Dec 13, 2009
Never Too Late
The expression "turning over a new leaf" refers to turning pages of a book. Just as the plot of a novel changes from page to page, people, too, can change their lives. Indeed they have to if they are to live well.
I enjoy reading about ancient cultures. And it occurs to me that most of the old civilizations are gone. Some have left little behind except ruins and rubble. What happened? Where are the people, their music and ideas? Why are they nothing more today than a collection of stones visited by tourists and curious historians?
The answer, of course, is not the same the world over. But Arnold Toynbee, in his work THE STUDY OF HISTORY (1987), says that the great lesson of history is this: civilizations that changed when confronted with challenges thrived. Those that did not change died. In other words, when life got hard, it killed off those who didn't make needed changes. The key to survival is often about "change."
And what about us? What about you and me? It's good to accept ourselves as we are, but when an unhealthy attitude or a destructive behavior gets in the way, when we wish we could change something about ourselves, we had better change. People who embrace change thrive; those who resist it die.
If you have been waiting for a sign to make that needed change, this may be it. I am convinced that it is never too late to be the person you might have been. It's never too late to be happy. It's never too late to do something different or to do something better. It's never too late to change a habit. It's never too late to live.
Begin making that necessary change today. Then tomorrow, and every tomorrow thereafter, can truly be different.
-- Steve Goodier
Nov 23, 2009
The Gift
His parents acquired the washer when John Claypool was a small boy. It happened during World War II. His family owned no washing machine and, since gasoline was rationed, they could ill afford trips to the laundry several miles away. Keeping clothes clean became a problem for young John's household.
A family friend was drafted into the service, and his wife prepared to go with him. John's family offered to store their furniture while they were away. To the family's surprise, the friends suggested they use their Bendix while they were gone. "It would be better for it to be running," they said, "than sitting up rusting." So this is how they acquired the washer.
Young John helped with the washing, and across the years he developed an affection for the old, green Bendix. But eventually the war ended. Their friends returned. In the meantime he had forgotten how the machine came to be in their basement in the first place. When the friends came to take it away, John grew terribly upset -- and let his feelings be known.
His wise mother sat him down and said, "Wait a minute, Son. You must remember, that machine never belonged to us in the first place. That we ever got to use it at all was a gift. So, instead of being mad at it being taken away, let's use this occasion to be grateful that we had it at all."
The lesson proved invaluable. Years later, John watched his eight-year-old daughter die a slow and painful death of leukemia. Though he struggled for months with her death, John could not really begin healing from the loss until he remembered the old Bendix.
"I am here to testify," he said, "that this is the only way down the mountain of loss...when I remember that Laura Lou was a gift, pure and simple, something I neither earned nor deserved nor had a right to. And when I remember that the appropriate response to a gift, even when it is taken away, is gratitude, then I am better able to try and thank God that I was ever given her in the first place."
His daughter was given to him to love and nurture. She never belonged to him, but he had the awesome privilege of sharing her life for a while. When he realized that simple fact, everything changed. He could now begin healing from the tragedy of her loss by focusing instead on the wonder of her life. He started to see Laura Lou as a marvelous gift that he was fortunate enough to enjoy for a time. He felt grateful. He found strength and healing. He finally knew he could get through the valley of loss.
We all experience loss -- loss of people, loss of jobs, loss of relationships, loss of independence, loss of esteem, loss of things. What if you view that which is lost as a gift you were given for a time? Perhaps that simple choice of trying to reframe your loss will change sad memories into thankful ones. And perhaps it will get you unstuck and back on the road to healing and wholeness.
-- Steve Goodier
Nov 6, 2009
Letting Your Soul Catch Up
We're told that the word "relax" has its origin in the Latin word "relaxare," which means "to loosen." When we relax, we are in effect loosening tension, releasing tightly held energy and letting go. From the state of relaxation we can experience calm peacefulness.
Another great word is the Hebrew word "Shabbat" which, of course, is a day of rest. But it quite literally means to "quit; stop; take a break." Whatever you are doing, stop it. Whatever you are saying, be quiet. Sit down and take a look around. Don't do anything. Don't say anything. Fold your hands. Take a deep breath...
Extended periods of rest are a biological necessity. The human body is like an old-fashioned wind-up clock. If it is not rewound by rest, ultimately it will run itself down.
A group of Americans made a trip with Brazilian natives down the Amazon River. The first day they rushed. The second day they rushed. The next day they rushed. One day, anxious to continue the trek, they were surprised to find the natives seated together in a circle.
When asked the reason for the delay, a guide answered, "They are waiting. They cannot move further until their souls have caught up with their bodies."
Do you owe yourself time to let your soul catch up with your body?
-- Steve Goodier
Oct 24, 2009
Shell Fuel Promotion
A lazy saturday ... Went to queue up for the Shell fuel promotion - $1 per litre of FuelSave 95 or 98 ... just for today only, 10am till 6pm
Many, many cars in the long queue indeed ... were you one of them??
Pumped a full tank of petrol, went home to lim kopi and take photos of the never-ending queue ... lol
Luckily got Cisco police to control the traffic, if not, i am sure there will be ppl who try to cut queue ... then, will be chaos!!Oct 16, 2009
Today is Friday
Me ... Started a new chapter in my life ...
- Become a father to Eunice Ng, our baby girl
Here's a slideshow i did for her full month!!
- Bought my first new car
.... after 10 years ago, when i bought my first second-hand car in 1999, later sold off to scrapyard, before i ORD in 2003
Buying car is a liability, if dun need, better save the money ... Mainly, i buy for convenience sake cos need to use for work and family, rather than spending money on taking cab and still need to wait for cab some more ... hahaha
Was deciding between these few models:
Suzuki Swift - 1.5l engine power, comes with pretty good options, price around 55k after cash rebate
Honda Fit - 1.3l, good fuel consumption, can get between 14 to 16km per litre (for auto) but price quite ex, around 60k
Kia Picanto - 1.1l, drives well, decent fuel consumption (between 12 to 14km per litre for auto), a good Point A to B car, price 43k
After doing my sums, i decided on Kia Picanto cos i just need a budget car, dun want to spend too much.
Went down to C&C to test drive ... end up couldn't get any freebies from the agent, only neg for remote alarm ... lol ... which i thought should come as standard!? wtf ... also have to pay extra 1k for factory fitted leather seats and 500plus for paint protection and rust proofing ... haiz, what to do ...
A consolation is that the agent really help to push hard for the delivery ... I got the car in just 2 weeks after booking and successful COE bidding ... Woo hoo!! That was fast ...
On hindsight, i should have booked the car in Apr or May 09, when COE was just about 5k and Kia Picanto only cost around 33k ... that is a massive 10k discount wor
- At work
... closing off 2 projects, so not too stressed out now, can take a breather before moving on to next project
That's all i have for today ... Enjoy the weekend!!
Sep 26, 2009
Sep 8, 2009
Aug 24, 2009
Putting It Out There
Gotta admire persistence. Because rejection is hard to take. Especially when it comes from someone you know. Or, come to think about it, someone you don't know.
And we all want to be appreciated. We like being valued for what we do and who we are.
American football coach Bum Phillips lives in a world where one can become a hero or a heel in an amazingly short time. One mediocre season and a coach, even a good one, can be out of a job. Like Phillips once said, "There's only two kinds of coaches -- them that's been fired and them that's about to be fired." Sounds like they might want to make friends with rejection.
Few things hold people back more than the fear of rejection. They don't ask for what they need because the answer may be no. They don't ask their boss for a raise or for more time off. They don't ask for help. They are afraid to be the first to say "I love you" (what if they don't hear "I love you" back?). They don't ask for a better deal or a lower interest rate. They don't submit that manuscript to a publisher. In short, they don't let their wants and needs be known, for fear of being turned away, turned down or turned out.
But the wonderful truth is this: If you can accept NO for an answer, you can ask for anything. ANYTHING. When no is an acceptable and okay answer to what you'd like, you can fearlessly ask for whatever you need.
I love the expression, "I'm just putting it out there." Just put it out there. Ask. And don't worry about the response. Nobody can say YES if you never asked. Just put it out there and don't be afraid -- you may be surprised at the answer you get. Sometimes people just need to be asked. And if you don't get the response you want, are you any worse off than before?
Hey -- I'm just putting it out there.
-- Steve Goodier
Aug 23, 2009
Happy Dancing
Here's the english version ...
And it all started because of this one guy ...
14 months in the making, 42 countries, and a cast of thousands.
Thanks to everyone who danced with me.
- Matt Harding
This is his story
Aug 11, 2009
Up, Up and Away
The movie "Up" touches our hearts. It prompts us to reflect on life's unfinished business and our tendencies to put even the biggest dreams on hold while we go through life's ups and downs.
In a silent, flashback montage and less than 5 mins, we went through the decades that Carl and Ellie spent together, this is the first touching moment, can't help shedding some tears.
When Ellie passed away, she leaves behind a scrapbook as well as a very grumpy widower, who retreats into himself. After an unfortunate incident, Carl was about to be evicted from his home and then, he got a plan. Using thousands of colored balloons tied to the house, prying it from its foundation and carrying it up skyward, Carl intends to fly it to South America, fulfilling Ellie's dream of going to Paradise Falls, somewhere in South America.
Here comes the funny parts - Russell (a chubby Junior Wilderness Explorer), Kevin (a brillantly coloured rare bird) and Dug (the talking dog), laugh so much here.
More touching moments:
Russell recalling time spent with his dad - "Sometimes the boring stuff is what I remember most."
Ellie's adventure book - Carl was her adventure, not really going to South America.
Carl pinning the Ellie's badge on for Russell - "for a boy who showed true courage, going above and beyond his duties."
Poignant, emotional, endearing, enlightening, thought-provoking, and enjoyable - go, watch it.
P.S. - I love the music
Aug 10, 2009
Happy Birthday, Singapore!
Last year, we celebrated with Carls Jr burgers, Anderson's ice cream and champagne at a Ritz Carlton suite while watching the preview parade from above.
This year, we had a simple and delicious dinner of Teochew Porridge (but we ate rice ... lol) at Joo Chiat.
After we are done ... Imagine the 2 of us (oh, it's 2 and a half) managed to finish all that food, no wonder my spare tyre keep getting bigger and bigger ...
And watching the parade on TV ...
Actually, to us, 9 Aug is more than celebrating the nation's birthday.
It's our first date, 4 years ago, when we went to watch the fireworks together.
Aug 7, 2009
Mind Movies
A Mind Movie is a short 3 minute video filled with powerful affirmations, and emotionally inspiring images. By watching this video twice a day you are commanding the universe to bring you the people, and resources required to make your dreams a reality.
Thousands of people have already discovered the life changing power of Mind Movies, and have decided to make their own. (Often with truly unbelievable results)
A quote by Napoleon Hill, the author of "Think and Grow Rich"...
Check out this awesome mind movie from personal development junkie, Alex Cattoni. Want proof that this works? She’s only 23 and she’s already managing a multimillion dollar company, lives a lifestyle only CEOs dream of retiring into, and is a world class photographer.
Want to know how she created her mind movie?? Very easy, if you have ever done presentations for work using Powerpoint or photo slideshows for wedding using Windows Movie Maker, etc, it is along the same lines ... You can make your own mind movie too ...
Aug 1, 2009
No One to Phone
One afternoon after the death of her grandfather, Carol lay huddled on her bed, sobbing forlornly. Her mother sat beside her and asked, "What's the matter, honey?"
"I miss my grandpa, and I miss talking to him about my problems," the girl said.
"I know, dear," sympathized her mother. "I miss him too. But can't you talk to me?" Carol shook her head vehemently.
"Why not?" her mother persisted.
"Because you're what we talked about," sobbed Carol.
Children may not always confide in their parents. And adults may choose not to confide in many of their friends and family. But it is important to have someone with whom we can be emotionally intimate.
Tragically, it has been estimated that the majority of men, and many women, have nobody they could phone at 2:00 in the morning if their lives fall apart. They believe there is nobody who really wants to hear from them in a crisis. Too many of us are utterly without close and intimate friends.
The philosopher Goethe once observed, "The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers and cities; but to know someone here and there who thinks and feels with us, and who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth an inhabited garden."
Who can you be vulnerable with? Is the earth, for you, more like a lonely desert or an inhabited garden? The difference may simply be in whom you feel free to call at your most wounded moments. Do you have such a person? And are you such a person for someone else?
As it has been said, "A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."
If we are to find the kind of friend who knows the song in our hearts, we must also BE that kind of friend. And since good friends take time to grow, today is a good day to work on those friendships.
-- Steve Goodier
Jul 19, 2009
Take Lots of Breaks to Get More Done
But that’s obviously not the way most of us work. We think that in order to get more done and be more productive, we need to increase our effort and time.
That’s the obvious, intuitive answer. But the less obvious — the counter-intuitive approach of working less and taking more breaks — gets better results.
Article by Zen Habits contributor Jonathan Mead
Continue reading ...
Jul 14, 2009
Jul 13, 2009
Ice Age Weekend

Watched Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs over the weekend.
Quite a funny show, lots of laughther in the cinema ... hahaha
Got a new character in the movie, Buckminister or Buck for short ... Like this part ...
Buck: "Listen! The wind! It’s speaking to us."
Wahahaha
And there were some heartwarming moments, too ...
When Ellie the female mammoth gave birth to a little baby mammoth, so cute ... and named her Peaches, after the codeword they use if Ellie was going into labour.
And Mannny the male mammoth cuddling little Peaches ... so sweet
This aptly remind me of my baby girl, coming in Sep 09 .... oh, my :)
Jul 12, 2009
End Of The World

Watch these interesting documentaries on Youtube, posted by fellow blogger MoMo
Jul 3, 2009
Breathless

A couple of days back, was in the library when a small blue hardcover - "breathless" by Lurlene McDaniel, caught my eye ... Picked it up and read the intro ... Here it goes:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You don't know me yet, but please read this before you begin.
Most people believe they have a clear idea of what's right and wrong. Many say they know how they'll act, or how they'll handle an extreme situation. But to be honest, no one knows. Not really.
Even if you say, "I'll never do this or that!" it actually might not be true. Because none of us truly knows what we'll do when the circumstances become so overwhelming and complex that we can't even tell right from wrong. And then there are the totally unforeseen situations, when life deals cards you never expected, or when something that's considered wrong morphs into something right and your mind determines that what once was the rule is not written in stone. Even if this has never happened to you, I'll bet you understand exactly what I'm talking about.
This is what happened to me. I thought I had standards. I believed in my absolutes. I did for most situations. Then I didn't. As time went on, my world turned gray and my absolutes became murky. Right and wrong dissolved into what I knew I had to do.
Please don't judge me until you hear my story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, did this arouse your curiosity enough to read the book? Well, it did for me and I find it a good and short read (by my standards, not sure about yours)!!
You can check it out at the library if you are slightly interested. Hehehe :)
Jun 30, 2009
A relaxing weekend
Well, that was last weekend ... Went with my missus to Spa Dor, she did facial and i had a tui na massage, gua sha and cupping session.
My back ended up like that :D
According to the masseuse, my body too heaty, that's why the colour is so purplish red. If do this more often and eat less heaty, deep fried food, then will not be so jialat. But that means less KFC, less nasi lemak, less laksa and more $$$ on massage ... wah piang eh!!
Maybe a cheaper alternative ... no heat that a few botak coconuts can't cure ... hahaha ... 95 cents only, from NTUC fairprice, cheaper than those at pasar malam, only that u got to chop them open yourself ... kekeke
Jun 29, 2009
Look at these cute doggy

Happy Rainbow: Look at these cute doggy



