I never had enough room for everything when I was still living with my family. The amount of stuff that I used to fit into that room of mine is amazing. The Husband was astonished when he saw all the boxes packed with stuff all came from one room.
I admit. I keep plenty of stuff. I keep some for sentimental reasons, some I keep because I always think that I would have a use for them one day. Just one day I will find them useful. Some things are just too cute too give or throw away. I used to clear my stuff once in a while especially when I feel moody. It is like a detox for the soul. I always feel lighter, with some kind of burden being lifted off me. I don't really keep rubbish, most are really erm, useful stuff. Really, how much of those useful stuff do I really need?
I think insecurity makes a person want to have a lot of things around them. It makes them feel safe, adequate. I realised that I have always been like that. When in school, I had all the stationery in my pencil case. Pens of a few colours, pencil, eraser, pencil lead, stapler, staples, hightlighters, correction ink. I have the works. It doesn't help that I love stationery too. Not that the all the multi-coloured pens in world will make me a better student. I sucked at being a student. Most will faint with just a glimpse at my grades. They are atrocious! I did better as an adult student though. Let's leave the story of me as a student to another day shall we? (that sounds like a James Joyce novel..)
Anyway, where was I?
It was the same case at work in pre-school. I have every damn thing with me, or at the school. Heck, I even have a laminating machine. I need to feel well prepared, if not over prepared. It was my way of compensating for my lack of 'talent'. I do overcompensate by a lot. It is such a bad bad habit.
I tried clearing some of my stuff just days ago in order to lift my mood a little. I cleared 2 big bags of stationery and books. Really, how many pencil holders does a person need? How many coloured pencil sets do I need? We left them in the void deck, hoping someone would have better use of them. By the time we got home after dinner and coffee, those bags were gone!
More often than not, we humans need less than we think we do. When we learn to decide which to let go and which are important enough to keep, we might be happier beings. Less clutter, less bad energy. Let us not be consumers being consumed by the sheer load of the stuff that we thought would bring us happiness.
Monday, 3 March 2008
Men and Handbags
Reading the article in Sunday Times 2 weeks ago left me a little amused. Singaporean ladies being all high maintenance and all. Yah, that article that got so many people talking.
Handbags are very much a part of a woman's look. A handbag is an accessory, as important as shoes. Handbags are very intimate things, they carry personal stuff. So why the hell would any woman want their boyfriends or husbands carrying their handbags?
Apart from looking like the ass-whipped men that they are, why would any sane woman not want to carry their own Chanel handbags? Isn't it part of the outfit? Most women match their bags with the outfits they choose to wear, so why get someone else to carry it? Even if a Birkin weighs a ton and if I do have one (well, eventually... ) I will still carry it myself even if my arms start to ache and will continue to ache for the next week. HELLO, it is a BIRKIN leh! A BIRKIN!!!! Really how heavy can a handbag be that you need your man to carry it for you? How much does a lipstick, a mirror, some tissue, a wallet, maybe some female hygiene products and an iPod weigh?????? Perhaps the traditionalist in me just want my man to look like a man, no weak excuse of a man, whom some passes of as a SNAG. SNAGS are so many many thousands of seasons ago people! SNAGS are more passe than metrosexuals!
I like my husband to hold doors for me, in fact I like it when other men hold doors for me. I feel happy that male chivalry is not totally dead yet. That there are still nice polite men around. But I for one never demanded someone to open the car door for me. So strange. Unless it is the doorman of some hotel when I get out of a car in a hotel lobby. Imagine, you in a car, and your date/husband/boyfriend has just parked the car, do you wait in the car while he gets out, walks over to your side and opens the door for you? In those seconds, do you just seat in the car, wait and try to look pretty? And what next, when he opens the door? Must he offer his hand to you to help you get out of the seat? If he does not will you get upset? It is not like you are heavily pregnant with quadruplets! Isn't that a little old fashion? I somehow fail to see any romance or chivalry in this one.
And then there is the classic whopaysforwhat during a date. I do, for one expect the man to pick up the bill. At least for dinner. I would offer to pay for something else later. Like movie tickets or drinks. I always feel that it makes everyone feel a little more comfortable. Besides paying for something makes you look like the generous person that you are, and not some hoity toity bitch who thinks too highly of herself. I don't expect the man to pay for everything, but I will not fight to pay for dinner because it might get some ego being bruised. Trust me on this, I have been told.He can start paying for everything as soon as he becomes your husband. That is what I am doing right now, but that is a different story for another day..... If the date insisted on splitting up the bill, that is not a good sign, and I suggest that you not go on another date with someone as stingy as this. There is no hint of any gentleman in him. DITCH HIM PRONTO.
Maybe we ladies should lighten up a little, not take ourselves too seriously and have more fun. We really ought to give those men a break. It is no wonder so many of them are heading elsewhere to get them a wife!
Handbags are very much a part of a woman's look. A handbag is an accessory, as important as shoes. Handbags are very intimate things, they carry personal stuff. So why the hell would any woman want their boyfriends or husbands carrying their handbags?
Apart from looking like the ass-whipped men that they are, why would any sane woman not want to carry their own Chanel handbags? Isn't it part of the outfit? Most women match their bags with the outfits they choose to wear, so why get someone else to carry it? Even if a Birkin weighs a ton and if I do have one (well, eventually... ) I will still carry it myself even if my arms start to ache and will continue to ache for the next week. HELLO, it is a BIRKIN leh! A BIRKIN!!!! Really how heavy can a handbag be that you need your man to carry it for you? How much does a lipstick, a mirror, some tissue, a wallet, maybe some female hygiene products and an iPod weigh?????? Perhaps the traditionalist in me just want my man to look like a man, no weak excuse of a man, whom some passes of as a SNAG. SNAGS are so many many thousands of seasons ago people! SNAGS are more passe than metrosexuals!
I like my husband to hold doors for me, in fact I like it when other men hold doors for me. I feel happy that male chivalry is not totally dead yet. That there are still nice polite men around. But I for one never demanded someone to open the car door for me. So strange. Unless it is the doorman of some hotel when I get out of a car in a hotel lobby. Imagine, you in a car, and your date/husband/boyfriend has just parked the car, do you wait in the car while he gets out, walks over to your side and opens the door for you? In those seconds, do you just seat in the car, wait and try to look pretty? And what next, when he opens the door? Must he offer his hand to you to help you get out of the seat? If he does not will you get upset? It is not like you are heavily pregnant with quadruplets! Isn't that a little old fashion? I somehow fail to see any romance or chivalry in this one.
And then there is the classic whopaysforwhat during a date. I do, for one expect the man to pick up the bill. At least for dinner. I would offer to pay for something else later. Like movie tickets or drinks. I always feel that it makes everyone feel a little more comfortable. Besides paying for something makes you look like the generous person that you are, and not some hoity toity bitch who thinks too highly of herself. I don't expect the man to pay for everything, but I will not fight to pay for dinner because it might get some ego being bruised. Trust me on this, I have been told.He can start paying for everything as soon as he becomes your husband. That is what I am doing right now, but that is a different story for another day..... If the date insisted on splitting up the bill, that is not a good sign, and I suggest that you not go on another date with someone as stingy as this. There is no hint of any gentleman in him. DITCH HIM PRONTO.
Maybe we ladies should lighten up a little, not take ourselves too seriously and have more fun. We really ought to give those men a break. It is no wonder so many of them are heading elsewhere to get them a wife!
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
South Africa
I have been back from SA for about a week now. I am trying to get into my usual routine again. I love routines, what can I say? Routines keep me sane, routines are comforting as they are familiar.
Anyhow,
Cape Town is very charming and the Cape Peninsula is stunning. Gorgeous views that will take your breath away. I could sit out all day just looking into the Atlantic ocean, then I will remember how strong the sun is, and decided not to kill myself under the sun too much. I am very cautious that way, you can never underestimate the sun. I happily slather myself with sunblock, not just once, but a few times a day I must add, yet I was tanned. The winds can be so strong, it can be a little chilly even with the sun scorching down, so you don't really feel that hot. It was great. We went up Table mountain, got a little silly up the lighthouse and then to Cape of Good Hope.
I went to a vineyard too. It has a very pretty tree-lined driveway that brings you to the vineyard. Very charming, I can see why people hold their weddings here. I have a thing for tree-lined roads.
As we head inland, my tummy started getting upset. I am guessing I was down with gastric flu for a couple of days. I got sick and start having the runs. Gosh, first I seemed to be having a fever, then it subsided after a good sleep, I puked a few times, and every time I puked, I felt better.I was beginning to feel like a bulimic. I slept in on the first day in Sun City. Thank goodness I slept in and got better, or I would have missed out a lot the next day. Did some sort of flying fox from way up some hill. It was scary when I was suspended midway with the people counting down to our takeoff. We started off with a more gentle activity though, going around the golf course in a Segway. That was fun! Ended the day with an hour long of quad biking.
When in Africa, naturally people associate it with animals. I mean, before the days of trendy adopting of kids popularise by you-know-who. Saw a colony of seals on a boat cruise, penguins on Boulders' Beach. We stayed in a game lodge as well. The lodge though wasn't luxurious, was comfy and cosy. More than enough for me on a tour package. The chalets have thatched roofs, to make you feel like you are really in the "wilderness" I went on 2 safaris! Didn't see plenty, but it was exciting, and beautiful too. I caught both an African sunset and a sunrise. There were monkeys even in Sun City, and those monkeys gotten so used to humans, they aren't afraid of them. They would get into rooms and take whatever they fancy, better take care locking the balcony door. There are animals everywhere, just need to open your eyes, a deer there and some baboons there.
I got a little lost during the history part of the trip. Not that history bores me these days, I was ill on those history days. I listened to bits here and there. It is hard to concentrate when one's feeling not the best. I like the Vortrekker Monument, very imposing building with an interesting bit of history behind it. I didn't visit the Union Building, as I was sick from lunch was feeling nauseous. Heck, I didn't even go to Mandala's house, though I really want to, but my knees were not feeling entirely agreeable.
All in all the trip was great. It was relaxing some days, exciting on some. Fabulous vistas, a great history and nice people. Meals were generally good, except the yucky Chinese food. The guide's knowledgeable. South Africa has a bit of everything for everyone.
Anyhow,
Cape Town is very charming and the Cape Peninsula is stunning. Gorgeous views that will take your breath away. I could sit out all day just looking into the Atlantic ocean, then I will remember how strong the sun is, and decided not to kill myself under the sun too much. I am very cautious that way, you can never underestimate the sun. I happily slather myself with sunblock, not just once, but a few times a day I must add, yet I was tanned. The winds can be so strong, it can be a little chilly even with the sun scorching down, so you don't really feel that hot. It was great. We went up Table mountain, got a little silly up the lighthouse and then to Cape of Good Hope.
I went to a vineyard too. It has a very pretty tree-lined driveway that brings you to the vineyard. Very charming, I can see why people hold their weddings here. I have a thing for tree-lined roads.
As we head inland, my tummy started getting upset. I am guessing I was down with gastric flu for a couple of days. I got sick and start having the runs. Gosh, first I seemed to be having a fever, then it subsided after a good sleep, I puked a few times, and every time I puked, I felt better.I was beginning to feel like a bulimic. I slept in on the first day in Sun City. Thank goodness I slept in and got better, or I would have missed out a lot the next day. Did some sort of flying fox from way up some hill. It was scary when I was suspended midway with the people counting down to our takeoff. We started off with a more gentle activity though, going around the golf course in a Segway. That was fun! Ended the day with an hour long of quad biking.
When in Africa, naturally people associate it with animals. I mean, before the days of trendy adopting of kids popularise by you-know-who. Saw a colony of seals on a boat cruise, penguins on Boulders' Beach. We stayed in a game lodge as well. The lodge though wasn't luxurious, was comfy and cosy. More than enough for me on a tour package. The chalets have thatched roofs, to make you feel like you are really in the "wilderness" I went on 2 safaris! Didn't see plenty, but it was exciting, and beautiful too. I caught both an African sunset and a sunrise. There were monkeys even in Sun City, and those monkeys gotten so used to humans, they aren't afraid of them. They would get into rooms and take whatever they fancy, better take care locking the balcony door. There are animals everywhere, just need to open your eyes, a deer there and some baboons there.
I got a little lost during the history part of the trip. Not that history bores me these days, I was ill on those history days. I listened to bits here and there. It is hard to concentrate when one's feeling not the best. I like the Vortrekker Monument, very imposing building with an interesting bit of history behind it. I didn't visit the Union Building, as I was sick from lunch was feeling nauseous. Heck, I didn't even go to Mandala's house, though I really want to, but my knees were not feeling entirely agreeable.
All in all the trip was great. It was relaxing some days, exciting on some. Fabulous vistas, a great history and nice people. Meals were generally good, except the yucky Chinese food. The guide's knowledgeable. South Africa has a bit of everything for everyone.
Monday, 18 February 2008
Gratitude
This is my first year giving out red packets for the new year. I decided to give my parents each a big one each. At least to me it was big. I decided on the amount and later decided to reduce it for I know that my mum would come to me and said that it was too much. After reducing it, I upped it to the original amount again.
I never gave my mum money. All my 30 years of my life, I never once did.I am not very proud with that fact. She never asked for any too. She will never asked us for money. I thought the amount was respectable, and I wanted to show them how grateful I was. Anyway, as expected, soon after I gave it to them, my mum came to me and told me that I gave too much. My dad called my mum and told her I was mad. If I just mentioned how much I gave my parents, it might sound like quite a big red packet. I still feel that the amount was just right.
This evening, I was talking to my husband about my parents, about how they meet, my mum's struggles to raise us alone. Suddenly, I thought about the red packets I gave them, and the amount felt so insignificant. I teared, not from any shame I felt, but I felt my mum's love for us. Despite the relentless teasing from us about her showing favouritism, I know she loves us all the same. I guess no amount of money will ever be enough to repay her for the love and kindness she showered on us. You can trust me that she had it tough. Sometimes I do wish she would spend some time and money on herself. I do wish she will allow us to pamper her now. The only way to really repay her is to show her the same amount of devotion, love and respect that we have gotten from her.
So many stories on the greatness of motherly love. So many because you can never overestimate it or over exaggerate it.
Love is a powerful thing ain't it?
I never gave my mum money. All my 30 years of my life, I never once did.I am not very proud with that fact. She never asked for any too. She will never asked us for money. I thought the amount was respectable, and I wanted to show them how grateful I was. Anyway, as expected, soon after I gave it to them, my mum came to me and told me that I gave too much. My dad called my mum and told her I was mad. If I just mentioned how much I gave my parents, it might sound like quite a big red packet. I still feel that the amount was just right.
This evening, I was talking to my husband about my parents, about how they meet, my mum's struggles to raise us alone. Suddenly, I thought about the red packets I gave them, and the amount felt so insignificant. I teared, not from any shame I felt, but I felt my mum's love for us. Despite the relentless teasing from us about her showing favouritism, I know she loves us all the same. I guess no amount of money will ever be enough to repay her for the love and kindness she showered on us. You can trust me that she had it tough. Sometimes I do wish she would spend some time and money on herself. I do wish she will allow us to pamper her now. The only way to really repay her is to show her the same amount of devotion, love and respect that we have gotten from her.
So many stories on the greatness of motherly love. So many because you can never overestimate it or over exaggerate it.
Love is a powerful thing ain't it?
Saturday, 19 January 2008
January
I have been feeling somewhat upset of late. Too much bad news and not a lot of good news. All the happenings around me have been pretty much negative.
Someone's getting divorced. Someone else is getting dumped. Someone got into trouble again. Someone is really broke. The exorbitant prices that is the Police concert ticket. The state of Liverpool these days.
So much for festive cheer.
On a lighter note, when the going gets tough, the tough er goes eating? Works for me! That is exactly what we have been doing. So many eateries to check out not enough time! Seriously, how many times can you really stand to eat out a week? Two days straight of indulgent eating is enough for me to go on porridge for days. Two days of having beef and I felt like I have over indulged. So unhealthy! But the burgers from Relish are worth the extra calories. So bloody good! And the deserts, oh sweet lord! The deserts are to die for here! So rare do I sing praises for deserts as I am one of the fussiest desert eaters among my friends. The desters must be good then! When I do crave for desserts and there isn't any good ones around, I will still eat carrot cake from Coffee Bean lah. I am a Dessert Slut not Dessert Snob. So time to make a trip to Wild Rocket soon!
Ever since we came back from Japan, eating Japanese when we are out has increased. We did try to stop eating too much of it before Japan in case we got sick of it before even reaching the Land of the Rising Sun, but somehow we ate more than usual. You see, the more you forbade yourselves, the more you would want to have the forbidden fruit. After Japan, we would thought we slowed down, no such thing! We had withdrawal symptoms and had to have Japanese food. These days, we hunt down the best ones in town. The izakaya in Cuppage is great. I will try the one my bro recommended sometime ago.
Pasta Brava still ranks as my favourite Italian restaurant. I love that place and it is not that expensive. Not Il Lido expensive anyway. Okay, it is more affordable than Riciotti even. With better service and nicer ambience some more. Al Forno, is sadly too overpriced and it is not as good as it used to be. Time to try La Nonna and Valentino (or is it Valentine?) Both are close by. See how needs the east? HAHAHAHAHAHA.
Talking about that, we drive past Rail Mall last night, and now that place has life. We spotted a new Coffee Bean, a Harry's bar (the Macdonald's of the alcoholic world) and a Denise. There is even Blooie's and some 24hr Ah Mei coffee. Now I can chill at my own 'hood.
All I need now is to find a cheap french food stall. We have stopped going to the one that we used to dine in pretty often. I hate eating in a place with bad service. The service is really bad now. Very biased towards ang mos. I hate that Filipino guy, he is bad. Where has that nice lady gone too? She was fantastic!
Someone's getting divorced. Someone else is getting dumped. Someone got into trouble again. Someone is really broke. The exorbitant prices that is the Police concert ticket. The state of Liverpool these days.
So much for festive cheer.
On a lighter note, when the going gets tough, the tough er goes eating? Works for me! That is exactly what we have been doing. So many eateries to check out not enough time! Seriously, how many times can you really stand to eat out a week? Two days straight of indulgent eating is enough for me to go on porridge for days. Two days of having beef and I felt like I have over indulged. So unhealthy! But the burgers from Relish are worth the extra calories. So bloody good! And the deserts, oh sweet lord! The deserts are to die for here! So rare do I sing praises for deserts as I am one of the fussiest desert eaters among my friends. The desters must be good then! When I do crave for desserts and there isn't any good ones around, I will still eat carrot cake from Coffee Bean lah. I am a Dessert Slut not Dessert Snob. So time to make a trip to Wild Rocket soon!
Ever since we came back from Japan, eating Japanese when we are out has increased. We did try to stop eating too much of it before Japan in case we got sick of it before even reaching the Land of the Rising Sun, but somehow we ate more than usual. You see, the more you forbade yourselves, the more you would want to have the forbidden fruit. After Japan, we would thought we slowed down, no such thing! We had withdrawal symptoms and had to have Japanese food. These days, we hunt down the best ones in town. The izakaya in Cuppage is great. I will try the one my bro recommended sometime ago.
Pasta Brava still ranks as my favourite Italian restaurant. I love that place and it is not that expensive. Not Il Lido expensive anyway. Okay, it is more affordable than Riciotti even. With better service and nicer ambience some more. Al Forno, is sadly too overpriced and it is not as good as it used to be. Time to try La Nonna and Valentino (or is it Valentine?) Both are close by. See how needs the east? HAHAHAHAHAHA.
Talking about that, we drive past Rail Mall last night, and now that place has life. We spotted a new Coffee Bean, a Harry's bar (the Macdonald's of the alcoholic world) and a Denise. There is even Blooie's and some 24hr Ah Mei coffee. Now I can chill at my own 'hood.
All I need now is to find a cheap french food stall. We have stopped going to the one that we used to dine in pretty often. I hate eating in a place with bad service. The service is really bad now. Very biased towards ang mos. I hate that Filipino guy, he is bad. Where has that nice lady gone too? She was fantastic!
Tuesday, 8 January 2008
Happines
is seeing that your friends are happy. Happiness is being part of their happiness.
I never thought the day will come so soon! I am so glad for her. Goodness, and she was telling me how unbelievable it was when I was getting married. The two least likely to get married girls are now married. Who would have thought!
I will always look back on our days of debaucheries with much fondness. The fun and silliniess of it all! Gosh, we are all but young once.
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
The New Year
This is a somewhat obligatory entry since I have nothing to really write about. Partly too, due to boredom since I am home alone on this New Year's Day since the husband has some work to do and I am too lazy to do anything too productive on the first day of the new year.
So, how was 2007?
I took up a third language, despite having not master any of the two that I already know.
I tried sewing and succeeded in using the sewing machine for the first time in my life. Right now, the only stuff that I know how to make are cushion covers and tote bags. Very amateur.... Let's not even start on my attempt at knitting, it is very embarrassing.
I have a new camera that I had fun playing around with. I still have to figure out tonnes and tonnes of stuff...
My cooking seems to be getting better.
So has my baking.
I went to Siem Reap and climb up Angkor Wat.
I went to Japan and had sushi in Tsukji.
I have just started on my path to enlightenment.
I have taken an interest in history. How surprising!
I have grown closer to some friends and I do appreciate the closeness.
I have grown apart from some friends, with reasons not clear to me. Perhaps people just grow apart.
I have been reading more. I am glad for that. Unemployment rules!
Martha Stewart is my new hero. Minus the Enron scam.
I have learnt to put my priorities right.
I have gave up buying fashion magazines. Okay, maybe just a couple.
All in all, the year's pretty decent. Nothing too depressing. That is how life should be -peaceful.
And what does the new year holds for me? Trips, hopefully. One with some of my closest mates. HCMC is a great excuse! A trip with my mum, aunt and brother.
More reading! Time to renew my Kinokuniya card. I am still deciding if I should renew my NatGeo subscription.
I am also trying to decide if I should continue with my Japanese lessons. What is holding me back is the lack of morning classes. All the classes seems to be in the late afternoon and evening. ARGH.
I want to start volunteering too, I would love to work with children again. Maybe I would even take up a course in understanding children with Special Needs, since it has always been my interest.
Of course, there is the question that I get all the bloody time. Maybe just the end of the year. It is just a matter of time.
So, how was 2007?
I took up a third language, despite having not master any of the two that I already know.
I tried sewing and succeeded in using the sewing machine for the first time in my life. Right now, the only stuff that I know how to make are cushion covers and tote bags. Very amateur.... Let's not even start on my attempt at knitting, it is very embarrassing.
I have a new camera that I had fun playing around with. I still have to figure out tonnes and tonnes of stuff...
My cooking seems to be getting better.
So has my baking.
I went to Siem Reap and climb up Angkor Wat.
I went to Japan and had sushi in Tsukji.
I have just started on my path to enlightenment.
I have taken an interest in history. How surprising!
I have grown closer to some friends and I do appreciate the closeness.
I have grown apart from some friends, with reasons not clear to me. Perhaps people just grow apart.
I have been reading more. I am glad for that. Unemployment rules!
Martha Stewart is my new hero. Minus the Enron scam.
I have learnt to put my priorities right.
I have gave up buying fashion magazines. Okay, maybe just a couple.
All in all, the year's pretty decent. Nothing too depressing. That is how life should be -peaceful.
And what does the new year holds for me? Trips, hopefully. One with some of my closest mates. HCMC is a great excuse! A trip with my mum, aunt and brother.
More reading! Time to renew my Kinokuniya card. I am still deciding if I should renew my NatGeo subscription.
I am also trying to decide if I should continue with my Japanese lessons. What is holding me back is the lack of morning classes. All the classes seems to be in the late afternoon and evening. ARGH.
I want to start volunteering too, I would love to work with children again. Maybe I would even take up a course in understanding children with Special Needs, since it has always been my interest.
Of course, there is the question that I get all the bloody time. Maybe just the end of the year. It is just a matter of time.
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