my quaint world

I love the fall. The fiery colours of the falling leaves everywhere lits up the entire city. I feel it gives a very soft dreamy feel everytime I stare out the window on the drive to work.

It just starts me daydreaming.



Its a pity the trees are almost empty now.

But that's the most lovely part of living thru seasons, the endless admiration of nature's beauty.

On Sunday night, we were invited to a real Belgian feast - Mussels, Fries and Beer.


Everyone keeps eating and drinking and eating and drinking... It was a free-flow mussels night.


And the mussels was really yummy. I can't have enough of it. I had 4 servings.

Burp... yes, am guilty!

I had one of the most lovely day ever.

I woke up early and was greeted by some very modern looking flowers.


Then I was seated at the dining for a nice breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juice.


At noon, I went to the Kaikan to be officially bestowed as a SGI Belgium member. It was so very significant!


And my YWD leader gave me a cookie with a candle - to sing and make a wish. So sweet.


Then, Mr D swept me off to a mysterious place. In fact, it was planned for a rest and relax afternoon at the Dilbeek Therma - a sauna complex with jacuzzi, turkish bath, heated pool, sauna, verry hot sauna and sun seats. I was booked in for a suprise massage to start with.

Then lazed around the complex thereafter. In and out of sauna, pool, drinks at fireplace, feet dippin, sun bathing. But the best part was the super hot sauna and then the quick dip into ice cold water. It is a must try. Feels really really good.

Weird part of the place is that everyone has to be naked but nothing to fancy to see there. Mostly old people though. LOL.

Nevertheless, it was an experience to be entire day in my birthday suit on the very day.

In the evening, I was swept away to Suprise No 2 - cosy dinner at an old restaurant serving to-die-for lobster dish. Man, that was really good! Its a restaurant Mr D has been to since he was 4 for every special occassion with family.

Then we cosy up the rest of the night in front of the telly with me in my pink pj.


Mmm, I am lucky girl he. Happy Birthday to me :)

Ps : Sorry for those whose calls I missed. And thank you so much for remembering.

Guess, what I got me for ma birthday?

A very cool nepresso machine - Krups and the entire collection of coffee variety.



So, please drop by for coffee ok ;)

Well, I was thinking last night.

The hypothetical question is that why we are able to smile to the world at any time but its just so difficult to do that at home with the ones that meant the most?

Mmm, I'll keep this in mind.

I have been in the dump. I mean I can't get out of this resonance. Its up and down, up and down but still within the lower states of life.

For a second, I can be feeling sky high, and next, everything is shaking up inside me :(

Couple of nice things happened though. Old friends from very important chapters of my life called me, wrote to me. To be in touch. To see if I am doing ok. It is indeed nice to know that I was thought about. Time to time.

Also, last evening, I went for our monthly discussion meet. We had a good discussion about relationships - how to deal with people, ideas to communicate better, how to break through our small minds and look past our own selves, with true compassion for another.

Alan was looking really down at the beginning of the meeting. I remembered that he mentioned of battling arthritis and depression in the last meeting. So after the meeting as I was going around to kiss everyone goodbye, I shook his hands and said to him, be strong and good luck. Didn't know what to really say.

But he said the nicest words to me. That everytime he sees me, I am like a sun which lits up everything and he wishes to find someone like me in his lifetime.

It made me pondered quite a bit. While sitting in the meeting the entire night, I was wondering to myself about the smile on my face that was put on the moment I stepped into the room. It was a smile so wide no one could see thru me.

I was just wondering about whether is that an act of Dishonesty? Defensiveness? Concealing Weaknesses?

And today, it was answered in words my dear friend penned for me from miles across the globe. But those words shone thru my computer screen into my heart.

And those are the words that do not need a voice to speak it out to me, yet it brings tears just to read and understand the hearts that reacheds out for one another.

Its still not over. But yes, I am glad to know I am on the right path.

"A smile is not an effect, but a cause for generating happiness"

November 18, 2006

- Soka Gakkai Founding Day
- Official day that Ms Teh will become a SGI-Belgium member
- Birthday of Ms Teh

How significant it is! :)

Well, the title speaks for itself. Its really gloomy weather here. And I am feeling the blues.

Was thinking hard what to write about my trip. Nothing. I guess, I am just not in the mood therefore, there is no inspiration to write.

Works been too busy anyway.

Felt like looking for some solitudes, left my office alone during lunch, only to find myself drench in the stupid rain pour. Duh. So here I am back, sitting in the midst of all people, walking up and down, busying with the impertinance of life.

The smile has been missing for quite a while now. I need to get myself back on track.

Still missing you H3lly.

I am back from the hectic trip. Two weeks and it does feel like a long time.

Anyway, most importantly, I am back, all recharged fully to take the world again :)

Not so true actually, cuz the cold weather is eating me up quickly. Its so fucking cold!!!

Though the winter weather gives a warm cosy feel in the evenings, lazing on the couch with a hot mug of MILO.

I'll write more shortly once I sort out my baggages - instant noodles, dirty laundry, new clothes ;) My camera is somewhere in the mess.

I hope all has been well when I was away.

H3lly will be missed terribly though.

Friday @ Monty or Bala?

Hehehe... very typical of Ms Teh.

Indecisivenesssss!!!

Ok, BALACLAVA @ 6PM. See ya!

Ah, today I went to lunch with my colleagues outside of the office.

Very quaint cafe - Le Beau Soleil. I like it.

The owner who owns the cafe, make the sandwich, bring the drinks and give you the bill is a violin maker. Really! Home-handmade violins.

Err, all violins are handmade ah?

Anyway, I find this little cafe very very interesting. Full of character. Very quaint. My kind of world.

Half of the cafe is a violin workshop. So you sit by the work bench with the tools and half-made violins. The place is decorated with yellow painted walls, huge picture of sun on the ceiling. And many many old pictures of people with violins completed the wall. And a very huge toasted panini with ham and goat cheese completed my lunch :)

Atmosphere is very homey. Feel like I've been invited by my violin maker fren to his home.

The violin maker himself looks quaint too - twinkle in his eyes, warm smile, curly brown locks and a pair of 'beatles' glasses. And my colleague told me he has one-of-the-kind of humor (they were speaking french, I am still deaf to it).

This will be my new hiddin corner. Whenever.

Sometimes my mood fluctuate so unpredictable, on a moment of a second. Just caught me by suprise. And I had then to remind myself, to calm down. To be on earth again.

Does it takes so much effort to retain sanity?

Or is it just the hormones playing?

Nevertheless, I try not to let anything get me down today for I'll be on my way to Sg tomorrow :)

Today, for the first time ever, I worked so late - 9pm. Over here, people knock off at about 5. Or some even earlier. People go home to their families and lives. In fact, since living, I felt the day has 2 parts - work day and home day. You know there's hell lots of things that can be done when one knock off at 5pm.

Anyway, why I worked late? I am proud to say that I was working on a proposal. And I think I did it pretty nicely.

This is job satisfaction eh.

By the way, I forgot to mention that I closed my first deal. Not exactly a new customer, but it was an upgrade. And for a good price.

Now, I start to believe I can one day be a real sales.

But I promise, I'll learn to lie without a blink in the eye ;)

Sometimes I do doubt my own conscience.

Do we really feel happy for others when good things happen to them? Or do we just LOOK happy for them?

Or do we dictate our actions based on what we think should be correct, which could be miles aways from what our real conscience is?

Can we really be honestly happy for others?

Called Mr D just. He was having such a good time. All fun. All men in their undies swimming under the moonlight, in the warm waters of Sentosa. Drunk.

I guess it was really really fun. I wish I was there. (I love yummy sights! LOL)

But for a moment, I can hear it in my own voice. The bitterness.

I was shocked with myself. Managed to bite my tongue before it splurts to say something unsightly. Like go to bed - its late - you are not there for fun - nag nag nag. (Only women do that meh?)

Then I ask myself. Am I for real?

And I remembered those crazy nights I had during my own trips - most recently, the International Party at Madrid. Before entering the club, we had to put on a tag with the country of Origin. I was from Cuba ;)

Well, sometimes I can't deny there is also all the other feelings - envy, jelousy, possesiveness admist of love.

Its needs a constant effort in mind to keep a balance. We gotta be fair. Everyone needs Love. Fun. Joy. Achievements. Life.

I guess, in time to come, I will find the equibilium point where it holds the balance. And to be really happy for someone, and not only after an hour or so of brainstorming.

Having the awareness of my own conscienceness is a good thing though. At least I could think, ponder and be wise before any rash reactions.

In all conscience, I really wanna be happy for others! Especially my dear Mr D.

Oh yea, today I went out by myself :)

Almost didnt make it but I was glad I did. In fact, I was so busy at work that I cancelled the appointment at 5pm. Well, by 7pm, the entire office was empty and dark. So I decided to leave.

As I walked to the carpark, I thought to myself, why don't I give Kathy a call to see if she's still available? So I did and she was.

So I fixed up my GPS and drove by the ear (listening to instructions - Turn LEFT 100m ahead. Turn NOW. Bla bla bla)

Ehe, arrived to my destination but I didnt know where I should park. So I did in total 4 u-turns before deciding to park on a bend. Err, I know but I didnt get a ticket :S

We did together 1 hour of chanting. Very enlightening!

Then we read together a passage from a book. We just picked it randomly.

It was about PUNCTUALITY. What-a-coincidence! :S (Feeling wee-bit guilty)

Ms Teh is also Miss Late. This entire week I have been late to work. I'll keep that message in mind and try my very best from now on (cross ma fingers)

On my way back, my GPS took me for a joyride. It felt like I went halfway around Belgium. Was zig-zaggin in dark alleys. Then voila, I was on the highway. But 8km. 12km. 9.6km. 5km. WTF!

I was in Brussels. Only 15km from my home.

Stupid GPS or stupid user? :S

(Ok, I am trying to remember to do my situps everyday now!)

@ Singapore

Black Pepper Crab, Joo Chiat
Chicken Rice, Chicken Place
Char Kuey Teow, Zion Market
Half Boiled Eggs, Kiliney
Nasi Goreng Special, Shah Alam
Sliced Fish Noodle, Amoy
Prawn Noodle, Newton
Dim Sum, Lei Garden
Hokkien Mee, Atria
Sushi Tei, Paragon
Popcorns, The Cathay

@ Klang

My Mom's cooking!
Seafood, Klang Seafood
Steamed Assam Fish, Kim Sua (Golden Mountain)
Fishball Noodle, Sri Intan
Oor Mee (Hokkien Mee), Bangkali
Bah Kut Teh, Taman Rashna
Dried Bah Kut Teh, Meru
Assam Laksa, Melawis
Mee Hoon Kuey, Berkeley
Steamed Fish in Ginger, whatever-the-name (near Pin Hwa)
Mee Siam, Aunty's
Coffee, Toast and Curry Noodle, Cheong Ho's
Indomee, Mamak Netbugs
Nasi Lemak, Eng Ann
Durian Durian Durian (Is it the season yet?)

Food at my hometown is damn damn good!!! Anyone going to Klang, can always call me for directions. Anytime.

There is also always an option to take a 45 mins boat ride to Pulau Ketam (Crab Island) - a whole fishing village built on stilts. Fully equipped village with schools, cinema, snooker, karaoke, shopping, motels etc. And seafood there is also fabulous! (Ehe, sounds like I am doing some adverts for Klang)


Any tips for makan in HK? I'll be there the week after. I only know Dim Sum, Dim Sum and Dim Sum in HK.

Where? Where? Where?

Damn, I am like a little kiddo can't wait till the morning of Christmas to open all my BIG pressies :)

I am coming home to hot hot hot Singapore!!! (Its getting fucking cold here... brr)

Well, some say Bala sucks. Some say here. Some say there.

Non of cyber frens (if MsTeh ever has any!) gave any comments. So I don know if anyone will turn out to suprise me? Pssst.... I love suprises!

Anyway, Mr S has exclusive party venue. So there we will be.

Monty's @ Boat Quay. Code name MsTeh to MsJune.

Then afterthat we go St-James-Power-Station. Dunno where is that la. Anyone know if thats a cool place? Otherwise, we will cabut and go Zouk la.

So if you are looking for me, these 3 places are the clues for the hot night.

Anyway, where there's drinks, there's where the party.

If you are lost, call me!

Yo guys, next friday, up to drinks at Bala? ;) See ya there at 5!

I was in Rome on Monday evening. As the taxi drove me to my hotel, we passed the magnificent Colleseum. It was a beautiful sight in the night. The lightings gave a very warm yet glorified, mysterious yet historical, calm yet nostalgic feeling.

And the next morning, I was in for a very pleasant suprise. The sky! It was so blue. Blue without a single cloud in sight. So blue that the trees with their leaves and barks stood out. All the building and ruins are like pictures with the perfect backdrop.

Then, it strikes me. The world is beautiful!

I have been swimming and drowning in negativity last weeks. How silly!

But its amazing how one's mind is twirled and shrinked as negativity enfolds us.

And also I realised, I am not afraid to be alone. It was just how the negativity took my mind away and squeezed it thru a dark gloomy passage and gave endless of reasons to be miserable.

Anyway, trip to Rome was good. Reminded me again the pleaure of being with one self. Reminded me of my solo holiday trip to Rome in 2004. Reminded me of being me.

Lost it somehow in the midst of the cold grey gloomy weather.

But I will find it back.

The twinkle. The shine. The smile.

I can't sleep so continue to bla.

I think my last entry showed a very vulnerrable side of me. But what the heck, at least I am honest.

Life ain't always bright and shiny he. Sometimes, there are dark and rainy days.

Whats most important is to know that nothing but ourselves, and no one but me is responsible for my own happiness.

Buddhism emphasizes that everyone must take responsibility for his or her own happiness. But often we resist changes within ourselves yet try our best to change others. Buddhism teaches that there is nothing we can say or do to change another person. People will change only when they are ready. The only people we have the power to change are ourselves.

By weaving this understanding into the fabric of our lives, we can begin to rectify any source of unhappiness at its most fundamental level. We will see that our inner transformation has the unfathomable power to help ourselves and others in ways that no other actions or words ever could. We will come to understand that we must take care of our own needs and feelings ourselves while being mindful not to use or abuse others in the process. It may take time and effort but, in the end, we will prove to ourselves that not strategy is as powerful as one based on self-mastery - qouted from Tarogold's article

This is what I did today. To reflect, realise and admit that it is my fear of being alone that is what causing me unhappiness and I will challenge it.

I believe, to know that is power because in every turn of our lives, especially in the difficult ones, it is in our hands to bring a changement to our own lives.

And this is what I continue to remind myself each day.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

That's the only 2 words I could think of that depicts 2 very different state of life.

---------->
Heaven is when I brave my own way to Holland yesterday to make a presentation to a customer. All by myself to the 150km of highways and 3 very attentive and curious listeners.

On the way back though, the GPS acted up and kept ejecting the CD. First it lead me into a town centre (diverted from the highway) and then it didnt work. So you can imagine how difficult is it to get outt of the maze of an unknown town centre at peak hour. Also, I think I put in the CD for 1000 times :S At the end, a journey of 2 hours took me 3.5 hours instead.

But still, I managed! Survived the ride and most importantly the presentation! And man, am I proud of my own guts. First long-distance driving experience in Europe and first commercial presentation la...

<----------
Hell is the thing I can't explain why - being alone. Suddenly that thought itself freaks me out completely.

Past weeks has been filled with too much arguements and discussions with Mr D. I tried to figure out why is it so. Chanted. Read. Reflected. And finally I understood that it is of my own inability to be alone.

Somehow, it freaks me out. I know, I know, I should overcome it and I will but I guess, everything takes time. It just freaks me out to think that I would soon sit here alone day in day out on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays (especially when all shops are close and I can't even shop to take my mind off). The nearest bar that I know from my place is for 30 mins drive. Restaurants? Err, 20 mins away. Cinema? Err, far. Familiar voices? Zero. Friends? Zero. Not even a dog that knows me. What would I do?

Do I live in a 'ulu' plaee? Err, yes, Vilvoorde... doesn't the name tells? :)

Besides, the weather is gloomy too. The days start getting shorter and shorter. It rains continously. Pitter patter pitter patter. And cold!

I am so tempted to just buy me ticket to go home. But money making ain't easy and I have to be wise.

Well, I had expected this phase before I choose to come here. And I know sometime soon, I will forget these feelings. But now is the most difficult part, thats to get over and done with it.

But I will survive this. I have always and I will.

-----------
One strange thing is I can't help feeling sad that some just think that I am a lucky dude who seems to have it all and tries to stop me from getting more because they think it ain't fair. But how true is it about people judging others only on the facade. Knowing so little about a person, the inner sides and real values and yet judging so much. You know, I believe I could have done a lot.

Anyway, that's life. No one ain't got the hen which lays the golden egg everytime!

-----------
Always stay correct. Always have a solid foundation. Alway have strong faith.

Winter never fails to turn into spring :)

There are plenty of voices in my head. Non-stop? Anyone has any ideas how to make these irritating voices stop talking?

Whats make it worst is that they are injecting negativities into my mind, constantly, 24 hours! Even while I am sleeping.

It makes me slightly paranoia. Slightly on the edge. Slightly in a bad mood. And without a smile :(

Well, I guess, its just part and parcle of phases in life.

Perhaps a trip home might do me good? ;) (No money la... sob sob sob)

Had a long chat with a good fren last night though. Couple of things he said, striked my mind. I guess, one thing for sure is, I need to take more initiatives in my own life here. I have been rather lazy and complacent, I guess. I need to put more concrete efforts in learning languages, in bridging and building bonds between people and not having a stereotyping mind. Be open, be happy, and spread it on!

Try the test! Its funny.

I failed miserably though. I know I know, I am asian but but but...

I can tell from the accents though :)

AllLookSame?

Just as I was feeling a wee bit low down, I had the most interesting flight ever.

Well, going out here is taking a slight toll on me due the barrier of the languages. For I am no longer the chirpy person who makes being silly, laughin the loudest laughter, makin funny faces and constantly trying to create entertainment yet forming bonds between human.

Here, I felt I am just an invisible soul. Lost in the languages, I let myself drift away under the sunshine, dreaming of land where there is only beauty and perfection.

Well, I felt a bit lost in the web of friendship, or so-called friends or friends because we hang out quite a bit or in my own correctness, friends that I can't connect. Front that I can't be the real Jaymy because of the barrier of communication. Language!

And I started to doubt myself. Well, have I grown inwards? Have I become passive? Have I turned into a boredom? Or am I just a smiling manequin? A chinese one, for say.

Just a painting of a face on the shell of an egg. (You know, we use to paint faces on egg shell, but does it represent what is in the egg?)

Nevertheless, just as the saying goes, winter never fail to turn into spring.

On my way to Lisbon today, 3 whole hours flight, where 2 hours was spent debating within myself to challenge myself to prove that I do not have a communication defiency. That I am normal. That I can talk to people. That I communicate. That I still connects.

Well, after 2 whole hours, and with a very interesting and curious musing girl beside me, I couldn't resist but to offer a piece of chocolate. That started a smile.

30 minutes later, I popped the usual 'standard' question, "Are you going for a holiday?" She answered. Then it was non-stop machine gun questionin, words, expressions, sharing, smiles, laughter and twinkles in the eyes. Yes, she has beautiful eyes. They talk silent words. She's a sorta theatre actress cum independent producer, passion for living, driven to bring smiles to people on the street, to strike them out of normadom. A person with a big 'YES' for life. A girl who is constantly writing her dossier, no matter where.

Then a book in the hands of another caught my eye. Titled "Buddha". Out of real curiousity, pathed the way through my doubts, my fears, my twisted tongue, I asked, "Why do you read this?". And again, it sparked off a connection that I can't explain. A bonding. A relation.

Beautiful person she is. Young, vibrant, happy with strong jest of life! And a looker. She was Miss Belgium 2005. In all the truest form, I think she represents very well the title. Apart from being almost a Julia Roberts with african/ india blood, its a full package she is. At least, that is one very good first impression I had.

And that's where I was. Inspired again. Ready to take the world. To spread the smile. To bring happiness wherever I am.

Also, I realised, that is the basis of me. That is the cause I proclaim. Happiness.

"Happiness is the joy in others!"

And no, no barrier there is for me. Only of a mind limitin the self. Be it for even with body language, I will speak out to the world.

Err, yes, we ate a horse steak on Friday night.

I had a colleague from Singapore who was in town. He asked to be brought to a real Belgium restaurant. Being a nice belgian, Mr D brought us all to a restaurant - Horse House Restaurant.

Apparently, this restaurant in Vilvoorde (small town where I live), specializes in lean, sweet horse steaks and has been popular for 4 decades. Have to queue to eat!

Its not the typical kind of horses - special breed called 'Belgium Draught Horse'. They are use in the fields normally. Very strong and hardworkers.

It was pretty good but err... I am not sure if I will eat it again.

Its all in the mind though.

As she drove herself with the unfamiliar vehicle all over at wrong sides of the roads, her heart was beating with pure anticipation. To meet with strangers whom yet she knows of those familiar warm hearts and glowing faces.

A drive so short, felt like miles away.

The joy felt on the rythm of the chanting, those voices which speaks words she do not yet understand are those same voices which she hears the unison of the hearts.

When I arrived, I was pretty nervous. Ain't sure where to park my big mama car. Managed to squeeze myself in a little corner, just enough not to block the garage of another. Took a peep thru my door just to see if I did give the car behind a bump. Lucky no. But a funny guy was laughing at my antics.

Then we found ourselves knocking on the same door.

I said, "Hello, am here for the meeting". He laughed even louder. In fact he was estatic. "Its our first meeting. You are standing here - our very first new member. How wonderful!"

And he didnt stop chuckling. Throughout the meeting. A buddha he is, bubbling, glowing, warm and happy. As everyone else there. Even little sweet Emily.

Well, indeed a great start to my journey for sake of kosenrufu in Europe.

Finally, this Saturday morning, I managed to get up earlier than usual, did the usual grocery shopping at the morning market and then rushed to the kaikan, near Midi Station in Brussels.

And there, it was the right Saturday because coincidentally they were having just the monthly Youth Meeting (every 2nd Sat of the month, 9am-12noon). I met the YWD Chief, Joelle and Vice Chief, Kazuko.

Also, got the contact for the district in Vilvoorde. My 1st discussion meeting will be this Wed. And its just 10 mins walk from my place :) Yay!

Also, also, the Vilvoorde district was just formed 2 weeks ago, consist of only 4 people. I will be the 5th... small he... but something always starts from nothing.

That's what I call the right timing!!!

I am excited! Also very much looking forward as one of my goals is to do kosenrufu in Europe!

Friday night, had a lovely dinner at 'Kuala Lumpur', a Malaysian restaurant in Antwerp with a group of Singaporean girls. We found each other thru the expat site. Sound desperate me? Hehe. But they are cool girls and in fact we had a great conversation going on that night.

Ms Monica - Freelance TV producer
Ms Jenna - Au pair for 4 terrors ;)
Ms Jai - new mommy n aspiring nurse

And grreeat food! So yummy especially the satay with peanut sauce :)

Well, well, this is what I have to do - building a new social circle. I made the decision to come living here, so I will not sulk around at home, complaining of boredom.

Happiness in oneself is everyone's own responsibility.

Ciao, enjoy ya sunny weekend!

I think living in Singapore for the past 10 years had turned me into quite a city girl. Or was I always one? :)

My little garden was in a mess, so I started picking out the weeds. With rubber gloves. *blush*

I can't help. In my imagination, there are bugs, worms, leeches, spiders all ready to jump on me!

But I only got stung by the "stingin nettle". And its a plant. *grin*

Anyway, here are my growing "xmas" trees (not sure what are they really called). I wanna grow some lavenders between them next summer.

Mmm, a new hobby?

4 Sept 2006 - Madonna's Confessions Tour.

I remember listening to her ever since, childhood, teens and till now, she till rocks. And she rocked Amsterdam Arena that Monday!

Woa, the lady was in command of her stage, turned the entire stadium into a discotheque-dance-club. It was a Powerful. Vibrant. Energetic. A gggrrreat show.

And she's still a hot hot hot babe at 48!

Whats in Amsterdam? Canals. Chinatown. Tulips. Prostitution. Drug.
Concert in Amsterdam? Bars. Drinks. Beers. Hotdogs. Ciggs.

No kiddin, one can drink and smoke! And bars are at every corners. Cool eh!

The evening started with DJ Tiesto spinning. People were migling, dancing, anticipating her arrival... And there she was, emerging from within a huge disco ball!

In fact, tickets for the standing area would be fantastic (which is more costly). Just feel like being at a super huge dance floor of a club! I got tickets with fixed seating cause I expected a chaos. 60,000 people maa!!!

But I was nicely suprised - No fuss, no rush, no pushing. Everyone was cool and happy. Dancing, drinking and smoking away. Hehe.

The lady was in good mood. She was smiley, chirpy and relax.

She said, "I've been smelling a lot of funny smoke around here *smiling* It's bad for my throat!"

Everyone screamed. 60,000

She chanted, "We are one, we are one, no more war, we want peace, no more blood, we want love, we want love, we want love, we are love...."

Everyone chanted. 60,000

She said, "Do you know that there are 34 wars going on in a world right now, and if I could stop only 1 I would do anything but I know that's not possible but I want to show them that it is possible to be all together, no matter what country you are from or what religion you are under the one roof like we are now in one big harmony!" And she asked everyone to hug the person next to us.

Everyone hugged. 60,000

She stucked her ass to the camera and then stucked her middle finger in between.

Everyone went wild. 60,000

Unforgettable!

I am bored. Can't find some interesting blogs to read. The ones I like are either updating too infrequent, or having holidays or not writing anymore.

I have been reading her blog, Girl. She writes very well, witty, funny and yet sexy. Recently, she even published her very first book. Then, her identity was spit out by the nosy paparazzi. Well, I guess it was a hardtime she had to go thru so she stopped writing for a while. I hope she'll be back soon!

Any other blogs to recommend to me?

Btw, Kenny's comments about Merdeka Day is hilarious - especially the part about our dear King and the funny pinch about flowers at the end.

Its still cloudy here but I can already see the shy sun peeping thru the big grey puffy clouds. I think he should be brave enough to shine for this weekend. He better be!

Its a long weekend for me - 2 house parties on Saturday. SGI-Belgium Monthly Meeting on Sunday. Hop, wiggle and dance in Madonna's concert on Monday @ Amsterdam. Yay!

Bon weekend!

Well, ma first attempt and it was a success! Of course, its cooking with assistance - a faraway phone call to my ma + Julia :)

Long Bean Rice

Ingredients
4 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
1 large onion (finely chopped)
1 bowl of haebee (dried small shrimps)
1 bag of long beans (cut into pieces of 1 inch)
7 dried mushrooms (finely sliced)
1 piece of chicken breast meat (diced)
10 pieces of medium peeled shrimps (cut into small pieces)
3 cups of uncooked rice
Salt, Sugar, Pepper, Light Soya Sauce, Dark Soya Sauce

Instructions

1. Heat up wok with adequate amount of olive oil (healthier!)
2. Fry garlic, onion till light brown
3. Add the haebee and fry till fragrance
4. Add long beans and dried mushrooms. Add chicken meat and shrimps
5. Add salt, sugar, pepper, soya sauce and taste
6. Add uncooked rice + 1 cup of water
7. Add dark soya sauce to get preferred color :)
8. After this, put everything into rice cooker and add water and cook as per normal

Serving

This portion served 3 of us + 2 lunchbox for lunch at work next day :)

So yummy till I forgot to take a commemorative picture!!!

Feel like cooking :)

Never did I thought one day I will feel this way.

I just wanna cook cook cook and make great dishes.

STILL I am just cooking-day-dreaming.

Oh by the way, its great having a guest. Even greater when my guest is a good cook.

Julia sure can cook. Also, she's Cantonese so she make great yummy rich and healthy soup.

We have 2 visitors this weekend - Julia and ma sis, Kelly.

We cooked teochew porridge for lunch yesterday. My sister tried to give a hand in helping. This is what she made.

Well, we had a good laugh!

Oh, I've been to Nice and the Isle of Greece while I've sipped champagne on a yacht
I've moved like Harlow in Monte Carlo and showed 'em what I've got
I've been undressed by kings and I've seen some things that a woman ain't supposed to see
I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me

I love this song.
There were moments where I felt that way during my trip.
Then I'll sing to myself, softly in my ears.

One of the days
(Stop keeping track of days because it was a holiday!)

We drove for an hour or so to Monaco. Its a small country ruled for 700 years by the Grimaldi family.

Area : 2 sq km / 1 sq miles
Population : 32,150

Sun. Glitz. Glamour. Rich. Famous. Expensive. Tax Free.

The very beautiful and impressive Monte Carlo. Damn, lots 40 bucks to the stupid slot machines. But now I dare say that Ms Teh was there, cashing "out" at Monte Carlo.

I'd say we have to have a drink there, in a very loungy bar just in front of Monte Carlo. Parked right in my view are rows of Ferraris and Maseratis and many others which are too expensive that I don't even know em ;)

Just wanna checkout if the drivers are cute.

Well, who knows, maybe I'd get to blink an eye with Brad Pitt, Prince Harry or err Paris Hilton. But it wasn't my night. Damn, 30 bucks for 2 drinks.

Day 3

Went to Nice! Walked around for a couple of hours before we join the usual crowd at the beach. Ehehe!!!

All kinds of mushrooms @ Saleya Market.

Old town Nice.

Crescent beach of Nice.

Abstract cactus. My sister say you can see an image of a deer in this art. Muaahah.

Nice harbour for the rich and famous.

In the late evening, we took a long drive to the top top of Vence. It was of nothingness. Cold. Silence. Me.

Day 2

This day we went looking for real sandy beaches. Drove right up to the centre of Antibes but well, it was another narrow long beach full of merry-holiday makers. So can you imagine the noises surrounding you while you lay there looking at the blue blue sea! Fiewww - NOISY!

Took at walk in the evening at the harbour of the riches and their boats.

I did take some good shots eh?

Each morning, we walk to the centre of Vence to go to the bakery and market for fresh deals to make our meals.

Homecooked meals! Budget holiday la... but it was cosy and relaxing!!!

My most ingenius buy is the portable hotplate for cooking - just 25 bucks and it cooks our food well for the entire week, outdoor. Smart he!

The place we rented has a small terrace in front with a BBQ pit. I've never done so many BBQs straight in a week in my entire life!!! :)

Yummy! Yummy!

Day 1

St. Paul is a beautiful medieval fortified village perched on a narrow spur between two deep valleys.

A view around St Paul.

Olive trees everywhere!

Pretty tiny wild flowers growing on the pathways.

Ooh, the willow trees always give me a sentimental feel.

The wall enclosing the village.

Typical pathway in medieval towns.

Hmm, enjoying the sunshine.


We went to the 'pebbles' beach at Antibes to laze and enjoy the sun. But it was very crowded!!! Imagine sunbathers lying less than 1m apart from each other!

But the colour of the sea - deepest blue I've ever seen, and above the line of the horizon, clear skies of a lighter shade of blue. Breathtaking!

With that in mind for consolation, we also squeezed ourselves in between the sardines of humans.

This picture was taken after the crowd has left though. I didnt wanna seemed rude because there was many boobies exposed earlier on.

There was a fireworks display that night on St Paul. After the fireworks, they lit up the entire village with red flames.

This pictures gives an eery feeling, as though people are trapped in a fire but if you look closer, all smiles on the people! Look closer!

Ah, all the little things in life that brings smiles.

The drive to find the sun.

It was a long drive but thankfully, we arrived all safe and excited.

I think starting off a long driving trip at 6am is an excellent idea. Supposedly to start at 5am but you-know-me :)

Anyway, 6am is perfect - one can start off driving with enthusiasm, 2 hours later as the boredom creeps in, one will feel the pang of morning hunger.

After a hearty breakfast on board, one can continue driving with fulfilment for another 2 hours till boredom kicks in again - then its lunchtime!

Eating is the trick.

Then before you know it - we have covered 700km :)

Well, we picked the wrong week - too many tourist heading to the same way. In fact, this week is a big holiday week so we were stuck in the jam for almost 4 hours.

But we were close to our destination!!! Damn.



Anyway, when I saw this I was estatic :)


When we finally arrived, the night has fallen.

We were tired but safe.

Didn't have a gps but the manual gps (me!) navigated almost perfectly :)



It was a total of 15 hours LONG ride!

Oh yea people, I will be on a week holiday.

It'll be a 13 hours driving tour to South of France. Yes, its a long way BUT we just have to go to the sun. Its freezing here. Bbbrrr!

Will be exploring the region of the east French Riviera - Cannes, Nice, Monaco...

Found a small nice cheap (hehe, got a last minute deal) place to tuck ourselves in for a week, Maison de l'Ara @ Vence - to re-vitalise, to re-energise, to discover, to wander and to get a tan :)

So folks, see ya in a week!
Meantime, have a blast this week!

Last Saturday, I went to the Pole Pole, Latino Festival in Knokke with 4999 other people :)




We camped at a friend's garden. Arrived at noon, beers, pitched our tents, beers, beers, beers...




Afer couple of beers, it was real fun to try to upturn each others innards by jumpin on the huge trampolin. But it was fun!!!

Although I feel really woozy after 5 mins :S



Then we hop by the Surfers' club (where all the riches are) and had couple more drinks.



And people oogling. Then we went back to our gartel (garden hotel) and started our BBQ and had the most delicious ribs and salmon I ever had. Yuummyy!




At about 9pm, we moved on to join the crazy party at the beach till 4am!

Sometimes it just take a single lit of fire to start a catastrophe.

Well, well, that's how I feel. Just a teeny weeny stupidity of another, starts the volcanic eruption within me.

Now the world looks bleak and black. Just like the weather outsie.

And I have long grouchy face :S

How do we maintain to be in the state of high spiritness and above all these little insignificants that always seems somehow to affect us, bring us down?

This is the challenge.

For now, I try to smile, I try to wipe out the words, the deeds and the feeling of angers from within me. I try to make a reset. I think I'll eat some chocolates :)

Spend Sunday lazing at the beach of the Belgium's Surfers' Paradise @ Knokke. There were many cute surfers, sunbathers and topless sunbathers.

I slept, read a book, stared at the coming waves and blue skies, all in the sun for 4 hours. It was relaxing indeed.

Didn't do a dip in the sea though because the water is at f***ing freezing cold - 17 degree! Though the sun was shinning hard and my friends were burnt. Not me with my thick, strong Asian skin :)

This they call it summertime! Brrr...

Ok, I admit I have new addiction - blog reading or rather blog breezing.

I can't just help it. I can spend hours and hours breezing over the thousands of blogs in this world. Getting a tiny glimpse into others life.

Eventhough, I promised myself to stay focus at work, I can't help but to sneak an hour or so to feed my addiction. And many long hours in the evening also.

There's couple of blogs that I read regularly though - Karen's, Zoe's, Girl's, Kenny's and loads more.

Any theraphy to recommend?


Oh yea, Happy Birthday to Little Creature!!! ;)

And Happy National Day, Singaporeans!!!

Ok, its Monday morning, don't feel like working much, so I'll write ;)

I wanna have a mountain bike - Cube LTD 5 2005! Its really nice to go biking in Belgium - the forests are beautiful, view of the maize fields are endless, and weather is puurfect.

Reality sucks because there's certainly a limit to every penny in ma pocket :(

Someone buy me a bike? Pretty pretty please!

Aaahhh, tomorrow's my furry baby's birthday!

Nam is 4 years old.

I feel so homesick now :(

I miss his dreamy eyes and quiet moves and occasionally crazy antics.

Tanglin family, please give him a big kiss, big hug and big treat ok!

Feel on top of the world. Feel like going out.

Friday - We are goin to a outdoor party in Mechelen organised by radio station, Q-Music.

Saturday - We are going to Pole Pole! Latino party and we'll sleep out in a tent by the beach.

Except for that Saturday, I have to go to the hairdresser at 8am.
Too long, too messy.

Well, life's a gamble. I just hope it'll be a decent cut.

Cross my fingers!!!

Yummy!

Dark. Grey. Cloudy. Cold. Gloomy.


That's real the belgium weather.

Last weeks' been surreal.

When I arrived at work this morning, I saw the usual - many mails of jokes, pictures or articles from friends and family. And this particular mail from my Godma's sister struck me.

She sent me the experience of a friend, Angie whom I accidentally met up again recently.

Well, the story goes like this :

My housemate in Singapore was lookin for a Tech Consultant, after countless interviews, alas she hired Angie. My sister happened to see her pic on the MSN and thought she looks rather familiar. So my housemate just casually asked Angie if she's from Soka and if she knows the Tehs.

And she did! So we met up for a yummy roast duck lunch sometime ago.

We were in the Student Division years back in SGM - practising the song 'Achy Breaky Heart'.

Coincidence he!

And well, so knowing her made me read her experience with great interest. (Well, at times one can't help to be a little nosy he)

Its about her struggle in her past relationship and how she managed to emerge again victoriously and happy.

Indeed, it is inspiring!!!

It just reminds me that everything wells from within. Suffering or happines. And that is our choices.

But it is easy to forget, admist the current of life. And thus, to fall into the gutter.

Thus, the practise of faith is what keeps one's mind sane. The moment of calmness and reflections.

I will not post here the experience but if anyone would like a read, just drop me a mail.

I tried to look up here to see if she did posted it online. No but this site has collection of interesting and inspiring experiences from Soka members around the world.

Read it and share with me, the words of which experience inspired you most?

Oh yea, its work hours now... but normally I write during my lunch break. So no fret for I am no lazy bum ;)

But I gotta go now... loads of work to do :(