yourself, you know where you are going and how to get there. You will gain recognition for your endeavours and the esteem of your contemporaries.

December - Page of Wands

Briefly: Time to go where angels fear to tread and live.

Full Meaning: What a gorgeous young man depicted on this card. He looks romantic and adventurous and daring to go out there and conquer the world and meet his destiny, wherever that may be and with whoever he is yet to meet. He is warm and sensitive and challenged by the adventure of life itself. He knows no fears for he is too young yet to know what that means. He is daring and forthright and persistent to get his needs met. He likes to travel far and wide and will not be restrained by what others want him to do. His life is his own and he knows that he alone owns it. He cannot tolerate lies, deception or unwholesomeness. He welcomes change and will go off on a tangent and leave town on a whim. He knows no boundaries of mind or soul. He has gained some skills in life and has a feather in his cap, so to speak. He will go where angels fear to tread and live the simple life if at all possible. He is poetic and also loves life and learning new skills.

January - Five of Wands

Briefly: A symbol of some conflict that is currently going on around you or is about to take place.

Full Meaning: Often this is a symbol of some conflict that is currently going on around you or is about to take place. However for some it can be a gathering of people, united together to achieve a common goal. This could be akin to builders erecting a house, or even a political party meeting to seek cohesion in their direction. More than likely though a lot of activity takes place and you can see that there are basically many hands on deck. The issue may be that there is some expertise and effort needed to get everyone thinking on the same level, rather than a divided group. If you wish to create a more harmonious state amongst a group of people who are not seeing eye to eye, try to find a common denominator and work on that element of these people.

February - King of Wands

Briefly: A man who has come a long way and yet feels he still has so much to do ahead of him.

Full Meaning: King of Wands. The picture on this card is of a man wearing a warm woollen cape and he has an emblem on the shoulder which could signify some kind of badge or logo associated with his profession. He also wears a hood and he is holding a wand in his left hand. He is often a married man with children. His is warm in character and a good listener. He likes to take charge of situations and can handle most that life presents to him. He is a keen sportsman and is usually very energetic. He is proud and can command respect on entering a room. He is masterful and shows others his talents if he is asked to do so, otherwise he is reflective and private. He is a man who has come a long way and yet feels he still has so much to do ahead of him. Travel is one of his favourite pursuits and he does this to explore nature and the different cultures. He is always open to new challenges and loves learning everything he can about life and the differing philosophies. If you are not this man, and you are male, he may enter your life and you would be grateful to have him as a friend. If you are a young male, this will be who you become after about the age of 35. If you are a woman, this could be your husband or your future husband. If you are a married woman and he is not your husband, he may be the husband of one of your best friends.

March - The Star

Briefly: You are being guided in the right direction. You are also about to have much abundance enter your life through many and varied ways. If you have been looking for a certain job, more than likely you will achieve it and this will reflect what is going on inside you, which is finding your true niche in life.

Full Meaning: This is the card that tells you that you are being guided in the right direction. The picture displays a naked woman kneeling down beside a river with two jugs in her hand. She is pouring the water from the jugs into the stream. In the background is a large star, almost directly above her head and seven other stars around it. There are birds, flowers, trees, shrubbery and green grass around her. She appears tranquil and at peace in her natural surroundings. If this is yourself, you are intuitively heading towards the direction of where you should be on your own personal path in life. You are also about to have much abundance enter your life through many and varied ways. If you have been looking for a certain job, more than likely you will achieve it and this will reflect what is going on inside you, which is finding your true niche in life. You are also able to express yourself more truthfully without hindrances from your past or your upbringing. Your intuition is extremely heightened at this time and can bring on flashes of insight to guide you through the many decisions you are going to be facing. Trust in your future and show great faith against the odds and you will succeed. Something to do with the country, or near a river or ocean may figure strongly in an event which will occur within about one month.

April - The Hermit

Briefly: This card as it reflects a deep thinker, someone who spends time in isolation mulling over the mysteries of life. Much time may have been spent this way, and now it is all about to change.

Full Meaning: This card shows an elderly gentleman with a robe and hood standing atop a mountain holding a lantern in his right hand and a staff in this left hand. It is the middle of the night and the background is dark, and offset by the glow - which looks like a star, emanating from the lantern. The mountain appears to be snow capped and the night seems cold and he is alone. This can signify an event happening at night or in winter. If you are not in a relationship at this point in time, it is likely that you soon will be as this can symbolise the end of being alone, you finally find what you have been looking for, which may have been right under your nose. There is also a deeper significance to this card as it reflects a deep thinker, someone who spends time in isolation mulling over the mysteries of life. Much time may have been spent this way, and now it is all about to change. Prepare yourself in whatever way is necessary. Maybe you need to revamp your image or put on some brighter clothes, rather than hiding yourself under a huge coat or cloak.

Bflygal's comments: Surprisingly Ten of Cups appeared again which kind of enforce my decision to reject. This is the first time I seen the 12 mth overview. And it does paint a very hopeful picture. As long as I accept Heaven's help. I want my dream job to materialise this time but it need not be in the form that I am insisting in. As long as it fulfils what I want to achieve. So, will this offer be able to realise my dream? What amazes me is how sincere she is in hiring me, it totally shocks me. I need to spring clean myself...

照相本子

还记得你童年时的照片吗，透过这些照片你是否还记得你童年的故事？

STAMP

STAMP is a posting box painting project in Singapore.

And I quite like their idea on this project. And I'm all for voting this box.

I'm biased of course, and I do not know the artiste. I'm biased because I saw her paint, under the sweltering sun. I sensed her professionalism. And I was actually sorely tempted to take photo of her at that moment. Too bad I lack the courage.

So I'm doing the next best thing for her, I shall blog about her art work.

Post-box code ER07
Title ER07
Location Tampines Street 41 (Linkway Blk 406)
Team Name Nur-Izzah Ali
Team Members
Category Open
Description
Singapore is definitely proud to hold the 2010 Youth Olympic Games - and its joy shows among many of its citizens. It's always sunny in our little island so that gives a perfect opportunity to work those muscles and enjoy a fun ride on the bike! Cycling as a group is as gratifying as cycling solo. When one cycles in the city, our familiar sights of clean parks, high rise buildings and all the greenery are hard to escape. Among the background are iconic cityscape silently cheering on wherever one goes, whizzing by. Go team SG!

If you are interested to cast your vote too, drop by http://www.forecepts.com/stamp2/votes/public_votelist.php
and vote for ER07 (plus another 4 more boxes as you can cast a total of 5 votes).

Sincerely wishing everybody the best :)

All image sources from farm.sg

After 1777

What happens after 1777?
1) Voice recording informs you that all are engaged and put you on a wait. Afterall you chose the non-E.
2) After several minutes, someone came on line but you forgot what he said and interrupted him with your request.
3) He asked where would we like to send to and you chose the nearest H.
4) He asked for the details and inform you it is a 30 minutes wait and the cash amount involved.
5) He put you on a hold while he connects you to the nearest H.
6) They re-confirm your details. Did they repeat the wait time? I cannot remember...
7) You wait anxiously as minutes crawl.
8) While necessities were being gathered... on and off you remind her what she need to bring.
9) And you constantly asked yourself if this is the best solution? You probably can guess the fuss he is going to make.
10) The door has been opened during this wait. (You should remember to open it fully the next time.. BUT you do wish there will not be a second time .. please).
11) He was carried out screaming which is nothing new for the past few days.
12) She followed him.
13) And you mopped the floor because shoes were allowed in. (Were you expecting them to take off their shoes?)
14) And as you blogged these cryptic and not so cryptic pointers, you wonder after so many sleepless nights, will this be another sleepless or sleep-full night. At least you no longer fear what will happened to him because what you cannot see, you cannot fear.
15) And you hope that last night will be the last time he portrayed the worst state of life's fragility. Hopefully he might be able to recover.. at least to a certain best scenario.
16) Oh and while you are curious about the ride in A and might ask her about it, you also wish that you will never have to call 1777 again.. and most importantly you will never have to sit in it at all. At least not in that role.
May GA bless him.
p/s: 2 females can really turn helpless at times...
pp/s: This is a very useful book which I koped in my previous company

Not interested in your religion

Having filled countless of application forms always asking me about my religion, I find this emailed dialogue between a Brazilian Christian Theologist Leonardo Boff and the Dalai Lama especially thought-provoking.

In Dalai Lama's opinion,

the best religion is the one that gets you closer to God. It is the one that makes you a better person.

And a better person means

Whatever makes you
more compassionate,
more sensible,
more detached,
more loving,
more humanitarian,
more responsible,
more ethical.

And he proceed to say that he is

not interested, my friend, about your religion or if you are religious or not. What really is important to me is your behaviour in front of your peers, family, work, community, and in front of the world. Remember, the universe is the echo of our actions and thoughts.

How wise the words sounded. Indeed, I am not interested in which God you are praying to. I just want to know how sincere your prayers are... I just want to know what is your attitude towards this matter... I just want to know if you can help lighten the burden and alleviate the suffering.

Dalai Lama said that Karma is the law of action and reaction.

"If I act with goodness, I will receive goodness. If I act with evil, I will get evil. What our grandparents told us is the pure truth. You will always have what you desire for others. Being happy is not a matter of destiny. It is a matter of opinion."

I know I have been disrespectful. I know I have been selfish. But for the best of the situation, I have to made such a prayer.

I remember another email about US pennies...

God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him..

For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me , God is patient and pennies are plentiful!

Actually in religion, what matters most is how strong your faith is, and this person's faith is strong. Much cannot be said for another person. He had expressed the lack of confidence in his prayer. I don't begrudge him though I firmly believed he chose his life, but most importantly he chose his actions and values. If possible, I wish both of them could let go, it seems that so many years have passed but they have not matured up. But out of pure respect, I bit my tongue and focus instead of my own prayer. I trust my faith, I trust my GA, I trust my God.

I don't wish to prolong the suffering. It is not in my hands to do so too. But I sincerely hope and am willing to be subjected to any punishment for being unfilial, as long as it can be the best case scenario. This morning, mum has already voiced the exact thought I had last night. I can only hope that it will not increase the burden.

"Take care of your Thoughts because they become Words.
Take care of your Words because they become Actions.
Take care of your Actions because they become Habits.
Take care of your Habits because they will form your Character.
Take care of your Character because it will form your Destiny,
and your Destiny will be your Life."

Take care that I do not become too highly strung up and think of negative thoughts as the situation forbids that.

Rebirth

Recently received a rebirth powerpoint from email.

I lost a childhood toy … but have the memory of the person who gave me that gift with unconditional love.
I lost the privileges and fantasies of childhood … but had the opportunity of growing and living free.
I lost a lot of people whom I loved and still love … but had the affection and now have model from their lives.
I lost moments of life because I cried instead of smiling … but I discovered that: it is from planting love that love is harvested.
I lost many things many times in my life. But in that “loss,” today I aspire for the value of “gain;”
… because it is always possible to fight for that which we love; and because there is always time to start all over again.
It is not important the time of life when you tired. Important is that it is always possible and necessary to restart. Re-birthing is a new opportunity; it is renewing the hopes in life; and more importantly, it is believing in oneself.
Did you suffer greatly sometime?
… that was a time for learning.
Did you cry a lot?
… you were cleansing the soul.
Did you feel spiteful?
... it was a lesson on forgiveness.
At times, were you alone?
... it was because you closed the door.
Were there times you believed everything was lost?
... it was simply the beginning of your improvement.

“It isn’t that we dare because things are difficult;
it is that we don’t dare that they are difficult."

Reminded me of 败犬女王学长's Reborn photo.

And coincidentally, when I was figuring out the han yu pin yin of 否 while commenting Doc's post, I happen to see this word 否极泰来 although seriously this doesn't apply to me because I am not a misfortunate lot. But blogging it to remember myself that 否 has another way of pronouncing it - pǐ.

否、泰：《周易》中的两个卦名。否：卦不顺利；泰：卦顺利；极：尽头。逆境达到极点，就会向顺境转化。指坏运到了头好运就来了。出自中国典籍 《周易·否》和《周易·泰》。近义词：苦尽甘来。

【成语读音】pǐ jí tài lái 

【英文翻译】out of the depth of misfortune comes bliss；When misfortune reaches the limit， good fortune is at hand；after extreme bad luck

【成语解释】逆境达到极点，就会向顺境转化。指坏运到了尽头好运就来了。

Source: Baidu

All these strengthen the theme that I planned to write this week... A definite conclusion is I will leave the SAP industry, an industry I accidentally stepped in as a contract staff. But this is not the time of rebirth yet. It is the time of metamorphosis. And I hope to be lead to the path I want to embark for so many years. May I have the courage.

Lastly, obtained from an agent's email signature:

I met money one day. I said, "You are just a piece of paper."
Money smiled and said, "Of course I'm a piece of paper, but I haven't seen a dustbin yet, in my life".
This is the attitude!

p/s: I did not fare well but that is of secondary importance to me already. (Special mention though the agent has been very kind to try to help put in some good words considering he doesn't really need to as both were his recommendations.) These few days too much has happened... I only hope we are doing what we think is right... and I can only wish that I can stay awake as long as possible... This fragility in life can be imposed so suddenly within hours and cause an upheaval to the peace that once prevailed... I really don't want to see a life turned fragile... please...

Foolsgold

Foolsgold by Susan G. Wooldridge. A book I randomly picked in the library previously but had lots of fun with. The author wrote in a somewhat haphazard style, very random and yet theme-based. Somehow she likes boxing up a particular day, a particular thought, a particular theme.

So what is foolsgold?

Foolsgold describes a paradox, the value in what may seem to be worthless. Foolsgold reminds us to look beyond appearances, even in ourselves.

Below are the quotes I obtained from her. It has been a pleasure to read this light-hearted book. And it makes me feel that life really should not be too serious (there is a fine line between responsibility and workaholic kk).

Dont ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. - Harold Thurman Whitman

Dear coeur ,

Come sta?

Sto bene.... Just lost....

Rgds,

Bflygal

Write a letter to ur heart in the middle of the night. Let your heart write back through you. You might not get answers. Just beginning to pay attention to your heart in your body is enough to help you begin to open to your heart's creative, healing ways.

It is only with the heart that we see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eyes.
- Antoine de Saint Exupery

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
- Lao Tzu

If we have to be right about everything, we won't allow ourselves to change, and to free our creative natures.

Listen to opposing viewpoints. Look at opposites. Seek a third way.

We need, in love, to practice only this: letting each other go. For holding on comes easily; we do not need to learn it.
- Rainer Maria Rilke

The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend. - Henri Bergson

Dragonfly haiku

No spring dragonflies

Just slow summer butterflies

Float into my day.

-Alfred, Lord Tennyson

I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine. - Emily Dickinson

Socrates said 'All I know is that I know nothing.' If we don't know anything we have room for expansion. It's all these categories in 'knowing' that can get us into troubles.

Your only limitations are those you set up in your mind, or permit others to set up for you. - Og Mandino

If you express what is inside you, what is inside you will save you.
If you don't express what is inside you, what is inside you can kill you.
- Gospel of Saint Thomas
bflygal's comments: Luckily I blog, at least it has kind of been expressed cryptically hahaha

We cannot live in a world that is interpreted for us by others.
An interpreted world is not a hope.
Part of the terror is to take our own listening.
To use our own voice.
To see our own light.
- Hildegard von Bingen.

The mind can be stopped through the act of writing.
Once the mind is stopped on paper, thoughts can remain stable.
- Loving what is, Byron Katie

The future is not some place we are going,
but one we are creating.
The paths are not to be found,
but made.
And the activity of making these,
changes both the maker and their destination.
- John Schaan

I wonder if our creative calling is sometimes something we fear, and if we are lucky, end up being pullled into in spite of ourselves.
If we follow our hunches, those little flashes of intuition, ask within, and listen to ourselves patiently, maybe it can be easier.

I have found that you have only to take that one step toward the gods, and they will then take ten steps toward you. That step, the heroic first step of the journey, is out of, or over the edge of your boundaries, and it often must be taken before you know that you will be supported.
-Joseph Campbell
Bflygal's comments: Reminds me of my short turtle story on "The first step is always the hardest".

Creativity exists in the present moment. You cannot find it anywhere else.
- Natalie Goldberg

The personal life deeply lived always expands into truth beyond itself.
-Anais Nin

The words "I wonder" seem to open the way for a solution on at least a possibility.
I wonder how I'll come to truly understand that our individual world is our place to create, dream, conjure, heal, plant, grow and be.
Bflygal's comments: I wonder how I will fulfil my life's mission, my promise to God and GA.

God's comments are conveyed by the images in the natural world.
- George Keithley on Galileo

By believing passionately in something that still does not exist,
we create it.
The non-existent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired.
- Nikos Kazantzakis

Sometimes when we give up and let go, everything is over.
Other times, our work might just need time to incubate.
However you'll never know till you fully let go.. like the director and accept not knowing.

Every child is like a seed and nobody, especially the parent, he stresses, knows what the seed will grow into.

Souls recognise each other. The passage of time is unimportant.

The Waking

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.

I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?

I hear my being dance from ear to ear.

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Oh those so close beside me, which are you?

God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,

And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?

The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great nature has another thing to do

To you and me; so take the lively air,

And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.

What falls away is always. And is near.

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

I learn by going where I have to go.

- Theodore Roethke

bflygal's comments: A personal favourite. I learn by going where I have to go... Oh-yes!

In the emptiness we may get an inkling—as if something lights up and twinkles—of how we'll begin to form and open to who we're becoming, who we most truly are. We need to leave space both for what we will discover and what will emerge to discover us.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.

meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

- Jelaluddin Rumi, translation by Coleman Barks

The moment one give close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.
- Henry Miller.

Sw: I have a resistance to gluing stones
Mum: yes, it's sort of sacrilege to take a nice wild thing and glue it down.
bflygal's comments: another favourite. The wild things can never be tied down! Thus I have another quote about it here...

You were wild here once. Don't let them tame you. - Isadora Duncan

If the fool persists in his folly,
He will become wise.
- William Blake

The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing. - John Muir

Elisabeth once said her only fear is not death, but that she won't find a way to express who she is in the world.

Nichtalelloudi
A night flower that opens in moonlight when it's safe, when you might even be asleep, sneaking up on yourself in dreams.
bflygal's comments: I wonder how does a nichtalelloudi looks like.. my fantasy leads me to this...

Many people treat their bodies as if they were rented from Hertz - something they are using to get around in but nothing they genuinely care about understanding. - Chungliang Al Huang
bflygal's comments: Eeks.. I promise body, that I will ensure we have mutual understanding.

I can make things sound serious and arty, but truly what I've been doing - not only all this time but all my life, I must confess - is playing.
bflygal's comments: Yup yup, that is what I aim to achieve.. and achieve to aim.

Mermaids might be beautiful but they don't do well on land.
bflygal's comments: So please let Ariel return back....

Finally got tickets to Last Supper

For so many days, I have been stalking Viva Ticket... each time I see a green slot, I wish for it to be 11th May. Any time as long as it is 11th May.

And just when I am about to despair...
because Fiddler crash my Chrome and Firefox..
thus I was trying to reload all my web pages again....
and I reloaded Vivat Ticket too

When I saw 11th May was green, I was like OMG... did my dream come true
can I really see The Last Supper..
because even if it states green, there might be no tickets as probably it is reserved (it happened quite a few times when I was trying to play around the system.. do you know I even create an account first so that I will be the first to grab it if 11th May turns available)
And when I saw 4 tickets available.. I was like.. gosh.. can't believe it..
I was only praying for 1 ticket for myself at least haha (admit it, I'm selfish haha)

Immediately asked my brother.. and since he said his gf might be interested to see I decided to book 3. Either way, is either them with me or my parents with me.. as long as I'm in haha.

Can't wait for 9th May all of the sudden... but I still haven't planned well.. still coding now.. and still thinking if I should go Pixar Exhibition tomorrow..

Do you know the feeling when you are having your last paper and you are too excited to sleep. Well is precisely I'm having that feeling that tomorrow should be my last interview (even if I do go for 3rd round, is a formality round .. and if I don't I will just accept my current offer).. and that everything will be good soon.. and now with these 3 tickets safely secured by me..
I feel I'm on the top of the world :)

Back to coding... and zzzzzz

p/s: there is another reason for staying awake so late other than coding.. and I hope GA will provide us the solution tomorrow. I really don't want such a situation to happen. Please.

5 years experience or 5 1-year experience?

I am beginning to feel that my job search is a learning process in disguise. Not only do I learn from agents, I learn from interviewers too.

Haha actually today's interview should be a failure. I was already surprised when they called to meet me as I felt they need someone more experienced. And in the beginning, he did frighten me with his demeanour and his questions. But when he explain what he is looking for and I know I would not dare accept the position, the conversation turned light-hearted.

At first I had no question since is a mis-fit but he wanted to give me some advice on what I should be finding i.e. Programming job. I guessed my face must have betrayed me as he said but this may not be what I am looking for. He went on to tell me about his ex-manager taking 1 year to find another job. I remember an agent did tell me why I took so long is because I am no longer a fresh graduate where I will accept any offers that come along. With experience comes expectation and that takes time to match. But of course I hope that I will not accept any job out of desperation though. Hmm shouldn't be the case as I trust myself haha.

Then he told me about some people could have 10 years experience but if he was just repeating his duties for the last 5 years, he might only have 5 years of actual experience. He quantified for me that I probably only had 2 years experience in my first perm job and I should have leave on my third year. Apparently he seems to know my ex-company well enough to know how messy their processes merged with legacy systems and their resistance to change. Amazing! So it had been a right choice when I first tendered. Unfortunately I was not resolved enough but it's ok, I don't regret the extra 1 year.

Anyway talking to him is like talking to a mentor. And he said he is like conversing with his children as we share the same age. Felt he would be a good boss as he aimed for his employees to learn something every year so that they have the full qualified experience. And thus even when he asked them to go, they chose to stay for the environment and the knowledge sharing. Haha he really is an interesting boss and thus it is a pity he had filled up his analyst positions which is what I am looking for actually. Not sure if I will pass his interview then though haha.

To conclude, I will remember from now onwards to make each year an experienced year. And I think I have enough of interviews even though I would not miss this for its enriching conversation. One more interview and I want to conclude already. I have even thought of the theme of the post once my conclusion is made.

Euro Coins - Part 2

While preparing my euro notes for my Italy trip, I decided to take out my remanants of euro coins and collate to see what I have (and what I don't have which is LOTS!!!)

As a continuation of my previous post on Euro coins (check it out here)...
and after thorough checking with this site - www.eurocoins.co.uk (really should check it out... it is an absolute saviour!!!)...
this is my findings.

	Country/ Denominations	Description	Remarks
	Belgium 20 cents (All 8 denominations bear the same design)	Depicts King Albert II and a monogram – a capital "A" underneath a crown – among 12 stars, symbolising Europe. The year of issue is part of the design, along with the year the coin was struck.	Belgium collection considered complete
	Germany 2 Euro, 1 Euro (share the same design)	The traditional symbol of German sovereignty, the eagle, surrounded by the stars of Europe, appears on these coins. This motif was designed by Heinz and Sneschana Russewa-Hoyer. None of the German Euros carry the words Germany or Deutschland.	Germany collection considered complete
	Germany 20 cents, 10 cents The obverse designs of the German 50, 20 and 10 Euro are identical apart from their size and the indents on the 20 cent.	The Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the division of Germany and its subsequent unification, is the motif used on these coins. The perspective of the design, by Reinhard Heinsdorff, emphasises the opening of the gate, stressing the unification of Germany and Europe.	Germany collection considered complete
	Germany 5 cents, 2 cents, 1 cent	The oak twig, reminiscent of that found on the current German pfennig coins provides the motif for these coins. It was designed by Professor Rolf Lederbogen.	Germany collection considered complete
	Italy 2 Euro	This depicts a portrait drawn by Raphaël of Dante Alighieri, housed in the Pope Julius II Wing of the Vatican Palace	Only possess this coin.
	Italy 1 Euro	This coin shows the famous drawing, The Vitruvian Man, by Leonardo da Vinci, displayed in the gallery of the Academy in Venice, illustrating the ideal proportions of the human body.	Possessed through Italy trip
	Italy 50 cents	This depicts the statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius on horseback.	Possessed through Italy trip
	Italy 20 cents	This coin portrays a sculpture by Umberto Boccioni, leader of the Italian futurist school. Note the 7 indents or scallops on the edge.	Possessed through Italy trip
	Italy 10 cents	This commemorates one of the greatest triumphs in Italian art. It shows one of the most famous works in the world, the "Birth of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli.	Possessed through Italy trip
	Italy 5 cents	This shows the Flavius amphitheatre, which Emperor Vespasian began building around 75 AD and Emperor Titus inaugurated in 80 AD.	Possessed through Italy trip
	Italy 2 cents	This shows the Mole Antonelliana, a tower designed in 1863 by Alessandro Antonelli.	Missing
	Italy 1 cent	The Castel del Monte appears on this coin.	Missing
	Netherlands 2 Euro, 1 Euro	Queen Beatrix is shown in profile with the words "Beatrix Queen of The Netherlands" in Dutch. The 12 stars are confined to half the circumference of the coin.	Missing
	Netherlands 50 cents, 20 cents	Queen Beatrix is shown in profile and the words "Beatrix Queen of The Netherlands" are written around the circumference of the coins. The obverse designs of the Dutch 50, 20 and 10, 2 and 1 Euro are identical apart from their size and the indents on the 20 cent.	Considered complete for this set. Still need to collect the 2/1 euro.
	Spain 2 euro, 1 euro	This shows a portrait of King Juan Carlos 1 de Borbon y Borbon, King of Spain.	Possessed through Italy trip
	Spain 20 cents, 10 cent	Miguel de Cervantes, the father of Spanish literature, is shown on these coins, reflecting "the universality of the man and his work". The obverse designs of the Spanish 50, 20 and 10 Euro are identical apart from their size and the indents on the 20 cent.	Considered complete for this design. Still missing the 2/1 euro and 5/2/1 cent(s)
	Spain 5 cents, 2 cents, 1 cent	The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a jewel of Spanish Roman art and one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in the world is pictured on these coin. They show the monumental façade of the Obradoiro, a splendid example of Spanish baroque construction, started in 1667 by Jose del Toro and Domingo de Andrade. It was finished in the 18th century by Fernando Casas y Novoa.	Missing
	Luxembourg	All coins in Luxembourg bear the profile of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke Henri. They bear the year of issue and the word "Luxembourg" written in Luxembourgish ("Letzebuerg").	Missing

All descriptions taken from www.eurocoins.co.uk too. As mentioned, it is really a good website, I learnt lots from them.
Here are the individual links of the countries I browsed
http://www.eurocoins.co.uk/belgium.html
http://www.eurocoins.co.uk/germany.html
http://www.eurocoins.co.uk/italy.html
http://www.eurocoins.co.uk/netherlands.html
http://www.eurocoins.co.uk/luxembourg.html
http://www.eurocoins.co.uk/spain.html
http://www.eurocoins.co.uk/vatican.html

So what have I learnt from this site?
1) Seems that visiting Germany first has a plus point, I collected the (almost) full set of their coins missing only the 50 cents which I intend to give up because if I really do collect every euro coins, I think it will amass a fortune.
Hmm but I have not visited Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Hopefully if I visit Germany again, it will be to Berlin (and Nuremberg).
2) Luxembourgh is the only country I visited but did not manage to get a coin from. Hope I can get just a coin from it somehow.
3) Had not visited Spain but I have 2 coins from there. Next stop Spain?
4) I actually possessed an Italian coin. Haha. But I want more.. hope I can get the Vitruvian Man and Flavius amphitheatre (Colosseum).
5) And is the most shocking finding.. that Vatican City

is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the capital city of Italy.
Source: Wiki

Gosh a country in a city. So cool. I really should allocate 1 day to visit this place now. Let me re-review my constantly revised itinerary.
Oh and do you know how to become a citizen of the Vatican?

Unlike citizenship of other states, which is based either on jus sanguinis (birth from a citizen, even outside the state's territory) or on jus soli (birth within the territory of the state), citizenship of Vatican City is granted jus officii, namely on the grounds of appointment to work in a certain capacity in the service of the Holy See. It usually ceases upon cessation of the appointment. Citizenship is extended also to the spouse, parents and descendants of a citizen, provided they are living with the person who is a citizen.

Anyone who on loss of Vatican citizenship possesses no other citizenship, as judged by Italian law, automatically becomes an Italian citizen.

Source: Wiki

Woah, this city is really an eye-opener to me. Citizenship based on employment is something I have never heard before. In fact, I think it is an exclusive priviledge to get a Vatican citizenship hmm.