Chocomania

I have a confession to make. I ate chocolate for breakfast. But mind you, it is not the typical Ferrero Rocher.

When I opened the fridge to reach for my daily dose of milk, my eyes nearly popped. Check this out, I did not see nuggets of gold but praline. 30 individually wrapped pieces of Swiss Extra Fine "Pralines" with almond and hazelnuts. Prints on the exquisite box read: Made in Switzerland by Goldkenn.

I am not a chocolate connoisseur but I know it's fine, premium stuff before me! How on earth did they end up in my fridge? For all I care, nobody can resist such a rich delicate confection melting in your mouth. But hey, I did not gobble the 30 pieces alright? Haha...

What is praline? Various online dictionaries define it as a confection made of nut kernels, usually of almonds, roasted in boiling sugar until brown and crisp. But I figured the term is also used frequently and interchangeably with "chocolate".

Some facts here... In Europe, the nut is usually almonds but sometimes hazelnuts. In Louisiana and Texas, USA, pecans are almost always the nut used in pralines.

The French, who coined the name, consider praline to be boiled sugar over whole almonds, but in the rest of the world the almonds are ground and the praline is either a powder or a smooth paste. In Germany and Belgium praline means only a filled chocolate of any sort. In Britain the term can mean either kind of praline. (Source: www.wordiq.com/definition/Praline)

Color matters

While Raine and I are happy with the look of our current blogs, we went browsing at other blogskins available on the Net as an attempt to spruce them up. To our surprise, none, or I should say few of the designs we saw are easy on the eye or fitting for our personal style. We found that many of their creators try to use graphics and match-make colors the wrong and hard way.

Does color really matter? "Research reveals all human beings make a subconscious judgment about an item within 90 seconds of initial viewing and that between 62% and 90% of that assessment is based on color alone." (Source: Web Design Portfolio & Guide)

There are well-designed websites, blogs and forums created by dedicated designers, which will provide great practical guidelines for you to abide by. I may not be a professional designer, but besides loving minimalism and monochromes, I fancy and practice the good use of colors and design for the sites I take care of. So meanwhile, here are some tips for you...

Use browser-safe colors. Avoid harsh oversaturated colors. Use yellow and red colors sparingly. Though pure yellow is the first color the human eye will fix on, it strains the eye more than any other color.

Use colors appropriate to the theme of your site. Use colors found in key photos or graphics on your site for added harmony. Font colors should be contrast with the background color for a better read. Limit your color palette to no more than 3 colors to reduce visual clutter.

Set the font size in the format of percentage because people use a variety of screen resolution sizes. Use san serif fonts - a category of typefaces that do not use small lines or features at the end of strokes. My favorites are Arial, Verdana, and Tahoma, while other popular ones are Helvetica, Avant Garde, and Geneva. They are easier on the eye on screen. Use serif fonts like Times New Roman only on printed materials.

Last but not least, keep it simple!

Color has many overtones and meanings that are different from culture to culture. Like beauty, color is the eyes of the beholder. Though there are rules for color selection, there are always exceptions that will create unexpected pleasant results.

Alternative medicine

Like me, the family of my CEO also has a range of animals living in their habitat. Perky her related to me about what happened to her pets as we sat in our office's condusive lounge area over lunch last week.

Her intelligent 12-year-old cocktatoo had liver failure last year becos it consumed some fungi-coated sunflower seeds. It was then brought to the usual family vet and the family was told that it would not survive the attack. Sadness struck.

Upon a friend's recommendation, the lovely bird was seen by an Australian vet, Dr. L - one who specialises in alternative medicine practice and never believes in putting an animal to sleep. Wow! With patience, it was treated with vitamins and it was slowly nursed back to health gradually!

When their golden retriever broke one of its legs, Dr. L treated it with acupuncture and had its diet filled with vegetables and protein foods. Amazing, isn't it?

Pet paws

Inspired by Jon's love for Garfield and Odie, I am thinking of getting myself a pet.

I caught the press screening of 'Garfield The Movie' with 3 girlfriends earlier in the week and I thought we could just as well kill the Monday blues the wise-cracking fat orange cat hates too. Besides being exactly 3 months his junior and feeling occasionally feline, I am far from liking this creature with a stomach full of attitude and lagsana.

Besides, I have often found myself appreciating supporting roles more than protagonists. In this case, yes, I am very fond of Odie - the dopey yellow-furred, brown-eared dog constantly panting with his very large tongue, and often kicked off the table by Garfield.

What you see in the movie is a live version of what the Odie's image projected in Jim Davis' comic strip, but with an extra appeal drawing you to have a puppy like Odie. So with that thought, I began my research and here are my preliminary findings...

The Beagle, supposedly the breed of Odie, has a warm personality, admirable courage and stamina. Eager to romp and play, it makes a trustworthy friend, a great family pet and a good home-watcher.

Studies have shown that the simple stroking of a pet can actually lower heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Even watching fish in an aquarium creates similar effects. It is both soothing and meditative. Now I understand why my dad constantly puts animals in our living space since I was young.

Pets are good for health, apparently. Unlike relationships with human family members, which can sometimes be difficult or a source of stress, owning a pet can significantly improve overall health, reduce risk of disease, combat loneliness and increase feelings of happiness.

As many are the benefits you can receive, much is required of you. Responsibilities as heavy as raising a child become reality. Consider time, cost, care and compatibility, next to the mandatory condition of unconditional love.

I know I may sound like a SPCA volunteer but until you and I are ready, let's not try this on our own. Till then, catch the oddest pair of friends in extra large size before they quit the mega screen!

Jazz up

Kudos to the Blogger Navbar! Black is still a favorite of mine.

Still happy with my spiral, rotating clockface? Have fun swirling but remember, the clock is ticking!

Wish I may, wish I might

I wish I have more manageable hair.

I am growing a year older next month and so I thought it will be nice to get a new look, preferably one that makes me look more mature because honestly speaking, I look underage. If you have doubts, let's do a street survey! Alright, back to the subject matter... A spa or ceramic perm will create that desired mature, feminine look to be a Jolin or Michelle look-alike but because my hair nature and financial commitments, it will take a miracle for it to happen at this point in time.

Since the last time I colored, highlighted and rebonded my hair, I did nothing with it because the weight of long hair keeps itself naturally straight. Peeved with umpteen recent comments that my hair is very long (some with implied meaning that it is tooooooo long), I decided to trim, thin and treat my precious tresses.

And for the nth time, I wish I have a camera phone.

If I do, I would have shot a picture displaying the volume of hair I shed, or rather, snipped off yesterday by Ivy, my hair stylist. I would have posted it and make your eyes pop! A mega mass of thick, dry hair lay lifeless on the floor, seemingly sad to depart from the crown after being attached to it for 8 months. But hey, the surprise is my hair is still long and folks do not seem to realise the difference of the before and after.

Now, I enjoy zero, if not less split-ends, knots and bulk. Inspired to chop yours too? Just do it la! Besides, I feel happy to pamper my hair and scalp with Ice Spa Treatment, and be a tonne lighter - well, I really wish that fact applies to my body weight but you know that expression ain't literal. Yet.

Melancholic me

Seemingly figurative, yet simple and vivid.



美丽的插曲 (作词：姚嫌 作曲：曹登昌 黄慧文)

也许是那朵白云
天空才蓝得美丽
因为短暂
因为无意却难忘记
每次想起你
心还微微叹息
每一个遇见你的梦里
我总迫不及待拥抱你

因为你是我生命美丽插曲
寂寞啊变成了主题
在人来人往的时间海洋里
我常想你

是否我也是你生命的插曲
只可惜在你际遇里
回忆总太拥挤而我的爱情
好象那朵云

Take my breath away

In case you have been wondering why I went missing in action and why I could only manage an 'I am still alive' blogpost and personality test results for the past weeks, I thought you may like to take a walk through my sick diary.

This time, I was hit by a virus more lethal than that of 2 months ago and once again, I was deprived of talking. To make matters worse, I was unable to connect to the Internet. My modem adapter was broken and my web connection did not reinstate until weeks later.

So here we go...

Fri, 23 Jul: Restlessness; a low-grade fever commenced; Panadol did not work; rest seemed insufficient. Seen doc; started on Amoxycilin.

Fri, 30 Jul: Fever began to subside, but cough took its place. Silly me thought I was about to get well and deemed the cough something to end the bug trail, but it did not.

Fri, 6 Aug: Persistant cough made me sleepless, dry throat made me speechless. My body and mind were only capable of staying home if I can choose not to work or travel. Wished I could be at the National Stadium to catch the breathtaking fireworks for the nation's birthday though.

Tue, 10 Aug: I did not get any better and felt worse in the office. Felt breathless at times; went into coughing fits; could throw out my meals in seconds; simply could not concentrate; felt like dying.

Thu, 12 Aug: Felt sicker by the day and I could take it no longer. Seen the 3rd doc and I was glad he ordered an X-ray for me at Raffles Hospital to exclude a pneumonia.



A consultant radiologist gave a brief report indictating that "the cardiac size and outline are within normal limits. No active lesion is seen in the lung fields." But my doc observed some unusual shadows on the left and suspected a micro-plasma strain, which Amoxycilin is unable to destroy. I was then given a stronger antiobiotic - Clarithromycin, and some other drugs (including asthma pills) and thankfully, 2 days of medical leave.

Sat, 14 Aug: I felt I should 'quarantine' myself for another day and since I was excused from ushering in church, I had better rest at home.

Mon, 16 Aug: Review at the doc's. I felt much better over the weekend and my positive response to the antibiotic confirmed the diagnosis of chest infection I had.

Mon, 23 Aug: I have been well enough to work for the past 6 working days except for a gradually fading cough to clear stubborn phlegm now and then, I should qualify to be 99% well by now.

Despite what I went through, I thank God for my mom and dad, for friends who are praying for me and for wisdom in Dr. Mok to give the right diagnosis and prescription of drugs for my case. Or else, it may not just be a simple chest infection yours truly suffered from. Without them, who knows, I could have seen Jesus sooner than I should.

Life is a journey

Oh boy, how does that mega load of information help in understanding oneself better? Some pay a significant amount to go through the tedious process of profiling for the benefit of job selection or career shaping. Some engage a coach for corporate or individual use. Others simply read widely in the hope of understanding the complexity of our makeup and personality.

Everyone is an uniquely shaped being. No two men are the same. What are your gifts and talents? What is your calling in life? What is your mission statement? Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life may help you simplify or answer some of those tough questions.

Self-discovery will probably take you a lifetime, but enjoy the journey while you are at it. Keep walking and keep smiling, my friend... :)

INFJ

I'm an INFJ... and so the HaleOnline adaptation of the earlier temperament sorter confirms it.

Introversion | iNtuition | Feeling | Judgement

You're future-oriented, and direct your insight and inspiration towards understanding yourself and thereby, human nature... your work mirrors your integrity... reflects your inner ideals... solitude and a chance to concentrate thoroughly on what counts most is important to you... you like to quietly exert your influence... you have deeply felt compassion and desire harmony with others... you'll go to great lengths to avoid conflict...

You understand the complexities existing within people... you don't call a lot of attention to yourself... you like to let your accomplishments do your talking... you look for a small group of people who understand and appreciate you and hang with them... you're gentle and don't like violence...

You'd rather have a few close friends instead of be at a big party... you'll do well in college as your "day in the sun" where your brains count more than they did in that ol' shallow high school... you want your work to contribute to the general good...

You have a strong love of learning... you get along well with teachers and older people... you write well 'cause you can formulate your ideas clearly... you have integrity and consistency... you don't like the "politics" at work... you'd rather be able to talk honestly with people than "play games"... intuitive insights into situations...

You're quiet yet persistent and determined in your efforts toward long-term goals... when you work toward your vision, you win cooperation rather than demand it... even if you don't lead others, you still facilitate things... leisure time usually is solitary or involves the company of others particularly important to you... you're perfectly happy just sitting around with close buds discussing feelings... you'd rather have longstanding friends than make many new acquaintances... these deep friendships are important to you, even though you may not share much about yourself...

You become attracted to someone special and prefer this one deep one over many superficial ones... this depth, though, is only partially communicated outwards... you like a regular "date", revisiting the place where you first met your mates, or doing other symbolic things that help to continue or confirm the existence of the bond.

You may have an ideal standard of the way love is... you're often disappointed when reality doesn't quite match up... you want to give love and be loved... you enter into relationships just to be cared for... even when the other person isn't right for you and you know it... when you meet the right person, though, you are quick to get involved with them and make it a serious one... you'll end other relationships to be with this "right" one...

When you're scorned, you take it personally and retreat inward... you may obsess about the relationship and your role in the failure... you blame yourself for a failed relationship and might even need a period of mourning.

You should watch out for becoming blinded by the idealism of your visions or if you focus only on your ideas... this could make you ignore reality when it contradicts those lofty ideals... you could stay with a belief or commitment beyond what the facts would support (stubborn?)... you're loyal...

Also, you could lose out if you don't act assertively and are reluctant to intrude on others with your ideas... as a result, you could keep many important things to yourself... you'll then feel that your ideas are underestimated or unappreciated... maybe you should develop political saavy or assertiveness to sell your ideals... finally, you should be forthright with criticism of others... you're always doing the "If you can't say some thing nice..." stuff. After you hold it inside, you'll blow up eventually.

INFJ: "Inner Nuances Fosters Journeys"

(Nuance - a subtle or slight degree of difference, as in meaning, feeling, or tone; a delicate gradation.)

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For the record, Cheryl sent me yet another personality test, which further confirms I'm an INFJ but this time with an additional information - INFJs are Counselor Idealists.

The Counselor Idealists are abstract in thought and speech, cooperative in reaching their goals, and directive and introverted in their interpersonal roles. Counselors focus on human potentials, think in terms of ethical values, and come easily to decisions. The small number of this type (little more than 2 percent) is regrettable, since Counselors have an unusually strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others and genuinely enjoy helping their companions. Although Counsleors tend to be private, sensitive people, and are not generally visible leaders, they nevertheless work quite intensely with those close to them, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes with their families, friends, and colleagues. This type has great depth of personality; they are themselves complicated, and can understand and deal with complex issues and people.

Counselors can be hard to get to know. They have an unusually rich inner life, but they are reserved and tend not to share their reactions except with those they trust. With their loved ones, certainly, Counselors are not reluctant to express their feelings, their face lighting up with the positive emotions, but darkening like a thunderhead with the negative. Indeed, because of their strong ability to take into themselves the feelings of others, Counselors can be hurt rather easily by those around them, which, perhaps, is one reason why they tend to be private people, mutely withdrawing from human contact. At the same time, friends who have known a Counselor for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that they are inconsistent; Counselors value their integrity a great deal, but they have intricately woven, mysterious personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.

Counselors have strong empathic abilities and can become aware of another's emotions or intentions -- good or evil -- even before that person is conscious of them. This "mind-reading" can take the form of feeling the hidden distress or illnesses of others to an extent which is difficult for other types to comprehend. Even Counselors can seldom tell how they came to penetrate others' feelings so keenly. Furthermore, the Counselor is most likely of all the types to demonstrate an ability to understand psychic phenomena and to have visions of human events, past, present, or future. What is known as ESP may well be exceptional intuitive ability-in both its forms, projection and introjection. Such supernormal intuition is found frequently in the Counselor, and can extend to people, things, and often events, taking the form of visions, episodes of foreknowledge, premonitions, auditory and visual images of things to come, as well as uncanny communications with certain individuals at a distance.

Excuse mi, are u an idealist?

The AdvisorTeam's Temperament Sorter reveals that I am an 'NJ' - an Idealist. Check out what the letters (EISNTFJP) mean and which personality type you belong to.

Idealists, as a temperament, are passionately concerned with personal growth and development. Idealists strive to discover who they are and how they can become their best possible self - always this quest for self-knowledge and self-improvement drives their imagination. And they want to help others make the journey. Idealists are naturally drawn to working with people, and whether in education or counseling, in social services or personnel work, in journalism or the ministry, they are gifted at helping others find their way in life, often inspiring them to grow as individuals and to fulfill their potentials.

Idealists are sure that friendly cooperation is the best way for people to achieve their goals. Conflict and confrontation upset them because they seem to put up angry barriers between people. Idealists dream of creating harmonious, even caring personal relations, and they have a unique talent for helping people get along with each other and work together for the good of all. Such interpersonal harmony might be a romantic ideal, but then Idealists are incurable romantics who prefer to focus on what might be, rather than what is. The real, practical world is only a starting place for Idealists; they believe that life is filled with possibilities waiting to be realized, rich with meanings calling out to be understood. This idea of a mystical or spiritual dimension to life, the "not visible" or the "not yet" that can only be known through intuition or by a leap of faith, is far more important to Idealists than the world of material things.

Highly ethical in their actions, Idealists hold themselves to a strict standard of personal integrity. They must be true to themselves and to others, and they can be quite hard on themselves when they are dishonest, or when they are false or insincere. More often, however, Idealists are the very soul of kindness. Particularly in their personal relationships, Idealists are without question filled with love and good will. They believe in giving of themselves to help others; they cherish a few warm, sensitive friendships; they strive for a special rapport with their children; and in marriage they wish to find a "soulmate," someone with whom they can bond emotionally and spiritually, sharing their deepest feelings and their complex inner worlds.

Idealists are rare, making up between 20 and 25 percent of the population. But their ability to inspire people with their enthusiasm and their idealism has given them influence far beyond their numbers.