My backup external harddisk is corrupted.

Darren said everything inside has to go.

Wow. In one fell swoop, the photos for my entire last 4 years just disappeared.

Should have burnt them into dvds.

While I mourn at my past's loss, some memories inside, are better off forgotten to begin with.

At the same time, some important people in my life seem also to have ceased communication with me. Somehow, I think I tried, but if they aren't going to respond or reciprocate, there's nothing I can do about it right?

And perhaps, in the midst of fire and brinestone, I can come out of this resurrected stronger.

No, I will.

Thanks to certain people in my life for all the support in this trying period of my last semester: my family, Small Bird, Darren and Sunny. Not forgetting Alan, Dr. Ethan, and Ray. And WT too.

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.”

- Harvey Fierstein

Some interesting quotes on Aesthetics:

“It is better to be beautiful than to be good; but it is better to be good than to be ugly.”
- Oscar Wilde


I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception.
- Groucho Marx


He had a winning smile, but everything else was a loser.
- George C. Scott


“The reason why men prefer beauty over brains is that man can see better than he can think”.
- Farrah Fawcett


Better an ugly face than an ugly mind.
- James Ellis


To a toad, what is beauty? A female with two pop-eyes, a wide mouth, yellow belly and spotted back.
- Voltaire


Beauty, has two edges, one of laughter,
one of anguish, cutting the heart asunder.
- Virginia Woolf


“You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes you will
That you're beautiful as you feel.”
- Carole King in Beautiful


Let’s recognise each other for what we really are. After all, superficial beauty is the first thing nature gives to the select few, but is also the first thing it takes away. It is the person who keeps the ability to see beauty who remains beautiful.

Got this off Facebook. I was really moved... *tears*

***

This is a touching story...

From Original Writer:

When I was in China last month, I saw a Chinese modern dance competition on TV. One couple won one of the top prizes. The lady has one arm and the guy has one leg. They performed gracefully and beautifully.

The lady in her 30s was a dancer and was trained as one since she was a little girl. Later she got into some kind of accident and lost her entire left arm. She was depressed for a few years. It seemed that someone asked her to coach a Children's dancing group. From that point on, she realized she could not forget dancing. She still loved to dance. She wanted to dance again. So she started to do some of her old routines. But by her losing an arm, she also lost her balance. It took a while before she could even making simple turns and spins without falling. Eventually she got it.

Then she heard some guy in his 20s had lost a leg in an accident. This guy also fell into the usual denial, depression and anger type of emotional roller coaster. She looked him up (seemingly he was from a different province) and persuaded him to dance with her. He had never danced before. "And to dance with one leg? Are you joking with me? No way!" But she didn't give up. He reluctantly agreed. " I have nothing else to do anyway." She started to teach him dancing 101. The two broke up a few times because the guy had no concept of using muscle, control his body, and a few other basic things about dancing. When she became frustrated and lost patience with him, he would walk out. Eventually they came back together and started training. They hired a choreographer to design routines for them. She would fly high (held by him) with both arms (a sleeve for an arm) flying in the air. He could bend horizontally supported by one leg and she leaning on him, etc. They danced beautifully and they legitimately beat others in the competition.

OneRepublic - Apologize

I'm holding on your rope,
Got me ten feet off the ground
I'm hearin what you say but I just can't make a sound
You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down, but wait
You tell me that you're sorry
Didn't think I'd turn around, and say...

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late

I'd take another chance, take a fall
Take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat
But it's nothin new
I loved you with a fire red-
Now it's turning blue, and you say...
"Sorry" like the angel heaven let me think was you
But I'm afraid...

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late

Bridge (guitar/piano)

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late
It's too late to apologize, yeah
I said it's too late to apologize, yeah-
I'm holdin on your rope, got me ten feet off the ground...

Colbie Caillat - Bubbly

V1: I've been awake for a while now
you've got me feelin like a child now
cause every time I see your bubbly face
I get the tinglies in a silly place

C: It starts in my toes
and I crinkle my nose
where ever it goes I always know
that you make me smile
please stay for a while now
just take your time
where ever you go

V2: The rain is fallin on my window pane
but we are hidin in a safer place
under covers stayin dry and warm
you give me feelins that I adore

C: It starts in my toes
make me crinkle my nose
where ever it goes
i always know
that you make me smile
please stay for a while now
just take your time
where ever you go

B: What am I gonna say
when you make me feel this way
I just........mmmmmm

C: It starts in my toes
make me crinkle my nose
where ever it goes
i always know
that you make me smile
please stay for a while now
just take your time
where ever you go

V3: I've been asleep for a while now
You tucked me in just like a child now
Cause every time you hold me in your arms
I'm comfortable enough to feel your warmth

C: It starts in my soul
And I lose all control
When you kiss my nose
The feelin shows
Cause you make me smile
Baby just take your time now
Holdin me tight

Where ever, where ever, where ever you go
Where ever, where ever, where ever you go
Where ever you go, I'll always know
Cause you make me smile here, just for a while

Dj Sammy - Heaven

Baby, you're all that I want
When you're lyin' here in my arms,
I'm findin' it hard to believe
We're in heaven

Oh, thinkin' about all our younger years,

There was only you and me,

We were young and wild and free

Now nothin' can take you away from me
We've been down that road before
But that's over now,
You keep me comin' back for more

Baby, you're all that I want
When you're lyin' here in my arms,
I'm findin' it hard to believe
We're in heaven

And love is all that I need,
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

Yeah, nothin' could change what you mean to me
Oh, there's lots that I could say
But just hold me now,
Cause our love will light the way

Baby you're all that I want
When you're lyin' here in my arms,
I'm findin' it hard to believe
We're in heaven

And love is all that I need,
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

Now our dreams are comin' true,
Through the good times and the bad,
Yeah, I'll be standin' there by you

We're in heaven

And love is all that I need,
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see

We're in heaven

We're in heaven

Cascada - Everytime We Touch

I still hear your voice, when you sleep next to me.
I still feel your touch in my dreams.
Forgive me my weakness, but I don't know why.
Without you it's hard to survive.

Cause everytime we touch, I get this feeling.
And everytime we kiss I swear I can fly.
Can't you feel my heart beat fast, I want this to last.
Need you by my side.
Cause everytime we touch, I feel this static.
And everytime we kiss, I reach for the sky.
Can't you hear my heart beat so
I can't let you go.
Want you in my life.

Your arms are my castle, your heart is my sky.
They wipe away tears that I cry.
The good and the bad times, we've been through them all.
You make me rise when I fall.

Cause everytime we touch, I get this feeling.
And everytime we kiss I swear I can fly.
Can't you feel my heart beat fast, I want this to last.
Need you by my side.
Cause everytime we touch, I feel this static.
And everytime we kiss, I reach for the sky.
Can't you hear my heart beat so
I can't let you go.
Want you in my life

Cause everytime we touch, I get this feeling.
And everytime we kiss I swear I can fly.
Can't you feel my heart beat fast, I want this to last.
Need you by my side

I need an ipod nano.

And Im going to get it.

Soon. I hope. Maybe.

Retail therapy. :)

A real funny video about moms by Anita Renfroe sung to the tune of William Tell Overture. :)

Get up now
Get up now
Get up out of bed
Wash your face
Brush your teeth
Comb your sleepy head
Here's your clothes
And your shoes
Hear the words I said
Get up now
Get up and make your bed
Are you hot?
Are you cold?
Are you wearing that?
Where's your books and your lunch and your homework at?
Grab your coat and your gloves and your scarf and hat
Don't forget you got to feed the cat
Eat your breakfast
The experts tell us it's the most important meal of all
Take your vitamins so you will grow up one day to be big and tall
Please remember the orthodontist will be seeing you at three today?
Don't forget your piano lesson is this afternoon

So you must play
Don't shovel
Chew slowly
But hurry
The bus is here
Be careful
Come back here
Did you wash behind your ears?
Play outside
Don't play rough
Would you just play fair?
Be polite
Make a friend
Don't forget to share
Work it out
Wait your turn
Never take a dare
Get along
Don't make me come down there
Clean your room
Fold your clothes
Put your stuff away
Make your bed
Do it now
Do we have all day?
Were you born in a barn?
Would you like some hay
Can you even hear a word I say?
Answer the phone
Get Off the phone
Don't sit so close
Turn it down
No texting at the table
No more computer time tonight
Your iPod's my iPod if you don't listen up

Where you going and with whom and what time do you think you're coming home?
Saying thank you, please, excuse me
Makes you welcome everywhere you roam
You'll appreciate my wisdom
Someday when you're older and you're grown
Can't wait 'til you have a couple little children of your own
You'll thank me for the counsel I gave you so willingly
But right now
I thank you NOT to roll your eyes at me
Close your mouth when you chew
Would appreciate
Take a bite
Maybe two
Of the stuff you hate
Use your fork
Do not you burp
Or I'll set you straight
Eat the food I put upon your plate
Get an A, Get the door
Don't get smart with me
Get a Grip
Get in here I'll count to 3
Get a job
Get a life
Get a PhD
Get a dose of...
I don't care who started it
You're grounded until your 36
Get your story straight
And tell the truth for once for heaven's sake
And if all your friends jumped off a cliff
Would you jump too?

If I've said it once, I've said at least a thousand times before that
You're too old to act this way
It must be your father's DNA
Look at me when I am talking
Stand up straight when you walk
A place for everything
And everything must be in place
Stop crying or I'll give you something real to cry about
Oh!
Brush your teeth
Wash your face
Get your PJs on
Get in bed
Get a hug
Say a prayer with Mom
Don't forget
I love you
**KISS**
And tomorrow we will do this all again because a mom's work never ends
You don't need the reason why
Because
Because
Because
Because
I said so
I said so
I said so
I said so
I'm the Mom
The mom
The mom
The mom
The mom
Ta-da

a



Hey peepz!

short update!

Work. Work. Work. nuff said.

here are some of the other highlights.

First up: Lunar New Year Eve Reunion


This was the family portrait!


Dad and Uncle! Brothers indeed!



The Kids! Me, my cousin, Linus and Ann.

Second: Dressing Up as the God of Fortune


On Day One of the New Year, I went for a job lobang Yongming got me! I got to dress up as the God of Fortune and give out chocolate to passengers at the Budget Terminal. It was super tiring. And at the same time, I had quite a bit of fun really! especially with the kids! I had the bad habit of saying "Ho Ho Ho" though! I had to tell myself that Christmas was over! And I had a lot of fun just shouting "Happy New Year" and "Xin Nian Kuai Le" to whoever i meet along the way! Ha Ha Ha!


this was one of the chocolates i gave out! Belgium chocolate coins with 12 different designs of each of the zodiac!

Some one commented I was a skinny Cai Shen Ye! ah well. I hope that in wearing the God of Fortune's suit, I can bring about good fortune!

Backing track: Internship at MCYS

Here are some pictures of the nice colleagues I met during my short internship stint at MCYS! Again, another enriching experience! Thanks guys!


Velasni. Can you believe this beautiful lady has a son and is pregnant?!

Mrs Tan: Super helpful and cheerful despite the amount of work she has to do! so much that she skips lunch! gosh... the life of a civil servant


the officers from the community relations department!


Audrey and Karen. One looks at the voluntary sector and the other is in charge of President's Star Charity.

Happy New Year everyone!

One elderly couple is visiting another for supper. The two women
go into the kitchen for a moment, leaving the men to talk.

One of the men says to the other, 'The Mrs. and I went to the
nicest restaurant last night.'

'Is that right?' the other inquires, 'What was it called?'

'That's just it,' he replies 'I can't recall. 'Say, what's the
name of that red flower that has thorns all over it?'

'A rose?' he responds.

'YEAH, THAT'S IT!' he says energetically.

He then whirls around and yells into the kitchen, 'Hey, Rose!
What was the name of that restaurant we went to last night!?'

I will never get tired of my favourite song ever.

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -- Annie Dillard

Next week, next moth, next summer... that's when the good times will come. But right now we're just trying to get through today, and maybe tomorrow, and with luck, the day after.

Let's not miss our lives while they're happening. We can make choices about what we want to do right this moment. Sure, the garbage still needs to be taken out and work has to be done, but even the in the rush of the everyday we can take time to appreciate what we have.

***

I'll give myself a few minutes to appreciate a beautiful sunrise, the comfort of my warm bed, the sheer joy of a baby's laugh, or even the pleasure of solitude -- whatever my life holds today.

from Linda Picone, The Daily Book of Positive Quotations, Jan 10

You know its time to cut your fingernails when you start bleeding when you accidentally scratch yourself.

"Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it." -- Johann Wolfgange von Goethe

When our lives are difficult, we feel as if things will never change. This, in turn, makes it harder for us to take the steps that might create the change we want.

When we look back on our lives, we can see that we've had both good and bad times. Somehow, we survived the bad times, and things eventually got better. The passage of time helped, but we also acted in ways that moved us towards a happier place.

My life is filled with ups and downs. If today is a bad day -- or this week is a bad week -- I know it's not forever and that I will come through it.

from Linda Picone, The Daily Book of Positive Quotations, Jan 2

You have every right to be angry. I have every right to be disappointed.

And we have every right to choose.

Compartmentalize.

The professional and the personal should not and shall not mix.

when words and actions have failed, one can only rely on the silent determination of the self, to pull through and grow stronger.

I guess, everyone just wants to be happy the only way each of us knows how.

The only stupid question is the one you don't ask.

So ask.