311212: Last day of year 2012

Looking back at what MooMoo have done so far in year 2012.  Well, it have not been a great year for MooMoo but it was a year of great learning and experiences that makes MooMoo grow along the way.

These are some of the things that MooMoo have learned or gained in year 2012:

1. Met some nasty people whom made MooMoo learnt her lessons on how to deal with difficult people by not behaving just equally nasty like them.  It is really a self empowerment to let these people affecting you and your mood, knowingly that you cannot control their actions but you can control your own actions.  (Points to ponder: Sometimes, we can be the 'difficult people' in other people's lives?!?)

2. Known and met some great people whom made MooMoo feels great in various ways.  Great friends from far and near, whom provide continuos support especially during down moments, great instructors whom provide great classes for MooMoo, some great people whom gave MooMoo some enlightenment and AHA moments, and some great people whom help MooMoo in small little ways, which made a big difference in her life.  MooMoo can consider herself lucky to be surrounded with these wonderful people.

3. MooMoo's challenging completion in her 1st Full Marathon.  It was the 1st and hopefully not the last, and definitely not the best as she did not do consistent training for her preparation.  It was quite a mental challenge completion running half the race in heavy rain and walking for more than 10km in pain.  Well, MooMoo is still glad that she is able to complete it.  "Mind over Body"

4. MooMoo's expedition to Tibet.  It was really a lifetime experience going on that adventure with a friend and another 2 friends of hers.  Through the 3 weeks journey in Tibet, MooMoo really learns a lot and see things more differently.  MooMoo managed to conquered the holy mountain, Mt. Kailash 52km trekking of 3 days 2 nights in 2 days 1 night at the max high altitude of 6714m.  It was really tough with the Altitude sickness symptoms and stamina is nothing when you are lacking of oxygen.  Anyway, the trip was worth it for the beautiful sceneries and experiences, though some parts of it is considered sufferings for some.  Met 2 new great friends on that trip.  Although MooMoo is a Catholic, she really likes Dalai Lama's teachings and quotes.   One of his quote "In the practise of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher."

5. Loss of MooMoo's beloved brother.  This was something that MooMoo and family didn't expect that it would come so soon though it is something that cannot be avoided for his stage.  This made MooMoo realize that how 'Life is short' and we really got to cherish every moment and live life to the fullest.  Some things just don't have to take it so seriously, as at the end of the day, it may not be that important after all.  It would be great dying without any regrets.  MooMoo just wish that Cutie Pie will grow up healthily and happily.

6. Discover a new hobby: Balloon Sculpting.  Just something fun to entertain the kids.  No plans to change job to be a full time clown or balloonist.  Haha!  It could be fun entertaining people and making them happy, making balloons sculpture for them.  It's always good to continue to learn new things to keep the brains working.  

7. Letting go of the burden that has been bothering MooMoo for 2 years.  It certainly makes MooMoo feel better after talking things out, though never pursuing who is at fault.  Whatever that has happened had already happened and cannot be changed.  Therefore, there's no point pursuing further on the past as we cannot change the past.  "Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." --- Carl Bard

8. A fulfilling trip with whole family during Christmas, away on a cruise.  Actually, what really matters is not the place but the gathering of the whole family together to spend some quality time together; eating and chatting together.  Cherish your family and do try spend more time with them, while you can.  Of course, it may not be easy for some with tight schedule at work and some others with certain commitments but definitely, if we put some effort to it, there is always a way to that. "If it is important, you will always find a way."

These are some areas MooMoo should further improve on next year 2013:

1. Stop Procrastinating! Sometimes, you will end up killing yourself.

2. Feed the soul at all times.  Body without a soul is nothing.

3. Flexibility... in both daily lives and physically.

4. Stop being so honest all the time! Sometimes, a little lie won't hurt you but the whole truth makes people unhappy...

5. Be more organized and take control in things!

MooMoo was sick on the last day of year 2011 and today on the last day of 2012, she is also sick.  Haha! Is this a routine on how to end each year?  MooMoo hopes that next year things will be different, with a "NEW" MooMoo.  Ganbatte!!! ^=^

* HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!!! May all be blessed with great health, joy and happiness in the year 2013. ^=^

Family Cruise 2012

It has been quite some time since MooMoo's last family trip.  MooMoo used to go for family trip during Chinese New Year every year till the past 2 years.... stopped going for family trip due to MooMoo's brother's conditions.  We did plan for a whole family trip together but MooMoo's brother just didn't have the luck and the chance to travel together with us.  Anyway, now he is better off in heaven with God, watching us wherever we are, especially watching over his little angel, growing up.

During Christmas, MooMoo and her family went for a family cruise.  Everyone went for the trip except for her SIL... married to her work as usual.  The cruise trip was with Star Cruises, boarding from Penang and stopped by 2 places: Phuket and Krabi, which takes up to 3 days 3 nights.  This is the 1st time MooMoo took a cruise and it could be her last time, as this is really not her cup of tea. :p

It was quite a tiring trip as MooMoo travelled all the way from Singapore to KL, then from KL to Penang to catch the cruise.  After the cruise, took bus from Penang to KL, then KL to Singapore again. It was really quite challenging travelling with baby and kid... up and down the ship... especially during the excursion trips, carrying all the needed stuff, the pram and them.  Hahaha!  

We took one of the smaller ship -> Star Cruise Libra... MooMoo's zodiac sign.  Haha!  It has a total of 10 decks in the ship; equipped with facilities like gym, basketball court, swimming pool, sauna, activities centres, restaurants, etc.

This is the ship taken from afar...

MooMoo's room... sharing with her 2 nephews...  the upper bunks can be folded...

MooMoo's room is at Deck 3... here's Cutie Pie checking out the waves in the sea...excited!

Cutie Pie's bear enjoying sunset by the window...

Swimming pool.... there's another smaller one for kids at the other side of the top deck...

You can jog at one of the deck specified with jogging track... MooMoo didn't bring her sneakers... as if got time to jog... hahaha... lazy of course... :p

One of the captain giving safety briefing... MooMoo thinks that the flimsy life jacket will not work very well if any of us really drop into the strong stormy waves... It is really dangerous for kids and babies as they do not have super small size life jackets for them... only smaller size for the bigger kids.  MooMoo's friend was jokingly telling MooMoo said if the end of the world and she's out in the rough sea, she will die drowning horribly.  Well, MooMoo told her friend, even if on land, if earthquake and you get swallowed by the earth, you will die horribly too... so not much of a difference.  MooMoo believe when the time comes, it will come... :p

This will be our life saver ship if there's any emergencies.  All are divided into groups and assigned to assemble at specific area nearing their life saver ship during emergencies.  MooMoo thought they would demo how people jump into the sea when required... but too bad no one did the demo.  Haha!

There's internet facilities in the ship too but MooMoo thinks that no one would actually utilise them as it is way to expensive.  It is 56cents per minute.  The WIFI is cheaper compared to this.  It is RM40 for 12 hours or RM38 for 24 hours but only can be used at common areas and not in the cabins.

There's a cute "BEAR BEAR" Christmas tree in the ship.  There's a lot of kiddo activities on the ship but only for 5 years to 12 years.  Too bad... we missed the Dora session, else Cutie Pie can meet Dora personally but Cutie Pie is a bit scared of the big dolls with human inside.  She thinks it's monsters.  Haha!  Trying hard to tell her it's not scary but she just won't go near them to take picture... even with Santa Claus... =.=!!

MooMoo brought some balloons and her pump on board and taught the boys how to do some of the balloons.  They had lots of fun, though a bit scared with the twisting at 1st.   Guess they wanna impress the girls to make the flowers.  LOL.

The ship stopped by Patong beach for about 12 hours for the 1st excursion trip.  We went for a short guided tour around Phuket-Patong area.  The guide brought us to visit the Cashew Nut place, Elephant Shrine, some jewellery factory selling jewelleries, some shopping outlet mall and lastly dropped us for dinner at a shopping mall, where we ate our Christmas dinner at Sizzler.

Patong Beach

The Elephant Shrine

Lots of different sizes and shapes of elephants all around...

Dropped by a place making Cashew Nuts... showing you how they remove the shell and made juice out of the cashew nut fruit... the juice tasted a bit weird and sour... but they said it is suppose to be good for digestion.  You can taste all you can at the shop... all types of flavoured cashew nuts...

Complimentary birthday cake from Star Cruise for Little Cutie as her birthday fall on 23 Dec.  It was just a small plain chocolate cake.  We decorated it with the christmas ornaments from other cupcakes in the buffet line.  Haha!

There were Christmas Eve celebration and farewell celebration on the last night at the ship, with the crew singing and dancing together with everyone.  There's free food for the whole day in 3 specified restaurants based on the timing provided for Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time, Dinner and Supper.  Personally, MooMoo thinks that the food ain't that great... maybe coz it's FREE?!?  Haha!  It's not even a 3 star hotel standard.  One thing MooMoo cannot stand is the tea and coffee comes with sugar in the pot and it's DAMN SWEET!!! 

The 2nd stopover was at Krabi for about 6 hours.  There isn't much to do at Krabi compared to Phuket. It would be more interesting to go for the island hopping or do some snorkelling but with babies around, it is not so convenient.  Therefore, we just went around checking out some Krabi attractions.

Mud crabs... nice Aesop Fable on "The crab and its mother" stating that the parents must teach their children to be well behaved, have self discipline and respect the elder to suit the motto of Krabi "Lively town, Lovely people".  If everyone apply this, the world will be a better place.  Haha!

Big huge mud crab!

KRABI: Lively town, Lovely people

Although it was super tiring after the whole trip, MooMoo really enjoyed herself spending quality time  with her family.  Really meant it by quality time as there's no internet on the phone so MooMoo could not spend time playing with her iPhone.  Haha!  It was really great bonding with the kids, especially her 2 big nephews and her Little Cutie.

* "No family is perfect… We argue, we fight. We even stop talking to each other at times, but in the end, family is family… the love will always be there." Cherish your family and do spend more time with them, while you have the chance.  ^=^

Eats, Shoots & Leaves

Interesting book... haven't finish reading it but the book cover catches MooMoo's eyes and after reading the review, she decided to own the book.  Haha!

Is punctuations important?!?  Well the below 2 sentences says it all... ^=^

A woman, without her man, is nothing.

A woman: without her, man is nothing.

* Sometimes, certain words or sentences, if not phrase properly, it certainly could cause some misunderstanding... especially to some who are more sensitive in nature... 

Christmas 2012

"CHRISTMAS" is one season that is loved by many around the world, even the non Christian society, except maybe the Jews.  Everyone loves to celebrate the seasons of joy and giving as well as sharing during Christmas.  Well, Christmas is not just about Christmas trees, Santa Clause, Snowmen and presents only.  It is actually a day to remember the "birth of Jesus Christ".  Anyway, MooMoo personally thinks that the season of giving do not have to start and end only during Christmas.  Everyday, everyone can learn to be more giving to make the world a better place and giving does not mean material stuff but giving at heart.

Well, MooMoo enjoy checking out the Christmas decorations every year but this year, she didn't explore much on them but still manage to snap some random pictures here and there.  It just makes one HAPPY just looking at the beautiful decorations.  This year, Orchard road's Christmas decorations looks a bit 'Chinese New Year' theme.  Haha!

These are taken at Midvalley....

This giant Christmas tree is at Takashimaya....every year, same tree but different decor....

This is taken outside AMK Hub...

This is taken outside Orchard Central... noticed, this year lots of OWL decor...

This is taken at ION Orchard... a bit giant tree...lighting not very good that day...

Found this cute Snowman outside National Geographic store at Vivo City... made from cups...

Well, this year MooMoo didn't have that much of Christmas mood compared to the past couple of years but she still enjoyed herself with the company of her great friends.  It was fun preparing all the gifts for all her close friends and she managed to made some balloons for the kids.  No cards making and personal crafted gifts this year.  MooMoo had an early celebration for Christmas as she went for a family trip during Christmas.

MooMoo got wonderful gifts from all her great friends.  Thanks everyone!!! You know who you are... It's been great knowing and having you as MooMoo's friend.  ^=^

This year, MooMoo didn't buy any gifts for her colleagues but when she went back to office today, her table is filled with gifts.  Really thoughtful of them.... makes MooMoo feel a bit guilty.  Next year, MooMoo will be good and be her own good self again.  Ganbatte!!!

Lastly, MooMoo wanna wish everyone a "MERRY CHRISTMAS"!!!  Well, never too late coz there's 12 days of Christmas like how it is being sung in the song?!?  Hahaha....

* MooMoo's wish for Christmas is for everyone to be HAPPY always... May we all be blessed and be grateful of what we have... there are always a lot of people out there whom are not as fortunate as us... GOD bless everyone! ^=^

20-12-2012

A lot of people have been posting in Facebook about the end of the world, which is just a day away.  Well, there's also a lot of questions being asked, such as...

- What will you want to do if it's the last day?

- Who do you want to be with?

- What do you want to eat?

- What will be your last wishes?

- What you regret not doing?

etc...

Hahaha, MooMoo guess if the world really comes to an end, there's nothing we could do about it.  Anyway, MooMoo will have no regrets since she will be going home to spend time with her family for one last time before the year 2012 ends.  MooMoo have faith that the world will not come to an end so soon.  MooMoo will leave that to God's hands and not worry so much about it.  Life goes on...

* Had a great workout in BB and Sculpt today.  Looking forward to MooMoo's family trip ->> Superstar Libra Cruise ^=^

12.12.12 - A day to remember?

Today, MooMoo's company had a communication session plus Christmas celebration.  

They actually invited this trainer for a motivational talk to do some brain-washing to inject more positive vibes into all staff.  Well, personally it really motivated MooMoo but not sure if it's the right or wrong directions.  Hahaha.

Some things that the trainer mentioned did make MooMoo thinking and pondering...

1. F.E.A.R - False Evidence Appearing Real...  Sometimes, we just got to face our fear and not all the times, the fear is bad, as we could possibly transform our fear into courage.  Some fear may just be something we create ourselves subconsciously.

Something interesting MooMoo found online:

- You are not scared of the dark; you are scared of what's in it.

- You are not afraid of heights; you are afraid of falling.

- You are not afraid of people around you; you are just afraid of rejection.

- You are not afraid to love; you are just afraid of not being loved back.

- You are not afraid to let go; you are just afraid to accept the reality that he's gone.

- You are not afraid to try again; you are just afraid of getting hurt for the same reason.

2. Avoiding Pain VS Seeking Pleasure - "Life is what you make it".  Well, it is true that it's human nature that we will avoid pain and seek pleasure but sometimes, we cannot just keep seeking pleasure without going through the pain.  There must be always a balance to it.

3. COMPASSION (empathy; emotional in nature) - which consist of 3 parts: 

- Compass - for target and direction. "Think with an IDEAL end in mind".

- Passion - do things with a purpose. i.e. Why are you doing what you are doing?  

- Ion - the actions that get everything done.

4. Doing something with PASSION definitely makes a great deal of difference from doing something without passion.  It is the greatest thing to do what you love and love what you do.... at the same time earning money for doing what you are doing.  Haha.

5. The difference between Poor, Good, Best, Excellent and Exceptional:  It is a big step between Poor, Good, Best and Excellence but it is just a small little step from Excellent to Exceptional.  A little difference which can make a huge difference.

6. Nobody will remember what you say or what you do... but everyone will remember how you made them feel.  This is so very TRUE!

7. If today were you're last day to live, would you still be doing what you are doing now?!?  If you're answer is NO, do something about it now!

8. We cannot live and do everything alone.  We need teamwork and everyone to work together to succeed.  You cannot build a family alone.  You cannot build a community alone.

Lastly, MooMoo thinks that if you want to CARE, do it because you really DO CARE and do it with your HEART.... and not because you have to and you are asked to do it.  = p

Well, MooMoo did enjoy the motivational talk today and each staff were given $10 voucher, plus a bag of cookies for door gift.  MooMoo actually won $20 voucher but she didn't get to claim it as she left the office earlier.  Nothing to lose... as MooMoo had fun meeting up Ms. Mo after work for a short last minute shopping session.  It had been quite some time since she last went shopping with Ms. Mo.

* Which is more important: Passion VS Money?!? What do you think?!?  Hahaha  :p

A quote from 'The Last Lecture'

"When you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you."..."You may not want to hear it, but your critics are often the ones telling you they still love you and care about you, and want to make you better." --- The Last Lecture

MooMoo finds that it is quite TRUE.  If people do not care, they would not give a damn about you.  Sometimes, people just care in a way that you may not be able to accept it or just different from the way you expected it.  MooMoo guess that sometimes, if we take some time to stand in other people's shoes, we could actually understand people and the situation better.  Some critics, as much as we do not like to hear it, could really make us improve further, whether directly or indirectly.  Something to ponder on...

Anyway, "The Last Lecture" is a very inspiring book that MooMoo have read somewhere last year.  It is written by Randy Pausch, a Computer Science lecturer whom have written some life lessons that he wanted his children to know before his life was taken away by the Pancreatic Cancer.  The book is often compared with another book by Mitch Albom called "Tuesdays with Morries".  Both books are a good read so if you're free, you can go check it out. ^=^

* Time really flies... 3 more weeks to go and it's time to bid year 2012 farewell... MooMoo had a GREAT Duo Step class today... should be the last Duo Step for year 2012... ^=^

New Hobby: Fun with Balloon Sculpting

Today MooMoo had LOTS of FUN attending this 'Balloon Sculpting' activity organised by the National Population and Talent Division.  It had been quite some time since MooMoo joined the activity.  If Piggy is still here in Lion city, MooMoo would sure drag her along.

As usual, all the participants are always showered with 'door gifts' and well fed for all the events organised.  Here's MooMoo's door gifts this round: A bag and a set of coasters.  Well, personally MooMoo thinks that the best gift is being able to learn something new and fun today. ^=^

Everyone is provided a bag of coloured balloons and a pump to blow the balloons.  Actually, MooMoo is very scared of balloons bursting so this balloon twisting and shaping activity is quite a challenge.  Luckily these balloons are more flexible and not so prone to bursting, compared to the usual balloons.  Of course, it had to be handled with care and proper techniques.

First lesson of the day: A simple doggy.  The balloon sculpture guy were very friendly and interesting.  He taught us how to blow the balloons, correct ways to hold and twist the balloons and tips to tie the balloon knot.  Here's everyone very busy concentrating on making the doggies, except for MooMoo busy snapping away, while twisting her balloon.  :p

The 1st attempt on the doggy didn't well very well.  The face a bit distorted and the legs were a bit uneven, so it could not stand properly.  Hahaha!

Next project was to make a stalk of 5 petal flower.  It looks easy but when MooMoo started to twist and turn, it took a while for her to complete the petals.  The sound of the twisting balloon was quite scary, like it's gonna burst anytime.  Guess MooMoo just need more practise.

Finally, everyone managed to complete making their flowers.  All looking so lovely. ^=^  The next and last project was to make a Santa Claus face.  It was really tough for a beginner but really cute!

Here's the final product by MooMoo.  This Santa face require 3 balloons: 1 peach for the face, 1 white for the beard and hat; lastly, 1 red for the Santa hat.

Here's another version of Santa by another girl.  The difference is the Santa hat, which is more 3D looking compared to MooMoo's one.

MooMoo loves this Lady Bug.  It's a gift from the balloon sculpture guy.  He made it after the class and gave it to MooMoo before she left.  So cute!

He is really good at handling all these balloons.  He have been playing with balloons for 6 years and have been helping out in the volunteering activity, in providing services to the community.  Here are some of his works.  MooMoo loves the sunflower but didn't get a chance to learn in making it, though MooMoo have some verbal lessons on it.  Haha.  The angry bird is one of children's favourite.

MooMoo was so tempted to follow him to another CC to learn how to make other balloons. i.e. Rudolph the red nose reindeer but too bad, MooMoo have appointment with her friends already.  MooMoo gave him her contacts and he said will contact MooMoo for any of such future events.  Cool!  

MooMoo and her gym buddies were happily snapping away with the balloons when they met up for dinner.  Even adults are fascinated with balloons, what more to say little kids.  Haha!

MooMoo can't wait to practise her balloon sculpting skills and make these cute balloons for Cutie Pie and Chicky Pie.  ^=^

* MooMoo had a GREAT day today.... had a GREAT workout at the gym today too... doing ABT and Step.  Both classes were really good... better than expected.  After all the burning, loaded with all the extras again... but it was happy sharing all the fats with buddies.  ^=^  

3rd Prize in 21km Race Category ^=^

It took MooMoo by surprise when she received an email saying that she won the 3rd prize for the 21km race category with her official nett timing of 02:50:35s.  MooMoo's company had sponsored staff to do the Great Eastern Women Run and decided to give out prizes for Top 5 for each category, which is the 10km and 21km respectively.  

MooMoo guess she is just lucky as not many staff have signed up for the 21km category and they have ruled out the Corporate category from the Individual category.  The 1st prize runner in Corporate category has a timing of less than 2 hours, while the Individual category timing is about 02:17:00s.

Well, MooMoo is happy she got free shopping vouchers of S$100.  Yippee!!! ^=^

* Everyday may not be a Good day BUT there is something Good in everyday.... Be thankful with all the little things in our Life so that we may not overlook at all the important things in our Life.... Every little things make a difference.  Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Part of Growing Up

MooMoo happened to stumble upon this quote while browsing online and finds it pretty interesting.... something that fits into recent happenings.  :p

* It's been 3 months.... 21.11.2012...

These few days, MooMoo have been coming home earlier to rest... hoping to recover from her 'ahem' and 'dripping' as soon as possible.... :p

2012 Great Eastern Women Run 21km Race Results

MooMoo really a bit regret signing up 2 races back to back, one on a Saturday evening and another on early Sunday morning.  It was really challenging especially when she just recover and she sleeps like a giraffe.  The Great Eastern Women run actually started at 5:30am and the shuttle bus pick up is at 03:45am.  MooMoo woke up around 03:00am to get ready.

The Great Eastern Women Run for 21km category is the very 1st time for this year.  Therefore, MooMoo thought she would just join the fun and do the race.  Anyway, it is not that bad after all.  MooMoo quite enjoyed the run, except that it was quite challenging to complete the race towards the end.  The route was good with very nice scenery and due to starting really early, MooMoo  managed to escape Mr. Sunshine.

On Sunday, the whole place is like a sea of women in RED.  This year, the crowd seems to be less, maybe due to the same race date with Passion Run for the sunrise category.  Ms. Mo and Uncle Lim were doing the Passion Run for the sunrise category.

MooMoo managed to snap a nice shot on the way back to the finishing line, which is about 5-6km to go.  Towards the last stretch of the race, MooMoo was basically walking her way back.  When MooMoo saw everyone walking, she just felt so demotivated to run and joined them walking too.  Hahaha!  Uncle Lim scolded MooMoo and said MooMoo should be continuing to run to motivate the rest to run. =.=!!  Suddenly, MooMoo thought of the scenarios at work.  :p

MooMoo was so glad that she managed to complete her race with a timing better than expected.  MooMoo targetted to finish the race within 3 hours but she managed to finish slightly earlier than that.  If MooMoo were to push herself a little harder, she could have beat her own PB.  Anyway, MooMoo is still happy for the completion of the race.  Hooray!!!

This year, the race was organised really well.  There were no congestions and everything seems to be in order.  There were more than enough toilets, water points and activities for the participants, as well as their friends and family members.  All of the runners were given free food after the run.  There were yummy Ice creams, hotdogs, muffins and lots of fruits.

Only 1 thing that needs improvement.  There were super long queue at the photo taking booth.  MooMoo still prefer they do it like last year, where there are photographers going around taking pictures for everyone.  Anyway, this year MooMoo didn't stop by the photo booth as she was lazy to wait and felt super tired after the race.  She went home and zZz the whole afternoon.  She even skipped her usual stretching at Balance class.

MooMoo is happily rewarded with her 21km medal.  This is MooMoo's 4th half marathon and MooMoo's personal best timing were her 3rd half marathon with the timing 02:38:11s.  It makes a difference when you train and you do not train.  Hahaha! :p  MooMoo would like to work towards a timing of 02:30:00s for her half marathon.  Ganbatte!!! ^=^

Great Eastern Women Run

Date: 11/11/2012

Distance: 21km

Timing: 02:50:35s

Venue: The Float@Marina

* MooMoo's body is already boycotting MooMoo's action... system seems to be shutting down on MooMoo... time to zZz...  hope she gets well soon this weekend... Nite NitezZz....