2 more days to the end of 2009 before we welcome 2010. How fast a decade just goes by? It seems like yesterday, we are still talking about the new millenium and the Y2K bugs. This year we begin to discuss about 2012 and the end of the world. The movie rised questions about the possiblities of how natural disasater engulfing the world and as a result bring about our final demise. This is not too far from the truth when one hears and watched natural disaster afflicting many part of the world in the past few years. Although we get better at diasaster warning but it is still difficult to achieve hundred percent accuracy. Technology is limiting but probably we should learn from the animals. Some of them do present natural warning system as if they really know what is coming by the changing in the wind director or even the absence of wind. Perhaps, the evolution of these animals make them more adaptable to any changes and thus be able to brace for the worst.
Is the time of the year to review the past and set new resolutions. I guess I will have to seriously think back of what i have achieved so far and to set off again afresh in the new year.
"Life is best lived by being bold and daring. People tend to grow meek when they taste failure, face a daunting challenge or fall ill. Yet that is precisely the time to become even bolder. Those who are victors at heart are the greatest of all champions. " - Words of wisdom by Daisaku Ikeda Sensei.
Will carry on to blog in 2009! Hopefully the frequency will increase.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Blog mood - In need of coffee..
Was listening to BBC this morning on the way to work. My advise is not to listen to BBC in the morning, it can be quite mood dampening. News on the shoot and run case in Washington City was reported where 4 police officers were killed. I guess i rather listen to something more light-hearted to start the morning. Luckily, my bro changed the channel to the local radio station where they were joking about some news happening in Australia. This does not mean I m not interested but is kinda depressing hearing bad news every now and then.
Today is Monday, another week that begins with a blue mood. Hopefully it will start better tomorrow. Guess i really need at least 2 cups of coffee to last through the whole day.
Quote from "Words of Wisdom" from Daisaku Ikeda "It takes courage to become happy -- courage to remain true to one's convictions, courage not to be defeated by one's weaknesses and negativity, courage to take swift action to help those who are suffering. "
Today is Monday, another week that begins with a blue mood. Hopefully it will start better tomorrow. Guess i really need at least 2 cups of coffee to last through the whole day.
Quote from "Words of Wisdom" from Daisaku Ikeda "It takes courage to become happy -- courage to remain true to one's convictions, courage not to be defeated by one's weaknesses and negativity, courage to take swift action to help those who are suffering. "
Sunday, August 9, 2009
44 years of Nation building
Today is the 44th birthday of our nation. A long way since our independence in 1965. Well to those who were taught in school, we would not be here if not for the decision of our neighbour to oust us from the confederation of states. Every year, we celebrate our national building with a parade that consists of the marching contingents and various cultural perfromances. This year also marks the 25th year of Total Defence and we were treated to display of the country's preparedness for any internal threat! I love the naval display and special group such as the bomb disposal unit.
This year the host also appealed to all citizens who were watching the show to recite the pledge at a specific time at the end of the show! I wondered wether they were trying to break a guinness records. Anyway, as a patriotic citizen, I did my duty at that said moment. It is really special that as a country with multi racial people, all of us knew how to sing our national anthem which is in Malay. It is also a respect to the original people who settled on this island before it was discovered by chance by a prince from the neighbouring island. Subsequently due to trade, it was rediscovered by the East Indian Company and raised its status from a small malay fishing village to today's striving cosmopolitan of the world.
As a nation, urged by the Prime Minister in his National Day speech, we have to strive together and to unite as a people to face the challenges ahead. The country has expanded in all ways and more diverse than most can imagine when we gained independence in 1965. In order to assure that we continue to progress, we need to be more tolerant and accommodating to others' beliefs. However, each individual must also do their part as citizen and as human beings to build a community that we will be proud of. Peace starts from the individual.
"Everything begins with the resolve to take the first step. From that action, wisdom arises and change begins. Without action, nothing changes. " - Words of Wisdom by Daisaku Ikeda
This year the host also appealed to all citizens who were watching the show to recite the pledge at a specific time at the end of the show! I wondered wether they were trying to break a guinness records. Anyway, as a patriotic citizen, I did my duty at that said moment. It is really special that as a country with multi racial people, all of us knew how to sing our national anthem which is in Malay. It is also a respect to the original people who settled on this island before it was discovered by chance by a prince from the neighbouring island. Subsequently due to trade, it was rediscovered by the East Indian Company and raised its status from a small malay fishing village to today's striving cosmopolitan of the world.
As a nation, urged by the Prime Minister in his National Day speech, we have to strive together and to unite as a people to face the challenges ahead. The country has expanded in all ways and more diverse than most can imagine when we gained independence in 1965. In order to assure that we continue to progress, we need to be more tolerant and accommodating to others' beliefs. However, each individual must also do their part as citizen and as human beings to build a community that we will be proud of. Peace starts from the individual.
"Everything begins with the resolve to take the first step. From that action, wisdom arises and change begins. Without action, nothing changes. " - Words of Wisdom by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 10, 2009
To smile or not to smile.
I wonder what is the best method to deal with an emergency that suddenly croped up?
For instance, someone suddenly called you and told you that another person called her up and told her that he found some thing that was not supposed to be there lying just besides the bin found at the first level of the building that you are occuplying. She also told you to bring along suitable PPEs to deal with the matter. When you wavered a bit and told her you would also ask another colleague, she told you that you should be able to handle such a thing on your own without other guidance. She also told you to hurry up and get to the scene of the supposed crime. While still taking instructions from her over the mobile, you walked to your colleague seat to alert her of the case as well. After putting down the phone, you asked your colleague for the necessary PPEs cos it is stored underneath her table and also briefed her about what the caller had told you. Immediately, both of you went downstair to investigate.
Upon reaching the supposed crime scene (the instruction is a little bit out as the location is about 5m away from the instructions given). Anyway, you spotted the supposed illegal thing and approached it. Upon reaching the target, your colleague told you that thing was not what it supposed to be. This means the supposed "crime" was not a crime and a false alarm. Somehow we thought this was nothing to be of concern and of course, smile went around our face. I guess any normal human being after sensing the danger is no longer a danger will surely feel a sense of relief and smiled or even laughed at the fortunate discovery. Somehow this "smile" was taken as being slugglish or not sensing the imminent danger it would have posed if it was really the real thing! The caller called later to say that the informed has called her and informed her that we were treating the whole affair as a joke and not taking it seriously. By now, you would have guess the caller is my superior!
This supposed "crime" actually did occur before at the workplace and it was really taken very seriously then. We realised the seriousness if it was really the real stuff but what done cannot be undone. However what we found was a false alarm, I guess this really called for some relief.
Yes, it should have been dealt with better but I do not think the informer should called up and reported on us. If it was to be a real matter, we would have to investigate and trace it back to the propagator. I will probably also put on a mocking smile, lament on encountering such a scenario and record all possible traces/ clues and content before finding the best way to dispose it.
The next thing we could do was to be really angry, upset, screamed 'foul' and 'fool' on the propagator and put on a face that suited such occasion. After that, write angry but diplomatic email to the suspected propagator and his/ her superior, followed by reminders to the rest of the population that such behaviours are not to be tolerated. Is this the correct way?
I guess I know not. Probably I have not sensed the seriousness of the thing. If such things really do occur, it is a major bleach! After being months at the job, such urgencies or dire to do good has died down quite a lot. Facing the various kinds of restrictions and "red tape" or maybe no tape, passion do wan. Your "professional" knowledge and subject know-how are often doubted which make your statements falter. You do not trust yourself anyway. Probably one can see this positively and treat it as a training ground to polish the foundation and the subject matter, but too much of it can be mind warping! It do pain also when your trainings and qualifications are not being taken seriously or as necessary requirement for the job. You find that you are being denied and your heart faltered. Should this be the place that you should continue staying and see no recognition for what you have painstakenly qualified? Trainings are not exactly encouraged as they do not see the applicability at the place but are required if I am to remain qualified in the field.
External people are roped in to do a briefing which we should be doing because they belong to another section. It is an insult to our designation. In addition, my superior think we are not "qualified" to do such a briefing. Technically, we should be the correct and most qualified people to give such briefing because is what we are hired for! Irony......
I have not ventilated for a long time. Karma does follow us. Getting out of one hell does not guarantee getting to paradise because our karma does follow us. Characters and aspirations also play a part when we shift around job. Reflecting, I was happy to get out of my previous job and was anxious to start the current job. However, although it is what I want to do but I do not find the happiness nor the satisfaction. This current job pays better, regular timing, better boss and the appropriate designation. Have I been "tortured" or endured too long to feel happiness? Maybe my aspirations and my goals in life have moved on from what I want initially!
"The biggest obstacles to our progress exist within our own lives in the form of cowardice and the tendency to give up. Breaking through these barriers will unleash a surging wave of change. " - Words of Wisdom by Daisaku Ikeda
For instance, someone suddenly called you and told you that another person called her up and told her that he found some thing that was not supposed to be there lying just besides the bin found at the first level of the building that you are occuplying. She also told you to bring along suitable PPEs to deal with the matter. When you wavered a bit and told her you would also ask another colleague, she told you that you should be able to handle such a thing on your own without other guidance. She also told you to hurry up and get to the scene of the supposed crime. While still taking instructions from her over the mobile, you walked to your colleague seat to alert her of the case as well. After putting down the phone, you asked your colleague for the necessary PPEs cos it is stored underneath her table and also briefed her about what the caller had told you. Immediately, both of you went downstair to investigate.
Upon reaching the supposed crime scene (the instruction is a little bit out as the location is about 5m away from the instructions given). Anyway, you spotted the supposed illegal thing and approached it. Upon reaching the target, your colleague told you that thing was not what it supposed to be. This means the supposed "crime" was not a crime and a false alarm. Somehow we thought this was nothing to be of concern and of course, smile went around our face. I guess any normal human being after sensing the danger is no longer a danger will surely feel a sense of relief and smiled or even laughed at the fortunate discovery. Somehow this "smile" was taken as being slugglish or not sensing the imminent danger it would have posed if it was really the real thing! The caller called later to say that the informed has called her and informed her that we were treating the whole affair as a joke and not taking it seriously. By now, you would have guess the caller is my superior!
This supposed "crime" actually did occur before at the workplace and it was really taken very seriously then. We realised the seriousness if it was really the real stuff but what done cannot be undone. However what we found was a false alarm, I guess this really called for some relief.
Yes, it should have been dealt with better but I do not think the informer should called up and reported on us. If it was to be a real matter, we would have to investigate and trace it back to the propagator. I will probably also put on a mocking smile, lament on encountering such a scenario and record all possible traces/ clues and content before finding the best way to dispose it.
The next thing we could do was to be really angry, upset, screamed 'foul' and 'fool' on the propagator and put on a face that suited such occasion. After that, write angry but diplomatic email to the suspected propagator and his/ her superior, followed by reminders to the rest of the population that such behaviours are not to be tolerated. Is this the correct way?
I guess I know not. Probably I have not sensed the seriousness of the thing. If such things really do occur, it is a major bleach! After being months at the job, such urgencies or dire to do good has died down quite a lot. Facing the various kinds of restrictions and "red tape" or maybe no tape, passion do wan. Your "professional" knowledge and subject know-how are often doubted which make your statements falter. You do not trust yourself anyway. Probably one can see this positively and treat it as a training ground to polish the foundation and the subject matter, but too much of it can be mind warping! It do pain also when your trainings and qualifications are not being taken seriously or as necessary requirement for the job. You find that you are being denied and your heart faltered. Should this be the place that you should continue staying and see no recognition for what you have painstakenly qualified? Trainings are not exactly encouraged as they do not see the applicability at the place but are required if I am to remain qualified in the field.
External people are roped in to do a briefing which we should be doing because they belong to another section. It is an insult to our designation. In addition, my superior think we are not "qualified" to do such a briefing. Technically, we should be the correct and most qualified people to give such briefing because is what we are hired for! Irony......
I have not ventilated for a long time. Karma does follow us. Getting out of one hell does not guarantee getting to paradise because our karma does follow us. Characters and aspirations also play a part when we shift around job. Reflecting, I was happy to get out of my previous job and was anxious to start the current job. However, although it is what I want to do but I do not find the happiness nor the satisfaction. This current job pays better, regular timing, better boss and the appropriate designation. Have I been "tortured" or endured too long to feel happiness? Maybe my aspirations and my goals in life have moved on from what I want initially!
"The biggest obstacles to our progress exist within our own lives in the form of cowardice and the tendency to give up. Breaking through these barriers will unleash a surging wave of change. " - Words of Wisdom by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
.. Some North American Airs..
Realised that I have not been blogging for donkey years! As a sign of guilt, I have decided to put up some photos of my recent trip to US to occupy some byte space. It has always been my long cherished dream to visit the States which means I would have been to at least 4 continents of the world. Although the trip was only to the east coast but this is probably where most American history begins. It is one thing to travel on one's own and another thing to join a tour. For my very first trip to the US, I decided to join a tour instead. Firstly, I do not have to plan for anything except to pay money and to make sure I catched the plane on time. Secondly, this is my first time there and I have no idea what to expect. In Europe, the train is the mightiest but the trains in US do not instill confidence. There are many ghost stories around to deter venturing out on my own although I also have lots of assurances from friends who have been, lived and travelled there!
I guess the American dream still lights in most citizens and the by-product of its involvement in world history in the last century can be clearly seen in its many monuments in Washington. My tour group was made up mostly of people from the other parts of the US and they are of Chinese and Vietnamese origin. Thus the tour leader spoke in Mandrain, Cantonese and English (cos she cannot speak Vietnamese!). In spite of the H1N1 virus, the coach was full and there are about 3 coaches from the same agency starting the tour on the same day. Guess either we were "gangho" people or we simply are ignorant of the health scares that were going around the world! Anyway, no one was wearing a mask and walking the street of New York!
The tour started on a Sunday from New York where we visited Ground Zero where many have fallen on the faithful day of September 11 2001, Wall Street where they are now trying to save the economy and the Madoff scandal, Empire State building, United Nation HQ, Intrepid (First time i am on an aircraft carrier) and a few others. From New York, we went on to Philadelphia for the historic part of town where u see the independent bell (featured in National Treasure I). Then on to Washington for the White House (seen from afar), monuments (Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, Vietnam war, Korean war), National History Museum (in under 1 hour, have to walk the whole museum although the focus is suppose to be on the Hope Diamond. I did see 1 statute from Easter Island) and Capital Hill (photos photos).
The elephant that grazed the entrance to the Smithsonian's National History Museum at Washington.
From Washington, we move on to Buffalo (where the original Buffalo's wings are invented) for Niagara Falls (US side) but stopping for Hershey's Chocolate World and Corning Museum along the way. It is different seeing the falls with your naked eyes and from photos or website. It is magnificent! From the border, we crossed over to Canada to be overwhelmed by the Niagara Falls (Took the maid on the mist boat cruise, lunch on top of the Skylon Tower and IMAX experience) again before heading towards Ontario. Surprised to find that just off main shoreline of Ontario are offshore islands where it looks like u are in Amazon and not near one of the busiest city in Canada!
42th Street in New York. Musicals tinkling but no time for any!
External metal staircase found in old buildings along New York Street. This kind of architecture will have failed current fire Safety regulations.
A house on one of the islands of Thousand Islands.
Beholds the magnificance of the fall!
In this set of chess, the pawns are made of chess!!
I guess the American dream still lights in most citizens and the by-product of its involvement in world history in the last century can be clearly seen in its many monuments in Washington. My tour group was made up mostly of people from the other parts of the US and they are of Chinese and Vietnamese origin. Thus the tour leader spoke in Mandrain, Cantonese and English (cos she cannot speak Vietnamese!). In spite of the H1N1 virus, the coach was full and there are about 3 coaches from the same agency starting the tour on the same day. Guess either we were "gangho" people or we simply are ignorant of the health scares that were going around the world! Anyway, no one was wearing a mask and walking the street of New York!
The tour started on a Sunday from New York where we visited Ground Zero where many have fallen on the faithful day of September 11 2001, Wall Street where they are now trying to save the economy and the Madoff scandal, Empire State building, United Nation HQ, Intrepid (First time i am on an aircraft carrier) and a few others. From New York, we went on to Philadelphia for the historic part of town where u see the independent bell (featured in National Treasure I). Then on to Washington for the White House (seen from afar), monuments (Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, Vietnam war, Korean war), National History Museum (in under 1 hour, have to walk the whole museum although the focus is suppose to be on the Hope Diamond. I did see 1 statute from Easter Island) and Capital Hill (photos photos).
The elephant that grazed the entrance to the Smithsonian's National History Museum at Washington.From Washington, we move on to Buffalo (where the original Buffalo's wings are invented) for Niagara Falls (US side) but stopping for Hershey's Chocolate World and Corning Museum along the way. It is different seeing the falls with your naked eyes and from photos or website. It is magnificent! From the border, we crossed over to Canada to be overwhelmed by the Niagara Falls (Took the maid on the mist boat cruise, lunch on top of the Skylon Tower and IMAX experience) again before heading towards Ontario. Surprised to find that just off main shoreline of Ontario are offshore islands where it looks like u are in Amazon and not near one of the busiest city in Canada!
42th Street in New York. Musicals tinkling but no time for any!
External metal staircase found in old buildings along New York Street. This kind of architecture will have failed current fire Safety regulations.After Ontario, we were ferried to Ottawa which is the Capital (Honestly, I have no idea that Ottawa is the Capital. Tot it was Ontario which also starts with "O".). Before we hit Ottawa, we went on a Thousand Islands cruise (islands that lie between US and Canada) where we were treated to the views of holiday homes belonging to the rich and famous. Some of the houses look like they are going sinking. Wannabe Robinson Crusoe may find these islands good training ground!
A house on one of the islands of Thousand Islands. In Ottawa, our coach broke down and we were stranded in the vicinity of Ottawa University for a few hours before we were rescued and delivered to Montreal. What did we do in Montreal? Had dinner, stayed overnight and then left for Quebec the following morning. Quebec is a nice old town that resembles Europe. In Quebec, a must to visit the La Citadelle (motto: Je me souviens or I remember) and old town of Quebec.
I tot this is pretty interesting. Should consider having such stickers for toilet seats in Singapore.
Quebec was the last place we visited in Canada before going back to USA. Forward we travelled to Boston where Harvard and MIT are! Had wanted to get a Havard or MIT sweater but the designs at the Quincy Market were not very nice. Anyway it is too hot to wear a sweater in Singapore. What else is famous in Bostom? Lobsters! I do not take lobster so I watched while the others ate.
Trash from Harvard! Just to show they are human too!
The empty shell of a lobster head! Cost US$14 to have a whole lobster.
Cannot remember where this was taken. Probably Canada.
I tot this is pretty interesting. Should consider having such stickers for toilet seats in Singapore.Quebec was the last place we visited in Canada before going back to USA. Forward we travelled to Boston where Harvard and MIT are! Had wanted to get a Havard or MIT sweater but the designs at the Quincy Market were not very nice. Anyway it is too hot to wear a sweater in Singapore. What else is famous in Bostom? Lobsters! I do not take lobster so I watched while the others ate.
Trash from Harvard! Just to show they are human too!
The empty shell of a lobster head! Cost US$14 to have a whole lobster.
Cannot remember where this was taken. Probably Canada.
Beholds the magnificance of the fall!
In this set of chess, the pawns are made of chess!!In Boston too, my mum met up with her friend who is staying there with her family. After Boston, is time to go home! Our plane took off from New Jersey Newark and this marked the end of my first USA trip!
Planning for a followup trip soon! I still have not visited their factory outlets or shake hand with American Mickey mouse!
"The true value of dialogue is not to be found solely in the results it produces but also in the process of dialogue itself, as two human spirits engage with and elevate each other to a higher realm." - Words of Wisdom by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 13, 2009
Moving forward.. learnt from history ... tomorrow is a probability
Moving forward! This seems to be some optimistic declaration of new aspirations, inspirations, determinations and resolutions! Alas, I do not know why i say it! I guess if we do not move forward, then we will forever be left behind and live in the shadow of the past! The past where everything is bad, everything is impossible and we feel trap! I hate being trapped! It is like being stuck in limbo, in a void that sees no bottom nor top nor even left and right. When u reach out your hands to touch the side, u have no wall! Sounds science fiction but yet that is one concept that is used in Movie! A void within a space, a room within a room, ever expanding and bending towards the centre. Nevermind if u do not understand what I have written so far. Neither do I!
History is interesting. By the time, i write to this point, whatever i have written earlier has become history. Even our books are history if u think about it. The books are written some time back by the authors with a particular mind set which is totally different now! He or she might have better ideas for the books but at that time, it is probably the best plot! I like history! As i blar blar to this point, I realise I m writing this post for the sake of populating and updating my pathetic blog!
Why is tomorrow a probability? Because anything can happen! However in buddhism, there must be a cause before there is an effect. Thus it should not be a probability, it should be deterministic! Then and again, we can change our karma by performing a good cause and by tranforming that bad cause into something positive. We can make a difference and that is human revolution!
Now to end this blar blar blog, I will quote from Ikeda Sensei's words of wisdom "It is this time and this place that matter--not some other time or place. What matters is here and now--the people here and now."
History is interesting. By the time, i write to this point, whatever i have written earlier has become history. Even our books are history if u think about it. The books are written some time back by the authors with a particular mind set which is totally different now! He or she might have better ideas for the books but at that time, it is probably the best plot! I like history! As i blar blar to this point, I realise I m writing this post for the sake of populating and updating my pathetic blog!
Why is tomorrow a probability? Because anything can happen! However in buddhism, there must be a cause before there is an effect. Thus it should not be a probability, it should be deterministic! Then and again, we can change our karma by performing a good cause and by tranforming that bad cause into something positive. We can make a difference and that is human revolution!
Now to end this blar blar blog, I will quote from Ikeda Sensei's words of wisdom "It is this time and this place that matter--not some other time or place. What matters is here and now--the people here and now."
Monday, March 9, 2009
See no up and blogging blogging
Everytime I walked by people who were trying to promote their credit cards, I was not approached! Well I m not unhappy that they did not. I just do not understand why I m not approached! Is it due to my dressing or to give myself some credit, I look too young to be capable to own any credit cards? Contrary to their oversight, I do have more cards than they presume! Now, I pay my bills regularly although I look "poor" and I do not spend more than I can afford. Thus this makes me the ideal client for any card company cos I will definitely pay back. Then and again, by paying back on time, they do lost interest and interest for credit cards are pretty exorbitant!
Anyway, what is the purpose of holding a credit card? Is it to look good? Is it to fulfil that requirement that all girls want in the guy? Come to think of it, how many Cs are we talking about now? Anyway, Cs in material are not going to last while Cs in care and concern will probably worth much more! Well, some will tell you, all talk and no cash, we will all starve so money is still important! How much is enough? Very subjective answer!
On blogging, I love this piece of conversation between Gurkin and the guys in the movie "Sydney White". Gurkin asked the guys what will be another word to use instead of "douchebaggery". Spanky told him nobody will read his blog. Gurkin replied that the idea about his blog was not being read but about being written! Cool! I thought this might be same as my blog. It is not about being written, it is about being written for my sake and for making my statement felt in the internet space!
I have signed up for Earth Hours and pledge to switch off powers for an hour on 28 March 09 at 8.30pm.
Quote from Ikeda Sense's Words of Wisdom - "The external desertification of the planet corresponds precisely with the spiritual desertification of human life."
Thus if we clear the green from our environment, we are also plucking out that green in our life! Green is a marvelous colour!
Anyway, what is the purpose of holding a credit card? Is it to look good? Is it to fulfil that requirement that all girls want in the guy? Come to think of it, how many Cs are we talking about now? Anyway, Cs in material are not going to last while Cs in care and concern will probably worth much more! Well, some will tell you, all talk and no cash, we will all starve so money is still important! How much is enough? Very subjective answer!
On blogging, I love this piece of conversation between Gurkin and the guys in the movie "Sydney White". Gurkin asked the guys what will be another word to use instead of "douchebaggery". Spanky told him nobody will read his blog. Gurkin replied that the idea about his blog was not being read but about being written! Cool! I thought this might be same as my blog. It is not about being written, it is about being written for my sake and for making my statement felt in the internet space!
I have signed up for Earth Hours and pledge to switch off powers for an hour on 28 March 09 at 8.30pm.
Quote from Ikeda Sense's Words of Wisdom - "The external desertification of the planet corresponds precisely with the spiritual desertification of human life."
Thus if we clear the green from our environment, we are also plucking out that green in our life! Green is a marvelous colour!
Monday, February 9, 2009
All not so New Yearsy..
Is after the Chinese New Year! Well I do not really feel the season or rather i did not merge myself in this special season of the Chinese people every year! Chinese New Year seems to be a Han thing and in olden days, there were many customs and traditions that one needed to comply with in order to have a great year ahead! One of these is probably to send the kitchen god back to heaven so that he could give a great report to the heaven emperor on the good deed of the family and ensure enduring good fortune in the new year to come. The most famous Chinese New Year story is probably that of "Nian" or 年. This 年 is a monster that will come down and terrorise the village every new year. It seems like the only way to get rid of 年 is to make lots of noise so comes the tradition of setting off fire crackers to ward off 年 and ensure a prosperous year ahead. Anyway, the main idea is to create the best atmosphere and to have a great start to the new year ahead!
This year I did not go down to the festive market at Chinatown and did manage to take some photos of the decoration along South Bridge Road!
Year of the Cow... mooo mooooooo....
Moo moo year to you!
Ratty bringing in the cow.. ma me moo ma me moo...
The entrance to Chinatown from Chinatown Point!
"The external desertification of the planet corresponds precisely with the spiritual desertification of human life. " - Words of Wisdom from Daisaku Ikeda
I read this in the book "Soul Mountain" - 无极生太极，太极生两仪，两仪生四象，四象生八卦 or rather the english translation of it and I find it really interesting cos it talks about the one but not one of phenomenon and the interconnectedness of things around us! More on this book later.
This year I did not go down to the festive market at Chinatown and did manage to take some photos of the decoration along South Bridge Road!
Year of the Cow... mooo mooooooo.... Moo moo year to you! Ratty bringing in the cow.. ma me moo ma me moo... The entrance to Chinatown from Chinatown Point!"The external desertification of the planet corresponds precisely with the spiritual desertification of human life. " - Words of Wisdom from Daisaku Ikeda
I read this in the book "Soul Mountain" - 无极生太极，太极生两仪，两仪生四象，四象生八卦 or rather the english translation of it and I find it really interesting cos it talks about the one but not one of phenomenon and the interconnectedness of things around us! More on this book later.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Remembering 2008 and advancing into 2009
It had taken me almost the whole of January 09 to find the time to write my reflections for 2008 and resolutions for the year 2009.
2008 was another year to remember and I will review the year using a couple of sub-headings!
First let’s start from Health, Exercise and Keeping Fit:
Going to gym regularly became the practice though pretty reluctant as I struggled to wait up early to start my trainings as early as 6.30am in the morning. However this practice did not continue later in the year as I started to go to gym in the evening. My muscles are tone but I do not see any significantly decrease in weight!
In the later half of the year, I started going to the gym opposite Takashimaya so that I could pop down into Kinokuniya after the work out!
On sickness, nothing major except the normal “morning flu” and bouts of headaches that progressed to migraine on several occasions.
Next will be on Career, Jobs and Living:
In the first 3 months of 2008, I was still miserable in a job that promised but never delivered, tasked to perform mission impossible with no option to say “NO” and a boss that attributed your behaviours to the education levels of your parents (meaning if your parents are not educated, then their ability to bring up their children to persons of ability, integrity and good character is questionable). By the 4th month of the year, I had left this “bottom of the well” to a place of “higher learning”. I thought I will lose my performance bonus but it seems naught! The new job provides new challenges, pretty of “walking about” and learning.
Before I left the old workplace, I was given an opportunity to organize and even lecture in a workshop. This was a great experience and I also got to go on board of warship!
Then we go on to Professional Development, Trainings, Conference and Publications:
Seems pretty a diverse headings but all linked (I think so).
First I venture to better myself by enrolling for the Specialist Diploma in Workplace Safety and Health at the local Polytechnic which I completed by September. This diploma eliminated many of my fine brain cells and imaginations. Good new was my typing skill has improved!
In my new job, I was also required to attend trainings to learn the basic trades of the job. I was also certified in CPR-AED and hopefully in 2009, I will receive my Instructor qualification.
In the first half of the year, I finished the formatting of a book and brought it to publication. This book was very well received when it went on sale during a related conference in September. For the conference, I was part of the publication team where my formatting skill is further honed and fine-tuned. I guess nothing brings more satisfaction when you see the fruit of your effort being published! From publishing the two books, I learnt much on ISBN and its applications!
I took my second try with Law and it din turn out well, thus I decided to give it up academically.
Now we move on to Friends, Family, Entertainment and Life:
My nephew is born in March and he is such a darling! Many of my friends gave birth in 2008 too and one of them gave birth to her second son! I guess meeting with friends were not that frequent so 2009 must be better!
No traveling in 2008 outside the country and the furthest I went was probably Changi Airport!
Many friends got married too and I was invited to be the “sister” for two of the weddings!
I could not remember the number of times I went to the cinema but I did purchase many VCDs and DVDs to make up for the “loss in opportunity”. Books are always my constant companions but I shan’t do them justice here as I have decided to write a list of books and short reviews later (This should be my 2009 resolutions!).
On a personal note, I gave up my “obsession” or rather hopeless insistence on somebody! Yeah, please cheer for me!
Lastly and an important component is Gakkai Activities:
Beginning of the year, I got myself involved in the Future Division’s Musical entitled “The Little Prince”. This was a musical performed by Students for students and we did 3 shows altogether. The music was original and not copied from any existing pieces!
In October, we had a Chapter Friendship meeting that began planning since the beginning of the year. I took part in my first ever hip-hop dance. Well, most of the time, I did more singing than dancing! It was most significant as we managed to gather most of the young YWDs from the chapter in this dance!
Friday Rendevous workshops started in April 08 on every 3rd Friday of the month. We had grooming, EQ, hair styling make-up, Aroma therapy and even counsellng. As part of the workshop committee, I tried to attend all the sessions. I was the moderator for the session on SOKA education where I “interviewed” 2 graduates from Soka University Japan and US respectively.
I ended my short stunts in the English district to move to a Chinese district in the same chapter.
This year I finished my 1 million daimoku which I started in 2007.
There were other activities but too many to write them here and I really cannot get the diary habit started! 2008 was a year of change and guess changes were seen as the world economy took a turn down and a new president for the USA!
2009 will be another challenging year and I have yet to set my resolutions. However this will be done!
I pray for world peace and heighten environmental awareness among all! Someone told me that a slowing economy will do the environment good as pollution will be reduced with decreased industrial productions and reduction in transportations!
“We need to awaken to a common consciousness of being all inhabitants of Earth. This consciousness is not to be found in some distant place. It will not be found on a computer screen. It lies in our hearts, in our ability to share the pain of our fellow human beings. It is the spirit that says: "As long as you are suffering, whoever you are and whatever your suffering may be, I suffer also."
- Words of Wisdom from Daisaku Ikeda
2008 was another year to remember and I will review the year using a couple of sub-headings!
First let’s start from Health, Exercise and Keeping Fit:
Going to gym regularly became the practice though pretty reluctant as I struggled to wait up early to start my trainings as early as 6.30am in the morning. However this practice did not continue later in the year as I started to go to gym in the evening. My muscles are tone but I do not see any significantly decrease in weight!
In the later half of the year, I started going to the gym opposite Takashimaya so that I could pop down into Kinokuniya after the work out!
On sickness, nothing major except the normal “morning flu” and bouts of headaches that progressed to migraine on several occasions.
Next will be on Career, Jobs and Living:
In the first 3 months of 2008, I was still miserable in a job that promised but never delivered, tasked to perform mission impossible with no option to say “NO” and a boss that attributed your behaviours to the education levels of your parents (meaning if your parents are not educated, then their ability to bring up their children to persons of ability, integrity and good character is questionable). By the 4th month of the year, I had left this “bottom of the well” to a place of “higher learning”. I thought I will lose my performance bonus but it seems naught! The new job provides new challenges, pretty of “walking about” and learning.
Before I left the old workplace, I was given an opportunity to organize and even lecture in a workshop. This was a great experience and I also got to go on board of warship!
Then we go on to Professional Development, Trainings, Conference and Publications:
Seems pretty a diverse headings but all linked (I think so).
First I venture to better myself by enrolling for the Specialist Diploma in Workplace Safety and Health at the local Polytechnic which I completed by September. This diploma eliminated many of my fine brain cells and imaginations. Good new was my typing skill has improved!
In my new job, I was also required to attend trainings to learn the basic trades of the job. I was also certified in CPR-AED and hopefully in 2009, I will receive my Instructor qualification.
In the first half of the year, I finished the formatting of a book and brought it to publication. This book was very well received when it went on sale during a related conference in September. For the conference, I was part of the publication team where my formatting skill is further honed and fine-tuned. I guess nothing brings more satisfaction when you see the fruit of your effort being published! From publishing the two books, I learnt much on ISBN and its applications!
I took my second try with Law and it din turn out well, thus I decided to give it up academically.
Now we move on to Friends, Family, Entertainment and Life:
My nephew is born in March and he is such a darling! Many of my friends gave birth in 2008 too and one of them gave birth to her second son! I guess meeting with friends were not that frequent so 2009 must be better!
No traveling in 2008 outside the country and the furthest I went was probably Changi Airport!
Many friends got married too and I was invited to be the “sister” for two of the weddings!
I could not remember the number of times I went to the cinema but I did purchase many VCDs and DVDs to make up for the “loss in opportunity”. Books are always my constant companions but I shan’t do them justice here as I have decided to write a list of books and short reviews later (This should be my 2009 resolutions!).
On a personal note, I gave up my “obsession” or rather hopeless insistence on somebody! Yeah, please cheer for me!
Lastly and an important component is Gakkai Activities:
Beginning of the year, I got myself involved in the Future Division’s Musical entitled “The Little Prince”. This was a musical performed by Students for students and we did 3 shows altogether. The music was original and not copied from any existing pieces!
In October, we had a Chapter Friendship meeting that began planning since the beginning of the year. I took part in my first ever hip-hop dance. Well, most of the time, I did more singing than dancing! It was most significant as we managed to gather most of the young YWDs from the chapter in this dance!
Friday Rendevous workshops started in April 08 on every 3rd Friday of the month. We had grooming, EQ, hair styling make-up, Aroma therapy and even counsellng. As part of the workshop committee, I tried to attend all the sessions. I was the moderator for the session on SOKA education where I “interviewed” 2 graduates from Soka University Japan and US respectively.
I ended my short stunts in the English district to move to a Chinese district in the same chapter.
This year I finished my 1 million daimoku which I started in 2007.
There were other activities but too many to write them here and I really cannot get the diary habit started! 2008 was a year of change and guess changes were seen as the world economy took a turn down and a new president for the USA!
2009 will be another challenging year and I have yet to set my resolutions. However this will be done!
I pray for world peace and heighten environmental awareness among all! Someone told me that a slowing economy will do the environment good as pollution will be reduced with decreased industrial productions and reduction in transportations!
“We need to awaken to a common consciousness of being all inhabitants of Earth. This consciousness is not to be found in some distant place. It will not be found on a computer screen. It lies in our hearts, in our ability to share the pain of our fellow human beings. It is the spirit that says: "As long as you are suffering, whoever you are and whatever your suffering may be, I suffer also."
- Words of Wisdom from Daisaku Ikeda
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