I really do. I keep wanting to write but never seem to. Gah.
Note to self: Write for 2010.
Rapperswil
August 31, 2009 at 12:01 pm (Travel)
We have been in Switzerland for almost a year. With all the big changes happening (Oskar coming into our lives for one), we kept putting off exploring this beautiful country. We decided to start small – by taking a boat ride down Lake Zurich to Rapperswil. We also brought Oskar along for his first boat ride. Poor chap deserves to be out and about now that he’s fully healed.
View of Lake Zurich from the top of Rapperswil Town
Was a decision that we didnt regret. The weather’s perfect. A beautiful summer’s day. Not one of those balmy hot ones but a day with a cool gentle breeze. The town was gorgeous, quaint and charming. Lunch at La Scala was great and we thorougly enjoyed ourselves. Walking through the town, I feel blessed. Blessed for my little family unit, blessed for a fantastic loving husband and for my life in general. Havent felt so at peace for a really long time.
Ended up at the pub quiz after a long day. As usual, we came so close to being on top. Whats with that? Bah. Still, perfect end to the weekend.
R & R (Revitalised and Reflections)
August 24, 2009 at 9:31 am (Musings, Travel)
Tags: Claridges, Weddings
I have been married for a year and 4 days. Time flies. I remember planning the wedding and my wedding day like it was just yesterday. The past year had been so full of ups and downs – 3 big moves – 2 countries – but I am glad we survived. Treated ourselves to a stay in Claridges Hotel in London and had the most amazing time ever. Well, the check-in receptionist was rather snotty but everyone else in the hotel were wonderful and so professional. Definitely well worth spending that time and money to treat your loved one on a special occasion. The picture doesnt really do the room or hotel any justice but take it from someone who has good taste is hard to please, its well worth it.
Our room in Claridges - a Deluxe King
I was so glad to be back in London. Glad to be able to evesdrop on conversations, glad to be able to communicate to the hairstylist, shop assistants and generally, anyone on what I wanted – and get good service in return. Here, I feel like a mute. A fly on the wall.
Dont get me wrong – I love Switzerland. Its transportation and health care systems are world class. Everything’s so clean and the scenary is to die for. But, its just too sanitary. I was reminded how dirty London is after I blew my nose on the first day. Ugh. I dont mind though – a city should be squidgy around the edges. Imperfect in some ways but you love it anyway.
I cant wait to move back.
Moody
August 6, 2009 at 2:51 pm (Dogs)
Tags: advantages of castration, Dogs
My dog underwent a surgery for castration last week, as well as the removal of 2 extra toes that he was born with. I know I know, poor sod. Believe me, I toyed with that decision for the longest time but he was getting rather out of control off the leash as well as humping everything in sight – my husband, his bed….funny thing is, I was never at the receiving end. But the advantages really outweighed any disadvantages.
I read up as much as I could about post-op care but I was not prepared for how lifeless and depressed he’s become. I am not sure if its the loss of his bollocks or he doesnt get his daily long walks and run with me in the evening (vet’s orders), or that lampshade collar around his neck, but he’s been sleeping far too much than usual and not really enthusiastic about anything at all.
The mood kinda filtered over to me. I’ve been listless, moody and far too unenthusiastic about anything, even our upcoming first year wedding anniversary stay at Claridges, London. Cant wait for next Monday to come around, when his stitches are out! This is the first time in ages, that I am actually looking forward to a Monday!
August 6, 2009 at 10:28 am (Uncategorized)
Oh god. Here I go falling into the not-updating-my-blog syndrome again.
I never figured out why I seem to always lack the motivation. Is my life really not that interesting enough that I care too much about people out there being bored stiff reading my ramblings?
Sod it. Probably no one ever reads it, though I have to admit that its like playing russian roulette with the cyberworld out there. You’ll never know who might stumble across this – just like I accidentally stumbled onto an ex’s blog through Twitter today. Weird. I feel like a stalker. Maybe that prompted me to come on here and rant. He hasnt crossed my mind in ages and we didnt exactly part on good terms. Probably a sense of unease, skeleton in the closet…however you want to call it. Sound bloke though he loves himself a little too much to love anyone else properly. That being said, am glad that he is well and happy. Good luck to the girl though.
I just signed up for Twitter yesterday – a little too late to be on the bandwagon I know, but better late than never. Its really fascinating, being able to follow some celebs who actually really tweet. Good lord, my stalker tendancies are coming out again! Not that I am some VIP, but I am torn between telling people that I have a Twitter account as my fingers usually type faster than my brain normally whirls and I tend to say alot of things of my mind that I dont even share even with friends – or be a a hermit and a faceless and nameless Twitter account out there. Gahhh.
Sod it. I am MissyAnnThrope on there by the way. Follow me on there if you want to be bored out of your mind!
Elmo
May 20, 2009 at 7:51 am (Uncategorized)
Tags: Elmo, Sesame Street
According to Wikipedia, did you know that this furry little red monster was created because there was an extra puppet lying around the cast on Sesame Street? The cast would pick him up sometimes and try to create a personality, but nothing seemed to materialize.
It was not till talented pupeteer, Kevin Clash gave it a go that it became the Elmo we all love today. Found this on YouTube today, not an original Sesame Street production but made me split my sides. Enjoy!
pinkdot.sg
May 19, 2009 at 6:02 pm (Musings)
Last weekend, in a little park on a tiny island called Singapore, around a thousand-odd people gathered to commemorate love in all forms and between people of every orientation.
Big fucking deal you might think.
Actually, it fucking is. At least to me and the rest of the people who’ve attended the event. I didnt manage to make it, for geographical reasons but I would have given anything to have been there (well…anything but my Manolo Blahniks).
Singaporeans pride themselves as a “rojak” nation – ethnic races like the Chinese, Malays and Indians have coexisted harmoniously since it gained its independence from the British. When Singaporeans read about racial riots and religious persecutions in other countries, they shake their heads in disbelief because it is just beyond their comprehension, having lived side-by-side with someone of a different ethnic group in their high-rise apartments some time in their lives. They dont blink an eye when their children have Chinese, Tamil and Muslim friends and they celebrate religious holidays that are not really relevant to them but to their friends from that particular ethnic group – I know I can never say no to all the home-cooked food and snacks during Hari Raya and Deepavali!
Like the Swiss, Singaporeans are able to speak at least 2 to 3 different languages and in addition, any army boy worth his salt can cuss in at least 3 other different dialects.
However, beneath this religious harmony, it remains a narrow minded conservative and closed society. The government recognises that homosexuality is part of the society, but ironically, criminal under the law. The norm is still the 3-screaming-ill-mannered-kids-parents-in-tow hetrosexual family. Growing up, I witnessed the struggles of gay friends who were afraid to come out of the closet, for fear of shaming or hurting their parents.
Also, till the year 2000, we were repressed there was no Speakers Corner unlike the infamous London’s Hyde Park.
So yes, to me, this is a landmark event. It is the first ever official public gathering for a lesbian-gay-bi-transgendered cause on the island. It is an event to show anyone who is struggling with their feelings of confusion regarding their sexuality at the moment, (because society is filing your head with bigotry gunk) that they are no longer alone. There are people out there who will accept you for what you are regardless of whether they are straight or gay.
Who knows, its pledge might be amended one day to:
We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people. Regardless of race, language (sexuality) or religion, to build a democratic society…..blah blah blah.
Baby steps.
Well done, Pink Dot!!!!
Puppy mills
May 19, 2009 at 9:28 am (Dogs)
Tags: breeder, Norwich terrier, puppy mills
Ever since my father brought home a pug when I was 5 years old, I have had dogs all my life. From the pug we named Fifi, to a rescue Pomernarian my parents named Mei, our family was never short of a furry 4 legged friend in our lives. It might be the lack of education in Asia or simply cultural difference on how we view animals, but we never questioned how our dogs were bred or where they came from. We usually took them off someone who didnt want the dog anymore for ridiculous or behavioural reasons like “we are having a baby”, “this dog barks too much and he pees everywhere!”
Only until I went to study in the West in my late teens did I learn about puppy mills. When I first heard of the term, I had the misconception that it is a place full of cute little puppies and their parents running in big, open fields and waiting to go to new homes.
I was so wrong. The shock, when I first watched a television program about puppy mills was, well….indescribible. I felt revulsion, pain and so much hatred for these people who keep dogs in inhumanely small cages and terrible conditions just to breed them for profit. In turn, chain pet stores sell them to the unsuspecting and largely uneducated public. When you see a puppy in the pet store and you look into its eyes, you never once question its origin because you are just overwhelmed by how cute it is.
I always wondered what an individual like me and many passionate advocates around the world can do, when our own governments always have other things higher on their agenda. I mean, what is getting rid of puppy mills compared to recovering the economy and foreign policy yea? I often feel helpless and frustrated whenever I see new reports on puppy mills and dogs being put down or given up to the shelters because of behavioural problems stemming from how they were bred without being properly socialised.
But, I am heartened that so many rescue groups around the world, especially in the US and Europe, are tireless in their crusade in shutting down puppy mills.
I guess just like saving sharks who are killed just for their fins predominantly in Asia and elephants for their tusks: “when the buying stops, the killing will too”.
We can all do our part. No matter how small. Educate (without sounding like a over zealous Christian preacher) your friends and family who are thinking of getting a dog about adopting rather than buying a puppy from the pet store. If breeders are preferred, I cannot stress the importance of getting it from a reputable breeder. The American Humane Society has a great article about this and it might look really extensive and intimidating, but just think of how an individual like us, can make a difference.
We recently got a Norwich terrier from a breeder here in Switzerland. We felt like prospective adoptive parents. When I first placed a call to enquire about the puppies, I was grilled about our lifestyle, energy level, whether both of us work and basically, how the dog is going to be cared for. After visiting the puppies in their home (and mentally running the checklist of a good breeder that the American Humane Society posted through my head), our home was then inspected to ensure that it was suitable for the puppy and my chosen pup was even brought over for a day before he was due to go home with us, just to have a sniff around.
On the day we were supposed to bring him home, we had to sign a contract with the breeder on how she had the first right to get the dog should we fail to carry on taking care of him for any reason. We were given a huge folder of information which we spent three long hours, painstakingly going through every detail with her on our new puppy’s diet, exercise requirements, grooming and potential health risks. I was also given the green light to call her at ANY time of the day if I am worried or just needed advice on our new dog.
That to me, is a mark of a responsible breeder who clearly cares for the welfare and future of her dogs. So yes, I am very happy. I have done my part boycotting puppy mills.
I am enjoying the challenges of bringing up a puppy, now a young dog. He is officially 6 months old today, entering the adolescent phase, which is the most challenging to many dog owners. Many dogs are given up during this period due to the lack of proper rules, boundaries and limitations on their owners part but… I have been up on my high horse enough for the day. Stepping off the soap box now.
Oskar’s book
Extensive care information
She even conscientiously recorded his growth progress!
Pictures of what we, the new parents missed when he was growing up.
In a nutshell so far..
May 18, 2009 at 7:36 am (Musings)
Tags: Musings
So much has happened in the last year that I really dont know where to start.
Somehow, my old blog doesnt seem as appropriate for this weird, new life that I am experiencing. Hence, a new blog, a new beginning.
I have never been consistent in updating my old blog. I am going to make a conscious effort to update this as much as possible – probably because I now have all the time in the world. Dont be jealous. Be happy for me for I am blessed. Blessed that I’ve said “I do” in August last year to the most wonderful man who feels the same way about what we want in life together. After 9 years of ups and downs, we are finally in sync.
Blessed that I finally have time to myself to do what I always wanted to do - Sleep late. learn to cook like Gordon Ramsay, learn a new language, volunteer and basically learn patience and be less critical and judgmental of people around me.
Blessed that I found a wonderful new dog, Oskar, after my Australian silky terrier, Winnie has finally crossed the rainbow bride after 18 human years.
Finally, blessed that I am living in one of the best cities in the world, Zurich – I am not bragging, even Forbes agrees with me. My quality of life has definitely improved. Nothing to do with the non-existence of work stress but I am eating much healthier (the fish and chips last night was in a moment of weakness!), caring more for the environment and basically loving life.
Have I become a better person? I would like to think so.
