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.

year in rewind

Photo by mjagiellicz

one more day to 2007. how time flies. literally. it's like a super jet powered with accelerated turbo engines speeding into yet another zone leaving many people, many memories and many histories behind.

2006 was an interesting year.

Thailand ousted its President in a bloodless coup. Its people are now more frustrated than before.

Singapore chose its ruling party in a highly controversial - and perhaps - the most amusing election ever.

Saddam was executed. Not without the sacrifice of many lives, of course.

I got a new job - which took up much of my time because I have to pick up everything from scratch. New colleagues, new environment, new nuances that come with the work.

But among all these things that are flitting by every day, 2006 to me, is nothing more than a year of great expectations and emotions.

2006 is a year of many broken-hearted souls. much tears and sadness. loss of self worth. extreme disappointment. women i know are going through so much pain everywhere i turn.

they are beautiful and strong in spirit. they are smart and make fantastic conversationalists. all of them have lots of love to offer and are big hearted towards friends and families too.

why is it then that they keep meeting men who are either stringing them along, making excuses for not wanting to commit, blowing hot and cold, or bailing out on them when these girls need them most?

what is wrong with the men? they keep respawning, like the mobs in World of Warcraft. No amount of hellfire can get rid of them.

and the girls keep falling and waltzing around these guys - wishin' & hopin' they will come round one day and accept them.

meanwhile, the guys have moved on. with another life. another woman. another world. another time. they will entertain you from time to time, but that's about it.

many men told me before that if a guy really loves someone, he will go all out for her. there is no need to tap dance around a guy to make him like you. but i see the girls gorging their hearts out to men who trample on them callously and leave them out in the cold to be devoured by wolves. i can't help feeling pained.

the girls say i am a distrusting cynic. talking to me is depressing because i seemed to diss and have nothing good to say about the men in their lives. the very same men whom i predicted are not serious about them and will break their fragile hearts if they don't walk away - fast. somehow, my blunt comments suddenly became self-fulfilling prophecies?

or was i only being perceptive and intuitive, having had so many bad relationships in the past that i can profile any type of man based on the kind of girl he goes for, the things he say, the actions that follow and his thought processes - just like what an FBI criminal profiler would do to identify his UNSUB (also known as unknown suspect).

i pick up all these obvious clues almost instantaneously and can almost map out the next steps these guys are going to say or do. it tortures me as much to see them actually doing the things to my friends as i said they would. this would be the one time in my life i really hate to be right.

but i don't deny i am a cynic, and i may be wrong at times. i may be unforgiving, unrelenting and insensitive. i may be critical and judgemental. but my intentions are not to hurt you but to keep you away from what i perceive is harm.

people ask me for advice. they confide in me. they want my opinions. i am not sure how much of those they can take - because the truth always hurts.

so i am beginning to say less, and just listen more. that's why God gave us a pair of ears and only one mouth, isn't it? i just can't offer anything more than my absolute honesty, and how i truly feel. i don't want to lie to make you feel good. and if i am a cynic, that's because i am who i am, and i survived till today with that mentality so i think i have a good reason to be one.

you can ask me again how I feel 50 years down the road, and my answer will still be the same. they are just not worth it if they cannot return your love. but if i cannot convince you that you are more important than the man who does not care about your heart, the day will come when i will tell you - please just do what you want if it takes that to make you really, really happy.

they used to say time and tide waits for no man.

i wanna say to you - it will definitely NOT wait for any woman.

it sucks. but that's life. leave your baggages behind. things that have passed should stay in the past.

happy new year and move on.
it's 2007 already.

a talent showcase

i love christmas. very much indeed. it's the season for giving, loving and forgivin'. though i feel we should be doing these anyway no matter when or where, but i guess the peace and joy exuded by the spirit of Christmas - somehow made it easier to do so.

i have a very talented girlfriend who makes beautiful jewellery for the modern and stylish ladies. she impresses me a great deal because each of these 'precious' are crafted and exquisitely put together with a lot of thought, creativity, passion and time. i for one, have toes for my fingers. i would probably destroy anything delicate or dainty that comes my way.

yup. i am a ruffian - and i can't do anything about it.

but this girl (her name's Dorothy by the way), she's a gem herself. i would like to use this blog of mine to showcase her amazing work and if any of you out there are looking for special Christmas and birthday gifts for ladies, sisters, mums, colleagues, lovers, girlfriends, wives or your potential 'targets" - this collection would make a very unique and thoughtful gift as it is handmade - with lots of love. :)

If you like what you see, please drop Dorothy Lee a note at clardot@gmail.com.

Broaches and Bracelets

B01 - To Paris with Love Cameo brooch with an eiffel tower charm makes your girl feel like she has just stepped off the streets of Paris. ~ S$15




B02: Eternity
Girly gold bracelet with painted rose pearl and gorgeous crystals, perfect for that Christmas party. ~ S$25



B03: The Royal Charm
Gorgeous three strand yellow and rose gold bracelet intertwined with bronze and white pearls, topped with a garnet red and white crystal charm. ~ S$35



B04: Perfect in Black
A black and gold bracelet with a chinois twist for that little black dress. ~S$25



B05: Forget Me Knot
A beautiful gold Chinese frog button adds a touch of chinois chic to this bracelet. ~ S$25



B06: Rock My World
Pair this rock chick bracelet with jeans and t-shirt for a look that screams Stylish! ~ S$25



B07: Midnight Blue
Wearing black and blue has never been so cool. ~ S$20



B08: Pretty In Pink
This fuchsia and baby pink jade bracelet will bring out the sweet gal in you. ~ S$30



B09: Ocean of Dreams

Faux pearls the colour of the ocean and an anchor charm to remind you of that dream cruise getaway. ~ S$20

Earrings

ER01: The Oriental Breeze
The exquisite fan charm adds a touch of sophistication to this pair of earrings. ~ S$15


ER02: Distinctively Yours
This lovely rose gold pair with random splashes of black and white pearls will definitely garner you many envious glances. ~ S$15



ER03: Asian Fusion
A perfect marriage of emerald, fushia and hot pink. Definitely eye-catching. ~ S$10



ER04: Key To My Heart
A unique combination of different textures makes this pair so hard to resist. ~ S$18

Er05: All That Glitters
This pair adds a touch of elegance to that gorgeous gown. I love this so much that I made a pair for myself. ~ S$18

Bag Charms

BC01: Flyin' Free
A pretty glass butterfly and red rose bead make this bag charm so unique. ~ S$25




BC02: Emerald Dreams
Jazz up your bag with this emerald faux pearl and crystal strand charm. ~ S$25



BC03: Snow White
This is my favourite bag charm. I love its pure colours of white, champagne and gold. ~ S$29



BC04: Simply Me
A touch of simplicity with elegance and style . ~ S$25

Necklaces

N01: Aphrodisiac
A beautiful shell pendant choker for that candlelight dinner by the beach. ~ S$27

N02: Sexbomb
Draw attention to a plunging neckline with a splash of emerald, fuchsia and gold. ~ S$27

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

These items are all available and will be made upon request. Dorothy's the master jewel crafter you should be looking for and she will take all queries and orders at clardot@gmail.com.

gotta take a break...

...it's been two hectic months. never knew i could be so busy. came back and crashed every night - too tired to think, eat, write or do anything else.

it's time for a break...and i m going off to Bali tommorow.

office retreat...so well..a free trip is always good.

packed my ipod, a crime thriller and some dvds. gonna chill and rest, and sleep and tan. i will be back soon so please stick ard.

dorothy, if you are reading this, i will post your stuff when i'm back oK? sorry babe - been rushing some projects so i couldn't find time.

take care guys. see you soon. i promise. :)

WriteClique

I've always believe if you dare to dream, you will be able to achieve it one day through small baby steps. Each step may look pretty insignificant at first, but it takes you a bit closer to your ultimate destination. When you add up all these little steps, they will evenutally become that one giant leap intto achieving your dreams.

If you have been long staying guests of Hotel Solace, you'd know my dream is to be a writer, hopefully a much celebrated one. Writing and publishing the English creative writing workbook was that first li'l step for me. proJectpinK - which is still under compilation - would be my next baby step.

And today, I formed WriteClique - An exclusive writers' e-club where you will enjoy total literary freedom and meet people brimming with the same fiery passion for writing.

I am someone who writes better than I can ever express myself in any other form. Deep inside me, I've got this feeling that most writers are probably like me. A writers' network such as WriteClique attempts to bring these talented, like minded people together to share their passion for the written word. And hopefully, through this intricate network, we will be able to tap on to each other's talents and experiences, and work on interesting writing projects that will fulfil everyone's hidden desire to be a published author.

The forum is strictly for everything and anything related to writing only. That will cover all forms of writing - copy writing, screenwriting, authoring of books, articles, online content, fiction writing etc.

This e-group will focus on the following key interest areas:

- International Freelance Writing assignments

- WriteClique Writing Projects (e.g. proJectpinK)

- Pitches to media and publishers for selected writers' work

- Career opportunities in writing

- Writing tips and experiences (both good and bad ones!)

- Writing courses/workshops

- Exchanging of ideas, inspiration and dreams

- Sharing your Works/Poems/Prose

- Writing Events and Competitions

- Post your Writing CV (under FILES)

- Promote your written material/books

- Publishers information

- World of WriteClique networking events

- ... and any other writing stuffies!

If you like what you have read and share our dreams and passion, subscribe to our group at writeclique-subscribe@yahoogroups.com, with a paragraph on why you would want to be part of this international writers' network.

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go,

only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.”

~ Karen Ravn

the treadmill

by ~protozoario

Beloved guests of Hotel Solace - I am back! A long hiatus I must agree, but as you know, October was a mad month for me.

I have survived it, and sucking my stomach in for November. Working out my marketing budgets for next year, and it looks wonderful! At least I will get some of my marketing wishlist fulfilled! And that means I am potentially going to roll out some strong branding, marketing, PR and advertising initiatives that will potentially benefit Singapore, KL and HK in a BIG way. As of today, I've also managed to convince Japan to take part in some of my marketing ideas for Asia - and that's a thrill!

The other good news is - I am finally getting my temp marketing assistant! That's absolutely divine because I do not have to work my bones off so much anymore. He's coming in for an interview tomorrow morning - and I am keeping my fingers crossed that my boss approves of him. :)

Recently, I seem to have loads and loads of ideas that are bursting out of me. I want to do so many things. I want to create so many stuff. Everything's tumbling over each other at rocket speed inside my head that I couldn't sleep. I keep wondering what I could have done, what I have to do, what I can possibly achieve and more's out there for me to experiment and execute to get it all together.

My brain's racing ahead of me and if I do not know myself better, I would have suspected that I am on drugs. I can't stop thinking about stuff. My mind's a hyper-activity hub that operates 24/7. And I don't know why.

Sometimes I burnt myself out just trying to do everything. It seems I am so afraid that I may just die tomorrow with much remorse and regret if I cannot fulfil all I wanted to do. I race against time every single day, just so I can satisfy all the desires, great ideas, wonderful plans and my dreams. Every single success and accomplishment gets ticked off from my life's TO DO list, and it almost feels like a drug addiction that I crave for to keep me alive.

If I were to stop whatever I am doing, I just might wither and die. I wanted so much to rest sometimes, but I can't stop running. The feeling's like running on a treadmill that couldn't be turn off.

But the funny thing is, I am high on work. And I am very happy.

I think I am insane.