Halloween :D

Halloween. Phew.

Went to Sim Kuan's apartment on 1st day. Ahhh, no parents. :) A lot of people complained about the noise, through the phone and one guy came to our door to scold us! Hahahaha.

Sim Kuan's plan was to swim at night because Sara and Yen Yi were coming late. Turns out pools were inevitably closed at night. We went to Valencia Club (long walk, stupid wedges!). Tijan said we could swim whenever we want.

Found out pool was closed when we arrived. Even the toilet! Funny there was no guard. Of course we don't want to go there for nothing. Nazri was the first to go in. And then the rest follow suit. It was nice. Like having a private pool.

And then abruptly people started scrambling out of the pool. Thought someone caught us. Ran with wet clothes and bare feet. Fun to do something forbidden, though I'm not sure why we were so afraid of getting caught.

Um. After we got out of Valencia though, we went to swim at the Villamas' pool. Through the basement, because we needed to be furtive. We swam for a while. Then the guard came. But he was polite when shoo-ing us out!

And then mostly it was watching movies together. Some of them were funny, some of them had raunchy sex scenes.

I didn't sleepover. Kinda wished I did! Mostly the fun goes up at night. They played truth or dare, and a little something else. Wild thingy. :)

I did go to church the next morning! SAND the BAND was performing. They were very talented musicians! Had a workshop thingy going on too.

Pics with the band! First one everyone not ready cos we were looking at bobo trip. xD


Did worship leading for children. Lucky there's people assisting me. The children stare back at you with nervous and expectant faces. Scary lah!


Pics thanks to Stephy's new camera. :D Didn't see the victors for a long time. Where are they? :o

Right after, went back to Sim Kuan's. The party mode had already mellowed down. Luckily things picked up for Trick or Treat.

We had to walk a pretty long long walk to Mei Yen's house. It was a little scary, like being in a horror movie, because it was very dark and it was halloween. Jason kept me company(he was also lugging 3 bags). Was the only girl there because the others have left and Sim Kuan was surprisingly not up for trick or treat.

Made a pit stop at Desmond's house. He had those oriental antique chairs that looked like they came out from a period drama. Jin Fye would look very at home there. :)

When we arrived at Mei Yen's though, they didn't join us for trick or treat. Erh. Different cliques! Cliques separate people, but I think in a good way. You find people you can "click" with. Same language and interest wavelength. People who get each other.

I don't have a clique, but it's easy to mix around. Mostly it's the language. Chinese who don't speak chinese(mostly Science 1) and chinese who don't usually speak english.



Still quite a lot more who aren't in the picture. A lot of them showed up this year. :D Mei Yen said about 60...

There was also a future Bestarian. Same age but doing remove! I think his name was something like "TC". I heard PC and laughed. Ahem. He has a nice smile! :)



Jun Wen had the best costume. Her make-up! Blood spilling out of her lips and eyes. You know they say girls usually dress slutty on Halloween. I like that she dared to look scary and a little repulsive.

My expression had a bit of genuine horror because both of them had scary make up. Jin Fye was a little annoyed because he had to come late waiting for someone, and he complained with all the blood on his face...



Luckily Jun Wen had her camera. Stupidly forget that iPhone wouldn't suffice. No flash. xD

And then this year we made the mistake of going out too late again. There was a haunted house but it was closed already! WHY SO EARLY?! It's halloween and ghosts stay late into the night! Of course mostly it was dressed-up teenagers roaming the streets.

Stopped by at Kwok Shien's house too. Kok Leong used the opportunity to post crap using his facebook account. Crap like "I'm gay". Only say him doing that one, and then I went home and saw he crapped on me. Put Kwok Shien's status as "I love Karen". Kok Leong is onto becoming the next SY.

Didn't get much sweets but it was fun because it was a much bigger group for this year. Never wear heels to do trick or treat! You'd want to look nice, but really, sacrifice the shoe or risk crippling yourself.

And then, was mostly in Mei Yen's karaoke room.

Sigh. I think Halloween at Valencia could be a tradition. And then even if we graduated we'd still meet up every Halloween. Sim Kuan also suddenly said that she's like us to sleepover there even if she's dead(like choi, lah!). Joked that we could hold a séance for her.

Those who didn't come this year must try next year! Before you get old and get self-conscious doing trick or treat. ;)

Luon the Musical!

Our friends at Lululemon created a musical touting their stretchy fabric, luon.

luon. the musical from Andrew Michael Dolgin on Vimeo.

I'm conflicted on this one. What do you think? Is it funny? Hip? Weird? Cheesy? Or are they trying just a little too hard?

Freedom!

YUMMY. Final exams period finally over(school will enter the dead and tired period, wilting towards the end of the semester)

Can hear people shouting and hollering. Sounded a little like being near roller coasters.

The picture above was taken during this year's fire drill practise. Everytime also dang hot. Few hundred people gathering at the field. Phewt. I remember that little plastic bag. Zhi Qi gave it to me to fan myself. Lol.

I did bitched that person out to teacher today. I didn't feel guilty though, because it felt like I had every right to do so. That person avoided looking at me when we passed by. -.- Dunno la. Teacher said he'll say something for me. Ahhh. It just feels better. Like freeing a black cloud of grudge.

:D That's all for today.

Cheers for freedom.

Paranormal

Tomorrow is my dad's birthday, but he just blew out the cake. Along with his saliva. Ahahahaha.

One more day of test and then we can all have our freedom. :)

Watching Vampire Diaries. I really wonder about all these paranormal things. What happens after death?

Halloween along the corner, too! NAIS. How suitable to be watching vampires. Still wondering about costume. Just slap on a mask? Or make more effort? Hmn. Will take a bunch of pics. People keep saying that I can scare people without using a costume. Ho-hum. -.-

On a more sombre note, someone was being bitchy today. You know what they say right; don't get mad, get even. But then they also say; an eye for an eye and the whole world goes blind. And then, well, mysery loves company. Pfft, there's a saying for EVERYTHING.

I want to be peaceful, but I can't be peaceful when I've been aggravated. A stupid trivial thing, but things have to solve itself eventually.

It's hard to act nice and polite when things around you aren't. What keeps me going when something sucky happens is knowing I'll always bounce back. Life's a little like that. We're given what we can handle. Um. Don't know about those who suicide though.

That's about all! :) Shall blabber more next time.

And ugh, I need to get the drama out of my head.

Melt like butter

I just woke up from a five-day stupor called "my birthday celebration," orchestrated by my previously highly secretive, wonderfully indulgent and all-around amazing husband. There are so many things to blog about, but for now let me just squeal like a girl.

CRUSH ALERT!

This tattooed pastry chef made and personally served me two desserts, a handful of chocolate bonbons and the most precious, pearlescent chocolate egg on my birthday. Each bite was unforgettable (and I don't exaggerate), but the hotness serving them was one of the most unexpected birthday treats ever.

This is a two year-old clip, but we mustn't look a Google gift horse in the mouth... that there's video of this guy at all is something to be thankful for. Watch him in action and melt like butter. Or chocolate. Or both.

Front Burner: Andrés Lara from Chicago magazine on Vimeo.

Mmmm. Sarap!

... ng tsokolate.

Couture Wedding Gowns 2010

Many brides tend to wear my mother's wedding gown - - This was their special feel the love between mother and daughter, it also shows the endless ties. As well as emotional reasons, but also because it saved money, this definition has been growing among today's young bride. This definition has been influenced by our culture now, we also use in the future to find a way to preserve a wedding gown is. Couture wedding gown for the first time the same fabric and style, even after years of use can be used in new, stylish exterior. Therefore, I first selected the brand's special naleulwihan gowns, we recommend. Second, I tell you this article here, at the top of your wedding gown preservation to suggest a few ways.

You clean your gown is that it specializes in conservation and the first thing that you can decide. This dress is clean of dust and other marks will help.

Described above in order to complete the first step, your profession and professional dry cleaning must be first. You all dry cleaners to clean a silk gown and a dress that can give good results, remember that. Therefore, the most valuable and expensive clothes, wedding dresses totally unbecoming from everyday clothes to clean, because the dry cleaners does not rely on. Silk and the horrible destruction of the water is not its lining, can cause the reduction of dissolved sequin dress provides expert.

Third important thing to remember in your dress is not to avoid a vacuum sealing. Storage methods are outdated and useless for doing anything good, instead of extending the life of the gown, and in fact have time to fade before it is damaged.

Conservation is the best acid free storage space. It is then carefully cleaned, acid-free cardboard box, reversible coat. Lab coat and your organization the size of a pack that gown in the appropriate box to confirm that. An indication of this method, if any, I'll tell you it was not long lasting. You will need to change the box every 5 years as acid free materials and the professional and the organization will begin to absorb moisture will start to lose a cardboard box, the dress is damaged.

You can put the wedding dress box under the bed is the perfect place. Silk is damaged by high temperatures and wet conditions, the destruction of the basement to the attic Do not Do not.

Watch Me Do Yoga

For me, yoga has always been about monkeying around! I just get on my mat, and I play. I think: Can I make this shape? Yes, but not without falling over. Can I stand up if I do this? Nice try! Not today.  I approach my asana practice as an experiment--a game even--and I usually can delight in the outcome. Yes, I know that mindfulness, meditation, philosophy, history, therapeutics, tradition, and so much more is important, too.. but if I'm really being honest with myself, I like to practice the physical yoga because I think it's fun.

It's a childlike approach, and that's what I love about it! (And if you don't like it, just remember: I'm rubber and you're glue. And also, Na-na-na-booboo! So there!)

Children are amazing teachers. They look at the world with awe, and see limitless possibilities everywhere. Personally, that's the attitude I strive for when I get on my mat. I'm working toward finding that attitude in the rest of my life, too.

A couple of weeks ago, I got a children's book that reminded me of all of these things. Watch Me Do Yoga (2010, Rodmell Press) is a darling book illustrated and written by Iyengar teacher Bobby Clennell that beautifully captures the child-like spirit of exploration and joy that practicing yoga can elicit. Children will love it because of the cute illustrations and the many invitations to mimic animals and nature. Parents will love it because it provides a fun and creative way to spend quality time with their children. I loved it because it reminded me to appreciate the little, simple things--something that kids do so naturally.

What's your favorite children's book?

Interview with Kino MacGregor

Kino Macgregor is one of those teachers that I just watch in awe. She has the amazing ability to make the most incredibly difficult postures look like a piece of cake! And what's even more amazing, she can describe them in a way that they're accessible to people like me--you know, the people whose eyes bug out of their heads when they see a pose that looks impossible? She was the youngest woman to recieve certification to teach Ashtanga Yoga by its founder Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Tradition and philosophy are a big part of her teachings. I am a huge fan her teaching style, but I LOVE her authenticity, commitment to being herself, and, of course, her bright and bold fashion sense!

Tell me about your favorite yoga outfit. Why do you love it? How does it make you feel?

I love wearing shorts because it makes me feel like I am getting stronger every time I slip and slide down my arms in challenging arm balances. I also love to feel my legs--and wearing shorts helps me get in touch with my body. Actually I love shorts so much so that I'm thinking about creating a line of yoga shorts! 

I ran across an interview with you where you describe that you once shaved your head because you thought it helped to embody yoga, but later you realized that wasn't who you are. How has yoga helped to you become comfortable with who you are? And what has your practice taught you about beauty?

Beauty is an expression of inner peace and whatever accoutrements worn on the outside will reflect the level of peace within. Beauty to me is the true shining of the human spirit, a brilliant illumination of love

What advice do you have for other people who are trying to find who they are through yoga?

Keep practicing! Even when it gets difficult and you feel doubt and confusion. Have faith that your inner light is brilliant and illuminated with the flame of eternal love. Find a teacher who inspires you and who lives the life you aspire to live. Believe in yourself even in your darkest moments, love yourself even the parts you think are unlovable, and be gentle with yourself even when you feel you don't deserve it.

You have an amazing yoga practice! How long do you practice each day? What drives you to keep practicing?

I practice between one to two hours of asana practice about six days a week. I also do a twenty minute Pranayama practice, a thirty minute meditation practice, and a fifteen minute chanting practice as often as I can. For me the key to maintaining regular practice is a sincere devotion to the spiritual journey of yoga. I practice and teach because every time I get on my mat I feel that I continue the life work of my teacher, the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. He inspired me to devote my life to yoga, to delve deeply within myself and discover the inner light hidden within a world of doubt and confusion. When I practice and teach I pay homage to him, and it humbles me to think that I may continue what he steadfastly dedicated his entire to teaching. 

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grow up? Why?

I wanted to be a Supreme Court Justice because I wanted to be a force of justice and social change in the world.

Tell us what inspires you so we can be inspired, too! 

What inspires me? Taking the authentic, healing power of yoga to as many people as possible!

Fun Facts

Favorite Pose? Well, that changes based on the day. Right now I’m loving Shayanasana because this elbow balance is something I thought would never happen and it’s feeling better every day.

Favorite Color? I love them all, but especially bright vibrant colors.

Favorite Book? Too many to choose from because I love to read! I could really give you small library that catalogs my brain, but I'll chose a few that are dear to me.

Fiction – Cloud Atlas was the best book I've read recently, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami is an all-time favorite, The Feast of Love by John Baxter is great too.  Gilead ny Maryline Robinson is beautiful, too. 

Non-fiction – A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield, Peace Love and Healing by Bernie Seigal, Only Love is Real by Dr. Brian Weiss, The Yoga Sutras by Edwin Bryant, When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron, Zen Mind Beginner's Mind by Suzuki Roshi, Ask and It Is Given by Esther & Jerry Hicks

Favorite Movie? Avatar, Lord of the Rings, and Slumdog Millionaire

Favorite Vacation Spot? Bali, the Gili Islands or anywhere tropical and Caribbean!

Read more about Kino at her website, kinoyoga.com.

Fall Activities That Aren't Yoga, But Sort of Are

Every fall, I go through a phase of winding down and preparing for winter. I begin to incorporate more forward bends into my home yoga practice and take longer Savasanas. But that's just the beginning of it. I find myself naturally gravitating toward the cozier and warmer things in life. And each year, I draw parallels between these things and yoga. There's something about being all warm and cozy that just makes me savor the moment a little more. So even though these things are not exactly yoga, I still feel as though I'm practicing.


1. Making and Eating Soup

Image: FrumpyFoodie.com

2. Baking

3. Knitting

4. Reading a Good Book

5. Jumping in a Big Pile of Leaves! OK, I haven't actually done this one since I was little, but I do enjoy feeling leaves crunch under my feet when I walk... and I remember jumping in a big pile of leaves when I was little. Does that count?

Image: PamperedPuppy.com

What do you do that's not yoga, but reminds you to be present, have fun, and enjoy life just the same?

Trains on the brain

It seems I've been in this train-obsessed phase as of late. It may have started with a short film that I watched in my very first screenwriting class (yes, I'm taking a class! More on which later). Strangers by Erez Tadmor and Guy Nattiv is set on a late-night train (in what looks like Paris) and I liked it a lot (so clicky the linky!).

For reasons that are apparent if you've seen the film, it stayed with me. So for my first screenwriting assignment, one of my three short drafts was set on a train. Following the age-old advice to "write what you know," I wrote about a routine (commuting by train) and nestled it in a memory (the Paris metro). It went over quite well, and it's going to metamorphose into a short screenplay over the next two weeks.

My final assignment for photography class was due the same week. I was cramming, with just one afternoon before the class to shoot a series of photos on a single theme. It was a debilitatingly hot day, I had zero ideas for themes or subjects, and all I wanted was to stay indoors. I thought I would just hop on the train, wait for ideas to come to me and get off wherever something fired up my wilting imagination.

Then it hit me. I didn't even have to leave the train station!

Thanks to my sister, who sent me this great article on the best places to practice motion blur shots, I achieved my two-pronged aim of completing my photography assignment AND beating the heat!

A reversal: still train, moving people. By the way, all these long exposures were taken with no tripod. My teacher was amazed and said I must have an iron grip.

I stayed for a good twenty minutes without realizing it was bawal to take photos in the MRT station. Wala namang humuli sa akin. 

Finally I stepped off the platform and into the train... where I was lucky to sit right across from this adorable little girl. Who by the way was both eating and drinking in the train.

Then I transferred to the green line and off at Kallang station, because I remembered that I had been there once before and found it very striking.

Motion blur is fun! Wheee!

And THEN I realized I had always been curious about the old railway station at Tanjong Pagar. It's a train that actually takes you all the way to Malaysia. Built in the 1930s, the station stands on property that's recently been turned over to Malaysia by the Singapore government.

Diba, parang Grand Central lang? My thought bubble upon seeing the station for the first time was: Meron palang ganito sa Singapore? I was really sorry I didn't have a wider lens to capture the whole interior. There were many, more accomplished (or at least better-invested) shutterbugs there the same afternoon with bigger lenses than mine.

I was happy to have visited while it's still a fully operating train station—operations will be shifted to Woodlands, closer to the Malaysian border, starting July 2011.

A significant proportion of the crowd at the station seems to be old-timers who go to the station to kill time and grab a bite. 

In fact, I've heard more about the authentic Malay grub at the canteen from people I know than about them actually taking the trains.

The mood seemed a lot more slow and sleepy than any of the other train stations I normally pass through.

But no matter how many things change, I guess there will always be someone rushing to catch the train.

xoxo

LadyNoir