With love, Samantha Brown

How She Got the “Best Job in the World”

Samantha‘s career as a television travel host happened by accident. A producer spotted her work in a commercial and recommended her to the Travel Channel in 1999 to audition for a new show being developed called “Great Vacation Homes”.

The audition almost did not happen… Samantha missed her first audition in Jacksonville, Florida after she failed to make a connecting flight.  Thankfully It was rescheduled again for a week later.  Her initial flight the second time was also delayed and Samantha had just five minutes to make her connecting flight. She sprinted to the gate and arrived 10 minutes after the final boarding call.

A sympathetic attendant encouraged Samantha to try to board the plane, so she continued her run on the tarmac toward the small 50 seater jet located about 100 feet away.  A dispatcher interrupted her sprint, telling her it was too late to board.

Breaking down and through tears she told the dispatcher she had been waiting on tables for eight years hoping for a dream job like this. He relented, and told her only the flight’s pilot could overrule his decision.  As the dispatcher boarded the plane and explained the situation to the cockpit, Samantha ran the 100 feet and positioned herself under the nose of the plane. She looked up at the captain, opened her arms pleadingly and shouted “PLEASE!!!!”

When the captain looked down and gave her the thumbs up she knew that she had the job. Samantha has always said she owes “the Best Job in the World” to that pilot giving her a chance on a runway.

Fall Outfit

Fall Outfit by teochewahnia featuring set of bangles

French Connection short sleeve dress / Trench coat, $145 / Frye zip shoes / Tote bag / Amrita Singh set of bangle / American Apparel yellow gold jewelry / Wallis leopard print shawl / Karen Millen

Updates

Dear Vodka, while you where gone....

 I painted a weird, gothic, terrifying painting. I have no explanation why and how.

 I was fascinated by the beautifully line light bulbs at Taste Cafe. 

 We did a lot of binge eating! I believe our stomached are stretched at least by 5 CM. Bacon and cheddar quiche is to die for!

 French hot chocolate for ze French only :P

 Our 'sal-mun' salad. 

 We were thrown into gorgeous weather!

Happy Deepavali! :)

- End -

~ Mood of the Day ~

Today I'm dirty

And I want to be pretty

Tomorrow, I know I'm just dirt

Today I'm dirty

And I want to be pretty

Tomorrow, I know I'm just dirt

We are the nobodies

Wanna be somebodies

When we're dead

They'll know just who we are

Feel like nobodies

Wanna be somebodies

When we're dead

They'll know just who we are

Yesterday I was dirty

Wanted to be pretty

I know now that I'm forever dirt

Yesterday I was dirty

Wanted to be pretty

I know now that I'm forever dirt

We are the nobodies

Wanna be somebodies

When we're dead

They'll know just who we are

Feel like nobodies

Wanna be somebodies

When we're dead

They'll know just who we are

Some children died the other day

We fed machines and then we prayed

Puked up and down in morbid faith

You should have seen the ratings that day

Some children died the other day

We fed machines and then we prayed

Puked up and down in morbid faith

You should have seen the ratings that day

We are the nobodies

Wanna be somebodies

When we're dead

They'll know just who we are

We are the nobodies

Wanna be somebodies

When we're dead

They'll know just who we are

Feel like nobodies

Wanna be somebodies

When we're dead

They'll know just who we are

Feel like nobodies

Wanna be somebodies

When we're dead

They'll know just who we are

Chummpp Chummppp Chummppp

Why do most asian men like to eat as if they are some fucking cow?

I was sitting alone at the Executive Lounge, sipping my beer (yes I am at a point now where I no longer chug it down), it was all  nice and quiet, great time to gather my thoughts and publish my first blog post since I got here in Suzhou, China a week ago.

Then this mofo came in.  Stared at me, like the way most Asian people do (we love to stare as if people can't tell that we are staring.  And yes I just said "we" because Dan caught me doing that too sometimes).  Then I thought, oh hey this guy is a lil cute.  (Chill, my hubby is the cutest okay)

He sat down at a table across from me.  Started enjoying his food.

Chumpp chummmppp chummmppp slurrrrp slurrrp slurrrrp.

Seriously, it bothered the fuck out of me.  Why do Asian men like that eat that way?  Do they not know that it sounds absolutely disgusting?!?!  If you are a person, eat like one.  If you want to be a fucking cow, go out in the field.

I grabbed my laptop, my phone and beer, moved to another table far away from him.  Call me mean or whatever, but you know what?  I think he got it because he stopped making that elegant noise.

Anyway.........  I wanted to share my day with you today.

My fellow co-workers here from the site took me out to the country today.  The trip was called "Wool Sweater Shopping Trip".  LOL.  Literally.

These friends of mine (yes I believe at this point we are friends, before I left home, I went shopping for lil gifts for them and got them two lil Coach baggies.  They were absolutely overjoyed) they know that I get bored here and they decided to take me out.  The wool sweater place is about 1.5hours bus ride from my hotel.  It was absolutely worth it because we definitely bought a whole bunch of good quality cheap wool sweaters home.  It was also my first time eating handmade "knife shaven noodles".  I really inhaled that thing yo!

It's boring in the city because everywhere you go they are always sardine-packed.  People are rude, they spit, they shout, they stare.  The air stinks like phlegm or vehicle exhaust.  When I was told that we were to go to the country, to be frank, I was a little nervous.  I always pictured that people in the country would be rude and hate the outsides.  Boy was I wrong!  I fell in love with them.  They are polite, they say thank you, goodbye, they don't yell, they slow down (a little bit) when they see that you are crossing the street.  I mean, this is the China that I like!

What I learned today is that, do not judge before you experience it.  I am glad that I didn't act like a prissy biatch and bailed on the girls.  I went and really at one point, I thought to myself, "Welcome to China!"

Angel's Landing

My favourite hike of the year :)

Dear vodka

You're a gem with a big heart, we will miss you while you frolic in China!

May this be the best trip you'll ever have in China before France beckons! :D

Can't wait to hear about your adventures!

Humbled.

Whenever i get caught up with this thing call " life", every now and then i stumble upon a good article to remind me to stop, and think and evaluate my ways, thoughts, deeds, intentions, principles.
As when i'm in the hectic mode, i tend to forget. Forget about 'what's important'.
I read this today. I thought it would be nice to share.

A lesson by Dr Richard Teo. A successful man who can into realization about the True Joys in life, when he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
A reminder not to be conformed by the hollers of society. If you live to please other people's expectations, you will lose yourself along the way.

Here are some excerpts extracted from the article :

" I’d just begin to say that I’m a typical product of today’s society. Before this, I was talking about how the media influences us etc. So I’m a typical product of what the media portrays. From young, I’ve always been under the influence and impression that to be happy, is to be successful. And to be successful, is to be wealthy. So I led my life according to this motto. "

" The truth is, nobody makes heroes out of the average GP in the neighbourhood. They don't. They make heroes out of rich celebrities, politicians, rich and famous people. So I wanted to be one of these." 

" I said, “Can’t be, I was just at the gym last night, what’s going on?” I’m sure you know how it feels – though I’m not sure if you know how it feels. One moment I was there at the peak, the next day, this news came and I was totally devastated. My whole world just turned upside down. " 

"  Whereas the voice that came spoke as a third party. It said, “This has to happen to YOU, at YOUR prime, because this is the only way YOU can understand.” At that time, my emotions just overflowed and I broke down and cried, alone there. And I knew then, subsequently, what it means to understand that why this is the only way. "

"Hardship can happen to rich people; it can be physical hardship, mental hardship, social, etc. And also over the last few months, I started to understand what this true joy is about. In the past, I substituted true joy with the pursuing of wealth. I thought true joy is about pursuing wealth. Why? Cos let me put it to you this way, in my death bed, I found no joy whatsoever in whatever objects I had – my Ferrari, thinking of the land I was going to buy to build my bungalow etc, having a successful business.

It brought me ZERO comfort, ZERO joy, nothing at all. Do you think I can hold onto this piece of metal and it’s going to give true joy? Nah, it’s not going to happen. 

True joy comes from interaction with other people. And at a lot of times, it is a short term pride, the past. When you pursue your wealth, Chinese New Year is the best time to do it. Drive my Ferrari, show off to my relatives, show off to my friends, do my rounds, and then you thought that was true joy? You really think that those guys who sold you your Ferrari, they share their joy with you? And your relatives, wow, they share this joy with you? In truth, what you have done is just to illicit envy, jealousy, and even hatred. They are not sharing the joy with you, and what I have is that short-term pride that wow, I have something you don’t have! And I thought that was joy!

So what we have is basically a short-term pride at the expense of somebody else. And that wasn’t true joy. And I found no joy at all on my deathbed, thinking of my Ferrari – to hold on to it, sayang it?!?

True joy I discovered comes from interaction. Over the last few months I was so down. Interaction with my loved ones, my friends, my brothers in Christ, my sisters in Christ, and only then was I able to be motivated, able to be uplifted. To share your sorrow, to share your happiness – that’s true joy.

And you know what makes you smile? True joy comes from helping others in hardship, and because I’ve gone through this, I know what hardship entails. In fact, there’re some cancer patients who tell me a lot of times, people come up to them and tell them, “Stay positive. Stay positive.” Yah, right. You come in my shoes and you try to stay positive! You don’t know what you’re talking about!"

Anally Fishy

I got up this morning finding Toby laying on the floor bleeding profusely from his peeno.  I freaked out and tried to dry him up with several pieces of paper towel (Ok, I admit, I was actually thinking of using the women monthly sanitary pads on him at one point to save me some trouble!).

Anyway, I called up the vet and brought him in the first available slot we could get.  For the sake of calming my paranoia, the vet suggested for several x-rays and left my baby to the x-ray room behind closed doors.  When they came back, he was all cheery and excited.  Then the vet left to check on the x-rays, closed the door behind her, left Toby and I in the tiny lil room.  As usual, Toby loves pointing his damn ass right in my face when we are alone, and so he did.  I tell ya, I almost gagged to death.  I thought he farted in my face (which would have been a better situation compared to this).  So when the vet came back, I asked, "Why does he smell so bad right now?".  "Oh it's his anal glands, I had to manually express the glands during my checkup. (AKA, I fingered and pinched your dog's anus).  In my head I was thinking, "Missy, it would have been nice if you give me a heads up before you did this to me... I mean my dog.  He just rubbed his freaking ass in my face and now I have some anal gland juice in my nostrils)

The ride home was absolutely fun.  I had my car windows rolled down and I had to drive like that scene from Ace Ventura sans the cracked windshield.

Pure, juicy anal gland on leather seat is the best combination you can get, juice wise.  Now my car smells like an ass and I wish my passenger good luck, whoever going to sit next to me when I drive.  You will smell like you just got your anus pinched.  Do we have anal glands? Wait.. is it anus?  It's rectum first then anus then anal opening right?  So do we pinch the rectum or pinch the anus?

I am going to spray another can of air freshener now.  Ciao!

Sharpen your knife, yo!

Before you backstab someone.

 

It would hurt less.

How do you pleasure yourself?

I use two fingers.

First, I find the right spot.

Then I rub it up and down, up and down.

It’s getting wet.  Do I really want it now?

I stop, when I feel that I absolute want it.

Then I use my other finger.  I love tapping it on the right spot.

Then I put it in.

When I get it out, Ahhhh what a relieve.

 

I absolutely enjoy online shopping. $3000+ of it.

The keywords you are looking for are: Trackball, My palm, Left click button, Select, Shopping Cart, Checkout.

 

YOU PERV!

Wild Geese

Wild Geese
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting–
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
--Mary Oliver, Dream Work

3:07am

Credit Card says, “Please let me go to sleep.  I am so drained and exhausted…”  :P

Inner dance

Two of my favorite songs in one symphony. Perfecto! :)

Wow, Polyvore!

I always want to do this!  I didn't know that this is what Polyvore is for.  Haha it is going to be my pinterest's best bud!  So I put together my first polyvore collage.  I find it wild and sassy.  What do ya think?  Can you see me in it?  (Of course sans the Birkin bag)

Source: teochewahnia.polyvore.com via Teochew-Ah-Nia on Pinterest

And the Flowers Says.....

Let me brighten up your day!

Source: via Teochew-Ah-Nia on Pinterest

PS: Vick, Brava!!! Well Deserved!!!!! :D

Everybody Needs One of These!

Boob Scarves!

Source: loyalkng.com via Teochew-Ah-Nia on Pinterest

I love my life, just the way it is. Without what I have been through, there won't be the me today. So bring the fuck it on!

Go to the extreme!

Are you the kind of person who finds yourself looking at a piece of clothing, say tighty-whitie, in a store and when you try it on (of course for hygienic reason, you have to try the tighty-whitie on top of the skidmarked tighty-whitie that you already have on), you realize that "Hory cow, this thing hugs me like the way my mum does."  At that moment, you know you are falling head-over-heels for that tighty-whitie that you GOTTA buy it and what the heck, since it hugs you like your mum does, you want it in all sorts of rainbow colors?

I think that was the longest question I have ever asked.

Anyway, I am!  Not for tighty-whitie of course.  Personally white panties are too "pure & innocent" for my liking.  I tend to buy a piece of clothing that I like, say a work shirt, in maximum 5 colors (one for each work day of the week).

So.

Many years ago, I took my very first trip to the western (or northwestern, Eh?) part of the world with my parents.  It was also my first time traveling with my parents since I was probably 3.  Yes I certainly thank Buddha that my parents were so bias that the love they have for my brothers is nothing compared to the love they have for me thus they chose to bring me along instead of my brothers.  My brothers ended up staying back in the country, feeding cows, cleaning cow craps, working in the sweatshop and what not.  While this princess here got to enjoy the good two weeks trip eating all the heart-healthy-oil-soaking western food.  Yes I lugged back with me extra 5kgs.

Anyway, we stayed at a nice downtown hotel.  You know how hotels usually give you some crap-o-lotion, shampoos and shower gels.  Or maybe you didn't know that since you are so spoiled your whole life you never got to stay in a hotel with shitlike shampoos.  We cool people pay hotels in a hourly rate....if you know what I mean..those hotels never provide any good shampoos... and the "lotions" are generally watery and slippery for some reason.

Back to my nice downtown hotel story.  This hotel probably had some kind of deal with BBW and they got me hooked on this lotion:

 To me, it smells like calmness, love, joy, and wait, a hint of my parents.

And yes I love it so much I could marry it.  (my husband has been telling me to marry so many objects that I love, that sometimes I think he doesn't understand that you cannot make love to a bottle of lotion..... or can you?)

Of course, for people like me, who falls into the tighty-rainbow-colors category, you HAVE TO have them all:

If only they make lubricant in that scent, the world will be perfect then!

Permanent head Damage

Glued my bum to my seat while developing a brain hemorrhage attempting to write my research manuscript like a PhD person. I am struggling with words as i never talk like a research personnel nor would i even attempt to be like one. ( Too cool for school :P )

Thus i resort to the ultimate storage of knowledge: Google.com when i am writing my Acknowledgement page.

Google says:

"Authors cannot thank the reviewers of their article. This could be considered as favoritism or an attempt to encourage reviewers to accept their manuscript for reasons other than scientific merit.

Authors cannot thank those who cannot directly receive their appreciation: that is, authors cannot thank God, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, Zeus, etc. for influencing or inspiring them. "

There goes my initial plans...

Oprah says:

Are you afraid of confronting someone in your life who is critical, judgmental or just can't be happy for your success?

Some relationships constantly drain your energy, in both obvious and subtle ways. Several types of people will exhaust you or deter you from your path to living a fulfilled life.

The BlamerThis person likes to hear his own voice. He constantly complains about what isn't working in his life and yet gets energy from complaining and dumping his frustrations on you.

The ShamerThis person can be hazardous to your health. The shamer may cut you off, put you down, reprimand you, or make fun of your or your ideas in front of others. He often ignores your boundaries and may try to convince you that his criticism is for you own good. The shamer is the kind of person who makes you question your own sanity before his.

The DiscounterThis is the person who discounts or challenges everything you say. Often, she has a strong need to be right and can find fault with any position. It can be exhausting to have a conversation with the discounter, so eventually you end up giving in and deciding to just listen.

Since soulful connections require an investment of time and energy, you'll want to choose the people you spend time with wisely. To determine whether a relationship drains you or fuels you, ask yourself the following questions.

1. Write down the name of a person in your life.
2. Am I able to be myself with this person? Do I feel accepted by him/her?
3. Is this person critical or judgmental of me?
4. Does the relationship provide an even give-and-take exchange of energy?
5. Do I feel upbeat and energized when I'm around this person, or depleted and drained?
6. Does this person share my values? My level of integrity?
7. Is this person committed to our relationship?
8. Can this person celebrate my success?
9. Do I feel good about myself when I'm with this person?

From Cheryl Richardson's book Take Time for Your Life.

I remembered listening to this episode of Oprah when i was in my high school. I reacted in disgust: " What? Toxic friends? Aren't we suppose to love everyone and try to live in peace? " 

Needless to say, i am really blessed with great supportive bosom buddies in my yonder years. My pals always have encouraging words , always positive, honest and always believed each one of us have a great potential to achieve great things. We celebrate each others' successes in a grand fashion, never failing to exclaim: " I am so proud of you! " :)
We have our little cafe / mamak / couch sessions, listening and interested in what the other person have to express, uninterrupted. Mutual respect. No one is the center piece, no one the attention seeker, no one the negative criticizer. 

No one is put to shame of their weaknesses. The volleyball team in university constantly encourages anyone, everyone to come train with us. We are the most patient bunch, teaching the newcomers and constantly giving encouraging feedback, never giving up or throwing negative criticism and never giving up on anyone. I learnt all these from my volleyball coaches. ( who are my classmates! ) 

Of course we debate about issues of the world, especially when there's a whole bunch of lawyers between us, but the conversation always ends on a " agree to disagree " note and back to non stop hilarious teasing. 

Since i left the safe niche of my bosom buddies, there's always an internal struggle to seek for new friends to similar prototype. Thus, i have learnt the word: 'Unique' and what it really means. 
No one is the same. 
There are new faces that really splashes bright hues and encourages you to blossom. ( So thankful for these beautiful souls! )
Then there is the toxic being. You asked yourself : If you are slapped once, twice, thrice on the face, will you stand there and let history repeat? 
Needless to say, it's unnecessary evil. 

Here's a video about: Why women compete with each other.

On another note, from Oprah:
I most want to thank Maya Angelou for helping me to be brave. In my most fearful moments, she has been the one I relied on most, and called first.

Years ago I phoned her complaining about what I've now long forgotten. She shared these words, "Courage is the most important of all th

e virtues, without it, you can practice no other." It takes courage to be kind when others are not. It takes courage to be truthful when a lie might suffice. It takes courage to keep moving forward, when you'd rather quit. I've learned that courage, or opting for bravery, is feeling the fear and still doing what is necessary to overcome it. And in the very act of bravery you don't feel brave but just feel what is true and most real.

Ironically one of my most desolate moments, barely being able to speak in between sobs of despair, I called Maya looking for comfort and sympathy. Instead she sternly chided me, "STOP IT" she said. "Stop your crying right now and say THANK YOU!"

"Why would I say thank you for this?" I said. "Say thank you because you know God, and you know He put a rainbow in every cloud. The rainbow is coming. Say thank you even though you can't see it. It's already there."

So in the worst of times, I still remind myself of that great lesson and say "Thank you"…and then prepare to see the rainbow.

Today's rainbow was post on The Daily Love. I took the dogs out at 6am. Sat quietly under the oaks I call the Apostles, (because 12 of them together form a beautiful canopy). It's my favorite spot to Be.

Came back inside read The Daily Love and found the rainbow.

It was exactly what I needed to hear and be reminded. 

Curiosity

Someone once asked: what's the difference between an attention seeker and a narcissist?
I don't have the answers...but did a little digging, wondering why is there a need for attention? Here's a short excerpt of the article.


"The need for attention"
Human beings are social creatures and need social interaction, feedback, and validation of their worth. The emotionally mature person doesn't need to go hunting for these; they gain it naturally from their daily life, especially from their work and from stable relationships. Daniel Goleman calls emotional maturity emotional intelligence, or EQ; he believes, and I agree, that EQ is a much better indicator of a person's character and value than intelligence quotient, or IQ.

The emotionally immature person, however, has low levels of self-esteem and self-confidence and consequently feels insecure; to counter these feelings of insecurity they will spend a large proportion of their lives creating situations in which they become the centre of attention. It may be that the need for attention is inversely proportional to emotional maturity, therefore anyone indulging in attention-seeking behaviours is telling you how emotionally immature they are.

Attention-seeking behaviour is surprisingly common. Being the centre of attention alleviates feelings of insecurity and inadequacy but the relief is temporary as the underlying problem remains unaddressed: low self-confidence and low self-esteem, and consequent low levels of self-worth and self-love.
Insecure and emotionally immature people often exhibit bullying behaviours, especially manipulation and deception. These are necessary in order to obtain attention which would not otherwise be forthcoming. Bullies and harassers have the emotional age of a young child and will exhibit temper tantrums, deceit, lying and manipulation to avoid exposure of their true nature and to evade accountability and sanction.

Quote of the Day

Source: google.com via Teochew-Ah-Nia on Pinterest

Memo

Oh Charlie Brown !

This is what music should bring :D

Wanderlust

“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it"

- Poet Cesare Pavese

Putting yourself in a whole new strange environment triggers mixed emotions of excitement, curiousness splatter with a tinge of fear. One thing's for sure- your mind gets stretched and your perspective of the world and life will never ever be the same again :)

"오빤 강남 스타일 " ( Gangnam Style )

With all the hype about Gangnam, i actually wasted 5 minutes of my whole lifetime googling it.
Wikipedia has the shortest and precise read.

This reminded me of a joke! :)
Once upon a time, a group of Ah Bengs stepped into a lounge and wanted the DJ to play the song "Ah Cheng Buey Ro Ti" (In Hokkien means Ah Cheng buys bread). 
The DJ told them that they only have English songs and told them to select another song. 

The Ah Bengs were very angry and kicked up a bigfuss, claiming the DJ was insulting them. 
The manager had to intervene in order to calm them down.

Finally, after long talk with Ah Bengs, manager found out that Ah Bengs actually asking for the song "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers. 

:D 

Dinner of the day

Red grapes, green grapes cherry. I am going to grate some oak chip ( in olace of barrel) and brew my own wine. Any recommendation on a good constipation pills?

It will be called Chatue Dark Mystery Hole vintage reserve 2012. Open for wine tasting September 14th. Bring a tarp for picture, with some crackers. Neighbors chihuahua makes the best cat mlik cheese(http://www.marcellathecheesemonger.com/2009/07/19/cat-milk-cheese/)
Portpoty are available! Let me know of you are untested so that could stick up on essential imdegrediant.
Things I learn today - "people in glass houses shouldn't throw in"

Just me and blackie

Niche

A happy place. It's really a state of mind at the moment. You can be in the midst of calamity in a bedlam street corner and be in a bubble of serenity. ( I'll have to be hypnotized to do so... But some great minds reforms and never conforms! I salute! )

Certain moments in life are worth revisiting. I stroll back to June so frequently I see stars in bright daylight or even on the office ceilings. My friend and I sat on the 1st floor of Poor Boy's gourmet restaurant at Bar Harbor for dinner. It was a random choice. A spontaneous, spur of the moment, blinded choice we made. Needless to say, we chose well. :)
I propped my head out of our large wooden windows, starring at the passerby's. What was remarkably beautiful was the string of light-bulbs draped across the compound. The guests dining right below the string of lights, soothing mellow jazz tunes saturated the atmosphere, the light evening breeze blew from the Atlantic ocean...
We sat there mostly in silence as i was a little bushed. Such a peaceful, perfect evening.

PS: The scene is depicted in the picture above, taken right there and then as a constant reminder -Life is made of moments like these :)

Quote of the day

"Modern education is premised strongly on materialistic values. It is vital that when we are educating our children's brains that we do not neglect to educate their hearts, a key element of which has to be the nurturing of our compassionate nature.". ~His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Touché

" You'll never know if you don't go " :)

Sat on my favorite new chair, reading the articles my travel buddy sent me. Last night we had an insightful philosophical discussion. He firmly believes that the meaning of life is death. ( Shall leave this paragraph as it is :)

This article, was casually written with all honesty. With all honesty the writer wrote many of our internal turmoils casually. We allow fears to fence us in from our potentials.

If you could and you would, what would you have done differently with your time now?

I know i would be in Kenya teaching songs and crafts to the kids. Open heartily, I would be ready to be taught by the denizens about their humble way of life.
I would be swimming in different sea cultures and languages. I would stand amazed of the colors of the days of their lives. I would absorb and inhale the experiences like a sponge.

Question of the day

Do you work for a purpose or for a paycheck?

I just want to say..

Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart..

Guess what??

I just got a slap in my face and I realized that wow this just keeps getting better and better. Vodka, anyone?

Where to start??

Have you ever felt like you have so much shit to do and you are so overwhelmed and you don't know where to start?

Fuck me

Untitled

I pray you’ll be our eyes and watch us where we go, and help us to be wise in times when we don’t know.  Let’s this be our prayer when we lose our way.  Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace to a place where we’ll be safe.  I pray we’ll find your light and hold it in our hearts.  When stars go out each night, remind us where you are..Let this be our prayer when shadows fill our day.  Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace, give us faith so we’ll be safe.

A world where pain and sorrow will be ended and every heart that’s broken will be mended.  And we will remember we are all your children, reaching out to touch you, reaching to the stars.  We ask that lie be kind, and watch us from above.  We hope each soul will find another soul to love.  Let this be your prayer, just like every child needs to find a place.  Guide us with your grace, give us faith so we’ll be safe.

Need to find a place.

Guide us with your grace, give us faith so we’ll be safe

- Terima Kasih -

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Come stop your crying,
It'll be all right
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here don't you cry

For one so small
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

Come stop your crying,
It'll be all right
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here don't you cry

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

Oh, you'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
you'll be here in my heart always

Don't listen to them
'Cause what do they know
We need each other
to have, to hold
They'll see in time
I know

When destiny calls you
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together!

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Believe me, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

Yes, you'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart always
Alway, always...

On Happy Notes

Did you know that happiness and sadness are actually infectious diseases? I guess it makes sense, say when your partner, your friends or co-workers are all happy and jolly, you somehow feel as if your mood’s been lighten. On the other hand, when people around you are feeling low, if you care enough, you start to get rubbed off on it too (of course this won’t work on self-centered people who think that they are the only creature living in this world)

I have been feeling a lil low lately (read: it is almost that time of the month).  I was browsing the internet and came across to this.

You guys out there, don’t start rolling your eyes and say “Oh here we go again!”. It’s a good read!  Don’t you want to learn how to end your day on a happy note?  Well, according to the article, there are three good ways to get there:

1) With Yourself:  Re-Run the Happy Days.  Negative thoughts are naturally clingy.  Even the most optimistic person in this world gets those devilish thoughts every once in a while, but it depends on WHAT the person decides to do in one’s mind that help pushing away/sucking in those tainted thoughts.  I once saw a program on tv (which I am not going to say which program it was.. haha!), a mom lost her teenage daughter 15 years ago.  Ever since the day of her daughter’s death, she’d kept the daughter’s room the way it was.  She would stare at her daughter’s belonging and re-run the memory of the moment how she passed away.  She had been in grief for 15 years.  It was until when she showed up for this TV program, she was told that her daughter had lived so many beautiful happy years up till her death, but all she focused on was the moment when her daughter died. Instantly you could see that her facial expression softened, it was almost like her mind just took a deep breathe and went ahhhhh…  Then she said “I never thought of it that way… I never thought it that way…”

Sorry, long story.  But what I am trying to say is that, we need to remember the happy moments in life, even when things get rough, try to tell yourself, yes I know I am sad right now but wait, didn’t I do this this this and that that that and it was awesome?? 

2) With your friends: Enforcing the –ings – chilling, hanging, relaxing.  That’s right!  I don’t think I need to say more.  Other than, I suggest doing a few more of those –ing stuff.  Drinking maybe?  Masturbating perhaps?  How about hanging out with friends to have a relaxing time chilling, chatting, drinking and then go home masturbating.  Let me know if you need a shake weight to practice for now.  Target has them on clearance. 

3) With your partner: Be intimate, even when you are not in the mood. For guys, I don’t think this is a problem.  Tips for the females, you may want to try enforcing the –ings first, like relaxing, drinking, drinking and more drinking.  Then you don’t know what you are thinking anymore and the next thing you know, Hey now!  I am having sex! 

Or some people might call it “raping”.  Another –ing to enforce.   Ha!!  Sorry I was kidding about the enforcing part. 

 

Alright, I need to stop here.  I swear I meant to write a serious post but my mind can only stay clean for so long!

Hope this post put a lil smile on your face.  Cheer up because life is short, don’t forget to live :)

Oh and don’t forget to share with us which of the three strategies did you use today!  We love to hear from you!

Chillin' Again

With ma beer!

Farmer's daughter

My dad and his brilliant ideas. My poor beans were drooping when they reached a height of 5 cm and I thought that's the end of them... Till Dadio told to put a stick in !:)
Such a simple fix!
Ps: e-da-me-me :)

Love, nerdbird

Have I told you I ate an apple the other day?:)

Chillin'

With ma stout!

Randomness

I guess it is time huh?

Quote of the day

“We fall so that we could learn how to pick ourselves up”

Source: Uploaded by user via Teochew-Ah-Nia on Pinterest

 

I think that’s brilliant.  I was munching away my sliced deli meat (a healthier choice than the usual salami slices that I am addicted to.  Then I overheard Bruce Wayne’s dad (sorry folks, I don’t remember his name) said that to Bruce.  I simply loved it.  So I repeated the phrase over and over to myself until Dan thought that my brain was skipping again.

 

Did you hear anything inspiring this past week?  Share it with us!

 

Also, to my dear Milkie Milk studying so hard for her exams – Good luck!  You are already by far the best doc I have consulted.  :)  Jia You oh!!

The New Yorker

Ever since Dr G introduced his addiction of The New Yorker to me 2 years back, i haven't been able to find a better magazine to read whenever i board a plane. It has been a habit. A good habit. I heart the sense of leisure, the lighthearted words, the beauty of it's literature. It's not harsh like Times magazine. It's not solid like National Geography nor it is black and white like Enterpreneur magazines. The New Yorker allow its readers to breath the words at their own pace. I can linger on one sentence as long as i want, and inhale all it's weight and feelings. The world stands still as i twirl my fingers around the letters.

Here's one of my favourite articles. Enjoy!

Nora Ephron

Pain

Is what your body trying to tell you
"I am not okay now, but I will be soon"

Cheers!

Arcadia

Arcadia National Park. Picture snapped at the famous Beehive Trail. They will tell you it's a hike. Don't be fooled. We found ourselves with wobbling knees climbing up the steep rocks to this 500 feet mountain! The view on top was breathtaking! I nearly had a panic attack trying to get down but decided to put forth a brave facade :P The best adventure thus far! :)

I dreamed a dream

My next house, perhaps?

Source: imgfave.com via Teochew-Ah-Nia on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Teochew-Ah-Nia on Pinterest

I Love Thee..

GARBANZO BEANS!!!!

Wake up in the morning, hmmm what should I snack on?  Canned garbanzo beans!!

What shall I bring as lunch at work?  Canned garbanzo beans!!

Come back from work, hungry.. hmm what should I snack on?  Canned garbanzo beans!!

After dinner snack.. canned garbanzo beans!!

Pre-bedtime supper – Garbanzo Beans!!!

Yes, I absolutely love Garbanzo Beans.  Tell me, What’s your favorite snack?

He says:

~ Conan O' Brian.

What have we become?

Have you ever gotten caught in that moment yourself?  When you already have so much greats in your life and you are asking for more?

I was sitting in front of my 46-inch TV, watching my Downton Abbey series away, in Blu-Ray, I started to think, hmm… wouldn’t that be better if we have a TV that’s 10 or 20 inches bigger?

I remember back in the days where a 36-inch TV was the talk of the entire kampung. 

Why is it when one already has something good, one has to ask for something even “better”?  Who is the one to decide what “better” is?  Does bigger = better?  Longer = better? Firmer = better? Hello, can you please wipe that dirty thought off your mind??

I guess it is true when people say “知足常乐”(contentment brings happiness)

 

Note:  Whoa, I turned on my personal laptop this morning and found out that I have an unpublished post sitting here.  Thought I should just click the “publish” button.  So here ya go!  (And no, I did not wake up feeling this like, this was drafted 1.5months ago!)

Simple words to feed the soul

Lee Kuan Yew: The last farewell to my wife

I teared reading his words written from the depths of his aching heart. These are excerpts from his eulogy:

"As a young man with an interrupted education at Raffles College, and no steady job or profession, her parents did not look upon me as a desirable son-in-law. But she had faith in me" 

( Money doesn't buy you a good husband or father; nor does a good faithful , supportive husband or father is determined by a man's wealth )

"We have kept each other company ever since. We married privately in December 1947 at Stratford-upon-Avon. At Cambridge, we both put in our best efforts. She took a first in two years in Law Tripos II. I took a double first, and a starred first for the finals, but in three years."

( It's amazing that these two great minds married, can't imagine the meaningful , intelligent and life changing conversations they had! )

"We knew that we could not stay starry-eyed lovers all our lives; that life was an on-going challenge with new problems to resolve and manage." 

( The old fashion commitment that is getting extinct in our current age. )

"We never argued over the upbringing of our children, nor over financial matters. Our earnings and assets were jointly held. We were each other’s confidant."

"She had simple pleasures. We would walk around the Istana gardens in the evening, and I would hit golf balls to relax. Later, when we had grandchildren, she would take them to feed the fish and the swans in the Istana ponds. Then we would swim."

( He then proceed to share her activities during her leisure time. He became the story teller of her life.)

"She listened to her collection of CDs, mostly classical, plus some golden oldies. She jocularly divided her life into “before stroke” and “after stroke”, like BC and AD."

( Amazing lady who embraces the fact that life has to go on,  no matter how hard you fall. )

" Her last wish she shared with me was to enjoin our children to have our ashes placed together, as we were in life." ( At the end of your days, family is what matters most )

"I have precious memories of our 63 years together. Without her, I would be a different man, with a different life. " ( When we're sitting on our rocking chairs, memories will be our best companion )

"She has lived a life full of warmth and meaning." ( Warmth: The love she graciously shared with people around her, through kind words and gestures; Meaning: Living a life that leaves a positive imprint in another person's life. May i add, kind hearts are quietly kind :)

I should find solace in her 89 years of a life well lived. But at this moment of the final parting, my heart is heavy with sorrow and grief. ( Such simple words to string this emotional sentence that carries with it, the weight of his heart.)