Thursday, July 9, 2009
Do we really have to be this way?
Singaporeans (I shan't say all, but enough from people around me to make me realise we have a problem) seem to like to grumble and complain about everything under the sun....not only to fellow Singaporeans, but to even foreigners when they meet them here or in the foreign land. I really feel upset and ashame whenever this happen around me.
Not that they are in a mutual discussions about things they are not happy about in their respective societies. They are always a one-way 'attack' with us leading the conversation. It can always start with the simplest things like weather, food, and after that it goes on to policies, behaviours and government. I seriously don't hear our counterparts commenting a single bit about their own societies (or if there are, very minor and short ones, and that's it). But we just have to keep on scolding, grumbling, complaining about ours.
Do we really need to do that?
What's really wrong with our weather? It's always hot, it's always cold, the sun makes us ill, the rain makes us ill, it's always unpredictable, the interchange of hot and cold makes us ill.
What's so unbearable with our food? They taste lousy, they don't taste as good as the good old days, there are too much preservatives, the ingredients are lacking.
What's wrong with our society? People like to complain, people are selfish, people are inconsiderate.
What's wrong with our government? They want money for everything, they make our lives hard, they make decisions without consulting people, they bully the oppositions, they give you benefits at election times.
So, what's so good about EVERYTHING in the other places? Aren't there any good things here? Why are we initiating our own Singapore bashing with non-Singaporeans? If it is so unbearable here, why don't then find a place where everything is so good and go there? Leave this damn place and you can bash however you like?
I am not saying things are perfect here. There are things I dislike here too. But to have to bring your grouses to every foreigner friend or relative everytime you meet one.....? Sigh. That's downright disgrace.
How much are we really different from the Chee Soon Juan and Francis Seow (I think), who travel to places like US, UK, etc and attacking Singapore from a foreign land? The only difference is that theirs are broadcasted. Ours travel underground and through the grapevine (informal source) but no doubt, as harmful and shameful! It's really very ugly.
Yes, we may not be living in a perfect society. We may not be happy with lots of things and policies. But I don't think we need to bring these grouses to EVERYONE from EVERYWHERE EVERYTIME! RIGHT?
Or maybe I am missing something all this time.
8.28pm
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Kuala Lumpur Trip (3 - 5 July 2009)
At the Budget Terminal (Singapore Changi Airport) on 3 Jul 09 afternoon:

The only two modes of public transport to the budget terminal - free shuttle from Terminal 2 and taxis. That's all! Budget Terminal is a one storey terminal with one 'set' of toilets at the lobby, one MacDonald outlet, one 'ma-ma' shop and one cafe selling sandwiches and what not. Real budget look. But well, decent.

Coincidentally, there was an event going on. Seemed to be the launch of a new budget airline, called Firefly. It's a Malaysian budget airline that flies to Malacca, Subang, Ipoh and a few other places. Anyway, heard from hubby that it's propeller run plane (er....sounds a little scary though). Check out the website and you will see what I mean.

Was surprised Firefly even gave out momentos in this launching function to everybody. We were so lucky. It's a booklet with assorted sticky notepads and labels. Very nice wor. We even asked for another booklet each at another booth. Hehehehe... What a good start to our holiday.


Early for our flights, so we hang around after checking in - surfing net, eating, taking pics. Glad it wasn't too crowded.

This was our Tiger! Yep, we took this Tiger to KL. It really functions like a feeder bus. It touched down, passengers got down, luggages cleared, then the next lot of luggages were moved and then we moved it, and off it flew off again.

Anxiously waiting for boarding to start off our vacation! Surprising it still wasn't too crowded even as we were very close to boarding time. Why ah? But the flight was full. Mmmm....

The budget stewardess. I was thinking - how lucky of them. The attire is so casual and comfortable compared to their SQ counterparts.

Off we go...on our feet to the plane via the stairs.

This wasn't our plane lah. While climbing up the stairs I saw this nice thing up there so decided to snap it. If not for the slow camera reaction, I would have captured a bigger image.

See you, folks. Am getting into the plane to the land of ......whatever!
Our Hotel:
Ta-da! We have reached the land of .....whatever! And of course, the most exciting is always - checking into the hotel! That's when the mood of holiday really set in - for me, at least. What's a holiday without a hotel?

Hotel Pearl International. This is not in the heart of the city but there are some shopping and eatery places around the hotel. Anyway, we chose this hotel because it is near to our relatives' place. So basically, more for convenience. But then, it's still not a bad choice.

Ta-da! Our room (1638, if you are keen)! We booked a family suite actually meant for hubby, me and mum-in-law. But mum-in-law wasn't feeling well so she did not join in this trip. My bro- and sis-in-law and nephew are in another room (2006, if you are also keen).

Setting is the same as other rooms, just that the room size is bigger in view of the 'larger' capacity. Nice?

Early sunrise. That's a nice view. Would be nicer if THAT building was not there.

This was the view from our room too.
Activities in KL (mainly mouth activities featured here):
I hadn't really snap a lot of other shots, except for food.

Dinner on 3 Jul: Nice coffeeshop food. Nothing beats the variety offered in the local coffeeshops. Nic enjoying and full concentrating on his food.

Guess what's this? Looks like the toasted bread? It's not! It's toasted taupok with the rojak stuff (but the cucumber was actually shredded ones). Couldn't believe the taupok was so crispy! NICE!

Well, the cat was there so naturally, I tried to be friendly with it lor. It was very cute. We fed it, and it kept asking for more. Don't eat too much rubbish, kitty. Bad for health.

Supper on 3 Jul: Ok, we went back to the same coffeeshop we had dinner. Because I couldn't get rid of the craving for the nasi lemak I saw during dinnertime even after we had a round of shopping. So everybody sat down for a supper tea/coffee and my nasi lemak.

The feeling's really good to sit and relax with a cup of tea. Our hotel was just next to this coffeeshop. Wah, shiok combi.

My only comrade in the nasi lemak gobbling. Hey folks, I wasn't HUNGRY nor GREEDY. I just wanted to try the nasi lemak!

Accompanied with a cup of teh. Woo lala...I was in wonderland...

Breakfast on 4 Jul: We were brought to another nice place for breakfast. Again lots of variety. Choose what you want.

Here's our entourage! Cool right? They are the aunt, cousins, nieces, nephews in KL. Some of whom I have met, some have not.

Fishball noodle, prawn noodle and century egg porridge. Yes, one of them is prawn noodles! The one that looks like laksa or mee siam (to Singaporeans) is the prawn noodles.

Yong Tau Foo and Chee Cheong Fun. Well, these are the food we see in Singapore too. But then, different place, different style, different tastes. And I tell you, with a vacation mood, everything seemed to taste very good.


Cheerios everyone!

Lunch on 4 Jul: Here's the lunch group. Guess what we have for lunch?

Still waiting for our food...

Ta-da! Claypot Curry Fishhead! It's very tasty but as usual, I prefer the vege that comes with the fish. I am not a very fish person. Just a curry gravy on my rice with the vege is enough to make me a saint!

Dinner on 4 Jul: Dinner at home (another cousin's place). They cooked their own kampong chicken. Hmmm, nice home cooked food.
(After dinner, the guys stayed home to drink while the ladies, actually only 4 of us, went out to explore a karaoke. Oh my, it's open lounge, meaning you have to sing on stage one! Wait add in my pic once I have it.)
Late Night Celebration







We had a simple birthday celebration in our hotel room for the two men who birthdays fall on 4 Jul. We had earlier bought five mini cakes from a cakeshop and kept them in the fridge.
After the dinner, drinking session, karaoke, it was about 10-ish when we were back to hotel. But well, we sang birthday song anyway. Happy birthday, guys. May you be all happy and healthy for many many many years to come. :)
Hubby and my last day in KL:
We were leaving KL today and were setting off to airport at 10am. My bro- and sis-in-law leaving the next day. All of us came down for breakfast at 9am. Back to the same coffeeshop we had dinner on our first day.

I wasn't sure whether this was laksa or curry chicken noodle. I remembered ordering laksa. But it seemed like the curry chicken mee we have in Singapore. Lots of taupok which I don't really appreciate. So while I enjoyed the noodle, the taupok were settled by others.

Chee Cheong Fun with curry, I think. I didn't ask.

Char Kuay Teow in the morning wor. Funny though.


Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Human Relationships
Is this chemistry? Not fully.
If this person appears in an already set culture, it may sometimes be very difficult to view this person as part of your 'culture'. Whatever, he or she does will be seen as 'intruding' or 'disrupting' the current culture. So everything he or she does or say will be scrutinize or commented on in a negative way. Not his or her fault, anyway.
Not very fair to the person but may I say this: It's the fact of life lor!
I can't elaborate more cos I am in such a situation where I don't like a new setting but at the same time, I feel guilty of being so critical towards this new order of things. I can help it but I don't want to.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Back from Kuala Lumpur
Be patient. Will try to do a little each day till the post is ready. :)
(Friends may go to my Facebook for the pics first though)
Happy Birthday to KH and KP
Their birthdays fall on 4 July. This year, we were all at Kuala Lumpur, so I celebrated hubby's bithday in advance on 1 July with a choc cake and all the candles he needed. Hahaha, count for your self.
Thereafter, we had another simple celebration for the two brothers in our KL hotel room (Pearl International) with 5 mini cakes on the actual day, ie last night at 10pm! Was enjoyable.
(For friends, you may refer to my Facebook for more pics)
Birthday with a difference this year.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Exhaustive Pipe

This week's a dead beat week...how did I manage to survive till today. Frustrations, irritations, anger, rushing, crazy things all happening every single day. When will the madness cease? There was suppose to be an end date but looks like it's ongoing till end of time. So, either this madness ends itself or I end it. Which one looks more promising?
Energy is so low till I am crawling. My legs ached, my back ached, every part of my body seems to start feeling the exhaustion. Eyes are telling me they are tired, brain is telling me it's almost dead, hands and legs ask me to slow down and better still, stop. But I can't!Consol Update
Also, if one wants to implement best practices at one go and fast, well, only one comment - I will die faster lor. Who do? Me! I only work for livelihood, not life! Remember that too!
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Anyway, on another separate note, I have sold a second item on e-bay and the third is on the way, pending closing of sales (buyer hasnt paid!).
Heehee, I hope I can keep selling things there and on my trip to KL, perhaps I can check out nice and cute things I can post on ebay to sell. :)
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OFF TO KL IN ABOUT 12 HOURS!
10.07pm
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday Night Out
9 of us. One long table. One crazy bunch. One enjoyable night.








The bar:


Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Why are parents stress?
Bless the kids!
Anyone has unique things to sell?
Hehehe...I am trying to explore selling and buying on e-bay. Would be great if I can have different items to 'play with'.
So, call me. Irene, wanna sell your wedding gown? :p
9.00pm
Monday, June 22, 2009
Office Essentials
Try to refocus
My resolution and commitment for the next one week:No posts complaining about my Monday to Friday 'day time activities' is allowed for the next one week. Trying to get away from the negative force and refocus on my plans ahead. I can't say I can stop complaining for the rest of my life so I am starting with one week.
So, you won't hear of any grumbles or complains about my day time activities at least for this week.
9.00pm
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Enduring another coming week

9.11pm
Celebrating Fathers' Day
Another 'set' of mum and son posing after food was served. ")
The kiddos sure enjoy the food on their plates.
Some waiting some eating.
Dad and hubby posing while waiting for food. I quite like the environment. Our first time there.
Dad's appetizer was served first. We ordered for him a Father's Day set.
Soup's here! The vege soup was very nice wor!My first sale on e-bay!
Sold a portable, mini keyboard at $7.50. Gonna meet the buyer later to pass the item.
Met buyer, transaction done, transaction closed. That fast!
Hurray!
11.21am
Saturday, June 20, 2009
I am taking my first step. It may be slow but if I keep the momentum and be patient, I will see the change I want. Now is definitely the right time (it's never too late as long as I start).
I want to shape my own world instead of let others have the 'honour' to do it for me. I have initiated the move. What comes next, I leave it to.....myself.
孔子说。。。

Friday, June 19, 2009
Some Murphy's Law
Monday, June 15, 2009
Welcome Home Muah Chee
Welcome and we love you!
MUAK!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Opening of NICK & VIN Autoshine - Car Wash Promotion!





Trying out sunflowering again

This is just less than one week old. All twenty seeds in one pot!
This is exactly one week, short of a couple of hours. I hope most of them will grow into beautiful sunflowers. The stems seem to be quite flimsy at the moment, but hopefully they will strengthen in no time. Thank goodness dad is helping to water them every day unlike to first lot I grew at my own place. They only get to drink, at best, once a week!
Too many crossing over each other. Dad decided to split them first. I hope I can be successful this time and post some nice yellowy flowers the next time!Saturday, June 13, 2009
Life Quotes

Wash Muah Chee's Cage Day
I decided to make up for it today. So this afternoon (in fact, just a moment ago), I moved Muah Chee to another temp box while I 'tear down' his homey and wash all the pieces that make up the cage!
Here they are:
It's nice to have a big and spacious cage for your hammie to live in, BUT cleaning it is no joke. Yes, every week business! These are the pieces of whatever that make up his 2-storey mansion.
And these are the 'utilities' in the mansion, namely his food dish, little room, toilet, and drinking bottle. These are considered the 'innards' (cos they are the house within the house).
In the meantime, Muah Chee has to be moved here. He was desperately trying get out by jumping. Yes, literally jumping! My god, never seen him jump like that. Luckily he couldn't jump high enough to be out of the box (not a good high-jumper).
Finally all set up after about 30 to 45 min, I think. He was happie to be back home again. Now snoozing away in his little hut on level 2.Developing S'pore-M'sia ties must be a long-term commitment: MM Lee
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
I wish for internet connection at...
I wish there is internet connection at all driving ranges as I love the nice view and serenity whenever I go on Sunday mornings. Though I do not particularly like golf, but it would be perfect if I could enjoy the scenary, surf the net and also accompany my family all at the same time! More so, I can immediately post blogs right after I have capture nice pics (perhaps of the eagle flying in the sky or the blue bird chriping on the range).Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Light Up!
9 Jun 2009 (9.48pm)
Monday, June 8, 2009
Time for some inspirations!
Inspirational Words of Encouragement from Norman Vincent Peale:
"Throw back the shoulders, let the heart sing, let the eyes flash, let the mind be lifted up, look upward and say to yourself... Nothing is impossible!"~ Norman Vincent Peale
Henry David Thoreau Words of Encouragement:
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."~ Henry David Thoreau
David Guy Powers Inspirational Motto:
"Each day is a new life. Seize it. Live it."~ David Guy Powers
How long more will I be stucked?
It's not just a matter of stucked in the physical way, but mental block. I wish to become more of a happy go lucky person like a lot of people are, but my mind cannot tune into that channel. 
8 Jun 2009 (8.43pm)
I need the OHMS!!!
OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS
OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS
OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS
OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS
OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS
OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS
OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS
OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS
OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS
OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS
OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS OHMS
Bless me today and every day.
8 Jun 2009 (5.26pm)
Saturday, June 6, 2009
小姑的肉粽子
这几些年都吃了外面的粽子可是都不觉得好吃。今年小姑又再度从出江湖而我们又有口福了!!好开心哟。我还有老爸都觉得味道还是一样好。当然,另外一位男士是第一次吃小姑的肉粽。他也觉得好好吃。只是看见那白色的糯米是有些惊讶(因为他是吃惯‘黑色’糯米的)。
总之。。。我又有小姑肉粽吃啦!!!!




I have been smiling since last night, waiting for this morning to eat the bakchang this morning.Friday, June 5, 2009
Xiaohei look alike
She had gone missing for 5.5 months and I am still missing her crazy. Is this her???

Dinner with pal
Nice meet up, nice chat, nice food.
Instead of the usual white rice, we shared this fried mee suah. Not too bad but thought I still prefer rice (either white or chicken) with traditional chicken.


All for the fun and company. Thanks to our cousins and all in KL who had taken care of us very well and who had made our trip very enjoyable. See ya again.




Chivas













































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