Like me, when I sometimes feel about as much worth as a wallflower and discouraged about everything in my life. This is more of a gentle reminder to myself to never give up, and to keep giving life a chance.
I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat, but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance,
I hope you dance, I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they're worth takin’
Lovin’ might be a mistake but it's worth makin’
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance,
I hope you dance.. (time is a wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance... (rolling us along)
I hope you dance...(tell me who wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance.... (where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...
Dance (dance)
I hope you dance (dance),
I hope you dance... (dance) (time is wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance...(rolling us along)
I hope you dance (dance) (tell me who wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance.. (dance)(where those years have gone)
(tell me(dance) who wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(where(dance) those years have gone)
Hey it's the weekend- cheer up!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Oh...
Unraveling how children become bilingual so easily
By LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard, Ap Medical Writer
Tue Jul 21, 3:08 am ET
Since the article is so long, click here for the full thing. The most important excerpt is
"While new language learning is easiest by age 7, the ability markedly declines after puberty."
So this perfectly explains why my Chinese was pretty good in like, the first 2 years of Primary school, then once I reached Primary 3 it (very strangely) started declining down
down
down...
Perfect. Science is so amazing as an excuse. :)
Still, I think the advice they gave is good-
But she'd rather see parents follow biology and expose youngsters early. If you speak a second language, speak it at home. Or find a play group or caregiver where your child can hear another language regularly. "You'll be surprised," Kuhl says. "They do seem to pick it up like sponges." (Dr. Patricia Kuhl of the University of Washington is part of the international team now trying to turn those lessons into more teachable technology.)
I think kids are so smart- their brains just absorb things up like a sponge. Plus they are getting smarter and smarter at a younger and younger age! I remember Myra learning her ABCs around 3-4 years old from watching Sesame Street alone- no kidding. If possible, I would love to let my children start some form of education and art appreciation at a young age in music or drawing or SOMETHING (provided of course we are financially able). Trains their minds and makes them more refined and appreciative of the beauties of this world. I think that's why it's so important for more mothers (especially privileged moms-to-be like me who has had a good education) to stay at home and take care of their children, for who better to teach them these things than a stay-at-home mother who has the love, time and education qualifications to do so? You won't have the time or the energy to monitor these things if you are a full-time working mom!
And teach them English and Chinese simultaneously of course.
By LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard, Ap Medical Writer
Tue Jul 21, 3:08 am ET
Since the article is so long, click here for the full thing. The most important excerpt is
"While new language learning is easiest by age 7, the ability markedly declines after puberty."
So this perfectly explains why my Chinese was pretty good in like, the first 2 years of Primary school, then once I reached Primary 3 it (very strangely) started declining down
down
down...
Perfect. Science is so amazing as an excuse. :)
Still, I think the advice they gave is good-
But she'd rather see parents follow biology and expose youngsters early. If you speak a second language, speak it at home. Or find a play group or caregiver where your child can hear another language regularly. "You'll be surprised," Kuhl says. "They do seem to pick it up like sponges." (Dr. Patricia Kuhl of the University of Washington is part of the international team now trying to turn those lessons into more teachable technology.)
I think kids are so smart- their brains just absorb things up like a sponge. Plus they are getting smarter and smarter at a younger and younger age! I remember Myra learning her ABCs around 3-4 years old from watching Sesame Street alone- no kidding. If possible, I would love to let my children start some form of education and art appreciation at a young age in music or drawing or SOMETHING (provided of course we are financially able). Trains their minds and makes them more refined and appreciative of the beauties of this world. I think that's why it's so important for more mothers (especially privileged moms-to-be like me who has had a good education) to stay at home and take care of their children, for who better to teach them these things than a stay-at-home mother who has the love, time and education qualifications to do so? You won't have the time or the energy to monitor these things if you are a full-time working mom!
And teach them English and Chinese simultaneously of course.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Isn't the Law of Chastity so cool?!
Prenuptial Cohabiting Can Spoil Marriage
Jeanna Bryner, senior writer for Livescience.com
Tue Jul 14, 1:16 pm ET
Couples who shack up before tying the knot are more likely to get divorced than their counterparts who don't move in together until marriage, a new study suggests.
Upwards of 70 percent of U.S. couples are cohabiting these days before marrying, the researchers estimate. The study, published in the February issue of the Journal of Family Psychology, indicates that such move-ins might not be wise.
And it's not because you start to get on one another's nerves. Rather, the researchers figure the shared abode could lead to marriage for all the wrong reasons.
"We think that some couples who move in together without a clear commitment to marriage may wind up sliding into marriage partly because they are already cohabiting," said lead researcher Galena Rhoades of the University of Denver.
Couples might also be nudged into nuptials because of a joint lease or shared ownership of Fido - along with other practicalities.
Relationship dynamics
Rhoades and her colleagues did telephone surveys with more than 1,000 married men and women between the ages of 18 and 34, who had been married 10 years or fewer. Survey questions included measures of relationship satisfaction, dedication to one another, level of negative communication and sexual satisfaction. To measure the potential of a couple to divorce, participants were asked "Have you or your spouse ever seriously suggested the idea of divorce?"
Overall, about 40 percent of participants reported they didn't live together before marriage, 43 percent did so before engagement, and about 16 percent cohabited only after getting engaged.
Those who moved in with a mate before engagement or marriage reported significantly lower quality marriages and a greater potential for split-ups than other couples. For instance, about 19 percent of those who cohabited before getting engaged had ever suggested divorce compared with just 12 percent of those who only moved in together after getting engaged and 10 percent of participants who did not cohabit prior to the wedding bells.
"We think there might be a subset of people who live together before they got engaged who might have decided to get married really based on other things in their relationship," Rhoades told LiveScience, "because they were already living together and less because they really wanted and had decided they wanted a future together."
So a joint lease or shared ownership of pets could nudge the nuptials for these folks, more than a life-long commitment to one another.
Why move in?
While this research suggests cohabitation in itself can result in lousier marriages, the initial reasons for moving in together could impact the relationship quality.
In another study led by Rhoades published in the February issue of the Journal of Family Issues, cohabiting couples ranked a list of reasons for cohabitation. More than 60 percent of participants ranked spending more time together as the number-one reason for moving in, followed by nearly 19 percent who put "it made most sense financially" at the top of their list, and 14 percent ranking "I wanted to test out our relationship before marriage" highest.
Those who listed "testing" as the primary move-in reason were more likely than others to score high on measures of negative communication, such as, "My partner criticizes or belittles my opinions, feelings, or desires." Such testers also had lower confidence in the quality and stability of their relationships.
Overall, those who want to test the commitment might want to think again, according to the February study.
"Cohabiting to test a relationship turns out to be associated with the most problems in relationships," Rhoades said. "Perhaps if a person is feeling a need to test the relationship, he or she already knows some important information about how a relationship may go over time."
Click here for the report on Yahoo!
Jeanna Bryner, senior writer for Livescience.com
Tue Jul 14, 1:16 pm ET
Couples who shack up before tying the knot are more likely to get divorced than their counterparts who don't move in together until marriage, a new study suggests.
Upwards of 70 percent of U.S. couples are cohabiting these days before marrying, the researchers estimate. The study, published in the February issue of the Journal of Family Psychology, indicates that such move-ins might not be wise.
And it's not because you start to get on one another's nerves. Rather, the researchers figure the shared abode could lead to marriage for all the wrong reasons.
"We think that some couples who move in together without a clear commitment to marriage may wind up sliding into marriage partly because they are already cohabiting," said lead researcher Galena Rhoades of the University of Denver.
Couples might also be nudged into nuptials because of a joint lease or shared ownership of Fido - along with other practicalities.
Relationship dynamics
Rhoades and her colleagues did telephone surveys with more than 1,000 married men and women between the ages of 18 and 34, who had been married 10 years or fewer. Survey questions included measures of relationship satisfaction, dedication to one another, level of negative communication and sexual satisfaction. To measure the potential of a couple to divorce, participants were asked "Have you or your spouse ever seriously suggested the idea of divorce?"
Overall, about 40 percent of participants reported they didn't live together before marriage, 43 percent did so before engagement, and about 16 percent cohabited only after getting engaged.
Those who moved in with a mate before engagement or marriage reported significantly lower quality marriages and a greater potential for split-ups than other couples. For instance, about 19 percent of those who cohabited before getting engaged had ever suggested divorce compared with just 12 percent of those who only moved in together after getting engaged and 10 percent of participants who did not cohabit prior to the wedding bells.
"We think there might be a subset of people who live together before they got engaged who might have decided to get married really based on other things in their relationship," Rhoades told LiveScience, "because they were already living together and less because they really wanted and had decided they wanted a future together."
So a joint lease or shared ownership of pets could nudge the nuptials for these folks, more than a life-long commitment to one another.
Why move in?
While this research suggests cohabitation in itself can result in lousier marriages, the initial reasons for moving in together could impact the relationship quality.
In another study led by Rhoades published in the February issue of the Journal of Family Issues, cohabiting couples ranked a list of reasons for cohabitation. More than 60 percent of participants ranked spending more time together as the number-one reason for moving in, followed by nearly 19 percent who put "it made most sense financially" at the top of their list, and 14 percent ranking "I wanted to test out our relationship before marriage" highest.
Those who listed "testing" as the primary move-in reason were more likely than others to score high on measures of negative communication, such as, "My partner criticizes or belittles my opinions, feelings, or desires." Such testers also had lower confidence in the quality and stability of their relationships.
Overall, those who want to test the commitment might want to think again, according to the February study.
"Cohabiting to test a relationship turns out to be associated with the most problems in relationships," Rhoades said. "Perhaps if a person is feeling a need to test the relationship, he or she already knows some important information about how a relationship may go over time."
Click here for the report on Yahoo!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
All about boys...
And I think the situation gets more complex the older we get. Sadly.
What am I rambling about?
BOYS of course.
THE subject that is so irritating and ye inevitable.
What I mean is, everyone has been asking me, "Hey, so... how about Charles? Or John? Or... Andrew?" And my sister just told me that people ARE talking especially about me and C, since, you know, we served the same mission...
Just great.
Alright, I'm totally fine with people attempting to match-make us. I mean, no use getting upset right? For what? Just laugh along with them! It is however getting to the point where it's over done and I'm getting sick of it.
"Go to BYU and things can progress there between the both of you"- trying to push me to whichever boy will be willing to help us become the "both" referred here.
Just get off my back please! My future boyfriend is not some, oh-I-can't-have-him-so-let's-try-it-with-another-one. Yeah, dating sure is something like that, but not marriage.
And things don't just happen because we are in BYU. If things are suppose to happen, it will. Now. It doesn't need to move to another country to start the ball rolling.
Look, I do want to get married. I do want to date, and be courted and have a boyfriend and be romanced and whatever exciting things are associated along with it. Which female at my age doesn't? Especially one who is a return missionary, and knows that the next step is not even education- it's marriage. And who will be going back to BYU where the average age of girls marrying there is um, oops sorry! I'm 4 years too old above the average age. Talk about PRESSURE & FEELING OLD.
Also, since coming home, my perspective on relationships has also matured and changed, and I sort-of have a firmer idea of what I want in my man and what I want from life.
And it's not all found in C, J or A. Or so far, anyone else I've met.
The plain honest truth is-
(Unfortunately or not) I'm simply not attracted to them.
Are they good looking? YES. Are they nice people? YES. Are they cool friends to have? YES.
Are they good husband material? YES.
Does that make them good husband potentials for me? YES.
Will I go on dates if they ask me to? YES.
Am I attracted to them? No- only like, 5%. At least with Rendy whom I can comfortably have a conversation with hence I'm attracted to him like, 15% (yes yes I know he's taken, don't worry). Can you imagine with the other guys whom I'm not even like, super comfortable talking to?
I'm not saying that me with any one these good guys is impossible. If Michael Jackson can even think about doing a come-back concert, then anything is possible. Even me eventually falling in love and marrying one of them. I'm not going to be so closed minded that I won't even consider going out on dates with them.
But it's going to take a lot more than what I've come to see in them now to get me to eventually fall in love with them. And I'm sure they are thinking the same thing about me as well.
And just in case you couldn't follow that train of thought- it's okay. You'll get it.
Eventually.
What am I rambling about?
BOYS of course.
THE subject that is so irritating and ye inevitable.
What I mean is, everyone has been asking me, "Hey, so... how about Charles? Or John? Or... Andrew?" And my sister just told me that people ARE talking especially about me and C, since, you know, we served the same mission...
Just great.
Alright, I'm totally fine with people attempting to match-make us. I mean, no use getting upset right? For what? Just laugh along with them! It is however getting to the point where it's over done and I'm getting sick of it.
"Go to BYU and things can progress there between the both of you"- trying to push me to whichever boy will be willing to help us become the "both" referred here.
Just get off my back please! My future boyfriend is not some, oh-I-can't-have-him-so-let's-try-it-with-another-one. Yeah, dating sure is something like that, but not marriage.
And things don't just happen because we are in BYU. If things are suppose to happen, it will. Now. It doesn't need to move to another country to start the ball rolling.
Look, I do want to get married. I do want to date, and be courted and have a boyfriend and be romanced and whatever exciting things are associated along with it. Which female at my age doesn't? Especially one who is a return missionary, and knows that the next step is not even education- it's marriage. And who will be going back to BYU where the average age of girls marrying there is um, oops sorry! I'm 4 years too old above the average age. Talk about PRESSURE & FEELING OLD.
Also, since coming home, my perspective on relationships has also matured and changed, and I sort-of have a firmer idea of what I want in my man and what I want from life.
And it's not all found in C, J or A. Or so far, anyone else I've met.
The plain honest truth is-
(Unfortunately or not) I'm simply not attracted to them.
Are they good looking? YES. Are they nice people? YES. Are they cool friends to have? YES.
Are they good husband material? YES.
Does that make them good husband potentials for me? YES.
Will I go on dates if they ask me to? YES.
Am I attracted to them? No- only like, 5%. At least with Rendy whom I can comfortably have a conversation with hence I'm attracted to him like, 15% (yes yes I know he's taken, don't worry). Can you imagine with the other guys whom I'm not even like, super comfortable talking to?
I'm not saying that me with any one these good guys is impossible. If Michael Jackson can even think about doing a come-back concert, then anything is possible. Even me eventually falling in love and marrying one of them. I'm not going to be so closed minded that I won't even consider going out on dates with them.
But it's going to take a lot more than what I've come to see in them now to get me to eventually fall in love with them. And I'm sure they are thinking the same thing about me as well.
And just in case you couldn't follow that train of thought- it's okay. You'll get it.
Eventually.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
What's in my/ your closet?
Don't ask me why I've been obsessed with appropriate office attire lately- probably because I'm one of those who open my cupboard every morning and think, "Hmm... what do I wear today? I have nothing to wear!" Or "Oh dear... I don't want to wear that again."
Still, the fact that I do have clothes to wear is something I should be grateful for.
Here's an interesting article I read just now and I think it's true. It doesn't just focus on office wear, but everyday attire as well. And it applies to everyone, whether you are working or not. The link: http://www.womenco.com/news/articles/2234-10-essentials-every-woman-should-have-in-her-closet?page=1
10 Essentials Every Woman Should Have in Her Closet
1. Black Suit- As in jacket + skirt/ dress pants combination. I have a confesion to make- I like wearing suits. Not ALL the time, but the times I wore a suit jacket on my mission, I really felt empowered. Plus, it makes one look very professional and well-groomed. So I'm all for it, even if I will be future house-wife. you never know when you will need a formal suit. Hey, even the prophets' and apostles'wives wear suits for General Conference!
2. White Dress Shirt- White, like black can go with ANYTHING.
3. Plain Black Pumps- Self-explanatory.
4. A Pair of Great Fitting Jeans- At least one of course. More is definitely welcomed. I think the challenge is the "great fitting"part. reminds me of Taiwan- it's fantastic there because I can find jeans there for S$20, and they alter for FREE (yipee!) AND they do it under 2 minutes. Not kidding you. The lady was even having a conversation with someone else while altering my jeans for me. Unbelievable.
5. Black Dress- The LBD. Again, self-explanatory.
6. Three Spandex T-shirts- Umm... I'm not exactly sure what "spandex T-shirts" mean, because if it's really "spandex", I'm not so sure about this. BUT if we are talking about 3 basic cotton tees, I'm on for it. Dress it up, dress it down. These tees are so versatile. The hard part, is finding a comfortable one.
(Btw, I just went to John Little the other day -yah yah laugh at me for being so "auntie" and shopping there- but I bought 2 basic v-neck tees for $7 each. And they were very comfortable!)
7. Tote Bag- I recommend the first one to be the colour black. Then the other totes/ hand bags can be other colours. And I agree with it being a "tote" bag because always carrying a hand-carrying bag can be very troublesome after a while.
8. Sneakers- Or sport-shoes. True true.
9. Trench Coat/All-Weather Coat- Not sure about this in Singapore, but if you are in any place other than tropical countries, I think this is essentail. Invest in a nice, warm, neutral colour (beige, grey, black) trench coat, and you can wear it ANYWHERE.
10. Khakis/Chinos/Brown Pants- Grey pants work well too. A nice alternative to jeans. And if you don't feel like dressing so formal to work one day, this can be a nice choice too, provided they aren't too grubby. of course.
I knoww this list doesn't include accessories or others, but I think it is a comprehensive list of 10 BASIC stuff to be in a closet. Then anyone can add on- the black skirt, the earrings, etc.
Me? I still have a few items missing. Perfect excuse to go do more shopping. Ha ha ha!
Still, the fact that I do have clothes to wear is something I should be grateful for.
Here's an interesting article I read just now and I think it's true. It doesn't just focus on office wear, but everyday attire as well. And it applies to everyone, whether you are working or not. The link: http://www.womenco.com/news/articles/2234-10-essentials-every-woman-should-have-in-her-closet?page=1
10 Essentials Every Woman Should Have in Her Closet
1. Black Suit- As in jacket + skirt/ dress pants combination. I have a confesion to make- I like wearing suits. Not ALL the time, but the times I wore a suit jacket on my mission, I really felt empowered. Plus, it makes one look very professional and well-groomed. So I'm all for it, even if I will be future house-wife. you never know when you will need a formal suit. Hey, even the prophets' and apostles'wives wear suits for General Conference!
2. White Dress Shirt- White, like black can go with ANYTHING.
3. Plain Black Pumps- Self-explanatory.
4. A Pair of Great Fitting Jeans- At least one of course. More is definitely welcomed. I think the challenge is the "great fitting"part. reminds me of Taiwan- it's fantastic there because I can find jeans there for S$20, and they alter for FREE (yipee!) AND they do it under 2 minutes. Not kidding you. The lady was even having a conversation with someone else while altering my jeans for me. Unbelievable.
5. Black Dress- The LBD. Again, self-explanatory.
6. Three Spandex T-shirts- Umm... I'm not exactly sure what "spandex T-shirts" mean, because if it's really "spandex", I'm not so sure about this. BUT if we are talking about 3 basic cotton tees, I'm on for it. Dress it up, dress it down. These tees are so versatile. The hard part, is finding a comfortable one.
(Btw, I just went to John Little the other day -yah yah laugh at me for being so "auntie" and shopping there- but I bought 2 basic v-neck tees for $7 each. And they were very comfortable!)
7. Tote Bag- I recommend the first one to be the colour black. Then the other totes/ hand bags can be other colours. And I agree with it being a "tote" bag because always carrying a hand-carrying bag can be very troublesome after a while.
8. Sneakers- Or sport-shoes. True true.
9. Trench Coat/All-Weather Coat- Not sure about this in Singapore, but if you are in any place other than tropical countries, I think this is essentail. Invest in a nice, warm, neutral colour (beige, grey, black) trench coat, and you can wear it ANYWHERE.
10. Khakis/Chinos/Brown Pants- Grey pants work well too. A nice alternative to jeans. And if you don't feel like dressing so formal to work one day, this can be a nice choice too, provided they aren't too grubby. of course.
I knoww this list doesn't include accessories or others, but I think it is a comprehensive list of 10 BASIC stuff to be in a closet. Then anyone can add on- the black skirt, the earrings, etc.
Me? I still have a few items missing. Perfect excuse to go do more shopping. Ha ha ha!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Me totally agree
Look what I read!
This is good. Very very good.
Miniskirts, cleavage upset male SKoreans: survey
AFP - Tuesday, July 7
SEOUL (AFP) - - Almost three-quarters of South Korean male office workers feel uncomfortable when female colleagues show too much leg or cleavage in the workplace, a survey has revealed.
A poll of 1,254 employees by the job portal site CareerNet found that 74 percent of men felt upset with the attire of their female co-workers.
Some 56 percent of them cited micro-miniskirts as their chief complaint, while 51 percent objected to excessive cleavage.
Low-rise trousers that reveal women's underwear, "killer heels" and flashy outfits in general were also cause for complaint.
Women meanwhile complained mostly of stains on the shirts and ties of their male colleagues.
Both sexes disapproved of colourful underwear under a white top, slippers or sandals and sleeveless clothes.
South Koreans in general still dress conservatively in the workplace, with an emphasis on suits and ties among men.
I totally agree. To much cleavage is not only immodest, it also demeans the professionalism of one's job.
Woo hoo for modest professional office clothing!
This is the link: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090707/tts-lifestyle-skorea-miniskirts-offbeat-34aa993.html
This is good. Very very good.
Miniskirts, cleavage upset male SKoreans: survey
AFP - Tuesday, July 7
SEOUL (AFP) - - Almost three-quarters of South Korean male office workers feel uncomfortable when female colleagues show too much leg or cleavage in the workplace, a survey has revealed.
A poll of 1,254 employees by the job portal site CareerNet found that 74 percent of men felt upset with the attire of their female co-workers.
Some 56 percent of them cited micro-miniskirts as their chief complaint, while 51 percent objected to excessive cleavage.
Low-rise trousers that reveal women's underwear, "killer heels" and flashy outfits in general were also cause for complaint.
Women meanwhile complained mostly of stains on the shirts and ties of their male colleagues.
Both sexes disapproved of colourful underwear under a white top, slippers or sandals and sleeveless clothes.
South Koreans in general still dress conservatively in the workplace, with an emphasis on suits and ties among men.
I totally agree. To much cleavage is not only immodest, it also demeans the professionalism of one's job.
Woo hoo for modest professional office clothing!
This is the link: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090707/tts-lifestyle-skorea-miniskirts-offbeat-34aa993.html
Monday, July 6, 2009
Turning Old? Sweet!
Alright, there are conditions to turning old though.
Like, still being single and working.
Not that being married and jobless when turning my age is any less sweet.
But still, it's great to be single and working and ME at this age. I love being in my early twennies, because there's so much more freedom and independence, but you've lived sort-of long enough to not do too dumb things like you do ass a teenager. And when you can work, there is an independent source of income coming in, and it really empowers you/ me, and it is a great feeling. I think I've written this down before, like when I was 22. Or 21. Hahahaha! Some things just don't change. Perhaps if I get married by my next birthday...
Anyway, http://www.peachgarden.com.sg/index2.html. Oh yeah!
And 
This basically sums up my birthday, and it was SWEET.
Yeah, about the S$4.50 Sara Lee pound cake... well, as a missionary you have to forego some luxuries, even cheaper luxuries. Like nice Sara Lee pound cake. And when I was BYU, I couldn't afford it either, so I had to forego it for a few years. Hence, I had developed a craving for it and this brithday, since I had spent sp much on dinner, I opted for a cheaper cake and ta da! My Sara Lee pound cake which I found so so so satisfactory. I think I ate like, half of it in 2 days. Oh dear... :)
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