Welcome to Ms Monkey's World

Vegas!!

2009-06-20T08:31:00.003+08:00

Arrived in Vegas on 17th June (SG 18th June)

The first sight that welcomes us is the BIG Las Vegas sign with slot machines. The airport is peppered with slot machines, even at the baggage claim!!

The weather was ok. Didn't feel that it's extremely hot.

The cab fare was USD25 although it was just a short distance, perhaps from changi airport to pasir ris. The meter was moving damn fast, probably faster than my heart beat. It jumps every 1/12 mile (according to the table of charges).

The Platinum Hotel is nice. The only hotel without casino it seems in Vegas. The suite comes with a kitchen well supplied with crockery, microwave, oven, dish-washer. But there are no beverage/tidbits supplied.

Went out for a walk after settling down. By then, it's already 8pm. The air is pretty cooling, although sometimes you can feel the hot air rising from under your feet, or coming from the cars caught in the jam along the strip.

Went hunting for food, bought the tickets for the Grand Canyon Maverick Helicopter ride for Mon, and played a few rounds of slots and roulette. The dealer at Flamingo Casino taught us how to bet on roulette, min $10 on the individual numbers, min $10 per placement on the outside. Lost a bit of money there. No gambling luck.. :P

On our way back, we bought some snacks from this 24hr provision shop. A few drinks, 4 instant noodles, one pkt snacks, one bottle of painkiller costs almost USD25. whoa.. The nissin cup noodles cost $0.69, cheap and nice! although gotta eat 2 bowls before you are satisfied.

Day 2
woke up around 12pm. Today was hot. Went to Gameworks, which was started by Steven Spielberg, nothing exciting there. Its neighbours are more interesting though. There is Everything Coca-Cola and M&Ms World. 3 storeys high filled with their collectibles. Took a picture with the polar bear from coca-cola. The bear is sooo cute!

tried Panda Express's fried rice and orange chicken (which is something like the sweet and sour pork). The orange chicken is nice but the fried rice is tasteless.

Went back to the hotel. Ms Cheang gotta prepare for her dinner.

Day 3
Keep waking up and falling back to sleep again. Ms Cheang has gone for her meeting early in the morning at 8plus. She keep coming back to get things which disturb my sleep as I got to unlock the door. Finally got up around 4pm. hahhaha..

Went snack shopping on my own at the convenience store near the hotel. Wow, today is even hotter than yesterday! Feel like in an oven. Bought a choc, beef jerky, 2 cookies, a few pastries, small milk, can of coffee (11 items) = USD17. They don't display the prices on the items. When the shopkeeper scanned the items, the prices seemed reasonable, ranging from 0.99 to 2.39. But I think I bought too much sweet stuff which I may end up not eating, so kinda regret spending so much. Could have spent it buying more instant noodles. :P

Well I think I am going to sleep some more later....

Ms Cheang just came back, carrying goodies from her meeting. -.-!! I shouldn't have bought those snacks earlier if I had known...

Restaurant City - Self Guide

2009-05-11T15:18:00.003+08:00

Recently got addicted to Restaurant City by Playfish. I put some of the tips here for my easy reference.

Decided to block the entrance to the toilets till I get more helpers. Keep the current staff busy with earning cash instead of mopping pee and poo poo.

Get more cash by clicking on the trees around your / friends' restaurants and picking up trash.

If you save before exiting, your popularity will not decrease. You will continue to earn cash until your staff collapse from lack of rest. If you don't, your popularity will drop to a miserable 4.0 or below, depending how long you leave it for.

Remove door / block door to prevent customers from coming in and giving bad rating if you are resting your staff.

Q&A
http://forum.playfish.com/showthread.php?t=529150

A
Q: Agar is a gelatinous substance derived from what?
A: Seaweed

B
Q: Bechamel sauce is also known as...
A: White Sauce

Q: To blanch a vegetable, means to?
A: Boil and Cool off quickly

C
Q: Calamari is fried?
A: Squid

Q: What is a Calzone?
A: A turnover made of pizza dough

Q: In which restaurant would you typically find Calzone?
A: Italian

Q: Caviar is made from?
A: Fish Egg

Q: What kind of pizza is chicago style?
A: Deep dish

Q: Chilli is a?
A: Fruit

Q: Which of these chillies is the spiciest?
A: Naga jolokia pepper

Q: What is chinese gooseberry called in ancient time?
A: Kiwi

Q: What is chocolate bloom?
A: Cocoa fat or sugar

Q: The chuck is found where on the cow?
A: Front

Q: Which continent produces the most cocoa?
A: Africa

Q: What is coconut?
A: Fruit

Q: Q: A crepe is typical a ...?
A: Thinly cooked pancake

D
Q: Dim sum originated from which country?
A: China

Q: Dulce de leche is prepared by heating...?
A: Sweetened Milk

E
Q: Which sauce is typically used in the dish Eggs Benedict?
A: Hollandaise sauce

F
Q: Where did Feta Cheese come from?
A: Greece

Q: The flank is found where on the cow?
A: Mid

Q: Foie gras is food made from which part of an animal?
A: Liver

Q: In England, French Fries are called?
A: Chips

G
Q: To garnish a food means?
A: Add final touches

Q: Granny smith apples are?
A: Green

Q: Grapes grow on?
A: Vines

Q: The main ingredient in Guacamole is?
A: Avocado

H
Q: Where is the hamburger originaly from?
A: United states

Q: What is Hashi?
A: Chopsticks

Q: Honey comes from?
A: Bees

Q: What is the main ingredient in Houmous?
A: Chickpeas

Q: What is Houmous made of?
A: Chickpeas

K
Q: Kimchi is a Korean dish made of fermented?
A: Vegetables

Q: What is Ketchup made of?
A: Tomatoes

L
Q: Lard is the fat obtained from which animal?
A: Pig

N
Q: Naan is typically from?
A: India

Q: Naan Bread is served with... ?
A: Indian Food

Q: Natto, a traditional Japanese food, is made from fermented?
A: Soybeans

Q: New-York Style Pizzas are generally?
A: Thin crust

P
Q: The pizza originates from which country?
A: Italy

Q: To poach something means?
A: To cook in boiling water

Q: To Proof dough means to...
A: Allow it to rise

Q: Prunes are dried...?
A: Plums

R
Q: Raisins are dried...?
A: Grapes

Q: Ratatouille is?
A: A vegetarian dish

Q: The main ingredient of Ratatouille is?
A: Tomatoes

Q: To refresh vegetables is....?
A: To immerse in COLD water

Q: What is the color of Rhubarb?
A: Red

Q: The rump is found where on the cow?
A: Back

S
Q: What is Saffron?
A: Spice

Q: Saffron is a?
A: Spice

Q: Sauerkraut is made from?
A: Fermented Cabbage

Q: To saute a dish, means to?
A: Fry quickly in hot pan

Q: The sirloin is found where on the cow?
A: Mid

Q: What is the most expensive spice in the world?
A: Saffron

Q: Which of the following spices is the most expensive??
A: Pure Vanilla

Q: Steak tartare is a meat dish made from raw?
A: Beef

Q: What is Stracchino?
A: a fresh cheese from Italy

Q: In which restaurant would you typically find sushi?
A: Japanese

T
Q: Where does taco orignate from?
A: Mexico

Q: In which restaurant would you typically find tacos?
A: Mexican

Q: In which restaurant would you typically find Tapas?
A: Spanish

Q: What is the main ingredient of tofu?
A: Soybean

Q: A tomato is a?
A: Fruit

Q: What color is Tuna meat?
A: Pink

Q: The Tuna is a?
A: Salt Water Fish

Q: Where is Tuna from?
A: Salt Water

Q: The main ingredients in Tzatziki are?
A: Yoghurt and Cucumber

V
Q: Venison is the meat from what animal?
A: Deer

W
Q: What is the main ingredient of wasabi?
A: Horseradish

Q: Wasabi is made from a type of Japanese?
A: Horseradish __________________

Been Awhile!

2009-04-08T12:17:00.002+08:00

It's been awhile since I blogged. Since I stopped working I realised. Haha.

Hmm what have I been doing the past few months?

1. Went to Shanghai / Jiangnan Tour in Jan
2. Went to Changchun in Feb
3. Went to KL in Mar
4. Finally went for my ligation of piles
5. Tried cooking porridge for the first time! Bagus texture

Gambling

2008-12-30T10:56:00.001+08:00

Aiyoyo

it's them (again)

Honey, I've lost you in a game of cards

A MOTHER of two young children has gone into hiding after her husband wagered her in a card game and lost.

Worse, she only found out that she had been wagered when the four men who had 'won' her showed up to collect their booty on 19 Dec, reported the Times of India.

Instead of defending his wife, Mr Sokendra Kumar, a resident of Muzaffarnagar in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh simply told her: 'Tumko hum juen mein haar gaye hain (I have lost you in the game of cards).'

Fortunately for his wife, her screams drew the attention of their neighbours, who rushed in to prevent the men from dragging her away.

In the confusion, the four men fled.

After the din had died down and with the backing of the neighbours, she went to the cops, who told her to buzz off.

'They scolded me saying that I should not bother them with trivial issues. For them it was too small a thing to intervene,' the woman said.

But the police saw it differently.

When questioned, station officer Vijay Kumar confirmed that the woman had approached the police, but said that it was a domestic dispute.

He said: 'It was found to be a false allegation and the issue was only limited to a domestic dispute and she went home.'

Except that she didn't go home.

Residents of the area said the woman is now in hiding, afraid that the men who had come to collect might show up again.

'Some of the neighbours know where she is, but she is too scared to go home fearing that her husband's friends might kidnap her,' said another local resident on the condition of anonymity.
And her loser husband? It seems that even his own mother has given up on him.

'We owned some four bighas (2.6ha) of ancestral land and used the earnings to get two meals a day for the family of four, including his wife and their two sons,' said MrKumar's mother, Shakuntala.

The sons are aged seven and four.

'But he sold the land and squandered the money on gambling and drinking. He even sold all the utensils,' she said.

Source:
http://www.asiaone.com/News/The%2BNew%2BPaper/Story/A1Story20081229-111035.html

random

2008-12-26T16:51:00.002+08:00

You know you have a BIG head when

1. in a group photo, your face (or rather head) stands out the most
2. people call you mian bao lian
3. while measuring your head for the measurements for the mortar board, you realised that your size is one of the last 3 in the drop down list.

Gym

2008-12-26T11:37:00.003+08:00

Went for the first PT on Tuesday.

Did the usual. Crunches (both bench and floor). Work on the quads and hamstring muscles using machine and floor.

New exercise
Lie flat on the ground
Raise feet to form L shape
Place weight on the legs
Raise and lower the upper body (like doing sit ups)

Result?

My thighs still aching like crazy today. Now I really know what is "jelly legs". You think your legs are going to give way anytime soon and you got to walk carefully.

If you think your legs aching after shopping is bad, this is 10 times worse.

Going for more tonight.

I am a masochist.

JB Custom

2008-12-17T14:08:00.002+08:00

Some comments on the JB Jam at the new CIQ complex.

Interesting remarks
http://forums.asiaone.com/showthread.php?t=16623&page=2

Gym Update

2008-12-17T11:05:00.003+08:00

Been almost a month since I signed up.

My weight has not decreased yet and my tummy is still saying hello with a big smiley face whenever I sit down. But I do feel my arm and legs muscles tightening. Hehe... Must do more stomach / abs exercises..

Ms Cheang and I went to the gym at Parkway yesterday for our free Personal Trainer Session. The PT asked for our needs & target. Mine was to lose weight, work on my abs and thighs within 3 months. Ms Cheang's was to tone her arms and basically upper body.

After accessing our needs, the PT asked me to do crunches for my upper abs. On the yoga mat. That was still ok. Then come the lower abs. Wa lau, I pulled my quad muscles upon the second swing. Faint~! Damn lousy can.. (actually I think is because I didn't do properly / didn't warm up enough). But he said it's because I am not strong enough wor.

So have to do the basics (with the help of machines). The weight he used is heavier than what I normally use. Having difficulty after the 12th set. Wa.. I really have weak muscles ah.

The PT said we can reach our goal if we train with FIT. Fitness (i think) Intensity and Time. He is so much better than the one at Suntec. At least he seems to know what he is doing. The one at Suntec is always saying she is busy and no time to slot us in for the free PT session - maybe she thought we won't sign up after the free sessions. She can tell Ms Cheang that her goals are unachievable somemore.. What kind of PT is that? Well, her loss, his gain.

We signed up with him.

And well, I am looking forward to a fitter me in 3 months~~

(Special Thanks to Ms Cheang who offered to pay the 25 + 4 PT sessions for me)

JB-bound motorist fume over $21 toll card

2008-12-16T14:40:00.003+08:00

Summary:

New customs in JB, woodlands
Accept only Touch N Go for payment
RM50 for card (RM10 deposit, RM40 stored value)
RM20 also available but was not offered
S'poreans complained complained (esp for those who go in only once a year)

I think the people who complained / wrote in the forum totally missed the point. It's not the $$ / card but the way they are doing it. No advance notice etc.

My opinion:

I think RM50 is reasonable but as one of readers pointed out, there should be a sign to indicate that there is a cheaper option too (for the benefit of those who only goes in once a year etc). Else, they will end up paying RM50 for a RM2.90 trip.

The issue is not about paying the RM50. It is that the Msian government tend to give last minute notice about new process. In the leaflet given to us about the new customs previously (when we are leaving Msia), there is no mention of the customs accepting only the Toll card for payment.

The sign on the customs should be a proper signage indicating the amounts available instead of a handwritten note that says "RM50".

I hope the msian government can be more proactive, when issuing their ever-changing policies, to minimise any disruptions due to miscommuncation.

Source:
http://www.asiaone.com/Motoring/Drivers/Story/A1Story20081215-108025.html

ATM Mistake cost man $750

2008-12-16T14:19:00.003+08:00

Summary:

Man wants to return friend $750 via ATM.
Key in wrong account number
Informed Bank within 2 hours
Bank cannot reach account holder, therefore can't pay him back
He has to transfer another $750 to his friend
Total: $1500 out of his $1600 salary
Unable to pay wife and child custody

Happened to me once. That time, I just started working and was supposed to bank in a cheque for my boss. I copied the wrong account number on the back of the cheque (it was the stupid difference in the way the dashes in the DBS and POSB account numbers work). Lucky for me, I bank it via the teller who gave me a receipt for it. I went back to the office and discovered that the name on the receipt was a different person. So I went back and informed the bank. Luckily, the bank managed to contact the lady (account holder) and reversed the amount back in.

The person who received the money also quite bad la. Money is not yours, then don't keep it. Some forumers say maybe the guy planned it himself, cos it was too much of a coincidence that he needed to pay custody and this kind of thing happened.

But if just reading from the report, he seems a nice guy la, at least still will return the friend money even though this kind of thing happened to him.

This is my comment in the forum:

In this case, the Msia banks are more advanced. They show the names of the account holder that you are transferring to.

I don't see how the security can be breached. You are transferring the $$ into the account. You obviously are given this account number to transfer to and I believe when you transfer your money, you have a right to know who you are transferring to.

Well, if people are worried (about people finding out how embarassing their full name sounds or that they are using other people's account), we can include a feature where account holders can assign an alias to their account, so that at least the other person who is transferring the $$ can identify them when doing the transfer.

E.g. My alias is Maxntaka. So whenever my friend wants to transfer $$ to me, I will inform them of my alias. Once they will key in my account number, they will see my alias maxntaka flashed on the screen before they confirm the transaction.

This feature should be extended to Internet Banking as well.

Source:

http://www.asiaone.com/Business/News/My+Money/Story/A1Story20081214-107704.html

Bolt - Rhino

2008-12-05T11:33:00.001+08:00

So Cute!!

Ang Mo TV Shows

2008-12-05T11:03:00.004+08:00

Dramas...
I am an old fan of Sex and The City and Ally McBeal. Other than that, I prefer watching movies.

But all thanks to Ms Cheang, who "forced" me to watch the ang mo sitcoms and drama, I am now addicted to these shows as well.

Legend
* = highly recommended (other than SATC and AB)
Good shows are those that you can watch again and again without getting bored.

Latest addiction

How I Met Your Mother* (Sitcom)
Damn funny lor. No boring moments, every episode is just as nice with funny quotes and stuff.

Charmed* (Drama)
Old show I know. Haha Only started recently when I dig up my old Season 1 collection. Been hooked since.
Interesting. Now I like to imagine I have Piper's powers. To freeze. LoL.

3 sisters. (Piper, Prue, Pheobe) Paige is not in the pic

New logo

Old logo

These are nice too!

Cold Case* (Drama) - The stories are old crimes, which have very good storylines

Til Death (Sitcom) - So irritating its funny.

House (Drama) - enjoy the sarcasm of Dr House

CSI (Las Vegas, Miami, not NY though) - Not much story in the crime itself but amazing how they solve the crimes. Creativity & Extent of Research of the writers

Carrot Eater

2008-12-04T11:24:00.001+08:00

They hung a carrot in front of me, and I took it willingly. Hmm, am I satisfied too easily? Should I have negotiated for more carrots?

If you were born in the 80s

2008-12-02T15:39:00.004+08:00

Copied from the FB group. Longer list than the emails I received previously. Really brought back memories siaz..

http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?page=10&oid=2719435179&aid=-1&auser=&view=all#/group.php?gid=2719435179

You would remember:

You grew up watching He-man, MASK, Transformers, Silver Hawk and Mickey Mouse, Ninja turtles, Carebears, Robocop, My Little Pony and Smurfs. (Ghostbusters!! My sis and I have He-Man figurines, Carebears, My Little Pony and Smurfs!! Think HQ went to destroy the hair on My Little Pony!!)

You grew up brushing your teeth with a mug in Primary school during recess time. You would squat by a drain with all your classmates beside you, and brush your teeth with a coloured mug. (Yep Yep!! But can't brush properly one...)

You hated or loved the school nurse (she was either pretty or mean). (PAIN)

You know what SBC stands for. (SINGAPORE BROADCASTING CENTRE - I think)

You paid 40 cents for cartons of Chocolate or Strawberry milk every week in class. (YUP. Got Banana flavour too! Gotta grab my favourite flavour.. not everytime the same)

Everyone's wallet used to be the velcro type. (I have I have)

It was cool to have pagers in primary school. (not during my pri sch, early sec yes.. = I old?)

SBS buses used to be non-airconditioned. The bus seats are made of wood and the cushionwere red. The big red bell gave a loud BEEP! when pressed. There were still bus tickets and bus conductors would come up to check them. (yalor)

Envelopes were given to us to donate to Sharity Elephant every Children's Day. (YES! Ask relatives to donate, and then fill up the namelist with fictitious names at $1 each, so that it seems many people donated! hahaha)

You've probably read Young Generation magazine.You know who's Vinny the little vampire and Acai the constable.You know what PETS are and the hidden animals in all the text pages. (I love the little vampire..)

You hated penmanship.Writing lines and caning hands were common, esp if you failed chinese spelling (caning was actually allowed. no shit). ("Choa Xie" Write a lot of lines, write until you remember)

You were there when they first introduced the MRT here. You went for the first ride with your parents and you would kneel on the seat to see the scenery. (Yea, I think we still got the picture! it was first introduced in Science Centre - I think)

Movie tickets used to cost only $3.50.

Gals were fascinated by Strawberry Short Cake and Barbie Dolls. (My sister and the Barbie's hair - as usual)

You learn to laugh like The Count in Sesame Street.

You bought tidbits called beebee (20 cents per pack, 10 cents in MGS), and mamee (30 cents), that had a different sticker in it every time. (YEA!! sticker!)

You carried a lunch box to school but either threw away the food or brought it back home again. (Lol, sssssh)

You watched TV2 (also known as Channel 10) cartoons because Channel 5 never had enough cartoons for you.

Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, The Three Investigators, Famous Five and Secret Seven were probably the thickeststory books you thought you would ever read. (fav = 3 investigators)

KFC used to be a high class restaurant that served food in plates and had metal forks and knives. (I dont remember this, anyone?)

The most vulgar thing you said was asshole and idiot and THE MOST EXTREME WAS 'chicken pie'...you just couldn't bring yourself to say the hokkien translation. (I no scold vulgar one.., maybe just "go eat shit la" hohoho)

Catching and pepsi-cola was the IN thing, and twist was the magic word. (Pepsi cola 1, 2, 3!! wonder who started with pepsi-cola.. why not coca-cola or Fanta-Orange??)

Your English workbooks were made of some damn poor quality paper that was smooth and yellow.

You came to school 15 mins before the bell every morning just so you could copy someone's homework. (only in sec sch)

The only computer lessons in school involved funny pixellized characters in 16 colours walking about trying to teach you math. (only remember some dotmatrix thingy.. black screen and dots)

Waterbottles were slung around your neck and a must everywhere you went.

Boys loved to play soccer with small stones or tennis balls in the basketball court.

Girls played five stones and boys played with marbles.

Science was fun with the Balsam and the Angsana being the most important plants of our lives, guppies and swordtail being the most important fishes. (Pick up angsana leaves from the neighbourhood park to conduct experiments and boil coloured leaves, guppies are the most popular, small and cute but they die easily..)

Who can forget Ahmad, Bala, Sumei and John, immortalized in our minds from school textbooks. (Sumei!!)

We conducted experiments of our own to get badges for being a Young Zoologist/Botanist etc. (haha, boil leaves)

Every Children's day and National day you either got pins or pens with 'Happy Children's Day 1993' or useless plastic files with 'Happy National Day 1994'.

You wore BM2000, BATA, or Pallas shoes. (BATA)

Your form teacher taught you Maths, Science and English. (now not?)

You went to school in slippers and a raincoat when it rained, and you find a dry spot in the schoolto sit down, dry your feet, and wear your dry and warm socks and shoes. (yalor yalor!! usually in canteen)

There would be spelling tests and mental sums to do almost everyday (you hated them). (The multiplication tables in the kitchen with mummy)

Your friends considered you lucky and rich if your parents gave you $2 or more for pocket mone everyday.

You saw Wee Kim Wee's face in the school hall.

Boys liked catching fighting spiders, earthworms or tadpoles.

Collecting and battling erasers was a pastime for boys. (for girls too!)

Class monitors and prefects loved to say, "You talk somemore, I write your name ah!"

You got booked for muddy shoes in class.

There were at least 40 people in one class.

You brought every single book to school, even though there was a timetable. (heavy siaz, you never know what you will need suddenly, security)

There was a pro-yo/bumblebee, digimon craze at some point in time. (this egg looking thing that allows you to feed the dinosaur - forgot its name)

Silent Chopping Board

2008-12-02T11:17:00.007+08:00

The chopping axe is swinging everywhere. One by one the trees felled. News report of how many trees were chopped each day, plantation owners chastised for chopping the trees anyhow, to clear the forest just because the fertilizers were not enough to go around.

The owners defend that shortage of fertilizers will result in some trees wilting and dying. So it’s better to clear off some trees and give the stronger ones a higher chance of surviving.

Detractors state that the owners could have thought of better ways to use the fertilizers. E.g mixing special ingredients so that not so much fertilizers needed to be used for each tree. Or trimming the tree so that they do not need so much to grow. After all, chopping trees is not a permanent solution. Trees take a long time to grow. When the new fertilizers arrive, they have to plant the trees again (often from seedlings).

One particular owner is very smart. He knows that the detractors are watching him. Trying to see whether he is like the rest of the owners, who chops trees like nobody’s business.

After much thought, the owner came up with a plan. First, he declare to the outsiders that he has enough fertilizers for his plantation, agreed with the idea that trees take a long time to nurture and should not be chopped. He had (supposedly) learnt this lesson during the last fertilizer crisis.

Unknown to the rest, he has a different agenda. The owner decided to start with the older trees, which need the most fertilizers. There are lesser of such trees in his plantation. Surely nobody will notice? But he was wrong. Old trees being tall and strong are the most visible in his plantation. Outsiders immediately saw that the big old trees are gone and asked him why he chop the few old trees. Being the quick witted plantation owner, he told them that these few trees were consuming more than they can produce. Anyway, they’re just a few old trees and most of them chose to sacrifice for the young.

He realised that he has attracted a bit of attention. He must tread even more carefully now. He decided to divert the attention away. He declared that his plantation has managed to produce outstanding amount of fruits compared to the other plantations. This further convinces the outsiders that he is doing well and need not chop trees.

He knows he can’t touch the trees for now. But he knows what can be done and nobody will notice. The trees are grouped according to their type of produce. Each group has a few trees, with mixture of old and young trees. Occasionally, these groups need special nutrients to help them grow healthier and produce more. These special nutrients incur extra cost and have no direct relation to the revenue he gets from selling the produce. The extra cost can buy him more fertilizers. He knows that even if he removes them, the tree will still produce (even if not as healthy as before). And being mostly hidden out of sight, nobody will notice if they are gone.

So in the middle of the night, he went to his plantation and removed all the special ingredients.

The old trees and special nutrients are removed now. What else can he do? There are still more trees than fertilizers. He went up the hill and observe his plantation.

He noticed that his plantation is quite packed with trees. He wonders aloud, “Will they notice if I chop a few trees here and there?” He decided to work one area at a time. After working each area, he will climb up the hill and see whether there are more trees that he can chop. He chose trees that can hardly be seen from the top. The shorter trees, the young trees, trees that won’t attract any attention when they are gone (unlike the old trees which are more visible).

Very soon, he managed to chop down what he needs to chop to match his fertilizer supply. He is very pleased with himself and rewarded himself with pots of bonsai that he plant with his personal stock of fertilizers.

He is proud that he managed to complete the task on the sly, without attracting attention from the outsiders who still think his plantation is doing well. Some even offer to invest in his plantation to expand it further. Nobody suspects that he was ever low on fertilizers. Nobody knows what he has done.

Except the trees and special nutrients that have been sacrificed under the Silent Chopping Board.

Not that he care anyway.

Blood SucKers

2008-11-27T14:31:00.005+08:00

Received the "invitation" letter from school. Convocation ceremony. 17th Jan 2009. Raffles City Convention Centre. High tea only.

Then come the shocker and the many many restrictions. Feels like primary school kids graduation.

1. Cost of graduate plus one guest: $214
2. Cost of each subsequent guest: $75
3. Cost of gown (compulsory): $40
4. Cost of refundable deposit for gown: $200
5. The many datelines when you have to submit the form by, pay the fees by, register for gown by, collect gown by, return gown by (you get the hint.. it was a long letter of instructions disguised as an invitation)

PLUS:

NO photos to be taken within the premises. Because they have "professional" photographers to take pictures AND they are not free! YES! You NEED to PAY for each freaking picture they take if you want them.

Advised us to take an early lunch before coming as only high tea will be served. Crap. It doesn't look like an invitation at all. Looks more like army reservist form.

Pay so much for the school fees. Now pay some more. I asked my other friends who graduate from other schools. NONE of them need to pay to attend their convocation lor. And some are at FULLERTON HOTEL ok? This is only one of the ballrooms in Raffles City lor.

They should be free so that more people will go and make the event look more grand. It's like, "wow! Stansfield has so many students graduating!". I heard from the admin people that last year 100 graduates attended. I think that's maybe less than half lor. This year? don't know mann, especially with the recession. Need to pay at least $350 if the graduate comes with both parents, maybe more if they buy the pictures. For 3 hours. For some high tea. -.-

But, complaints aside, we will still go. Papa say must go, whole family must go and support. Because it's a once in a lifetime thing for me. Think that's what the school counted on.

Anyway, my point is don't study at Stansfield College. If want UOL, go to SIM.

Times..

2008-11-27T14:16:00.004+08:00

Economic crisis. This time, it's going to be a long one. One after another, the companies from different industries are going to be affected. Even the so-called "recession-proof" ones will soon be affected too. Ripple effect.

The last economic crisis was in 1998. Wasn't affected then, because still in school.

Can feel it now. Still surviving. Life hasn't changed for me, but there is the nagging thought that bugs me everyday. The way you feel when you are out in the open sea, and don't know when the next big wave will come. Still afloat, water is still, but you know there will surely be a wave coming, you just don't know when.

So you start preparing, looking out for anything that can help you keep afloat when the waves come. You pick up skills, train your muscles to swim against the tide. Hoping when the waves do come, you are prepared to face it.

My first gym membership

2008-11-17T11:02:00.003+08:00

Events leading to my first gym membership

Call from TrueFitness (previously known as Planet Fitness before bought over by True Yoga)
Collect 2 week trial membership
Went on Sat 15th Nov 2008
Signed up 30 month membership
Cost $1849 + GST (260 normal, 118 promo for 12 mths membership)
Credit card interest free instalment
24 month $82/month

Comments

Mum: Ok la, exercise ma
Sis:/ Lionel: Ok la, could have waited after the 2 weeks
Ms Cheang: Stupid, should have signed up for California if want a membership, Cali is better etc (she has both, one at Cali and one at TrueF)

My view

I am putting on weight
Need to exercise
Outlets near to my home and office
They are expanding
Credit card promo. Claim to be last month promo (could be a trick but anyways)
$66/mth for 30 months seem ok

So I don't care la. Went to the gym at Parkway with Ms Cheang yesterday. Quite enjoyable, especially when you feel the muscles pull. Ms Cheang thought me how to use the machines. Realised that I don't have a lot of arm strength. Even though I can carry heavier shopping bags than Ms Cheang, she can use heavier weights than me. :P

Now I am enjoying the "fruits" of my labour, the "achiness".

I think I am going to enjoy gym very much. :)

Next: Loading songs into my IPOD for my exercise regime.

Happy Birthday~

2008-11-06T09:44:00.003+08:00

Happy Birthday Mei Mei!!

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to Mei Mei~~~~
Happy Birthday to you!!!!!

May all your good dreams come true and enjoy life as it comes.

Wassup?

2008-10-31T11:13:00.002+08:00

I answered a survey call the other day.

Ms Cheang said I am very nice, will entertain such calls. I think it's ok la, help people make a living ma.

Today, another girl from the same company called.

She asked me whether I received a call about this survey her colleague called me about the other day.

Wa liew, as if I know what survey she was talking about?

So I asked "which survey?"

Then she impatiently (and stupidly) repeated, “You know? The survey that my colleague called you the other day about?”

Ok, now you are calling people to ask them to listen to you leh, still so impatient. Macam I am asking for favours like that.

So I buay song, and said, “I received a lot of calls on surveys, which one are you talking about?”

Then she soften (which I guessed she must have realised she sounded stupid earlier) and said,” oh, (one of the questions from the previous survey)”.

Then I said, "oh ok, what about?"

Then she said “oh because you answered the survey, we would like to give you 3 gifts, blah blah.”

So I just said, “sorry not interested”.

Then she “ok” and hung up.

kns

Rite~~

2008-10-28T15:53:00.003+08:00

Yesterday felt like having pizza. So called the R it e Pizza (8pm). Their pizza is delicious, best pizza I have tasted (but I've always ordered Hawaiian, so that claim is only restricted to Hawaiian). Thin crust, generous servings of pineapple, big thinly sliced ham. $21 for a regular sized (10"). Buy one free one.

Yesterday was memorable, because Ms Sibuk (MC) thought that the rider didn't give her back the change ($30). She "gave" him $51 and didn't receive her $30 back. But this was almost 2 hours later. Started calling the hotline & office, called for 15 mins (ANGRY) before someone picks up (cos they are closed for orders already). Spoke to the manager, manager said they only have 4 $50 bills, and started calling every customer that the rider had delivered pizza to (total 11). Can't reach 2 and 3 out of the 9 contacted said they gave $50. She will call the other 2 in the morning, and if one of them say they gave $50 note, then there is nothing she can do, since her cashier has no extra $30 too. But if they did not give the $50 note, then she will deduct the $30 from the rider's pay (sad) So... ok..

After putting down the phone, MC went to tally her expenses sheet (under my advice which came a bit late). Hola, all the money is accounted for! Apparently, she had used her $50 note to pay for medicine earlier (PAISEH liao). She was sick the whole day and blur blur, thought she was careless to have not collected the change earlier.

Planned what to say to the manager tomorrow. Decided to "teh gong".

Waited till this morning when the manager called, said one of the 2 customer told her that he had given $50 note, and therefore she is not able to do anything, i.e. return the $30. So MC pretended to haggle for a while before saying "ok lor". Hahaha..

I think they will boycott our address in the future.

What's Up~~

2008-10-16T16:10:00.002+08:00

Yo

what's it with people flicking water after washing their hands? Don't they know somebody is standing beside them?

Irritating

Formula One Singapore

2008-09-29T16:11:00.001+08:00

26th to 28th September 2008

Watched the full 3 days of Formula One ……………. on tv. Haha

Reason: Too poor to buy the grand stand tickets and too lazy for the walkabout.

Friday, 26th Sept – Practice Session

The first time I watch they race on the TV (Star Sports), I was very gan dong. The realization that they are really here, racing in Singapore. The skyline is so beautiful. It makes me feel very proud to be a Singaporean.

The commentators from Star Sports keep heaping praises on the backdrop. Heehee, feels even prouder, macam people praising you have a good looking child. Haha

Saturday, 27th Sept – Qualifying Session

This time, I was in the city hall area to catch the action. Haha.. Nope, I didn’t watch it LIVE either. I stood at the City Hall area to listen to the cars zoom past in the practice round (around 7pm). Wow, damn loud and fast siaz. But the organizers did a very good job in covering the area up so that there is no free view. You can hear them, but you can’t see them.

Ms Cheang’s company gave her and a few other colleagues free rooms at Grand Plaza Park Hotel. Supposed to be a suite but ended up a normal room only (dunno why, maybe some conspiracies, haha).

The hotel is near the circuit but there is no view of the circuit. However, you can hear the cars zooming though. So if you stand near the window, you can hear the cars LIVE while watching them race on TV.

Felt pity for Alonso who qualified as 15th position due to mechanic problem. He was doing well. As Ms HappyQ says, he always like that one. Good good then something will happen. Unpredictable ba, bad bad then something good will happen too (see Sunday)

Oh, and I think they should ask someone else to host the Ch 5 F1 show next year. Ping Hui looks good acting but frankly, not a good host.

Sunday, 28th Sept – Actual Race

Went back early to catch the action. The singtel grid girls are damn sucky. They are there to be the ambassadors, smile leh. Every time, the camera panned to them, you can see them pulling glum faces macam kenna scolding. And then, they realized that you ARE filming them, they smile. SO FAKE!! Go there not just for the camera crew only; it’s for the general public, people who pay to get in and also the drivers and teams. ALAMAK.

And also, as Ms Cheang rightly pointed out, why are Singaporeans (I assumed they are, cos they look like Singaporeans) jumping around when the national anthem is on? I dunno whether other countries’ citizens will do that in their own host country too. I shall look out for that the next race in Japan.

The first few laps were predictable. Massa – 1st, Hamilton-2nd, Kimi-3rd. Ms Cheang got bored and went to surf net instead. I continued watching.
Then came the turning point of the race. Alonso’s team mate crashed his car. And the rest is history.

Pit Stop penalties
Ferrari’s infamous human error
Force India crashing straight into the barrier
Kimi’s lost chance

Who would have expected all these would happen and allow Alonso to climb all the way back again? I say, justice is served. From the pictures you see on sat (where he cover his head in dismay after the engine stall) to the ones you see on sun (punching his hands into the air), you see the ups and downs of the man’s emotions. So happy for him, finally a breakthrough after so long.

Lewis is good also, got to give him credit. Always able to catch up even though he is like 8th place, or behind. The way he takes calculated risks and overtake that guy along the narrow path, hmm issit D. Coultard? Truly a young and ambitious driver. Knowing when to take risk and when not to (not take risk when he is at 3rd position in case he crash or something).

Overall, it was an exciting race. Who knows so many things could happen especially to the Ferraris.

Anyway, after the race in Singapore, I know almost all the drivers and teams. Haha. Converted fan. I must either save enough to buy the good tickets or not be lazy (for the walkabout) and attend the F1 in person next year!

Some pictures (outside the circuit)
(Look out for updates)

Liposuction

2008-09-29T14:44:00.002+08:00

16th September 2008
Ms Sibuk* went for a vaser-liposuction.

Cost: SGD 21,000
Duration (surgery): 7 hours
Duration (rest after surgery): 2 hours
Blood to give before surgery: 2 bags
Number of medication to take before surgery: 2 (anti-oxidants)
Number of medication to take after surgery: 9 (anti-oxidants, pain killers, anti-swelling)
Words immediately after surgery: Pain / Cold

Went to pick her up after the surgery, freezing and in pain, she looked like she has just given birth. Weak, pale and drifting in and out of consciousness, she didn’t even recognize me initially, asking “who are you”. I found this out later when she told me, because I couldn’t catch what she was mumbling that time, I only keep saying, “its ok, its ok, just rest.” Haha. Because the nurse asked me not to talk to her while she is resting.

Finally released to go home after 2 hours, she can’t walk on her own. Need to support her, as she is still feeling cold and weak, but conscious. The nurses and helpers at the clinic were very nice, patient and supportive and the helper offered to wheel her to the car park. The nurse reminded me to help her take medication regularly and warned me not to remove her protective garment before the next review. It’s very hard to wear it back.

Ms Sibuk was bleeding quite a bit when we reach home (from the wounds). The blood penetrated her protective garment. I laid a cloth on the bed to prevent it from getting stained. Still cold and shivering, she needed two blankets even though it was room temperature.

In the middle of the night, Ms Sibuk kept waking up to go to the toilet (every hour). And as she was still weak, I need to help her to the toilet. Luckily I was on leave the next day. The first time I helped her to the toilet, I realized, that the whole cloth was soaked in blood!! I flipped it and the bed sheet too was soaked in blood. The protective garment by now was bloody around the lower waist area. But I assured both of us that the bleeding was normal. I remembered I bled a lot when I extracted my wisdom tooth too and the nurse told me its normal to bleed unless it’s too much, which I feel this is not too much since the blood stains were still concentrated around the waist only (and not the whole garment or bed). I went into “shock state” the first time I woke up, not sure whether it’s because I got up too fast or was it the blood. Felt faintish, sensation to vomit, wobbly legs, breathlessness, by the time I made it to bed, my lips went cold and I can feel cold air rushing up my head (I guess it’s the blood draining off my face that cause the effect). But I told myself I can’t faint, if 2 person faint, then who is going to help? Lol (anyway I concluded that it should be because I got up too quickly while I was in deep sleep, because I am not afraid of blood :P )

After the medical review 2 days later, we can change the garment on our own. Wow!! Really difficult mann. It was so tight and you got to be careful in case you hurt the wound. No wonder the nurse asked me not to remove it before the review.

Ms Sibuk is recovering well (been 2 weeks already). The swelling has subsided, with a few bruises here and there. She is back to her normal body temperature (i.e. always complaining that its hot at home).

She is pleased with the results but has declared that she won’t do it again. Haha.. We shall see. *wink*

*not real name. name withheld to protect identity.

Some pictures for “memory”
(Look out for updates)

Italy-Rome

2008-09-20T23:52:00.018+08:00

Rome is a beautiful city. Full of beautiful people and sights, you can find treasures everywhere you go. You can walk unknowingly into a beautiful church which is not even listed as a "must-see" in the travel guide. Such is the beauty of Rome. The whole place is filled with history, everywhere you go, there will be ruins or old churches that have been there centuries ago.

I took a lot of pictures while I was in Italy. Some 2000 over pictures. Seems a lot, but actually very few when I come back and look at them. There are so many others that I have not captured. So many different angles of looking at the ruins, the churches and Italian streets. It's a feeling, which is very hard to capture on camera. You must be there to feel it. Both Ms Cheang and I felt we didn't really treasure it when we were there. Maybe because we took it for granted, just taking the day as it comes, or maybe because she was working 20% of the time (tsk tsk). But nevertheless, undeniably, both of us enjoyed the holiday tremendously because it was relaxing, fun and filled with good food. Each day was just breakfast, sight-seeing, shopping, food and sleep for 18 days!! The only downside was the heat. The sun was the fiercest on our first day in Italy, which was in Rome. I only manage to upload some of the pictures here (there are too many). But if you wanna see the rest (places of interest and sights), do ask from me. They are beautiful (self-praise) :)

We landed in Rome early. Rushed for the train which was like going off soon. We bought the tickets from the Tabacci (tobacco store) and I was chasing after the train when Ms Cheang shouted from behind, "Wait wait!! Must validate the tickets first!!" Apparently, in Italy or the rest of Europe, you must validate the tickets before boarding the train. That is because, the tickets are issued without dates, so that you can use them anytime you want (e.g. you can buy in advance to avoid the last minute queue etc). To prevent people from cheating, they require you to validate (stamp the dates) the tickets before boarding. Failure to do so will result in a fine of Euro 50 (SGD110) per ticket. They do not accept the excuse that you are a tourist and do not know the rules. You are assumed to know it already. I saw people got fined on the train by the conductor.

So after getting the ticket validated, we rushed to board the train. The train master was like blowing the whistle and waving to us to board it quick as they are pulling away. Heng ah, we managed to get on it before the door close, if not, we will have to wait for another half hour in which the crowd from the other airlines would have arrived and "squeezed" with us. The inside of the train looks like the one you see in the Harry Potter movie. Cool....

The first impression I got of Italy is there are a lot of graffiti!! But nice graffiti.On our way to Rome from the airport, Ms Cheang was already working. She was still on the phone when we reached Rome.She knew the way around Rome and lead the way to the hotel while on the phone and I was following behind her.I got upset and gave a black face because it was as if I am traveling alone. Ms Cheang realized and was very apologetic, but bo bian, as she was trying to settle some trades and close a deal. But I got over it quite fast la.

You will see this kind of picture everywhere we go.

The hotel was ok. A bit small but comfortable. But the bathroom is really very small. I knocked my arm against the glass panel a couple of times when I bathe. Grrr

Our first cup of Italian cappuccino. Smooth and delicious, it leaves no bitter aftertaste.

Went to the Trevi Fountain. They wash the Trevi Fountain once a week and so heng, they were washing it when we reached. See the coins? They collect the coins in the white bags to be donated to the charity. Apparently there's a lot of money each week. People from all over the world come and throw coins in, believing the legend that if they throw a coin over the shoulder into the fountain, they will be back in Rome. Hmm.. I want to go back too! But Ms Cheang didn't throw the coin and she went back like 3 times liao, so I didn't throw too. Hehe.

Went to the Roman Forum and Colosseum next, the weather is sooo hot after 11am!! The place is sooo BIG!! To tell the truth, the pictures you see now look very much nicer than the real thing. Or maybe it was because we were too hot to appreciate it fully when we were there. You see the ruins, you very much want to appreciate and read up the history behind each structure but it was really too hot. So it became like erm, to me, just scattered rocks and stones. It was very hot (I can't seem to emphasize it enough) and sunny and the place was so huge, you can't really see the whole thing. Keep walking and walking. Thirsty and hot. But when I come back to SG and look at these pictures, I was like, hmm.. how come I didn't see them the way they were in the pictures. Now I know why people have illusions when they are in deserts. Dehydration creates illusions. :P

Part of the Roman Forum - grand

Colosseum - big

Inside the Colosseum - sunny

We were so thirsty, our throats were sooo dry. Went to the first drink stall, the mineral water (500ml) costs 3Euro!! That was like SGD6.50. So we walked on and on until I told Ms Cheang that, I have to buy the next drink I see, regardless of the price!!

And then.... we saw this!!

This type of fountain or water cooler whatever you call it, is everywhere in Italy, although more frequently found in Rome, Venice and Florence. The water is very clean and clear. You don't see particles like you see from the tap water in Singapore sometimes. And the water is very cold!! Shiok man especially in this hot weather. The water is always flowing. Hehe, from then onwards, we just bring a bottle of water everywhere we go and refill it when we see one.

Spanish Steps - refilling water

Ostia Antica - One of the ruins in the outskirts where we have to take a metro to.
Its an entire town that was once linked to main Rome. BIG place. We went there when we were back in Rome (day 12) after touring the rest of Northern Italy.

Trevi Fountain in the early morning (7am) - nobody except for a policeman and a photographer. We came here a few times while in Rome (on different days though), to capture the different look it has at different times of the day. Early morning (as pictured below), afternoon (while they were washing it) and night (see first picture)

One of the church we walked into unknowingly - Amazingly Beautiful

Basilica San Pietro - where they housed St Peter's chains

First meal in Italy. Hmm, not recommended by us (food ok only). But see our happy faces when the food arrives because we are hungry plus the anticipation that comes with the first meal... Hehe (see more food in the upcoming Italian Food entry)

Dust on my black Adidas shoes after the first day of sight-seeing at the Roman Forum and Colosseum. This shows how dusty the ruins are!

Afterthought

I found out later that 3 Euro is the normal price for water/canned drinks everywhere in Italy except in supermarkets (which you can get canned drinks for 0.80 Euro = SGD1.70 and 1.5L mineral water for 0.45 Euro = SGD 1) so I kinda got used to the prices after awhile. You feel like you've found gold if you see a shop that sells a canned drink for 1.50 Euro = SGD3.30

Ms Cheang blamed it on the exchange rates (1 Euro = SGD 2.24). After all, its almost one-for-one in Singapore. And we don't get good pasta for SGD7 (starting price) here.

But Singapore has coffee shops selling proper food with seats starting from SGD3 onwards. They don't. Proper food with seats starts from 7Euro in ristorante/trattorias. If want to go budget, got to buy from the supermarkets (whole chicken costs 4.50Euro) and eat in your hotel room or camp somewhere. Or maybe they do have cheaper food, in the outskirts where tourists don't go. Well, I don't know. But I do enjoy the food and got used to the price after a while. Just treat it as if you go to a restaurant for every meal in SG. Haha. Life is to be enjoyed.

Coming Next: Italy - Venice

So wierd

2008-09-10T10:36:00.003+08:00

I can access blogspot suddenly.

The IT security is wierd. They block this one day, unblock another day. Dunno how they monitor, maybe depends on traffic.

I can read my gmail now too!

Hope this lasts

Tagged

2008-09-04T07:37:00.003+08:00

Tagged by The Happy Queen

Instructions: Remove 1 question from below, and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions, then tag 8 people in your list, list them out at the end of this post. Notify them in their chat box that he/she has been tagged.

1. Own Qn: Which teacher inspired you the most?

Mdm Ho (chinese teacher for Sec 1 and 2). She threw a chalk at me when I was day dreaming, called me to stand in the office and hear her talk about my despairing results, giving me & other weaker students extra lessons and ting xie after school hours. Although I still didn't manage to score very well after that, I did very well in Sec 3 and 4 (under a different teacher) but I believe I owe my good results in Sec 3 and 4 to her.

Oh! And she was also a PE teacher cum Basketball coach. Fierce but encouraging, esp after my 2.4km run. Maybe she was surprised I managed to complete in time. Haha :)

2. What is your most favorite thing to do?

Eating, Drinking, Sleeping, Watching TV!! Haha.. most favorite is sleeping.

3. If you have a close close close friend since childhood who loves to take away whatever you like, including guys/girls, and he/she always wins, will you still consider him/her your friend?

Nope. But he/she will not realise it, we will just drift apart eventually.

4. If you could change your sex for one day, would you want to? who would you call up and tell first?

Yes. Nobody so that I can enjoy the "freedom" of not being spied on. :P

5. If you can have 1 dream to come true, what would it be?

If about real dreams, I can't remember specific dreams. Maybe driving a sports car? lol

6. Do you believe you can survive without money?

Nope, not when everything now is exchanged with money. There is no more barter trade!

7. If you could turn back time, what would you have done differently?

HQ ans: I would have work harder in terms of work and studies.

Same for me, I realised I just whizzed past my entire school life without any "goals". Just go to school everyday, listen to 'cher, do homework, pass exam. But hor, maybe if start all over again (without knowledge of the past), I will be tempted to do the same as I enjoy my childhood. Not sure whether my childhood will change if I do things differently. Heard of the butterfly effect?

8. Would you rather to be loved or to love?

Both. I want to give all the love that I have for the people who love me.

9. If there's someone that you love, would you confess to him/her?

Depends on circumstances.

10. List out 3 good points of the person who tagged you.

(1)She is very knowledgable (on LV especially). (2) She is a person who is sociable (even if she is not interested at all). (3) She is fun loving.

11. What are the requirements that you wish from your other half?

HQ ans: Love,Trust,Loyalty.

Same for me. Great answer.

12. What is the thing that will make you think he/she is bad?

Cheating or lying deliberately.

13. What is your ambition?

Be a travel writer for lonely planet. lol

14. Is anyone really perfect?

Maybe. Xi Wang Zai Ren Jian.

15. If you had a choice to be rich or happy, which one would you pick ?

Happy. When you are happy, it meant that nothing is bothering you. You can take things easy and everything will be smooth.

16. If you have a chance, which part of your character you would like to change?

Being an Introvert. I warm up to people slower.

17. Who is the person that you can share all your problems with?

I don't share ALL problems. I help people to solve them. :P

18. How do you see yourself in 10 years time?

VP in a bank (or Director depending on which bank where you head one dept). Hmmmm, but first I need to change that part of my character (see above) or at least try to "fake" it. Other than your capabilities, you need to "talk cock" all the way up. lol~

If not, earn enough money to open a small business of my own. But I still need to 'talk cock' with customers. Hmmmm...

19. If someone had found a path to immortality to be bestowed upon you in exchange for one of your abilities, would you take it, and what would you sacrifice for it?

Only if my family and partner can have it as well. Then maybe the ability of speech? Hmm..

20. What is your greatest wish?

Good health for me and people I cared for.

My Tags: Nobody. Haha

Blood

2008-09-02T17:04:00.008+08:00

Fell down today!!!

I was on MC today. Then went to pick Ms Cheang during lunch time to go to HSA for autologous blood donation "means donating blood for your own surgical procedure".

Then she realised that she needs to produce her NRIC which she doesn't have with her. So gotta drive back to office to take. On the way to the carpark, I fell !!! It was one of those tiles with holes filled with grass in between. My foot got caught in one the holes, I fell, knee first, then knee straight in the hole "HOLE-IN-ONE". And Ms Cheang laughed!!!! Can you imagine?? She was like, giggling and saying, "aiyo!! are you ok??" Faint. My leg felt numb for a while, only managed to get up after a pause.

Drove back to suntec, she went up to get her NRIC, I washed my wound. Still bleeding.

At the blood centre, I saw this separate room that has macam higher class seats. Can't remember the name of the room. I was kpoing near it while Ms Cheang was doing her registration. Then I saw this guy with the band around his elbow and BLEEDING PROFUSELY!! So gross!! I wonder what happened. Did he pull out his own needle? Anyway, he just walked into that room, and came out of it 5 to 10 mins later looking fine. Hmmm.. I didn't tell Ms Cheang in case she freaks out.

The whole blood donation process took about an hour, from registration to blood donation and rest. First time donors even have a sticker that says, "Be nice to me. This is my first donation." This is so that the nurses will be more gentle. Ms Cheang says those who do not have the stickers (aka repeat donors), the nurses not so gentle.

Ms Cheang said her blood flowed freely, filled up the bag pretty fast. I think I will faint if i am the one donating.. cos scared of needles ma. She got a stress ball, a snack and a drink for her "donation".

Now, here's another look at my "donation" (pardon the hair).

Italy

2008-09-02T16:52:00.002+08:00

Prego!!

Yay! just came back from Italy. Spent 18 days there. Kinda miss the "life" there, no work, wake up every morning just to eat, play and sleep again at night...

The cappucino in Italy is delicious!! Some of the coffee is so aromatic that you don't even feel the need to put sugar, enjoy on its own!

Seen alot of things, learnt a lot of things. Update again when I am at a proper workstation with photos~~

hehe

Ciao~~~

Library Sale

2008-07-21T14:27:00.004+08:00

Went to the library sale yesterday. The books were dirt cheap, $2 each.

There were alot of travel books but outdated ones (2000 - 2005). The non-fiction collection is interesting. Bought a total of 8 books from there. Bought a book (short stories) for mei mei, a Snoopy collectibles book for Ms Cheang, and some other marketing related books. Useful books which I think will benefit my work. Displaying them on my workdesk may add to my credibility as well. Haha.

I didn't go to the fiction side. Walked past the shelves, they don't look interesting (i.e. romance novels etc). The collection is not as good as the MPH or Times. Quality not good too. Plus I already have a HUGE collection of books waiting for me to "touch" them at home.

They also have the $5 package.. Packs of magazines, e.g. Entertainment, Times, Fortune etc. I have been "warned" not to buy them, so I didn't go through them either. Haha.. No la, actually it's because I still have stacks of them at home from the Library Sale 2006......

So 8 books cost me $16 which is equal to the cost of one regular novel in a bookshop. Cheep right?

KS Sucks

2008-07-11T14:25:00.004+08:00

I have heard of many complaints about employment agencies.

How they treat you like precious stones when you first sign up with them.

How they treat you like vermin if you reject the first few jobs they recommend you.

How they bo-chap you after finding you the job and getting the commission.

Well, I thought I was lucky that I didn't have such problems ... until now.

KS SUCKS!!

Firstly, its my company bills that weren't handled properly. Invoiced us twice for the same invoice. One month has passed and there is no news. wtf are they doing? I think they don't know what they are doing, that's the F.

Then there was my completion bonus. F it up again.

Gave me $(X - unpaid leave).
Billed AEB $X
Best still, 3 unpaid leave deducted were actually my annual leave!

Then there was my salary. Delayed due to the transfer by 1 week liao!!!!

Nothing done. Everyday call, everyday same answer. "oh, I have checked with finance and they haven't get back to me", "oh, they say this this this. Oh! like that huh, I check again" Its like a broken record playing the same tune again and again. They can't seem to get it. Or is it because of stupidity... I had to repeat my story again and again. I had to send the same email reminder again and again. And yet, everytime I call, they will ask "can you give me the details?" I f**king gave you the details so many times lor. This goes to show that they didn't check right? Or maybe they are just stupid. Lazy. Or Lazy and Stupid.

Anyway I have escalated it to my boss. She steady went to call the person's boss. (I liase with the account manager incharge of AEB contractors) So that person called me just now. Said she is replying my email. AND ASK ME FOR THE INVOICE DETAILS AGAINNNN!! She tried to explain (she forgot its the 3rd time she is telling me this story) that the invoice for my completion bonus is correct because there are admin fees included etc. (P.s. its a lucky thing I was the one who handled the invoice, if its anyother person, it would have just been paid and KS would have gotten away with it!!!) I told her I know there are no admin fee for contract bonus, she say for mine there is, becos it was not banked together with my pay. I said fine, BUT the amount billed will not be $X lor. Cos where got so "GAM" right? My unpaid leave = admin fee? Think I stupid? She sounded impatient (first time actually cos she usually sounded friendly). I think its becos she kena "marah" (scolded) by the boss. But I don't care la. Freaking messed up my pay and dare to be impatient. I can't be bothered to play nice also lor. I also IMPATIENTLY tell her that it doesn't work that way. She got the hint and ask me for the invoice number and said she will check with the finance (see??? broken recorder)

I will wait for their reply now. They better not messed up and give me my salary by this week. I will show them I am not someone that they can push over. I am nice. But DON'T push me. You will regret it...

Food!!

2008-07-05T01:44:00.006+08:00

Aaah.... finally managed to upload the pictures!

I shall begin with the "famous" claypot rice from Serangoon that I have been raving about for the past few weeks.

See the sweet juicy chicken? You got to wait approx 15 mins to eat this. Longer if there are alot of people.

This is my favourite. The "chao tah" part which Ms Cheang will patiently scrape for me.

Crunchy!! Yummy Yummy

And below is the "infamous" claypot rice from Buzzing Cashier. Our "Favourite" contestant.. Kelvin Yuck!!!

Very disappointing. This recipe was supposed to turn his business around right? So it is supposed to be good right? Nope.
I think the judges have not eaten proper claypot rice before.... you know, those that really cook everything in the claypot (ie. the Serangoon one). They have probably ate from foodcourts that just dump the already-cooked rice and simmer for say another 2 mins before serving. Anyway, I would say even those may taste better than this! Well, at least the one at West Plaza does taste better.

Waited half an hour for this... waste time..

But luckily, the trip was not wasted. We managed to "discover" a new BBQ place! We were waiting for the claypot and so being the tam jiak us, we ordered the BBQ squid from this BBQ stall. The chilli taste good and we finished it till the last bit (even the onions were not spared!!).

Din Tai Fung - 01 Jun 08

I luurve the Xiao Long Bao.... So juicy and soft!! Feel so hungry now by just looking at the pics. Hmm but that's the only nice thing I ordered that day. The noodles suck, maybe its because I don't like the peanuts? Taste like hmm, chinese style Mee Rebus.

Xiao Long Baos... Xiao Long Baos...

some other foods...

My all-time favourite McD Breakfast! Consume with maple syrup, pepper and butter~~ Yummy!

McGriddle.. Too Sweet, Too Soft, Soggy, Bo Ho Jiak

And last but not least, not forgetting my all-time favourite KOPI-Shop drink.

ICED LEMON TEH~~

Oh oh.. and below is the reason why I am fat.

See the size of the packet??

And the liao??

So ah pui lor...

Location of the foods featured above:

Nice Claypot Rice - Serangoon.. Near the Bus Interchange.."Wan Jin" coffeeshop..
Not Nice Claypot Rice - Taman Jurong Food Centre, Level 3
Nice BBQ food - Taman Jurong Food Centre, Level 3
Din Tai Fung - Paragon B1
McD - Everywhere
Iced Lemon Tea - Serangoon Wan Jin Coffeeshop (10 thousand gold coffeeshop) :P
Economy Bee Hoon (I dunno why they are named as such cos nowadays it is not economy at all, they should just be named Chap Chai Peng/Mee/Beehoon) - Yew Tee Food Court

Drop me a note if you wanna find out more!

My Personality Test

2008-07-04T14:15:00.001+08:00

Ho ho ho. This is the type with the highest score - 7/8. The rest were like 5/8, 4/8 etc.. The aggresive type 8 is the least at 2/8. So I am a very mild person ok? hehe

free enneagram test

Slimming

2008-06-27T11:11:00.005+08:00

I think

I have slimmed down abit. Haha. Didn't do anything specific, just not eating as much (didn't feel that hungry) and been shitting daily again.

My personal opinion

Shitting regularly (at least once a day) helps me to slim!

Appeal Rejected Too

2008-06-17T11:01:00.000+08:00

My Appeal got rejected too.. Faint..

Ah Pui

2008-06-13T19:52:00.003+08:00

Another colleague commented today that I seemed to have put on weight recently. "seemed to" is a very kind way of putting it. I DID put on weight. My face is a BIG pancake now... used to be just Mian Bao (Bread).. now I think become Da Bing liao.. >.<

Face is the hardest part to slim down. Must exercise more often, see whether face will slim after the rest of the body slims down..

I wanna look good in pictures again!!

Aim: To be able to fit into the 2 tops above within 2 mths...

Jia you Jia you Jia you!!!

Appeal Rejected

2008-06-13T19:47:00.001+08:00

Ms Cheang got an email that her appeal has been rejected.

Now waiting for my email. Last checked with URA showed that its still pending decision....

Growing Up with Sex and The City

2008-06-11T14:34:00.006+08:00

http://www.sexandthecitymovie.com/

I love the series and I love the movie too. A good movie to me is a movie that entertains you, bringing you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. A movie that either keeps you glued to your seats by the action (Iron Man) or a romantic comedy like Sex and The City, that brings you laughter, tears, sadness, anger, and sets you thinking as well.

Ms Cheang teared at a few scenes, which surprised me becos she usually either goes to toilet every 20 mins or falls asleep (with the exception of IronMan) whenever we catch a movie at a cinema. This time, she only went to toilet once. Me too, all thanks to the sparkling juice..

I love the 4 characters, their friendship and the bond they share. They go thru the ups and downs in each others' lives together. Even though they may argue, quarrel or have cold wars sometimes, these moments won't last and they will be fast friends again.

The scene where I can't control my tears was when Carrie, after hitting Mr Big, went into Charlotte's arms who glared angrily at him and said "Nooo!!" when he tried to go after Carrie. The moment was just... magical.. The splendid friendship they share made me speechless and incredibly touched.

If you have not watched the series before, you may not be able to appreciate as well as if you had. Watching the series allows you to understand them.. and appreciate the storyline in the movie more as its a progression, not a summary of the series.

If you are unable to catch the series before watching the movie, you can watch the movie first and then go back to the series. You will know what I mean.

I am crazy over Sex and The City. And so will you..

Get carrie'd away today~~

Signed with luv,
Fan of Sex and the City

My Birthday!

2008-06-11T14:03:00.006+08:00

10th June is a good day. Its both my birthday and the last day of my exam. Yipeee! Supposed to be a double celebration but I got to fall sick on this day.. :(

However, I still managed to have a good time, though it had to be cut short as I am too tired from the sneezing and lack of the sleep from the studying the night before.

Here are some of my pressies...

My mini bday cake. Coffee Bean's flourless choc cake.. really flourless.. its all chocolates!!

Ang Pow from Mummy, Papa, HQ and Mr Hum.. Hehe so sweet.. Mummy & Papa still gave me ang pow even though they have already given me a camera tt day... Mummy says its for good luck.. :)

Sex and the City Movie Guide!!!! I luuurve SATC.. I grew up with it :P
Ms Cheang bought me this at Borders yesterday while I was in the exams.. hehe I first saw it in Marine Parade last week and said I will buy it after I watch the movie so she bought it and gave it to me after watching SATC yesterday. and this is on top of the air tix to Rome. sweet~

Went to Vivo City to watch SATC after my paper in the morning. My first gold class movie and its SATC!!! So excited..

The Gold Class lounge....

I didn't want to use flash cos afraid that it will disturb other people.. Turned out every pic so dark.. :( Reclining business class seats with blankets.. cool

Can see? Hehe... two glasses of sparkling juice. One bottle is $10 (excl. GST and service charge)

Fully reclined, propping my legs up, lying comfortably, awaiting the start of my fav series and now fav movie ... Sex and The City!!

Tam Jiak Ms Cheang

2008-06-09T14:45:00.007+08:00

Ms Cheang and I have been going to Serangoon Ave 2 very often lately to eat our latest "discovery" - Claypot Rice... (more on that next time)

We went there again yesterday (after going to the temple with HQ and Mr Hum). As usual, Ms Cheang ordered the claypot rice and I ordered something new from the coffeeshop (this time round, the century egg porridge .. more on that again next time).

The claypot rice is done the traditional way where the rice is cooked in the pot itself, so the rice is very crispy for those stuck to the pot.

As usual, Ms Cheang will finish the rice first and then scrape the crispy rice for me which I happily laps up.

Yesterday, when I was eating the crispy rice, I noticed tt Ms Cheang was looking intently at my pot.... I didn't pay much attention to it as I thought that she is probably just stoning again.. when suddenly!! she reached over and attempted to pull the pot to her, before stopping herself (almost just as sudden as she reach over, tt it looked like an instintive move). To my amusement, I realised that she had unwittingly done so cos she wanted to eat somemore!! Sooooo tam jiak... I jokingly pull the pot back and protect it with both of my hands, protesting "nonononono..."

So funny! If only I had captured the moment with my camera!

I will update more on the claypot rice and KTV session with HQ and Mr Hum after I load the pictures on my pc. You will be able to understand our craziness over it. Till then!

Confirmed!

2008-06-05T16:01:00.003+08:00

OK .. I am confirmed going to SCB Mortgage Team. Starting next week, alternate between AEB and SCB...

Mon & Fri - AEB
Tue - Thu - SCB

Its a new position created for me.... and the Head of Mortgage named it "Marketing Manager".. Hahaha.... sounds good hor? But $$ no good..

See how it goes ba.. good thing is at least the title and portfolio will look good in my resume..

My Birthday Present!!

2008-05-31T16:02:00.003+08:00

My parents gave me this digital camera (Sony W120) for my birthday. I have always wanted one since my first camera was a Fujifilm camera which I won like maybe 10 years ago in a FANN WONG endorsed fujifilm contest! Haha

Yeapie.. now I can take wonderful pictures of my loved ones, holidays and food excursions!

Such Coincidence!!

2008-05-31T15:56:00.002+08:00

Haha.. nope it was not coincidental that Ms Cheang and I got fined together.. We were parked side by side..

The fine was.....
"time stated in coupon was later than it should have been.."

Appeal Appeal!!! We are innocent!!

Wii Games

2008-05-31T15:34:00.002+08:00

Some very funny antics displayed by Mr Hum while playing Wii Fit ...

Food, Glorious Foooooddd

2008-05-31T15:07:00.008+08:00

So tam jiak, eat and eat... no wonder getting fatter...
but with so much good food around us, its sooo hard to resist..

Hai Nan Xing Zhou Beef Noodles
Blk 22 Lor 7 Toa Payoh #01-06

Overall: Disappointing for a supposedly "one of the tastiest" beef noodle stall in town. 1st and last...

1. auntie rude, uncle very friendly.
2. Beef meat tough
3. Beef stomach ok
4. I didn't get to eat beef tendons (apparently u need to request for them, auntie only say "oh, its only beef balls&beef or beef&beef stomach" kns lor)
5. Price is normal ($3/$4/$5)
6. Featured in Pai Pai Zhan (aka Where the Q starts) Either quality has drop or the judges have very bad taste

Nectarie again.. heh.. this time I managed to snap a nicer picture of it. The Strawberry Shortcake!!! Shiok right??? So soft and juicy~~

My All TIME favourite Bak Kut Teh stall
Overall: BEST mouth watering bak kut teh in Singapore..

Its in Woodlands.... Taken with my handphone camera.. so its very blur..

The soup goes very well with you tiao.. and remember to ask for Ruan Gu "soft bones"..

Featured in Pai Pai Zhan too..

We are going to ITALY

2008-05-31T15:04:00.001+08:00

We are going to ITALY!!!!!

booked the flight on Thursday... for Thai Airways.....

Head going to EXPLODE

2008-05-28T15:34:00.002+08:00

feeling faint..
finding it hard to breathe
head spinning
hot flushes
eyes twitching
head exploding
eyes popping out

feeling super duper sien

i think i am....

slipping into depression

I just want to sleep and sleep and sleep and sleep until 10th June. ZZZzzzzZzzzzZzzzz

Travelling to Europe

2008-05-26T17:16:00.002+08:00

Travelling has become very expensive nowadays, especially flying. Rising oil price, increase of govt taxes etc etc..

Ms Cheang just checked for SQ to
Rome / Barcelona costs SGD2.6K pax
Paris costs SGD3.6K for 2 pax (maybe due to the many flights)

So maybe we shall fly to Paris and take a "Budget Airline" to Rome... (supposedly EUR66 for two per way)

Sigh.. It only costs maybe half or slightly more than half 2 years ago.

Anyway, if there is a plan, must book early.. its expected to rise even further in the future..

Expo Exhibitions

2008-05-23T11:34:00.002+08:00

The period of GSS for Books is here again!!

Expo
Popular - 23May to 01Jun
Times - 25Jun to 29Jun

Unknown
National Library - (should be in July ba)

Wheeeeee.... I still got alot of books stacked at home, unread.. collected from previous book sales.. heehee.. prepare for my retirement...

I wanna go to the Adiddas and Robinsons sale tooo... Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Let's go together! G O go!

New Malay Word

2008-05-21T09:37:00.003+08:00

Learnt a new malay word today...

H A L A U

Meaning: chased away.
Usage: I cannot park away, sekali kena halau...
DO NOT confuse it with: Halal, Pulau and Walau..

lol
:P

Interesting News Bite

2008-05-13T15:26:00.002+08:00

Survey by Durex shows Singaporeans have sex 62 times a year.. That's an average of once every 6 days...

Its considered low, though not as low as Japan (34).

What do you think?

Source: http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20080513-64849.html

Disasters

2008-05-13T15:02:00.007+08:00

Less than a month after Cyclone Nagis (or issit Nanis?) over Myammar, there is an earthquake in Sichuan, China.

Read that 900 students died when their school collapsed...

Tragedy..

One Crisis after Another: Economic (Subprime), Social (rising food costs, petrol), Natural (cyclones and earthquakes)... and then there are the unrest by the Pi Gu Yang ppl (Tibetans and whatnot) ...

Depressing..

US despite the subprime crisis/gloom hanging over it's head, still came up with funds to aid Myammar, a big brother indeed. But the stoopid Junta only wants the aid, they don't want the people.. so who knows where the aid is going to? No wonder Red Cross sees fewer donations.

I am thankful for the peace in my country.

There, we have people dying, clamouring for clean water, staple food like rice, medicine just to survive...
Here, we have people complaining about rising costs, ERP, and which aesthetic surgeon to go to...

Cute..

I love Singapore~~~

Interesting Blog (Part 3)

2008-05-09T17:03:00.003+08:00

This blogger is funny when comes to MSK... will not be reposting the entire entry here, can read more if you are interested... but heres part of the list of movie names recreated for MSK's escape. http://xiaostarling.blogspot.com/

7. CastAway (original name " Cast Away" by Tom Hanks)
Added this in cos i saw a new photo of Mas Selamat, released by police.Lol.....They photoshopped him with lotsa beard (cos they assumed he didn't shaved). Sorry....can't find the photo online though...=\
And the story is that he has been stranded by civilisation for so long that he starts hallucinating...... and he picks up a durian and decides to name it as "wilson".

9. Survivor: Singapore (original show "Survivor")
A bunch of police is dumped on the island, and this time, the rules have changed. All they have to do is to search for the hidden immunity idol in order not to be booted out....

Interesting Blog (Part 2)

2008-05-09T16:56:00.002+08:00

More from the same blogger:

The part that was not released. Due to sensitive info and to protect identities of the numerous ppl involved.Pure speculation of cos.
(Not about to let someone chop my head)

1. Mas Selamat was said to have planned the escape. He had tried on several occasions to test the guards, by closing the door partially, and then fully. Different guards were rotated on shifts when escorting the detainees to prevent them from familiarising themselves with detainees.

What it infers: All along, Mas had been observing the guards. Apparently, he knew which guard is slacking and couldn't give a darn whether he closed the cubicle door or not. So on that day when he saw that slacking guard again, Mas knew it was his chance.

2. Mas was said to be wearing 2 layers of clothings. He wore his civilan clothes OVER his detention clothes. The junior officer did not collect back his detention clothes as due on procedure.

What it infers: Another officer caught not doing his duty.

3. When Mas was found to be taking a tard too long in the cubicle. So the guard went out to inform the guard guarding the toilet. Then that guard went to inform another officer who went to find the person in charge of the detainee before they went to the toilet.

What it infers:
a. Ppl working in the detention centre cannot make any decisions until permission is granted by their superiors.
b. The guard on duty doesn't want to pay for the damages for a broken folding door if he attempts to kick it open.

4. The CCTVs outside the toilet windows were not working at the crucial timing and due for upgrades.

What it infers: I am thinking it's either
a. Mas couldn't give a damn and decided to risk getting caught on camera when he's squeezing out of the window.
b. Mas KNEW there was no working CCTV outside the toilet window up to the fence. So you can imagine, everytime he was visiting the toilet, he would throw toilet rolls outside the window to test whether anyone "responded" in anyway, like e.g. some guard rushing out of the surveillance room to the area outside the toilet window to see what was it that had fallen from the window.

5. The toilet Mas visited was a toilet meant for staff in the detention centre and visitors to the detention centre.

What it infers: Means anyone can use it. I duno if they let strangers into that place to use toilet, like e.g. I am urgent and go up to security guard and tell them i need to use the toilet, they might direct me to that toilet (since it is for visitors). Was the toilet searched for suspicious items before Mas was allowed to use? Did his family use it before Mas used the toilet? It could mean, certain stuff was placed there to aid Mas in escaping. Which makes me wonder why is a detainee allowed to use a normal toilet (fit for visitors), which of cos mean that that toilet is not SAFE!

6. The illegal immigrants caught in the forest were questioned and they revealed that the forest is packed with edible fruits, shelter and even illegal farms.

What it infers: The illegal immigrants are now acting as the "intelligence" that is helping the gahmen. Duh...

7. Mas used 7 toilet rolls to cushion his fall.

What it infers: He stole 1-3 rolls of them and used them to exchange for food/drinks/shelters with the illegal immigrants.

and lastly.....

8. Mas was speculated to have climbed out of the toilet window. Foresenic heroes found smudges (and not fingerprints) on the pipes outside the toilet window.

What it infers: Mas did not wash his hands. :D

Interesting Blog

2008-05-09T16:41:00.004+08:00

Extracted from this blogger: http://xiaostarling.blogspot.com/

The Mas Selamat Diaries.

27 Feb
Dear Diary,

Today I can get to see my family again. So excited. I have not seen my sayang for ages. As usual, my day was normal. At 2 pm, the guards came over to find me, asking me to get ready. I jumped off the bed and followed after him. He brought me to a nearby waiting room and passed me a set of my own clothes. I was supposed to change, but there was no curtain. The guard looked at me with an evil smirk. I duno what he is thinking but he looks disturbing. So i suggested that I changed behind the cupboard! I would rather die than to let him watch me change.

Actually I find it fussy to change in and out of the detention clothes. But since he insisted, I just wore it over the detention clothes. The other guard looked kind of bored and tired today. I wonder what he did last night? Anyway how come he didn't ask for my detention clothes??? Not that I really care but isn't that standard procedure?

The tired guard took over and brought me to the toilet to wash up. I was asked to shave. I took the shaver and headed in to the urinal. The guard was surprised. I told him I needed to pee first. Then I shutted the door behind me. Ah. Peace. Life in the detention centre is boring. I want to get out! The guards are so boring too. They don't really talk to me. This is driving me crazy. I needed to drag some time cos he will just bring me back to the waiting room and we stare at each other until it's visitng time. So i took off my pants and put it at the door. Ahaha let him wait!I took a quick pee and looked around. There was a tap. I wetted the shaver under the tap and started shaving slowly.

My shaver dropped. I bent over to pick it up. And guess what I saW? A packet of toilet rolls! That toilet cleaner never do her/his job again! HaiZ! I picked up the toilet rolls and placed it on the ledge. And then I saw something. Hey, the toilet window is open? I climbed onto the ledge and peeked outside the window. I touched the sides of the window. Cigarette ashes! Must be some guard taking a quick puff here! I pushed the window and saw sunlight. Wah. So nice to see the sun. I only see it on weekends when we can play bball! I pushed the window a bit farther and looked out. Nobody. Hmm.

Kekeke... I shall sabotage the toilet cleaner. So I threw out her/his toilet rolls out of the window. hahaha. See how he/she explains to her supervisor how the toilet rolls go missing! As I was reaching out to throw, I realised I could squeeze through the window to waist level! I lost my balance and felt out of the window! Luckily got toilet rolls to cushion my fall. But aw...my head.

But keke, I am free now! Oh my god. I love the sun. Haha..noone found me. Hmmm... wait. Why don't I go and hide and let the guards find me? This is fun. Haha. Kill some time before visiting time.

Hmm..where is a good place to hide? Ahhh... the roof. They'll never know I am there.

So i scrambled on the roofs, waiting for the guards to find me.
And I....slowly fell asleep.

27 Apr
Dear Diary,

I am still on the rooftop! Why haven't they found me yet?

-the end-

Sweeping Comments

2008-05-07T19:02:00.002+08:00

Don't Freaking Make Sweeping Comments!!
it just shows how "knowledgeable" and egoistic you are

e.g.

Singapore have NO talent

Its as if saying Malaysians are stupid, Filipinos are maids, Indonesians are terrorists etc etc..

Sweet Sweet Surprise - Iron Man

2008-05-02T16:03:00.005+08:00

Movie tix price keep going up. Its not worth it to watch movies in the cinema anymore. Used to go at least twice a week. Now, its been maybe more than 6 months since I went to the theatres. My last movie was probably Harry Potter? Haha.. cannot remember leh. No wonder the DVD business is booming. One original DVD costs say, $40, can be shared by all family members and friends. Can stop anytime for toilet break, lunch break etc and still not miss anything... Not to mention the pirated DVDs at RM5 each... Woo Hoo!!
But... but.. going to the cinema has its pros too lor.. you enjoy the sound effects, the whole movie also look different than if you watch at home. You won't be as distracted as when you are at home, you can actually finish one whole movie even if its extremely boring.... The experience is just different... plus if you watch with a lover, you can lubba lubba lomantic in the cinema. hohohoho..
Nevertheless, after saying all this, I still love watching movies in the cinema...

Moderation is the key..

Movie - $10.50
Hotdog - $5.20 (come to think of it, buy 2 hotdogs and you can admit one more person!)
Drink - $3.10
Total - $18.80 per pax
Experience - priceless (hahahaha.. not exactly la.. depending on what movie you are watching)

Went to watch Iron Man on wednesday. Midnight movie. First day open, so late also full house!! Lucky manage to book a day earlier, so got pretty good seats.

The ah mats very noisy ah.. made alot of noise in the cinema but luckily kept quiet thruout the movie..

The movie is pretty entertaining. Action packed, not alot of talking so you will be kept glued to the screen... Robert Downey Jr looks cool mann.. He got this charming bad man look.

I like the storyline too. It fits the purpose of Iron Man very well. I wonder if there will be a sequel, what are the other stories that can be built around Iron Man? Looking forward to more Iron Man movies!

Excursion for Food!!

2008-05-01T20:24:00.012+08:00

Went for a food excursion today! Yes Ms Cheang drives with her bare feet.. hehe

Tiong Bahru Char Kway Teow.. Yummy, can eat and eat!

Zheng Zong Chwee Kuey - Chilli is suitable, but i find the kuey abit hard, starchy, but this is preferred by Ms Cheang.

I prefer this by JIan Bo.. Supposedly the original famous Chwee Kuey in Tiong Bahru, the cake is smoother and they have very generous serving of Chai PO!! Chilli not as good as Zheng Zong though.

Hong Heng Prawn Noodles.. I still prefer the one at Bedok (opp Swimming Pool) but Ms Cheang likes it. Enjoy while hot!

The cleaners there empty the plates and then stack them up on the table. Dunno waiting for who to clear siaz.. All the birds will come and try to peck off the food. Walaus... Luckily they are sparrows.. There were a few crows resting on the railings too, but I think they are waiting for the table to be clear of people before they try to eat.

Rochor Beancurd House!! Long story.. Do not confuse them with the 2 shops at Short Street (Rochor Original Beancurd and Rochor Bencurd) although they are opened by 3 brothers of the same family (some family feud). This one is much smoother than the other 2. The famous one at Short Street are no longer as good now..

Thats all for now folks!

Addresses!

Food: Chwee Kueh, Char Kuey Teow and Hokkien Mee
Add: Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre (Level 2)

Food: Rochor Beancurd House
Add: Geylang Rd - Lor 37 / 39 (turn in from Lor 39 from Sims Ave / Lor 42 from Guillimard Rd.. its along Geylang Road)

Cod Fish Village

2008-04-30T15:08:00.002+08:00

Have started going to Cod Fish Village again pretty often lately.

It's located at
Blk 83m #01-461, Toa Payoh Lorong 2, S310083
Tel: 62516008
Mon-Sun: 11am-2.30pm/ 5pm-11pm

and the food is G.R.E.A.T!!

The branch at lorong one has closed down, now left with this at lorong 2.
There is this actor who used to be with SBC, dunno whether is he the owner, looks like, cos the few times I've been there, he's also there, serving us and other customers.

Don't know how to describe him, tall prc? Don't think I can find a picture of him online to post either.

Oh, this place sells all sorts of cod fish dishes, cod fish with chai po, cod fish with cheese, fried, steam etc.. and other vegetable dishes. And all taste great! Their fish is very fresh and so tender they melt in your mouth... Yummy!! They also have fried cod fish slice, cod fish tofu etc.

Its pricey though.. The veges are the same as other cze char places, $6 for the small one. The cod fish is $9 per 100 gm, minimum 300gm, so one cod fish dish will set you back by $27 already. And usually because its soo smooth, you don't feel satisfied after one. One such dish can serve 1-2 pax only. So if there are 2 pax, you order a cod fish dish, 2 veges, 2 drinks and rice, it will cost you $42.

I dunno how much does cod fish cost in the supermarket. But I recommend this place, if you are a cod fish lover and/or intend to go to some chinese restaurant for celebration.

Nectarie at The Cannery

2008-04-30T14:41:00.003+08:00

I mentioned I was going for some good food last week right?

on 22Apr...
We went to Nectarie at The Cannery. http://www.yebber.com/review/nectarie/
They serve cakes, ice-creams, coffees, all desserts ba...

I ordered chocolate mud cake, strawberry shortcake and one cappuccino. Ms Cheang ordered one iced chocolate and rum & raisin ice-cream.
Hehe, only remembered to take a picture after I have eaten half of each cake. Too tempting.. The cappuccino looks good right? The foam is soooo nice...

Review: out of 5 stars
Strawberry Shortcake: Full 5 Stars!! (it melts in your mouth~~~)
Choc. Mud cake: 3.5 stars (very chocolaty, it started out as heavenly but jelat after awhile. Didn't manage to finish it. If you are a hardcore chocolate lover, you must try this though)
Cappuccino: 4 stars (extra stars for the nice foam, coffee taste good, different from normal coffee!)

Too bad they don't have brownies.. :(

So Studious

2008-04-22T12:51:00.002+08:00

Am on Level 8 of the NLB now..
studying Principles of Marketing. pretty interesting especially the examples given in the recommended text by P. Kotler.

So much easier to do "research" with lappie (compliments of Ms Cheang). Hehe.. Almost all the people here have lappies.. But I think the guy beside me is watching video lor cos he keep having this silent laughter.. like forced air coming out of the nostrils...

So here I am, blending in with the crowd.. studying with lappie.. haha..
"looking studious & diligently typing away..." hohoho

Prison Break - real life version?

2008-04-17T17:06:00.004+08:00

Gist of Story

NINE Islamists on the run for more than a week after escaping their Moroccan jail built a 22m long tunnel from a cell's toilet.
-
According to reports from some local residents, the end of the tunnel emerged into the garden of the director of the prison, at Kenitra, north of Rabat. (-.-)"

Source: http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/World/Story/A1Story20080416-60258.html

Decent or Not?

2008-04-17T16:52:00.006+08:00

China Uni Gal Buying Food with only towel on.

A blogger featured a video of a girl from a China university buying food from the canteen with only a towel to hide her modesty.

Dunno whether its true canteen is beside the pool or not, cos it was not stated.
Kinda bo liao this blogger lor... And, I agree with this reader

"If she is pretty, wear towel or cloths will look nice If she is ugly, dont wear anything people also dont care. "

But Ms Cheang take note ok, haha 'cos you like to go back home after swimming, wearing only your t-shirt... Bikini bottoms still looks like underwear lor... Ppl take your picture and send to STORM then you know ah... :P

Source: http://forums.asiaone.com/showthread.php?p=117064#post117064

Funny Pics

2008-04-17T15:31:00.004+08:00

Some of my favourites
Fat Cat!!!
eeeeeeee
Waaaaa.. look carefully at the "EYES"

and the Top 3 are

Look like ORH KIM

So many wild dogs................

2008-04-17T10:31:00.002+08:00

Wild dogs terrorise Jurong

RESIDENTS in Jurong West have made desperate calls to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) to remove a pack of wild stray dogs that has terrorised the area, going on the rampage attacking and mauling community cats and residents' pets, and putting people at risk of vicious attacks.
We have told the AVA where these dogs have been seen but to date, they are still on the loose and we are still confronted by the gruesome sight of mangled dead cats in the street.
We can only watch helplessly the harm and destruction caused by these wild dogs. With every passing day, they grow bolder and have started to chase frightened passers-by and people walking their pets.
I am very concerned, especially for the safety of young children in schools nearby.

Susanna Lim Poh Suan (Miss)

Source: http://news.asiaone.com/News/The%2BStraits%2BTimes/Story/A1Story20080417-60287.html

Oh! We have wild dogs in Pasir Ris too.... Have been "terrorising" my sister all night long... :(

Another Case Of Road Rage

2008-04-17T10:28:00.002+08:00

Annoyed driver fires shot at motorist who honked

SEREMBAN, MALAYSIA: A motorist who honked at the driver in front of him in Lukut near here last night got a shock when the driver drew a gun and fired a shot. The motorist, who was on his way home after buying some groceries at the weekly pasar malam honked after becoming annoyed as the car in front of him was moving very slowly. The car, with four men in it, moved to the side to allow the motorist to pass.
Within seconds, they overtook the man's car and forced it to stop a short distance away.
The driver then got down and walked towards the motorist. He then took out a revolver and fired a shot in the air in full view of other passing motorists. The shaken motorist lodged a report at the Lukut police station.
State crime chief ACP Huzir Mohamad who confirmed the incident, added that police were investigating the case under Section 4 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act.

Source: http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20080417-60311.html

So dangerous siaz...

Tagged!!

2008-04-16T14:40:00.003+08:00

5 things found in your bag: (waa, my bag has alot of stuff leh...)
Wallet, Planner, Handphone, Amulets and Keys

5 favourite things in your room:
Bed (inclusive of Pillows, Bolsters, Blanket)
Fan / Aircon (Hot hot Singapore!)
PC (yes, games and information!!)
TV (puts me slowly to sleep)
Mirror (er.. for putting on makeup!! Tee hee hee)

5 things you have always wanted to do:
Career earning shitloads of money (to get to next point)
Gets real busy during the day and then able to relax at night (after work can read books/watch tv... aaaahhhhh nicee nicee)
Paper Qualification/Learn more Financial "Stuff" (I like to learn, just hate the exams.. YUCKS!)
Motorbike License (va va vrooooom sssshhhh)
Travel and sip coffee at exotic places with erm, nice weather....

5 things you’re currently into:
Reading world/ business news, watching Stock Markets
Designing expense worksheets (it is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!! good for knowing exactly where your money go and helps you save more!!! <--- advertisement..)
Mugging for exams (not really my choice, but oh well...)
Watching CSI or other english dramas... (just finished Prison Break III)
Mixing Juices with Sparkling Water (to cut down on Sugared Carbonated Drinks.. jian fei ji hua)

5 people you want to tag:
Ms Cheang
not many other people who knows my blog leh... hahahaa

Interesting!

2008-04-14T13:55:00.002+08:00

You can now do family-planning with a little assistance from the wisdom of Chinese ancients.

According to a Shin Min report, there exists a graph which can predict when couples will increase their chances of bearing a baby boy or girl. The predictions are made based on the age at which a woman conceives and the month in which the baby is conceived.

The would-be mother's Chinese lunar birth year should correspond to a particular Chinese lunar month in which the baby is conceived in order to determine the baby's gender. A person's lunar birth date is always one year older than his or her age according to the Gregorian calendar that is used today, whilst the lunar month can be consulted from a Chinese lunar year calender.

One Madam Lim, who provided the chart to the Chinese daily, told the paper: "My friend followed the chart, and bore a baby boy when she conceived at the lunar age of 30 during the first lunar month."

The chart had been discovered in the tomb of a Chinese royalty in Beijing, China, and dates back to at least 700 years ago, and has been re-drawn by Chinese scientists.

Results are said to be 99 per cent accurate.

Source: http://www.asiaone.com/Just%2BWoman/Motherhood/Stories/Story/A1Story20080414-59692.html

On Leave

2008-04-14T10:50:00.003+08:00

I am going on leave this friday 18Apr to 30Apr... for meditation.. haha

*cross legs*
"Uhmmm~~~~"

22Apr = big day, great food.. Its Super Tuesday!!

"Uhmmm~~~~"

Priorities

2008-04-14T10:34:00.002+08:00

Sigmund Freud's Priorities...What are yours in life?

You may have seen this floating around quite a while ago, but its still interesting to document it down so that you can one day come back and reflect on it.. and see whether your priorities have changed...

I have made my choices using logical thinking.. Ms Cheang too.. But our answers still differ.. so you see, not everything you think is logical, is well.. logical to others too. haha. Tell you our answers later. Indicate your numbers before you scroll further for answers....

Several things are happening in your house at the same time. In which sequence would you solve them?
1. The telephone is ringing!
2. The baby is crying!
3. Someone's knocking or calling you from the front door!
4. You hung the clothes out to dry and it is beginning to rain!
5. You left the tap on in the kitchen and the water is already overflowing!
In which sequence would you solve these problems? Write the sequence and check below how your decisions were made.
BUT BE HONEST, THE FINDINGS ARE EXCITING.
First write YOUR sequence from 1 to 5 then scroll below and read after

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- oh i have dedicated sooo much space to this entry (haha)
-
- how? have you made your choices?

Answer:
Every individual point represents something in your life.
On the list you can see which meaning every point has:
1. Telephone represents Work
2. Baby represents Family
3. Door represents Friends
4. Clothes represent Money
5. Tap represents Love Life
Your chosen sequence determines the priorities in your life.

My sequence was: 5,2,4,3,1
Ms Cheang's: 2,3,4,5,1

Somehow work always end up last for me... Ms Cheang says this is not accurate for her.. because she don't actually care about the baby crying.. it just seem the most logical to her at that time to tend to the baby first. She had wanted to pick up the phone first. Ya, I believed too.. cos she is a workaholic, always on phone and bb...... bleah... So she is not "honest" in answering... haha.. If she had, it would have been accurate for her.. ha!
My theory is... the tap already overflowing (waste water, waste money).. so off first.. then pick up the baby and do the rest at the same time!! Cos the rest can wait ma.. I hate talking on the phone most!

Cartoon Violence

2008-04-11T09:40:00.004+08:00

Cartoon Violence
you have been warned~~~

Happy Tree Friends...
http://happytreefriends.atomfilms.com/watch_episodes/index_tv.html

Stickman Comics (both violent & lame)
http://www.explosm.net/comics/1232/
http://www.stickheads.co.uk/comics/comic/11/

Just Me

2008-04-10T15:42:00.002+08:00

55Kg. 165cm ... I feel fat..
I am...

Fat

$50K Robbery & Man Hit Wife

2008-04-10T14:40:00.005+08:00

Singapore - getting more and more unsafe. Dunno whether issit because of the influx of foreigners. The 2 chinese men mentioned in the article, not sure whether are they foreigners or locals. A few said the police can't be trusted to do their job already. They only drive car around, fine ppl, catch snakes, attempt to look out for arsonists & terrorists... So long haven't catch Selamat.. not to mention 2 men who are not as high profile as Selamat.. (no faces to identify with). Yalor, quite true la.. But Selamat probably have a fool proof plan. Hopefully these 2 guys are more stupid to leave clues behind... Where's the CSI in singapore???

The POSB people also another kind.. Didn't do their due diligence... $50,000 in cash leh.. Even if they think its not big amount to the auntie (maybe she has much more in bank account) i believe the auntie's face can tell she is under duress right? Dunno whether any security cams caught them.. These people must be caught to let us have faith in SPF again. If not, people see, people do, easy money... Then there will be crimes like this all over singapore very soon.. (see indo and msia).. Anyway, hope the police can find them soon. Else really can go and jiak sai!!

Malaysia - Poor woman must have thought she can get an explanation from husband after seeing the sex video of him and her best friend (best friend puiii!!!). Kena beaten up instead. Haiz... This husband should be locked up and sodomised in prison.. He also damn stupid to save it in a device which the wife has free access to.. Oops, not encouraging you ppl to do such things ah... its very wrong to cheat and even more unacceptable to resort to violence.

Source: Police looking for 2 men who robbed woman of $50,000
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20080409-58898.html

Source: Lecturer beaten up after asking husband about affair She had stumbled upon a videoclip showing him having sex with her best friend. -The Star -->
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Crime/Story/A1Story20080409-58996.html

Flashing headlights spark road rage

2008-04-09T16:47:00.006+08:00

Summary
Old couple drive to somewhere
See guy about to cross road
Flash at him
Guy buay song, stand in middle of road to block car, "^&#@&*@*, knock me down la! @^#*&@#*"
So couple knock him down lor... (hahaha, joking..)
Couple drove past him..
Guy kick car
Couple buay song, got down car,
Old lady kena push one time, broke foot
Stand up, kena push 2nd time, broke wrist
Old man come help, kena push, land on old woman (OMG!!)
Old man chased guy, kenna box somemore...

Q1: Why did she flash at the guy?
A) "hello, car approaching. don't cross ok?"
B) "Mat, hurry up la, wan to cross, cross. dunwan, then stay put"
C) "&^%&**@#*@*#& , DON'T YOU DARE COME OUT AND DELAY ME BY A SECOND!!"
D) and in the meantime, heres my middle finger "saying hello"

Well, we don't know. Anyway, the guy also has a very short fuse, must be some ah beng again... Singapore more and more guai lans ppl.. Flash ppl not wrong, just plain rude but beating up ppl is very very wrong..

The old couple, see guy buay song, maybe will help if they just "apologise"? Egg clash with rock, Egg sure break ma.. "Tui Yi Bu, Hai Kuo Tian Kong" literal translation = "go one step behind, you see clear skies".. "Jian Ji Xing Shi" = "See situation, Act situation"

okok, anyway.. old couple confronting a mad guy is suicidal.. Its lucky they just got away with broken limbs, what if the guy has a weapon on him? Although I understand how heart pain it is for someone to give your fav car a kick.. you surely feel like kicking that fella too. But unless you wanna have a duel, there is no point to confront a mad man...

As one of the readers says, its better to just not flash in the first place.. Rather slow down or wait for the guy to make up his mind... But let's not be judgmental on this.. Maybe the guy really deserves a flash as a danger warning. He just interpreted the flash wrongly.

To drivers: Look out for pedestrians. Give way. If situation do not allow (e.g. fast moving with cars behind), slow down... and flash / horn. We must also know there could be cars tailing behind us too!
To pedestrians: Look out for cars. If you don't, its good that the car flash/horn at you, at least they saw you!!

Oh oh!! Btw, there are some very bad examples of English writing in the commentaries.. I am not talking about grammatical errors, which could be forgiven if writing in a hurry.. but its really obvious that these ppl has very poor grasp of the language...

e.g. step into the lossing end, person who are in the loose, cause you to loose your live..

Bad English:
http://forums.asiaone.com/showthread.php?p=115449&posted=1#post115449

Source: http://news.asiaone.com/News/The%2BStraits%2BTimes/Story/A1Story20080409-58796.html

Heart transplant man kills himself - just like donor

2008-04-09T16:39:00.002+08:00

Summary:
One man received a heart transplant from a guy who shot himself in the head.
2 Years later, he met the guy's widow.
3 Years after, he married her.
12 Years later, he shot himself in the throat, same way as the original owner of the heart.

There is no explanation as to why he chose to commit suicide....

"Scientists have documented more than 70 cases of transplant patients taking on some of the personality traits of the organ donors."

Somehow I find something amiss in this situation. Its as if the wife has something to do with it.
Do you think so?

Source:http://news.asiaone.com/News/The%2BStraits%2BTimes/Story/A1Story20080409-58786.html

Alcohol & Milk

2008-04-09T10:28:00.001+08:00

Tried and Tested..
Confirmed!!

Alcohol + Milk = Lotsa Shit

I finished my Meiji Milk~~~

So Tired and Sleepy

2008-04-08T17:42:00.000+08:00

So Tired and Sleepy.. Got class somemore..
can hardly open my eyes................................. ZzzzzZZZzzZZZZzzzzz

HandWashing Clothes and Curry Chix

2008-04-07T15:57:00.005+08:00

Haha.. nope, I didn't handwash my clothes with curry chix...

I handwashed 5 pieces of clothing yesterday! (one by mistake.. actually no need handwash one) (-.-)
The result issssss fantastic!! *sense of acheivement* hahahaha
The only downside is I feel like I am using alot of water leh.. Next time accumulate more clothes before washing.. maybe won't use so much... :P

Ms Cheang cooked curry ayam yesterday! Sedap.. tak pedas.. can be more pedas.. Sedap sedap
and she complained, I siamz her vege soup again! Yes!! hohoho

Drank Moscato (Brand = Alasti i think). Yummy!!
Drank Meiji Milk after that. Yummy!!!!!
Lao sai after that. Wa liewww Painful....

Then I recalled something Mr Hum said.. alcohol cant mix with milk?? Hmm dunno whether I recalled correctly or not.. But if its like that, you can try if you have been constipating for a while.

Next Time Pk One Side Ok?

2008-04-04T14:53:00.005+08:00

Saw this in TheNewPaper a few days ago.

This gal went to parallel park her car on a narrow lane on Sat night. Asked the Bf to shift it the next morning which he didn't because he had a hangover (lame). Worse, he did not tell her that he did not do it. Mon morning, her car had already been vandalised with broken mirrors...

Walau eh.. actually very inconsiderate of her to park like that, how she expect ppl to get out? Then the bf also no brain, didn't tell her that he didn't move the car (and hor she lived only a few mins away from the car, she cld have moved it herself) - maybe scared of her scoldings... Either that, or he didn't think she parked until like that... Well, whatever it is, both are at fault la.. Not supposed to park there anyway....

I wonder who vandalised their car... so daring.. must be some ah bengs or lao ah seng with a wierd sense of humour.

Anyway, this article will serve as a warning / lesson to those car-owners to "don't anyhow park". The writer posted this picture with the apt filename "20080403.162553_anyhowpark.jpg"

Aiya, point is.. must either park sui sui to one corner.. or park somewhere further and well.. safer...

Source: http://www.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20080403-57877.html

Damai Grove

2008-04-04T11:54:00.004+08:00

My Sister has got a flat!!! Its in Punggol under the BTO Damai Grove project, ready in 2012 (4 years)... Seem long but ok la.. the IRs they say will be ready in 2009 and 2010.. seem long that time but its coming next year!!

9th floor, 3bedrooms with no blocking of view... 226K (woah!)

Wheee.. So happy for her..
Congratulations and all the best for your basic theory on Monday~~~

Handwash

2008-04-04T11:51:00.001+08:00

Oh oh!! I am going to try handwashing my clothes this Sunday!!
Wheeeeeeee..

hope the colours don't run.. (-.-)

Have Cake, Eat Cake

2008-04-04T11:41:00.003+08:00

Have his cake and eat it too
Definition: Refers to an Idiot who wants to have the best of both worlds and yet can't commit to one of the worlds. One leg step two boats.
Usage: He wants to have his cake and eat it too, so I made him a nice "chocolate" cake for him to eat to his heart's desire.

Panic Attack

2008-03-31T11:28:00.001+08:00

Getting panic attacks as the exam dates are getting nearer..
Can't sleep well, can't breathe properly.. sigh

2008-03-27T14:16:00.004+08:00

Pictures from Bangkok, KL and home...

Han River

(BKK) Mini Jumbo and MPL.. Mini Jumbo trying to climb out of his pothole..

Mini Jumbo looking out for the cars on the highway

Carl's Jr, J Co Donuts and "sencor" escalator at the bridge that leads to KLCC (-.-)

Shooks

Foie Gras

My "prizes" from KL

CK Top.. Chio Chio

KL Pavillion

2008-03-26T12:17:00.004+08:00

Waa.. KL Pavillion is very very BIG!!
Its a new shopping centre, opened just a few months ago. Its just opposite Westin, which makes it very convenient for us to shop... Both Ms Cheang and I agreed that it is going to give KLCC a run for its money BIG time!!

At the basement, there are the food.. fast food, restaurants, food court, finger food, donut shop (yes donuts... their donuts are nice to eat and soft! Even Ms Cheang agrees..). The Q at the donut shop was not that long when we were there (around 11am), but by 4pm when we went down again, it was damn damn long!! Heng ah.. Next time, must ask meimei to try...

1st to 4th floor is like upmarket brand shops (like those you find in KLCC/ Taka.. CK, LV, Prada, etc etc. They have those exotic "Ang Mo" brands that you can't find in SG too) Ms Cheang bought a CK top which she wore it to the cocktail function the same night. Chio!! There was also a denim sale in Parkson, where Ms Cheang got a pair of True Religion jeans for RM385 (usual ard SGD 599!!). I got a Raoul Shirt and a belt (see sibuk part 1) :)
And, there is this super duper BIG times bookshop... Everything is just huge over there.

On the 5th and 6th level, they have sports apparel shops and the cinema/ KTV/ Gym. The whole place is damn cool, with afresco dining etc... Bought one more Nike Tee and a jacket. Ms Cheang bought her reebok slippers which is slightly nicer than her "yellow slippers" (but only slightly.. tee hee hee).

Stories of Sibuk-ness

sibuk part 1
The day before, we went to shop at BB Plaza and Lot 10. I was shopping for a pair of jeans, cos I can't fit into mine anymore (too fat). Saw this pair of jeans in Isetan (Palini), very nice color and it seems to fit me perfectly. Then Ms Cheang sibuk, wanted to buy the same pair too. So after buying TWO pairs of the same jeans, I went to change out of my bermudas into the jeans (cos we were going to this restaurant Shooks at Starhill). The jeans was quite long, so I had to fold up.. And as I was walking... the jeans started slipping.. oh my.. and I kept having to pull them up... Now it has become the "baggy" pants...
-- and then Ms Cheang later bought another pair of Jeans - True Religion -- sibuk right....

Sibuk part 2
There is a bridge that supposedly link KL Pavillion to KLCC... We tried.. and its just a short bridge that leads us to a road where that road will lead us to KLCC... (-.-)''

Sibuk part 3
On the way to KL, Ms Cheang said that the cab driver took her on a highway the other time, that will lead to Bukit Bintang direct. So she said she wanted to try. So I said ok.. Then she asked me why I so nice, that I dun mind. Well, I really dun mind ma.. got new things to discover... so anyway.....we exited at the toll leading to the airport, cos she thinks it may be from there (not at the usual KL exit toll), which I previously suggested. And I ok lor, let her try..
So we ended up at the airport, which was the first time I saw the KL airport, wow.. very big and cars can actually stop and park at the drop-off place! Anyway, we didn't manage to find the highway. Back at the toll, the guy told us that we must exit at the KL toll to get onto the highway (rolls eyes)... After the exit, we still dunno where that highway is, so we took the usual route.. Then I saw this "SMART" signage.. and pointed out to Ms Cheang who decided not to listen cos she thought that was for people with SMART card. Turned out that although that was not the highway, but it is a traffic free shortcut to where we want to go. So in the end, we ended up trapped in traffic with Ms Cheang getting mang chang again at me.... :S
On our way back, we saw the highway, which was a filter road just a few metres away from the KL toll, you will see a petrol station followed by something that looks like a big water tank to me, which is where you need to filter out left.

More Pictures coming..

Updates for the Week

2008-03-19T17:21:00.003+08:00

17th March (Monday)

MC
Send papa & mummy to airport at night.
Meimei cried. Even though she lose temper at mummy almost all the time, she is still very soft hearted.
Trying not to be emotional. Assure everyone time passes very quickly. It will be like a honeymoon!

18th March (Tuesday)

nothing eventful at work. Met Siling for lunch. Her baby boy getting cuter and chubbier! (see pic)
went to class. Mr Hum very nice, call me to ask what I wanna eat.
Ms Cheang took earlier flight
Left red plastic bag with bloodied tissue on my seat.. -.- (guess where the blood came from?)
"Gifts Opening Ceremony" (see other entry)

19th March (Today)

nothing eventful at work
sleepy
writing my blog
gotta go class later.... sien

Thoughts from Bangkok

2008-03-19T17:11:00.005+08:00

Ms Cheang is back from Bangkok!!
She bought alot of stuff, mostly tidbits like fried fish, fried sotong (i love the fried sotongs!!) and dried mangosteen keropok (looks abit like the banana keropok kind). There's also the Sugus Jumbo!!
She also bought 3 tops (2 for me, 1 for herself) from addidas and nike. Cheaper than in SG... abt SGD30 after relevant discounts...

And here's one of the cuties she brought back from Bangkok...
Mini Jumbo

Viwawa

2008-03-18T14:13:00.004+08:00

Saw this in Xiaxue's blog and decided to give it a try.
WahJong!!!! http://www.viwawa.com/

In case you are playing..... Here’re the addresses to add
1. maxntaka - mine
2. pomplek - Ms Cheang's
3. HappyQ - HappyQueen's
4. Mr Hum - Mr Hum's

I don't have Mr Hum and Ms Cheang characters yet. But here're mine and HappyQ's. Cute hor?

Stocks

2008-03-18T14:07:00.002+08:00

Q for Wilmar again at 3.82 yesterday. Fell asleep and did not monitor when it hit at 4+pm.
Today it went as low as 3.38 (faint). Anyway, this stock has high activity so can continue to monitor.
This morning hit another stock CapRChina at 1.32.

Let's see....

Wilmar

2008-03-12T18:48:00.003+08:00

10 march [Monday]
Purchase 1 lot @ 4.15 (Queued too early, captured first thing in the morning.. price continued to drop that day)
Purchase another lot @ 3.95 to lower average cost to 4.05

11 March [Tuesday]
Sold 1 lot @ 4.15 for myself, followed by another lot @ 4.2 for Ms Cheang, total profit 188.11 (yayyy)

however.............

12 March [Wednesday]
Wilmar opened at 4.44, peaked at 4.46, closed at 4.26

oh well, at least manage to earn some... :P

P.S Special thanks to Ms Cheang for being my financial backer for the extra lot.

Monkey in the Jumbo

2008-03-12T18:39:00.004+08:00

Ms Cheang's eyes are very sharp. She spotted this monkey (who has been hiding there since beginning of 2007) behind the speaker. Now here it is.. the 2004 McD Pearl Monkey sitting proudly on Jumbo's dashboard.

Bimbo & Jumbo

2008-03-12T16:08:00.006+08:00

Ms Cheang saying goodbye to Ms Bimbo

Ms Bimbo vs Ms Jumbo

Ms Jumbo~~~

Pivo 2

2008-03-05T20:16:00.006+08:00

Saw this in the papers.. Cute hor and it can turn 360degrees and move sideways too!!
Runs on Battery~~

That's me, stuck in my office, waiting for Ms Cheang to finish
"entertaining"

Warren Buffett Tips on Investment

2008-03-05T20:11:00.003+08:00

Note: The share price is the cost per share

New Car !!

2008-03-05T16:02:00.021+08:00

Ms Cheang just collected her new car yesterday!

BMW (she calls it Beemer) 320i

Taken some pictures of it (haven't got a name for it yet) yesterday. Will post it up after I uploads them. Wheeeee

Ms Cheang got MC* with me cos she say I keep "grumbling" about her using the small roads. I didn't grumble ma.. only say say cos its really a loooong way and also jam what. Hahahaha.. anyway, she is just MC overall cos she was running late and she was stuck in jams with stupid drivers... This type of situation always succeed in getting her MC.

Lester (the salesrep) explained the features of the car to Ms Cheang. Waa, very chim siaz.. And we found out that its a non smoker package car which means no car lighter in it! Waaa, so cool.. But it doesn't come with the auto close of the 2 side mirrors... you know, the kind that allow you to close the 2 side mirrors before you park?

So we said our goodbyes to Ms Bimbo and collected the car. And then.... Ms Cheang forgot how to off the engine!!! Hahahahhaha.. (ok, shouldn't luff at her bleh). We made our way out of the showroom in a slow pace. Ms Cheang was very careful, her new Bao Bei haha.. Just 15 mins ago, she was reving Bimbo's engine and going over humps hurriedly... what a contrast! (ok.. she usually doesn't do that unless she is MC which she was 15 mins ago)

Made our way home to shower and change before going out to eat. Ms Cheang decided to park in the carpark (miracle~~ cos more of the time she is very lazy to walk and will park below her blk). Hehe, Ms Cheang is not used to driving a bigger car (plus new and erm, more expensive). Took awhile to park cos she is very very careful. After which we went to Boon Tong Kee, chose a lot further away from the public (waaa miracle again!!). She also kiasu, park very far from the line (so as to create more space for other cars).. :P

Today, we woke up early specially to avoid the jams (as we wanted to avoid cutting lanes). Left the house at 7.30am!! But still heavy traffic. :(

However, can see Ms Cheang is more used to the car, cutting lanes and doing the normal "last minute cut into filter out lanes" stuff. Haha.. what can I say, she is a fast learner la.... :P

She kept asking me to try out the car, but I got lesser guts than her leh... more so that its not my car.. But I shall probably try it later if the traffic conditions are good. Tee Hee Hee..

Ok folks.. look out for the pictures in my next post!

Till then, see ya~~

*MC = Man Chang

P.S I dunno why can't seem to space the paragraph!! Been trying for a few times already, everytime I enter a new space, it will come back the same.. Grrr.. okok.. i just manually insert this <> close by < / p >

GoodBye A E B

2008-03-01T09:27:00.005+08:00

29th Feb
This is the last day for AE B. With effect from 01Mar, the shares of A EB will be transferred to S CB..
JAPA Regional Head P am Arway says the fact it happened on a leap year is a last attempt by AEB to keep us for a day more...

We have a small party at 5pm where I ordered delifrance for my team... They luuurve it, finished all the food.. except for the eclairs which they feel are too sweet. :P

Crowding around, waiting to start

Chiong ah!!!!

Proceeded to 7th Floor at 6pm to listen to the Dua Taos' speech...

with some getting emotional and start tearing.... I choked abit when singing auld lang syne

This is my new desk! Used to sit across the divider on the right... Just shifted a week ago
Messy? Some say like that then got "belonging" maaa

This is my "View"

Stocks

2008-02-29T14:28:00.003+08:00

Review Review

Bkt Sem - $9.30
Old Chang Kee - $0.205
Coool!

Plus Lock-in Wilmar say.. $4.26

What is it like being an oil trader?

2008-02-29T09:54:00.002+08:00

What is it like being an oil trader?
By Anthony Reuben
Business reporter, BBC News

1. Oil traders never stop talking to each other.
2. Oil traders have to weigh up a great deal of information.
3. The most popular software among oil traders is not an oil trading
package or even a news service such as Reuters - it is Yahoo Instant
Messenger.

"Trading oil is about getting information and knowing where the market is," says Eivind Lie who runs the trading desk at the Norwegian oil company StatoilHydro's offices in London. "So being a trader your life is pretty much either on Yahoo or on the telephone trying to get an overview of the market."

While people trading shares or currencies can get a lot of their information from analysts' notes and computerised trading systems, the oil trader still relies on chatting to a wide range of people, ranging from other traders to specialist oil trading journalists, to try to find out what is going on in the world. Everything from war or natural disasters to more mundane events such as seasonal changes to temperatures or elections can affect oil prices, so for the traders it pays to be informed.

Richard Wickham, one of the crude oil traders at Statoil, makes his first call to the office on the way to the station after he has dropped his children off at the nursery. Then as soon as he gets to the office he will read price reports and messages from Statoil staff who have been trading in the US and Asia and talk to the London-based analyst. After that, the less formal process of talking to people really gets going. "Collating information is more than half the job," Mr Wickham says. "Executing trades is almost small in comparison - if you don't have the information you're blind," he says, staring at the four computer screens on his desk, which display a bewildering array of graphs, figures, reports and message windows. There is little else on the desk besides family photographs and a strategically-placed Norwegian dictionary, for when he is trying to understand messages from the company's head office in Stavanger.

Statoil is one of the world's largest exporters of oil and, with oil topping $100 a barrel on supply concerns, its products are in great demand. Yet it has a relatively small trading desk in London, with just a handful of traders.

It's a lifestyle more than a job so you have to enjoy it "If it's a weak market then we have to go out and sell it more actively, if it's a strong market they come and buy it from us," Mr Lie says. Currently, demand is strong, though the traders are nevertheless on the phone, talking to other traders, analysts and brokers.

Everyone in the market for physical oil - as opposed to paper market traders, who do not want to end up owning any oil - is looking for that precious piece of information that will allow them to sell oil for more, or buy it for less. "From our side, as the seller of oil, we want to get to know the buyer's position," Mr Lie says.
"Are they short of oil, do they really need more?" The holy grail for buyers is to find a seller having difficulty selling a shipment. "If you get too close to the delivery date, when it's taken aboard a ship in the North Sea, and it's not sold, then the buyers know that we have what's called a 'distressed cargo', so they will try to get a cheap price for that," he adds.

It may be a good time to be a seller of oil, but the way oil is traded means it can still be nerve-wracking. "There are a lot of market price contracts where I would sell you oil today, but we price it the day the ship loads, which might be in three of four weeks time," says Sally Clubley, an independent oil consultant who trains oil traders. "So we've done the deal today, but we don't know the price today and there's a lot of oil traded on that basis." The trader's life is also made trickier by the volatility in the market, which has seen prices rise and fall by several dollars a barrel in a day. "Over the last two or three years we've seen a huge increase in
volatility and that's probably due to moving more from a physical group of companies trading to a financial-based scenario," he says. "It's the momentum of these big hedge funds and financial institutions, which makes the market move by percentage points rather than the 30 or 40 cents you used to get three or four years ago."
Those sudden, big movements make it difficult for traders to be off-duty. "You can never leave your position, even if technically you've left it, ie you've gone home," Ms Clubley says. "It really is a 24-hour job because they don't trust anybody else with it." Mr Lie agrees. "I think some of the traders always carry their phones, even on vacations," he says.

"It's a lifestyle more than a job so you have to enjoy it."

Driving

2008-02-27T14:27:00.003+08:00

Saw this on Stomp, funny

This car was parked out of his parallel parking lot and obstructed this lorry's passage. So this lorry horned and horned for like 20 mins before the passerbys buay-tahan and moved the parked car out of the way, literally carry and move... super hiong mann..

Qn: Where is the owner? If you are the owner of the car, would you come out and shift the car amidst the loud blaring of horns and throngs of KPO onlookers? Esp, if you are not a so called "experienced or good" driver, confident of parking properly into the lot within the first 1-2 mins? How would you feel if you have been "hiding" among the crowd and then see the people coming out to shift your car?

Well, in the first place, should have parked it properly in the lot.. if really cant make it, also not so out la... If really really cant, perhaps find another lot or ask someone to help you park...

Source
http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/singaporeseen/viewContent.jsp?id=15434

Tripped and fell during lunch earlier... on all fours... the table beside didn't make a sound (you know how the girls will "aaaahh") but I am sure they saw me on the floor lor.. I think they thought I was picking up something that I have dropped (on all fours??) cos I stood up pretty fast... Hmm... so malu...

Walnut Story

2008-02-27T12:09:00.003+08:00

Read this on Sunday NewPaper..

Is he just plain nuts?

It was about this old man (68 yrs old) eating the POWER 1 WALNUT, to satisfy 3 (read properly...) THREE of his girlfriends.

Excerpts from the story.

The 68-year-old married man told The New Paper on Sunday in Hokkien: 'I need to keep my three girlfriends satisfied and happy. (aaahhh...)
'This way, they will remain faithful and will not look for other men.' (er.... well, maybe only he believed the love is real)
His girlfriends - all from mainland China - are aged 25, 32 and 34. (there u have it, not being judgemental here but even the paper specify it "all from mainland China" as if they are trying to say something as well)
He recalled: 'That night, I felt so 'song' (good) and I could do it three times with my lover.' (walau!)
His children - three grown-up sons and a daughter - give him a monthly allowance of $600 each. (aiya.. see.. got money dunno where to spend... better to give credit card.. will know where he spend his money.. wonder if his kids/wife know or maybe they feel.. so old already.. as long as he happy can liao)
'I don't have any other hobbies, just sex to keep me happy,' he said. (faint~~)
His 'student' girlfriend, who spoke to The New Paper on Sunday over the phone, cooed: 'Ah Hiah Gong (grandpa) is so powerful. Now, he can even try all kinds of patterns.' (lol lol, this article damn funny lor)
He reasoned: 'Think of it this way - some people can even die from excitement after winning a big hand at the mahjong table.' (True la... but mahjong supposed to improve mental health)
'It is better to die an ecstatic man in bed than a miserable man on the sofa in front of the TV,' he said. (few years later, it will be miserable and broke man)

Lesson learned: Can do whatever you want, as long as you are happy. But don't say you have not been warned....

Source:
http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20080226-51446.html