Lancelot

This morning, Lancelot failed to start after we stopped for breakfast. 

Alternator not working. Luckily one chap (selling tyres) came to knock the alternator alive so Bren could drive it to the car mechanic. Saved us a trip from the tow truck. 

The tyre guy didn't want any payment. Good thing every morning we say hello when we see him. 

Friendly people meet friendly people.

Neuroeconomics, altruism & materialism

Can I just rattle off the few things I remember about what I've read?


Mandatory charity (financial) in the form of tax or other structured contribution does not give much joy to the contributor. Voluntary charity on the other hand, gives the brain, satisfaction akin to - a good meal, a nice, fragrant smell, etc.

Small acts of kindness (non-monetary) for others, would also yield you some form of happiness.
But if you want a "higher happiness yield" (as I call it), you could aim to perform five small acts within one day. Small acts like holding the door for others, a word of encouragement, nice surprise for a co-worker. The researchers took two study groups, group A performs five acts of kindness Monday through Friday, while group B performs five acts of kindness on any of a chosen day, eg: Wednesday. Survey them after few months, group B's happiness ratio is 40% higher than group A's.

So, set a Kindness day and keep yourself happy. LOL.

Next.

People with lower self-esteem derive happiness mostly from materials, and it starts young. 

The researcher studied a group of children aged 8 to 18. The kids were asked to make a "What makes me happy" collage. They can choose to piece together whatever images, no limitations. Before that, they were segregated into two groups after a questionaire along self-esteem theme. The kids then played a game where they write positive observations about the other kids onto a small piece of paper where they would drop the comments onto a plate with the subject's name. So every kid in turn receives a plateful of positive comments from all other kids. After this "plate" exercise, they were again told to make another "What makes me happy" collage. The result is that the group with lower self-esteem to begin with, halved the number of materialistic images on their second collage.

Okay, so far that's all I remember.

Thursday Night

 I'm not sure how she landed on video clips on Dodge Ball matches but she's rather glued to the screen while I write down the layman alphabets for Hunters' Chorus and checking the tune on the violin.

At one point, she exclaimed - Eeew, that's disgusting! 

I was like - Don't say something like that. 

Kiki- But that man kissed another man! 

Me- Oh, then that's disgusting.

Me- Why did he kiss another man?

Kiki- The other guy is lying on the floor.

Me- Oh, perhaps he's doing CPR? Trying to save the guy's life?

Kiki- But he's alive, he is not dead. 

Me- That's the point of CPR 嘛.

whatever. 

So her music school always lets them collect a stamp (ink stamp) after every lesson the kid completes. After filling up a page of 20 stamps? I think it is 20 but I'm not sure cos it always seems like it takes a long time to fill up the page with stamps. So anyway, after filling up the page, the kid could then select some trinkets of toys from a basket full of small toys, erasers, stickers, pencils etc. 

Kiki collected this hook-puzzle few weeks ago and it is considered a very simple one. But still, it is time consuming to keep trying until solved. After un-linking them, putting them back is yet another challenge. And then the process repeats. Until such time when you've memorised the sequence or technique, or that the solution comes to you naturally; every attempt may feel like the first. But we like games like these. Maricar also likes. 

So ya, as I was reading about "Happiness", it says that high value rewards or a promised reward for children, does not work well in the long run. It says that the kid may interpret the task as challenging or difficult, hence your enticement with a reward. Also, medal and trophies equates to hard work required, hence the task at hand may be viewed as being extra tough (turn-off). Also, rewards like these loose its effects. More often than not, many skills, learning and discovery are fun for kids. A praise for real effort and progress is often sufficient. (Flattery is harmful) For more challenging skill-tasks, it says a "surprise" reward would work better. That means you could surprise the kid with a reward when he is not expecting it. The element of surprise and joy would stick better and that as long as the kid enjoys the learning, it is child's play. 

Whatever the case, self-initiated motivation surely outweighs stimulated motivators.

Abyss

Hello Sohcool

I had read your message about your Batam trip and the driver's comment that we all go there to SMS- SPA, Makan & Shopping.

However, that email went into abyss. I had dropped my phone one time too many and it is erratic now. Camera burst 80 shots every time. Key pad not working, and my phone auto scroll and auto flips. Probably downgrading to a cheaper phone soon.

Oh, ya you were saying you'll have 8 weeks of school break? Wow.
With a home like yours, it's a holiday every day!  =)

Cheers,
Kiki-Mommy

Think a little, change a lot, all in 59 seconds (or less) it says.

 Think a little, change a lot, all in 59 seconds (or less) it says. 

Many findings, research work and studies, as well as many short techniques. 

I shall jot down some as I read along =) 

Regular

 Using her toes to hold up the book while she read aloud. 

in her own lingo, it's PP Parkway. 

(because they always see the neon PP signage at night)

Define Stupid

While at the crowded holding area at the Somerset MRT, two friends were waiting for some other people. They both looked in their early 20s, although one was smaller built and looked a tad younger.

The older chap wore a T-shirt that read - "I AM COOL". I know because I was reading his T-shirt as I came through the gantry. When I walked past the duo, the older chap said to his friend, "I look stupid". (was he defending to me about his choice in T-shirt? not that it mattered you know)

His friend replied: "Define stupid".   

1 of 5

As I was saying, I was tired of my own excuses and I honestly don't have time to go running nor play badminton or netball. Nor do I have the brain power to resist junk food.

So I seek TCM acupuncture and cupping. I have an old, unfinished package at the TCM, they kept it for me for four years. But of course the remaining 9 sessions would not be sufficient if I wanna trim down and loose 5 or more kilos.

 Yes, this is my ugly looking tummy. 

Very painful ok. the cupping. Although it was only for 5 mins, my tears almost formed but I kept doing deep breathing and tell myself - 5 mins, 5 mins only. Hoo hoo hoo. 

I think as time passes, it would be less painful. 

 breakfast- select one food and one beverage:-

• one egg (or two egg whites) or
• one slice of ham or
• one slice of cheese

•  unsweetened coffee or
• unsweetened soya milk

 Lunch - Lean meat and veggies. 

Fruit juices are fine before 6pm.

 I know salmon is fatty but I don't follow strictly. 

I have to cheat a little in order to say interested. 

 Cedele's salads are yummy. That's for dinner. 

Just Greens. 

Can you see how huge the portion is?

$7.80 

(better than Char Grill's Caesar salad, so little at $5.50)

my breakfast, literally. 

The good thing is that I don't feel hungry. I mean, there's no hunger pangs. 

So as long as I eat at regular hours and choose healthy snacks, I think this should be my saving grace. However, never ever celebrate too early. 

Many new ventures having achieved its goals, even consecutively succeeding for 3 years; celebrated on third year, fourth year relaxed, then..... failed. The key is to stay watchful for another 2 to 3 years after being successful. But that's talking about business. So anyway, please let me shed 5 kilos, maintain it for...... 6 months?  can or not?

Model

went to visit my customer to send them a report, invoices and ask for their purchase orders.
try to visit them more often to give a more personable service.
my customer said that his rig manager gave compliments on our equipment supplied.
i asked - performance aspect or service aspect.
he said performance of equipment.
i said - chay, i thought he complimented on my service.
just lightening them up lah you know.

 If i could have one of these models, Colin would be thrilled! 

LOL

June

My colleague gave me a briefing for a Batam weekend.
SPA and eat away!

So this June, we're not going Phuket. Cos I didn't put aside the budget for holidays and I don't have enough annual leave (stingy on leave because i'm saving up for December, cos Maricar is going on home-leave). So this June, we're going to Sentosa the first weekend in June, and then my sis and I are going Batam the second weekend. I have not planned for the third weekend. We have 3 weekends without classes, so it's time to chill.

 Hotel booked (doodled on the back page of the hotel confirmation)

SPA inquired:
 1. The Beauties of Nature SPA = SGD 94
 2. Fruity Tropical Affinity SPA = SGD 83
 3. Beautiful Bride = SGD 133
 4. Blissful healing = SDG 102

1. The Beauties of Nature SPA consist of Stressless Body Massage * Choice
Of seasonal Scrub ( Carrot, Aloe Vera, Lemongrass, Candle Nut) * Seasonal
Body Mask wrap with Banana Leaf * Aromatherapy Floral Jacuzzi Bath *
Seasonal Fruit * Classic Manicure & Classic Pedicure.
 
2. Fruity Tropical Affinity SPA consist of The Natural Soothing Facial *
Stone Massage * Choice Of Seasonal Scrub ( Cucumber, Avocado, Coconut) *
Seasonal Body Mask Wrap with Banana Leaf * Green Tea Soak with jacuzzi *
Seasonal Fruit.
 
3. Beautiful Bride consist of Whitening and Blissful Facial Treatment *
Face Treatment * Aromatherapy Body Massage * Aroma Ear Candling * Aromatic
Coffee Body Scrub * Aromatic Coffee Body Masque * Aromatherapy Floral
Bath* Classic Manicure & Pedicure * Hair Spa.
 
4. Blissful healing consist of Collagen/ Cellular Extract Facial Treatment
* Stressless Body Massage * Aroma Ear Candling * Green Tea Body Scrub *
Green Tea Body Masque * Green Tea Soak * Hair Spa

 

That's about all. Just eat and massage away.

Weekend

Saturday's music class. What did we learn?  

So-mi So-mi So-mi So-mi-do  like that lor. (hand signs)

Chimes, keyboard, ta ta ti ti ta. like that lor. 

 Using his sis' old sneakers. 

White socks are just so..... clean looking.

 Last week, Kiki panicked and drank water at the deep pool. (I wasn't there).

So this week, we had a hard time. She was sobbing the whole 30 mins while practicing her kicks. 

Until eyes swollen, eye bags formed. Nose red. 

Still, I encouraged her to overcome her fear. 

我是这么想的：- If I give her a break, it would be harder to restart. If we change a coach, it may not solve the problem because the problem is phobia. So this is like what I call the - Clutch Fighting phase. It's like you're changing gears on an upward slope? vroom vroom fighting clutch, find that balance, bite on it and step on!  So I kept signalling her the "I Love You" hand sign while I stayed at the corner of the pool (in pool). While she conveyed her message and wrote in the air

 "H O M E !" and pleaded to go home. 

So this continued for another 20 mins at the deep pool. My skin is so thick, I didn't care that I may appear crazy. She bargained with her stern coach to swim the breadth of the pool rather than the length. The coach said in a very loud and frustrated voice- But It's The Same What! Length or Breadth is the same! You are only swimming a Short Distance! 

Honestly, it is not the same for the child. You know why?

Although the kid may only be swimming 6 mtrs, it looks shorter when swimming it 3/4 of breadth; against swimming 1/10th of the length. Visually it looks intimidating not being able to see when you'll end. 

So anyway, luckily the coach gave up and let her and the other kids swim breadth. 

So after much coaxing with my hand sign, she managed to do her kicks with swim board and a short distance (3 mtr) without board.

I have the phobia of water despite liking the sea and water sports (which I am now unfit to do). 

But I hope KiCo will both enjoy swimming and water sports.

Nutmeg and dress hunt

That story named an elephant - "Nutmeg", she asked if the elephant eats a lot of nutmeg hence its name. I think,,, no. Nutmeg is from an Asian fruit? and isn't nutmeg a kind of spice?  Hum.

She asked me to show her how the Nutmeg looks like, so we searched for the images online.

Hey, I've seen that red fireball somewhere!

 Look! Nutmeg. 

(Sculpture outside Orchard Central)



Anyway.

 We went scouting for a dress for my sis' wedding. 

 I would like to go for this (above)

 My sis says- No! 

we were just goofing lah. 

 I also scouted for dresses for myself. 

Firstly, I need a wardrobe transfusion. 

Secondly, I want to prepare early for my sis' wedding because I always make not-so-good decisions when running out of time and I don't want to entrap myself Anymore. 

I was contemplating to buy these two despite being unable to zip up. 

Argh! Shitty shit. Enough of my own nonsense. 

I have to loose 5 kilo because getting larger clothes is akin to sweeping dust under the carpet. 

I still might have the icing to the cake, that is if I could slim down, I would get a slightly more visible nose bridge. Anyway, can mull over the icing but must get down to part one first. 

You've got 6 seconds

Have you downloaded Vine on your mobile?

6-seconds videos looping. Scroll away!

https://vine.co

T.G.I.F

We've roughly managed Musette. 

Yeah.

Next will be Hunters' Chorus =)

my turn to put the layman alphabets and numberings on chart

The only thing I have in common with [insert famous person's name, eg: Jack Ma] 

is; we both have 24 hours a day. 

What's common between CDs, Books and Money?

Ans: You lend them and they almost always never get returned. 

No... no, that's not a right way to think ya? But it happens.

 Tonight going out with S to Steamboat place again. 

Eat eat eat. Until now haven't loose weight. How to fit into a nice dress for my sis' wedding. 

I say when I shed 5 kg I will then allow myself to get fillers for my nose bridge.

Still, have not achieved it. I don't know what will motivate me anymore.

I am self-depreciating, self-defeating, lame. 

My idea of enjoyment is chips & TV. 

And the only time I get to do it is after 10, 11, midnight.

Like last night, I was cruising the channels and landed on drama series - VEEP 

There's this actress, she looked familiar. Hey hey, isn't she the girl from "My Girl" starring Mac Culkin? 

She's all grown up! 

 Spot on. It is her. Anna Chlumsky. 

All grown up.