Wow, it's been more than a month since my last post. Oopsie. Well things have been busy and very interesting at the office.
Hmmm, what's nigging feeling I'm getting . . . wait . . . has something to do with the New Year. Which happens to be 2 days away! I remember something about exerc... hmmm? Oh ok . . . you caught me. Yes yes . . . the resolutions I made at the start of 2008. Darn . . . How many have I accomplished? *Tatata Drum-rolls~~* NONE! Phhffff. This isn't good at all.
But then again on the 'bright' side, hey! I don't have to make new ones this year!! Muhahahhaha. Yeah yeah I know, this is not the right way. But but . . . I need to comfort myself somehow that something went 'right' . . . =P
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Sailor Has Lost His Spinach
What in the world is going on here . . . Tasteless chicken, medicore cajun fries, soso mash potato and new coleslaw recipe. This is simply the more expensive version of KFC! Wait . . . it's not even up to KFC's standard! Blasphemy!!!
My darling and I have been regulars at Changi T1's Popeye's. We would drive all the way there just to savour the chicken. And they used to serve great tasty chicken. Even though their coleslaw wasn't really up to par, we gave KFC a pass just because the chicken was juicer, more succulent and downright tastier than KFC's. It even made it into my foodplaces list.
So the shock and agony of today's dinner at Popeye's really made me pissed. First, we noticed that they had made changes to menu. Our staple menu selection was a 4pcs chicken set with 3 sides and 2 drinks. But now they changed it to 4pcs chicken with 1 side and 1 drink . . . Crap. We had to order the 2pcs chicken set and top that off with another 2 sides to meet our usual order.
Next was the stab in the heart. What happen with the chicken!!?? I took one bite of it, and straight off knew they had done unspeakable nonsense to the famous chicken. It was totally tasteless . . . just plain fried chicken, not even with salt! What happen to the herb marinated chicken which they used to serve?? Bah! It truely boggles my mind to understand the reasoning for changing the recipe of a proven favourite to something so medicore . . . Are they trying to lose their business?
Whatever they are trying to do, they are losing this one customer . . . Unless they wake up and revert back. I might just try again in another month to confirm the change, but only because I wanted it so much to be untrue, to be able to say that it was just an unfortunate blip. Nonetheless, Popeye's status on my food list is now put on temporarily probation. Oh, I hope it's just a case of him missing his dose of spinach . . .
My darling and I have been regulars at Changi T1's Popeye's. We would drive all the way there just to savour the chicken. And they used to serve great tasty chicken. Even though their coleslaw wasn't really up to par, we gave KFC a pass just because the chicken was juicer, more succulent and downright tastier than KFC's. It even made it into my foodplaces list.
So the shock and agony of today's dinner at Popeye's really made me pissed. First, we noticed that they had made changes to menu. Our staple menu selection was a 4pcs chicken set with 3 sides and 2 drinks. But now they changed it to 4pcs chicken with 1 side and 1 drink . . . Crap. We had to order the 2pcs chicken set and top that off with another 2 sides to meet our usual order.
Next was the stab in the heart. What happen with the chicken!!?? I took one bite of it, and straight off knew they had done unspeakable nonsense to the famous chicken. It was totally tasteless . . . just plain fried chicken, not even with salt! What happen to the herb marinated chicken which they used to serve?? Bah! It truely boggles my mind to understand the reasoning for changing the recipe of a proven favourite to something so medicore . . . Are they trying to lose their business?
Whatever they are trying to do, they are losing this one customer . . . Unless they wake up and revert back. I might just try again in another month to confirm the change, but only because I wanted it so much to be untrue, to be able to say that it was just an unfortunate blip. Nonetheless, Popeye's status on my food list is now put on temporarily probation. Oh, I hope it's just a case of him missing his dose of spinach . . .
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
So This Is How Dolphins Communicate . . .
Poor Meimei. She has been besieged by a serious bout of ulcers. And these are the big bad nasty ones, the ones that hurt with the slightest move of the tongue. It was so bad, she had to use her HP to type out her messages when we had dinner together today. Poor thing *kiss. Hmmm but on the 'bright' side, I did learn how dolphins communicate from this, hehe.
You see, she was making sounds of the words she wanted to say because she couldn't move her tongue or mouth. So there were the squeek squeek, ummm ummm, hmm hmm, aihuh aihuh sounds. Even the usual muack became muah muah. Hehehe so cute. Most ladys would be in bad mood and throwing tantrums because of the pain. But not her. She was able to find the funny side to lighten things up. Thats why I love her to bits, the bright sparkle in my life.
You see, she was making sounds of the words she wanted to say because she couldn't move her tongue or mouth. So there were the squeek squeek, ummm ummm, hmm hmm, aihuh aihuh sounds. Even the usual muack became muah muah. Hehehe so cute. Most ladys would be in bad mood and throwing tantrums because of the pain. But not her. She was able to find the funny side to lighten things up. Thats why I love her to bits, the bright sparkle in my life.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Staying Afloat
So it's been close to a month since I was tasked to take over TD. With the P2P project in full force and other projects needing my constant attention, the transition with KL has been kinda slow. On hand I have roughly 4 major projects and many more minor ones. G*ru and T3resa have also been directing issues and problems my way too instead of WH. Hmmm, are they thinking I'm superman? Oh well, at least I am the go-to person right now. Which is good considering there have been alot of lay-offs in the company due to the impending recession and dismal financial results of the past 2 quarter. So my job is safe for now.
I'm threading carefully though, cos I know there is a good chance I might burnout. Having to juggle so many things at the same time, I've had to delegate some stuff to my supervisors. Thankfully they are rising to the challenge but as always things are never permanent but only temporary. One wrong move and things can come tumbling down real quick and spiral. This is the final drive to the year end and financial closing, so things are going to get rougher from here.
I've only had the time to blog today cos Meimei gave me a "Me Day" today. The pressure is coming from all sides and it's good to be able to sit infront of my computer and game without having to think of anything else. I'm surprised that being the lazy person I am, I'm still staying afloat. *cross-fingers* Let's hope it'll continue.
I'm threading carefully though, cos I know there is a good chance I might burnout. Having to juggle so many things at the same time, I've had to delegate some stuff to my supervisors. Thankfully they are rising to the challenge but as always things are never permanent but only temporary. One wrong move and things can come tumbling down real quick and spiral. This is the final drive to the year end and financial closing, so things are going to get rougher from here.
I've only had the time to blog today cos Meimei gave me a "Me Day" today. The pressure is coming from all sides and it's good to be able to sit infront of my computer and game without having to think of anything else. I'm surprised that being the lazy person I am, I'm still staying afloat. *cross-fingers* Let's hope it'll continue.
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Big 30 . . .
One-third of my life has passed. One-third!!! Seriously, it's shocking how fast time passes. Thinking back the last 30 years of my life, most of it is a blur. I'm not one for pictures or memories, but now I regret not chronicling them. Memories, in the end, it's what we have to bring along with us.
My birthday passed with out much fanfare. I had to work on the day like I've always had to . . . having birthdays on the last day of the month and working in Finance doesn't mix well. Meimei brought me to this nice cozy restaurant at Central. Good ambience and service, though the food was passable. I like low-key and *kiss thankfully Meimei knows me all too well.
So 30 . . . hmm a weird juncture in life. The next few years are going to be very exciting. Yet I dread having to turn 30 so soon. Guess I just like the boyhood comforts and the carefree-ness of youth. Good thing I get to share the next two-thirds of life with Meimei. That's the biggest encouragement to take the step towards the future.
My birthday passed with out much fanfare. I had to work on the day like I've always had to . . . having birthdays on the last day of the month and working in Finance doesn't mix well. Meimei brought me to this nice cozy restaurant at Central. Good ambience and service, though the food was passable. I like low-key and *kiss thankfully Meimei knows me all too well.
So 30 . . . hmm a weird juncture in life. The next few years are going to be very exciting. Yet I dread having to turn 30 so soon. Guess I just like the boyhood comforts and the carefree-ness of youth. Good thing I get to share the next two-thirds of life with Meimei. That's the biggest encouragement to take the step towards the future.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
2 Times the Accountant
Interesting development at work today.
I just sat down after morning coffee and out of the blue T*resa walked into my cubicle. "Huh?" I thought. Nevermind let's see what she has to say.
"Ivan, you are a ACCA graduate right? Have you done GL before" "Yahh . . . ??" I was scrambling to think of where she is going with this. "Ok, not sure if you have heard about it, but KL just tendered last Wednesday the 15th and her last day is next month 14th." "Oh shit . . . I didn't know about that." "As you know I'm going for my maternity leave so I can't get a replacement for her right now. I've talked it through with HR and I want you to take over TD Finance till I come back." "Oh ok . . ." "In the meantime, we are proposing to ask CY to come over to take over your team temporarily. Then when I come back we'll hire another person to take over AP and you can come over permanently."
Up to here I was kinda on the receiving end, mostly due to minor shock of hearing KL leaving and more importantly that someone else is coming over to take over my team, which I've painstakely build up over the past months. I would think my team is the strongest at the moment among the 4 under T*resa, and to have it taken away jolted me.
"Hmmm, I think I can take over TD at the moment while still managing my team. My team is very efficient and I'm sure I can manage both teams." In retrospect, most people would say I'm crazy to be taking 2 teams, but I didn't want to give up my team, yet I can't say no to T*resa. Thus I took the risk and said I wanted both . . .
"Ok, set. I'll go propose to G*ru now to have you take over TD and CY to come over." "Oh ok . . ." Wait, didn't she hear what I just said? Bah . . . it was more of a "informing you" conversation rather than a discussion up to now.
So off she went to G*ru's office. Then half an hour later she came back. "Ok just discussed with G*ru. He is not comfortable with CY coming over and having a look at our things. So we have decided that you will take both teams temporarily. Are you able to cope with that?" "Hmm should be ok." "How about I transfer P2P project to WH?" "Nope, it's ok, I want to run the project." "Ok, then we'll transfer the payment checking to him ok?" "Yup, sure." And that was it. I have to now break into 2, sharing my time with 2 teams. Hopefully this pans out.
Detour: I was tasked as the P2P project representative for AP ahead of WH a few days ago. WH didn't take it too well. But I'm not giving up this opportunity, considering he was supposed to be the Workflow project lead but I did most of the setup instead. I think G*ru and T*resa saw it and decided to appoint me as the project lead instead, rather than giving WH a name in the P2P project, like what happen with Workflow.
After thought: Am I taking more than I can handle? Hmm maybe. But this is also a very very good opportunity to show my abilities. It's kinda do or die thing. If I survive, I suspect I can go further in this company. Fail and it's byebye. So the next 6 months are the most critical period in my career at this company. I'm going to try my best and pull through it. *Jia you!!!!*
I just sat down after morning coffee and out of the blue T*resa walked into my cubicle. "Huh?" I thought. Nevermind let's see what she has to say.
"Ivan, you are a ACCA graduate right? Have you done GL before" "Yahh . . . ??" I was scrambling to think of where she is going with this. "Ok, not sure if you have heard about it, but KL just tendered last Wednesday the 15th and her last day is next month 14th." "Oh shit . . . I didn't know about that." "As you know I'm going for my maternity leave so I can't get a replacement for her right now. I've talked it through with HR and I want you to take over TD Finance till I come back." "Oh ok . . ." "In the meantime, we are proposing to ask CY to come over to take over your team temporarily. Then when I come back we'll hire another person to take over AP and you can come over permanently."
Up to here I was kinda on the receiving end, mostly due to minor shock of hearing KL leaving and more importantly that someone else is coming over to take over my team, which I've painstakely build up over the past months. I would think my team is the strongest at the moment among the 4 under T*resa, and to have it taken away jolted me.
"Hmmm, I think I can take over TD at the moment while still managing my team. My team is very efficient and I'm sure I can manage both teams." In retrospect, most people would say I'm crazy to be taking 2 teams, but I didn't want to give up my team, yet I can't say no to T*resa. Thus I took the risk and said I wanted both . . .
"Ok, set. I'll go propose to G*ru now to have you take over TD and CY to come over." "Oh ok . . ." Wait, didn't she hear what I just said? Bah . . . it was more of a "informing you" conversation rather than a discussion up to now.
So off she went to G*ru's office. Then half an hour later she came back. "Ok just discussed with G*ru. He is not comfortable with CY coming over and having a look at our things. So we have decided that you will take both teams temporarily. Are you able to cope with that?" "Hmm should be ok." "How about I transfer P2P project to WH?" "Nope, it's ok, I want to run the project." "Ok, then we'll transfer the payment checking to him ok?" "Yup, sure." And that was it. I have to now break into 2, sharing my time with 2 teams. Hopefully this pans out.
Detour: I was tasked as the P2P project representative for AP ahead of WH a few days ago. WH didn't take it too well. But I'm not giving up this opportunity, considering he was supposed to be the Workflow project lead but I did most of the setup instead. I think G*ru and T*resa saw it and decided to appoint me as the project lead instead, rather than giving WH a name in the P2P project, like what happen with Workflow.
After thought: Am I taking more than I can handle? Hmm maybe. But this is also a very very good opportunity to show my abilities. It's kinda do or die thing. If I survive, I suspect I can go further in this company. Fail and it's byebye. So the next 6 months are the most critical period in my career at this company. I'm going to try my best and pull through it. *Jia you!!!!*
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Police Car Mystery
Ok, finally the mystery of the white land rover with the electronic signboard has been solved! It is indeed a police car, abit looking nothing like one when it doesn't turn on it's sirens. See: This is police vehicle
I chanced on the police car again on PIE today. This time it had 4 police escort motorcycles with it. You could see it from a mile away with it's siren lights on. Hmm I didn't notice them the other few times I saw it, well I guess mostly because they weren't turned on and it was dark in the night.
Anyways, it has a SGX XXXXL car plate number. I still find it weird that a police vehicle would have normal car plate. Nevermind, at least one of the mysteries of the Singapore roads have been solved. Now . . . what could a real life American-sized cow be doing on the expressway?
I chanced on the police car again on PIE today. This time it had 4 police escort motorcycles with it. You could see it from a mile away with it's siren lights on. Hmm I didn't notice them the other few times I saw it, well I guess mostly because they weren't turned on and it was dark in the night.
Anyways, it has a SGX XXXXL car plate number. I still find it weird that a police vehicle would have normal car plate. Nevermind, at least one of the mysteries of the Singapore roads have been solved. Now . . . what could a real life American-sized cow be doing on the expressway?
Monday, October 6, 2008
Nicotine Termination Notice - May 2009
"My dad just mentioned to me to ask you to quit by May next year." "Huh???!!!" "My grandmother is celebrating her 85th Birthday next May and wants to meet you." "What???!!! How did this happen???"
I've just been given a deadline to quit my puffing. May 2009 . . . 8 months from now. Apparently I was used as a bait to get Meimei's grandmother to celebrate her 85th Bday at a restaurant. A bait . . . without my consent! Oh well, it's kinda nice that Meimei's papa actually thought of me. At least that shows I have some kind of standing now. But bait??!! Darn I feel like a little worm on the end of a fishing rod. But nevermind, the more important thing is May 2009. *faint . . . "You've been served."
I've just been given a deadline to quit my puffing. May 2009 . . . 8 months from now. Apparently I was used as a bait to get Meimei's grandmother to celebrate her 85th Bday at a restaurant. A bait . . . without my consent! Oh well, it's kinda nice that Meimei's papa actually thought of me. At least that shows I have some kind of standing now. But bait??!! Darn I feel like a little worm on the end of a fishing rod. But nevermind, the more important thing is May 2009. *faint . . . "You've been served."
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Let Me In Honey!!
Weird weird thing happen today.
Day started out a normal saturday. Then it got worst and worst by the hour. First I woke up with a sniff. Then right after coffee my nose starts to drip. Drip, drip, drip, Achooo!!! Oops, feel a sneezing pan coming.
Before leaving the house to meet Meimei, tried looking for the $150 Robinson vouchers. I know I misplaced them. But now after ransacking the house and car, it's no where to be found and finally dawned on me that I losted it. Darn it . . . $150 gone. I could have just went there and bought useless stuff . . . At least I have the useless stuff, not like now, empty handed and a foul mood instead for being stupid.
Lunch was at Simpang Bedok Yong Tao Hu. I'm not sure if it was my cold or general lousy mood but it tasted bland. I didn't complain about it to Meimei as the day was already bad enough. We were hit with bad traffic and went in circles to get here. Nevermind I thought, must be me . . . seriously it tasted bad, but I could just be me . . .
Went to Courts to check out cameras. Bought a cutesy pink wireless mouse for Meimei. Oh and tried the Latte and Cheesecake at the O'Brien outlet in Courts . . . Crap nonsense . . . the cheesecake Meimei made was so much better than this! Anyways we went walking around, looked through the warehouse sale. All this while I was sneezing badly and Meimei finally made the call to go home. I was too weak by that time to protest and went along.
We went back to the car and as usual I stick my key into the keyhole. *Twist . . . eh? something is stuck . . . I can't turn my key all the way . . . *try again. Oh shit . . . something's not right.
Apparently my car's central locking system just went kuku . . . I can't open the door on the driver's side. Which means . . . I have to climb in by the passenger side and squeeze into my seat! What in the world is happening! Everything is breaking apart! Honestly . . . is it because I just got my pay? So much crap has happened since the turn of the year that it's no longer funny. Phhhffffff.
Day started out a normal saturday. Then it got worst and worst by the hour. First I woke up with a sniff. Then right after coffee my nose starts to drip. Drip, drip, drip, Achooo!!! Oops, feel a sneezing pan coming.
Before leaving the house to meet Meimei, tried looking for the $150 Robinson vouchers. I know I misplaced them. But now after ransacking the house and car, it's no where to be found and finally dawned on me that I losted it. Darn it . . . $150 gone. I could have just went there and bought useless stuff . . . At least I have the useless stuff, not like now, empty handed and a foul mood instead for being stupid.
Lunch was at Simpang Bedok Yong Tao Hu. I'm not sure if it was my cold or general lousy mood but it tasted bland. I didn't complain about it to Meimei as the day was already bad enough. We were hit with bad traffic and went in circles to get here. Nevermind I thought, must be me . . . seriously it tasted bad, but I could just be me . . .
Went to Courts to check out cameras. Bought a cutesy pink wireless mouse for Meimei. Oh and tried the Latte and Cheesecake at the O'Brien outlet in Courts . . . Crap nonsense . . . the cheesecake Meimei made was so much better than this! Anyways we went walking around, looked through the warehouse sale. All this while I was sneezing badly and Meimei finally made the call to go home. I was too weak by that time to protest and went along.
We went back to the car and as usual I stick my key into the keyhole. *Twist . . . eh? something is stuck . . . I can't turn my key all the way . . . *try again. Oh shit . . . something's not right.
Apparently my car's central locking system just went kuku . . . I can't open the door on the driver's side. Which means . . . I have to climb in by the passenger side and squeeze into my seat! What in the world is happening! Everything is breaking apart! Honestly . . . is it because I just got my pay? So much crap has happened since the turn of the year that it's no longer funny. Phhhffffff.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Shanghai Ren Jia
Lao Da brought us to a new place today. It's supposedly reputable for it's authentic Shanghainese Food. We ordered several items, like the usual Xiao Long Bao, Jia Xiang Mien, Fried Bao, etc.
The item I loved the most was the Black-Butt Bao aka Fried Bao. . . Yum! haha. This is seriously good, though I got burned on the lips by the hot oil while trying the first one. The filling is normal, but it's the aroma of the bao-bread that struck a cord with my taste buds. Definitely one to come back for.
The item I loved the most was the Black-Butt Bao aka Fried Bao. . . Yum! haha. This is seriously good, though I got burned on the lips by the hot oil while trying the first one. The filling is normal, but it's the aroma of the bao-bread that struck a cord with my taste buds. Definitely one to come back for.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Feast@East The Buffet Restaurant
I was at Roxy Square today for off-site training. Car is still in the workshop, so I took a cab from home to meet Meimei for breakfast. Meimei was so nice, accompanying me to Roxy hehehe. We had Mc Donald's breakfast. Love a slow and quiet morning hehe. After that she got on a bus home and I was off to the Roxy Hotel for my Advanced Coaching training.
The highlight of the day though was the lunch. I was half expecting it to be another normal passable buffet lunch. But surprisingly I enjoyed it very much. It even has durian paste for dessert. Michelle from TM was at my table and she mentioned the chef of the place actually came from Ellenborough market cafe, which is famous for their durian paste. Hmmm interesting. No wonder they have it here. And it's not just the paste. They have a variety of desserts and a pretty decent selection for appetizers and main course. I enjoyed it enough to even take a brochure for Meimei to have a look. I think I'll be back at this place again. Hehehe Yum!
The highlight of the day though was the lunch. I was half expecting it to be another normal passable buffet lunch. But surprisingly I enjoyed it very much. It even has durian paste for dessert. Michelle from TM was at my table and she mentioned the chef of the place actually came from Ellenborough market cafe, which is famous for their durian paste. Hmmm interesting. No wonder they have it here. And it's not just the paste. They have a variety of desserts and a pretty decent selection for appetizers and main course. I enjoyed it enough to even take a brochure for Meimei to have a look. I think I'll be back at this place again. Hehehe Yum!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
MRT & Bus - This Feels Weird
I'm sure i'm gonna get a lot of flak for saying this. "It's been so long, so this is how riding on the MRT feels like". Yeah yeah, go ahead and flame away, scrowl and complain all you want. It's the truth I've not taken an MRT ride for the past 5 years. Nothing to be ashamed off nor am I being proud about it. Just stating a simple fact.
Anyways, with my car at the workshop, I took a cab to Bedok to meet Meimei. Ouch $30, wow this is more expensive than driving! And if things couldn't get any worst. The workshop called me close to lunch time that the total cost to replace the bonnet and spraypaint is not $580, but $1200 now. Damn! There goes all my money this month. Crap, I could have claim the insurance, pay $400 for the excess and be done with it . . . Seriously pissed.
Anyways back to the MRT, smells weird. It has a plastickey smell . . . very weird. But besides that, I feel a general sense of nostalgia. Hahaha, 5 years is a long time you know. I even had to borrow a E-links card from Meimei. Good to experience it though, brings you back to reality.
Oh yes, let's not forget the bus ride. We took a ride from Suntec to Changi Airport for Popeye's. It's like my old school days! Hahahaha.
Anyways, with my car at the workshop, I took a cab to Bedok to meet Meimei. Ouch $30, wow this is more expensive than driving! And if things couldn't get any worst. The workshop called me close to lunch time that the total cost to replace the bonnet and spraypaint is not $580, but $1200 now. Damn! There goes all my money this month. Crap, I could have claim the insurance, pay $400 for the excess and be done with it . . . Seriously pissed.
Anyways back to the MRT, smells weird. It has a plastickey smell . . . very weird. But besides that, I feel a general sense of nostalgia. Hahaha, 5 years is a long time you know. I even had to borrow a E-links card from Meimei. Good to experience it though, brings you back to reality.
Oh yes, let's not forget the bus ride. We took a ride from Suntec to Changi Airport for Popeye's. It's like my old school days! Hahahaha.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Making a Claim?
I brought the car to IDAC yesterday. Filled out the form and approached the counter when my number blinked. "Eh, sorry sir, we do not process AIA insured cars here. AIA doesn't use IDAC" "Huh? What? I thought every motor insurance uses IDAC for accident reporting?" "Nope, AIA doesn't. Sorry sir, we can't help you."
Ah what nonsense. Ok nvm, called up AIA and thankfully they have a authorised reporting center at Orix which is just round the corner. So I drove off in search of it. I keep seeing it on the opposite side of the road but could never get a clear way to get there. In the end it took me 5 rounds around the entire industrial estate to get to the entrance of Orix. Phhhffff.
So I sat at the counter to fill up the form again. This time there is a customer service rep to help me write down the details. All I had to do was to tell him what happened. Then came the time to indicate whether to claim insurance on the repairs or not. The rep took a look at the car and said the repairs would cost something between 2-3 thousand. So I called my dad to ask for his opinion. I told him I wanted to claim the excess (paying just $400 with the insurance company paying for the rest), but what I got was a dressing down. He literally blow his top at me. What the hell! . . .
Nevermind, since you don't want me to claim insurance. Fine, I won't. I made the report and drove over to a workshop just round the corner (haha, everything is close by) recommended by Ah Ming. He helpfully came down from his office to check in the car for me. Quote for replacing the bonnet and spray painting came to $580. Hmm ok, not too bad. So I left the car with the workshop.
Ah what nonsense. Ok nvm, called up AIA and thankfully they have a authorised reporting center at Orix which is just round the corner. So I drove off in search of it. I keep seeing it on the opposite side of the road but could never get a clear way to get there. In the end it took me 5 rounds around the entire industrial estate to get to the entrance of Orix. Phhhffff.
So I sat at the counter to fill up the form again. This time there is a customer service rep to help me write down the details. All I had to do was to tell him what happened. Then came the time to indicate whether to claim insurance on the repairs or not. The rep took a look at the car and said the repairs would cost something between 2-3 thousand. So I called my dad to ask for his opinion. I told him I wanted to claim the excess (paying just $400 with the insurance company paying for the rest), but what I got was a dressing down. He literally blow his top at me. What the hell! . . .
Nevermind, since you don't want me to claim insurance. Fine, I won't. I made the report and drove over to a workshop just round the corner (haha, everything is close by) recommended by Ah Ming. He helpfully came down from his office to check in the car for me. Quote for replacing the bonnet and spray painting came to $580. Hmm ok, not too bad. So I left the car with the workshop.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Ping Pong Pang!
Bad bad bad . . . How did this shit happen again . . .
Can't really remember much. One moment I was on the filter lane to get into PIE from Macpherson. I turned my head right to check my blind spot. Next, "Stop!!!" . . . I jammed the brakes. As I hear the brakes screeched, I see the back of the lorry slowly coming towards me. It was only a few seconds, but the scene took an eternity. Damnit, I'm at the butt of the lorry . . .
It seems another lorry infront had came to a sudden stop. And the following car and lorry jammed their brakes to avoid hitting. I was next . . . but sadly I couldn't avoid a collision. My bonnet was dented. Mostly cosmetic damage. The lorry's tail bar got banged up. Other than that, not much damage. We exchanged phone numbers and personal details, took lots of pictures and went our own way. I'm not gonna go into the vivid details, because honestly I rather forget about this episode.
Can't really remember much. One moment I was on the filter lane to get into PIE from Macpherson. I turned my head right to check my blind spot. Next, "Stop!!!" . . . I jammed the brakes. As I hear the brakes screeched, I see the back of the lorry slowly coming towards me. It was only a few seconds, but the scene took an eternity. Damnit, I'm at the butt of the lorry . . .
It seems another lorry infront had came to a sudden stop. And the following car and lorry jammed their brakes to avoid hitting. I was next . . . but sadly I couldn't avoid a collision. My bonnet was dented. Mostly cosmetic damage. The lorry's tail bar got banged up. Other than that, not much damage. We exchanged phone numbers and personal details, took lots of pictures and went our own way. I'm not gonna go into the vivid details, because honestly I rather forget about this episode.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A Good Deed
I did a good deed today. Nothing much except I wished someone did the same for me when I was down on my luck.
It all started yesterday . . . (cue old man with bubbles forming into a thought cloud pic) hehe. I had just brought Meimei home from a wedding dinner at M Hotel and it had started to rain. As I walk along the pathway to the car, I noticed something on the floor. I went close to check it out and sure as the sun, it was a wallet. Looking like it was dropped by someone living nearby, or as I hoped. I ransacked it looking for a phone number so I could call the owner. All this while I was on the phone with Meimei telling her about my find.
Sidetrack - In the wallet: About 8 credit cards from all the banks in Singapore, 60+ dollars in cash, Driving licence, ID card, some name cards of his insurance agent, membership cards. Why would anyone need 8 credit cards?? If you have it, then you have it. Don't need so many to tell the world you have it. Phhffff.
In the end all I could find was an address. Oh . . . it's the same block as Meimei. So I went up to the 11th floor and banged on the door. But oh well, no one was home. Hmm I'll try this tomorrow night again.
Fast forward to tonight. The door was ajar as I approached. Then a lady came to the door looking suspiciously at me. "Yes? what do you want?" Damnit . . . I'm here to do a good deed and yet I'm being eyed like a criminal. "Does Mr. XXX live here?" "Yes, why are you looking for him?" (All this while she gives me the cold shoulder treatment) "I found his wallet last night. Is he in so I can pass it to him?" I pulled out the ID card and stuffed it into her face.
Now she looks stunned. "Oh! My brother dropped his wallet?? How careless of him!" Ding ding ding! Lightbulb blinking in my head . . . wait a sec, she is his sister or so she claims. She doesn't know he dropped his wallet? Hmmm is she really who she say she is? Hmmm.
"Is Mr XXX in? I'll like to pass the wallet to him personally." "No he isn't. But you can pass the wallet to me. I'm his sister." "Hmmm, but I rather pass it directly to him" This time it was my turn to eye her suspiciously. I looked at the ID picture, then stared at her, then at the address, then at the unit number. I think I was so obvious she caught it hahahah. She suddenly turned friendly and opened the grill door. She called her brother, hmm I couldn't catch her conversation, but I assume as much as she came back and told me her brother just told her about it over the phone.
Again, eyeing her with suspicion and distaste, I handled her the wallet. (Me thinking) "Oh well, this is the correct address. No sense wasting more time on this. Just get it off my hands before the owner decides to cast a bomoh spell on it. Can't be too careful with Indonesians."
She took it and first thing she went for was the cash. She was satisfied with the contents and turned to say "Hey, thanks. My brother would like to reward you with something." "Nah, it's ok. I have to go now." I walked to the elevator "No really, my brother is very thankful you brought his wallet back. Please wait." "No, it's ok. Just ask your brother to be careful next time." "Eh, do you live around here?" "No I don't live here, just came over to friend's place" "Oh does your friend live around here?" Hmmm, I getting a sense she is trying to flirt with me *Alarm bells* "Yes, my girlfriend lives around this area" "Oh ok . . ." She looks visibily disappointed. The elevator finally arrived and I scurried away.
Phew . . . why is returning a wallet so troublesome? Haiz, doesn't pay to be nice. But oh well, at least I know I did a good deed.
It all started yesterday . . . (cue old man with bubbles forming into a thought cloud pic) hehe. I had just brought Meimei home from a wedding dinner at M Hotel and it had started to rain. As I walk along the pathway to the car, I noticed something on the floor. I went close to check it out and sure as the sun, it was a wallet. Looking like it was dropped by someone living nearby, or as I hoped. I ransacked it looking for a phone number so I could call the owner. All this while I was on the phone with Meimei telling her about my find.
Sidetrack - In the wallet: About 8 credit cards from all the banks in Singapore, 60+ dollars in cash, Driving licence, ID card, some name cards of his insurance agent, membership cards. Why would anyone need 8 credit cards?? If you have it, then you have it. Don't need so many to tell the world you have it. Phhffff.
In the end all I could find was an address. Oh . . . it's the same block as Meimei. So I went up to the 11th floor and banged on the door. But oh well, no one was home. Hmm I'll try this tomorrow night again.
Fast forward to tonight. The door was ajar as I approached. Then a lady came to the door looking suspiciously at me. "Yes? what do you want?" Damnit . . . I'm here to do a good deed and yet I'm being eyed like a criminal. "Does Mr. XXX live here?" "Yes, why are you looking for him?" (All this while she gives me the cold shoulder treatment) "I found his wallet last night. Is he in so I can pass it to him?" I pulled out the ID card and stuffed it into her face.
Now she looks stunned. "Oh! My brother dropped his wallet?? How careless of him!" Ding ding ding! Lightbulb blinking in my head . . . wait a sec, she is his sister or so she claims. She doesn't know he dropped his wallet? Hmmm is she really who she say she is? Hmmm.
"Is Mr XXX in? I'll like to pass the wallet to him personally." "No he isn't. But you can pass the wallet to me. I'm his sister." "Hmmm, but I rather pass it directly to him" This time it was my turn to eye her suspiciously. I looked at the ID picture, then stared at her, then at the address, then at the unit number. I think I was so obvious she caught it hahahah. She suddenly turned friendly and opened the grill door. She called her brother, hmm I couldn't catch her conversation, but I assume as much as she came back and told me her brother just told her about it over the phone.
Again, eyeing her with suspicion and distaste, I handled her the wallet. (Me thinking) "Oh well, this is the correct address. No sense wasting more time on this. Just get it off my hands before the owner decides to cast a bomoh spell on it. Can't be too careful with Indonesians."
She took it and first thing she went for was the cash. She was satisfied with the contents and turned to say "Hey, thanks. My brother would like to reward you with something." "Nah, it's ok. I have to go now." I walked to the elevator "No really, my brother is very thankful you brought his wallet back. Please wait." "No, it's ok. Just ask your brother to be careful next time." "Eh, do you live around here?" "No I don't live here, just came over to friend's place" "Oh does your friend live around here?" Hmmm, I getting a sense she is trying to flirt with me *Alarm bells* "Yes, my girlfriend lives around this area" "Oh ok . . ." She looks visibily disappointed. The elevator finally arrived and I scurried away.
Phew . . . why is returning a wallet so troublesome? Haiz, doesn't pay to be nice. But oh well, at least I know I did a good deed.
Friday, August 22, 2008
This is a Police Vehicle . . .
I just chanced on something very peculiar on our roads. "This is a police vehicle. Please stay clear. Thank you." reads the electronic scrolling signboard on the back windscreen of a normal SUV with normal car licence plate. Wait a second. What is this? A police car? Nope, no siren on it's top. Special car plates? Nope, normal car plates. Uniformed police? Nope, a lady in the mid-forties in the driver seat.
I've seen this twice now on PIE while on my way home at night. I seriously wonder if that is truly a police vehicle . . . Seriously, are we allowed to do that if it wasn't a police car? Searches on the web came up with nothing. So I'm still bewildered by it and yet curious at the same time. If any police officer is reading this, could you kindly enlightened me? I'll have to do a more thorough search. It's itching me, because it looks like someone is masquerading as a police car . . . I'll hold that thought till told otherwise. Next time I see it, I'll make sure to get the exact licence plate number.
I've seen this twice now on PIE while on my way home at night. I seriously wonder if that is truly a police vehicle . . . Seriously, are we allowed to do that if it wasn't a police car? Searches on the web came up with nothing. So I'm still bewildered by it and yet curious at the same time. If any police officer is reading this, could you kindly enlightened me? I'll have to do a more thorough search. It's itching me, because it looks like someone is masquerading as a police car . . . I'll hold that thought till told otherwise. Next time I see it, I'll make sure to get the exact licence plate number.
Even Numbers
I just discovered another quirk. Seems I've had this all the while but never noticed (Read my other post on quirks My Little Quirks). Anyways, this one is pretty simple and you wouldn't really notice it.
Volume at Even Numbers on the Car Radio
Yes, I don't know why but I just have to put the volume at an even number. If I want to move the volume louder or softer, I do it in intervals of 2. So it'll always be at volume 8, 10, 12, 14 etc. It just irks me if it was at an odd number. My body will feel uneasy and tense. Weird? Yeah I think so too. Come to think of it, I do the same on my home radio!
Honestly I think sub-consciously I associate even numbers with roundness, warm, right. And odd numbers as pokey, out of place, wrong. Seriously weird but oh well that's how I am.
Volume at Even Numbers on the Car Radio
Yes, I don't know why but I just have to put the volume at an even number. If I want to move the volume louder or softer, I do it in intervals of 2. So it'll always be at volume 8, 10, 12, 14 etc. It just irks me if it was at an odd number. My body will feel uneasy and tense. Weird? Yeah I think so too. Come to think of it, I do the same on my home radio!
Honestly I think sub-consciously I associate even numbers with roundness, warm, right. And odd numbers as pokey, out of place, wrong. Seriously weird but oh well that's how I am.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The Istana
My first ever walk into the Istana. I'm nearing the big 30 and never once did I ever thought of going into the Istana, home of our President. I must have passed it a million times but the curious part of me to explore never appeared. For those who would like to find out more about the Istana (in the comforts of home), you can go to www.Istana.gov.sg/.
" I really don't know how I let you talk me into this . . . " " Is there anywhere we can get water here? " " My whole back is wet and so are my armpits . . . "(Spoken) Arhmm, ok a better word would be complain. " My legs are breaking! " " Oh my eyes! my eyes! I'm going blind from the scorching sun!" (Thought) Hmm the thought part was exaggerated hehe. I still love you dear!
So we braved the hot sun, the crowds, the long winding slope, the agony and climbed our way to the Istana Main Building. It was well worth it . . . we saw our President live! Straight in the flesh! Meimei was so excited and we managed to get a picture of him! He was on his Meet-the-People sessions hehe. It's not everyday that you get to meet them in person you know. So yeah it was well worth it. We even toured the ground floor and viewed priceless artifacts from other countries. If only the guard at the stairs would look away, I would have sneak up for a private viewing heheheh.
All in all it was a pretty good day, topped off with a magnificient dinner at the Korea foodcourt stall at the Le Meridien Hotel.
So today Istana was having an open house and Meimei decided to go check it out as well. She has never been there too, though not as surprising as me, considering she wasn't born a Singaporean. She is one now though so it's free entry for her hehe. So anyways we loitered in Plaza Singapura till about 3.30pm before we finally went in.
" I really don't know how I let you talk me into this . . . " " Is there anywhere we can get water here? " " My whole back is wet and so are my armpits . . . "(Spoken) Arhmm, ok a better word would be complain. " My legs are breaking! " " Oh my eyes! my eyes! I'm going blind from the scorching sun!" (Thought) Hmm the thought part was exaggerated hehe. I still love you dear!
So we braved the hot sun, the crowds, the long winding slope, the agony and climbed our way to the Istana Main Building. It was well worth it . . . we saw our President live! Straight in the flesh! Meimei was so excited and we managed to get a picture of him! He was on his Meet-the-People sessions hehe. It's not everyday that you get to meet them in person you know. So yeah it was well worth it. We even toured the ground floor and viewed priceless artifacts from other countries. If only the guard at the stairs would look away, I would have sneak up for a private viewing heheheh.
All in all it was a pretty good day, topped off with a magnificient dinner at the Korea foodcourt stall at the Le Meridien Hotel.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Bug Attack!
It gave me a fright. I was taking my first step into my room to turn on the lights. Suddenly I felt a sharp pain on my foot and immediately jerked upwards. On came the lights and there it was, a huge beetle about 8 cm long scurring away. The pic on the right isn't doing it justice. It looks so small in a big size NTUC plastic bag.As I hopped on one leg, I shouted and shouted for help. But no one heard me. So I screamed at the top of my voice for my dad, who then came running up the stairs with a lizard swat. It was hiding in a corner when we found it. My dad proceeded to whack the nuts out of it. Amazingly after about ten whacks ... it was still alive and cricketing away. Eventually we had to use a wooden pole to it. And it took 2 hits before it finally died.
I hope the sting wasn't poisonous . . .
Friday, July 25, 2008
Colours of the Night
Today was a slow day at the office. SAP was down due to the upgrade implementation and so basically there wasn't much to do. Most of my team were on time-off leave. But that means I have more time to tidy up loose ends and of course go meet Meimei for lunch hahaha.
The night was more interesting. It's the 2nd weekend of the Night Festival @ National Museum. The highlight of the night was the lighting display. Our National Museum turned into multi-colour from the projection of the lights.
Pretty good day, especially with the cool weather. Only problem was my constipation . . . It's been a week and still no luck. I bought a packet of prunes on the way home . . . hopefully it'll help.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Anniversary Leave . . . More to Come? Hmmmm
My company has this weird 'benefit', the Annivesary Leave. Not sure what is the attraction of having this benefit, but I guess management must be thinking, "Heh, maybe people will look away that we are trying to cut staff cost, cutting OT pay, cutting other privileges and stay in the company to enjoy their Anniversary Leave!" "Maybe NOT! . . ." Oh well since I'm getting it, I'm using it hahaha.
Meimei and I met early at 9 plus to open our first joint bank account at Standard Chartered. Then it was off to Orchard for karaoke. I sucked at singing . . . seriously. After that we were at Meimei's place for CSI season 8 marathon before we went for dinner at blk 511. We ended the day with another episode and it was time for me to go home.
Pretty good day, if you ignore that it rained the entire day. Just happy I could laze the day away with my baby hehe. Hope I can do this again soon.
Meimei and I met early at 9 plus to open our first joint bank account at Standard Chartered. Then it was off to Orchard for karaoke. I sucked at singing . . . seriously. After that we were at Meimei's place for CSI season 8 marathon before we went for dinner at blk 511. We ended the day with another episode and it was time for me to go home.
Pretty good day, if you ignore that it rained the entire day. Just happy I could laze the day away with my baby hehe. Hope I can do this again soon.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thai & a Bat Night
Went to pick up Meimei for dinner. We settled on Thai Express after deliberating for my entire trip to her office (we were discussing over handphone). We went to the outlet at Serangoon Gardens. As usual, rubbing my Meimei's palm turned out to be a charm. We found a lot just as we entered the carpark.
We had my fav 'Yam Talay Woon Sen', which is seafood salad with glass noodles. The thing I love about this simple dish is that it packs a spicy tingle that just opens up your appetite. I had 'Woon Sen Tom Yum Kang' aka crayfish with red tom yum soup and glass noodles as my main which turned out to be an expensive loser. My meimei had soft shelled crab with rice. Oh yah there was the prawn toast which taste as good as before. Overall, it was a pretty good meal, though a little more expensive on the price to shiokness ratio. Blame it on the measly crayfish haha.
Next we went off to Bishan Junction 8 to catch The Dark Knight. Wow ... this has to be the best Batman movie I've ever seen, what with it's twists and turns. It's so much more than the usual good guy beats off the bad guy, grabs the babe and walks off into the sunset plot. My my ... this Batman has a plot and a good one too. It evokes more feelings than your normal run-of-the-mill superhero movie. I was heaping praises the moment we walked out the theatre. Meimei loved it too, though she was more thrilled at the lead actor Christian Bale than anything else ... Looks like I have a new competitor!
We had my fav 'Yam Talay Woon Sen', which is seafood salad with glass noodles. The thing I love about this simple dish is that it packs a spicy tingle that just opens up your appetite. I had 'Woon Sen Tom Yum Kang' aka crayfish with red tom yum soup and glass noodles as my main which turned out to be an expensive loser. My meimei had soft shelled crab with rice. Oh yah there was the prawn toast which taste as good as before. Overall, it was a pretty good meal, though a little more expensive on the price to shiokness ratio. Blame it on the measly crayfish haha.
Next we went off to Bishan Junction 8 to catch The Dark Knight. Wow ... this has to be the best Batman movie I've ever seen, what with it's twists and turns. It's so much more than the usual good guy beats off the bad guy, grabs the babe and walks off into the sunset plot. My my ... this Batman has a plot and a good one too. It evokes more feelings than your normal run-of-the-mill superhero movie. I was heaping praises the moment we walked out the theatre. Meimei loved it too, though she was more thrilled at the lead actor Christian Bale than anything else ... Looks like I have a new competitor!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Chilli Padi Nonya Cafe
Been a busy day today. Had a pep talk with one of my staff. My boss seems to be a little irritated by me . . . Don't know why.
As usual our food guru Lao Da brought us to a new makan place. He has such an array of good eateries that we are tempted to make him join us for dinner every week haha.
This week's new spot is at Chilli Padi Nonya Cafe on North Bridge Road opposite Bugis Junction. It's an inconspicuous little restaurant, one I would never have walked in, judging by the decor and settings. It looked like those old restaurants that sell Zhi Char in an air conditioned environment. Anyways we went in on Lao Da's recommendation and well I must say I was glad he brought us there. Their specialty is the nonya buffet which has a good spread. Well it's not The Line or Melt selection of foods but nevertheless for the price of NettSGD14.65 it was well worth the trip there.
I had several helpings and was fully satisfied. Plus Lao Da paid for it hahahaha . . . It's my turn next time! So yeah, it's a good day.
As usual our food guru Lao Da brought us to a new makan place. He has such an array of good eateries that we are tempted to make him join us for dinner every week haha.
This week's new spot is at Chilli Padi Nonya Cafe on North Bridge Road opposite Bugis Junction. It's an inconspicuous little restaurant, one I would never have walked in, judging by the decor and settings. It looked like those old restaurants that sell Zhi Char in an air conditioned environment. Anyways we went in on Lao Da's recommendation and well I must say I was glad he brought us there. Their specialty is the nonya buffet which has a good spread. Well it's not The Line or Melt selection of foods but nevertheless for the price of NettSGD14.65 it was well worth the trip there.
I had several helpings and was fully satisfied. Plus Lao Da paid for it hahahaha . . . It's my turn next time! So yeah, it's a good day.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Less Time, More Posts
It seems that with my job promotion, there is lesser time or in fact no more free time during office hours to update my blog. Plus I've always been updating only if there is something significant happening. Seriously though, what we tend to forget are the simple things in life. Which is why from today I'm gonna start writing short posts about my day whenever I can. Doesn't have to be special, maybe just talk about where I had dinner or something to that effect. I'll start off now by describing my day today hehe.
Woke up at 3pm today. Yeah yeah, I was out for a midnight movie (Red Cliff) the night before and only slept at 4am. And that was only because I didn't shower at all. I just slumped into bed and doze off till this afternoon.
Anyways, I lazed around for abit, trying to get my internet connection to work but failed miserably. At 5 I went to the nearby coffeeshop for Bee Hoon Goreng Cina before rushing off to Eu Tong Seng to pick up Meimei from her facial appointment.
Had dinner at her place with her parents and sis. I really need to learn to cook like her mum. Fantastic food! So savoury, so sweet, so so so ... darn good! I should go over for dinner more often hahaha. Well it's not to say dinner at home isn't just as pleasing but well, my mum just cooks in a different way. Teochews are simpler with their cooking.
After that we play majong till midnight. I had desserts before leaving and made it back home half past 12. Showered and resting while I write this post.
Looks like it's easier to keep things simple. I'm not writing more posts just to hit a good count, but I guess I don't wanna forget the simple things in life too. Like today is just as exciting as any other day with special events. Just takes a step back to appreciate the beauty of simple things.
Woke up at 3pm today. Yeah yeah, I was out for a midnight movie (Red Cliff) the night before and only slept at 4am. And that was only because I didn't shower at all. I just slumped into bed and doze off till this afternoon.
Anyways, I lazed around for abit, trying to get my internet connection to work but failed miserably. At 5 I went to the nearby coffeeshop for Bee Hoon Goreng Cina before rushing off to Eu Tong Seng to pick up Meimei from her facial appointment.
Had dinner at her place with her parents and sis. I really need to learn to cook like her mum. Fantastic food! So savoury, so sweet, so so so ... darn good! I should go over for dinner more often hahaha. Well it's not to say dinner at home isn't just as pleasing but well, my mum just cooks in a different way. Teochews are simpler with their cooking.
After that we play majong till midnight. I had desserts before leaving and made it back home half past 12. Showered and resting while I write this post.
Looks like it's easier to keep things simple. I'm not writing more posts just to hit a good count, but I guess I don't wanna forget the simple things in life too. Like today is just as exciting as any other day with special events. Just takes a step back to appreciate the beauty of simple things.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Anniversary
Today is our anniversary. And I only have this to give.
" Once I wish and yearn and lust,
Searching for thee I know I must,
Long has loneliness dull my trust,
To find a love I hope will last.
In midst of paper pens and stands,
There shines this light so bright and grand,
What is this so special my curiousity peak,
Could it be the guide my heart so seek?
An adventure so eagerly I embark,
One Mid-Summer Night is the start,
Determined to preserve and leave my mark,
A passion driven by cupid's dart.
A season pass in the blink of an eye,
So many memories left in my mind,
In hunger happiness and good crys,
Savouring more in our lives.
Our first year this great endeavor,
Many more ages to smooth our edges,
I thank thee for taking part,
A beginning to the end till death do us apart. "
- Pokpok, 04 July 2008
Our First Year
I felt guilty not having done more for our anniversary. I've never been one for celebrations and presents. But I know this is what my meimei wants, so no matter what next year I must!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Sugar, My Darling's Second Love
" Sugar my darling,
A cup of chocolate melting,
Tearing from the coldness,
I feel my heart fading.
Sugar my darling,
Your joy so alluring,
Sweetness in your smile,
I feel my heart wanting.
Sugar my darling,
Your sweetness so endearing,
Happiness is everything,
I feel my heart giving. "
- Pokpok, 16 June 2008
Sugar My Darling
My baby can't keep her hands off the Coffee Bean's Ice-Blended Pure Chocolate drink even though she is not supposed to be taking so much sugar. She insists that the drink is made of only cocoa, milk and ice . . . Oh well at least she is happy hehe.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wohoo! 5 Tables Only . . . A Step Closer to my Dream!
My parents have just returned yesterday from a 2 week vacation in Portugal. I was on talking terms again with Dad and judging by the looks of his mood and manner I decided to pounce an important question to him.
"Lao Ba, I was thinking hor . . . These days it's so expensive to get married. Everything also need money. Just a wedding dinner itself cost close to 20K. My army friends were telling me they spend about 30K just to throw a dinner at a restaurant. Eh, your son pretty poor leh. So if I ever get married hor, I organise a 5 table simple dinner at a restaurant can already or not?"
*Dad looks at me, momentarily stunned by my question*
(thinking) hmm, is he in shocked? why is he looking at me blankly? this doesn't look good? should I just run off now?
Ta .. Ta .. Ta .. just at this moment, a grace-saving voice spoke: "Yah, simple dinner better. Marriage is for 2 persons what. Wedding dinner so troublesome, no need lar. Why spend so much money? See these days so many couple going in debt because of marriage. My karaoke friends were all telling me about their children borrowing money from the bank to get married. Cheh, no need lar, aiyah just simple dinner can liao."
*I blinked at Mum then at Dad* "Yah lor, I already have the burden of the flat, have to pay off for the next 30 years . . . still must spend money on the silly dinner, don't want, like that might as well don't get married better."
Dad (finally recovering of the lapse into limbo) "Ok lor, 5 tables. So long you happy can le. But you don't worry about the dinner lar. Got Ang Pow what. Plus if you don't have enough I can help you first."
(Spotting the Killer Spot) "Great thanks! Okie set liao ah, confirm liao 5 tables! Man hor, say already cannot take back one. 5 tables it is! Steady ah!"
*skips off happily to the car to go meet Meimei*
Muhahahhahahhahhahahha . . . I'm closer to my dream of marrying my perfect match. *kisses
P.S. Thanks Mum, you are truly a life saver. I knew you'll come through even though I've not discuss this with you yet. Hehehe takes your own flesh and blood to know you best. *kisses
"Lao Ba, I was thinking hor . . . These days it's so expensive to get married. Everything also need money. Just a wedding dinner itself cost close to 20K. My army friends were telling me they spend about 30K just to throw a dinner at a restaurant. Eh, your son pretty poor leh. So if I ever get married hor, I organise a 5 table simple dinner at a restaurant can already or not?"
*Dad looks at me, momentarily stunned by my question*
(thinking) hmm, is he in shocked? why is he looking at me blankly? this doesn't look good? should I just run off now?
Ta .. Ta .. Ta .. just at this moment, a grace-saving voice spoke: "Yah, simple dinner better. Marriage is for 2 persons what. Wedding dinner so troublesome, no need lar. Why spend so much money? See these days so many couple going in debt because of marriage. My karaoke friends were all telling me about their children borrowing money from the bank to get married. Cheh, no need lar, aiyah just simple dinner can liao."
*I blinked at Mum then at Dad* "Yah lor, I already have the burden of the flat, have to pay off for the next 30 years . . . still must spend money on the silly dinner, don't want, like that might as well don't get married better."
Dad (finally recovering of the lapse into limbo) "Ok lor, 5 tables. So long you happy can le. But you don't worry about the dinner lar. Got Ang Pow what. Plus if you don't have enough I can help you first."
(Spotting the Killer Spot) "Great thanks! Okie set liao ah, confirm liao 5 tables! Man hor, say already cannot take back one. 5 tables it is! Steady ah!"
*skips off happily to the car to go meet Meimei*
Muhahahhahahhahhahahha . . . I'm closer to my dream of marrying my perfect match. *kisses
P.S. Thanks Mum, you are truly a life saver. I knew you'll come through even though I've not discuss this with you yet. Hehehe takes your own flesh and blood to know you best. *kisses
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Army Daze 2008
I've been away for my yearly Army stint again. A good 3 weeks of stinky army clothes, breakfast at 6am, 4 hours of sleep a night, forced constipation, etc.
We went outfield twice, a 4D3N prep training and another 5D4N actual ATEC2 exercise. Sounds like fun eh? Getting closer to nature, enjoying the breeze, relaxing away from work, etc. Phfff. Let me give you the highlights of the outfield training:
I have now hit 5 high-keys. Hopefully after next year's high key they'll let me 'stand-down' with the rest of the unit. I'm targetting to be done with this nonsense reservist training before 32. Hehehe.
We went outfield twice, a 4D3N prep training and another 5D4N actual ATEC2 exercise. Sounds like fun eh? Getting closer to nature, enjoying the breeze, relaxing away from work, etc. Phfff. Let me give you the highlights of the outfield training:
- Wearing stinky pespiration soaked clothing the entire day
- Fighting off commando trained mosquitoes with Bayton Mosquito Coils
- Sleeping upright on the front seat (seat can't be moved down)
- Doing sentry duty in the middle of the night
- Eating combat rations, which has a chemical substance that induces constipation
- Wait and moving, wait and moving (Army Motto: Rush to Wait, Wait to Rush)
- Worrying if my Meimei is taking care of herself
I have now hit 5 high-keys. Hopefully after next year's high key they'll let me 'stand-down' with the rest of the unit. I'm targetting to be done with this nonsense reservist training before 32. Hehehe.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Wooho! My First Overseas Trip since . . . since . . .
I am writing this a month or 2 after going for the trip. It's been a long long time since I went overseas . . . well not that long if you consider going for reservist in Australia in Dec 2006. But then again that wasn't voluntarily so it doesn't count. Checking my passport showed the last date I went out of Singapore was back in Aug 2001, to Malaysia. Darn, I can't even recall why I went there. Oh well, onto my latest trip! A day trip to Tanjung Pengelih aka 4 Turns Island.
There was my honey, JJJ, Mark & Vincent. We headed out early to Changi Jetty for Nasi Lemask. The popular corner store wasn't open so we bought ours at another store. Honestly I can't tell the difference, they are all so good. After breakfast we were off to the boat. It took a good 45 minutes when we finally reach our destination.
Our first stop was to the 'famous' ostrich farm . . . well lets just say my honey and I didn't get to see much of it. Nonetheless a good thing came out of it. I'll explain later. We had the owner's daughter as our guide. As we walked into the farm area, my baby started to shake. You see . . . she has this mortal fear of birds. So the sight of ostriches, chickens and even an emu in such close proximity left her bounded. She literally couldn't walk and she was shivering with such immense fear I thought she was gonna faint the next moment. Her whole body was shaking so badly I knew there was no way we could go on. So just as we walked into the farm several minutes ago, I called for our guide to let us out.
I've never seen anyone so frightened . . . I always thought the phrase "rooted to the spot with fear" was just a figure of speech. I bought drinks and rub her arms to try to calm her down. It didn't matter that I missed the tour. The most important thing is that my baby is in my arms, safe and secured. Well anyways, the rest carried on the tour while we went to the entrance to wait. So to pass the time, we decided to take some pictures. That is where one of my favourite couple pic came about.
Hehe, sometimes good things happen in the weirdest of ways. I'm sure I'll remember this for a long time. My first real look of my meimei in shocking fear and the place where we took one of my fav pics which is sitting pretty on my MSN now.
After the rest came out, we proceeded for lunch at the town center. There wasn't much to see and we didn't really explore. We had seafood dinner, highlight being the butter lobsters. After that we made our way back to the jetty.
Nothing much else happen on our trip back. The rest of the day was spent chit chatting at Starbucks East Coast. It was a fun day, spending quality time with meimei. I like how relaxed Malaysia felt ... no hustle and bustle of city life. Maybe that's there I'll go to retire. Oh well, it's a long long way to go before I need to make that decision.
There was my honey, JJJ, Mark & Vincent. We headed out early to Changi Jetty for Nasi Lemask. The popular corner store wasn't open so we bought ours at another store. Honestly I can't tell the difference, they are all so good. After breakfast we were off to the boat. It took a good 45 minutes when we finally reach our destination.
Our first stop was to the 'famous' ostrich farm . . . well lets just say my honey and I didn't get to see much of it. Nonetheless a good thing came out of it. I'll explain later. We had the owner's daughter as our guide. As we walked into the farm area, my baby started to shake. You see . . . she has this mortal fear of birds. So the sight of ostriches, chickens and even an emu in such close proximity left her bounded. She literally couldn't walk and she was shivering with such immense fear I thought she was gonna faint the next moment. Her whole body was shaking so badly I knew there was no way we could go on. So just as we walked into the farm several minutes ago, I called for our guide to let us out.
I've never seen anyone so frightened . . . I always thought the phrase "rooted to the spot with fear" was just a figure of speech. I bought drinks and rub her arms to try to calm her down. It didn't matter that I missed the tour. The most important thing is that my baby is in my arms, safe and secured. Well anyways, the rest carried on the tour while we went to the entrance to wait. So to pass the time, we decided to take some pictures. That is where one of my favourite couple pic came about.
Hehe, sometimes good things happen in the weirdest of ways. I'm sure I'll remember this for a long time. My first real look of my meimei in shocking fear and the place where we took one of my fav pics which is sitting pretty on my MSN now.
After the rest came out, we proceeded for lunch at the town center. There wasn't much to see and we didn't really explore. We had seafood dinner, highlight being the butter lobsters. After that we made our way back to the jetty.
Nothing much else happen on our trip back. The rest of the day was spent chit chatting at Starbucks East Coast. It was a fun day, spending quality time with meimei. I like how relaxed Malaysia felt ... no hustle and bustle of city life. Maybe that's there I'll go to retire. Oh well, it's a long long way to go before I need to make that decision.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
4th of April
4th of April . . . What a day. And to think there are people who worry about Friday the 13th . . . Phhfff.
It was as though I woke up in the land of darkness.
8.00am-ish - Rushed out of the house, battling traffic frantically to get to the office on time. This can be the everyday norm, except it felt different. Reckless cars diving left and right infront of me, making me jam my brakes several times. Hmmm, maybe there was a grand big sale starting at 9 this morning.
10.00am-ish - Joanna refuses to teach me India, which made me invoke my backup (nasty) plan and pushed India to Weihiong's team. Bah . . . I had to take Vietnam as a trade-in for that.
12noon-ish - Lunch alone again. 4 days since my new job as Accountant. "This is gonna be lonely."
1.30pm-ish - Ouch ouch, tummy ache . . . Siam! Move out of the way! It's gonna blow!!!
1.45pm-ish - Ahhhh, shiok. Limped out of the gents with pins and needles.
2.00pm-ish - Hmmm, wait a sec. Where is my wallet??!!!
2.01pm-ish - Yes, it took me less than a minute to reach the gents, running at full flight . . . Arghhhh!!! It's not there!! *the world just spinned round and round my head*
2.10pm-ish - Back at my desk, covered in cold sweat. Face was pale as I took stock of what I had lost. IC, Driving licence, Debit Card, Credit Card, POSB Card $700 in Cash and many other stuff. Damnit!!! How could I be so careless?? How could I let my work misery cloud my judgement?!
2.30pm-ish - I drove out to the neighbourhood police post. "Hi, I'm here to report the loss of my IC." "Sir, you should wait for 2-3 weeks before making a police report." "Huh?? But I lost my IC, I don't have a single identification on me . . . What if a traffic police stops me while I am driving?" "But, sir, most people will get their IC back in a week or 2. Just make a report in a few weeks time." "No wait . . . What if someone takes my IC and goes to borrow from a loan shark? No, please help me raise a police report right now." *Is it difficult to write up a police report?*
2.45pm-ish - Called up UOB and DBS to cancel all my cards. The 'helpful' policeman gave me the numbers from his handphone. Hmmm, he must do this alot to have Hotlines of banks in his handphone.
3.00pm-ish - Made it back to office. Teresa told me to forget the urgent leave I offered to take when I went to the police. Oh well, not much of a consolation but better than nothing. She told me something in Cantonese, which loosely means : "Lose Money, Avert Disaster."
4.00pm-ish - Meimei came to my rescue again. She had made her way to my office and passed me $50. Phew, at least I have money.
6.00pm-ish - Been stoning for the past 2 hours. My mind couldn't operate. Everything felt numb. Time to leave the office.
6.15pm-ish - Picked up Meimei and made our way to Vivocity.
7.00pm-ish - Walked into a packed Carl's Junior fastfood outlet. As I queued, a couple butted into our table. Ok . . . I already lost my wallet. It can't get worst. I reach the front of the queue and as the counter opened, I walked towards it. Eh, why is this fella coming back to the counter? Damnit, he hasn't even ordered . . . he had gone off to ask his girlfriend what she wanted. I turned to the left counter which is now opened. But the fat uncle behind me bulldozed to it. So there I was, stuck inbetween the counters. Bahhhh! Screw this. I walked off with Meimei in a huff.
7.30pm-ish - Hotdogs at Superdog. Ordered the Chilli fries too. Ewwww . . . those were nasty fries.
8.00pm-ish - Parked ourselves at the corner Starbucks outlet. Another 3 and half hours before movie starts. Crap, there's no aircon here . . . Tried to distract myself with the book.
11.30pm-ish - Finally in the theatre. Hmmm, I can see why Andy Lau is boyfriend No.1 and I'm way behind in 4th.
12midnight - Ding! ding! ding! Ugly day has passed!!
Seriously. The entire day felt so depressing, so gloom and doom that I thought I was put under a curse! My face was as black as charcoal. Good thing the 4th of April only comes once a year.
It was as though I woke up in the land of darkness.
8.00am-ish - Rushed out of the house, battling traffic frantically to get to the office on time. This can be the everyday norm, except it felt different. Reckless cars diving left and right infront of me, making me jam my brakes several times. Hmmm, maybe there was a grand big sale starting at 9 this morning.
10.00am-ish - Joanna refuses to teach me India, which made me invoke my backup (nasty) plan and pushed India to Weihiong's team. Bah . . . I had to take Vietnam as a trade-in for that.
12noon-ish - Lunch alone again. 4 days since my new job as Accountant. "This is gonna be lonely."
1.30pm-ish - Ouch ouch, tummy ache . . . Siam! Move out of the way! It's gonna blow!!!
1.45pm-ish - Ahhhh, shiok. Limped out of the gents with pins and needles.
2.00pm-ish - Hmmm, wait a sec. Where is my wallet??!!!
2.01pm-ish - Yes, it took me less than a minute to reach the gents, running at full flight . . . Arghhhh!!! It's not there!! *the world just spinned round and round my head*
2.10pm-ish - Back at my desk, covered in cold sweat. Face was pale as I took stock of what I had lost. IC, Driving licence, Debit Card, Credit Card, POSB Card $700 in Cash and many other stuff. Damnit!!! How could I be so careless?? How could I let my work misery cloud my judgement?!
2.30pm-ish - I drove out to the neighbourhood police post. "Hi, I'm here to report the loss of my IC." "Sir, you should wait for 2-3 weeks before making a police report." "Huh?? But I lost my IC, I don't have a single identification on me . . . What if a traffic police stops me while I am driving?" "But, sir, most people will get their IC back in a week or 2. Just make a report in a few weeks time." "No wait . . . What if someone takes my IC and goes to borrow from a loan shark? No, please help me raise a police report right now." *Is it difficult to write up a police report?*
2.45pm-ish - Called up UOB and DBS to cancel all my cards. The 'helpful' policeman gave me the numbers from his handphone. Hmmm, he must do this alot to have Hotlines of banks in his handphone.
3.00pm-ish - Made it back to office. Teresa told me to forget the urgent leave I offered to take when I went to the police. Oh well, not much of a consolation but better than nothing. She told me something in Cantonese, which loosely means : "Lose Money, Avert Disaster."
4.00pm-ish - Meimei came to my rescue again. She had made her way to my office and passed me $50. Phew, at least I have money.
6.00pm-ish - Been stoning for the past 2 hours. My mind couldn't operate. Everything felt numb. Time to leave the office.
6.15pm-ish - Picked up Meimei and made our way to Vivocity.
7.00pm-ish - Walked into a packed Carl's Junior fastfood outlet. As I queued, a couple butted into our table. Ok . . . I already lost my wallet. It can't get worst. I reach the front of the queue and as the counter opened, I walked towards it. Eh, why is this fella coming back to the counter? Damnit, he hasn't even ordered . . . he had gone off to ask his girlfriend what she wanted. I turned to the left counter which is now opened. But the fat uncle behind me bulldozed to it. So there I was, stuck inbetween the counters. Bahhhh! Screw this. I walked off with Meimei in a huff.
7.30pm-ish - Hotdogs at Superdog. Ordered the Chilli fries too. Ewwww . . . those were nasty fries.
8.00pm-ish - Parked ourselves at the corner Starbucks outlet. Another 3 and half hours before movie starts. Crap, there's no aircon here . . . Tried to distract myself with the book.
11.30pm-ish - Finally in the theatre. Hmmm, I can see why Andy Lau is boyfriend No.1 and I'm way behind in 4th.
12midnight - Ding! ding! ding! Ugly day has passed!!
Seriously. The entire day felt so depressing, so gloom and doom that I thought I was put under a curse! My face was as black as charcoal. Good thing the 4th of April only comes once a year.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Welcome to Management
Since the last update on my workplace, many things have changed.
Joanne has been on medical leave since 3rd March. And when she came back on the 17th to submit her 1 month medical leave, she tendered her resignation . . . I was kinda expecting it though. She had msn me on Friday about having lunch with all the supervisors. I was on leave on Monday but came back anyways to join them. That's when she sprung it on me. So with her resignation, the impending transfer between Imela and her was halted.
I forgot to mentioned that I was to be transferred to the US team, with Kim coming to take over the Oceania team. But with Joanne's resignation, that was put on hold as well. I was in limbo for a few days, uncertain of what was going to happen. I had several sleepless nights, worrying about what they were gonna do. My fears were unfounded though . . .
On Thursday 20th March at the fateful hour of 5pm, Teresa called to meet me to a conference room. It was there that she ask me : "Do you think you are up to the challenge to take over as Accountant?" My mind went blanked that instant, though I recover graciously and told her I was definitely ready. Teresa and Weihiong had discussed and determined that rather than employing a new Accountant, they would rather I take over Joanne, which suits me just fine.
So with that I was propelled straight into management! Now now . . . don't go thinking that I'm getting the world . . . there are more nonsense and crap I have to face than the rewards I gonna receive. But still, it's a nice feeling, knowing your abilities and potential have finally been recognised.
They made their official offer on the 28th and wala! I've been installed as the new Accountant on 1st April . . . nono, this is not an April Fool's joke.
Joanne has been on medical leave since 3rd March. And when she came back on the 17th to submit her 1 month medical leave, she tendered her resignation . . . I was kinda expecting it though. She had msn me on Friday about having lunch with all the supervisors. I was on leave on Monday but came back anyways to join them. That's when she sprung it on me. So with her resignation, the impending transfer between Imela and her was halted.
I forgot to mentioned that I was to be transferred to the US team, with Kim coming to take over the Oceania team. But with Joanne's resignation, that was put on hold as well. I was in limbo for a few days, uncertain of what was going to happen. I had several sleepless nights, worrying about what they were gonna do. My fears were unfounded though . . .
On Thursday 20th March at the fateful hour of 5pm, Teresa called to meet me to a conference room. It was there that she ask me : "Do you think you are up to the challenge to take over as Accountant?" My mind went blanked that instant, though I recover graciously and told her I was definitely ready. Teresa and Weihiong had discussed and determined that rather than employing a new Accountant, they would rather I take over Joanne, which suits me just fine.
So with that I was propelled straight into management! Now now . . . don't go thinking that I'm getting the world . . . there are more nonsense and crap I have to face than the rewards I gonna receive. But still, it's a nice feeling, knowing your abilities and potential have finally been recognised.
They made their official offer on the 28th and wala! I've been installed as the new Accountant on 1st April . . . nono, this is not an April Fool's joke.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The Multi Million Rainport . . .
T3, one of the newest, finest and technologically advanced airport in the world. The latest addition to our Changi Airport, the pride and icon of Singapore. Built at a cost of S$1.75 billion, it displays the grandeur of modern architectural success. A truly distinct icon on its own.
At that price I was expecting every bolt, nut and lever to be working seamlessly. I was expecting to be amazed and swept off my feet, shell-shocked by the greatness that is T3.
Oh yes I was shocked . . . Not by how magnificent T3 is, but how a 1.7 billion piece of mastery fell through on the most basic of designs. It had a leaking roof . . .
In the few times we have been to T3, there were buckets and buckets of damp cloth on the floor, soaking up the rain as they fall through the roof. There were as much as 10 buckets at one of our trips there.
How this is happening is beyond me. At 1.75 billion, they could at least built a roof that doesn't leak. Where did all that money go?
I hope they repair it soon. The sight of all these buckets are becoming a big joke, especially when we pride ourselves on having one of the best airports in the world. For me, I've already christened T3 as "The Rainport". . .
At that price I was expecting every bolt, nut and lever to be working seamlessly. I was expecting to be amazed and swept off my feet, shell-shocked by the greatness that is T3.
Oh yes I was shocked . . . Not by how magnificent T3 is, but how a 1.7 billion piece of mastery fell through on the most basic of designs. It had a leaking roof . . .
In the few times we have been to T3, there were buckets and buckets of damp cloth on the floor, soaking up the rain as they fall through the roof. There were as much as 10 buckets at one of our trips there.
How this is happening is beyond me. At 1.75 billion, they could at least built a roof that doesn't leak. Where did all that money go?
I hope they repair it soon. The sight of all these buckets are becoming a big joke, especially when we pride ourselves on having one of the best airports in the world. For me, I've already christened T3 as "The Rainport". . .
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
People are leaving . . . Sigh . . .
It's been months since my last update. It is hardly surprising considering the chaos at the office.
I used to have so much free time at work that I could spend an afternoon just writing blog posts. Now it seems I'm fighting for time to finish my chores so I can go fetch my girlfriend for a quiet dinner. How a few months can change things . . .
Since the last update, many things have happened, both in the office and at home.
Chinese New Year came and went in a breeze like every other year. The only difference is that we are going to less places each year as the granduncles and aunties pass on. It gave me a serene sense that life is too short to be wasting away.
At the office, people are starting to leave one by one. First my accountant was being swapped, against her will, with another department's accountant. With her impending transfer, YB - the Singapore Supervisor, tendered her resignation, whether in protest or otherwise, I would never know. Then there was Alice, my Assistant, who finally tendered after the turmoil of not receiving any bonus at all for 2007.
I'm sure there are more to come in the coming months. With our fearless leader J replaced, her loyal subjects are falling over their heels to get away. As for me, I'm just sitting and waiting for the mess to end before thinking about my future. I've only been here for 7 months and now is not the right time to leave, yet . . .
I used to have so much free time at work that I could spend an afternoon just writing blog posts. Now it seems I'm fighting for time to finish my chores so I can go fetch my girlfriend for a quiet dinner. How a few months can change things . . .
Since the last update, many things have happened, both in the office and at home.
Chinese New Year came and went in a breeze like every other year. The only difference is that we are going to less places each year as the granduncles and aunties pass on. It gave me a serene sense that life is too short to be wasting away.
At the office, people are starting to leave one by one. First my accountant was being swapped, against her will, with another department's accountant. With her impending transfer, YB - the Singapore Supervisor, tendered her resignation, whether in protest or otherwise, I would never know. Then there was Alice, my Assistant, who finally tendered after the turmoil of not receiving any bonus at all for 2007.
I'm sure there are more to come in the coming months. With our fearless leader J replaced, her loyal subjects are falling over their heels to get away. As for me, I'm just sitting and waiting for the mess to end before thinking about my future. I've only been here for 7 months and now is not the right time to leave, yet . . .
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Changing Times
Times have really changed. Or should I say, are changing.
When I was growing up, I used to believe that if you work hard, your company will appreciate your contributions and reward you, either by keeping you around or promoting you. But it seems that's no longer the practice. Gone are the good days where bosses appreciate your time and dedication. Now the only thing bosses care about is the bottomline. It doesn't matter if your boss is basking in the rewards due to your contribution. They take it as if it was due to them, and then throw you to the lions.
My current frustration comes from the nonsense I'm getting at work. They're planning to cut staff numbers . . . They have already cut overtime pay and it's not helping with morale.
Bah . . . I don't even have the mood to write about it right now . . . Maybe another time.
When I was growing up, I used to believe that if you work hard, your company will appreciate your contributions and reward you, either by keeping you around or promoting you. But it seems that's no longer the practice. Gone are the good days where bosses appreciate your time and dedication. Now the only thing bosses care about is the bottomline. It doesn't matter if your boss is basking in the rewards due to your contribution. They take it as if it was due to them, and then throw you to the lions.
My current frustration comes from the nonsense I'm getting at work. They're planning to cut staff numbers . . . They have already cut overtime pay and it's not helping with morale.
Bah . . . I don't even have the mood to write about it right now . . . Maybe another time.
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