christmas in London

Yes - I am in London!

I have been invited by my HQ to visit the London office - and meet up with my marketing counterparts. It was also a perfect opportunity for me to attend our company's Christmas party that's happening in about 30 minutes time. I am blogging from the members' area at the Natural History Museum - a gorgeous work of art - where the black tie event is being held.

Here's a sneak peek of this awesome architecture and the lovely skating rink outside it.

London is freezing cold right now - and the average temperature in the night time hovers between 0 to 2 degrees.

But it's great fun and absolutely quaint - and the weather...mmm..it is a wonderful change from the hot and humid Singapore. Just last night, I took a stroll down Oxford Street with a cup of warm steamed milk in one hand, and shopping bags in the other.

I will put up some more pictures when I am back.

Meanwhile, for all my friends in Hotel Solace - Happy holidays and have a blessed Christmas.

I Am Not Going To Think About Her

Break ups are hard - and I have seen different people cope in different ways. This guy however, has a really unique way of doing it. Extremely creative too. I totally dig the script.

If you are going through a similar situation now, nurse your heart ache by watching this clip. Even if it can't heal you, I hope it would at least bring a smile to your face.

However, if you are the one dying to get away, this dude gives you tips on How To Break Up With Your Girlfriend in 64 Easy Steps.

I am beginning to think he may need a psychologist to untie all the knotted angst.

For more of his wit, humor and cynicism, check out his webpage - Tales of Mere Existence.

Quirky.

my world of warcraft

Thought I would show you guys an example of what I do on World of Warcraft. The little gnome -Sheerlock - in pink ponytails is me - killing an elite dragon boss with nine other members from my guild, each with different special abilities and powers.

Have fun viewing!

the three questions

Artwork by ~sora-ko

Once upon a time, there was a king, who is quite a philosophical man. He had three burning questions on his mind, which he had no answers to. The three questions were:

1. Who is the most important person in the world?
2. What is the most important thing to do in the world?
3. When is the most important time to do it?

The questions were posed to his ministers, but none, including his wise sages, could give him the answers he was seeking. Feeling frustrated, the king decided to venture out of the palace and take a walk in town.

As night began to close in, the king decided to put up at a little hut, situated on the outskirts of town. The hut was owned by a hospitable old man who lived alone.

In the middle of the night, the king was awakened from his deep slumber by a loud commotion. Someone was banging hard at the door and shouting for help. The King got up just in time to see the old man opening the door. A young man came rushing in, his clothes torn and stained with blood. More blood was dripping down his forehead and his eyes were filled with desperation and fear.

The young man begged the old man to shelter him from his pursuers, who were hot on his heels. Without another word, the old man agreed and quickly hid the young man out at the back in a shack, where it was dark and isolated. Not long after, soldiers came storming into the house, demanding to know if the old man has seen anyone passing through his grounds.

The old man denied and feigned ignorace, and the soldiers left him to continue their manhunt. The young man finally came out of his hiding place, washed and cleaned up his wounds, thanked the old man and went on his way.

The King was stupefied at what unfolded before his eyes, but kept his composure. The next morning, he asked the old man:

"Why did you agree to help the young man last night? Why did you not even bother to find out who he was? What has he done? Or where is he going?"

The old man look the king in the eye and replied:

"The most important person in the world is the one who needed your help most. The most important thing to do is to offer whatever assistance you can in his time of need. And the most important time to do it is right then and there - immediately."

The king was stunned for a moment, and it finally dawned on him that the answers he has been searching for for so long, were actually right before his eyes. The old man had taught him the most important lesson he needed to know.

"You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself." ~ Galileo Galilei (1564 - 1642)

enough is enough

Artwork by ~RusRed

why is it so
when things go wrong
the burden to bear
is always mine
and when i've done right
you, not me
are the one who shine

maybe i am easy
maybe i don't mind
but maybe, just maybe
you think i'd be fine

why does one think
when friendship ends
they play no part
in the tragedy
and when pain sets in
it's all me
who caused the misery

maybe i am innocent
maybe i am nice
maybe, just maybe
i look like the bullying kind

enough is enough
betrayal is finite
take your curses
and beat it
get the hell outta my life

your vile intentions
your malicious lies
enough is enough
good riddance
and goodbye

i am back

it's been a while, a long while. i guess the chaotic pace of my work and other distractions - didn't help either.

i was also going through a writer's block. i stared for hours on this screen, trying to pen my thoughts but i couldn't.

not too long ago, i typed in Blogger's URL, but i was blocked. couldn't figure out why. since i have nothing i wanted to update, i gave up trying to log in.

then came one mail. then two. then a couple more.

friends of this blog started writing me, asking me if i am ever going to blog again. people i don't know emailed me telling me how my blog has impacted them in ways i cannot understand. long lost readers messaged me to say they missed my posts. everywhere i turn, someone will remind me of Hotel Solace.

and i have to say -- i am indeed very touched. i am sorry i have been gone for so long. i do want so much to touch lives again, and i hope i can still remember how to do it.

i have retreated into a space that doesn't need me to feel that much -- and that helped brought some stability and sanity back into my otherwise dysfunctional life. for a while, this blog has been that hotel solace for me, and many others. but the emotions that checked in here daily were mostly raw, and very, very real. i needed a solace of my own and i found it interestingly, by not blogging.

but it feels good ...to be back.

it feels wonderful to know u guys are still checking in.

and it feels liberating to be able to crack the stupid privacy code that's preventing me from logging into blogger.

and yes, i do miss you too.

Got this in my email today...

I should be feeling cheesed off, but on the contrary, i found it really amusing. Made me smile at least.... =)

==========================================================================


This was written by a guy... it's pretty damn smart. Girls -- Have a sense of humor!

I never quite figured out why the sexual urge of men and women differ so much. And I never have figured out the whole Venus and Mars thing. I have never figured out why men think with their head and women with their heart.

FOR EXAMPLE:

One evening last week, my girlfriend and I were getting into bed.

Well, the passion starts to heat up, and she eventually says, "I don't feel like it, I just want you to hold me."

I said, "WHAT??!! What was that?!"

So she says the words that every boyfriend on the planet dreads to hear...

"You're just not in touch with my emotional needs as a woman enough for me to satisfy your physical needs as a man."

She responded to my puzzled look by saying, "Can't you just love me for who I am and not what I do for you in the bedroom?"

Realizing that nothing was going to happen that night, I went to sleep.

The very next day I opted to take the day off of work to spend time with her. We went out to a nice lunch and then went shopping at a big, big unnamed department store. I walked around with her while she tried on several different very expensive outfits.

She couldn't decide which one to take, so I told her we'd just buy them all. She wanted new shoes to compliment her new clothes, so I said, "Lets get a pair for each outfit."

We went on to the jewelry department where she picked out a pair of diamond earrings.
Let me tell you... she was so excited. She must have thought I was one wave short of a shipwreck.
I started to think she was testing me because she asked for a tennis bracelet when she doesn't even know how to play tennis.

I think I threw her for a loop when I said, "That's fine, honey."

She was almost nearing sexual satisfaction from all of the excitement. Smiling with excited anticipation, she finally said, "I think this is all dear, let's go to the cashier."

I could hardly contain myself when I blurted out, "No honey, I don't feel like it."

Her face just went completely blank as her jaw dropped with a baffled, "WHAT?"

I then said, "Honey! I just want you to HOLD this stuff for a while. You're just not in touch with my financial needs as a man enough for me to satisfy your shopping needs as a woman."

And just when she had this look like she was going to kill me, I added, "Why can't you just love me for who I am and not for the things I buy you?"

Apparently I'm not having sex tonight either....but at least that bitch knows I'm smarter than her.


Alright girls. Repost this if you agree. Hell even if you disagree, repost it.

Men, repost this because you have balls.

bad tidings

I have been thinking about many things.

God. People. Love. Hate. Faith. Truth. Reality. Friendship. Work. Life.

I get overwhelmed sometimes by the many things I know, the stories I hear, the actions I see. Sometimes I wish I wasn't aware...it would make life much easier.
I guess there's a reason for everything - but I am not sure at this point what it is, or what it was.

It has been an emotionally charged period - not so much for me, but for many of my friends. People I like, people whom I am fond of, people who I truly care about. I see and hear so much pain over the last few months, it felt almost like my own.

They came to me - pouring their heart and soul out - seeking comfort, a listening ear or for some, maybe even a resolution. I don't have all the answers - and the burden of truth weighs so heavily on me some times, I am not sure what advice to give anymore so that I would not come across as merely paying lip service.

The stories unfolded with heartwrenching scripts. Depressing to say the least.

A woman who married her first boyfriend 20 years ago picked up her divorce papers today. A victim from years of child abuse, she is now undergoing treatment for manic depression. Her husband found love in the arms of a nightclub hostess recently and left her in shambles, in debt and in a big freaking mess. Of course, the plot goes much more complicated than that, but it takes a very cold, unfeeling heart to do what he has done to my friend.

Someone who I hold very dear lost her baby last week. I couldn't hug her cos she wouldn't allow me near her. I understand she needed time alone, but it kills me inside knowing that she is going through hell alone without me by her side.

My colleague had a nervous breakdown. I have always known him as a happy-go-lucky, optimistic and highly positive guy. I learnt once again not to judge a book by its cover when I saw the despair in his bloodshot eyes. No one knew but me. I wrote him a note to encourage him for I know not how else to help.

A casual chat with an ex-colleague last week led to yet another counselling session. This time, money was the key perpetrator. Her desperation to have a better life for her family streamed down her face, and scorched my heart like acid. I could only listen - helplessly.

There were more, and I try my best to take each one as they come. I listen. I speak with deliberation, tip-toeing over the raw sensitive areas. I offer my most sincere empathy, and whatever help within my means. But the obstacles surged like towering infernos, consuming and destroying everything within sight, and I felt nothing I do could put out the raging flames.

I keep wondering why people come to me, even strangers - unloading their baggage and sad tidings with ease and trust, even though they know they may walk away with nothing to gain from me. Most of the time I can offer nothing more than me - and my time.

I couldn't stop anything from happening.

And I'm sorry I couldn't help more than I wanted to. I have never felt more helpless than I am now.

a unique farewell note

My marketing executive is leaving today. As his manager, I need to do the necessary note to the whole office to announce his departure. Wanting to avoid the run-of-the-mill type of thank you and goodbye letters, I decided to send a press release in the spirit of Marketing.

Totally cracked everyone up. Here it is for your reading pleasure.

XX MARKETING DIVISION SUFFERS RECORD LOSS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 10, 2007

The marketing division of XX suffered its greatest loss ever with the resignation of its Marketing Executive, Benjamin Tan Ande. Benjamin, 25, will be grazing on greener pastures over at leading global financial services provider ABC Bank to purse a high-flyer career in banking.

"I don’t know what to feel. As his manager, I am absolutely devastated to see him go, but as his friend, I am happy to know he’s scaling greater heights," said Rena Tan, XX’s marketing manager, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Benjamin joined XX as a marketing executive in Nov 2006, and was responsible for rolling out various marketing and events initiatives including HTML mailshots, career seminars and other strategic media partnerships. He was also instrumental in developing many long term strategic partnerships and alliances with many educational institutions and corporate associations.

Well loved and pampered by many ladies in the office (including office auntie), his departure was a great shock to the company.

One of his greatest fans, Elicia Loo expressed her deep sorrow when she heard the news. "He is such a pleasant, humble, responsible and down-to-earth boy who has no qualms about helping anyone out – that’s what I feel. I am very sad to see him leave."

"Aiya, I will miss him very much one, how?" the office auntie lamented.

Christina Ng from the banking and finance division almost choked on her Merlot upon receiving the news last night at Novus’ launch party. However, she managed to regain her composure and chirped positively, "Can’t believe he is going ABC Bank but not through us! But we still love him nonetheless as he will be giving us a phone list once he is there. =) But seriously, he has been such a proactive and hardworking guy, will miss him."

His lunch kaki and good buddy Jeremy Loy was spotted sobbing in the pantry. He said chokingly,"Benjamin is a cheerful, responsible person. I will no longer have his company for lunch any more. This is such tragic news!"

When asked about how he feels about abandoning the happy family at XX, the wildly popular Benjamin said with quivering lips,"I feel sad to leave the company because of the people who have treated me so well over the course of 6 months. I will be forever grateful for this company for providing me this memorable experience. On the other hand, I am looking forward to starting my career in the finance industry."

Benjamin’s last day with XX is May 11, 2007. He would be making his rounds and accepting hugs, kisses and fan mail from all well-wishers.

The good people at XX wish Benjamin all the best in his future endeavours and would like him to know that he will be dearly missed.

For more details on this groundbreaking news, please contact the Benjamin Tan Helpline at ext. 289. Counselling will be provided for distraught employees.

- ENDS -

sheerlock

sheerlock


just want to update some of you that i am already a level 70 warlock
in the World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade.


And this is how cute i am.


be afraid.

be very afraid.

Men Are Just Happier People

What do you expect from such simple creatures?

Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be President.
You can never get pregnant.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. Hell, you can wear NO shirt
to a water park.

Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal. You never have
to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress: $5000.00. Tux rental: $100.00.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.

The occasional well-rendered belch is not only appreciated by your friends, but practically expected.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.

A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You almost never have strap problems in public.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.

Everything on your face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck. You can play with toys all your life.
Your belly usually hides your hips.
One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons.
You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.

You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24th in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

oxymoron?

Artwork by~ditz

Went to check out Singapore's midnight shopping campaign today, and saw this cute red baby tee with these words on it.

I can resist anything but temptation

This actually stopped me in my tracks, and I couldn't help but wonder how the writer came up with this neat but extremely baffling quote.

So simple but yet so complicated. Just like humans.

have an oinky new year

it's chinese new year again. the time where many chinese families gather to usher in a new year, and the animal zodiac that trails along with it.

2007 is the year of the golden pig. for those who are not familiar with chinese cultures, there are 12 animals in the chinese zodiac. for the last 12 years, it has been the "golden" years. the year of the golden rat, the golden cow, the golden tiger etc. the piggy is the last animal in the chinese zodiac, and we have hence reached the last of this golden safari cycle, which only happens once every 50 years.

today is chinese new year eve - where traditionally families, relatives, close friends will come together and have a great big feast which is termed endearingly - The Reunion Dinner.

to me, it's a weird concept to reunite only once a year, especially if you don't bother to stay in touch for the rest of the 364 days, or for leap years - 365 days.

but the chinese has this problem about culture. they no longer want to understand the reasons and logic behind the things they do. they simply do it because it has been so for years.

like the one time my mum insisted that my dad should be reincarnated by now. i am a Christian, so reincarnation is not something I believe in. But since she is so adamant, I nodded absent-mindedly, not in agreement but rather, to indicate that I've heard her interesting assumption.

come his death anniversary in Oct, she demanded that I buy the food and drinks that he used to like, and offer the feast to 'him' at the crematorium where his ashes was held. It puzzled me so much that I had to ask.

"Didn't you just said a couple of months ago that Dad has reincarnated? So why would he still be there to eat the stuff that I bring?" I questioned.

She shot back,"His soul is still there. You got to get him the food so that he would not go hungry."

"He only eats ONCE A YEAR?" I can feel my eyebrows arching all the way to my hairline. "If he was reincarnated, how could his soul still be there?"

Mom was unrelentless. "He was reincarnated, but his soul remains there."

i give up. there's no way anyone can win this argument.

back to chinese new year, i am taking her out for reunion dinner tonight. I hope she likes the food.

call me cynical, but chinese new year has lost all its meaning for me since relatives stop acknowledging our existence the day dad passed away. everyone's scared of being associated with us, for fear we would burden them with our impending poverty.

i guess that's what made me so headstrong. so determined to push on with life. so extremely feministic - like what someone would say of me.

cos I had no one except myself. and i have to be the best i can be. because when the whole world turns you away, you have no choice but to stick it out alone. so that i can keep my head up, and breathe a bit better.

and here i am, surviving yet another year, cos i managed not to crash. it's not a miracle, it's a blessing.

have an oinky new year.

happy v-day

“There are more people who wish to be loved

than there are who are willing to love.”

Je t'aime

Artwork by ~runversaillies

Sometimes people amaze me with what they come up with. Maybe I am ignorant or plain naive. I thought gadgets are created primarily to improve one's life, make things better, faster, easier.

Some jokers in this world obviously took this definition to a much higher level and gave us new toys that serve their intended purposes, in a kind of warped way.

Fretting about what to get your man this Valentine's? Check this out.

1. Gentleman's Ball Scratcher

For the days when your own hands are just not precise enough, the Gentleman's Ball Scratcher is in the shape of a delicate female hand, for those hard to reach places. The 9 inch handle provides excellent extra length to help get around difficult obstacles (beer bellies, old pizza, empty beer cans etc.) and provide the relief so many crave...

This quality silverware utensil is dishwasher safe, and has a stain resistant surface.

2. Face Arse Scented Soap

Now that's an idea! You SHOULD really be using a separate soap for your arse.

3. Inflatable Wife

Fancy a wife in a happy meal box? The inflatable wife is a low maintenance partner for a stress free and easy life. Blow her up and she's yours - forever. Until she bursts, that is.

4. Potty Putter Toilet Golf Game

For the Golfer who just can’t get enough –Introducing the toilet-time game for the avid golfer Lets you practice your putting on the loo! If your a golfer who can't get enough practice time, then potty putter is for you.Now you can sink putts where no one else has sunk them before.

The potty putter comes complete with a mini putting green made from the same professional carpet found at miniature golf courses, a Cup with a Flag, 2x Golf Balls, a Putter and a 'do not disturb' door hanger.

Potty putter makes a great gift item for the devouted golfer and for those looking to improve their putting while they are potting in the loo.

So - what will you be doing on V-day?

Guts & Balls

Artwork by ~pupazzoso

We've all heard about people having guts or balls. But do you really know the difference between them? In an effort to keep you informed, the definition for each is listed below...


GUTS - is arriving home late after a night out with the guys, being met by your wife with a broom, and having the guts to ask: "Are you still cleaning, or are you flying somewhere?"


BALLS - is coming home late after a night out with the guys, smelling of perfume and beer, lipstick on your collar, slapping your wife on the bum and having the balls to say: "You're next."


I hope this clears up any confusion on the definitions. Medically speaking, there is no difference in the outcome since both ultimately result in death.

Real people. Real questions. Real answers. Share what you know.

da gripe sheet

I must say this is really funny. Stole it from Mindosara's blog - who stole it from someone else's - who possibly snitch it from another mouse and so on and so forth. There's absolutely no more integrity left in the blogging world.

Anyway, have a good laugh.

After every flight, Qantas pilots fill out a form, called a "gripe sheet," which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems, document their repairs on the form, then the pilots review the gripe sheets right before the next flight.

Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor. Here are some of the actual maintenance complaints submitted by the Qantas' pilots (as marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (as marked with an S) by the maintenance engineers.

By the way, it is relevant to note that Qantas is the only major airline in the world that has never, ever, had an accident!

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.

S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.

S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in the cockpit.

S: Something tightened in the cockpit.

P: Dead bugs on windshield.

S: Live bugs on backorder.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.

S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of a leak on the right main landing gear.

S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.

S: DME volume reset to a more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.

S: That's what friction locks are for.

P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.

S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.

S: Suspect you're right.

P: The number 3 engine is missing.

S: Engine found on right wing after a brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny.

S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.

S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.

S: Cat installed.

And the best one saved for the last..

P: Noise coming from under the instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.

S: Took hammer away from the midget.

Ha Ha Ha

10 Ways To Feel Good About Your Life

Artwork by wojtar

Many times in my life I come across people who are always finding fault with themselves, with their lives, with people around them and with the world at large. Happiness seems to elude them, and they may even feel guilty or undeserving if something good happens to them, simply because life hasn't been all that fair to them since they came into existence.

You may laugh, but it's a real social problem. Not being a sexist here, but women tend to exhibit this fatalistic trait more than men. Maybe because we are emo creatures, or maybe throughout tradition, we have always been subconsciously reminded that we are the weaker sex, physically, emotionally, intellectually, psychologically and whatever-terms-they-can-come-up-with-ly.

Gender aside, it is getting quite common to feel small and not-so-good about oneself in today's world. Intense competition, higher living of standards, dynamic environments and rapid changes in lifestyle and technology can give rise to an acute sense of uncertainty.

Even some of the most confident men I know will show this vulnerable feeling of inadequacy from time to time, even without them realising it. The tell tale signs are evident in their words, their responses and attitude towards certain issues in life, work, family and personal relationships.

Personally, I used to be a worry-wart and had tendencies of putting myself down too. Like many people, sometimes I feel that I am just "not good enough". It took many unpleasant and drastic incidents in my life to eventually realise that I do not want to ever die with regrets, or feeling unworthy.

Who is the best judge of myself, except me? The best way to live a damn miserable life is to be your own's worst critic. Is there one good reason why we are so hard on ourselves? Is there any human being whom we need to impress so much that we willingly lose our identity and sense of pride in order to gain their supereme approval? Do I want to live my life and be happy living it, or do I want to live a life that others expect of me, so that they can be happy watching me wallowing in misery?

In short, do I really care about these people's opinions or should I be more concerned about who I am and could potentially be?

I don't know about you, but for me - yesterday was over and today will be tomorrow the next day. I cannot live my entire life pleasing everyone, and waste each and every day pondering what I could have done to be better, smarter, richer, prettier and more popular. If something happens to me tomorrow, all I can reflect on my life's CV is - "I feel lousy all my life."

It scares me just thinking about it - having nothing to be happy about or to feel good about.

I came across these 10 tips below recently on how to feel good about your life, and was pretty amused to see that I have actually started to live my life as illustrated in the points below. I believe I am now a person with tons and tons of happy little things to add into Elvina's Life C.V. - and if anyone was to take a peek at it, it will be filled with good memories, funny mistakes, shocking blunders, naughty encounters and horrible experiences. The most important takeaway will be that every single incident recorded in there - is worth celebrating.

Well, if you have not fallen asleep by now, I am sure you can take that extra step to stop feeling shitty, and start feeling good about yourself and your life. Here's how:

1. Never stop questioning. Every time you feel frustrated with a task, ask yourself, "How does this task fit in with my ultimate goals?" "How can I do this better, faster, easier, simpler, and even more fun?"

2. Don't give up on life. Be interested and curious about yourself and about others. Don't assume that's "just the way it is". Look for the choices behind your results.

3. Accept your weakness. Don't deceive yourself by thinking you're the only one with difficulties in their life. Everybody has them (yes, everybody!). Instead of spending your time and energy trying to "overcome" your weakness, make friends with it and make it work for you.

4. Don't stop learning. The brain is a muscle just like any other, and it will stagnate if you let it. Make it your rule to learn something new every day. Then USE what you learn to make your life better.

5. Expect nothing; expect the best. Paradox? No. It just means that you don't want to miss out on what's wonderful in your life right now, while you spend all your time peeking around the next corner.

6. Don't lie to yourself. Telling lies to yourself is the most harmful form of disrespect. Write out ways in which you are untruthful to yourself, and how to correct it. "I will no longer pretend that overspending my budget is ok".

7. Do plant what you want to grow. Many many people are (figuratively) wondering where the roses are in their life, yet they spend all their time planting and nourishing weeds. You reap what you sow. That's just the way it is.

8. Don't live in the past. Let go of things that are draining you. There's nothing in the past that you can change or correct -- that can only be done in the present. Use Today. Today, change what you need to change, and move on to feeling good about your life.

9. Swim with the current. Don't waste your time complaining about what you can't control - like other people. Concentrate on what you CAN control, Like who you Hug, what you Read, when you SMILE, how much you Laugh, where you Go, what you Do, what you Think about.

10. Stand like a Rock. You know what's right for you - be willing to stand up for what's right for you.

.... and that pretty much kind of sums me up too!

“Aim for success, not perfection.
Never give up your right to be wrong,
because then you will lose the ability to learn new things
and move forward with your life.”

10 jan

Artwork by ~ShandyRp

...i am one year older on this day.

i am busy as ever, but i am a happier girl now as compared to 10 years ago. thank you all for you well wishes, your sms-es, your gifts, your loving words and your company.

it's been great having all of you in my life. and i seriously think that is what's keeping moi alive till this very day.

there will be many more 10 jan to come, and i wish you will be there with me when it does. and every year on this special day, i am reminded of how blessed i am to have friends like you.

and that's the best present i can ever have.

"It's lovely, when I forgot all birthdays, including my own, to find that somebody remembers me." ~ Ellen Glasglow

Not Just A Dream

the invitation

WriteClique reached its 100th member a couple of weeks ago. Keeping to my promise, I organised a small get together for the writers who were in town on Dec 21 @ the Mint Museum of Toys, tucked away in a li'l corner at Seah Street.

If you like vintage and mint toys, this is one place you've got to check out. The Mint Museum of Toys showcases a world class collection of rare toys that span more than 25 countries and over 10o years. Housed in a sleek and contemporary five-storey building, these beautiful toys, dolls, characters, planes and robots rekindle feelings of nostalgia and bring you not only back in time, but also a fond smile on your face.

The Inaugural WriteClique Event was highly successful. All but one who RSVPed came. I made name tags with the WriteClique logo for everyone so that we can easily remember each other's names without having to struggle with the embarrassment that may follow should a particular name slip our minds! (I am very prone to that memory loss!)

A'zone kindly sponsored writing pads as doorgifts for everyone - so that they can start scribbling their thoughts on them.

I really had a great time meeting everyone - and I am sure the rest did too. We spent so much time learning about one another, how we caught the bug for writing, sharing our past, our present and for some of us - our future too.

We talked about everything under the sun - from military aircrafts to 50,000-word thesis, authors of great books, jobs, dreams, aspirations, eco-friendly movements, grizzly bears and foolhardy croc hunters, crappy novels, wines, ghost stories, vegans and mad-cow disease, free falling fruits and so much more!

It felt like we were never going to run out of topics to talk about. Enthusiasm level was perpetually high. Of course, there was also the museum tour by the Operations Manager Randolph, who took us into an entirely whole new world. He patiently recounted the origins of Tin Tin toys, golliwogs, Betty Boop, Bruce Lee and Beatles figures and all the other interesting trivia behind each and every vintage and mint toy in there.

We also played a li'l creativity game - where the members unfortunately did not rank too high on the creativity scale! Haha...

My score was a 9/12. Most of them had a 6 or less. Seems like they need to work harder to break out of their comfort zone and do something different and radical, which usually helps to force someone to become more creative.

The writers enjoyed each other's company so much that we proceeded to a cafe for late night supper and drinks to continue our chats. We were talking and joking away as if we knew each other for the longest time - and all the candid banter made the event really memorable.

And speaking of memorable, WriteClique was actually the FIRST group to ever hold an event within the museum. So we have made history just being there that night! :)

The WriteClique forum started off as a dream. Every little step I take brings me and my humble dream that little bit closer to reality.

And that's good enough for me.

"The key to happiness is having dreams....

and the key to success is making dreams come true."

Elvinalogy v3.0

more windows to my soul perhaps?

You're an Expert Kisser

You're a kissing pro, but it's all about quality and not quantity You've perfected your kissing technique and can knock anyone's socks off And you're adaptable, giving each partner what they crave When it comes down to it, your kisses are truly unforgettable

What Kind of Kisser Are You?

What Your Soul Really Looks Like

You are a warm hearted and open minded person. It's easy for you to forgive and forget. You are a grounded person, but you also leave room for imagination and dreams. You feet may be on the ground, but you're head is in the clouds. You see yourself with pretty objective eyes. How you view yourself is almost exactly how other people view you. Your near future is calm, relaxing, and pretty much what you want. And it's something you've been anticipating for a while now. For you, love is all about caring and comfort. You couldn't fall in love with someone you didn't trust.

Inside the Room of Your Soul

You Are a Chimera

You are very outgoing and well connected to many people. Incredibly devoted to your family and friends, you find purpose in nurturing others. You are rarely alone, and you do best in the company of others. You are incredibly expressive, and people are sometimes overwhelmed by your strong emotions.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

and last but not least....

You Are a Pundit Blogger!

Your blog is smart, insightful, and always a quality read. Truly appreciated by many, surpassed by only a few

What Kind of Blogger Are You?

optimist or pessimist?

Artwork by ~Expiration

an optimist stays up late until midnight to see the new year in.

a pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.

me?

i stay up late because i couldn't sleep. as always.

happy 2007.