A Mind of My Own

There have been too many things going on. I’m quite confused as to where I should be starting. It’s hazy and yet I have so many things to do. Such as finding ways to earn money without resorting to working in an office. Unfortunately, Singapore isn’t really a good place to start. Or any other country for that matter.

Image via Wikipedia

I still need a day job. Unless I can work 4 hours a week. It will be a dream come true. I haven’t gotten over Latte’s demise yet. It is a traumatic experience if you witness your beloved pet grasping his last breath in front of you despite all the efforts to save him. It was really unfortunate that Latte died as a virgin.

I haven’t been sleeping well since. Some of you may scoff at the idea of losing sleep over some guinea pig. However, any pet owner will be upset at the lost of their pets because they have been spending time bonding together and gotten to love each other. Imagine living together with your Labrador for 15 years. It passed away due to sickness or old age. You have been walking around the neighbourhood every day and the loss has changed the routine. How does that feel?

I have been thinking about life. It’s so short that I just want to spend more time with my family rather than spending so much time at work earning more money but it’s useless when you can’t be there when your family needs you.

I have been thinking of starting my own business but it isn’t going to be easy since I have absolutely no idea where to begin. I do know there is someone who wishes to help. That’s so sweet. At this moment, I would like to think about the business type and strategies before jumping into the bandwagon.

Each year, we hope that it will be a good year. Sometimes, our hopes are dashed. The disasters that have made known contains high mortality rates. Plagues are scary because they spread fast and kill fast too. Until the medicine or antibodies are developed, more people die each day.

Bubonic Plague aka Black Death

It was horrible. It began in the 1330s.

In the early 1330s an outbreak of deadly bubonic plague occurred in China. The bubonic plague mainly affects rodents, but fleas can transmit the disease to people. Once people are infected, they infect others very rapidly. Plague causes fever and a painful swelling of the lymph glands called buboes, which is how it gets its name. The disease also causes spots on the skin that are red at first and then turn black.

The disease soon spread to Europe and western Asia due to China’s business dealings with the rest of the world. It finally ended its destruction in 1771.

Small Pox

Smallpox (also known by the Latin names Variola or Variola vera) is a contagious disease unique to humans. Smallpox is caused by either of two virus variants named Variola major and Variola minor. The deadlier form, V. major, has a mortality rate of 30–35%, while V. minor causes a milder form of disease called alastrim and kills ~1% of its victims. Long-term side-effects for survivors include the characteristic skin scars. Occasional side effects include blindness due to corneal ulcerations and infertility in male survivors.

Spanish Flu

The 1918 flu pandemic (commonly referred to as the Spanish flu) was an influenza pandemic that was first found in the United States, appeared in Sierra Leone and France, and then spread to nearly every part of the world. It was caused by an unusually severe and deadly Influenza A virus strain of subtype H1N1.

Malaria

Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells.

Recorded fevers started in 2700BC, China. Scientific Studies began in 1880.

Bird Flu

Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These influenza viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.

This started the culling session that made animal lovers steam. Cats were targeted to be the ones carrying the deadly disease. This is an ongoing disease. The origins are seemed to have started from China.

Mad Cow Disease

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as Mad-Cow Disease (MCD), is a fatal, neurodegenerative disease in cattle, that causes a spongy degeneration in the brain and spinal cord and red eyes. BSE has a long incubation period, about 4 years, usually affecting adult cattle at a peak age onset of four to five years, all breeds being equally susceptible. In the United Kingdom, the country worst affected, more than 179,000 cattle have been infected and 4.4 million slaughtered during the eradication programme.

Beef imports were affected. So did the blood donations as anyone who has ever visited Europe will not be required to donate blood. This law is applicable to Singapore. The disease was suspected to have come about because reared bovines were fed the remains of slaughtered sick chickens, cattle and sheep in their daily feeds. The change in their diets made them unable to adapt. Cattle are natural herbivores.

It is scary to see that the world is being plagued by diseases just after you thought one was eradicated, another problem arises. A killer disease will be found in 2011 when cancer treatment succeeds. If Mr Juseleeno is accurate in his predictions. A death that will occur in just 4 hours. Swift and devastating indeed.

Is the world coming to an end?

I shall have to think of why some one thought of the idea of meme. It’s freaking scary because of the huge numbers of ways they can come up with just to get to know the inner you. *shudders* Thanks to modobs, my love thinker, I have one strange meme to do. Not as if it’s the first time though.

My roommate and I once … what roommate?

Never in my life have I done a bungee jump.

High school was full of distractions like boys and competition of who got the highest marks.

When I am nervous I pee, a lot.

My hair is a mix of light and dark brown.

When I was 5 I was punched on the chest by this guy who dislike me, a lot.

By this time next year I will be doing something I really want to try.

I have a hard time understanding … maps.

You know I like you if I sit/stand close to you.

My ideal breakfast is waffles and scrambled eggs by DD.

If you visit my hometown you’ll be playing pool, watching movies and some shopping.

If you spend the night at my house, you have to be sleeping in the living room. There isn’t any more space.

My favourite blond is Cameron Diaz.

[via Flickr]

My favourite brunette is Donny Yen. That chiseled chest of his.

[via Flickr]

The animal I would like to see flying is a cat.

I shouldn’t potato chips.

Last night I was playing games.

I’ve been told I look like my mother. A photocopy of her when she was my age.

If I could have any car it would be a limousine. It feels spacious and I love spacious cars.

Tags are meant to be passed. So, Sentosa Girl, Xinyun, Miss Loi and DK, your turn.

This song caught my ears. I decided that it’s nice. I prefer this version though. The dance is by Pat and Stanley. Took me quite some time to find the full version as the shorter version didn’t feel shiok. Enjoy the embedded video. Some history about this song can be found here.

We-de-de-de, de-de-de-de-de de, we-um-um-a-way (drum fill)
We-de-de-de, de-de-de-de-de de, we-um-um-a-way

A wimoweh, a-wimoweh a-wimoweh, a wimoweh
A wimoweh, a-wimoweh a-wimoweh, a wimoweh
A wimoweh, a-wimoweh a-wimoweh, a wimoweh
A wimoweh, a-wimoweh a-wimoweh, a wimoweh

In the jungle the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight
In the jungle the quiet jungle the lion sleeps tonight

(repeat Wimoweh chorus–with vocal ad lib similar to the intro in theforeground)

Near the village the peaceful village the lion sleeps tonight
Near the village the quiet village the lion sleeps tonight

(repeat wimoweh chorus)

Hush my darling, don’t fear my darling. The lion sleeps tonight.
Hush my darling, don’t fear my darling.The lion sleeps tonight

(repeat wimoweh chorus with vocal ad lib)

[lyrics found in Metro Lyrics]

Usually, I prefer 3D2N trips as it allows me to have a goo rest on the 1st day of arrival. However, Batam isn’t really a place where you would like to stay for more than 2 days. It’s mostly known for its massage services, just like Thailand. Batam was hot and sexy.

We boarded the ferry at 10am and reached Batam at around 11am. It was still 10am, Batam time. It doesn’t matter how early we reached the place. The hotel rooms weren’t ready. We reached the hotel, Pacific Palace, at 12 noon but were told that the rooms weren’t ready. So, we had to walk around to entertain ourselves until 1pm. By a stroke of luck, one of the rooms was ready just before we decided our next course of action.

Thus, we dumped our bags into the room and went out. However, we realised that we had left out something during our haste for lunch. Thus, we went back to take it. On our way out, the receptionist or some manager looked for DD. Thankfully, we went back because the manager actually went to the room to look for us.

Since we had the keys, DD and I decided to check out the rooms. We chose the room on the left and scared the lights out of the guy who was attempting to do something with the lights. So sorry. Then we went to check out the other room. Thankfully, there wasn’t anyone to frighten.

Since I felt that the 2nd room was better, I chose that room and left with the other choice to the other couple. I was right in choosing that room. The overall displeasure about that hotel is that it had no bath tub. It’s a 4-star hotel but no bath tubs for deluxe, superior and executive rooms. What sort of designer decided it to be that way?

The toilet was large, larger than the ones in Hard Rock Hotel Bali and Ritz Carlton Bali. So I can’t get it out of my mind that it doesn’t have any bath tubs except for Junior and Classic suites.

We went for a massage at Miracle Aesthetic Clinic which had quite a professional decoration. However, I found it odd that their jacuzzi had this vacuum like object that had a pipe to emit the jets. It felt that the bath tub had shrunk due to that extra object. The staff was rather nice to switch off the aircon after discovering that I was cold.

While the massage was average, the jacuzzi was superb. 2 hours of Strawberry spa includes body massage, body scrub, steam, jacuzzi and some refreshments. The package cost Rp 300, 000 excluding tax. Sweet deal, right?

Thus, our 1st day in Batam ended with dinner at some food court. I can’t remember the place but I think it was in Nagoya, with more than 10 stalls selling seafood. Apparently, Bali and Batam are known for their seafood.

The next morning, which is this morning, the couple that got the 2nd room, reported that their bathroom had flooded. The pipe was clogged. The 1st couple joked about letting the water level rise so that they had a standing bath tub. However, in reality, the shower door had opening between the fixed glass and the door. It wouldn’t have really flooded that high.

Naturally, we went to the Mega Mall opposite the ferry terminal before departing for Singapore. I bought nothing except J. Co donuts that Kris had introduced. It does taste different from those bought in the cake shops. The donut was light and easily bitten into. However, my favourite snack still isn’t donut as I am not fond of sweet stuff.

I won’t be booking Pacific Palace but will book another hotel for my next trip to Batam. There’s another option, I can just go for a 1-day trip in Batam. Another lesson lesson learnt, any change in the package meant more money for the locals as they would state a charge of a certain amount per person before you take up their service. The utter horrors of holidays that I dislike very much.

Having had the privilege to travel a few times, I must say, my favourite trip is to Australia. I went there during the Chinese New Year. Of course I visited my relatives before that. It was a package tour but ended up half free and easy.

However, it wasn’t that bad because we had a guide who drove us around according to the itinerary. In fact, I still remember this couple, there were only 3 couples. This particular couple caught SH and my eyes because of their odd pairing.

They didn’t look married. They didn’t behaved married. They behaved as if they were brother and sister. We just couldn’t make out what sort of relationship they had. The guy wasn’t that great in English and there was this one time, it rained heavily on our way back. One of us wanted to buy something and the guide recommended 7-Eleven. And so, we went there to make some purchases.

Before we alighted, the guide was telling us a whole lot of information and we weren’t used to the accent yet. This guy (from the odd couple) kept nodding and agreeing. At the end, he asked, “Ee kong simi?” (What did she say?)

We couldn’t keep our laughter in. I guess face was the issue here. It’s one of my favourite trips as it was rather relaxed and we had someone to drive us around. The only thing was that I got sick of was seeing kangaroos and koala bears from day one to day six. I did like feeding them though.

I’ve been tagged. Thanks to FoxTwo. It’s Valentine’s Day and he feels that I should have the misery of thinking up 7 weird things about me. I can’t keep count of the times I have to do a tag or meme. Like the Christmas tag, Million dollars, Unimportant stuff (someone promised but broke the promise, you know who) and many more. Now, the rules.

• Link to the person who tagged you
• Post the rules on your blog.
• Share seven random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog.
• Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
• Leave a comment on their blogs so that they know they have been tagged.

1. I prefer to stay at home despite my horoscope analysis claims.
2. I have way too many bags but under-utilised.
3. I have a weakness for earrings.
4. I like to talk to Latte as if he understands me half the time.
5. I like to blog, a tad too much.
6. I like to start projects but hate to complete them.
7. I usually think of one less thing for the tag.

Now, the rest shall do the honours. Since not everyone will do, whoever wants to do this meme, do and link back. Thanks.

Ah, the big day is here. No, I’m not getting married. Yet. It’s Valentine’s Day and we see florists having a field day selling to couples with exorbitant prices. It seems that love is being shown only on this day. Sometimes, I love/hate this day.

[via 3D Screensavers]

So, does that mean that we don’t show our love on other days? Restaurants and hotels having a good day because couples have booked the slots way much earlier to ensure that they will have a romantic day complete with flowers, dinner and finally, bed. Definition of bed is up to your imagination.

The soft toys often used in this gift giving period are teddy bears and more teddy bears besides cute dogs. To think bears are ferocious animals when provoked. It would also seem that ladies find Valentine’s Day as important as the date they started dating, wedding, ROM and birthdays.

Men find it a chore to remember so many things and prefer to just gift the ladies something and that’s the end of story. No wonder women find such men unromantic and dull. However, there are other ways to make it special, without spending too much money.

In addition, love can mean love for your family and friends too. It doesn’t just mean boyfriend or girlfriend love. Likewise, no one wants to be left alone.

Do note that it’s also the best day to propose to her if you have been meaning to.

My escapades with trying to contact everyone are never ending. Life is sad. One’s friends tend to ignore you when their lives get absorbed by their partners, husbands or something that one doesn’t know about.

[via Flickr]

However, that doesn’t warrant you the right to ignore one totally. KY, you have not been replying to any of us since ES’ wedding. So rude, ok? I used MSN but you went offline and never replied to me. I is very sad. Don’t friend you liao.

The next time, I put your full name and address here. Then you know.

6 unimportant things about me. Gee, I wonder if there’s anything so unimportant that anyone would truly want to know about me. Modobs, for you.

1. I’ve always secretly dreamed of marrying someone who has a huge house like a bungalow, with 2 maids, a golden retriever and a private swimming pool. Oh no, now it’s no longer a secret.

[via Flickr]

2. Somehow the idea of living in the era where martial arts are dominant has always fascinated me. I like the idea of flying from tree to tree with ease. Does make it a whole lot cheaper if I can fly to work instead of depending on the public transport with prices that are exorbitant and unreliable at times.
3. I have a driving license but I prefer DD to lovingly drive me around.
4. I like to do many things but lack the maintenance drive for them. Things get started by be enthusiastically but the tying up of loose ends are by others. Oh dear.
5. I prefer to stay at home and devour books. I used to be able to do that because I didn’t have to worry about bringing home the bacon. Now I have to do the latter. Sad. So very sad.
6. I’m still proud of that horse picture I drew many years ago. It was displayed on the art board of the day!

[via Flickr]

With these, I shall now tag Jian, Jasmine, DK, Cris, Pubed and Xinyun.