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

Tharp Trader Test

What type of trader are you?



An overwhelming need to be right??



Post Date: 18 Jan 10

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

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

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

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