Wrapping Up

2011 is drawing to a close, and that means it is time for me to gaze back into the past year and see how I flair with my 2011.  What better tool than Facebook when all one needs to do is to go back to one's wall and it chronologically flashes back the year in review for you just like that.  It boils down to a few things it does.
      

My year started off with a surprise birthday party of a lifetime and ended with an enjoyable month-long vacation.  That just about sums it up nicely doesn't it?  And in between, I have been on snowy land, burnt like a lobster, witnessed the autumn foliage and cruised sandy deserts. Simply can't ask for more. 

The greatest achievement of all time has to be the success of conquering the fear of heights.  No more sweaty palms as such when I stood tall in the world's tallest buildings.  The fact that I was invited to be the editor for my friend's book has been the most honourable thing I have engaged myself in.  Producing blog posts on a regular basis becomes quite a chore but I am glad blogging remains purposefully fun and that my readership has doubled compared to the year before.  Oh...and by the way I managed to change my favourite password "letmein" to something less predictable!!

On the less glorious ground, I have played numerous games of golf and still struggling to find the sweet spot! Wore killer dress which barely fit and managed to trot with a pair of 3-inch heels on for an entire night - now that's a record.   Reunited with some friends whom I haven't met for two decades and realised just how old I really am.  My alcohol tolerance level has also been an obvious aging indicator of mine throughout the year, which reminds me - I am not to embarrass myself any more in front of anyone in the coming year - I promise.

Thank you for sticking with me and lent me your generous support when I was most in need of constructive advice (you know who you are).    I am super-duperly grateful to the year, granted with good health, great food, surrounded by ultra kindliness and that I have friends and family around always to share life's little treasures with.

Before I sign off, I would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous new year of the invincible Dragon!  Cheers!

What's Worth Going Under The Knife For?

Here is a disturbing trend: Between 1996 and 2010 the number of teenagers aged 13-19 having elective cosmetic surgery has increased by 548%.  From around 14,000 procedures to 76,841 last year, according to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

I was most perplexed to read news about some parents offering their kids bigger eyes and larger breasts as Christmas gifts!  Our society is fast becoming a cookie cutter and not one person has a unique image.

Instead of the pure obsession with breast augmentations, can we ask for a bigger soul to love each other?

Instead of the sheer hollowness in eye enlargements, would anyone care to ask for a widening in horizons?

We are all making a list and checking it twice.  Gonna find out who's stupid and wise!

Can't See Can Tee?

Hit the driving range this morning, bored the daylight out of me and got distracted by this golfer in front. 


He was consistently hitting the sweetest sweet spot annoying everybody and I soon came to realise - he's blind!

Yes.  Blind as in visually impaired and can't see.

I am blind too, I mean, 1) I can't see the words on his t-shirt until much later.  2) I kept miss hitting the ball.  I MUST be blind!

He has this coach next to him who, prior to his every stroke, assisted in describing distance, direction and helped with club head alignment behind the ball.  From this point, the man was pretty much on his own.


This person in front couldn't see, yet he was hitting perfect shots. 

The person behind him can see, yet hers was all over the place. 

A valuable lesson learnt today - golf IS for anyone who wishes to play.  

When there's a will, there's a way.   

I Love Golf. I Love It Not. Love It. Not

I sometimes wonder how much I actually love playing golf - a game which essentially means focusing to wack a white ball into a 3-inch hole using different sticks!  And then repeat 18 times of that, which easily takes up half a day. 

For the numerous sports I have endured, I think it is safe to conclude I loathe golf.  There's nothing more depressing than playing a terrible round of golf in which you were really excited about. 

The harder I wanted to hit good shots and shoot for lower scores, the worse I played.  The problem was, no matter what method or gimmick you tried, no matter how much money you spent on clubs and lessons, no matter how much you practised, you still missed a shot or two at worse, sliced and hooked at best!   

Most frustrating.

And yet do you know what frustrates me even more?  It is the fact that I don't want to give up! 

Reason being: I just can't quite get myself to accept I am never going to be good at hitting a tiny ball and see it flying in the air over a long stretch of field, calling penalties on myself every now and then, before it finally goes into a hole!

Even typing this out makes this sports sound like something ridiculous.  There you go...an entire post devoted to the hatred of golf!

I know this is reading more like a whiny diary entry than one of my normal blogs but I have a feeling every golfer has been here before.  I just need to get it out of my head, it probably wont repeat.

Vacation To-Do-List

Over dinner, my father was asking me what I plan to do for my upcoming long vacation.


I thought I had it all figured out and I happily told him the list of things I have planned for, the people I am meeting and the places I am heading to. 


"A whole lot of planning goes into this time of year, kid.  Why not put yourself on that list of things as well?"  

Right.  Point taken.

It's like what they say in the safety demonstrations on plane rides. 

"Please place your oxygen mask on yourself before you tend to your child."

To-do-list No. 1: An invigorating full body massage tomorrow is in order!

Feet On The Ground, Head In The Cloud

My home PC went on strike the other night, where the blue WordPerfect 5.1 screen of death got me down and missing DLL files made me frown.

I did the requisite rain dance but things were still wonky.  Panic attack led me to believe it was time for some extreme action - either reboot and reinstall Windows or...perhaps look into switching OS. 

I also took the opportunity to tap into what the world is buzzing about - cloud computing. 

I think so far, the best part of cloud computing has been that wonderful use of the word "cloud". 

Telling users their data is in the cloud is like telling a kid his dog has gone to -  doggie heaven. You and I know there is no doggie heaven as such and likewise, your data isn't floating in a cloud so to speak.  It is in fact, residing in a datacentre somewhere in a rural part of the world.
 

Honestly, none of that cloudy concept is new.  Think Hotmail, your Blog, your Facebook.  All of them aren't stored in your local hard drive, but are accessed by an umbilical cord linked to the internet.  How new is that?  But somehow it became ever so cool when Apple does it with the introduction of iCloud.

With iCloud, I can keep all devices on the same page with all my stuff. Take a photo on my iPhone and the photo got shot up to doggie heaven cloud and then rain falls back down into my iPad and whatever else I have as long as it's - made by Apple.

The trend is basically saying, as more and more of our data evaporates off our hard drive and ascend into doggie heaven, Steve Jobs up there will get more control over us.

I suppose a lot us will like to have it both ways i.e. feet on the ground, head in the cloud.  Down the line though, we may be forced to decide: If I can totally trust doggie heaven / Steve Jobs in heaven, does it mean I can demote my home PC entirely?

Simple (Is) Better

Just as Chinese characters have a traditional and a simplified version, I discovered the same applies to good old conversational English!

Let's compare the Queen's English with some Singaporean English (Singlish), which I came to master.


Briton : Hello, my name is Bond.  James Bond.  Did anyone call for me a few moments ago?

Singaporean : Hello, who called?


Briton : I beg your pardon Sir, but we don't seem to have what you are looking for.  If you could just bear with me for a moment, I can certainly call another outlet of ours and run a check.

Singaporean : Wait ah...I check for you.

Briton : Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me to enter through this door?

Singaporean : Can pass or not?

Briton : What do you propose we do before dinner?

Singaporean : So how?

Briton : Hey, put your wallet away, the drink is on me.

Singaporean : No need lah.

Briton : I am terribly sorry, I could have said so earlier if circumstances allowed that.

Singaporean : Aiya, I would say so if I could leh.

Briton : Under no circumstances you are allowed to cheat

Singaporean  :  You die die can't cheat one.


A Singaporean will tell you "Simple better".  Let's put aside the grammatical context of that two-word sentence (didn't know a sentence can be that short for a starter)!

Exactly.  That on its own, forms a brilliant demonstration of the sheer efficiency and effectiveness of communicating with the astonishing - Singlish!

Simplifying A Classic Mathematical Problem

A decadent box of chocolates adorned the living room.  

When Audrey saw it, she couldn't resist and ate 1/6 of the box.
Then along came Betty who refused to admit she ate 1/5 of what Audrey has left in the box.
Hungry Benson arrived, took out 1/4 of the chocolates that remained.
Later that day, Mandy happily finished off 1/3 of the remaining.
By the time I returned home, I managed to have 1/2 of what was left.
When my sister Amy discovered the delicacy (much later), only 4 pieces were scattered inside the box.

Just what did Audrey manage to have?

Apart from a clogged brain, she might have...Diabetes! 

LOL

You Are The Apple Of My Eye

I first came across this idiom from Stevie Wonder's song "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life"...its lyrics goes like this...

You are the sunshine of my life. That's why I'll always be around.
You are the apple of my eye. Forever you'll stay in my heart.


It means someone pleasantly sweet and of great worth, whom you cherish above all others.  Just like our eyesight.  It is so precious, if someone is called this as an endearment - is deemed equally precious.

They don't seem to write flowery songs like this now, do they?  And I wonder why. 

What is it that gives the great ballads their special feel and flavour that kept us playing the oldies over and over?

Call me old-fashioned but I am thinking there was something much more nuanced and subtle alive in the music world back then, harmony-wise, lyrics-wise and in many ways I struggle to describe.

May be...gone were those days.  

It is awesome to have movie like this one, which steers us to reminisce the old, revalue the current and relive what comes in future.   

Email Etiquette

I come across this a lot at work: 

It is my job to respond to emails because some people expect an immediate response via email, even though it is not seemingly urgent. 
 
What a sad state of affairs - we have all become professional email responders, haven't we?  

Realistically, it is essential that we respond to emails but I never think email should be considered as an "immediate response" type of tool in a matter of urgency when you have something called IM, which denotes "Instant Messaging" and that's exactly what it is there for.  Alternatively, we can simply call the party by picking up the good old tool called a "desk phone"  - which probably has been taking up a corner of your desk collecting dust as we speak. 

You don't sit in front of your mailbox waiting for mail to arrive.  You will go fetch it when you can, deal with it in your own time and you are not going to let the pile of mails upset you when you see them.  Why should we treat emails any differently?

Hello...I hope we don't have to slap ourselves every now and then to remind us we are humans and that we are capable of dealing with things such as...electronic mails.  

The Various Friendship Kinds

Have you ever think of the many different types of friends we can have. 

There are those who you deal with only on a professional level where professional and business etiquette must be practiced.

There are those party friends who you would immediately think of when you want some bit of fun and that they are great to be hanging out with.

There will always be some which seem to have a solution for just about everything...Some zen friends who are permanently non-stress, do you have some of those?

Some, you would only think of when your bank balance is fast depleting and you needed someone to pay your dinner bills.  Then on the other hand, there will be some who will only pop up when they want to ask you for some favours. 

Some are hard to catch, they are almost always never there when you called but then you haven't quite given up on them just yet.

There are of course some buddies whom you grow old with, that you know each other so well that you can share the most intimate hair (I meant fears) and sentiments with.

There are also those special kinds that you think of from time to time, but never have the gut to pick up the phone and call.  Whose voices you so long to hear, opportunity presents itself every now and then but you just never quite grasp the chances on time for a meet up.  

Some, how ever distant they are, they will never be forgotten. 


To me, friendship is a relationship where both individuals can have a great time together, with whom there are less ego fights, with whom I can have open conversations, and who will prove loyal.  

No one is perfect, including me, and so no relationship can ever be perfect.  And, to tell you the truth, I’m pretty weird,  so it would be highly unlikely that I can meet my exact duplicate on this earth! 

So I took a moment to appreciate all my friends, no matter which way they come to me, or how long they stay. We only get to stick around on this earth a short while so...make the most of it.

Siri-ously Speaking

Purely out of curiosity, I can't wait to grab hold of Siri - iPhone 4S's latest voice-recognition personal assistant - who, according to Apple, is able to tell your wife that you are running late, or send a note to your friend.  


Hypothetically, Siri does what you say, finds the information you need, then answers you just like you are having a normal conversation with a human but this time with a device - the iPhone.

Right...exciting as it may sound, don't think your wife will be particularly impressed with that when you have the time to ask for help from Siri personally but don't have the time to tell her yourself that you are running late!


Then you might try instructing Siri to send a note of apology to your wife.  Sounds viable too but, how impersonal will that make you, seriously?


What happened to the "I just call to say I love you" era?  

Musings At A Cafeteria

I was observing each and every passerby while sipping my coffee alone on a fine autumn day.  There was just me and another woman in the cafe - on a quiet Saturday morning. 

A gentleman decided to join us, he ordered his coffee and sat right across me.  He looked at the woman sitting opposite him and admired her legs which had tasteful black tights on heels.   Nice calves, he thought.  Then he moved on towards her chest.  She was wearing a white silk blouse buttoned part way up.  Nice rack, he mused. 

This was the time when the man looked around, mindful that a man his age shouldn't be staring at a young woman for long.  He probably didn't think I noticed him and so he returned his gaze to this woman - whom at the time, was feverishly punching the keys of her iPhone. 

That woman shifted in her seat and her bosoms swayed.  They are definitely real, he thought, a smile creeping up on his face.  The fake ones don't jiggle like that, he reasoned.   What he didn't realise before I did, was that he had tilted his coffee cup and his coffee was spilled all over the table and started dripping on his pants!

Why men are so boobs-crazy, I have no idea.   

Staining Whites

Red wine, coffee, chocolate - all good things until they land on your favourite white blouse or jeans.

I spill all the time.  I am particularly aware of that situation whenever I am on light-coloured clothing.  No matter how careful I am whenever I eat or drink, I still manage to stain clothes on a regular basis.  Please tell me I am not alone!

White clothing tends to transcend the trends don't they?   Well, not any more as I have found this instant stain remover "Tide To Go" in the size of a marker pen that has worked wonders.

We know we don't want to let that stain get too comfortable and the best chance of getting it out is to tackle it as soon as it happened.  I have applied the product as soon as I noticed the stain, and even if I can’t completely remove the grime, the pre-op made it much easier to remove before it made its way to a washing machine.

I've tried it.  The security it provides is worth the extra space in my handbag.

Interesting Auto-Replies

I know I have not been blogging in the last few weeks and people are getting tired of seeing my auto-reply with my extended absence.  I have just got to say that I also get to read some pretty interesting auto-replies lately.   


A colleague responded to my email with an auto-reply that says something in the tune of: 


“I’m traveling to xyz and I’m not available to answer your message at the mo. Don’t be offended as I am not even reading mail from my family members!”

Classic.


In my very humble opinion, this is just not acceptable.  I mean, what could these people possibly be doing that necessitates ignoring their family members like that?  What's more, it was just plain stupid outlying the fact to the recipients your lower than low prioritising skills, isn't it?

Family members are only with us for a short time on earth.  It’s a cliché.  
Somehow people just don’t get it.  


At the end of your life, will you regret not working more or not being there for your loved ones more?

The Amazing Colours Of The Fall

The red maple leaf, whether on a tree or on the Canadian flag, seems to to have grown to become synonymous with the Canadian nation.

 

The changing fall foliage never fails to delight me.  As my friend and I were marvelling the nature's beauty in the land of Maples, I can't help but wonder how maple leaves turn red and where and when the vibrant yellow and orange will help herald a change of season from summer to fall.

So this is how - bringing you back to a bit of grade 8 horticulture biology. 


When winter days are short and dry, many plants stop making nutrients and the chlorophyll in them which gives the leaves the green colour goes away.  That is how orange and yellow emerge.  These colours have always been in the leaves all summer just that the green has them covered up.  Some leaves turn red and this colour is only made in the fall from the nutrition trapped whereas brown colours basically come from wastes left in the leaves.


After a wonderful week of nice warm temperatures, fall is slowly making its way here.  One of my favourite things about this season is feeling the cool but warm breeze on my face in the afternoon or right before the sun is setting.  

The chill is definitely in the air now, with it comes shorter days and the promise of Thanksgiving and Halloween right around the corner, which means Christmas won't be too far fetched too.

There really is nothing quite matches the anticipation of autumn after a hot summer.  Consider yourself fortunate if you are living in one of the temperate zones on earth where you get Autumn.  Let's enjoy a season filled with change.

Are You Blessed Today?

I woke up on this special morning - (numerically special because it is 9/10/11) having more health than illness, I thought to myself: I am more blessed than the many who will not survive this week.   I mean I can find food in the refrigerator, roof overhead, a comfortable place to sleep last night. 

I also have money in the bank and in my wallet, got a job, my parents are still alive and with those, I am considered very rare - in the United States.  I am rich in fact.

Let's just say you can hold up your head with a smile on your face and greet your neighbours good day, you are blessed because the majority can, but most just will not do it.

I am not saying all this because I am on vacation and feeling great.  I am thankful because I can have the opportunity to sit back on this thanksgiving day in Canada and translate that thought into words.  The fact that you can read this now, you are more blessed than over the two billion people in the world that cannot.

If I am saying anything at all...be thankful always and have a great day!

Pay Tribute To Steve Jobs

I would like to talk about my day today. 

My alarm was set off at 0700 sharp and that was when I woke up and started my day.  Not knowing what clothes were appropriate to wear, I took a quick glance at the weather forecast.   Over breakfast, I caught up with my emails while pulling up files ready for the next appointment feeling extremely efficient. 

Half way through the morning, I checked in to follow some news threads, replied a few Whatsapp and Pingchat messages, performed an online check-in for my flight tomorrow and off I went to Napa Valley for a wine tour that I have been looking forward to. 

It was a really pleasant day with sunshine after rain and it was the most scenic of all, en route to the valley.  I couldn't help but snapped a few photos in the car and I couldn't wait to brag about it by sharing one or two with my friends on Facebook. 

The wine tour was splendid.  I took lots of useful wine notes during the various tastings and needless to say, plenty of beautiful shots to help me remember where I went and what I drank.


Steve Jobs has technically enabled and sentimentally fulfilled my day.  To the extent in which much of what I use to manage my tasks listed above and much of the emotions involved - exist on the platforms his company has created.

There have been many compliments to the man, his ideas and his achievements over the past day or so on the Internet.   I want to pay tribute to him by saying how his life’s work has played a crucial part in helping me - craft my life’s work.

The best way to honour his memory is for me to press on doing just that: my life’s work.  

And thanks to his vision - I can do that a lot more efficiently and effectively than I could have without it.

 

Lucky To Have You Mom

Even though I am a grown adult, I realised it is still mother's advice that puts my indecisiveness at bay.

There are things that I don't ever dare tell her, but whenever I do need some advice on stuff, I can be rest assured to just knock on her door and talk, chat, speak, jabber, natter.

The fact that I have someone trustworthy that I can turn to is a truly a blessing. 

Go thank these people now, whether it is your folks or your friends.   Trust me, you don't want to leave it too late. 

Joke Of The Day

WIKIPEDIA: I know everything.

GOOGLE: I have everything.

FACEBOOK: I know everybody.

INTERNET : You are all nothing without me.

ELECTRICITY: Keep talking. 

REMEMBER - NEVER TAKE THINGS IN LIFE FOR GRANTED AS NOTHING IS GIVEN.



 

Shooting Arrows In Life

My friend practises archery and I on the other hand, have scored ultra high in Wii Sports Resort, but have never tried picking up a real arrow nor a bow at all.   He was explaining to us about the basics of shooting arrows (the real ones), the stance, the technique, the pulling back, the letting go.

He said the letting go should be the most important bit - the energy, the focus and the goal are there but it is in letting go that the arrow reaches its target.

What he was saying was the need to focus intently, but to focus on the path and not on the destination!   

Such an ironic theory that was. 

I went home and thought about what he really meant.  A lot of the times we all failed in some aspects in life because we tried too hard in taking aim and totally missed out the point about perfecting the shot. 

No practical skills attained in that archery lecture after all, but the concept itself warranted a blog post here because I have one crucial pearl of wisdom to share - an achiever seizes more from life only when he or she has mastered the hang of - letting go. 


Pretty amazing what I can pick up from shooting some arrows!  I hope you do too. 

3 Idiots

Many of my friends recommended this Hindi movie 3 Idiots where I thought it will be just another comedy made for a good laugh.  It turned out to be amazingly inspiring and I can't be more thankful for their great recommendations.


The plot deals with a lot of reality on familiar grounds: it speaks of the importance of education, the need to have friends.  How we value our family and how fears and doubts could make us live life poorly.  And that quitting is never an option, and true love will always find its way.

I was literally laughing my head off a minute and shedding a tear or two the next. Wonderful stuff and it was able to inspire me in several a way too.

• All is well - When the going gets tough - the though gets going.
• Constant learning - If you have the will to learn, there is a way.
• Be innovative -  nothing wrong with challenging the status quo.

Do what your heart desires and it is success redefined - don’t run behind success, let success run behind you!

Go spend 3 hours with 3 idiots if you haven't already.  Trust me - you will not regret it as long as you have a large-size soda, popcorn and some Kleenex.

Every Motorist's Nightmare

In this busy life of ours, while there are buses, trains and taxis, having a personal vehicle is an added advantage.   Cars have grown from the likes of the 'rich and famous' to the 'must have commodity' for most.  What has held me back from owning one has been the maintenance and repairs as the juncture where the headache lies.   Not to mention the skyrocketed fuel prices!


Bumps, potholes, drains and huge puddles - mix the entire lot together and you get an instant picture of typical city roads.  Add in the rain in peak hours goes a step ahead in creating a grid lock.   Just picture that scene.   Now add a punctured tyre and a stow to the scenario.  Isn't that the worst nightmare any motorist can have?


I was in my friend's car and while I was just commenting on how skillful she is in her driving, very ironically, that was when her car got jealous and decided to kneel down and have a rest!   And technically because she's skillful, she was able to pull over in time not to obstruct the traffic.  

I felt terrible as I had to leave my friend alone at the scene for a customer meeting.   Thank goodness we were nowhere near the worst scenario I just described above, but we are still talking about stranded in the middle of a motorway for crying out loud - pretty hazardous when I came to think about it now. 


I am still acclimating myself to the stress of the what-ifs and the fact that I didn't offer an extra pair of hands to direct traffic, help make the necessary calls, or simply just be there for her.  I would regret hugely if something unfortunate happened to her after I left.


Yet keeping everything aside, you drivers out there - please remember - servicing your car at regular intervals and taking the appropriate care help the car operate smoothly and function at its best.


And go look for an idiot-looking icon like this in your car now - if you didn't know what that is - it is the universal tyre pressure monitoring system.

And please pay attention when they decide to speak to you - there's reasons why they grumble.  

Blogging Is Graffiti With Punctuation?

I went to see the movie “Contagion.”  It was passable as disaster movies go but there was one thing that got me thinking and it really had nothing to do with the main plot.  It was about blogging.

In the movie, Jude Law was being told that blogging isn’t writing.  It is just "graffiti with punctuation".

Graffiti with Punctuation. 

I happen to love graffiti as they can be quite artistic and thought provoking.  And when I came to think of my own blog as a wall for me to scribble the often unconsolidated thoughts and an outlet for sharing my perspectives, may be there really is a certain resemblance with Graffiti.  

I don’t have a million hits a day on my blog like Jude’s character (I am lucky if I have a 100).  Nonetheless, I am not controversial and try not to rant.  I don’t gossip, spread rumours, nor do I accuse anyone of anything and I don’t curse on my blog.  Even if no one reads my blog, at least I know I have tried my best.  


As long as I am able to fling my pearls of wisdom and wish to make an impact of a positive kind on that giant planet we call - Earth, I think I am going to continue blogging - as often as I can manage.  


And you.  Yes you. Thanks for stopping by alampy's space every now and then too! 

Things I Ponder While Waiting For An Elevator

In a typical building in mainland China, floors 4, 13 and 14, 24, 34 are often missing because there is similarity phonetically between the word 'four' and 'death' in Chinese.  

Kids learning how to count will sure find buttons panel like this most confusing.

They will even be more confused if brought to Hong Kong, as some luxurious residential apartments such as The Arch skipped all the floors from 40th to 49th, so immediately above 39th comes 50th.  Conceivably good news for the acrophobic but I am just saying, the 14th floor STILL is the 13th floor realistically speaking so.     

Is the omission even necessary?? 

Traffic, Traffic, Traffic

Beijing - a developing city with pace and power, has over 5 million cars.  Although limits have been put on new car purchases, it is not difficult to spot brand new luxurious cars zooming in and out of the capital city. 

Correction, I shouldn't use the word "zooming", "stuck in second gear" is more like it. 

I was stuck in traffic jam on a bus for a good 30 minutes today and that wasn't even at rush hours.  I overheard a passenger behind me say "I will meet you some time between 4-5pm". 

Wow, he was granted with an hour's buffer!   The person on the other side of the phone was certainly generous. 

I wonder if all Beijingers are that forgiving.   I mean seriously, can they afford to be 30 minutes late for an exam?   Do they get to tee off 45 minutes later when they are supposed to arrive by 9am?   Can they just blame the heavy traffic whenever they run late for a job interview or a client's meeting? 

Who needs an accurate time piece when planning of time around the clock is freakingly out of control anyway?


Never underestimate how bad Beijing traffic and how crowded public transport can be.  It really takes TIME (and plenty of irritants) to get from one place to another. 

A perfect place to train my patience nonetheless.

Fake iPhone (5)??

Some of the counterfeit gadgets and knockoffs one can find on the streets of Beijing are truly astounding.

It often doesn’t take too long for Apple to release a product before images of home-grown imitators start making the rounds.  In some cases, such as the iPhones or iPads, counterfeiters got to work well before the device was even released.

Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting you herewith hiPhone 5.

Unlike the actual product from Apple, the hiPhone can accommodate two SIM cards and has a built-in radio receiver - all for the miraculously low price of about US$78.00 only. 

Even they look bulky and incredibly ancient, you will be surprised how many would believe it to be an iPhone 5, went and bought it.

Welcome to China, buddy.  They sell like hot cakes in here. 
You interested?

Breakfast in Beijing: Jianbing

I must have been born under a lucky star, at least as far as friendship is concerned. I have friends everywhere, and where I don’t, I have friends who are happy to share their friends with me. This is what happened when I went to Beijing where I had introductions to the most delightful people who have shown me their local delicacies. 

I became Jianbing addict when I first discovered them in Shanghai but in this trip to Beijing, my friend told me these are actually icons of old Beijing - a typical local dish in fact.

Craved for that comfort of brilliance during my last visit in the coldest days, I basically have been having it every single day now because I know I can't find it anywhere back home.  The French Crepe equivalent is made from pancake batter spread ultra-thinly like a membrane, wraps up with fried eggs, green onions, a crispy dough and a savory spicy chilli sauce.  Simply delicious. 


However much I want to see its replicate in Hong Kong, can we also duplicate the smile of the chef because his intense concentration and the joy in seeing how much we foreigner liked his product melts me.  We just don't see that sort of smile often enough in the customer service scene these days, too bad I can't take photos of him he says. 

Oh well, a shot of my breakfast then. 

A Chat With Martini

One evening while imbibing cocktails, Martini questioned my monotonic admiration for Gin, and asked why I never lay eyes on Campari or Negroni.

"Little can go very wrong with Gin and T", I said, as it doesn't need the best ingredients to turn out a good tipple, nor does it want to be shaken or stirred. It requires no garnish either.

Boring as it might sound but to me - it is simplicity at its best.

Martini, on the contrary, is very delicate and needs to be handled with precision and care.  Real difficult for me to even think of calling Martini when in a place that one can only describe as - dubious.

Talking of which, Vermouth is another I wouldn't normally go near as it is fortified and live a rather short and miserable life. We have no way of telling how long that poor Vermouth has been sitting on that shelf crying.

A chat with Martini has made me realise: 

1. I have basically come too far in my career to accept any substandard concoction
2. I am in such an old age, I no longer feel shy in asking for a glass of water with each alcoholic beverage I order.

Thanks Martini and cheers to life's little finery! 

The Slightly Future Me?

Getting in touch with the inner wisdom we all have is a tricky business but could well be a good way to get a different perspective on the problem at hand. 

Who can say the reasons why things unfold the way they do?  I believe it all happens for a reason, even if I don't understand what that reason is now.  What I do know is that this experience, and others to lesser degrees, taught me to identify intuition and have respect for it.

People always say: trust your inner knowing because deep down, you know what is best for you.  That's by and large - intuition - something you just don't question. 

I always wonder if I could get an email from myself ten years from now, what advice might it have for the current me sent from the slightly future me?

I just hope if the gift of intuition comes and kindly offers to guide me, may I be awakened enough to hear and respect its voice loud and clear.

Have You Had Horrible Bosses?

Went to watch Horrible Bosses and this is one of those movies that you knew it is going to be absolutely cracking funny for the stated subject matter.  Perfect material after a long day and I was really in for a good laugh.

I haven't had that many bosses in my life and fortunate enough not to have come across a Psycho, Man-eater or some really trashy ones (touch wood, not yet).   But let's just say you do.  I mean, do you really go plot a plan to "take them out" when they are standing in the way of your happiness? 

The movie was a bit over the top - outrageously.   The good thing is, you began to think your bosses aren't that bad after all.  I do have faith that there are lots of really good bosses around.  


Take a look at Fortune - they have an annual survey that lists the "Best 100 companies to be working for".  You pick samples of those companies and you will find one thing in common:  They spend less time focusing narrowly on quarterly profits, and more time thinking about how they can improve people's lives.

I'd certainly hope to see the company I am working for, make it to the list one day.

How Accurate Is Your Speedometer?

Speedometer -  a gauge that measures and displays the instantaneous speed - a standard piece of equipment you find in motor vehicles. 

These meters reflect the actual speed you are cruising at, you then let your mind decide whether you wish to slow down or pick up speed based on your judgements.  Many of us physically rely on those but as it happens, our very own speedometer buried in our head is often the one dominating the calibration of our every move. 

There are times when a virtual speedometer will just pop right up in front of me when I am in crossroads.  There will inevitably be moments when I would unintentionally put one leg pumping on gas, only to find out I have the other asserting pressure on the brakes at the same time. 

That just sounds so discoordinated does it not?  I am actually the one stopping myself from propelling and...I do not like the idiotic sound of it.

I realised may be it's about time to stop being stuck in second gear and utilise a higher gear - safely, comfortably and in control.  Must try ignoring the speedometer in me and run till the middle of my frustrated fears. 
 



Afterall, what really matters should be how fast we can go, not how fast the speedometer can take us, right?
 
 

A Home Doesn’t Need To Be Huge

I am sure we have all bought something from IKEA for its dirt cheap, practical and...ready to go appeal. 

You know how when you were a kid and you just wanted to get your hands on the tasks that adults do?  My mom let me had a go at cracking the instructions of building a bookshelf from IKEA at the age of 12 and till this day, I can still feel the satisfaction I got out of assembling it successfully.  And as I grew older, I just heart IKEA for all of their inspirations on tiny space living with their solutions of organizational items. 

If you love them too, you probably have to thank the founder of IKEA - who came up with the idea of flat-packed furniture when he was trying to fit a table into the boot of his car when a friend suggested he should just take the legs off.   There you go - the rest is history.


IKEA and I have no affiliation though - that I must declare. 

I have been drooling over the items in their 2012 catalogue, which reminded me - a home doesn’t need to be huge. Just smart.

The Most Essential Ingredient For Making Pottery

A pottery class, how fun. I've been wanting to do that for some time now.


I had everything I needed:  Clay, cutting tools, potters wheel, water - all these are essential ingredients for making the perfect piece of pottery (and so I thought).


First of all, everyone starts with a piece of clay which then has to be kneaded in order to eliminate as much air as possible and to evenly distribute moisture throughout the clay.  After kneading it should be formed into a tight ball.  You know what I am talking about if you have done it.  Those are probably the easiest steps in the entire journey of pottery. 

It must be said that potting is a skill which has to be learnt and in the process of learning there will be many failed attempts which won't make it to the high temperature kiln at all.

To have all these ingredients moulded together require an added ingredient - patience - something I lack oftentimes. 


Remember, we can always pick up the clay, knead, reuse and start go all over again if it didn't turn out the way you wanted it to become and when you really come to think about it - not many things in life give you that second chance.  


And how ever pathetic your piece looks right now, don't be easily disheartened, you can always give it a new identity by brushing on a nice coat of paint later when it comes out from the kiln!  Here you go - another second chance to relive it!   


Isn't pottery encouraging?  

Should You Be Selling Gold?

Mr Market has been in manic form over the past month, desperately gloomy one day, smiling brightly the next.  Plunging and rising 4 to 5% a day and that turmoil eats you alive.

With gold prices ascending at record high, looks like investors are leveraging precious metals as a hatch against the volatile market situation. Cash is always king in a recession and this probably provides the perfect timing for the emergence of - Jewel Cafe from Japan.



I got given a leaflet today and that was how I discovered Jewel Cafe - which specialises in purchasing second-hand jewelry from individuals.  They seem keen to take in any used jewelry from curve chains, coins to diamond pieces which you no longer want.   They have over 250 stores throughout Japan and have recently invaded Hong Kong with 9. 



If you were thinking to put those away anyway, because they are so old and tarnished and rather useless?  Think again.  



You might want to consider bringing them for a free evaluation and who knows, you might be in for a pleasant surprise.

Getting A Taste Of Muay Thai Kickboxing

In the quest of searching for an interesting exercise to add to my ever-expanding list comes the latest addition of Kick-boxing!


I was told kickboxing workouts are one of the most enjoyable types of exercise for people like me who absolutely think the gym isn't for them.  It’s also meant to be one of the most intense and effective calorie-burning workouts one can possibly do. 


Sounds so good that I actually have been looking forward to today, couldn't wait to give it a go. 

After an hour of punching, jabbing and kicking the focus pads, another amazing benefit I discovered out of all the bruises that came with it, is that it is quite an outstanding way to work off some stress after a long day in a positive way.

Not too sure about fat burning in the process, but my shins are sure burning red.


I am feeling great though.  Highly recommended.  Can't wait for the next combat.  Now, who's with me? 

Day Dreaming

Sales:  Cash or Visa, Miss?

Me: Visa please (handing over my card).

Sales: $199 please thank you.

Me: Uh...I believe you are holding my card.

Sales: Oh I beg your pardon, Miss.

Went home and found the security tag is still attached on the newly bought item.

Today’s episode is brought to you by What Happens In Her Mind When It Is a Monday, Inc.

Thats The Spirit (3): Champagne

As simple a name as a French Province, Champagne to me is a magic word that needs no translation.  The French have done such a good job in promoting their product that the name Champagne is almost synonymous with elegance, style and refinement.

I am not a huge fan of the bubbly family because I always think Champagne goes straight to my head as I tend to get drunk faster, stay drunk longer whenever I had it. 

But recently, someone told me Queen Victoria was known to use a stirring rod to chase bubbles out of her Champagne, quietly avoiding any embarrassment from those pesky fizzy gasses. 

With more and more brunches offering all you can drink - eat 12 courses of foie gras and drink 2 bottles of champagne before 2pm on a Sunday, may be it is a tactic worth investigating?  

Thats The Spirit (2): Whisky

I knew this bar has to be visited because nowhere in the world will you find another quite like it.

The Macallan Whisky Bar and Lounge - the first and only one of its kind in the world and once I was there totally sunk on the Chesterfield sofa with a glass of 18-year-old Sherry Oak in my hand, I didn't want to leave.

The full list of tastings for the night consisted of the: Fine Oak 12, 18, 25 and Sherry Oak 12, 18 years respectively.

18 year Sherry Oak stood out in the group with a large bouquet of spices present, with notes of vanilla as the most dominant.
How can something so beautiful be so accessible?  I can only considered myself the most fortunate.


Time was sadly too short for Macallan to take me through time.  A revisit with a good companion is indisputable.