Express Pedicure again!!

Saw my toe nails cracked last nite and when I tried to remove the nail polish this morning, the right big toe nail chipped and broke off. MY NAILS ARE TOO DRY!!! I had no choice but to clean off the nail polish 1st (only the 2 big toes nails) so imagine how weird I look....hahaha...

So bo bian, made an appointment to try the express pedicure (only at $10) at Concourse during lunch. The only available slot is at 1.30pm so went out only ard 1pm to eat a Chicken Salsa sandwich meal at Burger King 1st. While I was trying to find the toilet after lunch, bumped into my boss and a colleague. Really damn suay!!

Anyway dun quite like their services coz the gals there dun seem quite friendly and whispered to each other alot. Tried the Parco Bugis nail shop the last time for $13 I think and wasn't as good, but I think this is worse. Heard from my colleague there is a nail shop too at Shaw Towers, maybe will try next time (definitely nearer!).

I asked the gal to recommend a colour and this is what she chose. Cun really remember the name but is chocolate something. Looks quite ok la, except can see my nails have shorten so much!!

This kind of guy still exist meh???

Was talking to an old pal and heard that he got someone he likes in mind and now planning a birthday surprise for her. Look what he told me...

"book a chalet....but still hesitating wat surprise to give....any tips?"
"intend to do a candle lite dinner .....done by the chalet"
"I intend to buy roses petals and lay them on the bed and make a love shape....put a present in the centre"

I was stunned beyond words.

Then he asked me "how can i make a gals heart melt???"
I replied: "Not sure about her, but I sure melt..."

This kind of guy still exist meh???

World Cup matches updates

Korea team had gone home....
- most disappointed moment ever since the start of the World Cup 2006

Australia team is going home....
- abit sad but hope Ghana will do Asia proud

Who is going next??

Updates..

Its been a long and tiring weekend. My mum is finally feeling better and able to eat more. Past 2 days (Saat & Sun) was bad coz she looked pale and wasn't able to eat much due to the drowsiness from the infused painkillers (kept having giddy spells, no appetite and threw up whenever she ate something). She was able to joke and talk more since yesterday so I finally came back to work after away from office last Friday and yesterday.

Went to visit her before heading to office this morning and she was awake and looking good. After her meal and medication, she is off to a nap again while I left to take a cab back to office. The taxi uncle took a wrong route which is supposed to be nearer. He drove down Balestier Road then down to Beach Road from Lavender side. Unfortunately, there was a massive jam at Beach Road from Golden Mile up till my office. There was no accident so dun quite understand why the jam. The taxi meter jumped from $4.50 to $10.50 just on Beach Road itself, my heart almost jumped out. Could have alighted halfway but weather so hot and long way to office, decided to forget it, else the taxi uncle also poor thing.

Finally reached office around 9.35am and told my boss about the jam. She said she also experienced some jam yesterday and do not understand why too. Probably its just bad timing due to too many vehicles (including those tour coaches) and too many traffic lights (slow down the traffic).

Long and tiring day

Its the day for mum's operation and we woke up pretty early as have to be at the hospital by 8am. It was raining cats and dogs by the time we were leaving, lucky my brother is in town so he gave us a lift there. Upon reaching, we saw an auntie walked past bare-footed and I heard her saying there was a flood at mrt there. Lucky thing we din got delayed by it. Heard from the radio later that the flood was due to some drainage issues from the construction above the mrt station. Dunno exactly what happened as not able to catch any latest news after that.

Anyway, after registration we had to go to the pre-op room to wait for her turn at 10am. I had already went to the loo (lao sai) twice by then and had a really bad migraine. While waiting, I sat around and tried to close my eyes to rest but the pain is unbearable so went to buy something to eat before taking my migraine pill.

Mum was wheeled into the operating theatre ard 9.15am+ so we walked out to wait. Brother then came back after sending sis-in-law to work. As the nurse had told us the operation will last about 2 hrs and mum should only be back at her ward (which was not assigned yet) ard 2-3pm but will give us a call 1st. We then sat around a while until past 10am (which I went to lao sai 2 more times) and decided to go home to rest (and take a nap) 1st.

There was still no call after 2pm so we decided to go out at 2.30pm to wait at the hospital. Upon entering the carpark, the hospital then called and told us mum just came out and will need to rest as she is still drowsy and told us can visit her at the ward around 4.30pm. It was around minutes to 3pm only thus we went up anyway but since she is not there yet, we proceeded to the food court for lunch. Me and brother din eat as we were not hungry. Walked around abit after the meal and we bought a small little balloon (which just fits my sis' face shape!!) to cheer her up. Wanted to get big helium-filled ones (below 1st and second pics - about the size of a 3 year old kid) but they cost $15!!

We went up again ard 4pm, mum was just sent there and we waited a while for the nurses to do the preparations before going in to see her. She looked good by then and did saw me when I went in 1st to take a peep. A kind uncle then suggested we wait outside and really kind enough to come out and inform us when she is ready. Surprisingly, this uncle turns out to be my dad's secondary school friend's brother!! His wife is just next to my mum's bed and my dad saw his friend when he was inside and they chatted abit. The world is really small!

While waiting outside, I spotted this ward notice and realised its quite ironic as it says patients need undisturbed rest so must abide by the visiting hours and the visiting hours is from 9am to 9pm!! That's almost a whole day!! My god....pity those patients.

Mum was looking better and able to speak by the dinner time. Grandma and small aunt came by and brother left to send them home then fetch my sis in law from work. Web came soon after while me and sis was sitting in the tv room stoning. Really feeling damn tired and warm by then. At this time, mum suddenly said felt very hot and felt like having some cold drinks and ice cream. She damn funny ok, coz she seldom will crave for such stuff. Brother then went to 7-11 and bought some packets of cold drinks and a peach sorbet ice cream for her. Just then, the nurse brought milo for her and she started drinking, then said hot hot so nice. We so confused by her!! A while wanted cold, a while said hot is nice... She took the milo then ate ice cream.

Me and Web then went for dinner 1st. The smell at the food court sort of made me puke but luckily was ok when started eating. The jap food wasn't too bad but they did not use jap rice!!

My family came down for dinner soon after and leaving after so we bought some drinks, sweets and abox of tissue paper for mum and left it for her before we want to leave. Then saw mum's brother there (my 5th uncle) so stayed back awhile to entertain him. Mum also felt abit hungry by then coz she did not eat much at dinner time. The porridge made her pukey - on top of her already not so good appetite. We asked for a cup of milo for her before waiting for the drink to settle abit, then put her bed down for her to rest before we finally left. 5th uncle was still around and said will stay ahwile longer.

The walk to the mrt was a long one as we passed through the spiral tunnel with about 5 flights of stairs!! No wonder small aunt said earlier that she and grandma walked quite a big round when they came. The escalators and lifts were still not working at that time due to the morning flood.

Reached home feeling so warm and hair in a mess. Finally washed up and settled down to type this long blog. Its sleeping time soon as we probably have to wake up early again tomorrow.

Croatia Vs Australia

Australia made history by twice coming from behind against Croatia to earn the point they needed to claim a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup™.

The Socceroos lost all three games in their one previous appearance on the world stage in 1974 but a 2-2 draw with Croatia in Stuttgart was enough to secure second place in Group F and a second-round tie against Italy in Kaiserslautern on 26 June. Australia finished with four points from three matches, two clear of third-placed Croatia.

On a nervy night, Croatia opened the scoring through Darijo Srna’s second-minute free-kick. Craig Moore drew Australia level from the penalty spot on 38 minutes but the balance swung back Croatia’s way when Niko Kovac’s shot was fumbled by Zeljko Zalac in the 56th minute. However, Harry Kewell struck the decisive second Australian goal 11 minutes from time.

The match:
2': Amid an absolutely incredible, spine-tingling atmosphere, Croatia raced into an early lead with their first goal at Germany 2006. Australia captain Mark Viduka brought down fellow skipper Niko Kovac 25 metres out and Darijo Srna curled a superb free-kick over the top of the wall past giant goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac, who was starting ahead of Mark Schwarzer (1-0).

14': Harry Kewell tried a hopeful drive from distance, cutting across the ball with his left foot but it failed to swerve and passed wide.

17': Tim Cahill teed up Jason Culina from 20 metres, but his shot was deflected past the post for a corner during a period of sustained pressure by Australia.

28': Cahill had a good chance with a close-range header but the ball seemed to come more off his shoulder and Stipe Pletikosa gathered it safely.

29': Pletikosa had a little more work to do this time, diving low to his right to block a powerful drive by Kewell. Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar cut an extremely anxious figure on the touchline, screaming instructions to his beleaguered players who could not keep possession.

33': Culina became the latest player to fire a shot in, but the attempt passed wide.

38': Australia drew level with a penalty after Stjepan Tomas handled a cross inside the area. Craig Moore stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, sending the passionate Aussie contingent into raptures (1-1).

Australian defender Craig Moore (L) jubilates after scoring a penalty as Croatian midfielder Darijo Srna looks dejected during the World Cup 2006 group F football match Croatia vs Australia, 22 June 2006 at Stuttgart stadium.

39': Kalac makes hearts skip a beat all around the deafening stadium by dropping a corner near his goalline but the ball was deemed to have already passed out of play.

42': Viduka got his head to Scott Chipperfield’s cross but it was straight at Pletikosa.

43': Dado Prso brought Croatia back to life with a surging run but he blazed wide with his left foot.

Croatians rally50':
Croatia seemed much more positive at the start of the second half than they were for most of the first period when they were on the back foot and Niko Kranjcar went close with a right-footed drive.

53': Kovac could not keep a header down from inside the five-metre line and it passed well over the bar, though the Croatia fans were singing their team’s praises once more.

72': Pletikosa performed heroics with two great stops within a minute, first with a point-blank reflex save to deny Kewell, who seemed destined to score, then he just about held onto a stabbed attempt by Kewell again when the Croatian was right on the goalline, despite the attentions of Cahill and John Aloisi bearing down right on top of him.

79': Australia equalised and this time Kewell was not to be denied. Aloisi flicked on a cross with his head and the Liverpool winger controlled it before blasting a right-footed volley into the corner. The see-saw nature of the occasion was now firmly tilted back in Australia’s favour. (2-2).


Australian forward Harry Kewell (R) scores as Croatian midfielder Darijo Srna (R) falls during the World Cup 2006 group F football match Croatia vs Australia, 22 June 2006 at Stuttgart stadium.

Australian forward Harry Kewell jubilates after scoring a goal during the World Cup 2006 group F football match Croatia vs Australia, 22 June 2006 at Stuttgart stadium.

85': Kovac was sent off after being shown his second yellow card by English referee Graham Poll.

87': Brett Emerton became the second player to be red-carded in the space of two minutes after a deliberate handball earned him a second caution.

92+': Cahill put the ball in the net but the effort was ruled out and in a frantic finish to the match, Croatia's Josip Simunic was also shown the red card.

In conclusion:Stuttgart played host to a night of unforgettable drama, where both sides could have progressed to the second round at different stages, but at the end it was Australia who were celebrating and heading to Kaiserslautern to face Italy on Monday.

Its finally Thursday....

Watched abit of the match last nite, Portugal Vs Mexico and they already had a score of 2-1 before half time. No more goals at the second half so I also lazy to watch since sis also not watching. Went to bed b4 12am as was feeling quite tired after downloading some songs and updating the song titles.

As usual woke up abit late and felt tired. Dragged myself to work and suddenly stomachache and went loo twice. Abit worn out now... Mum is going for operation tomorrow so I will be on leave, hope dun have to wake up so early....

Some weirdo wanted to add me to his/ her msn again... dunno where these people get my msn address anyway.

32 World Cup Teams

Bz Bz Bz.....

Another busy day for me as I need to sort out some purchases issues and process invoices for the month. Took me a whole morning just to do all these and finally able to go out for some lunch shopping ard 1pm.

Bought 2 magazines and went to Pacnet to pay my bills in advance for some free gifts (one Duffel bag and one set of speakers). Not able to walk around much coz those stuff were quite heavy thus bought a dumpling back to office for lunch.

Was busy again right after lunch processing the stupid phonebills for the company. Really headache (adding on to my already existing headache) every month trying to sort out all the costings etc. Spent almost 1.5hrs doing that and just managed to finished the outstanding stuff for today.

Phew~

Sweden Vs England

Report from website:

England and Sweden drew 2-2 in Cologne on Tuesday, 20 June 2006 - a result that sends both teams through to the Round of 16 from Group B.

England's prize for topping the section is to play Ecuador in Stuttgart on 25 June, while Sweden must take on hosts Germany in Munich 24 hours earlier. Sven-Goran Eriksson's team had already secured qualification before this match and they were only denied a third successive win by a 90th-minute Henrik Larsson goal.

England had gone in front on 34 minutes through a spectacular strike from Joe Cole. Marcus Allback headed the Swedes level at 1-1 six minutes into the second half but substitute Steven Gerrard restored England's advantage when he headed in their second on 81 minutes.

The match:
2': England suffered a terrible early blow when Michael Owen collapsed in agony close to the touchline after his right knee buckled under him. The injury was so serious that team physio Gary Lewin immediately signalled for a substitution. Peter Crouch, one booking away from a suspension, came on two minutes later as Owen left the scene on a stretcher.

3': Frank Lampard, who has had more shots than any other player at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ so far, set his sights from 20 metres though the effort went wide.

7': Lampard had another go at goal, but it was straight at Sweden keeper Andreas Isaksson.

12': Wayne Rooney’s determined run and cross was met, yet again, by the ubiquitous Lampard, but his attempted header came off his shoulder and passed harmlessly wide.

21': After surviving a period of pressure and a succession of Swedish corners, England went forward again and Joe Cole went close with a shot just over Isaksson's crossbar.

25': David Beckham released the bustling Rooney but his shot was expertly blocked by Teddy Lucic.

29': Beckham's inswinging free-kick from near the touchline was punched out for a corner by Isaksson.

34': England went ahead through an absolutely fantastic goal by Joe Cole. He chested the ball before sending a looping, textbook volley in off the top of the post from 25 metres out, with Isaksson only managing to get his fingertips to it. (0-1)

English midfielder Joe Cole (not pictured) scores during the opening round Group B World Cup football match Sweden vs. England, 20 June 2006 in Cologne, Germany.

English midfielder Joe Cole celebrates after scoring during the opening round Group B World Cup football match Sweden vs. England, 20 June 2006 in Cologne, Germany.

40': Lampard had Isaksson scrambling from the same sort of range as Joe Cole, but the ball skimmed the top of the net on its way out for a goal-kick.

Landmark goal
51': Freddie Ljungberg made a positive run into England's penalty area and his shot was blocked by John Terry, who turned it behind. From the resulting corner on the left by Tobias Linderoth, Allback rose high and flicked a header past Robinson, with Ashley Cole failing to keep it out on the line. Sweden had scored the 2,000th goal in FIFA World Cup history (1-1)

54': From a corner on the opposite flank, Larsson rattled England and their crossbar with an instinctive header that Robinson did well to tip onto the woodwork after it deflected off Jamie Carragher.

59': Sweden, playing much better than in the first half, once again had England rocking from a corner. Linderoth delivered it and Larsson headed the ball back for Olof Mellberg who clipped the top of the bar with his right-footed attempt from near the penalty spot.

69': Gerrard, who came on for an obviously frustrated Rooney in England's final substitution of the night, had to hack the ball off the line from Kallstrom's measured left-footed shot as another Swedish corner caused England headaches at the back.

85': England went in front again when Joe Cole crossed for Gerrard, who scored his second goal at Germany 2006, this time with a decisive header. (1-2)

English midfielder Steven Gerrard celebrates after scoring during the opening round Group B World Cup football match Sweden vs. England, 20 June 2006 in Cologne, Germany.

90': Sweden hit back to claim a late draw as Larsson stabbed in from close range just ahead of Mellberg from a low throw-in that England's defenders failed to deal with. (2-2)

In conclusion:
England have still not beaten Sweden since 1968 but, as group winners, they will be happier to be facing Ecuador and not Germany in the Round of 16. Sweden's performance in the second half here, however, should give them confidence ahead of their meeting with the hosts.

Ecuador Vs Germany

A truly interesting game whereby Germany scored the in this last match to qualify confidently for the next round of 16 teams. It was a tough fight as both teams tried very hard to score after a 1st goal at the 4th minute by Klose Miroslav. Klose did a very good somersault right after he scored (suprisingly with no look of excitment - maybe he was too used to scoring!!).

German forward Miroslav Klose celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup 2006 group A football match Ecuador vs Germany, 20 June 2006 at Berlin stadium.

Germany tried to score quite a few times but was unsuccessful until the 44th minute when Klose dribbled past the goalkeeper from Ecuador to safely kick (or roll) the ball for another goal.


German forward Miroslav Klose (11) is on the way to score a second goal past Ecuadorean defender Geovanny Espinoza (17) and Ecuadorean goalkeeper Cristian Mora during the World Cup 2006 group A football match Ecuador vs Germany, 20 June 2006 at Berlin stadium.

It was then the second half and right into the 57th minute when Lukas Podoski scored another goal for Germany from a cross by his teamate Schneider. It was another good kick that left the Ecuador goalkeeper startled.

German forward Lukas Podolski celebrates after scoring a goal during the World Cup 2006 group A football match Ecuador vs Germany, 20 June 2006 at Berlin stadium.

There was still several chances for Germany to score but all attempts missed. Ecuador had obviously stepped up on their defence, especially their goalkeeper.

It was a good match, as both sides fought their best and probably might meet each other again in the next round. And through this match, I conclude my new found idol - Michael Ballack! Too bad he will be in the Chelsea team in EPL, but will still get to see him.

Busy day...

Been a busy day, requests and problem tickets coming non stop and most require follow-ups. Had a pastry (sausage roll) in the morning and lasted till I ate a sandwich ard 1pm. Went out to buy medications at KKH and ended up stuck for almost 1/2 hr waiting for my queue no. at the pharmacy. This is how efficient hospitals are!

Still got one pastry (curry puff) left in office but bought a mac meal (nuggets meal). Actually wanted a drink and suddenly feel like eating nuggets so might as well get a meal. Took a cab back to office coz its already almost 2.30pm when I am done. It was drizzling anyway.

After I finished my fries and drink, I got no more for nuggets so ended up ate one only. Going to pack the rest and probably reheat for dinner. Finally more or less settled down for a breather and prepare to go home. Shag!~

Raining again...

It started to rain when I just woke up, and became heavier (very heavy in fact) as I showered. Decided to not brave the wet weather again and end up fed up like yesterday while taking the shutter bus so took my time to prepare and then login from home to office network to run my daily sales updates 1st. Left home around 8am, by which the downpour had reduced to drizzling.

Took train to Novena and went to buy sandwich and pastry for both breakfast and lunch. Thereafter, took a slow moving crowded bus (but managed to get a seat) from Novena Square to office and reached around 8.45am (not a single drop of rain...yeah!). Still early as my dept staff only slowly came in around 9am+, including my boss. Shall keep to this routine if it rains everyday like that...

p/s: my nose dun feel so well this morning (or since yesterday), think getting a cold soon.

Spain Vs Tunisia

Spain won again!!! Did not watch as its yet another 3am match but will catch the repeat tonite. Seems like an interesting match coz Spain managed to strike 3 goals in the last 20 mins (maybe tonite just watch the last 20 mins can liao). 1st goal was at the 71st minute by Raul followed by 2 goal by Torres Fernando at the 76th minute and 91+1st minute (penalty goal). Too bad my idol Luis Garcia din score any goals but he did his best. Congrats to Spain for making it into the next round!

Tunisian goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel (C) fails to stop a penalty kick by Spanish forward Fernando Torres (R) as Tunisian midfielder Hamed Namouchi (L) looks on during the opening round Group H World Cup football match between Spain and Tunisia at Stuttgart's Gottlieb-Daimler Stadium, 19 June 2006. Spain came from behind to win the match 3-1.



Summarised report from the World Cup 2006 website:

A second-half turnaround saw Spain come from behind to register a 3-1 over Tunisia in Stuttgart and consequently book their place in the Round of 16.

The African team got off to a great start when Jaouhar Mnari opened the scoring in the eighth minute. Roger Lemerre’s side held the lead until half-time when his counterpart Luis Aragones made a bold double substitution.

Luis Garcia and Marcos Senna were replaced by Raul and Cesc Fabregas and the pair were extremely influential in Spain’s equalising goal. With 71 minutes gone, Fabregas’ shot was parried by Ali Boumnijel and into the path of Raul who gratefully slotted the ball home.

A brace from Fernando Torres, taking his tally in the tournament to three, gave Spain the victory. It leaves them on top of Group H, three points clear of their nearest challengers Ukraine and five points clear of Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.

In conclusion:
A perfect six points, Spain qualify for the second round with another classy display of attacking football. Tunisia, ahead for much of the match, will now need to defeat Ukraine to stand a chance of making the knockout stage.

More here...

Past World Cup winners

World Cup history & winner

1930 Uruguay - Uruguay
1934 Italy - Italy
1938 France - Italy
1950 Brazil - Sweden
1954 Switzerland - Germany
1958 Sweden - Brazil
1962 Chile - Brazil
1966 England - England
1970 Mexico - Brazil
1974 Germany - Germany
1978 Argentina - Argentina
1982 Spain - Italy
1986 Mexico - Argentina
1990 Italy - Germany
1994 USA - Brazil
1998 France - France
2002 Korea/Japan - Brazil
2006 Germany - ???

Guess who will win this year? I think Germany stands a big chance. As you see, hosting teams have a tendency to win at their homegrounds...

Let's wait and see...

p/s: there was a gap between 1938 and 1950, skipping 2 rounds of world cup....due to Second World War.

France Vs Korea

Korea definitely has a big chance to go into the stage of 16 teams as they managed to equalise scores (1-1) with the match against France early this morning at 3am. One more win against Switzerland this Friday morning should well guarantee them into the next round. Keep it up and do us proud!

South Korean midfielder Park Ji-sung (R) celebrates next to French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez (L) after scoring a goal during the World Cup 2006 group G football game France vs. South Korea, 18 June 2006 at Leipzig stadium.

Summarised report from the World Cup 2006 website:

Korea Republic fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with France as Park Ji-Sung cancelled out Thierry Henry's first-half opener in Leipzig on Sunday, 18 June 2006.

The point salvaged here put the Koreans top of Group G, at least until the end of Monday's match between Togo and Switzerland in Dortmund. The evening began promisingly for Les Bleus when Thierry Henry scored their first FIFA World Cup™ goal since the 1998 Final with nine minutes on the clock.

However, Korea Republic drew level when Park bundled the ball over the line in the 81st minute. To compound France's disappointment, Eric Abidal and Zinedine Zidane both collected bookings which rule them out of their final group game against Togo.

In conclusion:
Both sides went close to sealing victory in the dying minutes but in the end they had to be content with a share of the spoils. The Koreans will surely be the happier of the two as the French still hunt their first FIFA World Cup win since the Final of France 98. As Group G stands now, Korea Republic lead the pack with four points with France second with two points. Switzerland and Togo have one and no points respectively ahead of their second game.

More here...

Bad Monday morning

Woke up around 7.05am, abit later than supposed to be. Lots of dreams about dunno what, cun remember. By the time I left home, it started raining quite heavily. Reached Bugis and saw alot of people waiting at the bus stop for the shutter bus. This morning apparantly started off quite badly as I see the ugly side of typical Singaporeans when boarding the shutter bus. This disgrace is much unbearable when these people actually work at Gateway building, when most are supposed to be educated beings.

There was a queue for the shutter bus, along side with the queue for the KKH shutter service. However, when the Gateway shutter bus came, the queue was suddenly dispersed and everyone was rushing to get up the small mini bus. Seriously I do not understand why a small mini bus was replaced from the big comfort bus. Even so, they should have considered the heavy traffic on mornings of working days, especially when it rains. People started pushing one another just to get on the mini bus and hence, poor me have to wait until the 3rd bus as the capacity was limited. So how, when the 3rd mini bus came, I had to try to prevent people behind me from cutting queue else I think I wun be able to reach office at all.

Imagine people going to KKH can queue and board their shutter bus in an orderly manner, accordingly to the queue and no one rushing. Why cun civilised people like us, working in posh office do? This is truly very sad as we are among these people and they never learn. Since the start of this shutter service by the Gateway management, no one has ever initiated a queue while waiting for the bus and I think never will have, unless someone stand there to guide these uncivilised and ill-mannered people.

Thanks to the downpour and these idiots, really made my day...

p/s: only one good news, my boss is on leave, that's a consolation!

Weekend report

Friday
Went to Marina Square for dinner again. This time we finally tried the Korean ramen and was actually quite nice (this is my 2nd time eating, 1st time did not seem so nice). Surprisingly due to the world cup fever, the food court is quite empty compared to a normal Friday, especially with the GSS.

Walked to Esplanade again and there was a performance by an ang moh band. They actually played a Charlie Chopin-like movie and did the background music. Rather impressive but we did not really concentrate as we were constantly bugged by people walking around to take pictures. We changed seats shortly after and chatted for a while before we started playing the magnetic board games I bought earlier in the afternoon. Played a few games and stopped as quite difficult to play under poor light conditions and no table to support.

Saturday
Managed to get tickets at Great World City GV to watch "Garfield 2". Quite funny but not as nice as the 1st part. The cinema was only like half full, probably due to the World Cup fever again. Seems like GSS this year doesn't go very well as it crashes with the World Cup season. Even when we took train home, its pretty obvious coz we get seats on Fri and tonight.

Walked to the temple at River Valley area from GWC and thought of having dinner and watch soccer at the cafe we went to last week at Strand Hotel. Took bus 139 and as we boarded, I immediately noticed its so dark! Reason was coz the bus was like 90% full of indians, probably coz it pass by Little India. Erm the smell was also quite unbearable, lucky we only got a few stops.

Saw a few ah guas going out from the Strand Hotel as we were waiting for a while to enter the cafe as its empty when we reached around 7pm++. Wondering if they actually stay there or what. Also saw some ah guas last week and was quite alarmed this area is their "breeding" ground too. No need to go all the way to Changi Village liao...hahaha.

Sunday
As usual went to play pool but did not go swim. The weather dun really look good and due to some miscommunication, Web said we should skip swimming as the water is gonna be cold again, after I changed to my swimming costume in the toilet. Proceeded to dinner anyway and only changed back after dinner coz felt weird wearing the swimsuit beneath my clothes. Played and hanged around at the games arcade before stopping by at A* to watch half of the match for the night (Japan Vs Croatia).

Monday
Yes its actually already Monday and my boss is on leave today! Bravo!! Anyway, hope can wake up on time later this morning but dun feel tired yet..how?? At least gonna have some peace coz the neighbour's house seems empty (dad went over to kpo just now and saw the house in complete darkness). Have they moved already?? Hmmm....we shall wait and see.

World Cup fever at McDonalds

Japan Vs Croatia

Did anyone noticed the ball is printed with the two teams' name? I only realised that after Web told me, where he also discovered while watching one of the matches. This is the same for every match, thus imagine how valuable these balls gonna be after the World Cup season is over.

Watched half of the match at AMK central A* Coffeeshop while we sat down for a sip. The score was 0-0 at half time and still the same when I reached home. It finally ended with a draw.

Its been a tough match as both sides tried very hard to score. The goalkeeper of Japan (Kawaguchi) had done a great job tonight by saving several goals especially a penalty goal by Croatia.


Summarised report from the World Cup 2006 website:

It was a story of frustration for Japan and Croatia as they played out a goalless draw in Nuremberg on Sunday, 18 June 2006.

The pivotal moment of the match came in the 22nd minute when Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi saved Darijo Srna's penalty, although Croatia were also breathing a sigh of relief when Atsushi Yanagisawa missed when it seemed easier to score in the second half.

The result left Japan rooted to the foot of Group F with no points and Croatia just one point better off in third place. It will hardly help the mood in either camp that both teams will be without key players for their third matches after Japan captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto and Croatia's Robert Kovac collected their second yellow cards of the tournament.

In conclusion:
This stalemate does neither side any favours but will be welcomed warmly in the Brazil and Australia camps.

More here...

Carlsberg Commercial - Liverpool players

Carlsberg Commercial

Antique phones

Anyone missed these phones? I sure do....

Heard cun be used in Singapore coz the frequency is different now...so sad..

Spotted these phones at one of the shops at Far East Plaza last Thur when I went shopping with sis. One part of the 2nd floor is now full of shops (1/4 of regular size) but nothing much to buy as most of the stuff are either too cute or too funky for us.

Good news!

Good news!

Heard that my neighbours are FINALLY MOVING!!! Not 100% sure yet coz all is hearsay so far. Dad and grandma saw them moving tons of furnitures onto trucks. Dad asked one of the kids and she said they are moving to Yishun. My mum dunno hear from who saying they going back to live with their mum.

I told mum if they were really moving out for good, they would have been forced. Reason is coz they own the house and cun sell away if they stay less than 5 years (I checked with HDB before and confirmed they bought the house). If they were just renting some place outside, they would not have moved everything out. Let's just hope they are out of this neighbourhood for good. It calls for a celebration if what we see or hear is true. Just hope the next neighbour wun be worse.

Argentina Vs Serbia and Montenegro

Yet another shocking results from the match of Argentina Vs Serbia and Montenegro with a scoreline of 3-0 at half-time and Argentina won with 6-0 eventually. Every match seems to outdo the last one, and made it so difficult to predict the score. Was on the way home when Web's fren, Thomas messaged him the score and we both were shocled. The guy sitting beside Web gave us a puzzled look, think he heard the match we metioned but din hear the score.


Summarised report from the World Cup 2006 website:

Argentina gave a fearsome show of attacking strength as they swept aside Group C rivals Serbia and Montenegro 6-0 in Gelsenkirchen on Friday, 16 June 2006.

Jose Pekerman's team equalled their record FIFA World Cup™ win against Peru from 1978 against opponents they had, coincidentally, dismantled by the same score at the 2004 Olympic Football Tournament. More importantly, the victory took them a big step closer to the second round, while leaving Serbia and Montenegro’s hopes hanging by a thread.

The flow of goals began in the sixth minute with Maxi Rodriguez and after Esteban Cambiasso had doubled the lead in the 31st minute, Rodriguez struck again to make it 3-0 ten minutes later. There was no respite for Serbia and Montenegro after the break as, following the dismissal of Mateja Kezman, Hernan Crespo hit Argentina's fourth in the 78th minute. Substitutes Carlos Tevez (84') and Lionel Messi (88') completed the scoring in the final ten minutes.

In conclusion: If anyone doubted Argentina's credentials, they can doubt no more. As for Serbia and Montenegro, this ‘nightmare group’ has become just that.

More here...

Lunch time shopping

Wanted to buy some mini game sets thus walked to Concourse during lunch. It was drizzling already by the time I stepped downstairs. Went out ard 11.45am coz tot can do express pedicure too. Reached the shop but appointments are full which they cannot entertain me (so sad!). Went to a 1st shop at Concourse then to search for the games I wanted. Ended up buying $3 worth consisting of a 3-in-1 magnetic game and 1 box of mini chinese chess.

Walked to a second shop and spotted a much nicer magnetic game, a 7-in-1. Decided to buy it anyway coz still can bring out sometimes. This costs $5, still quite cheap.

Wanted to go for pedicure services at Parco Bugis Junction instead but before I called while I was walking towards the exit, the drizzling had became a downpour. Even walking to the bus stop will get me wet so hanged around for a while and concluded there wasn't much to shop there so took a free shutter service to Raffles City. Before the bus left, the rain actually stopped but paisay to get down so just sat on. There were then a group of youngsters who boarded the bus were so noisy with their talking non stop, especially the guys. Almost wanna ask them to shut up.

Eventually bought BK meal for lunch and sat around by the basement fountain to eat. Walked around for awhile b4 without buying anything and took a bus back to office.

How to peel cooked potato skin in one shot

This is truly very amazing....try it!

口袋空空

Met sis after her facial at MTM and bought more products. It more or less to stock up coz there's this promotion going on. Buy a certain amount and get a treatment free. Need the products anyway so might as well go for the offer. VIP members got an additional 5% off on top of the promotion 10% (normal period VIP member get 10% too) until 2 Jul 06. Me and sis bought some while we also purchased 2 products for Xris. She's not a VIP member thus she gets to save quite abit buying through us.

Went for dinner at 3 Monkeys and had our favourite dish - Carribean Chicken (One big patty of chicken breast meat, 1/4 portion of pasta and some stir fried vege). Walked around Isetan Scotts, Far East Plaza and DFS but found nothing to buy again. Anyway already spent alot at MTM so might as well save some $$.

Reached home ard 10.30pm as we took a bus home from Orchard. Right after the 9pm world cup match, we switched to watch "McDull", Hong Kong's ever famous cartoon movie. Its about a pig called McDull, who narrates his day to day life when he is still a kid. Some parts were really hilarious and some parts provide very meaningful learnings. Probably would buy a DVD to watch someday, but should be in cantonese (the one on TV was translated to mandarin). Check out the very funny and cute McDull video clips now!

McDull---Fishball Noodle



McDull Eat Lunch (cantonese)


McDull---Chicken in Oil Paper

England Vs Trinidad and Tobago

Did not watch this match as its the 12am one (too late), else today will be like a zombie. Checked out the website and glad to see that England won by 2-1 and managed to qualify for the next round with 6 points now (one more match to go though). The two goals were by Peter Crouch (see 1st pic below) and Steven Gerrard. Too bad I dun get to watch how Gerrard shot the goal in. Rooney is back in action but I guess the manager does not want to strain him so much so he got on the field only after the second half.




Summarised report from the World Cup 2006 website:

England secured their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup™ with a 2-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago but they left it late before striking through Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard on Thursday, 15 June 2006.

Crouch broke the deadlock in Nuremberg with a headed goal in the 83rd minute and his Liverpool team-mate Gerrard added a superb second in the 91st minute. England, who welcomed back Wayne Rooney as a second-half substitute, have taken six points from their two Group B matches while Trinidad and Tobago remain on one point.

In conclusion:
England took their time to see off Trinidad and Tobago, but two late goals mean that, as against Paraguay, they did what they had to do. As for T&T, they emerged with huge credit, if no points, for giving Eriksson's side such a scare.

More here...

What's up?

There has been nothing but soccer posts for me recently. Nothing much to write coz my life is boring... and since the world cup season is in town, let's join the crowd! Anyway, no inspiration these few days due to lack of sleep. Although I dun stay up to watch the 12am and 3am matches, I still feel extremely unrested since last week. Wanted to try to sleep early but with people watching soccer everynite adding to the noise, especially my neighbours, how to have a good rest....?? Just last nite when I almost fell asleep, some beeping sound coming from someone walking pass my corridor woke me up...damn!

I am stoning in office almost everyday and trying to keep my eyes open. Lucky there was still a substantial amount of work to keep me occupied.

Going for some shopping tonite with sis, hopefully wun be too tired by then. Have to wait for her a while as she had facial at 5pm. Will probably shop around and had wanted to check out the Mephisto store (opposite Birkenstock store) at Wheelock Place. Whenever I pass by before my facial, there were so many people. After facial, the shop would have been closed for the day. Hopefully will be able to find something not so ex and comfi there.

Ok need to go loo now...haven't bomb yesterday!

Spain Vs Ukraine

Watched the best match ever since the start of the World Cup 2006 in Germany. Although the opening match had a surprising result, this match had the highest goals won so far.

Within 17 mins, Spain scored 2 goals at the 13th minute (Xabi Alonso) and 17th minute (David Villa). By the start of the second half, a player from Ukraine was sent off and Spain was given a penalty ball (David Villa) at the 48th minute and it went in! Towards the end of the match, another goal was scored (Fernando Torres) at the 81th minute and probably was the nicest goal of all.

Spain had really shocked the world this time as reports in newspapers looked down on them!!.

From TODAY: "Traditionally, Spain are the team who flatter to deceive. Every four years they turn up as pre-tournament favourites, flop miserably and then go home early" .

The game finally ended with a 4-0 scoreline and I think alot of people donated to charity again!!

Best of all, I watched this match coz there were two of my favourite players - Luis Garcia (1st picture below) and Xabi Alonso (2nd picture below). However, both of them were substituted by the middle of the second half, probably to preserve some energy for subsequent matches.



Summarised report from the World Cup 2006 website:

Spain made a dream start to their 2006 FIFA World Cup™ campaign with a 4-0 victory over Group H rivals Ukraine in Leipzig on Wednesday, 14 June 2006.

Having waited as long as any team to get their campaign under way, Spain raced out of the starting blocks and were two goals in front inside 17 minutes as Xabi Alonso headed a 13th-minute opener before David Villa doubled the advantage.

If Ukraine thought things could not get any worse they were wrong as they lost Vladyslav Vashchuk to a red card just three minutes into the second half after conceding a penalty for a challenge on Fernando Torres. Villa tucked away the spot-kick and Torres completed the scoring with a spectacular half-volley with nine minutes remaining.

In conclusion:
For just the second time since 1950, 12-times finalists Spain opened their FIFA World Cup campaign with a win. This was a comprehensive and impressive victory against first-timers Ukraine and should fill Luis Aragones's side with confidence. Ukraine's defeat means not one of the teams competing in the FIFA World Cup for the first time has yet managed a win.


More here...

My favourite World Cup 2006 players

My four favourite players in the World Cup, and of coz all of them are from Liverpool FC.

Korea Vs Togo

Yet another interesting match! Korea won by 2-1 although Togo was leading in the 1st half. Korea worked hard to get 2 goals in the second half, with one goal at the 58th minute by Lee Chun Soo (1st picture below) and the second one at the 72th minute by the ever famous Ahn Jung Hwan (2nd picture below), the last world cup famous striker. Was still feeling quite disappointed when Togo scored earlier but really glad that Korea eventually won. But they will face tough matches with France and Switzerland soon. Hope they can make it!!



Summarised report from the World Cup 2006:

Ahn Jung-Hwan turned back the clock four years with a spectacular winning goal as Korea Republic came from behind for a 2-1 victory over ten-man Togo in their opening Group G match in Frankfurt on Tuesday, 13 June 2006.

Surprise semi-finalists in 2002, the South Koreans looked like they might suffer a taste of their own medicine when Togo, on their FIFA World Cup debut, took a 31st-minute lead through Mohamed Kader.

But after Jean-Paul Abalo's 53rd-minute dismissal, Lee Chun-Soo swept home the ensuing free-kick 60 seconds later before Ahn revived memories of his extra-time winner against Italy in 2002 with Korea Republic's second goal 18 minutes from time.

In conclusion:
Korea Republic chalk up their first-ever FIFA World Cup win outside of Asia with a spirited second-half fightback. Credit to first-timers Togo, though, for putting their pre-finals problems behind them to push the Koreans all the way.



More here...

Australia Vs Japan

Started watching the second half of the 9pm match (Australia Vs Japan) and surprised to see that Japan leading at 0-1. Continued watching with much confidence that Japan will win and quite happy coz its an Asian team. But who knows, within the last 10 mins, Australia gave us a shock and scored 3 goals. Who would have expected!!??

The commentator was even saying after a 1st goal by Cahill of the Australian team ".. 1st goal for Australia ever in the World Cup Finals...". Dunno should laugh or cry...

Anyway Japan played quite well and I guess Australia really was very lucky. Hope Japan will keep up the good work and do Asians proud! The other Asian team will be playing tonight, Korea Vs Togo at 9pm. Hope Korea will win!

MSN invite

Dunno who suddenly wanted to add me in msn chat....somemore the nick so weird....

Stone Monday

Another night without aircon, actually makes me sleep better. Woke up before my alarm sound at 6.45am but lazed until 6.55am. Quite stone coz cun really get to sleep last nite, with the intermittent noise coming from my neighbours. I am going to suffer big time during this world cup season, which is school holidays as well.

Wore my new shoes this morning and they looked good. So far still comfortable (but the heels are quite noisy), hoping can sustain through the day. Not going to walk much though, probably lunch will be downstairs later. Have to buy some daily necessities after work with sis, need to think of the list soon.

Lazy Sunday

Did not manage to go swim, in this kind of weather. Been raining since like 1pm+ and never stopped until like in the late afternoon. Met Web later than usual at 3.45pm coz have to wait for the damn heavy downpour to simmer abit. Still went to AMK but hanged around after playing pool. Had dinner at a newly opened steamboat place above the Four Seasons Emporium (erm, the old Emporium - cun remember the name). We were not too hungry thus did not eat much. The place is quite ok, cheap but quite small. However, the porridge base we chose wasn't that fantastic coz seriously I dun see much porridge, mainly soup. I thought porridge steamboat has really solid rice grains in it... maybe this is different?

Anyway walked around AMK central a few rounds to aid our digestions and settled down at MOS burger for a drink, some chat and played a game of chinese chess and dumb. Its been years since we last played and we did quite badly. I lost in both games though... have to brush up abit soon! Also brought along UNO but din get to play, maybe next round. If the weather gets better, we could end up playing such games at East Coast quite often. Well, at least something to keep us occupied, and squeeze some brain juice!

Weird dad

My dad did not watch the match (Germany Vs Costa Rica) last nite when me and sis stayed up to watch. But he was watching the 12am match (Trinidad & Tobago Vs Sweden). I see him so poor thing so moved my laptop, water bottle, handphone and my sudoku book to the living room to accompany him. But when I moved out less than 10 mins, its half time and he switched off the tv. He then turned around and looked at me and I was halfway doing my sudoku book and looked at him and I was too stunned to react. I decided not to watch afterall coz sis is not staying up too as she needs to wake up early tomorrow. I then moved all my stuff back to me room...si bei bo eng for nothing....

Tot he had wanted to watch but he seem to bo chup this year. He did not even subscribe to the World Cup package channels. It was sis who wanted to watch since she is not working and said that its once in 4 years, should not miss. Probably coz now is still the beginning, or coz he did not gamble on soccer anymore, or he's probably getting old and need more rest, or he just simply lost interest in soccer.

A day of shopping

Went lunch with colleagues (4 of us) at Funan around 11.40am after my boss left for her lunch. She will be off in the afternoon thus we had more time to shop. Went around some of the PC accessories shops and made a list of what we would like to buy. Going to get my vendor to help us purchase.

Our main motive was to shop for IT reference books and considering these to be quite heavy, we made it our last stop. We spent almost an hour there and ended up buying about $574 worth of books (11 in total). We carried a packet of books each and left wanting to take a cab back but one colleague said he wanted to go SouthAsia Computer. Lucky those books weren't that heavy after we spilt the load else I would have made him carry all...haha.

Saw the "Postballs" for laptops and bought a pair each for me and sis. These are to be sticked under laptops to create a raised platform for ventilation and prevent hard knocking onto the tables while placing laptops.


Took a cab back and it was drizzling on the way. Reached office around 3.30pm and we got an hour to go before knocking off (early release of one hour for National Family week). As Web only knock off at 6pm, I decided to take a bus down to the NTUC Income building at Raffles Place and exchange my linkpoints for vouchers. The vouchers I orginally wanted was out of stock for good thus chose other vouchers.

As its still early, decided to go by Raffles Place mrt stn for some shopping and had to pass by Change Alley. On the way, saw some nice shoes in a shop and went in to have a look. Spotted a pair which looked good, with suitable heels and nice design. Tried on 2 different pairs before deciding to buy size 39 (guess cutting abit small) at $24.90. This is probably the 3rd pair of shoes I bought this month, with 2 pairs bought at Novo last Friday while on the way to meet Web as well. I think I quite support the Great Singapore Sale (coincidentally of coz).



Below: Shoes I bought from Novo last week... 1st pair at $19.90 less 10% and the other pair $35.90 less 30%.



and their nice boxes...



Seems like nowadays I tend to buy things when I am alone, maybe me and sis always been to the wrong place for shopping.