Feb 28, 2011

Tarot Readings... VI

3 months has passed after my last reading... so time for another tarot reading.. :) I am using the same application that I did previously to "see" my fortune since 2010. Note that all pictures of tarot cards are from http://phpbb-tw.net/phpbb/thoth/ and there is no intention of infringing any copyright.

三个月又过了,又是塔罗占卜时间啦。。我还是利用以往相同的占卜程式为接下来的三个月的运程占卜一下了所有的塔罗图片都采自竹猫星球塔罗馆 (http://phpbb-tw.net/phpbb/thoth),本部落并无意侵犯版权。


對 單身運勢 進行占卜,結果為:
Pertaining your luck in : Relationships (for Singles)

現狀 Current Situation: 調整 [Justice]

雖然沒有情人,但是你並不會覺得匱乏或寂寞,可能是因為有寵物、有家人,有重心的生活,讓你的感情的需求沒那麼迫切。
Although you do not have anyone special, you don't feel lacking or lonely. Maybe there is a pet, family or some purpose in your life, thus your need for a relationship is not that pressing.

問題 Problem: 皇帝 [The Emperor]

可能因為你太過於獨立,習慣自己掌握主導權,如果有人對你示好,你通常是反應遲鈍的,有時趕跑了一些人還渾然不覺。
Maybe you are overly independent, and is used to being in control. Thus even if someone has professed their feelings for you, you are often slow to realize it and might even have chased away a few unknowingly.

建議 Suggestion: 倒吊人 [The Hanged Man]

你真正的緣份還沒到,就不要強求,什麼時間做什麼事,也許你目前的人生課題,就是需要沉潛。
It is not time for you to have a relationship, thus do not force yourself. There is time for everything. Maybe this is the time for you to think things through and contemplate your future.



對 職場發展 進行占卜,結果為:
Pertaining your luck in: Job-hunting:

現狀 Current Situation: 戰車 [The Chariot]

現在你夾在中間,左右為難;或是在工作上遇到了突破不了的瓶頸;而且這些事情,除了堅持住邊觀察以外,沒有什麼短時間可以解決的方法。
Currently, you are either caught in between or unable to overcome a bottleneck at work. You can do nothing about these matters other than observe and persevere, at least in the near future.

問題 Problem : 藝術 [Temperance]

你的做法幾乎都是正確的,只是需要時間來證明;在這段結果尚未明朗化的日子中,你必須獨力承擔全部的壓力。
Your methods are right and you only need time to prove it. When the results are still unclear, you would need to withstand all the pressure.


建議 Suggestion: 慾 [Lust]

凡事要做長期規劃,切忌短視近利,必要的時候連外型也要很注意,先把表面做好,人家就會跟著信任你的專業度,門面是很重要的。
Everything needs to have long-term planning and not just short-term gains. When necessary you would need to look after your appearance. Once that is done, people would trust your professionalism eventually.


對 財運 進行占卜,結果為:
Pertaining your luck in : Money Matters

現狀 Current Situation: 死亡 [Death]

你的金錢來源越來越少,而且現有的收入,也不確定可以維持到什麼時候,重點不在於你的財運,而是你賺錢的管道已經越來越窄,或是快被淘汰了。
Your source of money is shrinking and it is uncertain how long the income that you are getting now will sustain. The important thing is not your fortune but the means for you to make money is shrinking and might even dry up.

問題 Problem: 戰車 [The Chariot]

你的固定開銷太重,可能都是跟親人、家庭花費有關,常常付了這筆錢,那筆錢就得延後,讓你常常為了錢的事在傷腦筋。
Your fixed expenses are too heavy, and most probably they are related to your family. You would always pay for this and that, thus you are always worried about money.

建議 Suggestion: 宇宙 [The Universe]

你適合的理財方式,是透過不動產、珠寶、保險.....等可以保值的資產,而且這些都是不需要花太多心力去維護,也不會產生問題的理財工具。
The best way for you to manage your finances is through investing in fixed assets, jewellery, insurance and things that do not require constant attention nor problematic.


對 人際運勢 進行占卜,結果為:
Pertaining your luck in : Human Relationships
現狀 Current Situation: 宇宙 [The Universe]

你的朋友圈是固定的,而且幾乎都是從學生時代至今的朋友,情誼是很堅定的,只是交新朋友的機會比較少。
Your circle of friends are pretty fixed. Most of them are from your school days and these friendships are pretty solid. You have very few chances of making new ones.


問題 Problem: 月亮 [The Moon]

雖然你很重視你的朋友,但常因太過愛面子,無法講出真心話,久了朋友會覺得你不夠誠懇,要學著突破自己的防線。
Although you treasure your friends, you are reluctant to be truthful. After a while, your friends felt that you are insincere. Try to overcome this.


建議 Suggestion: 慾 [Lust]

有時沒有誰對誰錯的問題,只是兩個人的立場跟角度不同,只要去了解這一點,很多不重要的爭執就不會發生了。
Sometimes it is not a matter of right or wrong but a difference in perspective and opinion. As long as you remember this, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary disagreements.

Feb 27, 2011

Sunday Serenade: let the rain

Found this song.. like the lyrics and her voice....

Let the Rain
written and performed by Sara Bareilles

I wish I were pretty        奢望自己漂亮
I wish I were brave         希望自己勇敢
If I owned this city         如果我拥有这城市
Then I'd make it behave  我将喝令它服从我意

And if I were fearless       如果我无所忌讳
Then I'd speak my truth    那我将坦然告知
And the world would hear this    若世界能听得见
That's what I wish I'd do, yeah   那将会是我愿成就的

If my hands could hold them you'd see   若双手可以把它们紧握
I'd take all these secrets in me    我将把内心所有的秘密
And I'd move and mold them to be     全盘推出并塑造成
Something I'd set free        一双可以释放的翅膀

I want to darken in the skies    我要把天空都染黑
Open the floodgates up          开启那蓄势待发的豪雨
I want to change my mind       我要改变初衷
I want to be enough               我要自足自乐
I want the water in my eyes     我要泪盈满眶
I want to cry until the end of time    我要哭得天荒地老

I want to let the rain come down    我要大雨倾盆而下
Make a brand new ground             开拓全新的领域疆土
Let the rain come down                就让大雨倾盆而下
Let the rain come down                就让大雨倾盆而下
Make a brand new ground            开拓全新的领域疆土
Let the rain come down tonight     今晚就让大雨倾盆而下

I hold on to worry so tight    我紧握着烦恼忧郁
It's safe in here right next to my heart  放在心中安全的位置
Who now shouts at the top of her voice  可它现在已在高声呼喊着
Let me go, let me out, this is not my choice  “放我出去,我不要留下”

And I always felt it before   这种感觉亦似曾相识

That the world was filled with much more  这世界已充满了更多许多
Than the drowning soul I've learned to be  不仅是我这可怜虫可想象的
I just need the rain to remind me   我只需要大雨再次叮咛提醒

I want to darken in the skies    我要把天空都染黑
Open the floodgates up         开启那蓄势待发的豪雨
I want to change my mind       我要改变初衷
I want to be enough               我要自足自乐
I want the water in my eyes     我要泪盈满眶
I want to cry until the end of time    我要哭得天荒地老

I want to let the rain come down    我要大雨倾盆而下
Make a brand new ground             开拓全新的领域疆土
Let the rain come down                就让大雨倾盆而下
Let the rain come down                就让大雨倾盆而下
Make a brand new ground            开拓全新的领域疆土
Let the rain come down               让大雨倾盆而下


Feb 25, 2011

够了

突然心很闷,
一股莫名但迫切的冲动。。
无奈、痛苦、麻木、孤立。。
我无从解释,也不能越过。。

那么努力活着到底为了什么?
我很想知道。。
很想放弃追求,
可老实说我也不知在找什么。。

我的野心去了哪?
我的信心也不见了。。
就连那些许仅存的自尊,
亦似被自卑给吞噬了。。

故作坚强、伪装自信、
掩饰彷徨、强颜欢笑。。
总觉来这一切都是徒劳、枉然。。
够了。。

Feb 22, 2011

bye-bye borders..

Borders US is having its closing down sales in some of its 200 stores, after filing for bankruptcy protection last week.. and the biggest book seller in Australia, Angus & Robertson went under too...

Being a bookworm, I mourn the demise of these big chains.. I love books.. and I love book stores (and libraries).. I can spend my entire day browsing in them.. I like the sight of well-stocked book shelves.. I love flipping through the pages.. looking at the colourful designs of dust-covers.. reading the synopsis or recommendation in the back.. touching those newly minted books in shrink wrap.. feeling the crispness of the paper.. smelling the scent of ink... peeking into the books, seeing if I like the layout, font size or font type before buying..

These are the things I would not be able to do while browsing an online store like Amazon or The Book Depository.  They, no doubt, provide the convenience but they lacked the means to satisfy all my senses.. call me old-school, but until now, I've yet to buy any books online.. For books, I need instant gratification - I want to hold the books the moment I paid for them.. I like that sense of satisfaction..

So unless all the physical book stores turn virtual, I would still get my books the old-fashioned way.. :)

Feb 20, 2011

Sunday Serenade: Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

A friend sent me this song a few days ago... :) It is a very positive and optimistic song..
I like the whistling part.. :) and the music video is cute too...


Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
written: Eric Idle

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow.
Forget about your sin - give the audience a grin
Enjoy it - it's your last chance anyhow.

So always look on the bright side of death
Just before you draw your terminal breath

Life's a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true.
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you.

And always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the right side of life...
(Come on guys, cheer up!)
Always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the bright side of life...
(Worse things happen at sea, you know.)
Always look on the bright side of life...
(I mean - what have you got to lose?)
(You know, you come from nothing - you're going back to nothing. What have you lost? Nothing!)
Always look on the right side of life...

Feb 18, 2011

dream.. 梦

A friend shared this video over FB.. and I cried after watching it.. because it is very touching..



For those who do not understand Chinese, let me translate..

Why do we wanna live?
To remember? 
To survive? 
To live longer? 
Or to leave?
"Let's ride our bikes!!"
5 Taiwanese with an average age of 81. One hard of hearing, one with cancer, 3 with heart disease.. All suffers from degenerative arthritis. 
Six months of preparation, they went around the island in 13 days.. travelling 1139 km.. from the north all the way to the south.. through night to day.. 
Just for a simple reason.. 
Why do we wanna live? 
DREAM
to the extraordinary common folks..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dream! That is what keeps us alive!
Shall (do my best) not to have any regrets!!
:)  :)  :)

Feb 16, 2011

love letters

No.. I am not talking about written expression of affection/love.. I am referring to those edible kind.. :) Love letters are a must-have during Chinese New Year.. and this year, my sister and I decided to make some ourselves.. :)

So here are some of the photos taken during the making..
eggs and sugar.. to be beaten until white! before adding glutinous flour..
The recipe used was passed down by my grandmother.. with no machine (aka mixer) to help, the "beating"is done using hand.. my hands to be exact.. a sign of aging: I can no longer accomplish this "beating" alone.. my sister had to help.. :x

preparing the "clips".. heated over charcoal fire.. 
We have more than 10 "clips".. half of them belong to my grandmother.. These "clips" had to be heated up first and then coated with some oil as part of the preparation. My dad built the fire while we were doing the "thrashing"..
pour some batter onto the heated clip.. and put back onto the fire..
Once the clips had been heated up properly, the batter is then poured onto the clip.. whatever that didn't stick onto the clip is poured out.. and the clip has to be flipped frequently so as to prevent it from being burnt on one side..
after being "roasted" for a few minute, peel out the thin paper-like love letters.
Once it has been properly cooked (opening the clip and peeking to make sure), it has to be quickly "scraped" off the clips and passed to the person standing by whom will fold the "letters" into a triangle..
quickly fold the love letter before it gets cold..
So essentially, these processes needed at least 2 person.. one to do the making (heating the clips, pouring the batter, managed the clips, peeling the cooked letters) and the other to do the folding.. I like to do the making compared to the folding..
perfect end product.. in different shades
The initial few rounds would produced either burnt/spoiled ones.. it would either get stuck onto the clips (meaning the batter is too thick thus needs more coconut milk to dilute it), not form a proper love letter (meaning the batter is too diluted thus needs more glutinous flour) or burnt (meaning the heat had to be controlled more diligently or the clips be turned more frequently)..
failed product.. :p

We spent more than 12 hours making love letters.. used up 40 eggs, coconut milk from 6 coconut, N kg of sugar and M kg of glutinous flour.. (sorry, my mum did the measurements so I had no idea how much sugar and flour was used..) We made enough to give to my sister's friends and some relatives.. :) :) :)

Feb 13, 2011

Sunday Serenade: Something 'bout Love

It is Valentine's Day tomorrow... so here is a little Something 'Bout Love...



Something 'Bout Love
performed by David Archuleta

Every night it's all the same
You're frozen by the phone
You wait, something's changed
You blame yourself every day
You'd do it again
Every night

[chorus]
There's something 'bout love
That breaks your heart
Whoa oh oh oh
It sets you free

There's something 'bout love
That tears you up
Whoa oh oh oh
You still believe
When the world falls down like the rain
It'll bring you to your knees
There's something 'bout love that breaks your heart
Whoa oh oh oh…
But don't give up
There's something 'bout love [end of chorus]

When you were young
Scared of the night
Waiting for love to come along
And make it right
Your day will come, the past is gone
So take your time
And live and let live

[chorus]

Don't fight
Don't hide
Those stars in your eyes (in your eyes)
Let em' shine tonight
Let em' shine tonight

Hang on
Hang in
For the ride of your life
It's gonna be alright
Hold on tight

There's something 'bout love
That breaks your heart
Whoa oh oh oh

[chorus]

Whoa oh oh oh..
Sets you free
There's something bout love
That tears you up
Whoa oh oh oh
You still believe
When the world falls down like the rain


Feb 11, 2011

betterment..

Recently I have started a habit of sort..

I will listen to one of the many talks by Ajahn Brahm, a Buddhist Abbot, in the morning.. and watch several episodes of 非關命運, a Taiwanese talk show that discusses social problems from the perspectives of psychology, astrology and enneagram of personality on YouTube in the evening.

Having "stumbled" into IT and then realizing that I am no tech geek, I found out that latest tech gadgets do not excite me, and I prefer the non-technical part of IT (aka the human/management part). I am a Jill of all trades and master of none (for now).. I like to find out how things (especially human) interact with one another and the environment, how they influence each other, why they do the things they did and many other mysteries of the world..

I read widely and knowledge intrigues me.. My general knowledge is very good and is able to carry out decent conversations/discussions on almost any topics (except finance, which remains my Kyptonite) under the sun, but I am no expert.. I am a generalist not a specialist.. I have my views and stands on various issues, yet I am open to differences.

I always believe that we should improve ourselves, constantly.. I am a Philomath and hopes to be a Polymath some day... :)

Feb 10, 2011

500 sunrises later..

Unbelievable!! Can't believe that I've been back from Japan for exactly 500 days now!! Other than the 25+ days that I was in Australia alone in late 2009, I've kinda "lost my independence" as I am "stuck" at this birth country of mine ever since.. Not that I am complaining, I am enjoying my time with my parents and sister - being my sister's keeper, part-time maid at home and spending time doing the things I like.. :)
 
Of course, living in Taiping also meant that I haven't seen many of my friends for more than a year.. some even longer.. The most "recent" overseas trip that I made was last April, to Singapore for job interviews, when I managed to meet up with 2 ex-colleagues-turned-friends..Haven't seen many of my Singapore friends for more than 3 years now.. although I still chat with a few of them over msn or keep in contact over facebook, I really do miss the "good-old-fun-time" we had together..

After the rush for my PhD. application submission, I really do hope that I will be able to make a trip over to the Lion City and meet up with my old friends, some whom I've known for more than 16 years.. And I would like to visit my friends in Taiwan and Thailand too..

Ah.. How I miss traveling.. How I miss the many things that I used to do (with ease) while in Singapore and Japan.. Genuinely wish that I won't be (still) here when the 600th day comes along.. Really hope that there will be changes to my life in the months to come.. Long to witness a new sunrise in a new country/city soon...

Sunrise on Mt Fuji

Feb 6, 2011

Sunday Serenade : From a distance

All we heard from the news the past few days have not been good news.. The turmoil in Egypt (and possible Yemen too), the cyclone (and its destruction) in Australia, the flood in Johor, the scuffle between Thai-Cambodia and many more..

Don't get me wrong, I am not becoming more religious.. To me, "God" is just an encompassing name that describes all the positive things/energy in the universe.. Because in the end, we are still the one who needs to get our acts together and get ourselves out of whatever "mess" that we've created in the first place.

There is enough suffering and hardship in the world without us inflicting more onto one another..



Hope that things will get better for all those involved in the days ahead..



From A Distance

From a distance the world looks blue and green,
and the snow-capped mountains white.
From a distance the ocean meets the stream,
and the eagle takes to flight.

From a distance, there is harmony,
and it echoes through the land.
It's the voice of hope, it's the voice of peace,
it's the voice of every man.

From a distance we all have enough,
and no one is in need.
And there are no guns, no bombs, and no disease,
no hungry mouths to feed.

From a distance we are instruments
marching in a common band.
Playing songs of hope, playing songs of peace.
They're the songs of every man.
God is watching us. God is watching us.
God is watching us from a distance.

From a distance you look like my friend,
even though we are at war.
From a distance I just cannot comprehend
what all this fighting is for.

From a distance there is harmony,
and it echoes through the land.
And it's the hope of hopes, it's the love of loves,
it's the heart of every man.

It's the hope of hopes, it's the love of loves.
This is the song of every man.
And God is watching us, God is watching us,
God is watching us from a distance.
Oh, God is watching us, God is watching.
God is watching us from a distance


Feb 3, 2011

this rabbit year..

2011 is the year of the rabbit.. and this year's CNY celebration really does pale in comparison to last year..  :s

Reunion dinner is always a big deal in my family, where most of my uncles will gather and have a sumptuous dinner together at one of my uncle's house.. We always needed 2 tables to accommodate 20+ attendees (uncles, aunties and cousins).. this year, there was only 8 of us.. 2 of my uncles decided to go overseas, while 2 other uncles decided not to be present.. each trying to avoid the another... all because of some monetary issues/disagreement.. very sad, yet very human..

One of the many reasons that I don't really like is the emphasize on 发财 (making a fortune). Almost every single CNY song is about getting rich and making a fortune. Is this a characteristic trait of Chinese? What about family togetherness? Health and well-being? or simple Happiness? Why must everything be linked to material gains? I am so sick of being "judged" (whether I am successful or not) on the criteria of how much I earn per month/year!! Of course I won't mind earning 6 figure annually, but not at the expense of my happiness and well-being! I rather earn less and be happy, then earn more but stressed out/frustrated...

This year, I wish for health and well-being for all my family members, immediate or otherwise, and all my friends. For myself, I pray for fulfillment and satisfaction. I might be upset and frustrated if my plan(s) fall through, but at least I know I went for it.. As long as I did my best, I have no regrets..

万事如意!(Let everything goes smoothly!)
心想事成!(May all your wishes come true!)
身体健康!(Stay healthy!)

:)  ;)  :)  ;)