Prose at Raindrops And Dew - "Sky Full of Butterflies"
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
There is hope
for retinitis pigmentosa patients: Breaking News from the Foundation Fighting Blindness
This is good news. Although any "cure" may not be able to reach my father regionally or timely in the near future, I am happy for all sufferers of this genetic disease.
It's so devastasting to know that a non-curable disease is creeping up on you progressively, making you blind one day. At least, they now have hope.
But I will not let my father know about this as the news would cause him more harm than good; a simple case of so near yet so far. I can imagine how he feels at his age and in his condition. During my bad times, I feel so sad ......
This is good news. Although any "cure" may not be able to reach my father regionally or timely in the near future, I am happy for all sufferers of this genetic disease.
It's so devastasting to know that a non-curable disease is creeping up on you progressively, making you blind one day. At least, they now have hope.
But I will not let my father know about this as the news would cause him more harm than good; a simple case of so near yet so far. I can imagine how he feels at his age and in his condition. During my bad times, I feel so sad ......
Thursday, May 22, 2008
American Idol Disappointment
Firstly, I was disappointed at the loss of Michael Johns in the top four.
Like in Achuleta, I see qualities that I felt the world had lost and which should be brought back.
Young David was amazing the last night. He mesmerised the audience and the judges and outshone Cook. He was just great on stage, charismatic and with a presence that overpowered his opponent.
We do not have to be politically correct all the time and we should recognise uniqueness when we see it.
Seriously, it was a singing competition and Archuleta sang really very well, unique in his own way. Cook was straining to hit the notes and his voice was not as powerful as Archuleta or Johns.
Cook may seem more "musical" to some people who thought that that was THE THING that make an American Idol, and I thought to myself, is it or should it be exactly what we are looking for in American Idol? So a mediocre singer who is very "musical" can be an Americal Idol?
Cook won by 12 million votes; someone mentioned landslide victory. It left me wondering why I'm not one of the crowd and I do like rock music.
With no disrespect to Cook, the result left a bad taste in my mouth. The younger David was just too stunning that final night.
I may have more to say later (or not). I'll probably be shot down soon.
Like in Achuleta, I see qualities that I felt the world had lost and which should be brought back.
Young David was amazing the last night. He mesmerised the audience and the judges and outshone Cook. He was just great on stage, charismatic and with a presence that overpowered his opponent.
We do not have to be politically correct all the time and we should recognise uniqueness when we see it.
Seriously, it was a singing competition and Archuleta sang really very well, unique in his own way. Cook was straining to hit the notes and his voice was not as powerful as Archuleta or Johns.
Cook may seem more "musical" to some people who thought that that was THE THING that make an American Idol, and I thought to myself, is it or should it be exactly what we are looking for in American Idol? So a mediocre singer who is very "musical" can be an Americal Idol?
Cook won by 12 million votes; someone mentioned landslide victory. It left me wondering why I'm not one of the crowd and I do like rock music.
With no disrespect to Cook, the result left a bad taste in my mouth. The younger David was just too stunning that final night.
I may have more to say later (or not). I'll probably be shot down soon.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
AI - Top 10
Tonight, Amanda was voted off. I think it should have been Kristy Lee Cook. Amanda should have been given a chance to go on tour as she should be able to give more interesting performances than Kristy who I find is pretty boring. Well, America has voted and Kristy gets to meet Dolly Parton.
That said, I think Michael Johns should be in the top two this season. To me, he's already a star. He has a great voice and a good range. I think he can tackle almost any songs which is why he hasn't find his niche yet. Maybe he should try do a good soul song next week and he should have more confidence in himself. He's very good.
The other star is David Archuleta. He has a big voice and hits the right pitch most of the time. I think he should stick to the songs he can sing well. If he needs to do a fast song, he can do something like 'Shop Around' which he did pretty good.
That said, I think Michael Johns should be in the top two this season. To me, he's already a star. He has a great voice and a good range. I think he can tackle almost any songs which is why he hasn't find his niche yet. Maybe he should try do a good soul song next week and he should have more confidence in himself. He's very good.
The other star is David Archuleta. He has a big voice and hits the right pitch most of the time. I think he should stick to the songs he can sing well. If he needs to do a fast song, he can do something like 'Shop Around' which he did pretty good.
Article - Rosemary (unedited 1st draft)
LIVING WITH HERBS
Herbs are seed-bearing plants that contain powerful stimulating nutrients which are used widely traditionally and currently by herbalists. The leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, bark, berries and other parts of herbs are widely used in culinary, medicinal and aromatherapy fields.
The remarkable properties of herbs are constantly being researched and confirmed scientific reports would lend credibility to the therapeutic properties of herbs. Nonetheless, herbs had been widely used historically and traditionally in alternative healing therapies.
ROSEMARY FOR REMEMBRANCE
Rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub, native to the Mediterranean area. It is a member of the mint family. The top of the long glossy and strongly scented needle-like leaves are dark green in colour while silver-white on the underside. The flowers are small and may be blue, white or pink, depending on the species.
History
In ancient times, rosemary was associated with remembrance, memory and fidelity. To help them remember their studies, Greek scholars wore rosemary in their hair. This association has carried through to modern times. It became a symbol of remembrance. There is a western custom of casting sprigs of rosemary on to the coffin when it had been lowered into the grave and leaving rosemary at graveyards. It is also an emblem of fidelity and is often included in bridal bouquets.
Benefits and Uses
Rosemary is known as the herb of remembrance and used in aromatherapy treatments to invigorate and stimulate the mind, body and spirit. The aromatic leaves and parts of the flowers contain a volatile oil. This fragrant oil is used in making perfume and toiletry products such as shampoo, cream and lotion.
The leaves and flowers can be infused into a tea and is believed to relieve headaches, colic and colds with a calming effect on the nervous system.
Fresh or dried rosemary leaves can also be used as seasoning or marinade for meat such as beef, lamb and chicken. It is also used to flavour bread, cheese and butter and popularly used in traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
Therapeutic Properties
Rosemary is believed to boost the memory and increase alertness. Its crisp and clean smelling essential oil invigorates the mind, stimulates the brain and the circulatory system and has a calming effect on the nerves. Hence, it helps relieve headaches, migraines, mental fatigue, depression and congested respiratory tract problems. Since rosemary improves blood circulation, avoid using it in the late evening as it may keep you awake. Avoid using rosemary if you are pregnant or suffer from high blood pressure or epilepsy.
Rosemary may be burned with juniper berries to disinfect and purify the air. They are also used in aromatherapy treatments. The essential oil of rosemary can be used externally to relieve muscular pains, pain in rheumatism and arthritis. Since rosemary oil is a natural deep heat, it can be mixed with juniper in a base oil for an invigorating massage. However, do not massage over swollen or painful joints.
It is also believed to stimulate growth of hair follicles and promotes blood circulation of the scalp. Its astringent property in its tannin content helps in the treatment of diarrhea and reduce excessive menstrual flow. It also acts as a carminative to ease colic and dyspeptic disorders.
Remembering Rosemary
So remember rosemary’s impressive healing qualities. Enjoy its distinctive scent and improve concentration by adding rosemary oil to an essential oil burner. Awaken the body with a rosemary scented morning bath. Take advantage of its warm penetrating effect in a massage to relieve pain and detoxify the body.
So remember this wonderful stimulant when your brain is tired. Remember its invigorating properties in increasing mental alertness and improving memory. Rosemary is for remembrance.
JUNIPER BERRY FOR PROTECTION
Genièvre is French for juniper berry, a word in which Gin, a juniper berry flavoured spirit is named after. Besides its use in making martinis, it’s widely used by herbalist in treating congestive heart failure, gonorrhea and urinary tract infections. It is also known for its diuretic properties.
Juniper is a small shrub, between 4 to 5 feet high, widely found growing in the Northern Hemisphere. It can be commonly found where limestone occurs. Its berries which are actually not berries but a portion of its cone, take two or three years to ripen so it is common to see both blue berries and unripe green berries on the same plant.
Juniper berry has a pungent peppery and camphorous fragrance. The needles have a turpentinelike scent called juniper tar. Having similar properties as cedar wood, juniper berry also acts as a wool moth repellent.
Traditionally, juniper was used for protection, planted at entrances of homes to guard against evil and ghosts. The branches were burnt to ward off contagious diseases and it was believed that they were burned in hospitals as an antiseptic when supplies of drugs ran low. It was also known to be used to stimulate menstruation and childbirth.
Uses and therapeutic properties
Juniper tea can be made by adding 1 tablespoon of juniper berries and steeping for about 20 minutes. It has antiseptic and astringent properties. It also brings relief to the aches of sore muscles, rheumatism and arthritis. Besides aiding digestion, it also increases urination and hence, washes out the urinary tracts.
It is widely used as a spice in European cuisine. The berries can be added whole or slightly crushed to a variety of dishes such as sauerkraut.
Its volatile oil is extensively used in aromatherapy treatments. Fresh berries yield the highest quality oil but needles, branches and berries that have already been distilled to flavour gin may also be used. This essential oil is used in massage oils and baths to treat arthritic and rheumatic pain, varicose veins, fluid retention and bladder infection. Inhaling the steam of juniper's oil is also believed to relieve bronchial congestion and bronchial spasms, besides lifting up your spirits to ocunter general debility. It can also be used cosmetically in treatment for acne and eczema, and added to shampoos to treat dandruff or greasy hair.
However, juniper can overstimute the kidneys so people with kidney impairment should be weary about juniper's overpowerin properties.
VOLATILITY OF HERBS
Herbs are usually used in small amounts and its essential oil may be volatile. In this sense, small quantities can be healthy and beneficial but in large quantities, they may lead be toxic to the liver. However, if used with caution and in the correct proportion, benefits are vast and should not be elusive.
So, why not try living with rosemary and juniper berry, and see the change in your world.
Herbs are seed-bearing plants that contain powerful stimulating nutrients which are used widely traditionally and currently by herbalists. The leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, bark, berries and other parts of herbs are widely used in culinary, medicinal and aromatherapy fields.
The remarkable properties of herbs are constantly being researched and confirmed scientific reports would lend credibility to the therapeutic properties of herbs. Nonetheless, herbs had been widely used historically and traditionally in alternative healing therapies.
ROSEMARY FOR REMEMBRANCE
Rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub, native to the Mediterranean area. It is a member of the mint family. The top of the long glossy and strongly scented needle-like leaves are dark green in colour while silver-white on the underside. The flowers are small and may be blue, white or pink, depending on the species.
History
In ancient times, rosemary was associated with remembrance, memory and fidelity. To help them remember their studies, Greek scholars wore rosemary in their hair. This association has carried through to modern times. It became a symbol of remembrance. There is a western custom of casting sprigs of rosemary on to the coffin when it had been lowered into the grave and leaving rosemary at graveyards. It is also an emblem of fidelity and is often included in bridal bouquets.
Benefits and Uses
Rosemary is known as the herb of remembrance and used in aromatherapy treatments to invigorate and stimulate the mind, body and spirit. The aromatic leaves and parts of the flowers contain a volatile oil. This fragrant oil is used in making perfume and toiletry products such as shampoo, cream and lotion.
The leaves and flowers can be infused into a tea and is believed to relieve headaches, colic and colds with a calming effect on the nervous system.
Fresh or dried rosemary leaves can also be used as seasoning or marinade for meat such as beef, lamb and chicken. It is also used to flavour bread, cheese and butter and popularly used in traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
Therapeutic Properties
Rosemary is believed to boost the memory and increase alertness. Its crisp and clean smelling essential oil invigorates the mind, stimulates the brain and the circulatory system and has a calming effect on the nerves. Hence, it helps relieve headaches, migraines, mental fatigue, depression and congested respiratory tract problems. Since rosemary improves blood circulation, avoid using it in the late evening as it may keep you awake. Avoid using rosemary if you are pregnant or suffer from high blood pressure or epilepsy.
Rosemary may be burned with juniper berries to disinfect and purify the air. They are also used in aromatherapy treatments. The essential oil of rosemary can be used externally to relieve muscular pains, pain in rheumatism and arthritis. Since rosemary oil is a natural deep heat, it can be mixed with juniper in a base oil for an invigorating massage. However, do not massage over swollen or painful joints.
It is also believed to stimulate growth of hair follicles and promotes blood circulation of the scalp. Its astringent property in its tannin content helps in the treatment of diarrhea and reduce excessive menstrual flow. It also acts as a carminative to ease colic and dyspeptic disorders.
Remembering Rosemary
So remember rosemary’s impressive healing qualities. Enjoy its distinctive scent and improve concentration by adding rosemary oil to an essential oil burner. Awaken the body with a rosemary scented morning bath. Take advantage of its warm penetrating effect in a massage to relieve pain and detoxify the body.
So remember this wonderful stimulant when your brain is tired. Remember its invigorating properties in increasing mental alertness and improving memory. Rosemary is for remembrance.
JUNIPER BERRY FOR PROTECTION
Genièvre is French for juniper berry, a word in which Gin, a juniper berry flavoured spirit is named after. Besides its use in making martinis, it’s widely used by herbalist in treating congestive heart failure, gonorrhea and urinary tract infections. It is also known for its diuretic properties.
Juniper is a small shrub, between 4 to 5 feet high, widely found growing in the Northern Hemisphere. It can be commonly found where limestone occurs. Its berries which are actually not berries but a portion of its cone, take two or three years to ripen so it is common to see both blue berries and unripe green berries on the same plant.
Juniper berry has a pungent peppery and camphorous fragrance. The needles have a turpentinelike scent called juniper tar. Having similar properties as cedar wood, juniper berry also acts as a wool moth repellent.
Traditionally, juniper was used for protection, planted at entrances of homes to guard against evil and ghosts. The branches were burnt to ward off contagious diseases and it was believed that they were burned in hospitals as an antiseptic when supplies of drugs ran low. It was also known to be used to stimulate menstruation and childbirth.
Uses and therapeutic properties
Juniper tea can be made by adding 1 tablespoon of juniper berries and steeping for about 20 minutes. It has antiseptic and astringent properties. It also brings relief to the aches of sore muscles, rheumatism and arthritis. Besides aiding digestion, it also increases urination and hence, washes out the urinary tracts.
It is widely used as a spice in European cuisine. The berries can be added whole or slightly crushed to a variety of dishes such as sauerkraut.
Its volatile oil is extensively used in aromatherapy treatments. Fresh berries yield the highest quality oil but needles, branches and berries that have already been distilled to flavour gin may also be used. This essential oil is used in massage oils and baths to treat arthritic and rheumatic pain, varicose veins, fluid retention and bladder infection. Inhaling the steam of juniper's oil is also believed to relieve bronchial congestion and bronchial spasms, besides lifting up your spirits to ocunter general debility. It can also be used cosmetically in treatment for acne and eczema, and added to shampoos to treat dandruff or greasy hair.
However, juniper can overstimute the kidneys so people with kidney impairment should be weary about juniper's overpowerin properties.
VOLATILITY OF HERBS
Herbs are usually used in small amounts and its essential oil may be volatile. In this sense, small quantities can be healthy and beneficial but in large quantities, they may lead be toxic to the liver. However, if used with caution and in the correct proportion, benefits are vast and should not be elusive.
So, why not try living with rosemary and juniper berry, and see the change in your world.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Five Things That Bring You Joy
At DavidM's
My comments posted there today:-
"One thing that have been bringing me joy everyday for the past week is the shallot sprouting from the little pot in my kitchen. Every night when I came home from work and as I washed my dishes, I saw the little green shoots growing higher and higher. The other day I saw another shoot sprouting from the other shallot that I had planted.
These shoots are not like the big and fat green onions I can get at the market because of the tiny pot they are growing in but they do come in handy like today when I harvested the longer ones to garnish my fried rice."
I plan to grow some garlic for its shoots. I wonder how they taste like. I also intend to plant a chilli pepper plant for its firey pepper.
My comments posted there today:-
"One thing that have been bringing me joy everyday for the past week is the shallot sprouting from the little pot in my kitchen. Every night when I came home from work and as I washed my dishes, I saw the little green shoots growing higher and higher. The other day I saw another shoot sprouting from the other shallot that I had planted.
These shoots are not like the big and fat green onions I can get at the market because of the tiny pot they are growing in but they do come in handy like today when I harvested the longer ones to garnish my fried rice."
I plan to grow some garlic for its shoots. I wonder how they taste like. I also intend to plant a chilli pepper plant for its firey pepper.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Goodbye Moxie
Angie has decided to say goodbye to Moxie. http://lipjack.blogspot.com/
I read her last post via bloglines and wanted to leave a note but was not able to access the blog as it has been closed. I loved reading her posts and loved her beautiful photography.
Angie, if you're reading this, I hope you'll let me have your flickr address. Good luck with all your endeavours.
I read her last post via bloglines and wanted to leave a note but was not able to access the blog as it has been closed. I loved reading her posts and loved her beautiful photography.
Angie, if you're reading this, I hope you'll let me have your flickr address. Good luck with all your endeavours.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
AI Season 7-Girls
Four girls stood out for me: Asia'd, Ramiele, Syesha and Carly Smithson.
However, unlike the boys, not one single girl was particularly outstanding or have enough charisma to fill the stage.
I think the best female voice belongs to Carly but she's not very interesting despite her strong vocals. If I need to pick a favourite here, it'll be Ramiele but I don't think she's going to win. The next bet is, though not my favourite, Syesha who seems just the right package for American Idol.
However, unlike the boys, not one single girl was particularly outstanding or have enough charisma to fill the stage.
I think the best female voice belongs to Carly but she's not very interesting despite her strong vocals. If I need to pick a favourite here, it'll be Ramiele but I don't think she's going to win. The next bet is, though not my favourite, Syesha who seems just the right package for American Idol.
Some sort of Game
Plans For 2008
http://dmascellani.livejournal.com/65391.html tagged me for this game “Plans for 2008” so here are my answers.
IN 2008
1. Will you be looking for a new job?
My current job is tough and takes up a lot of my time but people here are understanding. After a wobbly start and some unexpected unpleasantness, I am now more settled in. I’ll see how it goes. But it may be a different story if a new job comes looking for me.
2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?
Yes, a business relationship with an editor or a publisher.
I’m not in a romantic relationship at the moment and though not proactively looking for one, I won’t say no, if one comes along.
3. New house?
Maybe.
4. What will you do differently in 2008?
I am going to be everything I was not in 2007 (and before that) when I was in my old job. Whatever flaws I saw myself having which had led to unpleasantness and irreversible bad impressions of me, whether through faults of mine or not, I will try to fix them.
I want to make my relationships with my bosses and colleagues work better and try to avoid the pitfalls I was once in. I’m not trying to please everyone but just want to be a better person, with more patience to tolerate people and situations which are not what I expect or anticipate.
5. New Year’s resolution?
Yes, similar to #4 and the usual stuff regarding my writing plus a little personal involvement in charity work (may not materialise this year because of time constraint).
6. What will you not be doing in 2008?
I’m pretty sure I won’t be getting married in 2008.
7. Any trips planned?
No long trips on my own. Just the usual stuff with my family during local holidays.
8. Wedding?
Mine? No. Colleagues? Yes. Three, I think.
9. Major things on your calendar?
Not at the moment.
10. What can’t you wait for?
My retirement from work; to see my fictions or poems published but seriously, this is not going to happen if I can’t have the time to properly write or revise my work, least of all studiously send in submissions.
11. What would you like to see happen differently?
Family and work wise, many things could have happened differently if I had better choices or insights.
However great my new job is now, I would have liked it if things were different at my old job. It’s a place I should have retired in.
12. What about yourself will you be changing?
I’m already changed. Well, I can lose some weight but otherwise, I am dressing better and putting in more attention to my look before I go to work in the morning (no choice here, I guess).
I'll try to have more patience with things, people and situations. I'll try to refrain from saying too much and putting my foot in my mouth more than necessary.
Emotionally wise, I think I need to “let go” of things. I tend to think too much, dwell on past situations and have all the “what ifs” filling up my brain and clogging my emotions. I have difficulty shaking off bad feelings over injustices done (within my personal space). In a way, being tremendously busy with work and family helps alleviate these bad habits.
13. What happened in 2007 that you didn’t think would ever happen?
Nothing that I can think of.
14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about?
I’m already 100% nice to them and will continue to be so.
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in 2007?
Yes, see #12.
16. Will you start or quit drinking?
I drink wine and certain cocktails occasionally. I don’t drink hard liquor. I’m happy with the situation.
17. Will you better your relationship with your family?
I put in 100% of my effort to make things work in my relationship with my family and if there’s a 101% or more, it’ll be that.
18. Will you be nice to people you don’t know?
I’m usually nice to everyone unless they choose to deal with my dark side.
19. Do you expect 2008 to be a good year for you?
Work wise, it’s going to be tough year but a good one.
20. How much did you change from this time last year until now?
About a 270 degree turn.
21. Do you plan on having a child?
Until I meet the right partner, no.
22. What are/were your plans for New Year’s Eve?
No plans for the eve but had family plans for New Year Day.
23. Will you/ did you have someone to kiss at midnight?
No.
24. One wish for 2008….
I’ll echo David’s thoughtful wish “That my family and friends find inner peace and contentment.”
Thanks, David.
I tag Liz (blue sky and all, game for this?).
http://dmascellani.livejournal.com/65391.html tagged me for this game “Plans for 2008” so here are my answers.
IN 2008
1. Will you be looking for a new job?
My current job is tough and takes up a lot of my time but people here are understanding. After a wobbly start and some unexpected unpleasantness, I am now more settled in. I’ll see how it goes. But it may be a different story if a new job comes looking for me.
2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?
Yes, a business relationship with an editor or a publisher.
I’m not in a romantic relationship at the moment and though not proactively looking for one, I won’t say no, if one comes along.
3. New house?
Maybe.
4. What will you do differently in 2008?
I am going to be everything I was not in 2007 (and before that) when I was in my old job. Whatever flaws I saw myself having which had led to unpleasantness and irreversible bad impressions of me, whether through faults of mine or not, I will try to fix them.
I want to make my relationships with my bosses and colleagues work better and try to avoid the pitfalls I was once in. I’m not trying to please everyone but just want to be a better person, with more patience to tolerate people and situations which are not what I expect or anticipate.
5. New Year’s resolution?
Yes, similar to #4 and the usual stuff regarding my writing plus a little personal involvement in charity work (may not materialise this year because of time constraint).
6. What will you not be doing in 2008?
I’m pretty sure I won’t be getting married in 2008.
7. Any trips planned?
No long trips on my own. Just the usual stuff with my family during local holidays.
8. Wedding?
Mine? No. Colleagues? Yes. Three, I think.
9. Major things on your calendar?
Not at the moment.
10. What can’t you wait for?
My retirement from work; to see my fictions or poems published but seriously, this is not going to happen if I can’t have the time to properly write or revise my work, least of all studiously send in submissions.
11. What would you like to see happen differently?
Family and work wise, many things could have happened differently if I had better choices or insights.
However great my new job is now, I would have liked it if things were different at my old job. It’s a place I should have retired in.
12. What about yourself will you be changing?
I’m already changed. Well, I can lose some weight but otherwise, I am dressing better and putting in more attention to my look before I go to work in the morning (no choice here, I guess).
I'll try to have more patience with things, people and situations. I'll try to refrain from saying too much and putting my foot in my mouth more than necessary.
Emotionally wise, I think I need to “let go” of things. I tend to think too much, dwell on past situations and have all the “what ifs” filling up my brain and clogging my emotions. I have difficulty shaking off bad feelings over injustices done (within my personal space). In a way, being tremendously busy with work and family helps alleviate these bad habits.
13. What happened in 2007 that you didn’t think would ever happen?
Nothing that I can think of.
14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about?
I’m already 100% nice to them and will continue to be so.
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in 2007?
Yes, see #12.
16. Will you start or quit drinking?
I drink wine and certain cocktails occasionally. I don’t drink hard liquor. I’m happy with the situation.
17. Will you better your relationship with your family?
I put in 100% of my effort to make things work in my relationship with my family and if there’s a 101% or more, it’ll be that.
18. Will you be nice to people you don’t know?
I’m usually nice to everyone unless they choose to deal with my dark side.
19. Do you expect 2008 to be a good year for you?
Work wise, it’s going to be tough year but a good one.
20. How much did you change from this time last year until now?
About a 270 degree turn.
21. Do you plan on having a child?
Until I meet the right partner, no.
22. What are/were your plans for New Year’s Eve?
No plans for the eve but had family plans for New Year Day.
23. Will you/ did you have someone to kiss at midnight?
No.
24. One wish for 2008….
I’ll echo David’s thoughtful wish “That my family and friends find inner peace and contentment.”
Thanks, David.
I tag Liz (blue sky and all, game for this?).
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Back in action
for the time being.
Work:
I was extremely busy at work after taking on a new client in mid December last year. We had to put in a lot of time working with the new shareholder and director who had just taken over the company and was trying to weed out previous ties.
Chinese New Year
fell on 7 February this year. Tomorrow is the 15th day:
"Yuan Xiao - The Chinese Valentine's Day The 15th day is also being referred to as the Chinese Valentine's day. On this day, many single girls will gather at the riverside upstream to toss mandarin oranges into the river, with the hope that the right single men who await downstream, will pick up the oranges. It is believed that this act will bring the person to his/her right match. So it's no surprise the mandarin oranges will sell really well on that day.
Of course, Chinese who originated from different area of China might have different New Year tradition and practices. For instance, in Hong Kong, people believe that the first person who puts a joss stick into the temple's offering altar, will be having good luck for the rest of the year. You can imagine the crowd outside the temple at the dawn of the Lunar New Year. " (taken from here http://www.knowingfood.com/story/lunar_new_year.html)
In case anyone wants to know, we don't "seriously" throw oranges anymore.
American Idol Season 7-Men:
I think David Archuleta is just so good. Like what Simon said, "When you've got it, you've got it." He's so natural on stage and he's so young. He has a natural good singing voice but needs to work on his range. His low notes were a bit wobbly.
In the earlier round, I also liked David Cook and Michael Johns. I think Michael is pretty consistent but is feeling the pressure more now. He needs to have more confidence in himself to perform well. He can turn out to be very professional. I like David Cook's rocker voice and although he still sang well, he was not standing out much tonight.
I didn't manage to watch Jason Carlos in the preliminary but he sounds good in this round. We'll see how he goes from here.
Meme:
David M has tagged me for a game "Plans for 2008" http://dmascellani.livejournal.com/65391.html, which I shall be posting soon. Stay tune.
Work:
I was extremely busy at work after taking on a new client in mid December last year. We had to put in a lot of time working with the new shareholder and director who had just taken over the company and was trying to weed out previous ties.
Chinese New Year
fell on 7 February this year. Tomorrow is the 15th day:
"Yuan Xiao - The Chinese Valentine's Day The 15th day is also being referred to as the Chinese Valentine's day. On this day, many single girls will gather at the riverside upstream to toss mandarin oranges into the river, with the hope that the right single men who await downstream, will pick up the oranges. It is believed that this act will bring the person to his/her right match. So it's no surprise the mandarin oranges will sell really well on that day.
Of course, Chinese who originated from different area of China might have different New Year tradition and practices. For instance, in Hong Kong, people believe that the first person who puts a joss stick into the temple's offering altar, will be having good luck for the rest of the year. You can imagine the crowd outside the temple at the dawn of the Lunar New Year. " (taken from here http://www.knowingfood.com/story/lunar_new_year.html)
In case anyone wants to know, we don't "seriously" throw oranges anymore.
American Idol Season 7-Men:
I think David Archuleta is just so good. Like what Simon said, "When you've got it, you've got it." He's so natural on stage and he's so young. He has a natural good singing voice but needs to work on his range. His low notes were a bit wobbly.
In the earlier round, I also liked David Cook and Michael Johns. I think Michael is pretty consistent but is feeling the pressure more now. He needs to have more confidence in himself to perform well. He can turn out to be very professional. I like David Cook's rocker voice and although he still sang well, he was not standing out much tonight.
I didn't manage to watch Jason Carlos in the preliminary but he sounds good in this round. We'll see how he goes from here.
Meme:
David M has tagged me for a game "Plans for 2008" http://dmascellani.livejournal.com/65391.html, which I shall be posting soon. Stay tune.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year
Hope everyone will have a great year.
2007 ended with a sour note in Asia with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto on 27 December, in defiance of my Christmas wish for world peace. I know, most times, wishes never come true. So, I don't expect much will happen to realise my other wish for an end to global warming. Shall the human species perish like people trapped in a house on fire?
Sorry for the bleak intro here but every New Year Day when I think of the past year, I don't get much satisfaction from what had gone by, both globally and personally. Well, hope that's just me and that everyone else is feeling great.
As usual, my new year resolution would be to spend more time on my writing. I want to get at least one prose fiction and one poetry published somewhere this year. So I guess, I need to get cracking with whatever revisions and editings I have to do on some old work or write new ones with better care and techniques.
My second resolution is to stick with my present day job despite the difficulties I face with new cultures and new approaches to handling work and despite that it leaves me very little time to write. During the three months with this company, I had attended twenty-one meetings and had met so many people (collegues and clients) that my head is still spinning. Still, I hope to retire in this job when the time comes and then to concentrate on creative writing. So I don't see myself being seriously published until then, even then, hopefully.
2007 ended with a sour note in Asia with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto on 27 December, in defiance of my Christmas wish for world peace. I know, most times, wishes never come true. So, I don't expect much will happen to realise my other wish for an end to global warming. Shall the human species perish like people trapped in a house on fire?
Sorry for the bleak intro here but every New Year Day when I think of the past year, I don't get much satisfaction from what had gone by, both globally and personally. Well, hope that's just me and that everyone else is feeling great.
As usual, my new year resolution would be to spend more time on my writing. I want to get at least one prose fiction and one poetry published somewhere this year. So I guess, I need to get cracking with whatever revisions and editings I have to do on some old work or write new ones with better care and techniques.
My second resolution is to stick with my present day job despite the difficulties I face with new cultures and new approaches to handling work and despite that it leaves me very little time to write. During the three months with this company, I had attended twenty-one meetings and had met so many people (collegues and clients) that my head is still spinning. Still, I hope to retire in this job when the time comes and then to concentrate on creative writing. So I don't see myself being seriously published until then, even then, hopefully.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
