Siena Bella

I felt like a proud mama yesterday!

ST Life ran a cover story on Tuscany, with Siena as the focus. I actually gasped when I saw the cover photo with Palazzo Repubblica. The thing is, yeah everyone knows where Tuscany is but not all would know about Siena. The typical tourist would head straight for Florence and Pisa, full stop. I especially cannot understand why people would spend a huge amount of time getting to a place only because it just seems like the right thing to do. Like visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa for instance. No offence, but seriously, Pisa is nothing much to shout about apart from the Piazza. Plus you really waste at least half a day, simply taking touristy photos like everyone else. Don't be mistaken, I have been there. But only the second time round, when I was actually living in Italy, and not there for a quickie one week holiday, trying to cramp every state in. What I am trying to say is, be adventurous, explore the beaten track, head to little enclaves, speak to the locals, try the food. The beauty of Italy lies not in the cities, but the quaint, little towns. And no prizes for guessing, Siena is one of them. The thing that sucks is, to really appreciate a country, you have to live there. And not being there as a tourist, doing oh-so-boring tourist things. I remember I went a trip to Trentino Alto Adige and me and my Japanese friend were the only Asian people there. Now how cool is that.

I was happy to see that article but oh so afraid for Siena to turn into one of those Romes or Venices. It still felt like home and somehow a selfish part of me doesn't want too many people to know about it. Maybe that has got to do with the prospect of seeing truckloads of Singaporeans setting foot there. Not exactly appealing.

Working Girl

I couldn't resist writing this post.

Me, the quintessential bummer, is now part of our workforce, working towards productivity and progress of our ever-growing economy. It's so weird, waking up at ungodly hours – I wake up at 6.45am these days, hell it's not even seven!; taking the MRT, jostling for space with salarymen and working girls. What's even more interesting was this conversation I had with a friend recently. She was lamenting about her work, or rather, the lack of. What was even more bewildering was that somehow everyone around were all really busy, only because everyone made it known. Fact is, everyone was just busy acting busy. In Singapore, it is almost a crime when you tell people that 'Oh, work's fine!', 'Yeah, everything is going really well!' and when you knock off on time, simply because yes, you are efficient. Why? Why do people (esp Singaporeans) always want to portray negativities when it comes to work? Is it true when people say 'I am very busy leh!' and stay in the office till wee hours even? (I remember one boss of mine who camped in the office with a toothbrush), when sometimes really things can wait. Or time is just simply wasted in long, meaningless meetings that drag for eons? Maybe that's the reason why people all look miserable in trains. They look like they would rather jump off cliffs in fact.

I am glad I am in a place that places a lot of emphasis on work-life quality. The corporation encourages everyone to engage in sporting activity from 4.30pm onwards. Of course, whether or not people actually participate is beside the point, but it's important when it starts from the top. Negative qi simply does not encourage productivity, Singapore.

Drink to Health

Remember that foul tasting 'ji jing' that is essence of chicken? That thing our mums forced down our throats?

Well, it's funny how I ended up working for them, but that's beside the point. The thing I discovered recently is that it actually works to a great extent. People who have worked with me would know that I am practically dead in the morning, even with power caffeine. But this stuff had me. I am not launching into PR fluff but if even the least impressed and cynical person like me thinks that it actually means something, but perhaps it is worth a try. I have it every morning, but beware though. It is quite heaty so down lots of water, or you will end up constipated like myself. Ok, too much information.

I guess I am at the age where I will pretty give anything a try if it does something for my health. So why not?

Boo Bunions

Made a trip to the podiatrist yesterday.

Its my second time, the first being an ingrown toe nail, completely gross.

I am now experiencing the bane of vanity, bunions. If you do a search, the images are pretty grotesque, though thankfully mine is still pretty contained. Here’s what I found – ‘More than half the women in America have bunions, a common deformity often blamed on wearing tight, narrow shoes, and high heels. Bunions may occur in families, but many are from wearing tight shoes. Nine out of ten bunions happen to women. Nine out of ten women wear shoes that are too small.’

Why do women subject themselves to pain and discomfort in the name of beauty? Needless to say, I am one of them. The thing is you are seeking pretty shoes, would you exactly go for wide, big-foot style shoes? Or perhaps companies should implement a policy where sneakers or Birkies are acceptable, when you don't have to face clients?

Anyway, my podiatrist has advised an x-ray and diagnosed me with really w--i--d--e feet and an inward pointing walking style, so I should really cut down on heels and narrow fitting shoes…now is there anyone who can tell where the hell to find pretty, wide, roomy heels?

Retrospective

2007 has been such an eventful year, I don't even know where to begin.

2007 isn't really the year to talk about work, since I hardly did any. I mean, I haven't held a job in almost a year, which means I have been poor as a pauper, but very fulfilled emotionally. I 'm talking about my stay in Italy, which was so beautiful, I still have sweet dreams about it from time to time. I recall the fresh air in the Tuscan countryside, the BEST seafood pasta I had in Maremma at this beachside restaurant, the daily Italian classes, the amazing friends...Gosh, it still feels so recent.

That said, there have been several downs too, mainly with my body. Not insecurities, but infections (eye and ear), bad headaches, a sprained wrist and a nasty, nasty scald incident. Perhaps that's part and parcel of aging, but I have learnt to appreciate life and health a bit more especially after the scald episode.

Which means for the coming year,
1) I am going to stay fit, by going back into working out.
2) I am cutting back on caffeine. Moderation is the word.
3) I am taking things easy and relaking more. Life's too short.
4) I will be Happy.

Pretty manageable, huh?

Ugg-ly

One of my favourite things in this world must be these super-comfy boots from Ugg Australia.

I got my tall pair in dark brown in Melbourne a few days back, and I am sooo.. in love with it. Now, what makes it really different is that it is lined with Australian sheepskin, which makes it so comfy to wear, like walking on a luxurious, soft carpet, plus they really do keep you warm! In fact, it is okay to skip the socks. The exterior is suede, and nice to the touch.

It's just really a shame that the weather here does not quite permit us to wear boots. But I am so ready to get my second pair in camel. Can't wait.

me and my fab Uggs in Melbourne

A day (and night) at the Zoo

I can't even remember the last time I stepped foot into the Singapore Zoological Gardens, but it was rocking awesome! It still marvels me that there is this little corner tucked away in our urban jungle, full of lovely little and big animals! We had a blast that night too, cos the clever people at the zoo has decided to turn it into a Halloween playground of sorts, with 'demons' pouncing on you along the 'Ghoulish Trail' and 'Pet Cemetery'. Heheh. I feel all sixteen again. It was so much fun!

But of course, the star attractions were the animals. We went goo-goo gaa-gaaing over the white tigers, giraffes (my fave), elephants (baby's fave), otters, hyenas and so many more! Definitely worth a visit. Excellent date venue too :p

Would like to post more photos, but I am running out of photo storage space. Damn.