Reflection on Year 2008

Year 2008 is a fruitful year.

Manage to achieve several things.

Family: Occassional quarrels with my family members but patch up really fast. Got myself a cute nephew (thanks to my Sis and Brother-in-law).

Love Relationship: Is great! This year, less quarrels with Stevie. Maybe because of the long-distance relationship we missed each other and is more tolerant with one another. Found and purchased our first house with a layout that we like very much and close to amenities and friends. Engaged an interior designer which we are both comfortable with and whom give us a reasonable quotation.

Friendship: Still remain close to my friends. Janice is now much happier (although this should be her acheivement but i'm putting it here)

Personal Growth: Not too bad. Went to gym and dance but because of personal reason have to stop. Luckily for me my weight is still within range. Will start exercising once i can. My exercise kakis, please don't forget me in the meantime. Started driving around in Singapore as well. Next time when Stevie is back, i will try to go pick him up.

Money: Managed to save money. Was hoping i can save more. Due to the new house, now we are low in cash but we have assets.

Career: Career this year is all about changes and move. Beginning of the year became deputy line manager for the team, which is a recognition for me. Mid-year, finally got the move that i wanted to another team to learn more new stuff, which means i have to start afresh (which might not be a bad idea). End of the year, finally finished my 2 year project and hands off done to the next beneficiary (hopefully he have some fun with it). Good performance review from management despite my move and changes.

Health: Nothing to worry about.

Year 2008 is a fabulous year and hopefully will continue into year 2009.

A fulfilling and fruitful year!!

A Day Out with Janice and Donald

We went to Marina Barrage after hearing people say that it is very beautiful. Even though the place is so inaccessible, surprisingly, there were many people. The carpark was almost full and the shuttle bus were packed as well.

We reached Marina Bay in the evening to catch the sunset. They sky is soo beautiful with patches of white clouds over the very blue sky. The view overseeing suntec and the Singapore Flyer is also very nice.

As i'm out with 2 people who like very much to take artistic shots (the photos speak for itself), we were stuck at Marina Bay for awhile to take all the candid and artistic shots.

After, we went to Keppel's bay. So romantic!! The private houses over looking the sea and the yatch. It a far cry from HDB flat. Janice is daydreaming whether Punggol will look like that when it is developed.

Last stop is Henderson Bridge. Maybe it is already dark so the view is so-so. There were people who brought food to pinic there. Hmm, it looks relaxing and a great place to drink and chat. But, because it is soo dark (there were no lights), i cannot tell whether the seats are clean. Somehow it feels abit dirty. There were other bridges and trails in Mt Faber, but we were all so tired. So we left to have dessert in Bugis. Yummy!!

Nicole's Bday

Right after Christmas day is Nicole's Birthday.

It's her 1st Birthday and Janice did a big big birthday celebration for her. All relative and friends are invited. Lucky the weather is better than Christmas Eve. Only slight rain. I'm really good at BBQ now.

The Chefs for the night!!

The 2kg Birthday cake

Uncle Donald trying to give Nicole a kiss???

Many pressie for Nicole.

A Wet Christmas Eve

This year we had a wet Christmas Eve.

December is a rainy season. Maybe most Christmas Eve is rainy but this year because we are having BBQ for Christmas Eve, so i think i will remember it for awhile.

It is not the first time i bbq in the rain. But because the rain was quite heavy, we had no choice but to cover the bbq pit from the rain. Ah Teck, pulled a big umbrella that was meant for the table and chair to cover the bbq pit. And because there is wind, i had to block the wind with another umbrella. It is the first time, i bbq with 1 hand holding an umbrella and another holding the tongs to do the flips. The scene was actually quite hilarious as we had 2 umbrellas covering the bbq pit and we are all wet.

Finally at around 7.30pm, the fire is up and the pit is ready for bbq. We finally finish bbq at 10.30pm. The cheese sausage is my favourite. Tried to eat more chicken wings but my tummy is too bloated. Luckily there isn't much cook food leftover. Just a few pieces of chicken wing so we brought it home to finish up. But dad and mom came back from aunt's house and added many many items to the leftover (chicken wings, ham, beef, turkey, etc). I can imagine what is our meals for the next few days.

Tomorrow, i am going to have bbq food again at Jan's chalet. Hopefully, there is no rain and I will avoid bbq or grilled food for awhile.

A Special Christmas Present

Although Christmas is not over and there is still more presents to come, this year most special present that i receive is a potted plant. It is a Christmas present from my Boss, Angie.

My Christmas present. An Orchid. I love it. An elegant flower.

When i saw the present, I was soo surprise. It is the first time i receive a potted plant as a gift. At first, thought Stevie became creative and gave me potted plant instead of flowers. But i realised everyone desk have a potted plant as well. There is different plant on each of our desk. The office is like a garden. It is so exciting. I went around checking out what the rest have received.

Hui Ting's potted plant. She is on leave till next year. I hope i do a good job in taking care of it so that it is still alive when she is back. Stressful job. Anyway i took a photo and in case anything happen (finger-cross) i still can show her how beautiful it looks.

Beginning of the week i was still feeling abit upset. This year our team splitted with the Operation unit and became and independent unit. For the past years, the Christmas decoration was done up for the whole office. But when i reach office early this week, the christmas decoration stop at the operation unit and our area is not decorated even though we are just side by side. I'm not sure why I am upset but it is just rather disappointing that our area is not decorated. It seems that we are no longer a family.

Well, the potted plants just cheer me up.

Christmas at Angie's

Christmas in Orchard

Over the weekend, we went to Orchard to take Christmas photo.

This year the christmas lighting in Orchard is better than last year (remembered last year the lighting looks more like celebration of Hari Raya), but there were too many construction this year in Orchard. Making it very noisy and polluted.

But the Christmas trees are all soo beautiful.
The bear christmas tree in Taka, the Angel christmas tree in Paragon, the Jewel Christmas tree in bugis, etc.

My Favourite Christmas Songs

Yoga Class for Older Women

Mummy today came back alone and started to ask about Yoga.

She went to one of the Yoga Place because they advertised a 2 week trial.

Maybe mummy is getting bored and wanted to try something new. But i have no idea why an old women would want to try Yoga. I don't think i want to risk spraining my limbs at that age.

Then she started complaining that the lady that attended to her kept persuading her to sign the package and she have to sit there for 30 to 45 mins listening to the lady. She was quite irritated that even before she could try out for 1 session they are forcing her to sign up with them. Only after mum insisted on the trial first before she decides whether she wants to sign up then the lady relented and give her the free trial.

Is this trial just a hoax to get people down to their shop so that they can convince people to sign up? If they are sincere in giving people the free trial, they should give the trial and then persuade people to sign the package after that. Instead of force-selling the package to my mum, they should have check on her health condition to ensure that she is still fit for the exercise.

Anyways, its quite terrible they are doing this to an old lady.

Ministry of Food

Have been going to Ministry of Food for awhile now.

Simply loved the food there. So many bento sets to chose from. Always wanted to try their tempura but i cannot resist ordering the bento with the sashimi. So sad to say i still have yet to try their tempura.

I loved their salmon salad. The salad dressing is very refreshing and the veg are all very crunchy.

The tofu hotplate is also one of my favourite. Best to go together with rice.

Jan and i also like the Unagi bento. The unagi portion is quite a lot for the price. Very value for money and the rice portion just right so i don't feel too bloated after the meal.

Haven't try this bento set yet. So regret when i see Phyllis eating it. I will definitely order this set the next time.

Instead i ordered this set. The pickle as usual is soo nice. The egg roe added flavor to the plain rice and the sashimi, hmmm wish that all is salmon and hamachi. The waiter refused to change the sashimi to the ones that i like. But, i will be understanding this time cos it is lunch time and i don't think they can take any exception order.

Finish off with my favourite dessert. Macha shake.

Our Interior Designer

Yeah, finally we decide on an ID. After, 2 months of searching we finally sign on the agreement and confirm our ID.

I think my ID is the happiest. This saturday went down to confirm him.

In the morning my mom is still asking whether this ID is good, reliable, cheap, etc. My dad is still checking whether i have gone to see his workmanship and keep asking me to be sure before i confirm.

Well, i guess i have done all my preparation work. Gotten quoatation from almost 5 IDs and 1 contractor and he seems reasonable. Plus, he is the only one who seems to understand what we want. Actually he one of the very first ID that we see but to be on the safe side, we continue to talk to other IDs.

After patiently waiting for us for about 2 months and amending the quotation for 101 times, we finally confirm him. I must say he is a very patient and good temper man, there is no force selling or pressure from him at all, amended the quotation each time we requested, brought me around to see his other projects and gave me free rides in his sports car with the hood down and later in his new BMW, tolerated with my bargaining and giving in a bit each time i complained it is too expensive, etc, etc, etc....

So what can i say...i just replied my parents that if i am the ID, i will just give up and don't even want to do the business.

Well, i hope he continues to do a good job and continue with the good temper and patient. I guess anyone working with me have to have these qualities. Muahahaha..

Tampopo at Liang Court

Went to Tampopo at Liang Court on Sunday.

Tired of Orchard, the gals want to leave town after their gym workout.

Recommended by Raye, we went to Tampopo and tried their famous black pig.

Raye and i had the Black pig Spicy ramen with black pig and we ordered the eggs as side. Loved the eggs. The egg white is full of aroma and the egg yolk is guey.

Juicy fried black pig ramen.

Look at my big round face. Have been stuffing myself with so much food. Friday nite was Waraku, Sunday afternoon is dim sum and now having ramen.

Coffee at Ya Kun. Trying to cut down on coffee. Wonder whether this can help me in my diet since there is sugar in coffee. Ironic with the food i'm eating, i doubt quiting coffee works. Anyways, coffee is a must have after meals.

Pasta de Waraku

After seeing the "buffet buffet" on channel 8, featuring the japanese buffet, i was soo excited. I msg Jan to suggest going to one of the featured restuarant for dinner on Friday (the very next day). Being a huge fan of sashimi as well, she agreed immediately. The next day, we tried to "jio" more people to go along as some of the food come in big proportion and if the 2 of us were to go, we will not be able to try all the variety of food available. Too bad fo us, due to the last min arrangement, some have appointment and the rest are not interested in stuffing themselve to death or to fatness. Although that is also one of my concern as well, my craving usually just overcome my mind until the food is all in my big belly and the food reaches my throat and i feel like vomitting then i will regret my actions.

Well, in the end we ended up eating Pasta de Waraku. Japanese restuarant but not serving Jap food. We order many many to make up for not satisfying my craving for the buffet. Jan, Jac and claire ordered 3 sets of Carbonara Waraku style set meals (comes with soup, salad, pasta and gratin). I ordered the Prawn spicy carbonara. We had Carbonara pizza to share and mucha ice cake and Ichigo milk parfait for dessert.

It is the most cream and cheese i had for a single meal. The carbonara is not too thick but after having to share and finish the food, i must say i am a bit sick of the cream after the meal. Luved the Pizza because of the thin thin crust.

Only after the meal we realised that Waraku is having ladies night every monday which we can get the bill at half price. So wasted.

Dinner and Dance 2008

Time of the year for Dinner and Dance.
This year due to the bad economy D&D is held in Suntec.
Well, to me it is still the same. At least the company is almost the same.
And since it is sports theme, we can dress up casually.

Luv this photo. The quality of the color is nicer. Hui Ting used her professional camera and took the shot. But i don't know what is wrong with my mouth.

The Premium team........

Overly Pose

Ktv after dinner. Jason singing sooo seriously.

These are My To-Be neighbours. Join the gang. We can go for swimming, mahjong, late night supper, etc. Come come to our neighbourhood.

Keys to my First House

My first Property...now my 4th biggest Asset.

Finally i got my house keys.

After 3 months of waiting and paper work, the house key is finally in my hands.

The house is definitely not in move in condition. Can't wait to start renovation and see my dream home. Finger-cross it turns out nice. Don't think i am a very artistic person. But i guess with everyone input, the house should turn out fine.

Previously was so upset. I was force to get resale flat even though i have queue for 1 year but each time my queue number was just tooo behind that nothing is left when it is our turn to chose. End up i have to cough up so much cash. Just think that it is so unfair. It is not as if i am earning tons and with the cost of living in singapore the limit set is just not right. We only work for less than 5 years but we have to pay cash for the house, renovation, furniture, wedding, etc.

But the price of houses in my area is going up. Even the new flats which are already subsidise by government is selling at my price. Although it is a bit selfish, the price better just keep going up. Since i have already paid so much, if i want to sell it next time, it better be a good price.

But that is until i find a better house. Considering the house layout, the amenities, friends staying in the area, etc, i simply love my house. Hopefully the express way don't get too pack and we can reach office in less than 30 mins then living there would just be great.

Jolin Concert in Macau

It's been a long time since i blog.

Too busy, lazy, brother still hogging onto my laptop, etc, etc.

Just back from Macau again.

Didn't take much photos cos Macau is just too small and the last time i think i have already been to all the places of interest. We did venture to the third island though. But there is really nothing much there.

We had free tickets to Jolin concert thanks to Stevie's friend. It is the first time Stevie and me went to a concert. Soo exciting. I think i am more enthusiastic then the fans there. Had a great time singing along, dancing and clapping the balloons together. I'm not such a crazy fan as to shout out slogans.

Outside the concert hall. 2 Suku people first time to a concert. At the entrance, it said no camera allowed. We can't just throw our camera away so Stevie puts it into his pocket cos the security checks seems quite rigorous. They even have the detectors door and the security guards search every bags. In the end, once we got in, every one is holding a camera in their hands. There is even a gal with a super big camera. What The?!?!!

In the concert hall. Stevie and me with the lights and balloons. Excitingly waiting for 30 mins.

Jolin looking like a live barbie doll dancing.

Although it was all fun, i'm glad we didn't pay for the tickets. We both agreed it is not worth to pay for the tickets. Since it is the first concert, we didn't know that concert will start late. At least for the musical concerts that i have been too, latecomers are actually locked out. So, we arrived early and end up waiting for almost an hour before the show start. Also, even though we got the second most expensive tickets, the stage is still soo far away and Jolin looks like a small barbie doll dancing. Most of the time i need to look at the big screen to see what she is doing, which i can do so by looking at her MTVs.

Well, this is for Jacq and Claire. U missed it guys.

Crazy Bunch of KTV People

No matter how many times i watch this clip i just cannot stop laughing.

Collin has no emotions but lucky he is not in the camera often.

Janet and Jacq is like "Xiao Po" and CJ just feel like bashing him up.

And me, totally out of place. If this video is muted, it seems i am singing a church song or something angelic. Nothing high. Probably too "stone" to do anything except to sway side to side.

I loved my KTV Kakis!!

September Birthday and Events

This year birthday is like a rush.

So many people i know have birthday around this time and so many pressie to get and received.

Janice birthday just past and we had chalet and bbq. I missed bbq. Wanna have another one. The team was actually planning to organise a chalet and bbq but seems like there is some timing issues.

Rach's daughter, Rae, just celebrated her 3 years old bday and her younger brother, Yang, celebrated his 1 month. Luckily, the second visit was unlike the first time, soo many kids running around. We keep saying that Rach can open a nusery at her place.

Claire and my bday is on the same day so we had to wish each other happy bday and exchange our pressie. Went to "Xin Wang" for dinner (more like supper) and lucky for me i took the day off the next day.

Roses and chocolates from Stevie (much nicer than the previous one). Stop buying from this flower shop. So expensive. Bag from my sis which she bought online. Even though it is handmade and suppose to be unique still considered expensive. Hope she did not get hooked to online shopping. Watch from Jacq and Janice. I loved it!!!

Weights from the gals and not forgetting 1 guy. Inspired by my weird praying exercise, they decided to get me weights.

Still got people owing me pressie and dinners. U know who u are. But i shall be patient. Wait till you guys meet me i will definitely ask for an expensive treat. First will definitely be my best friend who was too busy to meet me but i shall 手下留情 because of your shift work. The rest be prepared to see a hole in your wallets.

Then last event of the month is Janet leaving for Zurich for 6 months. She will be leaving tonight. Jacq didn't want to send her off cos the last time we send our friends off just for holiday only, the feeling being left behind is sooo unbearable. We had dinner and KTV session on friday. So sad. Our KTV queen is gone for so long. KTV will not be the same again. Well, we sing to our hearts content till 6am the next day before we are willing to leave. Will post the crazy video that was taken the next time. Hope 6 months will pass soon and we save enough money to go visit.

Mooncakes

Every mooncake festival, the only think that made me excited is the candles and lanterns.

When we were young, we used to go down to the playground and light the place with candles. We will play until there is no more candle left and will extinguish the fire with sand. Nice lanterns is also a must and each time we will plead our parents to buy the nice lanterns for us to carry. As we grow older, we no longer carry lanterns and the playground are now no longer like what we used to have (those with sand). Somehow it seems less fun and looks quite cold. I remember digging my feet into the warm sand and jumping from the top of the slide to the cushion sand.

Can't remember anything about mooncakes cos i was never a fan. Don't really like lotus paste. But this year, i bought 2 brands of mooncakes. Went to the mooncake fair with Jacq and Janice and cannot help but soak in the atmosphere. There are so many to choose from and i try not to buy mooncakes with too much lotus paste.



Mooncakes from Marc & Leonard. The lady at the counter was very kind. Offering us all the flavours to try so that we can decide which one to buy. In the end, i bought the rum, peanut, custard and chanpagne flavour. Loved the rum and the champagne.

Mooncake from Marriot. Somehow the mooncake taste a bit different from the samples i had. The mooncakes that i bought is the chocolate and the strawberry yogurt. Actually the strawberry yogurt taste nothing like mooncake but i guess that is why i like it. A bit sour and taste like ice-cream.

I didn't get a chance to taste the mooncake that my sis bought from Tung Lok. Some greedy person in the family eat all i think within a week!!! Well next year i'm going to get some from home bakery. Had some samples and it is quite nice but i already bought sooo many.

Stevie leaving again

Stevie was back over the weekend again.

He is coming back so often it seems as if he is not even working overseas.

But still every time he leaves, i will get so upset.

Sometimes i wonder whether i rather him not coming back so often and making me feel so emotional each time he leaves but then again if he doesn't come back i won't get to see him. Contradictions.......

He came back last Friday and was suppose to go back on Monday. Well, the good thing is he mixed up the timing of his flight and missed his flight back. I was soo bad, i couldn't be happier.

Seeing him swearing over the silly mistake and cursing for having to pay additional for the flight back, i don't even feel the slightest frustration he is feeling and not able to emphatise with him. Despite have a small argument with him earlier in the morning, i was grinning from cheek to cheek after he announced he missed his flight back. Somehow, i don't feel as sad the next day he left maybe because i have already "earned" an extra day with him.

Maybe next time i should just pretend he is leaving a day before then i will be more prepared.

Volunteer

Today is my first day volunteering at riding for the disabled.

When it first get introduced a few years ago, i wanted to sign up. The programme do not need long time commitment (only 10 weeks with rotations), get to do some voluntary work plus i really like horses so the programme is very attractive.

However, i only sign up for the programme now. Main reason being, previously we have to arrange the rotation and make sure at least 2 person from the team turn up each week. It won't be a problem if everyone stick to the schedule that was planned. But there is always some big shots who thinks they are busier, their time is more precious and will always change their schedule esp last min. This is such a nuisance. People who are sincere in doing volunteering should not even be reminded. If they cannot stick to the timing they should not even volunteer and create more inconvenience. By not volunteering they are already helping. I do not want to be upset over such things when i am actually doing something good. It just makes the whole experience a nightmare rather than a pleasant one.

Well, this time my team is all in the same department as me. Coordination is much simpler and less of a headache. At least i know i will have a great time.

I was assigned to 2 autistic children. As most volunteers are Caucasians, being the minority Chinese there, the children seems to cling to me more. They are all very well-behaved and really enjoyed the horse-riding. Frankly, it is quite tiring. I cannot remember how many times i walk round the arena. It was quite a good 2 hrs workout. Cannot imagine in the next few lesson the horses will have to start trotting and we have to run together with it to ensure the safety of the children. Hopefully, i will have stamina to catch up.

Cannot wait till the next rotation to see the children and the horses.

Crazy Massive Major Shopping Therapy to KILL ANGST

Working life had been easy in terms of work load, but as always there are some idiots around in the company. This makes me come to a conclusion that the work load in our company is soo light that people are so bored and they started to find their 'own challenges' - that is to MAKE THE LIFE HELL OUT OF OTHER PEOPLE.

Incompetent is such an understatement of here.

I am not being critical of others' work. But recent evidences seems totally contravene of my expectation of a listed MNC is a profilic stock exchange. sigh.

The boiling point comes 2 weeks ago and it's so nice that a new shopping centre just opened. And guess what kekeke. My wife is so going to kill me even though she knows about it in advance. She is as always so supportive of me when i am in angst/'depression'/disbelief.

Love you, serene :) Looking forward to flip my calendar for 11 more times to come back Singapore permanently.

Dance Trial

Today we went for the dance trial.

We wanted to try out all the dance lesson available but decided on 3 different lessons after recomendation from C. Still we were too ambitious. After the 2nd lesson we were so drained up. Our whole body was aching and concentration was terrible during the last lesson.

Still the lessons were worth it. Hip hop and Street Jazz was fun and the type of music is what we like and can dance to the beat.

So many students signed up for the dance. Where did all these kids get the money from? Even for me, a working adult, signing up 1 lesson per week is enough. But these kids seems to have money for the lessons.

Those were the days....being a student means saving up my monthly allowance just to buy clothes. Nowadays, kids are just too lucky.

Chicken with Herb

Decided to give myself a break.

After Stevie short visit, felt too tired to continue to do wedding prep so the whole of last weekend, i decided to rest and cook.

During our uni days, there was once i tried to cook chicken with star anise and cinnamon. The recipe was from one of mum's very old and thick cook book, which i stole (took it without permission) and brought it to Aussie with me. The recipe was too troublesome but the chicken really taste good with all the herb aroma.

Really feel like eating the chicken again but did not want to go through the hassle of the recipe. So this time round i chose a much simpler recipe.

The chicken turned out to be a bit salty as i forgot to buy vinegar and also did not make up for it by putting less soya sauce. But i'm sure it should turn out well as there was a nice hint of the herb smell which sometimes will get too strong and bitter.




Ingredient
2 tablespoon of soy sauce
2 tablespoon of rice vinegar
2 tablespoon of fish sauce
2 tablespoon of honey
1/4 cup of chicken stock
4 chicken thighs
3 green onion (seperate white and green parts)
3 garlic gloves (minced)
1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
1/2 teaspoon of crush red pepper flakes
5 orange peel
2 whole star anise
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
salt and pepper


Stir together the soy sauce, vinegar, fish sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Set aside for later.

Heat up oil over medium fire and lightly fry the chicken on both sides till brown. Remove chicken from pan.

Pour off all but about one tablespoon of fat from the pot. Return it to medium heat, and throw in the white part of the green onions, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir around for about half a minute, until you can smell the garlic and ginger. Pour in the reserved soy mixture. Top off with more chicken broth and soy sauce if needed to reach a depth of about 1/4 inch of liquid. Stir to combine, and add the orange peel, cinnamon, and star anise.

Add the chicken thighs back to the pot, adding any accumulated juices from the plate. Cover with a lid and turn to low fire. After 15 minutes, turn the chicken pieces over with tongs and top off with more chicken broth if needed to maintain the 1/4 inch of liquid. Replace the lid and let cook for another 15 minutes, or until fork tender.

Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Remove the orange peel, cinnamon, and star anise from the pot, place over a medium high heat, and bring the liquid up to a simmer. Skim off any surface fat if desired. Stir in the green part of the green onions.

Make a slurry out of the cornstarch and a tablespoon of either chicken broth or water. Pour into the pot and stir to thicken. Let it bubble up for a minute and taste for seasoning. If it's too salty, add a bit of vinegar. If it's too sour, add a bit more soy sauce. Take the foil off the chicken, and carefully pour in any juices from the platter.

Savings!!

Deadline for payment of credit card bills.....end of every month.

Opps! Last night i was trying to search my credit card bills through a stack of letters to make payment today. Don't know why i have a habit of paying the bill last minute.

Can't believe my eyes, the amount is 20% of my usual bill!!!
Out of sheer excitment, told my dad about it. Yeekks! I just review my high expenditure to my dad and got a long lecture from him. Still, I cannot remember the last time such amt appear in my credit card bill

Woohoo!! Savings, savings, savings.....

Although the likely reason is cash spending, i was happy to see the low low amount.
Hopefully, it is not in my next bill and i really want to continue this trend of expenditure.

To celebrate, went for dinner at NYDC and ended off with cookie monster mudpie......ironic.
To top it off, i forgot to pay the bill again after the "celebration".

Gotta remember tom.

A normal relationsip

One is so stubborn and the other is getting impatient.

Really i do not know how they stand each other.

Tried to speak to her about it still she thinks she is right and is still so stubborn.

Told her it is hurting everyone.

Because of her pride she still think she is right and insisted.

I have tried.

I do not know whether this is normal in a relationship.

I used to think that it is until one of my friend told me it is not.

Well, at the end of the day at least they always patch up.

Will this always happen?

Silver

Today we went to lunch with another team.

Another networking session. Well, but at least the lunch and conversation was much more pleasant.

During one point in time, someone mentioned that we won the silver medal for table tennis. When we won, i didn't feel much enthusiasm. Maybe i am not a sports fanatic, but to me i never care who wins. I'm only interested in sports like diving, gymnastic, synchronise swimming, etc. which we never participate.

Then one of the foreign colleague responded that all 3 contestants representing us are not born locally and 2 of them only got their nationality last year. Then there was a moment of silent.

Should we feel proud or embarrassed?

Maybe we do not have talent in sport . But we have something else to offer. We are all talented in our own ways. Why are we spending so much money and effort in trying to achieve something that we lack off and not strengthen what we have? At the end of the day, who will remember we got the medal?

But still lots of admiration for all the sportsman. Saw a documentary on the training, perseverance and commitment that goes into the sport. What we see is just the glory of the winnings. One champion also means the losing of many many others. It is brutal.

Dance Routine

Trying hard to stay fit and healthy

Slept at 4.30 am on Friday and with a very huge headache i dragged myself to the gym the next day.

Thought as usual the gals will be late. But they were there on time.

J was wide awake despite the late night. She still manage to color coordinate her gym outfit and makeup. Good for her. And R reach on time too despite the long travelling time required.

Unlike me with my messed up hair and stained gym pants. What the hack! My head is still throbbing and with my mom's nagging in the early morning, it is almost unbearable. She tried to budge into my locked door and wants me to go have Dim Sum with her because of her $50 voucher. When i refused to wake up she complained how unhealthy i am and all the illnesses that i will get because of my unhealthy lifestyle. Thought that by telling her i have plans to go to gym she will lay off. Plus, i reminded her that it is national day and no restaurant will accept her voucher. Being a voucher queen from all her credit cards, she should have known. My god! She continued that i should not exercise with an empty stomach. To top that off, my dad joined in the fun of nagging. Great! So with my headache, i tried to get ready as fast as possible. I pulled out whatever gym clothes i have, grabbed a shirt to iron and stuff all the toiletries into my gym bag while listening to my parents. To appease them both, we went to the nearest market to have lunch. In the end they were so full from their breakfast, they shared a small bowl of prawn noodles. Well, i think they are just happy to see their dearest daughter eat "Breakfast".

Well, i have to bear the humiliation of wearing a stained gym pants and with my messy hair take a bus to town. Reached gym late and missed my favourite combat lesson but managed to find my favourite machine. Despite not going to gym for awhile, i completed 45 mins of non-stop workout. J is really lousy with machines. Kept complaining the resistance level is very high when it is adjusted to level 1 already.

Well, after gym we were really proud of ourselves. That is before our snacking begins. Old Chang Kee is having $1 every item. Tempted by the bargain, we bought a few items to snack. After we headed for Sakae for Dinner. We did some light shopping and went to NYDC for dessert and had Famous Amos we bought earlier. Finally, because of all the temptation around us we ordered the oven-baked cheese pasta to share.

And there goes my gym workout for the day.

I love Wednesdays

Love my Wednesdays.

It has everything i love pack in 1 day.

My wontan noodles, dance, MacDonald and friends.

The gals hate to dance. Maybe becos they missed several sessions and find it hard to keep up after. But wontan noodles never fails to tempt them to go. We will always rush to go off on time so that we can have more time for our wontan noodles.

Dance lesson is always fun. We will make fun of each other and the teacher. She is such a sweety pie and will let us do whatever we want. Yesterday was the last lesson but since many of us missed a few lessons, the teacher is letting us continue to make up. Guess she like us too. Hopefully, the gals will like it and continue. It is the company that makes it even more enjoyable.

Then it is MacDonald and chat time. Really need to chill out in the middle of the week. Lucky for me after i change team, i don't dread going to work anymore. No matter how late i sleep, i still can wake up and go to work. It is not something that i want to do but still it is project basis and hopefully the work and analysis done will improve how some things are being done. Then at least i can feel some achievement again.

Looking forward to next Wednesday......

Secrets

Tears are like droplets of Secrets.
Only the bearer knows the true emotion of each droplets.

Feeling sad.....suddenly.
not sure why....

Just sad.
nothing major happen.
cannot understand.
Getting emotional.

Been busy and lazy for awhile.

Someone commented that i didn't informed that i bought a new house.
Then i realise i haven't been updating my blog for awhile.

Preparing for marriage, a lot of things to do and tiring, plus Stevie is not around, have to do many things alone.

Busy, tired and sometimes have disagreement with Stevie, but still very proud with ourselves.

We found a house within 1.5 months.
The location is a bit inconvenient but many of our friends staying there loved it.
Peaceful and green. Plus many friends staying closeby.
Just need to convince more to move there :)

Well, although it is a bit far, all the amenities are closeby.
We have a supermarket, foodcourt, wet market and train just within 5 mins walk.

The layout of the house is also close to perfect.
Room is big enough for walkin warbdrobe and the kitchen can be made into open concept.
High floor with a bit of morning sun and no afternoon sun.
Our neighbour is young couple.

One bad point is we do not have an unblock view.
Oh well, with so many good points, i guess this is not that important.
Our housing loan is also done within 1 week.

Can't wait to renovate and move in.

Arrgghhh....still got many many things to do.
Maybe when i wake up one day, all is done.

Happiness

Happiness is just a state of the mind.
...... is being satisfied with what you have.
...... equates to simplicity.

Am i getting bored?
And looking for trouble?
Why can't i be more complacent?

Well, i hope i have made the right choice.
It is what i want for myself and i know i will regret overtime if i let time passby.
I have to force myself to change, learn and grow.

Knowing myself, it will be difficult.
But at least i tried by taking the first step.
Hopefully people around me will not be too quick to give up and will see the potential.

Happy Birthday, Stevie!!

Get Your Own! More Flash Toys

Clubbing ~ after so long

It has been a long long time since i last went to a club. Although i love to dance, but the alcohol, late nights, loud music and rowdy crowds just don't seem appealing anymore. Everytime i feel like dancing, the thought of having to deal with all the noise and late nights puts me off. Even though i know once i hit the dance floor and the right music is on, i will enjoy myself but still it has been awhile since i last stepped into a club.

On Saturday night, we went out clubbing.

As the gals are recently feeling down recently, we thought we should have a crazy night to make ourselves feel more upbeat.

Not a bad decision. We went to St James as Jan has membership and we can do without the cover charge. The singers are great, some of the performances later in the night are hilarous and it's been long long time since we heard retros (bring back memories). The diversity of the crowd is amazing. The crowd ages from late 40s to early 20s and there is even a group of Indians even though the songs are mandarin.

There is a group in their mid to late 30s hanging around playing one of Steve favourite game, Bluff. Always thought it was just a phase and he will eventually get over the game. But after seeing those guys so much enjoying it still, i doubt he will ever quit it (he even have a set in his Macau home, ever ready for friends to come over to have a game).

We had a group of guys in their mid 20s approaching us (i must say this is thanks to Jacq). Not sure whether it prove we are still looking young or they are interested in older women. Well, not too bad as we are all in our late 20s and one of us with a baby. Though they are good looking, too bad none of us is interested in finding a younger guy to support and i guess they will find us "aunties" once they discover our age.

With all the music and dance, some energy of the nightlife must have soak itself into me making me feel younger and more energised.

Stubborn Gal

Just made a realisation of myself after soo many years.

I am a very stubborn gal.

Was very surprise at this self-realisation.

For the longest time, i thought i am a person that takes things easy.
Stubbornness. Whenever this word pops up, i think about my mum and sis.
Me? Never......

The other day, i was talking to Stevie and mentioned about it. And he doesn't seem surprise at all. Which makes me wonder "Do i give people such impression?" because it is definitely new to me.

Maybe it is a different kind of stubbornness.

I am very stubborn in how i want things done (sounds like my mum....scary)
Not that i want to make the ultimate decision (sounds better......and not like my mum) but i want to have all gound covered and discussed before i am open to any final decision making.
Sometimes, it may result in more effort and time wasted but still i am very obsess about it (i don't know why?)
The idea of not having all the choices and all the information available before me and having to make a decision just make me unease.

Well, i guess i do have some of my mum stubborn genes after all. And after so many years it is just in me and i didn't know.

Old fashion house renovation

Have been actively searching for our new house.

Been to several houses every weekend over the past 1.5 months.

Some houses are older but looks new.
Some houses are newer but looks old .
Should i buy a old house that is expensive but convenient?
Should i buy a newer house that is cheaper but less convenient?
Fortunately, we came to a conclusion.
Although i still think about it sometimes,
but being focus will give me lesser headache.

Wonder why people did the renovation they did?
Is it because it used to be the "in" thing?
Or did the owners really like it?
Or was it provided?

Renovation that i have seen and cannot understand:
1) Granite flooring (those with black dots with grey background)
2) Blue color kichen cabinets
3) old-fashion wood cabinets (i like wood furniture but somehow sometimes the wood that is used just makes the house looks 20 years old. Don't know whether it is the type of wood, the color of the wood or the design of the cabinet that makes it looks sooo old-fashion)
4) Vanity tops that looks 60s

Hopefully, our renovation will be able to carry over time and not look old fashion.
I want a modern, sleek, cosy, fun, relax, sexy, simple, romantic, peaceful, cheerful, yummy and easy to maintain house.

Confused? So am i. But that is another chapter after we get our new house. So let's think about it later.

I love noodles......

Today is a stressful day.
Angdo is back.
Volumes are super low and
it is suppose to be a fun day.

Inter-department conflict.
Today been hit the worst.
3 departments in total.
This does not make work productive.
Don't know why i feel frastrated.
Not paid to worry about the conflict,
My title does not put me in the advantage to resolve it,
then why somehow i am involved?

Feel tired and stress and angry.
Left work early.
Don't want to think about it.

Ate 2 bowls of my favorite Wanton noodles
1 bowl with chilli, 1 bowl without
Dipped the fried Wanton in Mayonnaise sauce
Covered in creamy white and ate it in 1 mouthful
Ahhhhhhhhh......Happiness....

Satisfaction

I love Wanton Noodles....

About Life

Stevie, Life is great at the moment.

Actually, every aspect seems perfect. Family, friends, love ......except my career which is not as fulfilling as i expect but everything else have made up for this tiny winy unsatisfied bit. Of course, i hope those around me are happier as well. Then we can all share and enjoy life together.

During team building this year, we did a small exercise and when was asked to state what we learnt during the exercise, the following was my thoughts. Maybe it has been in my mind for awhile. It is not only what the team building exercise reveals but somehow i feel my department is changing too fast and too much.

Do not be too overly focus at what you are doing and missed out on your ultimate goal and forget what is most important. When life is too hectic, just step back and re-focus and plan - Hui

Lov u lots and lots

LIFE

Life

Somehow, I have been very ‘emotional’ this weekend. Reflecting on the true meaning of the definition of “LIFE”.

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind.” – James Truslow Adams.

This Saturday was a usual short trip to Zhu Hai for the purpose of stocking up DVDs and a cheap massage session. While shopping, we had a friendly conversation with a shop assistant and we found out that she is earning RMB1500 per month with a monthly rental of RMB600. With that, effectively, she will only have RMB900 and with meals costing, on average, RMB20; how much can she save? What about transportation cost?

It’s not the poverty that clouts my senses, my emotions. It’s more the fact that is she going to work for the rest of her life away. Yes, there is poverty everywhere in the world. Even my colleagues don’t seem to understand what’s there to be emotional about. Indeed, true and that’s very true. The shop assistant mentioned that she moved out of the village to work in the city and has a better environment to work, to live.

“Life is all about choices. Never let anything to have the power to control your choice, lest a ‘poverty’ life is worse than poverty itself.” – Myself.

Reflecting on that, my mind started to wander off to all the choices that I have made recently. Choice – what is “choice”?

Life is indeed very strange. That very night, we went off to a colleague’s house to watch a movie “Gone Baby Gone”. At the end of the movie, Casey Affleck had to make a choice whether to report the missing baby to the authority and have the baby send back to her drug-addicted mother or be silent on the fact that the baby is better off with a retired local police commissioner who was involved in kidnapping her away from her mother. In the end, he made the former choice and the story-ended with her mum still very much can’t be bothered with her own daughter. Did Casey make a wrong choice?

In my opinion, no, he did not. There is never a wrong or right choice. It’s just a choice, period. To me, everyone has a right to their own choice. To somebody, it might be a right choice, to another person; it might be a wrong choice. The most important thing is that you, yourself, have the right to make that choice and, regardless, of the outcome; be responsible for the decision that you have made. The plot of the movie might changed too – the mother changed over a new leaf and is able to provide her daughter for a better future.

Since young, I always asked myself – why I don’t have ‘this’, why I don’t have ‘that’, why must I be one of the majority that stays at a HBD flat, why don’t I have a car to pick me to and fro from school. I realized that if you want something, you have to work hard for it. And later, I realized working hard is never enough, you have to work smart, and you have to be successful. Ever since, I have never let myself down in terms of studies or work. Naturally, work has become my priority, my motivation and my life.

Ever since the start of my career, there are 2 important persons in my life. In fact, I consider them both my mentors. Of course, both of them are very intellectual. And I consider one of them as a person who have given me the opportunity to be where I am today. And the other whom I consider as a person who have guided and influenced (directly and indirectly) me to be the person I am today.

I have always placed my career more importantly and in priority of my family and Hui. And without realizing it, the ‘distance’ seems to be stretched further and further away. I was 24/7 involved in my work – directly or indirectly. So much that everyone started to wonder and questioned me - how did I manage to find time with my family and Hui? The truth, is, I don’t. And my personal life started to fall apart and finally, I have made a choice to ‘get’ away – to focus on my career. It was a hard choice, a painful one.

After some time, I started to feel frustrated. At work, I strived to be the best and wanted to be the best. However, in life, not everything goes your way. No matter how hard I tried, I was never rated the ‘best’. Why? I started to question myself. I don’t feel appreciated, despite the effort and sacrifices that I have made. As a person or even at work, I was very ‘outspoken’ and very determined to get what I want. When I don’t, or when things don’t go my way, I get very frustrated, so much so that I started to show my “displeased”. If someone is gotta be on the ‘top’, why can’t that person be me? My feelings, my emotions got the better of me – in a bad way.

At some point in time (why then? – don’t ask me, cos life is indeed a very strange ‘thing’), I started to reflect on my life and starting to think on some of the things that was said to me – by one of the mentor. He is a very ‘secretive’ person. A person whom I really have no idea what he is thinking and someone who I can’t seems to comprehend. This is unusual for me. Not that I have the ability to read a person mind. But I have a ‘thing’ about analyzing people and usually, I am right. That’s why I am very good with “mind games”.

Yes, you can be very good, you can be the best. But if everyone is good and everyone is the ‘best’ in one way or another. Who is going to ‘fill’ the bottom? Analyze this, everyone is good and everyone feels that he should be the one on the top – can that team, that company survive. Everyone has a part to play, someone has to take that role on the ‘top’, and someone has to take the ‘second level’ to make the team function well.

Why and what am I working so hard for? What is the initial motivating factor that prompt me to work hard and be successful? What do I really want in life?

With all the thoughts and starting to analyze that mentor, I started to realize and understand some of the things that he mentioned during casual conversations, some of the things that he does. I seems to be able to comprehend him more and more. Actually, he is a very simple person.

One of my colleagues mentioned a story about a person who loves to fish which I recalled that it's something similar to one of my comprehension during my school days.

A boy whose hobby is to fish and he lives in a village. To fulfil his dream of having the opportunity to fish in a big ocean, he started to slog his life away and be successful. And he did. At his old age, he bought a big boat and went off to the ocean to do fishing. What is strange is that after slogging his life away, it seems that he is still doing what he is doing initially - fishing.

Simple is good. What I need is to balance my life – a ‘skill’ and to be ‘disciplined’; to be able to achieve it. Anything that I have more, for what I have worked for is a ‘gift’.

I want my family to be proud of me.
I want to be able to provide for my family.
I want Hui to be happy and start a family with her which I so long for.
A COMPLETE FAMILY.

Gals Bonding

It has been awhile since i had friends sleeping over for the night. The last time was almost 1 to 2 years ago.

Last night the gals bunk over at my place and now i have 2 toothbrushes to safekeep just in case Jac and Raye is planning to sleep over again.

Yesterday was really tired but exciting. Viewed 9 houses in the afternoon and my whole body was just lethargic. Was planing to laze around the whole night to rejuvenate when i had a last min meeting with jac. Since jac will be sleeping over, of course the more the merrier. Called up raye to check her status. Finally, we convinced her to bunk over. Well, she have no choice, since her place is sooo "u lu" that both jac and i do not know how to find our way home. Maybe jac is pretending but no-sense-of-direction-me may end up circling the whole estate and still cannot find the expressway.

U whooo!!! My first drive without supervision.

Drove to crowded Orchard, to Pasir Ris and back home. The drive must be a torture to the gals. They were not allowed to talk, not allowed to hear any music and they can only give me direction on where to go next. Parking skill is also much better. At most 3 attempts and the car is in and straight. More practise and i think i can be on my own soon.

Finally reached my house at 3.30am and still the chatting continue after lights off. Despite sleeping so "early" in the morning, was waken up by early-bird raye at 9 plus. Since we were all still tired, both me and jac just continued with our sleep and finally raye settles down for another good 2 hours of sleep and after it is shopping therapy.

Hopefully we can still do this when we are well into out 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s............then it will be perfect.

Unappreciated

Yesterday was a terrible day.

Think i'm just being petty and over-reacted (that's me)

But no matter how i think it over and over again

I feel unappreciated

The comparison itself is an insult

The measurement is unfair

The evaluators are not qualified

I do not need people who work in finance sector and

cannot understand basic company announcement to judge me.

Need i say more.........

Thanks to the usual hangouts, last night ended with a calm and happiness mood.
The branded bag discussion, the relationship talks, the ghostly stories, the craps, the rubbish/comfort food, the company, just save the day.

What will i do if everyone leaves the company, who will b there to listen?