My First DIY Earrings and Necklace Holder/Display

The picture below was a jewellery/accessories organizer that I had previously bought from  Mustafa Centre. Mustafa Centre always has items not found in heartland stores. This organizer was good because I could hang it on the inside of my wardrobe's door without taking up extra storage space. However, after some time, the plastic cover of one of the slots started to tear. I  also realized that it was not that easy to see all the stuff in the pockets at a glance as I had more than one item slotted in most of the pockets. So it was not easy to choose or decide on what to wear and I ended up not using the costume jewellery and accessories at all especially when rushed for time. I also used those small plastic boxes with partitions to store my earrings and put in the drawer. So out of sight always means out of mind (at least for these).

Jewellery/Accessories Organizer 

After I made my first ring box, I was also looking for ways to display or keep my jewellery in such a way that I would be able to see everything at a glance and, at the same time, keep them in good condition. 

There was one very easy method to display necklaces that I found on YouTube which used a curtain rod to hang the necklaces and bracelets. I had a spare adjustable curtain rod but I did not have a suitable place to place it. Bearing in mind that Singapore has high humidity, it would not be a good idea to place the costume jewellery in an open area. I also prefer to keep these jewellery in an enclosed area like my wardrobe, drawers or boxes lest they oxidize or get dirty. Another easy method was just to put hooks on an unused mirror, a wall or door to hang necklaces and bracelets. However, this would mean I had to buy extra hooks. 

Another method that caught my attention was using a scarf to poke in all the earrings and then placing the scarf on a hanger. Necklaces were then hung on the rhinestones that were glued on the hanger's slanting sides. I didn't want to sacrifice any of my hangers to do this since I am not that good at art and craft as mentioned in the previous post.

After considering all the factors and methods, this was what I decided to use.

The above was something that we had bought previously and had set it up so that the kids could display their soft toys. However, as time passed, the connectors (the white round things in the picture above) dropped off. It was not easy to fix back once it dropped so we dismantled a few of the partitions recently. So I thought instead of just throwing them away, I might as well use one of them for this project. 

I used the square frame and cut away the orange cloth (not sure what type of cloth this was called). Then I slotted the square frame into an unused white legging/tights that I had bought for Lynn a long time ago and tied the "leg part" of the tights at the bottom. 

I tied a string to the top part of the frame so that I could hang it on the inside of my wardrobe's door. If I do not want to hang this in future, I can also place it on a book stand so that it can stand on its own and can be displayed on a table top.

I had some extra curtain hooks, so I just slide them onto the top of the frame to hang my necklaces. I can also just open the clasps of the necklaces to hang them directly on the middle part of the metal frame. Paper clips or even bobby pins could probably be used as hooks but I prefer non-metallic hooks in case they rust. The earrings could be poked through the legging easily. 

Now I can see everything at one glance. I do not have many bracelets, so I did not make a bracelet stand. I just placed them in my small storage box.

I hope this earrings and necklace holder/stand works well.

My First DIY Ring Box

I was contemplating buying a box specifically to keep rings so that it was easier to see or find them. However, I have many empty boxes lying around so I thought maybe I could make use of these boxes to make a ring box. I had thought of using a fleece blanket to make the bumps in the ring boxes but wasn't sure how to make the finishing touch. So I went to search on Youtube.

The first video I came across used a fleece blanket and a nice silky cloth over it as a finishing touch. Then I went on to watch more videos to get more ideas on what materials to use. I wanted to use materials I already had at home and not spend extra money. I am also not good in art and craft, so I used the easiest possible method. 

Protections Sheet

I used the protection sheet that I had previously bought from Daiso and cut it into smaller pieces to fit the width of the box that I wanted to use. Then I folded them into the shape below. For this project, I made a fold at every 1.5 inches.

After folding nine of these, I put them into a box. I had to make sure the protection sheet rolls were just enough to fit the box so that they could hold the rings well.

Then I cut a piece of cloth the same width as the box but left it longer on top and bottom. Then I used an old credit card to press in the folds. See the picture below for the end product.

I was glad that the ring box was able to hold the rings in place. The rings did not fall off even when I turned the box upside down. 

For this project, I used the protection sheet to make the bumps in the box as I had some at home which I had no use for. A fleece blanket or magazine paper can also be used in place of this.

Below is a video with instructions on how to make this ring box.

Hair Bean Hair Brush

I first saw this Hair Bean hair brush at Mustafa Centre a few months ago. This is an "As Seen On TV" product. The packaging claimed that it can remove tangles gently. I did not buy it initially because of its shape. I was not sure if I would feel comfortable using this hair brush as it does not have a handle unlike the other hair brushes that I have. 

Subsequently I noticed that there were also sellers selling these Hair Bean hair brushes on Qoo10.sg. I read the good reviews on this. Hair Bean uses alternating bristles with Memory-Flex Technology that gently separates and removes tangles. A few weeks ago, I went to Mustafa Centre again to buy some things. I bought a new comb for Lynn and I thought it would be a good idea to get a new comb or hair brush for Sera too. Then I thought of this Hair Bean hair brush and searched for it. I managed to find it. It is only available in one colour - purple - and we bought it at around $5 (can't remember exact amount).

The Hair Bean hair brush came in a purple case with a small mirror inside the case as can be seen from the pictures above. Sera liked it with the case. It did remove tangles from her hair without causing any pain. I also realized that the shape of the brush actually made it easier for her to brush her own hair compared to other hair brushes and combs that she tried previously. 

No regrets buying this. 

Quotes from Episode 1 of 《浴女图》"The Enchanted"

《浴女图》("The Enchanted") is a new drama serial that started airing on Channel 8 from 15 August 2013, every Mondays to Fridays, at 7.00 pm. 

Five good friends, Qian Jiayi, Chen Jingli, Liang Lulu, Qi Mingxing and Bai Xuena met an eccentric man while having a vacation together. This man (whom we knew later from episode 2 that he was a famous artist Zhou Yilin) was inspired by them and painted the “Beauties in Bath” (《浴女图》）. 

Chen Jingli caught him drawing them and chased him to his place. They started talking and this was what Zhou Yilin said to her which I thought was something interesting.

“人与人之间，有兴致偶尔在街上手拉着散步，就叫‘激情’。这手一拉能拉上十年，勉强叫‘感情’。如果拉上二十年就叫‘亲情’。可以拉上一辈子，这才叫做‘爱情’。”

This was translated as:

"When two persons occasionally hold hands in the streets, we call it 'passion'. If they hold hands for 10 years, we call it 'relationship'. If they hold hands for 20 years, we call it 'family bond'. If they hold hands for a lifetime, we call it 'love'."

"Men's Talk"

"Men's Talk" is one of my favourite songs from 张清芳 (Stella Chang). 张清芳 could sing high notes powerfully. Most of her songs have a high tune.

The tempo of "Men's Talk" is a bit fast. The lyrics were mainly talking about her boyfriend confiding in his male friend rather than her.

作词：郑华娟
作曲：郑华娟
编曲：刘安健

你说你有个朋友住在淡水河边

心里有事你就找他谈天
直到月出东山你才满脸抱歉

告诉我你怎么度过这一天
你说你有个朋友住在淡水河边

相识在你最沮丧的那一年
直到我的出现你才满心快乐
把我们的事对他说了又说

不像平常那样的沉默

爱人不能是朋友吗

你怎么都不回答

你的心事为什么只能告诉他
我其实也想知道

你有多么喜欢我

你怎么跟别人形容我

后来我才知道 有些话你只对朋友说
你们叫它做 淡水河边的 Men's Talk
后来我才明白 有些事你只对朋友说
我和你就像天和地 

你是云天上飞 

而我的泪水滴成了河

which can be translated as:

You said you have a friend staying beside the Tamsui River
You will confide in him whenever you are troubled
Until the moon rises from the east
You then appeared and apologised
And told me how you spent the day

You said you have a friend staying beside the Tamsui River

You got acquainted with him at the time when you were most depressed

Until I came into your life 

You were filled with joy

And told him all about us

Unlike your normal quiet self

Can't lovers be friends too

Why don't you reply

Why is it that you can only confide in him

I want to know

How much you like me

How do you describe me to other people

Only later do I know that there are some things that you will only tell your friend

You call it "Men's Talk" beside the Tamsui River

Only later do I understand that there are some things that you will only tell your friend
You and I are like the sky and earth

You are the cloud flying in the sky

My tears flow like the river.

Jigsaw Puzzle

I have finally completed this jigsaw puzzle!

This is a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle that I bought a few years ago, long before Sera was born. I just didn't get down to doing it. As time passed, I forgot about it.

Last week, as we were clearing a study table to make way for a new one for Sera, we found this in one of the shelves of the study table.

Lynn was sick last weekend, so we were stuck at home. So, I thought I should get Sera to do this jigsaw puzzle with me so that she would not be bored. She helped me sort out the pieces according to the colours and after that, she got bored and went on to play her toys and watch cartoons. So, I went on to complete this puzzle myself. It took me a few days to complete this. On certain days, I was just too tired to piece the puzzle. In the end, I took almost a week to complete this.

Now, I am wondering what to do with this puzzle...

• Qoo10 - Custom Jigsaw Puzzles Gift for Her/Him/Graduation Gift / Teacher Day /... : Home Decor / DIY

• Qoo10 - jigsaw puzzle Search Results : (Q·Ranking)： Items now on sale at qoo10.sg

Winox 4 Piece Kitchen Knife Set

A few days ago, Ardon and I went to Giant Hypermart for groceries shopping. We saw that there were many knives on offer. I was pretty much attracted to those knives because they were very colourful. Initially I thought they were ceramic knives due to the colours of the blades. On closer look, I realized that they were made of metal. As I had always wanted a better cleaver, we looked more closely at the 4 piece knife set that consisted of the 1 cleaver knife, 1 Santoku knife, 1 utility Knife and 1 steak Knife. 

The above knives were available in yellow, blue and purple. I held the sample cleaver to get a feel of its handle. The grip was comfortable and the cleaver was not heavy (unlike the one I had at home). The blade of the cleaver was thin enough to do slicing job too. So we bought one set at the offer price of $17.99 (usual price was $24.99).

These two days, I had tried the cleaver knife to slice some vegetables as well as to chop the bones of a raw duck. It was relatively easy to use compared to another cleaver that I had. :)

Alternate Ending of 《志在四方》 ("The Dream Makers") on Toggle - Jason's Choice

I finally had the chance to watch the alternate ending of 《志在四方》 ("The Dream Makers") on Toggle. 

There are two other alternate ending besides the one shown on Channel 8 on 2 Aug 2013.

First Alternate Ending - Jason Chooses Neither

For this version, I noticed that there was a part whereby Fang Tongling was being interviewed by some reporters after getting the Best Actress Award 2013 (one year after Jason left Singapore).  This part was not telecast on TV.

The show ends at the point whereby Jason won the Best Director for Documentary  - Culture in Asia. He then sent sms to both Tongling and Fei'er informing them that he had renewed his contract with the overseas company and would stay there for another year. This part was shown on Channel 8 on 2 Aug 2013 before the viewers' choice of ending was shown (at a slightly later time).  

Second Alternate Ending - Jason Chooses Fei'er

2 years after Jason left Singapore, both Tongling and Fei'er were still good friends. They went to the airport to fetch Jason. Both of them hugged Jason. 

For this version, Jason and Tonglin walked away and chatted happily instead, leaving Fei'er behind. This left Fei'er thinking that Tongling was Jason's choice and walked away quietly. Then Jason turned around and could not find Fei'er. Tongling then urged him to look for Fei'er. Jason found her just outside the airport and they embraced each other. 

Related posts:

Quotes from 《志在四方》("The Dream Makers")
Quotes from episode 12 of 《志在四方》 ("The Dream Makers")
《志在四方》 - To vote for Our Preferred Ending
Final Episode of 《志在四方》 ("The Dream Makers") and Jason's choice

Final Episode of 《志在四方》 ("The Dream Makers") and Jason's choice

Yu Fan had a sudden heart attack and passed away. Due to his demise, Zhu Kangli (played by Chen Liping) and Yao Jianguo (played by Guo Liang) realized that life is unpredictable and they should cherish what they have now and decided to reconcile with each other. 

Fang Tongling decided to break off with Jason temporarily so that they could pursue their dreams, and at the same time, gave Jason time to think about who he really loves.

Fast forward to 2 years later, both Tongling and Fei'er were still good friends. They went to the airport to fetch Jason. Both of them hugged Jason. Jason and Fei'er walked away and chatted happily, leaving Tongling behind. This left Tongling thinking that Fei'er was Jason's choice and walked away quietly. Then Jason turned around and could not find Tongling. Fei'er then urged him to look for Tongling. Jason found her just outside the airport and they embraced each other. 

So, Tongling was Jason's choice by viewers' votes.

At the end of the show, we were informed that we could use a mobile app called Toggle (for iPhone/iPad and Android phones/tablets) or go to http://www.toggle.sg/page/free/491  to see the other alternative endings. You need to register to activate the membership if you do not have an account with Toggle.

Related posts:

Quotes from 《志在四方》("The Dream Makers")
Quotes from episode 12 of 《志在四方》 ("The Dream Makers")
《志在四方》 - To vote for Our Preferred Ending
Alternate Ending of 《志在四方》 ("The Dream Makers") on Toggle - Jason's Choice

Dolphin Door Curtain

I was quite happy when I saw that Metro was selling door curtains at their fair on the ground floor of Compass Point. Ardon and I had always wanted to get a door curtain but did not know where to get one that is nice and at affordable price. (We didn't actually search for it since it wasn't critical that we must have one.)

Initially, we (Ardon, Lynn and me) only saw those designs on display and nearly wanted to buy the door curtain with some fishes and Japanese words in it. However, while searching through their unopened door curtains on the shelves, we realized that there were many other designs that were not on display.

The salesgirl was very patient with us and showed us a few more door curtains with other designs. They also varied in terms of length and materials. Eventually we bought the door curtain with the dolphins in it. 

Sera was also happy to see this new door curtain in the house. We had always liked pictures or items that had dolphins in them. They just make us feel good. Click here to see the symbolism of dolphins. We really loved how this door curtain looked when hung on the wall. :)

On a side note, I asked the salesgirl how come I had never seen these door curtains inside Metro store. She told me their company participated in this fair but they are not under Metro. That was why I had never seen this in Metro store itself. The door curtains were from EJ Home deco and that they have a web site. However, I was not able to find their web site. 

• Qoo10 - Home deco★Door Curtain★Fortune Curtains★Feng Shui Curtain★Lovely Match... : Home Decor / DIY

《志在四方》 - To vote for Our Preferred Ending

Mediacorp is doing this again for 《志在四方》("The Dream Makers"). Viewers can vote for who Jason Lam (played by Qi Yuwu) should choose to be with - Fang Tongling (played by Rui'en) or Zhao Fei'er (played by Jeanette Aw) and the ending would be shown on the last episode on 3 Aug 2013. I wonder is it because they want to give a popular ending so that there are less complaints, or .... 

Lynn asked me who I think Jason should be with. Hmm. It is a hard choice. Fang Tonglin and Jason Lam have many things in common, both have the same ideals. Fang Tonglin is very nice and had always liked him. It seemed that Jason Lam had already accepted Fang Tongling's love and enjoyed her company too. I am just not sure how much Jason Lam loved Fang Tongling.

On the other hand, Zhao Fei'er is portrayed as very pitiful now that her grandpa had passed away, Gao Jian had left her and she was conned by that despicable Lawrence. On top of that, Jason had been with her for so many years. She gave him up once but that was when she was emotionally very weak. Jason was not there to help her when she needed him most whereas Gao Jian changed his schedule so that he could go and help her. The story was written such that it was not entirely Fei'er's or Jason's fault. So, does Fei'er deserve to have a second chance since she already realized her mistakes? Zhao Fei'er still loved Jason Lam.

Initially the votes were 30 over percent for Zhao Fei'er with majority votes for Fang Tongling. As of 31 Jul 2013, votes for Zhao Fei'er were catching up at 40 over per cent. 

When《志在四方》first started airing on channel 8, I told Lynn that the characters played by Jeannette Aw and Qi Yuwu always did not end up together in many other drama serials such as 《九层糕》（"Beautiful Connection"),《最高点》 ("The Peak") and 《小娘惹》("The Little Nonya"). True enough, they broke off halfway through the show. The only drama serial that the characters played by Jeannette Aw and Qi Yuwu ended up together was 《任我遨游》 ("The Champion"). That was also the only drama serial mentioned above that allowed viewers to vote for their preferred ending. 

I wonder who will get the majority votes - Fang Tongling or Zhao Fei'er ? We shall see on 2 Aug 2013, 9.00 pm.

Related posts:

Quotes from 《志在四方》("The Dream Makers")

Quotes from episode 12 of 《志在四方》 ("The Dream Makers")

Final Episode of 《志在四方》 ("The Dream Makers") and Jason's choice
Alternate Ending of 《志在四方》 ("The Dream Makers") on Toggle - Jason's Choice

《今天的天气很好》("Today's Weather is Very Good")

《今天的天气很好》(Today's Weather is Very Good") has got to be one of my favourite songs sung by one of the "Four Heavenly Kings"- Leon Lai （黎明）. I first heard this song on TV when Leon Lai appeared on one of the variety shows in Singapore. It immediately caught my attention. Apart from the guitar strumming sound (which I liked) and the catchy tune, the lyrics were also much of a reflection of my life at that point in time. I think many people would also be able to resonate with this especially those who lead a very hectic lifestyle.

I also loved the MV of this song. Leon Lai looked very cool especially the part where he jumped over the sofa and continued strumming an imaginary guitar. This is one of those songs that is good to listen and sing along too. I never seem to get tired of singing this song!

作词：陈子鸿 
作曲：陈子鸿 
编曲：钟兴民

今天的天气很好 我的心情却有点糟
想找个人随便聊聊
却不知该说什么才好
好像已经有很久 没回家被爹娘唠叨
他们一天比一天老我却总是忙得不可开交
电话簿的名字一个一个被划掉
能谈心的朋友已经越来越少

就这样匆匆忙忙慌慌张张 跟着世界转我只想要简简单单平平凡凡寂寞又何妨
总以为自己好孤单 忘了你就在身旁
到现在才懂得爱你 会不会太晚

所有我爱过的人 现在都过得好不好

当初那么痛不欲生 如今好像都已不重要

今天的天气很好 只想把你紧紧拥抱

我决定要让你知道 除了你我什么都不要

过去的就过去 不再自寻烦恼

我发誓从今后 只对你一个人好

就这样匆匆忙忙慌慌张张 跟着世界转我只想要简简单单平平凡凡 寂寞又何妨
总以为自己好孤单 忘了你就在身旁
到现在才懂得爱你 会不会太晚

which can be translated as:

Today's weather is very good, but I am feeling lousy
Wanted to chat with someone
but do not know what to say.
It has been a long time since I last went home to be nagged by my parents. 
They are growing older each day but I am always busy.
Those names in my phonebook are being crossed out one by one.
I have fewer and fewer friends to confide in.

Every day is very hectic, racing against time.  
I just want to lead a simple and ordinary life, even if it means that I will be lonely.
I always thought I am alone, forgetting that you are just beside me.
Is it too late to love you now?

All those whom I had loved before, how are you now?
I was once overwhelmed by sorrow, but all that is not important now.
Today's weather is very good, I just want to hug you tightly.
I have decided to let you know that I do not want anyone else other than you.
The past is already past, I no longer want to bother
I promise you that from now on, I will only be good to you.

Every day is very hectic, racing against time.  
I just want to lead a simple and ordinary life, even if it means that I will be lonely.
I always thought I am alone, forgetting that you are just beside me.
Is it too late to love you now?

《爱错了》 ("It's Mistake to Love You")

《爱错了》("It's a Mistake to Love You") is  sung by 张克凡 (Jonathan Chang）. 张克凡 is one of those singers whom I liked for his good voice and singing. 张克凡 (Jonathan Chang）was the lead singer of the Taiwanese boyband “红孩儿” ("Red Hot Boys") in the 1990s. After joining another record company in 1995, he released his first solo album 《还记得我吗》("Do You Still Remember Me?"). 《爱错了》is a song from his third album《谁都不该让你心碎》("Nobody Should Ever Break Your Heart") which was also released in 1995. 

As the song name suggests, this song is about the heartache he felt upon realizing that the girl he loved did not love him. The music and lyrics were very well written.  I supposed for many people, there is a point in life whereby you faced unreciprocated love. That may be why this song was able to touch the hearts of many people.

作词：李姚作曲：薛忠铭编曲：屠颖

歌词：


你的泪水浣涎的流
没有一丝挣扎也不做任何反驳
是我猜中你的心思说中你的心事
纠葛难舍
事到如今谁爱谁多不由分说

全怪我自己太洒脱
以为爱能够填补你心中伤口
当我给的愈来愈多
你却显得退缩仓惶失措
才发现你的泪全不是为我

但付出的是感情怎能回收 
爱都爱了又当如何
怎么能让心不痛面对着你 依然故我
爱与不爱的失落放在胸口但感情的事怎么权衡轻重
错都错了又当如何
爱个人爱到忘我 
咎由自取身陷其中
男人啊也会软弱 只是不说

which can be translated as:

Your tears flow down your face
You did not struggle nor rebut
Because I have guessed correctly what's on your mind and hit the nail on the head
Your unforgettable entanglements
By now it's very clear who loves whom more

I blame myself for being too optimistic
I thought that love can repair your wounded heart
But as I give you more and more
You seem to retreat, panic and at a loss
I realized that not all of your tears are for me

But love that was given cannot be retrieved
What to do since I am already in love with you?
How to stop the heartache when looking at you and remain unchanged
At a loss whether to love or not to love

But how to weigh affairs of the heart
What to do since it was already a mistake?
Loving a person until forgetting myself
I have myself to blame for being trapped deeply
Men will also have times when they are weak, but they don't express it.

It is not easy to give up when you realize that a relationship is going nowhere. However, once you let go, you will find that you have many choices. Who knows? You may meet the right one very soon!

《城里的月光”》("Moonlight in the City")

《城里的月光》 ("Moonlight in the City") was the theme song of the TV drama 《豆腐街》 (“Tofu Street”) which was telecast in Singapore in 1996. This song was sung by Mavis Hee (许美静). When I first heard Mavis Hee's singing, I thought she sounded a bit like Faye Wong. 《城里的月光》 is such a beautiful song that it still sounds so good to me after so many years. This song has a tinge of romance, a tinge of warmth, a tinge of loneliness and a tinge of sadness.

 


歌词：

每颗心上某一个地方 总有个记忆挥不散

每个深夜某一个地方 总有着最深的思量

世间万千的变幻 爱把有情的人分两端

心若知道灵犀的方向 哪怕不能够朝夕相伴

城里的月光把梦照亮 请温暖他心房

看透了人间聚散 能不能多点快乐片段

城里的月光把梦照亮 请守候他身旁

若有一天能重逢 让幸福撒满整个夜晚

若有一天能重逢 让幸福撒满整个夜晚

which can be roughly translated as:

Somewhere in every heart, there is always a memory that lingers on.
Somewhere on every night, there is always something that is of deepest concern.
The world changes rapidly, love causes two persons in love to be apart.
If you know where your loved ones are,
you would not be afraid even if you are not together.

Moonlight in the city light up our dreams, please warm up his heart.
Having seen through everything in life, can we have more happy moments?
Moonlight in the city light up our dreams, please stay by his side.
If we can meet again one day, let the night be filled with bliss.
If we can meet again one day, let the night be filled with bliss.

《浪花一朵朵》

The music and lyrices of  《浪花一朵朵》(waves) were the joint efforts of Richie Ren and Ah Niu. This song is very lively and I always feel very happy when I sing this song. Coupled with the MV that was filmed at a beach, it sets a very relaxing mood. The beach was very beautiful too.

歌词：

我要你陪着我 看着那海龟水中游
慢慢的爬在沙滩上 数着浪花一朵朵
你不要害怕 你不会寂寞
我会一直陪在你的左右 让你乐悠悠

日子一天一天过 我们会慢慢长大
我不管你懂不懂我在唱什么
我知道有一天 你一定会爱上我
因为我觉得我真的很不错
时光匆匆匆匆流走 也也也不回头
美女变成老太婆
哎哟那那那个时候 我我我我也也
已经变成糟老头
啦啦...我们一起手牵手
啦啦......数着浪花一朵朵

which can be translated as:

I want you to stay with me watching the turtles swim in the water 

Slowly crawling on the beach counting the waves

Do not be afraid you will not be lonely

I will always stay by your side so you will be happy 

Days pass and we will gradually grow up

I do not know whether you know what I'm singing

I know that one day you'll love me

Because I think I am really not bad

Time is running out, it won't turn back

A beautiful lady will become an old woman

Aiyo, by then I will also have

become an old man.

La la ... with us hand in hand

La la ... counting every waves

I like especially this part "我知道有一天 你一定会爱上我因为我觉得我真的很不错" ("I know that one day you'll love me because I think I am really not bad"). I think everyone should have that kind of confidence. 

The last part talks about becoming an old woman and old man, I think it is something very sweet and blissful to be able to hold the hands of your loved ones till old age.

《心太软》（“Too Soft Hearted”）

《心太软》（“Too Soft Hearted”）was very popular when it was released in 1996. I love it ever since the first time I heard it. The tune is very catchy. This is also the song that made the singer, 任贤齐 (Richie Ren) very famous in many parts of Asia. Both lyrics and music were composed by the 小虫.  I think what made the song so popular was because the lyrics were able to resonate with many people, apart from the catchy tune and Richie Ren's powerful voice.

歌词：

你总是心太软 心太软
独自一个人流泪到天亮
你无怨无悔的爱着那个人
我知道你根本没那么坚强

你总是心太软 心太软
把所有问题都自己扛
相爱总是简单 相处太难
不是你的 就别再勉强

夜深了你还不想睡
你还在想着他吗
你这样痴情到底累不累
明知他不会回来安慰

只不过想好好爱一个人
可惜他无法给你满分
多余的牺牲 他不懂心疼
你应该不会只想做个好人
喔算了吧 就这样忘了吧
该放就放 再想也没有用
傻傻等待 他也不会回来
你总该为自己想想未来

你总是心太软 心太软
独自一个人流泪到天亮
你无怨无悔的爱着那个人
我知道你根本没那么坚强

你总是心太软 心太软
把所有问题都自己扛
相爱总是简单 相处太难
不是你的就别再勉强

Which can be translated as:

You are always too soft hearted, too soft hearted
Crying alone until dawn
You love that person with no regrets
I know you are not that strong

You are always too soft heart, too soft hearted
You shoulder all those problems yourself
It is always easy to love but difficult to get along
No point holding on if he's not meant to be yours

You are still awake late in the night.
Are you still thinking of him
Aren't you tired of this infatuation
Knowing that he will not come back

You just want to love a person
Unfortunately, he cannot give you full marks
He will not love you dearly because of your sacrifices
You don't just want to be a good person
Oh forget it, just forget it
When it's time to let go, just let go, there's no point thinking about it
He will not return even if you waited foolishly for him
You have to think of your own future

You are always too soft hearted, too soft hearted
Crying alone until dawn
You love that person with no regrets
I know you are not that strong

You are always too soft heart, too soft hearted
You shoulder all those problems yourself
It is always easy to love but difficult to get along
No point holding on if he's not meant to be yours

Quotes from episode 12 of 《志在四方》 ("The Dream Makers")

These are some lines that I liked from episode 12 of 《志在四方》("The Dream Makers").

Below were some lines that Zhou Weiyun (played by Zoe Tay) said to Fang Tonglin (played by Rui'en):

垃圾, 放在对的地方, 就是资源。
资源, 放在错的地方, 就是垃圾。
...
无能的主管就会错把资源当垃圾。
...

我相信我不是一个无能的主管。
是宝是草， 我还分得很清楚。

which were translated as:

Trash put in the right place becomes a resource.
A misplaced resource becomes trash.
...

An incompetent boss will mistakenly take resources for trash
...

I don't think I'm an incompetent supervisor.
I can tell wheat apart from the chaff.


Below are some lines that Yu Fan said to Fang Tonglin:

人最大的敌人就是自己，这是人都知道的。
那为什么是自己呢？
...
因为人里面有惧怕。
怕不能够胜任、
怕失去、怕让人失望、怕承担、
怕面对过去、怕未来、怕生老病死。
什么都怕， 完全被怕控制住。
完全不能够克服“惧怕”这两个字。
所以呢，一直做自己的敌人。

which were translated as :

We are our own biggest enemy.
All of us know that for a fact.
So, why are we our own enemy?
...
That's because we have fears within us.
We fear we're not good enough;
Mind how others look at us;
Fear losing what we have;
Fear disappointing others;
Fear responsibility;
Fear the past and the future;
Fear sickness, old age and death.
We fear everything.
We're controlled by our own fears.
So we remain our own enemy.

Related posts:

Quotes from 《志在四方》("The Dream Makers")

《志在四方》 - To vote for Our Preferred Ending
Final Episode of 《志在四方》 ("The Dream Makers") and Jason's choice
Alternate Ending of 《志在四方》 ("The Dream Makers") on Toggle - Jason's Choice

《小薇》（Xiao Wei）

《小薇》（Xiao Wei）is a song sung by Huang Pinyuan 黄品源. Xiao Wei is the name of a girl that the singer liked in the song. This is such a lovely and catchy song. The MV is very funny too. I am glad that I managed to get the karaoke VCD for this song a few years ago. Below is the MV  that another YouTube user Vanara07 had uploaded.

 



歌词：

有一个美丽的小女孩
她的名字叫作小薇
她有双温柔的眼睛
她悄悄偷走我的心

小薇啊 你可知道我多爱你
我要带你飞到天上去
看那星星多美丽
摘下一颗 亲手送给你

which can be translated as:

There is a beautiful young girl
Her name is Xiao Wei
She has a pair of gentle eyes
Silently she stole my heart away
Xiao Wei ah do you know how much I love you
I want to bring you to the skies
To see the beautiful stars
I want to pluck a star and give it to you personally

Hoover Floormate Spinscrub H3060

At the time when Sera started to walk, I was concerned about her slipping on the wet floor whenever I mopped the floor. When I saw the Scooba floor washer from iRobot, I was very much tempted to buy it. However, I was not too sure if it could clean well and whether it was durable. So I did some research on the internet. I read some reviews which said that one had to change the spare parts of Scooba every year to keep it going. Hmm, I would not want to spend $1000+ on something that may not last for more than 1 year.

Then I came across a review which talked about the Hoover Floormate. That got me interested. It had almost the same functions as the Scooba except that it was not robotic. The Hoover Floormate can also be used to vacuum (dry vac), scrub (wash) and dry (wet pickup) non-carpeted surfaces such as vinyl, tiles, marble and sealed wood. It cost below US$200 (excluding delivery).  I had not seen anything like this for home use in any retail store in Singapore. What impressed me even more was the dual tank technology which I will explain later. 

I ordered from an online seller from the United States (US). Actually, that was a very big risk because I wasn't even sure if the Hoover Floormate could be used in Singapore. The Hoover Floormate was manufactured for the US market so it used an electrical voltage of 120 V and frequency of 60 Hz. In Singapore, we use 230 V electrical voltage and frequency of 50 Hz.

After I received the product, we went to buy a step down transformer from a shop at Sim Lim Square. This lowered the electrical voltage to 120 V. Voila! It worked perfectly. Apparently the difference in the frequency did not affect the performance of the Hoover Floormate.

Transformer

Plug inserted into the transformer's socket

Hoover Floormate Spinscrub H3060

From the picture above, you can see that there is a mode selector dial at the side of this machine. You can choose between 3 modes - Dry Vac, Wash and Wet Pickup - just by turning the dial. The Hoover Floormate has 2 tanks. The upper tank holds detergent and water that is to be dispersed on the surface to be cleaned.  The lower tank collects the dirty water using the wet pickup mode (unlike a normal mop that tends to spread some dirty water on the floor). 

What I liked about this product was that we can vacuum, wash and dry the same area at the same time using the same machine and then move on to the next area. Compare this to using a mop where I have to vacuum the whole house first before mopping it (it is too troublesome to switch between 2 equipment to vacuum and mop the same area at the same time), the Hoover Floormate is more convenient. Of course, I also liked the fact that dirty water was separated from the clean water. 

My purchase of the Hoover floormate came with a small bottle of detergent to be used for floor washing. The instruction manual said we cannot use cleaning concentrates that contain solvent based ingredients. I have already finished using the Hoover floormate detergent a long time ago. Now I use the floor detergent from Magic Clean and it still worked perfectly. 

What I did not like about the Hoover Floormate was that it was a bit difficult to change directions when using the machine. It took me some time to get used to it. After 4 years, it is still in good working condition. 

I have noticed that this model was not available for sale anymore. Hoover has newer and improved models of the Hoover Floormate. If you are residing in Singapore and are considering to get one, you can get a step down transformer to work with your Hoover products. :)

Note: This step down transformer can work with any appliances that use 120V and frequency of 50hz to 60Hz. Check with the person selling the transformer before buying it.

《我的朋友我的同学我最爱的一切》(“My Friends, My classmates, My Most Beloved”)

Today is Singapore's Youth Day. So I thought I would share with you a song that I've liked in my younger days, 《我的朋友我的同学我最爱的一切》 (“My Friends, My classmates, My Most Beloved”). The music was composed by Li Weisong and Li Sisong. The lyrics were written by Wu Qingkang (吴庆康) and was also sung by him. This is the link to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md7qk5z6zt0

歌词 (1990 版本)：

渐渐走远了 我的年轻岁月
慢慢累积了 我的悲伤和喜悦
在全世界开始变冷的那一天
我惦记的是我的朋友我的同学

春夏秋冬再也没有什么分别
你们永远占据了我的思念
我的未来有太多你们的从前
谁叫你们是我最爱的朋友最爱的同学

我的朋友我的同学我最爱的一切
希望 失望 是那么的长年累月
心痛 心动 也是那么的长久缠绵
我得到不多 但不介意有过那么一点

我的朋友 我的同学 我最爱的一切
我爱的不是你们美丽的容颜
我真的爱你们 欢笑流泪的感觉
我在乎我们的一切 虽然不一定会永远

Which can be translated as: 

(1990 version)

Gradually gone are my younger years
Slowly accumulated my sadness and joy
When the world start to become cold
I was thinking about my friends, my classmates

The seasons no longer make any difference
You will always occupy my thoughts
My future is full of your past
because you are my most beloved friends, my most beloved classmates

My friends, my classmates, my most beloved
Hopes and disappointments will still be there after many years
Heartache and moments touched will also linger for a long time
I did not get much but did not mind having a little.

My friends, my classmates, my most beloved
I loved you not because of your pretty faces
I really loved you, the joys and tears that we shared
I cared about you, even though it may not be forever.

I have also found a newer version of the song on Youtube also sung by Wu Qingkang in 2010.  He changed some of the lyrics to reflects his new thoughts.  Things that you hold dearly in the past no longer matters that much, although it was still  important. Perhaps he should have changed the title to "我的朋友 我的同学 曾最爱的一切" (My Friends My Classmates My Past Beloved). I liked both version of the lyrics. Very meaningful.

歌词 (2010 版本)：

已经走远了 我的年轻岁月
回首看不清 那年的风花和雪月
在全世界开始变冷的那一天
我是否还记得 我的朋友我的同学

春夏秋冬 最能将一切都搁浅
你的今天有多少我的思念
我的未来有太多承诺没实现
匆匆一转眼 朋友和同学 在记忆沉淀

我的朋友我的同学 曾最爱的一切
希望 失望 是淡淡地经过身边
心痛 心动 原来不一定长久缠绵
我得到不多 但不介意有过那么一点

我的朋友 我的同学 曾最爱的一切
无所谓你我的生活怎么改变
我真爱过你们 纯真无忧的感觉
我微笑拥抱这一切 那是我最灿烂的瞬间

Which can be translated as:
(2010 version)

Already long gone are my younger years
Looking back, I can't recall all those romances
When the world start to become cold
Will I still remember my friends, my classmates?

The seasons are most capable of putting an end to everything
How much do you miss me?
My future is full of unfulfilled promises
Time flies, memories of friends and classmates subsided.

My Friends My Classmates My Past Beloved
Hopes and disappointments passes by lightly
Heartache and moments touched may not always linger for so long
I did not get much but did not mind having a little.
My Friends My Classmates My Past Beloved
It does not matter how our lives had changed
I had really loved you,  your innocence and your carefree spirit
I smiled and hugged all of this, that was my most splendid moments.

《有你真的会快乐吗？》 ("Will I Really Be Happy If I Have You"?)

《有你真的会快乐吗》 was sung by Jeff Chang (張信哲).  Jeff Chang released his first album in 1989. Since then, I had heard about him and his songs. Then, one year, he came to our university to perform a mini concert. Since then, I fell in love with his songs and his singing. Wow, he was really superb! 

《有你真的会快乐吗》 is one of my favourite songs sung by Jeff Chang. Both Lyrics and music were composed by 小虫. The whole song was about the hesitation going on in the mind, whether he should go forward and confess his love. He was not sure if he would really be happy with the girl he liked as he had also heard a lot of negative things about love. He was afraid the relationship might not turn out well and ended up hurting both of them.

This is the link to the song on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56Oa134FQsc

歌词：

关于爱我没有太把握
就算我年纪不小也不敢太过强求

爱的悲哀我已听的太多太多

我也害怕这结果会伤害你还有我

有人说有爱没有寂寞
有人说有爱也拥有伤痛
有人说有爱才是生活
到底爱是什么样的感受

妳的爱我已等了好久好久

就算我年纪不小我也不敢轻易接受
妳的拥有我已想的太多太多

我是不是该放弃担忧勇敢的爱个够

有人说爱会令人感动

有人说爱也会令人心痛
当我已经决定爱你之后

是否就应该不要再去担心什么

有妳真的会快乐吗

天知道妳的心里会不会有一个我
爱情真的会快乐吗

天知道什么事会发生在爱妳之后
有妳真的会快乐吗

天知道妳的心里会不会有一个我
想妳真的会快乐吗

天知道妳是不是我天天的那个梦

which can be translated as:

Regarding love, I am not too sure.

Even though I am not that young, I will not force it. 

The grief caused by love, I have heard too much 

I am also afraid the ending may hurt you and me

Some people say there is no loneliness in love

Some people say if you have love, you will also have pain

Some people say love is life

So what exactly is the feeling of love?

I've been waiting for your love for a long long time.

Even though I am not that young, I dare not accept it too easily.

I've thought about having you for a long long time. Should I just stop worrying and bravely move forward?

Some people say love is touching

Some people say love will also be painful

After I have decided to love you

Should I just stop worrying?

Will I really be happy if I have you? 

Heaven knows whether you have a place for me in your heart?

Will love really be happy? 

Heaven knows what will happen after I loved you.

Will I really be happy if I have you? 

Heaven knows whether you have a place for me in your heart?

Will I really be happy thinking of you? 
Heaven knows whether your are the dream that I think of every day?

《大海》("The Sea")

《大海》("The Sea") was a song that I've liked for many many years. The tune of this song is more on higher notes and very good to sing along (at least for me). I was glad I was able to find the Karaoke MV for this song a few years ago. 

The original singer was 张雨生 (Tom Chang). This song was very popular when it was released in 1992. He had a high vocal and could sing very well too. It was a pity that he also passed away due to a car accident. He died in 1997 at the age of 31.

This is the link to the Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhTR8bohP-w&feature=youtu.be

The lyrics were written by 陈大力, music was composed by 陈大力/陈秀男 

歌词:


从那遥远海边
慢慢消失的你
本来模糊的脸
竟然渐渐清晰
想要说些什么
又不知从何说起
只有把它放在心底
茫然走在海边
看那潮来潮去
徒劳无功
想把每朵浪花记清
想要说声爱你
却被吹散在风里
猛然回头你在那里

如果大海能够 唤回曾经的爱
就让我用一生等待
如果深情往事 你已不再留恋
就让它随风飘远
如果大海能够 带走我的哀愁
就像带走每条河流
所有受过的伤 所有流过的泪
我的爱 请全部带走


Which can be translated as:

From the distant sea
You slowly disappeared
Originally a fuzzy face

became clearer
I wanted to tell you something
but did not know where to start
I could only place it in my heart

Dazedly walking on the beach
Watching the tides come and go
I tried fruitlessly
to remember clearly every spray
I wanted to say I love you
But was blown away by the wind
Suddenly I turn back and you were not there.

If the sea can recall past love
Let me wait a lifetime
If you no longer recall with nostalgia our affectionate memories
Just let it be gone with the wind
If the sea can take away my sorrow
Just like it did to every river
Please take away all the injuries suffered, all the tears and all my love