वैशाख

I have been feeling down. So down. Uncontrollably down.
And I have been hard on myself. I have been so hard on myself along with the ones I love and...
It's horrible. I feel horrible.
And for almost 2 weeks now, although I have done many exciting things and been totally inspired in little ways, I still feel bleak. Empty. Drained. Depressed.
Yes. And I am cautious about using that word, because it really is such a 'depressing' word.
But today... I saw a bit of light.
Or maybe I should say... a reason.
I know myself well enough to know that all I have been feeling, all that gunk that is surfacing now is doing so for a reason. Some internal clock. Cosmic forces.
Then I remember Vesak Day. Which is approaching and all becomes clear.
It's the Moon. Ending of a cycle. Purging of negative patterns and nasty habits.

On Vesākha Day, Buddhists all over the world commemorate events of significance to Buddhists of all traditions: The birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Gautama Buddha.

http://www.buddhanet.net/vesak.htm

Paying homage to the Buddha

Tradition ascribes to the Buddha himself instruction on how to pay him homage. Just before he died, he saw his faithful attendant Ananda, weeping. The Buddha advised him not to weep, but to understand the universal law that all compounded things (including even his own body) must disintegrate. He advised everyone not to cry over the disintegration of the physical body but to regard his teachings (The Dhamma) as their teacher from then on, because only the Dhamma truth is eternal and not subject to the law of change. He also stressed that the way to pay homage to him was not merely by offering flowers, incense, and lights, but by truly and sincerely striving to follow his teachings. This is how devotees are expected to celebrate Vesak: to use the opportunity to reiterate their determination to lead noble lives, to develop their minds, to practise loving-kindness and to bring peace and harmony to humanity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ves%C4%81kha

I really hope this helps at least one of u. I have been hearing of many people feeling unhappy lately... and I want you to know it's part of the cycle.
We are part of the cycle. Of the whole.
What we feel, and say, and do and not do... affects it all.

Prepare yourself for Vesak Day! :) 28th May 2010 Full Moon. Go outside and have a moment.

Namaste All.

Weekends in Singapore

I have had 2 amazing weekends back to back here in Singapore.
Not to say it seldom happens, but these 2 I want to document.
Last weekend, I went on a Singapore-style road trip.
Aidan, Stewart and I drove to Kranji, past the cemeteries.. which were pleasantly peaceful toward the famous Bollywood Veggies for good old, locally grown, organic grub.
Lunch was Papaya salad, mixed vegetable stir up, scrumptious brown rice, cheese toaties (?) and a lot of dessert.
Yeah, their Chocolate Banana cake and banana bread is 'to die for'.
We had about 5 servings and they gave us a couple more. :)
The 3 of us then walked around the reserve, observed all the locally grown and even found a lake we sat by, for awhile and watched the wildlife.
I squealed like a 4 year old when a giant monitor lizard crossed my path to get to the water.
We could have stayed in the sanctuary for hours but a storm came and Ivy Singh, the owner of Bollywood Veggie signaled to us to get back in.
We grabbed more dessert to take away then drove around the farmlands, stopped by Kranji beach (yes there's a beach there which faces JB) and even went by the Goat farm.
Driving around Neo Tiew Road reminded me of my road trips around South West Australia and their wine region.
No doubt, it is a completely different experience but comforting to know that Singapore does have it's lush landscape when we seek it out.

Saturday early evening and we head over to Lakeview.
Brian and Curly got registered the week before and are legally Man & Wife now so a celebration was in order.
On the menu, popiah... DIY... the best way.
Also a signature way of 'communal eating' amongst this group of friends.
Sometimes it's Congee, other times Soup noodles.
But always presented in a way where you could have it just the way you liked it...

The Bamrah Brothers worked their music magic with Tom (Kelly, DJ Shellsuit) and we were all blessed with funky tunes and smooth grooves.
At one stage, the Mini-Marys came out and everybody had to try...
Take a cherry tomato coated with and from the dish marinated with Worcester sauce, pepper, Tabasco, salt. Dip it in your ice cold (premium) Vodka shot, eat the wee tomato and knock back the shot.
YUM!

The music started sounding better (I mean honestly, it hard to sound better than DJ Shellsuit & the Bamrah brothers) but the conversation started flowing easier and it wasn't long til the weekend really kicked in and the atmosphere meshed magically.
A few more cycles of popiah, cocktails and live jam sets and Saturday ended sweetly.
If not in deep sleep.

This weekend started with the Welcoming Home of a long lost friend Nasser.
Dinner at Oso on Friday night up in the Penthouse followed by drinks at La Maison got me much drunker than I even really realized.
When I woke up on Saturday morning, without a hangover...
Aidan lovingly reminded me of our McDonald's greed earlier that morning. WHAT??!!
I gave in to a fillet o'fish and fries. Aargh! And I asked for sauce which I wasted! OMG.
Truly bad behaviour!
Anyway before we headed out that night, Aidan and I went for a quick swim in the evening before it started pouring rain again.
Saturday night started at the Magic Bar.
Bar 84 at the Gallery Hotel.
This quaint little bar sits elegantly, as if floating amidst tall wooden beams in the darkness behind the hotel. As a group of 7-8, we were seated comfortably and our orders taken quickly.
I had the bloody mary which was delish.
After about 45 mins into conversation, we were asked to move to the main bar.
There, a little Japanese man hosted us and showed us a whole array of Magic tricks.
Telling on him, in detail would be plain mean... and I wouldn't want to spoil the experience for you anyways.
All I can say is... Go and experience it for yourself. It will blow you away.
One more thing, there is a $20 cover charge per head.
But I find it is worth every cent and shows support to magicians and artists alike.
We left Bar 84 with our jaws dragging the floor. But we were up for some dancing so we went to OverEasy in search of some disco. Has took good care of us there and we got to see Tracey Phillips which is always a treat.

On Sunday, I was craving Indian and went to Komala's but it was closed for renovation so I had dim sum and laksa instead.
Rie and I spent the afternoon making salad and a healthy rice mix for Sophie, Tiff, her brother, Fabian, Aya, Stew and Aidan who were jamming in the living room.
Guitars, cajons, keyboard harmonicas, shakers, bass guitar, more cajons all covered the hall and raw music filled the area.
There's a certain power in sound vibrations and how healing music is... even in it's rawest form.
And it was mesmerizing to see a whole group of friends grooving together happily.
We all ended up watching E.T sprawled on the floor, surrounded by cushions and it totally brought me back to my childhood.

Today I feel renewed and ever ready.
My friends are planning a camping trip on Lazarus Island soon and that is probably more a mental mission than a physical one so I am off to prepare.

Singapore is as magical as we make it.... wish me luck.

Thalassaemia

I have recently agreed to make an appearance at a charity event in Sri Lanka (Colombo) in September so I decided to do some of my own research into the rehabilitation center and see how I could possibly help them, starting now.

The disease is Thalassaemia
and the charity is for the establishment of the National Thalassaemia Center at Kurunegala.

"Thalassaemia is a genetically inherited, non curable, but easily preventable disease. It is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorder. The production of normal hemoglobin is partially or completely suppressed in this disease. Treatment for thalassaemia is costly and needs life long therapy. As the disease is inherited, the best way of preventing thalassaemia is avoiding marriages between carriers." -

(http://www.zimbio.com/Sri+Lankan+Models+And+Actress/articles/n01hcF-aDsE/Thalassemia+Rehabilitation+Fund+Sri+Lanka)

Bascially, children with the disorder have to go through dialysis up to twice a day.
It can be very painfully and demoralizing, as Jacquie Mei (my Catwalk Lao Si) tells me.

I realized that apart from sending picture/educational books to the kids, a useful contribution would be nourishment or holistic help someway.
I gathered from reading the Center's mission statements that these patients could benefit significantly from medication such as Vitamin E.
I went on to find this chart stating Palm Oil as one of the best source of Vitamin E.
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/images/vite.jpg

Anybody have any suggestions or hook ups to help me do this>?

My Singtel Drama...

Before I begin this story.... I must say that I don't know why I did not blog it down sooner.
I have repeated it so many times.... I feel it is a total waste of energy.
So, I am venting it one last time... in black and white.

In January...I was blissfully unaware of the perks of a Blackberry.
I would tease my friends whenever I saw how attached to them they all were.
Crackberry, we would nickname it and they would try to convince me to swap over..
Me, cockily refusing, saying I would never be a slave to the device.

WHAM!

Aidan buys himself an Iphone and is given a $500 voucher to spend within a day...
He cannot use that voucher to buy another Iphone so he tops up some more cash and gets me a Blackberry Bold 9700. He knows that I have many friends in Hong Kong and Indonesia that use the BBM service.

At the time, I was using the Nokia e71 which I was really pleased with. I loved the picture quality, the speakers for my music, the slick feel. I wasn't looking to change but the BB seemed so tempting.

Last week of January I call Singtel, to check on my plan and what it would cost me to swap over to a BB data plan.
The lady tells me that my contract expires on the 4th of Feb so I figured it would be best I wait it out and then sign on a brand new contract. It also meant I had 2 weeks to suss out other price plans with other providers.
I checked with M1 and StarHub (even bought a Green card by mistake... another story there),
asking them of their price plans for data usage etc to compare.
After dabbling in numbers here and there, I decided to stick with Singtel...more out of convenience than anything else.

This is where the saga begins....

On the 10th of Feb, I go into Tampines mall to recontract. I was also given a $100 voucher to spend on a handset.
The lady who served me was a lady named Gladys.
I told her I wanted to use my voucher on the Samsung Colby but wanted to recontract on the Blackberry Flexi Plan $49 a month with a 15G allowance, as I am now using a Blackberry. (which I was holding in my hand)
She fiddled with her computer...got me my free phone, took my IC, I filled out some forms, she typed out some stuff then took me the cashier and it wasn't long before I was on my way.

A day or so pass and I do not receive any data service. I can still make calls and receive smses but can't surf the web or download my BBm.

I call Customer Service and they tell me my data plan has not been activated.
After about an hour conversation, re-telling the story and reconfirming the plan, the service person tells me that it should work in a day or two.

So I wait.

Chinese New Year arrives... steamboat feasts, catch-ups with Cousins, lots of yu-sheng and Open Houses.
Does my data service work? Nope.

I call Singtel on the 2nd day of CNY....speak to a guy and he pretty much tells me the same thing.
So I wait....and then.. FINALLY.... woohooo....I'm connected.

I hook up my email, my bbm, my whatnots, whatsapp & whatsups.
All my BB friends are stoked, my Nokia e71 ditched and life seems so much sweeter on crack(berry).

I now notice that once a BB friend realizes you are a BB user too... pins are swapped as well as approving nods.
They say "Welcome to the Family... You'll never look at email, messaging etc the same again."
or "It makes so much more sense and the bills are even cheaper...."

3 weeks into full addiction... I decide to check my account balance with Singtel.
Just to know, roughly, what my cost would be.
The automated voice on the phone properly pronounces, "Your account balance dated March 11 is Five hundred and seventy two dollars. Your last bill paid was Feb 28th 2010."

WTF?

I remember paying my bill the day after my data was connected, so as to better give me a gauge of data charges.
So what I am hearing now is that in 3 weeks, I rounded up a bill of $572?
Huh?

I call Singtel...
After an hour of being redirected to 3 different people and telling them all my story...
asking them how my charges have escalated so ridiculously, this lady Erma tells me that the breakdown shows I have a penalty charge of $450 for downgrading my plan.

She then proceeds to tell me that my plan did not run out, as the 1st Singtel lady told me,
and then when I went into Tampines Singtel, the lady swapped my plans instead of re-contracted me and downgraded my plan. So now I have to pay the penalty.

I ask to speak to the manager, or someone who can help me.
Erma puts me through to this worker named Marziah Mohd and
as I am explaining the situation to her..
she answers me with "yah.....so." and "ah..ok I will call u back in a few days, OKAY?"

I tell her I do not appreciate her tone and asks again to speak to the Manager.
She puts me on hold and after some time, I am directed to yet another lady.
I tell her my situation all over again and this time, she is apologetic, telling me she will waive the penalty and reset the billing charges.
She tells me Singtel is sorry and my next bill will only reflect my usage from today on my BB flexi $48 a month plan with 15g allowance.
I put down the phone relieved. I believe this is the last I will hear of this.

I go to Bali for 2 weeks. For Nyepi... for the Kiss Villas launch party...
I get back into Singapore two nights ago.
I call Singtel to check my outstanding balance.

Five hundred and seventy two dollars.

???

Food for thought..... on Beach Day ( Bali Sunday)

Beach day at Padang Padang is always delightful.
I remember coming here with Parta a few times before when I was living in Bali in 2007.
Last year, Padang Padang was the Bali backdrop for the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" (based on the book) filmed here, starring Julia Roberts.
During high tide, you can swim the clear blue waters and even rock climb with the locals.
The warung there serves nasi goreng, mee goreng, egg tomato and cheese toasties amongst other things. And to the right of the comfy beach, there are rock formations and hidden adventures that lurk behind the cracks.

During this time of the year, you can't watch the sunset from Padang Padang and
Dreamland has been destroyed by all the construction happening there.
So Eddie, Parta, Yulia, Aidan and I go for sun-downer Mexican just down the road.
Yulia and I have the fish tacos, which come with side salad, yellow rice and mexican beans.
Oh and yummy roasted potatoes.
Eddie, Parta and Aidan have the beef burritos which are well reputed.
The margaritas here are incredible too, but we all refrain ourselves since the drive back down to Nusa Dua and Seminyak is lengthy.
The deco is quaint with little reminder tablets, hung on the wall saying
"People in a rush, not allowed here."
There is a poster of Bob Marley, surfboards affixed on the ceilings and photographs of surfers, conquering massive waves.
Most of the pictures are of the owner himself, riding waves all over Uluwatu.

I forget to introduce myself and ask for his name but the whole 2 hrs we were there,
he watched over us with such genuineness and attentiveness.
The chefs even shared a 'recharge' moment with us by blasting Bobby McFarrin's
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" song in the midst of our meal. We all sing along loud and proud.

Earlier that day, Eddie and I had a gratifying breakfast at Gourmet cafe with some good friends.
The french toast there is exquisite and their Liver Detox juice is my ultimate favorite.
Their omelets are also delectable and you can even make your own sandwiches.
I usually have croissants with tuna and melted cheese.

For supper, I scoffed down the Nicoise salad from Soho. I love their anchovy dressing.
And indulged myself with the Vanilla milkshake. Slurp.

What a feast I was blessed with today. A healthy one too for that matter.

Stay tuned for more of my BALI FOOD ADVENTURES.

Student Power – Environmental Change Starts from a Young Age

Student Power – Environmental Change Starts from a Young Age

Such a powerful piece and so enlightening.
Yes children have the power and we should start from now, to educate them truthfully.
God gave us free will, we should give our youth, the future, the same...if not more.
Teach them, give them the info and let them decide for themselves.

Namaste

P.s Am reading a book now called "Eating Animals". Highly confronting but incredibly educational.
I suggest you give it a read.

Do u.... want more?

Last Sunday, I was accused of being selfish with my knowledge.
My photographer friend Olivier said,
"I've known you all this while and I only recently realized how spiritual you are."
He went on to tell me,
"If I knew this before, I would have seeked your cosmic advice way before."

My only defense was to reply...
"I believe spirituality is best shared through positive experiences and personalities.
If personal theories were preached and insisted upon, spirituality does not come by choice.
If by being a spiritual person, in touch with the cosmic, one is at peace with themselves, happy and joyful to be around... that is a good example of what the Universe can bring u, if u only believed.
People will then seek their own awareness and happiness since they see that THIS is what inner peace and compassion brings to me."

Well Olivier and I went on to have quite an indulgent Sunday...
with good food, groovy music, lots of drinks and great company
and through the day, we would catch each others eyes,
exchange a intuitive nod and went on bouncing through the party.

Monday morning came and I got to thinking....
He is right.
I know all these things...out of pure passion and personal achievement.
I know of angels and Goddesses and crystals and healing herbs...
and I have not shared it....enough.
I share it with my Loved ones and my best friends and strangers I encounter
but I have not seeked out another avenue to share more.

Since I was a little girl, I had been fascinated with the Mystical.
I was born Catholic but grew up reading philosophical novels, bibles and encyclopedias on ancient remedies.
Crystals were my type of 'candy', my eyes would always follow butterflies and birds,
insisting to know the name of every tree or plant and totally tamed by the sight of the Ocean.

During my early years of modeling and while I was still in school,
I use to get sarcastic remarks about the constant grin on my face or my airy fairy comments about the day and all things remarkable.
And I would read my Sybil Leek books,
hiding the covers and titles from their sights just to avoid scrutiny and judgement.

These days, as much as I look to the Angels and Goddesses for signs and guidance,
I follow Buddhism.
Which speaks of awareness, compassion and acceptance mainly.
I go to the temple whenever I can, and pray for my family and friends but more important,
I fuel my lifestyle by surrounding myself with good friends and clean fun.
Our indulgences are deserved and we hurt nobody else in the process so we give ourselves that permission to let loose. That's my type of Good Times.
The energies exchanged are genuine and clear of dishonesty and secrets and malice.
We laugh because we are happy we live.
Not out of bitchiness or jealously brought on by insecurities.
And we celebrate the Trust, within the circle and the depth of our histories together.
We share life mottos and helpful lessons to get through Life.
And we promise each other loyalty and love.

I know I am blessed. Because I have these friends, and I have this advice.
And I know of the Universe and how cycles are necessary in this world.
But I want to share it.
With you... yes You.
Just one bit at a time.
Spare me some of your brain space and see if my words resonate within you.
And if they work for you....
Or even if reading them entertains or lightens you.
Support me if I tell you my stories and my experiences.
Drink me when I am on a roll or off the beaten track.

Do u..... want more?