Pancake Day

Started off with some yee sang - yes rather late! Sent all the way from Msia! Hopefully we'll still be prosperous and get the luck etc even though we're about a month late with this tradition!

Now - a totally different tradition celebrated two days early. Pancake Day! Whilst it's meant to be the time to get rid of 'luxury' foodstuff before Lent, like sugar, flour, etc, we actually bought those especially for pancakes! :)
More photos to follow next week of the pancakes...! Time to hit the sack now!

Ice Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses

Finally! Managed to catch some Olympics figure skating! On TV, mind, but still.....

Was and still am disappointed that Michelle Kwan had to pull out. Yes yes, furore over whether she should have received the place in the first place. But even her critics have to admit that her signature forward spirals were missed. Her grace, expression and maturity as she flew across the ice.

When the short program ended, I was sure Sasha Cohen was tasting gold already what with her triple lutz double toe combination ending confidently, with ease and every bit of emotion pouring through her program. Alas it was not to be, as both the favourites Sasha and Irina Slutskaya hit the ice. Arakawa deservedly won the gold medal with her maturity and elegance shining through her flawless program. I was impressed by Arakawa's performance. In the past, I felt that skaters from the Far East were technically brilliant but lost out on the showmanship of it. Not only did Arakawa skate cleanly with her combination jumps and spirals, she performed with such emotion to tell the story. Whilst I do not dispute that the best woman on the night won, I wondered if it would have been different if the quality of skating in the free program was of the same quality as the short program.

And the exhibition gala.... I missed the men's competition but heard the media raving about Plushenko. He certainly showed why in the exhibition gala. When I saw his 2002 Olympic program, it was a real tie between him and Yagudin but now.... Such powerful and astounding skating! He made quadruple combinations look effortless and easy! And his triple-triple-triple show off at the gala.... whoa! It's easy to understand why many said he dominated the men's competition and it looks like he will stay up there. Such an entertainer! You only have to watch his Champions on Ice performance to see that he really does belong in the spotlight - and enjoys it immensely too!

Madame Sadayakko

Lesley Downer's fascination with the Japanese world of geisha is further documented in Madame Sadayakko - The Geisha who seduced the West as she searched to understand the life of Sadayakko, known in her day as THE geisha. Just as Mineko Iwasaki was supposedly the basis for Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha, Sadayakko was said to be the real-life model for Madame Butterfly.

Sadayakko and Mineko - two very well known geishas in their time but two very different accounts. Lesley Downer found accounts of Sadayakko's struggle with her position in society despite being a very successful geisha. It was because she was a geisha that she was looked down upon. It didn't help when she married an actor, as actors in those days in Japan were known as 'riverbed beggars'. Despite being shunned by Japanese society, she was well received in Europe and America where she thrived on the independence and freedom she enjoyed there. Back in Japan, she had to step back behind her husband and success always had to be attributed to him first.

Contrast this to three years after she died, when Mineko was born... In her autobiography Geisha of Gion, Mineko's world sounded beautiful, elegant and graceful. The said mizuage which she was offended by in Memoirs of a Geisha, stating that it didn't happen in Gion, appeared to be the custom in Madame Sadayakko's accounts.

Both were ultimate successes in their profession and met and influenced major figureheads, so similar yet so very different too. Sadayakko's tale was one of sadness; you couldn't help but feel as if there were so many times when her life wasn't hers - important decisions were made about her life but she didn't have a say in it. Mineko's story had a happy-ever-after feel. Yes, both worked hard, went through a lot of pain for their professions but where Sadayakko was made to feel unwanted in society for being a geisha/actress, Mineko made it sound like it was a privileged and elite profession. And indeed it must be. Perhaps there is a difference between geishas in Tokyo (Sadayakko) and Kyoto (Mineko). Or perhaps it has to do with the timing?

I continue to be mesmerised by these women - both tough fighters in their own way. Independent when they were supposed to be subservient, opinionated when they should be pretty and demure to-be-seen-but-not-heard, living passionately in a society and time where open emotions were frowned upon.

Putting things into perspective

Just heard sad news yesterday that my former boss's 19 year old daughter passed away over the weekend. Although I don't know the family that well, I felt for them. So sad and tragic to lose someone so young and promising. Someone who still had her whole life ahead of her. Someone with parents who loved her and sisters who adored her.

Also heard yesterday that we didn't win the proposal we went for. Well, we kinda won 50% of it and the other 50% was awarded to an 'offshore' firm all due to costs. After hearing news like before, I wasn't at all upset and disappointed about it. It really put into perspective what life is about. Proposals, work, events come and go - it's easy to get caught up in being disappointed when things don't go your way. But to hear tragic news like the above, does it really matter if you didn't win this new piece of work or you can't go to that concert? One should take more time to sit back and reflect on what we have and be thankful for it. Thankful for having a loving family, somewhere to call home, not worrying about your next meal, not persecuted for speaking out for your beliefs (within reason of course), being able to walk/see/eat/talk/hear/smell.... Let's take time out from our busy schedules to stop and ponder and give thanks for having what we have.

Yaawwwnnnnn....

Was supposed to meet ex-MC'ers last night but was postponed to today. This was after rescheduling my lunch appointment with Sandra and getting up earlier to pack and shower before church, etc to be able to come down to London earlier for the dinner appointment. Ah wells.

Was just as well anyway, as I used the time to review files (until half past midnight!) which I would have to do today otherwise. Was not a happy bunny at midnight! Was so awake after reviewing the files (not often my brain gets taxed like that :) ) and I couldn't go to sleep for ages. Grrr... Rather sleepy today thanks to the four hours shuteye. Thank goodness for caffeine keeping me awake throughout! Looking forward to catching some zzzzzzzz early tonight......

You Say Donuts, I Say Doughnuts

It was Sarah and Beverly's birthdays earlier this week. Instead of bringing in a cake, they decided to bring in four dozen of Krispy Kreme doughnuts (yes, you read right - not just four, but FOUR DOZEN!!! - Homer Simpson's dream come true!). I'm sure there has never been so many calories in our room before! It was strange how the lady behind the counter didn't bat an eyelid when Beverly, Dan and I placed our order (pic on right). Maybe we looked like we regularly scoff down four dozen doughnuts between the three of us?

National Wedding Show

Joined hundreds if not thousands of brides to be (and troops!) at National Wedding Show Spring 2006. Was not as excited about it as I thought I would be (and was two weeks ago). I guess as many have pointed out, it's more than a year away (also, the absence of my own supportive 'troop'!). I'm in my project management mode and want to get targets, milestones, names on my spreadsheet and project plan. I really need to remind myself to start enjoying the preparations properly rather than get all worked up about project managing it! ;)

I did get some good ideas on alternative guestbooks, photography style/momento and bonbonieres. All filed away categorically to be looked at nearer the time when others start sharing my enthusiasm and excitement. :)

(This picture taken of one of the catwalk models before I was told no photography was allowed in the hall. Oops...)

Is it possible.........

...in an era where technology knows no bounds, where everyone has two email addresses, a house phone, a mobile phone, a fax... that one can still feel lonely?

...with the advance of science and artificial intelligence, supposedly being able to tell us what we think, that we can still feel sad but not know or understand why?

...with all types of entertainment innovation brings - TVs, iPods, Playstations, that one can still feel empty and bored?

Is it possible?

More cute alert!!!!

The Metropolitan's six month old four-legged and tail wagging recruits learn how to bark! They're Adorable! One of them just looks at the handler then turns around a bit before letting out a small bark. Not very scary but cute! :) Follow this link to find out more.

Finally, a course that Livea will excel at! In fact, she can probably teach it. Mummy reckons that she has three types of barks:
- "I just feel like barking at that harmless bird/cat/person few hundred metres away",
- "A stranger's entering my territory!",
- "Someone I love is home!" - usually followed by lots of excited running and jumping around.

Cute Alert!!!!

Awwww...... A Puppy Monorail built in two days! The puppies look slightly apprehensive. Perhaps they're not pleased at being the guinea 'puppies'!

Photo taken from The Monorail Society. Follow this link to read more and see more photos on the conception of this and James Horecka's sketches!

Thanks to B for pointing this out! :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Darling sis sent me a sweet text about how V Day isn't just for lovers but for family too. I so agree! Happy Valentine's Day, Jo!!!

The connection between Valentine's Day and romantic love wasn't evident in the earlier times, and it could be the doing of commercialism. I do think V Day is ensuring your loved ones (be they your other halves, best friends, family) know that you appreciate them. And yes, at the risk of sounding like a cliche, you shouldn't do it just on this specific day - it should be every day!

Charlie the doggie sent me a V Day card. Isn't that sweet?

City Church Keeps Up with the Technology

City Church's latest sermons are now available on podcasts!!!! What a great way to catch up on sermons missed, refresh memory or for those who were from City but have left! If you don't already have iTunes, go to www.apple.com/itunes to download it. Then subscribe free to "City Evangelical Church" podcast.

Mystery comment leads to memories from Aitken!

"Mr & Mrs Chan" left a comment on my blog and it didn't sound like a random comment. Several people's names went through my head as I tried to figure out who it was. Finally checked links to their blog (yes, should've done it in the first instance but I like the odd (only very odd, mind you) challenge to my memory ;) ) and who should it be but Jennifer! Now, isn't that a blast from the past! Must admit, her name wasn't one of the few I had thought off for "Mr & Mrs Chan" because I knew her in her maiden name.....

My uni flatmate, whom I've been rubbish at keeping in touch with! Super-duper gal! Independent, strong-willed and definitely not one you want to cross! Miss the Aitken days, Jen! Cooking, eating, playing cards, eating, setting 'cleaning duty rotas', eating and getting through 'flat politics'! *) Did I mention eating?

This photo was us meeting up in Singapore (despite both of us from the same hometown in Malaysia!) - the first time we met up after four years, and turned out to be the only time as that was two years ago and being in almost-opposite ends of the world mean it's difficult to just get together whenever we feel like it. Shame. I do miss our talks about nothing-anything-and-everything (and lots about doggies!).

Also in the pic are Uncle and Aster. Uncle isn't really my Uncle but we called him that because he was the oldest in B's flat. A fantastic cook! Always the 'voice of reason', but one who also knows how to party! One of the memories (which I'm sure Uncle is going to kill me for!) is Uncle trying to open his room door after having a few too many to drink. I won't elaborate more - suffice to say that it took a while.... hehehe.... Sorry, Uncle! I'm still lucky that I can taste Uncle's yummy home cooked food as he came back to UK with Aster last year. :)

Anyways, check out their blogs - links on the left hand side of this page.

Window Shopping - honest!

I wandered to Selfridges last night. One of the joys of being on this project is being able to stay 2mins from Bond St so able to take a quick wander to Oxford Street and still be back in half an hour in time for ER. Mainly window shopping (really!!!)! Ok ok, I bought a SAP BW book but it was only £1 in the sale! Come on, if that isn't a bargain, what is? (And yes, I'm sad for being ecstatic at buying a SAP book in the sales).

Anyway, here's evidence of my window shopping.... The window displays at Selfridges. A different type of art in its' own right...

Snowflake Skydive

(Picture from www.theworldteam.com)
Isn't this absolutely beautiful? 400 skydivers from 31 countries formed a snowflake en route to a world record for the largest connected mid-air freefall formation. This jump also honoured the 60th anniversary of the reign of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

See www.theworldteam.com to read more about their preparation, joys and disappointments with each practice.

You can take....

Presented at the new initiative to attract students from another country into a 3 year programme which they spend doing their exams and getting on-the-job training like any other graduate, then return to their home country equipped with the qualification and international experience. The presentations went well - good thing I didn't have to present in the native language of that country, as my grasp of that language is restricted primarily to ordering food and negotiating prices!

The questions we got however, was very mixed. Mindset is very much still based on academic results rather than realising the benefits of being an all-rounder. Yes, of course you need good results, but think - what actually sets you apart from all the other graduates with A's or 2:1 degrees? The cheek of some of them as well, asking for the exact questions we ask at interviews. First of all - d'oh! As if there's a script that interviewers follow to a T. You might as well use robots to conduct the interviews then, following a 'Decision Tree' to allocate students to an Accept/Reject pile depending on the key words given in their answers. Even call centres are discouraged from using scripts now. Secondly, why would we tell you exactly what questions we ask, if those questions did indeed exist? This isn't an exam where you can 'spot' questions. Besides, would it be fair to the rest of the students?

Memories of MCKL CF

Have been looking around for lyrics to two of my favourite songs from MCKL CF days. Coleen then suggested the very sensible idea of Google-ing it. Lo and behold, I found it! Why didn't I think of that before? D'oh! Will just put some of the lyrics here... (Thanks Coleen!)

Shine Jesus Shine chorus (for full song, go to www.grahamkendrick.co.uk):
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1987 Make Way Music,

Everlasting Light (for full song, go to http://jrodil.tripod.com/singles.htm):

Women: One candle lights one candle, two candles light four,

And where they shine there is no darkness anymore.

Men/Women: Two candles light four candles, four candles light eight

And in the light of Jesus, we can celebrate

Men/Women: Everlasting light, everlasting light, Filling up the darkness with everlasting light

(Unison) Everlasting light, everlasting light, Filling the darkness with everlasting light

How to make the Perfect Creme Brulee ... Or Not...

We each had a go at making the 'perfect' creme brulee. Guess who got it right?

The apparatus....Step 1... (Note the slightly 'disfigured' creme brulee on top right corner?)
Step 2... watch little crystals form...

Step 3....

Step 4.... Almost there....
Five years of dental school and three years experience obviously gives you steady hands. Dr Daly does it right (difficult as it is to believe!) ;)
We still had a 'back-up' waiting in the wings, just in case.....

Luke 3: 1 - 20

We looked at this passage in church a few weeks ago and it occured to me that I am so underprepared for the second coming. We were asked to think about the preparation we make when friends come over - how we clean our house from top to bottom. Or, when parents visit - the hoovering, washing of bedsheets, cleaning the kitchen, scrubbing pots and pans.... Why don't we put the same amount of effort and urgency in prearing for God's coming?

Preparation is not solely by making sure you don't commit crime. It's not just going to church for a couple of hours on Sunday. Preparation is also about belief and repenting. And if you think that's easy, think again. Ephesians 6:14 onwards: "....belt of truth...breastplate of righteousness...readiness from the gospel of peace....shield of faith...helmet of salvation....sword of the Spirit...be alert and always keep on praying...."

Do think again - are you prepared?

Candles Candles Candles

More amateurish artistic photos - this time of candles (Don't ask me why candles!) :)

Candles at the Cinnamon Club Bar - candle surrounded by rose petals













Some from dinner at Locanta Piccalilli this evening:

Eternal flame even through the reflection.... Right side up, upside down......

Lows meet Ngs

First 'official' meeting of both families - minus me! B's dad suggested having dinner with my family whilst B was home (and I was thousands of miles away in UK!). Wasn't sure whether to feel gutted or relieved that I wasn't around - hehehe.... Heard all went well, so in retrospect, guess I'm gutted! ;) Looking forward to the next one in August, hopefully I'm invited this time! ;)

Dinner @ Zen's:

Dot: Livea's future 'doggie-in-law'

Conviction

Richard North Patterson dealt with the very controversial subject of mentally ill people and the death penalty in Conviction. Mr Patterson's credentials as trial lawyer, assistant attorney general and advocacy group board member were evident in this novel. Legal terms which I didn't comprehend flew back and forth throughout the book... Habeas corpus, AEDPA, Ninth Circuit, Eight Circuit, clemency petition, freestanding innocence, Herrera, Atkins.... (Ok, so maybe not all legal terms).

The legal battles were the most interesting - when both sets of lawyers faced the Ninth Court, Supreme Court and District Court. However, 'lawyer speak' was used most of the time (although I'm sure lawyers would tell me that's simple layman-speak!) so the dramatics were sometimes lost on me. This seemed to be a book more for lawyers. I'll need to ask a professional in the legal field this, but comparing Mr Patterson with Mr Grisham, I'd say the latter appeals more to non-lawyers because of the real layman speak in his novels (hence why most lawyers don't like him, I guess! You can't win every battle!).

Conviction did make me think about the death penalty more. I used to think there was a clear answer - don't commit a crime - clear and simple. But this novel threw in some grey areas - what if justice was not served properly, if the person was led to commit a crime (s)he didn't understand due to lack of mental capacity? Mr Patterson allowed some glimmer of emotion through, which when he did, was very touching. It certainly forced me to re-think my initial thoughts on death penalty.

I'll have to read the book again and really make it a point to understand the legal terms to fully appreciate the story. Or get one of my brilliant lawyer friends to explain it to me (I'm looking at you, Yen!) ;)