Travelling Sentiments

I remembered I had wanted to write an article on moi travelling sentiments. I can’t remember what I was discussing with CL on it though. But it had to do with travelling.. maybe it was because I was seeing someone’s CV where the person had gone for study trips during school days. And I was asking her are such trips useful?

Because the truth is, I never been on one at all. Since young, all my travelling trips were with my family. No Malaysia trips for me as dad find it unsafe. I remember after finishing JC, during that 3 months break, my friends had suggested to go JB for seafood but I had to reject too. Thus the first time I went Malaysia on my own, it was to Berkelah Waterfalls in 2007. I remember that was during the ghost festival but I had been insistent on going for I don’t know what reasons haha. In fact I think year 2007 was the year I made a lot of major changes to my life because I decided it was a mid-point for me and I decided to do a major cleansing operation from inside out. Haha.

Thus I also remembered 2007 was the year I chose to fly to Japan on my own too. Actually I did have a chance to go on a school trip in my uni days as I remembered I had applied (written an essay) for some exchange program and had successfully gotten a placement. Just that I need to pay certain subsidised amount still. I think it was to Sydney perhaps. In the end, I rejected though because I was just a school girl then and did not have much money (ok not true, it was due to other reasons perhaps).

So yupz I never did had a school trip and thus had to ask CL her opinion on it. And I remembered she said because we were all schooling then, there really isn’t much sufficient money you can splurge to go so many places on such trip. Plus we might have been too young then to really appreciate the place we been.

I do agree that age do play a part. Since young, all the places I have been with my family, it was more of just following. Thus nothing much really registers deeply into my memories. But since I came back from Sydney, I did think about those younger days and how it felt now that I’m back Sydney on my own. Like how did I felt when I was back in London and in Melbourne. There were snippets of the past flashing past me. Like in Circular Quay, Sydney. I suddenly had this feeling that I was with my family on the way to take a ferry to the zoo which I suspect is the Tarangoo zoo. QVM, Melbourne was another scene where I can remember shopping with my mum across the stalls. Or that Mum and I had chosen a Cellini bag as my "school bag" in Myer, Bourke Street, Melbourne. Or that it was freezing cold when my parents were trying to take a photo of the Big Ben, London and that we had been xmas shopping in Harrods with tons of people. Times like this, I start to wonder what does travelling means to me now?

In Nuyou Nov 2010, Section City Beat, the author has written that travelling means a checklist where you have to go a certain place and visit a few landmarks and you can then say you have placed your foot on that place. So if you are in Sydney, you must visit Sydney Opera house. If you are in London, you must see the Big Ben. And if you are in Rome, Colosseum is a must visit place. But is travelling just a checklist for you to checked?

In my younger days, it was just a trip to accompany my parents (can't possible leave me at home haha). Then when I started to fly on my own, mum was pleasantly surprised as she thought I never really like travelling. Hmm actually it was never a matter of liking or not perhaps. My first trip to Japan, I was finding my friend. My second solo trip, I was with my colleagues. Then I went to Thai to find friend again before going Europe with CL. And even in Europe, I had chosen to drop by London to visit a friend (same friend though just that she shifted from Japan to London haha) too. Haha in other words, I never really travelled alone. I tend to choose places that have friends. And I can say other than Manila and Melbourne, as of now, all the places I travelled to, it was always to visit a friend.

In other words, travelling is not a checklist of tourist attractions which I must accomplish. Travelling has becomes a means for me to find my friends (and thus can provide me free accommodation while I explore the everyday life of the local people haha).

But that does not mean I like travelling. I don’t like to keep flying constantly actually because it is tiring to keep travelling to airports and waiting in the airport. And thus I’m complaining now that due to my poor planning, I have caused myself to travel too much for this few weeks. This was what I had typed to my friend:

Just last last fri (26th nov) I flew to Sydney.
And came back to Melbourne last tues (30th nov).
then tonight (7th dec) again to Sydney
coming back Melbourne on Saturday (11th dec)
then next thurs/fri morning (17th dec 1 a.m.) im flying back home
and the next day (18th dec) to HK
before coming back next next thurs (23rd dec)
Lastly 3 weeks from today (28th dec) i'm flying to Melbourne again.

So I counted, 8 trips up and down. Crazy. All because of my bad planning. Hmm.. just have to tolerate the flying trips for the sake of seeing my friends/family and for learning sake.

p/s: I'm writing the footnote in the airport. And I think Sydney don't really like me that much. Because this time my flight got cancelled and I was pushed to a later flight (half an hour later). Then I dare not request for an earlier flight (probably blog about it in another post) and went to read my magazine at the gate. Only to realise it changed gate halfway. Geez that's why I said I don't like flying, I just like arriving at that new place hahaha. Maybe someone should invent a teleport machine for me. You know like Harry Potter's Apparation! My friend was telling me to please not board the wrong flight. I don't wish to either haha.. that would be so Home Alone Series...

Lovers Tarot on 6th Dec 2010

Lovers Tarot

Present Situation 

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.

Your World 

The Sun 

Briefly: There is also the possibility, for those who desire a child, that a pregnancy is imminent. Any new business venture also has the signs of success written on it, so proceed with confidence that all will be well.

Full Meaning: This card depicts the Sun and in the front of this is a child on a horse - note the same red feather that appears on the fools hat. The childs arms are open and a brilliant red flag waves in the air. There are sunflowers on the card, some greenery and a wall in the background.

This card is generally a big "YES!" card, confirmation that what you seek is on its way.

Often this card symbolises Summer or is associated with the sign of Leo. Perhaps an important event will occur around your own Summer month or during the one month time span of Leo which is from July 23 up to August 22. For some this can mean a very special relationship on the horizon, and one that may very well lead to marriage, this will be a successful union and bring much happiness into both people's lives. There is also the possibility, for those who desire a child, that a pregnancy is imminent. Any new business venture also has the signs of success written on it, so proceed with confidence that all will be well. Also a distinct possibility is a trip to a warm location in the near future.

Your Lover's World 

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.

Nature of Issues 

Eight of Cups 

Briefly: There are things and situations to ponder over and a time of solitude is required before a decision has to be made.

Full Meaning: This card shows a person with a hooded cloak walking with a staff near an inlet that is surrounded by tall cliffs. You cannot see the person's face as they have their back to you. In the background is a crescent Moon. It appears to be either early morning or early evening. There are eight cups in the foreground. This is symbolic of being in a reflective state of mind. There are things and situations to ponder over and a time of solitude is required before a decision has to be made. If you draw this card you either live in a setting like this or it is not far from your home. Or perhaps you are considering moving to a seaside resort area at some point in the not too distant future. This can be a time when you choose a different course of action that puts you where you are destined to be. It is also time to consider bringing in some newness into your life and leaving the past where it belongs, in the past.

Obstacles 

Judgement 

Briefly: It can be a new life created out of the wisdom of the lessons you have learned from your past and even from the mistakes you have made. If there is someone in your life whom you would like to reunite with, now is the time to approach them and rekindle lost friendship, or long lost love.

Full Meaning: This card shows a man, woman and child floating over the ocean. The man is holding a bugle and he appears confident and strong. If you are a single man and you draw this card, it is symbolic of your forthcoming marriage and the birth of your child. If you are single woman, it can symbolise the new man who is going to come into your life and he is fertile and will become the father of your child, possibly your very first child. This card can also symbolise a time of deep reflection on your life, the mistakes you have made and how you are at the point of trying to understand what all this means and rectify whatever you can. It can be a new life created out of the wisdom of the lessons you have learned from your past and even from the mistakes you have made. If there is someone in your life whom you would like to reunite with, now is the time to approach them and rekindle lost friendship, or long lost love. Travel can be undertaken at this time and it will radically change your whole life.

Lessons and Signs 

Two of Pentacles 

Briefly: A choice between two options.

Full Meaning: This card shows a young man with a cap on his head. He holds two pentacles, signifying a choice between two options. He is indecisive about where to put his time and his energy. He may also feel that his accumulation of funds needs to be weighed and considered as to where it would benefit him the most in the future. He could be offered two different jobs and will deliberate until he feels comfortable in his decision. He may join the army, navy or some other adventurous form of work. There is likely to be some good news or an offer arrives from overseas. The ocean is in the background signifying that he is a sensitive soul and has great compassion.

Your Hopes, Fears and Desires 

Queen of Swords 

Briefly: Her future lies in learning to trust others again.

Full Meaning: Physically usually (though not always) tall and/or slender woman. Quite often has dark hair. Refined appearance and conservative in dress most of the time. Gracious manner. She prefers sophisticated clothing.
Personality is cautious and clever. Can be cunning, destructive and manipulative. She is often aloof and distant. She keeps her distance and puts up barriers around herself. She displays an air of unemotional responses. She may appear hard, selfish and self-controlled. Beneath her facade she hides much previous emotional pain and/or hardship. She has learnt how to survive. She is a woman alone. She is either a widow, divorced, a spinster or without a loving partner. She may have spent a long time on her own and keeps up her defences and her sword drawn to protect her at all times. She has a fondness for red roses.
She looks good in black clothing. She likes to wear expensive or perhaps antique and conservative jewellery most of the time, though sometimes she wears some bold jewels. She knows she would or could be seduced if she lets her guard down. She is not a social butterfly. She can seem to be unforgiving in some circumstances, but this is her self-defence mechanism being activated to avoid feeling pain and disturbing emotional reactions. She cries in her sleep, and little elsewhere.
She feels more in control if she can avoid having too deep feelings for anyone, lest they puncture her heart and give her reason to despair. She can become big hearted if in the right company and circumstances and when she feels safe and secure. There is hope for her and she is wise enough to know it. She is symbolic of the rose, seductive and potentially dangerous, capable of cutting the skin and making it bleed, yet the soft velvety petals can blossom into the most beautiful arrangement and captivate your heart. She is wistful and reflective, serious yet sensuous, yet always alert. She is capable of being the Goddess or the crucifier.
Occupations suited to her would be the head of a company or large organisation. Also she would make a great surgeon, doctor, police officer, dentist or anything that involves the use of sharp items or weapons. She would make a good soldier, warrior, fighter or leader of a revolution. She knows only one truth, her own.
Her future lies in learning to trust others again. She has been severely betrayed in the past by women and men alike. She may need to take a leaf out of the book of the Queen of Cups, who is more giving, loving and affectionate. She could have a love relationship but only if total trust exists. There is no room for dishonesty or lies. If she is betrayed, she severs her relationships completely and irrevocably and never goes back. Friends are cast off and not seen again should they make the mistake to betray or abuse her. Her goodwill only stretches so far and behind that she may lose some of her sense of compassion, knowing that others should learn to be more self-reliant, like herself. She may go to the extreme of cutting off her husband's head, should he betray or deceive her.
Querent's card. If this is you, then you may be being called to meet the challenge of your strengths and you will meet this head on regardless of whether this produces success or failure. Even in failure, you will learn where you went wrong and this is the ultimate lesson.
If you are not the querent and this card appears, I suggest that you make an ally of this woman, because she can be a powerful opponent if you should cross her. She is loyal and steadfast to those she gets close to, just don't mess with her, because you will wish you hadn't.

Live a life that matters

Was checking my old mails (those with attachments) and downloaded a few to read to waste some bandwidth and happen to see this one.

Suddenly remember cL asked me something I did not reply (usual). But I had planned to search an old pensieve before replying then. It was June 2010. I had been waiting for an interview with a prestige company (which I still fail in the end). And I remembered I told myself once I get a suitable job, I can sponsor my second child. I even had decided the country I want the child to come from. At that time I had shelved the plan for half a year. Presently, the plan had been postponed a year exactly. But I did realised it.

As for why I wanted to do so.. if the video is correct, then what you measure in life is not what you possessed but what you gave. I always remember the story of a poor lady who is willingly to give what she can spare to help the poor... even if the amount is insignificant to the common folks. I am not rich either else you wouldn't see me cooking my lunch and dinner but feasting everyday. I don't plan to be the old lady either, I just feel it is a good way to curb me to splurge on my wants haha.

And I don't think I will teach these children anything either. For this second sponsored child, I'm expecting the child to teach me Chinese in fact haha. But sigh, as of now I am still stuck in Melbourne and unable to see the child's profile nor be able to write my first letter to the child. I'm also wondering what Christmas letter my first sponsored child will give me this year. Sigh, now I really wish I'm back home. 10 more days.

Thanks for..

Looking back, I have been in Melbourne for 3 months plus already. And I had been lucky to savour so many people's culinary skills...

I am especially thankful for Chef K aka Thai lady for cooking and teaching me some culinary skills like how to consume avocado.

Let's side track a bit and talk about the nutritional value of avocado which I researched after xL says avocado has fats which I recalled was good fats.

Avocados are high in valuable fats and appear to have a beneficial effect on blood serum levels. For a typical avocado:
* About 75% of an avocado's calories come from fat, most of which is monounsaturated fat.
* Avocados also have 60% more potassium than bananas. They are rich in B vitamins, as well as vitamin E and vitamin K.
* Avocados have a high fiber content among fruits - including 75% insoluble and 25% soluble fiber.
* A fatty triol (fatty alcohol) with one double bond, avocadene (16-heptadecene-1,2,4-triol), is found in avocado.
Source: Wiki

Not too bad I guess. Except I'm quite lazy to purchase avocado though I was given 2 by a colleague when he had bought a box of avocados for just 2 AUD. (Of which seriously when the deal is too cheap, the fruits tend to be on the verge to spoil so it is really best not to scrimp and save too much on this extent.. at least not for me because it will pain me to throw away spoilt food actually.) But have to admit, it was easy to extract avocados.

Still remember when Chef K was with me, Melbourne was still in cold. So on this particular cold day, we were deciding between having hot porridge or shabu shabu. In the end we chose shabu shabu that day, and have porridge the next day haha.

Hmm I think I might purchase bitter gourd the next time, eh probably next year?

Mushrooms too..

Then I have another colleague whom also had been nice to encourage us to cook though initially we refused to cook no matter what haha. Still remember he lend xL a James Oliver book and both of us were 'forced' to flip through and learnt something. Haha I concluded too european style for my liking but the salads were interesting. Then he suggested to cook for us and ta-da... with Chef K, they both created 3 lovely dishes. Haha still remember both of them kept saying, presentation very important. A skill that I will take very very very long and might not even muster it.

Also thankful for xL. Twice she cooked green beans..

and red bean soups .. and shared with me.

Haha I only cooked barley drink for her though.. too limited my culinary skills. Actually it was because of her that we both decided to be serious in cooking... our lunch haha. So must thank her for that too else I will probably never bother to pick up cooking.

Lastly thanks to my mum. On and off she will dropped me some cooking ideas or answer my question on how to cook something. I don't know if I did follow her instructions or not but yupz, I'm grateful for her. Recently we were seeing xmas gifts and my friend was saying is it possible to pass her mum this cooking notebook and asked her mum to write down the recipes. Haha and I kidded her saying her mum will cook and made her observe and write it down. But I was thinking, maybe it is a good idea to get my mum to write me a cooking book too right haha. Anyway was craving for chicken biscuits but curious abt the home brand plus mum said I should buy something to bring to Sydney as I wouldn't have time to get breakfast the next day.. so ta-da.. my chicken flavoured biscuits..

Mobile Phone Users Joke

Image source: Techcrunch

Hmm I can't help but laugh when I saw this caricature from my ex colleagues. Truth is, I am a nokia user. So I'm out of the picture... wahahahha. Ok ok I used to own a blackberry bold and thus will disagree that bb is such a dinosaur... but then the one I own currently for work is really such an antique that I can't deny I feel like a dinosaur every time I take it out. I am sorely tempted to transfer my company mails to my nokia except my own nokia has its moods to in receiving mails. But it is definitely much classier than my bb.

Anyway my ex colleague has also switched from HTC to iphone4 already. I cannot deny that iphone4 has more redeeming points than iphone3 and thus is attracting my attention even. And I cannot deny that I'm getting tired of apps only catered for iphone.. and perhaps bb (of which my antique bb cannot support). Just yesterday, xL was again giving me another reason to buy iphone4... that there is an application called viber which can make audio calls using your data usage. Haha but that means I must pay GPS data still. Well if OZ decided to give 12 GB plan just like SG does then I will be fully sold. But till now, hmm, let's wait for 2011 "p

Super Brain Yoga

Many weeks ago, CL was telling me that brain size matters for sociability based on this report from their Dailymail and I was saying this further proves that I am brainless haha.

The researchers believe that living in a group is more demanding mentally than having a lonely existence.

And guess what, to cope with this challenges, some of these mammals evolved to have bigger brains as quoted here,

This suggests the co-operation and co-ordination needed for group living can be challenging and over time some mammals have evolved larger brains to be able to cope with the demands of socialising.

So I shall do some yoga to enhance my tiny brain that cL claimed I have.

Note: Make sure you are wearing comfortable clothing and have removed any earrings before starting. Avoid doing the exercise immediately after eating.

* Step One: Stand with your feet about shoulder distance apart, toes pointing forward.
* Step Two: Hold your right ear lobe between your left thumb and finger, with the thumb on the outside of the lobe.
* Step Three: Hold your left ear lobe between your right thumb and finger, again with you thumb on the outside of the lobe. You should now be holding both earlobes with your arms crossed over your chest, right arm on top.
* Step Four: Look directly ahead and commence doing a body squat by slowly bending your knees and lowering your body toward the floor. Go as low as you comfortably can and then slowly raise yourself back to a standing position. Exhale as you squat and inhale as you stand.
* Step Five: Repeat the squats for 1 to 3 minutes, or 14 – 21 times, while continuing to hold your earlobes.

Results may be immediate or gradual. Concentration should certainly be stronger within 3 weeks. The exercise only needs to be done once a day but if concentration wanes it can be repeated as often as desired.

Some groups swear by the ’squat and exhale’ approach while others insist it has to be, ’squat and inhale’ (as recommended in the video).

As both claim their breathing technique works, either is probably fine. 'Squat and exhale' method however is more consistent with the principles of yoga where the breath is expelled with chest compression and inhaled with chest expansion.

The bottom line is, use the approach that works best for you.

Source: Homeopathy Plus

Faulpelz Cooking - Make miso soup

Today's dinner was miso soup with rice. As usual I have been diligently cooking my rice every few days to eat rice even though I am not a rice lover haha. I do wonder if half cup of rice is too much for me though hmm.

But today's miso soup was easy. Just throw in the 2 sachets (one was miso paste, the other was dried tofu and seaweed),

add the tofu I bought (Hmm my culinary skills still need improvement and thus I cut the tofu rather out of proportion) and the dried seaweed I was given.

And viola, my miso soup was completed in a few seconds. Needed a quick dinner as I had been tired out from shopping the whole day haha. Bought something cute from Borders but other than that, hmm did not shop much. The gals bought some pretty charm bracelets at the Fitzroy market that we chanced upon while visiting Blackbird market (which they bought earrings) and then went on to shop more in Melbourne city area. But that is another story to be told...

kä-tər

I came online for a reason. To figure out who won the world cup 2022 bid. Because I could not recognise the country. Then I realised, hmm it is Qatar, an Arab country which I do know, just that I probably pronounced it wrongly for so many years. It should be pronounced as \ˈkä-tər, ˈgä-, ˈgə-; kə-ˈtär\

I saw snippets of the Australia video bid for it. And they were very excited to win the bid (well these are true blue sports fanatics..). So they were naturally very upset when they lost.

Then people started to say there is something not so clear-cut going behind the bidding process. If it is true, then maybe something ought to be done and not saying we should not bid the next round right?

I mean taking Slice of Life story today on Asking Questions, shouldn't we ask how we can improve this and thus when the next black horse win, we are more convinced that it was a worthy fight and we had lost legitimately. And then we can be a good sportsman too and congratulate the winners.

cL, I know England lost the 2018 bid, so what are your thoughts on it?

Attached is the Slice of Life story on.. ASKING QUESTIONS!

p/s: Sighz, was ASKING my friend how's his company after some major 'betrayal' (eh in some sense, I actually expected it and I can only say survival of the fittest so cannot blame the other party also).. then learnt his personal just went into a mess too. What is exactly wrong with the kids these days??? I remember I was actually quite impressed with this friend whom initially I had a bad impression.. till one day he made me drink tea with him to resolve some internal strife that my colleague had with another lady. (You know even though I'm a female, I do find females very troublesome too, no matter how hard I try, I cannot resolve their internal strife when I was there and I got so tired, I quit because no more energy left... I was also managing other stuff then.. ) After that, I saw another side of boss and I remember I blogged about it here... sigh 4 months had gone by and things changed again... no surprise i guess..

Hermit

You know how much I love cL because she never fails to challenge me into a word duel. Just recently I was reflecting on solitude and she immediately commented:

you mentioned just now - you are a hermit..but how do u define it? hermits dun care about their friends anymore - they isolate themselves from the surroundings..I checked dictionary.com to challenge you -
1. a person who has withdrawn to a solitary place for a life of religious seclusion.
2. any person living in seclusion; recluse.

What can I say? I replied the first thing that came out from my head... I'm a hermit in emotions but my reflex action tends to do the exact opposite. Just recently on my way back from Sydney, I ended up talking to an Iran lady throughout the entire journey (about an hour which I had actually planned to sleep in prep for tomorrow's working day) all because initially she was unsure if she was waiting at the right place and whether she need to show them her ticket. And I told her when I was in Melbourne, they only scan my ticket when I was about to board the plane (which is actually scary but this is another story to be told another day). And later on in the plane, we realised we were seated besides each other and thus ignited the conversation. cL had asked me if I exchanged contact (like she did) but I told her the lady has friends in Melbourne and don't seem too lost so I don't see the need to. I did exchange my contact once with a Filipino lady because she seemed so lost I was worried for her. But later on I had moved to Melbourne and thus was unable to meet up with her in SG at all either. Hmm I hope she is fine.

In the end cL concluded I'm not a hermit, just anti social. Bingo I guess. For someone who know me for such a short time frame, she can pretty much figured me out. And she knows that I don't like to answer certain questions but she will still try her luck haha. Gal, I can only tell you, messenger means more to me than anything now and thus I'm not going to bother about any other things. But ya, I really cannot fathom these people lately. Just the other day, a friend told me that long D r/s isn't that easy. Her friend's bf had went USA for only a couple of months and now that he's back, she had grown from missing him initially to ignoring him now. And they already had a flat proposal already. It makes me wonder why is it always at the point where you can actually finally see the silver lining, yet you must choose to destroy it seconds before the silver lining appears. Then all those waiting had been in vain?

Anyway I was seeing a colleague's fb and chanced upon a photo for cL to see (u have seen it and thus it has self destruct). You can email me to guess why I wanted to share it with you. No worries, I will reply that haha.

Talking about this colleague, after 2 years, he is finally saying sayonara to Melbourne. This month, more and more people are going back for xmas, or rolling off the project. And the empty seats are making me wonder, if I really should stay here or not still. Supposedly given 3 choices, worldwide, oz, sg. Truth is, do I really have a choice? Worldwide is too vague and too risky. Staying in oz, I worry I may lose my sanity. And back in SG, I probably will never grow up. Hmm.. why did GA brought me here? To learn to be independent? To learn how to cook?

Yawnz, my barley has finished boiling. I want to sleep already having shopped for the whole evening. Haha Adidas was having a 40% off storewide and thus there were some very good buys. More shopping during the weekends. I'm not a shopping person but being a bit too lazy to jog lately, shopping with xL is probably the best way to do more exercise already. And it is interesting to shop with xL because I get to observe a lot of interesting behaviour and see pretty gals which is my top favourite activity haha. Besides here is not SG where I have friends who will bring me see nature mah hahaha.

December Muses

Muse 1:
Re-read my Pilgrimage article due to some reasons...
Philos is love in the form of friendship. It’s what I feel toward you and others. When the flame of eros stops burning, it is philos that keeps a couple together.

But I found out when eros ended, there wasn't philos left. I have not finished "Cupid Stupid".. because I find it stupid. And yet I had to watch it coz I really wanted to try to absorb as much canto as possible. And cos is a Virgo gal facing a Capricorn guy and a Sagittarius guy. I don't like the ending anyway (eh I skipped to the ending haha).. Because the Capricorn guy gave up. And the Virgo gal thought it was destiny to be with the Sagittarius guy. But if the Capricorn guy persisted, maybe all 3 will be in turmoil. Actually I can understand the Capricorn guy actions. Because I'm not a fighter too. Since I'm not capable of giving the best, why should I deny them the best they can get. But sometimes, just sometimes, I wondered I had avoided eros to maintain philos and yet reflecting now, I still lost the friendships. Had I done something wrong?

Muse 2:

I felt blessed lately. xL cooked my lunch for me as I came back from Sydney very late. And I did not want to spend money having been penalized 25 AUD for a stupid mistake in my checkin. Then Yi helped me apply for cash advancement for my course fees which I'm paying first. But I felt really blessed because Doc really played a good host when I was in Sydney. Although seriously speaking, the first 2 days I really could fail Doc's tour guide skills haha (I wonder if my tour guide skills will fail or not if I had to bring friends around in SG?). But the fact that Doc managed to squeeze some time on Monday and spent some thought in where to have dinner unlike the last 2 days totally surprised me haha.

Muse 3:
"Sometimes I wonder if a child believes in Santa Claus, should you tell her the truth or should you just let her believe it forever or figure it out herself one day?" - Past pensieve
Had to find back this post cos Doc said I did something wrong that day. I couldn't remember what I did (usual) but after reading this post, I remembered it had to do with mum reading my postcard and I may have been abit irritated. But I cannot remember the contents. What I do remember is from then onwards, whatever I write on postcards, I made sure it is meant for public eyes. But I digress. I saw this line and I remembered just the previous trip back in SG, I did my zoo duty. And this little girl was picking leaves for the caterpillar to eat. As you may know, caterpillars are definitely not what the story book Hungry Caterpillar depicts. Caterpillars are fussy eaters and thus all her leaves were picked in vain. But as I look at her earnest face, I couldn't break the news that Mr caterpillar would not eat her leaves. So we put the caterpillar on the leave and profusely said thank you to her. So I guess I answered this question 2.5 years later, that I actually will not break the news. BUT that is because I saw the other party's face. Which is why sometimes I do feel technology isn't the best communication tool still. Face to face is still the best.
Hmm well if that time I knew of this scene, I would have blogged this scene and not blogged about Santa Claus. Kena suan for saying I believed in GA but not in Santa. Which reminds me.. Santa is coming soon heehee.. I still have my Santa's letter from Myer... still wondering should I write on it.. 很舍不得.

Muse 4:
And with arrival of Santa means it is the end of the year which is why I'm doing some self-reflection (a bit early perhaps). I didn't realise it has been 2 plus years since I did my lasik. Haha I still remembered how it was the first time I understood what blindness meant. And how vision impaired really feels. Or that everytime I drive at night, I became extra careful. And I remembered my NUS junior did hers last year too. And how much agony she had (she did have some serious effects). And yet this year, technology once again improved and it is no longer painful. Sigh sometimes medical advancement is so fast, but why.. why is it not accessible enough still.
I also remembered about the retrenchment. And how after that I changed my life a lot. I probably travelled a lot searching for an answer. I grew lost and aimless at times. VSO rejection changed my path totally and brought me to Mel, a place I never ever thought about actually. It probably changed my life significantly too because I can only cook when mum is not around and now, mum is really not by my side. And days after I arrived, I had to face my birthday alone. It was actually the first time and I was telling myself, good chance to start to be accustomed. And with the year coming to an end, I am wondering how long do I want to be here? Partly it is subjected to the project, but boss did gave us 3 choices too. Whether we want to travel the world, stay in oz or work off-site back in home. And I have not given my answer (none of us had haha.. coz still waiting for busy PM to consolidate). The thing is travel the world is not a suitable option for me due to the work I'm accustomed too. No matter what, I'm still more of a supplier/logistics person and this company has too many projects dealing with customers instead. So.. what should I choose?

Hmm xmas is coming.. just felt this article was coming at the right time...