De felicidad

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The following story was shared with me by my very kind thesis supervisor.

"There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

( Rest of the story here )

Today has been good and productive :-) Sounds like I'm back to the books again, on the contrary I'm on holiday, well sort of.

I woke up today feeling like I needed to exercise my right brain, so I made it a point to use my left more often while going about my daily routine. When I got home, I also ironed using my left hand. I've been trying to sweep and mop with my left as well, but I'm still more efficient and thorough with my right.

I got home fairly late in the evening so by the time I brought in the clothes, it was sunset. And I just thought, it's lovely when life slows down to one of these moments. I wasn't in a hurry, I had done most of what I'd set out to do today and I had the luxury of enjoying the magnificent sunset before me while slowly ironing the clothes with my left hand. Everything came to a standstill while I ironed and gazed out at the warm hues of amber and grey skies interwoven before me. The view was completely unobstructed, which is rare in our age of enbloc schemes and newer, taller skyscrapers.

This brings to mind an intriguing NYT article I read recently about how cities are created instantly and how these newer, spiffier cities seem almost manufactured and devoid of cultural colour. While industrialisation blazes on, hopefully, architecture will continue to preserve a city's cultural heritage and character, otherwise most of what we see in many places will be mostly, faceless replicas.

Apart from musing about architecture, I also realised that I definitely prefer quiet moments to loud noise. I like the house quiet, without noise from telly strains (except for when I am watching of course!)

1. It is strange how doing chores doesn't give me the adrenaline high and the sense of light-heartedness that washes over me when I come out of a yoga class. I still work up a sweat while scrubbing floors but it just ain't the same...

2. I really need to attend a yoga session in the next 2 days, hopefully.

3. This occured to me recently, that in some way or another alot of us are trying to attain perfection or commercial enterprises are trying to sell perfection to us. The mushrooming of slimming and beauty chains all over our island is proof that selling perfection is quite lucrative. But seeking perfection on the other hand, is an immense struggle. Such a quest can be very frustrating because, there is no perfection, it's like the oft-cited treadmill that goes on for miles. And quite ironically, I think beauty lies in imperfections, it adds to our human quality when we're a lil rough round the edges.

4. Enough of musings for today. I spent too much time on chores today that I neglected very many things. Really, really need to be more efficient and to better micro-manage my time.

Good night.

The Chinese language is really beautiful. There is so much history, heritage and artistry behind every brush and stroke of the character. I am beginning to understand why people say that the chinese language is so rich.

I really wish I appreciated it more when I was still in school and had the opportunity to learn it. Hats off to Chinese teachers as well, they get alot of flak from the students because most consider it less important or a non-subject. Despite that, they still go about imparting the fundamentals and history of the language to us, it's commendable and I really respect them for that. When I embarassingly stumble on words like I do today, I wish I paid more attention in class or put it into practice more often. It's a shame when I can't speak or write fluently in my mother tongue. I adopted a very formulaic method of studying such a rich language which is such a pity.

I am going to try pick up a language that I've long forgotten, first by finishing up Geri's presentation! And when I can finally write lyrics in chinese- that will be my benchmark of success. It's an honour to identify with and be part of such a rich and poetic heritage. For anyone struggling with it or hesitating because of its difficulty, give it a chance.

In moments of nothingness when I am just about to fall asleep, a song plays and I listen, really listen to its lyrics. Undistracted by routine or stray thoughts, the lyrics unfurl in my head and it makes me pause and think. "Top of the world" by the carpenters for example never fails to light a smile and "Vienna" or "Everybody's free to wear sunscreen" always has a snippet of good old wisdom for me. Other songs like "Five loaves and two fishes" and "Everything in its time" reminds me to let go of my worries and anxieties and believe. The wonder that is music :-)

A close friend introduced this song to me and the two of us really like it. For some odd reason or another, I like to listen to it while I study. But it is probably, one of the saddest songs I've ever heard :(

I wonder why some of the most poignant lyrics are also the most beautiful. Maybe pain inspires creativity or maybe one only appreciates true beauty when you've experienced the lowest. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

( See lyrics here )

While studying for Macroecons, I cheated and went to read a book I got at Borders with a large discount. You've gotta get away from the insanity every now and then you know? I really really enjoyed this book, the author is dying but it's not a tear-jerker or anything. In fact, it's funny and very inspiring.

There are quite a number of passages in the book that resonate with me, there's alot of wisdom sparkling in this story- how loyalty is a two-way street, don't complain just work harder, to look for the best in people (everybody has a good side, it will come out) and to keep dreaming. Highly recommend it!

My friend who sleeps irregular hours because of the nature of his job gave me a useful piece of advice awhile back. That if you're running on little sleep, go for power naps. Don't go for long 2 hr naps, keep it to 30 mins max otherwise you'll wake up feeling even more tired. And it's true! It really works for me. I've been taking a short power nap everyday for the last few days, I wake up refreshed and it keeps me going until late at night.

Another tip that works for me, rising early regardless of what time you went to bed. There's something about the crisp morning air and the break of dawn that is refreshing in its quietude. It brings a smile to my heart when I see the first morning rays filtering in thru little gaps between my blinds.

I can take a bit of a breather today. The last week has just been plain crazy and unpredictable.

The economists have a theory that beyond a certain threshold (warning: I'm channeling macroecons here), the additional utility we derive from a particular good or activity starts to dip. It's the law of diminishing returns, too much of something is not good, everything should be in moderation. But NUS has a tendency to swing you from one extreme to another. There are lulls and then weeks of insanity that have you running on little other than adrenaline.

The last week was something like that with my bro being rushed to hospital late Tuesday night. It scared my mom and I out of our wits but thankfully he's ok now. And in between exams I had an interview and test scheduled over the weekend which almost got postponed because I thought I had caught my bro's chest infection. Thankfully, some sleep, medication and plenty of vitamins did the trick ;-) After 2 back to back papers yesterday and today, I'm going to enjoy my lull for now but not for long though. I have two seriously hardcore papers next week and notes to send out by tom night. But for now, I'm going to sit back and watch American Idol. David Cook's my fave, for more reasons than one! (because he really reminds me of B ;-)

And I'm going to end this entry with a paraphrased quote that I can't rem verbatim. That to live in the moment means to live well, laugh alot and love with all your heart. That struck me in the midst of that uncertainty and unpredictability. Heading out for AMI now. After, I'm going to crash and sleep for the next 12 hrs! Hurray to sleeping before 12mn for once. Good week everyone :-) And for those taking exams, all the very best.

I was reading my LJ friends list before I move on to another wave of webcasting when I realised it's just 2 more weeks. Until the exams are over. Work my butt off for just two weeks before I welcome another routine.

I'm really glad that I can officially write without calculating my words and just spill whatever that comes to mind. No academic rigour or content clarity to worry about. Ooh yes, I'm done with my thesis and essays this semester!

For some reason or another, I feel really spent today. So maybe I'll turn in early tonight and leave the work for tomorrow. There's a ridiculous amount to study for the exams. Just thinking about it makes my hair stand. But the next week or so will be quite busy and exciting! There're some activities lined up in advance- well for one, it's my mum's birthday this monday! and I hope to send Flea off before she hops on the plane to Argentina this tuesday for a whole month :( On top of that there's a test and studying for my 4 exams which I've barely accomplished. Not even a scratch on the surface.

Every night before I go to bed, my post-exam plans will replay in my head. Now that it's really nearing, I'm not really looking forward to it as much i.e., going for driving lessons and getting my driver's license. But this is my goal for 2008, so by hook or by crook I HAVE TO GET IT. Even my younger bro has beat me to it. I'm putting it out here so that I can't take my resolution back. Please bug me every week during the summer to ask me if I've gone for classes or sat for the test. Public pressure will prevail! Apart from that, I have three temp teaching jobs lined up for the month of May. I'm also looking to travel in the region but I'm still not sure about that. I also want to take up jazz and hot yoga classes after reading about its many benefits. I'm definitely going to fit in some form of regular exercise somehow, that's high on my list of priorities. But goal no. 1 is most important. I'm going to register for my final theory test within 3 days upon completion of my last exam.

2 things that occured to me today that I want to write down. The first was reinforced by two of my friends today- to live each day as if it were your last, but don't take it to the extreme! And the second which I need to remind myself of regularly- that people always say they're busy, but they aren't really busy, they just need to learn to manage their time better. Being busy is a sign of poor time management. I read this in a book, it's not word for word as I'm typing from memory. For the next 2 weeks or so, I really need to keep this in mind, learn to manage my time better so I don't disappoint the people who matter and more importantly, to ensure I live a more fulfilling life.

Remember my previous post on the list of items I really covet? One of them that wasn't featured is the Chanel 2.55. Today, we made a wonderful discovery at home, my mom has one from yesteryears. You know how you keep something precious for special occasions? She's used it once or twice and then forgot about it! I'm glad Urban jogged her memory today and we'd bonded over a classic handbag. My mom told me about how she bought it many years ago and when you shell out your own money to buy something expensive, the commodity takes on a different meaning. It represents your hard work, what you've achieved and becomes more than just a luxury symbol. I feel lucky to inherit it, the hard work that went into making one of these bags and my parents' hard work that went into buying the bag.

Haven't seen this one for awhile. If you need a smile and a little bit of a candlelight warmth, click play :-)

Felicia started this item of covet game which got me thinking about my item(s) of covet. Well, it can never hurt to dream right?

( Everything under cut )

So I think rainy days bring out the best in people. I ran into an ex school mate today, Cheryl from KC- Nic I think you probably know her too. I've not ever seen her since 6-7 years ago and it was such a surprise. I never really knew her well, but after spending 4 years in the same school, you find that we've got quite a bit in common connecting us. We were chatting till her mom came to pick her up and she offered me a lift back since she was heading East as well. Throughout the journey we were reminscing about KC, the teachers and some of those memories really tickled me and made me smile. What really touched me was that they sent me all the way home to my doorstep- so I don't get wet- and if you've been to my place you know how confusing it can be to get to my block via the guest entrance. I'd originally asked her to drop me at Kembangan where Cheryl was headed to for tuition but they'd insisted on sending me home since it was pouring. I felt very bad and touched at the same time since Cheryl was already late for tuition!

Their act of kindness reminds me of the choc that was given to me today by a bunch of students promoting a kindness movement or something like that. I was really surprised, you don't see people handing out free chocs often. And of course, special mention to SW who has a unique talent in "curve sketching", thanks for taking time out to help me with my graph today.

But I've not been good or deserving of the goodwill and generousity shown to me. My bro's enlisting tomorrow and I had to give dinner with my neighbours a miss because my thesis is due tomorrow and I'm still not yet done. I am feeling slightly bad about it now... Back to my thesis, good luck to everyone else who's doing their thesis, FYP, projects and end of term assignments :-)

*And the title of this entry is inspired by my fave macro prof who talked about felicity at the beginning of class today. We'd thought he was talking about the show until we realised he was talking about the concept of utility which really cracked us up. Lectures this week have been relaxed and hilarious, I hope this keeps up.

And STOP! to smell the flowers ;-) Pun really unintended. Apparently these spring-influenced street signs are all over D.C. It made me chuckle with laughter when I saw it. We should have flower-inspired signs in Singapore too, it's so cute it'll make any bad day good again.



Credits: Fashion is spinach

( more over here )

Yesterday was the first time in many, many months that I'd pulled an all-nighter to complete the first draft of my thesis. I submitted it to my supervisor at 6 am this morn. At 5 am, I went on MSN hoping to ask someone about Word's page numbering system, I instantly gasped when I found Sandy, SW and Ray online. Ray was getting ready for his flight to Shanghai and he was happily regaling me with in-flight stories. Talking to San and SW was really reminiscent of the eve of our Financial Econs I exam when all 3 of us were still up at that ungodly hour. I don't know how I did it, but one thing's for sure, time just flew by so quick, before I knew it, it's sunrise. The stillness of the night is really conducive for work, I like the pin-drop silence although I'd much rather be sleeping. Here's hoping that this is the last of all-nighters I have to pull, but I am not so convinced.

Today was the first time I encountered a bus breakdown on 30. I don't bus home on 30 often -if I'm lazy, I'll take 10 or if I'm lazy and rich, I'll cab which is really, my preferred option- so what are the odds of experiencing a breakdown?

The next few weeks are going to get more crazy. I have placed so many things on hold for my thesis, catching up will take forever. I also cannot believe that it's going to be the end of term in two weeks. There are still so many things that I want and need to do, can we freeze time?

My mind's in overdrive and I realise that-

1. I have an addiction to green tea. Its mild flavour is comforting and I like to think it keeps me awake.

2. I really like Katie Melua and the Cardigans but you'd probably already know that one ;-)

3. Some friends are like diamonds, they don't lose their sparkle. And if you find one like that, you've really got to treasure it because diamonds don't come easy.

4. I have a terrible attention deficit problem which leads to an important realisation, I really need to learn how to focus otherwise it'll be hard to do anything at all.