A new year.

The new year will begin in 2 hrs.
What did I do?
I only watch the 'independant day' for the 4th time. It is a movie I like and inspiring. I also have a couples of drink to go with it. Enjoying life that is. I do not like to mix with big crowd on festive day as always. Doing things I like at home is fine with me.

'Today, we celebrate independant day!'.

Happy new year to all of you, it does not matter whether I know you or meet you before. Happy new year to you and may all have a wonderful and peaceful year!

Cheers!

A cocktail session

Today, Totoro visited. We are both clearing leaves.
We have a cocktail session after lunch at my home.


See our spread. Hahaha, the beauty of cocktail is mixing to create. So, different kinds of drink are needed.


This is 'Singapore Sling'


This is 'Long Island Tea', but Silver Tequila is replaced by brandy as I am short of Silver Tequila (Gold Taquila is easily available in shops but not Silver Taquila). The taste is just not right with the replacement.


This is 'Last Goodbye', this one tastes the best so far.


This is 'Gin Tonic'. One of the standard housepours.


This is 'Prinaha'.

There go my afternoon on leave. I did my housecleaning in the morning. Haha, seems like spring cleaning for the new year.

Review : Gifts of the year

It seems that a lot of fellow blogger are doing 2005 review of resolutions.
As 2005 is definately a very devastating year for me, I will not review my resolutions, instead I will review the gifts I received, because they means a lot to me. Not the value but the understanding and listening they showed.

1) It is not in the photo, it is a powerpoint slides tailor-make to give me encouragement. A show of Care.
2) A cocktail book, it is also not in the photo too as it is a big book. It shows me the power of listening. A mere hour of talk, if you really listen, you can really see a person.
3) A bible. It is about sharing. I am not into religion but I am glad of the gesture shown for sharing something about faith.
4) A cocktail shaker. This is a about trust. This gift shows that he knows me and he trust me that I am in control.
5) An engraved pen. This is from a Christmas Gift Exchange session. I have written 2 choices. Instead of going for the easy way out by granting my easy wish, a lot of effort is putting into getting the pen engraved as I wish. It is a show of friendship.

I am counting my blessing daily and I am at peace with myself and others. I appreciate all kindness rendered on me and will promise to do so to others too. That will be my new year resolution.

Cocktail : Mary Pickford

I got most of my glasses today. Now, I am only short of Red Wine, Shot and Tumbler glasses.

Today, I tried to make Mary Pickford.
1.5 measure of Light Rum
1.5 measure of Pineapple Juice
0.25 measure of Grenadine


Here is the product. Look great, taste good too.

Cocktail - Screwdriver

This is a Cocktail Drink - Screwdriver. It got its name because the worker who invented the drink use screwdriver as a stirrer. It consists of 2 measures of Vodka and 4 measures of Orange Juice. It is one of the simple cocktail. I should use a tumbler glass for it, but I have not got one yet, may be on Wednesday. It tastes good. Haha.

Cabling Headache

Talking about cabling, I also re-organise my computer desk, it looks neater now (If your do not look at the cabling below the desk).


With so much customisation for my PC, the cabling in it also looks like mess.
Haha, how I wish everything go wireless.

Migrated my Audio/Video Cabinet

At last, with one morning of effort, I have migrated my Audio/Video Cabinet. The older cabinet now store my DVDs and TVB Drama Series.


Although tried my best, I think the cabling organisation still can be further improve. Look at the thick bunch of 'noodle'. Sigh...

Christmas Presents to myself

I am giving a bunch of lovely presents to myself this Christmas.

1) A cabinet for my wine, liqueor, cocktail tools, glasses and cocktail formulas
2) A cabinet for my Audio/Video Appliances
3) A Canon Photo Printer
4) A 80GB Pocket Harddisk
5) A DVD RW Drive for my Computer

The Photo above shows my liqueor cabinet, it still short of glasses, will be complete by the end of the month.

Also, I have yet to migrate my A/V applicance to the new Cabinet.

Catch up with friends

Yesterday evening, the little gathering is just wonderful. I can't imagine we talked till 1.30am, it lasted more than 5 hrs! I guess we really have so much to catch up on each others since we our university time. I look forward to organise a little cocktail gathering at my home soon. See you again then. Merry Christmas!

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

You Have A Type B+ Personality

B+ You're a pro at going with the flow You love to kick back and take in everything life has to offer A total joy to be around, people crave your stability. While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity. Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's done You're passionate - just selective about your passions

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

No place like home.

Reached home 9 hrs ago.

Feel great, there is no place like home, even if it is empty, because it is the world which you can put down your mask and guard.

The musical 'Lestat'

The musical is good. Setting, cast, song, lyric, they are all good. The only problem is that it did not stir my heart as much as some other musical. The second half is much better than the first. There are a few songs that stand out of the others, I personally like 'Sail me away', 'I want more', 'I'll never have that chance' and 'the crimson kiss'. Allison Fischer (as Cludia) sang exceptionally well in my opinion. Still, I will say it is a good show and worth very much watching, at least it is far better than 'RENT'.

In San Francisco City and another Musical

Before noon, I reached Orchard Hotel in San Francisco. After check-in, the 1st thing to do it log on to internet and search for Musical Performance. Great, Currran Theatre, a musical Theatre near the hotel will be having the world Premier of 'Lestat' tonight. This is the 1st performance and also consider to be pre-Broadway performance. (It will be shown in New York Boradway only from 17 Aoril 06). Rushing to the box office in the rain, which is a few blocks away, I bought tomorrow evening ticket. (tonight, it left only seats with restricted view). Next, I went to Border Bookstore to buy some Christmas Gifts for my friends and colleagues.

Here is a short synosis for the Musical :
"Lestat, one of Anne Rice's most celebrated literary characters, is being brought to the stage in the first-ever collaboration of the legendary team of Sir Elton John (music) and Bernie Taupin (lyrics) on a Broadway production," according to the Curran. "Based on characters and incidents from Ms. Rice's best-selling novels, 'Interview with the Vampire' and 'The Vampire Lestat,' the book is by Linda Woolverton and Robert Jess Roth directs."
Lestat "is the lush and rich story of a man who escapes the tyranny of his oppressive family only to have his life taken from him. Thrust into the seductive and sensual world of an immortal vampire, Lestat tries to reconcile his innate sense of good with his primal need to exist."

Invitations

Tonight, I have 2 unexpected invitations.

The 1st is my SF colleague invited me to a small Christmas gathering with our sister agencies in San Francisco. We have a small buffet there and I won a Crystal Bowl from Tiffany & Co from the lucky draw, I am kind of embarrass as I only just met most of them. But well, it is just my luck, I guess.

Then, this SF colleague invited me to her church which is having a performance tonight by Ray An Fuentes. The performance and messages delivered are good. It is a memorable evening.

10.27pm 16 Dec 2005(SF Time)

My Personality

Global Personality Test Results

Stability (43%) moderately low which suggests you are worrying, insecure, emotional, and anxious. Orderliness (73%) high which suggests you are overly organized, reliable, neat, and hard working at the expense too often of flexibility, efficiency, spontaneity, and fun. Extraversion (33%) moderately low which suggests you are reclusive, quiet, unassertive, and secretive.

Take Free Global Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

4 wives (Story)

The four " wives " in our lives

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives.
He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and
treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the
best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to
neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave
him for another.

He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind,
considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he
could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult
times.

The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great
contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However,
he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply,
he hardly took notice of her !

One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short.
He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, "I now have four wives
with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone."

Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you
with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm
dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!", replied the
4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like
a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now
that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No!", replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going
to remarry!"

His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and
you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep
me company?"

"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!", replied the 2nd wife. "At
the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer
struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter
where you go."

The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as
she suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care
of you when I had the chance!"

In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:
Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we
lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die.

Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will
all go to others.

Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have
been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth,
power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing
that will follow us wherever we go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it
now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us throughout Eternity.

No Flight Home.

Although I have book my flights since 3 weeks ago, yet I could not get a flight in this time from SF to Hong Kong, although Hong Kong to Singapore is confirmed. Sigh... (Christmas Season is the main reason)

The only next available flight is on Monday, which is 3 days later than planned.
The Colleagues stationed in SF are very nice (although demanding), they planned to relocate me to SF city, so that I can enjoy the weekend while waiting for the flight. (Our SF Office is in Redwood City, beside the Head Quarter of Oracle.)

Unfortunately, my boss encountered difficulties in Chicago, and the users there prefer me to fly back to assist them. Frankly speaking, the problem they have is not in my area, and I could not help them much even if I am there. They just need someone from the IT department to feel better and I happen to be in US. Well, I do not mind if I can help, since my boss has been very nice to me.

So, in short, nothing is confirm. My next flight, my next destination.....

Happy Birthday, Sunshine (Voice of me)

This may be a year that given a choice you will not want, I know. But it has came nonetheless, so make the best out of it. This year you have learn a lot, I am sure, but there is a lot to learn and practise. Keep it up, do not be disappointed and sad anymore. If nobody around, there is still me. Love yourself, so as to be loved.

You woke up so early (7am in San Francisco) today, it is because you wanted to do this blog before the days ended in Singapore (it is 11.40pm in Singapore) and this is your birthday wish - To be happy. So how is your feeling of having your birthday in a foreign country working? Oh, busy working, but happy to see some friends wishing me through blog and Instant Messager, the feeling is good in general, and just 20 mins ago, a important friend wishes me too, I am so glad that it is still on time.

I will be happy, and next year when I review this blog, I should be able to say I am more happy now.

Musical 'Wicked - The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz'

This is definitely the best musical I have seen recently. It is humorous and touching at the same time. The setting, music and lyric are all of top quality.
The story involve
- Being different is not necessary always bad (the ‘wicked’ witch is born green and without friends, but she process intelligent and talented in sorcery)
- Being able to uphold your belief even if no one is behind you. (when the ‘wicked’ witch is being frame because she believe that animal should not ill treated, despite what everyone think)
- You can change others through your action and self sacrifice. (how the ‘wicked’ witch teaches the stuck-up girl to be a good witch in the end)
- Compassion (the love of animal)
- Things are not always as what you see. (the 'wicked' witch is most kind and being frame to be wicked)
- Love in the eye of the beholder (the prince was transformed to be a scarecrow, but still deeply in love with the ‘wicked’ witch)
- Friendship (the ‘wicked’ witch rather sacrifice herself than let the good witch risk her reputation in protecting her)

If you ever have a chance, go and see it, I am sure you will not regret it.

For more photos and story, see here.

我一向都佷欣赏散文集写的blog.

今天看到他写的'魔术',甚有感触,在此记下,做为借镜.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
心理治療應該也是一場魔術表演。心理治療師會用他們的魔法把愚弄我們的情緒弄走。

我們便是我們的心理治療師﹐只要我們願意認同我們自己的情緒﹐和它們談談話﹐把那些我們不太願意重提的事件﹐一一的把它們找出來﹐細細的尋找一些我們可以學習的部份﹐放進我們的心裡。然後把餘下的放進一個氫氣球裡﹐讓它升空﹐看著它慢慢的消失在天空中。我相信﹐我們的心情便會好起來。

處理情緒不是逃避它﹐而是要面對它。

他没有错(歌)

歌手：范玮琪 歌曲：他没有错

就这样放了彼此的手
究竟是尽头还是个出口
只是我还记得他每一次抚摸
只是我还熟悉他每一个轮廓
不知道从此要难过多久
我相信一定和孤独一样久
原来天长地久是形容一种痛
这样的有始有终换来怎样的海阔天空
他没有错
只是没有爱我很久
他没有错
是我飞蛾扑火我求一个经过
不妄想一个结果 他没有错

他没有错
只是没有爱我停留
他没有错
是爱的不是时候
他没有错
只是没有陪我到最后

Out in the snow. Look forward for tomorrow night.

Today (still Saturday in Chicago), I worked with Vicki setting up the Network (wired and wireless) and the VoIP phones till 4pm. I asked her if there are good musical in Chicago? I have always love Musical! Great, a good broadway musical is in Town, 'Wicked'. After that, I braved the snow to get ticket (that is when I shoot this picture, the sky is so dark after 4pm, sigh...). Luckily for me, there are still tickets for individual seats. Those people in front is booking so many tickets (at least 5 tickets) and so advance booking (for shows at Jan - Mar 06). The show I have manage to secure will be on tomorrow at 7.30pm (Sunday). At least, there is something I can look forward now.

P.S. : Almost all outdoor decoration for Christmas is like that in US, kind of simple after seeing how Singapore's Orchard Road's Christmas Decoration'.

Snow covered Chicago

This is a photo took from my hotel room (36th floor).

Wise Secretary and Snow Storm

Frankly, I did not really notice the important of getting a hotel so near office because the last round in March, I stayed in a hotel at the Magificiant Mile (shopping area). But I see the wisdom of our Chicago Secretary, Deborah, now. This year, the worst weather came earlier than usual and there is a snow storm outside now. Her choice of hotel has save me a great deal of problem, because it has a underground pass to reach my office. Today's work is quite smooth, compare to New York, so I can return to hotel at 5.30pm. By the way, the relocation workers has gone since 3pm, I wonder it is due to the snow storm. Oh yeah, their weather is so accurate. Shame on my home country, a small little island and yet the weather forecast is never accurate at all.

Who should paint my portrait

Edvard Munch Edvard Munch should paint your portrait. You are a very emotional person. You are always up for a good talk with one of your friends. You don't like to keep things bottled up. Often, you are friendly and outgoing, but that can change very easily to being introverted and cold. Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

Work done. Next Stop -> Chicago

New York, job done. (Picture - New York this morning)

In Chicago now, not feel like going out, because it is freezing cold at -7 degree celsius now.

The flight to New York

Second visit to New York this year. Not much changes, but it is very much colder now and snow can be seen and the sky goes dark very very early.

The flight tooks arounnd 19 hrs in total, excluding 2 hrs transit waiting in Tokyo.

I watched 3 movies on the flight other than eating, sleeping and playing with my laptop.
1) Fanastic 4
2) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
3) Cindrella Man

I quoted from 'Fanastic 4'
Alicia (blind girl) told 'the Thing', 'being different is often not a bad thing'.
I wanted to believe that.

I quoted from 'Charlie and Chocolate Factory'
Willie Wonka asked Charlie, 'What make you feel better when you feel terrible?'
Charlie answered 'Family.'
There isn't a better answer, is there?

I quoted from 'Cindrella Man'
Jim tell the press, 'I know what I am fighting for now... Milk'
Milk symbolise the need of the family, so simple, straight forward and powerful.

I will be going to work in 12 hrs time.
Time to rest to adjust myself from any possible jet lag.

8 hrs before Leaving Singapore

It is less than 8 hrs before leaving Singapore.
The flight is at 7.15am. Will need to wake up at 4.30am.
The 1st destination is New York, transit at Tokyo.
Suddently, I felt very peaceful at leaving everything behind.
Not really everything, I do brought some blessing (gifts) with me for this journey.
:-)

3 Birthday Gifts from colleagues

I just received another 3 Birthday gifts, all from my colleagues.
But they are all regarding life, I guess everyone is seeing me as a person that still have not gone out of the shadow yet. Perhaps they are right, looking from their angle, they do have a clearer picture of me. Thanks and I really appreciate them, I will try to be happy, and I mean naturally happy.

A song - Friends

As requested by Corinne, here is your song placed online.
Cheers!

A quote from 'happiness in a nutshell'

Recently, one of my friend tell me not to be too attached to people. I guess I am, but I learnt.

The following is a quote on 'Attachment' from the booklet 'Happiness in a NutShell' by Andrew Mattews.

The moment you get
too attached to things,
people, money...
you screw it up

The challenge of life
is to appreciate everything
and attach yourself
to nothing

A Song for you.

A friend has fallen ill, she has request for this song last week, so I hereby present this song and wish her a speedy recovery. This song is 阿杜's 下雪.

A early Birthday Gift

I watch the 2 musicals with my UK classmate, Florence, who also loved Musical. She is also having problem looking for friend to watch musical. Great, now you have partner to watch musical! On Wednesday, while watching ' a twist of fate', I mentioned that I am trying to mix cocktail and just now before watching 'RENT', I received my early birthday present from her (My birthday is in Dec, and I should be working in San Francisco during that time this year), it is a book on cocktail, what a great listener! I am deeply touched by attention and sensitiveness shown by her. Thanks, Florence.

Musicals

I have always loved Musicals since studying in UK. I have the opportunity this year to enjoy 2 musicals in this week. One a local production and another a Broadway production.



‘A Twist of Fate’ is a local production and it is also the 3rd time it is presented in Singapore before performing at the Broadway. It is Voted Best Musical of 1997 by The Straits Times.

Stars Laura Michelle Kelly (Mary Poppins - Laurence Olivier Award Best Actress 2005). Appearing on stage with Ms Kelly will be an all star Singaporean and international cast, including accomplished theatre actor and MediaCorp artiste, Adrian Pang.

Lyrics by Laurence Olivier Award winner Anthony Drewe (who has just written the lyrics for Disney/Cameron Mackintosh's production of Mary Poppins, currently on in the London West End), and music by Singapore's foremost composer Dick Lee. Book by Steven Dexter and Tony Petito.

In the tradition of Agatha Christie and the great "whodunits" of the 1930s, A Twist of Fate is a delicious musical comedy of twists and turns, false clues and dastardly deeds, set against the backdrop of a Peranakan family in Singapore. Dark and stormy nights, midnight rendezvous, an inconvenient murder or two and memorable times makes this an entertaining, suspense-filled evening at the theatre.

I enjoyed the show very much since it is a very localise performance and I really did not manage to guess the murderer. It is really fun!



On the other hand, ‘RENT’ is a Broadway Production that sweep all major theatre awards, including 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical as well as the Pulitzer Prize, RENT captures the heart and spirit of a generation. Inspired by Puccini’s La Boheme, RENT is a joyous, breathtaking and often heartbreaking musical that celebrates a community of young artists as they struggle with the soaring hopes and tough realities of today’s world. This is its 10th Anniversary World Tour starring Karen Mok.

This performance is consist of various performance like heavy metal, sentimental, Tango, etc. Overall, I think it is a bit heavy on the music and volume, unlike Les Miserable and Phantom of the Opera, but the 2nd part of the show is very nice and Karen did performed well. Songs like 'Season of love' and 'Light my candle' is very nice indeed.

Mixed Feeling Yesterday

Yesterday, some dumb users deleted production data, thinking they are at test environment, and yet they can yell saying the test environment did not have a BIG word saying it is test environment.
If a test environment does not match the production environment, then can it still be a test environment? Why blame it on the IT team? then, they can call and yell, 'Hey, I have been waiting! when do you finish restoring the data? I still have work to do!'.
I returned my 'fire' for the following Legal Reasons.
1st) Restoration Request not raised
2nd) So, it is not approved
3rd) depend on whether the tape is offsite, we may have to get them back
4th) According to Our service level agreement, restoration will be done in 2 days.
Although, in the end, I still help them restore the data in 4 hrs. What I hated it so much, is that you have work, so am I! And their dumb action caused me to waste my previous time and disrupted my work and yet they can yell.
I am so angry, but when I think twice, why angry, it only hurt myself, cool down and be happy. Yeah, I choose to be happy everyday, right?

Due to this dirty work, I missed a birthday celebration session in the office. What warm my heart is that my colleagues do care.
1) My neighbour colleague 'P' bring me nuts and nogart
2) My Project partner 'KH' brought me cake, knowing that I miss it because of his users.
3) My far away colleage 'C' reserved pancake and drinks for me.
They make my day.
I am a person who will remember who is kind to me and if I can, I will return the favour and more whenever I can.
I also learn to release myself from anger, because anger will bring us down and the people you dislike does not even feel it or feel bad about your feeling.

Yes, I choose to be happy everyday.

2 Movies a day

It is far passed midnight, so it is yesterday that I watched 2 movies.


In the morning, I watched 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'. A exciting adventure full or mythical creature and wonderful special effect. This is the forth in the series and I will say it has done well, but I regret the death of Cedric in the movie, he is such a fine young man and friend with a bright future.


In the late evening, I watched 'Just like Heaven'. A sweet romantic movie about a doctor Elizabeth (Reese Witherspoon) who is so committed to work that she can work 26hrs in one shot, but when she meet an accident and the spirit left the body, she discover that no one actually know about her because she have no life other than work. She can only communicate with the man, David (Mark Ruffalo), who rented her apartment while she is coma. Of course, finally, she learn what life and love should be, and he learn to love again (since his wife's death).

Dinner.

I have dinner at 'Manhattan Fishmarket' at Plaze Singapura, the seafood platter for 2 tasted good, right, buddy?

Care

The following is a translation of the Chinese version written by SanWenJi.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To everyone that I will like to share,

It feels great that we can care for others. What I mean of 'care' is the ability to acknowledge and share other people's unhappiness. When we grow, the ability weakened. We will be glad to have dinner and drinks with others, but who is willing to listen to your life story?

If there is such a person around you, please kindly treasure him/her. You must understand the sacrifice that he/she made, because by listening, he/she is sharing your feeling or burden, no less than you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This week, I miss talking (real talking, from the bottom of my heart) to a very good friend that really care for me, because I am not sure whether I have annoyed him/her, if I did, I am really sorry.

A Wise Donkey (Story)

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided that is was not worth retrieving the donkey as the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway.

He invited his neighbours to come over and help him. They each grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realised what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, it quietened. A few shovel loads later, the farmer looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw.
As every shovel of dirt hit his back, the donkey did something amazing. It would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, it would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off to everyone's amazement!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you...all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of a hole is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest holes just by never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!

当你孤单你会想起谁

你就是这个笑脸吗?

愛自己

Borrowing some words from my fellow bloggers to remind myself.

被人愛前﹐先要愛自己。就是因為別人的愛沒有了自己﹐就是不愛自己的表現。

不愛自己的人是愛不起的....

我們都在我們的生命中學習，互相分享就是愛。

但愿长醉不愿醒

李白：《将进酒》

君不见黄河之水天上来,奔流到海不复回。
君不见高堂明镜悲白发,朝如青丝暮成雪。
人生得意须尽欢，莫使金樽空对月。
天生我材必有用，千金散尽还复来。

烹羊宰牛且为乐，会须一饮三百杯。
岑夫子，丹丘生，将进酒，杯莫停。
与君歌一曲，请君为我侧耳听。
钟鼓馔玉不足贵，但愿长醉不愿醒。
古来圣贤皆寂寞，惟有饮者留其名。

陈王昔时宴平乐，斗酒十千恣欢谑。
主人何为言少钱，径须沽取对君酌。
五花马，千金裘，呼儿将出换美酒， 与尔同销万古愁。

Sense of belonging?

Is sense of belonging so important to you?
why are you so upset for not being invited?
Do you need to prove your worth in such a way?
Do you need to prove anything at all?

What you did is wrong today! Although apology accepted, the guilt will not leave you tonight, you will not sleep in peace. The guardian angel will not be there tonight, if you can sleep at all.

Learn well your lesson, you spoil your day and you spoil others too.
Do not do that again although you are upset.

Remember, you are who you are. You do not rely on someone to prove your worth, in fact, You need not prove anything at all.

I thought you have make it, you have make me rethink about this. You better buck up.

EARTH from above - Yann Arthus-Bertrand

In the last century, the population of our planet has been multiplied by 3, the world fresh water consumption by 6.
20% of the world population lacks access to improved water supplies.
40% of the world population does not have access to electricity.
Every week, more than 1 million people are added to the urban population in the world.
826 million people are under-nourished in the world.
The amount of oil consumed in 6 weeks, half of which is used in transportation, would have lasted 1 year in 1950.
Total world military expendititure : US$839 billion
Official Development Assistance : US51.4 billion
11 of the 15 majot fishing zones in the world are in decline today.
Half of humanity lives on less than US$2 a day.

The above are just some of the messages that was delivered through the photo exhibition by French Photographer, Yann Arthus-Bertrand.

Our Planet Earth is beautiful, but it is endangered due to human oversight and folly.
Save the earth, before it is too late.

Ugly Scene on Earth : IRAQI TANK GRAVEYARD IN THE DESERT NEAR AL-JAHRAH, KUWAIT

















Beautiful Scene on Earth : ICEBERGS OFF THE ADELIE COAST, ANTARCTICA

















Lovely Scene on Earth : GREATER FLAMINGOS ON LAKE NAKURU, KENYA

I am indeed blessed !

Today, my dearest colleague presented me a powerpoint she make herself. She wanted me to know I am blessed and consider very fortunate. I have seen the verses before, and in fact I have been searching for this verses a few nights ago, trying to cheer up a fellow blogger who is also and still living in sadness. I am most touched by her act, also knowing that she have spent a lot of effort on it, evening selecting the right song for it. I am convinced, I am indeed blessed.

I hereby shared the verses with all of you :

You Are Blessed

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness,
you are more blessed than the million who won't survive the week.

If you have never experienced
the danger of battle,
the loneliness of imprisonment,
the agony of torture or
the pangs of starvation,
you are ahead of 20 million people around the world.

If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment,
arrest, torture, or death,
You are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator,
clothes on your back,
a roof over your head and
a place to sleep,
you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank,
in your wallet, and
spare change in a dish someplace,
You are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still
married and alive,
you are very rare,
especially in the United States.

If you hold up your head
with a smile on your face
and are truly thankful,
You are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand,
hug them or even
touch them on the shoulder,
you are blessed because you
can offer God's healing touch.

If you can read this message,
you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.

火炬星

1. 命格优势:充满活力、乐观进取。
2. 命格缺点:欠缺耐性、情绪起伏大。
3. 爱情模式:爱就是要让对方知道！
4. 财　　运:85分，勇於冒险，理财很灵活。
5. 上班　运:85分，很有冲劲，颇受注目。
6. 您的信念：我就是相信人生就是要有理想、有抱负。

姓名星座属於 火炬星
命宫代表数字： 3、13、23、33、43、53、63、73

五行属性 火
姓名星座属性 开 朗 、 有 活 力 、 热 心 、 但 定 性 不 佳
代表人物 梁朝伟、翁大铭
星座优点 活 泼 、 开 朗 、 热 心 助 人 、 非 常 有 雄 心 、 拼 命 七 次 郎。
星座缺点 没 耐 性 、 情 绪 起 伏 大 、 决 策 不 精 细 。
人生信念 人 生 苦 短 ， 及 时 行 乐 。
爱情 IQ 90 分
爱情模式 有 花 堪 折 直 需 折 、 莫 待 无 花 空 折 枝 ！
爱情速配对象 地 牛 星 、 孤 木 星 、 己 土 星 女 性
爱情欢喜冤家 巨 浪 星 、 火 炬 星 女 性

Happiness is ...

"Happiness is a daily decision. Everyone suffers pain and disappointment and no one will be happy 24 hours a day. The question is, how quickly do we bounce back from disappointment?" ~ Andrew Mattews

Five Strategies for happiness :
1. Be flexible. If things don't go your way, tell yourself, "I wouldn't have chosen this situation but I will try to make the most of it."
2. Look for good things in people - and you will find them.
3, Break your goals into small steps. Achieve one step at a time and you will reach your big goals.
4. Understand that worry doesn't help. Worrying about tomorrow doesn't help. Do your best today and let tomorrow take care of itself.
5. Each day when you get up, tell yourself,"Just today I choose to be happy."

Watch 'Sky High'

I watched another movie alone last night (now is after midnight, so it is last night). It is 'Sky High', a very relaxing show about a high school training super heroes. It is definately not a serious movie, but I have enough of 'heavy' firms recently. So, why not? It is funny and quite unique in its story and setting, although predictable. I have a enjoyable evening, although it is again nobody seating beside me. Looking at the bright side, the better, no one challenge me for the arm rest. Haha, 'Ah Q's spirit'? may be. It lighten my mood and ease my stress, that is more important, isn't it? Yeah, I told myself.

I am reverting back to myself

6 and half months have passed since that painful day.

The pain is beginning to subside and numbed now. I started to reliase that I am slowly reverting to my old self.

Letting her have her ways, I have make numerous changes before, now I discovered that I am reverting back to my own personal habits, those I am used to.
Some of the habits :
1) HairStyle : She have always wanted me to keep my hair rather short, now I am back to side parting hairstyle (have not done that in last 5 years), occasionally, I will gel a spiky hairstyle too. I have had my length of hair back now.
2) I used to wear pyjamas when going to sleep, she have wanted me to wear shorts.
3) Now I am folding socks into rolls, she used to ask me folding them 'Squarely'.
and a few others...

Am I beginning to get use to it? I believe so, although she still appear in my mind occassionally, the image is getting less clear now. I have not seen her for months, other than photos, do I really wanted to forget her? I don't know.

Sudoku

I saw this Sudoku this morning, remembering the one I did recently from the blog, I am excited. Unfortunately, this one is far too simple, solved it in less than half an hours.

A 3 working day week

This is a 3 working day week, with the Malay and Indian Festival/Holiday on this week, falling on Tuesday and Thursday respectively. A lot of my colleagues took leaves taking advantage to create a super long week of holiday. I did not. When everyone is away (I meant users/clients not colleagues), that is the best time to work without disruption. But my cough has not really recovered yet, I hope I can have good rest this week on the holidays, I have not have a good sleep for days, coughing throughout the night. Sigh... I am tired... I have been delaying my house chores and there is still a lightbulb to be replace. I will do them tomorrow.

Weekend... Watched a Movie... Empty Seat beside...

Today is Saturday, I am very bored and went to catch a Movie 'The Legend of Zorro' in the evening. Watching Movie alone is fast becoming my habit soon. Zorro sounded very much like sorrow, why would anyone wanted such a name? I may be just too negative. There is a crowd watching the show, I am seated right beside the stairs in the center, but to my surprise, there is a empty seat on the other side of me. Even stranger seems to be avoid me, I thought.

When I am young, Zorro is a lone ranger, he works alone, did he feel good alone? I never knew. In this movie, which is a sequel, he have a family for 10 years, with a wife and a son. Catherine Zeta Jones played as Elena, Zorro's wife and love. She looks great, always graceful. The movie is fairly good and entertaining.

There are some parts in the movie that I feel like writing.
The happy part :
1) Tornado, Zorro's horse, is a very funny horse, he drink wine, he smoke and he can stare with eye opened wide when danger come. What a horse.
2) The good always win. The usual happy ending. No surprise.
3) Zorro's good friend, Father Felipe, was shot at the heart. His holy cross stopped the bullet. I guess he keep his faith strongly, and thus he is blessed.

The sad part :
1) Zorro's son, Joachim, not knowing his father is Zorro(a hero), thinking he is coward, tell his father, 'You do not deserve Mum';
2) Elena told Zorro, 'If you do not understand me, you have never know me.'

The most predictable ending, they lived happily ever after. Isn't it nice? if everyone have such a ending.

No lunch together?

I coughed badly today.

I did not join my beloved colleagues for lunch. 3 of them asked me for reason after that, which I am glad. Thank you, my dear friends.

I have reasons, although I only gave them the 1st one only.
This is called white lies (lies that is truth but not the complete answer)~ quote from a book a dear friend lent me.

Reasons
1) I coughed, I do not want to spread.
2) I began my second sliming program (after the 1st one did so well), target is 4Kg this round.
3) I am going into the 'man in the cave' mode (see the book 'Man are from Mars, Woman are from Venus') due to the 4th reason.
4) This is the main reason, I am going to meet a 9 years old friends, twice ex-colleague, and my best man during my wedding tomorrow for lunch. I have been avoiding him for sometime already. Meeting him trigger a lot of memories, sweet during then, pain now. We knew each other nine years ago as colleagues, both graduated overseas. I am from UK, and he is from Australia. We are good friends and we knew both our wifes through our work, courting them. We helped in each other's wedding. We parted and join different company 2 years later. Fate made us became colleagues again in my current company for nearly another 5 years. He is going to be the father 3rd times soon. Congrats. Of course, I know he is a good friend, but meeting him came with many many memories of my now separated wife which pain me everytime I think of it.
Of course, it is not his fault, it is my self-pityness. I will conquer the feeling tomorrow. I have been avoiding this feeling long enough. But that does not mean I am not sad. And thanks to him for his undying friendship all this 9 years.

I will be isolating myself this week. What time I am 'leaving the cave' will depends on my effort to overcome the pain again. The more I face it, the more I can take it. At the very least, this is what I hope and what I believe.

Friends who worried for me. Have no fear, I will be okay. If you read this, I knew you will be there for me when I am ready.

I spoke something wrong today.

Today, I spoke something wrong. Although it is meant to be a joke, people may not like it. I will learn from the lesson and not to do that again. I appreciate the frankness from a friend who reminded me. Thank you and sorry. I like her frankness, it helps me to improve and be more sensitive. Also, by telling the truth and accepting the comment, there are no hard feeling between us. Thanks once again.

A story on 'Letting Go'

With reference to Corinne Rochefort's blog on 'Letting Go', I have heard such a story before, May I share with you?

There is once a teacher who wanted to teach his students to let go and relax, especially it is during their examination period. He gather the class, he asked them to hold a glass full of water at the full stretch of their arm in front of them.

30 seconds passed, he asked, 'Are you okay?', the students say 'Yes!'

3 minutes passed, he asked again, 'Are you okay?', some students say 'Okay...'

6 minutes passed, he asked again, 'Are you okay?', most students say 'I can't hold it any longer.'

Then, this teacher asked them to take a break of 5 minutes and try again, he asked again, 'Are you okay?', everyone agreed that it is much better.

This teacher said 'If you keep holding on to your negative feeling and do not let go, it will be like holding a glass of water at arms length, it will be getting heavier and heavier, although it's weight is actually always the same. It is because you are giving yourself pressure by holding on to these bad memories. By letting go, just like taking a break, you can tackle this bad feeling and memories much easier and better.'

'It is time to enjoy yourself now. You can always pick up from where you are when you are ready again. You will know when you are ready.'

Take my heed, take a break and let go. You will be rewarded and you will get tougher if you know how to relax when it is most needed. The journey is still long, stay healthy and walk with me.

After Disaster Recovery Drill

Yesterday (Sat), we began our DR Drill at 9am. Alex and myself have managed to complete all data restoration at 3.30pm. A new record! The bosses are so happy that they planned for dinner + pub in the evening. Unforunately, some testing encountered problem and the dinner was delayed to 8.30pm, a lot of them decided to go home or just attend dinner. We have only 8 of us (includeing 2 bosses) going for the drink. Actually, I found that, after a drink or two, the bosses are still human. In the day, when they are in control, they did things we don;t like. But they actually also needed company, they are sometime lonely too. At least that is what I felt a few hours ago with them. After some drink, they do talk normally (unlike the usual way of boss and subordinate) which I do appreciate. If they can continue doing that, I believe they will earn themselve more friends and support from the staff. Keep it up, bosses.

Breakfast with Corinne Rochefort

Today (No, should be yesterday, since it is after midnight now), I am so glad to have 香港点心 breakfast with Corinne Rochefort. I see that you have recovered and I wanted to tell you how happy I am. I see that you have get out of your 'down' mode and I hope you will continue to be the real you, you that I have know and understand for those years.

And happy birthday to you on Monday! Do you like the gift?
You will have more surprise today (Yeah, Sunday), you know?
Haha, you will see...

Preparation for Disaster Recovery Drill

I have not slept since yesterday early morning, it is 24 hrs now. Why?, I am on course during the day, doing testing for disaster recovery throughout the night. After this blog, I am getting ready to attend today's course again. I hope I can rest tonight.

The good news is the restoration seems much stable now and the other system recovery has also worked successfully. I hope this is enough to ensure this Saturday's drill will be a smooth one.

Alex is really committed, working with me through thick and thin, enduring these tiring nights. Let's hope our effort pays off, and this Saturday, completing the drill on time or even earlier, so that everyone can enjoy the remaining weekend on Sunday. I will keep my finger crossed.

Places I visited

Although I have not visited so much places as Ruth have visited, but I will still like to do a review of the places that have my foot print.

US : L.A, San Francisco, New York, Chicago
Germany : Berlin, Frankfurt
United Kingdom : Oxford, London, and a lot of other cities/towns (because I studied in UK).
South Africa : Capetown, Johannesburg
Thailand : Bangkok, Pattaya, Kanchanaburi
Hong Kong
Taiwan : Taipei, T'ai-chong, T'ai-nan, Kao-hsiung
Japan : Tokyo, Osaka
South Korea : Seoul, Pusan, Cheju-do

Of them, the most memorable one is the trip of South Africa, I will never forget the trip with beautiful scenery, adventurous Safari, wonderful food and dining, relaxing Sun City Resort and many many other precious moments there.
可惜,此情可待成追忆，只是当时已惘然.

A song dedicated to you, all my friends.

我要以这首'共同度过', 共勉, 并谢谢一班这几个月来扶着我,陪着我的好朋友.
是你们让我重新站起来的. 谢谢你们.

Especially to a colleague who tell me : 'Friendship may fade when someone leave the gang'.
This is my reply : '活在你心内, 分开也像同度过'. That is how I have friends of more than twenty years.
And I agree that '天下无不散的宴席'.

歌曲：共同度过
歌手：张国荣

垂下眼睛息了灯
回望这一段人生
望见当天今天
即使多转变
你都也一意跟我同行
曾在我的失意天
疑问究竟为何生
但你驱使我担起灰暗
勇敢去面对人生

若我可再活多一次都盼
再可以在路途重逢着你
共去写一生的句子
若我可再活多一次千次
我都盼面前仍是你
我要他生都有今生的暖意

没什么可给你
但求凭这阙歌
谢谢你风雨里
都不退愿陪着我
暂别今天的你
但求凭我爱火
活在你心内
分开也像同度过

无求一生光辉, 唯望斗志不会断.

I have never really like 罗文's song (other than those for very very old TVB 武侠Series), but this is one of my favourite songs, because of the very encouraging lyric.

歌曲：几许风雨
歌手：罗文

无言轻倚窗边 凝望雨势 急也乱
似个疯汉 满肚郁结 怒骂着厌倦
徐徐呼出烟圈 回望以往的片段
几许风雨 我也经过屹立到目前

一生之中 谁没痛苦 得失少不免
看透世态 每种风雨 披身打我面
身处高峰 尝尽雨丝 轻风的加冕
偶尔碰上了急风 步伐未凌乱
心底之中知分寸 得失差一线
披荆斩棘的挑战 光辉不眷恋

悠然想起当天 无尽冷眼加嘴脸
正似风雨 每每改变 现实尽体验
无求一生光辉 唯望斗志不会断
见惯风雨 见惯改变 尽视作自然

悠然推窗观天 云渐散去星再现
雨线飘断 似我的脸 热泪聚满面
然而不死春天 全赖暖意不间断
似你的脸 叫我温暖 伴着我步前

PS : This week, I am super busy + on course. Currently, 'borrow' my instructor LAN point to blog at lunch time. Hahaha.

Summary (9 Oct 05 - 15 Oct 05)

A busy week has pass, you may notice I did not write a lot. Regrets.
Let me do a Summary

Happy :
1) Watched a Good Musical
2) Played Good Table Tennis
3) Learn more on VMware
4) Received my performance bonus
5) A colleague is getting married
6) Started my Golf Lession
7) On Course next week
8) A colleague's family has recovered from illness
9) Officially reunited with a old friend/colleague at work

Sad :
1) Will miss Company's Dinner and Dance, due to oversea assignment
2) Insufficient sport activities this week
3) Encounter Incompatibility issue with SAS
4) Worry about workload in Office as I will be on Course nextweek.
5) Unable to share the joy of a friend's birthday, the week after next
6) The venue of the course next week is far away from home and office
7) Disaster Recovery Testing Result is not very good
8) Going to miss next golf lesson due to Disaster Recovery Drill
9) Feel sad after watching 'Moulin Rouge' VCD yesterday evening, true love with sad ending.

两首我很喜欢的歌

昨夜, 心血来潮, 忽然很想听这两首我很喜欢的歌, 歌手是香港的关淑仪, 很久没有她的消息了.

难得有情人

如早春初醒催促我的心
将不可再等
含情待放那岁月空出了痴心
令人动心
幸福的光阴它不会偏心
将分给每颗心
情缘亦远亦近将交错一生
情侣爱得更甚
甜蜜地与爱人风褃飞奔
高声欢呼你有情不枉这生
一声你愿意一声我愿意
惊天爱再没遗憾
明月雾褃照人相爱相亲
让对对的恋人增添性感
一些恋爱变恨更多恋爱故事动人
划上了丝丝美感
一些恋爱变恨更多恋爱故事动人
划上了丝丝美感

患难建真情

谁在远远处悄悄荡来
无声的将心锁劈开
交出真的爱
伴我默默接未来
曾示意叫你不用前来
曾冰封的心不会开
收起心中爱
曾经的不可再

谁料你是至真至诚
全心的相爱
谁料你实太痴情
谁人能拒绝在门外

共渡患难建真情
原来情浓早心中载
引领我跨障碍
是你令我变改
默默望著你彷似呆
抱歉从前我不应该
要你每天盼望又期待

Meaningful Words (5)

Mistakes are just the steps to reach success.

There is nothing, if you don't believe.

Tonight, I watched a wonderful musical performance, ‘Peter Pan’. Although the musical is not as powerful and magnificent as ‘Les Miserable’ or ‘Phantom of the Opera’, it brought us quite a number of enjoyable moments. Most music in the musical are new age music, similar to Enya, and most of the acts are performed by children. But these children are very experience. Overall, I enjoyed it. Hopefully, I can see most musical coming to Singapore.

Late November to early December, I will be in US, hopefully I can catch a musical at Broadway, if time permit.

"There is nothing, if you don't believe" ~ quoted from 'Peter Pan'

Meaningful Words (4)

Now, I think this one is not as easy as it looks.

Meaningful Words (3)

Make everyone forget you not.

Watching 'Tuesdays with Morrie'

After reading and deeply touched by the book, I thought the movie will be less impactful than the book. But I am wrong, this 4 Emmy Awards Movie capture the soul of the book very very well. I strongly recommend everyone to see it at least once. You will learn a lot of thing about life. Also, remember to bring your Tissue box along. You will need it. Believe me.

P.S. : Carrie, notice that the book is your favourite too. Have you watch the movie?

Watching 'A Beautiful Mind'

Another movie that will touch the bottom of our heart and it is based on Nobel Prize Winner Prof. John Nash.

Prof. John Nash has demonstrated great willpower to ignore the hallunication that he suffered throughout his life, focus and pursue in his research. What a man. Russell Crowe has acted well, although he did not get an acedmy award for it. (The movie get 4 academy awards). I am touched especially during the scene of Nobel Prize Presentation, the speech he make. 'You are all my reason', he said. The wonderful wife of his, Alicia by name, fully deserved the honor, having faith and support for him through thick and thin, even screaming in the middle of night to excert her tireness and fustration. In contrust, where is my reason now? Well, I do not have any hallucination, and I just do not know I want to live for others anymore (except Russell). I will live for myself. I will be my reason.

No mather what, I will come back, just like he did. (Finally, he can teach again after so many years of absence due to the sickness). I will be strong at heart and love again.

If there is a will, there is a way.

P.S. : next DVD will be 'Tuesday with Morrie'. I have read the book and look forward for this movie.

Friendship

In return to CS's blog, here is something on friendship too.

Meaningful Words (2)

Try your best and live with no regrets.

感触

这两天, 感触良多.

首先,刚过生日的Alex, 昨天病倒了, 在此祝愿他早日康复.
还有, 知己Adeline的丈夫也于昨天得了骨痛溢血热症, 在此也祝愿他早日康复.

昨天的farewell + birthday lunch, 在新达城的Marche举行. 食物还行,气氛却差远了.好像为了吃而吃, 一点也没有饯行或庆祝的感觉. 山不在高, 有仙则灵. 有心的话, 那里吃都开心.

今天的双打乒乓球练习, 我表现差强人意, 我觉的在双打里, 我一直担心负累同伴.缺了默契,无法收发自如. 就像我的婚姻. 或者, 我始终适合单打, 抛开一切, 一拍决胜负. 同事兼好友Cecilia曾说:’乒乓带给你信心吗?’. 单打也许吧. 双打只会打击我的信心. 我做事好胜, 打球也一样. 多希望我能放松一点.

我的知己Adeline借了我一本书”The curious incident of the dog in the night-time”, 虽然我只读了三份一, 可是我却希望我像有自闭症的主角, 至少我会喜欢一个人独处的生活.

至于我的’学业’, 我只读了十份一, 还差的远. 要加油了.