Uncle's wake

Went dinner with sis at tpy central before walking to another part of Lor 4 to my uncle's wake. There was alot of people there, mostly from his church or his son's church. Yes, his wake was a Christian one and this is probably the 1st one I have been to. There's no incense to light or paper money to burn, just some light music playing from a hi-fi.

Dad was already there as he went there earlier. We stood around until the prayer session started and were ushered to take a seat. It was pretty uncomfortable thanks to the many lights there that attracted lots of those light fleas. We had to keep sweeping them off our clothes or bodies. About 10 mins plus later, mum arrived with cousin after brother fetched sis-in-law from work (she had to OT so they reached quite late. Brother fetch mum and cousin from home). We quickly took the chance to stand up and gave them our seats. However, we were still bugged by relatives and dunno who to go and sit down as there were still a few empty seats. We insisted we wanted to stand as there were less fleas away from the lights.

The session took like another 20 mins more and it was real tiring standing there. In the midst of the prayers and singing, my eldest cousin went up to give a speech. He is a pastor so naturally he could talk quite fluently. His eyes were clearly swollen as he did not sleep last night and probably from crying too. He gave a rather touching speech, sending his dad's messages to everyone. He said his dad was not good at words thus this would be the time for him to help him convey the messages.

He said (1) sorry to all the relatives, family members and friends on his dad's behalf as he knew his dad had often hurt people with his harshness and insensitivity. His dad was not an easy person to get along and inevitably hurt many along the way. Then he said (2) thanks to everyone for being here as he knew his dad would be happy to see so many people here, even though he was all alone in the last stage of his life. Followed, he said (3) bye bye to everyone on his dad's behalf as he had now gone to the next stage of his life, to be with god and own his father whom passed away like 30 years ago. Lastly, he said (4) its great, as now he continues his next journey to be free of illness and suffering, to be with god.

It was indeed very emotional listening to him speak. Although I am not a christian, I feel happy for my uncle, coz death is clearly not an end for him, but a new beginning. Its indeed a relief for everyone so this is probably not a sad occasion but a happy one. After his speech, there were more prayers and singing before the session ended with everyone queuing up to go round the coffin to take a look at him. It was heartwarming to see him lying so peaceful there, hope he would be at ease and happy now.

We took seats later as meal was served (buffet style but me and sis din eat). Chatted for a while before dad realised he had passed time to leave as he needed to be home by 10pm to book courts. Bro then drove my parents and sis-in-law home while me and sis took a bus as the car was too cramped and din want mum to hurt her legs. End up he din get the courts he wanted but managed to book 2nd choice courts instead.

Lunch feast

Its Monday again and so sad cun sleep longer coz it started raining ard 6am. Dilly dally after shower and logged in to run my daily sales job from home. Took a train to Novena Square to buy breakfast and then took a cab from there to office as it was raining quite heavily. Lucky it was only drizzling by the time I reached office near to 9am.

Was quite full after the Burger King breakfast and din have much space for the farewell lunch we had for one colleague whose last day is today. Neverthelees, here's the spread we had just now:

From top left: Soon Kuey, Chicken Wings (Qi Ji), Popiah (Qi Ji), Vege Curry
From bottom left: Chicken Pie, Fried Bee Hoon, Longan and Fruits

There was about 10+ of us and we cannot finish the food so everyone got something to bring home. I din bring any coz not interested... haha

Workout Day

Woke up near to 12 noon coz was so tired after yesterday, probably the walk and the shoes (making my feet ache more). Lazed around and showered near to 1pm and had to rush abit changing and packing my bag as well as watched abit of TV until got no time to cook anything to eat. Parents went out to the wake of my uncle and sis had gone out by then. Munched on some fishball crackers and potato chips before leaving ard 2.15pm to meet Web at our usual place - AMK (aka Tomato Town).

Played pool 1st and ate a waffle each b4 proceeding to the library to use the toilets. Went to the park again to workout. We climbed up the 8 flights of stairs as last week, excluding those of the overhead bridge. Managed to jog abit but I ran out of stamina and strength pretty fast. Guess have to slowly buld up my stamina. Sure had a good sweat out today.

Went back to the library to wash up abit and rest to enjoy the air con. Went A* for dinner again and bought some food for dad and sis before heading home. Bought bar chor mee for dad but forgot to ask uncle dun put chilli, end up mum had to wash off and add ketchup... haha.

Artistic Day

Chatted with sis till ard 1.30am+ last nite and slept till 11.30am+ this morning. Din want to wake up but it was damn noisy with the house phone ringing non stop and mum's voice was as loud as usual.

Met Web at 2pm and we went to the Singapore Chinese Orchestra Hall (SCO) for a short performance (with chinese intruments like Er Hu, Gu Zhen and Pinpa). Never been to SCO before and I had thought the performance is at the concert hall so reminded Web not to wear shorts and I myself wore a pair of shoes wore once, from Charles and Keith. The performance was only at the main lobby and a very short one (4 songs only) and wasted our efforts to dress up. The pair of shoes really tortured me through the day!

Anyway, here's some pictures of the SCO and the nice toilet!

The short performance was great except it was too short and we had to stand. There were surprisingly many people coz I din think so many people will appreciate chinese instruments/ music. I especially like the Er Hu performance, she really plays well. This group, four of them (all ladies) are from Shanghai Dun Huang School of Music and they really impressed me. Probably I never saw or had contact with such performance before. Its indeed not easy to play those instruments as some only got a few strings and need a lot of co-ordination with both hands playing differently.

Dunno where to go after that so took a train down to City Hall and had tea break at Burger King (need to sit!!). Sat around and shopped a while and proceeded to City Link after kmuch discussion to have our dinner at the Asian Kitchen. Had wanted to go Kopitiam to utilised my $25 off voucher but when we asked, they said cannot be used coz the promotion ended long ago. I had called couple of months back and the lady told me although the promo ended, we can still use as long as I have the voucher. I gonna write in to complain!

As everywhere is damn crowded, including the new place "New York New York" which took over the Nooch restaurant space had a very, very long queue!! There were at least 50 people or not queuing, cun imagine what time they can get seats! Singaporeans really got patience to queue...

So back to the Asian Kitchen. The stuff we ordered were great! Check out the pictures but some are quite blur coz one gal opposite our table kept looking over so abit paisay so quickly snapped.

Comments: Everything is great!!
p/s: 4got to take picture of the mango pudding

Walked to Marina Square and shopped around until we were both so tired, especially me with my painful feet so we slowly crawl to the mrt station and took train home. We had anticipated huge crowds coz the NDP preview also should end around that time but we were lucky coz our train came before the one from the east side (people will cross over to change trains at City Hall stn) and it was quite empty (at least not packed with people).

Rest in peace uncle...

My 2nd uncle (mum's bro) passed away this morning. Not sure if its last nite coz he was found dead this morning lying on the floor. Dunno whether to feel sad or happy for him coz heard he's got cancer in addition to a stroke few years back. He was living alone and they suspected he fell down while trying to go to the toilet after a bath or what.

Although I am not close to him since young coz he seldom talk to us and was quite fierce when he was younger, I feel sad for him. He died alone although he had 3 wives and many children (about 6-7). As he was not faithful to all the wives in the younger days, he was left alone after suffering a stroke few years back coz no one wants to take care of him. Although his sons still send him money and paid for his medical bills, they probably found him too difficult to take care. Most of the time, he was alone although sometimes my parents would visit him. Apparantly he was not sent to old folks' home coz no one wants to fork out the money. I dunno what to say about his kids, but maybe this is retribution.

On the other hand, I feel happy for him coz its a relief for him finally. Just hope that he will be better in his next life....

Rest in peace uncle...

Friday yeah!

Yeah! Its Friday finally!

Been a long (or rather short la but felt that it takes forever to wait till Friday comes...) and tiring week. Monday woke up stone coz its Monday, Tuesday stone coz its still Tuesday... Wednesday as stone coz Tuesday afternoon drank tea and cun sleep. Thursday also stone coz Wednesday night slept late and woke up with a headache. Friday, yes today, is not as stone but still din sleep enuf.... but at least mood abit better la.

Left home the latest in the whole week at ard 5 mins to 8am. Took train to Novena Square to buy Burger King breakfast and sandwich for lunch. Gonna be a stay-in during lunch today I guess, unless I find some motivation to go out. Wanna save some energy for tonite la, else walk too much end up so tired again.

Did not manage to pull myself to the Gift Fair after all. Suan le ba... maybe next year. Got nothing to buy but just thought got time go get some gift ideas (more on corporate gifts - which also dun concern me haha).

格斗天王!

Its been a couple of days since I last blogged. Discovered a channel to watch a taiwan serial (格斗天王 - by 5566 and Sweety) which I have been wanting to buy the VCD or DVD but find it too ex. My colleague told me one website could actually watch some shows so I tried searching and found what I wanted. Been hooked on it since Wednesday whereby I saved all the links and started watching since Wed evening. Watched until 12am+ and woke up with a headache this morning. Bo bian la.... when I started to watch serials just cannot stop. Now I am at the last 2nd episode but the network tonight kept hanging so decided to watch it tomorrow in office instead hehe.

Anyway I find this serial quite nice after accidentally chanced upon it on Ch 56 one fine day, some weeks ago. Could not catch every episode so I started watching from the beginning since Wed. Interesting and touching serial, should watch if have chance but I dun think much people will appreciate such "偶像" show (like my sis and beau - they find me disgusting to watch such shows haha).

Now I want to rest a bit after finishing this serial and try to find "恶魔在身边", "爱情魔发师" and "MVP 情人".

Wrong no.

Early morning people call wrong no. Dun understand why my no. is so popular even within the company where the recept kept transferring calls to the wrong no. (like mine) and people kept mistaken "8" for a "3" where my last no. is. And its not like its happening once in a while, but its happening every few times in a week or fortnight in the 5 years I have been holding this extension. Really feel like changing nos. but its quite inconvenient.... hai~

For heaven's sake, look b4 u dial can or not....

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Anyway cun sleep last nite until like 2am+ and suspected must be the 2 cups of tea I drank ard 2pm+. Quite ridiculous but I cun think of any other caffeine contained food or drinks I had. Almost wanted to take mc and zzz but decided not to since I was able to wake up at 7am. Anyway, just hope I will be able to stay awake thru the day....

Planning to go to the Gift Fair at Suntec but now thinking like a far walk from office during lunch. Also tot of going Orchard to Kino for some books after work.... Will see how.

Yeah, its Monday again..

Cun sleep the whole nite!! That stupid milk tea again!! Thought would be ok if I dun exceed 6pm but still, drinking it at 5pm still makes me so awake the whole nite!! I was practically awake through the nite except that my body and eyes were resting. Brain activity was so strong that I "woke" even before the alarm rang. However, still dilly dally until left home around 7.50am. Train was packed as usual during this timing but I managed to get a seat at Orchard station and I finally reached office almost 8.30am after buying breakfast (after chasing the shutter bus).

Wish me luck to stay awake through the day...

Active Sunday

Went to play pool with Web as usual. DIn play quite long as Web was tired after losing to me the last few games. Men are like that one, lost then buay song, dunno what to say.

Bought some bread to curb our hunger before proceeding to the Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West for some light exercise. We climbed up about 8 flights of stairs, excluding those at the overhead bridge. Walked around the park a bit before heading to the playground for some kiddy stuff. I played on the swing for a while and stopped when starting to feel giddy. Think too long never play, cun get used to it. Sat around awhile before crossing the overhead bridge again to the library for some air con and rest.

Had dinner at A* again before buying some food back for papa. It's a damn sweaty and tiring day as I anticipate my legs should ache tomorrow.

Great Sat!

Woke up ard 12 noon today and rushed to shower and makan as I was meeting Web at 2pm in Orchard to take a shutter to Great World City. The shutter bus was surprisingly empty with only 3 passengers. We finally managed to get tickets for the "Pirates of the Carribean - Dead Man's Chest" at 3.10pm. Went for Web's lunch before we slowly checked into the cinema. The show was not bad and I find Johnny Depp pretty cute. It was about 2hrs 20 mins and the cinema was quite full.

We then took a shutter bus to Chinatown and walked around until finally settled down for dinner at a restaurant "Holland Village XO Fish Head Beehoon". We ordered a fish meat beehoon and a fried hor fun. The food was fantastic!! Its located behind the outdoor food street at Chinatown and rather packed.

Walked around abit in Chinatown before taking a bus back to Orchard (Taka) and sat down for a drink at McDonalds until closing time.

OMG!!

OMG!! Saw this cross-dresser ah pek at the bus stop outside People's Park Complex earlier, cun help but took out my hp to snap shots of him. Asked Web to camouflage for me and he was wondering how come I so kpo... hahaha....

Facial and shopping

Was confused over my timing for facial yesterday and had to rush up immediately after dinner with Xris, where sis just arrived after her session at 4pm. I remembered was 7.30pm and re-confirmed the timing twice when I called a week ago and the day before. The receptionist was also dreaming when I mentioned 7.30pm at both occasions. Mine was actually 6.30pm and luckily Sally was alert to call me coz she heard sis meeting me for dinner and she only left ard 6.30pm and wondered how I going to have dinner with her. By the time I rushed up, was around 6.45pm but before I reached, got another call saying I could push my appointment to 7.30pm or 8pm if its too rush for me. Sally actually had a customer at 8pm but decided to let her colleague handle so I dun need to rush. But since I was already on the way up, I said its ok and proceeded to get changed and started ard 6.50pm.

As expected, fell asleep several times and thought I heard myself snored abit. Left after making my appointments and Iris mentioned sis and Xris did drop by earlier. I then called Xris after an earlier missed call while I was still doing my mask. They were still around in Orchard and waiting for me. So sweet!~ I then left for DFS while they sat at the comfy sofa waiting for me. Met Peggy on the way out from Royal Plaza by the Park when she was rushing to meet brother who was waiting to fetch her at Far East Plaza side.

We sat a while chatting before we stood up to check out the Coach & Gucci stores. Spotted a bag I quite like at Gucci but its selling at $1120! There's one similar but more complicated design at Coach selling at $1050. Like the Gucci one more but so ex leh...

Anyway we continued browsing on the 4th floor with all the designer bags and came down to the 3rd floor again and spotted a nice bag (or rather print) at LV. Also saw a customer carrying one of those designs and really made us envious!! We like different designs as follows:

The one sis likes

The one Xris likes

And the one I like *hint: my birthday coming soon*
(also the same one the customer was carrying)

We left shortly after sitting down to relax at the sofa again as DFS is closing at 10pm. Xris also bought a nice green pouch from Coach at 30+5% off as its the last piece. We then sat down to have a drink and chit chat at the Shaw Centre Mac until ard 12mn before sharing a cab home.

Damn tired today as I cun really sleep although was feeling giddy by the time I went to bed. Must be coz of the facial naps I had earlier. I wonder how I gonna survive the day....

Sleepy and bz day

Been a bz day, non stop clearing stuff since morning as I was on leave for one day, JUST ONE DAY! Sometimes I wonder, work so hard for what... I dun get appreciated, especially during annual increment. This is life... working life... and it sucks!!

Anyway something to make myself happy, I wore my new brown to today (without washing) since its a new piece. I am beginning to love it as I look so stylo in it... hahaha. My colleague commented I looked like detective, interesting...

Am starting to feel sleepy and warm (hot day again after the rain yesterday) now that I have cleared most of my stuff. I still got facial later, bound to fall asleep big time! Just hope I dun snore too loud that people outside can hear!!

Fruitful shopping day!!

Took leave today to go shopping with sis (finally!) and planned our shopping route north and west. After eating some chee cheong fun, we set off to our 1st destination - Jurong Point at Boon Lay. Took the north line all the way and was lucky to get seats the minute we boarded the train. It was raining quite heavily before we set off and along the way, the areas din rain yet so was quite warm. I had a headache as usual (that time of the month) and did took medicine after breakfast but it din subside until late evening. Luckily the west areas rained later so the weather wasn't that hot (even though we stayed indoors all the while) so my head still manage to stay alive.

Anyway, reached Jurong Point and had our lunch at a restaurant called "BentoBox". They have too many varieties until we cannot make up our minds. Took quite a while to decide and these are what we ate:

Curry Pork Katsu for myself
Comments: Curry too diluted

Sis had Omelette Fried Rice with Prawns Fry
(another prawn was already on my plate)
Comments: Rice abit too hard

We shared a plate of Chicken Karaage
Comments: Too oily and not so tasty

The food was actually not that great, just ok to fill our tummies. That explains how come there was not much crowd there even during lunch hrs.

After lunch we shopped around and I bought 2 bottles of nail polish from a shop. They are selling one at $18 and 2 for $30, quite worth it! I got one "Teal the Cows Come Home" (left) and "Sonata in Bronze" (right) .

We then went to the washroom and surprised that its quite huge, with more than 10 cubicles and fairly clean. The place looks chic.... cun imagine its a washroom!! We love it!! (p/s: the washrooms at West Malls sucks!!! I lost of feeling of urge when I enter so came out...)

We then spotted 2 very cute meh-mehs in a display cupboard of a shop selling knitting stuff.

After that, we spotted York Boutique, which we frequent for clothes (usually at the Tiong Bahru Plaza branch). We went in and realised the salesgal was from the Far East Plaza branch and heard from her that they close down that branch and opened one in Simei. We stayed there for quite a while and tried on several pieces of clothings. I finally decided to buy 3 tops and no bottoms (skirts) finally!! Sis bought a top (same as my brown one but hers is in black) and a denim (grey black) pleated skirt. Spent about $255 there after discount!!

Left Jurong Point and took a train to Bukit Batok to shop at West Mall. Nothing much there as we combed all the floors and left soon after to take another train to Woodlands for Causeway Point. Bought nothing and had dinner at Siam Kitchen. The food was good but was probably too hungry and tired until forgot to take any pictures. Anyway we had: Steam rice with Fried Fish Cakes, Green Mango Salad, Green Curry with Prawns and Stir Fried Chicken in Sweet and Sour Sauce.

We then took another train down to Bishan - Junction 8 whereby we bought some cotton pads from Watsons and sis bought a set of flower lights for her room. Wait till she blog ok.... very nice lights., dunno how to describe here.

Time passes really fast when not working, and tomorrow have to go back to office again... sian leh... Let me repeat... I miss Hong Kong and a holiday!!!

Recap of yesterday...

Met up with Xris and Angeline for dinner last night as planned. As both of them will reach only around 7pm, I left office on time at 5.30pm and went to shop around 1st before meeting them. Surprising I managed to comb a big area starting from Wisma Isetan, Takashimaya, Metro Paragon and passing Lucky Plaza, Tangs and underpass from Isetan Scotts to reach Wheelock Place (btw my legs were almost breaking by the time I met Angeline). Xris had arrived by then but stuck at the Nokia Care Centre to send her phone in for servicing. Lucky she got a friend there to manage to cut the queue else have to wait for at least 20 people ahead of her. Nice to have friends somewhere sometimes :P

I then met up with Angeline 1st and went to the Apple shop as she needed to help her colleague in Cambodia buy some accessories for her ipod. So many people there yet no one at the cashier, so weird. Anyway ipod not really good as heard from my vendor who suggested iRiver and another korean brand which I cun remember. So I bought an iRiver "e10" and started using yesterday. Cun really make out any difference yet but the player is sure cool. It worked just like an ipod but supposingly has better sound quality. Although my Creative Nuvo is not bad too, but is going to break down soon as the battery cover is broken and the FM receiver just cannot work anymore (otherwise still can use). Come to think of it, I got like 2 mp3 players at home now, in storage. Sell also not worth it, so nevermind la.

Nice packaging...

Comes with a free cover with an "e10" logo sewn at the side...

White player, looks like ipod nano rite? But a bit heavier la...

A pair of Creative earphones I bought recently too. Feels abit weird wearing it coz its in-ears type.

A bit diverted...paisay. So anyway, we went to Fish & Co. for dinner after the shopping. The place was surprisingly quite crowded but we managed to get a seat within 1 minute. Chatted abit over dinner and left to continue some shopping (or rather walking around until Angeline's boyfriend come to pick her up). There was still a queue when we left the restaurant around 8.30pm. Angeline had wanted me to help her some mags but I forgot when I was at Taka coz thought of going back after shopping in Taka dept store but went to Paragon instead. I remember their closing time is 8.30pm so we din rush over (cun get anyone on the line too to check their actual closing time).

Walked around Wisma abit and then left with Xris to take mrt home. By the time I was home, I just sat on the floor and cun move. Meanwhile sat there to open up my letters before struggling up to go shower. Been a tiring Monday as I slept with heavy eyelids and woke up this morning feeling damn tired.

Changed wallet

Wanted to buy a new wallet (Braun Buffel), saw sometime ago in Taka but when I got to go down today, decided it wasn't exactly so nice so din buy.

Decided to change to a Roxy wallet I bought last year from the KL trip with sis and Xris. Realised it actually got alot of compartments but even when I put all my cards, cannot button leh... hai~ I got more than 20 cards in the old wallet, dunno how I squeezed in also.


See how fat it is....

Inside the wallet...

Decided to stuff more cards in the coins compartment coz wun use anyway....

Sleepy now...gotta zzz.....

Lunch time shopping again

Went Parco Bugis during lunch and bought the World of Sports membership at $38 (comes with a free water bottle, a backpack and a pair of socks). Been wanting to sign up long ago but waited until now (especially tempting when I see the purple water bottle!!). The membership is entitled to storewide discounts (from 10% to 20%) throughout the year and additional discounts during sale period.

My new nice purple water bottle

Got a table tennis bat cover for Web at $10 after store and membership discount of 30%. Capacity: 2 bats and couple of table tennis balls.


Used my remaining $40 Fancl vouchers to buy 2 packets of vitamin C pills and 1 packet of vegetable pills.


As there was a "Pirates of the Carribean" lucky dip promo with a spending of $80, I tried for it and won a stupid looking mobile dangler. Felt so silly after standing there to wait for the processing, need ic etc and then won a silly toy.


Back to office feeling so warm even though the sun wasn't strong. Maybe coz I wore black!

Give me a break!!

Well yes, its another start of a week and its tiring as ever. Couldn't get to sleep last night so woke up rather stone. How I wish weekend never ends....

Weekend was well err... kinda normal la. Nothing interesting or different. I just thought I needed more rest and bonding with my bed (as what Xris always says). I am seriously getting old, always cun get enough of rest. I also need a break and yes, I miss Hong Kong again!! Can someone bring me to Hong Kong pls...pls...pls!!

So anyway, this week gonna be busy for me. Supposed to meet Xris and Angeline on Wed for dinner but decided to go shopping with sis coz that's the only day dad dun play badminton so mum wun be left alone at home. I also planned to take leave so we could shop the whole day, just like in Hong Kong. Wanted to change the date with the gals on Tue but Angeline got appointments on that day. She proposed Thur but I got facial appointment which I dun really want to change again coz it will take quite a while to find another slot. Friday is my pak tor day so only left with today. I happily SUGGESTED coz sort of kena suan-ed by Angeline yesterday saying I am so bz until dun have time for friends. What a joke! I wonder who's the bz one anyway. Nevertheless, being a kind soul (coz I feel bad), I have been kind to suggest meeting today but she can only confirm by 2pm coz obviously its Monday and gonna be a bz day (which naturally is not a good day for outings too). She will also be on her 1st day at work in her new company's office in Singapore. She started out 3 weeks back but was sent to Cambodia right on her 1st day. Yes I am tired too, let's see how later.

Its Saturday!!

Went to watch "Basic Instinct 2" today with Web coz couldn't get tickets for "Pirates of the Carribean 2". Nothing great about the show so wun write a review. All I can say is I cannot remember anything about the 1st episode and this one really confused me. The plot is quite a mystery and the show is pretty slow. Someone (a guy) beside Web was snoring away when the show just started. Unbelieveable!! I think he probably came to watch the juicy scenes (Sharon Stone naked) only. I pity his girlfriend, who had to wake him up several times.

Took a shutter bus back to City Hall and hopped onto the bus to Millenia Walk immediately. This is what I call bus-hopping, fun...haha!! Very crowded over at the Millenia Walk, Suntec and Marina Square area and we walked abit before our legs could not take it and dragged ourselves to Marina Square's foodcourt for dinner.

------------------------------------------------------------

GSS is coming to an end soon and I finally got an urge to go shopping. Since cannot go Hong Kong, so shop here lor. Asked sis to find a day next week when dad got no badminton (so mum wun be alone at home) and I shall take a day's leave and go shopping!! Need to plan an itinerary so we dun waste time and cover as many places as possible. Just like shopping in Hong Kong!! I miss Hong Kong!!

New discovery

Met Web for dinner at Funan coz he wanted to check out some shops at Peninsula Shopping Centre for table tennis rackets. He started playing with a colleague just yesterday and wanted to keep it going so need his own tennis bats. His previous one was loaned to an ex-colleague whom he got no chance to take them back (years ago).

Its the 1st time I ever enter the Peninsula Shopping Centre and surprised that its a mini Queensway Shopping Centre (dun have to go so far next time, but I still prefer the Queensway environment, this one too ulu) with all the sports shops around. However, they close quite early before 8pm. I asked one salesman from a shop and he said coz they open early at 9am. Quite weird leh, open so early for what...who will go so early and shop...siao one. While walking around, we also spotted a mini shop that sells all the stuff from soccer (Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal etc). Interesting shop as they sells both genuine goods, collectors' items as well as "cheong" stuff la. Now I know where to shop for presents for Web next time...hehe.

Web did not manage to buy anything coz by the time we combed everywhere, the 1st shop that we been to that sells the bats had closed. As he had a game tomorrow morning again, we decided to head down to Carrefour at PS which he had seen selling before. He bought a pair and a box of table tennis balls, so I could play with him sometimes (which I have to start learning from scratch coz never play b4).

Bz morning

Busy morning....

Conclusion: I love my job but dun like my boss.

Tired morning again

Sleepy!!!

Woke up at 7am (very reluctantly) and bathe etc. Logged in to office network but my stupid computer in the office kept hanging and kicked me out of the connection. Not able to get connected afterwards thus got no choice but to leave the rest of the daily jobs till I reach office.

Went down to buy porridge for dad and sis (and mum will probably kapok some coz she is small eater). Hurried off to take train and its crowded as expected. Upon reaching Bugis, there was already a long queue waiting for the shutter bus. I could not get on the 1st one and finally waited to take the second one, under the morning sun. I was perspiring away by the time I reached office. Really silly to have shutter service yet use such a small mini bus, espcially using peak hrs (like ard 8.30am). Must find chance to feedback to the Gateway management. Like that no difference from walking to office, still under the morning sun and getting sweaty by the time I reach office. Gek sim~

Now for some breakfast. Later still going out for a birthday celebration lunch for one colleague.

Rainy morning!

Its a wet morning, as usual din wan to wake up coz its so nice to sleep!! Since its raining so heavily, I decided to run my usual daily jobs at home then dilly dally roll to office. Meanwhile, I also bought breakfast (some kueys, chicken bao and fried bee hoon) for mum, dad and sis.

Took a train to Novena Square to buy sandwich for lunch from Hans and a burger from Burger King for breakfast. No coupons today so bought a burger for $3.40 (quite ex). Actually I chose the wrong burger coz wanted the Croissantwich but chose the burger instead. Ended up its exactly the same as the chicken sandwich except its filled with egg and chicken sausage. Quite filling now.... *slurp*

As it was still raining and no bus in sight, I took a cab to office from Novena Square. Erm I din realise its already $2 extra for peak hours else would have faithfully waited for the bus (which might be damn crowded). I definitely would not want to take train to take the shutter bus, after the bad experience the last time (so many people rushing the mini van bus until I had to wait for the 3rd one - angry!!).

Stomach upset again

To-date, I have been quite a frequent visitor to the toilet (home, hotel or office). Now considering if I should just move in there.

Sat - 2 times
Sun - 4 times
Mon - 5 times
Tue - 3 times so far

And yes, my stomach feels weird, asshole burning and rough now....

p/s: I need a more luxurious toilet, like the one in Shangri-la hotel is not bad. I would have preferred the old Paragon toilet (if anyone remembered) where each cubicle is as huge as 2 bathrooms. Still got sofa around entrance for people to rest after shopping (my long record there is about 1 hr).

Weekend getaway

It was a cooling day last Sunday when me and Web were on the way to Changi Village hotel for a getaway as we planned to watch the World Cup Finals together (we both took leave on Monday). It was in fact raining cats and dogs when we reached Changi Village. Had no choice but to stay at the hawker centre for lunch 1st before walking to the hotel after the rain subsided.

Wasn't exactly very hungry but took a bowl of fried fish bee hoon and obviously did not finish it. Bought some drinks after lunch and headed for check in at the hotel within 5 mins of walk from the hawker centre. The room we had this time wasn't what we expected. We have been there several times and I guess this was the worst experience. Firstly, its seemed that we were given a lower quality superior room with no mini bar (not that we wanted but strange that there is not standard), no bath robes, no bedroom slippers, no flask and only one extra pillow! We had to call housekeeping for the bath robes and slippers and were told that lower floors usually dun get them. I stressed that we had them even though we stayed on lower floors before (3rd floor) and she agreed to bring them over. After that, I had to call again for a flask and confirmed with the reception that there was no mini bar (in case they charge us). Web even commented we were like in budget hotel with limited amendities. Now considering if we should go back again next time and will probably send a feedback to the hotel.

So, we did nothing much except watching tv and waiting for dinner time as it starts only at 6.30pm. We had a voucher for the buffet dinner and surprised that they had a different style again. The last time we went, there was a semi-buffet with us ordering the main course with the appetizers and desserts were buffet style. This time, it was a ala-carte buffet menu style but seriously all the items can't really make it. Although they have a widespread of varieties like salads, appetizers, soups, asian dishes, westerm fares and desserts to choose from, not a single dish taste nice, except the ice cream (which is obviously not made from the hotel). Neverthesless, we still ate quite alot (the dishes were very small actually, din take pics coz never thought of it and never bring along camera too - phone camera quality not good). However, we lao sai quite a few times each through the night till the next day. Probably had too much cold stuff (ice cream, fruits and soft drinks) at dinner too. Hopefully not the food....

Managed to catch some sleep until 9am+ after the match ended around 5am. Checked out and had lunch at the hawker centre again before heading for home. Din want to nap but fell asleep while doing sudoku and slept from ard 3pm to 5pm+. Went out with sis to buy some groceries and dinner (KFC) back before a night of tv programmes.

Its sleeping time now...

World Cup Finals - Italy Vs France

Italy won the World Cup 2006 title this time. Nothing exciting coz sort of expected. Either Italy or France will win only mah, all the rest out so far (like Germany and England, the two most supported team).

The finals ended with penalities, 12 years from the one in 1994 between Brazil and Italy with Brazil being the champion. I was there at the Rose Bowl in LA-USA then and time really flies. I was quite lucky to have won the trip through the Energizer contest, and have been supportive of the brand since. The match then was quite torturous in fact coz it started at 12 noon and after all the extra time and penalties, its almost like 3pm. Obviously I was sunburnt even though the temperature was only around 21 degree celcius. (Maybe I should blog about this sometime, after I find my journal of the trip.)

Anyway back to the match. I was with Web at Changi Village hotel so we could catch the match together. Its 4 years once so din want to miss it, although I am not really familiar with these two teams (only know Zidane - after much publicity and Makelele - who is from Chelsea, both in the France team). After two early goals in the 7th and 19th minute, it was a draw all the way, until 2 parts of extra time. Italy did a great show by scoring all 5 penalties (in fact only4 were kicked as France missed the 2nd and 4th shots), bringing glory back after being defeated by Brazil in penalties in 1994. Glad for them as they are now the 4th time winner in World Cup history, just short of one more to keep the trophy for good.


The most extraordinary moment of this match would probably be that of Zidane being sent off by the red card. I actually fell asleep few times during the match (as Web was already snoring away as he's not feeling well) and one of those I woke up, I saw Zidane being sent off. Still confused why he used his botak head to hit some Italy player on his chest, I messaged sis and realised why he did that. The Italy player actually was hugging Zidane from the waist to stop him from getting the ball. End up he was furious and walked back to hit the Italy player with his head. Quite funny scene as he chose to do such a foolish act, ending his football career in this way. Other than that, the game was fast and furious with both teams trying very hard to score and defence, finally ending in penalties shoot out.

p/s: Got this clip from kennysia's blog.

Shall not elaborate more, check out the details of the match here.

And oh, did I mention they used a different ball this time. Its gold and white.... very nice!!

Germany Vs Portugal

Portugal LOST again!!! Hahaha....I said they would lost.... how to fight Germany, stop dreaming la!!!

The match was at 3am early this morning, initially set the alarm to wake up and watch but thinking no one else is going to watch with me (sis very tired) and I will sure fall asleep. Decided to catch up on my beauty sleep instead and turned off the alarm. However, I did woke up middle of nite and realised its already 6am+ so too late to get up.

Germany did a good show by scoring 3-1 against Portugal and finished up as 3rd place in this World Cup 2006. I had placed a bet this time for 3-0 scoreline, too bad missed by one goal (by Portugal) and now see my $75 fly away. Its ok la, last 2 matched liao, bet for fun and do some charity.

Ballack did not play this morning and the goalkeeper was Kahn, whom I heard will be playing the last time for Germany (dunno true or not, heard from Web).

See the match report here

Happy and sad

Web had a meeting at HQ (Comcentre) since 3.30pm and told me the meeting might drag on till quite late. So I decided to go shopping alone while waiting for him around Centrepoint area, preparing to go home myself if the meeting dun end early.

Went to John Little 1st and surprised there's a sale going on. How come no one told me ah? Anyway there were many people and the clothes etc were in a mess. After walking one round, spotted a piece of skirt that looked quite ok so decided to give it a try. Its $49 but going at 50% off with Robinsons card members will get an additional 20% off. While queuing for the fitting room, saw a pair of Vincci shoes which looked like what sis was eyeing at Isetan Orchard sometime ago. As there was no size available then, she din buy. Decided to buy the skirt after trying and checked the shoes if they have size sis wanted. While queuing up to pay for the skirt and sis' shoes, saw my usual Sorella panties on sale at 3 for $9.90 so got a set (lime green colour) as well.

Walked around abit in Centrepoint and OG but found nothing to buy. Web finally called around 7pm+ to say he will meet me at where I was (told him I was at OG) and will have dinner at the food court below OG. After waiting for some time, he called me again and realised we were at different locations. He sounded quite fed up coz he waited at the old OG and when he realised where I was, he said he will walk over and hanged up. I had wanted to ask him where exactly he was coz my mind was blank at that instant. After a while, I recalled it must be the old OG he meant plus the food court at Orchard Emerald and thus decided to walk over. We met haflway and he seemed agitated how come I walked over so I explained. We then went to the foodcourt below Orchard Emerald to have our dinner. That OG (Orchard Emerald) long ago gone he also dunno... as if its my fault leh...

Actually I dun understand guys, they are directionless when it comes to shopping areas but just refused to let us direct them or at least finish my sentence over the phone in this instant. Misunderstandings like this then arise and end of the day, as if its my fault. I had a similar experience with my ex last time too. He did not listen to proper instructions and yet waited at the wrong place. End up when I called him, he got angry coz he had to walk over to meet me (reprimanded that I never say properly). Why are guys like that one....kns. Cun they let me finish my sentence b4 assuming what they think is what I meant. What to do, I just have to keep quiet lor, wun want to start an arguement over this, especially when he was already so tired and hungry after the meeting.

During dinner, he then told me that the meeting haven't really ended but his boss asked him to leave 1st as he was looking quite sian there. We went to HMV after dinner and stayed for quite a while as he wanted to find a CD. I was feeling quite upset during that time coz of the earlier incident so walked round and round HMV aimlessly and deep in thoughts. Web was also not feeling well thus after that, we left for home. He then messaged me apologising that he wasn't feeling well so cun accompany me till too late. Ok la, I felt better abit better (abit disappointed when I waited so long for him yet we left for home so early) but still brooding over the incident. Anyway, after a night's sleep, any unhappiness should be forgotten...

Ok back to shopping stuff. Sis saw the shoes and said I got the wrong design!! She said she got 6th sense that I might have got the wrong pair but I was quite sure this was the pair. Lucky it still fits her and actually looked quite nice on her. Maybe memory is failing me.... I am having temporary memory loss on and off.... cham liao...

About increment

Read Xris' blog and inspired me to write this entry, after leaving a long comment on her blog as well.

Why does increment letters always never fail to make our mood swing and drive the motivation and morale to the lowest level? Maybe some people do not feel this way coz they know how to suck up, do alot of boots licking or just have plain luck. I do not believe people who work hard deserve will get good returns, coz I see alot around me who are just as suay as me. Every year look at the increment amount, not even enough to buy a piece of decent clothing, a nice bag or enjoy a good meal with your pal. But you know what, you will be expected to do MORE work, more work and more work.... coz they say "You get higher pay, you do more". What the f***! (Now I also understand why some people just do not give their 100%, they might have gone through what we are getting now.)

I concluded why I dun get good increment every year, since 2002 (a year after I am officially a permanent employee):

1. I have a stupid boss
2. I work in a stupid company
3. My MD is stupid
4. My HR is stupid

Sorry should not be calling people stupid.... let's see some somewhat true facts:

1. I do not have a degree - does this matter?
2. I dunno how to suck up - I am what I am, if I am not, I would be not sitting here typing this
3. I dun work late - so miserable pay work so late for what
4. I always argue with my boss - coz she is stupid
5. I do what I like - including wearing denim skirt and birkenstock sandals on Fridays

So you think the rest of those people who get good increment dun do all those I did? Nah.... bullshit...

Maybe I am just:

1. So unlucky (suay)
2. Destined to be a low class office worker
3. Not bold enough to LEAVE this damn place
4. Too comfortable here

So stop complaining!! Ya I did, I did not complain for months. Not that I already enjoyed working here (which I always do, until some idiots wanna try make my life miserable) but I am trying to see open abit, be more positive, look at the brighter side, try to be nice to people (also means be nicer to my boss) and think of the retrenchment package which may come end of the year (hopefully).

I remembered in Apr every year, we get our bonus and increment letters here. Every year without fail for the few days after we got the letters, me and my dept colleagues will feel so demoralised until its pretty obvious. After that, everything is back to normal. We still work as hard and do our job well.

We can never compare with others' increment coz it will never be fair. Instead of comparing and upset ourselves, just do our work well and be answerable to our own conscience. At least we are proud to say we did get what we deserved, except it may not be up to our expectations. So Xris, try to think positive, it may be a blessing in disguise. People who dun deserve but got more, will get their retribution and meet their downfall one, its a matter of time only.

Most important is to live a happy life. I rather spend my evenings doing nothing, hang out with frens, go pak tor or just stay home to watch tv than spending time working trying to impress or whatever to get that increment. Weekends just go and have fun and then start working again in another working week. I see people getting high pays, but what they get is always more work, no time for other stuff, end up being single their whole life, no time for family resulting in breakups etc or more problems. Your spirit will also be affected and may not feel happy at all. What's the use of earning so much but no life to spend? Might as well enjoy now coz we dunno when we suddenly will leave the earth, grow old and not even able to enjoy the fruits of our labour.

This is life, enjoy it and be positive. There are many people who do not even have the advantage of what we get in our lives. Some people do not even have the ability to work and earn an income. There are people who dun even have food to eat. The list just goes on and on ....

Catching up time

Met up with Xris for some shopping and dinner last evening. Had wanted to check out the Marks & Spencer (M&S) shoes which my sis has wanted at Centrepoint and Paragon. Although the salesgal checked for me this Monday, I am still not quite convinced they really got no more size 6.5 left.

Left office slightly before 5.30pm in order to catch the 5.30pm shutter bus. Find it quite ridiculous that the bus leaves at 5.30pm but people only knock off at 5.30pm. How on earth are we going to fly down to the bus? Somemore the bus always leaves quite empty at that time, dun they know how to be a bit more flexible?

So anyway, reached Centrepoint b4 6pm and checked out the M&S store 1st. Ok the brown one is indeed no more available so I managed to convince sis to get the pink one, since its the last second pair and in case she regrets again when its sold out. Xris arrived shortly after and she also bought a pink pair, size 5 and last pair!! We paid $60 each for the shoes, half price of what was the original price.

Picture of one side of the shoes (taken from M&S website) but the ones we bought are in Pink:

Dropped by at the MTM store in Centrepoint to say hi to my ex consultant b4 she was transferred to this branch. She mentioned that it could be a few months b4 she will be back to Wheelock Place again. Doesn't really matter coz I think the beautician (stationed at Wheelock Place and hopefully not transferring anywhere else I should be following her) is more important as she probably knows my skin better.

Intended to dine at the Central HK Cafe (中环茶餐厅) at B2 Taka when we passed by the MasterCard redemption booth at the Heeren. There was this promo to redeem some watch with every $500 charged to MasterCard in line with the World Cup 2006 promo. I had accumulated quite a no. of receipts and thus decided to quickly redeem coz the World Cup is coming to an end soon.

While giving the gal at the counter the receipts, we saw the promo for the hour "6-7pm, $150 charge slip for one watch, limited to max. 10 per person". Interesting, I can actually redeem more now. While calculating my expenses, the gal gave me lucky draw coupons to fill up 1st. There were about 9-10 of them and I really had a hard time writing my details. While still filling up, the gal came over and gave me few choices to redeem the gifts:

($500 change 1 goodie bag, $150 change one watch)

1. 1 goodie bag + 4 watches
or
2. 2 goodies bags + 1 watch
or
3. 8 watches

p/s: Goodie bag consisting of one watch, one notepad, one photo frame and one bag of coz.

I chose the 1st option and got one goodie bag and 4 watches. Gave one watch to Xris and one to sis. Now thinking maybe give one to Web, keeping one for myself and haven't decide give the last one to who. Maybe can sell it..haha


Finally reached Taka after hanging around in the Mastercard redemption booth and headed to the Central Hong Kong cafe (中环茶餐厅) for our dinner. Was feeling hungry by then and luckily the restaurant was not crowded yet and we managed to get a table pretty fast. Realised the floor manager was one of my ex-course mates at Louis Preston (took Diploma in Travel & Tourism) years ago in 1994. Did not approach him coz I dun think he recognised me and I got nothing to talk to him anyway. Could have got some discount but nevermind la... not that we cannot afford.

The food was so-so, of coz miles away from the real Hong Kong food but still considered something different. We realised we REALLY MISS Hong Kong!!! And thanks to Xris for the dinner!

Xris had luncheon meat and fried egg with Nissin noodles:
p/s: Din eat this coz ate fried mee with luncheon meat and omelette for breakfast.

Comments: Not bad but not as good as in HK (轻松一下)!!

I had Fried Fish with Nissin Noodles:

Comments: Too little pieces of fried fish and
noodles but not as nice as 出前一丁 one!

We shared a plate of Fried Calamari (supposed to be their signature dish):

Comments: Quite nice and crispy but too much garlic,
made our breathe stinko!!

Had one dessert each, comprising of mango, coconut cubes and grass jelly:

Comments: Nice but still miss 许留山!!

We shopped around abit in Taka while Xris bought a green striped shirt at Polo Ralph at $90 after discount and a $10 voucher. Spotted a nice wallet (new design) from Braun Buffel but did not bring my Taka vouchers out so probably will come back again next time. Settled down at Starbucks at Wisma and had a drink before leaving for home. Its been quite some time since we had chance to catch up with each other, b4 we met up once last week. Had wanted to arrange to meet our fren, nicknamed Joker but as we always decide to meet at last minute, did not ask her this time.