Shocking.

or am I just being harsh?

Just read an article about how President Obama's daughters are excited at the thought of going to Russia with him on a diplomatic trip. The article was sweet, but the comments after were staggering pieces of evidences that there are idiotic people out there.

I don't have much to say about how appropriate it was to take his daughters and wife along with him- I would just assume that since he is Mr. President 24/7 and he obviously works 'overtime', (although that is understated) shouldn't a man have some quality time with his family? Especially when it isn't breaking any laws to do so. Some people compare this issue with Palin's- but for effing sake- she is NO President! And whilst she puts on her reading glasses to appear more intelligent, she certainly didn't read nor understand rules and regulations when she expensed her "usual expense claims" for her clothes, children, husband and most of all- herself. President Obama had the right to do so and any person in the right frame of mind would do so if this were the case. Blame the policy, not the man. Blame yourself for not arguing against that eons ago when every president did so too. Losers.

Besides, you see those CEOs / Board of directors earning millions because you contributed to their empire through satiating your wants and purchases? THEY earn a lot more money than Mr.President here and still get the perks. Managing some 1 billion or less net worth of a company warrants such a high salary already, I would imagine the immense task of the President of the USA should warrant a 50 million a year salary or more! But it isn't the case, so the perks shouldn't even be talked about. Period. It only shows your ignorance when you debate about such small and petty issues.

I do however, have much to say about Palin's presidency and the republican party. That woman is NOT president material. I was a little shocked in finding out from an American girlfriend of mine who's republican that she voted republican in the last election. My friend's smart and I highly respect her. But in all I could not bring myself to agree that this is the best thing she could have done. I asked her why and she told me that she's republican and that is not going to change, and so she didn't think much about it when she voted (she admitted after I challenged her statement that the republicans spend less and tax less than democrats on everything and that is to the nation's interest). I couldn't see her point also that the US economy is in this state right now because of what Bill Clinton did that made the economy look so bad in Bush's time. But I could only understand her point that anyone being in Bush's shoes might have done the same thing- to go to war. To be fair, I might have. But I am not a politician. Politicians should have more foresight and insight than to follow the sentiments and make a popular decision that he knew couldn't be backed up with hard facts. About Palin- she said that the republican party found a scape goat in her when they lost- so she's really not to blame.

My points:
1. Palin's not very smart. She cannot be a politican. Think about all the awkward moments she had with journalists when she couldn't answer simple questions like experience with foreign relations and a newspaper she subscribes to to read about the US and world's affairs.
Think about how she took 7 years to complete a 3 year course to obviously concentrate on things she felt were more important - pageants?!?

My friend debated that she had friends who did that too in school etc. I said yeah but they weren't politicians were they? Politicians should be the very best the country can offer and I don't beat around the bush when I say I expect them to be at least visibly competent when you ignore the academics. Palin's not.

Also about being the scapegoat, well to be brutally honest if she had been more intelligent or at least appeared to be so, no one was going to fault her for losing the election.

2. How does managing 7000 people in a small community of Alaska compare to managing 200 million people in the USA and 6 billion around the world? You're looking for the leader of the free world, not the leader of a number only large enough to compare it to that of a mid sized MNC.

3. Republicans do not spend less - spending less on the economy and more of war does not justify 'less spending'! In fact, spending on the economy is an investment for future benefits, spending on war... (well you can argue it's for future benefits) but still... that's a sentiment not shared by everyone.

4. Less Taxes does not justify voting for republicans- you still spend the same about of money but collect less- that just means your future generations are going to suffer for the benefits they did not get!

The rich can afford to pay more out of their pay packages, the poor cannot. Getting the rich to pay more makes sure everyone gets by ok. Of course you can question the way benefits are handed out, but that is another issue to tackle altogether.

5. Bush was enjoying the benefits, not delayed trouble from the democrats' term in office. The economy went haywire from the effects of the war, US was still holding up for the initial stage of war until the weight of it caved the economy in.

6. May the best man win- I see not republicans versus democrats but more of the best person for the job. Race is out of the question, it's intelligence, strong economic acumen, readiness and a quickness in mind to get to the solution as soon as possible that should have been key factors in voting.

7. If it were out of religious sentiments that people vote for the republicans, that people were voting for laws against abortion etc. That sounds logical. But with that you're voting for guns ownership and an innate sense of fear and need for protection that came along with it (against who I might add? against everyone else not like themselves!).

8. Lastly, an asian voting republican is quite ironic because of the extreme republican politicians with the exception fo others now seem to be white supremists. If they'll attack the blacks now, they'll attack anyone too but their own.

ramblings... a year of reflection

It's quite excruciating to think about the ways in which I have changed over the years, but yet inherently you would think that there must have been some significant changes if your friends say so, and your family thinks so. I myself find it hard to believe, because I don't think my logic can lie, but then again sometimes the mind doesn't comprehend the complexities of life. Sometimes your left brain doesn't communicate with the right. Sometimes you're blinded by your own blinds...

A year on, a year older. A year that was fraught with so much challenges, yet endowed with so many blessings. It's hard to put to words what I feel about the year that has passed. But I must say 1 thing- that it has been great living through it, I have lived it the way I wanted (even looking back), I have no regrets and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

A year in my company brought along with it deeply forged friendships with colleagues whom I call friends, so many fantastic learning opportunities at work and in the studies I had to uptake, a more intricate discovery of my strengths and personality, and a realization of who I wanted to be.

I am leaving with no regrets but much positive sentiments, gratitude and a focus. I feel if I am to leave something so fantastic, I had better darn work hard to be best at the next thing I do so as to make it worth the pain. I know I will try my best. God please provide me the rest.

The past year has been a torrent of work related commitments, without so much as a decent commitment to church activities. Yet activities of the latter beckon me when I least desire, and that is something I have to think through carefully now that I finally have the time to reflect and refocus. Months out of my home has taught me the beauty of being alone, the calm and recharging effect that meditation on the things I have done and have not done is something I desire and must schedule.

In any sense I think I am ready to move on because I feel this strong urge from God to take myself out of my comfort zone and move on. It's not easy and neither is it comprehensible by people other than my family, everyone respects my courage to make this decision and they wish me well- which is an effect more positive than I initially anticipated. Now the doors have been opened like I have asked and the conditions have been set right like I have requested as signs, I believe I need no longer doubt and move on as I should. No doubt it would be fraught with difficulties like ALL my pathways seem to bear, and I don't think it's going to be any easier than the path I used to take, but I know this for sure, I am confident that it is going to be so fulfilling and exciting, fruitful and eventful, that I can at the end of the day look back and say everything was just the way I would have wanted it to be, on hindsight.

You just don't know the measure of a man, or in this case women. You don't know the tenacity of the human spirit. You don't know the boundless wisdom we lack as a species. You don't know how things would need to be to be absolutely perfect and catered for our needs. You misunderstand and question God's direction for your life. You take everything in with so much anxiety it is as if you had lost your faith a while ago.

But someone doesn't give up, although he doesn't always remind you that He is there. He sends wonderful people in my life to bless me. I am so appreciative of my family and boyfriend. They mean the world to me, even when I don't take time off to appreciate all that they have done for me. God knows I need them. God knows my wants and needs even before I know them.

To God be ALL glory and honour and praise.

US Politics. Amazing.

An incredibly silly yet ambitious showgirl, a 'maverick' who will not stop the war and suppresses his anger with little success every time he gets on stage, an 'almost quiet' long term politician caught between a 'good old friend' and trying to save the sanity of the nation, and last but definitely not the least- a measured and calm man, thoughtful and very intelligent, though with a tad bit less experience than the maverick, seemingly less ferocious, but with an appetite for justice and equality to reign again.

the US politics has taken the world by storm, with every eyeball glued to the screens and newspapers that churn out on an almost bi-daily basis... emotions run wild and accusations went deep, emotions went high and huge sighs of relief were the order of the day when Barack Obama finally won.

It was a long primary (for the democrats) and an even more intense election that took the breaths of people of every nation- every little nook was carved out, every little lie was exploded to the headlines and almost every logical and feasible economic solution was not presented due to the petty infighting and outward expressions of hate and discord. (and by this I mean the Republican party).

I pause to take it all in- it means that for once, the US can again be seen as the ideal nation to take after. Democracy and freedom (not just of speech) will be less compromised and hopefully not anymore. It means more so, that the limitations once placed on many have been lifted. A psychological barrier has been lifted, not so much by just one man but one man who inspired many to break through their own and come out of their comfort zones to be a voice, be someone, and be part of history. It reminded me of that man who broke the psychological barrier of the 4 minute mile run. It reminded me of entreprenuers and businessmen and women who strove to transfer their ideals in their heads to the willing listeners- and many a time had been dissed. It means also, to me, that it is NEVER IMPOSSIBLE for a woman like myself to succeed so incredibly well- if only I would put my heart, soul, mind and strength to it- and God willing.

I drew inspiration and strength from this election, the results took my bated breath away. I was fearful that the chance for psychological and racial barriers and breakthroughs might not come to pass due to the selfish, childish and almost impossibly silly people who cannot come to terms with the fact that the world has moved on, and they have not. The world has been enlightened and they wanted to be left behind. That the world seeks for peace amidst this turbulent times, but they want to sow discord and fear and issue threats to the rest of us in hope.

Because, even though the world may seem poised to crumble, even when the strength of the strong has been weakened- the weak can say they're strong, the poor can say they're rich, the blind can say they're able to see. With Hope, Faith and Love for one another, I believe the world can recover. We can do it. Yes We Can.

bittersweet.

bittersweet feelings about my passing the company's course and getting the certification. I passed but I wonder about my capabilities to be even better.

bittersweet feelings about a good friend of mine finding the love of his life- now I get ignored and I wonder if I am being too possessive.

bittersweet feelings about my bf coming here to singapore for the whole of last week-because right now I miss him so much I feel almost like life kinda stopped for me when he left.

bittersweet feelings about seeing everyone moving on in their lives and I feel like I am being left behind.

bittersweet feelings about being myself - straightforward, honest and willing, especially when it is taken for granted and seen negatively.

bittersweet feelings about bittersweet- my mind's telling me not to waste time being bittersweet and get my ass to work...

Really looking forward to the F1 weekend ahead and beyond!

Tomorrow marks the end of a rather trying week and a half for me. A week and a half of not understanding more than half of what I was reading, a week and a half spent deciding how best to present something to make others think I know alot about that subject and yet do not know it well enough. A week and a half of thinking about how I can hedge against risks that might come up along the way during a short hour long presentation... how should I do it?

But amazingly and somehow or other, I manage to gain a little more confidence each time I am assigned a new task. It seems that I am getting to be used to the learning process and having to explore and present the various modules in my company's software system. But this time round, I was given a 25% cut in time to prepare for a presenation that is supposed to be better. You get squeezed on both sides...

And I am expected to score alot better for tougher courses I get sent to- be so much better (marginally is out of the question) each time I interface with the client and my colleagues... I am not complaining- I am just wondering if I am learning things too slowly or my mates around me learn things way to quickly?

A good friend of mine just smsed me the other say saying that he is bored of his job as a trader. To me, that is like- wow I started earlier than this guy and I still feel as if I don't know enough and he is already bored? Makes me wonder if my job is really alot tougher. Well the guy genius in my office says it is - and I am inclined for my own benefit to think so :)

The F1 weekend starts tomorrow and it is so exciting to see for real something which I have been watching with my dad for some time now on TV... It's the live broadcast there and then but nothing beats the real thing- no? I don't know if I might actually enjoy it so much because it is right in front of my face or if it's because I would be going with my colleagues (and my colleagues are fun people) but I know that experience would either make me want to buy next year's ticket too or make me want to stay at home for good during the singapore races...

The following week ahead would have a holiday smacked right in the middle of the weekdays- I think my head for work might just not be there after tomorrow's presentation then... :p

then my bf comes to singapore to visit and meet with the recruiters for his job in singapore. and I would be taking 5 days worth of leave to enjoy his company :0)

then I fly off to Australia for my courses by my company...

then i come back, and then I had better study hard, make sure my 'O' levels kids are doing well in their preparations, go for cell group meetings and dance group bible studies... etc etc etc

and work hard too... life's like that.

ENTJ females...

Takan from http://everythingandbutnothing.blogspot.com/2004/11/entj-woman-like-me.html

ENTJ woman like me...

Many NT types feel alone in the world at times. Given their relatively small numbers in the population, this is not surprising. NT females have a particularly difficult time in many instances: INTJ women are estimated at 1-2% of the population in some studies, while ENTJ women have it only slightly better at 2 - 4%. (Source: Charles Martin) While Martin's numbers vary slightly from Kiersey's, by either calculation, it's a small group.

The ENTJ female may find it difficult to select a mate who is not overwhelmed by her strong personality and will. (My husband reminds me of this all the time.)

Whoopi Goldberg and Sigourney Weaver are fellow ENTJ women.

Clearly, gender issues are especially significant for ENTJ females. As a type, their arrogant, confrontational manner and need for control can appear to be quite "unwomanly" to others. Efforts by parents and others to mold them into more traditional female images are usually met with rebellion. Other women usually resent the arrogance of ENTJ females may unwittingly find herself to be a loner, something particularly difficult for Extraverts.

Of course, the problem intensifies for the ENTJ female when dealing with men, even male ENTJs. Their demanding, objective, competent, and independent nature is not particularly endearing to most men. These qualities may obscure the fact that ENTJ females can be quite nurturing and caring. For them, femininity is not defined by traditional roles. It is reflected in the total involvement and commitment they bring to each moment of life.

Relaxation does not come easily to most ENTJs and when it does, it is only because it has been scheduled. Even then it is viewed as one more assignment to master, and ENTJs attack such challenges with zeal and complusiveness. (!!!)

Gosh this describes me to the T

Rational women tend to be late bloomers on the dating scene. They are sometimes unaware of or don’t wish to follow cultural norms which dictate what is considered feminine. As they get older, men often appreciate their logic and general lack of emotional outbursts, along with the fact that Rational women tend to clearly state what they think and want.

Cammy is a Rational Fieldmarshal (ENTJ). In high school, she had lots of friends but few dates. In college, she found it easier to find dates. Her friends told her she was bossy and intimidating. It frustrated her that what worked well in her career wasn’t good in romance. Then she met a man who actively pursued her. At first she wasn’t interested because she thought he was a light weight. As she got to know him, she valued his ability to understand her thinking and bring out her sentimental side.

Fell in love with Melbourne and the shopping :)

and Nutella and Korean Food and Chocolate Cafes and Hong Kong Dimsum...

I had pretty much gotten over the fact that the Aussie dollar is way more valuable than the Singaporean dollar and have started on this tour of extravagance that has partly been the fault of the fact that my company pays for my living expenses... and so I don't feel this inhibition of the common dollar and I blow my way through purchases using what I assumed subconsciously to be 'monopoly money'. Ironically I still haven't seen the bill for my trip to Melbourne and I can be sure it won't sit pretty with my expenses for the month... as with ALL my shopping dollars- which I have started to become comfortable with after some hard blows with the wallet. Essentially I think I am starting to clean out my wallet and have vowed never to shop in Singapore this year... My mom is probably not going to enjoy this new sight of the burgeoning collection of clothes... (she does the laundry) and my purse is bursting at the seams with receipts-, not money :(

I NEVER thought that I would shop so much in Australia... but apparently the appeal of the foreign fashion industry has always been too much for me to resist well enough... and honestly where else can you get such nice clothing for such affordable prices? As I put the reason down to Andrew and YX- I don't want to be caught wearing the same stuff as someone else I know... :P I find that particularly embarrassing and quite shocking... so far I have had 1 case of 'matching outfits' with what I own in my closet (and was very thankful that I didn't wear that outfit out that day)

Argh. I am such a clothes whore. Spendthrift too. I simply love Aussie Shopping... :) and honestly I can't wait to get back here again for my next business trip...