Hula Dance Class

Yesterday, my friend, Tomoko very generously invited me to her weekly Hawaiian Hula Dance class. The teacher offers trial classes so yay!

So here are my thoughts:

The bad:

1. It starts at 9.30am at Kemang which is super far. Even my husband commented about the ungodly hour of the lesson. Haha ok, 9.30am isn't THAT early but we have to remember that here in Jakarta, there isn't a very efficient public transport system. Everytime I make an appointment, I have to factor in the potential time wasted in a traffic jam. That said, I reached the studio at 8.15am....LOLOL. Tomoko woke up late and met me an hour later. (T-T) I've grown very punctual ever since coming here.

2. The lesson was only 1 hour. Time past way too fast. I wish it was at least another 30minutes longer! Hula dance was so good.

3. Every student was Japanese. Expat wives. Well, it isn't a 'bad' but well...yeah it is easy to be stereotyped. Ah well.

The good:

1. The MUSIC. Oh wow, Hawaiian music is heaven for the ears. Towards the end of the class, I stayed near the back to watch the other students dance to the choreography they have been learning for weeks and couldn't help but clap my hands at the end. For a lack of a better description, they did resemble sea waves when they were dancing. So lovely. The music the teacher played was a Hawaiian version of Namida Sou Sou and I'm pretty sure this piece could sooth the savagest of beasts.

2. Hula Dance is a workout. 90% of the time, your knees are bent while dancing and it quickly begins to hurt after a short while. Definitely not for the unfit. All the hip swaying too, quickly works up a sweat.

See how her knees are kept bent?

3. Hula Dance IS sexy. It makes you focus on your waist, hips and butt so it makes a woman more conscious of her moving body. If pole-dancing sounds like you are trying too hard; GoGo dancing too juvenile/slutty; hiphop too darn dificult; I swear Hula Dance is a good alternative. It was really beautiful to see the entire class moving in unison and so gently.



This is an example of what Hula Dance Class is about. This is way too advanced for my level for now. I hope to be able to do that someday!



This is an example of Polynesian Hula Dance (Tahiti) that seems to involve more hip work and gyration. I don't know enough about Hula yet but I am assuming Hawaiian Hula is more languid.
(The video is 3mins long but just skip to about 1'10.)

And as always, enjoy!

Male Cinderellas

I do love men's fashion. I didn't use to pay much attention to it but after being educated by a few of my male Japanese friends in their late 30s (heterosexual oh yeah), I began to appreciate men's fashion. Men's fashion, unlike their female counterpart obviously possesses less variation. I meant that if you would just isolate the discussion to necklines, there is mainly the round neck, the V neck or the business collar. (I am sure I just gave a heart attack to some discerning Japanese neckline expert somewhere haha.) Menswear I feel, when assembled with thought become almost magical. It is a blessing too that in recent years, menswear has gotten alot more attention and evolved. I do enjoy how more heterosexual men have decided to groom up and emulate some fashion-savvy celebrities.

That said, I love my men dressed like this:

Everything in the above picture is hotness. lol Full head of hair, facial hair, tan and wrinkles all check. Love love love the scarf and string-bracelet detail.

I like light colored and casual suits like these. I still get a lovely heart attack when the husband dons a navy blue linen jacket with grey pants. Unfortunately it isn't often :(

How awesome is this assemble? I do love pocket squares and they do add some jazz in an outfit. Photo from Mister Midwester.

Would just die to be in Italy in summer...without the husband lol.

I've been looking everywhere to get some really good pocket squares for the husband but I think it isn't to find ones I like here in Indonesia and Singapore. I know Etro stocks some lovely ones but yes, they do not come cheap.

Pocket squares from Liberty of London. They make the loveliest floral prints. Still waiting for a chance to make a dress with cloth from Liberty!

I feel sorry for men living in this part of Asia. Besides Zara Men and Club 21, I wonder where do they go for clothes priced between $200 to $1000? Menswear is still sorely lacking in variety in this part of Asia. I do hope it isn't the weather that is hindering all good male fashion sense. Summers in Japan goes up to 40 degrees and they still dress up. (Then again to be fair, the Japanese are legendary when it comes to vanity!)

Oh so cute polo shirts from Left Field's 2011 collection with Liberty of London print lining.

Finally, this is a picture of what the husband came home in:

lol so obviously not trying.

Have a great weekend ahead!

Failure Should Not Be Feared!

I alternate between feeling extreme anxiety and indeflatable confidence (ah, the power of blind faith). So as I mentioned in the previous posts about a little project of mine (that does not involve babies)...I got my dress samples finally and they are pretty well done. Of course being the nitpicker I am, there is still alot of room for improvement.

A little sneak peek perhaps? ;)

Voila! What do you think? Do you like it? Would you wear it?

No, I did not make this. I can design but I cannot put cloth through a machine and work it into magic yet. I think it rocks...doesn't it? lol I did ask for a summer-y floral print but the zebra print surprisingly works. I will keep this in mind when I design a safari collection later.

So yes, this is what keeps me awake at night and anxious. I am still thinking how much I should push this little project of mine. I flip between thinking I should just be the contented housewife who settles for yoga and cookery lessons OR becoming an entrepreneur who could make her hobby into a success and finally purchase a house of her own. (Obviously I meant a house with a nice garden that can accommodate a retired horse and a couple of Dobermans haha)

The husband is very supportive (thank goodness) but I do fear so bad, that I am dumping his money into the drain. I should have more positive thoughts huh! I have a big group of lovely friends supporting me too (And I love all of you!) Can't help but fear failure...and yes I need to think more positively. Well, if I don't take the risks I guess I would never know. I hope to have good news soon!

Watch this space.

Happy New 2012 Everyone!

There is just something really special about cats. Maybe it was all the brainwashing from Junny :P but dang, I can't get enough of them. Very unfortunately, I tried welcoming 2 precious little kittens into my family this year but both did not last too long. A friend joked that I jinx cats. (T-T) I had the same fear! It's definitely not stopping me from getting a 3rd one in future, but the next time around, I shall be a more responsible cat owner - I shall either adopt strays or buy them from a reputable breeder. No more supporting dubious pet shops. I shall resist you!!

I realized I'd never introduce my second darling, Chojiro. While Charlie was a grey Persian, Jiro was a Himalayan with very lovely blue eyes. The husband is quite the sucker for blue eyes. I am guessing he likes his pets (and women) good looking. LOL! Anyway here are some pictures of Chojiro (Jiro)! He died from F.I.P. in August. I still miss him tons, he was a good kitten with a great temper!









Yes, I do wear those grandfather's pyjamas sometimes. No judging.

And the sweetest thing about Jiro? He automatically snuggles up next to me at bedtime. I don't want to encourage my animals to sleep on the bed but I can't do much when I am unconscious huh? Still, it's always a pleasant surprise when I wake up seeing him next to me or purring on my chest. *melts*



On to happier thoughts, just when I thought the day ended pretty nicely...something came in the mail today and made my day spectacular! My Christmas cum Anniversary gift for the husband arrived and boy, was it quick! I place the order on Tuesday and it is already here. DHL rocks. I do hope so bad he likes it. Last year, I surprised him with the Baccarat Talleyrand glasses and he was over the moon. He uses them everytime he feels like he needed to celebrate (even minor stuff) so...yeah I am glad. This year, I decided to give him a duffle coat from Gloverall. I hope so bad he likes it. If he doesn't, thank god Mr Porter has such great exchange and returns policy.



Got him the duffle coat in navy blue. I worry it is alittle too casual for officewear (Japan *rolleyes*) but I think duffle coats are so cute and boyish. The price was pretty reasonable too so double yay!

So one more day to the new year. Are you excited? I am! I have a good feeling about this *rubs hands in glee*

Here's wishing everyone a blessed new 2012! May the new year be filled with great adventures and better relationships! (And cats that live long long long long long.)

Hello World

The husband is terrified of me turning arrogant and nasty. I don't know why he thinks that but it's quite sweet really. I like knowing that he values humility. It is afterall, a virtue that I think is very lacking these days.

So I am embarking on a little project of my own and I hope everything goes well! *crosses fingers* It's a slow, uphill journey but with every baby step I take, it's getting more exciting. I am sorry I cannot reveal much here but I do appreciate it if you wish me some luck!

Christmas is around the corner and I see a flood of requests for Santa Claus on Facebook these days. If I may digress, I do detest Facebook. It is TMI (too much information) and now, I really don't know if I need it. My sister deleted her account a year back and she is surviving well. I should too huh? It is convenient to keep myself up to date with the friends, but most of the time, I guess I don't really need to know everything. For example, I don't really understand the people who 'check in' at places all the time. What is that feature for actually? Do friends really care if we eat at Maxwell market? Or hang out at Yishun block 256? I can't help but laugh. My brother had a friend who attended a funeral last week and took a picture of it and put in up on Facebook. *silence*

BAHAHAHAHA never underestimate the stupidity of mankind and a .........Singaporean's lack of etiquette. This dude rightfully deserves the biggest 'WTF' trophy I've set aside this year. I should make a 'I hate Facebook' T-shirt.

Right, the main topic. Christmas presents. I am not saying it is wrong, it is just different priorities. To be really succinct: If you can't afford it, don't buy it. Don't also make your boyfriend/spouse buy something he cannot comfortably afford. I understand the desire for goods that scream "I've made it!!" but I do not understand why people give themselves so much grief if they (or their spouse) cannot afford them. You have to understand that I've been living in a developing nation for more than a year and I've seen poverty I don't ever see in Singapore, so it's just petty drama when people whine about not affording something unnecessary. If I may say so, it is also very tasteless to whine publicly.

Singapore is filled with a huge, spoilt middle-class and I think it is about time more people learn about humility here. I do also understand it isn't easy considering how near Singaporeans live right next to their neighbours. We are packed like sardines. And if our neighbour or friend does well, we see his/her success immediately. No thanks to Facebook, we also witness success more easily so it's reasonable to say that this creates a culture of envy and emulation. The neighbour bought a new jumbo Prada bag? I HAVE to have one too. Of course there are people who love bags just based on the bag's aesthetics but come on, we are Asians here. Haha. The more easily the logo/trademark feature is recognized, the better the bag is. Don't get me started on how good an 'investment' a branded bag is. Hello? Investment? It is just a piece of leather. Cowhide do NOT appreciate.

Ah~ the good life. Who doesn't aspire to have one? I don't hear my friends talking much about it but it is probably the same as in Japan huh? The Japanese female age/develop in stages. I cannot express it fluently but basically it goes like this:

Age:

20s: Coach bag. Starter Gucci bags.
25-30: Balenciaga Motorcycle bags in pastel colors; 'starter' Louis Vuitton bags.
30: Chanel bag classic 2.55.
30-35: Cartier Tank watch.
40: Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry; Hermes Birkin bag; Chopard watch.

Well, something along that line approximately. I think it's really interesting observing cultures and society. I don't discuss it with my friends much but I do wonder if the Singaporean society 'ages' the same way?

This Christmas....I want a stun gun. LOL. I'd always wanted one but never had the wish fulfilled. Ooooo scratch that, I'd like a PS3 please! And a cute pet cat that lives at least 15 years!

It's good to be back :)

RocketJim is All Smiles



The day Loverboy woke up with 'horns' on both sides of his head.

I have good news!! I actually managed TO STUMBLE onto an auction site that had the Talleyrand glasses Loverboy had been pining for. I think he was joking when he said he wanted it but whatever it is, perseverance rewards those who try...and try...and try...and try. Haha...ok not funny.

Sheer luck!! The glasses had been off the market for 40 years, imagine that! WHOOHOOO!! There were 5 listed on the site and I bought 2. As of now, as excited as I am, I am kinda worried they are not the one I am searching for. The one Loverboy wants is only 5.5cm (2 and 1/4inches); the new range of the Talleyrand tumblers are 6.5cm. To me, 1cm isn't a huge difference but I respect geeks. It's like how I just prefer the Playstation controllers to the XBOX's sucky, humongous ones. I asked the saleslady over the phone many questions and it seems to be the size Loverboy likes. The shipping cost me a whopping USD$49.95! I was hesitating when the lady said something I was dying to hear, "You have to know they are not new. They are definitely used but in good condition. Afterall, they weren't produced for years and years." ---> Me beaming from ear to ear.

She knows her stuff. I heard what I wanted to hear! *gets up and dance victory dance again*

So the little babies will reach Singapore in 2 weeks. I would not be able to give it to Loverboy for his birthday but it's ok. We didn't celebrate our wedding anniversary in January (I think we were in Japan then or in the plane) SO! I will present the glasses to him on 9th May which is exactly a year after our wedding banquet. I AM SO EXCITED! Praying to Buddha everything turns out nice and smooth. Please please please may the glasses be only 2 and 1/4inches! I can't wait until the day I present it to him. Anyway I am also looking forward to next week when I present Loverboy with his watercolor painting!

Also, as an update Empress Boodiboo got me Penhaligon's Lily of the Valley for my birthday and I am happy every time I use the precious little thing. :D It's amazing how much happiness you can give another person when you spend some thought on gifts isn't it? I try to give what my friends and family want during their birthdays most times. MOST lol. Seeing their eyes lit up in excitement is the best 'thank you' ever.

Lastly, I hope the weather is good tonight and tomorrow. May the seas be calm and the tuna, plenty. IMMA GOING FISHING TONIGHT!!! Whoohoooo~ Loverboy goes fishing time to time with this group of Japanese...mature men and they usually catch sailfishes or tuna. This time around, he insisted to add me to the group (much to my embarrassment). I understand men need their male bonding time and I don't like to tag along when the other men obviously don't bring their wives. Oh well. Anyway I am gonna be nice and be a good sport. GIANT TUNA FISHING HERE I COME!! v(^-^)v

Suntanning banzai!

Reconnecting with my Hands

It has been a month since the great earthquake in Eastern Japan and there are still tons of people yet to be found. When I watch NHK with Loverboy everyday, I see more and more Japanese in tears. Very heartwrenching stuff. This year didn't start too well I guess...but let's all pray that it will end and wrap up nicely with a pretty bow on top. And......maybe a new cat in my household. *wink*

On to more cheerful news, Loverboy's birthday is coming soon! In about 10 days' time, my lovely husband will be turning quite....mature. He knows what he wants for his birthday but it is quite impossible for me to get. He has been lemming for Baccarat's Talleyrand shotglass for the LONGEST time. The problem is, the design he wants is no longer manufactured in the desired size. Sometimes it is a bitch to buy presents for the Japanese; especially Japanese who are very particular about a particular hobby. Loverboy loves whisky - single malt whisky from Islay. That isn't difficult. The difficult part is procuring objects to maximize his whisky experience. Argh. I do wanna surprise him with the Talleyrand glass but they are already all in the hands of collectors. The only place I know that have those glasses are in Coffee Bar K at Mohamed Sultan Road...and the owner (I call him Mr. Lamborghini) pretty much wants to keep those. Bleh.




SO! I did a watercolor portrait of Loverboy! I am damn proud of myself because it has been ages since I last made anything with my hands. Unfortunately my mum called me a cheapskate for not spending more on his present. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! But it is hard to buy presents for a man his age and pretty established. I can't afford an Aston Martin either so a watercolor painting is the next best thing. Check this out! (Eager to show off haha)



I absolutely love the picture I took of him when we were in Beijing in 2009. We were visiting th Forbidden City then and the red coloured walls were just gorgeous. They offered lovely colour contrasts in the background. So it was an easy decision. I knew I'd always wanted to do a portrait of Loverboy using that photograph as a guide. :)


Almost done. I left the eyes undone because I figured it will be the most challenging part. The sketch looks more like him than the finished painting *sadness*.


Tadaaaa!! The finished work. Ok, I know it looks kinda 'Mongolian-ish' but a brush isn't very fine. I found it very funny when my siblings and friends commented that it is a little too thin. It is not deliberate but I guess I 'accidentally' enhanced my darling lol.

I really hope he likes it!

Missed Ya!

It is almost one week after Charlie's death. I am coping very well...sad as it is, Life do go on. I miss him and wish so bad I still have a furry friend in the house but I guess, kittens do die. Like I'd said, I learnt a huge lesson and I really do know what to look for the next time I choose a kitty to join my family. My priority now is not only the kitty's temperament, but also its poop. If you stumble onto this blog and wonder what to look for in a healthy kitten - poop. Yes, POOP. Make sure the kitty's butt is dry and the poop is not watery. Diarrhoea is a killer in young mammals.

Also happen to quite randomly stumble onto a couple of sites that teaches people how to decode their kitty's behavior. Below are some excerpts (from http://www.cat-behavior-explained.com):

1) Cat body language: Tail

Swishing. A swishing tail (i.e. the whole tail slowly and gently moving from side to side) usually means Kitty is alert, curious and interested in his environment.

Lashing. A lashing tail (i.e. the whole tail moving from side to side in a fast, aggressive way) means Kitty is agitated and annoyed. Sometimes when Kitty is doing this he'll adopt a generally aggressive stance (more on this below.) The hair on his tail may also stand on end, giving it a bushy appearance. If he's doing this, leave him alone or you're likely to become the victim of an attack.

Twitching. If Kitty is twitching his tail at the tip, this usually indicates he's interested in something he's seen. However, it may also be the first sign of aggression - e.g. if another cat has just invaded his patch - and in this case it could turn to a lashing tail and aggression.

Charlie's tail was often swishing...I do remember reading from somewhere that if a cat moves its tail left and right alot, it is NOT happy. So when Charlie was swishing his tail, I was puzzled because I don't see anything that may agitate him. Now I realized he was actually busy checking out the house...a happy, curious kitten.

2) Cat body language: Eyes

Wide, staring eyes. This is usually seen before and during a cat fight, or before a cat attacks another animal or a human. They stare to try to scare the other cat / animal / human away.

Narrow, slowly blinking eyes. This means the opposite of above - the cat is saying he's happy with the other cat / animal / human and that he trusts them.

If you've ever wondered why cats make a beeline for the one person in the room who doesn't like cats, eyes are the reason. The cat lovers in the room will stare at Kitty, which will make him feel threatened, so he'll want to stay away from them. The person who doesn't like cats won't look at him because she's sincerely hoping he won't go anywhere near her. He sees her as the only non-threatening person in the room, so guess who he heads towards?! (Attention, Cherry!!! lol)

I was elated everytime Charlie narrowed his eyes at me because I knew he was being comfortable and affectionate....then again he was always sleepy. Still, being RocketJim I only believe in the good stuff. Haa. Charlie loved me!

3) Cat body language: Body


Why do cats knead? This is a sign of affection, comfort and contentment.

Rubbing against your legs. When Kitty does this, he's leaving his scent on you, effectively marking you as "his territory." It's a sign of affection.

Rolling onto his back and exposing his tummy. Kitty is being submissive. He's paying you a compliment, saying he likes and trusts you.

Bent / straight legs. If all Kitty's legs are straight and he has an upright posture, raised head and pricked ears, he's happy, curious and confident. In a stand-off, bent front legs and stretched back legs show that Kitty would rather avoid a fight, but that he will defend himself if he has to.

'Tummy time' with Charlie was always a highlight for me. I really loved that little furball. When I was cutting vegetables or cooking in the kitchen, he's always nestled himself between my feet. Cuteness max!

Animals are strange things. I am amazed how quickly they get into your hearts and find a place in there huh?

In Memory of Charlie Hanashima. 17 March 2011






I have really bad news. As sudden as little Charlie joined my family, he left just as soon. Charlie passed away in the car, in my arms last night. *sigh* Jakarta traffic. We were on the way to the animal hospital from the Vet's but I guess he was just too weak. Even if we made it to the hospital, I don't think he would survive his illness.

I am really heartbroken. Short as his stay with us was, he made us laughed many times. Charlie had a fumble to his walk and it was really cute too see. His fur was too long and the marble flooring was too slippery. What a cute little thing. He slipped from his pillow one afternoon while napping and immature me couldn't stop laughing. I thought I saw him gave me a "Seriously? How immature..." look while he got back on his pillow grumpily. I miss his stink which I think is cute now. Missed him nesting next to my thigh as I typed on the computer and I miss his cute backview. Funny how animals get to you...even if he was only with us for 6 days.

Charlie was down with a bad virus that made him vomit and poop alot. The Vet told me he was probably already inflicted when we got him from the pet shop. I am not sure if she was trying to make me feel better but thank you. I wished I had known earlier what his true age was. I really feel guilty feeding him the wrong food. It could help him become stronger, who knows? :(

The depressed Charlie picture I thought was sooo cute and endearing. Little did I know this would be the last few I could take of him... :(


Lesson learnt. Next time before getting another cat, I know what questions to ask and what to do. I am sorry little Charlie had to die but I know my future pets are luckier for it.


It was really painful to see little Charlie attached to the IV drip and sleeping so badly in the incubator. By then he was probably half gone. My poor baby. I cried tons when I saw him drew his last few breaths...I am sure he was in agony. I hope you are in Heaven now and playing with other friends. Mummy misses you and wishes you well. Thank you for the happiness you brought Loverboy and I. It was shortlived but we feel lucky to know you.

My Kitty is Depressed

(T-T)

I think Charlie is depressed. I brought him to the Vet yesterday and was given an all clear. The main problem was worms in his stools. I saw the sample through the microscope too and....yes, it was quite revolting. Poor thing, no wonder his appetite is so bad. Last night, while Loverboy and I were 'pretending' to watch some TV, I turned around and spied at Charlie. After a couple of minutes.................MY HEART SANG AND MELTED!!!! Charlie learnt to used the litter tray!! By himself!!! What a good boy!!! *victory dance* Omg, now I understand what people meant about their hearts bursting with pride. I swelled with pride looking at my new baby learning to use the litter tray!! Prior to that, I had to put him there everytime. Unfortunately when I checked on him, Charlie had diarrhoea (very soft stools).

This morning when I got up and checked, his stools are still soft. Sadness!

(T-T)

I think I just brought home the most depressed kitten ever. I read tons of articles online and it seems that Charlie could be infected by something more serious. I sure do hope not! He doesn't eat much and I haven't seen him drinking either. It will totally suck if little Charlie suddenly dies on me. :(:(:( I will monitor him for another day. If not it will be back to the Vet!

He sleeps tons and don't respond to play much. I feel sorry for him in the sense that he is being housed with 2 adults. If there were kids in my apartment, at least he would have a better playmate. Together, Loverboy and I are 70 years old lol. We are not as tenacious as kids during playtime. I wonder if he is depressed due to inactivity too?


Charlie waiting for me outside the bathroom. Awwww~

Charlie sulking

See how small Charlie is? That is his fave sleeping spot now...maybe cuz it's near the toilet. The cereal box is his stepping stone.


My kitty is sick and I feel sooooo sorry for him. I really want him to get better. The poor little furball. Such a nice, laidback little thing too. Please tell mummy what is wrong with you please?

Argh, my heart is breaking.