Pray pray...

Kelvin gg is still in NUH... all of us are so worried about him... transferred from AH's ICU to NUH's HDU... just transferred to normal ward today... hais... helping him to 祈福 by being vegetarian for 3 months. 我相信我能办得到. That's all i can do for him anyway. Fortunately, yt area has a damn nice vegetarian stall... ^_^ don't mind eating...

dad's leg is still in a cast.. medical rv in dec... i dont really like these 2 months... BUT!! am still gonna be optimistic!! ^_^

Impromptu!!!

A very impromptu decision i made today... My long locks are long gone, replaced by short, very shor hair now!! Shiok, and more shiok!! LOL~ The last time i had short hair was 10 years ago, and my current hair is even shorter than that though part of it is longer since the style is not even intentionally. God, i love LOVE my hair now!! Super thankful for the impromtu-ness!! haha!!!! webcam w Adel earlier, she was shocked!! didn't expect my hair to be this short when i told her i chopped my locks off.... =P Am gonna wait for my hair to grow few inches longer, and another change of hairstyle for new year!! ^_^

Oh, i LOVE Hairlistic Team, w Nic as my hairstylist... all the way!!! Big thankies to Lav who intro her hairstylist to me!! Muacks!!

大悲咒

藏语的音译:

 

南摩惹纳达拉雅雅，南摩阿里雅佳纳，

萨嘎拉贝勒佳纳，

尤哈拉佳雅，达他嘎达雅，

阿啦哈帝，桑雅桑布达雅，

纳摩萨噜哇，达他嘎提贝，阿啦哈达呗，

桑雅桑布提呗，南摩阿里雅阿哇噜格帝，

秀哇啦雅，布地萨埵哇雅，

玛哈萨埵哇雅，玛哈嘎噜尼加雅，

达地雅他嗡，达啦、达啦、

提力、提力、杜露、杜露、

易笛威、易笛、加列、加列、

不啦加列、不啦加列、

固苏美、固苏玛哇垒、易利、密利积地、作哈啦、玛巴、纳雅、梭哈

好... 就這樣...

我要的, 得到了.. 不過,只有一半... 給自己時間, 兩個星期後, 如果真的還是沒聲沒息, 敲門的時間了.

罪惡感, 對一些人來說還真是強烈. 可以因為罪惡感 (我覺得), 就能把正在逕行的事, 說不干就不干. 真不知道在搞什麼. 這樣做, 把其他人當成什麼了. 是否因為我們是女的, 就能把我們呼之而來喚之而去? 還真以為每個女人都有一樣的想法, 都無所謂?

Anyway, JX's gf went back to Kuching after coming to SG for his convocation and mid-autumn festival. She's nice, just kinda blur.. =X Should be dropping by again next mth end for JX gg's bday.

看破紅塵。。。

可能吧。。 看破紅塵。。 感覺上，好像真的不能再愛上人了。喜歡一個人，我想我還能做得到，不過如果有一天，哥哥們問我是否愛上了人，我會說不可能。哥覺得是因為往古，造成了恐懼，導致心裏建造了圍墻。

恐懼，可能也可能不。雖然有枕邊人的感覺真的很棒，不過不一定需要在一段戀情裏。宗旨只是有人陪伴而已。

7th month is over!!

Ghost festival is finally over!! Goodness, i had been eating, drinking, eating, drinking.. alcohol consumption is HUGE!! hahaha~ but it's with dad and his colleagues, so all is still good. ^_^

Last round was on Friday, 2 tables for SMRT @ Kaki Bukit Crescent. We were the noisiest of all.. LOL~ we didn't create a scene or anything, just highest level of enjoyment.. other tables were affected by our enjoyment anyway. Saw uncle Chow finally!! Last time i saw him was during my wedding... uncle Soh & Tok as well. ^_^ Uncle Chow got aimed like mad... by me, dad, SK Lim, Steven, Vincent, etc. practically 3/4 of the our 2 tables.. he's quite "high" when we were leaving, i think carlsberg is not his type...
Anyway, the moment we were there, the next table started to get my attention, i siam & siam.. so whenever dad & uncles went for a smoke, i'll just go with them even though i don't smoke... but Bro Steven still nudged at me and said "next table is calling for u".. i was like "i know!!! i siam already... u still... -.-". For the entire event, that table was action-packed, trying all ways & means to get my view.. LOL! I think prolly is caused by my own enjoyment of drinking with my dad's colleagues cum friends via emptying glasses of beer at 1 go.. =P so it became that they were cheering for me for all my empty glasses.. hahaha!! I had totally no idea how much i drank when dad asked me.. =P

Near end of event, one of the guys came over & said wanna jio a glass with me, i'm already having my round with uncle chow anyway so i kinda ignored him, so uncle Lam went over his table after that and said "u wanna drink with her? Can. You drink with me first." ROFL~ Epic, he didn't come over in the end.. wahahaha!! And he still asked Chow if we are going for 2nd round when i'm beside him, Chow was like "2nd round? 我要回家了..." haha~ he asked Chow to bring me go... he replied can, only if he agrees. Then i added all must agree then can.. That guy was like, "wah.. so difficult to ask you out ah?" replied was "of course" ROFL!!

All of us were talking about this in the bus to Eunos.. hhaha!! I was telling dad that that group action-packed only... Uncle Lam asked them they don't dare already... if really 2nd round, Uncle Lam & Peter will definitely make sure they KO..flat.. hahha!!

Went koptiam for tcss after that, all were continuing 1-2 mugs of beer except for 门神, sis pauline & me with my teh o kosong. ^_^ The best alcohol-get-lost drink for me..

The happiest 7th month!!

not in a good mood..seriously.

Phone's screen is crashed... like spider web... dropped it screen down onto walkpath and *bamm* Happened in the morning during C7 site walk... what an awesome event to start my day, seriously.

Next thing. I'm really unhappy about someone. What? An eye for an eye? You bloody got it. Indeed, I made you angry, so angry. But i apologised. Now, i merely asked for an opinion for a photo and i'm being ignored. You are busy, and i understand that perfectly. But at least let me know that you ain't free or it's not convenient so I won't wait for your reply like an idiot cause it matters. You matter. The heck with this...

Anyway, am getting Ryan to re-touch 1 photo... i love it so much that i wanna post it up... but there's a certain thing to be hidden... =P

Dream photoshoot is done...

I managed to get it done... Still don't believe i really did it!! hahah~ what an awesome experience though it was tiring to wake up at 5.30am which i don't even wake up so early for work.. (>.<), makeup & hairdo, and the entire shoot took almost 6 hours till 2+pm. BIG special thanks to Lavania for giving her full support on this, doing my makeup & hairdo and driving me to Jayvis's place, Ryan & Jayvis for making this come true and their patience and waking up so damn early cause of this *_*
well, i've got 1 wish done, so if i'm gonna die tomorrow, at least i'll die with 1 lesser regret.. ^_^

and now it's time for... anxiety!! A dance performance tonight for Jaya's friend's 60th birthday.. and it's my very first choreo.. my god!!! Anxiety level risens!! Hope it goes well and hope they like it...

What Makes a 'Type A' an Individual?

From: Eat Right For Your Type: Type A

What makes Me Me and You You?


This is the question that is at the heart of the genetic puzzle. It is also central to our exploration of blood types. The key is genetic heritage - the story line of your life. Even though you are living in the 21st century, you share a common bond with your ancestors. The genetic information that resulted in their particular characteristics has been passed on to you.

People who are A blood type have a different set of characteristics than people who are Type O - they are susceptible to different diseases, they should eat different foods and exercise in a completely different manner. Some believe that personality is influenced by blood type! Dr. D'Adamo, author of the best selling books Eat Right for Your Type and Live Right for Your Type, among others, gives us a blueprint for living in his books. Read on to learn more about the Type A individual..


Type A History

The Type A emerges into the 21st century with many more complex challenges than their ancestors could have imagined. The key factor in the development of Type A can be traced to the struggle for survival long ago, when there was a rapidly dwindling supply of hunting game stock. Having exhausted the great game herds of Africa, humans pushed farther out from their ancestral home into Europe and Asia. The cultivation of grains and livestock changed everything. For the first time, people were able to forego the hand to mouth lifestyle of the hunter/gatherer and establish stable communities. Over time the adaptations that produced Blood Type A were based on the need to fully utilize nutrients from carbohydrate sources. These biological adaptations can still be observed today in Type A's digestive structure. Low levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and high intestinal disaccharide digestive enzyme levels permit the more efficient digestion of carbohydrates. According to Dr. D'Adamo, these are also the very factors, along with low levels of intestinal alkaline phosphatase, that make it difficult for Type As to digest and metabolize animal protein and fat.


What Makes Type A Unique

Many neurochemical factors in the Type A genetic disposition favor a structured, rhythmic, harmonious life, surrounded by a positive, supportive community. The harried pace and increased sense of isolation experienced by so many in today's society often make these needs difficult to achieve. Type A best exemplifies the powerful interconnections between mind and body. This was vital to the shift away from hunting and procurement to building and growing. However, Type A's more internalized relationship to stress, which served your ancestors well, can be a challenge for the modern Type A. The Blood Type Diet's proactive mix of lifestyle strategies, hormonal equalizers, gentle exercise and specialized dietary guidelines will maximize your overall health; decrease your natural risk factors for cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The result: high performance, mental clarity, greater vitality and increased longevity.


Type A Diet

"When we discuss 'diet,' we are not talking necessarily about a weight loss plan, that's a side benefit to following this plan. We are actually discussing diet in the more traditional sense, meaning a way to eat," explains, Dr. D'Adamo. Type As flourish on a vegetarian diet - if you are accustomed to eating meat, you will lose weight and have more energy once you eliminate the toxic foods from your diet. Many people find it difficult to move away from the typical meat and potato fare to soy proteins, grains and vegetables. But it is particularly important for sensitive Type As to eat their foods in as natural a state as possible: pure, fresh and organic. "I can't emphasize enough how this critical dietary adjustment can be to the sensitive immune system of Type A. With this diet you can supercharge your immune system and potentially short circuit the development of life threatening diseases."


Handling Stress

In this busy, ever changing world, it's almost impossible to avoid every day stress. Type As have a naturally high level of the stress hormone cortisol and produce more in response to stressful situations. Cortisol is released in 24-hour patterns, typically in the early morning between six and eight A.M. with a gradual decrease during the day. It helps to cue the body's other cyclical rhythms. Due to the naturally elevated cortisol in type As, additional stress often manifests in several ways; disrupted sleep patterns, daytime brain fog, increased blood viscosity (thickening), and promotes muscle loss and fat gain. In extreme cases in Type As, stress can manifest in more serious ways, causing obsessive-compulsive disorder, insulin resistance and hypothyroidism. To help balance cortisol levels, Dr. D'Adamo recommends that you limit sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Don't skip meals, especially breakfast; eating smaller, more frequent meals will also help to stabilize blood sugar levels. He also points out that the following factors are known to increase cortisol levels and increase mental exhaustion for Type As - be aware and limit your exposure when possible:

Crowds of people
Loud noise
Negative emotions
Smoking
Strong smells or perfumes
Too much sugar and starch
Overwork
Violent TV and movies
Lack of sleep
Extreme weather conditions (hot or cold)


Calming Exercise - The Critical Component for Health and Well Being

Heightened cortisol levels make it harder for Type As to recover from stress. Research has demonstrated that overall cortisol levels can be lowered through a regular program of exercises that provide focus and calming effects. Make these activities a regular - and life saving - part of your lifestyle. Dr. D'Adamo recommends, Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi and Meditation and Deep Breathing Exercises. Meditation has been studied for its effects on stress hormones. It was found that after meditation, serum cortisol levels were significantly reduced. Writes Dr. D'Adamo, "While it's fine for Type As to participate in more intense physical activity when healthy and in good condition, be aware that these forms of exercise do not act as safety valves for stress in your blood type. I have seen Type As excel at weight lifting and aerobic activities, but you have to be careful about not overtraining, as that will actually raise cortisol levels."


The Personality Connection

Blood Type is a marker of individuality - and perhaps of personality as well. In Japan, it has long been believed that Blood Type is an indicator of personality - in fact, you are likely to be asked your blood type in a job interview or while out on a date with a potential mate! In a study conducted by Dr. D'Adamo in 1999, he found some interesting connections between blood type and personality. Type As most often described themselves in ways related to the following characteristics: sensitive to the needs of others, good listeners, detail oriented, analytical, creative and inventive.


Live Right!

In addition to exercise, stress management and eating the right foods, here are some key lifestyle strategies for Type A individuals.

Cultivate creativity and expression in your life
Establish a consistent daily schedule
Go to bed no later than 11:00 PM and sleep for eight hours or more. Don't linger in bed, as soon as you get up, get going!
Take at least two breaks of twenty minutes each during the work day. Stretch, take a walk, do deep breathing exercises or meditate.
Don't skip meals
Eat more protein at the start of the day, less at the end
Don't eat when you are anxious
Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Engage in thirty to forty five minutes of calming exercise at least three times a week.
Plan regular screening for heart disease and cancer prevention.
Always chew food thoroughly to enhance digestion. Low stomach acid makes digestion more difficult.

Are you insecure in your relationship?

*Taken from: Yahoo!

My friend Irra from school called last evening; she was in tears, her very loving husband of the past one year has asked her to give up her childhood friend of the last 20 years. Why you ask? Her friend is a guy and her husband is just not comfortable with the rapport the both of them share.
Needless to say, I was outraged and thought of many improper things to say to her husband. That would have just added fuel to the fire, so I spoke to her for a little while and told her that I am sure she can explain and allay his insecurity. She told me she had tried explaining to her husband that had she actually been in love with her friend she would have married him instead. That discussion obviously did not go down well.

To get a different perspective on the issue I asked another friend of mine who is a modern-day Gandhari when it comes to making sacrifices in relationships. Her take was very different from mine, according to her, compromises were integral in every marriage and if your spouse is uncomfortable with a particular friend, what's the big deal about giving them up?

Here were too very opposite ways of dealing with modern-day relationship complexities, so I decided to call my friend who is a counselor to get her view on the issue. According to her, while every couple decides on their own set of relationship priorities, there is a fundamental flaw in what my friend had been asked to do. The thing about insecurity is that it stems because of the lack of trust between two people and not because of the presence of a third person. She may agree to give up her guy friend today but insecurity is sure to manifest itself in some other form.

Signs of insecurity are easy to spot, Shahana Nair Joshi says in her article on PDA (Public Display of Affection), "The inappropriate display of affection to the point of public embarrassment and awkwardness stems from nothing but an innate insecurity about your partner and what you share."
We know the serial offenders, we also know people who are never known to very demonstrative about their affections and yet, in the presence of a friend from the opposite sex they indulge in PDA. It's like an affirmation for them, that you might be my significant other's best friend but only I have the societal license to be physically close to my partner.

Relationship gurus are of the belief that insecurity breeds insecurity unless trust is established between the couple. Experts also say that every relationship is unique in its own way and if you find yourself constantly comparing your relationship with that of others, you are actually insecure about yourself or the equation you share with your partner.

Every relationship needs breathing space; as much as you need 'we time' in a relationship, it is equally important to factor in 'me time'. Some couples revel in the fact that they like doing everything together. Yes, it's important to do things together but we are individuals and we all need space to do our own thing every once in a while. Even Siamese twins need 'me time'!

Secure relationships are not about sacrifices but about being able to communicate to your partner the importance of people and relationships in your life. It's about creating a union where individuals have the space to be themselves and make relationship choices based on what they want and not only the ones that are dictated/approved by their spouse.

What Was Behind Mysterious Collapse of the Mayan Empire?

The city states of the ancient Mayan empire flourished in southern Mexico and northern Central America for about six centuries. Then, around A.D. 900 Mayan civilization disintegrated.
Two new studies examine the reasons for the collapse of the Mayan culture, finding the Mayans themselves contributed to the downfall of the empire.

Scientists have found that drought played a key role, but the Mayans appear to have exacerbated the problem by cutting down the jungle canopy to make way for cities and crops, according to researchers who used climate-model simulations to see how much deforestation aggravated the drought.

"We're not saying deforestation explains the entire drought, but it does explain a substantial portion of the overall drying that is thought to have occurred," said the study's lead author Benjamin Cook, a climate modeler at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, in a statement. [Dry and Dying: Images of Drought]

Using climate-model simulations, he and his colleagues examined how much the switch from forest to crops, such as corn, would alter climate. Their results, detailed online in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, suggested that when deforestation was at its maximum, it could account for up to 60 percent of the drying. (The switch from trees to corn reduces the amount of water transferred from the soil to the atmosphere, which reduces rainfall.)

Other recent research takes a more holistic view.
"The ninth-century collapse and abandonment of the Central Maya Lowlands in the Yucatán peninsular region were the result of complex human–environment interactions," writes this team in a study published Monday (Aug 20) in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The team, led by B.L. Turner, a social scientist at Arizona State University, concurs that by clearing the forest, the Mayans may have aggravated a natural drought, which spiked about the time the empire came to an end and population declined dramatically.

But this is just one contributing factor to their demise, Turner and colleagues write, pointing out that the reconfiguration of the landscape may also have led to soil degradation. Other archaeological evidence points to a landscape under stress, for instance, the wood of the sapodilla tree, favored as construction beams, was no longer used at the Tikal and Calakmul sites beginning in A.D. 741. Larger mammals, such as white-tailed deer, appear to have declined at the end of empire.

Social and economic dynamics also contributed. Trade routes shifted from land transit across the Yucatán Peninsula to sea-born ships. This change may have weakened the city states, which were contending with environmental changes. Faced with mounting challenges, the ruling elites, a very small portion of the population, were no longer capable of delivering what was expected of them, and conflict increased.

"The old political and economic structure dominated by semidivine rulers decayed," the team writes. "Peasants, artisan – craftsmen, and others apparently abandoned their homes and cities to find better economic opportunities elsewhere in the Maya area."