NEW YORK: MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

One of my most enjoyable museum visit was American Museum of Natural History. I spent three hours in the museum but could only cover less than half (damn). Its hard to describe, but its perhaps like our own Science Centre, only that it is many many times better. It was highly recommended by my colleagues and in guidebooks, and I could see why. Although I was walking, exploring and talking to myself most of the time "Whooaaa", "So longggg", blah blah, it was inspirational to be close to nature & how different lives started (or ended). Due to time constraint, I had to look at the Floor plan and prioritize where I should head to.

I walked to the Dinosaurs section first. Well you will think its just fossils right, but I was amazed by the size of these extinct creatures. These fossils were interesting and kinda cute, but I started to imagine how threatening it would be, if really, they are still roaming around...My next destinations were the Mammal Halls and Ocean Life. Greeting you in Ocean Life is a 94-foot-long model of a blue whale - the largest animal ever to roam the planet. My last destination was the Hall of Human Origins.. I captured some cool and scary photos of skeletons (of humans) but I guess I will leave those out for now.

I have been so busy this week. At work, meetings with visitors from London, Tokyo and Hong Kong. I also had to rush an overdue Performance Evaluation submission.

At personal, planning for the engagement dinner. Bf and I decided to get our butts moving after his mother seems to be planning everything -- from food tasting, selecting the resturant, getting the cake. Today, we finally did something. We came up with the seating list, drew a family tree organization chart (as requested by auntie), and got myself a champagne and black dress.

Daily visits to the hospital. Funny to say, it was tiring to head to the hospital each time, yet it was enjoyable to be spending so much more time with Granny. My life stages and priorities are clearing changing..hopefully with more positive changes each time!

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!

Two Bad Bricks

Two bad bricks, a story by Ajahn Brahm (AB), which is rather powerful to remember when dealing with perfection and guilt (at least it keeps coming back into my mind). As a monk AB built his first brick wall. When he finished, he noticed that all the other bricks were nicely in line, but there were two which we inclined at an angle. "They looked terrible. They spoiled the whole wall. They ruined it."

AB wanted to knock the wall down and start over again, or even better, blow it up. The abbot said no, the wall had to stay.

When he showed vistors around the fledgling monastry, he always tried to avoid taking them past the brick wall. He hated anyone seeing it. But one day, a visitor saw the wall and remarked casually "That's a nice wall".

AB replied in surprise "Sir, have you left your glasses in your car or are visually imparied? Can't you see those two bad bricks which spoil the whole wall?" The visitor's reply changed his whole view of the wall, of himself, and of many other aspects of his life. He said, "Yes. I can see those two bad bricks. But I can also see the 998 good bricks as well."

AB was stunned. For the first time, he could see other bricks in that wall apart from the other two mistakes. Above, below, to the left and to the right of the bad bricks were good, perfect bricks. Moreover, the perfect bricks were many, many more than the two bad bricks. Before, his eyes would focus exclusively on the two mistakes; and was blind to everything else. Now that he could see the good bricks, the wall didnt look so bad after all.

AB: How many people end a relationship or get divorced because all they can see in their partner are "two bad bricks"? How many of us become depressed or even contemplate suicide because all we can see in ourselves are "two bad bricks"?

We've all got our two bad bricks, but the perfect bricks in each one of us are much, much more than the mistakes.

So, are you a bad wall deserving destruction? Or are you a good wall with a couple of bad bricks, just like the rest of us?

09-12-07: 23

Again in Singapore, we felt the tremors. The panic was experienced on 9/12/07, three times on 9/13/07 and the last one on 9/20/07.

On those days, if you rushed home and glued yourself to the news channel, you would read about how office buildings were evacuated (I personally ran down 16 flights of stairs on 9/12 evening), how Singaporeans posted their videos, of the fish tank water sloshing or how their lights were swaying from the Indonesia quake tremors. Locals started discussing if our buildings and infrastructure are safe enough to withstand tremours from our neighbour in Indonesia. Afterall Singapore is supposed to be in an earthquake free zone.

09-12-07: These are not lucky numbers. This is the date where the first (8.4 magnitude) series of major earthquakes striked Indonesia's Sumatra. The world's largest earthquake in more than two years has not only spurred volcanic activity near the epicenter, but reported to increase the risk of another major tremblor occuring in the region (Bloomberg).

23: That is not just today's date; but the death toll to-date in Indonesia. Adding on, more than 15,000 buildings collapsed or were damanged, and 88 wounded in Indonesia.

While we were panicking to remember how vulnerable we can be by being affected by our neighbouring country, let us not forget about mankind being directly impacted where the earthquake striked.

Not implying that Singaporeans should not panic because of what happened. If tremors could throw us of the ground, lets not forget the real loss of lives.

After all, the well-being of a group of individuals is more important than that of one single individual.

Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend!!

Above picture is taken from Karuizawa, Japan in Autumn 2006..

This Saturday I had an interesting encounter at the jewellery shop. My bf and I were looking at some pieces when a young and loving couple walked in choosing wedding bands. They were very loving until the salesperson somehow placed a S$26,000 diamond on me. Of course we were not going to buy it. However from her perspective, it looked like the guy beside me was buying me the S$26,000 one carat.

Interestingly, the loving mood for them quickly disappeared. She was slouching and sulking while the boy beside her tried to cheer her and manage the loving mood that disappeared as soon as the grandeur diamond surfaced. Whoever said that the size of the diamond correlates to love? But that is what the jewelley industry says, that was how the significance of diamond becomes important in a relationship, and that was what couples who just started earning their income believed, so that was how some couples correlates the brilliance of the rock to their relationship.

Come on Girls!!?

Vacations Rock!

This time it is going to happen - NYC. Ditching the two weeks Europe trip, as my sister seemed more committed to planning her reporting deadlines (way to go audit, you got yourself a faithful fan!)

My favourite vacation plans were usually targeted towards a non-city destination, as most of my photos around here would show. However, the choice this time is very different - more of human factors than destination driven. I am travelling with my good friend from Tokyo, and to visit a good friend I met in Tokyo now working in NYC. I also want to visit my first boss in Tokyo who has now relocated back to NYC...isnt the world very much inter-connected?

Having a better work life balance now, I wonder if this is really what I want. Life becomes stable, domestic and less exciting. Been spending my evenings in front of the television before I go to bed. Can my time be better enriched?

All the talk about Being Prim & Proper

Till today I still remember what a university friend said to me "I dont mind being a mistress" - how dangerous can women be.

Hanging out with MXXX frequently, I often see how different women clinged on to him. At mid 30's, he has a landed property, sports car, flies SQ business class for vacations & pays for the girl, a waterbed, constant supply of Cordon Bleu, and almost always offer a sum of money to help the lady in distress & her family. How does it sound when someone offers to buy an apartment for your family & almost instantly changes your standard of living, which otherwise might never be possible?



I admit - - I despise such behaviours. However, having gone through some emotional roller coaster myself over the last two months, I realize you have to experience the down times in life yourself, see how you coped with it, before deciding if you can make a call and despise others' behaviours. Tough times can bring out the ugliest of the personalities. If you havent been there, dont keep preaching about how the world should behave.

I dont agree with her behaviour. But I am attempting to move away from despising. For a girl with no proper education, no family to care for her, but she has the looks, the figure, hardworking in the kitchen and garden, the best deal she can ever make in her life would be to clinch a good husband. Dont know how things would turn out in the long run, but at least I now understand where she is coming from...not that I agree, but I understand.

For me, in tough times... I am a cheater. Since 21 years old, whenever I feel sad or heartbroken, guess what I'll do... I read the newspapers. Losing your child overnight when the car suddenly goes into flame. Crossing the finishing line, not knowing it is the last they would ever see their family or loved ones... There are so much more people out there in desperate need of help, in an unfortunate state of flooding or suffering, those living under conditions of poverty, hardship and pain. I am not taking relative joy in their plights, but really there is a lot more real pain out there and you realize what you are going through is probably nothing... at least for my problems I try to think this way.

Amed, Bali's Charm

"I dont like Bali". That is what I frequently hear. But of course, if you choose to go South to the touristic spot that was once bombed. I chose to drive all the way to the East which of course took longer hours. In Amed, I was constantly approached by friendly locals - "Hi!". No push selling, which is what I hate most - but hey only in Amed.. if you went out of Amed and a little more central, you would be surrounded by aggressive salesman/ woman again. I hope it never changes there.

Everyone thinks I have an interesting opportunity at work, having to start up a new team. Apart from learning new technicals, products and P&L pieces, I also had to do more administrative planning for my team. Yes I had to set up a Deployment and Administrative Shared Folder. I now monitor system performances, processes causing time lag to even birthdays and vacation days of team members. It is all not that easy, but I guess that satisfies my fear of being stagnant. More work, but more learning, and less complains of feeling bored.

Sweet...But Killer

Today is Medical Leave day. Of all days, I had to miss the CDS workshop conducted by the London guys. How would I start a weekday at home though? Best thing to occupy me was to hit the newspapers. The first article that caught my attention was of course impact of the U.S. Subprime Concern. When is the best time for me to sell my yen? Should I cash in on my investments already or wait to see the market hopefully corrects itself and take an optimistic longer view?

Another article that caught my fancy was "Killer Heels"... how women cannot live without them despite the risk of developing foot problems. Unfortunately (or fortunately) deformities might start to become significant only later in life, and the damage could already been done now. Sarah Jessica Parker says "I used to spend 18 to 20 hours a day filming in heels. I’ve totally destroyed my body by running and dancing in them."

Somehow I keep feeling guilty about not being able to attend the training @ work today. At a critical timing where Breno has to return to London soon and our handover is incomplete, I decided to take the Medical Leave. I had to. Forcing myself to work despite being sick last week was a bad mistake. Somehow the effects spilled over to a prolonged two weeks of poor health. Not sure if it is cultural differences, the London people dont seem to say "take care", "please rest" or "thank you" when you work while sick. I miss my Japanese team who would say "Stop working, go and rest!".

Or are these negative thoughts self-created? Fear, anger, guilt and helplessness are mental and emotional responses that can intensify pain (HH Dalai Lama). Maybe I need to modify my outlook and attitude - have a good rest, dont think and overcomplicate what they think, be healthy and go back to work tomorrow with the same enthusiasm.. there's so much to do... I need calmness..

NDP ~ One of the Best...

For those of you who watched the parade, you will agree, its one of the best so far!!!

Like most Singaporeans, I was losing interesting in watching the parade year-on-year, being held @ the National Stadium or the Padang. This year, as evident, efforts were put into creating a more innovative theme. You better agree with me on that.

I remember last year I celebrated National Day @ Westin, Tokyo. A video screening of the parade was put up in the background. However, hardly anyone took more than a wink.

Now, lets get to the point. Actually I was really glad it was a day off for me as I am now following UK Holidays instead. Since Tuesday I was down with stomach virus, however having too much things on my plate at that time I didnt take any medical leave. I survived the week, although I now have a sore throat instead. I think it was due to the Ginseng Multi-vitamin that the doctor prescribed. Its soo "heaty".

Thus, apart from meal times and watching the NDP, I practically had to spend my public holiday in bed. Had to sleep the nausea feeling away... Did I feel absolutely miserable? I guess our attitude and mental outlook have an impact on the degree to which we suffer when in physical pain. While the physical torment was present, I guess I cant help rejoicing a little in my heart -- how else would I actually take an entire day of rest like that - without feeling guilty - which I was in need of...

Swiss Vs BELGIAN Chocolates

I love them both. Cant take my mind off chocolates even though I am out sick. But anyway, planning a trip to both Switzerland and Belgium in October. Anyone with any recommendations of "Must-Dos" - please let me know!!

Pain: The Gift Nobody Wants

This week went by very swiftly. Kinda busy to post something detailed. But here's one article I read that I felt was interesting.

A little serious, but worth a think!

Dr Brand, a world-renowed hand surgeon and leprosy specialist has spent most of his life caring for the forsaken lepers in India.

He discovered that the disease itself was not causing the rotting of the flesh, but rather it was the loss of pain sensation.

Leprous people live a virtually pain-free existence. Many of us would do anything to live a pain-free life. Yet in fact, the absence of pain is the greatest enemy of the leper. Again and again they wound and impale themselves. Yet they don’t feel a thing.

Without pain, they would sometimes even stick their hands in a fire to retrieve objects.

"If leprosy is the inability to feel pain, then alcohol and drug addiction, which deaden our pain, are forms of modern day leprosy."

Rev. Ed Hird

I guess we should be thankful after all, be it physical or non-physical pain that we have to go through...

What's the Hype?

The new 7 Wonders of the world was recently announced this month on 07.07.2007. As a girl who loves travelling, I couldnt help but feel excited with the new list - with the 105-foot-tall "Christ the Redeemer" statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil joining the winners. Good that I just got to meet a new Brazilian friend too ;)

Despite all the hype on the Man-made 7 Wonders of the World, my personal preference for travelling is still Nature. The New7Wonders committee is launching nominations for the New7Wonders of Nature. Nominations will continue through 08.08.2008. I can't wait that long can I? Here are some valid examples for nominations.

Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland
Baikal Sea, Russia
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada
Galapagos Island, Ecuador
Geirangerfjord, Norway
Grand Canyon, USA
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Iguaçu Waterfalls, Argentina/Brazil
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Redwood National Park, USA
Sagramatha Park, Nepal
Serengeti Park,Tanzania

Have you not wondered who started the 7Wonders listing? The New7Wonders organisation is a Zurich-based company, which had promised to give 50% of the revenues from its campaign. However in a recent article, it expressed that "We invested 10 million euros in the campaign for selecting the 7 new wonders. We have just been able to break even". Dont get me wrong, but 10 million euros to put up a voting system, global publicity and maintaining a staff of 20 people? The non-profit organisation insisted that they are not into money-making; but surely the world does not require 10 million euros zapped out to create a world ranking list for "tourist inflow"?

Still, I am a sucker for rankings and listings. Knowing that I have travelled and "conquered" the world's best is one of my motivations & interest in life!

Just spoke to a friend who feels that there is "no meaning in life". Dont some people fall into that trap from time to time? All I can say is, when there is a problem, the trick is to solve it. With an optimistic eye, when you are faced with pain and suffering, take it as an opportunity to develop empathy, so you can increase your capacity to understand others better, connect better with others and develop better compassion.

When all else fails - travel - so you can find yourself.

History packed Kyoto


Kyoto, the capital of Japan from 794 until the Meiji Emperor moved the capital to Tokyo in 1869. I spent a good 4 days 3 nights in Kyoto. I took this picture at the old imperial palace. Although every corner was packed with history, I thought this shot captured a touch of contemporary at the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Nothing extraordinary happened this week. Perhaps I was a bit more of a tour guide for my London visitors. I introduced Killiney, Dim Sum and Char Siew Rice to my colleagues. On Friday evening, we attended the corporate bowling event. The traders won. We later went to a colleague's apartment @ Fraiser and played beer drinking games... funny... Left after a while, and for the first time I stepped into St James. I had more champagne and whiskey. Crazy evening!

Walking Out Our Path

Reading Eeps' post on fresh graduates pay in London versus Singapore was interesting, as I didnt think there will be many news articles around that would comment on the parallel or differences between London & Sg directly. Good to have insights of friends who are staying out of Sg. Reading friends' blog becomes somewhat like a insider news feed to me - from Japan, London, and New York.

Talking about fresh graduates, I was part of a mass recruitment drive last Saturday @ the bank. I was stationed at the meeting room where I would meet 5 candidates at a go, and chatted casually with them in a group. It was amazing that at a relaxed setting, some became very frank about why they wanted to join an investment bank. Some didnt know what they exactly wanted to do, but just wanted to start off in a IB - looking for good pay, better hours than what they currently have, and good contacts so they can set up their own business in future - shocking frankness, but okay there's "honesty". Of course, they were striked off the list.

This week was another madness for me. Three more new joiners and another visitor from London. Quite a challenge to start up a fresh team. But I feel lucky to have good support from my bosses both in London and Sg. I am constantly asked "how things are going" and "if there are any problems, I can always talk to them about it". When there is a problem or issue at work, I usually always find a logical way of dissecting them.

How about emotional issues? Is it about adopting the right mental attitude (whats that anyway??)? I guess that means instead of being overwhelmed by anxiety and worry, always lamenting about a situation, or feeling "Why does life seem so unfair for me", we can save ourselves from the mental pain by having the right attitude. Gosh... its a much more complex subject than a well-salaried job...

1st Snowboarding

Are we heading in or returning?
We all looked clownish - but we were all happy!!

Behind the Happy Smiles

Looking at old pictures again. That was in 2004 and 2003. Carefree days spent at the beach!

This was taken with my ex-colleagues @ KP and diving buddies from DT as below. 3-4 years later, it is interesting to see how each of us have evolved. At least I know one is happy married last Sunday @ Equinox. Most of our careers have progressed well. But we all have time less than before to head to the beach together!

In my workplace, while preparing the P&L, we do often chat heartily. Everyone around me seems very happy. But this can't be true. I am sure at various points in our life, we would be faced with problems that can be depressing and unsettling. Pregnancy is one, as I have witnessed two of my happily married girlfriends showing me tears in their eyes when they first learnt about their pregnancy, and couldnt accept this reality or the changes that are about to take place in their life.

For a start, if you suspect depression, there are online depression tests.
http://testyourself.netdoctor.co.uk/interactivetests/goldberg.php

If immediate help is recommended, you can always start with a GP, who will recommend if a psychiatrist is required. Antidepressant medication may be prescribed. A psychiatrist charges approximately S$120 for the first 20 minutes, and S$180 for the next one hour. How about the less priviledged then? They may be the ones with the real depression problems - poverty, dysfunctional homes, debt, no qualifications or skills to enable them to work & prosper, alcohol, drug addiction, lone parents, criminality or disabled.

For the rich, maybe depression is self-inflicted - maybe "not finding the right guy"; Paris Hilton was said to experience depression and anxiety while in jail, but now "grateful to be home and excited to have real food". In Hollywood, for the divorced seen on the streets, "casual clothes suggested depression, and party clothes meant desperation".

But of course we all know that antidepressant medication does not solve the problem. You need to work through the root of the problems, and know that you are going to be alright.

So Much to Learn!

Hooh, finally it is over. Can't believe I actually lost sleep over a new business process model. Thought through the reasonings last night why I didnt think it would work out in the long term; and asked my boss for a meeting before he flew back to London today.

Fortunately he was very receptive; but (maybe unfortunately) I would have to take on heavier review responsibilities.

It was a load off my mind. I feel more confident should I need to voice my opinion in future. I am beginning to appreciate challenges now - although if I reflect back, I should be cooler - and not lose sleep over work!

This year's Singapore Chef of the Year award goes to a Marriot Hotel chef. The creation is "King Prawns with Potato Cake Served with Cod & Dry Scallop Wanton" - complex!!

According to Channel News Asia:

Judges picked his "King Prawns with Potato Cake Served with Cod & Dry Scallop Wanton" as one that truly represents Singapore.

This dish is for the 4 races in Singapore - the Eurasians, Chinese, Indian and Malay.

When I finished reading the above, in my tired mind, I was wondering which delicacy represented each race?!!

Luckily, it goes on to explain...
The sauce is hot and sweet, and the potato cake is very soft and crispy. Because Asians like sweet, hot and sour stuff, and Europeans like potato very much. You can taste the 4 tastes - bitter, sweet, sour and hot," said chef Kek.

Ok, I didnt have to guess which food item was representive of which race... zzz

Me in My Own World of Travelling

鎌倉市

Yesterday evening, I spent some good time looking through my travel pictures. Yet again, I can never get bored of it.

Last Spring @ 新宿御苑

In a world of your own, you feel loneliness, you get out of your comfort zone, and discover things around you and about yourself, which you would never do if you were constantly surrounded by a familiar environment. My boss from London has spent a good year travelling in Asia Pacific - a mentality most Asians would not (perhaps not even myself).

My bf who has stayed in the States and has travelled frequently since young, says that Japan is the only country he misses on a daily basis. The food quality, architecture standard, interesting merchandises, customer service that cares, diversity of cultural events, abundance of nature out of the city and pleasant politeness despite the crowd, makes everyday living a desirable combination. I think I may want to retire in Hokkaido.

I read about Viktor Frankl today, who was imprisoned by the Nazis in World Was II. Throughout his ordeal, he could not help but see that, among those given a chance for survival, it was those who held on to a vision of the future -- whether it be a significant task before them, or a return to their loved ones -- that were most likely to survive their suffering. It was not based on youth or physical strength. One of the ways he found the strength to fight to stay alive and not lose hope was to think of his wife. Frankl clearly saw that it was those who had nothing to live for who died quickest in the concentration camp.

On a lighter note, check out this Whatever video... So Cute!