A visit to "Quest for Immortality" For those who are fascinated by the ancient Egyptian world, there is now a special exhibition held at the National Museum of Singapore (22 Dec 2009 - 4 Apr 2010). The exhibition "Quest for Immortality – The World of Ancient Egypt" is presented by the National Museum of Singapore in co-operation with Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, Egyptian and Near Eastern Department. As stated in the publicity, this exhibition "offers an insight to the ancient Egyptian’s attitude to life and the afterlife, and the preparations they made to ensure their transition from earthly existence to immortality."There are 230 artefacts spanning from 4000 BCE to 950 CE on display. The exhibit shown in the photo right above is a statue of the god Horus and King Horemheb. According to the explanatory notes, "Horemheb was believed to be an earthly incarnation of the god Horus." On the other hand, "Horus, the god of the sky or sun, is depicted with a human boday and the head of a falcon". This statue has a stately aura that caught my eyes. Furthermore, I understand that this is the most expensive artefact in the exhibition in terms of its value.In the exhibition, visitors will also get to appreciate the process of mummification. There are also mummies of animals and humans on display. I learnt that the English word 'mummy' is derived from medieval Latin 'mumia', a borrowing of the Persian word mūm, which means "bitumen". Because of the blackened skin, bitumen was once thought to be used extensively in ancient Egyptian embalming procedures (source: Wikipedia)".Non-flash photography is allowed for this exhibition. My personal experiences at the exhibition reminded me that rather than being pre-occupied with taking photographs of the various artefacts, one could see and learn more by taking time to view the various exhibits with his/her own naked eyes. Attending one of the guided tours that will start from 4 Jan 2010 will also be a great help to give one a deeper understanding of the ancient Egyptian's attitudes to life and afterlife. I intend to visit this exhibition for at least a second time.There is an activity section in this exhibition that will certainly entertain and keep children (and adults) occupied. At this section, one can write one's name using hieroglyphs, which was used in written communication during the Old and Middle Egyptian eras. One can even have a chance to play a few ancient Egyptian indoor games.On the whole, I like the way that the exhibition was thoughtfully curated and organised. I had wanted to attend one of the Curator's Tours, only to find that all the tickets have been sold out! I reckon that this meant that this exhibition is one that is worth going for.More information about this information can be found here: http://nationalmuseum.sg/nms/nms_html/index.aspMany thanks to the National Museum of Singapore and all the parties involved for making this exhibition possible. The hunt for the best mashed potato in Singapore, part 63 I surfed the internet to look for leads for good mashed potato in Singapore, and found out that Oomphatico serves mashed potato. When I visited Oomphatico on 26 Sep 2009, I ordered the mashed potato with feta.One serving of this costs $5 before tax. Real mashed potato was used, and its texture is of a fine, smooth and compact nature. The mashed potato has cubes of feta cheese in it. The feta adds a flavoursome tinge of delightful sour taste to the mashed potato dish. Interesting the feta is chewy when chewed, and it melts in the mouth with time. I think the feta went well with the mashed potato in terms of taste, and colour. I think lovers of mashed potato and cheese would like this one for its simple yet sincere presentation and recipe.After reviewing mashed potato from about 60 different establishment, I felt I needed guidance to learn the necessary vocabulary to better describe the mashed potato that I have eaten. Does anyone know any such experts and could recommend to me please?In the meantime, to my friend whom this series of posts is dedicated to, I wish you blissful moments each and every day.***Oomphatico's163 Tanglin Road#01-35 Tanglin MallSingapore 247933http://www.oomphaticos.com Exploring Singapore with RL 17 Dec 2009, Thu: This is a special post dedicated to one of my good friends, RL, who has so generously and graciously lend me her time to explore parts of Singapore with me. This kind gesture of hers has helped me put my skills in exploring Singapore to good use.It was a day that needed a bit more sunshine. We decided to explore East Coast Road and Joo Chiat area. One of the first landmarks that we saw when we were in the area was the Red House Bakery, also known as the Katong Confectionery and Bakery. According to infopedia, the "bakery was a popular breakfast haunt among Singaporeans living in the eastern part of Singapore, dishing out its signature cakes and curry puff." I learnt that this building is put in trust to the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) by the great grand-daughter of Hajjah Fatimah. Hopefully, one day the Red House Bakery could be restored to its former glory. This building may look humble yet it is precious because it holds the priceless memories of countless people who had made it once their favourite breakfast haunt.When we were exploring for a shop that was selling pancakes, a drizzle started. We decided to use the opportunity to enjoy a nice bowl of laksa at 328 Katong Laksa stall located at 51 East Coast Road. The laksa tasted delicious, so was the chilli that was served with it. The best part was the hospitality of the gracious lady boss. When yours truly tried to ask if she could please take a photo with me and my friend, the lady boss very gladly agreed. I personally think that she has the sincerity and foresight as a business-lady.After treating ourselves to Katong laksa, we strolled along the shophouses of East Coast Road. We visited Rumah Kim Choo and Rumah Bebe. Visitors to these two shophouses can clearly experience the rich Peranankan influences when they set foot into these two shophouses. Colourful kuehs greeted us when we were at Rumah Kim Choo.This place also sells nice Nonya dumplings.There are lots of good food along East Coast Road and Joo Chiat Road. We stopped by the coffeeshop along 125 East Coast Road to treat ourselves to Mary's Corner's Tau Kwa Pau. Tau Kwa Pau is a dish consisting of fried beancurd skin stuffed with various ingredients such as minced meat, egg and cucumber. It certainly looked more delicious eating a Tau Kwa Pau than eating a plain beancurd on its own.After the meal, we gave ourselves the challenge to walk the long stretch of Joo Chiat Road. One of my intentions was to accompany my friend to check out Kway Guan Huat at 95 Joo Chiat Road in the hope to see the traditional art of making popiah skin. We did not see get to see how the popiah skin were made, but I shall share a photo that I had taken when I was at Kway Guan Huat sometime last year. I simply think it is a fine art to make popiah skin by hand.The making popiah skins at Kway Guan Huat.When we were walking along Joo Chiat Road, we couldn't help but check out the various food establishments in the area. I was also admiring the interesting architectural designs on the shophouses in the area. There are some beautiful shophouses along Koon Seng Road that are worth a look.What has made our tour of the Joo Chiat area complete for my dear friend was our stop-over at the Four Seasons Durian Cafe at 212 Joo Chiat Place. The reason is simply because my dear friend deems herself to be durian obsessed. It would be a challenge to resist fresh durians! Many thanks to my friend for her treat to durians. They were delicious and fresh.On that very day, RL and I also visited Chinatown and Orchard area. What I appreciate about the day out with RL was the great company in her. We managed to catch up a bit on many things. The sights, good food and lovely places that we had experienced that day, were in my opinion secondary to sharing time to connect with a good friend.Here, I thank RL for inspiring me in her own ways and for her generosity in exploring parts of Singapore with me. I salute her for her tenacity and endurance for walking hours with me. Thank goodness for wonderful friends like her. I wish her all the best in her endeavours. The hunt for the best mashed potato in Singapore, part 62 On 25 Sep 2009, I was at Cafe Cartel. I've found out that Cafe Cartel serves mashed potato with some of its main courses. However, I didn't like to try many of its main courses when I was there on 25 Sep 2009 as I did not want to eat red meat and anything that was fried that day. So I asked if I can have a special order of one serving of mashed potato, and was pleasantly delighted that Cafe Cartel allows for that!One serving of specially ordered mashed potato costs $2 before taxes. The mashed potato has a fluffy, fine and smooth texture. From the taste of the mashed potato, it appears that real mashed potatoes were used to make this dish. I wonder how the mashed potato could be made so fine. This is a mashed potato that I won't mind having again if I were to dine at Cafe Cartel.The brown sauce is slightly on the salty side, and it left a 'dry' aftertaste. However, overall, that was still bearable.With this post, I wish my friend to whom this series of posts is dedicated to: pleasant surprises to cheer the day.***Cafe Cartel's website: http://www.cafecartel.com.sg Read: The Essential Spontaneous of Fulfillment of Desire A few weeks ago, I read Deepak Chopra's The Essential: Spontaneous of Fulfillment of Desire - The Essence of Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence. In some ways, arising from a few personal encounters I have had, I would like to believe that every coincidence can serve as a message. To a large extent, I have reasons to infer that certain people come to our lives for special reasons.In this book, the concept of synchrodestiny amazes me and makes me think deeply about some of the things that have happened in my live. The author stated that the ultimate truth of synchrodestiny - (is) that the sum total of the universe is conspiring to create your personal destiny. To do so it uses "acausal nonlocal connections." While I still need a lot of wisdom to understand the gists in this book, I am glad that I had taken the first step to read it. What do you think about the coincidences in our life? How are we to make wise sense of them? A quarterlife crisis related article I came across this online article by Robyn titled A Restless Generation. I would like to share it here for the purpose of reminding myself that career wise, I wish for a career that allows me to use the skills I enjoy using most:- integrating ideas.- reflection- analysing - use of empathy- self-expression - learn while travelling- writeetc. Week 50 of year 2009 on the double bass 6 Dec 2009, Sun: I worked on few studies from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass, Part One (Yorke Edition) in the hope of improving technique. Thereafter, I practised the third and fourth movements from Eccles' Sonata in g minor.9 Dec 2009, Wed: I practised the third and fourth movements from Eccles' Sonata in g minor.11 Dec 2009, Fri: During double bass lesson, my tutor got me to play several studies from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass, Part One (Yorke Edition). I was told that if I could work steadily on the studies, that would help me to improve hnique in time to come.I continued to work on the Eccles' Sonata in g minor. I wish I could play as well as my tutor one day. The way to do so is to practise and practise well.12 Dec 2009, Sat: I played selected passages from Marcello's Sonata in G major, Capuzzi's Concerto in D, Faure's Apres Un Reve and the fourth movement from Eccles' Sonata in g minor.I shall have a break from my regular double bass practices for the next two weeks. The hunt for the best mashed potato in Singapore, part 61 It was 28 Aug 2009 (Fri), I ended up at Ilmaz Western stall at Blk 728 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6 coffeeshop. This is a stall selling halal Western food. It was the Ramandan period, and the person at the stall asked if I could wait for him to prepare the food for the Muslims to break fast first. I gladly agreed.I ordered a hot-plate grill chicken. It comes with vegetables, fries and mashed potato. The mashed potato was average in terms of its taste. The sauce used was the black pepper sauce that came with the grill chicken. This place doesn't seem to serve mashed potato on its own. The hot plate grill chicken costs $6 per serving.I waited close to an hour for my dinner, and while I was waiting, I decided to read a book so that at least I could have food for the mind and the soul. I experienced hunger while waiting. Anyway, reading the book has helped me manage the feelings of hunger and enabled me to wait graciously. I suppose the long wait was because there was only one person working at the stall yet there were a lot of orders that evening.That evening, I had a first-hand experience of hunger. I felt grateful having food to eat when the food was finally served.While I don't think I would go back to Ilmaz Western food just for its mashed potato, I won't mind going there for the Western food if I don't have to wait so long for the food.With this post, I wish my friend to whom this series of post is dedicated to: lots of lovely things and people in life to be grateful for. Week 49 of year 2009 on the double bass 29 Nov 2009, Sun: I began the practice with one exercise. This was followed by practising the last movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor to improve the intonation and the articulation.30 Nov 2009, Mon: I continued practising the entire Eccles' Sonata in g minor. What I hope to achieve is to express the music as best as I can.2 Dec 2009, Wed: The practice focused on working through orchestral excerpts from the works by Tchaikovsky that the orchestra that I play in are rehearsing. Interestingly, I felt I have improved in my playing when I went through those parts. The greater challenge was understanding how to approach Berlioz's Symphony Fantastique. 3 Dec 2009, Thu: During the double bass lesson, I played the first two studies from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass, Part Two (Yorke Edition) for my tutor. He suggested that I could work on studies that are slighly easier so that I could focus on improving technique, rhythm and intonation at a greater ease. Afterwhich, we worked on the fourth and third movements from Eccles' Sonata in g minor. I shall be reviewing the audio recordings of the lesson so that I could hear how he manages to play the third movement so musically. The hunt for the best mashed potato in Singapore, part 60 Eager to hunt for the best mashed potato in Singapore, I ended up at Sour Puss Cafe on 19 Sep 2009. The mashed potato costs $3.90 before taxes if it was ordered on its own. I ordered the grilled chicken set (with teriyaki sauce) which comes with mashed potato and side salad. This costs $14.90 before taxes per set.The mashed potato here had a plain and tasteless taste. From the texture and taste of it, I deduced that it was made from potato powder. My guess was confired when I spoke with one of the staff from the cafe after I had my meal. A mashed potato that lacks the earthy potato taste simply does not delight the taste bud. Even eating the mashed potato together with the teriyaki chicken had failed to make the mashed potato taste a little better.The positive thing was that the waitress was kind enough to ask for and listen to my feedback. In a gist, I gave my feedback that the mashed potato made from potato powder lacks the potato taste, and asked the cafe to consider switching to use real potato.I shall not go back to Sour Puss Cafe for mashed potato, unless it decides to change its recipe and use real and tasty potatoes! With this post, I wish my friend to whom this series of posts is dedicated to: Wise and wonderful mentors who will lend invaluable guidance.***Sour Puss CafeEsplanade Theatres on the Bay, #01-13E.Opening HoursMon-Thu and Public Holidays 10.00 a.m. – 11.00 p.m.Fri-Sun and Eve Public Holidays 10.00 a.m. – 01.00 a.m. Words of wisdom from a client This is a post to thank the many clients whom I have worked with as a social worker for sharing with me lots of their wisdom. With respect to the privacy and confidentiality of a client of mine, I shall share words of wisdom that came from a client when I met this client for a discussion a day ago. This client has gone through many challenges (personal, familial, financial, health etc) in life. By the end of the session, this client shared words of wisdom. Basically, the gist is that what may seem to be bad days are to prepare oneself for the much better days. The client reflected and shared that "Pain and struggles in life are to help one gain wisdom and knowledge".My client's words reminded me to keep my personal struggles and challenges in a more positive and broader perspective. I hope I could find the ways to overcome the existing challenges at hand, and be wiser in self-knowledge. Read: Learned Optimism Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your LifeMartin E. P. Seligman, Ph. D. (2006) New York: Vintage BooksI have recently read the above-mentioned book. I was recommended to read another book titled The Optimistic Child and ended up reading Learned Optimism by the same author instead.This website http://www.shearonforschools.com/learned_optimism.htm gives a very good summary of the various chapters from The Optimistic Child.In brief, the author explained how he came about doing a research in the topic of optimism. He also outlined how pessimism may have a functional role to play. At the same time, he outlined how one's explanatory-style could contribute to making one more likely to experience learned helplessness compared to another person. What I found was deep and am still mulling over was the author's attempt to address what he thinks could be contributors to the rising of depression in the American's society. He examined two trends: the waxing of the self and the waning of the commons, in his attempt to hypothesise what could be the contributors of rising depression.This book can be an interesting read for anyone who is keen to find out how changing one's explanatory style could facilitate one to be more optimistic when the situation calls for it.For those of you who would like to find out how optimistic you are, check out this link. Week 48 of year 2009 on the double bass 22 Nov 2009, Sun: I continued working on Bottesini's Method for Double Bass, Part Two (Yorke Edition) to improve the intonation. Afterwhich, I worked on the first and fourth movements of Eccles'Sonata in g minor.23 Nov 2009, Mon: I continued to practise the first study from Method for Double Bass, Part Two (Yorke Edition). Intonation is better and I was working on improving the tone quality.That was followed by playing the first movement from Capuzzi's Concerto in D major. I focused more on intonation.Afterwhich, I worked on improving the left hand technique for the last movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. I also played the first movement of the sonata.25 Nov 2009, Wed: I worked on G major scale. In addition, I practised the first and second exercises from Method for Double Bass, Part Two (Yorke Edition). Intonation is improving. There are still more to work on in terms of the tone quality.Thank goodness that Eccles' Sonata in g minor is interesting enough for me to keep working on it for the past few weeks. I worked on the last, third and first movements. My fingers seem more familiar with where they could place themselves on the fingerboard with regular practices.26 Nov 2009, Thu: I worked on the study from Method for Double Bass, Part Two (Yorke Edition). I still have much to work on improving the tone quality produced. Afterwhich, I worked on improving intonation as I practised the last movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor at a moderate tempo.27 Nov 2009, Fri: When I needed a mood lightened, playing the double bass helped to provide relief and the outlet of expression. I spent some time working on Eccles' Sonata in g minor and afterwhich, played on the double bass spontaneously whatever tune came to my heart. Thank goodness for my double bass When I needed very much a mood lightened, thank goodness that I took the effort to play on my double bass. It has brought relief and comfort. Even though some of my concerns have yet to be resolved, a lightened mood has helped reduce the torment of the growing-up pains that a life crisis may sometimes bring.Thank goodness for the double bass.Alright, maybe I also need a lot of guidance and care to learn not to take myself too seriously? Lunch with Mystic Cherry JubileeTo thank my friend for her invaluable help, I had invited Mystic to lunch at Le Aranda.Mystic is a marvellous person at searching for information. I suppose she has found out about my quest for the best mashed potato in Singapore and so she was very thoughtful to do some search so as to lend me some leads. She found out that Le Aranda serves mashed potato and we decided to head there for lunch.The ambience there was good. I like the music. Mystic seems to like the elegant decor of the restaurant. Service was great too.We had the semi-buffet lunch. It comes with free-flow of salads and soup, and a choice of a main course, a dessert and a choice of either coffee or tea.Pan Fried Salmon with Saffron Sauce, with mashed potato and garden vegetablesI shall hold my review of the mashed potato for the moment. In short, it is worth a consideration if one is dining at Le Aranda. Mystic, who has high expectations for food, seemed pleased with the food there.I like the carrot soup and had to be mindful not to over-indulge in it. The bread was nice too. Mystic sang praises of the salad with the house dressing.I believe the photos that you see here were taken by Mystic. Her passion for good food seems to bestow her a gift in food-photography.Many thanks to Mystic for her help, and for her company over lunch.***Le ArandaAranda Country Club60 Pasir Ris Drive 3Singapore 519497Tel: (65) 6585 1770 The hunt for the best mashed potato in Singapore, part 59 On 13 Sep 2009, in search for the best mashed potato in Singapore, I ended at Chili's Restaurant located at Tanglin Mall. I ordered the Loaded Mashed Potatoes.Chili's also serves Mashed Potatoes with Black Pepper Gravy. I shall consider trying it another time.Each serving of the Loaded Mashed Potatoes costs $5.90 before taxes. The loaded mashed potatoes has a chunky texture. It is not very creamy, and is slightly drier in texture than the mashed potato from Tony Roma's. The loaded mashed potato here has a nice earthy potato taste. It's topped with bacon bits and cheese. These toppings enhanced the taste of the dish. The mashed potato contains bits of potato-skin which added a country-like rugged feel to the dish.I won't mind going back to have this Loaded Mashed Potatoes again.By the way, I had the loaded mashed potatoes with the Guiltless Chicken with Pita. It's consider ''guiltless' because the chicken is grilled and the ingredients used contain comparatively lesser calories. The pita is good. I don't eat pita very often but this pita is the best that I have eaten by far!I send my blessings to my friend whom this hunt for the best mashed potato in Singapore is dedicated to. Good luck and joy!***Chili's Restaurant#02-23 Tanglin Mall,163 Tanglin Road,Singapore 247933 I ask for care and guidance In a time when directions and purposes need to be clarifiedWhen much is unknownHope is thereAnswers yet to be foundWhat brings a moment of relief to the dayIs being kind to oneself to find beauty in the daily mundane. Week 47 of year 2009 on the double bass 15 Nov 2009, Sun: I worked on a few studies to improve sight-reading skills. Afterwhich, I worked on the fourth movement of Eccles'Sonata in g minor.16 Nov 2009, Mon: Other than playing scales and practising the vibrato technique, I continued to work on the first, second and fourth movements of Eccles' Sonata in g minor.18 Nov 2009, Wed: I played a study before taking time to practise the first, second and fourth movements of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. The focus was to improve articulation and bow techniques.19 Nov 2009, Thu: My double bass tutor got me to sight-read a few studies and that reminded me that I have to focus on work on improving my techniques. Anyway, I spent much of the lesson working on the last movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. I worked on how to achieve as clear an articulation as my tutor did.20 Nov 2009, Fri: I worked on one study from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass, Part Two (Yorke Edition). While it was relatively challenging, I trust that if I worked on it till intonation and rhythm is perfect, I would be able to reach a higher level of playing in terms of technique. After some time working on the study, I played the first and third movements of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. Thereafter, I worked on the fourth movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor.21 Nov 2009, Sat: I continued to work on the same study from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass, Part Two (Yorke Edition) so as to achieve a better tone on the double bass. Much of the rest of the practice was spent working on certain passages from the fourth movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. I was aiming to work through the challenging finger shifts and bow-changes. The hunt for the best mashed potato in Singapore, part 58 It has been slightly more than a year since I have started on the hunt for the best mashed potato in Singapore. It came about as a humble way to identify the best mashed potato in Singapore so as to delight a friend of mine who has a liking for mashed potato. Each and every post is also my humble way to send caring thoughts and wishes to my friend. I hope that readers of this series have also enjoyed the caring wishes and delights that each post aims to bring.My hunt for the best mashed potato in Singapore got me ending up at Pump Room on 5 Sep 2009. The mashed potato here has a chunky texture to it. There seems to be no much butter added to the mashed potato, so I suppose it would be a choice for people who do not like to have too much butter in their mashed potato. There was a dash of salt added to the mashed potato for taste. It's $8 before tax. With this post, I wish my friend to whom this series of posts is dedicated to: tenacity.***The Pump Room3B River Valley Road, The Foundry, #01-09/10, Singapore 179021http://www.pumproomasia.com My experiences onboard Invasion Singapore! I went for the bus tour entitled War on Wheels, Invasion Singapore! during the weekend. This event gets its participants to discover more about Singapore's World War II history.The bus tour brought the tour group to several important sites to better appreciate the significant events that had taken place when Singapore was invaded by the Japanese military in 1942. It also gave us a glimpse of the civilians' experience of the Japanese occupation and the end of the occupation.Read more about my experiences on the bus tour here: Back to the time of WWII SingaporeThere will be more of such bus tours on 21 and 28 Nov 2009 (Saturdays). Please see this site for more information:  http://www.museums.com.sg/es09/war-on-wheels.html Read: Refuse to Choose Image credit: amazon.comThe recent book that I have read is Barbara Sher's Refuse to Choose!: A revolutionary program for doing everything that you love.This book is about people who are drawn to many interests in their lives. In this book, the term "Scanner" is used to describe a person who has multiple interests. In this book, it proposed that Scanners who are people with multiple interests aren't suppose to choose just one particular talent of theirs to get started on a career. They were designed to put their multitalented brains to contribute to the world. Each has his/her special gifts.In this book, Barbara Sher described that there are various types of Scanners, each with their unique characteristics and needs. She also described some strategies for each type of Scanners to do everything that they love.The types of Scanners that were described in the book were: -Cyclical Scanners-Double Agent-Sybil-Plate Spinner-Sequential Scanner-Serial Specialist-Serial Master-Jack-of-All-Trades-Wanderer-Sampler-High-Speed IndecisiveSome of the things that were mentioned in the book got me thinking if I happen to be a Scanner described by Barbara Sher. I remembered that I had a very challenging time making decisions what to major in when I was deciding on my preferred course for junior college. My grades were good enough to have quite a reasonably wide variety of choices. I struggled between making the choice between Science and the Humanities. Then when it came to choosing a faculty to study in university, I also had good enough grades to have a large number of choices. Even after the choice was made, I still wondered if I had limited my options by deciding on a particular course of study. There were many times when I had wished that the education system could allow one to take as many majors as they would like. Then again, if that was allowed, I wonder if I would have the means to pay for the tuition required to study so many majors.Anyway, in short, I find it quite liberating to read and realise that it is actually alright when one finds it a challenge to make a choice between one's various interests. In fact, the book proposed that it is possible to refuse to make a choice so that one could do as many things as one loves. It is quite a worthwhile book to read especially for anyone with multiple interests who wish to make a career out of his/her various interests.If writing down things could help me get closer to my dream career, I would like a career that would allow me to do the following:- sketch landscapes- perform on the double bass in either a chamber or orchestral setting- the honour to serve others- travel and see new places- paint (acrylics or paint)- use reflective skills- use analytical and thinking skills- generate ideas and implement some of them- allow integration of large pieces of information- read and share about culture and history of the world- share with others about places in Singapore - write, e.g. poems and travelogues- refine my existing skills- learn something new that would interest meMy personality profile also reminded me that my ideal work environment would preferably have the following characteristics:- a place where I could produce work that helps people- a place that puts minimal emphasis on office rules and procedures- a place where I can work independently on my own time-frame- a place the emphasis is placed on tasks that require routine or rote memory- a place that emphasise harmony (versus competition)Would 'refusing to choose', and finding the strategies to help me do as much as I love get me closer to the dreams? I ask that the answer be a positive one please. Week 46 of year 2009 on the double bass 8 Nov 2009, Sun: The practice started out with a sight-reading of a study. Afterwhich, I continued to work at a moderate tempo the last movement from Eccles' Sonata in g minor. Much of the time was spent practising the first half of the movement, ensuring clear articulation, steady rhythm and good intonation.9 Nov 2009, Mon: I played the first, second and part of the last movements from Eccles' Sonata in g minor. Music-making is therapeutic. I felt a sense of relief.11 Nov 2009, Wed: For the pleasure of playing music, I worked on two studies, played the first movement from Capuzzi's Concerto in D major and the first to third movements from Eccles' Sonata in g minor. There could have been more focus. Nevertheless, the practice had indeed brought me a sense of pleasure and relief.12 Nov 2009, Thu: I worked on the first half of the fourth movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor at a moderate tempo so as to work out the fingerings and the shifts in positions. Week 46 of year 2009 on the double bass 8 Nov 2009, Sun: The practice started out with a sight-reading of a study. Afterwhich, I continued to work at a moderate tempo the last movement from Eccles' Sonata in g minor. Much of the time was spent practising the first half of the movement, ensuring clear articulation, steady rhythm and good intonation.9 Nov 2009, Mon: I played the first, second and part of the last movements from Eccles' Sonata in g minor. Music-making is therapeutic. I felt a sense of relief.11 Nov 2009, Wed: For the pleasure of playing music, I worked on two studies, played the first movement from Capuzzi's Concerto in D major and the first to third movements from Eccles' Sonata in g minor. There could have been more focus. Nevertheless, the practice had indeed brought me a sense of pleasure and relief.12 Nov 2009, Thu: I worked on the first half of the fourth movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor at a moderate tempo so as to work out the fingerings and the shifts in positions. The hunt for the best mashed potato in Singapore, part 57 I was at the National Museum of Singapore on 29 Aug 2009 (Sun). There was an event titled A Taste of Belgium that was held in conjunction with the exhibition A Story of the Image: Old & New Masters from Antwerp exhibition.You bet I was excited to try this mashed potato when I realised that "stoemp" was sold at the "A Taste of Belgium" event."Stoemp" is a dish in the cuisine of Belgium and the Netherlands. It consists of pureed or mashed potatoes, other root vegetables and can also include cream, bacon, herbs or spices. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoemp). This stoemp contains bits of carrots. The mashed potato is made from real potato, and the inconsistent texture gave it a rustic feel which I quite like. The bits of carrots is soft. It was served not too warm, which I like!This stoemp was from Brussels Sprouts Pte Ltd which took part in the event. Each serving costs $5 at the event. According to http://www.brusselssprouts.com.sg, the daily stoemp would costs $6.50 per serving before taxes at the Brussels Sprouts restaurant.Frankly speaking, I don't think my friend to whom this series of posts is dedicated to may like the stoemp that I had at the event. I remember that my friend does not like to eat carrots. Whatever it is, I wish my friend: persistence to be true to oneself.***BRUSSELS SPROUTS80 Mohamed Sultan Road #01-12The Pier@RobertsonSingapore 239013Tel: +65 6887 4344 http://www.brusselssprouts.com.sg Read: The monk who sold his Ferrari Image source: Amazon.comRobin S. Sharma's The Monk who sold his Ferrari.New York: HarperTorch, 1997NLB Call Number: 158.1 SHAI have just finished reading Robin S. Sharma's The Monk who sold his Ferrari (A Fable about reaching your destiny). I went to borrow this book from the library to find out what I could learn from the book.This starts with a story of a very rich lawyer who had a wake-up call of his lifetime when he suffered a heart attack in a courtroom. The heart attack forced him to confront the condition of his life. In search of happiness and fulfillment, he sold his material belongings to travel about places in the world to find his answers. He learnt about a powerful system from the Sages of Sivana who live in a village away from modern civilisation.This book offers a step-by-step system of how one could live an enlightened living. I like the way that this book strive to use symbols to help one better recall the seven timeless virtues of an enlightened living.For those who would like to know, the book speaks of the following seven timeless virtues of enlightened living: 1) Master Your Mind2) Follow Your Purpose3) Practice Kaizen4) Live with Discipline5) Respect Your Time6) Selflessly Serve Others7) Embrace the PresentThese virtues were represented by symbols. These symbols were the magnificent garden, the towering lighthouse, the sumo wrestler, the pink wire cable, the gold stopwatch, the fragrant roses, the path of diamonds.Many of the concepts make sense after I understood the principles behind the strategies. The challenge would be to apply them on a consistent basis. This book has clear concepts just that I felt I was comparatively not as inspired by it. Perhaps it was because I could relate better to a book that is more intuitive in its style of writing.Personally, I would prefer a inspiring fable such as Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist which speaks of similar topics. I find that while The Alchemist may not offer a clear step-by-step system on how one could live an enlightened life, it has a greater capacity through its story-telling to help to instill the hope and inspiration for one to fulfill one's dreams.Nevertheless, it was still quite worthwhile to read The monk who sold his Ferrari for its clarity in presenting the various concepts to live an enligtened life. Week 45 of year 2009 on the double bass 1 Nov 2009, Sun: I started off with playing scales followed by sight-reading a couple of studies. The rest of the practice was spent playing Eccles' Sonata in g minor. I needed clearer goals for my practices.2 Nov 2009, Mon: The practice was therapeutic. I played a study and worked on improving intonation and the tone of sound. Subsequently, I decided to focus on having fun playing clear and well-articulated short strokes while playing the second movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor.4 Nov 2009, Wed: The practice was therapeutic yet again. It was the vibrations and deep resonating sound of the double bass that had soothed. I worked on two studies to improve intonation and articulation. Afterwhich, I played the first, second and third movements of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. More work is needed to refine the phrasing.5 Nov 2009, Thu: My tutor demonstrated how I could play the triple stops from the second movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. In the night, I worked on the second movement of the sonata.7 Nov 2009, Sat: I did a reading of the fourth movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor at a fairly moderate tempo so as to have an idea how it would sound like. This will be what I will working on in greater depth for the next few weeks to come.***The good news of the week is that I have learnt that I have passed The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Music Performance Diploma, Double Bass. I am deeply thankful to the many people who have given me guidance, support and encouragement. Thank you very much. More sketches It was 1 Nov 2009, Nature beckoned me to be in its arms. I headed for the Singapore Botanic Gardens to enjoy the beauty of Nature. Here is one of the photos that I have taken. The structure in the center of the above photo is a gazebo. It used to serve as a Bandstand.A few months ago, I saw a photo of the same gazebo and I sketched it for one of friends.When I saw the gazebo in person, I felt I just have to sketch it while observing it in real life. Here's the sketch that I did on 1 Nov 2009 of the gazebo. I hope this post brings you simple delights. Nature is beautiful. The hunt for the best mashed potato in Singapore, part 56 While I was Serangoon Gardens on 21 Sep 2009, I found my way to Bistro @ Gardens. It used to serve mashed potato on its own, but it does not now. This was told to me by one of the staff. I ordered the Salmon Teriyaki, served with mashed potatoes, seasoned vegetables, and deep fried leek, from Bistro @ The Gardens. It costs $15.90 nett. The mashed potato used is real potato. Using real potato definitely makes a lot of difference to the taste. The taste of it is above-average.The mashed potato is not the creamy and fine-textured type of mashed potato. Instead, its texture is slightly coarse yet generally smooth. Such a texture gave it a rustic feel that I like. While I find it slightly salty for my preference, (for less salty food) in general, the mashed potatoes here is made with sincerity and care.I won't mind coming back if this place allows me to order mashed potato on its own. In general, the food here is affordable and of reasonably good quality. By the way, I ordered the mushroom soup, and it is nice.The Salmon Teriyaki dish with mashed potatoes here tastes way better and is more affordable than the Grilled Norwegian Salmon from The Mussels Guys Seafood & Steak Restaurant. With this post, I wish my friend to whom this series of posts is dedicated to: lots of caring moments.Bistro @ The Gardens.4 Maju AvenueSerangoon Gardens EstateSingapore 556682http://www.bistro.com.sg The city test Your City is IstanbulYou are hip and modern. You are an expert on what's hot, and you are always up for trying the newest things.You play so much that people may ask if you ever work at all. You're the type to party until dawn, even on a work night.You are liberal and progressive. You may have grown up around conservative elements, but you reject them completely.People can't help but notice your style and flair. You are getting more popular every day.What's Your City?Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet Week 44 of year 2009 on the double bass 25 Oct 2009, Sun: I played the first and second movements of Eccles' Sonata in g minor so as to work on the intonation and to be familiarised with the fingerings.26 Oct 2009, Mon: I continued to work on the first and second movements of Eccles'Sonata in g minor. I may need some time to hear how I would like the sonata to sound.29 Oct 2009, Thu: During the double bass lesson, I worked on the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor.30 Oct 2009, Fri: I sight-read a few studies so as to improve technique and sight-seeing skills. Afterwhich, I played the second movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. More focus is needed.Then I attempted to sight-read the first 20 bars or so from Bottesini's Nel cor piu non mi sento.