Cross promotion or self-plug?

Dear Blog,

I am sorry for having been unfaithful to thee. Lately, I have been spending time and effort writing a separate blog (http://iloveburningloins.blogspot.com/). I promise to not neglect you in the new year and will continue to nourish you with fanciful stories. I hope you forgive me and let us continue our creative relationship.

Yours truly

Sweet ananda

This is why we need to care about our environment - to preserve the beauty of nature. {I feel incredibly lucky for the opportunity to visit the Iguassu Falls a month ago & sharing that moment with my parents}

Squeeze

According to Dr. Wayne Dyer (the spiritual guru behind the Power of Intentions), you get orange juice if you squeeze an orange.

If I am squeezed tight, I hope to ooze pure joy & lots of laughs.

C-span just got interesting...

To those who claim that Canadian politics is a snooze may wish to wake up to the possible political coup that is brewing. I must say I am quite impressed with those responsible of the "coalition" for thinking outside the box in the attempts of taking down the governing party. How about using that creative minds instead for boosting confidence in the current economic state?

Just a thought

Just a thought - instead of adding one year to my age when my next birthday rolls around, how about adding one year to the year that I was born. Brilliant?

One vote

I reserve my one vote for the political leader who can show me how he can serve the country best - not how much critism he can throw at his opponent. I am sick and tired of negative campaigning. Is this how we set an example for young children - the way to win is to make someone else look bad? Instead of focusing energy and resources in attacking each other, why not tell us what your strengths are and how best you can make our country one of the best places to live in the world? You tell me and maybe I'll give you my one vote.

Bourdain vs DiSprito

I enjoyed the past banters between Anthony Bourdain and Rocco DiSprito. I wonder what Bourdain has to say about DiSprito appearance on the next instalment of Dancing with the Stars...

The understatement of simplicity

How will London top Beijing's extravagant display of the Olympics? In my opinion, London (and Vancouver) should just have a minimalistic and simple Olympic event focusing on going "green". Instead of spending billions of dollars on a two week show, perhaps it may be beneficial to simplify the event and spend the money on different causes (i.e. feed the hungry, sponsor free education for children of the world). Simplicity could be the new direction of making a statement.

Vegan condom?

Who knew there is special condom for vegan? I didn't know that until I saw it on Tyra's show. Phew! Now I guess I can widen my dating pool to include vegans. :p

Why I fawn over JM....

I enjoy his musical talents, his boyish good looks (despite his often face contortions), but most of all I get a kick out of his point of view:

"I guarantee you [that] 20 percent of the people on this street right now who are in a relationship wish they could get out but they don't know how. And I'm going to be honest on the way in to my relationships, and I'm going to be honest on the way out of my relationships." - John Mayer

Note to JM - I can be your wonderland....

Zzzz

On my stroll back to the office on my lunch break today, I walked past a mattress store. Plastered on the window of the store was posters advertising "Back to School" sale. Since when do kids ask for new mattresses in preparation of the new school year?

Feast for my eyes

Let the games begin (and the feasting for my eyes start) - the Olympic games bring about the abundance of wonderfully athletic physiques. So far, I'm thankful for men beach volleyball, swimming and soccer. Hmm....what's next on the menu? (Note to IOC - can't you have the summer games more frequent than once every four years?)

Worth

Walking towards one of my favourite casual Italian restaurant, a homeless guy muttered to me as he jay-walked across the street "don't cross - I'm different, my life is worthless". He cautioned us as we tried to follow suit jay-walking across the street. This led me to ponder - what really is the worth of my life?

Shh......

Yoga does feel really good when done right - but moaning? I was at yoga class on Saturday afternoon and during class, this couple with mats lined up next to mine started to moan during class. It was not a couple's yoga class - it was individual practice and therefore, there was no need for moaning (although I doubt that moaning is ever appropriate at yoga). I must have had this puzzled and disturbed look on my face because the teacher came to my rescue and requested the class to "resist from vocalization" during postures. Phew, hot yoga teacher saved the day again.

Ogre riding the unicorn

This ogre still dreams the dream of riding the unicorn. Unicorns are for princesses but someday in a far far away land, this ogre will get meet a unicorn who will offer her a ride and together we will ride off into the sunset (& laughing all the way into the horizon).

Invisible or Ogre? Take your pick

In this beautiful city I live in where beautiful women outnumbered men, I have often been reduced to feeling as if I am an ogre or simply invisible by the hetero single men. Isn't it a man's job to make a woman feel beautiful and a woman's job to make a man feel strong? Apparently my expectation is old-fashion and out of style - either that or my mirror really is magical (because the last I check I don't look so bad).

I simply don't know

A little comforting quote that I came across:

"Those who think they know, don't! But those that acknowledge that they don't know always create space for greater knowing to come about"

Clean slate?

Having lost my authentic self - does it mean I get a clean slate?

Mirror

Do you see yourself through the reflections of others or do you see yourself from within?

Lost soul

Warning: Do not read any further if you don't want your world to be rocked a little.

This morning I woke up feeling sad, alone and terrified - I do not know who I am and what my purpose is. I know the basic facts about me (i.e. my name, lineage, address, date of birth, and so on) but facts only addressed what I am - not who I am. I know my roles - a daughter, a friend, and an employee in the financial industry - but roles explained my functions but not who I am. Constantly haunting me over the past few weeks have been this particular cold, empty, and alone feeling - which I can't quite shake off. The only times I feel somewhat comforted were times spent at the yoga studio, in the company of true friends, and with my parents.

Do you know who you are and what your purposes are? Or am I the only....

Let's hope that it's the full moon that's behind this whole feeling of being lost...

Old-fashion

True to my old-fashion style, I love receiving hand-written notes. Amongst my bills and statements, I was greeted by a lovely hand written note card from Speedy Granny. Speedy Granny is one of the dearist person I am so lucky to know - we call her Speedy Granny because she is very experienced and she drives fast. She is the queen of notecards - she sends them all the time and I love receiving them. I am supposed to visit her at the end of the month when I'm out in Toronto but unfortunately Speedy Granny will not be in town. She sent me a note just to let me know how disappointed that we couldn't have tea together.

In this age of technology whereby txt messages have replaced real phone conversation, and e-mails have replaced hand-written letters, it is so refreshing and sweet to receive a hand-written note.

Ctrl + Z

Don't you sometimes (or a lot of times) wish that Ctrl+Z work in real life? Undo, undo, undo - nope doesn't work.

Split second

A split second, I turn & I see a smile
A split second, I turn & I see a scowl
A split second, I listen & I hear laughter
A split second, I listen & I hear sobs
A split second, I breathe & I feel stinging chills
A split second, I breathe & I feel caressing warmth
A split second, a moment of joy or a moment of sadness
A split second, a moment neither too soon nor too late

Bubble bath?

I saw a notice in the elevator of my building today advising against the use of bubble bath products in the hot tub and pool. Hmm....I wonder what kind of people do live in my building? (Why wasn't I invited to the giant bubble bath party?)

Short shorts

Gasp!!! Yes, I said short shorts and I am taking back my words on what I had previously said about short shorts. If they are cuffed, they actually look fine. I bought two pair of short shorts today after many years of staying far far away from them. I tried them on and they look cute-ish; so I bought them. Next time you see me, I may be wearing them. Just wear shades so that I don't blind you with my pale legs.

I get sick too :(

A robot I am not but falling apart is never an option. Despite being weakened by a nasty cold, I masked my illness under some make-up and put on my best dress - and brave the scary cruel world alone (but with poise still intact).

I want to colour too!

I want to colour and colour with every colour of crayon in the box too! I'll even colour outside the line - for kicks!
Too bad - there is nothing to colour on :(

PS - Definitely looking forward to the SATC movie.

Is there ever a sexy disease?

Feeling lousy (after crashing into a brick wall last week), I decided to start on beautification project. So, I decided to head to the doctor's office to remedy my skin irritation problem which had been plaguing me for a while. While waiting to be placed with a skin specialist, my doctor prescribed me a cream to ease my irritance for now.

After yoga, I headed down to the neighbourhood pharmacy to get my prescription filled. To assist me was a very cute Asian pharmacist - too bad I am not getting a prescription for a sexy disease. But is there really a sexy disease (I said sexy, not sex!).

Do's & Don'ts - The Spinter's Guide to Surviving Lonely Nights and Days

Do's

1. Do wear good underwear - always wear good underwear. If you are ever found lying unconscious alone in your apartment, at least you have good underwear on when the paramedics/firemen come to your rescue.
2. Do allow yourself to belt out the spinster theme song "All By Myself" - good cathartic release of pent-up energy.
3. Do yoga - it's my solution to all problems. Plus, it's the best substitute for sex (better than chocolate because it does not make you fat).
4. Do celebrate your own divinity - if you don't, who else would?
5. Do splurge on luxury bedding and lots of pillows - I feel safe cocooned by mountains of pillows.
6. Do chores (i.e. vacuuming) in sexy underwear - when else do you get to use those? Don't waste it - it's cooling to do chores in underwear.
7. Do blog - you still have a voice, put it out there.
8. Do self-indulge - treat yourself well.

Don'ts

1. Do not keep cats at home. In case you fall unconscious, the cats may eat your face.
2. Do not stuff your face in a tub of ice cream. Never let yourself go even if you feel undesirable - at the end of the day, you still have to look at yourself in the mirror and feel super hot.
3. Do not drink yourself silly (hmm...maybe unless you completely pass out from the consumption).
4. Do not watch romantic movies or tv shows - stop reminding yourself of that elusive prince who chose to frolic with the young'uns instead of finding his way to you.
5. Do not befriend the neighbour except for the sweet old friendly couple.
6. Do not let anyone tell you that you're a lesser being because you're partnerless.

No judgement please

I live my life the best way I know how - at times seem totally frivolous and self-indulgence. We all have different circumstances (none better than the other) - at the end of the day, all I want is to be serene and have a good night sleep. Reserve your judgement until you walk in my stilletoes or ballet flats - flying solo is not as easy as it seems.

Unexplained

I have spent much time frivolously trying to figure out how things in life really works - and my conclusion is simply: unexplained.

Uniquely favorable

"Tell your new friend something unique about yourself that you like" - when asked to do that before the start of yesterday's yoga class, I was stumped. I couldn't think of something unique about myself that I like. I had, however, a ready list of items that I don't like about myself. Sigh - how sad.

One day late, the unique quality that I like about myself is I still have my child-like curiousity.

My cheer-me up mantra

Here's my new cheer-me-up mantra:

I have food in my tummy and shelter over my head; everything else is icing on the cake.

Spirituality & the Corporate world

Spirituality is a BIG business - for instance, just look at the $$$ reaped in by the popularity of the "Secret" or the "New Earth".

I am however having a challenging time trying to fit my spirituality into the Corporate world. Each attempt I was reminded by the horror of my experience in business school. There was once in a business class, the instructor asked "what are we all striving for?" and when he looked at my direction, I answered "self actualization - be the very best that we can & each one of us is different in terms of our potential". Laughter bursted out across the room - of course encouraged by the smug instructor who responded "this is a business class, not a psych class".

So, when my boss asked me to think of goals that I would like to set for myself for the upcoming fiscal year - I doubt that my plan of "going with the flow of the Universe and let myself be pleasantly surprised" is not going to fly.

PS: Single people are entitled to happiness too

At a dinner party back in January, my dinner companions looked at me strangely because I was grinning from ear to ear. They proceeded to interrogate me and the first thing they asked was "so who's the new guy?" Umm - there was no new guy (and still no guy). Then they asked "why are you so happy?" Umm - perhaps it was because I had a pretty dress on and just about to have a delicious meal with interesting dinner company - not good enough reasons to be joyful?

PS - Single folks are fully capable of finding joy in things other than f$%# the next guy/girl.

An AHA - OMG moment....

I had a mind-blowing epiphany today (what I called a AHA-OMG moment). The mind-blowing epiphany I had was the revelation that my destiny (or journey in life) is predetermined by the Universe (or by God - the big force).
[This may be my last phase of sanity - before I go completely crazy - by society expectations]

The revelation is not a new concept. It was foreshadowed by a friend's tale of a visit to a Chinese fortune-teller. According to the Chinese fortune-teller, the life path is predetermined. Every being has a unique destiny. No two beings enter the Universe at the same moment and place, therefore no two beings have identical journeys. When she first told me about it, I didn't give it much thought.

I finally understood it all as a result of the events that unfolded today. I had been working on starting a special project for the last few weeks with much frustrations and a heck lot of disappointments. No matter what I did or how much I effort I put into it - somehow there was always something that stalled the start of the project. After abandoning the project for a week (without a break from trying to figure it out), I made a last ditch effort today in attempts to get the project started. All seems to be heading in the right direction until the last second when the project was called off again. That's when I had my Aha-OMG moment - no matter what I do, I was not destined to work on this special project. The great force (i.e. the Universe or God) is preventing my involvement in this special project. The reason the opportunity came into my life (but not being part of it - which seems very pointless at first) is that this was to reinforce the notion that my destiny is predetermined. Every time I stray away from the path, I was directed back by the great force.

The lesson that I learned is that my destiny is already mapped out for me the moment I entered the universe. Each time I tried to change my destiny I have experienced much frustrations and disappointments. Each time I went with the flow I have experienced ease and effortlessness.

What does this all mean? Does it mean that since my destiny is predetermined, I am just going to do nothing and give up? Absolutely not. I may not be able to change my destiny but every thing that I do or choose to be conscious of is guided by the force. Not knowing what comes next makes every moment in life so much more exciting. I try to be more conscious and aware of my surroundings and sensations that I experience because these may foreshadow what's to come. The way to live is to trust my gut instincts - it is the Universe whispering to me what my next move is. I am excited to be pleasantly surprised by the unfolding of events in my destiny. I'll continue to let my faith grow and wear cute underwear.

Talk about inspirational...

I admit I was slow in catching on to the phenomenon of "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. I had heard about this for a while but never watched the lecture until a few minutes ago. If you have 76 mins 26 sec, watch it - if you don't, make time and watch it. It is truly inspiring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

A tax reform I would like to see...

I would like to see a tax reform that favours the single people for a change. One where one gets a tax credit or at least a deudction for maintaining a household on a single income. A single person pays 100% of living costs on a single income whereareas a couple shares the costs on a double income. Fair? I think not. To make matters worse, a couple gets a spousal deduction (gasp!).

Another full moon evening....

As I was strolling home (from yoga) on a busy shopping street, I overheard a sad self-muttering of a homeless older gentleman. He was muttering to himself how much his life sucks. My heart broke when I heard that - how very sad for this being. I am feeling guilty for not stopping to offer him something. I hope at least next time I will be more prepared to at least offer him some food. The homeless gentleman may think that his life no longer has meaning but he still make a difference - at least one in me - thanks to him, I am grateful to have food in my tummy, shelter over my head, and love of family and friends.

Pout

Help! I am looking for mint-flavoured lip gloss. My favourite lip gloss - Empowermint by Philosophy has since been discontinued. I checked with Kiehl but they only carry mint gloss around Christmas - so no luck there. I did pick up two tubes of peppermint gloss from Green by Nature at Urban Outfitters but they are my last two tubes.

I like the tingly feeling and the minty taste of my favourite gloss. Please e-mail me if you do come across mint-flavoured gloss. Thanks!

SoBe it

South Beach - wishing that I am still laying on the beach, chilling to the Atlantic ocean breeze but reality is that I have left SoBE for more than a week now (sigh).

My vices in Miami were food, shoppping, and a whole lot of lazing around.

Things that I fell in love with are

1)

Beautiful beach - need I say more?

2) Cuban espresso - hot aromatic espresso dripped onto a bed of sugar, caramelizing the sugar thus creating a sweet aroma. Best when served over ice.

3) Food at Table 8 - especially the famous "grilled cheese sandwich with pulled pork". I was so impressed by the food that I was hoping to meet Chef Govind Armstrong. Shamelessly I asked if I could meet the chef but sadly he had already left for LA (I was one week too late).

4) Stone crab at Joe's - where I lunched with the mafias and the ladies who lunch, looking "fresh" and accessorized with their limited edition Dior bags and blinding diamond rings.

5) Cuban cuisine at Larios on the Beach and Puerto Sagua - just thinking about the empanadas, sopa de pollo, ropa vieja, moro rice, pork adobo, & of course the plaintain makes my mouth waters and my tummy growls.

6) Pastries at Thomas (on Lincoln Road) - pastries that transport me to Paris.

7) Fancy decor at La Marea - I felt like a celebrity lunching there but was left unimpressed by the food (I think the Chef forgot to season our food).

8) Best pizza at Pizza Rustica - the "Rustica" was delicious.

9) LF Miami - a little boutique on 8th Street between Collins & Washington Avenue that carries chic clothes & shoes from Europe. Sadly I only discovered this little treasure box on my last evening in town (even though our hotel was just around the corner on Collins by 8th).

10) Artwork by Romero Britto - what colorful, vibrant, playful artwork.

I had a fantastic time in South Beach - wishing I am still there....

40 days completed - only the beginning

Last Friday, I finally completed my 40 days challenge - woohoo! What am I going to do with myself now?

Well, I am glad that I embarked on the 40 day journey - to self discovery, self revelation, and mostly self love. Who knew from doing yoga, meditating, and indulging in nourishing food, I learn to be excited about living life again (instead of merely existing). I am now better at letting go of control and just going with the flow - letting the natural order of universe brings me pleasant surprises. I have faith in the Universe again - I trust that the Universe will guide me well. In the midst of the journey, I stop fighting change but welcome change - I even took the risk of changing jobs (I start my new job in the first week of March).

The 40 days may be over but the journey continues....

(Perhaps the Universe will allow me to cross path with Lenny Kravitz again...in South Beach next week).

40 Day Challenge Update - Week 3

Still going....

Upside - my skirt feels roomier.

Downside - I am exhausted (to the point that I bailed out on my friends on Saturday night - sorry guys).

40 Day Challenge Update - Week 2

I have just completed my second week of the 40 day challenge and I have not given up yet.


Asana Practice (Physical)
Physically, I was starting to feel the wear & tear of yoga more so in the second week than the first. Plus, the fact that I had to wake up earlier this week than last week did not help matters. The upside of a tired body was a good night sleep. Much better sleep this week.

Meditation
The duration of each meditation session was increased from 5 to 10 minutes this week. The first day (Monday) of each week was always the hardest. I have yet to learn the proper technique of meditation since my mind wandered for most part of the meditation sessions. Oh well, at least I fought my desire to fidget.

Food
Too much seafood this week left me feeling chilly. Time to eat meat again to heat up the body. The highlight of the week was having a fine dinner on Saturday which included dessert. Hmm...I would be so happy if I could have fine dining every day.

Overall
I had a mini personal breakthrough at the end of the second week. As I was driving to my parents’ on Sunday morning, it finally clicked in my brain – I finally was able to acknowledge my own divinity. In the past, I have depended on others to acknowledge my “divinity” and somewhere along that line I got lost and started to fall in the trap of feeling unworthiness and losing the value of self. Lesson learned - I first acknowledge and recognize my own divinity and then I can let my divinity shine out to others.

Personal Revolution - Week 1 Review

I made it through my first week of the 40 day challenge. It was difficult to wake up an hour earlier than usual (and the wake-up time gets earlier and earlier as the weeks progress).

Asana Practices (Physical)
To practice yoga six days a week wasn't a stretch for me (yet) since I do practice yoga regularly from three to six times a week. I find balancing the daily practice with social life (the lack of that currently helps with the program) to be the real test.

Meditation
As I have a mind full of constant chatters, it wasn't easy for me to sit still for 5 minutes at a time (without fidgeting or thinking about food). 5 minutes felt like forever one the first day but manageable by the last day.

Food
I have been good in terms of avoiding any preservatives and eating mostly home-made food (except for the weekend that I let myself indulged - wasn't at all smart since I gained back all the weight that I lost throughout the week from the weekend binge).

Overall
I was glad that I started this journey because it definitely helped me deal with all the "craziness" that went on last week. Net weight lost - just 1 lb. Frame of mind - good.

Om Namah Shivaya

Om Namah Shivaya - I honor the divinity that resides within me

Today, I embarked on a 40 day personal revolution (based on a book by famed yogi Baron Baptiste). The program involves a commitment to daily meditation, six days of yoga practice per week and healthy eating. I am excited to discover what this journey will uncover throughout the next six weeks.