郭美美 ”不怕不怕”

Owned the album for sometime. Been wanting to write a quick review on it but just couldn't find the time to do so till now. So, here goes ~ I did not take a fancy to her first two singles, 老鼠爱大米 and 不怕不怕. It just didn't feel quite right and most likely, due to the songs themselves. It wasn't her, not quite her style.

If you have the same opinion as me, then i'm quite sure you'll be pleasantly surprised by her current album. Of course, her two singles are found in the album. What's more important are the songs that can be found within this album that truly showcases her talent. Her strong and distinct voice that wonderfully fills the sense of hearing of the listener. =)

Overall, a joy to listen to if you can bear with that 2 singles. =) Haha, there's always that skip button around, isn't it?

Recommended tracks:
Track 1 愛是你眼裡的一首情歌
Track 2 大聲說愛
Track 4 剪刀石頭布
Track 8 兩難
Track 9 回家真好

Broken Marriages

Met MM a couple of days back for dinner. After dinner, we had a nice cup of coffee at Dome Bishan. I still think Dome serves one of the most excellent hot coffee around (haha, can't say the same for their cold drinks though). =)

It was a nice evening chat, updated each other on our recent happenings. Among the topics and updates, we happened to touch on broken marriages. I supposed the topic popped up since all of us are at the common age for chancing upon such things, be it through ourselves, friends or any other mediums.

Why are there broken marriages? Of course, each case is unique to the circumstances and conditions that finally leads to the breakup and there are so many different factors involved. However, it is usually not a single factor that leads to the breakup. More than often, it is an accumulation of several factors over a period of time.

There is however one factor that i like to highlight. The factor of failing to recognise the transformation of love. First we have to understand that most of us fall in love, get together for a while before we tie the knots. More than often, such love is what we know as passionate love. Love that gives you excitement, makes your heart flutter everytime you see your sweetheart and puts you to heaven, above the clouds. Very nice feeling, a feeling that most of us yearn for.

After tying the knots and living with one another for a number of years, the couple realised that all the passion they felt during their courtship days and early days of marriage is no longer there. Life becomes somewhat peaceful and calm. They start to ask themselves what happened. Has the flame of love gone out? Does my partner still love me? Do i still love my partner? Finding no answers and unable to feel the passion anymore, they start to tell themselves that love is no longer there. From there, begins the downfall of the relationship. Sometimes, ending in divorces.

What they did not recognise was the very fact that the passionate love of a couple had transformed into a much more endearing type of kinship love between husband and wife. Instead of nuturing such love, they weaken and destroy it by looking elsewhere for passionate love once more. To feel the excitement once again.

Such kinship love is not easy to come by, it can take years to develop and nurture. It is the touching type of love where both partners come to accept each other truly as part of their life. Such love can create great understanding, trust and bondage between the couple. The problem with us it seems, instead of exploring the wonders of such love, we look and crave for past feelings. We stop living in the present where happiness can be truly found.

With all sincerity, i wish all of us will never fall into such blindness. To my all friends out there, may your marriage (for singles, that will be your future marriage lah) be filled with bliss in every moment. =)

Kamma

Had a conversation over msn with Su a couple days back and we briefly touched on the topic kamma. Decidedly to write something on it. If anything deviates from the teachings, then it is solely due to my limited understanding. Please let me know if that's the case so that i may deepen my understading. =)

Kamma, commonly known as the law of causes and effects. However, it is more than that. The law of causes and effects only form part of kamma. The word kamma implies volition meaning action with intention. Action here will encompass all three aspects, mental, speech and body. With every deed, it is naturally followed by an effect and this is how kamma came to be commonly known as the law of cause and effect.

Kamma itself can be a very broad subject but i'll try to touch on as much as to my limited knowledge. At the same time, i'll try to present it with an alternative view and how it may be applicable in our daily life. There are four main types of kamma. They are kamma that rippens in this birth, kamma that rippens in next birth, kamma that rippens in successive births and kamma that is ineffective due to a lack of auxillary conditions.

Some of us may find the notion of re-birth hard to swallow but why not look at the notion of re-birth to mean as seeing each moment anew. Or maybe you can think of it in such a way, each time you wake up, you are re-born as a new person. In that case, it is not so hard to relate to kamma. =)

As such, the first type of kamma can be looked upon as kamma that rippens immediately, e.g. the action of throwing a ball out of the hand, the effect is immediately seen as the ball flying away from you. The second type of kamma can be treated as kamma that rippens only in the next moment. e.g. the ball hits and breaks your neighbour's window after it is flung out of your hand. While the third type of kamma are those that bear fruits much later. e.g. your neighbour is out of town and doesn't know about the matter till he or she gets back. As for the last type, as the name suggest, kamma that doesn't rippen due to a lack of conditions. e.g. without a security camera, your neighbour may not find out who broke the window.

As mentioned kamma starts with intention. If we entertain certain thoughts long and often enough, it will leave an imprint powerful enough to materialise itself as speech or even physical actions. That is often why habits are hard to kick and also the reason why certain people keep repeating certain actions. As such, it is not hard to understand that all things are what we willed them to be with our kamma. Haha, reflecting on this fact, i think we should be honest enough to own up. A matter of conscience and also to refrain ourselves from making a habit out of lying and cowardice. =)

Kamma is then further divided into the following categories. Kamma that produces their own resultants, kamma that supplements (supports) the resultants of another, kamma that alters the resultants of another and kamma that destroys the resultants of another.

These kamma can be easier understood if we look at it using the examples of marble balls. Making use of one ball to hit another, it produces a direct effect of the second marble rolling in the direction that it was hit with earlier (own resultants). If we were to throw another and hit the second marble, mentioned earlier, in the same direction, it will help the marble to roll even further (supplement kamma). However, if we were to throw another from the side, it will alter the direction of the marble (altering kamma). But if we were to scoop the rolling marble up with our hand, we have stopped its rolling effects (destructive kamma). How it affects your daily lives, i leave this bit for you to contemplate. =)

Now that we understand that kamma is a natural law, it is just, it does not love nor hate. Life is conditioned the way it is being moulded by our very own actions. It is important for us to be mindful of our actions. Do bear this in mind that we are not due to receive our kamma in just proportion, we always have the choice to change them if we make the effort. A good example is in the earlier example of rolling marble. Without interference, it will continue to roll in that straight line. However, if we are quick enough to throw out another ball, then it can be enough to hit the first ball and alter its original course or even stop it in its track.

Actually kamma is more much more than what i have written but it's late in the nite. Think I'll just stop here. Yawnzz, nite nite. =)

A Tribute to My Beloved Late Uncle Choon Hai

There's really a lot i like to put down in words but i find it somewhat difficult as it's really too personal and there are too much inner thoughts and feelings that are hard to describe.

But one thing i really wish to pay a tribute to ~ is his love for children. When he loved us all, every one of us, his nephews, nieces, grand nephew and neices even though he had none of his own. Like his name suggested, Hai ~ meaning ocean. His generosity and love towards us was big and boundless like the ocean.
Below are photos of my two of my nieces, his grand nieces, the children that he showered so much love on.



In my memory with love always ~ my 3rd Uncle Hai

Beefy Intentions

Pardon the title but there's something to it that i like to put in down in words. =)

Sparked off by a little side talk i had with Wi at Funan Mac's while having a little snack. Btw, that's right after we attended the fotos exhibition (haha, just thought to mention it again in this entry since i believe it's really worth dropping in).

Wi related to me how Macs mixed up his orders (home delivery) a couple of days back. In his orders included a chicken fantastic meal but a beef fantastic burger was delivered instead. As he did not wish to keep his family members waiting, he decidedly accepted the food sent. So ending up eating a beef burger instead of a chicken. Mentioned in the passing that he felt bad about it as he worships Kwan Yin at home and he shouldn't be eating beef in front of Kwan Yin.

I made a suggestion to Wi that he did not have to feel bad about it and there are other ways to look at the same situation. First of all, i clarified to him, one do not differentiate between eating chicken, beef or another type of meat in the buddhist context. Eating meat is discouraged for all lay practictioners while vegetarian on the other hand is encouraged.

In Buddhism, all sentient beings are considered be equal, all born with an underlying Buddha Nature to be realised. If we look at it from a more material sense, then we are all equal in our desire to be happy and free from suffering. It's the same from the smallest insect to the largest mammals that we share our living space with, no being wish to be in pain and agony. =)

Reflecting for a while, i mentioned that he might have made a much better decision in accepting the order. By doing so, he did not have to keep his family waiting and he did not waste more resources by rejecting the order. In rejecting the order, the delivery man will have to return the food and re-send the correct order. In doing so, more fuel is wasted and more pollution is caused by the extra fumes emitted for the extra trip. Not only that, the beef burger will be rejected and as Mac's cannot keep their food beyond a certain time range, the burger will definitely be thrown away. As our resources are waning, looking from this angle, this might have been a better off decision.

Most importantly, it's our intentions that really counts at the end of the day. Of course, i'm not saying that good intentions coupled with bad actions is good but it is definitely better than bad intentions coupled with bad actions. =) Without perfect wisdom, how can we know if we truly did the right thing. But we can definitely rest easy if our intentions are perfect from the start. Mate, rest easy for you have made the decision out of love for your family. It's the loving intention that matters. =)

Burmese Days - A Photo Exhibition

Visit a photo exhibition held by Wi's boss at MICA building last Saturday. Name's Tuck Loong and he's quite an accomplished photographer and designer. The exhibition will be on till 6th March with a slide show starting at 2 p.m. every sat. You may visit the photographers gallery for more info.

Enjoyed the way he captured the moments, how he made use of the natural light conditions to enhance his composition. Quite a master and i was particularly drawn to his people portraits (felt he had done a most excellent job on it though he mentioned in passing to me that portraits were not exactly his forte). Really loved the way how direct eye contact were made with the subjects.

My favourite photo - a young monk, age around 5 - 7, lying down on a bench with one of his hand resting on a sleeping cat. Gave feeling of peace, calmness and just being in the moment, in touch with the surrounding beings that shared ths living space. =)

My Fallen Thanks! =)

Had a nasty fall on sunday during the regular blading session. Er, if there are any parents out there, please watch your kids and do give them your guidance on park safety. =) I think it will be nice if you can do that.

Though i managed to jump out of the way to prevent a collision onto the little kid (kiddo did a u-turn without looking behind for traffic) but there's really no guarantee that anyone of us will be able to do the same in the future. i believe this sort of accidents can be easily avoided if we are more mindful of other road users and park safety. It's bad enough if we adults injure ourselves but i dread to think what injury children may sustain if somebody my size or bigger crash into them.

Like to really give thanks to Ma, Tr, Dy, Ya & Fe for being so warm and helpful! They got me all the temporary medical supplies, tissues and drinks i needed. Really it's not painful. =) The pain is worse if we keep dwelling on it, so i chose to dwell on the kindness showered by my frends instead. =) When the mind concentrates, it naturally calms. There is pain but we need not suffer. =)

Thanks to Se and Ev for asking after me today. Also my gratitude to the nice doc who dressed my wounds today (though i have no idea what she applied). Last but not least, my parents for giving me a new dressing last nite! =)

My heartfelt thanks again to all the mentioned people for the kindness shown! =)

Say Thanks!

Something interesting happened during lunch yesterday. =)

As per usual when i lunched at foodcourt in ST, i take vege food. It was no exception. Queued, picked my food, gave thanks to the auntie who arranged my food. Paid my dues to the young cashier lady and when she gave my change, i said thanks again.

To my surprise, she spoke. Please don't get the wrong idea but it's really because she's the quiet type and i don't recall her saying a single word to me or much to anyone else save the auntie. Haha, what came out of her mouth was really a surprise to me.

She said, "Do you have to say thanks everytime and at least once to each of us?" I replied to her that it is only nice to do so. She said, "Still, don't have to do it all the time.. and why?" "Why? Cos you are selling food to me and i'm thankful for that. Since without you, i will not be able to fill my stomach.", i said. Saying so, she gave me a "bewildered look" and went back going about her tasks.

In Zen context, there are 4 blessings that we should constantly reflect upon and be grateful. They are namely our parents, our country, all sentient beings and the triple gems. In Zen, we also encourage noble 8 fold path, they are namely, right view, right understanding, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.

When we talk about the 4 blessings, we are actually touching on the subject of inter-being. That we cannot exist without each other, that we are all inter-dependent on one another. Without the auntie selling vege food, i will not be able to take vege food. This relates to gratefulness to the blessing of sentient beings. Furthermore, all practitioners are encouraged to take more vege food as to reduce the demand for meat. This will in turn reduce killings of livestock. This relates to the nble 8 fold path esp on the aspects of right view, right understanding and right action. =)

Hopefully in time to come, the young lady will one day appreciate the notion of inter-being and understand the intention behind my thanks! =) At the same time, i give thanks to you, my viewer for allowing me this chance to express my views to you! =)

An Open Heart

A book by Dalai Lama, one of the leading spiritual teachers of our time. In this book, he invites the reader regardless of their background, race & religion to open their compassionate and kind hearts.

He stresses on the fact that we are very much born similar, similar in our innate desire to be happy and without suffering. That all of us have the very same underlying potential to enjoy blissful peace and a calm mind.

With such an understanding in mind, we open our hearts to the people around us, to see them as equals and to start on a path of kindness. In the book, he also prescribed some techniques used in the Tibetan Buddhism to cultivate a lasting compassion for all beings.

More than often, we are caught up in the whirls of this material world. Sometimes so caught up in it that we become unmindful of the present moment. Instead, we keep going backward or forward in search. During the process, we hurt ourselves and others, be it knowingly or unknowingly. All these stems from our fundamental ignorance.

Ignorance of what? ~ ignorance of the treasures we already have in life. The treasures includes your family, friends and everything, even the trees around that provides us with shelter and oxygen. Ignorant that we have no true self and that all are dependant on one another.

This is because that is. We cannot be here in this very moment if conditions did not exist right for us. Example, a tree cannot be here if there is no sun, no water, no earth. All conditions had to exist before it can transform from a seed into a tree. Looking deeply like this, we can see that the whole cosmos exist within us. Every single factor has to be just right in order for us to be here in this exact moment. Isn't it wonderful just to be alive? =)

Why not open the heart to embrace and treasure this moment, the people and all things that is already surrounding us? Don't look elsewhere, all we need is already here and now. We just need to open our kind hearts. =)

CNY Fireworks Fotos!

If you're wondering what i've been up to recently ~ it's fotos time again. Fireworks every nite at River Hong Bao for a total of 17 nites.... How can i let slip the chance, went for 4 nites of it. =)

Here's my take on it, it's not the best but i still hope ya enjoy! =)

The Hidden Messages in Water

A book by Jap scientist Masaru Emoto to introduce the reader to his revolutionary works. Through years of research and experiments, he found out water molecules are affected by our thoughts, words and feelings.

Making use of high speed photography, he discovered that crystals formed in frozen water reveal changes when specific, concentrated thoughts are directed toward them. Water from clear springs and water that has been exposed to loving words formed brilliant, complex snowflake patterns. However, water from polluted sources or water exposed to negative thoughts formed incomplete, asymmetrical patterns.

Click here to see various breath-taking crystals formed with exposure to words of love, peace and happiness.

Armed with such a wonderful discovery, Masaru Emoto constantly spreads his messages of love and gratitude through published works and seminars over the world. He believes as humans are made up of 70% water, if we can constantly generate good thoughts, we can better ourselves and our surroundings. =)

It's an easy read with a good number of the crystals pics shown within the book. Thumbs up for the pics! =)

There Is No Suffering

A Commentary on the Heart Sutta by Chan (Zen) Master Sheng-Yen.

Just finished reading couple days back for the second time. Definitely a whole new experience all over again. Nothing like the first time.

How should i describe my first time reading the book? It most intellectually simulating and Master struck me as a most profoundly wise person with a very deep understanding of Zen. He is sharp, clear and concise in his commentary. A person more than worthy to be called a Master and a scholar of the Zen lineage.

Before i go on any further, let me relate what the Heart Sutta is and why it is one of the suttas held in the highest regards by practitioners around the world. Heart Sutta is just over a page long but it distills the teachings of the Buddha (where Zen has it roots stem from) to their purest form.

In Zen, one is encouraged to cultivate a beginner's mind. To constantly see things anew, with equanimity. This second read was definitely a whole new feeling. As i read the commentary, it felt as if it was the first time. The commentary opened up to me in a different light.

Saw it more than an intellectual read, it resonated with my daily affairs ~ how i think and act. It became something of a reflective and contemplation medium. To see things as they truly are, past our six senses, past our consciousness, the non-duality nature of all phenomena.

Four Noble Truths ~ "There is suffering, cause of suffering, cessation of suffering, path to cessation of suffering."

In the Heart Sutta ~ "There is no suffering, no cause of suffering, no cessation of suffering, and no path. There is no wisdom, there is no attainment."

Amazing isn't it? =)

Fat "Sundae"

Rained during the weekend ~ no skating... Haha, my parents really should consider a side-line as part-time weather forecasters. =)

My folks predicted (in a jokingly manner) that it will rain the moment i step into East Coast. They almost had it spot on. The moment M,T and i reached Katong area, it rained. There goes the once a week skate session.

Settled down at Macs in Marine Parade ~ instead of burning calories, decided to store some. Had some fries ~ didn't really feel enough ~ went for a hot fudge sundae. =) It's really enjoyable to have it once in awhile (can't have it every weekend, doesn't go down well with a thirsty throat after the skate). Hmmm... that thick chocolate syrup. =D

That's my fat sunday (sundae)! =)

Sending Off Deities

It's sunday and not sure if any of you guys know what day it is. It is a day of great importance to most chinese. It is the 23rd day of the last lunar month. Tonight is when we send the deities in our home back to heaven.

The deities will take a short break from their earthly duties and report all events that transpired on earth to the Jade Emperor. Haha, that includes all deeds, no matter good or bad, that transpires in your household. That's the reason why we have nian gao (a sweet chinese cake) as a part of the offerings to the deities. To sweeten them up so that they will sweeten their reports of us. =)



It doesn't matter if you think it pure supersition or you strongly believe in their existence. What truly matters is the underlying meaning behind it, to be more pure in our dealings. It is a reminder to us to be constantly mindful of our intentions, speech and actions. This is why sometimes it is good to go back to our roots and traditions, to touch ourselves and the teachings of our forefathers. =)

To Love, Be Loved ~ A Zen-like Reflection

Been reading up recent blog entries by various friends and Ja (a friend that i knew during my Perth trip) put up in one of the recent entries ~ "To love and be loved in return"

Line caught my eye and i knew immediately that i will very much like to do some sort of Zen-like reflection on these words. =) If there's any unintentional deviation from Zen's teachings, it's really my lack of right understanding.

To love ~ just like what Enya sang in her recent album Amarantine, "when you give your love away, it opens your heart and everything is new." How is like to love? In Zen context, one should love unconditionally and without attachments. Suffering stems from our fundamental ignorance and attachments. Without these, there will be no afflictions. When we know how to love unconditionally without expecting anything in return, without any form of attachments, our heart will truly open itself. We will become somewhat like a child ~ boundless and endless joy at every single simplest present moment. Joy in simplicity.

Be loved in return ~ this is probably the simpler of the two. You may ask, "Why? Isn't getting someone to love me in return harder? After all, there is no guarantee that he/she may love me back?" If you think this way, then you have not learn how to love as mentioned earlier. You give your love because you expect to be loved in return. If you give without any attachment, you will not be vexed by the fact that people do not appreciate it. You will constantly busk in the joy of giving your love generously.

If every moment is spent in this manner, are you not blissful? You are not suffering, not angry but you are peaceful and calm. Isn't that wonderful? People try all means to make themselves happy with the simple reason that they love themselves. If we are that blissful and happy, are we not loving and taking good care of ourselves? In this case, you've already loved yourself in return. =)

童夢奇緣

One of the latest Andy Lau films that i caught on discs. Applause to Teddy Chan the director for the excellent direction he provided for this film and the cast for a most commendable performance. =)

This is definitely one of the better HK films i've seen in recent times. Very enchanting story plot to begin with and it's wonderfully coupled with a most unexpected ending (not anti climax sort of ending but definitely not a fairy tale ending).

If you wish to see this film, try not to read any further ~ might spoil your enjoyment of the show. Haha, and i have no wish to spoil your day...

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Here goes ~

In the film, Guang is a kid who puts the blame for the death of his mum (suicide) on his father and stepmother. He tries all means to make life difficult for them and badly wishes to be free of his family.
 

Through fate, he meets a stranger who invented a potion that speeds up one's life process. Guang tries to steal it but ends up breaking the test tube. Though broken and the potion spilled, his blood is already tainted with the formulae (a cut on the hand by the shattered glass). Next morning, he wakes up a man in twenties.

As a young adult, Guang is fascinated by the seemingly endless possibilities placed right in his face. Things like standing up for his buddy, saving him from the bullies, chasing after his pretty teacher, permission to drink and many more. However, he realises soon that it is not all fun and that there is a heavy price to pay... ~ he's growing old too rapidly.

He soon realises a number of truths including the fact that his stepmother is really the first wife, not the third party as he always thought. He also realises how much unconditional love his father has been giving him and how hard the father is salvaging to keep the family going. "Sometimes the truth is not what we perceived it to be" ~ very nicely done in the film to remind us not to be too judgemental or critical. At the same time, not to be overly attached to our self-formed opinions. Realising his own folly, he goes back to the inventor and ask for an antidote in hope to revert all things to its original stage.

When Guang ask for an antitode, the inventor said there isn't one. Guang broke down and regrets badly his actions. The old fella said, "Life is a process that is irreversible but no matter how short a time you have left, there is always hope." Really loved the way it's being said ~ very zen like, shows that it doesn't matter how much time is spent but if one learns to treasure the present moment, if one puts in the effort, it is never too late. Afterall, the past is gone, future yet to come and we only have the present. A moment spent in diligence and love is better than years spent in laziness and hatred.

Heehee, guess i wrote too much...

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

A must see film if you are one of those kids that were deeply enthralled by the tv series screened on our local television network in our younger days! And i was definitely one of those kids! =)

If you are wondering, i'll just give you some bit and pieces of info about it. The current movie and the tv series made in the 80's are based on the second book in the series known as the Chronicles of Narnia (7 books altogether if i'm not mistaken).

Animals are given a makeover in the show. In this magical world behind the doors of a wardrobe, all of them are bestowed with human intellect, characteristics and the ability to speak. Some, like the beavers, reminds you of good-natured neighbours while some, like the wolves, reminds you of unscrupulous evil-doers that will stoop to nothing to reach their goals.

Of course, it is not without its share of mythical creatures. They include the proud and noble centuars, smart and watchful griffons and many more. No matter how special or uncanny these mythical creatures are, they all bow to one true king ~ Aslan (the Lion).

Though a lion is not a mythical creature, it is deemed the center role and held in the highest regard in the film. Not that it is not majestic looking but it is really king because of its unconditional love for its subjects and its unparrallel wisdom (that the Witch in the show can in no way compare, no matter how cunning and devious she maybe).

This only proves how important it is to be sincere in your dealings with people around you, as the true-self will prevail. And lies can never diminish the truth, no matter how well thought and planned the lies are. Not only that, there are a great number of virtues and morals that the film imparts ~ kinship, determination, faith, trust, etc... I'll leave it to you to discover its magic like i did. =)

Xmas Fotos

It rained over the weekend, so had to give the usual skate gathering on sunday a miss. On the other hand, had some time to myself to run through the photos taken during the christmas season. Haha, I know it's a bit late since it's really more of a chinese new year mood now but hey guys, try to enjoy. =)
 

Self-Righteous...

That's the word i'll like to use to describe my department head. At least that the impression he gave me during our conversation when we had lunch together today.

Some of you guys who happened to be my colleagues will know that there is no such thing as a free lunch with my department head ~ there's always a catch, always an agenda. Hmm, for those who aren't my colleagues, let me recount what conversed during the lunch and you decide if the heading is appropriate..

My dept head invited me for lunch and this is probably the fourth or fifth time he did during these five years (since i've been working under him). Most of the time, he used it as opportunity to dish out advices based on his very own life experiences. Some of the advices are good, some are bad but no matter what i'm grateful he shared.

What really grinds on me was the fact he tends to be very critical and judgmental about people. Today was no exception. Haha, i should have seen it coming... Guess he wanted to know why i don't mix around in the office especially within the dept anymore. Admittedly, i've not been talking in the office lately especially for the last one year plus.

Asked me how my parents and siblings are doing. Told him family's doing fine. Here's the big question - he finally asked how am i coping with work and how i felt about the job rotation he intiated about 1 to 2 months back. i'm supposed to switch job parameters with my senior executive. Btw, i'm a staff at support level. She's in a senior supervisory post.

Told him in my opinion, the switch came at a very bad timing. A time when we are closing the books for the year, preparing the docs for audit and various submissions. In the midst of that, we are supposed to guide each other in our new job aspects when we are already up to the neck, already doing overtime. Told him i pity my senior exec as she's the one who has to juggle all these handing taking over as she's in the supervisory position. All these could be easier if we waited till april or so which is our "lull period".

Well, he differed. Told me to see it as a challenge and he salutes my exec cos she's doing pretty well. He believes leadership quality is brought forth in times of adversity. So, she's really shinning right now esp when her dad is very sick and is in need of constant medication and care. He said, "Even though i'm sure there are times when she would like to spend more time with her dad but she has such qualities and ownership of her work that she will complete the work no matter how."

Yup, no matter how is really the word - i left office at 10.30p.m and she's still working. Pity pity.. This when i felt self-righteous is the word to describe him. Did he ask if she sees it as challenge or a burden? So, did he decidedly play big brother and choose for her? Maybe she does see it as a challenge but from what i gathered, i seriously doubt so. If it's really a challenge and she finds it interesting, guess she wouldn't be lamenting and banging table away on a regular basis...

A really understanding boss will not increase her work load at this junction but rather choose a more appropriate timing to ease the change in a much smoother manner. What appalls me was the fact he knew she had problems at home, needed a more stable work timing and yet decidedly add on these unnecessary work. She doesn't even need him to take any load off her, all she needed was just no more addition to the tons she had to begin with. I just pray that things will have a better turn for her. =)

No matter how appalling it was, there's always something to be learned from it. If we are ever in such a situation, i think we should try to put ourselves in their shoes, ask and listen to what they have to say before deciding what's possiby best for them and not to be too self-opinionated in our thinking. Afterall, this also part of the mindfulness training. Mindfulness of others. =)

Probably My Last Post for 2005 =)

A year has almost come and gone. Don't think i'll be blogging any entry on 31st Dec, so this is likely to be my last post for the year. Haha, i'll be posting more entires for sure in the next year but for now, let's all take a break from me. (",)

Overall, 2005 had been a good year for me. Of course, no path in life is always and ever smooth. We all had our fair share of falls and hurtful moments but there were also times that left us a sense of wonder and sweetness in our hearts.

Nothing is forever - all things, good and bad, come and go. What's more important is that i had good people around me all these while! That's what makes the year good for me! =)

At the same time, I'll like to make use of this opportunity to wish all of you out there:

"Happy New Year! May you and your loved ones be blessed, well and happy always! =)"