Long weekend - Part 1

Friday
Went steamboat at the Joaquim's at Suntec and shopped around in Marina Square before heading to Esplanade. There was an outdoor performance as usual but it was a 3 females group from South America. We did not understand what they sang coz of the accent and unfamiliarity of the songs. Sat around chatting until ard 10.20pm and left for home.

Saturday
Wanted to catch a movie at GWC but when we reached (after waiting like 20 mins+ for the shutter bus), the show timings were abit out so din catch any. Shopped abit and left for dinner at the Kopitiam food court opposite SMU. Went to Hotel Rendezvous for drinks and watched 2 EPL soccer matches. It was one-for-one happy hours so we ordered 1 jug of beer (and free 1 jug), complete with our favourite chicken wings. We drank until almost bloated and realised 2 jugs for us were indeed too much! Its also the 1st time I drank so much beer! Last time used to drink liquor but never drank beer before until I met Web. By the time I am home, abit mambok liao...haha...

Sunday
Going to meet Web later at Hougang as his right foot hurts so not going too far. Also planned to attend the rally there at 7pm so its better to stay close.

No luck

Watched 2 matches last nite and actually betted on the Chelsea Vs Man U match with scoreline 3-0. But blur me wrote the wrong code on the betting slip (03 instead of 04) and ended up with the match really closed at 3-0. My $140 flew away just like that....

I think I really got no luck on any lottery when I got full time salaried job. Anyway, its still fun watching the match...coz Man U lost!!! Hahaha....

The second match was Liverpool Vs Aston Villa and surprising Liverpool won by 3-1. We din bet on this match coz odds very low! This scoreline was indeed quite unpredicable, guess a lot of people donated to charity!!

KTV nite

Went ktv at Tpy's Kbox with sis last nite. Seems like quite a while haven't been singing thus suddenly realised cun really sing. Also did a wrong choice by ordering the Japanese Fried Chicken and French Fries (was really craving for them) and ended up having a sore throat. Was feeling quite tired by 11pm so stayed until ard 11.45pm then took feeder bus 231 home.

Its finally Friday again and am feeling quite happy as its a long weekend coming! My boss also said she's not feeling well and should leave office soon. Was quite busy in the morning and suddenly very motivated to work so time flies pretty fast. My colleague was also on leave so had to cover part of his duties.

Stomachache!!

Dunno why kena stomachache 2day, and went toilet 3 times already. Finally ate medicine which I kept in my bag from my mum. Hope it will stop soon....

Early birds dun really get the worms!

Was pretty early this morning and reached bugis at 7.50am. Thought was still early and the 1st shutter bus only comes at 8am so walked down to buy breakfast, from either Long John Silver or Burger King. To my surprise, both restaurants do not open till 8am! I remembered LJS open ard 7am but probably due to low traffic, they changed their operating hrs. Even BK at Novena Sq open earlier, not sure why its not standard for all the branches (could be the traffic again).

Walked back and took the 1st shutter bus to office, and bought food from the canteen downstairs instead. Was feeling so warm by the time I reached office and had to wait a while before I could drink my milo and eat my breakfast (chix bao and siew mai).

So, early birds not necessarily will get the worms afterall...

Mc 2day

Went facial last nite and as usual fell zzz and snored!! Can you imagine its not during mask but when the beautician was removing blackheads etc from my face. Imagine how tired I was! Partly also coz the beautician was so gentle in picking that I actually can relax. Also thanks to the products I used (which cost a bomb!) that aided the smooth removal by the beautician.

Was feeling goggy when I was on the way home. Managed to stop by Breadtalk and bought bread for myself, sis and dad. Upon reaching home, bathed in a daze and ate one of the bread I bought and sat down to watch tv. Already had abit of headache (time of the month coming..) so took medicine after tv and went off to bed ard 10pm+.

Woke up with a terrible headache thus decided to take mc for the day. It was that bad until I could not even make myself wake up to eat then take medicine. Woke up ard 10am (awaken by a call from office which I din answer but replied sms to my col) to wash up and went back to zzz. Slept through until ard 12.30pm and finally forced myself to take lunch then take my headache pill. Talked to sis n Xris a while on msn until buay tahan as my head is pounding and spinning. Went to take a nap and woke up ard 5pm!! Finally the headache had more or less gone. Hopefully tomorrow will be ok.

Itchy head!!!

My head is damn itchy!!! This happens usually the day after swimming caused by the dirty water as well as keeping my head (and hair of coz) wrapped in the swimming cap through the 2hrs+ in the pool. Should have double washed the hair last nite....arrghhh!!

There's no nearby salon to go wash my hair too.... how to endure till tonite? Still got facial appt...

Recap...

Friday
Went Suntec/ Marina Square for dinner and window shopping with Web. Saw an irc friend at the foodcourt but din call out to her coz she walked too fast and suddenly lost sight of her. Lazy to go looking around for her also la. Was at Esplanade after dinner and there was an outdoor performance by an ah pek band. They actually was quite good coz they sang country music, more applicable to my age group hahaa... Bumped into my another irc fren cum neighbour when I alighted the mrt and walked home with her.

Saturday
Went East Coast again with Web. Managed to sit for a couple hrs before the rain spoilt the fun. Ended up chatting inside the shelter until the rain stopped. Chatted on a various no. of topics then, probably due to the weather (made people think alot...). Its been a great time on the bus too while we travelled back to AMK from Marine Parade, sharing our feelings and enjoying the ride.

Sunday
As usual, went to play pool followed by swimming then dinner. Wore one of my new blouse and swimsuit today. Realised the swimsuit is pretty low cut, especially while swimming with the water pressure so din swim much (just 10 laps) and all the way following behind Web (to shield!). Hanged around in the pool until ard 8pm then bathed and left for dinner. Ate at A* again with Hor Fun, Fried Rice, 锅贴 and 面粉果 with a large jug/ glass of ice lemon tea!

My shopping arrived!!

My shopping finally arrived before lunch, thus took the opportunity during lunch to take pictures of the packages...


as well as the contents....


but yet to open each item as not so convenient in office...

About Xris

Hopeless...
Kinda feel bad yesterday after telling Xris off for the intention to spend money again. Why is it that she never learns and relent? She is planning to go KL again to attend his kor's wedding. Seriously in my opinion, if I am already damn broke and in big debts, I will not even consider going anywhere even though its just staying at hotel and not going shopping anywhere. You still have to spend like 200-300 just to travel there and get accommodations. To me, I do not enjoy the privilege of spending money like that if I am in this kind of situation. Its true we do need to pamper ourselves but pls for heaven's sake, judge your own limits. What's the use of pampering yourself on top of an already big debt and building it up further and the whole amount will NEVER EVER get repaid. Her good friend is not doing her much help also coz everytime they meet, they spend money. Self control is very important but I guess some people just cun do it.

Broke before....
I have been very damn broke b4 when I was temping years back (in 1994/5) and had to find cents to survive and I restricted myself to spending at that time, totally deprived of all the luxuries I could indulge in. I do not save up much I admit but at least I do not find myself in debts to an uncontrollable amount. I always try to clear whatever credit card debts I have within the due date, not coz I am rich but I keep track of my spendings.

Thoughts and such...
I really hate myself for nagging at her and being so kpo whereby she just does not listen and kept telling me 101 excuses why she is spending more money. So much so for that, I hope I will try to keep out of her affairs in future, perhaps encourage her to spend as she like coz her problem is not mine anyway. I pity her for burdening herself with all the expenses from her family but she has to make it clear to them that she is not rich but she thinks she can handle. Ya true and her whole family treats her like a money tree. I am not expecting her to be infilial but at least let it be known that you are not earning big bucks and you do have your own financial difficulties. Maybe she owed her family too much in her past life and this is what she is going to pay this life. Maybe some people really need to go through a very rough and hard patch before they realise and buck up.

Give up!
I do not know why I always get so agitated whenI hear her spending money or going to do so. I wanted to help her but she is not helping herself. I do not like the feeling of people telling me one day when they are "完蛋" and said "Why didn't you tell or warn me?". 朋友立场, 我已仁至义尽. 但毕竟忠言腻耳. 对她是彻底失望, 也感觉到无可奈何. 她的堕落已不可救药. I therefore declare that I give up on her 100%. Shall not be a pest to her anymore by giving her more naggings and scoldings.

Misc

Borrowed 4 books the other day and managed to finish one last nite and now on the 2nd book. The book I just read was from Danielle Steel "Echoes". It was a very touching story (once again amongst all her collection) and I teared several times while reading. Some part was however quite dry as the story was revolved around people during war time. Its still quite enjoyable reading her books.

Its Friday
Its finally Friday again and really look forward to the weekend. Working sucks...as usual. This week was still abit bz so still bearable (time flies faster). Later hv to look for boss again (dreading!!). Bought fried maggie mee plus luncheon meat for lunch coz weather reports says will rain during lunch, so better dun take any risk.

Online Shopping
My online shipping should be coming in anytime, so excited!! This time round bought quite a lot, including some tops and skirts as well as swimwears. Some items ordered were Angeline's, who "tombang" in. It been like weeks since I ordered, delay due to waiting time for vPost to match my invoices with the deliveries (such problem occurs when those online sites do not ship directly to Singapore so going through a 3rd party takes a longer time).

Family gathering & misc

Had dinner (usual monthly affair) with my family last nite at Chin Chin's eating house, just around Purvis street (not far from my office). Left the office ard 5.35pm and walked all the way to Bugis Junction then to the library. Nothing to shop ard thus tot will just spend my time at the library. Managed to borrow 4 novels (by Danielle Steel of coz). Was so surprised and overwhelmed that so many shelves of her novels are available but I had more or less read them so took a while to find those I have not read. Had intended to sit around and read abit but the library environment was too noisy.

When I was still browsing, there was this group of teenagers sitting on the floor at one corner and were giggling and whispering like nobody's business. I stared at them several times but none seem to notice. I think they were treating the library as a gathering place. Really dunno what this library has become. The concept used to be no talking and no disturbance and librarians will go around scolding those people who does. Now librarians are becoming redundant with self service borrowing kiosks around and they probably are too comfortably seated at the counter to not bother about anything else.

As wireless is now available in the library, I see alot of people bringing their laptops to use. Some however could not find a table or decent corner, so sat on the floor, leaving the laptop power cable along the walkway, as they plugged it into the power socket there. I cannot imagine if someone were to trip over, whose responsibility would it be?

Finally found a single seat sofa at a quieter side of the big library and settled down. Took a feedback form earlier and started filling it in. Started reading a few pages of one of the novels when an ah pek came sitting beside me (in another single sofa). He was trying to position himself comfortably that he made so much noise with his newspapers and bags etc. Feeling already quite irritated after he settled down, there was a guy beside e pillar on my left who received an sms and starting replying His stupid phone made so much noise as he switched his key tone on. Imagine "ti ti toot toot.." for quite a while until I cannot stand it and stood up to leave while starring back at him. He looked up and gave me an innocent look and I just simply walked away...what the heck..

Had to cut short my stay at the library in case I go mad and go around scolding people. Walked out of the library and settled down at a seat outside. It was only about 6.25pm and my family wun arrive until around 6.50pm. My brother picked up my parents from home, went to fetch my sis from her workplace at Mediacorp and then to Redhill to fetch my sister-in-law (what a big round!) and then finally to Bugis area. Managed to read more pages from my novel and only started walking over around 6.45pm.

Arrived to find them just reached too and got a table without waiting. It was still not so crowded yet as the crowd usually comes in ard 7pm+. Ordered about 6 dishes (1. Foo Yong Omelette 2. Kung Po Chicken 3. Prawn Fritters 4. Baby Kailan 5. Sweet and Sour Fish 6. Hotplate Beancurd) and they turned out to be pretty big portions and we were so damn full and the dinner only costs $58, definitely very worth the money coz the food was great!

While we were walking to the car, dad spotted a pool salon right across the road and looked interested. So I suggested we go for a round of pool and had intended to head to Gullimard road where we went before. Then I recalled this pool place at Toa Payoh central near the library, above Shop N Save and we decided to try. I have been there before with Web and like the environment as its a much higher class place (not so rowdy) with strict rules enforced, good service as well as a very clean place (they wipe the tables after every change).

Played for a good 1.5 hrs before leaving as both Peggy (my sis-in-law) and sis were tired. Looked like dad hadn't had enough so brother suggested to me to send them (the other 3 ladies of coz) home 1st but as dad din wan to continue coz he had to be home to book court at 10pm, we left ard 9.30pm. It was a good gathering, maybe next time should do this more (bringing dad to play pool).

Woke up very early this morning at 6.40am (before sis) so I could bathe before her. Left home ard 7.25am and reached the bugis bus stop ard 7.50am and obviously too early for the 1st shutter bus at 8am. Thus sat at the bus stop reading my novel and in between my morning sales updates and breakfast (chicken ham and egg sandwich bought from Hans at the library yesterday). I already finished reading 4 chapters of the novel by 9am. Can't wait until lunch to read more as I have bread for lunch (bought 2 days back).

I miss holidays

Been to the loo 4th time already, asshole burning and still having on and off stomachache.

Suddenly missed going holidays as I was talking to sis about KL and HK last nite. Erm dun really miss KL, except for the restaurant "Bangkok Jam" which we went twice the last time we were there last year. The food was great, especially the clear tom yum soup. The picture dun look appetiziing but I tell u, its the best I have tasted!!


Definitely miss everything about HK...my favourite shopping destination! Missed the "Can Rou Jian Dan Mian - Luncheon Meat and Fried Egg Noodles" most and of coz all the great shopping areas which cannot be compared to anywhere else.


Too stressed up and badly need a break. I really miss going on holidays, leaving all the worries behind. Missed the feeling of shopping and shopping day and nite, till we drop!! HK...I will be back soon!!

Am I dreaming??

Still sitting here in a daze while I type this (feel like still in dreamland). Woke up ard 6.15am but since its still very early, went back to zzz. Woke up again at 7am and realised sis was still in the bathroom. She was supposed to wake up earlier to shower 1st but apparantly she woke up late. I started showering only ard 7.30am. Also went to the loo 2 times this morning, probably the aftermath of the food we had last nite (ate Green curry laksa at Thai Express).

Wanted to take a cab but obviously by the time I left the house (ard 8.05am), there was a long q at the taxi stand. Took a quite packed train to work and arrived 8.35am!! Just ate a ba zhang bought last nite, n starting to feel stomachache again..!!

What a day..

This is one of those few days I am very bz at work. Its good coz time flies faster but I kinda lost track of what I am supposed to do, and my memory fails me more at times like this. I also sorta have a bad hair day plus perspired alot during lunch under the hot sun (and its now going to rain!).

Going for some shopping again later after fetching sis from her facial at MTM. This time gonna buy something using our Taka vouchers! Sis is starting work tomorrow (temp admin job at Mediacorp) so meaning we will have problem in the morning using the bathroom. Either I will be late or her... unless one of us wakes up extremely early..

Kena bird shit!!!

Was sitting at the toilet bowl, trying to build up my mood to bomb then saw a patch on the bottom of my pants (left side) and realised its BIRD SHIT!!! Wabiang how suay (or how heng?) I am, such a big patch somemore. When I used tissue to wipe it off, eee... the colour... disgusting!! Got no mood to big business already, came out and used water and soap to clean it off. Lucky managed to get rid of it but still can see a little patch there. Checked through my whole body to make sure everywhere else is clean. Used air freshener to spray on it to make sure there is no foul smell.

What a morning!!

Its Monday...

Its another monday... a tiring one obviously after a long weekend. Need to get sales data out by 8.30am today as there is a management meeting. Decided to take cab since I left home almost ard 7.45am.

Was on the wrong side waiting for cab and no cabs in sight until my saviour came 15 mins later. The cabs on e other side came non stop...#@#*&^@#! Was too lazy to cross back so just stood there under the morning sun and get tanned and waited faithfully. Finally reached office ard 8.15am... almost the same time as I might hv took mrt!!

Weekend stay at Changi Village Hotel

Went for a weekend one night stay (Sat nite) at Changi Village hotel again, using a complimentary voucher bought on online auction for $120 only (usual room only price is $120+++). Also included is a voucher for 2 buffet dinner (worth about $70+++) at the Saltwater Restaurant at the hotel.

After staying for so many hotels, still find that Changi Village Hotel is the best. The hotel is cheap compared to town hotels and as its away from town, it feels like a getaway too. Check out the nicely renovated rooms (the old hotel is named Le Meridian Changi).



Some pictures taken previously of the whole room:


We also took a few pictures of ourselves....




And this is the picture I like best...


Ok back to the topic... We also went for the buffet dinner and was already damn hungry by 4pm+ so the minute we got a table, we rushed to the spread and disappointed to find that there is not much food (its a Seafood buffet btw). After getting some bread to fill my poor stomach 1st, the waiter came over with a menu and explained that this is a semi-buffet as only the appetizer and dessert items are buffet style and we have to order a main course. Phew...we were quite pleased that there is at least a main course but totally confused why they do it this way. We also stupidly ordered for still water when the waiter asked if we want still or sparkling. Later then realised we have to pay for them and paid about $9.32 for 2 bottles. Quite surprised these were not part of the buffet and they do not serve any ice water at all. Should have ordered juices instead!!

The main course were good. I had Char-grilled Canadian Cod (din take pictures coz din bring cam down - tot was buffet nothing to take :P) and Web had an Oven-roasted Norwegian Salmon. The rest of the semi buffet items weren't that fantastic but we did eat our money's worth!!

The rest of the night we spent watching 2 soccer matches and some variety programmes until we fell zz ard 2am. Woke up ard 10am and lazed ard and check out ard 12 noon. We then had our brunch at the Changi Village food centre. As usual the nasi lemak was having long q (but we never tot it was nice).

Reached home ard 2pm and after settling down, did my mask etc, napped for about 1.5 hrs. Should be going out for dinner soon but its raining quite heavily so should settle nearby.

Wow!

Tour around half Singapore

Started raining quite heavily ard 1pm+ thus arranged to meet Web ard 3pm. It was still raining when we met at YCK, wanting to go Grassroot Club for bowling. Upon reaching, the lanes are all occupied thus we decided to the Science Centre for an omni theatre movie. Took the train there and it was still drizzling when we reached.

There were upgrading works at the Science Centre and was quite messy. We checked out the movie price and shocked to see it costs $15 each (Apollo 13) so changed our minds again. Proceeded to eat at McDonalds there since I was quite hungry by then. Walked back to Jurong East central and stopped by at the Fuji Ice Palace to watch people. We stayed for ard 1hr+ until we were starting to get cold, hungry and need to go loo. Left shortly and had our dinner at the S11 there. Had quite alot of food until wanna explode!

After walking abit, we took bus 143 back to Orchard. It was already 8pm+ by then and were surprised that there were both of us on the upper deck of the bus until Chinatown. Along the way, we actually passed by 7-8 bus stops without stopping, and another longer stretch with 19 bus stops!! We felt like we chartered the bus and felt so shiok as we were sitting on the 1st row.

Walked abit ard Orchard then took mrt home... still feeling quite full now...

Such rare sights...

The other day was toking about some trees with beautiful blooms...today specially brought my cam out for lunch and took some pictures of them.

Yellow flowers

White flowers

Pink flowers (dun they look like sakura in bloom?)

Who can help me??

Had a small session with my HR earlier, seeking her advice on how to handle my current work situation (getting work outside my scope unofficially). Although my HR manager is still quite new in the company (less than a year), she has very intensive knowledge of HR policies thus I tot she probably could help me.

Told her about my dilemma but the turnout wasn't what I has expected. What she offered to me was, either I have a tok with my boss (which I told her is useless coz we will end up having more conflicts and my boss bears personal grudges) or plan what I intend to do, should I decide to quit or stay on. Staying on means I have to continue to put up with my boss, or simply try to change myself (which I did but I guess there's a certain limit). Quitting means I am giving up a good job and a company I enjoy working in. To some extent, I told her that I no longer enjoy working here as the culture here sucks. One thing is its been like that, another is coz of indirect influence from my boss. Quitting also means I have to think carefully what I intend to do with my career so I do not step backward and end up in a more difficult place.

Seriously toking about career advancement, I do not have such high hopes. More money higher position means more work and committment. Not that I am afraid of those, but rather I do not want to lose my time with family and loved ones, as well as affecting my own social life. I have seen too many people working their whole lives and neglecting everything else. The world is becoming so aloof and people not treasuring what they have. I definitely dun wan to be part of it. My work pressures are already taking a huge strain on my life, and I hate it!

Looks like there is no conclusion toking to the HR mgr as she probably has different career goals and perspective. I probably have to decide what is best for me. But one thing she does agree with me, is that we should not stay too long in a company (especially when you are getting nowhere). She suggested me to take a few days off to get my mind off work but I dun think that is quite possible. I would not want to waste my leave in case I need them for interviews or offsetting/ encash them when I leave.

Have you seen these birds b4??

These pictures were taken last year at Changi Village (one of the trees opposite the hawker centre at the carpark). Saw these beautiful birds and quickly took out my cam and snapped the shots. They still posed for me!! Haha..

Shopping again...

Took half day to do facial today coz no other slots available. Sis' one was also today but a hr earlier than me so we waited for each other and went dinner at Sakae Sushi followed by shopping (again!).

Walked around Taka (few rounds in fact) but still nothing to buy. Saw a DKNY skirt but almost fainted when I saw the price tag ($569!!!).... set fire kill people!!! So walked on to take bus to Marina Sq but to our surprise, before a SBS bus came, we spotted a free shutter bus to Marina Sq and hopped on excitely.

Managed to buy a pair of casual sandals for my Fridays' wear coz the current one broke last week :(

Check it out!!

My boss is an idiot!!!

Was happily shopping with sis when I got an sms from my colleague. The sms goes "From tomorrow after lunch onwards, you will be attached to me to solve IT issues". I was damn pissed off!!! What is this?? An admin assistant paid to do IT network stuff?? Hello...this is not pasar malam...what the heck!!

Now I am really thinking should I resign soon before I am tortured to death by that bitch. I am also considering to bring this up to my HR colleague and see what advice she can offer me. That bitch is really too much!! To think that she dun even hv the cheek to open her mouth and tell me, instead tell my colleague to do the arrangement...no respect for me!!

This kind of hell place, how to stay any longer...I scared I will go mad 1st before I find a job and leave. Totally no mood and motivation to work anymore... I am totally in a dilemma now!!

Guys are idiots??!!!

I saw a guy fren on msn earlier on and started by saying "Hi bz guy". He replied saying why say until he so bz, and commented I got boyfriend so dun disturb me. What crap is that?? Huh, you mean I attached cannot have any male frens?? Or he cannot be frens with me coz I am attached?? Weirdo!

He's not the 1st one, I got a couple of guy frens also quite the same. Maybe its good that they keep their distance from me, coz I dun wan to have anything to do with them anyway. I treasure my r/s so if no special reasons, I prefer my sis, my siblings, my gal frens and my own time.

On other instances, most guys are either unattentive, unsensitive or a complete moron (except for some la, cannot 一竹竿打翻一船人!). Why I say so its coz they forever cannot understand women. Such facts are written all over books by famous authors so no use denying. Gals on the other hand are a total opposite bunch from the guys. Its really tough for both sexes to get along...no wonder there are more lesbians and "brokeback mountains"!! Hahaha....

Express Pedicure

Realised my toe nails looked horrible this morning when I was wearing my sandals (esp after the swim last nite). Rather they already looked quite bad (colour faded etc) last weekend as Web commented.

Doing pedicure at home is quite tiring and time consuming as I have the tendency of falling asleep in between. Decided to see if there is any express pedicure services at Bugis Junction where I need to go by and buy my stuff.

Lucky enough there was one shop but I was surprised can't find it listed on any online directories. Started immediately as I stepped in and done an express pedicure session at $13. Chose a lighter colour this time as the pedicurist suggested (my nails too short la). Now my toe nails look nice :P


Bought some bread for lunch and some for breakfast tomorrow (always plan ahead..haha). Now I gonna make myself some beverage and refill my water...

Funny weather just now, rained before I went out and pretty sunny when I left office, seeing that the rain has stopped. But I can still hear thunder while walking...scary! While walking to Bugis, saw some trees that have full bloom and one extremely outstanding was a tree full of pink petals, feels like in Japan watching the sakura in bloom. The rest were yellow and white and the whole view looked very pretty. I guess we seldom notice what is around us and when we do, we get surprises!! Too bad I din have camera with me, maybe I will take come pics the next time I pass by (hopefuly still there!).

一句话看透世界各国

亚洲：
到了中国才知道只生一个好
到了日本才知道死不认账还会很有礼貌
到了韩国才知道亚洲的足球让上帝都差点疯掉
到了泰国才知道见了美女先别慌拥抱
到了印度才知道人还得给牛让道
到了新加坡才知道四周都是水还得管别人要
到了阿富汗才知道冤枉都不能上告
到了伊拉克才知道污染会让你死掉
到了中东才知道分不清楚到底是人的生命还是民族尊严重要
到了阿拉伯才知道做男人有多么骄傲
到了澳洲才知道有袋子的鼠肉也很有味道

欧洲：
到了德国才知道死板还有一套一套
到了法国才知道被人调戏还会很有情调
到了西班牙才知道被牛拱到天上还能哈哈大笑
到了奥地利才知道连乞丐都可以弹个小调
到了英国才知道为什么牛顿后来都信奉基督教
到了荷兰才知道男人和男人当街拥吻也能那么火爆
到了瑞士才知道开个银行账户没有10万$会被嘲笑
到了丹麦才知道写个童话可以不打草稿
到了意大利才知道天天吃烤Pizza脸上都不会长疱
到了希腊才知道迷人的地方其实都是破庙
到了斯堪德勒维亚才知道太阳也会睡懒觉
到了俄罗斯才知道有这么大块地也会有人吃不饱
到了梵帝冈才知道从其境内任何地方开一枪都会打到罗马的鸟

美洲：
到了美国才知道不管你是谁乱嚷嚷就会中炮
到了加拿大才知道比中国还大的地方人口比北京还少
到了墨西哥才知道佐罗为什么现在不出来瞎闹
到了巴拿马才知道一条河也能代表主权的重要
到了古巴才知道雪笳有N种味道
到了巴西才知道衣服穿的很少也不会害臊
到了智利才知道火车在境内拐个弯都很难办到
到了阿根廷才知道不懂足球会让人晕倒

非洲：
到了埃及才知道一座塔也能有那么多奥妙
到了撒哈拉才知道节约用水的重要
到了南非才知道随时都可能被艾滋病亲吻到
到了很多非洲国家才知道人吃人其实有时候也是种需要

极地：
到了两极才知道随地小便有多么糟糕

Thoughts about Retrenchment

Heard from Xris that several of her colleagues kena the letter for retrenchment earlier this morning, and seems like more to go today. No doubt the morale is especially low in her company and herself now, but I guess looking at the brighter side, it might be a blessing in disguise (塞翁矢马, 烟脂飞福 - dunno is it correct words or not).

Seriously retrenchment to me is not a bad thing. Excluding the fact that you may think u hv slogged ur whole life (or at least a few years) working for your company and suddenly you are no longer required as accordance to their somewhat stupid reorganisation or policy, you get a retrenchment package that could be quite attractive.

At some point of time, we might get tired of our work, or sick of working for the same company or people. However, circumstances may not be as bad as you would want to quit and leave immediately. In a way, we lacked the courage of moving on. Moving on is not because you are not happy in the current placement, its rather u need a CHANGE. But problem with us is, we are too lazy and too reluctant to change. If such an opportunity arrive (retrenchment), see it in a positive way. Suddenly you are FREE!! You are also rich and have all the time you want. Of coz the next problem you might face is you have NO JOB! Oh no..how??? Find another one la. Dun tell me its not easy to find one, its rather you want to find out with a lower expectation or not.

For myself, if an opportunity like this arises, I would be the happiest soul in the world. Not that I will get alot of $$ (coz my 5 years is not exactly ALOT) but I will see it as freedom and suddenly there is nothing to worry about. I almost face this last year, when I heard I might be retrenched. I was filled with both excitement and disappointment. Excitement was coz I finally had the chance to get out of this place, without me having to tender my resignation and go through the useless exit interview, and disappointment was coz I hv slogged to keep this dept alive and running yet having to face this fate. It eventually din happen coz the idea to cut one person was materialised when one colleague resigned. Is it a disguise in blessing for me?? I dun think so....I wanna kill that colleague (no la just kidding, just strangle will do :P).

So anyway, the morale of the story is, anything bad that happens will have a good side it. In life we go through lots of changes and this is what makes our lives more interesting and challenging (else everything too good and peacefull will be damn boring rite???). Now I am tied up what to do with my life now that I am still stuck here....

Wonders of the World

Wonders of the World

• Eiffel Tower in Paris
• Empire State Building in New York City
• Suez Canal
• The Taj Mahal
• The Leaning Tower of Pisa
• The Statue of Liberty

The seven wonders of the ancient world

• The Great Pyramid of Giza
• The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
• The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
• The Colossus of Rhodes
• The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
• The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
• The Pharos of Alexandria (The Lighthouse of Alexandria)

Was surfing and realised that there's so many versions of the Seven Wonders of the World. There's modern ones, ancient ones, unofficial ones etc. I managed to find above the more accurate and well known ones. Too bad my favourite Nigara Falls is not listed here...

Can I be so lucky in life???

Can I be so lucky in life???

Dyed my hair and a day without my Ezlink card

Took leave today coz tired of work. Need to rest too so decided to just stay home n sleep till as long as I like. Woke up in the morning to run my daily sales as my colleague is also on leave, then went back to bed and woke up ard 11am. Had my lunch and went to my nearby salon to colour my hair.

Told the hairdresser I wanted brown tone this time (no more red as its not lasting, waste $$ and looking ard, red is no longer in fashion) and asked for an obvious colour. She mixed blond with some gold and turned out quite nice. My mum said its nice while my sis said I looked "Ah Lian"! My sis is always the conservative one. Everytime I dyed my hair my mum will said nice regardless whether its red or anything striking. My sis on the other hand, always said I dyed weird colours...how ironic!! Thought the younger generation should accept newer things...

Went to meet sis, who went out earlier to MTM to do her eye treatment. Upon reaching the mrt stn, I cun find my ezlink card! Haiya...probably left it in my swimming bag last Sunday. Obviously I took taxi to work past 2 mornings and had lifts from colleague on both days after work so din notice the missing ezlink card. Best of all, my 2 spare cards are always kept at home.... Ended up have to pay cash to take public transport the whole day coz din want to buy another card. Paid at least about $1.20 more on transport today compared to using ezlink card. Hey that's about the cost of one trip u know!!

Had dinner at Pasta Cafe as we both had abit craving for pasta (yum yum!). Went shopping after that but din buy much, just a silver anklet from Silveria which costs $48 (but paid $38 coz got a $10 voucher expiring today) and a colourful pearl necklace from sis. Wanted to get something from Taka but walked up n down but found nothing worth to buy, so probably save it for next time.

Friends and more

I got some inspiration to write something earlier, when I was multitasking to create a new notes id and got some problem. After some suggested steps from my colleague, my notes hanged as well as my whole pc. My music stuck at a certain part and the whole screen froze. What a morning. Had to restart my pc and after that, I forgot what I want to blog about.

Anyway, let's see what I can think of now. Spent the whole evening watching TV (usual routine on a Monday) yesterday. After that, started reading kennysia's blog from start. Just beginning to notice he's really a funny guy and its interesting reading his blog. He started barely 2 years ago and has indeed made a name for himself with his humourous writing (which of coz din start like this initially). Was feeling tired so stopped and shall continue when free.

I hope I can write a blog like his but I guess its not easy. My life is so boring...nothing facinating to write about. Reading back some of my entries, realised that its a little like writing an open diary where people wun be interested as its all pretty mundane stuff. Haven't been active outdoors so nothing to blog about too. Been stuck in Singapore for the past erm...8 months without a holiday kinda bored me. Obviously there is no adventure to blog about as well. Do yearn for a holiday soon but am keeping back coz I might change or leave my job. Gotta save up abit, especially signing up for the facial package at MTM (which is a huge nuclear bomb - as my sis described). Although I signed up by installments, I still have to prepare at least $100++ per month to pay my bills, for a while 24 months!!

Ok where did I side track to already...back to what I should be writing. Oh ya, wanna blog about friends. Friends....everyone should at least have one to mention, whether close or what. Through my life, I have met many friends, but yet to find a true blossom friend. Maybe I have too high expectations of friends.

Let's start with a pal I known since Pre-U days. She is now happily married with a kid and we only kept in contact occasionally. We were started being closer after we left school, among some other friends in our group. We used to go KTV almost every week, sometimes even more than 1-2 times. We would take leave to go shopping. especially during the Great Singapore Sales. Went with her on a couple of trips, although she's not a perfect companion for travel. Eventually when she got a bf, we sort of lost touch and grew apart. Along the way, I have made new friends so I din really feel the lost. But at times when I recall, I feel sad coz she is not really a true friend. She might be someone I hang around with, have fun with but she never listens to me. When she is troubled, I am always there for her. But when its my turn, she never bothers. Perhaps I don't have that much troubles to begin with, for I am more or less an optimistic person. But having a friend that cannot share your thoughts, its like having none at all. I thank her for the fun and companionship the years we spent together, and wish her all the best.

Then there was another friend from Pre-U. My character is somewhat different from her but we got along fine. We were not as close but we do chat on the phone sometimes, and even met for lunch as her workplace was nearby me last time. Since her office moved, we seldom keep in touch. Every Chinese New Year, she will invite me and some friends to her house. I went without fail every year since 1993, the year we left school. Finally this year, I did not go to her house. Why?? Coz every year the friends that went to her house got lesser and lesser, until for the past 2 years, I have to bring along my sis to keep me company. This year, I decided not to go anymore since the others dun make an effort, I see no point in me going. When I message her, she did not reply. Since then, never hear from her. You see, if you dun make a point, no one else bothers.

I started going into IRC, out of coincidence when I was working in 1997. We got a dial up to internet then (bravo!! at that time...) and there was this singnet chatroom where I started to enter the cyber world of IRC (Internet Relay Chat). As the years passed, I got to know alot of internet pals, and some still in touch now. We had outings every week, organised by me and sure had a lot of fun. Eventually, i got tired of being the one to organise (really tired) so I decided to call it quits in 2000. I sort of retired, and even gave up the channel I had once been very active in and owned. I think I have to move on... I do miss those days but I cun be the one to plan and organise everytime so I gave it all up. Occasionally a few irc friends would suggest meet ups, and someone will plan. So far we met like once or twice a year only!! Its not easy to organise, I wonder if those people do understand and appreciate me for those days.

Angeline and Xris are two of those IRC friends (which I got to know through other IRC friends) which I actively still keep in touch with. Although we may not be very close, I do appreciate them as friends and I guess we still need some at every point of our lives. Angeline is very obsessed with keeping fit and shopping (which unfortunately abit different style from me so we dun really go shopping together). Xris is also obsessed with shopping, which probably is the common interest among women. Her kind of obsession is...well...cun be explained through words. She will just shop and shop like nobody's business and must buy something everytime she is out. I am tired (very, very tired) of constantly nagging at her shopping habits coz its not doing her any good and she dun listens anyway. She knows she got alot of other things (like debts etc) to worry about but she still never stops shopping. Unless she prints $$$ then I have nothing more to say. Somewhat I am utterly very disappointed with her.

I was quite close to an IRC friend years back too. We went shopping, gym and singing together. But problem with her is that she practically follows everything from me. She buys the same stuff as me or sings the same songs as me in KTV. I got rather fed up coz its like seeing a twin beside me. I dun mind people having same stuff as me, but not to that extreme!! There was a period of time when she was quite broke and still continue buying useless things. Her debts to me and some friends grew but instead of finding ways to pay us back, she bought more things. I eventually kept my distance from her and sort of hinted to her I cannot continue hanging around with her. Other friends also realised her "chow kuan -bad pattern" and starting shunning her too. Sometimes I feel sad for her, coz she is not a bad friend, just that she takes me for granted and I just dun like her "chow kuan". Its a pity we cannot be friends but we still chat online sometimes. She is getting ROM soon, and I am happy for her that she finally found someone who likes her as she is. I believed she has changed for the better and wish her all the best.

Friends, we cannot live without them, but also cun live with some of them.... I am glad some people found true friends. Treasure, appreciate and listen to them.

Its a blue blue Monday...

Its yet another Monday. Dragged myself to wake up as usual, and dilly dally until left home ard 7.50am. Din quite sleep well probably due to the swim yesterday (too tired or exercise too much - swam 22 laps).

Been a bz bz morning with lots of calls until I wanna go mad!! One colleague is on leave today thus the rest of us kena all the shit (coz most of the stuff we not so sure - just me and one temp). Was feeling tired but still went out to Bugis (need a breather and some walk) for lunch. Bought a dumpling to munch while I shopped and had my favourite Thai Ice Tea from Simply Thai. Bought HER WORLD at Kino and some stationeries at another shop. Also managed to buy one clear folder for interview (the old one not so old but looked unglam so might as well change and keep the old one for other use).

Spent some time in between in the morning to surf for guitar courses. Seems like no CC nearby our area that has Pop Guitar courses, which my sis recommended after she attended a briefing at her music school. Reason was it would be of better use than to learn classical guitar and end up having difficulties playing pop songs (which we would probably play than classical pieces). They do have classes in music schools but are more expensive (about 40-50% more) as they usually provide the musical instruments. Shall see how.... coz decision is not on me alone.

Well, my mood today is as gloomy as the blue Monday... feel like getting away from the office but..but..but...! Anyway, will just find one day to take leave and colour my hair, probably with Xris and Angeline (coz both wanna colour their hair too, it would be more fun to do it together but also means longer waiting time!). Hope that will cheer me up abit...

New toy!!

My sis took up vocal (singing) classes starting today. Upon signing up the package, she can choose a free gift, which she chose a guitar (my request).

Its a red guitar!!


Now gonna start looking out for guitar lessons which me and Web discussed earlier. We din go ahead earlier coz only he has a guitar, and if we take from CC, need to bring guitar and I dun think want to spend $$ to buy one (else dad nags again). Now got a free one so its just nice!!

Sis brought it home all the way from Paradiz!! Thx alot!!

Excited!!!

我到底怎么了...

又是一个周末..

天气预报说今天多云, 所以提议到海边去.拿了一张刚够我们坐的帆布席加一些旧报纸. 忽然滴到几滴雨水,还好雨没继续下. 本来还有风, 雨滴过后一点儿风都没有. 我们决定离开, 无形感到几许失望.

逛了一会儿, 无缘无故又觉得失落....

回家途中觉得好累, 心情又好像陷入谷底. 最近时常这样, 我到底怎么了...?

Moodless or moody??

忽然感到无尽空虚....

I suddenly felt a flush of moodiness came over me when I alighted the mrt train just now. Walked home feeling dazed and just want to left alone and cry. Luckily the minute I reached home, that kind of weird feeling went away.

人实在无法令人了解...尤其是女人...

Sometimes humans are weird, especially women. We will experience mood swings anytime and anywhere, you name it we can do it. One moment we can be happily enjoying ourselves, the next moment will have some kind of melancholy feeling. For myself, I feel this change quite obvious during that kind of the month. Its probably the hormones changes that affects our moods. So its around this time again... that explains??

女人心海底深... 谁会了解女人的心声??

The Progress Package

Its 1st April 2006!! Remember to start signing up for the progress package at http://www.progress.gov.sg/ soon!!

And yes, Happy April's Fools' day!!!