Gosh

Again!


If Google has any way of tracing the usage of accounts, please, i implore you,
check.



Someone is using my account to post russian info!!!! 


this is not the google/blogger experience i am looking for!

timely Reminder

Saw this on ivillage today, quite true, so i'd share it with you.

Fat-free foods

These are actually not as virtous as you might think. "Fat-free does not mean calorie-free," Brill points out. Fat-free foods often replace fat for sugar, so basically, what you're losing in fat, you're more than gaining in sugar and salt to make up for the lack of flavor. It kind of beats the purpose because you're consuming about the same calories, but you'll feel less full and more likely to lapse into snacking.

Energy bars

"Some energy and protein bars can be deceiving as they are often marketed as a health food," says chef nutritionist Michelle Dudash (RD). The truth? "Many contain as much sugar and calories as a candy bar and have just as many processed ingredients with little nutritional value." You can avoid these sugar-laden bars by paying attention to the ingredient list and going for those with whole grains, dried fruit and no added sugar

it's hokkaido fair in isetan scotts today, got some butter manju from there.
<3 totally love it.

Also, sort of bumped into this lady, guessing she must be very hungry or
 have not had pepper lunch for a long long time.

she was so fussy on the customer service!

i can empathise with her, although i felt it need not have come out that way.

oh well. hope she enjoyed her lunch. 

have a great day.

 Valerie

Love this financial analysis from THE EDGE, SINGAPORE

The EDGE Weekend Comment June 22 Beware the banks By Joan Ng Ratings agency Moody’s has downgraded 15 of the world’s biggest banks as part of a wider review of bank ratings. Moody’s says the downgrades follow a reassessment of the volatility and risks inherent in large capital market operations. “In the past, these risks have led many institutions to fail or to require outside support,” Moody’s says in its release, adding that its downgrades reflect not only the credit implications of capital markets operations but also the size and stability of earnings from non-capital markets activities of each firm, capitalisation and liquidity buffers. It has downgraded the long-term senior debt ratings of Credit Suisse by three notches while another 10 banks, including Morgan Stanley, Barclays and Citigroup, have seen their ratings downgraded by two notches. The banks have criticised Moody’s moves. Morgan Stanley, for instance, has issued a statement saying that the ratings “do not fully reflect the key strategic actions we have taken in recent years.” But the damage was done. The S&P 500 Index fell 2.2% last night while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 250 points. For these banks, the near-term impact will be a rise in borrowing rates. According to a Reuters report, corporate treasurers have also been reassessing where they put their deposits, whom they trade swaps with and whom they borrow from. The industry has been waiting for these ratings downgrades since February this year, when Moody’s announced it was commencing a ratings review. What does this mean for the three banks listed here? Anecdotal evidence suggests that banks have been more aggressive in talking up their transaction banking and trade finance businesses of late in order to take advantage of potential weaknesses at rival banks. Earlier this year, some analysts even suggested that Asia’s banks could begin to win business from their European peers. However, investors may also want to take this opportunity to reassess their positions in the local banks. Year-to-date, they have outperformed the benchmark Straits Times Index. United Overseas Bank is up 18.6%, DBS Group Holdings is up 17.9% and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp is up 10.7%. The STI is up 6.6% this year. Valued on a price-to-book basis, it would appear that UOB is the most expensive. According to Bloomberg data, it is trading at 1.32 times its book value, versus 1.11 for DBS and 1.26 for OCBC. But analysts, it appears, are least optimistic on OCBC. In a June 11 note, Morgan Stanley describes the bank as having more of a capital markets nature, thus making it “more geared than most”. This morning, CIMB Research downgraded its call on OCBC to “neutral” and cut its earnings estimates by 1% to 3% on lowered insurance and trading contributions as well as higher credit costs. It now has a target price of $9.51 for the stock, down from $10.35 before. “We are still wary of an eventual European banking crisis even if Asian corporate balance sheets are cashed up and prepared,” says CIMB. “With the lowest provision coverage, least aggressive general provisioning in the last three years plus a nascent rising non-performing loan trend, we think that OCBC’s earnings have the most headwinds from credit costs.” CIMB adds says that the present volatile markets will make private clients more risk averse, thus hurting OCBC’s private banking operation. “Also, sustained low interest rates and flat yield curves make it more difficult for insurance to price products and make money. We do not think the environment is great for OCBC’s main revenue engines.” Inside issue 529 this week Lucas Chow is overseeing a shake-up of Orchard Parade that will see the once sleepy Singapore-listed unit of Far East Organization emerge as an interesting hotel and healthcare property player. Find out what this means for investors in our cover story this week. Also... Aussino morphs into new Myanmar play Awareness of anti-money laundering rising, but more can be done, says BankersAccuity Ship chandler Sinwa expands client base, builds up marine engineering business More stringent service standards at SMRT could lead to lower dividends and returns Liquidators move in on ‘tunnelled’ Celestial, aiming to draw attention of China authorities With biomass plant success, ecoWise eyes expansion in renewable energy business Yangzijiang fights to avoid order cancellation while venturing further into micro-finance Asian exchanges find new growth drivers Big Money: Assif Shameen: Why Asian funds will drive local markets Big Money: Lim Yin Foong: Modern pawnbrokers accept new ‘swag’ from savvy but cash-strapped Britons Global markets: China is best bet in Asia for 3Q2012, says ABN Amro’s Daphne Roth Disclaimer: The Edge Publishing Pte Ltd does not accept any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential losses or damages that may arise from the use of information or opinions in this newsletter. The information and opinions are not to be considered as an offer to buy or sell any of the companies discussed. If you do not wish to receive any further emails, please click here. For other inquiries, please contact The Edge Publishing Pte Ltd, 150 Cecil Street # 13-00, Singapore 069543.Phone: (65) 6232 8622 Fax : (65) 6232 8630. * terms and conditions apply Email: hotlinespore@bizedge.com

the joys of just being there

Just sitting in my room, listening to the radio playing.

For a time, i had felt this nagging feeling to switch it off. that irritating technology that somehow just gets noisy when u wanna have peace of mind, or just wanna clear ur mind.

So i did. i tried not turning it on the minute i reached home. it worked. Wonders.

For a while.

BUT, i want that serenity more.

Music from nature. like how sitting at the bus stop without your earphones/handphone, and just taking it all in.

U hear the birds chirping, u see the colour of the skies, u start to see and appreciate the grand wonder that is around u.

Even more so, yesterday, when I attended my first Latin Mass, and the choir was just voices. no organ/piano/etc/... just beautiful voices. How beautiful it is.

quietly peaceful and happy, i think, this is what it must have felt like, to be in a world where there was no advanced technology. :)

 Lovely. Flowers grow with the sun, and rain, and the earth.

So why are we humans so needlessly noisy, when a flower can grow, and blossom, and captivate your senses so perfectly without so much as uttering a word?

We should have that grace as well, and hopefully, the world will be a better place. :)

Madagascar characters

 drawings for today!!!

 Penguin and King Julien from Madagascar!!!

HHEEHEHHEHE

 Valerie

Eventful and insightful

Amazing day!

I woke up, feeling a bit distressed, cos i felt like going out was gonna get me more confused, more doubts.

Nevertheless, i went up and abt my daily routine, and i dunno why, had a sudden urge to pray the rosary.

I did not manage to complete it though, now i wish i had... I was worried i would be late.

I came back, scanned my emails, and found out that WOW!

i had received an email stating that TODAY, JUNE 27, 2011 is the feast of our lady of perpetual help!

How amazing it is. Mother Mary must have been asking me to pray!!! 

She is so kind. :)

Attached is the email content... 

Everyone who reads this post, please continue praying on every June 27, for peace in the world and return of moral values to our world...:) 

CARRY YOUR ROSARY EVERYDAY  When you carry a Rosary, Satan has a headache.  When you use it, he collapses.  When he sees you praying it, he faints.  Let us pray the rosary every time, so that he'll keep fainting.  Maybe one day, he'll have a stroke and never be able to work. Did you also know that when you are about to forward this message, Satan will try to discourage you?  Forward it anyway and help hasten the triumph of Mama Mary!  Send this to your prayerful friends and see how the Holy Spirit works!  There is a great deal to gain and absolutely nothing to lose!   Imagine what might happen if every Catholic in the world would pray a Rosary on the same day! We have an example in October of 1573, when Europe was saved from the invasion of the mighty Turkish fleet, by the praying of the Rosary by all Christians!  So, on June 27  2011, the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, let us all pray a Rosary for peace in the world and the return of moral values into our communities and our country.   Also, please e-mail this message to every Catholic on your address list, and ask them to pass it along to every Catholic on their lists. Let's unite in praying one of the most powerful prayers in existence, for these intentions, on one of the holiest days in our Church year.  God bless us all!

Valerie

new adventures!!!

hi EVERYONE!!!

Recently, I've been doing some new figurines, and i'm amazed at the results too...

Here are the works!!!

 Valerie

been a long hot day.

Weeks of intense heat again, this time of the year.

I love that He works in mysterious ways.

Just grateful, and thankful for all He has given me.

Strength to be happy, to leave the yesterdays behind me, and let Him do his magic.

Toys and Life

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Toys and Life

My works.

Giraffe, Mickey, Lady Bear.

Mickey in Progress

Almost there!!!

Lady Bear

Lady Bear, Mickey and Giraffe take a shot

Satisfying week of clay modelling!!! :)

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

First attempt!!!

I went to get myself some air dry modelling clay to get a feel for clay sculpting..
Surfed the net and found some pretty good sites for starters, and ta-da!!!

 after 2 hours, not including air-drying time, my first achievement!!!

Will continue trying to create other models.

Currently working on a giraffe and a pig, inspired by my key chains.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Hi everyone!!!

Please support me by giving me your comments, and reviews, i'm trying to learn the art of jewellery making.

Here are some of my recent creations.

Ice Cream

Weather inspired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANGEL

first day

Sitting at my dining table, enjoying one of the Van Houten milk choc from a random christmas goodie bag.
The time is now 18.47 on Jan 1 2010. And i cant seem to decide if i wanna start using my 'new' diary or the actual NEW diary.
* I've kept the diary for quite long, and it's those general diary, useful for any years, so it's still new!*
In the span of 4 hours, I've managed to get a mini family board game marathon!!!
Scrabble and Monopoly.
hah.
And amazingly, they won. I lost.

Thoughts on the year

Another year is coming to an end.
Should we be happy, or sad?
Comtemplative mood or one of festive cheer?
This year, it seems different.
I cant describe it.
Old memories fade away, while sweet ones linger long after they're gone.
Old friends suddenly appear in the form od SMS-es. and mobile greetings.

' To end off the year, let's just reflect and move on.'
Many a good friend has told us that, but, really, how many of us, actually did embrace the journey?
Do we only remember them when festivities draw close?

The good old hangouts and gatherings, how laughter filled the air.
Friends. oR dare i say, victims of everyone else.

Friends of convenience, as a rather close friend would call it.
Friends of friends?
This is but a small world.
Even u reading this now, i guess in some way, some distant friend connects us.

Thus, the golden ties, on looking back.
I do hope and pray that my 2010, as it draws nearer, will bring me good cheer, and new company.

Deep reflective thoughts as it may seem,
I am certain everyone has, at a point in time, comtemplated about these.

To a great journey ahead, to golden ties, to family and friends, and everyone i know,
As the champagne bottle goes *pop*, let's all celebrate the brand new year, with new experiences, and renewed hope.

HAPPY 2010....

ballo0n sculptures

I was at a forum during a short stint, and i managed to catch these beautiful ballo0n sculptures, just look at the details !!!.




it must have used up a lot of balloons!!!

art project

been doing my mini art project lately... some pics...

From this boring black box,



to this beautiful, lively, artsy, box. :)       
<-front <-left side

<-back <-right side

the latest-i think-scam

 i got a offline message from a friend, phew, luckily i googled it first... then found out it's a scam
 read all about it here!!!

 Rating: Phishing or other scams
http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/you-were-nervous.com/postid/?p=2126562

just cant wait for the outing..............*dreams

Longest journey...

I was feeling adventurous after my uniform fitting today.
I hopped on the first bus that came, and found out that it passes by a place i needed to go to next week.

So I decided not to bring out my PSP, to stop practising and just admire the landscape.
The bus journey was alright, but the next journey was ardous.

I regretted my decision to keep my PSP.

From Toa Payoh to Jurong East, I saw that it took 45 min. I secretly hoped that the train driver would hit the accelerator.
In the cabin, I had to stand. So i did.

walked to the more quiet and serene place, hoping to get a little peace. walked somemore, to the door. Peeked at the train itinerary, checking out the number of stations i had to endure. Passed by the field of forestry, beautiful lakes, and more forest.

Yawn. I'm still in the train.

Finally, it's Yew Tee. Then, 4 more stations!!! walked over to the seat, and waited somemore.

Gosh! even from Tampines to Jurong East, it takes probably the same time, but hey, I was at the central, and it took 45 min?
I'm now more thankful for the East West line. Haha.

I've learnt my lesson. When feeling adventurous, always switch on the instant entertainment.
:)

---

With Windows Live, you can organize, edit, and share your photos.

An outing.

I walked past this particularly snazzy shop, that was loud and wild.
It drew my attention immediately. I had to go in. However, it was shoes. And I already have a lot of them. But the designs were not very flattering for my feet type. I liked the caption of declaration on the attitude that a rubi shoe fan would have. It's really bold. :) Love it. For the shoe fans shopaholic, who are into rubi, here's the link, and yep!  attitude-rubi!!!

http://www.cottonon.com.au/rubi-shoes

yea, and I've decided. I will and shall embark on my exercise routine. dont wanna be a computer couch potato. :)

Also, thanks to brandon for bringing me to a beautiful place, that I can get gifts from, and I've discovered a new favourite place. Although sadly, it will be moving out soon. Hopefully I still get the chance to visit their new shop. Love the world that i am transported to when I step in. 'K'rafters' Paradise at Midpoint Orchard, for scrapbooking and all other arts and crafts. :)

To be transported via your own home: http://www.kck.sg/2%20Hobby%20&%20craft_kck_die%20cut.htm

Have fun!!!

What are you looking for?

I have to share this with you. I find it very meaningful, and hopefully you will too. Perhaps you might have read about it. I came across this book in my house, titled "Still Proclaiming Your Wonders: Homilies for the Eighties" by Walter J. and Burghardt, S.J.

"A cold Sunday indeed. It's not yet Lent, and already i'm preaching the cross. Only because the cross is not a season, like winter; the cross is in your Christian skin. Which suggests my third point, the questions Jesus out to his disciples-to-be: "What are you looking for?"  Why have you turned to Jesus? Why do you turn to him now?
Frankly I don't know; only you actually know. Some Christians turn to Jesus because they were turned to him as children; it's 'all in the family'. Some turn to him because He's a security blanket; with Him around you don't have to look under the bed. Some turn to Him because He's a problem solver; He gives you answers, especially in tough exams.Some turn to Him when they need a miracle;He's the God of the impossible, heaven's own "incredible hulk"----or "Wonder woman".

But the genuine disciples of Jesus turn to Him simply because they have been called, because Jesus has whispered "Follow me."  Oh, they may well have suckled on Christian milk; they may find their security in Jesus; they know He can give answers and pull rabbits out of human hats. But none of these explains why they believe in Him, abide in Him, bring others to him. None of these explains why they are ready to suffer with Him. The only good reason is, Jesus has called.
He has called you. I'm not going to argue that point. It's not only Mother Teresa and the Archbishop of Warsaw who are called. The basic Christian call is baptism. There, by God's gracious turning, you first turned to Jesus---perhaps with a protesting howl. But turning to Jesus is not a one-shot affair. Conversion is a ceaseless process, like growing. You should be constantly turning to Jesus, looking for something. For what? Above all, for a person. Unless Jesus is real to you, as real as your closest friend, you will at best be a lukewarm disciple. It is the prayer of Ignatius Loyola, the song of Godspell: Let me know you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly.
But that is not a logical process---know, then love, then follow. Like Andrew and Peter, you will come to know Jesus only if you 'come and see', only if you say yes to Him: yes to joy, yes to sorrow, yes to your brothers and sisters, yes to Christian living. Only if, like Samuel, the boy who "did not know the Lord", you respond: Speak Lord your servant is listening. It's faith's leap in the dark, after the model of Mary, the perfect disciple. Not knowing all she was called to, knowing only that it was God who called, she murmured a total yes: " Let it happen to me according to your word". Follow Jesus and you will know Him; live like Him and you will love Him; abide in Him and you will die with Him. Can you think of a better way to go?
Dear friends: Twenty-five years ago, that remarkable monk Thomas Merton exclaimed ecstatically how glorious a destination it is to be a member of the human race. How glorious to be a man or woman! Yes indeed. But it is still more glorious for a man or a woman to be a disciple of Jesus. You may have gotten that title without knowing it; you surely got it without deserving it. The question is, 'Are you living it?' It's a full time job. Not that you are always thinking of Him, but that you are always thinking like Him. Reproducing not what He did but the love with which He did it. Crucified not with nails, only with the anguish of the little ones for whom He died. Completing in your flesh, as St. Paul puts it, "what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" for the sake of the Christian body.
What are you looking for? The question stems not from me but from Jesus. From your answer, you should learn a good deal about yourself---how convinced and passionate a disciple you are. For the question in another form is the question Jesus put to His disciple Peter after several years of discipleship: 'Do you love me?'

Dahlgren Chapel
Georgetown University
January 17, 1982

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Share your memories online with anyone you want anyone you want.

mrmen capsules

My newest fascination.:)
it all started when I realised that two characters 'co-exist' in one capsule!!! Haha...for just $1.80!
Cool huh. had some doubles...like mr happy, and little miss chatterbox.
So now, pictures of my collection so far.

Brain Power and more

I recently subscribed to a brain power newsletter, and I wanted to share with you certain parts of it. :)It's got really good information, and I must say it's real entertaining.
Here goes.

Brainpower Newsletter
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Enjoy the newsletter!
**********************************************
Did You Know... No I didnt, so please tell me now

- Your brain uses about 12 watts of power (unless it's really busy).

- Female lions do most of the hunting while the males simply rest.

**********************************************
This Week's Riddle
What can go up a chimney down but not down a chimney up?'
(Answer is below)
**********************************************
This Week's Brainpower Practice

Play!

YEAH!!! a reason to justify PLAYTIME:)
Stimulating the brain causes measurable changes in the structure of the brain. New connections are made and new brain cells are grown. Intellectual play, as well as any playing that involves hand-eye coordination stimulates the brain. If you haven't already, why not make playing a regular part of your life, starting this week.
**********************************************

How To Be Funny Course

oh a course for stony people to learn to be funny. How funny

People love those who make them laugh.
Imagine if you were the life of the party. You know, the one that everyone turns to for a great joke or comedy routine, the legend that everyone wants to know. Would you like that? Then go get your "How To Be Funny" course right now.
Details here...
http://www.increasebrainpower.com/a26.html
**********************************************
Riddle Solution: An umbrella!

Brillant idea, blasted by wrong communication

One freaking step closer to being absolved of the term tonedeaf and i had to blast it thru.
What was i thinking.

My friend was just being sweet, and helpful, to teach me how to play the guitar, and he just doesnt understand.
or maybe he thinks that ALL guys are dirty. BUT how could you say that?? We're classmates, friends, so what's wrong?? NO way that this guy and me will ever be interested in each other. We totally hate each other's guts.
Totally hate his guts.

oh well, better this way then. Perhaps he has a surprise for me:)
He always does.