Rekindled

I'm drowning in an endless stream of beautiful music.... By chance, I stumbled upon Youtube videos of piano pieces played by this guy nicknamed aznliii. From korean drama to Japanese anime to classical and pop songs, I'm totally captivated by his music. His music gives me the urge to pick up piano again.

Good news within bad news

I received a bad news yesterday. My bil and his family got into a car accident on Sunday. My mom was in the car too. They got hit at the back by an Audi when their car was stationary at a traffic light along Telok Blangah. The impact sent my bil's car dashing forward hitting the cab in front. The front and back of his car were badly dented.

My sister and my youngest niece were the only ones unhurt. They had their seat belts on. Though my bil had his on too, the impact from the collision sent him jerking forward and back and his neck got strained. As for my mom and my 3 nieces who were without seat belts at the back, some got it on the head, hands or neck and back. Fortunately, there wasn't any bleeding, just bruises and strains on the neck or back. But that's considered bad enough for my mom. Hopefully, all will be ok after seeing the doctor.

Sometimes, bad things do happen when it's none of our fault. What to do.... that's life.

No news is good news

These days we're bombarded with bad news every other day. Nothing seems to be certain or secure these days. Turn on the tv, flip the papers and all we see is economic woes, global financial crisis, food tainted with melamine...etc. Even shutting out the external news won't keep my mind free from bad news.

News reported that people are turning to thriller fiction books and feel-good movies for escapism. This is not surprising at all. Lately I find myself watching tv more often, maybe subconsciously, I'm escaping too. There're just too many things that bring frustration when I give thought to it. The best is not to think but that won't solve the matter either. No wonder people say 'ignorance is bliss'. Perhaps, we should all pretend not to know even when we know. Maybe life would be happier this way :)

Wild sanctuary

I made an accidental discovery of a new sanctuary in the wild last Saturday. Thanks to nature's call, I thought we could use the washroom facilities at the nearby Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for free (just like Botanic Gardens visitor centre). Unfortunately, it was located beyond the visitor centre entrance and we had to pay $1.00 park entrance fee, even if it's just to answer nature's call. Since we've already paid 2 bucks, I thought we might as well take a walk in there.

Within the 130ha of nature reserve, there are 3 routes and a mangrove boardwalk for you to choose in exploring nature. Route 1, approximately 3km passes through the mangrove habitat and takes 1-2hours to walk. Route 2 is about 5km and is also the reserve's longest boardwalk, requiring 2-3hours to explore. Route 3 is the longest at 7km (4-5hrs walk) and brings you to the freshwater habitat. The mangrove boardwalk is a mere 500m or 30min walk.

While at the visitor centre, I spotted a huge iguana swimming in the waters next to the visitor centre. I felt so 'sua-gu' as I've not seen a swimming iguana at such close range before. We did not take any of the routes as we were not in proper attire. We entered the reserve through one of the boardwalks and were taken in by the beauty of the greenery before our eyes. Beneath the boardwalk is flowing seawater with lots of different fishes swimming against the current. To the left of the boardwalk is an endless river with trees and mangroves lining the sides. To the right, you could see Johor even as the seawater flows out to the sea.

Passing the boardwalk, we came to a bird observation hide. The view before me reminded me so much of Africa safari. I never knew such beautiful place exist in Singapore. There were no concrete buildings in sight, no sounds of modernity, only nature at its very best. Different birds sang different tunes yet they were so harmonised, it was music to my ears.

We walked a little further after the bird observation hide. There were signs warning visitors of crocodile sightings in that area. I felt vulnerable as I was wearing sandals. We did not see crocs but saw 2 iguanas. One was a baby sunbathing next to our path. The other was probably a teen. It was a bonus that we caught it in action. It had swam out of the river with a fish in its mouth. To think that I wanted so much to see hunting scene in Africa (which I never got to), yet I saw it in our very own nature reserve.

Too bad my handphone camera is unable to take zoom in video. I took this post lunch picture of the teen iguana. See if you can spot it and the baby iguana in the foreground.

The sun got a bit hot around noon time and we decided to call it a day. It was an unplanned trip in the first place and we were not in the right attire. But I'll surely go back again with my walking shoes, hat, sunblock, water, mozzie repellant, axe brand ointment, walking stick (in case of crocs or other predators).

Passion for lie

It amazes me how some companies neglect their signboards even when the message becomes something totally different. I took this picture outside one of the companies located along Neo Tiew Road. When life is gone, all that remains is a lie :P

Evening visitor (Part 2)

This is the second video of my evening visitor. You can hear my phone ringing in the background ;) See how sweet and beautiful this fellow is...

Evening visitor (Part 1)

It was 7.50pm on a Wednesday evening. Darkness has covered the sky like a blanket. I was watching tv alone at home when I heard a knocking sound from my window. Turning my head, I saw what seemed like a white hand waving at me. I froze for a second. I stay on the 14th floor, how could anyone be knocking on my window? And what is that white thing waving at me? Memories of a similar encounter that happened 10yrs ago in Edinburgh came to my mind.

I walked closer to the window... through the day curtain, I saw that the 'white hand' was actually a bird. I was relieved and puzzled at the same time what brought the bird here. I was glad that my window was closed. Can you imagine what would have happened if the bird flew into my living room?! On closer look, I realised that it was not just any pigeon or mynah bird but a parrot! It was a huge white parrot, probably about 30cm in height. Was it injured? Where did it come from? Why did it stop at my window? How did it stay at my window when there's no ledge or anything for it to grip on? Why didn't it fly away when I walked closer? It doesn't seem to be afraid of me at all.

Being a fan of fantasy and fairytales, I even thought to myself if the parrot has a message for me? Maybe it will lead me to the medieval times to save a kingdom or liberate the people? I reached for my mobile phone to video the parrot. Initally, I took the video through the day curtain as I was afraid it might fly away once I draw the curtain. Soon, I realised that the parrot is one bold and curious fellow. It was apparent that the parrot saw me and was following my movement. As I slowly and cautiously pull the day curtain from the left, the curious fellow also moved curiously in the same direction. We were like playing games - to guess who's behind the drape :P When the 'veil' between us was finally lifted, the parrot's head was seen popping out from the edge of the curtain. Our eyes met and still, it was not afraid of me. I was so amazed and pleasantly surprised by the evening visit. It brought some excitement to an otherwise boring day.

I took a second video, with close ups and full body length. Halfway through, my house phone rang, it flew off when I went to answer the call. I wonder if it will visit me again this evening...

This is the first video that I took. Notice how the parrot's head eventually emerged from the side of the curtain. I thought it was so cute :)

New parking coupon

I saw this car sporting the owner's self-made 'parking coupon' at a HDB carpark last week. It was already close to 11pm. Could anyone be doing delivery at that hour? Furthermore, it was not a delivery vehicle but a private car. Hmm... if the 'auntie' really came, do you think she will give the driver a chance?

My red 'pampers'

Alpha is up and running again, except that he's still in his red 'pampers'. That's actually his bandage, cool right? ;)

So troublesome...

There's something wrong with my handphone's data transfer. Somehow my laptop couldn't detect the external device and I can't transfer my photos and video via the USB port. For now, the only way to get my files over to my laptop is to open my handphone casing, remove the SD card and manually slot it in my laptop. So troublesome hor? Makes me feel lazy to add pictures and videos to my blog...

Young elderly

I am convinced that age spots and presbyopia need not necessary come with age. Years ago, I met a preacher who was in his 70s then but he has perfect eyesight. He is able to read the bible without reading glasses and his mind is alert as an eagle's. Looking at him gives me the confidence that it is possible to break the norm of having presbyopia after 40.

I was at Lighthouse church last Saturday and witnessed an elderly lady testifying how God has healed her of her breast cancer, which was of an aggressive type. At the end of her testimony, she mentioned her age (72yrs old) and the whole hall broke into applause (to give God the glory). If she didn't reveal her age, I would have guess she's in her 50s. She totally broke the typical image you would associate with a person past 70. Her complexion was fair with no pigmentation, no deep set wrinkles, has a natural healthy pinkish tone. Her crown of glory was thick and black (I don't know if she dyes her hair). And she walks so steadily you could tell she has strong legs. What an encouraging sight it was and I thought she really epitomizes the term "graceful aging'.

I just got reminded of another lady whom I met in a bookshop few years back. We had small talk and she told me she's in her 50s. My jaws almost dropped, for she looked like she's in her 30s. And her secret lies in yoghurt facemask. I'm not even talking about those Skinfood or Beauty Credit natural masks. I'm refering to those tubs of yoghurt that you see on supermarket shelves. I was surprised to hear that something so cheap and readily available can produce such wonders. An Israelis lady once shared the same secret with me and I actually thought she was pulling my leg. But now that I know it's true, yet I'm rather lazy to give it a try :P Let me know your results if you so decide to try it out ;)

Bye bye

The letter arrived today and confirmed the end of our relationship. I am not angry, just disappointed that our 10-year relationship seem to mean nothing at all. There was no room for making exceptions even though I chose you from the time I was eligible. Sigh... your action only goes to affirm what my friends have told me - that you are heartless.

Since you are so determined, I will also remove you from my wallet. You are not the only one that I need and I certainly won't miss you. Goodbye......UOB.

( Hee....who did you think I was talking about huh? ;P )

Alpha got bitten

Today is a sad day for all at home. I received a sms from my sister this evening that her dog, Alpha has been bitten by another dog. It happened yesterday when my mom brought Alpha downstairs for a stroll. For no apparent reason, a Jack Russell that was not leashed dashed to Alpha when he was doing his business. Poor Alpha was being attacked when he was most vulnerable (he was peeing and was leashed). The two dogs started biting each other. The jack russell's owner, an Indian guy, only came to pull his dog away when my mom wanted to hit it.

Poor Alpha suffered a deep wound on his body, near his groin. My mom did not realise the seriousness of his wound till last evening when my sisters came back. They brought Alpha to seek medical assistance but most clinics were already closed at night. The poor dog hardly move or walk... My second sister, who used to be a nurse dressed Alpha's wound last night.

Alpha's wound got worse today, it was obviously infected and had pus. My sisters managed to get him to the vet who had to sedate him to do a thorough cleaning of the wound. My mom cried when the vet told them to be prepared for the worse as Alpha is not that young. I'm sure my sisters felt sad too. Alpha has been with us for the past 7 years. He's like part of the family and my sister often calls him her 'son'.

As the wound was deep, the vet had to insert a tube into him for flushing purpose. Poor Alpha, it must be very painful :( He was discharged later this evening but had to return this weekend for review. Pls pray for Alpha that God will cause his wound to heal and close up asap. I really can't imagine if he's gone or has permanent injury.

留白

观看了优频道星期一八点档的“舞林大道”不禁让我有些许感想。眼见活力四射的参赛者卖力地使出浑身解数，我心中浮现了六个字 - “年轻不要留白”。

回首我的年轻岁月，我想我的生活也算是精彩充实的。少年时期对舞蹈的执着让我对人生有了目标，也使我比同龄的朋友成长得迅速。年轻的心常思索如何能让舞艺和技术更上一层楼，如何能当上主角等。或许有些人会认为我的年少时光因舞蹈而有缺憾。因为周末的排练，我没有多少时间享受青春。相隔十多年，我依然对那段时光回味无穷。虽然当年流过不少血泪，但也让我留下许多甜蜜的回忆。必竟有多少人能有机会在维多利亚剧院和嘉龙剧院的舞台上表演呢？

年轻是应该不要留白的。想做什么就去做，没有太多顾虑，反正输了还可以东山再起。年轻就是本钱。我庆幸我这一生曾有让我执着的事物。我的足迹也偏布世界的好些国家。最令我欣慰的莫过于攀爬非洲最高峰 Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m) 。虽然我无法登上顶峰，但至少我这一生曾经攀过山。我想我的年轻岁月也不算留白吧！

有些事，我们只在人生的某个阶段才会做。一旦错失岁月，就算将来还有机会，我们也未必会附诸行动。与其追求年轻不要留白，倒不如让生命不要留白。

If I have a million dollars

This song came to my mind as I end off my previous post. Sharing here with my dear friends a song that never fail to make me smile. Ha, if I have jit ba ban, I will sign up for pottery class right away ;)

Trvial stuff on a rainy day

The other day, a friend asked me to update her about my life. I simply said I'm ok, life's been about the same and she gave me that 'aiya, elaborate lah' look. It's not that I don't want to elaborate but I find that there's really nothing much to add on. I don't have any new found hobbies, office gossips or interesting encounters with the other kind. At this juncture, there just isn't much excitement or happenings except, maybe medical updates. And that is something which I don't wish to touch on when I update others about my life. It's like as if that's the only area with progressive and regular updates. Nah, I don't want to bore people with such trivial stuff.

Jas asked me yesterday if I want to join her for pottery class. Sounds good. I've always been interested in arts and craft. I thought this would be a good oppotunity to add some variety to my otherwise 'still' life. Went to check out the website, as expected, the fees are not cheap. The fees stated on the website were higher than what Jas told me. Hmm... in view of the current economy, it's quite a luxury to spend $200 on 4 sessions and I don't think I'll learn much from merely 4 sessions. To continue beyond that, on a mid to long term basis is akin to burning cash away. For practical reasons, I guess I'll have to shelf this for now.