I just love how crazy we are....

They are the bunch whom I can always pit my craziness with. And we are also the super nobiri type... ( relaxed.... easy-going.. carefree)

Of course other then making arrangements on where to go and stay...

We pretty much just rent a car, hop on it, get there then decide what to do.

No meetings, not much discussions.

But Lots of laughter, lots of jokes and Lots of FOOD!!! Yah... we munch our way there and back.

So in the midst of our bakaness, we took the photos below. So we have Carol the Kung fu master... It reminds me of how people use to sit under water falls to train perserverance.

Back in the room... dead beat after a day's travel... ( frankly speaking we only SAT in the car...)

Concussed Totally...

Refreshed again after our great 2 hours plus bath at the hot spring!!

Till the next posts for more pictures on scenery and less siao langS!

Back in blogspot

spinelessly... I crawled back here.....
Having moved so many times...

The food on someone else's plate is always more delicious...
but Home is always the best uh...

ok enuff of the rumblings... you will noticed I changed the blog name too..
Which actually explains the biggest reason I have moved.

Someone is stalking me unfortunately...

anyway... this new title describes me more I guess..

Baka= silly/idiotic.
niiki= Diary....

So welcome to karen's idiotic diary world!

Will get to doing all the layout soon!

Random thoughts~~

I was just reading back on the entries of one of my best friends' OLD blog.
yah it is old cus she doesn't update it anymore...
I wish she does though.. because I really want to know more about what is going on in her life.

This is just one of the struggles I faced ever since I came to Japan. While I am excited to be able to experience a whole new lifestyle and culture which is so unreachable to a lot of people, my heart aches everytime I can't be part of a wedding nor a shoulder a loved one can lean on.

The above-mentioned friend's blog is really... just so "daily". She writes about meeting friends after work, spending time with family in supermarkets... Something just so mundane and normal.

But... the fact is, I don't have the luxury to say, "Let's meet for coffee" this weekend etc...

For the 5 years I have been here... I have been absent in the lives of so many people I love. And... the sad thing is... some have just moved on without me as well...

Sometimes I curl up in bed and just want to have a good cry and wallow in self-pity.

Sometimes I just feel like demanding some quality attention from these friends.

But at the end of the day...I am comforted by the presence of God. By his assurances. By his timely messages somehow or rather..

By just phonecalls coming from friends at times.

I used to hate to talk on the phone because I can't quite concentrate on just "hearing" someone ( rather talk face to face)..

but now.... I can't tell you how much I feel thankful and happy just to hear familar voices...

And... this will explain why I am actually heading overseas to visit a friend soon.

Seriously, it is not the wisest decision in this economy and times + personal financial situation. ( haa.. but trusting God will provide)

But... I just felt so strongly, I need to do something for my friend too. Need to leave more footsteps in her life before I disappear completely.. totally.. I guess I won't be able to make up for the time I wasn't with her in her low periods. (Thank God for the other people He has brought into her life too).

So here I go~~ Off to HK in may!

And can't wait to meet Baby Kait too! ( and mummy candy)

The vicious cycle~~

or should I say Losing our goals and perspective??

Well... this topic came to my mind when I was thinking of how to overcome my dsilike for Nato.
As most of you should know, Nato is an extremely healthy food, not to mention almost dirt cheap ( compared to other food you can find in the supermarket) and yet can make one full and satisfied.

Such food finds favor with people like me who needs to watch their spending BUT, unfortunately not with my taste buds nor sense of smell.
I
n fact ever since I first came in contact with it 7 (?) years ago when I came to Japan for a homestay, it has joined the ranks of hated food alongside Honeydew, bean sprouts etc....
w
hile I do not have any motivation nor reason at all to overcome my dislike for the latter 2, Nato is always something I think will be beneficial if I ever grow to like it.

So anyway... I was searching online, trying to find ideas of how people do it and I came upon several ideas like...mixing it with mayonaise?

Doesn't that defeats the purpose of eating Nato in the first place?? I mean.. why do I want to eat something that is both unhealthy, smelly and tastes quite bad?

To further illustrate the case. It reminded me of a friend who used to have very bad skin and breakouts. We used to advice her to cut down on the amount of makeup she uses in which she replied,. " I have to make up to cover up for the blemishes".
I
t just dawned upon me how sometimes in life we tend to be so focus in tackling the problem right before our eyes that we failed to put our sights further or actually.. to even remember why we even started doing something anyway. And in worst cases, we ended up being drawn into a vicious cycle which you do not seems to know which is the beginning nor the end anymore.

So... actually... I have been having this same idea for a few years. Trying to put into practise too.
The idea of back to basics and being natural.

I stopped dyeing my hair ( haven't cut off the perming part yet though) because I just want to have my hair back in its original state instead of throwing my money into an endless pit of dyeing and then treatment and then dyeing again to cover up for the newly grown parts.

Same goes to my face. Whenever I go buy new products now, I tell the consultant, my goal is to eventually be able to have a flawless face that needs no makeup when I go out.

A flawless face is hard I know.. and as a women ages, ( sighs) no make-up is courage. But you got to work towards something...

At least I have a jet-black head of hair to boast about now.... ( whatever...)

Our conversation yesterday..

Of course with the intern. K= me , I= Intern. words in () are my unspoken thoughts.
Part 1.
She received an email on dress code from HR.
I: I received an email from HR regarding dress code ( Yes, I know because I was CCed). Oh no.... what should I do?
K: ( In bewilderment..) Erm... Do you know what is wrong about your dressing then?
I: What??
K: Ok... to be very truthful, your skirt is too short. ( Micro Mini length, halfway up the lap. Think Japanese high school girls.)
I: What?!! Oh really?? ( she looks truly shocked) I didn't know that! Oh dear... this is so embarassing... Oh what should I do? ( mumbles non-stop to herself)
K: Well... get something longer? something that is at least knee length or well a little shorter is fine though. And yes... please take the scrunchy off your wrist, it is not exactly very professional looking.
I: oh.... my skirt is too short?? oh dear.. ( still harping on that??!!)
K: It's ok! Just wear something more appropriate tomorrow.
I: I must go home quietly late..
K: *rolls my eyes*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Part 2:
K: You look really tired, are you ok?
I: Is it?? I looked tired??
K: Oh well yes... you have been yawning and yawning for the whole day.
I: I was??? Oh no...
K: * a mixed of shock and amazement*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Part 3:
K: Erm... I think you better cut down on looking at sites not related to work. ( She was surfing every moment I wasn't looking or asking her ot do somethnig)
I: Opps? I am not supposed to??
K: well you can... personally I don't mind but it is against the company policy actually. So please be discreet and only do it when you have finish your work.
I: urgh.... ok
K: Well especially for you cus the managers are sitting at the back.
I: This is so scary!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is it only her or the japanese youngsters all like that? Lack of exposure is not the problem. she lacks common sense!
I am sure glad NUS did prepare us to a certain degree the basic rules of a working adult..
So you see... I was vomitting blood the whole day. If I was vomitting fats, I will gladly take her on.

Thumbs up email

saw it somewhere..
found it pretty hilarious.
here goes
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Dear World:
We, the United States of America, your top quality supplier of the ideals of liberty and democracy, would like to apologize for our 2001-2008 interruption in service. The technical fault that led to this eight-year service outage has been located, and the software responsible was replaced on November 4, 2008. Early tests of the newly installed program indicate that we are now operating correctly, and we expect to be fully functional on January 20, 2009. We regret any inconvenience caused by the outage. We look forward to resuming full service and hope to improve in years to come. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

And so... it got heavier..

The Newbie finally came.
After nearly half a year of juggling 2 person's job, ( I threw some away on the way)... The newbie finally came in last Wednesday.
In name, she is still an intern because she has to go for graduation ceremony, her graduation trip to Europe ( Young people... in this economy). She will officially be entering the company in April.
It should be a matter to rejoice about. But.... I am in dilema actually.
I do like her as a person. She is pleasant, she is sweet and she is a good girl.
But... you know when she makes me repeat and repeat myself for the hundredth time on the same topic, I just felt like slamming the notebook on her head. C'mon!! put your writing skills to work! I feel like telling her.
Of course I didn't. I didn't want to scare her away. After all, I am already so tire out by taking on 2 people's work with the pay of one. ( the latter being the point)
Yesterday.... I spent the whole day explaining certain concepts to her. Drew diagrams, spoke using the simplest terms I can. I made sure I stopped at every interval to make sure she understood what I said. And her answer was, she had NO questions. To top it all, she even said that it was all so easy to understand, easier than her expectations.
So i demonstrated how to do the job once and gave her 3 tries after that to do it.
To my dismay.... she failed utterly at EVERY attempt.. Not once, twice but thrice?????
Today she had the fourth chance.. and.. she made mistakes again!????
FYI, it was something really easy. I had the steps printed out for her to follow.. ( which she obviously ignored)
Please tell me how to deal with such people!!!
And so....
I have to juggle 2 people's job.
I have a sore throat actually from talking so much at work.
And I have to monitor her every action because she can't be left alone.
I just want to go home to sleep..........................

The only saving Grace if any....
I am going my beloved aiba chan's stage tomorrow.
It is a stage play adopted from a English movie i think. Green Fingers.Check it out!

Correct way of blowing your hair.

Dear ladies and vain men for the matter,

Got tis info from a TV variety the other day. I was really amazed at the effect after trying it myself!

According to the pro himself, it is not the kind of shampoo or treatment that are used in salon that gives your the shine in your hair. It is the way of blowing actually. So much for promoting all the expensive products.

The 4 Do NoTs:
1. Do not wipe your hair in a rough manner after shampoo.
2. Do not blow dry your hair using heat throughout
3. Do not comb right after wash with a brush
4. Do not start blowing from the ends

The DoS:
1. Instead of drying it in a rough up-down motion, wipe in in parts. Take some hair each at a time and PAT it dry.
2.Vary the temperature using hot and cold hair ( which I will elaborate further later)
3. Comb with a comb with bristles wide and far in between
4. Blow starting from the top of head.

The steps and explanation:
1. Wipe your hair with a towel in a patting motion. Goal is not to wipe it till it is dry but to get rid of the dripping water.
2. Comb you hair with a comb whose bristles are wide. This is to reduce breakage of hair which at this stage is very vulnerable and to spread the moisture evenly throughout the head.
3. Start blowing the top in a random manner with hot air. Starting with the top will eventually cause the ends to dry up by itself without causing excessive dryness. Move your hair-dryer throughout the head to avoid the over-drying of one area only.
4. After the top is done, dry the middle levels. Run your fingers through your hair and do the motion of sweeping your hair to the front.
5. When the middle level is also done. Switch to cold air and blow your hair. This causes the cuticles to contract and this is also the time in which the hair takes its shape.
6. Do the ends now. In the same sweeping manner with hot air.
7. Finally, finish it up with cold air. To make you hair curl inwards at the ends, cup the ends of your hand with your hands and apply cold air to it.

Viola! Do it and tell me if it works!!

The long-awaited book!!

After a month's jet coaster ride, worrying about whether I can lay my hands on my beloved Oh-chan's book, it is finally in my hands today! You cannot imagine how overwhelmed I am by just seeing the book with my own eyes. It is sold out everywhere in Japan now and it is only by such rare chance that I manage to get the first print.

Without further delay, let's put our hands together to welcome Oh-chan!

The cover

The figurines moulded from his hands

The drawings he sketched

The masterpiece he crafted.

His pictures which say a thousand words... or just one, simply irresistible.. awwww

Finally the man himself! Soaring... not on eagle's wings though... haa

Does that bring you a step closer to understanding why I have pledge allegiance to this person?

God thinks you are wonderful!

Read this from one of Max Lucado's books.

"If God had a refrigerator, your photo will be on it!"

I add this, if he has a ring on his finger, your name will be engraved on it.

It doesn't matter that God might only have 10 fingers. I assume so because men are made in God's image...
But it tells me how important you and I are to Him.

A short week...

I am back in Tokyo! With my nose in a constant marathon =(

A short one week back in Singapore.

Sounds normal to say that it is a short week but in mathematical terms it is the same. 60 sec in a min, 6o mins in an hour, 7 days in a week... but the brain deludes us into thinking time passes very fast when we are enjoying ourselves.

I was literally basking in fun and joy everyday I was home. For the matter I was in the land of warmth!! Finally, an escape from the bitter cold here.

Then there was the familar laughter, ridiculous gags, endless chats.... I just love all my friends!!

Met a new group of friends and had a fun KTV sesision with them. Thanks for being so warm and receptive!

Met up with the old chi alpha clique fron church and OMG!! tho we have all aged, our dynamics were just like the old days! Truly enjoyed the very PIC conversations! ( PIC=politically incorrect)

Met up with my best friends! Thank girls! ( and a boy :p)

It wasn't my birthday tho but I was receiving presents like mad =) I am sooooo loved!!

I am already wearing it now, though I have to wait for my bud to go change the necklace into a longer one.. But I love the pendant!

A beauty! I love this watch it. Loves it exquisite design of snowflakes.

Watch no 2, to replace the previous swatch which was spoilt. I really loved the old one tho *sobz*

Arranged to meet up with a buddy who was with me through pri to sec sch today...
Was supposed to meet at 11am in the morning but cus she was held up by work, she was late by 3 hours. She's a doctor with ICU in one of the local hospitals.

When she arrived, I asked her how come she was late. She replied, a man injured in an accident was brought into the hospital at 5am in the morning and was she trying to resucitate him till just now. And her "job" ended because the man was too fatally injured to be saved. The other 2 passengers in his car didn"t survive too.

He is only a year older than us.

My heart sank when I heard it... just as New year brings about reunion, it also brought separation to other familes. I thought about the fragility of life and how lives can be lost so easily in the next second while we were just merry-making a moment ago.

i shutter at the thought of it.
Can"t imagine how it is for my friend who has to deal with this on a daily basis.

Had quality time talking to my brother.... and I was rather surprised at some of the things we are both thinking about.



Talked about child sponsorship and doing volunteer work in Africa... It has always been something on my mind to do something for the children out there in 3rd world countries. It pains my heart when I see or hear of children who are suffering. And I do feel the immense guilt sometimes when I spent a fortune on a want instead of using the money for a better possible use.
But I do really wonder, do all the money we donate go the children?
My brother thinks that the best is to go to these misssion fields personally.

I was reading up on World Vision's site today and I am shocked at the rate children are sucumbing to diseases like Aids and plague. While we are busy trying to think of what to buy what to eat, where to go tomorrow, these children are fighting for survival. It seems so surreal to know that while I am typing in an air-con room right now, there are children out there sleeping in the open.

Sometimes I feel rather frustrated at my own helplessness. What is the use of just thinking when you are doing nothing for them. I was rather inspired by my conversation with my brother though. I shall start small first.

Ate too much....

The sickening smell of garlics is still lingering in my mouth despite 2 thorough brushes...
But it is NEW YEAR! Heck lah...
To everyone, especially those still overseas. Happy CNY! And you are dearly missed by all at home!

I felt immensely cold on the train on the way to the airport...but I dismissed it for anything amiss. ( I was about to say felt immense "cold".. but to set the records right, there is no such thing such as cold. It is just the absence of heat.)

Then I happily shopped in the airport for about an hour grabbing the last few things I was asked to buy....

Then I cleared the customs, to revealed a giant window in front of me. ( yeah, now that I realised that ain't windows anywhere else in the airport) And I panicked! My first reaction "Maji kai yo??!! Yabei.... ( which roughly translates to can"t be for real right?)

Wait it is not the windows I am raving about. It was the heavy snowfall outside. How could it snow on me??? I need to go home!!! Snow= Possible Cancellation of flights!

I sat myself down and started to pray immediately. Told God I need to go home! I need to be in time for reunion dinner tonight!

Then I called my friend who is taking another flight in another terminal. She was panicking too but all she told me was to pray.

Then I received an msg from her 15 mins later. "Thank God! The flight is delayed for only half hour"

I replied back "God wants to assure us He is real even in such circumstances. My flight is carried forward 10 mins instead!!"

My heart is filled with thanksgiving. My God is bigger than any storms or make it snowstorms out there. My God hears me and He knows my anxieties. Hooray I am home safe sound!

Fantasy talk installment 2

I hope the rest of them dun kill me when they see this post. Sorry but I just need to entertainment my faithful readers with the outrageously ridiculous things we talk about.


Disclaimer: It is a kinda private joke so to people who knows who is who it will be fun but pardon me people who are absolutely clueless to the below conversation.

We had a conversation on names on day. And I will name my friends 1, 2 while I am M.

M: If I marry Ohno kun, I will become an Ohno..... I can't do it! Because I will become "Oh No! Karen. "

1,2: haaaaaaaaaa yah we will have to call you Oh no! karen then. (cups mouth with hands).

1: But I dun have a problem with that, for me, Kimura ExxxxR sounds nice.

M: ii na... so good.....

2: Then I will become Gackt CxxxxxN

M: Sounds ok also mah....why me only? Even Imai SxxN sounds ok.
How about Aiba Karen?

1: eeekkkkk sounds like Ai4-ba4 Karen ( as in let's love! in chinese)

M: Alright.... I resign to fate, it is then either Ninomiya karen or Sakurai Karen. I have to make do with surnames that are of 4 syllabus right? Takizawa Karen? Kamenashi Karen

See.... the mind is running wild anytime of the day. And to top it off, my friends are not any more sane.

I am bored. My head is suffering from the effects of a hangover tho I din not slip a single drop of alcohol... Was my drink spiked??

While my friend dreams of un-named, unidentifiable characters in her sleep, I fantasize about unreachable, uncomprehendable beings in my daily life. (sigh...) I often have such conversations with my friends here and the flow goes like this:

2/1 Saturday Cold

I was dropped with the ultimate bomb of not getting any tickets to a stage play I was so looking forward to. Note: In my mind, I had already gone past the level of thinking if I was even going to be able to get any tickets. In fact I was so sure I would have gotten at least more than 1! So imagine my shock, disappointment and disillusion. yeah, the balloting system hates me. Even if they don't, they hate my name at least.

So in order to arise from the pits of sorrows and to propel forward in life, I resorted to fantazing just to keep my brain from thinking too logically for long.

(Background: Took part in a design compeition in conjunction with the book released by the object of my affection)

M= Me, F= Friend

F: It's ok, you will win the compeition and then you will get to see him in person right!

M: The results will be out next week but I won't be around in Tokyo then to hear it.

F: ( who is ever so hopeful that I will win) It's ok! You will win!

M: Yeah... I will.. but they will never find out who I am cus they can't contact me. Maybe when we come back from our trip, we will see a whole troupe of reporters lining up outside our house.

F: Haaa yeah yeah, and then they will all be swarming over you for interviews.

M: Yeah.. haa.. maybe it will erupt into a search mission ! Everyone will start to wonder who that mysterious designer is ... and then you will see my name splashed all over the billboards in Shibuya perhaps?? Everyone will be whispering, flyers offering rewards will be passed to anyone contributing any information concerning me.

F: haaaaaa ( no comments from her. she must be too impressed at how ridiculous I can get)

M: oh no... then when I re-enter in Japan again the week after, the custom officers will take me by the collar, pull me into their office and then make a public announcement that they have found the "Person" Then I will see party poppers popping, toasts held over my head, high-fives exchanged, fireworks released in my honour. And then the "he" will hug me and say let's get married ( a silent fantasy)

F, M- Collapsed in a heap of laughter together. We are just 2 bored women.

Time has urshered Febuary in at a amazing rate... almost too quickly..

It seems that it was just yesterday where 2008 was welcomed, when everyone was sending out the last few new year cards, when cheers were heard, when toasts were proposed, when new year resolutions were made.

But the fact is, January is already gone. And soon, will Febuary and then the whole cycle repeats again.

Sometimes, I just get so tired of finding new things to challenge myself. Yet, I also fear the lack of goals and new things to look forward to. Is it having new goals and things to look forward to that keeps a person postive or are new goals only found when a person stays postive? Which comes first?

Actually, I dun need new goals. I just need to have more perserverance and grit my teeth in the trying times.

Meanwhile I hope the 2 books I ordered from Amazon comes fast! The scent of a new read is so enticing...

One of his dreams fufilled...

Darling Satoshi's first art exhibition. First book published. Ain't I proud as 大野夫人？except I won't be in Japan on the first day his book is going to be out. AwwwwwWWW

New stuff

Shopping shopping and more shopping.. tho technically speaking, it is time to save.

But heck, Carol and I spent nearly 10 hours walking about last weekend buying things ranging from coats, to accessories, bags, and even a trip to the pet shop.

My best buy on the trip! Love it!

As I was digging into lunch just now, I was a little startled by how time just flies...
It is not as if I was really that busy.
Somehow by the time I was conscious about time, it was already 12pm.

A friend reminded me recently that precisely time is so precious and short we have to make every minute and second count.

I do not disagree with that but I ask myself how to?

Most of us are stuck in school or workplace from a fix time of 9-6. The better ones are off somewhere pursuing and realising their dreams every minute while the rest of us are desk-bound. I do not detest my job but if I really do have a choice, it will not be the ideal way I will be spending my time.

Yet, I stil haven't found the courage to give up a stable steady income in return for something more fufilling.

Work is just a part-time thing to me. I spend most of my time thinking about things I like to do anyway... my art work, my books, my shows, my sleep.

Another half day to weekend. make that 2 half-days...

Tomorrow will be another good day.

"I lift my eyes up to the mountains

Where does my help come from

My help comes from You

Maker of heaven, creator of the earth"

Psalms 121

Hellos!

Hello World! It is almost Monday again!

I was just born last month and I don't have a name yet =)

I looked a little sleepy but I am looking forward to making more friends!
Hope you all will have a good week ahead!!

Snow...

Finally? After the few days of forecasting, it finally snowed.

Though I dun particularly loved snow or the cold weather it brings with it, still winter is not winter without snow.

Pretty much enjoyed the slow walk from home to station today enjoying the small white petals fall.

An interesting sight...

Witness something interesting that day while I was in the waiting room to go into KTV...


A couple in their late teens or early twenties came in carrying a one yr plus old baby.

At first sight, the word lian and beng came to me cus they both had dyed hair. The lady blonde to be more exact. Both in baggy clothes, plenty of accessories.

The first thing the couple or to be more exact, the man did was to plonk himself right in front of the TV when I was clearly watching. Rude.　


Then, the baby was running about and he kept going out of the waiting room. As there were a flight of stairs right outside the room, the parents esp the mum was chasing after the baby to make sure he does not go near it.


I never much have any good impression of very young parents esp in Japan. I almost felt guilly immediately because I judged them based on their outer appearance and then... since the baby kept running out of the room, the mum decided to close one side of the heavy glass door. And when she did that, she didn't carry the baby out of the way! The heavy door smack right into the face of the baby and the baby literally flew like a metre away.

shocked... speechless... There was no more guilt for being judgemental. In fact I felt sorry for the kid.

but the baby was really resilent and strong he sobbed for a few mins and then continued his quest to exit the room for more adventures... the result of accidents being too often?

Then, the dad this time digged into his pocket and fished out a cigarette. No offence to smokers because I think they know best. It is really very selfish to blow smoke into the face of other people and then casually leave a bad odour on their clothing. This is what I hate most everytime I enter an enclosed area that allows smoking. But what irks me most are parents who smoke in front of their little children. The bad influence aside, have that ever consider the impact they are bringing upon the healths of their kids?

To my surprise and really, I was so impressed at the ah-lian mum.. She looked right into the eye of the dad and told him to put away his cigarette. When he tried to protest, she told him without any hesistation. "For your son..."
That worked, he kept his unlit cigarette away immediately.

Thank you mummy for saving the day. Otherwise it would have been a very unpleasant experience for us.

Then we were being called finally... before I left the room, I turned to look at the baby who gave me a wide grin. There was a cut across his face. Must the wound sustained just now. Poor chap. But at least he had a mum who didn't smoke into his face.

Mornings....

It is getting increasingly harder to wake up in the mornings when as the temperature dips day by day...
The happiest thing to me is to wake up in the morning to realise at I still have time time to sleep in ( like waking at 5am, knowing that I can go back to sleep for 2.5 hrs more) and vice versa the worst is to wake up at at 7.15am knowing I can't go back to sleep anymore and I only have wasted 15 mins of possible sleep. Sounds complicated? It's critical maths in winter.

My friend said to me " I will be only too glad when winter is over." I can't agree more on it.

The end of winter spells another season very physically and visually in Japan. The flowers start blooming, people starts gathering outside for cherry blossoms, less mono-tone black and white coats. It also marks the start of a new working and schooling year.

But then, it scares me to know that we have gone past nearly a quarter of the year! How true the saying that as you go past 21, time just flies past...

So what am I going to do next? While job is important to me. It is never my first priority. I say without a single shame ( though not with so much pride ) that I value my own personal time more.

I am going to devote more time to my hobbies and interests.

The type of guy I will fall for...

According to Facebook:

You would fall for a Nerd. Your man is socially awkward and completely sweet. Although other people may make fun of him now, just wait a few years and those same people that made fun of him will probably be working for him. He will worship the ground you walk on and love you like crazy, although he may not always know how to express it. You find his awkwardness endearing because you know that underneath all that nervous stuttering and passion for obscure subjects is a really great guy who adores you!

Isn't that talking about Satoshi? Awwwww

Anyway, he is opening his first arts exihibition soon! woww eeeee and his first book which consists of his works over the past 10 years will be in the book too! Can't wait!

Oh- Chan here I come!!!!

Just received news that Oh-chan will have having butai from March ( in Tokyo) and April in Osaka!!

Woohooooo!!!!!!! Have been dreaming and thinking about going to his butai! ( mean: Stage play)

I am going to apply for as many shows as possible as not to repeat the nightmare I had with Aiba kun's!!! This time i must go!!!!!!

I was so excited when I heard the news that I couldn't concentrate on work anymore.. Despite today being a very very busy day for me.
See I have to let go of my excitment somewhere so I won't be laughing and smilling so much to myself in office.

And Arashi's new single will be out on Feb 20th! Pre-order, here I come!

負けないで・・・

「折れない心、負けない気持ち

迷った時は、前にを向け」

Translates to:
A heart does that not bend, the determination not to be defeated.
When you are lost, look forward.

A phrase that deeply inspired and spoke to me.

In the midst of all the challenges ahead, I am reminded not to throw in the white towel without putting up a good fight.

I shall not be defeated.

I shall walk in victory in His Glory.

I am into planting flowers now! They make me happy.

It still came...

One thing I told myself at the beginning of the year is that I must become stronger. It is not a want, it is a MUST. I have actually grown used to dealing with most things on my own. From daily mundane things to the demands of work and life. So I have in the midst of all these, learned to control my emotions, swallow my tears... Yes, one thing I told myself is not to cry.

Yet on the 3rd day of this 2008, I have cried 3 times already.

The first, when I received some negative news regarding a couple very close to me.

The second, on the train when I was reading a book.

The third, when I was watching a short film in studio Ghibili.

I shall elaborate on the 3rd only.

Studio Ghibili is the company in Japan which had produces a lot of famous Japanese animations like "My Neighbour Totoro", " Spirited away" and "Howl's Moving Castle". I visited it today with Shin , her sister and her brother-in-law who are in Tokyo for a trip. It was small and hardly what you categorise as fantastic... but it had a very homely feeling about it.

The film was a short 15mins one. It was on Mei and Chibi Neko Bus ( from Totoro).

The story began with chibi Neko bus (kid cat bus) getting lost and trapped in the house of Mei. The cat bus begin to panic and was calmed down eventually by Mei who offered him a wide grin and a caramel sweet. He then came back in the middle of the night to bring her on a adventure to the land where the totoros reside.

It was short, sweet yet very endearing. One fact about Totoro is that he is the spirit of the forest and can only be seen by children, who are supposedly the purest at heart. As I looked at the grins of Mei-chan and Totoro, it occurred to me how wonderful it once was to smile like that. As a child, we all smile and laugh only when we were happy. But as a adult, we are required to put on a smile all the time. Is it part of growing up? Maybe that's why children prefer the company of another. That's because they can laugh and play with the purest agenda at heart.

I am thankful for all the friends around me whom I can laugh and joke with geninuely... Yet, I have lost the ability to cry in front of people actually... I wondered secretly in my heart, if Totoro appears in front me, will I be able to see him? Not because I have grown up but because there are just too many things going on within me that has hindered my view.

As the film finished, I got up and turned to leave.

I caught another lady behind me wiping her tears away as well...

Is she also thinking about the same things?

Guess who is this???

Carol says I am updating my blog too many times in a day... haaa Who cares??? I call the shots here!!!

Guess who is this cute little boy??

New year thoughts...

Why thoughts and not resolutions?

Because to me they are pretty much the same. Not in the English sense of the word but how I live my life.
I pretty much do what I want to do and I make sure I do it. Vice versa, I don't do what I don't want to do.
Challenges and experiments are fun and good. But I don't just want to try something for the sake of doing it.
So some thoughts came to my mind these few days as the past year's memories flashed in my mind.

1. I want to take courage to do things I want to do.
Pretty often, I let things go and chances past because I fear of what is in store for me. It can be as easy as wanting to ask someone a question or asking for a favour, to doing something which I think I cannot. So in this year, I want to train myself to be more courageous and daring!

2. To pay less attention to the "eyes" around me.
I was alerted to this fact last night at the concert. I was sitting beside a group of girls from different fan clubs. Arashi, Kinki, Kanjyani etc.... and they only stood up and cheer for the groups they like. When other artistes were performing, they simply sat down and chat among themselves.
I have no right to criticise them though so I will leave it as it is. But it is my principle not to do that to other artistes though they are not Arashi (heee). I think it is only respect to also cheer for them when they are performing, after all all of them make up Johnny's! So anyway, I was pretty much standing and cheering for all of them all the time so well, I do stick out like a sore thumb at times, ( if only shin was around too....) But as I continued to cheer and wave my penlight, I was convinced I am doing the right thing. I am there to enjoy every part of the concert and not just Arashi's performance only right!
This principle can also be applied to other things in life isn't it? Majority isn't always correct. And doing what you think is correct ties with point 1 above. Courage and Confidence.

3. Not to let anyone who needs help go past me again.
Wrote this in earlier blogs how I am always to slow to act. This year, I shall train my brain to work in line with the body.

4. To experience Japan to the fullest! Concerts, more travelling and fun!! ( hee work is only my means of survival). I am not afraid to say my private time comes before work. To prepare for what might come in 2009, I will do everything I want to do in 2008.

My motto in 2009: A year with no regrets　悔いなしの2008過ごしようぜ

New Year Greetings From Arashi!

Countdown experience

4th time counting down to the New Year in Japan since 2004... And I realised I am never at home to cross to the new year!

2004~ Went to Ise Jingu(伊勢神宮） with Carol. Had a whole fun night of watching Japanese rushing to offer their first prayers of the year. But of course the main highlight was after that! a whole night of walking through the street stalls, bingeing and buying souvenirs.

2005~Went to Ise Jingu again!! With a group of friends from school. This time round, we didn't even book any accomodation. Went there in the evening, then sunrise( in the cold!) and headed home.

2006~ Was invited to Mio chan's house for a typical Japanese way to spend New year. It is so similar to any chinese familes because it involves food and more food! We spent the day eating, watching TV, making some snacks, playing at game centres...

2007~ The climax so far! Went for the famous super high demand Johnny's countdown 2007! WEEE!!!

It is the 10th anniversary this year. And also the first time Arashi is appointed as the MC. Of course I must go right!!

It was also broadcasted live on Fuji TV. but nothing beats being in the concert hall itself listening to them live and enjoying the cheers from every fan.
Must go again at the end of year, but this time, front row seats please!!!!!

The concert hall itself...

The 360 degrees stage

Arashi's uchiwas!

The back...

Calendar poster... so kakoii!

Johnny's count down is fun!!!

ただいま!!

Just got home!!! Everyone HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! It'S 2008~~~~

So where did I just come back from?

Look Below...


↓↓

I went!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Need to sleep now. More photos and reports later in the day!

Happy New Year!

It is finally time for a good break after 9 long months of work.

oh I am so tired!

From play and more play!

My Taiwanese friend went home today after 2 weeks in Tokyo with me. And I expecting Carol home with Shumin on Monday.

And I am expecting something fun to come along!

Took me weeks to decide if I should take part...

Will report more when I am back from it!

Secret for the time being =)

So Happy New Year to all from Arashi!!

Picture: Taken From Oricon Style 1/7~1/14

One Saturday Morning...

I woke up, still groggy from a late previous night one Saturday Morning and saw this strange thing at the entrance of my house door.


Eh? since when this appeared? I don't remember seeing it last night... The handwriting is hauntingly familar... No stamp... From someone who has unbarred unlimted access to my house?

I ripped open the mysterious envelope...



Someone who obviously knows my inclination towards anything pink and sweeeetttt...


The contents spilled out....

And....
.
.........
.
............

Out came Satoshi's portrait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He once said that he will give his own portrait to his gf on her birthday so when he is busy she can look at his portrait and think of him.

Translates to: Look at my portrait when I am not around. Satoshi.

Awwwwwwwww........Awwwwww..........

He doesn't need to do that actually because I am already thinking of him day and night *blush*

照れちゃう!!

One Year has passed....

My first concert in Japan ( or a proper one) was Tackey and Tsubasa's Christmas Concert 2006. I went to the concert filled with anticipation and excitment yet, not forgetting the anxiety and fear I felt towards job search in Japan.
My 3 months from Nov 2006~Jan 2007 was one filled with many first times...

As I went for T&T's Christmas concert 2007 on 23 Dec and 24th Dec, it felt so fun just to be in Japan.
But yet, I also ask myself the same old question, "So what's next?"
I hate to think too far into the future actually..
Because by then I might have to leave Japan, the place I love so dearly.
Yet, I also cannot imagine a life that goes on permantly without my family, friends and church back home.
I think I will never reach an equilibrium.
I have to give up either...

On the side note, Tackey is really handsome! Very Very handsome up close.
But Satoshi is still No. 1

Dangerous

This is my only conclusion at the end of a shopping trip with my buddy on a visiting trip from Taiwan.

It is dangerous when 2 girls shop together. Make it 2 girls who cannot control their impulses and desires.

Where is my friend?
She is busy trying to mend the big hole in her wallet now.
A girl on a holiday shopping trip is like just a hungry lion which is just released from its cage.

haaa

What is worth remembering

From a friend who is an answer to all the 5 questions in part 2.
From a friend who has seen me through the ups and downs, experienced the same joy and pain in growing up.
From a friend whom the heart leaps with joy upon meeting.

To all of you out there who needs a kind reminder about the important people in life.

Charles Schultz Philosophy

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator ofthe "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer thequestions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get thepoint.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name t he last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. Theyare not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. Butthe applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are NOT theones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.They are the ones who care.

S hare this with those who have made a difference in your life.

馬鹿兄貴の到来

うちの馬鹿兄貴ね、計画なしで日本に殺到した。
ホテルすら予約しなかった。
月曜日の夜、たまたまmsnで会って、
【木曜日日本行くから、ホテルの予約取ってくれない】っていきなり言われた。

ええええ！！！
なにそれ。。
私にまるなげのやめてよ！！

でも、何といっても、お兄ちゃんから、
しかたないな。

よしゃ！今日の晩御飯ひつまぶししよう！
彼のおごり。

tagged by Yilin!

Sorry Yilin... this is so late because I only realised it last week when I read your blog.. but hee sounds fun so I will go along with it.

Rules of the game: Each player of this game starts off with ten weird things or habits or little known facts about yourself. People who get tagged must write in a blog of their own ten weird things or habits or little known facts as well as state this rule clearly. At the end, you must choose six people to be tagged and list their names. No tagbacks.

~~☆☆~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~☆☆~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. I used to be so fascinated by the Chinese Kung-fu shows that I will bug my father all day asking him questions like if Yang Guo (from Legend of the Condor Hero) fights Zhang Wuji (from Heaven Sword Dragon Saber) who will win. My father, who ever “patronizes” me so patiently, will give me an answer which always leads to never ending questions.

2. I don’t really like to wake up early in the morning though I technically have not much problems with it. Luxury to me is to be able to sleep and wake up at whatever time I like. So on some weekends, I will deliberately set my alarm clock early to wake up to it and then feel so good about the fact I can off the alarm clock and go back to sleep.

3. My father used to bring me to the toilet every night when I was young. I will go to his room in the dark and wake up him. There was once my parents’ room door was locked and no matter how hard I knocked they didn’t wake up. I cried and probably peed outside the room.

4. I am a big fan of animals and I can touch almost every animal I see as long they are not slimy and scary looking. My perfect vacation by the way is to go to safaris to look at animals (I must be able to touch them too) But I hate standing out in the sun…

5. I think pregnant ladies are one of the most beautiful people around.

6. I have an unexplainable fascination with boxes and paper bags. This fascination developed with the 2 experiences of moving from Japan back to Singapore and then from Aichi ken to Tokyo. Every time I see a big box now, I have the urge to bring it home as I think I will need to use it one day. Actually, it applies to boxes of all sizes!

7. The things that irritated me big time: People who don’t give up their seats to the needy on public transport. People who bullies the weaker like children or animals. Lack of sleep…

8. I am a Jack of all trades! (Make it some), but master of none. The classes I attended before in my entire life. Computer, swimming, tambourine dance, Chinese dance (I used to be able to do splits), piano, sang in church choir…

9. All the precious moments’ items I own are from my friends and family. I have never ever bought a single one for myself. My collection ranges from figurines, to notepads, apron, towels, calendars, photo frames, cards… you name it I have it. I have a shelf at home specially to shelf my collection.

10. I hate to be in the limelight… So I hate to be in organizing committees, sabo to be MC, game master etc… essentially I am a sit back and relax kind of person, so I hate to be in foreground talking to people.

This I think everyone knows it but I want to say it! My favourite group in Japan is Arashi (嵐)。Ohno Satoshi(大野智)is my favourite member in the group and he will always remain No.1. Why do I like him so much? Because he is so artistically inclined (songs, dance, art) and he has the most endearing smile I have ever seen. I always have a lot of fun going to concerts and watching their TV shows. If I ever meet him in person ( outside of concerts), I might propose to him! I constantly entertain the thought of being Ohno Karen.... which everyone tells me joking, it sounds like Oh no! Karen... duh....

I tag:

1. Carol!!( I am sure you got plenty to write)
2. Serene ( You also wun lose out to Carol)
3. Meiling
4. Jiali
5. Tze Min
6. Chunyan (Will this make you update your blog??)

Don’t keep me waiting!

頑張らなくちゃ!!

特別の友達のために、もっと日本語でニッキを付けなくちゃ♪♪

昨日から、妙に足が痛くなった。
左側だけ。
怪我でもしてないのに、何で痛くなるの・・
考えても考えても、答えが出て来ない・・・
寒いから？
正直に、今ちょどう私にとって一番辛いの季節だ。
寒いから、朝も辛くなって、手と足はずっと冷の状態。
何にもしたくない。まあ、食べると寝る以外。
暖めてくれる人はどこ？？？

ちなみに、今日、急に兄貴から連絡がって、
木曜日日本にくるだって・
冗談じゃねよって思っちゃった。。。
バカじゃないの、いきなり言われても・・・
ホテルも予約取ってないし。。
でも、まま、もう1年近く会ってないから
いいや、会ってやろうか。。。へへへ

やべい、もう眠い。。。
けどまだ10時だよ！！
私赤ちゃんの時代に戻ったかな。。。

大ちゃんお誕生日おめでとう

これから何があってもずっとずっとダイスキね♪♪

Happy 27th Birthday to O-Chan!

恋空～koizora

It has been a long time since I went for movies...

In fact my 3rd in Japan.
I don't usually go for movies because it is expensive and I find a challenge to sit through a 2hr thing without moving about.. haa
but I just wanted to watch it. I didn't want to wait till it is out for rental.

I just felt I will like it.
Not that I love all romantic movies.
But this, I came out of the theatre feeling it was not a waste.
I came out with many thoughts flooding my head.

I came out feeling old.... ahhhhhh

(Btw, the lead is only 17! His name is Miura Haruma, born in 1990... so much for drooling. Quotes Carol: She says she cannot drive up the appetite to eat such a young guy.

She sounds like Zhi Zhu Jing ( spider demoness) in Journey to the West...

Reads: Karen, Satoshi ☆**

Singaporeans Dinner Marathon

I guessed I have said this a thousand and one times... but still God keeps me amazed!! Just as I feel like I am the only Singapore here in Tokyo, my quest ( His quest) to discover the existence of more Singaporeans here in Tokyo! Of course, I must include other Japanese too who somehow is linked to Singapore in a way or another.


All started with Yilin(my NUS chum) who is here for Tokyo...not just on a shopping trip as always but to be MARRIED to her better half Da-ni san! Congrats!!! I am really very very very happy for the girl. She has always been a very enjoyable company and pal since NUS days. We were still reminiscing last night at her apartment how we have "sold" our youth to Japan. ( She flew with JAL for 2.5 years since graduation) How were were full of expectations yet anxiety about life in Japan...I still remember how I stood at the telephone booth shrieking into the phone when I heard her voice...


But Thank God for Dani-san who has accepted Christ recently too! He is a really very warm guy and somemore who according to Yilin accepts her fully including her unreasonable ways. hee, Congrats again to the newly wed!

Then got to meet Cuixian also! Another Singaporean- NUS chum. I don't remember being extremely close to her when we were in NUS. But I guess the similar journey we chose to take, the unknown path to study in Japan kinda bonded us together. It is always fun to have her around as we can talk about anything under the sun.
And then the rest includes Yilin's ex-colleagues from JAL, Sho and Hideo, exchange students in NUS and Dani-Japanese friends

The NUS group: Me and Yilin at the back. Hideo, Cuixian, Sho and Carol

And the next day we had dinner with Cuixian's cousin and gf. Plain fun and binge!

Post Birthday post

This is abosolutely, outrageously late... but thanks to everyone who has been part of my life this past quarter of the century! Sounds like some award ceremony but I really thank God for His each and indivudual plan, each person He has brought to me on this journey.

Birthdays to me are no longer just about parties and presents. In fact, I didn't even think I will want to do anything special on that day by taking leave or what. Which probably explains my colleague's stunned faces when they discovered it was my birthday. ( my mgr gave me a bouquet of flowers)

But it just reminds me again how I have been so blessed by God every day of my life. How He, the generous Heavenly Father accedes to my never-ending requests(my earthly father too.. hee), bringing me back to the path everytime I detrack and most importanly, the One who gives me the Purpose of Life. Birthdays should be a day of giving back actually, to those who played a part to shape you into who you are today.

Nevertheless, I am still on the receving side! Thanks to the gals here who bought a nice cake and whipped up a sumptous dinner! To Biyin, who never fails to send me a big box of surprises! She even took the effort to wrap up every single thing she sent to me. To Meiling and Peiling too who sent me gifts. Of course the various ones of you who sent their wishes through other means.

Arigatou!

New Song to intro!

Chemistry's new song...

Although I hardly listen to them, this is one that I can't missed out on.

They sing really well too.. Esp for ML who likes Japanese songs! Listen to it ok

My first attempt...

Not to take pictures of myself of cus since Carol has embarked on her 2 weeks journey home...

But to have my hair permed!

No no, it was never meant to be that way. I just want to get my moppy flop treated and trimmed. The ultimate goal is to cut down the time I have to spend arranging it everyday as from every schooling kid to working adult should know how precious each second is every morning.

But the person kept telling me how I should try new styles instead of having straight hair all the

time. Actually that wasn't the reason I agreed to have it permed.

It was the question of what's next then?

I told the person I want to continue having my hair grown long...

Ok sure have it grow long... but then what's next?

Looking back at how this senerio has continued for years, I decided it is time a change should be allowed to take place. Good or bad is secondary.

But he didn't manage to get me to colour my hair also.

I am a true blue asian. I want my hair to be black.

Couldn't get the back taken properly... so it is up to imagination. By the way, there is a typhoon today.