| Stitchy shopping |
[Jan. 27th, 2010|10:56 pm] |
Did some mega cross-stitch shopping today. I really don't know if it was because I was stressed or tired or what, but I know one thing - I'm going to be stitching these for a long time.
1. Lizzie Kate's new Green Flip-Its (first three patterns plus embellishment pack for the border)
2. Eva Rosenstand's Country Farm sampler (kit)
3. Bent Creek's So Happy (chart with button pack)
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| My choice |
[Jan. 27th, 2010|10:23 pm] |
A race till the end.
That totally sums up the last two weeks in my old job (freshly old).
Yes, today was my last day at work and I feel absolutely freaking exhausted.
Too tired to feel sadness or joy; too numb to reminisce and too fed-up with my burning throat to search for my own closure.
But like it or not, one chapter in my life has closed and by and large, I'm okay with it.
Where am I moving to next?
Well, I don't really have a conventional answer to that.
I didn't quit with a job in hand or interview dates lined up. However, I do have a few kind offers to meet for coffee, which may result in opportunities or collaborations. Or not.
And at this point, it's fine.
Because what I really want to do is to travel and to indulge in my personal projects.
So, you could say that what I really quit my job for was India, Nepal, The Silk Road, Tibet, China, New Zealand, Australia and bits of South East Asia. All in one year, starting June. :)
I'll update more on our travel plans when I can.
While I have a few personal projects - most of them involve J too - that are on the cards, building my freelance writing/editing and media consultancy business is my first priority now. (Also, we need the money la!)
So, if you have any leads for me or would like to refer some biz, I would be very very grateful - thank you in advance. I'm going to spend some time building a portfolio site, but you could refer any contacts to www.ourtravelations.com - I've put some published writing there. I have also accepted the kind offer of my previous employer, SPH, to return to my first love - journalism - part-time. You'll be able to see my reports in my paper soon.
Some friends have said that it is a brave move; others have said they are envious; yet there are others who have questioned my plans, wondering if I am too naive or indeed, stupid.
I suppose for many people in Singapore, it is a difficult thing to accept. I had a great job working in one of the most prominent embassies among the foreign diplomatic corps here; my job was going well and the future seemed promising; we had an apartment we loved (now sold); we didn't have to worry about bills on an everyday basis; etc., etc.
It seemed to some people I was being a spoilt child indulging in my own whims and fancies.
Well, they aren't wrong on one part at least - I am indulging. Indulging in life.
I definitely will have to prepare for a lifestyle change - but it is one that I need. I may be earning good money, but I don't even have time to read my Economist and Time magazine subscriptions; merely checking quickly to see if any work-related items are inside each edition. I don't even have time to read a good novel properly. I don't have time to eat properly; or to cook regularly anymore. My dogs don't even get a full weekend with me - they have to fight for my attention; fight against all the other multitude of chores and activities I try to cram into my precious weekends. Time with my family is slotted in - an hour or two here or there. As you can see, I can go on and on.
At the end of the day, I'm neither defending myself or dismissing others.
All I'm saying is, I am at peace with my choice.
(And that I really really miss the newsroom/writing!)
Wish me luck!
:)
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| Latest crafty thing |
[Jan. 20th, 2010|12:01 am] |
Especially for ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) riendel, my latest x stitch project. All my respects to u for tackling n finishing so many projects with yr busy schedule! 
Jap prosperity mao mobile ornament thingy Posted via LiveJournal.app. |
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| Year of travels |
[Jan. 8th, 2010|10:07 am] |
Happy New Year everyone!
I received an e-mailer from Kate Spade today with the words: I resolve to wear out my passport.
And that is indeed what I hope to do this year! :) |
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| Packed to the max |
[Dec. 11th, 2009|09:52 am] |
Seriously packed weekend coming up:
Fri evening: Christmas Ball (company)
Sat morning: Wedding
Sat evening: Dinner with French friends
Sat night: Drop by Media gang gathering in time for dessert/cake cutting
Sun morning: *crosses fingers* Run
Sun afternoon: Late-ish lunch with F (loads of catching up)
Sun evening: BBQ with J's BLE group
And need to do some work in between everything (recruitment interviews on Mon so hopefully, NOT hungover!).
I can so feel the weight gain, dull skin and tiredness ALREADY!
But of course, 'tis the season to be jolly ;) |
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| ourtravelations.com |
[Dec. 7th, 2009|11:21 am] |
Just a quick note to say, for those of you who are interested, you can read about J and my travels at ourtravelations.com
It is a work in progress, so we welcome all your feedback. Thank you in advance!
:) |
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| Yoga re-introduction |
[Dec. 7th, 2009|09:23 am] |
First time to Yoga in about two weeks and I can't wait.
We are going for a Yin class to re-introduce ourselves to practice again.
I really can't wait to be a regular at the studio once more.
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| New chapter |
[Nov. 30th, 2009|02:49 pm] |
Today is officially the last day that we can legally enter our home :(
The apartment goes to a new owner tomorrow.
I will miss it so. It's our first home together. And from all the packing, selling, moving and more packing we've done over the past three to four days, we have made it home.
Well, guess we really shouldn't hold on to material things.
But for just one more evening, I shall clean my beloved flat one last time - for the handover.
I hope the new owner will have the very best memories there!
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| Polarize! |
[Oct. 31st, 2009|11:34 am] |
I may be addicted to the Polarize app haha!
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| Cookie decorating fun |
[Oct. 20th, 2009|10:02 am] |
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I had such an eye-opening and fun afternoon on Sunday, post-quickie cruise with the family.
At first, I thought I couldn't make the 3pm class at Mong's, but realised the day before that we dock at HarbourFront at noon - hurray!
Three of my creations (notice the clumsy spill?)
Together with riendel , I learnt how to make, tint and thin royal icing, outline and fill (I mean flood! (in cookie speak) ) a cookie with the icing, work with fondant and using it to decorate a cookie.
It was so fun, especially when done with a friend!
The designs one can churn out are limitless and creativity reigns.
It was a nice break :)
( Two more pics... ) |
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| Green blooms |
[Oct. 18th, 2009|11:32 pm] |
This makes me happy, somehow.
(Taken at Pam's place in Tassie!)
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| Parcelled cod in the oven |
[Oct. 18th, 2009|10:47 pm] |
Baked an extremely simple Japanese-influenced cod in the oven today for dinner.
Just had to eat healthier after our junky-food-filled cruise with the family.
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| Yogathon? |
[Sep. 16th, 2009|10:43 pm] |
I have now Yoga-ed for three evenings straight.
I should really be running more. But my body craves the challenge and peace of a nice, consistent practice.
I wonder now if my body knows that I'm attempting a marathon, not a yogathon.
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| Home-cooked goodies |
[Sep. 14th, 2009|11:15 pm] |
I love it when I go home to visit and my mum plies me with home-cooked goodies.
Last evening, I received chicken rendang and sambal petai - cooked the day before and nicely frozen, ready to go home with me.
Now, I only need to make me some nice, fluffy rice and heat up the goodies!
Tomorrow maybe?
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| Library |
[Sep. 12th, 2009|01:18 pm] |
Lately I've rediscovered the library.
Or rather, the library's excellent reservation system.
I don't actually have to go and physically search for the books I want - just go online and reserve them for $1.50 each.
When it's time for pick-up, an SMS would be sent to me and I just drop by my specified branch to collect.
And now, the first renewal is free!
Fantastic!
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| Tolerance |
[Sep. 9th, 2009|12:41 am] |
Oh before I go, just wanted to share a thought.
This evening, while running like a hamster on the treadmill at my condo gym, I was struck by how grateful I am to be living in Singapore and in this largely, tolerant and moderate region.
As I looked out of the window in front of me, I saw a bunch of kids running by - likely engaged in one of their mock war scenarios.
(The kids in my condo are great. They come up with all these funny, imaginary games to amuse themselves all the time. One of them involves breaking up into groups and "fighting" each other.)
In this group, carrying toy guns no less, were an Ang Moh boy, an Indian girl and a Chinese lad. All were aged between six and 10.
I was struck by this visual example of racial tolerance and open-heartedness.
I was a very very happy and fortunate witness of this blessing tonight.
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| Mount K adventure (Part 1) |
[Sep. 8th, 2009|11:00 pm] |
Climbing a mountain is akin to running a marathon I suppose.
Not that I really know, but at least from what my marathoner-friends tell me, it is an addictive activity. Upon crossing the finish line, they usually swore the just-completed run would be the last marathon they ever did. Yet, when sign-up time comes again the next year, they gamely register again. All pain and suffering forgotten by then.
With climbing, it's the same thing.
While I was trekking, I was cursing and swearing inwardly that I would never do it again, but once I had gotten some rest (at Laban Rata, the three-quarter mark) and again at the end of the trip, I contemplated how I would tackle the route in the future. Perhaps tackle, I hasten to qualify. But hey, the idea is there.
Many guidebooks and tourist brochures proclaim Mount Kinabalu to be "an easy, two-day, one-night adventure".
To a certain extent, they are right, but the word "easy" is subjective.
( Read more... ) |
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