What a World!

Happy Blogger has got its iphone app!

2011-10-20T14:50:00.001+08:00

Yippie, with this app, i hope i can post more. Havent been logging on to my laptop for a while!

Happy Birthday, Hubby! (4 Jul 11)

2011-07-06T20:43:00.002+08:00

This post is 2 days late but still....I have to post the ice cream. Kekekeke...As usual, our free ice cream from Swensen.

Happy birthday, hubby. May you have a happy year ahead! :)

Wow, it's been six months

2011-06-28T17:09:00.002+08:00

How could I have neglected my blog for so long? Ought to smack myself.

Let me try to get back soon!

Abused dog put to sleep

2011-03-06T10:04:00.003+08:00

Wander was finally put to sleep after she was diagnosed with having cancer as a direct cause from her injuries. I don't know if putting her to sleep is a right decision. Looking at her injuries and vet's diagnosis, it seems so. However, looking at the picture, she still seems so much on the move.

If a human has such a condition, will he/she be given euthanasia? No. Because it's illegal in Singapore. For animals? Yes, because there are no rights for them. That's is why our society can so put so many strays to sleep because they are ill, because there is no place to house them, because, because, because.

There are a big place in our environment but they are frowned upon because our human kind says they are dirty, they are unhygenic, they may bite, this and that. So, our open environment is out (esp for stray dogs). Then where else to house them???

I am not judging. Perhaps putting to sleep is necessary for those whose conditions are really deteriorating. But I still don't know. If we know how the dogs and cats think, it may help lots.

For now, rest in peace, Wander. It's really sad to hear of your plight. And many more we have or have not heard. Wish you happiness in your other world.

I sincerely hope your abuser (and any other abusers) gets his/her justice.

Peaceful

2011-03-03T22:00:00.002+08:00

Life's been quite peaceful for the past two months (except for the hated job). That's so long I have been away from What a World. Sigh...

Was gone for a day of Kukup trip last Saturday with my colleagues, paid for by the company using our yearly staff welfare fund. In the end, only 10 of us could make it, but just as well, a small group was quite fun though.

Had bought back some ikan bilis from the kelong. Plan to try boil soup using them.

Have announced to the two guys at home that I shall be the cook this Saturday BUT no recipe. Just impromptu! Best of luck to the two guys, hehehehe..

Must remember to take pics to post them here.

Also wanna bring my oven from my place to dad's place so that I can start polishing my baking/roasting skill again.

Yes! These are my motivation now. Maybe can start some home business with my baking. Nyak nyak nyak.

Happy birthday, my father!

2011-01-03T08:08:00.005+08:00

Wishing my father a Happy 72nd birthday. Have a wonderful year ahead, with great joy, great health.

Happy Birthday, Dad.

Must take 4D for me today!! Heehee....Wer are going to Swensens for the free birthday ice cream again today. Have been doing this for the last couple of years. Heeheehee....

生日快乐，老爸！

Happy Birthday to me!

2011-01-02T16:49:00.002+08:00

Sigh...it's the special day of the year again. One year older...yet again.

Started the day with a light breakfast, then went to my house to do cleaning up for 2 hours. Trust me. Have not cleaned up that house for months and it's charcoal dark on the floor. Thought it's time to have a wash before starting to clean for CNY.

After cleaning, it's off for lunch at Sakura Shabu Shabu opposite Dad's place. It's newly opened. Other than the shabu, there is also the Cowboy's Tavern, selling western food. We started with the shabu today. Not so bad, except that I prefer the Sakura international buffet. Anyway, it was a filling lunch.

So now, it's jogging time to get rid of the calories and also our usual weekend exercise now.

Gotta run!

Happy birthday, Me!!

It's 2011

2011-01-01T10:58:00.002+08:00

And here it comes....2011!

Wishing everyone a happy new year. Let the new year be joyous.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's end of year again...

2010-12-30T21:33:00.002+08:00

Didn't we just count down to 2010 and here we are, sending it off - just in a blink!

Today's my last day of work for the day as we always have 31 Dec off. But there is no mood at all that we are all gonna have a holiday. It was still a crazy rush at work. Wonder what's the rush all about. Quite fed up.

Anyway, my break's till 3 Jan. So it's a long weekend and I am just so excited. Can't stop planning for the next 4 days. Eat, play, celebrate. Hahaha...I wish these 4 days pass slowly because I really have no courage and energy to face the next year at work. Damn!

Bless me...

Hello Xiaohei

2010-12-26T08:10:00.002+08:00

Xiaohei's been missing for 2 years and a week since 'taken away' by Town Council. It said Xiaohei was moved to another block but we did not see Xiaohei since.

Been missing her. Hope all's well with her.

A new phone

2010-11-30T21:11:00.004+08:00

Finally decided on iPhone and went ahead to get one last week - an iPhone 4! And this was after much deliberation.

So, for about a week now, I have been exploring this new phone, downloading and trying and deleting apps - games, books, news, etc, etc...

Life's never boring again. Except that battery sucks, as always known for iPhones. But I have to live with it and manage it.

Been playing games like coin/cookies dozers, flick fishing and others.

Mmmm...I will probably be one of those who will strongly recommend iPhones (despite the bad battery) for real entertainment.

Will update more.

Jogging....all the way

2010-11-13T15:28:00.003+08:00

I have been sticking my butt on the sofa, playing computer for too long. Weeks back, I have started making myself get out of the potato couch position and to the park to start my jog. The start went well and continues to be so for now. The challenge is to keep it going.

The difference between now and then was that I insisted on jogging in the morning when the sky was still dark. Now I can jog at almost anytime of the day - morning, noon, afternoon, late afternoon. Have not tried evening and night yet.

Keep it up.

Where to go?

2010-11-13T10:06:00.002+08:00

Been planning for a short trip with hubby since August and we keep delaying by the month until it's now 3 months later!

It's been a while since we both went on a trip - just two of us. We are trying to plan for another one - look like it has to be a short trip now though we initially talked about a longer vacation.

My Dec to Jan 'free' period will be quite limited due to another plan. So now, we are pondering the when and where.

Should it be Batam (Harris), Bintan, Cruise, or?

Hope our plan materialises soon.

Damn my bloody computer!

2010-11-05T11:39:00.003+08:00

It hanged 4 times on me while I did the previous post! DAMN! Managing blogger is already a pain, and having to deal with my damn erratic computer is making me go nuts.

I wish it just die so that I know what to do next. But now, one moment it's ok, one moment when you are so engrossed with something, it dies on you....Not once, but many times.

Can I just give it a euthanasia (to be 'humane') or just murder it to get rid of my pain once and for all!!! DAMN!

Moments with Yoga

2010-11-05T11:15:00.004+08:00

I have finally decided that I have slacked so much to the stage which is scaring me lots. Other than trying to bring jogging back to my life (eg weekend jogs) I have also signed up for yoga class at my community club.

I was a little apprehensive at first as my very early experiences with yoga did not end good. But I wanted to go at it again. So this time, I went to get a yoga mat. My first lesson began this Wed (3 Nov). One hour per week. Coincidentally, one of my colleague was also in the class.

The first lesson started well. Thank goodness this time round, I didn't feel the discomfort from my body when I first tried it close to 10 years ago. But it did strained some of my back parts which I think it's good.

Other than some basic stretches, the instructor taught us the Sun Salutation movement. 12 steps in all, but I can't remember everything after just one lesson. Anyway, this will be reinforced in our coming lessons and I hope I can master it smoothly as we go along.

Found a clip on YouTube on the movements: Sun Salutation (Yoga for beginners)

Farewell, Mrs Lee...

2010-10-06T20:24:00.005+08:00

Mrs Lee Kuan Yew's funeral

She had a well-lived life in the 89 years.

You will be missed. Farewell and rest in peace.

Take care, MM - A simple pic, a heavy heart

2010-10-05T19:52:00.005+08:00

This picture was published in the Channelnewsasia website today and seconds after looking at it, my eyes swelled.

I couldn't help thinking about the everlasting love and marriage of 60+ years with the last 2 years being painful years when MM Lee had to care for his stroke-stricken wife. And now, with her passing, he is suddenly alone. The known and unknown things which Mrs Lee had done for and with him are treasured memories now.

He was in hospital with chest infection 2 to 3 days before Mrs Lee passed away. He briefly went home and returned to hospital on the same day. Then there was no news of him until this morning's news. He visited his wife's wake last night at 10pm, stood silent for a while before joining some family members and relatives.

This photo affected me very much and it weighed heavily on me the whole day. It kept flashing in my mind and every time almost made me cry.

It was a love story that lasted longer than what we have today. Theirs was really a lifelong, everlasting love which could be shown in every aspect of their lives. But whatever it had been, the evitable will happen.

My heart goes out to MM Lee and no matter how prepared he is for this to happen, the amount of pain and sorrow is indeed immeasurable and the sense of loss is going to be great. No words can explain that pain.

Take good care, MM Lee. I am sure Mrs Lee will always be in your heart wherever you are. I look forward to your active lifestyle again soon.

Farewell, Mrs Lee Kuan Yew

2010-10-03T09:43:00.003+08:00

Deepest condolences to the Lee family on the passing of their beloved wife and mother (wife of MM Lee Kuan Yew and mother of PM Lee Hsien Loong)

First hit with stroke in 2003, Mrs Lee was unable to walk or speak when she suffered another in May 2008. She passed away peacefully on 2 October 2010, 5.40pm.

May you rest in peace, Mrs Lee.

Related articles:
1. Wife of Singapore Founder Lee Kuan Yew dies at 89
2. Kwa Geok Choo
3. Wife, confidante, lawyer, mother
4. Wife's illness hardest for MM

What mobille phone to get next?

2010-09-03T10:44:00.003+08:00

My Singtel 21-mth contract is up and I am 'eligible' to go for a recontract. For so many years, I have been going for a $0 value phone which seemed quite decent. I did not want to spend lots on phone. I had a glimpse of the current lot of $0 value phones at Singtel that allow me to still keep my Classic plan - one word: OLD!

This time round, I am really undecided. My current Nokia Navigator has apparently decided to give up on me months after I gave it a Myojo soup treat. Am now using hubby's old Nokia phone to get buy, hoping to get some good treats during Christmas. After a thick-skin email to Singtel, they have agreed to give me a $50 voucher for use at any Hello Shop only - and valid only for a month from the day I accepted this 'goodie' on 26 Aug 10. Sigh...I am definitely not a really valued customer. For so many years, I have been on the Classic plan (which is not even available now). Hubby used to get $100 voucher and my colleague made some noise at them and she had 'earned' her $150 voucher. Why is mine so miserable? Anyway, I don't think i will even use their $50. They can go INVEST with it!

My current Nokia Navigator

Anyway, back to which phone to buy. Many people around me have switched to I-phones. I was so tempted to buy until I know that the battery sucks. That sort of dampen my desire quite a bit. Next is the subscription - at least $39.90 for the data and voice plan. My plan has always been $20 basic plus roaming of $10 and a total of at most $40+ per month.

Been toying with the idea of getting an Iphone but two factors keep pulling me back. One, the battery life. Second, I have to give up my long protected Classic. But times have changed and I ought to change too. Is there a 'best of both worlds' plan? One that allow me to surf seamlessly and at low cost.

Mmmm....So how now? Iphone? N97 mini? Any other phones?

Do you believe in what you are doing?

2010-08-10T21:09:00.002+08:00

What happens if you are engaged in a job or career that you have reservations in or do not believe in?

Would you continue? Would you try to change? Would you leave?

I am a perfectionist? You must be kidding!

2010-08-10T20:28:00.003+08:00

I wonder why people use a term like 'perfectionist' to describe me. I wonder which aspects of my actions, attitudes give them such a thought.

Here me out: I am FAR from it! If I am a perfectionist, then a lot of people out there are angels.

I am more like a 'anything goes' person. Am I not? I know for one person who said that, he was trying to make a point that I am 'too slow' in completing my task because I try to make sure every step in front is cleared before I move on. Woah, and that makes me a perfectionist? Must have been a polite, diplomatic compliment.

The other one - well, perhaps because I have many requests or too particular about certain things. Come on, people have many requests that they hope will be met. I have too, but if they are not met, I am disappointed, but I hardly 'kill' people for not meeting my requests. Does that also make me a perfectionist? Are we really vocab poor or are we using terms too freely?

I reiterate: I am not even a fraction of the real perfectionist and I certainly won't buy that term on myself.

Our nation's birthday

2010-08-09T07:53:00.003+08:00

Happy 45th Birthday,

Singapore!

Empty brain

2010-08-07T11:22:00.003+08:00

My pal, Irene had recently reminded me that I have not posted on my blog for a while. Well, I am aware of this and am been thinking hard about what to post.

But I don't know why nothing comes out of my brain. Have I really got nothing to write about lately? Am I so contented with life lately that I have nothing to complain or rattle, or is my life that empty lately that I have nothing to even think about, let alone pen it out?

How empty I feel inside me now?

Gambatte!!

Happy Birthday, Hubby!

2010-07-04T10:07:00.004+08:00

It's hubby's 40th birthday today! Got a mini cake, to be lighted, blown and shared by 3 pax. Heehee...this is to spare our tummies after dinner, and of course the calories.

Wish hubby a happy year ahead and of course, many many more good years to come.

生日快乐！

Disappearing act

2010-06-26T08:32:00.002+08:00

Wow, I realised I have not posted for close to a month! I think my energy has somewhat drained and still draining.

I have shifted into my new workplace at the NUHS Tower Block on 18 and 19 Jun 10. The packing a week or two before was horrendous, having to deal with operational work at the same time.

I should say we are more settled in our new office now, but commutation is not very convenient, esp for lunch. So 4 of us ended up trying tingkat, ie lunch delivery. We thought it is a good way to save money. :)

Don't know how long the tingkat will last and what else will change later. But for now, the best thing about the place is the scenary. Could see eagle flying abv the port every now and then.

So much for now. Catch up again soon.

Visit to Mdm Wong's Shelter

2010-05-29T20:13:00.008+08:00

I first come across Mdm Wong's Shelter (MWS) when I visited the Ericsson Pet Farm early May in my rented Toyota Axio. It was really a by chance thingy and I am so glad it happened.

I didn't have a walk in the shelter then but simply chatted with Ray, one of the more seasoned volunteer at the shelter. He shared with us things about the shelter and the furry friends - about 50+ dogs and 200+ cats.

Since that brief visit, I had been planning to do a visit to have a tour of the place and to mix around with the kiddos. Finally, today's the day! I was so excited.

We had also brought some items, ie key chains, handphone hangon straps, frames and some stuff which pal Irene had also contributed to Yian for the coming weekend's carnival.

Catties asleep in comfort of their little beds. Couldn't help but hiding a smile in my heart.

Cats community. When we stepped into this room, and the moment I squatted down, the pack all came towards me and fuss around! Was a little overwhelmed at first. One of them even climbed up my legs on its own accord and sat there!! Hahahaha...Then one of them (the one lying on the blue cage) 'patted' on my back while my attention was with the rests in front. Gave me a scare. But it was just trying to get attention. It kept meowing to get me to pat him/her. :)

Two catties at the bar welcoming us.

The catties at another private shelter.

This is Buttercup, the timid and shy abandoned doggy. It has been 'bullied' by the 3 fast growing doggies in the same bunk. I hope she gets adopted soon. I couldn't bear to put her down with those 'playful' folks below. I hope she gets her deserved happiness.

2 of the 5 pups which were abandoned and sent to MWS. One of them had been adopted. I carried one of them today. Wow, I love it!!

Though I was happy and excited to visit MWS, I was at the same time sad to see so many abandoned furry friends. And worse still, some were abused. I almost cried while playing with those cats, thinking they would be much happier if they had the freedom to roam about instead of being cooped up in a shelter. On the other hand, with the situation for some of them, it is probably safer for them to be at the shelter. Otherwise, once caught, they will be sent to SPCA or AVA and be put to sleep. Isn't that sick to the core?

And I really cannot tolerate the people who can simply abandon their pets for some unbelievable and atrocious reasons. And equally so the people who abuse them. I really hate to say some uncouth words to describe these people except to say - what goes around comes around.

I really have mixed feelings seeing the furry folks at MWS. First, feeling sad for them to have to end up in the shelter for some human created problems. But at the same time, I am also glad they have a shelter to continue with their lives and hopefully get a second chance in life. Some of these would have been sent to AVA/SPCA otherwise. In fact, a couple of them were rescued from AVA/SPCA.

Since young, I thought SPCA is a place which saves animals. But as I grew older, I realise that is not really the case. Yes, they are the body to lobby humanity to animals. That doesn't mean keeping them alive alone, but to administer death in a humane manner. My god!

So don't think sending your pets or whatever animals to SPCA will save their lives. Such a contradiction which has misled me since young. It has become a scary body in my view now.

And...I don't want to talk about the govt authorities in their role. I just feel.............!!

To end this all, I must say, I thought of my Chantek Xiaohei again. Wonder if she is in one of these shelter, if she's still alive or had she been sent to somewhere. :(

9.12pm

翰墨陶情II（21 - 26 May 2010)

2010-05-23T13:21:00.009+08:00

今早陪老爸到个画展，是他老友（林振群叔叔）邀他因他妇人也有两幅参展的画。

林阿姨的画《争艳》

林阿姨第二幅画《秋天的诗》

林叔叔，林阿姨及画家老师刘禄在

香港艺人米雪也是刘老师学生之一。米雪也有四幅画在展上亮相。

米雪画《一枝独秀》，卖价$6800!

米雪画《梅报太平》

米雪的无题画。自己想象吧。

米雪画《春韵》

以上两幅是刘老师的画画。米雪的《春韵》很象第一幅吧？是刘老师教的。

展厅给人很舒服的感觉

刘老师在展厅给学生讲画

Commenting on Sumiko's column - Fear of the unknown

2010-05-16T12:17:00.002+08:00

I have just re-produced Sumiko article "Fear of the unknown" in my earlier post.

I read with amazement that two paras she mentioned had accurately reflected my thoughts:

I'm afraid of being happy because experience has shown that whenever I get carried away, something bad will happen, so better not risk it.

To folks like me, happiness is cyclical. We've discovered that unhappiness invariably follows happiness, so it's best to keep your head down, stay under the radar and control your emotions.

This is something I have been feeling since many many years ago, but it is very difficult to 'explain' to people. Sumiko hit the nail right in.

As shared in her article, her feeling that way had something to do with her one experience some time back. For me, it was another story which seem to happen many times in my life but the 'phobia' stayed on.

In the past, I noticed that whenever I was very happy, reaching home and sharing it or having the happiness reflected in my mood, and rah-rah-ing with dad; having happy talks with dad on some common things, etc - the next day, dad will be feeling unwell and on some occasions, i have to take leave to bring him to the doc or sometimes admitted to hospital for whatever reasons.

It had happen too many times, according to my standard and the fear of feeling happy is carried forward till today. Whenever there are happy things, I would play it down, or try not to reflect it too obviously, as Sumiko has shared.

It is obviously not right but it can't be helped and the thought is that - if such happy feeling is later going to be traded off by something bad that will happen to my family, then perhaps it is better off to maintain a neutral feeling.

Fear of the unknown - Sumiko Tan (Sunday Lifestyle, 16 May 2010)

2010-05-16T11:06:00.004+08:00

A colleague made a remark the other day which gave me a bit of a jolt.

"In the 1.5 years that I've known you, I've noticed that you always make a U-turn whever you face the unknown," he said.

Wow, I thought, I'd never realised that about myself.

I'd been confiding in him via the office instant messaging system about a dilemma I'd found myself in.

It wasn't the first time I'd sought his advice or, to be more accurate, unloaded my laments onto him (poor guy).

He knows me fairly well by now or, at least, he's in the loop about the many permutations of my mental state. (That's the beauty of instant messaging, isn't it? You can be personal yet keep an impersonal distance, whether you're the person seeking advice or giving it.)

His words were food for thought. Was he right? Do I really fear the unknown and flee from it? Am I the sort who would rather stick to the familiar? What is it I'm really afraid of?

I thought about the crossroads I've faced in my life and realised that he was not wrong.

Faced between striding with what I'm comfortable with, I have often scooted back to the road most travelled.

That's probably the reason I'm still unmarried at my grand old age, why I've stuck to the same job for 25 years and lived in the same house fo 37.

It's also why I return again and again to eat at the same restaurants, why I revisit the same holiday destinations every year, and why I've stuck to the same Sunday routine for donkey's years - wake up, go for yoga, shop, home, dinner, CSI, sleep. (And yes, it's also why my columns deal with the same topics too.)

I look at people I've grown up with and, goodness, it's like I'm floating in a time warp.

Some have children already in their mid-teens, entering national service even. They have graduated through so many stages of their lives, sold and bought homes, dealt with in-laws, survived the stress of their children's exams and live through other such grown-up things, whereas I am stuck in the same old groove.

It's not a bad groove, of course, and I've many things to be thankful for and for which i am, but what if more exciting experiences await if I were more daring? Or let's not even talk about exciting, just different experiences?

But I don't like shocks to my system. I don't like feeling awkward. I don't like being put to a test. I like things to be predictable, dull even. I'm too lazy to change the way my life is. It takes so much effort and the thought of it makes me want to just curl up and sleep instead. Besides, what if I make a change and things go wrong? Why risk failure?

The problem is, the more one focuses on the megative aspects of a change, the more real the fear of those negatives becomes, and self-fulfilling too.

What is clear, though, is that the few times in my life that I ahve allowed myself to do something out of character have been liberating.

That same colleagues pointed out how I'd taken up bowling last year and didn't regret it. Now, bowling is not something any of my friends would imagine me doing given how unadventurous I am, but I decided one day that I wanted to learn it.

I bought a ball and shoes, got a coach, went down to a bowling alley and learnt to bowl. I ventured outside my comfort zone, met new people and it was fun. It was a personal milestone.

It is natural to dear the unknown. Who isn't afraid? But something must be wrong when that fear so inhibits you that you miss out on opportunities that can make a positive difference to your life.

What compounds my problem is that I, ironically, find the concept of happiness scary. I strive for happiness yet am afraid when it comes a-knocking. (There's even a term for fear of happiness - cherophobia.)

I'm not what you'd call an upbeat or extroverted person and I like to maintain a state of perpetual glumness.

Any time something threatens to make me happy, I'll talk to myself or the thing down so that I'm no longer on cloud nine.

I find it hard to take compliments and if someone were to say to me:"What a pretty dress you have on", I'll immediately try and think of something negative to say so that I'm taken down a peg or two - "Thanks but I'm putting on weight and the dress is getting really tight" or "Oh, it's just a cheap dress and not well-made at all." I am more tha a little wary of hubris.

I'm afraid of being happy because experience has shown that whenever I get carried away, something bad will happen, so better not risk it.

One episode is still clear in my mind.

Many years ago, I did a signing session after a book I'd written was launched. It went well and I was as pleased as punch with myself. I drove home with a grin on my face.

At a road junction, I mis-read a traffic light and nearly hit a car head-on. It was a good lesson on the dangers of being smug. I've since never allowed myself to be on any sort of high.

To folks like me, happiness is cyclical. We've discovered that unhappiness invariably follows happiness, so it's best to keep your head down, stay under the radar and control your emotions.

Besides, if I'm negative about something and something negative really materialises, then I won't feel too let down as I had predicted this all along.

It's perverse, I know, and pop psychologists will have a field day with people like me.

Can it be that I had once experienced such great happiness only to have it end so abruptly and painfully that I never wanted to be put in a situation where it might happen again?

Whatever the reasons, I've become comfortable with my glumness. It's my shield against future unhappiness.

But surely I can change and must, especiallywhen an opportunity to do so stares me in the face?

Yes, it's certainly more painful to lose a new-found happiness than it is to be constantly unhappy. But spending your life feeling perpetually morose - or forcing yourself to be so even when you aren't, really - prevents you from embracing beautiful moments that might come your way if you only gave yourself a chance.

Thinking positively won't be easy. We instinctively return to beliefs we've depended on to cope with the ups and downs of life.

Maybe it's just a matter of repeating to myself statements like "It's okay to be happy" or "I'm grateful for my happiness" - cheesy though such self-affirming statements sound.

A character in a Japanese movie once said that "humans are cowards in the face of happiness. It takes courage to hold on to happiness".

Courage - and the ability to conquer your fear and take a leap into the great unknown.

Dr Goh Keng Swee (6 October 1918 – 14 May 2010) passes on

2010-05-15T08:55:00.005+08:00

Farewell and may you rest in peace, Dr Goh.

Singapore will see a state funeral for former DPM on 23 May 2010 (Sunday). His body will lie in state at the Parliament House from 20 - 22 May 2010.

Spirits dampened

2010-05-03T19:58:00.002+08:00

How often do I have things that really excite me? Sad to say, not many (not that I don't have interests, but lots of them really doesn't make sense to others).

But whenever I thought I have really found some opportunities to fulfil my interests (at least the very one or two things that brighten up my eyes and spirit), someone has to be there to pour water. It's really sickening. If in life, I can't even do the things I really like (in my already 'sickened' world), then it's really not a life I would want to live.

Should I even bother to let other's (or others') comments affect me? I try not to but many times, it comes from people close. I really hate these road blocks.

So what kind of life should I live to make you happy? Doing nothing, work, stay at home, play computer games, watch TV, eat, sleep, rest. Duh!!!

I am really frustrated. I can't get my message across. I am tired of trying. Let me just rot and die.

Drive again

2010-05-03T17:23:00.002+08:00

White Toyota Axio (1.5A)

Yes! After talking and talking and thinking and thinking for a long time, I've finally set a date to get a car - not buy, but rent. The May Day holiday period was a good time, I thought.

Picked up the car at lunch time on Fri (30 Apr) and returned it noon today.

Long before I got the car, I had been planning where to go, how to go and I studied the directory like an encyclopaedia.

So finally, we had the following covered:

Fri, 30 Apr

- Got car from Sin Ming's Bull Carz (Blk 22) during my lunch time. Took a cab down.

- Drove it back to workplace. Send it for valet parking at $4 per day. Well, at least cheaper than parking in the carpark.

- Drove it back home after work amidst the heavy traffic (but not as bad as some days, still manageable traffic conditions, i was glad)

- For dinner, we drove out to Teacher's Estate somewhere Yio Chu Kang Rd. Been driven there before but i really didn't know the way till I did it myself!

Sat, 1 May

- Drove to IMM (havent been there for a long time)

- Dinner was supposed to be at the prawning place at Bishan but the carpark was full. Partly my fault cos I had a chance to park at one available lot far from the restaurant but I sort of gave it up. After that it was taken and that's it! So we changed venue to a seafood restaurant in AMK.

Sun, 2 May

- Was west yesterday, today east. Today we drove all the way via TPE to Pasir Ris Farmway. Colleague recommended the Ericsson Pet Farm. We were half hr earlier than the opening time so we went to other farms to look at fish, corals before coming back. The place was nice and I chance upon an animal shelter (Mdm Wong Shelter) and spoke to a volunteer, Ray. He was nice in sharing quite a bit of things. Decided to go back there to do some voluntary work whenever I can. Lots of abandoned cats and dogs. Wonder how people can just 'throw' their pets out. Sad humans.

- After that, we drove to Changi Village for lunch. Had the nasi lemak at the most famous International Stall but didn't really find it very special. The nasi lemak at my place tastes nicer. Bought some muffins home though. Had a little walk at the Changi jetty before set for home.

- Dinner was at Jack's Place, AMK Central. Got a fan home at Courts.

- Had a short evening casual drive to end the night.

Mon, 3 May

- Drove to the central to run a little errand.

- Before returning the car, we went to Bright Hill Temple and Tse Tho Aum.

- And it's bye bye to the Toyota Axio (1.5) which had accompanied us for the last 3 days.

Afternote: I was made to pay $280 for a scatch mark found at the left front bumper! I didn't know how that was there because I would have known if I scratched the car when I drove it! Clearly, it was done to my car unknowingly. Well, my since the car was my responsibility, I had to bear it. Took it as part of the entertainment expense. :)

Gathering @ Lena's Cafe

2010-04-18T09:17:00.004+08:00

Another gathering for 歌之旅 on 11 April 10 (Sunday). Although not everybody was present, it was still a great meet up. This time round, Lian had suggested Lena's Cafe at Bugis. It's next to TCC at Intercontinental Hotel. Quite a nice place. We had ordered a couple of dishes and drinks, talk while we eat.

Guess what's this? :)

Low Output

2010-04-17T19:19:00.002+08:00

Sigh, my mind has been out of action and hence, miserable posting numbers. Am still trying to find some pics to post.

Hope to increase output soon! ")

Wonderful evening with the SSO

2010-04-03T22:40:00.005+08:00

I have definitely selected the right series. The pieces were all pretty motivating and had a great effect of raising my mood.

I had not been to SSO (Singapore Symphony Orchestra) concerts for years and I was, and still am so glad that the excitement is still there. The feeling was great when I reached the Esplanade.

I had chosen this session partly because of Lan Shui who conducted the evening's programme. I have 'adored' him since he had taken over the Music Directorship of SSO from Lim Yau in 1997. Had been to a few concerts conducted by him and then stopped for a couple of years.

Lan Shui, Conductor

Huseyin Sermet, Pianist

This evening's programme:

FROM THE NEW WORLD

SAMUEL BARBER

Music for a Scene from Shelley, Op. 7 (20min)

FREDERIC CHOPIN

Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op 21 (32 min)

(Graced by Huseyin Sermet)

ANTONIN DVORAK

Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. (40 min)

Huseyin's autograph session during the intermission.

Down and depress for last 2 weeks

2010-04-01T22:33:00.003+08:00

I wonder why but I have been full of blues of late, starting early last week when my bodyache started. I also wondered what caused the body ache. It seemed like the kind which would be followed by fever, flu, etc, but I had none! I felt feverish at times but there wasn't a fever! But the ache continued.

I believed that played a major part in my mood. It went right down. I felt frustrated, quick tempered and impatient - more so than normal. I was also very exhausted, totally didn't want to move. The hot weather didn't help much too, or rather, made the situation worse.

I didn't want to bear with it anymore so went to the doctor last Thur. He was worried it could be dengue or HFMD but I had none of the symptoms. He said it could be a viral infection. Darn. Was on 2 days MC after that. The pain didn't go off but continued to make me very uncomfortable and cranky and very tired. I didn't even have the mood and motivation to work. I was like a slow coach. Do things slowly, even thinking became more impaired than usual.

Earlier this week, one of my colleagues advised me to get a referral from my GP to see a specialist and do a scan. Body ache for this long is something I may want to be careful of. She said there was an ex-colleague who realised she had cancer after she went for checks because of body aching. :(

Anyway, thank goodness my ache is much better today than the last 2 weeks. It is generally gone except for when I try to strain/straighten my body or turn it in some funny position. Sometimes I also feel uncomfortable while sleeping. Sigh, is this sign of old age?

I am still wondering.

三世因果经（重点）

2010-03-27T21:39:00.001+08:00

若问前世因，今生受者是

若问后世果，今生作者是

A different full month item!

2010-03-23T21:26:00.002+08:00

My colleague, Bryan has given us each a box of 6-piece 'lovingly crafted' cakes for his son's Mikey's full month. The cakes are from Gobi, from....MONGOLIA (that's what the intro says).

The chocolate cakes are very rich (with choc, of course). Wow, I was tremendously excited after the first bite. It's simple yummy! One finds joy in every bite! Oooosh!

I am going to find the place and get some for myself and perhaps a good gift for some special occasions.

You can check it out at www.gobi.com.sg.

The Jack Neo Saga

2010-03-14T05:54:00.003+08:00

Indeed, I am surprised at Jack's involvement in a marital affair which has landed him in such a state today. We do not know if this will be the beginning of his downfall from showbiz but it has definitely made a great impact on him and a big blow to his family.

Sure enough, it's his personal/family matters and should be left to them to resolve it but because of his stature in our local media scene, it has created major storylines by the media, watched and read by fans, and by everyone else. The impact is far greater than anyone else.

Jack has made his comments in his blog. Some have expressed disappointment at his wrongdoing, some have criticised/scolded, some have given their support (not to the affair but to Jack to move on and make amends).

Hopefully in no time, things will cool and the family is given the time and space to continue with the healing process. It will take a while for them to go back to life per normal.

I hope they will be given the space to move on.

Hokkaido Red Bean @ MOF

2010-03-13T14:18:00.003+08:00

I thought it was soup, ie watery based, but it still as thick as cream. The menu has warned that it's very sweet. And indeed, it's very very sweet. Too sweet for my comfort.

No doubt very impressive, but I won't go for it the second time cos it's too gelat!

Good kitty pals

2010-03-13T14:15:00.001+08:00

Responses to pigeon culling

2010-03-07T18:27:00.002+08:00

Last Sunday, I had posted regarding the Sunday Time's article about Town Council resorting to poisoning pigeons in response to resident complains about pigeons being dirty and the possibility of the spread of diseases.

There were two responses in today's Forum in the Sunday Times which I am posting here for reading:

Poisoning birds an inhumane method

I refer to last Sunday's article, "Shocked by pigeon culling? Then stop feeding them".

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) shares the views of concerned citizens that poisoning of the birds is an inhumane method of population control. Humane alternatives, such as the bird-proofing techniques pointed out in the article, exist.

However, if poisoning continues to be the preferred choice of the authorities, pest control companies and town councils must ensure that the welfare of the birds remains a high priority.

Under no circumstances should a live bird be placed into a bag for disposal. Even if a bird is exhibiting signs of distress or disorientation, it should not be assumed that the amount of poison ingested is sufficient to kill the animal.

In 2008, the SPCA attended a scene of pigeon poisoning, where we retrieved some birds that were having diffculty flying. After a few days of observation, the birds were back to normal.

Had they been left in their environment, they would have been susceptible to road accidents or been attacked by predators, and they had been disposed of in bags, they would surely have endured much suffering before death.

It is evident that poisoning is an inhumane method which severely compromises the welfare of the birds. We hope the present method can be reviewed as soon as possible to prevent any further suffering.

Leaving dying birds in plain view of the public also serves to desensitise people to the act of killing and the suffering of the animals.

By Deidre Moss (Ms)
Executive Officer
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

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

Life's precious, stop pigeon culling

In last Sunday's article, "Shocked by pigeon culling? Then stop feeding them", Jalan Besar Town Council's senior property manager Ng Cheng Tee referred to complaints received about the birds, including concerns about health hazards to humans.

But the question we need to ask is: Has anyone been really ill as a result of exposure to the pigeons?

Singapore General Hospital's Dr Tan Ai Ling was quoted as saying that all birds, not just pigeons, are potential sources of infection.

If simply by being potential sources of infection, the pigeons are deemed to be cullable, should we not also consider fellow human beings cullable when they are sick and would rank higher in terms of the potential to spread diseases?

The teacher Akiko Ng mentioned in the article is my wife. I found her visibly shaken after witnessing the culling of the pigeons.

It was not too long ago when we found an injured pigeon lying on the pavement across the culling site.

In order to save it, we took it to an animal clinic and were prepared to pay for its treatment.

The vet, Dr Hsu, chose not to charge us for its treatment.

In the end, the pigeon did not survive, but we did our part to try to save a precious life.

What an irony it was to us when the town council decided to engage in the act of mass cilling of the birds.

We would like to urge the authorities to hear our voices and stop the culling.

Lim Lee Nguan

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

Kudos, folks!

Are we suppose to kill anything that is a menace?

2010-02-28T07:20:00.004+08:00

What a depressing morning!

The moment I picked up the Sunday Times, I saw the heading "Pigeons: A menace but should they be poisoned?"

We are killing cats because people complain, killing crows because they are irritating (and sometimes they attack), killing rats because they are a nuisance (or perhaps they bite, not too sure), now we are including pigeons to the list! Thanks also to people who are so fond of complaining about nuisances because of their low tolerance level. I think they are the major contributors to the killings!

What else are we going to kill? Are we starting a culture that we are to kill anything that appear to be a menace? This is a depressing society.

One of the reasons is because of the bird droppings that people complain about - the mess they leave behind and health hazards. I am just wondering how would you expect birds to 'do their business'. A senior consultant has also commented that all birds, not just pigeons, are potential sources of infection. Well done, shall we now include ALL birds into the killing list? Are we ever ending?

It has come to a point where I am reminded of people of some tyrannic dynastic eras when anything or anyone who came into the way of others (usu the powerful) would be killed/executed.

Yes, we are considered the smartest creature on earth (sometimes I wonder if this is true) but the world is not exclusive to the human kind! Do we have that we are the lords and the rests are just slaves kind of mindset?

Is killing the only way out?

There are also many irritating (to the extend of being menace) people around us who urinate in corridors, void decks, lifts; people who spit like nobody's business; people who spit out food to the floor in hawker centres; people who drip laundry water out of the window. Some of these acts also cause the spread of diseases or irritation.

What are we to do with the above, authorities? Kill also?

It is really very troubling! I would really hate this society and the people in it if this is the way we are going toward. I cry for the creatures that have to suffer at the whims and fancies of the human kind. What a shame!

7.55am

Today's Murphy's Laws

2010-02-27T08:09:00.006+08:00

It is a simple task to make a subject complex but a complex task to make it simple.

Its amazing how nice people are to you when they know you're going away.

When a body is immersed in water, the telephone rings.

What the large print giveth, the small print taketh away.

Typos are not noticed until after the "Send" button has been hit.

Never say. "I'm new at this" to a patient.

Lunch at 红锅

2010-02-20T15:00:00.004+08:00

Was recommended there by my TCM physician after our consultation with her this morning. Hong Guo is a Yunnan restaurant at the basement of Bugis Junction.

A side dish to accompany our main dish later. This dish is called 椒盐银针鱼 (fried salted silver fish).

Here's our main course, 秀才过桥米线where you need to 'throw' in whatever ingredients presented into the hot chicken soup base. The ingredients include 2 quail eggs, slices of fish, vegetables, fried meat, sichuan vege, etc.

Ready?

GO!!

3.49pm

Today's Murphy's Laws

2010-02-19T21:43:00.001+08:00

An exception granted becomes a right expected the next time it is requested.

One is tolerant only of that which does not concern him.

Happy Tiger Year and Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T21:43:00.003+08:00

Tomorrow's the first day of the Tiger year.

Wishing one and all a very happy lunar new year. May the Tiger Year (not beer) brings with it happiness, health, courage, strength and joy to those who need them.

Gong Xi Fa Cai

and

Happy Valentine's Day!

Dad ran a high fever

2010-02-11T09:06:00.002+08:00

I am not sure if I had passed the flu bug to dad as I was down with flu since last weekend.

Dad wasn't well yesterday and when I came home, he was in bed and was not in the eating mood. After my dinner, we took his temperature (when he mentioned his body was hot) and was shocked to see his temperature at 38.1C. Our GP clinic was closed last night so we went to another night clinic another street away.

The doc took his temp at the clinic and it was 38.5C! No wonder he was complaining about headache and bodyaching all over. The doc said that it was definitely a flu bug and want him to rest a lot so regain his immunity. So he was given med for headaches, fever and flu.

Thank goodness his fever had subsided this morning at 37.1C but his headache and bodyache are still not gone. I told him not to go out today because he may still be weak and the weather isn't too good with the smell of haze lingering in the air.

I took a day off to watch him and run errands for him. Hope dad gets well soon.

9.11am

Today's Murphy's Laws

2010-02-11T07:51:00.002+08:00

One should forgive one's enemies, but not before they are hanged.

Two rules for Ultimate Success in Life
1. Never tell everything you know.

If you don't care where you are, you're not lost.

The box containing the most valuable delicate object will be the one dropped.

Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.

Two wrongs are only the beginning.

There is some advice that is too good - the advice to love your enemies, for example.

7.55am

Dinner at Imperial Herbal Restaurant (6 Feb 10)

2010-02-07T07:34:00.009+08:00

Our long-awaited dinner since two weeks ago. Went with hubby once and he liked it so much that he has been wanting to bring our families to try the food.

We had appetizer (the recommended fluffy egg with scallop on potato basket), tonic soups, main dishes and desserts.

Address:
宏仁堂御膳廳
Imperial Restaurant (Imperial Herbal)
Vivocity #03-08 Lobby G
Tel: 6337 0491
www.imperialherbal.com
herbal@pacific.net.sg

Appetizer - Fluffy egg white with scallop

生鱼补汤

虫草苗补汤

鱼翅

梅菜扣肉

Our spread

麦片虾

Assorted desserts

八宝清汤

枸杞山楂

葱油饼

Dinner at Marche

2010-02-06T09:24:00.004+08:00

This was long overdue - a dinner on 22 Jan 10 at Marche @ 313 Somerset. This is the latest outlet. The only other time I went to Marche was 10 years ago. For the last 10 years, I have been dreaming of going back - for the ROSTI!!

The moment I stepped into Marche, the feeling was as though I was about to have a buffet, with everything so tempting and wanting to try a bit of everything. That was really a dream.

The above are our main meals of the night. Two soups - mushroom cream (which was really rich with bits of mushrooms) and chicken potato cream. Both were fantastic. The main course were a mushroom crepe and my favourite rosti which seemed quite unhealthy with the amount of oil they used to cook it.

Here's my dining partner.

Our dessert! Yummy. Apologies for the mess as this pic was taken only after each of us had taken a mouthful. Too attractive and we conveniently forgot about snapping.

9.40am

Murphy's Laws for the day

2010-02-06T07:40:00.002+08:00

Here are a few Murphy Law's I read today and want to share:

Oien's Observation

The quickest way to find something is to start looking for something else.

Frank's Phone Phenomena

If you have a pen, there's no paper;

If you have a paper, there's no pen;

If you have both, there's no message.

Stockmayer's Theorem

If it looks easy, it's tough;

If it looks tough, it's damn well impossible.

Parking Principle

There is ample parking everywhere except where you want to park.

7.43am

Lifestyle Tips: Is Multi-Tasking Making You Ill?

2010-01-31T16:42:00.003+08:00

Lifestyle Tips: Is Multi-Tasking Making You Ill?
By Universal Publishing Service

When there just aren't enough hours in the day to juggle job, family, friends and the housework, do yourself a favour and stop trying so hard.

In between holding down a couple of careers, wiping runny noses, sitting on a handful of do-gooding committees, trying to look passably well-groomed and attempting to tame a garden that constantly threatens to turn into Sleeping Beauty's, my best friend and I occasionally find a moment for a brief e-mail exchange. (We live just two streets away from each other, yet hardly spend more time face-to-face than we did when 200 miles separated us.)

Among the 500 or so e-mails that land in my inbox each week, there's an inspirational thought which I sent to my pal for light relief recently. It read: "The best way to get things done is to do one task at a time."

"Hah!", she wrote back at 11 pm after putting her daughter to bed, leafing through some paint charts, folding the laundry and finishing a freelance commission. "Obviously written by a man!".

Whether we call ourselves jugglers or multitaskers, the more we manage to do at once, the more we congratulate ourselves. We iron with a phone tucked under our chin. Grab a sandwich and eat it while working. I'm ashamed to admit I've even been known to snack 'n' drive – once being forced to change gears unexpectedly with my hand in a bag of lobster-flavoured crisps.

"Multitasking" was a phrase first minted (in Silicon Valley) to describe computers that could run more than one program at a time. But in the 21st century, we've all become human multitaskers. And, no question, women are better at it than men. Studies have shown that women use both hemispheres of the brain – while men tend to use one, so they're more "compartmentalised", tending to focus on one thing at a time.

Bestselling "I Don't Know How She Does It" author Allison Pearson sums it up: "We're wired differently. It must be something to do with Early Woman being a gatherer – needing to pick berries while keeping an ear out for the kids and planning what we're going to have for dinner at that cave party a week from Tuesday."

However, research suggests that multitasking might be bad for our memories and our wellbeing. The stress of doing too many things at once can not only strain the brain, but set us up for a raft of physical problems, too.

Dr David Meyer, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan who specialises in cognition and perception, insists, "Chronic multitasking over the years poses a strong risk for ultimate brain damage. As we force ourselves to bounce from task to task, we generate stress. Body and mind gear up to cope by releasing adrenaline. This powerful medicine is good for a crisis – but on an ongoing basis, it's hard on the brain and body."

Stress hormones divert energy from the part of our brain that forms memory (including the hippocampus) to the parts of the body needed for the "fight-or-flight" response. Long-term, this stress can lead to permanent shrinkage of the hippocampus.

What's more, Dr Meyer observed that multitaskers are losing the ability to concentrate. Viz my friend Kate's admission: "I spend more and more time in the office each morning 'going round in my basket' like a dog settling, before I can crack on with my day."

According to Dr Marcel Just, who's researching ageing at Carnegie Mellon University in the US, that's because "there's only so much mental capacity to go around." If you run too many programs at once on a computer, it tends to crash. Ditto human memory – which is what regularly happens to another of my friends Manic Janet, working mother of five-year-old twins: "I was ironing a shirt and the phone went, and then I looked out of the window and thought I'd go and pick a bunch of flowers. I then smelled burning coming from the kitchen – and I'd burnt an iron-shaped hole in my best Nicole Farhi shirt."

Multitaskers also tend to sleep badly, which not only impacts on our immune system, but can increase the likelihood of other stress-related health problems like heart disease.

It's time to reclaim the idea of mono-tasking, that quaint idea of doing one thing at a time. It might just turn out to save our health, wellbeing and our relationships. (And I might get to spend time with my best friend, instead of typing messages to her at 5am).

HOW TO UN-MULTITASK
Not all multitaskers are created equal, so if you want to detox your tasking routine, it helps to take a customised approach. Make one small change at a time. If you give up multitasking completely, you'll be on overload again before you know it.

• The Culture Vulture So much to read (and watch, and listen to) – and so little time. You skim through the newspaper while watching "Desperate Housewives" and beside your bed is a teetering pile of Sunday supplements and mail-order catalogues that you only really attend to when it avalanches to the floor.

The Detox Will the world be any different if you only buy one Sunday paper? Each morning, earmark one or two TV programmes that you'd really like to watch that night and have a long, indulgent girlie chat with a friend rather than squeeze her in while channel-surfing.

• The Office Juggler You pride yourself on being able to cope with whatever your day (or boss) throws at you – but in reality, projects pile up and only get finished when there's a deadline. You probably get in early and stay late, too, to keep on top of your e-mails.

The Detox First, clear your desk so that it's easier to focus on each project. (A carefully-labelled hanging file under your desk is better than a mountain of folders.) Block out periods of time to work on specific projects. But never go more than 90 minutes without a break, because the brain needs time to recharge. Set aside 15-minute chunks, a few times a day, to deal with e-mail, rather than keeping it permanently open – and get a spam filter, so you're not spending time deleting irrelevant info.

• The Domestic Perfectionist You bend over backwards to make sure your home looks like something out of one of those glossy homes magazines you subscribe to. You have a pile of vintage curtains just waiting to be turned into gorgeous cushions, and spend hours spritzing your linen with lavender water. But there are piles of things behind the sofa because you never quite finish tidying one space before moving on to the next – and that mountain of ironing just keeps getting higher.

The Detox Remind yourself that the homes in magazines don't look like that for more than about five minutes. (It takes a stylist and much grooming to get camera-ready, and invariably, just out of shot, there's a vast pile of junk. If not, the place is inhabited by aliens.) Slow down, take a breath and ask yourself: Which is more important, a perfect home, or health and happiness? Buy less, so there's less to tidy. Try folding clothes when they're straight out of the drier, to save time at the ironing board. And why not pay someone to make those pretty cushions for you?

• The Crazed Cook Your kitchen walls are lined with cookbooks and Saturdays are spent dashing around town seeking out tamarind paste. You're constantly tearing recipes out of magazines – but never seem to get round to creating them. In fact, the last time you spent all evening in the kitchen, stirring, pouring, flambéing and crisping with your blowtorch you were ready to collapse.

The Detox Sign up for the Slow Food movement (slowfood.com). Or think like a Frenchwoman: buy the starter, or dessert, so that you're less frazzled and can actually enjoy your friends' company. Enlist their help – dressing the salad, pouring the wine. Have a ruthless cull of your cookbooks, keeping only the books that you refer to time and again. Author Shirley Conran was right when she said that life really is too short to stuff a mushroom.

Mouth is the biggest asset

2010-01-31T16:23:00.003+08:00

The winning man comes with a winning mouth. The gift of the gab is a much needed tool for people to advance in a lot of things. With a way to talk, win liao. If you can't express yourself or move your way through your mouth, be prepared to be buried in the soil as you will probably not see the light of the next day. That's me!

You get stifled, irritated , unbearably frustrated for not being able to get your way and win your day.

The worse thing is to 'argue' or 'debate' with a being who lives in a practical world and spit practicality. One would need a creative verbal skills to win the debate.

It's a tiring world. For the past weeks, I feel like I have reached the end of a tunnel with a cliff right in front. The choice is to turn back or to plunge right down.

4.39pm

Trying to like my job

2010-01-24T20:35:00.003+08:00

I didn't say 'love' cos I need to start with a basic liking first. The past one and a half year was very exhausting because of structural change all of the sudden. A lot of other things followed. Worse still, there was a lack of manpower to manage what we need to manage.

The frustrations and irritations and exhaustion carried themselves all the way till now. I do not know how to renavigate myself back on track to reassess and rebuild at least some positivism into my job.

Moreover, I was given something which I had repeatedly said I was/am not ready for, but my rejection was not granted. That has become a very big burden which I do not like. A worse gift I had receive in 2009, I thought.

If I can make myself some positive ions to implant into my mind while I am at my workplace, that would make my life at work a little bearable. :)

For now, I am stressed and tired over the coming of another work week. :( How positive I am.

9.00pm

Imposter Visitor

2010-01-19T20:42:00.002+08:00

My blog was 'patronised' by an imposter this morning. This fake blogger attempted to pose himself as my fellow blogger friend, Old Beng and even created an almost similar blog template as Old Beng!

You can read more in Old Beng's blog on this imposter -> Click here I don't have to reproduce the story.

I noticed that different tone when the imposter left a message but I was in a hurry and had granted the message to be posted. Gosh, I wonder why there are such bo liao people around.

After the matter was clarified, I had taken the imposter's message off my post.

So, note that there are trashes all over us. Beware of them.

8.58pm

Too beautiful to be eaten!

2010-01-09T20:44:00.002+08:00

Dad bought these two bunches of tomatoes these morning from the market. They are still unplucked and are complete with leaves and stems. Wow, looks really cool. The two bunches cost $6+.

Sigh, how to bear to eat leh?

9.04pm

黄小琥的新歌《伴》

2010-01-07T10:25:00.005+08:00

好温暖和感人的歌。是我昨天在回家路上通过电台1003听到的歌。想于你分享。

伴

作詞：姚若龍
作曲：于曉光、李偉菘
編曲：Terence Teo

如果命運可以訂做
如果有另一次選擇
我想我還是會把手讓你緊握
快樂地陪你去坎坷

就算你有天變落魄
就算你老得不能動
我想我還是會挽著你看日落
你的心疼在淚光中

嘴巴上彼此嫌麻煩
眼神中關懷那麼滿
沒說愛卻早已認定一輩子的伴

在人前從來不浪漫
在心中卻總為對方打算
最懂的人最暖的伴

就算我以後變囉嗦
就算我老了有病痛
我想你還是會照顧我到最後
隱藏脆弱不眠不休

沒有辛酸沒有遺憾
什麼是陪伴什麼是心安你是答案

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY2zoAf36MM

Happy Birthday to dad

2010-01-03T13:52:00.008+08:00

Happy Birthday to my dearest father! For about (at least) 3 years, we have been going to Swensens to get its complimentary birthday ice cream. Not this year cos I can't eat ice cream. We went to Good Chance Popiah for lunch and got a little cake (Chantilly) from Breadtalk to celebrate.

I wish dad a very happy birthday and enjoys many good years of good health. :) I love you!

5.14pm

Birthday in the office

2010-01-02T21:08:00.001+08:00

A big thanks to my colleagues for celebrating my birthday on the last working day of 2009, 30 Dec.

A nice choc cake.

Lunch @ 永和豆浆油條大王

2010-01-02T14:42:00.010+08:00

I decided to 'call' for lunch at Yong He since I had accidentally come across its address on the newspapers on our dining table. I can speak loudly today because it's my birthday!

Used to go there with a classmate when I was in secondary school and once with dad many years ago.

Yong He operates 24-hour. It has more varied items on its menu now, like fried bee hoon, braised pork rice, beef noodles, etc.

These are the main products of Yong He. The you tiao (dough fritter) is not as hot and crispy as before. I noticed they are all pre-fried and placed in display warmer as the order goes. The dou jiang (soya milk is still fine but again, not as hot as before. :(

First item to go into hubby's mouth.

Dad's lunch (with the braised pork bun). That's little but he said it's enough.

Fried Spring Onion Pancake. I don't really like sring onion pancake but I was still ok with this.

担仔面, Dan Zai Mian. We were expecting some unique kind of noodle (eg la mian kind) but it was actually the normal yellow noodle. And it tasted more like prawn noodle than anything else. As a prawn noodle, it;s quite nice, esp with a few pieces of res cut chilli padi in it. But again, it's not hot enough. I wonder if our mouth got problem instead.

My favourite Shao Bing (toasted bun) with floss egg. I never fail to order this whenever I come. After this, my tummy was as full as anything.

It all came up to $16.60, excl our to and fro cab fare. Hahaha, but it;s all worth it. I have decided to do this (ie go to more makan places) more frequently.

4.00pm

Happy Birthday To Me!

2010-01-02T06:41:00.003+08:00

Another year has been added but I am none the wiser. I wish for more good things to happen this year. Though I believe miracles don't happen to me, I just hope 'suay-ness' (the unfortunate stuff) don't befall me be it at home, at work or at anywhere.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

6.48am

Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T20:03:00.001+08:00

Wishing all a very happy and prosperous year ahead. May your days in the new year be filled with lots of joy, fun and great health.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Bad end to the year; Bad start to the year

2009-12-31T07:12:00.002+08:00

The year had concluded on a bad note, with the last two weeks of it being very depressing. It will continue to the start of the new year.

Strangely, where work is concerned, there wasn't any feel at all during the last working day of the year (for me, it's 30 Dec). It totally did not seem like holiday is coming. I felt like any other normal working day, rushing things, trying to complete things. It's just like starting work in the new year already.

I thought that shouldn't be the way but that was the way I had felt.

I do hope the next year will bring more light, more direction and make more good things happen.

7.22am

Happy Boxing Day

2009-12-26T20:09:00.001+08:00

Somehow forgotten to have a Merry X'mas post yesterday.

A belated Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day!

Missing Xiaohei - One year

2009-12-19T07:12:00.003+08:00

Last year today, Xiaohei was taken away by the town council folks (while we were away from home) who had claimed had took her to another lot of blocks. I still cannot find her to date and am still very sore with them.

That had spoilt my festive season thoroughly.

Am missing her lots and hope she is happy wherever she may be.

Here were my earlier posts:

20 Dec 08
21 Dec 08 (1)
21 Dec 08 (2)
25 Dec 08
26 Dec 08

7.18am

Been slacking lately

2009-12-18T17:30:00.002+08:00

I have not posted for about a week. My brain seems to be a little empty of late, again. Though I was supposed to post some Melaka photos, but the thought of my computer hanging on me each time I upload puts me off!

Am trying to get my energy and some brain juice back.

I will be back!

5.35pm

Dinner at Imperial Herbal Restaurant (11 Dec 09)

2009-12-12T21:45:00.006+08:00

As a belated celebration to our wedding anniversary, dinner was at Vivocity's Imperial Herbal Restaurant. Movie plan was earlier cancelled as there weren't any shows we wanted to watch. So makan's the best thing to have - at least for me.

The view was very nice as it is on the 3rd level of Vivo with a garden, sentosa view, whatever you call it. The moment I stepped into the restaurant, the first thing that caught my eyes were the special sofas - in the design of palms.

This is the deco near the entrance. Mmmm...the statue must be that of Hua Tuo.

While waiting for our food to arrive. The table appetizer (long beans and toufu fried with dried shrimp chilli) was very nice and appetizing!

Laying back, enjoying the comfort of the sofa while waiting for food to be served. Very hungry!

This was the recommended appetizer by the captain. It's fluffy egg white with dried scallop. It's served in a deep fried potato nest base. A very delicious appetizer, esp with pepper (as recommended) but got a little gelat three quarter way down. Overall, it's a nice dish.

What's eating in a herbal restaurant without some herbal stuff? Hubby ordered some fish soup. We flipped through the menu, there were so many kinds of herbal soup which we were not very sure how to get the right one. So whatever we ordered were recommended by the very helpful captain.

This is my cordyceps soup with lean meat, lotus seeds, dried longans and some roots thingie (which i don't know what that was). Nice soup.

Aside from herbal stuff, they do have normal restaurant menu like fried rice. We ordered a Yang Chow Fried Rice to share and the pic above was our Cereal Prawns. Forgotten to take a pic of our fried rice in our excitement and hunger. :)

Attacking the cereal prawns!

Yummy, good stuff. Should go back there to try other things. Their desserts looked cool! But I didn't try, due to some reasons. :)

Our 4th Anniversary

2009-12-10T20:02:00.003+08:00

Today's the 4th year of my customary wedding. A Happy 4th Anniversary to myself and I wish for more good and happy years ahead.

Melaka trip over the weekend

2009-12-08T21:28:00.002+08:00

Was in Melaka on 5 Dec for a 2 day 1 night tour. 6 of us went. It was a very enjoyable trip. I will definitely go back again.

Er....will try to post the pics up later this week. I believe it will take me a while and LOTS OF PATIENCE. So shall do it when I have ample time to sit at my computer.

Had take over a hundred photos but will post those I think are nicer here. The rests can be found on my facebook for friends. :)

你有吃过湿卤味吗？

2009-11-27T10:17:00.002+08:00

这摊位于珍珠坊熟食中心的<湿卤味专家>是老爸常会去光顾的摊位。我估计这摊位已在这儿营业有十几来年或更久了。从我还是学生时，就发现老爸一来到珍珠坊，一定会吃“卤味”（他常称为Loh Mei）。当时，我真是不太习惯这汤的味道。但不知为什么这几年也开始喜欢上它了。几天前还主动跟老爸提议去吃Loh Mei。

摊名叫〈湿卤味专家〉或〈Loh Mei Specialist〉。特点是在它的汤底-南乳汤底。不时很多人能适应南乳味吧。料有：豆卜，尤鱼，猪肚，鸡翅，嗡菜，猪皮，豆皮等。配着白饭和辣椒，真是没话说。一份汤$4，饭$0.50能吃得我饱饱！要想吃面，它也有旦旦面。汤底是同样的，只不过料比较少。一碗$2.50。

想尝一尝吗？它就在珍珠坊大厦熟食中心#01-1106。去试一试吧。

10.51am

Dad's furry friend

2009-11-25T20:30:00.001+08:00

This cat recognises dad and will run from nowhere to this bench when he whistles and curled up beside him. I witnessed this today. It was so cute. Hahahaha....

Scary Lift

2009-11-23T20:01:00.002+08:00

I wonder what has happened to cause this glass pane that will splatter any moment. While in the lift, I was so worried that the glass might just decide to fly. God. Is it human, or environment?

This is the normal look of the glass.

8.26pm

Three men in action!

2009-11-23T09:00:00.003+08:00

Tin Swan with his super whack!

Kian Peng next on the board

Hubby;s turn...

Dou Dou in action!

2009-11-23T08:04:00.003+08:00

Enjoying his meal of sunflower seeds.

Has started to bite cage. Sigh...

Lunch @ Sakura International Buffet

2009-11-22T19:00:00.018+08:00

Recently got to know that the famous Sakura International Buffet has an outlet at the Yio Chu Kang stadium. Been trying to find a good time to go and try since I have been hearing about this buffet restaurant. So, today's the day and we've made reservation at about 10am for 8 pax for today's lunch at 12pm (their opening time).

Here's the leaflet I got from them the day before when I went to racky the place.

The Japanese stuff. Salmon sashimi, prawnie sushi, shishamo, etc...

Here's uncle and dad.

Mmmmm....a good start.

Two gals enjoying their food.

Happy eating and chatting away. That should be the 'principle' of a buffet meal. Right?

Yam paste (orh nee). The paste itself is nice but the coconut is a little disappointing.

Durian paste! My god. I haven't had durian for eons. My first mouthful was heavenly. Simply shiok. You can eat it with the waffles too.

The meal continues...the baked prawn with some roe and creamy sauce is really nice!

The restaurant seems a little squeezy. A lack of space feeling.

Yummy, the nice prawns again!

And again...

Fruity time.

The black chicken (with danggui) soup is nice! Gotta try.

Lamp Chop. Forgotten to take a pic of my chicken chop.

A reminder: DO NOT WASTE FOOD. We didn't really though.

Fruit salad, fresh scallop and a second helping of salmon sashimi.

Second serving of durian paste. I can't help but snap it a second time! Really nice!

Don't keep focusing on the scallop. Must give kudos to the shell too! I flipped it over and took a pic.

Dessert time. These were some of what we had taken. There were more.

Finally, my two scoops of choc mint. I added the choc fudge myself. There were many other flavours - ice cream and sorbet.

Looks like limited variety? No, no. There were a lot more of other things which I had not taken a pic of! Too excited with eating. We sat through till about 2pm.

I don't mind going there again!

9.24pm

Christmas mood is building up in places

2009-11-22T18:17:00.010+08:00

Christmas deco is sprucing up at many many places. Due to the APEC Meeting a fortnight ago, some places has actually completed the deco much earlier. Was at Tanglin Mall and Suntec Convention over the weekend and got some shots for display.

Happy shopping for your Christmas!

Postcard Laughs

2009-11-22T16:42:00.002+08:00

At a recent World Genetics Meet, an American reports, "we crossed chickens with cows. The new breed simultaneously produces milk, meat and eggs."

A Japanese reports, "we succeeded in crossbreeding flues and bees. The hybrid flies over the thrash fields and produces honey."

A Ruusian reports, "we crossed a melon with cockroaches. When you cut the melon, the seeds run away by themselves."

Postcard laugh

2009-11-21T07:09:00.003+08:00

Patient to the eye doctor: "Whenever I drink coffee, I have this sharp, excruciating pain in my eye."

"Try to remember to remove the spoon from the cup before drinking," says the specialist.

The most annoying words - Fiona Chan, Sunday Lifestyle

2009-11-15T21:05:00.003+08:00

"Anyway, you know, whatever - it is what it is, at the end of the day."

This is the most irritating sentence in the English language, according to a poll in the United States last month.

"Whatever" - or, as it is more commonly said, "What-evvv-urhhhhh" or "wadeva" in Singapore - proved to be the most grating of the five phrases that were thrown up.

While I completely agree that these words and phrases all deserve to be eradicated from everyday speech, I must say I found the poll a bit wanting.

After all, my own mental list of annoying words, compiled over years of totally unplanned research, easily runs into hundreds.

If I had to give a prize to one for the (dis)honour of being the most annoying, it would go to "anything".

Don't get me wrong, it is a perfectly acceptable word when the person who uses it really means "anything". Like, for instance, me, when I say "I don't have anything to wear".

But what some people don't know is that the word "anything" is more commonly used as a trap. Indecisive people say it to lure you into a false sense of agreeability, and then they slowly kill you with frustration.

This is how it goes:

Me: "What do you want to eat for dinner?"

Indecisive Person: "Anything."

Me: "Okay, Thai food?"

Indecisive Person: "Uh...I don't really feel like Thai."

Me: "Japanese then?"

Indecisive Person: "No, I had Japanese for lunch."

Me: "How about French food?"

Indecisive Person. who by now is proving to be irritatingly decisive: "Yuck, I hate French food."

Me, on the verge of death by exasperation: "Then what do you want to eat?"

Indecisive Person: "Oh, anything, up to you."

A friend of mine has developed a foolproof way to deal with this. Once his dinner partner says "anything", he will insist on going to McDonald's and brook no further discussion. He doesn't mind eating the dinner in total frosty silence just to make his point.

Then there are words that are not inherently annoying - except when they are used wrongly, which seems to be every single time they are uttered.

Case in point: "Literally". This word aggravates me so much that whenever someone uses it in my presence I get an ulcer. Not literally.

But seriously, if I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say "literally" when what they actually meant was "really", I would have about $147. Literally.

Another similarly abused word is "whereby", which is a particular favourite with insurance and property agents. In fact, they often use the two words in the same breath.

A property agent once told me: "The nearest station whereby you can take MRT is across the road and 10 minutes' walk to the left. It's literally just next door."

Whenever I complain to people about my words woes, they usually just make it worse.

"Don't stress," they will say - a useless injunction if I ever heard one.

Still, that's better than my personal anti-favourite: "chillaxing", as in "Hey, why are you so tense? Chillaxing, lah."

That's right - it's not just "chill" or "relax" or even "chillax", but "chillaxing". Even if the word made sense, it would be ungrammatical.

Every time I hear this, the only thing I want to chillax is the speaker's head. With an ice-pick.

I even have a most annoying letter of the alphabet: K. Not because I hate koalas, or kangeroos, or karaoke, but because K is a completely unnecessary abbreviation of the already abbreviated "OK".

This is most frequently used after I have typed out a very long and complicated SMS to a friend about exactly where we should meet, at what time, and where the cheapest and nearest parking is available.

His reply: "K". Without a fullstop, because typing any more than one letter is just too much effort.

I really don't understand why a word that originally comprises only four letters ("okay") has to be shrunk to two letters, and then one.

I suspect that in time, people won't even bother to type anything at all. They'll just send an empty SMS to signify consent.

Then again, if that ever happens, I suppose I have the perfect response already: "wadeva".

Fiona Chan
Sunday Lifestyle, Sunday Times (15 Nov 09)

Kayleen's full month

2009-11-14T12:20:00.003+08:00

My nephew's gal is celebrating her full month. We got this very beautifully packaged cakes and kuehs which wow-ed me!

Since the camera was on my hand, I couldn't help but snap a few pics to post.

Happy Full Month, Kayleen and congrats to Gary and Esther!

12.29pm

Breakfast at Mac

2009-11-14T11:50:00.006+08:00

Had planned last night to have breakfast at this MacDonalds which is located at the foot of a park. Been there previously but had no chance to dine in.

There is a drive-in booth too. Gosh, the outlet was quite crowded with kids and all. There is a little playground so it's no wonder you see lots of kids. One kid cried after another, one scream after another. So much for a peaceful Mac breakfast. But we too were trying to indulged in our own world.

Two Big Breakfast sets in exchange of 8 monopoly stickers! By the way, I got a free apple pie instant win! Finally I got something edible. The first was Esso discount and the second was a Toys R Us discount. Both did not really rouse my interest.

Yummy Yummy. As I ate I was just wondering what's the difference between a big breakfast and a sausage muffin with egg, except that one is scrambled egg, and the other, a fried egg.

12.18pm

A Fine Lunch @ Soprano

2009-11-13T22:32:00.008+08:00

It was a fine noon on 12 Nov 09, Thur when we started off to this Italian restaurant at Portsdown Road. It was a team lunch hosted by our Vice Dean as a year end appreciation meal.

Orders were taken two days before the lunch with the menu floating round. I don't go for italian meals hence the names looked really 'italian' to me! After some 'discussions' with my colleague, I have finally decided on the following:

Appetizer

Carpaccio di Salmone (salmon carpaccio topped with freshly shaved parmesan cheese dressed with extra virgin olive oil, onions, cappers, black pepper, lemon and parsley)

Main

Ravioli Ricotta e Spinaci - Al Fungi di bosco (selection of four varieties of wild wood mushrooms in creamy sauce)

Dessert

I scoop After-Eight Mint Gelato

Soprano Wine & Dine in Style @ 7 Portsdown Road. Not really accessible without a vehicle. There is a private carpark (with limited lots of course) for its patrons.

This was the menu which went round our desks for prior order taking. Anyway, the appetizer was subsequently changed to clams, plus other niceties like bread, cheese, hams, etc.

This was the first 'dish' that was served. Don't worry, not individual portion but to be shared. There were two types of cheese, one was a soft cheese (which was nicer to me) and the other a hard cheese.

A series of other side dishes which I thought was some preserved shallots and mixed mushrooms with er...olive, capsicums? The bread was the best!

Clams which had replaced our original appetizer. I am not fan of shell fish and hardly eat clams. But I surprised myself that I had broken the record of the number of clams I ate that day! Though not a mountain full, but more than what I would normally take (which is almost Nil!).

A total of 13 of us. We had started the appetizer before the host arrived.

We were sitting at the end of the restaurant so this picture, taken from where we sat, showed the general layout of the restaurant. There were seats outside too (non-conditioned).

This was my Ravioli Ricotta e Spinaci. I have always been wanting to try those dumpling like pasta which I see in the supermarket but not sure how it will taste. So I took the opportunity to try it here. The 'dumpling' was filled with spinach (as the name showed) and cheese. All in all, it wasn't bad but after a while, it sure does something funny to your tummy (I mean bloated). Sorry but I didn't manage to finish the whole thing no matter how hard I tried.

My favourite moment! Mint Gelato! There were more options than the menu we had but I still stick to what I had ordered because there is no choc ice-cream and so I settled for what I love too - MINT! It was very very nice.

Took a pic of my colleague's dessert. I forgot to ask if this was lemon gelato or lemon sorbet. the bowl looked empty to me, hahahaha.

A glass of Earl Grey tea - a little too 'strong' for my taste. Not that the tea was strong, but there was sort of a spice flavour in the tea. I would still prefer my normal cup of english tea.

One of my colleagues, Nic. We took the opportunities to take pics while the drivers went out to get their cars amidst the heavy downpour.

Tracy (who had arranged our lunch) and Sing Ee at the door of the restaurant. Because of the rain, I was not able to take a pic of the whole restaurant from outside.

A whole series of wine.

One more shot before we left.

Thanks Prof Yeoh for the wonderful lunch and the company and the gathering.

7.33am (14 Nov 09, Sat)

Xiao Dou Dou running the wheel!

2009-11-11T20:21:00.002+08:00

The little fella was enjoying his maiden run in this new two-way running wheel which I bought for him. Will take a clip on his free run the next time he gets in.

My Pet Hammie Xiao Dou Dou (小豆豆)

2009-11-08T14:58:00.003+08:00

I brought Xiao Dou Dou back today from Pet Lovers Centre. He is a Sapphire Winter White, 5 weeks old. This was also Mao Mao's (my first hamster) breed.

When we placed him into his cage this morning, he was running about all over the cage for a couple of minutes. Then he went to sleep till now.

Will let him try to settle in for the next 2 days.

3.12pm

My Katong Day

2009-11-07T16:47:00.011+08:00

After so many years, I have finally made my short trip back to the Tanjong Katong street where I had also called Joo Chiat (but I think Joo Chiat is there too). I am confused about the road names there. The main road is Upper East Coast Road, but I see Tanjong Katong Road, Joo Chiat Road, etc, etc...

Anyway, I used to go there with Dad on Saturdays years ago for the Tau Kua Pao (豆干包). When I was in my school days, dad used to pack them home for lunch whenever he was around that area. So I grew up knowing what that was and I enjoyed it so much, especially eating it with the sauce and chilli.

When I grew older, dad brought me to the place and I finally got to see the stall where I always get the nice Tau Kua Pao.

I had decided to make a trip back there today because I was looking for the kueh called Apom which DJ Anna from Radio 1003 posted on her blog. I tried to look for it at its outlet at Suntec Tower 3 but they don't carry Apom there.

And since I hadn't been back in Tanjong Katong for years, I was hoping I could get whatever I used to eat before and pack them home.

As I walked, I reminded myself to focus on the things that I wanted to buy and ignore the rests because the temptation was getting too much for me to bear. If I wasn't careful, I would buy more than I could stomach.

In the end, I managed to get myself back on track and just buy the things I had wanted to buy TODAY! The rests, I could come another day. :)

Puteria Mas was the place that set me down to Katong today. This was the main outlet which carries the Apom, which was my purpose. Puteri Mas was actually a durian puff specialist. There were also many varieties of swiss rolls, incl durian swiss, chempedak swiss, etc. I saw the chempedak muffins which I thought was interesting so I bought a pack of 2 too.

As for the Apom, when I tried one at home, I realise this may not be my 'acquired' taste. The kueh itself has a soury flavour. The sauce that goes with it was fine though. If I am not wrong, it's a gula melaka sauce with other ingredients.

As for the Chempedak muffins, I have not started eating it yet, as it was more critical to finish the rest. The muffins, I realised, were the only items which can wait till tomorrow.

Next comes the Tau Kua Pao. I bought 4 at $1 each. The stall has moved from its original location which was diagonally opposite to Katong Mall. But it hasn't moved too far, just to the opposite side of the road, which is now at the side opposite of Katong Mall. I saw another coffeeshop selling the same thing and I almost got from the wrong stall. I still enjoyed it especially with the sauce and chilli, I must stress. Really haven't eaten this for a long time. Am now thinking going back to get them again next week. :p

Popiah from Glory! After the first time I ate this, I couldn't forget it and it had been added to my list off 'must get' at Katong since then. One of these popiahs cost $2 previously. Today, it has risen to $2.20. However, the feel I had after eating it was different from the previous times I ate. I wonder why. I did not have that super YUMMY feel today. Either the popiah taste has changed, my taste has changed, or it was eaten only after a couple of hours after.

The Glory Catering outlet actually sells Nasi Padang, besides Popiah, and the other types of kuehs and jams. I haven't tried the other stuff before.

And finally, my visit would not be complete without a bowl of KATONG LAKSA, right? Not really. I decided to stop by because I was too hungry to wait till home after getting all the above items! So I found one stall which was not crowded and sat in there myself with a bowl of laksa and a can of green tea. I was (and still am) never sure which is the original laksa because every one says they are. Anyway, this one which I took the laksa was called Famous 49 Katong Laksa. Let me know if you can share which is the original.

Anyway, the bowl of laksa made feel bloated and a little jelat.

So that's my Katong trip. There are lots more items I need to check out another day. And I saw an Indian restaurant! Woooow!

9.42pm

Mushrooming while fruit picking

2009-11-07T10:27:00.004+08:00

Again, we went sky fruit hunting at the big field this morning again. While searching for the fruits, I also came across many types of mushrooms which I knew existed previously but did not really slowed down to have a closer look.

This morning, I kind of paid special attention to them and noticed that there were not only one kind but a variety of mushrooms growing. They looked different in kind, in shapes, in sizes. I took pics of them as I walked along.

Some look really nice, I thought. Like an umbrella. One type, if you notice above, was a little scary. It looked like a bowl shape and as I was aiming to take a pic, I was visually the mushroom opening up its 'mouth' and 'swallow' my hand!

Maybe I should start exploring mushrooms so that I can have a more comprehensive introduction with the pics next time! How does that sound?

Nice morning.

10.57am

Another week over

2009-11-06T20:50:00.003+08:00

Phew, 无惊无险又过了一个星期。Everything is kind of painful having to count down to today, which is FRIDAY!

The past couple of nights were tiring nights. Not that I had lots to do after work to make me tired, but after each working day, I was like a dead fish. And at home, I would be feeling very very tired (more so than usual) before actual bed time every night.

Guess how happy I was when I have finally crawled till today.

I haven't been doing lots of exercises and other useful activities for the longest time. And that is worrying quite a bit. Is my backache, hand pain, shoulder pain, pain here pain there due to lack of exercises? Will I deteriorate and rot if I carry on like this? I need the energy and motivation and mood to get back to what I was in the past.

Had been contemplating a couple of things, eg trekking at MacRitchie reservoir (heard a lot about the place where I keep forgeting the name, some suspension bridge, trail walk kind of stuff), swimming, badminton, etc, etc But nothing had really moved!

Many factors come into play at different times. Sometimes, we are tired and would prefer to rest in and do nothing or just to simply play computer games. At times, we simply procrastinated and put off for nothing. And there are times when there are other things we need to do or attend to. Of course, the lukewarm response I get when you suggest certain things to people really kills whatever enthusiasm that I have.

I suppose there must be things I can just go ahead and do on my own without relying too much on people. I can't, or rather dare not, go swimming on my own (I might just drown and be swimming in heaven forever). I can't play badminton on my own. But maybe I can try to jog (which I don't really like) or trek on my own. The simple trekking may be possible but if I want to explore to explore anywhere further, then.....maybe i can still do it right? What have I not done before? Actually lots. Haha. I had tried a little walk at Macritchie some time back, on my own. I had walked at the Botanical Gardens on my own. I had even gone to the zoo on my own. I may just do that again! But I need my energy to be consistently great, if not normal!

Whatever it is, self-reliance and self-sufficiency is the way to go...

9.23pm

My new hamster cage!

2009-11-01T14:45:00.002+08:00

Finally, finally...after a few rounds of checking out, I've finally gotten a new hamster cage at Pet Lovers' Centre (about $50+, I think), together with dad and hubby. Courtesy of hubby. :)

Something simple, though not as big as I wish. I hope this will be a correct buy.

Can be considered a two-storey cage. The second level is not as big. It's where the food will be placed.

This is the second level view.

This is level one where the wheel, drinking bottle is. I will also look for a little hideout for the little fellow to hide in.

Gonna wash and clean up this new cage in the next couple of days. Hope to bring in it's little owner next weekend!

Yippie!

2.56pm

What a cooling day

2009-10-31T20:07:00.002+08:00

I think the rainy season has started. The rain started yesterday evening and ended this morning (with strong wind even in the middle of the night). Then sunshine for a couple of hours and the rain started again this evening.

Wow, what a day to sleep in. But I was in and out of house today, from morning walk, to lunch (and met Irene and family by chance, hehehe), to searching for hammie cages, to buying dinner. My legs are very tired and I am very tired now. :) But it was and still is a great day.

Wish weekend is much much longer.

8.30pm

Stop sending me cheques!

2009-10-31T11:01:00.003+08:00

I have been receiving cheques sent by banks issued to my name for a couple of thousands. dollars each time. Ha, dream on if you think it's a cheque issued to me for nothing!

It's actually the credit line which the banks are trying to 'entice' customers to use. That essentially means you are drawing the bank's money to use, and that means you are 'borrowing' from the bank, and that means you have to return the money, AND that means you have to pay an interest for the money!

There is no free lunch. That is understood.

What I can't stand is that they have to use this tactic to draw customers' attention or use of this service. I consider these junk mails. It confuses me whenever I receive these because I need to think for a while if these are a real cheque paid to me by some insurance companies, etc, or it's one of those rubbish. One of these days, I may end up tearing the real cheques!

If I am going to receive one again, I swear I am going to write a letter or email to the bank to warn them to stop sending me. Else, I have no qualms about cancelling the credit cards facilities if I have to!

So stop sending me these junks!

11.18am

Life's little lesson - from the bus stop

2009-10-28T14:51:00.003+08:00

I was waiting for bus at this bus-stop when I raised my head and saw the above image.

Something crossed my mind at that moment.

It seems to be telling me something. What is it?

If you build your foundation right and can stand firmly on your own, there is no need to worry about your existence in the society. You will have your place and will not be 'disposed' off easily.

Look at the tree in the picture. It's so deeply rooted and even the construction of the bus stop did not threaten the tree's existence. The bus shelter even had to be sawed off partially to accommodate the tree.

3.25pm

For useful confidential or useless confidential

2009-10-28T14:26:00.003+08:00

I first saw the words ON this box that says "Strictly for Confidential Documents" just inside a blood test room.

My sleepy mind was processing these words over and over, thinking "wow now there is a box to segregate confidential mails from normal mails for despatch to drop in. Subconsciously, I kept thinking "no, I must be missing something".

Hahaha, and when I walked further into the room, I saw the words in front of the box which says "Sembenviro", I then woke up "Oh, this is a box to discard confidential documents!".

Tsk Tsk Tsk, I kept reminding myself to be very careful if such box ever appears in my workplace! It's meant for the disposal of confidential documents, not delivery of these documents!

Watch it!

2.50pm

有关向天果（Sky Fruits）

2009-10-25T10:05:00.014+08:00

9月27日，我写了一小篇有关我第一次去捡一重叫向天果的果子。在我们的街道上还真可以找到很多这种树。从网络上获知这种果的英文名称是Sky Fruit。

当时，我们也不知道应该捡果子的哪个部分所以看到什么就捡什么。

慢慢的我们对向天果稍微有了多一点的认识，也知道其实要的是它的种子。听说种子可以生吃，煮汤炒菜，加入饮料喝或磨成粉装进胶囊当supplement吃。种子本身是非常苦的。

从网络也得知向天果有保健作用。它拥有许多对身体有益的活性成分，Flavonoids和Saponins。它据有降低胆固醇，血糖，帮助血液流通等作用。

这一个月我们都很留意周围的向天果树，周末还特地到一些比较有浅能的地方寻找向天果。有时收获还挺不错。当中也有碰到同样认识向天果的人也发现其实还有好些人也在找。。并捡。

昨天早上和今早，我们有所定不同的‘目标’一早就出门‘开工’。今天早上的收获还挺好的。一路上还拍了些照片。

从天桥上近距离和向天果接触。可惜手不够长，不能把它摘下来。（主：向天果是非常硬的，要是那么幸运被它打中，你可能会头生包，严重还可能头破血流。车子被砸到肯定遭殃。）

这是向天果树的叶子。

在路中间的向天果树

今早到这个大草场寻找。

也当成周末的早晨运动又有新鲜空气。简直是两全齐美的活动。

在地面间的向天果叶子。

今天的收获。最开心能捡到整颗的果子。要不就直接捡种子的部分。

就是这个部位了。白色的就是我们所要的那颗‘宝’。

晒干之后再把白色种子取出。要尝一尝吗？（我可还没吃过）

11.37am

车祸谁负责？

2009-10-24T20:57:00.003+08:00

刚刚出了一趟门，去逛逛。不知何故，在等着过马路的时候，忽然间脑袋给自己发了个问答题：

一般上，要是车子超速而撞上了行人，那司机就必须付责。要是行人糊乱过马路而造成意外的发生，行人就得要为自己的疏忽负责。

但如果车祸（不管是车撞车祸车撞人）是因为非法停在街边的车照成的，那谁该负责呢？或应该是说，那糊乱停车的司机应该承担部分责任吗？

怎么会这么问呢？我们的小街经常有很多车子非法停放在街边,照成行人过马路不但很不方便而且也很危险，因为行人和司机的视线都被停放着的车子挡着。这可能也是照成意外的原因之一。

有关当局在调查意外的发生时，会考虑这点吗？我不晓得。碰到这些乱停放车子的人真是无奈！

9.54pm

想要Cruise吗？

2009-10-23T20:21:00.008+08:00

一年又即将的结束了。每逢年底，大家都忙着计划旅游行程。已经订购旅游配套的人，就得开始准备行李，该买什么，备带什么。准备过程其实是挺享受和愉快的。还没计划的，可能正在做一些资料参考，要去远一些的，还是在邻国兜一兜。

最近也开始在想着是否应该让自己放个假，让自己enjoy一下，要到哪里，能放多少天假，要花多少钱，等等。虽然还没想出个所以然，但心里老想着要再上一趟游轮，Star Virgo。

大概一个月前，就从电台Radio100.3听到他们与大通旅游所主办，由DJ安娜带团的“亚热带 Ti Amo 游轮风情8日游”。由于即将在11月28日出发，最近的广告更是频密，而我听得更是。。。口水直流！每当DJ，尤其是安娜在介绍这个配套和行程时，我总是不由自主的‘飘’到游轮上了！真的好想去啊，但要拿出8天，我真的不敢想向回到工作时，回有什么‘大祸大灾’。可能是自己想太多，但这就是我。或可能潜意识告诉我，这不是时候吧。

这“亚热带 Ti Amo 游轮风情8日游”是乘坐Costa Classica的游轮。行程包括胡志明市，三亚市和香港，再由香港乘飞机回返新加坡。每人$1,348起，这包括陆游与飞机票。太诱惑人了！

行程详情：

第1天：新加坡

今天，前往新加坡-港湾中心乘搭富有意大利气息的歌诗达豪华邮轮-经典号启航到譽為「東方之珠」的香港。（晚餐）

第2天：海上巡游

今天自由活动。琳琅满目的娱乐节目就在船上热烈展开，剧场百老汇歌舞秀，钢琴酒吧乐声悠扬，舞池狂欢，赌场试手气，还有手工艺、烹饪、语言学习等各种趣味课程、游戏，带给您豪华欢乐的海上生活。（早餐 / 午餐 / 晚餐）

第3天：胡志明市（越南）

今天抵达越南最大的城市 -胡志明市。早餐后，参观前身是美军情报中心的战争博物馆。现在馆内陈列着在越南战争中美军所使用的各类武器。续往法国殖民时期留下的著名的地标-圣母大教堂。参观由19世纪末，由法国建筑师设计的胡志明市中央邮局。午餐后，欣赏越南著名水上木偶表演。之后，前往滨城街市尽情购物。
（早餐 / 越式午餐 / 晚餐）

第4天：海上：自由活动

今天自由活动。邮轮上各式各样的休闲运动设备，更让青春的细胞都动起来！您一定迫不及待的要跃入游泳池，或在户外甲板跑道，迎著海风慢跑，或前往健身中心享受汗水淋漓的快感，时下最风靡的瑜伽课程，更是女性朋友们热爱的项目，还有网球、篮球、排球、高尔夫、直排轮等，恣意展现您活力与身体律动的欢乐。
（早餐 / 午餐 / 晚餐）

第5天：峴港（越南）
今天抵达越南最著名的海滩度假胜地 -峴港。早餐后，启程前往在1999年被联合国教科文组织列为《世界遗产》的美山圣地。这是一个包括70多个塔寺的多个塔寺的群体建筑，它是用来供奉占婆国王的各位保护神，所以曾名“圣都”。续往会安古城。保存下来的古建筑、古街道体现了中国、日本和越南文化与建筑风格之间有机的融合。街道的布局、建筑的式样，既展现了中华建筑的古朴和优雅，又融入了当地人的自然审美观和生活情趣。这里既能欣赏到古老的文化传统，又能感受到浓郁的地域气息。（早餐 / 越式午餐 / 晚餐）

第6天：三亚市（海南岛）

今早抵达位於海南最南端，被稱為「東方夏威夷」的三亚。早餐后，前往南山文化公园，参观著名的海上观音像。位于南山文化旅游区内，海上观音像高一百零八米，比美国自由女神像还高十四点四米，佛像为三尊手势各异白衣观音像的合一体，已成为展示佛教文化的艺术殿堂，并成为海南乃至中国佛教文化标志性的景观之一。午餐后将有机会观赏“生态茶艺”表演，品尝海南香茶。（早餐 / 海鲜午餐 / 晚餐）

第7天：香港：自由活动

今天自由活动。您何不自费畅游香港迪斯尼乐园，进入趣味进入趣味盎然的奇妙国度，体验天马行空的幻想、超现实的未来世界和新奇刺激的探险游戏或到亮丽的大型购物商场，本土风味浓厚的露天市场购物。（早餐 / 午餐 / 晚餐）

第8天：香港 – 新加坡

下船后，我们的香港城市观光，包括浅水湾，金紫荆，香港仔渔村，珠宝厂，中草药店。午餐后，告别难忘的旅程，乘搭班机回返美丽的祖国-新加坡。希望您在大通旅游的陪伴下度过美好的欢乐时光。（早餐 / 点心午餐）

看来，还真的得放弃Costa Classica。或许就回到StarVirgo三天两夜的怀抱吧！

10.07pm

Extracts from 陈慧画传 - 怀念我的奶奶

2009-10-21T20:50:00.006+08:00

怀念我的奶奶 - 孙子，王晗

“我答应过您要快乐的生活，坚强地面对一切，现在我正努力这样生活着，您会在天堂看着我对不对？并从天堂带给我祝福，不是吗？我坚定地踏在未来的征途。奶奶，您在天堂一定要看着孙儿去支撑自己的天空。成熟一定要经历挫折，挫折多了，也就不怕任何挑战。奶奶我现在以优异成绩完成了培训任务，即将到实际工作岗位实习，我在祖国的南方愿您在那遥远的天国快乐，奶奶如果有来生我们还要一起走。”

You are so sweet, Prof Tan!

2009-10-20T21:07:00.004+08:00

Some months ago, in March this year, I had written a post to thank Prof Tan Chay Hoon on her curry puff offer. In the post, I was commenting on how little gesture like this can touch a heart and bring warmth to a very 'stressed' person, like me. :)

On a few occasions after the March encounter, we met along the way and had some long and short chitchats. It's always very nice to talk to her. You feel very assured and have that feeling of security. I can't describe it completely but talking to her just make magic! She's like a very kind mentor, sharing with you her little stories and lifting your spirit by the conversation. In any case, she is a psychiatrist.

I 'bumped' into her again this evening while I was running down the stairs from office. She walked up, held my arm and asked me to be careful. She was staring at my shoes (slightly heeled), pointing at them and telling me that such shoes can cause injury if I was not careful.

Again simple words, simple gesture like this brings a smile to anyone! Started a day with a very depressed mood, but ending the day with such encounter....I am truly appreciative.

Thanks again, Prof!

9.17pm

A quote on animals

2009-10-19T19:59:00.003+08:00

Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures.

- Dalai Lama

Quotes about work

2009-10-19T17:37:00.002+08:00

Never continue in a job you don't enjoy. If you're happy in what you're doing, you'll like yourself, you'll have inner peace. And if you have that, along with physical health, you will have had more success than you could possibly have imagined.
- Johnny Carson

Never work just for money or for power. They won't save your soul or help you sleep at night.
- Marian Wright Edelman

Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.
- James M. Barrie