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.