look what i found at clarke quay!

floats in the river, this one has white crane on it


this one dunno wat it is but like got 2 ships fighting


this one also i dunno... never read the plaque that accompanied it!


rabbit


journey to the west!

How come I bumped into these stuffs leh? Because I was bringing my penpal around, so thought it'd be good to see Clarke Quay.. and voila, pleasant surprise to have all these lanterns there~

Generation Y

I read with much interest on the report with regards to 'Generation Y'. These are typically refers to the cohort of individuals born, roughly, between 1982 and 1994. According to wikipedia, a 2008 survey by UK recruitment consultancy FreshMinds Talent in partnership with Management Today suggested that Generation Y are generally more ambitious, brand conscious and tend to move jobs more often than ever before.

Some generalistic observation on the ambitious Gen Y-ers, is that I think they are not quite willing to follow rules, but instead wants to write their own rules. They have much believe and confidence in their own abilities and prefers not to think too much about the consequences of their actions. An American survey have also found that they seem to have limited loyalty to any particular employer, and insist on working in a stimulating job environment. In this age, I think loyalty towards a particular employer is actually a dying culture, regardless of which generation you're from (perhaps with some exception of generations prior to gen X).

It is also quite interesting to note in the article found in today's Straits Times, about the 'anchors' in a company. Anchors are basically people who can unite/motivate the employees in the company. Typically they're suppose to be your bosses (if the company setup is small enough). Otherwise, employees who had been loyal or who had stayed for a long time in the company could be the anchors as well. And the report states that typically, these people would have come from the HR / admin dept.

I think it is interesting to note the trends as it provides useful information in how to manage the relationships in the workplace. It also made me think about whom can I hire to fit into the department. I can't hire all Gen-Ys because none of them would stay longer than 2 years. So I need to get at least one more Gen-X to balance things out. Haha.

Fast food? Not quite

Was at Tiong Bahru Plaza on Friday. Had to wait for a friend but he won't be turning up till 830pm. And I was there already at 7pm, so went walk walk, look look see see. Combed the place from top till bottom. And still with time to spare. So I went to have my dinner at Mos Burger.

No queue at the counter? Good (or so I thought la...). So I ordered the chicken teriyaki meal. They had the advertisement stating that their chicken teriyaki is now bigger and better. Think its supposedly 30% more. Ok, good lor (or so I thought la...)

As usual, you'll be served with the drinks first while they prepare the rest of the stuffs. So went to sit at some god forbidden corner. Its like a counter sit, only difference is that there's no counter to face. Just a screened wall. Imagine having to face the wall to reflect... *pengz*

Anyway, with nothing to do... I began observing the state of this outlet. Customers were actually hovering near the counters because everyone had ordered and now are just waiting for the orders to arrive. Apparently some never did, so one irate woman went to demand her items. Manager digged through the papers and somehow can't find the orders. After about 7 minutes or so, the lady eventually got her items and a quick apology from the manager. But I think she wasn't appeased la as she made a sarcastic remark before she left.

The manager tried to work in high speed mode, but still .. customers who were waiting for their orders began to increase by the minute. Then the manager still need to cope with handling enquiries from a girl who was keen to join as part time staff, still need to dash out to serve the orders, and clear tables etc... From observation, he didn't use any glove when preparing the orders. Oh, he also need to handle a man who tries to sell tissue-paper for $2 inside Mos Burger! I saw him tap on the man's shoulder and later didn't wash the hand and started to prepare the orders again. Eeks...

Oh, story haven't finish yet. So I got my orders after I've finished half the drink. And yes, the teriyaki chicken seemed bigger. But on closer look, it's actually filled with more veggies (which is good...) but also with more chicken skin (not so good...). So there you have it.. bigger does not always mean.. better.

superman

It's Chris's birthday this Sunday. So we got him a superman cake!



Bengawan Solo has it and you only need to order 2 working days in advance!

after ktv...

After ktv, here are the songs that finally know the title, and sung by whom...

1. Leona Lewis - Better in Time
2. One Republic ft. Timbaland - Apologize


For item #1, there's this visually challenged lady who busks at Tiong Bahru Plaza (current location) and she does a decent version of the song!

boring

Do you have an ambition? To save the world? To climb higher in the career ladder? To do well in exams? To attain immortality?

I suppose any normal person would have an ambition. I used to say I would like to be a bummer. I think.... I am lackadaisical!

Ya, ya... how boring is that?


"Laissez faire et laissez passer, le monde va de lui même!" (Let do and let pass, the world goes on by itself!) - Vincent de Gournay

last friends

Nice show. It won the best drama, best supporting actress (Ueno Juri), best song (Prisoner of Love!), best director and best screenplay at the 57th Japanese Drama Academy Awards! Hehe

Though I didn't quite like the ending (thought it could be better), still, "Last Friends" had made an attempt to be different from the rest of the Jdramas. Of course I was pretty amazed by Ueno Juri. Afterall, she was Nodame in Nodame Cantabile! Talented girl, she is.


as Nodame (cute)




as Ruka (cool)

The show probably warrant an NC16 or M18 tag due to its theme about domestic violence and homosexuality.

homework

For anyone who knows me personally, I have a favour to request from you as part of my homework. Everyone is welcomed to participate :)

Here is what is required. Please list down my strengths and weaknesses as they are known to you. Please list strengths on left column and weaknesses on the right column. Best if can put a bit of description so that I can understand better.

================== Example ======================

Strengths | Weaknesses

Friendly (always smiling) | Bossy (because always like to do things her way!)

============== End of Example ====================

The information will be used as self-reflection. Could be fun, could be devastating (as they say, the truth hurts! :P ). But all in all, you can say whatever you think it is. No right, no wrong answer. Just something for me to think about.

If you don't know me long enough, its ok. Not the duration that matters, but what kind of person that am I projecting to you... that'll be interesting to know.

After the exercise is done, and if there're enough responses... I'll publish the outcome here and you can judge whether it is accurate or not. No worries, your contribution shall remain confidential (won't publish names :P).

Thank you~

Closing date: 23 August 2008 (23:59:59)

code blue コード・ブルー

An interesting watch. The plot is pretty simple. A group of young trainee doctors in a hospital. There's this 'prestigious' position of being able to be in the 'Doctor Heli' which is basically a helicopter used in emergencies. So each are trying to vie to be the one that can follow the heli team as only one person will get to sit in it.

Almost everyone are new faces, except the heli pilot. Eh.. correction.. the main lead is Yamapi! Yamashita Tomohisa, ahh.. he's the one in "Nobuta No Produce". Wahh.. didn't recognize him here. In Code Blue, he's Aizawa Kousaku, the ever sulky looking arrogant one but the most highly skilled. Wow.. hairstyle do change the face of a person! Not only that, I think probably I had a stucked image of him based on Nobuta, where he is carefree and naughty, compared to being just sulky and abit stuck up here. But in all show stereotypes... he's slowly melting away his icy exterior... awww...

The girl lead, Aragaki Yui.. dunno who. But she looked like Fann Wong in this show. Hahaha!

I liked Yanagiba_Toshiro who acted as Kuroda Shuji, the trainees' mentor.

cats

curious...



like a dolly...



more like a dolly..


cat empress...



Wondering why picture quality so bad? Taken using 2MP camera phone lor..

excuse me

Yesterday was traveling home from Somerset MRT back north. Time was around 10pm and boy, was it packed! So imagine everyone squeezed back to back (probably as good as morning squeeze!), and the train stops at one of its station. A Chinese male (probably late twenties or early thirties?) barged in saying "Excuse me!" in a rather loud voice. He was wearing short sleeved shirt and blue pants, and carrying an oversized backpack. So imagine this guy with his HUGE backpack ramming into the passengers and saying "Excuse me Excuse me!" in a loud voice. He'll just push his way through without allowing enough time for the passengers to react. Obnoxious right?

He pushed his way right to the middle whereby this young couple stood. He started talking to the man (so loud that everyone is aware) something about liking the way he is dressed, and later on about being his best friend or something like that. Initially I thought "Oh, he was rushing in because he saw his friend..." But then, the man whom he was talking to, looked awkward and just responded via nods or a weak smile. Then all of a sudden, the backpack man just sat down on the floor (amidst this sea of people of course). He started reading his brochures, and then something else caught his eyes. He pointed his finger to an auntie and said, "Excuse me auntie!". And started saying how he liked her shiny watch. But I suppose the auntie was trying very hard to ignore him. After a while, the man got up and pointed to another female passenger and said, "Excuse me! Excuse me!" But she too was trying to ignore him. His face looked dejected, puzzled but luckily he didn't become violent or something. Next he went over to another part of the train and pointed to a young female passenger and said, "Excuse me! Your watch is very shiny." The young girl was surprised, but very very likely everyone must be thinking that this guy is a cuckoo case.

Some looked disgusted, some looked fearful and started inching away further from him. Some couldn't be bothered, some looked amused. But I suppose this guy has some deficiency or something. Easily attracted to shiny things, not quite aware of how to interact with the world... more like a child.

For us, when we label a person as 'siao', or a looney.. is it more out of fear for something that we know nothing of?

into temptation (crowded house)

You opened up your door
I couldnt believe my luck
You in your new blue dress
Taking away my breath
The cradle is soft and warm
Couldnt do me no harm
Youre showing me how to give

Into temptation
Knowing full well the earth will rebel
Into temptation

In a muddle of nervous words
Could never amount to betrayal
The sentence is all my own
The price is to watch it fail
As I turn to go
You looked at me for half a second
An open invitation for me to go

Into temptation
Knowing full well the earth will rebel
Into temptation
Safe in the wide open arms of hell

We can go sailing in
Climb down
Lose yourself when you linger long
Into temptation
Right where you belong

The guilty get no sleep
In the last slow hours of morning
Experience is cheap
I shouldve listened to the warning
But the cradle is soft and warm

Into temptation
Knowing full well the earth will rebel
Into your wide open arms
No way to break the spell
Dont tell

where is the love (black eyed peas)

What's wrong with the world mama?
People living like aint got no mamas
I think the whole worlds addicted to the drama
Only attracted to the things that bring you trauma
Overseas yeah we tryin to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin
In the USA the big CIA the Bloodz and the Crips and the KKK
But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And if you hatin you're bound to get irate
Yeah madness is what you demonstrate
And that's exactly how anger works and operates
You gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love y'all

People killing people dying
Children hurtin you hear them crying
Can you practice what you preach
Would you turn the other cheek?
Father Father Father help us
Send some guidance from above
Cause people got me got me questioning
Where is the love?(where is the lovex3)(the love2x)

It just ain't the same all ways have changed
New days are strange is the world the insane?
If love and peace so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don't belong
Nations dropping bombs
Chemical gases filling lungs of little ones
With ongoing suffering
As the youth die young
So ask yourself is the loving really strong?
So I can ask myself really what is going wrong
With this world that we living in
People keep on giving in
Makin wrong decisions
Only visions of them livin and
Not respecting each other
Deny thy brother
The wars' going on but the reasons' undercover
The truth is kept secret
Swept under the rug
If you never know truth
Then you never know love
Where's the love y'all?(I don't know)
Where's the truth y'all?(I don't know)
Where's the love y'all?

People killing people dying
Children hurtin you hear them crying
Can practice what you preach
Would you turn the other cheek?
Father father father help us
Send some guidance from above
Cause people got me got me questioning
Where is the love?(where is the lovex3)(the lovex2)

I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder
As I'm getting older y'all people get colder
Most of us only care about money makin
Selfishness got us followin the wrong direction
Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting their young minds faster than bacteria
Kids wanna act like what the see in the cinema
Whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness and equality
Instead of spreading love, we're spreading anomosity
Lack of understanding, leading us away from unity
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feeling under
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feeling down
It's no wonder why sometimes I'm feeling under
I gotta keep my faith alive, until love is found

People killing people dying
Children hurtin you hear them crying
Can you practice what you preach
Would you turn the other cheek?
Father Father Father help us
Send some guidance from above
Cause people got me got me questioning
Where is the love?

expectations

If we do not know it already... here goes again,

"EXPECTATION is a setup for DISAPPOINTMENT."

Not all will agree. I've met/know people who are optimistic... some pessimistic... and some in between. I guess you could call me realistic. I've learnt long long ago about expectations/anticipations. The more we anticipate, the greater the disappointment/anger/whatever negative emotion that you want to insert here...

However, let's take a step back and ask ourselves, "Why do we 'expect' certain things to turn out in a certain way?" For example, consider this scenario. You and a friend. You have always been caring and supportive of your friend. However, suddenly, when you needed that to be reciprocated, it didn't happen. Disappointed? Sure do. Happy? No! And we like to rationalize with ourselves. We'll give all sorts of excuses. Then when it happens one time too often... we slowly become jaded...

Are we selfish to expect something? It could be because we tend to have an idealized view and thus developed an unrealistic view of things. Then no need to expect anything? Unlikely.

There will always be expectations. Parents' expectation that their child will perform well academically. Our expectation that our friends will be there for us. Citizen's expectation that their government will take care of them.. etc etc. It could be viewed as a yardstick of measurement. A strive for a better future. There is expectation on me, and therefore I will strive to achieve it.. provided I have the resources to do so. On the other hand, when we get disappointed/angry.. let's ask ourselves.. "What made me angry? Was it the other person? Or was it my 'expectation' of the other person." Often times, even when we're angry with our 'expectation' of others, the other party won't know it. We never say, "I'm not angry with you. I'm just angry with my expectation/anticipation and things didn't turn out the way I thought it would." Very often, the other party will perceive the anger/disappointment as directed to them and as such, likely to become defensive.

Be aware.

Seigi no Mikata 正義の味方

Interesting light-hearted show. About sisters, an older one (Makiko) who is supposed to be pretty and attractive while the younger sister (Yoko), who is young (teenager), naive and always kanna bullied by her older sister. The two of them live with their parents, where their dad is like always doing things for their mom.


Makiko (Yamada Yui)


Plot is pretty simple. Makiko is forever bullying Yoko. And Yoko although grumbles alot about the unfair treatment, will still obey Makiko. Yoko calls Makiko the devil in disguise, but to outside people, Makiko is forever pretty, forever good. The stuffs in here are pretty comedic. Makiko with her cold treatment towards everybody (but everyone just seem to fawn over her...), ill-intent (seemingly) but somehow in the end with her pure good luck, manages to cause good outcome (albeit most of the times are by chance!). Basically I know none of the actors except the dad, played by Sano Shiro.


*spoiler alert!*

Anyway, in episode 1, Makiko has this thing about bento set, so one fine day she purposely went to queue for this special bento during lunch time and as usual in long queues with limited items, you'd be counting and getting worried when the people in front of you start to buy more than one. But lucky for Makiko, there was 1 set left and she was the last in queue. Unfortunately, before she could get to pay for it, an obnoxious looking man came along and paid for the bento and took it away with him. She was pissed off! So pissed off that she called the police to fabricate a complaint against him (told you she always has ill-intent~), but the best part was... when the police asked for the complainant name and address... guess what.... she gave them her sister's name and school address. Faints ah... this kind of sister also have??! Hahahahaa! Funny when watching the show.. I suppose not so funny if it were to happen in real life? So the police really go and arrest that guy and hence this caused the guy to hold a grudge against Yoko (but later on we learn that he actually is a crook and he thought that since Yoko complained about him, then she also know about his other secret... which I guessed was something of him being an arsonist or smthg like tht la...) Anyway, he began stalking Yoko, and coincidentally there was a sex maniac around in the neighbourhood. So Yoko thought she was followed by sex maniac. Then one night, that guy actually pounced on Yoko (but Yoko was on the phone with Makiko because Makiko demanded to know why Yoko haven't return home yet with her special bento that Makiko commanded Yoko to buy for her.... -_-')

So imagine this scene, where Yoko was attacked by this guy and she lay on the ground helpless while the man was choking her neck. Then imagine Makiko came running down and stealthily crept up upon the crook. With an evil glint, Makiko brandished an electric stun gun and stuck it into the back of the crook, sending him into convulsions. Then Makiko wasn't impressed with the power of the stun gun (because she had the idea that anyone kanna stunned would faint or smthg), so she stuck it into his back again. After which, she looked closer and noticed that hey, this was the guy who jumped her queue and caused her not to be able to buy that bento. So, evil glint one more time, and she stun him again. Muahahaha! Then Yoko was looking all teary eyed because her big sis came to her rescue when she needed her most, and she was go 'gam dong' that she wanted to give her big sis a BIG hug... then Makiko just turned to the bento that Yoko dropped during the struggle and cradled it, as though it was her baby. Imagine Yoko's face crumbling when she realized that Makiko, actually came to the bento's rescue.. and not hers... -_-'''

But even more hilarious, was the scene when the police were conferring those bravery award to Makiko... then Yoko quietly asked another police why the bad guy was stalking her. Imagine her indignance when she realized the real reason.. simply because Makiko had complaint using Yoko's name. -_-''''

I think this series will appeal to those with a sadistic streak in them. Muahahaha!

Lesbians

Chanced upon an article by Siva Choy in today's Straits Times (or was it Newpaper? argh.. such short term memory!)

Anyway, he was writing about the origins of the term 'lesbian' and most likely it was from a Greek island called Lesbos where there once upon a time existed a female poet named Sappho, who was probably misunderstood (dunno because no evidence to point her to be a lesbian nor evidence to say she's not, anyway...) and hence the birth of the term lesbians.

But the funny part was about how he talks about the female inhabitants of Lesbos island (who are now called Lesbians but probably not inclined that way...) was trying to correct the outsiders mindset. You know, they are refered to as Lesbians (because they are from Lesbos island) but they are not lesbians (dun prefer women to men). Anyway, read that article if you're interested. I think it was pretty funny, Mr Choy.

emotions

How often are we permitted to feel outwardly? Not to mention to even show our feelings. When we emote, are we signaling to others that we're weak? Is it ok to feel what we feel?

My lecturer said, "Emotion is energy in motion..." It is a physical reaction. We do actually feel something moving within our body. And I do subscribe to this idea. For example, when I feel angry, I can sense that there is a feeling of chemicals surging upwards to my head. Therefore, we ought to be aware of our own feelings. But having the control over it is another matter.

But, how often when we see someone else grieving over their loss and we tip-toed around them as though if we address this feeling, we're actually helping to destroy their safe haven? Yes, I do admit that we ourselves will feel uncomfortable when facing these situations but are we helping our friends in this case? But grieving is a process. The longer we ignore it,probably the longer we'll stay in its phases or we might not even reach the stage of accepting the loss and live our lives as we want to be.

What about anger? Is it ok to feel angry? Emotion in general are neutral of any moralities. It is when a person dwell on it and when it goes on to become hostile and aggressive that it is unacceptable.

Emotions are natural. Be aware of it, and deal with it.

gotham

Went to watch "Dark Knight" at Vivo today. GV Max and think there was an event for some other company there as well. Heh, mine was also a company outing.

Didn't like "Batman Begins" as I thought it was quite absurd to involve ninja's and what nots. However, "Dark Knight" redeemed itself. The pace was fast. Some unexpected moments (tho' some are too predictable.. like the *spoiler alert!* hostage situation in the building (social experiment scene <-- got so many martyrs? Are we willing to sacrifice ourselves to save others?)... Anyway, this movie got lots of explosions, loud audio and a lot of gore but not much blood. There were quite a lot of psychotic moments that kinda messes up your mind... or at least mine.... ha..haha hoho a..haha eh..uhuh haha...

Thought it was quite weird for Harvey Dent to be flipping coins.. didn't realize that he's suppose to be... ahaha hehe, you'll know what I mean if you've watched the movie. He was ok, didn't quite like him when he was the good guy. Kinda unbelievable that he loved Rachel that much.. didn't get that vibe from him...

Christian Bale did a commendable job. Lovelorn, misunderstood and in a position that no one ever wants to be in... well.. probably everyone wanna be Bruce Wayne but not Batman?

Joker... I find this portrayal eerily and chillingly real. Heath did give us a great last performance...


ps: Penny/Desmond, if you're reading this... yalar.. same night that we bumped into each other!

da boot

Today put forth to someone that they're not up to mark. And therefore, will have to either go on your own, or to be given the boot.

Yes, the truth, hurts. But its even worse when the receiving end doesn't really agree with you, or they're somewhat convinced that they're better than they really is...

Well, you may say, its a matter of perception. We see what we want to believe in and we believe what we see...

internship

Will be doing internship/attachment this term. Need to start looking for the agency to attach to. However, all quarters have warned that this is going to be an ardous task! Which I think is true.

If I'm the agency head, I'd be thinking, why in the world would I want to hire a trainee who has minimal/or even no exposure to the field and will be dealing with clients, in a closed door setting. And not to mention, need to assign someone to handhold/mentor this trainee. So ma fan right? Haha!

If that's the case, then there's really no hope! How to complete my 100 hours (minimum) requirement of face-to-face contact hours? Also, if I'm having my day job, what kind of hours can I spare for my future agency? Like after office hours? Got such organization or not? Or on weekend? I've asked my peers, they say usually only on 2 weekdays then the organization might be opening up till quite late, say 9pm. If that's the case, then in 1 week, at max. I can only fulfill up to 2 contact hours per week. Ha... that'll only adds up to 8 hours per week (provided your clients all turn up la...). So I'll need 13 weeks to do that, hmm... still possible hor? Haha, but having said that, competition is high. In Singapore, there's a limited number of organization that you can apply to. And not to mention, there're about 5-8 courses that produces the same needs (for attachment) at about the same time. 1 cohort let's say average is about 40 students. So 8 cohorts will be 320 students fighting for 1 or 2 places in the same organization!

suze orman

Had a chance to watch Oprah yesterday. Heh, on a two-day MC, so had the opportunity to stay home and do all sorts of things!

Anyway, she had a guest yesterday, Suze Orman. A compelling speaker. And she's into Finance. Something that most women, have problem with. Why compelling, well.. Suze Orman apparently was in USD$250,000 debt when she was younger (now she's 50+) but she managed to turn her life around. So, she reorganized her finances, wrote a couple of books, went on a few talk shows and voila, rebirth! But it should be a lot of hardwork on her part too. While she was on Oprah, she offered advise on mortages to women who are currently in difficult situation.

Suze obviously knows her country's financial system well, from the way she talks about how to get the best out of mortgages, what to do when you're in credit card debt, why you shouldn't be taking a loan out of the IR8 something something (probably equivalent to our CPF or something like that). The US have different mortgages loans for the house. In Singapore, its likely to be a fixed rate mortgage where the borrower will contract that he/she will pay xxx amount every month for 20/30 years with yyy interest rate. In the US, they have another way of paying in which, the financial institution offers the borrower a lower amount to pay (for example xxx amount divide by 2, instead of $1500 per month, borrower pays $750 but for longer term say, instead of 20 years, now it become 30 years) So according to Suze, most people who opted for that, usually didn't know that the amount that they will eventually pay, is higher and for a longer term. And, because of the US market problem recently, these mortgage rates for this kind of loan, will be revised, so that the borrower instead of paying $750, will now have to pay $1500. So if the borrower, could only afford $750 per month, they will now have to scramble to raise double the amount and sustain it for 20 years if they do not wish to lose the mortgage.

Her advise is quite common sense. Like, she'll say something like, trust no one but yourself when investing because no one cares about your money more than you do. She likened financial advisors as no more than a salesperson in suits. Which is true anyway. Then a lady says but those people are the experts. Suze says, these people can only advise but the final decision should lies with yourself and if you do not know what you're doing with your money, then do nothing is better than doing something that you're not sure. Hehe, sounds like good advise to me. Nowadays I'm doing something and those something are really making me poorer!


More of Suze.

nasty

Been having this nasty cough. Sick and tired of it. I don't mind cough, but this one.. boy.. its just horrible. Everytime you cough, the chest feels as though its been stabbed. Don't cough, you'll feel as though you gonna drown in a pool of phelgm. Lungs feels congested.

Don't know when its gonna end.

dum dee dum

Been getting the brains fried these few days. 38.9 degrees on the worse night. That temperature actually reminds me of how I felt after the appendix op. Exactly that kind of woozy feeling.

These few days are much better but still hovering at about 37.5. Guess, still something is not quite right yet. Sigh, old age.

somedays

Ever had a day, when you just feel that the world is against you?
Ever had a day, when you feel so down, its kinda hard to stand up?
Ever had a day, you smile but it felt more like a frown?

Sometimes, we have those days.. and mine happened to be today.

hugging buddha's legs

i'm supposed to write a paper on trauma... i think now i'm traumatized! arghhhh! that's why la.... last minute job.. ai si ah!

gan cheong liao la.... no time no time! die die die!

same sex marriage

It is now legal for same gender couples to be married in California (USA). Otherwise, it is also possible to be married in Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Canada.

The most vocal protestors would be from religious point of view. However, in most society nowadays, it will become increasingly common to have individuals who has partners of the same sex.

of weddings and such

Went to a wedding dinner yesterday. Jonathan ('tho in office we call him by his Chinese name!) and Elizabeth, happily ever after. Enjoyable dinner, with ex-colleagues (alumni club!) and current ones.

With age catching up, I don't think I'll ever be married. Cynical? Yeah.. or probably realistic. I don't believe in marrying without love. Practical union? Urgh.. no thanks. Idealistic, yes.

So, probably all the investment that I'm embarking on, will be used to fund my stay in the old folks home later on. Better still, open one and stay for free!

tokyo stash

foodstuffs from japan (but it's for other people... i got the tokyo banana!)



royce... probably can find in singapore also



did i mention i love tokyo banana?



recommended to try! soft and fluffy!

when is dead.. means really dead?

Recently occurred, and once again, a man who had been pronounced dead... minutes or hours later, came back to life... miraculously. The man apparently had a heart attack, massive one, mind you. And after doctors couldn't resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead and were scheduled for organ transplant. Doctors WERE actually in the process of preparation for organ transplant! But I wonder what does the preparation process involved? Were they actually carving out the organs already or were they just preparing the apparatus to do the deed, or what?

Anyway, the moral of the story is... science need a better method to ensure that the human is really DEAD, when they're dead.

Read about it here.

You Are Bert

Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you lovable - even if you don't love them! You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

You Are 40% Boyish and 60% Girlish

You are pretty evenly split down the middle - a total eunuch. Okay, kidding about the eunuch part. But you do get along with both sexes. You reject traditional gender roles. However, you don't actively fight them. You're just you. You don't try to be what people expect you to be.

How Boyish or Girlish Are You?

Your Mind is Purple

Of all the mind types, yours is the most idealistic. You tend to think wild, amazing thoughts. Your dreams and fantasies are intense. Your thoughts are creative, inventive, and without boundaries. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking of fictional people and places - or a very different life for yourself.

What Color Is Your Mind?

Your Values Profile

Loyalty: You value loyalty highly. You're completely devoted to your friends and family. Even if they totally screw up, you're still there for them. Just make sure they're equally loyal to you! Honesty: You don't really value honesty. You do value getting your way, no matter what. And if a little lying is required to do that, no problem. A few white lies never hurt anyone (at least, that's what you tell yourself!) Generosity: You value generosity highly. So much so that you often put your own needs last. There's nothing wrong with having a caring heart... But you may want to rethink your "open wallet" policy. Humility: You value humility highly. You have the self-confidence to be happy with who you are. And you don't need to seek praise to make yourself feel better. You're very modest, and you're keep the drama factor low. Tolerance: You value tolerance highly. Not only do you enjoy the company of those very different from you... You do all that you can to seek it out interesting and unique friends. You think there are many truths in life, and you're open to many of them.

The Five Factor Values Test

stem cells research

Stem cells has the potential to revolutionarise treatment of diseases. It works on the premise of the self-renewal and its capacity to differentiate (transform into) specialized cell types. There're two types: Embryonic (can transform into any cell types) and Adult (specialized). In short, the most powerful stem cells, are the ones that can turn into any cell types. Imagine its usage, for example, cancerous cells destroyed by the mutation. Now plant some new cells into it and voila, healthier ones are now taking place of those diseased ones. Or, in damaged muscles, transplant some of those stem cells and you'll have new ones.

But, the controversy comes from the process of getting the embryonic stem cells. Ethical issues it is, as argued by the exponents, as it is moving towards human cloning which in turn might devalue human beings. Proponents views it as significant medical potential which might provide cure to currently devastating medical conditions.



Read more here.

goodies from Hokkaido



close up of packaging.. so cute hor?

handsome guy

Oooohh.. did I tell you that yesterday that one handsome guy came to the office? Muahahahhaha, he came to demo something (sales rep from headquarters) together with his Singapore counterpart. Hong Kong people's English has a certain accent to it that makes it distinctive (in a good way, I think..)

He was all dressed up in coat (like a business man), but alas, our small meeting room was a little too hot. So he took off his clothes (jacket lah...) Hahahaa!

Yeah, got a chance to shake hands with him. Not once, not twice but three times! Kakakaka!

meow~

Somehow, my neighbourhood got lots of cats. Few around my block, then some across the street etc. Fed by citizens, so they're everyone's pet. They're like in show biz, feed them, stroke them and they'll purr.... meow~


moving, so quite blur



i was thinking whether it'll jump and pounce on my phone

amusement

the clock ticks
the bones creak
wrinkles showed, even as u speak
growing old is automatic (some say traumatic!)
age encroach us at our peak

feels like autumn

Some scenaries from near my place:





feels like autumn... well, almost...


sometimes the squirrels might pop by to play...

thank you!

A BIG thank you to all who celebrated my birthday this year! All your well wishes, gifts and thoughts, I've warmly received.

THANK YOU!

This year's stash:


watch (from colleagues)



wendy bought dinner + chocs, so sweet!

excuse me... can move your butt or not?

Can't understand some people. They think you can squeeze through the door if they just moved a quarter an inch of their butt?!? So difficult meh? Just to move out and then come back into the MRT or the lift after that? Will die isit?

prisoner of love

平気な顔で嘘をついて
笑って 嫌気がさして
楽ばかりしようとしていた

ないものねだりブルース
皆安らぎを求めている
満ち足りてるのに奪い合う
愛の影を追っている

退屈な毎日が急に輝きだした
あなたが現れたあの日から
孤独でも辛くても平気だと思えた
I’m just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love

病める時も健やかなる時も
嵐の日も晴れの日も共に歩もう

I’m gonna tell you the truth
人知れず辛い道を選ぶ
私を応援してくれる
あなただけを友と呼ぶ

強がりや欲張りが無意味になりました
あなたに愛されたあの日から
自由でもヨユウでも一人じゃ虚しいわ
I’m just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love

Oh もう少しだよ
Don’t you give up
Oh 見捨てない 絶対に

残酷な現実が二人を引き裂けば
より一層強く惹かれ合う
いくらでもいくらでも頑張れる気がした
I’m just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love

ありふれた日常が急に輝きだした
心を奪われたあの日から
孤独でも辛くても平気だと思えた
I’m just a prisoner of love
Just a prisoner of love

Stay with me, stay with me
My baby, say you love me
Stay with me, stay with me
一人にさせない

bombastic

What's precipitates?
It's an adjective/noun and it means something like 'to hasten' the occurrence of something, or to bring about prematurely/abruptly.
Example: The crisis precipitated by Russia's revolution.


What's impetus?
It's a noun/plural. And it means stimulus, an impelling force.
Example: approaching deadline gave impetus to the investigation.



I realised... my ang moh bo ho.

train

Went home recently on 4th May. That was a day after the train derailed near Rahang (Seremban). Was at the train station at 720am and the KTM staff train will set off from Singapore but passengers will have to take bus from Tampin. Didn't think too much so just went in and waited for the train to set off.

That day my carriage was full of Indian tourists. Apparently their breakfast n lunch were provided by their tour agency. Anyway, there were some minor confusion when the staff inside the train said he's not sure whether we're changing to bus at Tampin or Gemas. Finally, they've decided to change train at Gemas.

It was chaotic once we reached Gemas. Didn't know what buses to take or where they'd go as no one could provide that information. We disembarked and walked towards the exit of Gemas station. There, the KTM staff said the buses are all ready but the driver went to grab a drink. The sun was hot and there we were, a train load of passengers standing in the hot sun, waiting for the drivers to come back. The buses.. man, if you know those rural areas school buses (cum factory buses). Lok lok kok kok! And the seats! It was like claustrophobic! Anyway, no choice. Got onto the bus and had to wait till they fill up all the seats. Once you're seated you basically can't move.. no aircond.. no air. I managed to get into the first bus but after travelling for 5 minutes, a girl went up to the driver and told him something. Next we knew, we were heading back towards the train station. Apparently, the girl left her certificates and impt docs inside the station's toilet. -_-'''

So, we waited for another 10 minutes for her to go down and find her certs. So after that began our ardous journey from Gemas to Seremban by bus. After 2 hours of travelling... suddenly there's a whiff of shitty smell. Apparently someone needs to go to the toilet. Man... so the bus driver turned into a petrol station and about 5 passengers went down for toilet break while the rest waited. We waited for about 10 mins for all passengers to finish their business. After that we travelled for another 1 hour before we reached Rahang.

Passed by the train wreck (it was still there on Sunday evening) and silently were thankful that I wasn't in that train. The train driver was killed in that accident. Traffic was slow along that stretch as the rescue teams, police etc were there to supervise/oversee the operation on how to clear the tracks.

Reached Seremban around 4plus and finally reached home at around 5pm. It took me 10 hours to reach home.

hot hot hot

Can you stand it? These few days is like living inside a furnace. Perhaps global warming has hit home.

land banking

Haha, this one is strictly for those who are interested and know about this type of investment. Finally exited, after 6 years.

What is land banking? (dun quote exact, as this is from my own understanding!)
In lay man's term, a piece of 'raw' land (or agriculture land) was bought by this big company at a very cheap price and then they'll open up and invite investors to 'share' this land. Everyone gets a title deed etc. So after that, the process of land 'development' will be initiated. Means that the idea was to prepare documents, plan, design whatever, so that the piece of land or the area surrounding it will slowly be developed. Once that happens, the developers will be keen to take over this initial 'raw' land and to turn it into either commercial or residential areas. And once the price has been announced and where all the other investors agree to a certain percentage, the land will then be sold. Then each small investors will get their share. Minimum purchase at that time was half an acre but you can share with others if you like. So my brother's friend suggested to my brother and he was interested, so I follow.

That piece of land was at Canada, and the instrument during that time was, you pay the downpayment (a quarter of the purchase price and subsequently, you can pay via loan by morgaging the land). The finance company that provides the loan was the same one that sold the land to us. So, the interest for that was very very high. If not wrong, about 11-14%.

So, in year 2002 (I think la..) my brother and I paid SGD$3750 each for the downpayment. Then every month pay about SGD$180 each to service the loan. The interest are all calculated in Canadian dollars so, as the year goes by, Canadian currency grew so we actually paid abit more.

In year 2007, the land was sold. But everything was only finalized in year 2008. So we got our money back. After minus the mortgage loan payment and lawyer's fee, the approx. profit is about 6%. Ok bah? At least better than bank interest rates lor.

Nowadays, the investment mode has changed a bit whereby, the investor just dumps in $10K (in whichever currency of the land). For example, USD$10K will give you about 0.333 acre of land. The previous one was C$37K will give you about half an acre.

NDSL

My precious~ (in Gollum's voice...) Haha!


Yeah, mine.. all mine! Bought this second hand from a colleague. Most of the time, I'd be doing the Brain Age stuffs. First time did that, my brain was 80 years old! Gosh! Luckily now is about 31.. best I had was 27 so far. Anyway, my maths no good. Likely to get stumped at 8 x 7, or 9 x 7.

idol gives back

Reminds me of our own charity show, but this one in the States packs a whole lot more $$$$ power! Celebrities that earns millions donates a couple of thousands of dollars each, so raising a few million is definitely possible. According to the reports, 22 million has been raised from yesterday's show. I remembered Ryan saying that even before the show started, big corporations has already pledged around 13 million. Of course, the money raised from these will not only benefit American kids, it will also go to the world. The beneficiaries included Children's Defense Fund, the Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More, Save The Children and the Children's Health Fund.

The show's opening was great. I loved the people from "So you think you can dance"! Saw Benji, Travis and a whole lot of them from 2006 show. Fantastic! They're definitely worthy to watch! And it's a pleasant surprise to know that Teri Hatcher can sing! Haha!

uni

Met up with Wendy yesterday. Our annual exodus. Haha! We'll meet up with each other during our birthdays. So that'll translate to something like... twice a year! She's one cool gal that one.

She was from the same hall as me when we were in university. Without her, I think I'd died of boredom during my final months in university! We'd sit glued to the TV when its time to play the Pyramid game (or was it the Wheel of Fortune?). Heh, fun fun fun!

So yesterday we went to Central to makan. Initially wanted to try Happy Pot at Esplanade, but we didn't want to risk it since it was raining. So a change of venue.

Anyways, we settled into Tomton. Ordered 1 cabbage soup with kurobuta slices (like a mini steamboat with only 1 ingredient!), 1 set of kurobuta cutlet with miso sauce and 1 bowl of ikura + uni rice. Muahahaha, I've always always wanted to try uni (sea urchin) but never really gotten to it. So yesterday was an opportunity! It was really just a tiny eeny bowl. Here's how it looked like:


uni + ikura rice bowl

And yup, its really an acquired taste. Wendy was like, "Are you sure you wanna eat that? Really really sure? Probably it'll taste better with some wasabi!" Hahaha, for a moment, I thought I'd freak out!

Anyways, it wasn't that bad. Tasted like pig's brain, only much mushier but it really really have a bad smell! The rest of the meal was alright. The soup was nice. But I think, likely won't be going back there again.

It was good to catch up with old friends... Thanks Wendy and Happy Belated Birthday!

Remembering Charton Heston

Mr Charlton Heston has passed away at the age of 84.

We'll best remember him in great classic movies such as:

Ben Hur


enslaved (think I had a jigsaw puzzle of this... when I was a young kid)



the great chariot race



Ten Commandments





Parting the Red Sea


Goodbye Mr Heston.

man & woman

Word has it that "A man will pay $2 for a $1 item that he needs, while a woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but is on sale..."

How apt! How true!

I was at Causeway Point today and was just about to walk to MOS burger to have my lunch when suddenly a sales girl placed a small bottle of hand cream onto my palm and said, "Here.. give you a sample!" I was like, ok. Free sample, why not. Then she said, "Come come, let my colleague show you a demo of our other product." I was like, ok.. why not.

So off I went into the small small confine of a demo 'corner'. Then out came a bottle of sea salt. Not any sea salt mind you. It's all the way from the 'Dead Sea'. Ok, few thousand miles away, I suppose?

Anyway, the girl rubbed a small lump onto the back of my hand and she described the benefit of the minerals etc and how it'll actually cleanse not only the 1st layer of the epidermis but also the second and third. I was just about to ask her how many layers of skin do we actually have... but the demo ended. She was at the part of how the product will also circulate the blood, as well as moisturise the skin. Massaging any parts of the body irregardless of whether we're using any other product should in fact, in some ways promote blood circulation, right?

Anyway, of course, she asked if I'd like to get one bottle of the salt. "How much?" "Well", she said. "We're currently having a promotion and its on 50% off the normal price." I was thinking, "50% from $200, will still need to pay $100 bah..." Then she said, "Usual price is $78+, so now is $36+ only." I'm sold. So ok. I got one bottle.

Then she said, "Wait, let me show you another product. A face scrub that works wonderfully around the eyes area as well!" Oki doki, you get the gist. So in the end, I ended with one bottle of dead sea salt and one bottle of face scrub. Total damage, about $70 in total.

So in the end, I got these:

(sea salt)
and

(Exfoliating & Cleansing Facial Gel)

Haha, 女人钱真好赚， 尤其是我的！天啊！Anyway, ok lar. First time I bought a product from Israel. Sounds exotic. Sounds far far away.

And I suspect it won't be the last time that I'm doing stuffs like this. Mark my words. Sigh...

一眼瞬间

competition time



mtv

lyrics:

(女)白茫茫的星光
洒在长长路上
想念的冰凉
你知道吗
你浅浅的微笑
深似海的眼光
都能掀起我
滔天的巨浪
(男)你相信吗
这是命吗
这次我们放弃抵抗
哪怕拥抱
在身上
画下深深的伤
(合)只要看你一眼一瞬间
哪怕是最后画面
我的世界
因为爱过而完美
谁都不该离太远
只要看你一眼一瞬间
足够我熬过千年
我不后悔
爱若让末日提前
我们要一起
好好迎接那句点
(女)白茫茫的星光
洒在长长路上
想念的冰凉
你知道吗
你浅浅的微笑
深似海的眼光
都能掀起我
滔天的巨浪
(男)你相信吗
这是命吗
这次我们放弃抵抗
哪怕拥抱
在身上
画下深深的伤
(合)只要看你一眼一瞬间
哪怕是最后画面
我的世界
因为爱过而完美
谁都不该离太远
只要看你一眼一瞬间
足够我熬过千年
我不后悔
爱若让末日提前
我们要一起
好好迎接那句点
(女)如果相爱是错
(男)错过又算什么
(合)这一次我们
宁死不放手
往彼此的心里跳
跳过天荒地老
wo oh ...
只要看你一眼一瞬间
哪怕是最后画面
我的世界
因为爱过而完美
谁都不该离太远
只要看你一眼一瞬间
足够我熬过千年
我不后悔
爱若让末日提前
我们要一起
好好迎接那句点


Can't imagine but the guy's name is Jam... Jam Hsiao. Haha!

遗落

lyrics:

你沉默低下了头
倔强地抹去了含在眼角的泪光
我傻傻望着窗外来来往往的人
紧握着一只喝空的杯
是真的不懂得心疼
真的不懂爱吗
为什么我始终学不会
要让你心碎不要让你流泪
明天你将离我有多远
对你始终不曾说再见
被遗忘的语言在记忆里搁浅
我在默默地失眠
使我漫不经心的燃烧
你的付出热情和骄傲
你对我有多好我爱我有多少
我被遗落的心只有你知道

时间已停止流动
我的心已落在你我错身的瞬间
我抬头望着天空
你泯灭的心走进我
就将要各自飞
是真的不再有牵挂
真的结束了吗?
你知道我始终放不下
始终不能面对
你不再是我的宝贝
明天你将离我有多远
对你始终不曾说再见
被遗忘的语言在记忆里搁浅
我在默默地失眠
使我漫不经心的燃烧
你的付出热情和骄傲
你对我有多好
我爱我有多少
我被遗落的心只有你知道
明天你会离我有多远
对你始终不曾说再见
被遗忘的语言在记忆里搁浅
我在默默地失眠
使我漫不经心的燃烧
你的付出热情和骄傲
你对我有多好
我爱我有多少
我被遗落的心只有你知道
遗落的心只有你知道


Notice how many times '始终' always appear? Haha! The lyricist must really like the use of this phrase!

onions

aska yang's version



mayday's ashin's version


如果你眼神能够为我
片刻的降临
如果你能听到
心碎的声音
沉默的守护著你
沉默的等奇迹
沉默的让自己
像是空气
大家都吃著聊著笑著
今晚多开心
最角落里的我
笑得多合群
盘底的洋葱像我
永远是调味品
偷偷的看著你
偷偷的隐藏著自己
如果你愿意一层一层一层的剥开我的心
你会发现你会讶异
你是我最压抑
最深处的秘密
如果你愿意一层一层一层的剥开我的心
你会鼻酸你会流泪
只要你能听到我
看到我的全心全意

听你说你和你的他们
暧昧的空气
我和我的绝望
装得很风趣
我就样一颗洋葱
永远是配角戏
多希望能与你有一秒
专属的剧情

fashion pops

Happened to be at Centrepoint today, and they're having 'Fashion Pops'. Think they have another fashion event at Paragon as well because I saw the stage there too.

Below are some pics that I shot with the measly camera phone.



the stage is set



first model appears




doin the catwalk



to the backstage

super mundane

everyday is a routine
day in day out
same old same old

...

...

...


yup, i'm degenerating...


typical day begins at 6.20am
drink kopi, and sleep in bathroom till its time to get dressed
out of the house by 7.30am
walkie walkie to the mrt
then out via Somerset and wait for bus at Midpoint

...

...

...

after half a century has past, the bus will eventually arrive
board an almost empty bus
turn here turn there
while i flip flip 'My Paper'
...
...

oh goodie, it has reached Tiong Bahru Plaza
one million people squeeze into the bus
after 2 stops, alight and cross bridge to Cendex

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

time to knock off, back to home

*repeat process for 5 days in a week



as seen from Midpoint

pinkbell's wedding

Attended Mei Qing's wedding at Orchard Parade Hotel. It's a first for me, that hotel. Went to the receptionist, and I told her jie mei's that I'm Mei Qing's friend. Then they asked for my name. Then they went, "Ohhhh... IRC friends." I nearly pengz. Hahaha, fancy her putting us in that category!

But yalor, known Mei Qing when she was in JC and she was the baby in the IRC group. Youngest amongst us all. Attended her 21st birthday at the chalet, and we felt proud that she's finally growing up. But tonight's the ultimate. I felt as though my daughter is marrying! (abit exaggerated but similar along that line la...) As another IRC friend puts it... we've seen her grown up. In a way, yes.. in some other ways I can't agree.

But all in all, I'm glad I was part of her growing up years.

freshly baked

Went to Orchard NPC today to update the address on NRIC. Hmm.. feels weird going to the police station. Went inside and they have a queue ticket machine. Just like the banks. Then you're supposed to press the correct button for the correct purpose that you're there. One button for making police report, one for change address and 4 more others I can't recall what they were.

So I went there, took my ticket and waited. Think got 2 groups there lodging reports. So I got my NRIC updated and went outside. Outside got Kiliney kopitiam. But got one shop that caught my eyes. "Freshly Baked" by Le Bijoux.

Sounded kinda cool, so I loitered outside trying to see what they have. Heard the person inside asking if I'd like to come in to take a closer look. So I went to the counter. Their specialties included walnut raisin bread and dunno wat cake. Didn't really catch it. So I bought a berry jam doughnut and half a cheese bread. I kinda liked the doughnut because it was really really soft and inside there's raspberry jam. Jam was not too sweet but the doughnut has sugar dusts so overall, still quite sweet! The cheese bread taste quite alright but not as soft as I liked it to be.

where birds dun lay eggs...

Moved to new place for about a week or so already. No aircon, no wardrobe and no washing machine. I'm beginning to feel like a Neanderthal... ok, ok... so I am exaggerating!

The place, ok lor... expensive and ulu. Good thing is every morning I'll get my morning walk because nearest MRT is about 10 minutes away, and then must cross 2 streets and walk up an overhead bridge. Night time, its so quiet that when any sound will sound as though they originate from your own unit. *shudders...*

This week, is a stressful week. Work wise and study wise. Wish me luck and hopefully my washing machine can be delivered tomorrow. Will tell you the story of the washing machine some other time... after it has arrived safely.

out with the old, in with the new

throwing stuffs like nobody's business...
muahahhahaha
actually, i'm very very bad with my $$$...
looking at the things that i'm having and NOT using...
wow... i'm officially a wastrel *boo hoo hoo*

accumulated so many stuffs, from 1995 until now.
still have those NTU hall 1 publication committee t-shirts (of what use leh? no use one lor!)

my brother told the movers we have about 15 boxes... err, he forgot that when i moved in from Serangoon North, I brought 15 boxes of stuffs with me.. so now, his plus mine will equal about like 50? hahah! Probably like 20+

i'm actually quite stressed this week... own module must complete by Monday, think boss have another urgent thing for us to do as well. Then at home must complete packing by... tomorrow? else where got time!? 28th moving already! Arghhhhh! Then new house, need to see what's missing then buy. No washing machine, no ironing board, no fan.. So dun be surprised if you see me the week after, with super crumply smelly clothes

hunt is over!

This is it! The hunt for the apartment, is now.. over. Signed and sealed. Letter of intent, that is. Well, as good as a done deal. Phew...

Our most expensive ever apartment (as compared to gazillion years ago, the most expensive was CCK 5 min to Lot 1 that costs $1.4K in year 2000, but shared by 6 ppl). This one, $1.5K per month excluding utilities (shared by 2). Although it is far far away from Tiong Bahru, I think no choice lor.. have to live with it. Well, whatdaya know.. back to the Northern area once more. From CCK->Yew Tee->Serangoon North->Serangoon North->Yew Tee->Yew Tee->YCK. 9 years, 7 locations.

Now can start packing and arrange for movers to come. Next month, new environment. Wish everyone, a happy Chap Goh Mei!

basic necessity

The hunt for an apartment to stay in, has intensified. Rent is horrible, inflation rate is sky high, stocks took a tumble, budget goodies not applicable and pay still remains the same.

So, we're really in a corner now. Rent for this month has increased to $2K (which is really bo hua because only have 29 days this month and 10 days in this month we were back home in M'sia). Next month, it'll be $2.8K. Haha, obviously owners are enjoying higher returns for their investment now. Imagine 2 ppl paying for $2.8K, that will be $1.4K each excluding utilities! Pengz...

For us mere mortals who had dilly dallied in getting our own property, and have to rely on rented ones... we are feeling the squeeze now. To buy property now, not only it is much more expensive as compared to just a year ago, you have to pay about $26-$30K in cash.

So for now, we really need to look into getting a unit that is going to be available immediately (which is not likely to happen, so have to settle for 1st March earliest), budget between $1.3K-$1.6K, areas between CCK and Tiong Bahru (north west or west areas are fine..) and must have 2 bedrooms (can't expect me to stay in same room as brother bah?! eeek!) And hopefully, no bad things had happened in that flat before... (eeekss!)

So wish us luck! (and if you got any lobang.. do let me know also, thanks!)

hell's kitchen

Yep, another one of those tv reality shows. Caught one episode of it while I was back home in M'sia (did I tell you I love my Astro?) Haha, anyway, quite liked the show. Gordon Ramsay, has quite a notorious reputation (liberally uses the 'F' word it seems), but as my sis puts it.. the contestants most of the times, really deserved to be scolded!

Teams were divided into 2: Red and Blue team. Red team for ladies while Blue team are all men. The episode that I saw had some contestants who are not really chefs. There's one pizza chef called Giacomo (but he got booted out subsequently) and there's this guy who keeps whining and quite drama kind. Forgot what's his name though but he didn't get booted out although his 2 other team members nominated him to be out.

This is how the kitchen setting looks like:


The contestants will compete and diners will walk in to the restaurant and order something. The kitchen is separated from the dining area via a glass screen, which means the 'diners' can see what the contestants are doing.

That episode saw one guy contestant using a spoon to taste the food and customers saw it and commented that they didn't want him to cook their food. Then there was this girl contestant that took so long to prepare the fish wellington that the diners walked out (after waiting for over an hour, I think...)

Gordon Ramsay looking horrified (and probably lashing out at the contestants):



Here's the wiki link to Hell's Kitchen

wii fun

Had the opportunity to play wii for the first time ever today! Yeap, definitely fun fun fun! Think the game was called something rabbids... and they looked smthg like this:


Think the one we played was v1 or smthg... Pretty simple though, just shake shake, swing swing, press press the controller, that's all. Of course, if your eyes & hands are well coordinated, that would be best!

home sweet home

Some pictures taken while I was at home.



yee sang (in a restaurant)


leftover vege + meat (at home)



meal at home



my niece: sophie (s'porean + hungarian)



new year deco (in the house)


flowers outside


flowers outside



my sister's pet


in case anyone haven't been on a train ride.. here's a 1 minute excerpt from a 6 hour ride

happy valentine's

It's good to be back after such a long break. Here's wishing you, a very joyous Valentine's Day!