Ziang's rssThoughts
It's not the venue, it's the company
17/06/09 01:33
IT was a bad dinner.
And the folks might probably never knew about it. With the onset of
news so far, I guess I’ve tried to stay positive, and if not,
trying to take it well.
I was made to feel like a complete idiot/loser for trying to challenge myself instead. On top of that, it was a dinner where I’m meeting them, only to realize that “it’s not the venue, it’s the company” that’s bad, and that they’re meeting/checking out some guy after that.
If consoling/showing support’s not part of the agenda, I supposed the least that could have been done is not to dig it in.
Of course, I was wrong, and it’s probably one of the worst dinner I ever have.
I truly agree, it’s not the venue, it’s the company
I was made to feel like a complete idiot/loser for trying to challenge myself instead. On top of that, it was a dinner where I’m meeting them, only to realize that “it’s not the venue, it’s the company” that’s bad, and that they’re meeting/checking out some guy after that.
If consoling/showing support’s not part of the agenda, I supposed the least that could have been done is not to dig it in.
Of course, I was wrong, and it’s probably one of the worst dinner I ever have.
I truly agree, it’s not the venue, it’s the company
|
Finally.
13/06/09 19:28
YEAR ago this period,
it was a test of resolve.
This time this year, it seems like things have not changed much. Given the current situation, it is the best that I could have handled. Or so I think.
Time and tide waits for no Man. Getting prodded along the path, one can’t help but think forward what best can be done.
Finally a period of enforced rest coming soon, and time to think over next steps.
Till next update.
This time this year, it seems like things have not changed much. Given the current situation, it is the best that I could have handled. Or so I think.
Time and tide waits for no Man. Getting prodded along the path, one can’t help but think forward what best can be done.
Finally a period of enforced rest coming soon, and time to think over next steps.
Till next update.
Random again
17/03/09 00:59
AFTER taking a few
days off from work, trying to get comp back to previous working
condition, and settling lots of misc stuff like brother’s
matriculation...on top of the training that has been on-going for
Aikido, mountain climbing etc...it does feel like a lot have gone
through over the past few months.
Quite a number of issues to settle, and hopefully clearing them as it comes.
Ah well. Strangely the light at the end of the tunnel doesn’t seem to beacon through the mist any more. Or there suddenly appears plenty of mirages in the middle of the desert. Or the world suddenly looked less rosy and more cynical.
It probably is just me who’s having plenty of doubts and trying to clear them as it comes.
Shall cut it short, though the blogging turnaround time should be lesser from now.
Turning in. And out.
Quite a number of issues to settle, and hopefully clearing them as it comes.
Ah well. Strangely the light at the end of the tunnel doesn’t seem to beacon through the mist any more. Or there suddenly appears plenty of mirages in the middle of the desert. Or the world suddenly looked less rosy and more cynical.
It probably is just me who’s having plenty of doubts and trying to clear them as it comes.
Shall cut it short, though the blogging turnaround time should be lesser from now.
Turning in. And out.
I guess...I'm just being mad again
26/01/09 22:02
IT’S been months
since the site is updated, no thanks to my dumb laptop with the
lost entries, and the horror of trying to recover most of my
previous data.
As previous folks might have realized, some of the entries are gone.
Of course, plenty of changes have come and gone since then, and going through the rocky path does help one to grow.
The adjustment to singlehood took a while. While it seem inevitable for a while, I thought things have improved, albeit one sided, I guess. When news of it struck me, taken aback, I was left wondering and re-organizing my life. The months of prodding through hasn’t help much, with lots of photos still left in memory cards and discs, from trips, weddings and such.
Time to organize them, me thinks.
While the fluctuating moods do not affect my enthusiasm for photo taking, I do think my standards have been fluctuating. Carelessness no doubt, I do think I took some photos which I particularly like, without the chance to revisit them yet. Whether or not it’s because while I do enjoy taking them and looking at them is a totally different thing altogether, or because the plain laziness in me is raging, I do not know.
Of course, other things happen along the way. Back to training has been one of them. It has been a revelation that 2 years of missing in action most of the time has not lessen my enthusiasm, if anything, I felt that I do miss the trainings. Smack down on the cold hard mats, the aches and pains of locks, slams, awkward landings on knees and such...ok this sound masochistic. It does feel good, though, ha. I remember 2 years ago, whenever I head for training, I don’t feel that there are as much good people training and it’s been a race for the belt.
No longer. The standard has improved much, and it’s enjoyable that I can train with a lot of new folks who value training as much or even more than me. The search for a better person in all of us, while pursuing the art, understanding the body, movements, reaction and counter-reaction...all felt so good that I’m surprised that I am ever gone from it in the first place.
Well, I guess I’d just be back training as much as I could from now on, ha.
Talking with fellow colleagues and gossiping has been part and parcel of office life. It is also interesting to understand how people view me, and how gossip attracting I can get. Maybe it’s my attitude and my mannerism, with a slack outlook, plenty of Gundams on desk, and a long overdue wedding album which I’m supposed to deliver. Maybe it’s just me. And I had the cheek to said to Paul, on how I would introduce to people how I am, “just see for yourself.”
What a load of crap, ha.
Certain issues in life has made me reflect and relook at myself, and trying to understand myself better. Things like “sunshine outlook”, “positive”, “overtly kind” are certain things I’ve heard, and I really thought that those things are just me, no less, but I overlook the fact that not all people are welcome to such positiveness. There are certain misunderstandings from friends who think that I’m indulging myself and overlooking more important issues when I decided to take up certain propositions, which I got quite disappointed as they do not understand my rationale for taking them up. There was another instance which I surprised even myself as in most normal circumstances I would have reacted almost instinctively, but for that evening I actually welcome people to help out where I do believe I can handle it much better myself. Of course, these small chapters are nothing compared to some of the more bizarre (which Paul often says, “ you’re mad/crazy! ” ) things I have done, which is silly and I’d rather not share here, ha.
I guess I might just be the positive, ever smiling guy who constantly tries to smile, though I rant pretty much all the time
I guess I have been converted to a movie-holic, watching so many movies recently that I’m hooked to it and viewing it with a different eye. I met my ex boss while watching a movie premiere of MILK, who was surprised that I actually “support” the movement, though I honestly am there only because a good friend of mine ask me whether I want to watch a movie and there’s free tickets.
I guess I am getting older, appreciating the finer things in life, being more patient and such, like picking up tea drinking, something I can’t really relate to any friend right now. Or waiting several hours for people. Or getting insulted and yet able to hold my temper.
I guess it’s really frustrating when I felt misunderstood. Probably the need for understanding has always been up there amongst my wishes. And the reason for blogging again. Sounds like a desperate attempt to voice some rants, but it’s an avenue, no less.
I guess I’m learning new things about myself, like I have the “I am an anti-gay” look/mannerism on my face *cringe*.
I guess it feels good to be finally me again. Reacting according to instinct and emotion is something I have gradually forgotten over the years, and it does feel good for me to finally settle back to a person I can relate to.
I guess...I’m just being mad again :p
p.s. Paul is a good friend of mine, nothing more, don’t anyhow guess yah?
As previous folks might have realized, some of the entries are gone.
Of course, plenty of changes have come and gone since then, and going through the rocky path does help one to grow.
The adjustment to singlehood took a while. While it seem inevitable for a while, I thought things have improved, albeit one sided, I guess. When news of it struck me, taken aback, I was left wondering and re-organizing my life. The months of prodding through hasn’t help much, with lots of photos still left in memory cards and discs, from trips, weddings and such.
Time to organize them, me thinks.
While the fluctuating moods do not affect my enthusiasm for photo taking, I do think my standards have been fluctuating. Carelessness no doubt, I do think I took some photos which I particularly like, without the chance to revisit them yet. Whether or not it’s because while I do enjoy taking them and looking at them is a totally different thing altogether, or because the plain laziness in me is raging, I do not know.
Of course, other things happen along the way. Back to training has been one of them. It has been a revelation that 2 years of missing in action most of the time has not lessen my enthusiasm, if anything, I felt that I do miss the trainings. Smack down on the cold hard mats, the aches and pains of locks, slams, awkward landings on knees and such...ok this sound masochistic. It does feel good, though, ha. I remember 2 years ago, whenever I head for training, I don’t feel that there are as much good people training and it’s been a race for the belt.
No longer. The standard has improved much, and it’s enjoyable that I can train with a lot of new folks who value training as much or even more than me. The search for a better person in all of us, while pursuing the art, understanding the body, movements, reaction and counter-reaction...all felt so good that I’m surprised that I am ever gone from it in the first place.
Well, I guess I’d just be back training as much as I could from now on, ha.
Talking with fellow colleagues and gossiping has been part and parcel of office life. It is also interesting to understand how people view me, and how gossip attracting I can get. Maybe it’s my attitude and my mannerism, with a slack outlook, plenty of Gundams on desk, and a long overdue wedding album which I’m supposed to deliver. Maybe it’s just me. And I had the cheek to said to Paul, on how I would introduce to people how I am, “just see for yourself.”
What a load of crap, ha.
Certain issues in life has made me reflect and relook at myself, and trying to understand myself better. Things like “sunshine outlook”, “positive”, “overtly kind” are certain things I’ve heard, and I really thought that those things are just me, no less, but I overlook the fact that not all people are welcome to such positiveness. There are certain misunderstandings from friends who think that I’m indulging myself and overlooking more important issues when I decided to take up certain propositions, which I got quite disappointed as they do not understand my rationale for taking them up. There was another instance which I surprised even myself as in most normal circumstances I would have reacted almost instinctively, but for that evening I actually welcome people to help out where I do believe I can handle it much better myself. Of course, these small chapters are nothing compared to some of the more bizarre (which Paul often says, “ you’re mad/crazy! ” ) things I have done, which is silly and I’d rather not share here, ha.
I guess I might just be the positive, ever smiling guy who constantly tries to smile, though I rant pretty much all the time
I guess I have been converted to a movie-holic, watching so many movies recently that I’m hooked to it and viewing it with a different eye. I met my ex boss while watching a movie premiere of MILK, who was surprised that I actually “support” the movement, though I honestly am there only because a good friend of mine ask me whether I want to watch a movie and there’s free tickets.
I guess I am getting older, appreciating the finer things in life, being more patient and such, like picking up tea drinking, something I can’t really relate to any friend right now. Or waiting several hours for people. Or getting insulted and yet able to hold my temper.
I guess it’s really frustrating when I felt misunderstood. Probably the need for understanding has always been up there amongst my wishes. And the reason for blogging again. Sounds like a desperate attempt to voice some rants, but it’s an avenue, no less.
I guess I’m learning new things about myself, like I have the “I am an anti-gay” look/mannerism on my face *cringe*.
I guess it feels good to be finally me again. Reacting according to instinct and emotion is something I have gradually forgotten over the years, and it does feel good for me to finally settle back to a person I can relate to.
I guess...I’m just being mad again :p
p.s. Paul is a good friend of mine, nothing more, don’t anyhow guess yah?
It's been a while...
08/09/08 23:53
Managing expectations
19/07/08 14:53
A small episode just
happened, and I guess everything is worth learning from - managing
expectations.
I guess I expect too much from friends sometimes - to the extend that views clash and things get uphappy. Not everyone can look beyond the surface, and be totally unbias - given that it’s really inbuilt into our character previously.
Not that I can do that too, of course.
An acquaintance shared about a story, which was pretty interesting. One day after work, he returned home to find his son crying. Disturbed over why the 9 year old boy is crying, he asked his son for the reason.
“Dad, I just got bullied and pushed down by some friends.”
The acquaintance was dumbfolded - he didn’t know how to answer his son. His son turned to his wife, who hurriedly came over to ask his opinion. Talking about vicious cycle!
“How to console our son?”
“I don’t know! I can’t possibly tell him to go whack that fella up right!”
Ha. He then shared his own life story about how he was fighting kids from other schools at the very exact age back then and got two strokes of the cane from the principal.
Interesting, isn’t it? While coming to terms with our own personality, we can’t possibly exert our expectations on others - it won’t turn out to be the same, or to be the right decision. I had friends who run me down, refusing to go an extra step to compare and contrast before arriving at that conclusion.
It’s not fair, definitely. But then again, what’s fair?
I guess I can’t really blame them - after all, the society is vicious, and time and tide waits for no man. You either make the cut - or you get totally ignored. They probably wouldn’t even want to see your product - knowing that you’re fresh.
Initial assumptions do you the most discredit, I guess.
Oh well.
I guess I expect too much from friends sometimes - to the extend that views clash and things get uphappy. Not everyone can look beyond the surface, and be totally unbias - given that it’s really inbuilt into our character previously.
Not that I can do that too, of course.
An acquaintance shared about a story, which was pretty interesting. One day after work, he returned home to find his son crying. Disturbed over why the 9 year old boy is crying, he asked his son for the reason.
“Dad, I just got bullied and pushed down by some friends.”
The acquaintance was dumbfolded - he didn’t know how to answer his son. His son turned to his wife, who hurriedly came over to ask his opinion. Talking about vicious cycle!
“How to console our son?”
“I don’t know! I can’t possibly tell him to go whack that fella up right!”
Ha. He then shared his own life story about how he was fighting kids from other schools at the very exact age back then and got two strokes of the cane from the principal.
Interesting, isn’t it? While coming to terms with our own personality, we can’t possibly exert our expectations on others - it won’t turn out to be the same, or to be the right decision. I had friends who run me down, refusing to go an extra step to compare and contrast before arriving at that conclusion.
It’s not fair, definitely. But then again, what’s fair?
I guess I can’t really blame them - after all, the society is vicious, and time and tide waits for no man. You either make the cut - or you get totally ignored. They probably wouldn’t even want to see your product - knowing that you’re fresh.
Initial assumptions do you the most discredit, I guess.
Oh well.
Why so serious?
19/07/08 09:30
BEWARE if some funny guy tells you this. Especially if he has a scar by the sides of his mouth.
Whoops!
Spoiler! Ha. Well. It’s been a while since a thought provoking show pops up after The Bucket List, and I’m pretty sure I’d rate this movie higher than it. Which I never expect a superhero movie to be so good. A week of turmoil where plenty of changes took place, and I’m glad some chunk of worries were taken off by pondering over the show.
The movie is dark. Very. It sucks to be living in Gotham, where you can’t trust your fellow 911 folks who’s been constantly bought over, or even your lawmakers. When you’re cornered to a spot, your true self will reveal - and this movie does give you a peak to that.
You either die a hero, or you live long enough to find yourself become a villain.
This must be the strongest tagline, powerful and provoking.
Without revealing too much, if you find yourself liking movies which test your mind, testing moralities, ethics, trust, and of course, plenty of twists in the plots which surprise you, and superb acting by the cast, from Batman and Alfred to Joker and Harvey - please go and watch this.
You won’t regret it
deadly concoction
14/07/08 03:10
IT’S 3.11 am in the
morning.
Looking through the list of people online, which is precariously low, the room felt especially warm, and I feel like I’m in a sauna - though I just bathed.
Which is weird for someone who struggled to sleep for the past hour only to wake up to bathe.
Sometimes I think I’m too naive for my own good. If I can just be a bit teeny wheenie more selfish, and practical, I probably could have gotten a better sleep, and less troubles. After all, there’s nothing personal involved, and I’m just trying to make things complicated by thinking of all the what-if situations. The situation can be made worse by the deadly concoction of beer and a few cups of tea, which had a serious caffeine effect on the mind.
Oh well. Already taken the first step. I guess God gives us trials and tribulations to test our will and resolve.
Let’s hope things will turn out fine.
Looking through the list of people online, which is precariously low, the room felt especially warm, and I feel like I’m in a sauna - though I just bathed.
Which is weird for someone who struggled to sleep for the past hour only to wake up to bathe.
Sometimes I think I’m too naive for my own good. If I can just be a bit teeny wheenie more selfish, and practical, I probably could have gotten a better sleep, and less troubles. After all, there’s nothing personal involved, and I’m just trying to make things complicated by thinking of all the what-if situations. The situation can be made worse by the deadly concoction of beer and a few cups of tea, which had a serious caffeine effect on the mind.
Oh well. Already taken the first step. I guess God gives us trials and tribulations to test our will and resolve.
Let’s hope things will turn out fine.
Thinking back
01/07/08 14:49
ABOUT time. Stop
thinking about winning anything.
For a period of time, probably the “never-say-die” spirit in me has been polluting my thoughts. Every small bit counts, and it isn’t helped much by the amount of money I won (it’s actually not a lot, just a couple of hundreds) or lost (there’s always a certain amount of risk involved), and the football crazy season.
Probably the heavy burden and stress of the next couple of years of loans returning’s been weighing on me, probably the constant lunch boxing and sandwiches clouded my mind...and by trying to find a help line, the black hole of temptation gnaws and claws at the heart - and at the very fabrics of my mind of course. Sometimes desperate times calls for desperate measures, though I’m not that desperate of course, so...
I guess it’s time to step back into reality, “legs stamping on steady ground” and stop dreaming the heartlander’s dream - albeit for a while. Hopefully there’s still the birthday luck...
Ok I digress, it’s about the commitment! Effort! Every cent counts, especially when you’re eating sandwiches for lunches!
Hopefully I’d be able to grab more pictures later
For a period of time, probably the “never-say-die” spirit in me has been polluting my thoughts. Every small bit counts, and it isn’t helped much by the amount of money I won (it’s actually not a lot, just a couple of hundreds) or lost (there’s always a certain amount of risk involved), and the football crazy season.
Probably the heavy burden and stress of the next couple of years of loans returning’s been weighing on me, probably the constant lunch boxing and sandwiches clouded my mind...and by trying to find a help line, the black hole of temptation gnaws and claws at the heart - and at the very fabrics of my mind of course. Sometimes desperate times calls for desperate measures, though I’m not that desperate of course, so...
I guess it’s time to step back into reality, “legs stamping on steady ground” and stop dreaming the heartlander’s dream - albeit for a while. Hopefully there’s still the birthday luck...
Ok I digress, it’s about the commitment! Effort! Every cent counts, especially when you’re eating sandwiches for lunches!
Hopefully I’d be able to grab more pictures later
22...21...20...
27/06/08 15:49
ALMOST like a yearly
event. Erm, it is! Of course, it’s 20 days to my birthday again
In case anyone’s fretting, if there are, here’s some of my wish list:
1. 40D
2. 580EX mk2
3. Sigma 30mm F/1.4
OK. The above belong to the untouchables - even if you’re giving it a thought, make sure you discuss with me, in case you run into lemons. It’s a camera body, a flash, and a lens
To be more realistic, I guess the following sounds easier, click on the image to go to Amazon’s introduction on the book, in order of preference:
1. Designing a photograph by Bill Smith
2. Understanding exposure by Bryan Peterson
3. Contemporary Wedding photography by Julie Oswin and Steve Walton
4.Photos that Inspire by Lynee Eodice
5. Any wedding photography books with the exception of The art of Digital Wedding photography by Bambi Cantrell, Digital Wedding photography by Glen Johnson, Wedding Photography now! by Michelle Turner and The Annabel Williams book of Wedding and Portrait Photography because I already own them
Please let me know if any of you are interested in buying the books ahead, so that I can check them off and there will be less chances of double purchasing. Oh. If you just admire my entries, I don’t mind anonymous gifts. No need paypal to donate, can just send to my home address. Feel free to drop me an email
In case anyone’s fretting, if there are, here’s some of my wish list:
1. 40D
2. 580EX mk2
3. Sigma 30mm F/1.4
OK. The above belong to the untouchables - even if you’re giving it a thought, make sure you discuss with me, in case you run into lemons. It’s a camera body, a flash, and a lens
To be more realistic, I guess the following sounds easier, click on the image to go to Amazon’s introduction on the book, in order of preference:
1. Designing a photograph by Bill Smith
2. Understanding exposure by Bryan Peterson
3. Contemporary Wedding photography by Julie Oswin and Steve Walton
4.Photos that Inspire by Lynee Eodice
5. Any wedding photography books with the exception of The art of Digital Wedding photography by Bambi Cantrell, Digital Wedding photography by Glen Johnson, Wedding Photography now! by Michelle Turner and The Annabel Williams book of Wedding and Portrait Photography because I already own them
Please let me know if any of you are interested in buying the books ahead, so that I can check them off and there will be less chances of double purchasing. Oh. If you just admire my entries, I don’t mind anonymous gifts. No need paypal to donate, can just send to my home address. Feel free to drop me an email
Absurd Claims
28/05/08 12:11
IT must be a joke to
do this.
Just yesterday, news of this company called Vuestar Technologies Pte Ltd began sending letters claiming that companies infringe on its patents, and had been doing it for the past week. For what, you might ask?
It's a simple act of hyperlinking with images, to a page with contact information. Patent the idea to create hyperlinks, which is as simple as writing a line of code? Does that mean that anyone can own the idea of hyperlinking to anything?
Whilst they own this patent, this was a blatant act of money grubbing rather than acting for the sake of protecting their IP. I don't see how they are doing this to, quoting from Wikipedia:
1. Provide incentive for R&D
2. Provide disclosure for the greater good for the public
3. A means to protect productization cost
Ignoring the above, why are they only doing it now? After so many years, in Singapore, where technology is not at its latest development? I smelt a rat - can they actually apply for the patent to be valid worldwide? I doubt so. What happens even if they're able to claim that the companies infringe on their rights? Apply for an injunction?
One can simply create a flash website without hyperlinks using images.
After all, nowadays, how many people are actually hyperlinking? It's not even proprietary, it's elementary.
The weird things people do to earn money. Oh my.
Just yesterday, news of this company called Vuestar Technologies Pte Ltd began sending letters claiming that companies infringe on its patents, and had been doing it for the past week. For what, you might ask?
It's a simple act of hyperlinking with images, to a page with contact information. Patent the idea to create hyperlinks, which is as simple as writing a line of code? Does that mean that anyone can own the idea of hyperlinking to anything?
Whilst they own this patent, this was a blatant act of money grubbing rather than acting for the sake of protecting their IP. I don't see how they are doing this to, quoting from Wikipedia:
1. Provide incentive for R&D
2. Provide disclosure for the greater good for the public
3. A means to protect productization cost
Ignoring the above, why are they only doing it now? After so many years, in Singapore, where technology is not at its latest development? I smelt a rat - can they actually apply for the patent to be valid worldwide? I doubt so. What happens even if they're able to claim that the companies infringe on their rights? Apply for an injunction?
One can simply create a flash website without hyperlinks using images.
After all, nowadays, how many people are actually hyperlinking? It's not even proprietary, it's elementary.
The weird things people do to earn money. Oh my.
compassion
26/05/08 14:49
WITH so many
disasters happening around the world nowadays, one would think the
world's a harder world to live in. Cold, selfish folks who cared
only for themselves, trying to eke out a life where you're covered
first before thinking of others.
I guess that's wrong. Not to hype up the efforts that the artistes put in for raising the donations, it was truly a night where we probably all felt the same: pity, compassion, care and concern for fellow human beings who, in their normal days, are just like you and me. A night where you ought to realize if you've not been reading the news, know your own problems are so small compared to them, trying to fight for their very lives and hopes of survival.
We're truly blessed to be living in Singapore, which is a place well covered against most forms of natural disasters. A night where we probably all should put down our self-forged cold mantle to bear the harshness of the society and show our other half, to fork out just a few dollars per person to help out in whatever ways we can to the less fortunate.
Do help out if you can, for victims of Cyclone Nargis and Wenchuan/Sichuan earthquake.
God bless!
I guess that's wrong. Not to hype up the efforts that the artistes put in for raising the donations, it was truly a night where we probably all felt the same: pity, compassion, care and concern for fellow human beings who, in their normal days, are just like you and me. A night where you ought to realize if you've not been reading the news, know your own problems are so small compared to them, trying to fight for their very lives and hopes of survival.
We're truly blessed to be living in Singapore, which is a place well covered against most forms of natural disasters. A night where we probably all should put down our self-forged cold mantle to bear the harshness of the society and show our other half, to fork out just a few dollars per person to help out in whatever ways we can to the less fortunate.
Do help out if you can, for victims of Cyclone Nargis and Wenchuan/Sichuan earthquake.
God bless!
Support
25/05/08 11:27
IT was the first time
for me - shooting a wedding. It was quite a privilege, I guess, to
learn from 2 professionals who have different styles of shooting.
While there's no pictures to share for now, I must admit - it feels
really good to participate in one.
The bride who couldn't sleep the night before, worrying about her makeup, the groom who worried about the ring-bearer, giving him directions on how to get to the area, the emotions of the immediate families, friends, and of course, the 2 young cute bridesmaid (not sure if they're called that) that were the attention of the day (I think one is 4-6 years old, and the other maybe 8?).
Watching and observing how the whole procedure went was really an eye opener, and it was a day filled with laughters - and lots of photographs of course. With 3 photographers there, it was hard to imagine any less.
As the day ended, one professional sent me to a nearby market where I was supposed to meet some friends, and we talked a bit along the way. What strike me most was his words:
"I had a lot of support from my family, and my wife. Without their support, it is really very hard for me to strike a name for myself. The first few years were really hard - shooting without knowing what you wanted, trying to get a good network of customers...Of course, for now, it is manageable, but I can hardly imagine any Singaporean voluntarily wanting to go into this field."
I guess, with any line of work, support from the family is really the best morale booster one can get.
Another story hit me in the night.
A friend of ours is going through a rough shed. She met this guy, rich and well to do, working as a manager with good prospects in one of the night spots, and recently divorced. After being with him for 3 months, she discovered that she had his child, and admitted to him about it. The guy asked her to abort the child, but she insisted in keeping it. Guess what's the guy's response?
"I don't really know you well."
What a jerk. One simple sentence, and he's shirking all responsibilities away. I guess that must be one of the reason why his previous marriage failed. So what if you're rich? If you can't handle responsibilities, why indulge in a sexual relationship with your partner?
My friend's really strong, and she's getting a lot of support both from her family and her workplace. 5 months into pregnancy is not a simple task, to handle the stares of the society and work. It is a blessing that she's not getting the supposedly evil tongues and gossips that might ruin her.
It's always times like this that we really need support from everyone. At first they were suggesting about contributing to the baby shower, which I totally had no idea what it is about. I guess this would only be the start of how we can try to help out.
While it's not really a symbolization of support, I guess that's what friends are for
The bride who couldn't sleep the night before, worrying about her makeup, the groom who worried about the ring-bearer, giving him directions on how to get to the area, the emotions of the immediate families, friends, and of course, the 2 young cute bridesmaid (not sure if they're called that) that were the attention of the day (I think one is 4-6 years old, and the other maybe 8?).
Watching and observing how the whole procedure went was really an eye opener, and it was a day filled with laughters - and lots of photographs of course. With 3 photographers there, it was hard to imagine any less.
As the day ended, one professional sent me to a nearby market where I was supposed to meet some friends, and we talked a bit along the way. What strike me most was his words:
"I had a lot of support from my family, and my wife. Without their support, it is really very hard for me to strike a name for myself. The first few years were really hard - shooting without knowing what you wanted, trying to get a good network of customers...Of course, for now, it is manageable, but I can hardly imagine any Singaporean voluntarily wanting to go into this field."
I guess, with any line of work, support from the family is really the best morale booster one can get.
Another story hit me in the night.
A friend of ours is going through a rough shed. She met this guy, rich and well to do, working as a manager with good prospects in one of the night spots, and recently divorced. After being with him for 3 months, she discovered that she had his child, and admitted to him about it. The guy asked her to abort the child, but she insisted in keeping it. Guess what's the guy's response?
"I don't really know you well."
What a jerk. One simple sentence, and he's shirking all responsibilities away. I guess that must be one of the reason why his previous marriage failed. So what if you're rich? If you can't handle responsibilities, why indulge in a sexual relationship with your partner?
My friend's really strong, and she's getting a lot of support both from her family and her workplace. 5 months into pregnancy is not a simple task, to handle the stares of the society and work. It is a blessing that she's not getting the supposedly evil tongues and gossips that might ruin her.
It's always times like this that we really need support from everyone. At first they were suggesting about contributing to the baby shower, which I totally had no idea what it is about. I guess this would only be the start of how we can try to help out.
While it's not really a symbolization of support, I guess that's what friends are for
The first thing you think of when you wake up is...
20/05/08 20:43
...LET me carry on sleeping...
I bet that's the norm. Well at least for me, ha. Nope, not any wet dreams, nor others. I want more sleep.
Why this topic?
A friend of mine blogged (or at least, posted an entry) about this, and referred to a popular movie that many people should have watched before - Sister Act 2.
Quoting her entry:
____________
Rita Watson (played by Lauren Hill) pulled out of the choir competition although she was one of the best singers around.. because her mum forbidded it.
Sister Mary Clarence (aka Whoopi) visited her at her house I think.. and asked her what did she want to do.
And I think she said she didn't know.
Then... Sister Mary Clarence said this:
If you wake up in the morning, and you can't think anything but singing, then you should be a singer, girl.
-------------------
Have you been thinking of something totally different from what you're doing everyday when you head for work? (Minus sleeping, or sex the night before)
Maybe it's time to re-think about what you ought to be doing.
Or at least, plan something to work towards it. My friend is regretting a bit that she's not working on her dreams. What about me, you might think? I'm working on it, of course!
I hope you are doing the same too
When was the last time...
15/05/08 14:12
...SINCE you last
praise someone?
While it's not a realization that came but a while ago, it's more often an observation that pops out every now and then.
I guess because of the practical world we live in, we get lots of stick everyday and we're under constant pressure to deliver. Certain discipline within oneself has hardened him/herself to ignore the plight of others, choosing to blame others instead of placing themselves in the other party's shoes.
It's hard. After all, it's but a dog eat dog world out there. People always have expectations of you, according to their standards, and they failed to recognize the power of acknowledging other's efforts and plus points, choosing to overlook them conveniently and only scrutinizing the bad parts.
Sometimes acknowledging or praising others can be a powerful tool - it'd motivate them to change for the better, instead of allowing them to wallow in self-pity which might be a black hole to the world of depression.
Maybe it's just the environment. We're too stressed. Or it's just age chasing after you, even though you tried to avoid it like the plague.
Mum's been getting quite a bit of stick, for allowing my cousin to stay indefinitely, due to an obstinate dad who came out with 1001 reasons why my cousin should not stay. Well, he's not that imposing, after all, he's all disciplined everytime he came here to study. Ignoring the fact that staying over my home has its advantages, he choose to see things his way - anything else is unimportant.
Seriously, I'm sharing my bed with my cousin, and I don't mind so much. Why should he care then? I'm in fact quite happy for my cousin whose results have improved - rather than thinking of the other 1000 reasons why he should not stay. Even my mum and aunt agree that I'm like a model whom the kids look up to - always acknowledging others, forgiving, being understanding blah blah...(ok, it sounds like I'm overstating this)
Oh well. Just another rant. Too many troubles. Even a friend mentioned I seem to lose my air of confidence and seem all so sullen and down these days.
Sigh.
Gloomy me.
While it's not a realization that came but a while ago, it's more often an observation that pops out every now and then.
I guess because of the practical world we live in, we get lots of stick everyday and we're under constant pressure to deliver. Certain discipline within oneself has hardened him/herself to ignore the plight of others, choosing to blame others instead of placing themselves in the other party's shoes.
It's hard. After all, it's but a dog eat dog world out there. People always have expectations of you, according to their standards, and they failed to recognize the power of acknowledging other's efforts and plus points, choosing to overlook them conveniently and only scrutinizing the bad parts.
Sometimes acknowledging or praising others can be a powerful tool - it'd motivate them to change for the better, instead of allowing them to wallow in self-pity which might be a black hole to the world of depression.
Maybe it's just the environment. We're too stressed. Or it's just age chasing after you, even though you tried to avoid it like the plague.
Mum's been getting quite a bit of stick, for allowing my cousin to stay indefinitely, due to an obstinate dad who came out with 1001 reasons why my cousin should not stay. Well, he's not that imposing, after all, he's all disciplined everytime he came here to study. Ignoring the fact that staying over my home has its advantages, he choose to see things his way - anything else is unimportant.
Seriously, I'm sharing my bed with my cousin, and I don't mind so much. Why should he care then? I'm in fact quite happy for my cousin whose results have improved - rather than thinking of the other 1000 reasons why he should not stay. Even my mum and aunt agree that I'm like a model whom the kids look up to - always acknowledging others, forgiving, being understanding blah blah...(ok, it sounds like I'm overstating this)
Oh well. Just another rant. Too many troubles. Even a friend mentioned I seem to lose my air of confidence and seem all so sullen and down these days.
Sigh.
Gloomy me.
Things you learnt part 2
25/04/08 16:25
By some stroke of luck, good or bad, I
managed to lose my air ticket - a bombshell on my already big holed
jeans. Nonetheless, shall try to forget how this made me so sullen.
The room was in a mess after the frantic struggle to find the
magazine, of course.
The day trip was ok. The orange route was the way I walked, which was a bit far by most standards.
Was dropped off at Central Market, where I walked about at Chinatown, or Chi Chong Kai, in Cantonese.
This street's famous for replica items...such as branded stuff, hotels and software.
The way they mistreated IP, you could see the IE icon used everywhere.
The food there, however was fantastic. Armed with the knowledge that the people there stole often but offered good stuff to eat, naturally, I went to get a couple of good stuff.
This auntie's famous here for her mua chee, a form of flour-made dessert. Her flavorings are:
Of course, with so much walking, a guy needed to drink. Not wanting to settle for any tom, dick, or harry, he'd choose the best!
The words literally translate to king of tea.
This packet of tea is my savior, for I could walk around without being disturbed. Somehow, if you're seen buying local stuff and wearing local clothings, they tend to disturb you far lesser.
Next up, a group of touters on the streets. They showed dark faces when you refuse their offers, be it transport or women.
The taxis were a sight to behold too. So many of them!
Not wanting to go up any of them, it was a long walk up till Berjaya Times Square. Spotted some interesting stuff, naturally.
Made a pair of specs by Berjaya TImes Square, and walk about the streets trying to find some shops which were supposed to be famous for cameras. It was a bit of a disappointment though as prices were so-so.
The shock of the day was the inefficient transport system in KL. The lrt was still ok.
The KTM isn't. It was a long and lonely wait. An hour! How can such inefficiencies happen in the town! And I had to rush back to get some work done...
Oh well. After the almost 2 hours wait, I swear to myself not to take the bloody train. The cab isn't cheap either. Probably they knew what they were in for - tourists money. A return trip cost me rm100...which was incredible but yet they reasoned it out to be a rainy day and huge traffic problems. Something you can't argue against.
The night was bad, with heavy rain.
Almost got knocked over by a car. Naturally (forgive me for being sexist) it was a female driver, who waved her hands up apologetically after she realized she was inches away from me. It wasn't my fault - with bright shiny umbrella and tshirt, and I was crossing the road in front of a carpark, the least she could do is to drive slowly instead of charging towards me.
Nevermind that.
KL towers was clouded in rain, and I can't find anyway of getting near it. With boss's sms ringing, I hadn't a choice but to try to make towards KLCC to get a cab back.
KLCC is worse - after comparing the various malls I went for the past 2 days. Too many branded shops that I can't really breathe. Due to the rain, the water display was deserted, and nobody was trying to get into the twin towers - something which I wanted to. After all, if you're going to KL, without visiting the twin towers, it's quite dumb.
Probably the picture is too small, but I really find the rain beautiful amongst the lights.
I guess the short day tour alone sort of compensated for the huge losses. Or does it? No one can be sure. Nonetheless, I guess I probably will head back there again - if only to get the cheap original Liverpool jersey
The day trip was ok. The orange route was the way I walked, which was a bit far by most standards.
Was dropped off at Central Market, where I walked about at Chinatown, or Chi Chong Kai, in Cantonese.
This street's famous for replica items...such as branded stuff, hotels and software.
The way they mistreated IP, you could see the IE icon used everywhere.
The food there, however was fantastic. Armed with the knowledge that the people there stole often but offered good stuff to eat, naturally, I went to get a couple of good stuff.
This auntie's famous here for her mua chee, a form of flour-made dessert. Her flavorings are:
Of course, with so much walking, a guy needed to drink. Not wanting to settle for any tom, dick, or harry, he'd choose the best!
The words literally translate to king of tea.
This packet of tea is my savior, for I could walk around without being disturbed. Somehow, if you're seen buying local stuff and wearing local clothings, they tend to disturb you far lesser.
Next up, a group of touters on the streets. They showed dark faces when you refuse their offers, be it transport or women.
The taxis were a sight to behold too. So many of them!
Not wanting to go up any of them, it was a long walk up till Berjaya Times Square. Spotted some interesting stuff, naturally.
Made a pair of specs by Berjaya TImes Square, and walk about the streets trying to find some shops which were supposed to be famous for cameras. It was a bit of a disappointment though as prices were so-so.
The shock of the day was the inefficient transport system in KL. The lrt was still ok.
The KTM isn't. It was a long and lonely wait. An hour! How can such inefficiencies happen in the town! And I had to rush back to get some work done...
Oh well. After the almost 2 hours wait, I swear to myself not to take the bloody train. The cab isn't cheap either. Probably they knew what they were in for - tourists money. A return trip cost me rm100...which was incredible but yet they reasoned it out to be a rainy day and huge traffic problems. Something you can't argue against.
The night was bad, with heavy rain.
Almost got knocked over by a car. Naturally (forgive me for being sexist) it was a female driver, who waved her hands up apologetically after she realized she was inches away from me. It wasn't my fault - with bright shiny umbrella and tshirt, and I was crossing the road in front of a carpark, the least she could do is to drive slowly instead of charging towards me.
Nevermind that.
KL towers was clouded in rain, and I can't find anyway of getting near it. With boss's sms ringing, I hadn't a choice but to try to make towards KLCC to get a cab back.
KLCC is worse - after comparing the various malls I went for the past 2 days. Too many branded shops that I can't really breathe. Due to the rain, the water display was deserted, and nobody was trying to get into the twin towers - something which I wanted to. After all, if you're going to KL, without visiting the twin towers, it's quite dumb.
Probably the picture is too small, but I really find the rain beautiful amongst the lights.
I guess the short day tour alone sort of compensated for the huge losses. Or does it? No one can be sure. Nonetheless, I guess I probably will head back there again - if only to get the cheap original Liverpool jersey
Things you learnt part 1
22/04/08 00:13
YOU know when you see
things like A&W and Tower Records around, that this must be a
place that is slightly backwards when compared to fast pace
Singapore.
You know when you see a pianist being caged up playing piano that he's not going to enjoy the same treatment he will if he is to perform elsewhere.
You know when inflation in Singapore might not be that bad after all if you discovered you're paying twice the meter from cab.
You know when Singapore doesn't really have good food when you taste heavenly food at Port Klang.
It's been a journey where I can't keep being amazed at. With a mega mall that easily dwarfed any in Singapore, you'd be surprised that both new and old things exist.
Then again, maybe it's just me.
It's one of those days where you find that you're rediscovering things that you'd feel satisfied. Food at Port Klang was really good. My aunt brought me to this restaurant called Coconut flower Restaurant, and boy, the food was good! The tom yam was a little sour, a little hot, but pleasant and sweet. The prawns were succulent, the crab was fleshy and tasty, the salted chicken tasted just nice and yet special...and it goes on and on.
The catch of the day is the coconut flower wine. Said to be fermented coconut, the taste was a bit overwhelming at first, but really sweet and tasty after that! Even my cousins were enjoying the drink as though it was a soft drink, when they're only primary school!
I think I really lacked good food, time to venture more!
You know when you see a pianist being caged up playing piano that he's not going to enjoy the same treatment he will if he is to perform elsewhere.
You know when inflation in Singapore might not be that bad after all if you discovered you're paying twice the meter from cab.
You know when Singapore doesn't really have good food when you taste heavenly food at Port Klang.
It's been a journey where I can't keep being amazed at. With a mega mall that easily dwarfed any in Singapore, you'd be surprised that both new and old things exist.
Then again, maybe it's just me.
It's one of those days where you find that you're rediscovering things that you'd feel satisfied. Food at Port Klang was really good. My aunt brought me to this restaurant called Coconut flower Restaurant, and boy, the food was good! The tom yam was a little sour, a little hot, but pleasant and sweet. The prawns were succulent, the crab was fleshy and tasty, the salted chicken tasted just nice and yet special...and it goes on and on.
The catch of the day is the coconut flower wine. Said to be fermented coconut, the taste was a bit overwhelming at first, but really sweet and tasty after that! Even my cousins were enjoying the drink as though it was a soft drink, when they're only primary school!
I think I really lacked good food, time to venture more!
Ranting random updates
09/04/08 22:53
SOMEHOW I feel my
blog has started to slowly transit towards guides for iPod Touch
and iPhone for the non-geeks.
Not that this is intentional though.
Thinking through, I guess I should set up a separate section for these guides, and separate from the main blog. After all, this is not an IT blog. Just thought I should share some knowledge though.
Anyways, life's been busy. Hardly any day passed by without some meeting or two, and planning for training sessions has been getting to me for a while. My first flight was on a business trip to KL, on SQ, something I'd never have imagined myself to be doing.
Not that i hate flying though, ha.
Sometimes, unexpected things just pop out of the blue. After changing my signature today, I received a mail (finally) which I have been looking forward to. Ecstatic and thrilled by the chance, I quickly draft out my reply and share the good news with my gf.
Guess what was the catch of the day? Someone praising me for my eloquence in language! Ha, this is totally unimaginable, an untenable quote which I'd never imagine someone to say that of me.
What say you? Am I better when I'm typing, or when I'm talking?
Pray tell me when you next see me then
Not that this is intentional though.
Thinking through, I guess I should set up a separate section for these guides, and separate from the main blog. After all, this is not an IT blog. Just thought I should share some knowledge though.
Anyways, life's been busy. Hardly any day passed by without some meeting or two, and planning for training sessions has been getting to me for a while. My first flight was on a business trip to KL, on SQ, something I'd never have imagined myself to be doing.
Not that i hate flying though, ha.
Sometimes, unexpected things just pop out of the blue. After changing my signature today, I received a mail (finally) which I have been looking forward to. Ecstatic and thrilled by the chance, I quickly draft out my reply and share the good news with my gf.
Guess what was the catch of the day? Someone praising me for my eloquence in language! Ha, this is totally unimaginable, an untenable quote which I'd never imagine someone to say that of me.
What say you? Am I better when I'm typing, or when I'm talking?
Pray tell me when you next see me then
Best of both worlds
18/03/08 02:48
and 
= ?I guess to many of us who are chinese, we should have the answer to the above. That's right, as per the title, best of both worlds. 鱼与熊爪.
Just finished watching a serial, The Mischievous Princess. Not bad, the ending was a bit lame, but all's well ends well, which is quite predictable for a family serial.
That's not the crux of the thread.
Over the weekend, one conversation particularly hit me. A friend of mine suddenly brought up a matter which I've totally forgotten, and he compared it to the present situation, where history re-enacted.
Just that the results differ by half the planet.
A mutual friend of ours got together with this girl whom his best friend had a crush on since primary school, effectively complicating matters. Back during JC, he tried the same thing, though I guess he didn't intentionally meant it that way. Back then, he didn't lose his friend, who had a big heart to forgive him but now, luck's not on his side anymore.
Yes, the big hearted guy is me
Ignoring my brags, back to reality. After the incident, he lost a good friend of his who was buddy of his since primary school, and a bunch of classmates/friends too. Why? By getting together with his love partner, he broke the trust placed on him by his friends, and by splitting up with his ex, and getting together with this new girl in a short span of time, he effectively pissed most of his close friends, who are friends with the ex as well.
Complicating, isn't it? Of course, logically speaking, in relationships, being judgmental is a taboo. It is always safe to err on the side of the victim, or the female party.
Who cares about the guy, right?
With that saying, not that I'm for that guy, who disgusted friends by showing off his new relationship shortly after breaking up, but there's only so much that one can think of. If we care too much to what people will judge, what people will think, are we really living our lives for them instead? Or are we living it for ourselves, trying to do it for what we think and trust with our own set of values?
When it comes to affairs of the heart, to pinpoint what is right and wrong is really hard. Apart from feelings, there's always the issue of responsibilities and conscience. If that friend of ours could live with it, it surely means that to him, it was the right decision.
Back to reality, I guess trying to greedy, which most of us are guilty of, doesn't really pay.
I do pity that friend of ours. As much as I think he's not at fault for trusting in emotions, I guess the way he handled it was poor. He lost a huge bet with yet another mutual friend as well, a relatively small bet of a thousand dollars over who will get into a relationship first.
Pretty dumb. 赔了夫人又折兵.
Oh well. Sigh. Back to sleep.