30th Birthday

Yikes! I turned 30 years old on Mar 24.

I must say it turned out pretty well with a cute little bitsy ‘Mr Ernie’ birthday cake for making it to 30 and still looking 20 (just leave this statement alone). :)



Anyway, I did received many greetings that day from friends and even ex-colleagues (thanks folks for remembering it). Some has a few words to say like; "Don’t think of it as 30 years old. Think of it as 3 decades", "No more change on the three red dollar bills for you now that you are 30 years old" and "30 is the new 20s. You earned it, so enjoy!!!".

For those not yet 30, know that the pain is temporary. The week leading up to and then the culmination on birthday day is painful but the next morning it's all gone...and sadly so are your 20's.

PS: That is the reason why I choose not to post this blog on my birthday. :P

Farewell Dinner to Yifan

Yifan, one of my volleyball kaki and college friend is leaving for Doha this saturday. He will be stationed in Doha for one year. Together with the rest of the volleyball kakis, we had a farewell dinner with him at Waraku Jap restaurant. After 13 years of friendship, it's kinda sad to see him go. He is one of the livewire in our volleyball team. Yifan, we are all going to miss your noise and your 'sisterhood' companion and many many more! If you are reading my blog, remember your promise to fly all of us on a private jetplane to Doha. (you can't run away from us). I am proud to present my group of volleyball kakis whom we have known for 13 years and we are all still going strong.

In case you are wondering who is Yifan, he is the second guy from the top right table.

Snow Day

Some good memories of the few of us who can't wait to kick start the summit festivities properly, with a snow day of skiing, snowboarding, tubing and sledding.
Taken at 'The Summit at Snoqualmie'.

Slow Down Culture - An Interesting reflection

This is an interesting article as well as a great reflection to many of us who are living evidence in this race against time society.
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It's been 18 years since I joined Volvo, a Swedish company. Working for them has proven to be an interesting experience. Any project here takes 2 years to be finalized, even if the idea is simple and brilliant. It's a rule.

Globalize processes have caused in us (all over the world) a general sense of searching for immediate results. Therefore, we have come to posses a need to see immediate results. This contrasts greatly with the slow movements of the Swedish. They, on the other hand, debate, debate, debate, hold x quantity of meetings and work with a slowdown scheme. At the end, this always yields better results.

Said in another words:
1. Sweden is about the size of San Pablo, a state in Brazil.
2. Sweden has 2 million inhabitants.
3. Stockholm, has 500,000 people.
4. Volvo, Escania, Ericsson, Electrolux, Nokia are some of its renowned companies. Volvo supplies the NASA.

The first time I was in Sweden, one of my colleagues picked me up at the hotel every morning. It was September, bit cold and snowy. We would arrive early at the company and he would park far away from the entrance (2000 employees drive their car to work). The first day, I didn't say anything, either the second or third. One morning I asked, "Do you have a fixed parking space? I've noticed we park far from the entrance even when there are no other cars in the lot." To which he replied, "Since we're here early we'll have time to walk, and whoever gets in late will be late and need a place closer to the door. Don't you think?" Imagine my face.

Nowadays, there's a movement in Europe name Slow Food. This movement establishes that people should eat and drink slowly, with enough time to taste their food, spend time with the family, friends, without rushing. Slow Food is against its counterpart: the spirit of Fast Food and what it stands for as a lifestyle. Slow Food is the basis for a bigger movement called Slow Europe, as mentioned by Business Week.

Basically, the movement questions the sense of "hurry" and "craziness" generated by globalization, fueled by the desire of "having in quantity" (life status) versus "having with quality", "life quality" or the "quality of being". French people, even though they work 35 hours per week, are more productive than Americans or British. Germans have established 28.8 hour workweeks and have seen their productivity been driven up by 20%. This slow attitude has brought forth the US's attention, pupils of the fast and the "do it now!".

This no-rush attitude doesn't represent doing less or having a lower productivity. It means working and doing things with greater quality, productivity, perfection, with attention to detail and less stress. It means reestablishing family values, friends, free and leisure time. Taking the "now", present and concrete, versus the "global", undefined and anonymous. It means taking humans' essential values, the simplicity of living.

It stands for a less coercive work environment, more happy, lighter and more productive where humans enjoy doing what they know best how to do. It's time to stop and think on how companies need to develop serious quality with no-rush that will increase productivity and the quality of products and services, without losing the essence of spirit.

In the movie, Scent of a Woman, there's a scene where Al Pacino asks a girl to dance and she replies, "I can't, my boyfriend will be here any minute now". To which Al responds, "A life is lived in an instant". Then they dance to a tango.

Many of us live our lives running behind time, but we only reach it when we die of a heart attack or in a car accident rushing to be on time. Others are so anxious of living the future that they forget to live the present, which is the only time that truly exists. We all have equal time throughout the world. No one has more or less. The difference lies in how each one of us does with our time. We need to live each moment. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans".

Congratulations for reading till the end of this message. There are many who will have stopped in the middle so as not to waste time in this globalized world.

MVPs Galore!

It has been a great week networking and meeting up with 38 SEA MVPs who have taken the time off their work to fly to Seattle for the yearly 2007 MVP Global Summit. It's great seeing most of you and yes, I am so glad that the Sri Lanka MVPs were able to make it (I got to see my foodiekarma and he is going strong)!! For memories, this is for all of you.

Beautiful Women Month...lovely

Someone just reminded me that it's Beautiful Women month! Wow...I did not know that at all. Thanks Mag for sharing this. And to all women out there (whether you are a wife to your husband, daughter to your parents, sister to your brother blar blar blar), below is a wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked to share her "beauty tips." It was read at her funeral years later.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness..
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone...
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older,you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

Blogging from the rainy Seattle.

LOVE STUNT!

The WOW experience took place on Feb 14 and thanks to MVP Wee Hyong, he managed to get this article featured in the March 2007 NETA APAC newsletter. Also Kudos to the effort from the INETA volunteers in China and Korea, they have managed to publish the newsletter in 3 languages!

LOVE STUNT in English


LOVE STUNT in Chinese


LOVE STUNT in Korea

I am PG-13 Rated.

This is er hem....interesting. Just thought I tested myself on this to see what are the results.

Your Mind is PG-13 Rated

Your mind is definitely a little dirty. You're naughty, but not trashy. You don't shy away from a dirty joke, and you're clearly not a prude.

Do You Have a Dirty Mind?

What Mythological creature are you?

Taken from a friend, try this!

You Are a Mermaid

You are a total daydreamer, and people tend to think you're flakier than you actually are. While your head is often in the clouds, you'll always come back to earth to help someone in need. Beyond being a caring person, you are also very intelligent and rational. You understand the connections of the universe better than almost anyone else.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

Remembering Grandma

My grandma came to stay with us during the CNY period, as per the previous years. She was sent to a nursing home a few years back due to a stroke as my uncles thought that it would be better for her to remain under the care of nurses rather than getting a maid. We would visit her over the weekends and bring along her favourite chicken rice for her to indulge once a while. This CNY, it was a total different experience as it was the first time, my parents and I were spending CNY with my grandma by staying at her house.

I had very vivid images of my grandma since young. My first memories of my grandma was when I first tasted her pot of mouth-watering chicken curry and that has got me drooling and my eyes lighted up everytime grandma declared, 'Come to my house for chicken curry tonight'. It was one of those special delights which I craved for as a kid. Due to her old age and failing eyesight, my grandma has retired from her 'chicken curry cooking' session and I still missed it until this day.

At that time, my grandma's house was a 3 room flat in Kim Keat. I remember the paint peeling from her wall in the kitchen. I remember her house smelled like her with all the medical plaster and ointment. I remember she never had an unkind thing to say in front of the grandkids. I remember stories of my mother and grandmother picking the hair from the birdnest when my mother was young.

For the past 4 days, grandma stayed with us and we took care of her like she used to take care of us when we were kids. She has difficulties in walking and has to rely on a crutch to move around. Even though, she was just happy to be able to spend the CNY with her children and grandchildren, watching TV and just enjoying each and every moment with all of us. I am sure we too felt the same with her presence.

Today, we sent grandma back to the nursing home. As I held her arm and led her to the crutches, she thanked me and told me that if I am busy, I need not visit her that often. A sudden surge of emotion overwhelmed me. I felt sad that she has to go back to the nursing home and guilty that I have not spent much time visiting her as often as I should. To my grandma, she could not have asked for more than to spend her remaining time with her children and grandchildren. (she is 74 years old this year)

As I held her soft hands and led her to the car, I told her to take care of herself and she nodded. As I see her back fading away, I felt so sad. Just thinking about what she said to me earlier makes me teary eyed. I can still feel her soft hands, I can hear her laughter.

If someone were to ask me what was the best CNY I ever had, besides receiving ang baos and indulging in the goodies, the answer is actually very sinple: spending time with my grandma during the CNY was something special and more than I can ask for. Thanks grandma!

Que Sera Sera

When I was very young (i think around the age of 8), my mum taught me this song and since then, it has been deeply ingrained in my mind. The tune is catchy and when I sing the song, I always changed it to my own name to make it more realistic. (haha...thinking about that now makes me laugh). Looking back at how far I have come and what the future beholds, I sometimes sing the song to myself before I go to bed. This song will always be a song between my mum and me.

Que Sera Sera

When I was just a little girl
I asked my mother, what will I be
Will I be pretty, will I be rich
Here's what she said to me.

Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.

When I was young, I fell in love
I asked my sweetheart what lies ahead
Will we have rainbows, day after day
Here's what my sweetheart said.

Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.

Now I have children of my own
They ask their mother, what will I be
Will I be handsome, will I be rich
I tell them tenderly.

Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.

Fear Factor - Are you Game for it?

I love watching Fear Factor. I love the show. I watch it whenever I can and I think the contestants must be either money crazy or just simply nuts to be willing to do such stunts! Nevertheless, this is a nerve racking, sick and digusting show which I just love it!

"Imagine a world where your greatest fears become reality. In each pulse-racing "Fear Factor" episode, contestants recruited across the country battle in extreme stunts. These stunts are designed to challenge the contestants both physically and mentally. If a player is too afraid to complete or fails a stunt, the player is eliminated. If they succeed, they are one step closer to the grand prize: $50,000."

And searching, I found a series of Fear Factor special editions which looks er hem, very interesting. And adding to that series of Fear Factor editions, perhaps we could throw in the 'Office Colleagues Fear Factor!' Anyone game for it?

The story about the Pesky Squirrels

A good laugh from a friend.

There were five houses of worship in a small TEXAS town: The Presbyterian Church , the Baptist Church , the MethodistChurch, the Catholic Church and the Jewish Synagogue.

Each church was overrun with pesky squirrels. One day, the Presbyterian Church called a meeting to decide what to do about the squirrels. After much prayer and consideration they determined that the squirrels were predestined to be there and they shouldn't interfere with God's divine will.. They left them be.

In The Baptist church the squirrels had taken up habitation in the baptistery. The deacons met and decided to put a cover on the baptistery and soak the squirrels in it by way of baptising them. The squirrels escaped somehow and there were twice as many there the next week.

The Methodist Church got together and decided that they were not in a position to harm any of God's creation. So, they humanely trapped the Squirrels and set them free a few miles outside of town. Three days later, the squirrels were back.

But The Catholic church came up with a most effective solution. They baptized the squirrels and registered them as members of the church. Now they only see them on Christmas and Easter.

Not much was heard about the Jewish Synagogue, but they took one squirrel and had a short service with him called 'circumcision' and they haven't seen a squirrel on the property since.

The LOVE Month

Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you. Sounds familar, sounds mushy? Yeah, all of us (at least once in a lifetime in our romance-eager teenage years) will receive the V-card with such wordings in it and I am pretty sure some of us are still receiving it up to today (of cause minus the mushy wordings).

Red roses, dark chocolate, stuffed animals, mushy cards, heart and cupid cutouts... Don't look now, but it's going to be that red-letter day again soon! Here comes Valentine's, that time of year that sends some to Cloud 9 and banishes others to depression. Whichever category you belong to, do not fret cos the LOVE month is for everyone.

Everyone knows that February is the month of love due to Valentines Day, but it is also the month of LOVE (Say it with me: The Month of Luuuv) as Microsoft Worldwide launches the Windows Vista and Office 2007 with a whopping blast! We think you’ll like it. We’re hoping you’ll love it!

So, celebrate the LOVE month not just with your love ones, but also with Microsoft!

The "WOW" Starts Now!
"The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost." (G. K. Chesterton)

Fort Minor Lyrics

This is still one of the top music hits on my list now. The lyrics are very meaningful. I just love Holly Brooks!

FORT MINOR LYRICS

Where'd you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone.

She said "Some days I feel like shit,
Some days I wanna quit, and just be normal for a bit,"
I don't understand why you have to always be gone,
I get along but the trips always feel so long,
And, I find myself trying to stay by the phone,
'Cause your voice always helps me to not feel so alone,
But I feel like an idiot, workin' my day around the call,
But when I pick up I don't have much to say,
So, I want you to know it's a little fucked up,
That I'm stuck here waitin', at times debatin',
Tellin' you that I've had it with you and your career,
Me and the rest of the family here singing "Where'd you go?"

I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone.
Where'd you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone,
Please come back home...

You know the place where you used to live,
Used to barbecue up burgers and ribs,
Used to have a little party every Halloween with candy by the pile,
But now, you only stop by every once and a while,
Shit, I find myself just fillin' my time,
With anything to keep the thought of you from my mind,
I'm doin' fine, I plan to keep it that way,
You can call me if you find that you have something to say,
And I'll tell you, I want you to know it's a little fucked up,
That I'm stuck here waitin', at times debatin',
Tellin' you that I've had it with you and your career,
Me and the rest of the family here singing "Where'd you go?"

I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone.
Where'd you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone,
Please come back home...

I want you to know it's a little fucked up,
That I'm stuck here waitin', no longer debatin',
Tired of sittin' and hatin' and makin' these excuses,
For why you're not around, and feeling so useless,
It seems one thing has been true all along,
You don't really know what you've got 'til it's gone,
I guess I've had it with you and your career,
When you come back I won't be here and you can sing it...

Where'd you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone.
Where'd you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone,
Please come back home...
Please come back home...
Please come back home...
Please come back home...
Please come back home...

A day without Coffee?

I was craving for a cup of coffee to perk myself up this morning and I asked myself what will happen if one day, coffee was to vanish from the earth?

The Consequences of IT

Excuse me, can you park?

I must admit that when it comes to parallel parking, I suck at it. When it comes to parking, I would never choose to do parallel parking if I have a choice. And if worst come to worst, I will have to ensure that there are at least 2 empty spaces (one in front and another behind) before i will do parallel parking.

So, do you think you can do Parallel Parking? Check this 'How's My Parking' first before you make your conclusion.

Of Paintball and Muscle Aches

A pit of team work, strategy and intelligence as we caught some of the Singapore MVPs in action and perspiration at the Crossfire Paintball! Yes, the folks came and they "shoot" their hearts out. Divided into 2 teams, the Green team and the Black team (Although I harbour the thought of choosing a more stylo name for the team, something like 'Titan' and not just names like black or green...ah heck).

It was indeed a well fought 'battle' as the 2 teams pitted against one another in 3 rounds of the game. Alas, it was a draw after the scores were tallied. Based on my analysis, the Black team emphasis was more on strategy (2 defenders, 3 attackers and up we move)whereas for the Green team, it seems that their objective was "Attack! Die Black team, die!" (hahaha). Well, regardless of whatever kind of strategy or mentality was adopted for each team, I am pretty sure all of us had fun. (Poor Dennis who was looking high and low for me to shoot...but neh, better chance next time hah).

Despite the muscle aches and bruises aftermath, I must say it was indeed a great work-out and a good way to chill out for our 'IT-savvy MVPs'. Game for more??

Disco Dance Fever

I was having a discussion with my friend last night and we came to an agreed consensus that nowadays, the songs that are being played by the DJs in pubs totally cannot make it. When we said 'cannot make it', it literally means that one finds it hard to dance to the tune of it. I have a good compliation of the 70s - 80s dance fever music and I would strongly recommend it to any of the DJs for them to spin it.

Some good 70s/80s dance hits which we have listed on the top of our chart
- ABBA's "Dancing Queen"
- ABBA " Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)"
- Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start The Fire"
- Don McLean's "American Pie"
- Kylie Minogue ''The Locomotion"
- A-ha "Take on Me"
- Bananarama "Love in the First Degree"
- Billy Joel "UpTown Girl"
- Culture Club "Karma Chameleon"
- DeBarge "Rhythm of the Night"

I must say the 70's/80's was a fantastic era for dance though... and I can still remember some of the steps to this day ! On that note, it's good to have a Retro-theme party once a while and everybody can just dance to the rhythm of the night....yeah