A new direction. Pardon me for the lack of updates, so many things have happened that I hardly have the time to blog anymore or even drop by Ping.sg as often as I used to. Firstly, I’m currently facing some family issues. It’s been going on for awhile now and it has left me v v drained both mentally and emotionally. So much so, that I have plans to move out and stay somewhere else once I start working. I’m seriously tired of my dad’s inability to be a father to me, I’m tired of the lack of a fatherly figure and both my parents honeymoon times. They would go out till late and leave me alone. Although one can say its independence or freedom, sometimes I can’t help but feel sad when I see families so close to each other. Hence, I thought, why not move out and rent somewhere, in order to enable them to continue to enjoy their quality time together. Although we will be going overseas for a holiday on the 16th, I know very well what to expect. It’s been years and history never fails to repeat itself. They would be shopping by themselves, doing things on their own while Im left to pamper myself. Of which, would be a time of reflection, I reckon. As, even though I didn’t have a childhood or am in such circumstances, I know for sure, I would still have to concentrate on my career, move on and work towards my goals. Secondly, I have thought this thru, and after taking into considerations the pros and cons, I’ve decided to take up yoga and turn vegetarian, I will still be continuing my fitness regime, however from the positive reviews I have received, I thought yoga would be a good way to find inner peace for the soul, amidst all the unpleasant happenings. The last time I went for a course conducted by a Sikh, I did feel peaceful, hence, I thought why not give yoga a try? It’ll help one to not only feel fit physically but it helps mentally and emotionally as well. =) Why turn vegetarian you might ask me, well, it’s not solely for weight purposes, to keep my weight in check but those leaflets I received from the Singapore Vegetarian Society are still lying on the shelf, and each time I look at them, my views about not harming the animals grows stronger. Therefore, my rationale for making such a decision. I’m also contemplating on returning to a religion I once embraced. I love the culture and hospitality there, each time I was in their company, I felt a sense of belonging. As contrary to my present religion which I just feel so isolated with the people in their numerous cliques. After all, a religion I believe is not just something one believes in, but it is also a place of support, for people to fall back on when they are in need comfort etc. China Wine The latest single by Sun Ho, I’m speechless. Down in the dumps. Had a horrible week, all thanks to the noisy renovations going on at my place, and my friend’s horrible attitude. Pardon me, but if you find this entry boring then please don’t bother to go on reading. I just need some space to rant. Firstly, the renovations in my place are truly driving me mad. Not only could I not concentrate on studying and doing my assignment the whole week, the renovation has prevented me from working out/exercising as well. And worst of all, those workers are just so plain lazy, they were supposed to finish up by this evening however due to their laziness, (taking longer rest breaks than they are supposed to), my v gracious dad gave them another day. Sometimes, I just wished my mom was on leave instead of him, she’ll at least tell those workers to speed up. To me, they’ve been given too much grace and tomrw is the final straw! Im sorry if you find me petty, but it’s just that I can’t tolerate people whom, when we give them an inch, they take a whole yard. My week was spoilt all thanks to the horrible attitude from a friend I’ve known for 7 years. We recently had a class gathering, relieving those Secondary school days. No doubt it was an enjoyable time, no doubt. Her horrible attitude which continued from the gathering till this week, truly placed me down in the dumps. She just kept bossing me around, giving me the cold shoulder whenever there’s the opportunity, just what have I done to deserve this? Im too tired to elaborate and  clarify anything with her at the moment. However, thinking upon the times I stayed with her, well, I suppose some people just are not worth spending the time and effort on. =( Have a gd weekend. If that’s ok with you. I’m currently listening to the song by Shayne Ward not so much because of the lyrics but because of it’s catchy tune. It brightened my day since Im down with the flu bug and a sore throat, even as Im typing this, I have to constantly reach for a piece of tissue paper and I still have to complete an assignment. Moreover, I still have a lecture to attend tonight. I admit Im starting to yearn for attention (TLC) from someone to do the actions as the song says ( Make me feel like Im heaven on earth- That will certainly make me feel better. Hold me in your arms when I cry- that will be so sweet. =)) Ok, I should just stop whining in self-pity. Im sure the Mr. Right would come along when the time is right, hence I’ll just continue to let nature take it’s cause. And patiently wait. =) Meanwhile enjoy the song and have a great day ahead. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt5Lu5Bx5co Blessings and love, VaniaClaire To pull the plug? Im someone who treasures friendship to a very great extent. I will usually go the extra mile to help a friend when he or she is in need. As I believe that it is not by coincidence that every friend whom I’ve strucked a friendship crosses my path. However, like me, Im sure most of us have come across not too pleasant experiences in the process of developing friendships. There were times, we were not pleased with our friends for a certain matter(s), however most of the time, we usually would sit down and talk it over when both parties have cooled down. Clarifying issues, reaching a mutual understanding, forgiving each other and moving on. But how about friends who take advantage of you, would you still continue to befriend them? I personally am currently faced with such a situation, and I was hoping someone would enlighten me on what I should do next. As a student myself I’ve definitely have come across my fair share of people who love to” copy” eversince Primary 1- With the (in)famous phrase “Can I copy your homework?” As one grows older, people get more indirect, and they would mask it up with pretending to be nice to one, in hope that the other party would  return that favour asked. Especially if they know that that individual is one that is studious/ consistent in her work. The situation is as follows:  I’ve known this coursemate for about the past 15 months or so. Initially, we were just fellow coursemates, however over time, we became close friends. With her confiding in me her deepest secrets. I definitely treasured those wonderful moments, where we would go shopping together, do our presentations together and encourage each other along the way especially when it came to doing the assignments, essays and examinations. I did not feel it was a hassle when she asked me for help with regards to her relationship with her boyfriend. Staying up for hours, lending a listening ear and helping her through th difficult phase, I found it a joy. As to me all that mattered during that time was to see her happy once again. However, she did something I never expected. She “jumped ship” on me totally and moved on to another coursemate of mine. At first, I thought it was nothing serious, people all have rights to have their own social circle of friends and it was definitely not right of me to be possessive. However, over time, I realized I no longer mattered to her. When I approached her for help, she would usually just reply by saying “She didn’t know”, often scolding me, asking me why I could not ask the lecturer myself instead of coming to ask her. It dawned on me that she has moved on, and perhaps I should too. For all those months, we were just very cordial when we met. And although it hurt really badly inititially, especially when I reflected back on those times I stayed up, the things I did for her, I realized I had to let this friendship go. However, eversince this current module,  she has since started speaking to me again, but this time it is solely for no other purposes except for the assignments or examinations. She would ask me until the due date. Afterwhich, I once again “cease to exist”. And when the results are out, she would boast if she had a higher grade than I. With no appreciation for helping her with the assignments and examinations whatsoever. As much as I would help others, I know very well, there must be a limit. Especially when academic matters are concerned. I certainly am not fond of people stealing all the credit. Hence, in this case, I felt I have had enough of helping her. A part of me wish to be Miss Nasty, severing all ties with her. Probably going to the extent of even reversing the question to her, “Why not she this time go and clarify with my lecturer instead of asking me.” Thus,NOT helping her in future academic matters no matter what. However, another part of me says I certainly cannot be that nasty, I cannot bring myself to act in that way. Seriously, what should I do? Should I continue to help her, even though I know she no longer treats me as a friend but more of a thing (Taking advantage of my weak point and kindness)? Or should I just pull the plug, by giving her the cold shoulder? Please feel free to share your experiences, advices etc. I truly appreciate you for taking the effort to help me out. Thanks. =) Blessings and Love, VaniaClaire If music be the food of love, play on.. Just finished listening to Andrea Bocelli’s Vivere. And I must say, his music is just beyond marvellous. I can’t help but feel as though one is in Italy, admiring the beautiful scenery from one’s hotel room, sipping on a glass of wine or in Venice on a gondola while letting the music play on. I have always been a fan of the Classical music genre, hence, this time when I realized that Andrea was releasing a new album, I thought I would definitely take a listen to it. And I never regretted doing so, his voice is still as captivating as ever. Personally, I admire him for his talent, his determination to not let his disability hinder him from pursuing his love for music. Listening to his songs, although I do not quite understand the language, it made me realize the power of music and it’s lyrics. How music can have an effect on one’s emotions. Listening to certain songs can bring a smile, tears, or even comfort to one when he or she is down or help one to relax after a tiring day. Therefore, I believe there is a season for every song. If you’re interested in Andrea Bocelli, like me, you may want to check out his MySpace page. There you would be able to take a listen to two new tracks from his new album. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=188206464 Enjoy listening and may you find his songs as powerful as I have. =) VaniaClaire How do you spend your public holiday? P/s: In case you get confused with the date of this entry, I wrote this on the 8th, however theres something wrong with the date listed, therefore please ignore it.  For some of us, today is a public holiday. Im just wondering, how do you usually spend your public holiday(s)? Im sure for those who are not working, today would be a day to just relax, catch up with friends or family. Or perhaps even as Im typing this, some might be out partying or shopping? Or is it a day to catch up with one’s school work, assignments, reports or perhaps to study for the exams? Those who are studying/preparing for the exams, do take a break once in awhile ok? It helps you concentrate and absorb better. It’s really pointless studying for hours straight but yet you find yourself not being able to remember what you’ve studied. Im a perfect example when I was doing my O’s, I cramped up all preparations, hence on the day of the examination itself, my mind went totally blank, all the facts that I was trying to recall had vanished in a blink of an eye. It was an unpleasant experience I would never forget. Thus, taking the words of wisdom from my favorite teacher, “Listen to yourself, if your body tells you you’re tired, go to rest. As afterwhich, when you’re alert and refreshed, you would be able to make the next few hours of preparation a beneficial one.” For me personally, public holidays are usually spent at home. As Im more of a home-buddy than a party-goer. I would like to share my plan for today: In the morning:  I would usually get up later than usual,  Spend some time with my family as I seldom get to do so on most days due to my busy schedules, yet family is always important to me. This would be followed by doing things I enjoy such as  finding new recipes on the net or search through cookbooks to learn to cook a new dish, Read the newspapers to catch up with the latest happenings around the world. By Afternoon/Evening: Continue studying and revising on last night’s lecture. Have my lunch Watch some television- Hopefully there are nice movies/programmes to catch. Do my usual exercise routine to keep fit. As night falls: Listen to some soothing music such as songs by Corrinne May(Her latest album, Beautiful Seed is on the top of my current playlist. I find her songs powerful and inspiring.) Continue studying/revising(Im really such a nerd. =) ) Catch up on reading Tom Bradby’s “The White Russian” Chat with friends, log on to Ping.sg (Do some catching up and see if anyone needs a listening ear.) So fast and time truly flies. Before one knows it, it’s the end of a public holiday. However, I shall not spoil the mood, let’s enjoy to the fullest, today. I’ve shared with you how I will be spending my public holiday, omitting the minor details. How about you? How would you be spending yours? Feel free to share, Im looking forward to hearing from all of you. =) You may wish to keep it short and simple, it doesn’t have to be so lengthy like mine. To all celebrating Deepavali/Diwali today, Happy Deepavali/Diwali to you. =) Blessings and Love, VaniaClaire My first entry. Before I begin, I would like to dedicate this entry to all Pingsters who I have chatted with tonight,(my apologies however there’re too many names to list down here and I don’t wish to leave anyone out.) Thanks so much for your warm hospitality. I certainly did not make a wrong choice in joining this community. I believe that over time we will get to know each other better, keep in touch and I’ll certainly be looking forward to meeting all of you in person at the next Ping.sg’s outing. May I ask do all of you come online and chat during that hour daily or only on specific nights? Also, may I ask if I can link you up on my blogroll? Pardon me, Im personally not used to writing mt entries and displaying them for public viewing. However, after the requests of many, I have decided to start one as looking on the positive side, it forces one to become “bolder” and one would know that he/she is being supported when feeling down. It certainly highlights the power of the Internet-Networking. Renovations have been ongoing at my place for the past two days and it’s certainly giving me a headache, Im finding it extremely hard to concentrate on studying and with the workers going in and out, somehow I feel I can’t do as many things as I wished to in the comfort of my own home, like singing in the bathroom, for example. =p Anyway, my most sincere apologies, however Im going to keep this entry short and sweet as firstly, Im still trying to get the hang of this public “thingy” and secondly, Im really tired after a long day. I’ll update as soon as I can. On a side note, to those who are in the midst of exams, irregardless of education level, all the best to all of you. Believe in yourself, you can do it. Blessings and Love, VaniaClaire