Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Calming myself
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
I have been suffering from severe headaches of late due to overwork and looking at the computer screen till the wee hours of the morning.My allergy to medicines, pills in particular, helps reduce my intake of unnecessary medication. At the worst I pop in one mild painkiller and that's it.
The latest remedy for me is listening to healing music, like those often played at spas and massage centres, which I frequent.
Last night, while browsing the Internet for reputable spa centres in Singapore, I came across the home site for Spa Botanica, Singapore's first destination spa (http://www.spabotanica.com/).
Developed on a heritage site by HKRAP (HKR Asia Pacific Pte Ltd), Spa Botanica has been presented the Best Spa Experience and Best Tourism Host: Spa awards by the Singapore Tourism Board.
There's no doubt that there is a lot of good things to say about Botanica Spa but what's most interesting is the music that plays on the site. Once I opened the site, the music just continue playing and before I knew it I was totally immersed in it. It was like playing music from my iPod on repeat mode.
There are two albums available for sale. At this very minute I'm actually listening to The Five Seasons divided into Spring Rhapsody, Summer Celebration, Autumn Sonata, Winter Bliss and Spring Awakening.
The other album is The Five Elements, which pays homage to the five forces of nature, wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
I am not sure if the music termed as "original spa music" has been especially composed for Spa Botanica to be produced into these two albums or they are a compilation of existing works. Whichever it is, the albums are worth having if you are looking for some soothing music compilations for calm your nerves and de-stress.
Besides these selections, I also have a copy of a meditation track I came across on one of the radio stations on iTunes. It's called Open Heart Meditation by Irmansyah Effendi. You can also visit the site at www.open-your-heart.org.uk
The Open Heart Meditation track is a 20-minute guided meditation, which helps us experience calmness within our heart. Practised regularly it can help us find peace of mind and learning to let go of our emotional baggage.
It is a very simple process, similar to other forms of meditation but would probably benefit those of us who need that extra push to understand the importance of acceptance and letting go.
Most of us would already know that meditation has been practised in Asia for over 5,000 years. And that there are various kinds of meditations techniques.
Some meditate by controlling their breathing, visualisation or my focussing the mind. I, however, opt for what is termed as "passive meditation" in which one relaxes to the music and free the mind from thinking.
Whichever method you choose to practise it will be what works for you because one of the core functions of meditation is to ease brain activity so as to benefit our body and mind.
In doing your meditation it is good to know what type of music works for us. The choices are normally instrumental pieces such as a piano recital accompanying the sounds of nature or something similar.
I like the sounds of the jungle, the insects and the birds which I get loads of from the album Voices of the Malaysian Rainforest (Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia) or the sounds of the African jungle (Africa Awakens - Natural Dreams, music for relaxation). The sound of panflutes (Beautiful Panflute Vol 1) and wind chimes (Windsong, wind chimes in a gentle breeze - Dan Gibson's Solitudes Nature Sound Collection) work as well. As for something more at home I opt for the sounds of the gamelan any time.
Try meditating or whatever you want to call it. It helps bring you to a calmer state of mind.
A new experience
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
My participation in Pullman's Putrajaya Lakeside Wedding Fair went well. It was a great experience to be part of the romance industry (hic!). Knowing what soon-to-be bridal couples look for on their BIG Day was refreshing.
Make-up is a big concern to many of the couples planning their wedding. Those who came and made stops at the participating beauty counters were clearly looking for make-up artists who can make the brides look dazzlingly natural and not like some Chinese or Balinese opera characters.
Malaysian designer Carven Ong featured his collection of evening gowns, some of which were showcased at his 18th Anniversary event in December last year. Several of the gowns featured at the bridal fair were those he exhibited in Paris recently, I think.
Besides getting to know the participants and making new friends with people of the same interest business-wise, I also discovered how beautiful the hotel is.
It was my first time there and my first impression was that parts of the hotel architecture are similar to Malaysia's French village, Colmar. The hotel appears sprawlingly huge! And the lake, which is just next to the hotel, makes the scenery even more breathtaking.
I heard about some great photography packages that the hotel has introduced to meet requests from photography buffs as well as film makers. I will be talking to the hotel on this and let you guys know how you can enjoy the hotel's photography package.
Catch you here again.
Wedding Affair
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
Life has been a mad rush the past two months. Having started my photography business I look forward to participate in any related events where I can market and promote the service.
Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside's wedding fair will be on this weekend.
My first big event will be at Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside’s Wedding Fair taking place this weekend (June 26 and 27) at its Alam Warisan Ballroom.
There will be a lot of activities during this two-day event that sees a participation of about 20 selected companies. There will be several Bridal Houses, Wedding Planners, wine suppliers, bridal florists and wedding photographers and wedding cards and favours suppliers. My company falls under the last three categories.
Photography service from KerissaPhotos will be available at the wedding fair.
Every participant will be contributing to the event’s Grand Lucky Draw Prize worth RM8,888 and my company, KerissaPhotos has some interesting “prezzies” for the winner. We will be giving away one of our wedding packages with several trimmings such as our canvas art service, wedding decorative basket, our unique handmade wedding scrapbook album and wedding album decoration service.
Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside hotel makes a good visit besides catching the wedding fair.
Besides highlighting wedding related services, Pullman’s Wedding Fair will also highlight two sets of Bridal fashion shows, tips on organizing a wedding reception and tips and ideas on bridal photography for soon-to-be wedding couples. On top of this there will be a food sampling session, which will give interested couples an idea on food quality at the hotel.
It’s free entry to the fair and it kicks off at 11am on both days. If you’re planning on browsing and discussing and deciding a lot, it’s best to make your way to Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside early as the event ends at about 7pm.
Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside is at No. 2 Jalan P5/5, Presint 5, Putrajaya (+6 03 8890 0000) or visit www.pullmanhotels.com
Memories and more
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
My dad passed away today, at just after 7pm. The voice at the end of the line informing me the news was visibly shaken but calm. It was past 8pm when I received the call on my handphone.Dad had been living in another state for the past few years. He had to be there because the specialist treating him for his ailment is based there. Mum lives in another state. While dad lived a six-hour drive away from me, Mum lives just 45km from Kuala Lumpur where I live.
When my handphone rang and I saw his name flashed on the screen, I took the call in a chirpy voice, thinking: fancy, he’s calling me instead of me calling him. I felt a little strange too because much earlier in the day I was going through my collection of photographs of Dad. I had thought: how dashing he looked.
A woman’s voice responded to my “hello”. I said: this is Dad’s handphone, so who is this?The woman blurted out the news. Although her words sounded distant, they were clear. It was I who couldn’t grasp what she said. My mind was doing things to me. I was caught unawares and for several seconds nothing registered. When the news finally sank in, I managed to get the gist of it all.
He’s gone. My stepfather is gone.
I was the “unofficial” cupid who got Mum and Dad together. They were childhood sweethearts, separated during World War II. My real dad passed away in the early 1980s. I love my real dad too but I have a special bond with Dad.
Dad had been weak and ailing but his death was sudden. No one saw it coming. There were no “signs”.
At one point during the phone conversation I almost shouted to the caller for not having called sooner. I got to the verge of bursting into tears. But I held on. There had been many good moments with him – shopping in the big malls, which he hated, sipping cappuccino at the stylish cafés, which he found ridiculous because he just wanted a “kopi kau kau” and dressing up for me whenever I bought him new clothes.
He loved new clothes. He loved looking stylish. And he said, I always knew what to get him.
I’m sorry my planned trip to see you a month ago was cancelled Dad. I was just too ill. I’m sorry I didn’t call lately. I was just too ill. I’m sorry I hadn’t bought you any new clothes to add to your collection. I was just too ill.
I know you knew you were leaving. You knew I knew you were leaving. Words cannot explain anything sometimes. Just thoughts. My thoughts will explain everything. You are my Dad. Always.
Where's the handyman?
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
I do most of the fixing and repairing of things at home on my own. I’m a real DIY person and my favorite stops when I’m out shopping are the DIY centers and hardware shops. There are tons of interesting gadgets that I’d love to stock in my DIY cupboard. But due to space constraints I have limit my purchases to only the urgent and necessary.My friends’ initial reaction when I tell them I fix my own curtain poles, cupboards, doors, hanging of picture frames and everything else is one of total disbelief. They think only guys can do these. Excuse me …
Here’s one proof that not all guys are handymen.
Thisis the damage done.
Just the other day my newly bought clothes hanger came crashing down from the ceiling because some parts broke. Since it was still under guarantee, the shop where I bought it from sent me two of their handymen to fix the hanger. Since there were two of them I asked if they could fix a toilet brush holder in my toilet, which needed immediate fixing. I did not have a drill head for tiles. Someone broke the one I had when he borrowed it from me recently and did not replace it. The guy agreed to do the job and charged me a small fee.
We discussed where the brush holder should be fixed. After several minutes of discussion we agreed to fix it under the sink. Then we had to decide the exact position on the tile – higher or lower. I said lower, the guy said higher. Since he is a handyman by profession I went along with his idea.
He switched on the drill and started drilling the tile. Now, instead of drilling the hole slowly and taking time the guy had rammed the drill in too fast and too hard, past the tile and the cement layer and bored the piping instead.
This is how my plumber does the job.
To get things fixed I would need to call the plumber and the tiler. And what do you think the cost of fixing all these? Five times more than what I had to pay the guy in the first place. In the end I called my plumber and he fixed everything (including replacing one tile) for RM300. Please don’t ask me if I paid the plumber or if he helped pay the RM300. I just can’t imagine the stupidity of everything.
Fixed! Only thing the tile needs scrubbing.
So you see. Never ever trust the handyman when you can do things yourself! To help anyone out there who might face the same problem I am posting here pictures of how my plumber did the job. Good luck!
What is truth?
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
After a two-hour workout session at the pool this evening, I returned to my unit ready for a great evening of solid work on the computer. As I switched on my laptop, I checked my e-mail from my iPhone. I turned pale reading one of the e-mail that came in.Photos after photos followed the short e-mail message I received. I wasn’t the only recipient. There were dozens of others who the e-mail was forwarded to. The e-mail was titled “baby made into tinned stuff”. Dear God, please tell me this is not true…
I do not have the stomach to even utter what the e-mail is about as I’m sure many of us must have received similar e-mail and read about it on the Internet.
If this barbaric act of cannibalism is seriously practiced in China, or any other parts of the world, then I think laws should be introduced and enforced to flog the offenders to death.
There are no words to express anyone’s disgust over this behavior if it is really true and the same goes if it is a sick joke. This is beyond funny; beyond disbelief that I feel even talking about it is almost like giving sick publicity to twisted minds.
I have been searching related news online and there was none that denies this sick behavior. Does anyone have anything concrete to share with me?
Fit and happy
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
As I’ve said in one of my posts at the start of the New Year, 2010 will be Fitness Year for me. I’m working hard to return to those days when keeping fit is second nature to me. And, looking at the way things are going, I think I’m making progress.
I start the water exercises with a warming up session first.
For the past few weeks I’ve been to the swimming pool almost daily. Now, for someone who has a phobia for water I am proud to say that I survived the “trauma”. I braved myself to get into the water by first testing the depth and feel of the water at the wading pool. Never mind that some spying eyes might be laughing at me behind their windows or doors. Then I slowly immerse my body until it is familiar with its surroundings. Gradually, when I’ve built enough confidence, I started practicing on floating as well as holding my breath below water.
After several days, I have managed to move up one level – the children pool. For several days I practiced my “child-like” paddling minus a float. Well, I managed to get from one end of the pool to the other fairly well. So I deserve a pat on my back.
These are some of the leg and hand exercises I picked online - paddling, hand rotations, on the spot jumping and stretching..
Today I am already comfortable being in the adult section of the pool. I’m still learning to paddle smoothly but to get the most out of my exercise routine in the water I have added several simple exercise. These moves can help strengthen my muscles and firm up my body but they need a lot of endurance, which I lack. Doing them in water makes the exercises easier for my body to withstand.
Before I start on my water exercises, I would do a rigorous hoop dance workout by the poolside for about 45 minutes to an hour. By the time I finished my muscles are all worked up and my body warm, just nice to get into the water and avoiding cramps.
After a hard session...aahhh...time to enjoy a five minute relaxation on the float.
Once in the water I start with several stretching exercises for warming up. Then I proceed with the leg stretches to firm up my thighs. To add to these routines I go into several health sites online and learn about various other water exercises that I can try and adapt into my workouts.
I know that these carefully self-devised exercise routines will help me build my stamina as well as improve my physical condition again. According to health experts, regular daily exercise is important should we want a healthy lifestyle.
And I really like what professor Peter Brubaker of Wake Forest University said in an article I picked up from timesofindia.indiatimes.com: “Set realistic expectations…People are unrealistic about what they can achieve and how quickly they can achieve it. Any time is a good time to make a commitment to change your lifestyle.”
Dirty habits
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
I have a lot to gripe about today. It’s not that it has been a bad day. Today is beautiful. There’s no thunderstorm and lightning and there’s a lot of breeze, which helps cool the otherwise hot weather considerably.What’s actually making me upset is the attitude of condo occupants in Malaysia. When will they learn this simple fact – anything you throw down from your unit WILL land on someone or something. Or don’t they understand the theory of gravity?
I woke up this morning only to see teabags and cigarette butts on the landings surrounding my unit when I had actually cleaned the areas yesterday. If you think that’s bad, consider this: my neighbor had to clear soiled sanitary pads flung onto her common areas for about a year before the management took any action.
Notice the cigarette butt and issue paper? You haven't seen nothing yet.
I’ve had different occupants at different days and time throwing bucketful of water out their kitchen and bathroom windows. There have been times when I have walked up to their unit and told them to stop this ridiculous behavior. One of them actually said to me: “Why ah? You can close your windows what?”
Due to the design of this condominium that I’ve bought, the fourth floor of the block I’m on has extended common areas, which no one have access to except for the owners. In other words if the areas are littered by some senseless occupants, then the owners have to clear the mess. You can’t get the general cleaner to do the job. And even if you can, why should they be responsible for the uncivilized behavior of the so-called educated tenants. I said “so-called” because at least 75% of the occupants are professionals so why this irresponsible behavior?
I have lived in condominiums since I left my hometown where I had a sprawling single-story Spanish-like bungalow built on a quarter acre of land. My emphasis on the word “sprawling” isn’t with the intention of boasting but explaining to you the very reason why some people like me opt for condo living. My last home was too big, too quiet, too far from civilization and prone to break-ins. The last reason was why I moved to a condominium – security apart from enjoying a smaller area to keep clean.
Condo living is fun. It gives you the freedom to pack-and-go anytime you want. Entry and exits are controlled with the use of access cards. And, you don’t need to worry about unwanted visitors at your door because the guards stationed at the guard post will screen them first before allowing them in.
The best part about living in a condominium for me is the cleaner and easier way of disposing rubbish. If the rubbish collectors are late you can always make sure they speed it up by informing the management personnel. But, it is a different story with rubbish thrown out from units above mine. When I complained to the management they will say: “We can’t do much because you don’t have proof as to who threw the rubbish.”
Can you beat that? Are they trying to tell me to fix my own CCTV? I guess the bigger reason why occupants continue with this bad behavior is because they know they can get away with it. The management does not even want to consider enforcing stricter measures for condo dwellers. And when I suggested some “rules and regulations” that we can imitate from condo managements in Singapore (since I have lived there for several years), guess what was the reply from my condo’s management? “But we’re not Singapore la.”
I have given up filling the complaint forms at the management office but I have made it very clear to them and the “brains” behind the Residents’ Association that if nothing is done to respond to residents’ complaints then I see no reason to attend the meetings. Have they ever wondered why they can never get enough quorums at their AGM (meetings and elections)?
Triumph-ant day
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
Let's be honest. How many of you ladies have worn big panties before, are still wearing one and not ashamed to admit loving every minute of being in one? Do you see me putting my hands up? Guilty? No way. How can any sensible woman be ashamed or guilty to admit they adore their big panties. I love mine although I only have one and it's my mum's.Here's the story.
I drove down to Mum's place sometime last month for a visit. There was no plans whatsoever to stay the night but Mum insisted because she needed someone to take her shopping the next day.
"But Mum," I said, "I don't have any more undies."
She didn't bat an eye. Instead, she pointed to a basket in her bedroom and said: "Tu hah, mak punya banyak (There...I have plenty)."
I didn't argue because I know that voice too well.
So that was how I got my first big undie. However, I didn't add to the "collection" although I have been tempted to. Big panties are...err...big, breezy and extremely comfy, like being in your mother's womb some women tell me. I used Mum's panties to bed, or whenever I need her "presence" and "support" and "strength" (weird I hear you say).
But let me tell you another thing. Mum's big panties are all from Triumph. No, I kid you not. Ever since I was a teenager I've been taking Mum to the Triumph counters to get her lingerie. She usually buy those plain brown cotton panties. When she feels slightly "adventurous (well, by her standard) she would pick up a few pieces of those pinky ones (ok, no pinks for me please). Then there are the girdles and bras and they are all Triumph's.
My Mum would be clicking her tongue if she saw these.
The difference however between old-school parents (mine) and today's parents is their preference in designs. Mum likes her lingerie simple and comfy and by God, her eyes would pop out if she had been at Triumph's launch of its Spring Summer 2010 Collection held at 1Utama shopping mall recently.
You can't hide sexy undies no matter how much you try.
One by one the models just walked the runway, confident, sexy and alluring in those breathtakingly revealing lingerie. If Mum had seen those girls worked it she would have thought the world was coming to an end. Forget the models' efforts to tone things down by adding to their outfits those flimsy pajamas (which I just love), arty wraparound skirts and knee-high socks. All Mum would have noticed were those sexy bras and oh-so-tiny panties. I know what she would be thinking: "So not like mine" (hehehehe).
Well, Mum. Things have changed. Fashion has evolved. The plain does not attract anymore. These days, women's lingerie speaks of the women's characters. Today's lingerie is about women "experimenting", understanding their body and loving every minute they spent at the lingerie counters choosing the sexiest and tiniest undies they can fit into.
And you know Mum; deep seductive colors are all the rage among women these days. So you might want to consider moving on with your "browns"?
Triumph's Spring Summer 2010 Collection features six different styles with each style carrying its own name. There are names like Eco Chic, Zero to Sexy and (mother of all evil) Cleavage On Demand.
The models look stunning, bold and daring. They have to be when the runway is right smack in the open for all shoppers to see. Many a wife, fiance and girlfriend must be tugging hard at their men's sleeves to leave the venue on the day.
The girls conquered the evening, clad in undies normally only seen in the bedrooms. The most chic model was the one dressed in a seriously short ruffled skirt and a matching tiny, unbuttoned waist-length jacket. If she was trying to catch attention to her orangey bra, I would say she didn't have any trouble doing so.
Ladies, you know what you need to do when you dress the next time round.
If the Collection is aimed at attracting attention with comfortable cuts, intricate details and trendy designs it definitely has hit the mark.
When it comes to giving us women the much needed cleavage I take my hats off to Triumph. They are just brilliant at boosting our smallest "assets". I have in the past tried some of Triumph's "bust boosting" bras and I tell you they worked.
Also launched on the day is Triumph's Sloggi's Fresh Summer Collection that features two fresh looks - Picturesque and Sunflower. While this collection will only be made available in the market in July, Triumph's Spring Summer 2010 Collection is already in the stores.
Enough talk. I'm taking Mum to the mall and shock her with Triumph's Cleavage On Demand bra. I'm going to show her the bra's centre bridge with the adjustable satin ribbon and get Mum's eyes rolling when my less than voluptuous busts pop!
Touched by a stranger
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
I seriously can’t believe that it’s Thursday already. That’s just another three days away from another week. And, before we know it the month of May will be gone and June sets in. Time flies so fast. Whether we like it or not we just have to keep up with it or suffer from the “I missed a day” syndrome many of us must have experienced.As time quickens its pace I’m actually slowing mine. I have gone through that syndrome many times over and you know what? What the heck? I can’t fight it because I realized I missed a day every day and every week and every month. So I might as well do what makes me happy.
These days I don’t worry when I work on my computer till the wee hours of the morning because I have a home office. So unless the sky is falling or the earth is shaking, don’t expect me to rush under the shower before 10am. That’s not going to happen.
I have tons of work to finish as I’m taking part in a wedding exhibition at the end of June where I will be showcasing my photography and wedding favors services. The photos have been selected and are waiting to be edited. That’s the core of the business and yes, the rest of the products that I’m taking to the exhibition are still in a mess. I pray my partners aren’t rolling their eyes because I’ve been doing just that for the past two months in sheer exasperation. My body is tired and my mind is worst. And the unpredictable weather is almost driving me mental.
Over the weekend, after attending the Ms Universe, an acquaintance asked for a meet-up, part work part getting to know the “voice behind the phone calls”. I obliged only to have her first delayed the session by more than an hour and later cancelled and then asking to reschedule. Does anyone know that I do have a life although I work from home? That every day is pre-planned so that I meet deadlines and finish things on time? That I have stacks of photos to be sorted out, e-mail to reply to and calls to be made?
Annoyed that some people easily take things for granted and expect people to fit into their schedule as they see fit, I walked into a Kebab outlet to enjoy a quiet breakfast at 1pm. Yes, you read right.
I knew what I was about to order, a Beef Kebab and what I’d like to have with it is a lovely, simple hot Nescafe with milk like I always do at home. So I asked if he has the drink and he said “no”. He pointed to a Kopitiam opposite his outlet that serves coffee. But I explained that I had planned to have the coffee and the Kebab at his outlet as I was so hungry. Disappointed but understanding the situation, I said I would have the Beef Kebab as a takeaway instead. And guess what happened next?
The guy looked at me, then looked around his tiny kitchen and said: “I make for you. I make for you, ok?”
My jaw dropped. The cynical me just couldn’t believe that this person is even bothered to make the effort and waste his precious time just to make a stranger a mug of coffee.
He asked me to take a seat and not long after my Beef Kebab arrived. The next few minutes he was mixing my drink. “Just half a mug would do”, I had told him because I don’t eat or drink much. And, “not too sweet”, I said. He repeated after me and hey presto, there was my mug of Nescafe. It tasted just like what I normally make at home.
Babu was curious why I was aiming my handphone at him.
His name is Mohammad Babul and he works at the Kebab King outlet located in the old wing of 1Utama shopping mall. But don’t start going there just to ask him for a mug of Nescafe, okay?
When I finished my breakfast I walked up to him and paid him RM10 for the RM6 Kebab. He returned RM4 to me. I said: “You are a good person. Please let me pay for the lovely coffee.” He refused but I managed to walk away without the change, praying that God will return his kindness in ten folds.
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