I'm alive, just not back.

Hi Friends, I am kept busy at work these few weeks, and will probably continue to be so for the next few weeks.

There's so much I want to do online, reading blogs, replying comments and writing articles, but guess I have to set my priorities right.

Will pop by a few of my regular blogs to read each day. As long as you keep on writing, I will read it. It's only a matter of time.

When work gets busy, it’s easy to lose sight of my goals. Have to keep on reminding myself to inch closer to what I really want, and not get lost in the rat’s race.

My only consolation? I work in a company that has perks catered to make every woman happy. And as long Wifey’s happy, I’m happy.

Take care of yourself, my friends.

My blog is made of these

Every blogger has his/her own style of blogging. Today, I will do a little writeup on what I think this blog is about, and what this blog isn't.

Cup of Ice has always been a very wordy blog. I enjoyed writing about what I know the best - HAPPY, HEALTHY, WEALTHY and SUCCESSFUL. One does not have to be the best as a prerequisite to write about any topic - else, there's only one person in the world qualified to write about anything. Rather, I see myself as being decently knowledgable enough about how the world spins, so I will shamelessly preach about my beliefs.

My blog was created as an avenue to exchange ideas. While I love to write non-stop (and keep repeating the same old points), I really love to read endless comments too. You don't have to agree with what I write, but I will appreciate if you tell me what you agree and disagree with.

There's no right or wrong, everything is subjective.

(1) When it comes to being HAPPY, I have done alot of reading on self-help books on the secrets to be happy. And actually, the concepts are sama sama (similar), just phrased in different ways. It is not hard to be happy, but I hope to be able to give a little timely reminder here and there for those of you who tend to be lost every now and then in their search for happiness.

(2) I have been writing less articles on being HEALTHY nowadays, but I am still very focus on this topic in real-life (Uncle Shingo is getting old), setting dietary targets for myself. I am by no means an expert in this topic, the closest I have done "as an expert" is to give a talk on the benefits and analysis of fish oil. I'm no doctor nor dentist, but I have done a fair bit of readup on nutrition, on magazines and on newspapers.

(3) When it comes to being WEALTHY, I am nowhere near the million dollar club. However, I am a proud member of the rupiah million dollar club. I work for an employer, have housing loans to pay, and a family to feed. But I think it's very important for everyone to have a rich man's mindset (everyone should read Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad, Poor Dad). Also, one should be very aware of money-making opportunities. As any insurance agent will tell you, when you put your money to the bank, it is losing to inflation. Despite knowing these theories, I won't be able to afford a big house, but at least I don't want to be washing plates when I retire. I wanna retire with whatever remaining time to pursue my activities, and hopefully see the world with Wifey.

(4) I am a very SUCCESSFUL guy, but ONLY by my own definition. Being successful is not the amount of money you have, but it emcompass many all-rounded factors. I have the mindset and maturity one in handling real-life situations, which unfortunately, is lacking in many people (yes, I'm bragging). And I don't do unneccessary relative comparisons with the "better" people, other than for the purpose of learning. Being contented has nothing to do with resting on my laurels. I am motivated enough to make myself better, and constantly do so.

I am a punching bag that bounces back every single time I'm hit. It's called reflex action.

As for what this blog isn't, first I must say that when it comes to blogging, one must always be mindful not to be a jack of all trade, and master of none. Have confidence in yourself and know where you shine at.

(A) I don't camwhore on my blog, because that is so not me. I do not party and enjoy life the way that interest you, so there's nothing to write or camwhore about. My life mainly revolves mainly about my work and Wifey. I will leave it to the many bloggers out there who are more photogenic to camwhore. (I am still unbelievably handsome nonetheless.)

Did I say that I love looking at blogs of pretty young things? Don't tell Wifey though, she will pull my ear.

(B) My blog is intended to have a fast loading speed, because it has minimal pics. Any pics that you see on my blog are probably stolen. (sorry, I know I'm unethical) If you want to see nice scenery pics, you gotta head to other better blogs.

All in all, just have fun posting what you love doing. As long as you have passion in what you blog, the readers will feel it.

Quoting Avatar, "I see you" when I read your entries. Hopefully, you get to "see me" too when you read mine. I follow quite a few blogs out there, but I may not always comment, unless you want me to put motherhood generic comments like "Yes, I agree totally", or "Great work". Don't wanna comment for the sake of commenting, because reading and blogging should never be a chore.

Ok, that's all. May all of you get the intangible rewards from blogging that you deserve. ^_^

Random Notes 43

(1) I watched Avatar over the weekends with Wifey. The show was 2 hours 40 minutes, and I had the urge to pee at around the 2 hour mark. But the show kept me on my seats that I forgot I need to pee. That's how good the show was.

(2) I read that Avatar's the 2nd movie that James Cameron (Cameroon?) directed since Titanic, more than 10 years ago. I think he can rest for another 10 years with the proceeds from this box office hit. But then again, maybe he should get us more great shows.

(3) Does anyone agree that Avatar is a great pro-environment conservation show with their anti-deforestation message? We shouldn't be taking airplanes, we should be taming some oversized birds and ride them all over the world. We are one with nature!

(4) I recently stumbled upon a Singapore blog entitled Taxi Driver's Diary. Taxi drivers meet all kinds of people in their day. Maybe I should drive a taxi when I'm sick of corporate life.

(5) One of the best thing about this blogging experience is reading about the lives of different professions. Bunnies, doctor, dentist, entrepenuer, taxi driver, corporate flyers, just to name some.

But one person's profession/area of expertise I am really keen to know is MKL. I could have easily mistaken him for a talent scout for a modelling agency.

(6) For those of you wondering about my real-life job scope, let me just simply summarise it as "I make people's life easier". I thought it sounds better than "I do what my boss ask me to do." What's the layman description of what you do?

(7) Are you doing what you are good at, or what you love best?

(8) I was analysing the Amway compensation plan on my way to work. It's pretty interesting comparing the plans and products of various network marketing companies. Analysis has always been my forte, and more importantly, it's fun! And darn, I missed my MRT stop to alight.

(9) "The key to satisfaction is low expectation", I quote that from Roxy. I couldn't have phrase that better.

(10) Have you heard the story about a mouse who saw the farmer bring in a mousetrap? The mouse warned the chicken, the pig and the cow about it, all of whom totally ignored the mouse because it's none of their business. Eventually, the mouse survived while the other 3 animals died. In every community, everyone is connected.

(11) First the local telco (telephone company) offered caller ID so that we can see which numbers are calling us. And now they just dropped me a message to ask if I want to subscribe to a anonymous number service, so that no one knows what my number is. Somehow I find it a little ironic. But from investor standpoint, it's an INGENIUS money-making idea!

Create something out of nothing and make money out of it.
Then offer to turn it back into nothing and make more money.

(12) Do you know what my Rule #1 is? Never lose track of time.

(13) When looking for a partner, search with both your eyes WIDE OPEN. And after you get married, CLOSE one of the eye. The latter is important because some couples have problem differentating what's REALLY important in married life.

(15) Sometimes, I forget how to count.

Earning a million dollars (Part 2)

This is a continuation from Part 1.

Part A: How to making millions from $1
Here is a TRUE story of a Singaporean who made more than a million dollar using 1 dollar. The story was shared to me during one of the motivational talks I have attended, and I shall try to recap and post it here.

A Singaporean, let's just call him Alex, wanted to build a shopping mall in Australia, but didn't have much capital. So he came up with a carefully thought plan and executed it as follows.

So Alex approached an Australian local who wanted to sell his plot of land for a certain huge amount. Alex said he is willing to pay double that amount, but the local will first have to sell the land to him for $1. With someone willing to pay twice the amount of money for the land, the local was more than happy to part with it for $1 first.

And so Alex now has the land for $1. The next thing he had to do was to have money to build a shopping mall. There's no way to get this huge amount of money other than to borrow from the bank. But why would any bank be crazy enough to loan Alex, a nobody, a huge amount of money? Alex had no guarantee except his piece of land, and he has no track record to show his shopping mall plans will be a success.

So Alex executed the next part of his plan, to secure an anchor tenant for the shopping mall that has not being built. He approached the founder of Australia's largest (or one of the largest) retailer of electrical, computer and furniture company called Harvey Norman and struck a deal with him.

Alex offered the founder a chance to be the anchor tenant of the not yet built shopping mall for HALF the market rental price. The catch? Harvey Norman has to sign a contract to rent the place for 25 years. With such a great deal, the founder couldn't say no.

With the contract stating that Harvey Norman will be the anchor tenant for the next 25 years, Alex went to the bank to secure the funds needed to build his shopping mall. Alex was a nobody, but Harvey Norman is a BIG somebody in Australia. And the bank agreed.

With the land and the money needed to build his mall, Alex started getting the construction up in the next few years. And after it was done, it's time to reap in the moolah, renting the shops out.

And Alex gave 2 of the stalls to the Australian local who sold the land to him for $1, and that equates to twice the price of the land the local initially asked for.

Everyone's happy. And Alex began to have bigger plans of his own after his first venture.

The end.

But before you get too happy... here is
Part B: Why you (and me) will never get rich this way

(1) If you ever want to try this, our mum/girlfriend/mistress/buddies will say you are crazy. And they will give you all kinds of negative comments to bring you back from lalaland to Earth. They don't want you to fail, that's all. And so you give up.

(2) Alex managed to convince someone to sell his land for $1. And you don't think you can do it. It's a CRAZY idea, and you don't want to appear stupid trying to convince someone to do the same. So you will just conveniently say that you suck at sales.

(3) You don't know how you can get to talk to the boss of a BIG corporation. How do you get his email or contact number? How do you even draft a good letter? You don't think you are a somebody, so there's no way he will talk to you. Even if you can, you just get cold feet at the thought of marketing the idea to the big boss.

(4) You probably don't know how to go about building a shopping mall too. And so you won't give it a try. Never mind that Richard Branson wasn't trained at the technicalities of the companies he built - train, airlines, mobile, space travel. You probably will say Richard is different. Haha.

Simply put, we raise the white flag without trying. We are wimps when it comes to setting our own business. So we just sit on the sidelines and bitch about others (we just love to pick on the rich, don't we?)

Here's something I learnt at a separate class - this time a social entrepenuership talk. If you ever want to build a business, don't worry too much about the "How to". Will write a separate article on this another day.

10 honest facts about me

I have gotten tagged by MKL to write a similar "10 honest facts about me" post. Not that I bother to comply, but I thought it will be a really good chance for me to show off a little about my achievements, and what makes me unique.

(1) I have a first class honours in Mathematics from a Singapore university. This is something I'm very proud of, but it was achieved at the expense of a social life in university. My 4 years was about studying and gaming. I wished I had played more then.

(2) I used to be very bad at keeping secrets, despite the assurance I give people. I still am, but I'm trying hard to get some credibility.

(3) I laugh alot, but I am no emotional guy. Sometimes I think my self-centered and practical nature has consumed any humanity left in me. There are times when I wished I could cry, but the tears just don't flow out.

(4) Despite being an old man uncle, I love soft toys. Buying soft toys for Wifey kills 2 bird in 1 stones. She like the gift, and I get to hug it too.

(5) I have an elder sister. She used to beat me alot when we were younger. Well, for the sake of "not letting her win", I slowly learnt not to scream and cry when she pinched me painfully. And that explains my strong tolerance for pain. Growing up, she has matured and is now the best elder sister anyone can have. It's funny, isn't it?

(6) I have a memorable childhood, as my parents are out working for survival, and I had the keys to the house. Skipping tuition classes, begging people for money, stealing, fighting, shoplifting, I have done them all. I was once even inches away from pushing someone to death for running away with my specs. Looking back, I was only inches from being permanently astray. Growing up, I learnt my mistakes and became a better man. When you have been through what's bad, you REALLY appreciate what's good.

(7) I hate people who whine, unless if you are my friend. (I forgive friends for everything) Whining is one of the most non-value adding activity, a total time waster. Solve the problem if you have the guts, or just keep your damn mouth shut.
*no offense intended*

(8) I love raisins, they make me REALLY happy. And that's why Wifey likes to bake me cookies with tons of raisins. If you do me any wrong, please offer raisins to me. Cash is also a suggested alternative.

(9) I prefer Pepsi over Coca Cola. But seriously, I am cutting down alot on carbonated drinks (Coke = 8 teaspoons of sugar, or is it 8 TABLEspoons). If you don't exercise, then you had better watch your diet especially if you are a uncle.

(10) I have not consumed a single sweet for close to 15 years. When I was young, I never brush my teeth with toothpaste (no idea why). My dad told me one day I will regret, and I did. I woke up one day, FINALLY realising that my teeth was yellow, and THAT is really ugly. As a self-punishment, and to remind myself that frequent brushing with toothpaste is important, I swear NEVER to consume any sweets again in my life. And I will continue to stand by what I say. After all, most sweets are non-value adding too.

Okie, that's all folks. I won't be tagging anyone, but I'm sure some of you know you wanna share your 10 honest facts with me and your fans.

Leave me a note if you have written anything, so I can be kaypoh (nosey) and read it.

Setting new year resolutions

Picture stolen from here.

Some time back, there was a survey done on a graduating batch of students from a particular prestigious university (Harvard? Oxford?) In it, the students were asked whether they set goals for themselves. And it was statistically proven that those who set goals for themselves ended up being better achievers in their careers.

Somehow, the Law of Attraction comes to mind. When you remember your goal for the year, your actions will change subconsciously in a way you will move yourself towards it.

No one wants to remain stagnant, and that's why we have new year resolutions. If there's a problem that bothers you 5 years ago, and it still bothers you, then you should jolly well work on it.

Putting it bluntly, should any of us die tomorrow, we die with no regrets.

For those who have a discipline issue working on your resolutions, here's 5 suggestions.

(1) Write it down and paste it in a conspicuous corner of your bedroom, so that you are reminded of your resolution should u happen to see it.

(2) Share your resolution with someone you know. It could be your best friend, your mum or post it on your blog. This way, there's someone who will give you ad hoc reminders when you appear to be on the wrong direction.

(3) Set the last day of every quarter to periodically review your progress. Don't make it an annual appraisal exercise.

(4) Don't over-set the number of targets. It's not the quantity, but the quality. Better to set 2-3 targets and fulfill them, then to set 20 targets and fail them all. Remember, targets are not meant to stress you out, they are to meant to motivate you.

(5) Dangle carrots or give yourself the stick should you fail to hit the target. I made myself abstain from meat for 1 month as a punishment. It might be easy for some, but it ain't easy for me.

Cheers to a great year 2010.
And may we all be better people 1 year from now.

Note: This post is specially dedicated to Roxy. Set goals and upgrade yourself when you are still young. When you reach Uncle Shingo T's age, you will have better memories to look back to. ^_^

About the Author: Shingo T wants to be a Malaysian who knows how to speak basic conversational Malay. And that will happen in end 2010.