Anita

Today is Anita Mui death anniversary. She was gone at the age of 40. A short life. But a life well lived despite disappointments. Although I am not a fan, but the passing away on the last day of the year somehow never fail to make me T.H.I.N.K. hard on lifes purpose. I pray that she will have a good rebirth and may her gungho spirit in life continue to motivate all those who knew her.

Inter-course

Many donkey years back, when I was in primary school, when I was a kid, I went for my swimming lessons every week and was so excited about it. Even more so when I was told I would be given a certificate upon completion of my course. They even told me the name of the certificate which I would be awarded. I went home and told my mom excitedly that I would be given a *inter-course swimming* certificate. I wondered why my mom gave me an impatient look instead of encouraging me. She said I shouldn't say that. I gave my mom a sad bewildered why-you-not-proud-of-me look.

It was only much much much later that I learnt that I had earned the Inter-School Swimming Course Award certificate. Or something that sounded like that...... hehehe...

No.2

This was my creation for my office gift-wrapping competition this year. Nothing more spectacular which I could have done in the older days but I came in second! Just for the fun of it! Guess where is the present hidden? Ho ho ho!!!

Through the years

So how's your Christmas? This song by Kenny Rogers bring back the sweetest memory of memories. So, merry christmas, everyone!

I cant remember when you werent there

When I didnt care for anyone but you

I swear weve been through everything there is

Cant imagine anything weve missed

Cant imagine anything the two of us cant do

Through the years, youve never let me down

You turned my life around, the sweetest days Ive found

Ive found with you ... through the years

Ive never been afraid, Ive loved the life weve made

And Im so glad Ive stayed, right here with you

Through the years

I cant remember what I used to do

Who I trusted whom, I listened to before

I swear youve taught me everything I know

Cant imagine needing someone so

But through the years it seems to me

I need you more and more

Through the years, through all the good and bad

I know how much we had, Ive always been so glad

To be with you ... through the years

Its better everyday, youve kissed my tears away

As long as its okay, Ill stay with you

Through the years

Through the years, when everything went wrong

Together we were strong, I know that I belonged

Right here with you ... through the years

I never had a doubt, we always work things out

Ive learned what loves about, by loving you

Through the years

Through the years, youve never let me down

Youve turned my life around, the sweetest days Ive found

Ive found with you ... through the years

Its better everyday, youve kissed my tears away

As long as its okay, Ill stay with you

Through the years

A donation of love

Hallyu stars spread holiday giving spirit (2006/12/21)

Hallyu stars Lee Young-ae and Lee Joon-ki are spreading the holiday spirit by making donations of 100 million won and 2 million won, respectively, to local organizations on Thursday (Dec. 21)

Lee Young-ae, best known to Asian fans for her performance in the television drama "Jewel in the Palace" ("Dae Jang Geum"), visited the Asan Medical Center in Pungnab-dong, Seoul, for a ceremony in which she handed over the donation in the presence of children and adult patients suffering from terminal diseases. She also spoke with the patients in private.

During the ceremony, she apologized for creating a scene when there are many people who help without others knowing.

"On the other hand, I hope that my doing this will inspire those who don't know how to help or are not brave enough to act on their desire to help", she said.The money will be used by the hospital to help 13 patients.
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Yonhap News:

Actress Lee Young-Ae donated 100 million won for patients in need of financial aid. She delivered the 'donation of love' this morning at Asan Medical Center's conference room, and took photographs with the patients. The hospital will use her donation for 13 patients who require liver transplant, bone-marrow transplant and anticancer treatment by spending 5 to 20 million won per patient.

Park Geon-Chung (head of the medical center): Thank you, Korea's top star Ms. Lee Young-Ae. She is called oxygen lady. We're honored to have her, who brightens the world, sharing her precious time with us today.

YA: I had told (the hospital) that you (patients and family) should not feel burdened (to attend this meeting) because you are sick, but thank you so much for coming despite the cold weather. I know that there are lots of people who donate without exposing themselves to the public, and I feel guilty for creating so much fuss over my donation. On the other hand, I also felt the need to encourage people who have intentions to donate but don't have the courage, like myself. I thought of it recently, and that's why I decided to come forward. I hope that my donation, although it's not much, can be of help to you, and that you will never lose courage.

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I love my idol!

Young-Ae, Seun-tan Chukahae-yo~~!!! Meli K'lisŭmasŭ !!!!

Keep smiling

Always keep a smiling face,

and a loving mind,

and speak truthfully without malice.

- By Atisha

Beginning to feel alot like christmas...

Last minute shopping coupled with the heaviest thunder storm in about 100 years ..... it's really the next best alternative to having snow here, just for the feeling of christmassy....

Sawadee~ka!

Gone for the whirlwind 3.5 days shopping trip to Bangkok and back. Been to these places...
- Mahboonkrong (MBK)
- Bobae Market
- Suan Lum Night Bazaar
- Siam Paragon
- Siam Square
- Siam Center
- Siam Cinemaplex
- Patpong 
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Grand Royal Palace
- Wat Phra Keow (Temple of Emerald Buddha)
- Four-Faced Buddha
- Wat Taphan (Temple of Lucky Buddha)

Plus 2 rounds of Thai massage to soothe the shopping nerves....

慶幸

Remember this song suddenly today, by my most favourite mandarin singer of all, Tang Na 堂娜, nice song nice sad lyrics 慶幸. 
 
曾經為誰　哭紅了眼睛　
那是生命中最美麗的表情
總有一些不在乎　或許是糊塗　就算錯了也心服口服
愛是一場　不靠岸的旅途　
也是上天最驕傲的禮物
我可以假裝作永遠不認輸　也不怕最後是否能找到歸宿
我寧願只在那些年那片段和回憶追逐　
期待手情傷痛　隨光陰結束
還不如歡歡喜喜用心去感觸　有天生命再回頭　
愛恨都更清楚　至少我們擁有最完美的幸福
如果那時真的讓愛留下來　也許現在只會變得孤獨
情願笑著流過淚　不讓生命荒蕪　
也許我們都該慶幸　這樣結束

Fresh fresh fresh

My all-time favourite Japanese restaurant should be Bimi Kaiho Restaurant located in International Plaza (Tanjong Pagar). For those regular customers, they were once located in Outram Park, then Peck Seah St and now Anson Road.

I normally go there at least once a month. Recently these few weeks more often. After I recommended to my Jap-food crazed friend, we have been there 4 times in two weeks! What they serve is not only authentic stuff, the food were very fresh and value-for-money! My normal order would be the Bento Set which costs $19.90. The set include 2 huge very-fresh tempura prawns with brinjal and young corn, few pieces of salmon sashimi (or unagi), rice with a small california maki, chawanmushi, miso soup and its delightful salad! Its really good! And their Cha Soba and curry rice are also fantastic! After this place, who cares about Genki Sushi, Sakae Sushi, Ichiban Boshi and even Waraku! Highly recommended!

Bimi Kaiho Restaurant

#02-28, International Plaza, 10 Anson Road

Singapore 079903. Tel: 62202262

Know enuff

Inspirational Quote:
"Whenever we're afraid it's because we don't know enough. 
If we understood enough, we would never be afraid." -- Earl Nightingale

Wake up call?

Got this email from KKBCS e-article.

Regardless of how old we are, how wealthy or powerful we are or what we have been doing in our lives, the causes of death are many and we may fail to draw our next breath and pass away at any moment.

Examples of impermanence surround us everyday, have you noticed? One of the purposes of offering fresh flowers to the Triple Gems is to demonstrate and reflect on impermanence as fresh flowers quickly wither and fade. Whatever comes to being will some day be destroyed, not even relationships are spared. Friends come and go, lovers quarrel and break up, family members become enemies. Circumstances change as well, a poor man may one day become rich and the rich can become paupers overnight. In Buddhism, it is believed that even the whole universe as we know it and other universes that have come before or after will all be completely destructed eventually. Meditate on impermanence constantly and do not get too attached to the illusion-like worldly possessions or relationships. Such attachment would only bring on suffering to yourself since change is inevitable.

Knowing that any of us could pass away at any time, try to treasure everyone around you. You may not get another chance to say how much you love or care for someone. If you know that you or the person you are quarrelling with are going to die the next day, will you waste your time quarrelling over petty matters? Try to forgive and forget easily. Accumulate as much merits are you can, practising the six paramitas and studying and practising the Dharma. Care for and do as much as you possibly can for others. Time is short, do not indulge in meaningless entertainment activities when you can be practising the Dharma.

What happens when we die? We will no longer have a chance to purify our bad actions or accumulate merits. The force of Karma will drive us to another rebirth in samsara, within the human or god realms if the necessary merit has been accumulated or within the hell, preta, animal or asura realms. The bardo stage between death and the next rebirth is very frightening and only the Dharma can help us.

Knowing all this, constantly meditate on impermanence and diligently practise the Dharma. Only then may you not need to fear death or worry about it. Meditate on the 5 points for impermanence; our own aging process, the causes of death, the death of others around us, death itself, what happens after death.

What's wrong?

Had wanted to do some blogging this weekend, but alas, I was knocked out flat on Friday and Saturday nights! Friday night after checking emails, I had wanted to wait for a show after midnight, but I fell asleep at 11pm (without brushing my teeth too!)! Saturday night after watching Lovers In Prague, had wanted to go online to blog, but I fell asleep right after the show! And I only woke up this morning at 11am! I don't know why since I am back from Hong Kong, I have been feeling so so sleepy everyday. Plus I have been speaking in a slight sexy and nasal voice for the past few months (ever since my last Bangkok trip). It's as if there is this deep-lying quiet virus stuck inside me which has not manifest. The sinseh from Shenzhen told me I have a weak stomach and there is full of "heat" inside me which is best to dispel. 

So, I still don't know what's wrong with me.