Remembering...

Now I am back after one & a half weeks in NYC. It has been busy since I returned, and happy to be back at an appropriate timing. Travelling by myself for the first time was quite an adventure. Everyday I met new people. This trip of heavenly time started at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. I was there at 9am - barely any concerts would be taking place at that time, but there was already a queue for the tickets.

I remember that morning was very pleasant, cool and quiet. Some tourists were snapping pictures. Some like me, travelled there alone to enjoy the huge amount of space, the beautiful water feature & the serenity.

Though I didnt buy any tickets to attend the concerts, walking around the Metropolitan Opera and hearing the broadcasted Opera was indeed very enjoyable.

Back in Sg

Besides battling jet lag, siblings and myself went to visit Granny in the hospital. At 74, she had an operation when I was in NYC, and right now still under observation.

Before we left the house, Daddy was asking if sister and myself would be interested to attend a lecture on International Arbitration @ NUS in the evening with him. Of course his invitation was so exciting we didnt even bother to say No thanks to him. Shortly in the night, he has also checked himself into the hospital due to a stomach infection.

Acceptance & Awareness

Such is the fragility & transitory nature of life. It made me realize that it is important to spend time wisely. Doing beneficial acts for others is more important than constantly talking about self or self-achievements (although that is the nature & result of a competitive, results-oriented society such as NYC).

More prayers, meditation will enable one to overcome fear & attachment. I could have the opportunity to work & learn in NYC, but now I realize - with a clear, positive state of mind - there might be other aspects of life I want to care & learn about.

Where should your inner new york live?

Now it all makes more sense when I saw this on E's blog, and I took the test too in May. Very coincidentally, I am actually living in the Upper West Side now... too cool a coincidence eh!

***You Belong in the Upper West Side***
You have what it takes to be successful, but not snooty.
That's why you belong in the New York of Sex and the City and Seinfeld!
May 29 8:43 AM

Where Should Your Inner New Yorker Live?http://www.blogthings.com/whereshouldyourinnernewyorkerlivequiz/

Today I will head to Times Square & the Theater Dstrict, Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center. Evening would be followed by Japanese food, Yakiniku with New Yorkers!

This is New York

NEW YORK (AFP) — Usually anything but demure, New York City is hoping to lure a stampede of tourists with an understated new slogan: "This is New York."

The ad campaign, surprisingly free of flash and sizzle and costing a jaw-dropping 30 million dollars, aims to lure 50 million visitors per year to New York by 2015.

Long since labeled "the city that never sleeps," New York 30 years ago wheeled out its successful "I Love New York" campaign, featuring citizens from all walks of life warbling the advert's catchy theme song.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg was on hand for an unveiling in Times Square of the new ad Wednesday, centered on a Disney-style video using real and animated characters touting such classic spots as Yankee Stadium, Coney Island and the Statue of Liberty.

A website in 10 languages was launched at www.nycvisit.com.

Yes, that is where I am heading this evening. In fact will be in Changi airport in a matter of two hours. I am now however having a backache, due to Friday @ work. There was a mass IT outage in a database that failed in New York! So, when systems were finally ready @ 3pm, there was a mad rush to complete and review the P&Ls. I had to leave the office at 715pm, where the rest of my team continued.

Had to rush home because of a loving comedy that took place. My bf was going to my house, with a basket bought from Arab street (it sparkles!), two 1995 wine, fruits, chocolate that goes well with coffee (my Dad loves coffee), and a necklace. He asked for my parents' permission to marry me. My photographer brother happened to be home, and he took my SLR out to snap pictures of the basket & gifts, and us four in the discussion. We all shoke hands after that, and this was snapped. Like it was a business transaction - "Deal done".

Star Track

Yesterday night after playing an online game for about an hour, I watched "Who am I" by Jackie Chan made in the 1980s. It was funny. More funny because the filming techniques and humour in the 1980s have evolved as compared to his current films. In the past, whenever there are scenes of cars crashing, you know they would be using the old/ damaged cars for the crash & explosive scenes. In recent films, crash scenes would often involve flashy cars.

When a car fell from a six storey building to the ground, because a lot of budget and efforts were put together to create that three seconds scence, in the 80s, this would be in the movie with various replays, and from many different angles.

I saw an interesting discussion that spanned from one line by Mr Spock in Star Trek. The needs of the many outweight the needs of the one. Check out the discussion.

I am heading to New York this coming weekend. M-san might not be able to make it after all. Looks like I might have to tour this giant Big Apple by myself. Travelling by myself... will I hate that, or perhaps discover new interesting events?

eimi

For a good relaxing weekend laugh, run & buy Jackie Chan's DVD collection! Sometime ago, I watched the first movie that made him famous - Drunken Master. I still find it funny!