My First Trip to Hong Kong

I'm actually writing this in Oct 2009. Weird isn't it. But better late than never. The past few months have been hectic and I kinda lost my mood to blog. Anyways here I am again trying to capture the bits and pieces of my life, or as much as I can remember.

It's a short 4 day trip to Hong Kong for Meimei's grandma's 80th Birthday. The significance of the trip though was so much more . It's the first time I'm meeting the family and being able to attend a family event meant I was being accepted into the family. It was such a relief and heartwarming to be welcomed by all the uncle and aunties. The way they tried to chat and mingle with me literally put me at ease. This may seem a simple thing to others, but to someone who does not see this at all in his own family, it's a huge gesture. More so, as they try to converse with me in English and Chinese. Words cannot describe how much I appreciate their generosity and warmth.

We spent a better part of the trip eating and shopping. Everything was an eye opener for me and I knew I could get used to travelling as a new hobby, abit wallet permitting hehe. Most of our meals were at the local coffee houses which essentially serve the 2 basic stables of Hong Kong cusine, Char Siew and Sio Ba. Seriously the Char Siew in Hong Kong is so much better than those in Singapore. My mouth watered everytime we walked into a coffee house. Even the shopping was so much more engaging and interesting. We trooped through the local markets day and night and went through hordes and hordes of street hawkers. It's nothing like the mall shopping we do in Singapore where everything is packed nicely on shelves. The street markets were more of an organised chaos. But it's this chaotic yet bustling feel that gives it it's vibrancy.

I love the place. The city, the people, the streets, the weather, the everything. Maybe it's because the place is fresh and new to me, but I'm sure I'll fit right in if I ever get to live and work here. And you can be sure I'll be back here again, even if it's just to walk into a coffee house to have a plate of Char Siew rice. Hehe.

Sizzling Hot

Early nighties. One of the places my dad and mum like to go for dinner treats is Ponderosa at Marina Square. I'm not sure when they closed down the outlet but I can still clearly remember us gushing over the salad bar. We would order a main each and help ourselves to the free flow of salad. Ahhh memories . . . since it closed down I thought all that remains would be memories. It seemed so till yesterday . . .

After a hard day of schooling in house hunting . . . Meimei and me made our way to Bakerzin at Suntec. We wanted our favourite Strawberry Shortcake . . . but altas it was not to be. They ran out. Then I remembered wanting to try out Sizzler a few weeks ago but there was a long queue and we gave it a pass. So over we went to Sizzler.

And there it is. The salad bar, close to the one I remember at Ponderosa. And on top of that, they had soup, pasta and soft serve! My, I can't describe how wonderful the meal was. All I can say is that I'm coming back again, and again, and again . . .

New Entrees to Food Places

Long overdue updates to the Food Places I Tried and Love:

1) Marutama Ramen - The Central & Liang Court

Been here quite a number of times but never getting to posting it. Very good ramen with that QQ texture that makes you want to munch and munch. Best thing is that it's not MSG laden so Meimei and Sis can enjoy it's fragrant soup.

2) Crystal Jade Palace - Takashimaya

I don't usually eat Dim Sum. But I joined Meimei and Family for lunch at Takashimaya last week. Fabulous egg tarts, the best I've ever had. Definitely one to go back for second rounds.

3) Victor's Kitchen Dim Sum - Sunshine Plaza

Laoda brought us there for dinner, raving about the quality of the Dim Sum for cheap price. Was not disappointed.

Guest Post - *Bursting with Excitement

Latest updates from Onemotoring!

SJR0626G is available!

Blog Neglect, I'm Sorry

It's been quite sometime since I updated the blog. Funny thing though, the last few months were very exciting and it seems I only write when things are slow.

Well now, what are the memorable things that happen since Feb . . .

1) A grey Lancer is on it's way from Japan, arriving in June

2) I got promoted to Senior Accountant in April

3) I'm backing up for 3 teams now

4) We went to check out flats and apartments

5) Me trying to figure out how is it others can afford any accomodation above 300K

6) New walking shoes and office shoes

7) Trying to figure out how to tell the difference between the grades of diamonds

8) Appeal letter to HDB to allow us to buy a flat from them

9) Fighting to prevent a Stitch logo replacing the Car make logo

Hmmm, I know I've forgotten and missed alot of other stuff. Serves me right for neglecting the blog. Chants *I need to buck up!*

Guest Post - Hi, Cyclops..

Date: 11 April 2009
Venue: Suntec City Atrium

We laid eyes on a gleaming white 2004 model Lancer, sports edition. We told ourselves, the non-sports edition is better, more family, more practical and is 2000 bucks cheaper. Then we saw the glossy, fingerprint-magnet front panel, the non-leathered steering wheel and gear stick, the chrome-colors handles...

Date: 12 April 2009
Venue: West Coast Road

We told ourselves to give other cars a chance. Pokpok's Papa likes the Suzuki Swift. We went to test drive it. It's good. A tad heavy. Oh, and I dig red.

Date: 12 April 2009
Venue: Alexandra Road

"Can we take it for a test drive?"
"Dark metal or silver?"
"Let's call it Cyclops!"
"er...."

And the Competiton Fades . . .

Yet another development at the workplace. It's like a turn-wheel, going round and round. I've just been told today that my buddy has tendered his resignation. And in the interim while TL hires a new Accountant, I'm going to be taking three teams. She wants me to go over to the US team to whip them into shape . . . What? When did I became the defacto troubleshooter of the team? Or the company in that case? Shit happens and everyone goes to one person, me . . . While it is a good testament to the work I do, but seriously . . . what are all these managers doing? And I don't mean TL, she is stuck with me. Hahahah. But what? Other 'managers' expect to send an email or give me a call and solve the problems for them while they sit back and wait for everything on a silver platter. Come'on . . . you guys are managers! You are paid way more than me.

Phfff, over with the rant and back on topic. So my buddy quits and now I am tasked to take over US team. Damn this is going to be one long hard road. I am seeing Nov to Jan all over again. Late nights, stress, immense pressure and more crap. This had better be worth it . . . TL mentioned last week a promotion for me in April. But as with what it is now, it's just saying. Nothing concrete, nothing written. So being the eternal skeptic, I doubt it's going to happen until I see it. Well, nothing lost if it is just a ruse to get me to stay for the time-being. Time will tell and come April, if I'm not promoted, I'll know how the company and TL treats her staff and move on. No biggie, there are other fishes in the sea. But in the meantime, I'll put my all into making it work. I've not failed so far and I'm not about to start.

Back from the Abyss

The past 3 months have been a momentous challenge on the work front and consequently my personal front as well.

TL finally came back from her maternity. Phew! Thinking back on the past 3 months, it was one long horrible story. Not that I screwed up anything, just that so much has happen in such a short time I don't know where to start.

But taking the good things from this experience, I must say I've learned alot. And I'm thankful of the opportunity given to me. Who gets to stand in for another team, help with his manager's task and represent a major project all at the same time as an Accountant. Hopefully this will help in my drive to climb up the corporate ladder.

At the same time though, I'm well aware that I have to be careful not to neglect the very reason I'm putting so much effort into this, my Meimei. She has been an unwavering pillar, patient and caring while I put in my hours. Many times she has had to wait for me for dinner. I could sense a certain frustration and sign of disappointment everytime I've had to cancel our plans at the last minute. But seriously, this is a chicken and egg situation.

I thrive hard in hopes I can give Meimei the flexibility to choose to work or not in the future. I work hard so we can have a better life next time. Yet at the same time, these hours are creating an unspoken tension which might lead to not having that future. I doubt it'll ever get to that, ever. But I can't seem to put away this fear . . . I can't afford to lose her. And I can't give up my job either. *Frustrated

Guest Post - Random Wynsical Post #1

We love iTouch! *Chant after us... "We Love iTouch!"

"why?"

Seven Pounds.

**SPOILERS AHEAD**
A beautifully-aching drama we caught, half on MY iTouch and half on the laptop..

The 7 gifts...
1. lungs for his brother
2. right-half of liver for Holly
3. house to Connie
4. Bone Marrow for little boy
5. one kidney for coach
6. eyes for Ezra
7. heart for Emily

"With her, he realised he can save himself, but he must die to save her.."

Gifts of Vouchers

Haiz I really should have done better. I seem to keep saying I should be doing better, but not showing an improvement . . . Bah . . .

Today is Meimei's Birthday. And I didn't do anything special. No flowers, no cake. She was questioned by her friends on why she was at home at night. That put her in a very awkward position. *bangs head on the table*

All I did was to give her vouchers. Special ones though. I had actually wanted to buy a LX-3 ViewFinder for her. But I searched online, called all the stores I can think of and none had it in stock. I'm not surprised though, that thing cost $329 at Best Denki . . . that sort of money could get you a low end digital camera!

Anyways I 'bought' some vouchers for her birthday from this blog. They were made of simple coloured paper. They were:

1. $300 cash voucher
2. 1 Lap Dance voucher
3. No smoking after a meal voucher, valid for use once a day
4. 1 Silly Dance voucher, anytime anywhere
5. 1 ****-*** voucher, infinite usage (-Censored-)

Naturally all of them had expiry date (well, except one of them) and specific conditions. I'll not list them here. The vouchers also came with instructions on redemption procedure. 1) Flash the card 2) Give Pokpok a big fat kiss. Heh.

This Is Not A Good Way to Start

It's been poo-poo and poo-poo all over this new year. I'm guessing she is angry with me because:

New Year's Eve:

- I had to work full day. She had to wait alone at home for me and weather was very hot. We went for dinner and then I went home because I needed to work on New Year's Day. She couldn't go to a lively countdown party because of me. Basically I ruined her day as she couldn't make plans.

- I didn't message her at all during the day.

New Year's Day
- I had to work full day. She had to wait again at home for me. We were going to attend my friend's wedding party at night. Ruined her day again as she couldn't make any plans.

- I wore jeans and made her wear them too for a friend's wedding dinner. She says we were not dressed appropriately. She tried to make a point by pointing to a little boy who wore jeans, "Hey there is a little boy wearing jeans." Majority of people were in pants and long sleeved shirts.

- I forgot to bring my long sleeved shirt even though I've prepared it and left it on the dining table the night before.

- I was being obnoxious during the wedding dinner.

- I didn't ask if she wanted the door gift before giving it to someone else who was looking for one.

- I didn't message her at all during the day.

2 Jan 2009
- I had to work till 10 plus on a Friday night. Ruined any plans she could have made if she didn't wait for me. I was supposed to join her for dinner to show her the new shirt she bought me.

- I didn't give her a kiss when she tabao-ed dinner over for me.

- I forgot to go to her place to kill the cockroach terrorising them, even though I said I would.

. . . . . This is not the way to start a new year. Last year was already so bad. Dammit! Buck up Pok pok. I am damn hell not going to have another bad year. No WAY!

Dusty Blog

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

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 . . .

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.

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.