Tuesday 23 December 2008

Santa Vader

Darth Vader finally decided to come out from the dark side and visited our office today. However, he was too rush and forgotten to bring his cloak.
So I helped him with a "sampah long" and obviously he was quite happy with the outcome.

Influenced by the holiday mood in our office, he started to feel the Xmas Force.

He even wear the Santa hat that Choo made for him!!

Knowing how huge a Star Wars fan I am, Darth Vader decided to give me the honour to be his driver. (I just can't stop smiling.....)


And who said he's just a cruel, heartless, coolest villain of all time? He visited us, and had dinner with me!!! Even though he has never kept his light saber, I'm still touched!

Oh, and of course, like every visitors to my house, I always take photos of them with my 6" Xmas tree (^^)

Friday 19 December 2008

爸爸六十岁了!




昨天,我们庆祝爸爸的“六十大寿”。
说是大寿,但其实只是一家人出去吃一顿饭、切生日蛋糕、唱生日歌而已。薇薇赶不上这大日子,但多了我的小表弟倒也一样热闹!

McQueen & Sally

I always love McQueen and Sally as a couple. I love the scene when Sally and McQueen drive and have fun along Route 66. Now I have he balloons, I just can't stop taking photos of them. (OK, call me crazy. But if you have 2 Cars character balloon art with you, I bet you will take tons of photos too!) Balloon-McQueen is so cute and Balloon-Sally is so sweet! (Of course, Choo will tell you Sally is a much better version - after he modified base on the experience he gain in making McQueen.)


After having fun taking photos, before I left office, I insisted Khor bring McQueen home for Bryan. Kids will sure love McQueen. Letting Bryan play with McQueen is better than let me take home, put under my Christmas tree, and continue to take tons of photos ;p

Anyway, since Sally is with me, how could I resist taking more photos?? (^^)

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

Now this is a classic! It's hard to believe that this is actually a prototype!! I just can't stop having fun taking photos of this absorbant and yellow and porous creature! And my favorite: Spongebob sit on my laptop!

Prototype Sally

After making his first ever Cars character, Choo decided to make another one today. Guess who??


Sally of course! Who else can accompany McQueen to explore Route 66??

Thursday 18 December 2008

Prototype Lightning McQueen

Choo made a prototype Lightning McQueen today. I think he doesn't really satisfy with this prototype but I really love this cute, eye-catching McQueen. What do you think?

Wednesday 17 December 2008

Sid = Cute; Sloth = Geram

有一些纪录片,你看了,会毕生难忘的。其中一个我印象非常深刻的,应该是中六的时候吧?电视播一套好像是名为Jungle Cat的纪录片。主角是只豹,纪录片记载了他的生活、他的猎物等等。而他的其中一个主要猎物,便是sloth。(老实说,我孤稳寡陋,到了中六,才第一次听过sloth这个名词。)我从来不知道sloth的行动是慢得那么可怕。看着黑豹充满煞气地爬上树了,他还悠哉闲哉地慢慢爬到另一棵树;他不小心跌下水了,鳄鱼正向他游来,他竟然从容不迫地慢慢的游上岸;上了岸指甲不小心叉了几片枯叶,他还若无其事地尝试把手上的枯叶甩去。我们全家人为了这么一个纪录片紧张得咬牙切齿、猛飚冷汗。从此,我就对这树懒印象很差!

直到Ice Age以超可爱的姿态风靡我们三姐弟,Sid便以那积极、叽喳又从容笃定的方式,让我喜欢上了这个虚拟史前sloth,对sloth的印象大大改观。不过,Manfred那有时不耐烦的眼神,我还是可以体会的。如果我有Manfred的体积,或许我已经忍不住把他给踩扁了。

而现在,Choo的最新作品--气球Sid,更让我对sloth的好感大大提升!!

Choo的第一个Sid prototype。我个人很喜欢,但他嫌这只长得像ET多过像Sid.



为他换了一对眼睛,就成了众人喜爱的Sid啦!

Tuesday 16 December 2008

The Ultimate Colour Test

Though I never really believe in "personality test" (I always believe that human brain is too complicated for anyone to predict with such simple "test) , I like to play them sometimes just to check how accurate they are at that particular moment of time.
Tried out "The ultimate colour test" and I think it's quite accurate for me, at least for now (^^)



Your Colors Say You Are Caring



When you are at peace, you are:
Energized and innovative

When you are moved to act, you are:
Giving and warm

When you are inspired, you are:
Creative and productive

When your life is perfectly balanced, you are:
Connected to nature and the world

Your life's purpose is:
To reach enlightenment

Sunday 14 December 2008

Is This Your Dream?

你可曾梦想有一天可以站到国际舞台上,奏一曲触动世人心灵的音乐?现在,因为科技的发达,你离你的梦想越来越近了……
Youtube目前正积极邀请世界各地的音乐家参与网上试音。最好的演出者将会于2009年4月被邀请到纽约Carnegie Hall参与演出!!
诶,千万别错过哦!


"We invite musicians from around the world to audition for the YouTube Symphony Orchestra. Your video entries will be combined into the first ever collaborative virtual performance, and the world will select the best of you to perform at New York City's Carnegie Hall in April 2009.

  • 1. Prepare - Select your instrument to access the sheet music and rehearse with the conductor
  • 2. Submit - Upload your performances and submit them to join the YouTube Symphony Orchestra
  • 3. Entries - Browse videos to get ideas and check out the competition"
Click Here

Naughty or Nice?

Hey, want to know whether Santa will send you a present this year? Check this:


樱桃成熟时……


妈妈种的樱桃成熟了。难得我正好在家,又正好有兴致,在他们进入我的肚子前,先给它们照相留念吧……

Tuesday 9 December 2008

Playing For Change



I would like to introduce you to a remarkable documentary about the simple but transformative power of music: PLAYING FOR CHANGE: PEACE THROUGH MUSIC. I accidentally saw this clip on Youtube, love it! I then searched for "PLAYING FOR CHANGE", and learnt that this is a movement setup 7 years ago to unite people all over the world through music and inspiration. The film brings musicians from around the world to collaborate on songs familiar and new, playing together yet in their own traditions. Music lovers will sure fall in love with these powerful works!

Monday 8 December 2008

我的旧作品(三):长颈鹿置物罐

我的旧作品(二):蜜蜂相架



我的旧作品(一)

我的老部落被Friednster搞得很不像样,我心有不甘,决定在这儿再炫耀一次我的旧作品。嘻嘻!

刚开始到园姬报到时,我难得成为安分守己的好学生,按部就班的,一心一意想要把我的第一盆胡姬花做好。不过,我的耐心并不持久,在我把我的第一盆胡姬花完成的同时,我其实也打岔作了一个小猪吊饰以及一个荡秋千的快乐小女孩。

我的第一盆胡姬花其实也是我至今唯一的一盆陶艺花。说来有趣,我和美美2007年年头到园姬报名时,园姬还是一家默默无名的小店。老板Chris给了我们超级大优惠,我们当时报名的陶艺花课程是没有时限的(材料自付),百五零吉学费是确保我们会制作三盆陶艺花为止,这期间我们可以免费学习制作任何小玩具及陶娃娃(材料自付)。可怜Chris遇人不淑,遇上两个超级大懒人,学了两年只完成一盆花(其实第二盆总算是开工了一半啦)。假设我们用四年时间来完成我们的三盆花,以RM150除以48个月,平均学费是RM3.125。要是每个人都像我们这么不思长进,老板真是吃谷种了!不过,也就只有我们会懒惰得连材料都被我们弄坏,得重新进货,老板总算还有得赚。;p











把心思挂在耳垂上

好久都没到园姬“搞搞震”了,上个星期六终于到课室亮相,老师也不知是好气还是好笑。“你们不近农历新年就不亮相是不是啊?”她是这样子抗议的。
我原想把我“做”了半年的莲花做完(其实就只是在园姬的几堂课才有动工,平时我可把我的莲花忘得干干净净),然而,当我把“ka chang”从盒子拿出来时,才发觉全蒙上一层厚厚的灰尘了,更令我伤心的是,我的粘土全硬了!美美和我半斤八两。她几个月前来做的上百个花瓣,因当时匆匆忙忙离去,没待粘土完全风干便收了起来(回家后又完全忘了要拿出来让它风干),结果全都生锈了(花瓣里头得用铁线定型)。我们伤心欲绝,跟Susan撒娇说今天没有心情继续了,于是她又拿出私家粘土及耳环钩子哄我们、又答应美美会帮她收拾残局。我们见奸计得逞,便喜滋滋地开始动手做耳环。
对于这两对耳环,我其实满意得很。再加上这怎么说也是世上独一无二的一对耳环,看来以后可以靠这个赚外快了。哈哈!

Saturday 6 December 2008

一种永恒

发现泽灵在她的部落内谈起我,害我的眼泪不听使唤地流。

大家都说,所有的情感(亲情、友情、爱情)皆需要时间空间细心经营。然而,有一些感情,由于心灵上的投契,即使没有朝夕相对、即使没有频频联系,我们仍然相信那会是一种永恒。我和泽灵的友情,便是如此。

泽灵是个吉普赛般的女人(这绝对是褒义的!),她崇尚自由、热情、奔放、洒脱(还能歌善舞!)。每一次想起她的时候,她的真性情总使我心中特别温暖。我们的联络其实也不算频密,大家在地球不同的角落里寻觅着自己的Dharma,但是,我反正一直就觉得她贴得很近,我们仿佛不曾走远。她的存在赐我力量与信念,我知道无论我在生命中遇到了怎么样的挫折、做了怎么样的错误,她一定会谅解(甚至可能觉得理所当然应当如是!);我知道无论我在生命中找到怎么样的喜悦、达到怎么样的成就,她一定会欢欣(甚至可能比我有过而无不及)。我知道,她必然也坚信我会为她做着同样的事。

威正上电视了!



听威正说起这节目好一阵子了,现在终于在网上出现,大家可要多多支持哦!

http://www.amc.com.my/dxposure/Default.aspx

Tuesday 2 December 2008

Twilight

This time must get the title right. The previous post get Wei Wei very confused. haha!




I have finally finished reading the dumb yet entertaining teen novel - "Twilight" (published in 2005. And yes, I know, I'm always slow ;p).

My conclusion is, I confirmed this is not half as good as "Harry Porter" as per my taste (so if you wanted to give this a chance, don't buy it, just get it from me). I can still remember how I stayed up whole night because I just can't put "Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone" down. However, it took me days to complete "Twilight". But, of course, I shouldn't compare this to Harry Potter. The targeted reader of these two is totally different. JK Rowling most probably started with age 5 ~ 15 in her mind (but surprisingly ended up having the whole world, 3 ~ 80, go crazy) while Stephenie Meyer clearly targeted at young adult only. I can easily connected with all the fun and fantasies in Harry Potter but there are too many things about "Twilight" that I couldn't connect with. (of course, obviously, I've never learnt to like Hollywood teen movies and I can never understand US high school culture.


When I first started, I actually enjoyed it. The opening is quite interesting: Bella moves from sunny Arizona to gloomy Fork to live with her father. She gains instant popularity at her new high school—with the exception of the beautiful Edward Cullen and his siblings. Even though I already knew that Edward is a vampire, it's still fun to speculate about what exactly is going on—why does Edward seem both drawn and repelled by Bella? What are a bunch of vampires doing impersonating students at a small town high school?

However, now I'm not sure if I still want to continue on 'New Moon'.

First of all, Bella's infatuation with Edward is annoying. She keep on commenting on Edwards 'perfect face,' 'amber eyes,' and 'perfectly-muscled chest'. Sigh.... Why does Stephenie wasted a good 100-something years old vampire with 17 years old humanity? If I were to write a novel with a 100-something years old vampire, I will make him the most attractive man in human history. Think of it, a guy with 100 years old wisdom and 17 years old humanity!! He can be extremely wise and still young at heart. He should have developed the most loving character after 100 years of perfection. He can be thoughtful and playful at the same time. He can be a gentleman (from humanity) and wild (from his vampire family) at the same time. He can excel in playing at least a few dozen musical instruments, excel in various arts, excel in every sports that human have ever invented, because he has more than 100 years to practise! He knows almost anything and everything on earth because he didn't sleep for the past 100 years and he should have spent all those sleepless nights reading and studying and experimenting! And with all these possibilities, the only thing she can think of for Edward is 'beauty'????

Secondly, James the villain, is too forgettable. We started to know about 'You-Know-Who' at the very beginning of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and there are so much anticipation about 'You-Know-Who' throughout the whole story. The merciless "tracker" vampire, James, on the other hand, appear in "Twilight" very sudden at the 2/3 of the story (maybe Stephenie suddenly realized that she forgot to give her hero some real challenge and her story a climax). James is supposed to hunt human beings for sport, and supposed be unusually gifted at what he does and always gets what he wants. However, there's not a single paragraph describing how James and the Cullen family fight! Out of suddenly we knew that he is set on fire and thus permanently destroyed. So anti-climax!

And the worst part is, the books end with EDWARD TAKING BELLA TO THE PROM!!!)

Sunday 30 November 2008

Forbidden Love

Do you, sometimes, get into the mood where you want your brain to totally stop thinking and crazily feed it with all sorts of junk? I'm in that stage for the past few days.

Well, first of all, I filled my days with "brainless activities" - shopping. (I'm not criticising shopping as an activity, but I do have to admit that I only love shopping when I'm in the mood of giving my brain some rest, or when I'm in the mood of hanging around with my mum, my aunts, my sister, or my girl friends. Never fond of shopping actually). Also, I watched a lot of movies (even re-watch Ironman and let Robert Downey Jr. entertain me, again). However, still, the real activity that can always give my brain some rest (but killing my eyes) is to read some mindless novels ;p
So, I went to Popular Bookshop for shopping. And I saw "Twilight" on sale. I remembered that I read it some where saying that this book is a phenomenon among the teens around the world after "Harry Porter" so I decided to give it a try. (Considering the content, where the storyline involves a male vampire and a human girl, I expected the novel to be a bit silly and twee, just right for shutting down my brain)

Like "Harry Porter" as to J.K. Rowling, "Twilight" too is the the first novel of Stephenie Meyer. However, it is not as interesting as "Harry Porter". After reading 2/3 of the book, I come into a conclusion - it is far as good as "Harry Porter" and I'm not as hooked. However, this is definely a book that's so entertaining that you'd love to kill time with.

I can understand why this book is a sure success among teenagers, especially girls. The forbidden love theme is so hopelessly romantic. Edward Cullen is of course a vampire and Bella, a girl he finds interesting. They are both teens in high school, where they met and fall madly in love. But Edward is having a hard time controlling the blood lust she arouses in him, because he's a vampire. At any moment, the intensity of their passion could drive him to kill her. But Bella would rather be dead than part from Edward, so she risks her life to stay near him. Love burns high when thwarted by obstacles.

She is not supposed to love him, but she's unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him. She is so brave and me too, was touched by her total acceptance of love.

Tuesday 25 November 2008

诞辰月

上一回上载了一些庆祝生日的照片,其实只是一部分而已。今天还想继续炫耀炫耀……

美美想来必是不甘心今年没有和我庆祝生日(去年我们还挑肚皮舞庆祝呢!),事隔几天后请我到她家,亲自下厨煮了几道家常小菜,请我吃了一顿丰富晚餐。感动死了!在大二、大三时我们时常一起下厨,现在再吃她煮的菜肴,有种百般滋味涌上心头的感觉。

晚餐后还有个小蛋糕。我们其实早就都饱得很,吃不下了,只好装模作样,点蜡烛唱生日歌拍照算了。

昨天,终于轮到我们部门的十一月诞辰庆祝会。最近Secret Recipe的蛋糕也实在吃得腻了,我们不再买一整粒的蛋糕,反而是每个口味个买一块,凑成两粒样式特别的生日蛋糕。最近行情不好,我们不好意思太放肆,很低调的,只有蛋糕、果冻、果汁,却也欢欢喜喜的闹了半个小时。

就这样子不知不觉地,我就踏入了‘庆祝诞辰月’的年龄了……

Monday 24 November 2008

梦想(三)

我还是想说一说梦想。

最近有个朋友的生命中难得多了个选择,可以拿一笔可观的钱走一个新的方向。我还记得八年前她告诉我她想成为幼稚园院长的梦,于是便找个机会鼓励她做决定。(说不定她愿意让我合股,成为‘哎呀院长’也不错,嘻嘻!)

我问她:“你还记得你想成为幼稚园院长的梦吗?”
“啊,你还记得呀?我都忘了……”她说。

我再问她可否想过那幼稚园该有什么卖点,她竟然摇头。“我只不过想成为幼稚园院长而已。幼稚园就是幼稚园,哪有什么卖点。”我听了有点儿无奈,反成了‘有梦的人’,积极向她‘推销’我梦想中的幼稚园:“我一直相信小孩子一至六岁是塑造人格品性的最重要时期。好多年前我曾经想过,如果有一天我生了小孩,我一定会转换专业,开家独特的幼稚园,好让我可以陪我的孩子长大。我的幼稚园没有功课,不注重读书,只一心一意培养小孩儿的真善美。小孩子们最重要的功课是玩耍,他们会做手工、玩泥沙、养宠物、学音乐、种菜种花种果子。吃饭时间他们可以到院子选择自己喜欢的食物材料,然后自己下厨。幼稚园内有多架数码相机、电脑,我们可以教学生们把他们自己的摄影作品弄成短片,在母亲节、父亲节、家人的生日送上级有心思的生日电子贺卡。所有的学习不以课本为中心,学了昆虫这个生字,就把他们带到野外抓甲虫、蚱蜢、蝴蝶;学了植物就到植物公园写生……我们甚至以深入浅出的方式和他们讨论道德、哲学和物理。在这种环境下长大的小孩,必定以爱为中心、以快乐为本。他们有独特的个性、富有创造力、有卓越的艺术鉴赏能力。”

说着说着,身边的妈妈们都身同感受,觉得这才是她们孩子需要的启蒙教育。我继续说,“你的两个孩子送到托儿所每个月得花上千元,为何不趁这个机会去考张开幼稚园的文凭,又可以照顾孩子又可以赚钱。我们可以和你合股,创办以爱为本为宗旨的幼稚园。我可以负责宣传和课程设计,我们大家有空时都可以到幼稚园当‘客串老师’,把自己的学识、手艺都传给学生们。”

身边的妈妈们听了都心动,全都信誓旦旦说要和她合股……

今天,听说她放弃了那难得的机会。于是,她继续发那含糊的‘幼稚园院长’梦……

所以我说,人不只要有梦想,还要拥有具体的梦想,否则一切只是空想。

Tuesday 18 November 2008

梦想(二)

无我说“everyone can and should achieve their dreams as long as we give ourselves the necessary space and time to achieve them, afterall success is enjoy during the journey and not at the end! ”

我绝对同意他的看法,梦想是属于你自己的,你应该以自己的步伐向梦想迈进,而更重要的是,你一定要欣赏沿途的美景,但求无怨无悔!

然而,问题是:“你可拥有具体的梦想?”

为什么我这么问呢?因为,有些人早把梦想遗留在成长的路上、有些人的梦想从来只是个模糊的概念、有些人甚至从来不敢发梦。只有少数人拥有具体的梦想,而更少数的人会尽自己所能把它变为事实。

打个比方吧,如果突然间有个仙女在你面前现形,要许你一个愿望,只限你在三分钟内说出来,你可知道该怎么许下这个愿望?
要一生健康没病痛吗?你成了蜡像馆里那个气色最红润的蜡像。
要一生快乐没烦恼吗?你成了神经病院里那个病情最严重的病人。

当然,上面的例子是笑话了。但是,你想深一层,这个愿望应该怎么许,日后才不会槌心肝后悔?而如果我说你应该拥有五个以上的梦想呢?你是否知道自己真正渴望的是什么?如果你无法回答这些问题,请你早日坐下来思考:“如果你可以完全不顾一切外来因素,你这一生中想要拥有什么?”把这个想清楚了,改天对着流星许愿就好办了。嘻嘻!


为什么应该为愿望做准备?请看一下故事:
乡下有两个务农的兄弟,小杰种地瓜,小宏种玉米。有一天两兄弟在耕种时,小杰在地上挖出一个神灯来。灯里出现了一个精灵,他说:「我可以满足你们三个愿望」。两兄弟很高兴。小杰说:「我希望田里的地瓜变的又大又香又甜」。精灵说:「没问题」,于是小杰的愿望实现了。接下来,小宏说:「我...我......我希望田里的玉米能够变成......」这时,小杰突然有好点子,插嘴说:「老二、老二......」精灵说:「你的愿望实现了」── 只见一根一根的「老二」插在田中...... 两兄弟没想到会如此,非常惊恐!不过小宏想到还有一个愿望。于是小宏就说:「把所有的老二都变回玉米吧。」咻一声,愿望又实现了。就这样,一切回到最初...... ............ 但是,当天晚上,两兄弟上厕所时,才发现,事情糟糕了......

Sunday 16 November 2008

梦想

大家总是说“人因梦想而伟大”,但是,有几个成人为梦想而活?有几个成年人还拥有具体的梦?我在网络世界读了这一篇小故事,想要与大家分享:

美国某个小学的作文课上,老师给小朋友的作文题目是:“我的志愿”。 
一位小朋友非常喜欢这个题目,在他的簿子上,飞快地写下他的梦想。他希望将来自己能拥有一座占地十余公顷的庄园,在壮阔的土地上植满如茵的绿。庄园中有无数的小木屋,烤肉区,及一座休闲旅馆。除了自己住在那儿外,还可以和前来参观的游客分享自己的庄园,有住处供他们歇息。 
写好的作文经老师过目,这位小朋友的簿子上被划了一个大大的红“X”,发回到他手上,老师要求他重写。 小朋友仔细看了看自己所写的内容,并无错误,便拿着作文簿去请教老师。 老师告诉他:“我要你们写下自己的志愿,而不是这些如梦呓般的空想,我要实际的志愿,而不是虚无的幻想,你知道吗?” 
小朋友据理力争:“可是,老师,这真的是我的梦想啊!” 老师也坚持:“不,那不可能实现,那只是一堆空想,我要你重写。” 小朋友不肯妥协:“我很清楚,这才是我真正想要的,我不愿意改掉我梦想的内容。” 老师摇头:“如果你不重写,我就不让你及格了,你要想清楚。” 小朋友也跟着摇头,不愿重写,而那篇作文也就得到了大大的一个“E”。 
事隔三十年之后,这位老师带着一群小学生到一处风景优美的度假胜地旅行,在尽情享受无边的绿草,舒适的住宿,及香味四溢的烤肉之余,他望见一名中年人向他走来,并自称曾是他的学生。 这位中年人告诉他的老师,他正是当年那个作文不及格的小学生,如今,他拥有这片广阔的度假庄园,真的实现了儿时的梦想。 老师望着这位庄园的主人,想到自己三十余年来,不敢梦想的教师生涯,不禁喟叹: “三十年来为了我自己,不知道用成绩改掉了多少学生的梦想。而你,是唯一保留自己的梦想,没有被我改掉的。”   

 你可曾因为大人的从中作梗而放弃了你的梦想?你可有在社会磨练后遗忘了你的梦想?

Wednesday 12 November 2008

快乐颂

丽梅(不好意思,我的Microsoft Pinyin没有你的名字哦!)投诉说我的部落里头的二泉映月令人心情低落。真不好意思,忘了最近身边有许多孕妇,这对胎教实在不好。哈哈!

其实,我在部落上请你听“阿炳的音乐”完全是因为我刚到了他的故乡转一趟。我本身也不是阿炳的歌迷。太悲惨了,与我的性格相差太远。现在,既然孕妇投诉,只好快快改变!

这一次,我想与大家分享七首最让我开心的歌(排名不分先后)。这些歌曲当中,有的提醒我世界美好、有的激励、有的纯粹听了开心:
1. My Favorite Things
2. 红日(李克勤)
3. Blue Danube (Johann Strauss II)
4. 财神到(许冠杰)
5. Jingle Bells
6. Balik Kampung(Sudirman)
7. The Bare Necessities

1. My Favorite Things
基于我对My Favorite Things的感情,虽然上诉名单排名不分先后,但这首歌却肯定是榜首。无他,歌曲把我们生活中那些被忽略的小趣味一一放大,把快乐简单化,听了之后,世界变得多么美好。

2. 红日
选这一首歌,并不是因为我喜欢李克勤(我是喜欢他啦),而是因为这首歌歌词激励、音乐简单。无论是哪一个版本,谁都可以跟着哼,哼着“命运就算颠沸流离,命运就算曲折离奇,命运就是恐吓着你做人没趣味,别流累辛酸,更不应舍弃,我愿能一生永远陪伴你”,哼着哼着,想不快乐也难。

3. Blue Danube
对于许多喜欢古典音乐的人来说,Johann Strauss其实相当不入流的。他是“通俗”的、是“没有深度的”。然而,对我来说,我爱煞了他。他总是以最简单的音符构成最优美的圆舞曲!我可不管什么“深度”。再说,小时候看的卡通片,卡通人物总是在这个音乐下翩翩起舞。这个熟悉的音乐对于我而言,已经成了快乐的代名词。

4. 财神到
注意哦,一定要许冠杰唱的那一首哦!为什么呢?你想想看,新年期间,七早八早,有人突然喊“财神到~~!!”然后很开心的,“财神到、财神到”地唱着,听了实在心花怒放!

5.Jingle Bells
我一向来喜欢圣诞节。那是温馨的季节。而且有很多好看的圣诞卡通,又有很多好听的圣诞歌曲。而最具代表性的,当然非Jingle Bell莫属。只要听见那圣诞铃声丁丁当当地想起,我立刻可以看见飘雪的white christmas。

6. Balik Kampung
所有做过游子的人都知道,只要适逢过年过节,都是回乡好日子。而Hari Raya便是其中一个经典长假,所以,每当Sudirman唱起Balik Kampung时,便是我们balik kampung的季节了。"Balik kampung, oh oh oh, balik kampung"多令人快乐向往!

7. The Bare Necessities
我小时候是Disney宝宝,我们家仨都是看Disney卡通长大的。当然,我们各有各的最爱。我最爱The Jungle Book,薇最爱Robin Hood,恩应该是Toy Story吧(恩,对吗?)?那时候就是爱看Baloo载歌载舞。Baloo唱这首歌时随手拔果子丢入口中、悠闲地滑到河中,让我对“游手好闲”非常憧憬。现在,有时候工作的太忙、活得太盲,我会记起Baloo对我说“The bare necessities of life will come to you,They'll come to you!

朋友,你可有什么快乐的歌曲要和我分享呢?

Sunday 9 November 2008

祝我生日快乐

我总是很热衷庆祝别人的生日,对于自己的生日却总是意兴阑珊。
好多年了,一直想给自己搞个特别难忘的生日,要么到维也纳听音乐会、要么找个豪华度假村来个spa之旅,当然,一直都是想想而已。因为,想象中,庆祝自己的生日总不如庆祝别人的生日来得有趣。
今年,其实也不例外。我原想到巴厘岛过个浪漫生日,可惜没有人愿意成为我的浪漫之伴;后来想休假做一做spa,假期却也泡汤。最终,还是让旁人来为我庆祝吧!
生日前一天,Flower Club的aunty们请我到居林现在最in的餐厅吃了一顿午餐。这Flower Club有红花会的神秘(当然神秘,因为虽也不曾听过这个名称!嘻嘻!),却没有红花会的雄心大志。说穿了,只不过是一群aunty说说笑笑的小圈子。
生日当天早上,桌上多了一盒巧克力以及一盆粉红水晶树。那水晶树说来好笑,是我身边那群鬼灵精的小女孩的主意。她们都相信粉红色水晶可以招桃花(希望为我招徕桃花后会少被我骂几句?嘻嘻!)于是骗了一班人掏荷包买了好大的一棵。其实是很感动的,我知道她们有多忙,日子有多苦,没想过她们还有多余的精力去为我的生日shopping。
生日那晚,另有三个小瓜(其中一个还把女朋友骗来)为我庆祝生日。我们还是到那现在居林最in的餐厅,但这次多了一个“青春秀丽”的生日蛋糕。小瓜们有心,我们嘻嘻哈哈闹闹也就过了一晚。
回到家,床上拍了一大束百合。哦,是智勇送来的。
今天,拿了Gurney Wah Chan寄来的生日卡,又骗了一条精致的手链。这说起来可要为它打一打广告。几年前薇大学毕业,我到这家店买了项链(还是耳环?)送她,无端端成了他们的会员。每年生日都可以到这家店骗一个小礼物。挺划算的,哈哈!
哦,当然,还有在虚拟世界及手机短讯上收到了好多祝福。真是感动!
没什么,只想说一声谢谢!

Sunday 2 November 2008

生命的意义

你可曾自问,人生究竟是为了什么?生命的意义究竟是什么?

我觉得这是太深奥的问题,不是轻易自问、学习就能解答的。然而,我不介意根据一些书本的建议,做一些有系统而建设性的自我审查。我曾经叫薇薇把The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People读完,然后根据当中的方法寻找答案,然而,我当然不会天真地认为她会在新加坡很听话地把它完成。(这类自我审查的活动,大多数人都无法以个人毅力完成,因为那个过程其实是相当痛楚与艰辛的。然而,当你有一大班朋友陪着你,那个过程就简单、有趣多了。)

基于我的笔记本不见了,我又觉得是时候重新思考。于是我约了一大班人与我一起完成这个活动(当中包括compulsory的薇薇与恩恩)。不过,最后就只有五位与我同行,随我到Tropical Spice Garden做了一轮的自我审查与思考。

到了Spice Garden Cafe,我们先找了个“风水位”,依山看海的,有点儿懒洋洋的味道。过后,我们各自点了饮品(我那杯叫做monkey punch,我说是叫猴儿到山里采撷几种野果为我度身定做的,就如令狐冲的猴儿酒,结果一群人集体翻眼。其实,这饮料味道有点儿怪,但胜在很有乡野风味,清新冰凉),然后开始谈天暖身……

当大家都觉得放松了,我们才开始把问题都摊开来。问题都很简单浅白,然而大家都觉得难以回答(人生不也如是吗?) 。

就如佳慧所说的,第一个问题已经很“够力”了: 1. 什么价值观对你是最重要的呢?
想一想你生气的时刻、烦恼的时刻、伤心的时刻、快乐的时刻、兴奋的时刻。当那些对我们最重要的价值观被违背,我们会较容易产生负面情绪,同样的,当那些对我们最重要的价值观被认可,我们会轻易的产生正面情绪。

由于这是第一个步骤,大家还没准备就绪,我们花了好长的时间反复的发问、分析、解答。毕竟,大多数人应该从来不曾反省自己的价值观。

我发觉这对我而言非常重要,因为所有人与人之间的纠纷其实都是缘于价值观的不同。如果你明白自己的价值观,你可以更可观的、以旁观者的身份来看待每一件事。

2. 你所扮演的角色
把所有你在人生中所扮演的角色一一列下,然后把你真正的“职责范围”给详细地写下。

这个步骤最重要之处,就是提醒你其实世界上每一个人都身兼数职,你可以是人家的女儿、母亲、妻子、朋友、上司、下属、同事、邻居……如果你想过个平衡的生活,那你一定得把每一个角色扮演得好。

3. 两个‘暖身’问题(是的,之前那两个问题充其量只能称为个人阐明)
a. 如果你只能做一件对你的专业生涯有着最正面影响的事,那将会是什么?
b. 如果你只能做一件对你的个人生活有着最正面影响的事,那将会是什么?


这两个问题应该最简单不过,却也最一针见血。我记得我第一次做这个自我审查的时候,在这两个题目上犹豫了很久。想着想着,觉得自己一事无成,就哭了……

4. 你想要成为怎样的人?你想要做些什么?你想要拥有什么?(答案数目不拘)
a. 你可曾想过,如果你可以完全不顾一切外来因素,其实你最希望成为怎样的人?(快乐?睿智?健康?成功?)
b. 如果你可以完全不顾一切外来因素,你又最希望在这一生中做些什么?(环游世界?办所孤儿院?)
c. 如果你可以完全不顾一切外来因素,请把你在这一生中想要拥有的都列出来。(不一定是物质上的)-可以是以你为名的奖学金,可以是够你维持每年100k生活水准的退休金,可以是一间有My Fair Lady里头那个有个楼梯晃来晃去的图书馆……


这是一众问题当中我最享受的环节,这是无止境的梦、是最快乐的梦、是最真实的梦,我通常是够着嘴角挥笔完成这个环节的。同时,通过这样子的思考,我更明白自己究竟追求什么、离自己的梦想有多远、自己是否走在正确的道路上……

5.Tribute Statement
你看英文片,一定曾经看过人们在葬礼上说着死者的故事。如果你想象自己就是那个躺在棺材中的那一个人,你希望你生命中那些对你最重要的人们都怎么形容你呢?他们会诉说些怎么样的故事呢?会以怎么样的心情来面对呢?
以第二题中你所列下的那一些角色,一一写下你希望听见的tribute statement吧。

我们一行人当中,有人开玩笑地说:“我希望每个人的评语都是很好、很好”。可是,你想深一层,你难道真的希望你的丈夫说你“很好很好”吗?难免会被你扭耳朵吧?你真的希望你的父母以“很好很好”来概挎你这个儿子或女儿吗?你一定希望他们会说一些触动心弦的故事、感动人心的描绘……

6. 自我反省的问题
a. 回首过去,哪些是我生命中最快活、最有满足感的时刻?
b. 在我的专业生涯中,哪些活动或职责是我最享受及最有成就感的事?
c. 在我的生活中,哪些活动是最有意义的?
d. 我拥有什么天赋?我希望拥有什么本事?
e. 我可以如何为这个世界奉献?


上述这几个问题也是我相当享受的。很多人不是总爱谈起辉煌的过去吗?这些问题多多少少有这样的味道。如果你曾经在过去的某一些时刻真真正正享受、满足、快活,或是觉得有成就感、生活有意义,那,你可曾知道那究竟是为了什么?是否因为当时所作的事符合了你的哪一个价值观?要是你知道是为了什么,那你是不是可以让你的生活时时刻刻都活在那个令你享受、满足、快活的当下?
而如果你可以好好的把(d)好好的列下,你会发觉自己其实真的不赖,想学的事情亦还有很多。将来的日子可充实着呢!
当然,最难的莫过于(e)了。然而,最重要的也莫过于(e)了。如果你知道如何为这个世界奉献,即使只是尽一点绵力,那还是非常有意义的,不是吗?

如果你可以静下心来,把上述的问题都一一用心解答。恭喜你,你又离自己的心更近了!


Monday 27 October 2008

长假食谱

适逢长假,薇很理所当然的又跑回家。难得家里人齐,妈妈当然免不了会大展拳脚。这一次,中餐西餐点心早点样样俱备。

我看崇安寺

因business trip,我到无锡走了一趟。
这一回,时间紧迫,没什么机会走走看看,更甭说体验当地民间生活。所幸我的酒店就在崇安寺附近,人家说“不到崇安寺就不算到过无锡”,我特意早醒,踩着高跟鞋到崇安寺走了一趟。

崇安寺商业步行街

到了那儿,有一点失望。崇安寺是个大规模的造假古董,文化气息不足、商业味过浓。Shopping是无妨,拍照就没什么味道了。于是我下定决心,决定晚上再来拍几张灯光璀璨的崇安寺。孰料,当天工作时有一点点小意外,我们竟然得徒步走了半个小时。平时我若穿着运动鞋,这短短路程肯定难不倒我,可是踩着高跟鞋就真是要了我的命!到了晚上,我那双腿仿佛已经不属于我了,然而我仍逞强,晚饭后硬是扛起相机到崇安寺步行街走一趟。结果草草拍了几张照片,双脚已经痛得再走不下去,只好放弃。

意外惊喜是阿炳的故居。我知道二泉映月是无锡十八景之一,却不知原来阿炳的故居也被保留了下来,还在广场上给他塑了个铜像。阿炳故居正在维修中,不知他们在里头保留了什么。然而,阿炳为我们留下了这么多珍贵的文化遗产,这些物质上的就显得不甚重要了。

Saturday 25 October 2008

慰籍乡愁


在马来西亚,我从来不是starbuck的支持者。然而,很多时候,到了国外,这反而是最具体的慰籍乡愁的味道……

Sunday 19 October 2008

Hibiscus in our garden

My mum changed almost every species in her garden, again. This round, we have hibiscus in our garden to show how patriotic we are. Since this is the first time in my life that we actually have hibiscus in our garden, it is almost a MUST for me to take some photos.

Here's something for you to ponder: which of the photo above is taken by my DSLR and which one is taken by my Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot?

Miraku 味楽

在槟城,要想吃一顿正宗日本餐,应该要数味楽(Miraku)及霧島(Kirishima)莫属了吧?

霧島位于Cititel底楼,已是老字号了。老板是日本人,餐厅卖的是传统的味道。许多在槟城工作的日本人甚至新年元旦都会选择在这儿度过,或者打包“新年弁と(bento)”回家团圆。这餐厅的日本餐究竟有多正宗可想而知。

味楽是槟城日本餐新贵,位于G-Hotel一楼。个人觉得它的食物比霧島更好吃而且价钱相当经济实惠。午餐套餐和晚餐套餐的价钱大众化,但坐在吧台前吃最新鲜最上等的刺身寿司则另当别论(不过,其实也不算贵,因为价钱与你要千里迢迢跑到日本吃一顿同样水准同样材料的食物相等)。

星期一,我们的日本同事到这儿公干,我们以他为名(其实是自己想吃),把他带到味楽去。那一晚,我们吃“鱼宴”,各式各样的鱼,刺身的、寿司的、烧烤的、煎的、炸的、捞的……

选择多得很……
Toro sushi (トロ寿司)

一时忘了这叫什么名字,要吃时把生salmon加生鸡蛋捞在一起。(我个人还是比较喜欢韩国版的)

Salmon-以blow torch稍微烧一烧,带出鱼的香味。

鰺(aji)-这鱼便宜又香甜,刺身及寿司都很棒。左图是全鱼刺身,吃完后厨师拿回去炸,香脆可口如右图