Christmas cheers

Christmas comes and goes quickly this year...

Did not really celebrate much except for a simple steamboat dinner with my family on 23rd Dec. Not that our family celebrates Christmas, but I think we are just taking the opportunity for a little family dinner. Bought a Swenson durian ice-cream log cake. I must say this log cake is nice. Everyone of us at least had three rounds of this log cake.

Well, so Christmas is over already. Next, will be the New Year holidays. After that, Chinese New Year. Yipeee!! Our second last CNY where we will be receiving Ang Baos.

Darn, I dun feel like giving Ang Baos, yet.

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"Last Christmas", my all time favourite Christmas song. Enjoy!

Cut me up....

When someone is down on his luck, he can be really down.

I had just recovered from my surgery and went back to work. However, I am going for another medical appointment come Tuesday. This time for another problem.

Same hospital, same clinic, that spelt trouble for me.

This time round, they may (most possibly) cut me up again.

Darn, hope it will be nothing serious.

Nevertheless, will push any more further surgery till next year.

Going back to work

After spending more than 2 weeks on hospital leave, it is about time to go back to work. Went for my review today and doctor gave me another 2 days of MC, for today and tomorrow. Therefore, I will going back to office on Friday. The next review is 2 months from now on 6 Feb 2008. What the fish, 6 Feb is CNY's Eve right? Do not think I have the time to go hospital on a CNY's Eve.

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Last night watched a Beyond's interview conducted by a China TV station. This interview was conducted in the year 2005 when Beyond was having their last concert in China. In this interview, Beyond talk about their beginning, their previous jobs, how they lost Ka Kui and life after Ka Kui. A very touching interview in which the host, a Beyond's fan himself, cried. Me too, teared. I guess any Beyond's fans who had watched this interview will drop a few tears. Do not believe me? Watch the interview then. You have been warned.

Floating Head

This video is darn funny. Must on your speakers!

Wedding Preparation

Wedding preparation is really not easy. There seems to be 1001 things to be done. Especially now that we are not signing with any bridal studios, even more plannings are required. We need to make our own wedding gown, evening gown, maybe cheongsum, my suit, got a florist, look for make-up artist etc etc etc....

The above are for the actual day wedding dinner and also photo-shoot. Then there is the ROM to worry about. Then furthermore got other traditions to follow like Guo Da Li (纳 彩 吉 日 吉 时) or known as Betrothal Day. This is a formal meeting between the parents of the perspective bride and groom. The groom's family presents various proposal gifts that represents fertility and prosperity in Chinese Culture, which is also known as "Grand Gift". Thus, the two are considered officially engaged. So what gifts must we prepare? Look below..

Gifts prepared by Groom:

1) Wedding Dinner Invitation Cards
2) Cans of pig trotters
3) Red packet $xxxx (bride to return $?)
4) Wedding cakes
5) 2 bottles of Martell with Yuan coin in it
6) 1 pair of Dragon & Phoenix Double Candles (dragon for bride side) & (phoenix for groom side) with Yuan coin
7) Gold - Si Dian Jin
8) 12 Oranges (Bride to return ? of it)
9) 2 Big basket (for groom to carry gifts)
10) Ang pow for match maker (if any)
11) Longan and Lianzi

Gifts prepared by Bride:

1) Pants for groom
2) 2 bottles of oranges juice in exchange for the Martell
3) Return some cans pig trotters & Oranges
4) Towels wrapped up as presents for groom's grandparents, parents and sibling with Yuan coins in it
5) 2 Bedlamps with Xi (either battery operated or electrically operated)
6) 2 Tea set (for groom's side and bride's side)
7) Xi stickers (include 2 big red ones to paste on main wooden door & 1 gold on masterbed & small ones to paste everything)
8) Descendants Ruler (supposedly to measure ur life together)
9) Ribbons (3 different sizes, big one to tie pillows)
10) Fans (1 pair)
11) 1 sewing box - 12 color threads, measurement tape, scissors. NO NEEDLES INSIDE!! BUY UR OWN NEEDLES AFTER THE WEDDING (12 colors to represent colorful life "tuo zi tuo cai", black/white thread to represent "bai tuo tao lao")(scissors dun use for cutting so soon)
12) Yan Ji (include 10 big & 10 small)
13) Variety of gold jewellery in a box for bride (has to show to the in laws, then bride keep after actual day)
14) Longans, red dates,lotus seeds, rock sugar, yuan bing for groom
15) Red packet, pigleg & cake for matchmaker (if any)
16) Red packet (for bride)

The above serves as a guide but can be really scary to think that we must prepare all these. Lucky my future-in-laws not very particular. And yah, while doing research discovered something interesting. During Guo Da Li, roasted pig is given by the groom to the brides family to signify that the bride is still a virgin. Haha.. no wonder very few people are giving roasted pig now!

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I must said that, luckily, our planning starts really early, we (or rather I) are super kiasu. Can take time to surf the net for information. Actually, it is fun too. Wonder where those brides got their information from during the pre-internet era.

Scary and shivering

Well, time passed really fast, it had been one week since my surgery. Well, not fully recovered, but should be doing fine. However, these two days seems bad, more blood then before. Hope there is no infection.

Anyway, had undergone general anesthesia for this surgery. The experience is scary. During my school days, I had pushed numerous patients into the operating theater, but it was my first been pushed into one. I must say it is quite scary as I will not know what will be happening to me next. Furthermore, the room is darn cold that I cannot stop shivering.

Nevertheless, while laying in the operating theater, I was wondering how are they going to anesthetized me? I was guessing it must be from the drip on my arm, maybe by some lethal injection? Ha.. but I was wrong. It was by some gas administered via a face mask. I must say this is really potent, because after the 2nd breath, I was feeling high liao. By the 4th or 5th breath, I was totally in dreamland. Medical is darn good now. Bby the time I woke up, the operation is over, no pain what-so-ever. But well, the pain comes after the anesthesia goes off.

The waking up feeling sucks big time. It is just like after I had drowned 20 cans of Tiger beer. Feeling high and nausea. The anesthetic had told me that after the operation, 10% of the patient will have vomitting. I guess I am those unlucky 10%. Puke after operation and even inside the cab. Lucky I was smart enough to have a vomit bag with me......

Well, I was lucky to have someone taking care of me. All from the way from the hospital to back home. She was really at my bark and call. Serving me water, buying me donuts.... Thanks dear....

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Basically, I am still recovering. Going back for review on the 12th. Hopefully all should be fine. Wanna get back to work soon. Sometimes can really get boring doing nothing but eat and sleep at home..... and of course shit.

Lost Auction

Beyond Autographed "白板" CD. Not for sale. Only distributed to DJs.

Some of you may know that I am a collector of Beyond's CDs and LPs. To collect some of these CDs, the rarer ones, I will go online and bid for them. From Hong Kong, Taiwan and even Japan yahoo. However, in recent months, I had stopped placing any bids, in an attempt to save up money. However, on-off, I will still go online to check some of these auctions.

However, a week ago, a CD appears in Taiwan yahoo, something that I really like. The autographed CD of the 4-some. Something which is still lacking in my collection and wanted it as my Christmas gift. :) But too bad did not win the bid. The most I am willing to pay is S$300. However, I bid till NTD7900 which is about S$360. I might just win the bid at NTD8001. But decided to give it up after consideration. S$360 for a CD may seems crazy for some. But I have a friend who paid S$500 for a Beyond CD. Haha... CD collectors are so rich.

Anyway, I am glad that I did not win this CD. S$360 should be able to make me a nice and simple suit... :p

Must think of the big picture......

KPO Readers....

For anyone who is still interested in the poor gal's blog I mentioned in the previous post can read "her" entries here.

It now seems that the gal had sink into further depression since the day her blog generated publicity, in forums.

Sad Blog...

These past days, weeks, months, I had been surfing Singaporebride forum almost everyday without fail. Sometimes, I will read wonderful stories about other person's love stories, other times there will be failed marriages and many broken hearts.

There will be all sort of stories in the forum. There was a gal who wished that her hubby-to-be mother will die early. Some face problems with their hubby siblings while even many many other who face problems with their in-laws. Some back out from their marriages just two weeks before their weddings. There is even a gal who is thinking of cancelling her marriage because she just discovered that her hubby-to-be has Micropenis!! What the *#%#.... Anyway, the morale of this story here is, please test drive early before you agree to a marriage.

So what makes me blog what I am blogging now? No. I am not having cold feets about mine own wedding preparation. Decided to write down my thoughts after I read this blog, link from Sgbrides. This gal, pregnant and happily married till hubby go for overseas for THREE (3) bloody short weeks for work training. Came back with a change of heart and left her wife, and his own flesh and blood. And the new gal this guy is in love with, got a hubby of her own. Machim Hong Kong TVB drama hoh? But really felt sad for her... Read her entries here....

Oosh la la.....

Went to Oosh at Dempsey Rd with a group of friends for dinner and some drinks. Well, the place is nice with a small man-made waterfall beside our dinning area. The food is not fantastic but still can do. But I must say the price is about expensive. Me and my dear ordered a pizza and a pasta which cost us $49. Normally, for this price at a normal restaurant in town, we should be able to get two drinks with desert as well. But no complains here as the ambiance is good, can have dinner under the night sky. Should be a good place for couples or friends to just enjoy themselves there.

Anyway, while having dinner, saw this girl with thick make-up. She is quite pretty but the make-up really puts ones off. She looks familiar and one of our friends said that she is Dawn Yang (or click here). Just then, I just remembered seeing her in the Maxim magazine earlier in the day (yah, I was reading magazine during my office hours, haha). She also model for FHM and a blogger. Some said that every part of her body had undergone the knife. Wonder if its true......

After dinner adjourned to the 'live' band area. Nice place with a gal singing jazzy songs. She is pretty good at it too. Over here opened a bottle of $180 wine! Darn it, each glass comes out to $30. So we spent quite abit for this dinner and drinks.

This type of semi high-class wine-and-dine doesn't seems suitable for me, at least for now, when I am trying to save up. At the end of the day, I will tell myself that it is always good to pamper ourselves a little. I dun mind spending this sort of money again, with the company that we had......

Can hear my wedding bells?

I know.

My wedding is about 1.5 years later. Still long way to go.

However, preparation had already started.

Started to read sgbrides everyday.

Listening to recommendation to songs that can be used on my day.

So, after listening to few songs, I can imagine myself doing the march-in.

Hmmm.... not only my dear fantasize alot, I also do fantasize now.

Maybe we can push our wedding to next March instead? :p

First Contract Signed

Today, we signed our very first contract, in preparation for our BIG day.

We decided to sign this contract first because we really like their work. So, signed now because they will be up-ing their fees soon. This contract we signed is from the "one eye click". This is a professional photography studio set up by a young couple. They are darn friendly and not pushy unlike most bridal studios we visited. Most of all, we really like their work even though we knew that we will spend much more using their services.

Anyway, we took both their bridal package (both indoor and outdoor shots) and photography on the actual day wedding. Total after discount is at a price of $3000++*. Had already put down a deposit of $1600. I had offered to pay more first so as to reduce my burden later on. To add, this price does not include all those wedding gowns, suit, flowers and make-up as this studio only offers photography. So we need to source around for all those wedding gowns. I estimated that will cost at least $2500 to $3500/-.

Money money money..... hope my money will be well-spent.

* Do not want to state the exact price here...

Back to Work

Today marks the end of my 12-day course, so tomorrow going back to work already. I must say that this course is truly insightful, a grade A course all must attend. Not only we got the chance to interact with other agencies but also find out what their job is all over. It is always nice to know our counterparts from other agencies. There were even plans to bring the course participants for overseas trip next year. Too bad, I will not have the chance anymore...

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This past week had been pretty hectic for me. Had been going to wedding shows and bridal studios. Now we had confirmed our dinner venue and also the photography studio that we will be going to. We had also short-listed 2 bridal studios for their wedding package. Things had been going along smoothly....

Wedding Show

Attended the Wedding Show today at Marina Square. There was also a bridal fashion show. Some of the female bridal gown are nice. Also observed that male black suit is a bit boring. Prefered the grey suit and white suit on show. If got a chance to tailor-made my suit, I may go for my favourite colour, pink. Should be pretty unique. But is it that there is a saying that man wears pink on their second marriage? I also don't know.

Anyway, some of sales person of the bridal shops there is really like a pest. They will come after you and irritate you to let them present their packages. They will stick to you like leeches and not let go of you even when you totally ignore them. Some really turns me off. Why can't they just let the couples quietly take a look at their portfolios and if their photos are really good, the couple will surely wanna find out more. No need to keep on pestering the couples.

To keep the story short, we saw something we like. This shop, "oneeyeclick" offers professional photographers who specialises in taking photos. Their styles are really unique and personalised. Each couple's album are customised according to them. The photos taken are very lively, colourful and very nice. In short, we (I like it more, hee) love their style.

However, the problem is that this shop does not have wedding gown and suits in their package as they are photography shop. So, if we signed our bridal shots with them, we need to source for our own wedding gown, and pay more... Sigh.... hope can work something up.

阿雅回来了!

She is back! 阿雅 of 我猜我猜我猜猜猜！Enjoy!

Happy Children's Day!!

And before I forget,

Happy Children's Day to all the kids out there!!

A day delicated to all children of Singapore.

Anyway, different countries, celebrates Children's Day on different dates.

Out of office

I will be away from work for the next 12 days. Nice time to get away from work. Sometimes, it is good to go for courses. You not only learn new knowledge but also make new friends, which is important.

Today, when I turned out for my course, someone called my name. I was greatly surprised when I saw a familiar face. He is Kenneth, brother of my very good friend, Sandra, who is currently staying in Aussie. Really nice to see familiar faces on my first day, even though, I already knew those people from my office.

Anyway, had a fairly good start to the course. My course mates seems sporting as well. So, looking forward to the rest of the course.

In addition, going to start my jog again. Had stopped for about 2 weeks after I last ran for my IPPT. My left knee is painful. Actually, before my IPPT, I already knew my left knee is slightly injured. But, I had put on a knee-cap and ran thru' the 2.4Km. As a result, my knee was sore for a few days. Now, more or less ok, will start the jog again. Will probably get the widely recognised drug which is good for the knees, glucosamine (is this how the drug is spelt?).

Back to normal

Finally, after 4 days taking public transport, I got my car back. As predicted, after sending car to workshop, the interior sure dirty and dusty. So, had to clean up on Sat, I hope. Anyway, the workmanship is not too bad, is quite satisfy with the repair job. Seriously speaking, not much repair was been done as all parts damaged are changed to new ones. Furthermore, all the small dents had been mended. My car looks new now! Even sent for polish, wow haha..

I am just glad that I need not take the MRT tomorrow. The morning rush hour is really terrible. I rather stuck in a jam where I can be all alone to enjoy my radio programme. No need to face kiasu aunties who would kill for a place to sit...

Anyway, during these few days. We only took cab twice. One cab trip was pretty funny. This driver was commenting how lousy and poor driver ladies are. I TOTALLY agree with that majority of ladies aren't good driver. So, this cab driver was saying, female drivers would always do a sudden stop while on the road. This do happens but I am laughing inside my heart lor. Why? Because the cab driver is the pot calling the kettle black. Drivers will know what I mean. Cab drivers are the most dangerous on the road. Yap, even more dangerous than female drivers... :p

Dilemma.. dilemma... dilemma...

So, some of you should know that we (me and Yeok) had been looking around for a place to host our wedding dinner. Our two shortlisted hotels are Furama Riverfront (Old Apollo) and Orchard Parade Hotel. On Sat, we visited both hotels again, to view the actual setup of the wedding. Here how it goes.

Furama Riverfront

Nice nice nice.... it has it own reception area, a swimming pool by its side and a forest on the other side. The wedding theme is super nice, with nice PINK table-top. The wedding favour is very special and cute (I will not disclose the wedding favours here as we might chose this place). Both of us like this place. However, the minus point is that this ballroom got 3 pillars. Therefore, about 6-8 tables view of the stage will be block. However, there are two big projector screens to compensate the blocking. Food wise, we are allow to have more choices here. Able to pick and choose from a fairly wide list.

Orchard Parade Hotel

Not too bad, but not as nice as Furama. A topical ballroom with 2 thin pillars. So, little blockage if any. Wedding favours, not much choice. It is either the boring chocolate or a more unique postage stamps with the couple's wedding picture. The resturant is under Tung Lok, so food should be not bad. However, the food menu is more at least fixed. Depending on which price you pay, you will have to follow their menu.

Overall

We know that Furama offers a better deal. Nice and special place. However, the pillars put us off. Sought the advice of my big brother and big sister in office, I may just go for Furama. Got to make a decision by tonight. Orchard Parade Hotel wanted an answer by tommorow. They said that someone else has asked about the same date as us and willing to put down a deposit.

So, who is willing to sit at the tables behind the pillars?? :p

Phenomenon came true

Today, before I started driving, I offered flowers to my Buddha which is placed inside my car. When I was doing that, I had a bad phenomenon. I had a feeling that I would get into an accident....

This is the second time I had such a feeling. The last time I had this feeling was a few months back. During that time, I was closed to an accident. A motorcycle skipped just beside my car. Did not hit my car, such, avoided the accident.

For today, it was different...

I was about 200 metres away from office, when I was kissed on my rear by a lorry. Really kanna accident liao. It was just infront of the coffeeshop below our office. The damage is not too bad but still cost over $1.5K for repairs. The lorry decided to settle in private with me. Hope can get the full amount by tml.

Feeling darn suay and sian. Because I need my car, for work and for the weekend. Had some programmes planned. Anyway, it is always good to take the public transport once in a while....

My car should be ready by Monday. So, still need to take MRT to work on Monday. Sian Sian Sian... I hate the morning hour rush......

Great sense of achievement.

Today, I took my IPPT, for the second time for FY2007. Managed to get a "Silver" Award. To me this is a truly great achievement. Why would I consider this an achievement? The very reason is that for the pass few years, at least 5 years. I had always struggle to even pass my IPPT. For the last 4 years, I would only passed my IPPT on my 4th or 5th attempts. I couldn't blamed anyone else because I would never trained for my IPPT. Nevertheless, I made it a point to pass my IPPT every year. I took it as one of my responsibilities to do so.

This year, I told myself that I would train hard for my IPPT. So since Feb this year, I had started to jog regularly. Make it a point to ran at least 2-3 times a week. I have already come to the point that I will feel uneasy if I do not jog at least 2 times a week. So, a fairly healthy lifestyle I am leading now.

Back to the IPPT. Had actually attempted a test in July. My timing then was 13.26 mins, something like that. Was fairly disappointed as I had took pains in training for it. Anyway, told myself that maybe my training is not enough. So, had put in more training. The extra training did bear fruits. Today, my timing was a cool 11.56 mins. I even punched my hand into the air as I crossed the finishing line telling myself that "I had did it!"

My target was to achieve 12 mins. So anything less than 12 mins is good timing.

After this IPPT, I will still carry on my jogging. May try to train for the half marathon next Dec.

After personal target, for the year 2008 :)

Spiderman...

After more than 10 years of not touching the wall, finally managed to do so today. The last time I did rock climbing was in my poly days. Yap, poly days again. So, was pretty excited when my friend jio me for rock climbing at West Coast. Decided to take the beginners' course as I do not know how to belay. Anyway, it is good to learn the foundation all over again. Well, for the record, a belayer is the one at the bottom of the wall holding the rope to prevent the climber from falling.

Had a good time climbing up some walls. Rock climbing is both challenging and strenuous physically. A pretty good sport to take up IMO. Anyway, made two new friends today. They are friends of my friend. Both gals and still believed to be singles. Any takers?

Was really tired after the climb and came home early to watch Arsenal derby match against all time rivals Tottenham Hotspurs. A good match, Arsenal came from behind to win 3-1 to go top of the table. Hope their form continues....

Francesc Fabregas, scorer of 1 of the 3 goals. He got 5 goals already this season, all from midfield.

Sense of nostalgic, again

My sense of nostalgic kicks in again, today. Watch few games of 3-on-3 basketball games at office. I could almost felt myself playing on the court, back to my good old days.

The basketball court used to be my playground, eat, shit and sleep there. Let me think, that was at least about 10 years ago, during my poly days. During those happy moments, I have at least 3 basketballs, 2 hidden in lockers inside campus and the other at home. Well, the basketballs need to be hidden in lockers because we do not have any "official" lockers. We take which ever locker is empty and keep our ball inside. Haha..

Well, during that time, we will play basketball games every Fridays. Unspoken rules that the court belongs to us on that day. Almost everyday, we will play between classes. And being in a female dominated course, most of my playmates are, of course, females. Mind you, my female friends can play really well! Dribbling, chest-pass, overhead pass, ale-hoop and even dunk the ball! Well, the last one, I made it out.

Anyway, had some really good times taking part in games during my poly years. Can say that I was pretty much a sportsman then. Any ball games, I will be there. Street soccer lah, 3-on-3 basketball lah, 5-on-5 basketball lah, captain's ball lah and even Mixed netball! If you wanna play netball, please do not play in centre position. It is the most tiring position to play in. So was a pretty much recognise figure in campus.. hahaha... Always stands out among the gals because I will always be the only thorn among the roses.

Those were the days..... :)

I am 19!!

Had a simply birthday lunch yesterday at NYNY in Citylink. Had always like their food. However, was rather disappointed with their service yesterday. Was rather pathetic, given my high expectation of good service. Still, the food is good and enjoy our lunch-dinner there. Well, we did wasted some food, the mushroom soup. We ordered th BIG bowl and it was really darn big bowl. In the end, we only managed to take 1/4 of it. The soup was supposedly nice. However, it was so darn big bowl that we felt so disgusted by it. We swear to keep away from any mushroom soup till at least I turn 30!!!?!

After food at NYNY, went shopping for my MP3 player, my birthday present. Ended up at Creative in Marina Sq and wanted a simple player to accompany me during my jogging session. Decided to get the 2GB Zen V2 at $149. Sad to say the store at Marina Sq only had one color left, PINK! Yah, I always seems to have pink color in my life. The pink MP3 player does look girly and yah, gay. Actually, I dun mind the color as I am going to get a armband to hold the player during my jog. I would had gotten it if not for the armband which cost $45. So no pink MP3 player for me, just yet.

Anyway, got the color I wanted, black with green button at a cheaper price of $139 at Gain City near Creative. So, thanks dear for my present!!!

Count down begins...

The big count down had began, living the last few days of my 20s.

In a few days time, I will hit the big 30. No longer can tell people that I am in my 20s already. That is so sad. I know that once guys hit 30, 40 will come at a fast and furious rate. And before you know it, you are already in your 50s. Times really flies like nobody business.

But, however, got to add that, getting old is not a big deal. Like wine, getting older could mean getting better. At least, experience and maturity does come with age.

Ok, I am done with my self-console.

I wanna be forever 18.

I wanna be forever young.

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Forever Young

Let's dance in style, lets dance for a while
Heaven can wait we're only watching the skies
Hoping for the best but expecting the worst
Are you going to drop the bomb or not?
Let us die young or let us live forever
We don't have the power but we never say never
Sitting in a sandpit, life is a short trip
The music's for the sad men
Can you imagine when this race is won
Turn our golden faces into the sun
Praising our leaders we're getting in tune
The music's played by the mad men
Forever young, I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever, forever and ever
Forever young, I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever?
Forever young

Some are like water, some are like the heat
Some are a melody and some are the beat
Sooner or later they all will be gone
Why don't they stay young
It's so hard to get old without a cause
I don't want to perish like a fading horse
Youth's like diamonds in the sun
And diamonds are forever
So many adventures couldn't happen today
So many songs we forgot to play
So many dreams swinging out of the blue
We'll let them come true
We'll let them come true
Forever young, I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever, forever and ever
Forever young, I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever, forever and ever
Forever young, I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever?

Its my life......

These two days could be considered well-spent. Had company's Dinner on 31 Aug and went to visit 3 hotel venues on 1 Sep. Must say that I am pretty satisfied at what I had seen today.

31 Aug

My company's D & D. Decided not to wear the normal boring office wear and opted for something different. I must say pretty gay-look huh. At least got comments saying I look gay.. Ha.. Anyway, we were sitted at one corner of the ball-room. Did not expect the emcee to come all the way to our table and picked me to go on stage. Was really darn malu. Lucky, the emcee had picked three other persons that I knew too. Well, decided to turn my embarrassment into fun instead. So, had a pretty wild time "playing" the PINK guitar on stage. We played to the tunes of Bon Jovi, Its my life. Overall, the dinner is fun, although I prefer the one last year.

1 Sep

Today, went to three hotels. Pretty like the one at Orchard Parade Hotel. M Hotel looks good too. So now, we had pretty cut down our choices to Orchard Parade, Furama Riverfront and maybe M Hotel. Will do some viewings of each hotels' wedding setup before making our final decision.

Also watched "Ratatouille". Nice show about a rat becoming a chief in Paris. Recommended to those who like animation like Finding Emo, Monster Inc etc.

Happy Teachers' Day!!

Let me keep it short here.

For those who had left school for a long time, Teachers' Day falls on 1st Sep.

So Happy Teachers' Day to all teachers!!!

Happy Teachers' Day, my dear.

Time to show your appreciation to your teachers.

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Hmmmm... "it's my life, its now or never... you aren't gonna live forever......" Hmmm.. hmmm... hmmm....

The Bear

Waterbear is really sensitive to one's feelings. This morning, just after talking 5 mins with him, he can sense that I am down. Initially told him that I am alright as I do not really like to bring problems outside work to office. But guess that I can't hide my feelings from him. And yah, I DID had some problems. As you can see, DID is in past tense... so now I have no more problems.. Well, thanks Waterbear..

Anyway, today finally got my Royce chocolate. Had wanted to get a box on Tuesday lunch time. But did not reach our location at Suntec City. The rain kept us at Shaw Tower and we did not have any brolly with us. Today, I drove to Suntec City again. Darn it, Suntec car park is closed?!? Yah, I know that today is the start of Comex, but did not expect so many people on the first day. Gave up finding a lot at Marina area and once again returned empty handed.

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Sometimes, when you cannot achieve a goal by yourself, you need friends to help you. As Waterbear think I must be pretty desperate to get those chocolates, he volunteered to help me get it. He is doing some work around the area and he said it is easier to get a lot. And darn, thanks to him, I got the chocolates. Felt bad when I saw him coming back to office with a tired face. Anyway, big thanks to you. This entry is for you...

Anyway, for the record, the chocolates are meant as a Teacher's Day gift, for my dear.

ZZzzzZZzzzzz....

These few days, do not know why also, I have been really sleepy at work. I had skip my coffee on Monday. So I blamed my sleepiness on the lack of coffee. Yesterday, had a coffee right in the morning and even had a super duper early 2nd coffee break at 1030 am. Still, I can't last through the whole day. Darn sleepy at 3pm. Today is the same thing, by 4pm, I am half alive. Really bad these few days. I think must blame the weather. Today, rain rain rain the whole morning.... Then, after my lunch the sun is super BIG loh. What kinda of weird weather is that.

Now, I am getting sleepy. Think will turn in early tonight. But then hor, Arsenal is playing tonight at 3am. 2nd leg of t he Cha mp io n s L e a .......zzzZZZZzzzzZzzzzzz......

Call from the other side

Today while busy answering some enquiries at 1805 hours, my phone rings. It was a gal's voice, she is Irene. Well, WTF is this Irene? Ok, she said she is from the recruitment side and asking about my application for GPO. She said I missed out on my diploma transcript. She asked to fax her a copy tmr. To be honest, I was kinda of shock. Firstly, I always thought that our (I mean mine) application would just be sort of be collected and maybe burnt for the seventh month. And secondly, why would recruitment side worked OT for my stupid application?? ha..

Anyway, my chances remained low...

Finally, managed to meet my dear after more than a week. A happy reunion, at least. :) We missed each others so much...

Dun be mistaken, we are just too busy to meet up during the last week....

Fruity Friday

Had a rather fruity yesterday. Work was great. Completed my task before dateline and needless to say lunch was great too. Had BUFFET lunch again. Since I changed office, the amount of buffet lunches I had increased tremendously... haha.. However, I had not put on any weight, as yet. It must be due to the weekly runs and gym sessions I had each week.

So yesterday been Friday, was on relax mood after lunch when new assignment came in. I must say that we did a fairly good job, an eye-opener for both of us. In my line of work, I am always learning something new everyday. I really love what I am doing now. It is always good to love your job, isn't it?

After completing our tasks, the durians store lining along the street really makes me tempted to grab some. My parents love durians too. So in the end, bought 3. Wanted grade D101 but the season already over. So settled for the common D24 for the price of $20. Also grab 1kg of "lan sak", darn sweet. Waterbear also bought a pack of durians. Are we expecting some durian puffs next?

Enjoy your weekends, folks.

《旅行的意义》

歌手名稱： 陳綺貞
歌曲名稱： 旅行的意義

你看過了許多美景
你看過了許多美女
你迷失在地圖上每一道短暫的光陰

你品嚐了夜的巴黎
你踏過下雪的北京
你熟悉書本裡每一句你最愛的真理

卻說不出你愛我的原因
卻說不出你欣賞我哪一種表情
卻說不出在什麼場合我曾讓你動心
說不出離開的原因

你累計了許多飛行
你用心挑選紀念品
你蒐集了地圖上每一次的風和日麗

你擁抱熱情的島嶼
你埋葬記憶的土耳其
你流連電影裡美麗的不真實的場景

卻說不出你愛我的原因
卻說不出你欣賞我哪一種表情
卻說不出在什麼場合我曾讓你分心
說不出旅行的意義

你勉強說出你愛我的原因
卻說不出你欣賞我哪一種表情
卻說不出在什麼場合我曾讓你分心
說不出離開的原因

勉強說出你為我寄出的每一封信
都是你離開的原因
你離開我
就是旅行的意義

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The current song that is playing is 《旅行的意义》 by 陈绮贞 or Cheer Chen. She is a talented Taiwanese songwriter / singer. I super like her crystal clear voice and her lyrics are always meaningful. She is super popular in Taiwan but she seems to be an unknown in Singapore. Probably because she seldom do 宣传 here.

She will be coming for a concert next month, I think. If she had came two years ago, most probably I would had bought the most expensive tickets to her concert. But I guess she comes at a wrong time. This is the time when I am saving my money. So, sorry Cheer, can't support you at your concert. It is your lost, not mine. Wow haha..

Her latest "Live" CD 《花的姿態》is good too. Anyone looking for a nice album can consider this CD. Available at all major music stores, while stocks last!

Rot away

Today is a Sunday.

Sunday should be a family day.

But look at the weather, rain whole day.

Nice weather to sleep the entire day.

So let me rot, the whole Sunday.

First Viewing

Today went for our first viewing of venues to host our wedding dinner. Went to Furama Riverfront, a hotel in Havelock Road.

Saw one of the rooms, Mercury Room at level five. This is a new ballroom which can cater to about 30-33 tables. The bad points of this room is that it got low celling and there are 3 pillars inside the room. But they got projector screens to show 'live' the events that will take place on the stage. The plus point of this room is that it is beside a swimming pool. Can host the cocktail reception by the pool side. Seems to be not bad.

Furthermore, also viewed the bigger ballroom, Venus. I quite like this room as it had high ceilings, no pillars blockage and the space is so much bigger. However, the minus points are that we must booked a min of 28 tables and the price is higher for this room. Well, do not want to take the risk to book 28 tables although we may even need more than that.

Overall, is pretty satified with this place. The hotel also have some pretty nice and cute wedding favours. Still in the consideration list.

Ratings: 7.5/10 for Venus
7/10 for Mercury

In the upcoming weekends, we will be viewings more venues...

Donations to Charity

Come to think of it, Singaporeans are really a caring group of people. Every week, without fail, you will see queues of people lining up to make donations. On every Wed, Sat and Sun, the queues gets longer. In some hot donations spots like the 7-11 store in Yishun, the queue gets really long comes Mondays and Thursdays. Well, Singaporeans are a really kind lot!

I used to make weekly donations too. However, I believed I am getting more than what I donated. My luck is good? Nah, never had much luck so far in my life. Its just that I stopped at the right time.

At the last World Cup, I got more than what I donated. Yeah, I did won some. Stop after sensing my luck is getting bad, so still win. Well, I am a die hard fans of the underdogs, so my donations normally goes towards them. Higher risk, higher returns. Always my style of donations.

Come the new EPL season, not going to make much donations. But still on-off monitor the screen infront of the donation outlets or online. Hand abit itchy when I saw the odds for yesterday match, Spurs VS Everton. Wanna support the underdog Everton at an odds of $4.00, but did not. Dun think I should make donations since I am saving up for my big day.

The result? Spurs 1 Everton 3

Arsenal playing later tonight, Champions League qualifier. Will not be watching it, need my sleep for a long day at work tmr.... Sweet dreams....

The Wedding Plan

Here are the list of stuffs that we need to do prepare for a wedding next Dec.

1) Look for a fortune teller to have our ROM and wedding dates fixed

2) Source for restaurants or hotels to host our dinner. Got to book early. Got people already complaining that they can't get hotels for next Dec. This is freaking me out.

3) Book dinner venue ASAP.

4) Source for wedding packages.

5) Look for wedding bands.

6) Decide whether to go for honeymoon stright after wedding dinner.

7) Name list of friends and relatives to invite for wedding dinner.

8) Starts saving money!!

I think there should be more to be done. But at the moment can't really think properly. Planning a wedding can be stressful. Anyone willing to become my free wedding planner?

Kanna tagged? What the...

Got this from Miss Watson, kinda of fun, I think. However, rules are meant to be broken, so I will not tag anyone else.

Rules of the game:
Each player of this game starts off with ten weird things or habits or little known facts about yourself. People who get tagged must write in a blog of their own ten weird things or habits or little known facts as well as state this rule clearly. At the end you must choose six people to be tagged and list their names. No tagbacks!

1) An open secret. I love pink color. I got pink T-shirt, pink polo tees, pink short sleeves shirts (i think about 3 I got) and lastly pink color long sleeves shirt. But please, I am no gay.

2) During Chinese New Year, I must wear new red color underwear. My socks must also be new. But, I dun insist on other new clothing.

3) This, my parents told me about this. When I was young, like a few months old, I once hold onto the feelers of a cockroach and swing it about.

4) My set of teeth is the best feature of my body. Also the part I like best. Can become colgate model. But please, cover my face, just show ny teeth.

5) I like the Hong Kong Band Beyond since I was like 13 years old. Went to their concert alone in 1995 when I was still in poly. I still collects their CDs, some of which cost over few hundreds.

6) Sometimes, I called my dear, brother. In return, she calls me sister. One weird couple we are, I must say.

7) My birthmark is on my right ribcage, just below my armpit.

8) I MUST drink orange juice while on a flight. Not other juice, just orange.

9) I was hit by a moving van while I was on duty, in full uniform, on a Christmas Eve 1999. Went for my Christmas dinner in a arm sling.

10) I got a two year old son.

All of the above are facts, except for number 10. Wow hahahaha... I crap alot.

Happy Birthday Singapore!!

Happy 42nd Birthday Singapore!

My office is always very cute, today we got a mini National Day party. Got nice durian puffs, 凉茶 and jelly. All sponsored by my colleagues, I did not buy anything. Haha... abit pai seh. Let's see what I can buy back for them next week. Well, anyway, as always, had fun.

Remember 5 years ago (people are always more nostalgic when they gets old), I was invloved in the NDP as a Guest of Honour. Training was tough, darn tough, but still we sort of enjoyed it. Also great feeling during the marching in when screams of cheers could be heard. And yeah, managed to be caught by the camera. I was on TV! Trained for about 5 months and appeared on TV for maybe about a second! Great! Anyway, during that period, made quite a few friends. Too bad everyone seems to be busy, but at least I am still in contact with one. Hope our friendship will last...

End of the first blog of the day......

Rhain Davis

This is a cool video.

Rhain Davis, if you did not already know him, is a 9 year old kid who had just recently signed for Manchester United. His grandfather sent in this video and Man U signed the kid by just watching this video.

The kid is darn cool, doing all the cross-overs and dummies. Wonder if he will grow up to be a great footballer.

Monday Blues

For the record, I had never ever experienced Monday blues since the day I started office hours some 9 months back. However, today, I experienced one of the most darn Monday. Even thinking that this will be a short week did not help. After thinking about why I got these blues, I realised it is caused by my worries.

Ya, I am really worried about someone, my dear. Why? Because she is sick. Although it is a minor illness, I am still worried sick. I think I am more worried about her than she, about herself. So, can't really concentrate today. Was thinking how is she going to last thru' her whole day of school.

So the first thing when I reached home is to give her a call. She sounds cheerful and she is feeling better. Only then are my blues gone, just like that. No more worries. This must be the power of love. Its magical......

Saturday Night Fever..

Had dinner at Holland Village's NYDC. Was really hungry and had wanted to order some chops, chicken or pork. However, to my horror, NYDC does not serve chops, darn. Instead settled for some Italian noodle. Of course, not filling enough and ordered "That boney cake", my favourite. Darn nice.... makes me droops.

After dinner, went on to meet the others at the next meeting place, Essential Brew, also at Holland V. This place is pretty cool, their speciality is tea. On the second level, you need to take off your shoes and the sitting style is like the Japanese. Ya, sitting on the floor. A good place to relax and chill out with friends. After staying there for like an hour or so, someone suggested to change location. Wanted to go the Dempsey Road.

So ended up at The Wine Company in Dempsey Road. This is the first time that I went to Dempsey Road. This place was formerly used by the army, but had since been converted to be some wine and dine place. Another great place to chill out. You can also look at the stars from here. The wine is not ex too. We ordered a bottle of white at about $40 after service charge and GST. So, a pretty good place to be at. Although, it can be pretty inaccessible to those with no transport.

Anyway, had a good time chatting under the stars.... Hope we can do this more often.....

Stage of dilemma

Arsenal released two new jersey designs for the new season of 2007/08. Here are the two designs. The one above is the new away jersey. Cost about S$94. My friend already got it. Darn him, always the fastest in getting new jerseys... hahaha...

Above is the so called third jersey. Seldom Arsenal released third jersey. Just launched recently, should be in Singapore in another one or two months.

Both looks good to me. Should I get the white color one first or wait for the strips one? Or should I get both? Or rather should I wait for the jerseys to be given as my birthday gifts? Hee.....

Broke back!

Had plan for a jog early this morning at 7 am. However, did not materalise as I am more interested in my sleep. So, will go for a early morning jog tommorrow. Hope I can get up, that is.

Today, I am really broke.

Sent my blacky for 60Km servicing at the agent. I last serviced blacky at the agent at 5km. Did not send in my car to agent because it cost more. But as my blacky is about to turn 3 years old, I decided to go the agent. Why? Because the warranty will expire at year 3. Will make use of the warranty to have some parts of blacky fixed. So, total got 6 complains. Managed to fix most of the problems without a single cent. But still need to go back again because one of the spare part need to be ordered.

The servicing cost me $349 + $80 for my car alarm to be fixed. They said that car alarm is not covered under warranty.

Furthermore, renewed blacky insurance for $1300. Another $475 goes into LTA for the road tax. So in total I spent $2200+.

So I am broke. Really an expensive day to go on leave.

Happy Nurses' Day

1st Aug is Nurses' Day

So, hereby wishing all nurses and nurses wannabe Happy Nurses Day.

Recalling my poly life, there would be many activities during this day. Cannot remember the details but I think we even got stuff like singing contest. Everyone would seems to be in joyous mood too. Sigh... that was already so many years ago. I miss my poly life, my friends, my basketball games, my carefree life, skipping of lectures, falling in and out of love........

I wonders how many of my classmates are still in nursing, wondering.........

My Blog turns GaY

Pink color.

I like pink.

So my blog got to be gay for a few days.

Haha.

Decent Proposal Returns

Ok, just back from work, had lunch with dear (yah, she came all the way to meet me for lunch) and my colleagues. Funny people. Someone (you know who u r) suggested a makan place and in the end, ended up at the wrong building because of someone else (ya, its you!). So, nice lunch with 2 very funny people... wow hahaha...

Anyway, had chicken rice. So now, waiting for my dinner. My dad suggested chicken rice. Mine oh mine, no more chicken for the day please. I had enough. Ha..

So do let me continues my previous post as I waits for my dinner....

....................................................................

When I returns to that HongKee, he was with a female friend. She had her camera in her hands. Think that guy told her what I wanted to do. However, as my gf had MIA, I sadly took back my camera and that Hongkee went off. Just as that guy went off, my gf appears from nowhere!! Ha, so hurriedly I go after that HK guy and he gladly agreed to help me video the process.

I had to choose a good spot to make sure that there is enough lighting. As the area on top of Taipei 101 is pretty dark, I had chosen a place where there is some shelf display with spot-lights. Yah man, I am getting nervous. As that HK guy prepared to video for me, his whole group of friends joined him... We are getting a crowd man....

So, my silly gf was still thinking that I wanted that guy to just take a pic for us. However, to her surprise, I went down on my knees. Out comes the ring and cheers all around. By passers were cheering me on! "Marry him lah", "Say yes lah", so I am not alone afterall. People around me are so supportive.. haha..

Well, of course, we both are very touched, she teared. Me, almost. After, saying, "Will you marry me?", for three times, she nod her head. Please hor, she is not hesitant, more shock to react than hestitant. Ha. So, put on the ring for her (glad it fitted nicely) and gave dear a kiss. More cheers around. Haha.. After which, both of us are pretty pai seh and quickly 'escape' from the crowd..... hee..

Anyone interested to view my proposal video? Nah, wait till my wedding dinner.

Decent Proposal

This is long overdue, but guess I got to drop few lines in my dairy......

It's more than a month since I returned from Taipei. Back is back to normal but preparation had started. What preparation you may ask. Well, it's our BIG day. I must admit it is still early days but it is always never too late to plan for something once in a life time. Okie, back to my decent proposal. Actually, had wanted to proposed to my long-time gf of six years about two years back. However, did not materialise. So I made use of our Taipei holidays to make the proposal. Here how's the proposal goes.....

May 2007 :

The search for the ring starts. With many comments from my dear colleagues. Finally settled for a 0.46 carat ring from Citigems. Simple ring which costs me about a month's pay. But well, money well-spent.

17th June 2007 :

Before our trip to Taipei, I had already made plans. The proposal plan. Wanted to make this moment truely unforgetable, so I decided to propose in the world's tallest building, Taipei 101.

On 17th June 2007, was getting nervious. Scared that last minute my balls dropped and I forgo my plans. It almost happened, almost. Let me fast forward....... Up there in Taipei 101, after going round the observatory for about 30 mins, I activated my plan. I left behind my gf who is engross in her own world. I approached a Hongkee guy. Had already targeted him when we just step foot into the building. Targeted him because he was with his gf, part of my plan. Well, actually I wanted to video the proposal process and wanted this Hongkee to help me. Of course, he is willing to help me. However, to my horror, my gf is missing in action. I can't find her where I had left her!! Darn, I panicked. Fantically searched around for her, but she is no where in sight. After few minutes, almost giving up, I went back to the HongKee who is holding on to my camera and told him that my gf had disappear. Dun need his help anymore. He appeared as disappointed as I am.....

Hmmm... think will continue later on....

Jerk Thai

Had my dinner at Jerk Thai today. Do not really know the correct spelling of the restaurant. Anyway, the name doesn't matters. Because I have decided to ban this restaurant. Why? Not because the food is that bad. Neither is it because of the service. Well, if you do not know me, I value good service. Bad service, and you will never see me in that restaurant again. Ok, back to Jerk Thai. The thing or rather drink is the one that I am disappointed in. I ordered Lemon Grass drink at S$3 a glass. I think, well, the price is still ok before I got my order. However, was totally disappointed that the drink is actually made from syrup. Sucks man. Go Thai restaurant drink my favourite Lemon Grass drink and it is mix from syrup. No standard. I would have expected something more from my S$3. My S$3 is not very big, but would expect something more. So, will not visit Jerk Thai again...... or maybe I will..... Ya, I am that fickle minded.

And ya, wanna eat that new cheese fondue pizza from pizza hut. Anyone knows any pizza hut with reasonable service? I am just asking for reasonable service from pizza hut, because you will never get good service from them.

Back in Action Part II

Mine mine mine.... I had been neglecting my blog for ages. Some 5 months I did not log in , almost forgotten my password.. ha.

Well, today gave someone my blog address. In fact was abit pah seh because did not update my blog for ages.. ha.. so just drop a few lines here..

Hmmm... thinking back, the past few months had been pretty eventful. Life at new work place is great. Many to learn with nice people in the office. Get to know new friends and can suan people without getting the returns. That's the fun part of life.... ha.

Anyway, been to Taipei in June. Nice trip but spend quite a bit. But well, it is worth the money :p
Will post some pics soon, and some interesting things I done over there.. hee...

Ok, hope I will MIA for too long again...

Back in Action

Wow... time flies, I had not been blogging for close to 3 months? Decided just to add a simple entry since the Chinese New Year is approaching. Well, what CNY got to do with my blog? Nothing actually. Maybe just suddenly got the mood to do some typing...

Today, had a CNY lunch at my office. Plenty of food. Got Golden Pillows, Roast Pork, Roast Duck, Flied mee hoon, Agar agar and even wine! The wine is sponsored by my boss.. haha nice of him. Which other boss in my line of work would actually bring wine to the office? Not many, I think.

So, today being the eve of eve of CNY, nobody seems to be in the mood to work. So all of us were waiting for the cue from our boss.. Not billiard cue, but the cue to go back early! All of us were hoping for some unofficial half day off. Well, being the nice boss he is, he instructed us to go back after the lunch. The lunch ended at around 2.30pm. After packing up, I was ready to go when two of my colleagues gave me Ang Paos!! So nice of them........

Anyway, Happy CNY to all!!!