It's been a long time since I woke up in the middle of the night after a dream, but it happened this morning. Was even able to throw the blanket over Wifey.
Was feeling warm and fuzzy, and fell back into dreamland... only to be abruptly interrupted by little girl's cries!
Post Date: 16 Aug 10
Monday, August 16, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Asiaone - 5 tips for investing in shops and shophouses
5 tips for investing in shops and shophouses
The total value of commercial units transacted was $976.9 million, 12% higher than in 2H 2009.
Fri, Jul 23, 2010
Knight Frank
By Mary Sai, Executive Director
Auctions (Commercial), Knight Frank
The number of commercial units, typically shophouses and strata units for office and shops, sold in 1H 2010 remained similar to that in 2H 2009. A total of 495 commercial units were transacted in 1H 2010, reflecting a 4 per cent decrease compared to that in 2H 2009.
Although economic conditions have tremendously improved in 1H 2010, the number of commercial properties transacted was subdued, underpinned by limited supply and a stalemate in sellers' asking prices and owners' offer prices.
The limited supply meant limited choices for potential buyers while for sellers, the limited supply of strata commercial properties meant that there would be no urgency to sell their properties in case prices appreciate with further economic recovery.
Nevertheless, the total value of commercial units transacted was $976.9 million, 12 per cent higher than that in 2H 2009. The encouraging value of commercial units transacted in 1H 2010 could be the result of a shift from an interest for units in the lower price-band, to units in the mid price-band.
In 2009, due to the adverse economic conditions, investors and buyers were cautious and preferred to purchase commercial units which were affordably priced in the lowest price band.
Most transaction activities of strata shops and shophouses still remain in the Central Region (planning areas like Outram, Rochor, Kallang, Geylang). Meanwhile, strata office investors are shifting their interest to fringe areas like Beach Road, Middle Road and East Coast vicinity.
Buying Shops & Shophouses - What should you look out for?
Financing
As with most property transactions, getting funding is pivotal to the buying decision. Since July 2006, CPF savings cannot be used to finance commercial purchase. As such, getting a bank loan is critical.
With most banks granting loans of 70 to 80 per cent of the purchase price or valuation (whichever is lower), prospective buyers must have cash upfront for the remaining 20 to 30 per cent.
Currently, many banks are offering commercial loan packages at promotional rate of about 2.3 per cent which is a booster for many investors who are considering buying commercial properties for investment or owner occupation.
Location
Location is one key consideration in the buying decision for any property, more so for shops and shophouses. As shops/shophouses are for retailing purposes, they should be in conspicuous locations and sited where human traffic is high.
In a shopping mall, one has to pay a premium for shops in the main shoppers' concourse and facing the escalator where most shoppers will pass by when shopping. In the case of shophouse, its visibility from the main road and easy access to carparks are essential factors for consideration.
Good locations of shops/shophouses generate better rentability and therefore higher rental yields if they are held as investment properties.
Tenure
Statistics in 2H2009 & 1H2010 have shown that most buyers for shophouses preferred freehold properties while about half of the strata shop transactions in the same period were 99-year leasehold strata shops.
Differences in values between the two tenures can be in the region of 15 per cent to 20 per cent depending on the balance years of lease and other factors.
In recent years, many buyers of commercial properties have embraced 99-year leasehold properties in their investment portfolios as they are more affordable and have higher rental yields because of their lower capital values.
Zoning
This is essential to note when buying shophouses. Shophouses are usually erected on land zoned "Commercial" or "Residential with Commercial on Groundfloor Only".
Shophouses sited on land zoned residential are essentially terrace buildings with "tolerated" commercial uses and the occupants have to pay Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) fees to the relevant authority for the non-residential usage.
Buyers have to note that they cannot assume that the building erected on residential zoned land can continue to run as a shophouse when there is a transfer of ownership.
Road line
This must be factored in when buying shophouses. Shophouses that face the main road are often affected by road lines. If the property is adversely affected - say, by a major road line - it will be more difficult to get bank financing as there is the risk of government acquisition for road widening.
However, if the shophouses are conserved or located within a conservation area, they are generally safe buys as these are "protected" areas.
Outlook for commercial units
Strata Office
The commercial property sales market is expected to continue to improve in 2010, in tandem with an expected economic recovery. Sales activity for strata office units is likely to reflect moderate increase, as investor sentiments for strata office units improve.
Potential buyers of strata offices are likely to continue to remain less sensitive to the tenure of strata offices. About two-third of strata offices transacted in 2H 2009 and 1H 2010 were 99-year leasehold strata offices. This trend is likely to continue, given limited supply, lower capital outlay and attractive yields of leasehold strata offices.
Strata Shops
The number of shop units transacted is expected to remain similar to the current number. However, due to limited new supply of strata shops, transaction prices is expected to be stable and there is potential for some capital appreciation.
Additionally, while strata shops are generally older and may be thought to be losing their appeal, there are certain trades which can only be supported by strata shops. These include lower-cost retail services, offering personable and customized services for regular customers.
About half of strata shops transacted in 2H 2009 and 1H 2010 were 99-year leasehold strata shops. This is likely to continue in 2H 2010.
Shophouses
Shophouses are expected to remain favourable for buyers, underpinned by limited supply and unique design. Some potential buyers will also feel that owning shophouses will be more tangible than renting as the unique value can only be actualised through owning.
Buyers are expected to remain keen in freehold shophouses. Currently, only about a quarter of shophouse transactions are leasehold, reflecting buyers' strong desire to have a lasting interest in shophouses.
Post Date: 23 July 2010
The total value of commercial units transacted was $976.9 million, 12% higher than in 2H 2009.
Fri, Jul 23, 2010
Knight Frank
By Mary Sai, Executive Director
Auctions (Commercial), Knight Frank
The number of commercial units, typically shophouses and strata units for office and shops, sold in 1H 2010 remained similar to that in 2H 2009. A total of 495 commercial units were transacted in 1H 2010, reflecting a 4 per cent decrease compared to that in 2H 2009.
Although economic conditions have tremendously improved in 1H 2010, the number of commercial properties transacted was subdued, underpinned by limited supply and a stalemate in sellers' asking prices and owners' offer prices.
The limited supply meant limited choices for potential buyers while for sellers, the limited supply of strata commercial properties meant that there would be no urgency to sell their properties in case prices appreciate with further economic recovery.
Nevertheless, the total value of commercial units transacted was $976.9 million, 12 per cent higher than that in 2H 2009. The encouraging value of commercial units transacted in 1H 2010 could be the result of a shift from an interest for units in the lower price-band, to units in the mid price-band.
In 2009, due to the adverse economic conditions, investors and buyers were cautious and preferred to purchase commercial units which were affordably priced in the lowest price band.
Most transaction activities of strata shops and shophouses still remain in the Central Region (planning areas like Outram, Rochor, Kallang, Geylang). Meanwhile, strata office investors are shifting their interest to fringe areas like Beach Road, Middle Road and East Coast vicinity.
Buying Shops & Shophouses - What should you look out for?
Financing
As with most property transactions, getting funding is pivotal to the buying decision. Since July 2006, CPF savings cannot be used to finance commercial purchase. As such, getting a bank loan is critical.
With most banks granting loans of 70 to 80 per cent of the purchase price or valuation (whichever is lower), prospective buyers must have cash upfront for the remaining 20 to 30 per cent.
Currently, many banks are offering commercial loan packages at promotional rate of about 2.3 per cent which is a booster for many investors who are considering buying commercial properties for investment or owner occupation.
Location
Location is one key consideration in the buying decision for any property, more so for shops and shophouses. As shops/shophouses are for retailing purposes, they should be in conspicuous locations and sited where human traffic is high.
In a shopping mall, one has to pay a premium for shops in the main shoppers' concourse and facing the escalator where most shoppers will pass by when shopping. In the case of shophouse, its visibility from the main road and easy access to carparks are essential factors for consideration.
Good locations of shops/shophouses generate better rentability and therefore higher rental yields if they are held as investment properties.
Tenure
Statistics in 2H2009 & 1H2010 have shown that most buyers for shophouses preferred freehold properties while about half of the strata shop transactions in the same period were 99-year leasehold strata shops.
Differences in values between the two tenures can be in the region of 15 per cent to 20 per cent depending on the balance years of lease and other factors.
In recent years, many buyers of commercial properties have embraced 99-year leasehold properties in their investment portfolios as they are more affordable and have higher rental yields because of their lower capital values.
Zoning
This is essential to note when buying shophouses. Shophouses are usually erected on land zoned "Commercial" or "Residential with Commercial on Groundfloor Only".
Shophouses sited on land zoned residential are essentially terrace buildings with "tolerated" commercial uses and the occupants have to pay Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) fees to the relevant authority for the non-residential usage.
Buyers have to note that they cannot assume that the building erected on residential zoned land can continue to run as a shophouse when there is a transfer of ownership.
Road line
This must be factored in when buying shophouses. Shophouses that face the main road are often affected by road lines. If the property is adversely affected - say, by a major road line - it will be more difficult to get bank financing as there is the risk of government acquisition for road widening.
However, if the shophouses are conserved or located within a conservation area, they are generally safe buys as these are "protected" areas.
Outlook for commercial units
Strata Office
The commercial property sales market is expected to continue to improve in 2010, in tandem with an expected economic recovery. Sales activity for strata office units is likely to reflect moderate increase, as investor sentiments for strata office units improve.
Potential buyers of strata offices are likely to continue to remain less sensitive to the tenure of strata offices. About two-third of strata offices transacted in 2H 2009 and 1H 2010 were 99-year leasehold strata offices. This trend is likely to continue, given limited supply, lower capital outlay and attractive yields of leasehold strata offices.
Strata Shops
The number of shop units transacted is expected to remain similar to the current number. However, due to limited new supply of strata shops, transaction prices is expected to be stable and there is potential for some capital appreciation.
Additionally, while strata shops are generally older and may be thought to be losing their appeal, there are certain trades which can only be supported by strata shops. These include lower-cost retail services, offering personable and customized services for regular customers.
About half of strata shops transacted in 2H 2009 and 1H 2010 were 99-year leasehold strata shops. This is likely to continue in 2H 2010.
Shophouses
Shophouses are expected to remain favourable for buyers, underpinned by limited supply and unique design. Some potential buyers will also feel that owning shophouses will be more tangible than renting as the unique value can only be actualised through owning.
Buyers are expected to remain keen in freehold shophouses. Currently, only about a quarter of shophouse transactions are leasehold, reflecting buyers' strong desire to have a lasting interest in shophouses.
Post Date: 23 July 2010
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Sell, Rent
Sell
No. 98 - BAD
You try to attempt something yet you fret and you fear you create trouble for yourself. You are a trapped bird. You will not succeed as you are not decisive. Best to stay where you are.
Interpretation - Wait till a Benefactor comes to assist you. In asking for things, be patient.
Rent
No. 81 - MEDIUM
Trees are barren of leaves in Autumn. Return journey always seems faster. Thanks to Heaven's grace. A ship sails faster with the wind blowing in the right direction.
Interpretation - Heaven will give you their blessing to what you seek. Proceed with what you are hoping to do.
Post Date: 6 Jul 10
No. 98 - BAD
You try to attempt something yet you fret and you fear you create trouble for yourself. You are a trapped bird. You will not succeed as you are not decisive. Best to stay where you are.
Interpretation - Wait till a Benefactor comes to assist you. In asking for things, be patient.
Rent
No. 81 - MEDIUM
Trees are barren of leaves in Autumn. Return journey always seems faster. Thanks to Heaven's grace. A ship sails faster with the wind blowing in the right direction.
Interpretation - Heaven will give you their blessing to what you seek. Proceed with what you are hoping to do.
Post Date: 6 Jul 10
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Fresh coat of paint
- Added a 'good' to the blog header
- Changed to new design template 'Awesome Inc'
Post Date 6 Jul 10
- Changed to new design template 'Awesome Inc'
Post Date 6 Jul 10
Sunday, May 30, 2010
3rd Anniversary
Hi Father,
Wow, it's been 3 years. How have you been doing?
I am happy to report that you are now a grandfather! After 7 years of trying, our little girl was born early last month. Most people are saying the little girl takes after me, but I'm just thankful she has Mummy's big round eyes and cute button nose! I thought I had prepared myself psychologically for the hard work, but Wifey seemed to be handling it better. I'm so pleased that she's rising up and embracing her new role with such great aplomb.
We have also been making Mum busy. When Wifey was doing her confinement, Mum came once in a while just to see how everyone is doing. Now that confinement is over, Mum comes over every day (except weekends and public holidays) to look after the little Princess in the day while Wifey rests. She also cooks lunch and dinner, and sometimes helps with the laundry. On the whole, a great help to have around.
Work-wise, there's nothing to shout about. I have been real busy, being one of the many involved in a multi-million dollar deal. Have been coming back late because of that. While everybody else seemed to be a winner of sorts, I am the sorry one here - I may be losing my job in a few months' time. Sigh. I know I'm worrying in advance again, but I can't help it. I'll try not to think about it. Will try.
On top of my regular job, I'm also helping a friend with his project. What was scheduled to end by Mar is now still running. I'm so short of time that I can only spare this project time at the end of the day. My sense of responsibility to my friend is stopping me from handing the project back to him. But the truth is, I'm up to my eyeballs ...
Father, this morning I went to the temple and made a donation in your name. Just now, after dinner, I left the receipt on the table. And then, an insect landed on the receipt, and stayed there for quite a while. Father, was that ... you? Were you also the one that was flying around little Princess this afternoon?
I just hope that you are fine, or that you have moved to a better place.
Once again, I humbly ask that you bless Mum, Wifey and now our little Princess. Take care, Dad. Still miss you a lot.
Yours sincerely,
Son-in-law
Image credit here.
Post Date: 30 May 09
Friday, May 28, 2010
Vesak Day - a day of reflection
The last time I had an opportunity to do this was 3 years ago. I failed, because I ate meat at Dad's wake on the last day.
This year, there's a chance to do it again. For 3 days from today, Vesak Day, to Sunday, Dad's 3rd death anniversary, I will go vegetarian.
If there are merits, may they be transferred to my family.
Post Date: 30 May 09
This year, there's a chance to do it again. For 3 days from today, Vesak Day, to Sunday, Dad's 3rd death anniversary, I will go vegetarian.
If there are merits, may they be transferred to my family.
Post Date: 30 May 09
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Such irony
I looked around the boardroom - lawyers, agents, buyer and seller.
Everyone was shaking each other's hands, congratulating each other on a job well-done, for sealing the deal.
At the end of the day, the lawyers will get their fees, the agents will get their commission, the buyer will get what they paid for, and the seller will get the money.
And me? Huh. Huh huh. Not only did I miss 2 consecutive days' of talks by Ajahn Brahm, I may have just made myself redundant, happening in a few months' time. Bragging rights about being part of the multi-million-dollar deal? Forget it!
我何去何从？
Image credit here.
Post Date: 30 May 09
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Asiaone.com - Homing in on your own business
Homing in on your own business
Find out how to run your own business from home.
Tue, Mar 16, 2010 my paper
By Koh Hui Theng
APPLE did it this way; so did homegrown cake-shop chain Bengawan Solo. They started out operating from home offices, paid zero rent and the rest is history.
As of the end of last year, 19,000 Housing Board flat owners were operating out of home offices. Most are information-technology and management consultancies, trading offices and design or advertising firms.
There's help available. The Home Office Scheme (HOS), created in 2003, allows budding entrepreneurs to conduct small-scale businesses from their homes.
Non-HDB residents who intend to hire staff or working partners need to register their businesses with the Urban Redevelopment Authority. They need to pay a non-refundable $20 administration fee for a licence, which is valid for five years.
A HDB spokesman told my paper: "Besides saving on office- space rental and enjoying lower start-up costs, HOS users also save on travelling time and expenses."
It was the cost savings that convinced Mr Paul Lim, 31, to open babywishes.com.sg in 2007. The baby-products online-store owner said: "I felt I had a good idea as the (e-shop) concept was still quite new in Singapore.
"It would have been tough maintaining the business as a brick-and-mortar model - the high overheads of having a physical shop space would have eaten into the profits but this (home business) is something that can make money."
All it took to set up shop was 10 minutes of his time - registering babywishes online as a partnership - and $10,000 of his savings.
"The entire process was quite easy. We (Mr Lim and a business partner) did some research and finished the necessary paperwork in 10 minutes," he said. The business has been in the black since day one, and he even got a bonus.
"I get to spend quality time with my son, Marc, now 2½ years old. I'm sure the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports will be very happy with my fathering role," Mr Lim chuckled.
Mr Lim, however, cautioned that one still has to put in hard work when it comes to building contacts and sourcing for suppliers.
my paper did some research at HDB and Spring Singapore to help potential entrepreneurs.
What does a small-scale business mean and does it include any type of business?
Yes, as long as the business is done on a small scale. The level of business activity has to be kept low so the home remains mainly a place of residence.
For example, someone baking cakes for sale to friends cannot turn the home into a bakery.
Go to www.ura.gov.sg/dc/ dcu/HOflyer.pdf for a checklist of the types of businesses that are not allowed under HOS.
How do I go about getting my home office registered?
Owners, tenants, authorised occupiers and sub-tenants of HDB flats or private properties aged 21 years and above can apply under the HOS.
Register the company - as a sole proprietorship, private limited company or partnership - with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. Go to the Online Business Licensing Service (OBLS) to obtain the required licence.
Log on to www.business.gov.sg/licences and follow the step-by-step guide to complete the online application.
Be prepared to pay the $20 administrative fee via eNETS or credit card. Upon successful registration, you will receive a letter of authorisation to start operations.
If you wish to continue using your residence as a home office after five years, re-register at OBLS.
Where can I find funding for my home business?
Home business owners below 26 years old can apply for funding under Spring Singapore's Young Entrepreneurs Scheme for Start-ups.
Launched in 2008 to develop young new entrepreneurs, it provides pre-seed funding.
The Media Development Authority has an iJam Microfunding scheme that gives up to $50,000 in grants to develop new ideas into an innovative product or service. Go to www.idm.sg/support/ijam/ for details.
For information on tax exemptions, visit the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore website at www.iras.gov.sg/ irasHome/page04.aspx?id=414
THIS WEEK'S FOLIO: DOING BUSINESS FROM HOME
TO REGISTER your company, you first have to decide the type of business model you are helming.
SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
Most small businesses are sole proprietorships since it is simple and inexpensive.
You can convert a sole proprietorship or partnership to a company or limited-liability partnership later if you wish, but not the other way around.
It costs $65 to register. This amount includes the nameapproval fee.
PARTNERSHIP
It is similar to a sole proprietorship and registration costs are the same.
There are two types - general partnership and limited liability partnership, which is a new vehicle for doing business in Singapore.
Like the sole proprietorship, the owners are taxed at the personal-income tax rate.
COMPANY
Registration costs $315. Profits are taxed at the corporate rate and audited accounts are required in the case of large companies.
Post Date: 16 Mar 10
Find out how to run your own business from home.
Tue, Mar 16, 2010 my paper
By Koh Hui Theng
APPLE did it this way; so did homegrown cake-shop chain Bengawan Solo. They started out operating from home offices, paid zero rent and the rest is history.
As of the end of last year, 19,000 Housing Board flat owners were operating out of home offices. Most are information-technology and management consultancies, trading offices and design or advertising firms.
There's help available. The Home Office Scheme (HOS), created in 2003, allows budding entrepreneurs to conduct small-scale businesses from their homes.
Non-HDB residents who intend to hire staff or working partners need to register their businesses with the Urban Redevelopment Authority. They need to pay a non-refundable $20 administration fee for a licence, which is valid for five years.
A HDB spokesman told my paper: "Besides saving on office- space rental and enjoying lower start-up costs, HOS users also save on travelling time and expenses."
It was the cost savings that convinced Mr Paul Lim, 31, to open babywishes.com.sg in 2007. The baby-products online-store owner said: "I felt I had a good idea as the (e-shop) concept was still quite new in Singapore.
"It would have been tough maintaining the business as a brick-and-mortar model - the high overheads of having a physical shop space would have eaten into the profits but this (home business) is something that can make money."
All it took to set up shop was 10 minutes of his time - registering babywishes online as a partnership - and $10,000 of his savings.
"The entire process was quite easy. We (Mr Lim and a business partner) did some research and finished the necessary paperwork in 10 minutes," he said. The business has been in the black since day one, and he even got a bonus.
"I get to spend quality time with my son, Marc, now 2½ years old. I'm sure the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports will be very happy with my fathering role," Mr Lim chuckled.
Mr Lim, however, cautioned that one still has to put in hard work when it comes to building contacts and sourcing for suppliers.
my paper did some research at HDB and Spring Singapore to help potential entrepreneurs.
What does a small-scale business mean and does it include any type of business?
Yes, as long as the business is done on a small scale. The level of business activity has to be kept low so the home remains mainly a place of residence.
For example, someone baking cakes for sale to friends cannot turn the home into a bakery.
Go to www.ura.gov.sg/dc/ dcu/HOflyer.pdf for a checklist of the types of businesses that are not allowed under HOS.
How do I go about getting my home office registered?
Owners, tenants, authorised occupiers and sub-tenants of HDB flats or private properties aged 21 years and above can apply under the HOS.
Register the company - as a sole proprietorship, private limited company or partnership - with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. Go to the Online Business Licensing Service (OBLS) to obtain the required licence.
Log on to www.business.gov.sg/licences and follow the step-by-step guide to complete the online application.
Be prepared to pay the $20 administrative fee via eNETS or credit card. Upon successful registration, you will receive a letter of authorisation to start operations.
If you wish to continue using your residence as a home office after five years, re-register at OBLS.
Where can I find funding for my home business?
Home business owners below 26 years old can apply for funding under Spring Singapore's Young Entrepreneurs Scheme for Start-ups.
Launched in 2008 to develop young new entrepreneurs, it provides pre-seed funding.
The Media Development Authority has an iJam Microfunding scheme that gives up to $50,000 in grants to develop new ideas into an innovative product or service. Go to www.idm.sg/support/ijam/ for details.
For information on tax exemptions, visit the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore website at www.iras.gov.sg/ irasHome/page04.aspx?id=414
THIS WEEK'S FOLIO: DOING BUSINESS FROM HOME
TO REGISTER your company, you first have to decide the type of business model you are helming.
SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
Most small businesses are sole proprietorships since it is simple and inexpensive.
You can convert a sole proprietorship or partnership to a company or limited-liability partnership later if you wish, but not the other way around.
It costs $65 to register. This amount includes the nameapproval fee.
PARTNERSHIP
It is similar to a sole proprietorship and registration costs are the same.
There are two types - general partnership and limited liability partnership, which is a new vehicle for doing business in Singapore.
Like the sole proprietorship, the owners are taxed at the personal-income tax rate.
COMPANY
Registration costs $315. Profits are taxed at the corporate rate and audited accounts are required in the case of large companies.
Post Date: 16 Mar 10
Monday, January 25, 2010
佛七 / 八关斋戒
This year is the second time 打佛七, but the first time taking the 八关斋戒.
Many positive vibes, learnt many things.
The positive take-aways:
- During one of the meditation sessions, I managed to stay very clear-headed, and seemed to establish a "connection" with 阿弥陀佛, and started rocking gently side to side. Sadly it was not repeated.
- 2 days of vegetarian food is almost like a detox programme
- 2 meals per day is do-able, with lots of water
- Strengthening of my belief that, sutras and ceremonies, not just the precepts, ARE a part of Buddhism
And now, my mistakes and wrongdoings:
- the lack of sleep did not allow me to fully appreciate and benefit from the event
- the lack of sleep led me to sleep drowsily at night, potentially missing out on post-event reflections
- I broke the 8th Precept: 不坐卧高广大床
- My biggest mistake: wearing my 海青to the toilet. I am so disturbed by this one that I suspect whatever merits I may have accumulated may not be enough to offset the "demerit" points. Sigh. It was a big boo boo.
This time next year little princess would be 9 months' old already. I really hope we would be able to participate again. If yes, I really have to learn not to repeat this year's mistakes.
This morning, when I was doing my morning chants, I heard birds chirping. I was distracted because the sound appeared quite near. My first thought was: hmmm, distractions! Before I knew it, 2 hummingbirds flew into the house and happily rested themselves on the pussywillow. Then 1 flew away, shortly followed by the 2nd. One flew back in, before flying off.
Wifey just told me she spotted one similar-looking bird at the temple yesterday. Hmmm : )
Post Date: 25 Jan 10
Many positive vibes, learnt many things.
The positive take-aways:
- During one of the meditation sessions, I managed to stay very clear-headed, and seemed to establish a "connection" with 阿弥陀佛, and started rocking gently side to side. Sadly it was not repeated.
- 2 days of vegetarian food is almost like a detox programme
- 2 meals per day is do-able, with lots of water
- Strengthening of my belief that, sutras and ceremonies, not just the precepts, ARE a part of Buddhism
And now, my mistakes and wrongdoings:
- the lack of sleep did not allow me to fully appreciate and benefit from the event
- the lack of sleep led me to sleep drowsily at night, potentially missing out on post-event reflections
- I broke the 8th Precept: 不坐卧高广大床
- My biggest mistake: wearing my 海青to the toilet. I am so disturbed by this one that I suspect whatever merits I may have accumulated may not be enough to offset the "demerit" points. Sigh. It was a big boo boo.
This time next year little princess would be 9 months' old already. I really hope we would be able to participate again. If yes, I really have to learn not to repeat this year's mistakes.
This morning, when I was doing my morning chants, I heard birds chirping. I was distracted because the sound appeared quite near. My first thought was: hmmm, distractions! Before I knew it, 2 hummingbirds flew into the house and happily rested themselves on the pussywillow. Then 1 flew away, shortly followed by the 2nd. One flew back in, before flying off.
Wifey just told me she spotted one similar-looking bird at the temple yesterday. Hmmm : )
Post Date: 25 Jan 10
Monday, January 18, 2010
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Quotes for the day
Told to my face over coffee:
"If you need to SMS him at 2 in the morning, then he doesn't need you"
Conversation on 9pm show on Channel 8:
"命运是不能屈服的,命运是要征服的"
Super moody. More later.
Post Date: 6 Jan 10
"If you need to SMS him at 2 in the morning, then he doesn't need you"
Conversation on 9pm show on Channel 8:
"命运是不能屈服的,命运是要征服的"
Super moody. More later.
Post Date: 6 Jan 10
Monday, January 04, 2010
First work day of the year
If the start of the year is an indication of what the rest of the year will be like, then it's going to be a real busy one.
Checked mail, did some prep work, went for kick-off meeting, debrief over coffee, action items, emergency from customer, waited for contractor, site survey with contractor, reached home around 9.15pm.
Post Date: 6 Jan 10
Checked mail, did some prep work, went for kick-off meeting, debrief over coffee, action items, emergency from customer, waited for contractor, site survey with contractor, reached home around 9.15pm.
Post Date: 6 Jan 10
Saturday, January 02, 2010
ECA
Have been wanting to find something else to do to supplement the household income. Recently got approached to do some project management. I've not done it before, but that doesn't mean I'm not keen.
If people are willing to take a risk in engaging me, then I'm prepared to give it a shot.
Post Date: 7 Jan 10
If people are willing to take a risk in engaging me, then I'm prepared to give it a shot.
Post Date: 7 Jan 10
Friday, January 01, 2010
A New Year
Another new year. Another new beginning. Another list of resolutions.
1. Run the freaking Singapore Marathon, will ya? At least try the 10km run, you wimp!
2. Brush up on your photography, will ya? Your daughter is coming on board in 3 months' time!
3. Can you please be more focused and get your ass working on some residual income?
4. Please work on your self-pity. It's just sad (pun intended)
5. Do all of the above without compromising your care and concern for your family
Image credit here.
Post Date: 6 Jan 10
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)