.: Flowerprint :.

2012

2011-12-31T14:43:00.000+08:00

This post by Paulo Coelho seems so apt for 2012 that I need to post this on my blog to remind me constantly.

1] The path begins with a crossroads. There you can stop and think what direction to follow. But don’t spend too much time thinking or you’ll never leave the spot. Once you have taken the first step, forget the crossroads forever or you will always torture yourself with the useless question: “did I take the right path?”

2] The path doesn’t last for ever. It is a blessing to travel the path for some time, but one day it will come to an end, so always be prepared to leave it at any moment. Don’t get too used to anything. Neither to the hours of euphoria, nor to the endless days when everything seems so difficult and progress is so slow. Don’t forget that sooner or later an angel will appear and your journey will reach an end.

3] Honor your path. It was your choice, your decision, and just as you respect the ground you step on, that ground will respect your feet. Always do what is best to conserve and keep your path and it will do the same for you.

4] Be well equipped. Carry a small rake, a spade, a penknife. Understand that penknives are no use for dry leaves, and rakes are useless for herbs that are deep-rooted. Know also what tool to use at each moment.

5] The path goes forward and backward. At times you have to go back because something was lost, or else a message to be delivered was forgotten in your pocket. A well tended path enables you to go back without any great problems.

6] Take care of the path before you take care of what is around you. Don’t be distracted by the dry leaves at the edges or by the way that others are looking after their paths. Use your energy to tend and conserve the ground that accepts your steps.

7] Be patient. Sometimes the same tasks have to be repeated, like tearing up weeds or closing holes that appear after unexpected rain. Don’t let that annoy you – that is part of the journey.

8] Paths cross. People can tell what the weather is like. Listen to advice, and make your own decisions. You alone are responsible for the path that was entrusted to you.

9] Nature follows its own rules. In this way, you have to be prepared for sudden changes in the fall, slippery ice in winter, the temptations of flowers in spring, thirst and showers in the summer. Make the most of each of these seasons, and don’t complain about their characteristics.

10] Make your path a mirror of yourself. By no means let yourself be influenced by the way that others care for their paths. You have your soul to listen to, and the birds to tell what your soul is saying. Let your stories be beautiful and pleasant to everything around you. Above all, let the stories that your soul tells during the journey be echoed at each and every second of the path.

11] Love your path. And may the Lord guide you and help you every single day in 2012

An unexpected twist of events

2011-09-24T19:30:00.000+08:00

In an unexpected twist of events, I am all in for a very exciting few months.

I'm going to be getting a new (resale though) flat and a new job.

Both major events happened in a snap. By the grace of God.

Praise God.

2011-08-30T22:42:00.000+08:00

A day with butterflies in my stomach.

PE 2011

2011-08-28T17:52:00.000+08:00

Yahoo! SG on PE day!

I rejoice.

ND Rally 2011

2011-08-14T22:17:00.002+08:00

It is always heartening to listen to this. And I always make sure I stay home to.....

At times, the internet is so full of whines and complains, that made me frown.

May the country continue to be blessed.

Live for the glory of God

2011-08-14T04:14:00.000+08:00

Posting at this unearthly hour is almost not possible in these days. But well, for once. :)

While waiting for my hair to dry, some emotions indeed set in. But I wasn't that badly hit this time. Thank God for the reminders, reminding me of the 'Closing Circles'. Maybe along the years, I learnt it through the hard way. And thank God for having people around me.

And now, on a fresh sheet, live for the glory of God.

Mediocrity

2011-08-10T21:32:00.001+08:00

Something random strike me while I am swimming yesterday.

Do not settle with mediocrity. Mediocrity does not come from God.

I don't know why Paulo Coelho facebook prompted the post on 'Closing Circles' again. It was a post during New Year 2011, to close circles in 2010 and move to a better 2011. I re-posted it on my blog early this year. And here it is, repeating itself on his facebook page. Is God telling me something? Is God telling me close a section of my life and search for one which He is in charge? Is God telling me to move on??

Today, I made a decision to obey. The opportunity doesn't feel right. I chose to follow where God leads me.

God, do the work! I'll follow and live up Your name.

How

2011-08-07T02:32:00.000+08:00

Writing this at 230am in the night isn't an usual task.

But today seems to be a day of thoughts. Attended cell on Friday. Attended Festival of Praise (A very last minute one, at an invitational call from an ex-colleague). Attended fellowship with some Trinitarians.

Some thoughts are still entangled. But it leads me to new thinking. How can I do better? How can I do better for the glory of God? How can I be a good living testimony?

We all are people who more than often made mistakes, who sin knowingly and unknowingly, who have unlimited worldly wants, who always tend to have evil thoughts, who is critical to others and yet less of oneself.

How can we do things differently for the glory of God? How can we do differently to make the world a better place?

London in 2010

2011-07-24T14:07:00.002+08:00

On 11Sept 2010, we took Eurostar from Brussels to London. We were almost late as we rushed back to the airport to collect our luggage after Brugge trip to head to the main train station at Brussels Central.

The train ride was unexpected boring. Probably due to the fact that the train has to cross a sea before rushing London and we see nothing but darkness makes no fun. By the time we reached London, it is at about 8pm. Making our way through the Tubes (Their name for train/subways) to my colleague's friend's work place (she's a nurse) and then taking a bus there is indeed a challenge for us. Luckily it is not the first time my colleague is in London. It could be worse. And we were so tired that we didn't bother taking pictures.

We took a bus ride to the city the next morning after a hearty brunch made by my colleague and her friend.

The classic tube station in London

We were there on a Sunday, and the streets are crowded! People are shopping. I didn't get much. A sunglass for the summer glare and some souvenirs for my friends.

The busy streets of London on a Sunday

We walked along the streets towards The National Gallery - A small museum which is opened to all.

The National Gallery

A nice cozy art museum. I enjoyed the museums in London that the ones in Paris. Maybe one influencing factor is the language.

Around The National Museum

We continued walking around to London's eye and the Big Ben. And along the way, the London Classics - the London Telephone and the London Bus.

London Telephone

London Tour Bus

And finally, we reached London Eye.

Best sunny pic I've got with
London Eye

Different views of London Eye

We walked along and we reached the Big Ben.

Big Ben

The institution of Mechanical Engineers?

The Institution of
Mechanical Engineers

And we strolled to a park, near Buckingham Palace.

One side faces the London Eye

The other side faces Buckingham Palace

Just outside Buckingham Palace

The gates of Buckingham Palace

Night view of Buckingham

By the time we reach Buckingham Palace, it is way too dark to get a nice picture.

The next morning, we went shopping in Harolds! Bought 3 bottles of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Recovery 100ml at 75 pounds each! A steal. I was too caught up with shopping till I forgot pictures taking.

We head to The British Museum.

The British Museum

We made a quick decision to spend 60 pounds. Something I usually won't do. But my colleague convinced me into it. And here we go!

Wicked!

My 60 pounds

And we loved it!

London is a short one. And the next day, we are going home! :)

My travel companion and her nice friend who
put us up at her place and cooking us
nice meals! :)

Goodbye London. Till we meet again. :)

Belgium in 2010

2011-07-11T20:49:00.000+08:00

A few days after getting back from Korea, I'm due for business trip in Europe! It is practically living out of my suitcase! So here it goes.

I didn't take much pictures during the business trip portion. But basically, we had a good time. Meals are definitely good and weight gaining. We had loads of mussels, lots of olives, and bread dipped in olive oil and salt! Lots of beer and lots of fun!

And yes, 3 days of super hard work!

After our business trip, we did a brief trip to Brugge, a nice town in Belgium.

We took a 2 hour train ride to reach here.

Its a lovely place. And the weather made it all better.

Pretty Sky

Buildings around the church

The church can be spotted from afar

We took this around

Scenery during the speed boat tour.

Nice castle.

After toilet break!

The pictures look as if they are scorching hot. However, the fact is, it is below 20 deg C. At nights, it can hit less than 15 deg C. And I was under-clothed. :(

Horse Carriages

Beer Feast

Tower with nice view

And off we go, leaving this lovely place - Brugge.

London, we come. :)

A gift brightened the weekend!

2011-07-10T15:38:00.001+08:00

A nice gift from a good friend.

Love the pouch! :)

Life hasn't been smooth sailing emotionally at work and it somehow affects a little of my personal life.

My travel blogging stopped a while as I'm waiting for pictures from an ex-colleague whom I went London with. :) Stay tuned.

Planning for 2012

2011-06-01T22:13:00.003+08:00

Procrastination had always lead me to lost opportunities. So for 2012, there are some things I really want to kick start!

I shan't be too ambitious.

Item 1: MSc in Proj Management

Either one of the local universities, I hope my degree results + work experience + recommendation letter can get me an offer place in one of the local universities for part time Masters. Application starts in Jul and Aug respectively. And if I get a place, the course will be due to start in Jan 2012 and last for 2 years.

Item 2 (optional): Orthodontics - Braces.

Been holding on to this for a long time. Not a must, but its always good to start early.

I wished I start these 2 items earlier. But oh well, its better to be late than never.

Closure

2011-05-30T22:12:00.003+08:00

Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will never come back.

Remember that there was a time when you could live without that thing or that person - nothing is irreplaceable, a habit is not a need.

-- By Paulo Coelho

A reminder.

Korea in Aug 2010 (Part 3 of 3)

2011-05-29T16:10:00.000+08:00

The final part of the Aug trip to Korea is to Everland!!

Everyday is a holiday at Everland! Everland is at another part of Seoul where we need to take an 1 hr bus ride (~10,000won). The entry tickets to Everland is about 45,000 won per person.

The wet weather makes our mood slightly dampened, wearing our poncho around in Everland. We went for a quick fast food bite.

The Korean version of KFC

Still drizzling, we went to the animal zoo part of Everland.

Creepy huge spider

Red Footed Tortoise

Pretty Parrot

Some bird, with perfect posture!

Porcupines

One lonely African Wild Ass

Sleepy Owl

Polar Bear

Baby lions

Squirrel

Cocks and Hens

In Everland's Poncho

We came to Everland, specially for this. Wooden Roller Coaster which inclines at 77 degree! Which meant that you are almost falling perpendicular to ground.

T-express

The 77 deg fall

Wooden Structure!

A video of the ride

An overview

Bus ride into wide zoo

The boar

Tigers

Giraffes

A show to complete the day

We took a 2 hr bus + train ride and were both tired out by the day's event.

We are due for home on 1st Sep evening flight. So we did last minute shopping and caught the flight home.

But before we board the plane, we had our luggage-overweight saga. Our luggage were 13kg overweight, and it will cost us $500. But God's grace is with us. I prayed hard and asked for someone to help. The first guy is a Korean who spoke perfect English, but the girl at the reception refused to allow us to tag along his luggage limit. I prayed even harder, for a second guy. This time, I walked further away from the counter and prayed exceptionally hard for someone who might be on business trip flying back home. And God respond with the perfect person. A person who had no luggage to check in and whom trusted us. He didn't even bother to open up the luggage as we offered to, but grabbed it and checked it in for us. I couldn't believe how much gratitude I have, and the unexplainable joy that God answered my prayer is the most perfect way.

Also, thank God we came back one day early! Typhoon struck one day later and grounded all planes. Praise God for all the grace upon us.

Korea in Aug 2010 (Part 2 of 3)

2011-05-21T12:14:00.001+08:00

Ever since the Korea trip, I have been very addicted to Baskin Robbins's Yoghurt Ice-cream! It is really nice. And they have lovely cakes selections!

Pretty, isn't it? And it is affordable. Most of them priced less than 24,000won for the most sophisticated design.

When we reach hotel and settled down, its already late noon. We lugged 3 luggages in stormy weather and were dead tired by the time we are safe in Seoul Hostel.

We decided on lunch/dinner somewhere near our hostel which in Insadong. We shared a Bibimbap and a Kimchi Fish Soup.

We popped over to Dongdaemun that night for a simple sight seeing. And a hearty cup of yoghurt drink to complete the tired day.

However, things did not go well for Janet! She had adverse reactions to the food we had yesterday! It is either

1) Fish

2) Yoghurt

3) Rain (We were drenched while lugging our luggage to Seoul)

And what made worse is that there is no clinic on weekends! And hospital charges exorbitant prices! 300,000 won! We had to settle with some chinese medication from the Pharmacy. And we had to battle the language barrier.

We mainly did shopping at Myeong Dong (again) with Ding Tai Fung for lunch and Ginseng Chicken for dinner! Missy Janet puked them all out though. Poor friend!

After resting early, we are out again to Myeong Dong (again)!

But this time round, food is kinder on her tummy. And it went well! YAY!

A short shopping and we head in search of our Hello Kitty Cafe! It wasn't as easy to find, but thankfully we went into a convenient store to ask for directions and the nice lady drew a really comprehensive map for us!

The hello kitty cafe is near a women's university and the streets near there are fun! Both of us had a nice evening stroll before heading back and ending the day. :)

The next morning, we hit GyeongBokGung Palace! The weather is so hot that it made me really grumpy! And I need to buy myself a bottle of Pepsi to kill my grumpiness!

In the afternoon, to beat the heat, we went to spa! Spas are relatively much much cheaper and common in Korea! Its like 10,000 won (SGD12) for a 12 hour spa pass!

Its a really lovely experience! And would love to be back for the Spa!

Cartoon movies can go wrong too!

2011-05-14T23:22:00.004+08:00

You can't go wrong with cartoon movies - WRONG!!

Caught this and regret it. The graphics wasn't that bad, but it feels like a budget show.

If you hadn't watch it, watch it when you do have a lot of extra time and money to spare.

Feeling a bit moody and... maybe it is time to place my attention and focus back to reading.

Bible Expo 2010, Incheon Korea

2011-05-14T10:26:00.008+08:00

And when we left for Seoul the next day, I specially went to Bible Expo to take a look. Initially, they didn't allow us in, but later ran back to us, and invited us in.

Probably, because we are tourist. I'm glad they did, a typhoon came 5 days later and swept them to pieces. :( At least, they won one big praise from yours truly. And for this, I will post the pictures one by one, instead of collaging them together.

So this is at the door of the Expo.

the BIBLE EXPO 2010.

And we first enter the world of the old testament.

As you can see, it is work in progress. So there's people hanging around here and there preparing for it.

This should be setting in Egypt.

Offering time

Slavery in Egypt

Discovering of baby Moses

Famine and the dying of the first borns.

Moses

The ten commandments.

They made an idol and worshipped it.

Modern Christmas

There are a lot of work in progress. Its a pity that a typhoon strikes a week later and swept everything. :( I went back a month later only to find the remains.

Still, it is work well done, for God. :)

Its polling day

2011-05-07T15:12:00.002+08:00

Amidst the hype, it is finally here!

It was swift and done in a couple of minutes!

This GE has been, to me, an avenue for the opposition to strike using human self centered population.

I do not have severe grudges that the ruling party has any unjust made to me. My only comment is that I do not believe that public services (i.e healthcare, transport and housing) to be profit driven. Having a fair amount of profit is justifiable for future investments and emergency response. But not hefty sum definitely.

The opposition made a few comments I personally couldn't agree with.

And so, you know where my vote goes to.

I'm not someone who will whine about government, for I believe, as what the bible says, that one reaps what one sows. The fact that Singapore does not encourage laziness, I think, this is essential for survival for any being. :)

Whoever wins, my life will still be working hard to fulfill life's purpose.

Learning Swimming!

2011-05-03T22:18:00.002+08:00

This is the long procrastinated move! I finally register for swimming classes today, paid for 3 months of lessons and its starting tomorrow!!

I already had an ARENA swim suit. And so I had to rush to get these!

ARENA swim googles and swim cap! I'm so buying in in getting good swimming stuff, especially after trying the different googles and swim caps. The googles are reasonably priced at ~$35, while the swim cap is at an exorbitant price of $31. After trying the normal silicone ones ($17) and the one with dual layer ($31), I am so convinced I 'm getting the pricer one.

So now, I'm in full set of ARENA! Hope I survive in the waters! :D And I'm finally going to strike out this procrastinating item off my 'to-do' list! Finally!

Baby Shower - Le 'en

2011-04-24T22:36:00.003+08:00

If you haven't know, one of my buddy gave birth to this lovely girl. She is just like the mum, not annoying, fuss free, and easy to care. Hopefully this trend continues. So this is the cutie pie!

And the gossip sessions that came along as always = priceless. :)

Went for a short jog after 6 months. It was tough, but the feeling is good. I need to start my jogging again. I need to endolphines for keep a happy mind.

Korea in Aug 2010 (Part 1 of 3)

2011-04-23T22:54:00.002+08:00

The second trip to Korea was with a close colleague of mine. And we extended the trip and had hell lots of fun!!

And Incheon is having some triathlon, and most of the hotels were fully booked.Try as much as we could, we can only get a suite room in Songdo Park Hotel. And here we go! On 21st Aug!!

And the usual stuff I can't resist - Baskin Robbin Yogurt Ice Cream and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts!

We venture out to Namdaemun the next day!

It is summer and it is scorching hot. We couldn't stay long in the heat and had to seek air conditioned shelters.

The next day we had simple Korean food - affordable and yummy!!

The raw beef bibimbap is heavenly!!!! It is not my first time trying raw beef, but raw beef made into bibimbap is really irresistible!! *drool*

And after which, we went to shop at Gangnam! :D

Gangnam is like Raffles Place of Singapore. I like the shopping, though not exactly cheap.

Korea in Jun 2010

2011-03-27T21:25:00.040+08:00

This is an accidental business trip, to Korea! I had an operation prior to the flight date. If I had procrastinated the operation, I'm probably not in the best condition for travel. Am glad I did, with a private hospital and an efficient and kind doctor. All is well when I fly, just that I have to do my dressings myself! It's not too tough, but if it is infection, the open wound is a no joke.

And here I fly!~ on 14 Jun, Monday morning! Incheon!

The room~

We checked in Sheraton Incheon, which is a short drive from the airport (15mins) and the client's place (<5 mins).

The room is nicely furnished, but for the price we paid, it surely have to live up to its name.

The view from room!~ A nice view of a developing Incheon!

The 3 men and myself gathered for dinner. We decided to stroll around in search of food in the nice 20 deg C weather!

We walk past around and this small eatery around a small corner caught our attention. We've problems communicating with them, but some of the patrons translated for us.

We've got beef, beef marinated with honey and pork! The beef is to die for! And they do the bbq-ing. We merely sit and wait to be served! Their beer wasn't especially nice, but good enough. Their side dishes are overwhelming! In variety and in taste! After such a hearty dinner, the bill came up to be only SGD10 per person! Something you can only get there!

We adjourned to deserts shortly and chanced upon Baskin Robbins! Its my first try. I didn't fall in love with this in my first attempt, though I subsequently did during my second trip!

On Tuesday, we decided to head out to the town after our meeting in Day 1 when we left early after our agenda was over. We took the courage to take train to Seoul. I was an unexpected ride of 1.5 hours to reach Myeongdong in Seoul. We were famished by then. However, it is a district I am weak in - Skincare. And while the men are searching for food,

I am intently looking for which shop I am going to conquer! While we ordered food and am waiting to being served, I dropped by Laneige and I've bagged 3 bags full! Though more than half were not mine, the men were shocked at the swift 'attack' I can make. Eventually, by the time they finished the food, I am not back yet and they have to send a representative to find me. I am so

exhilarated that I didn't feel I am hungry. I did eat, but my mind is on the stuff I got, and the free luggage I got for getting so much! I got a pink pokka dot luggage, which eventually, in order to ship it back, they used it to contain tools and DHL back to office. And now, this mighty cute luggage

at my room, containing old clothes, awaiting to go for a shop trip, which it hasn't had any opportunity to. :)

It was a fun experience. My 1st time in Myeongdong. And I knew I love it. And I did went back SEVERAL times after that, and SEVERAL times in my subsequent trips back to Korea.

On the 2nd day of the meeting (Wednesday), we had a wonderful feast with the group, including CEOs of various companies, people of various cultures. It was a really nice experience. And my first experience with Soju! But with sufficient training back in hostel days, Soju did not kill me as badly as it did to my other colleagues! I survived Korean drinking! And raw beef is heavenly!!

On Thursday, the guys are due to return home on the afternoon flight while I continue my journey to explore Seoul. I extended the trip till Sunday!

The guys bought mainly souvenirs which include t-shirts from the World Cup which Korea is playing.

And some food, i.e Seaweed, Ginseng powder, for their family, friends and colleagues!

Note: I didn't bully them by asking them to carry the stuff. These are all their purchases. I didn't want to get anything since I am off to Seoul later on.

We over-estimate the time and left the place late, reaching the hotel with an angry cab driver who had been waiting for them for over 30 mins! While they are off to Incheon Airport, I am off to Seoul.

The train station nearest to the hotel is called University of Incheon station. The university is nearby, though we did not see a huge flow of traffic at this station.

And my destinated station is Jongno-3-ga. It takes about 1.5 hrs, with 2 changes to transit.

I did a grave mistake, which cost me the handle of my luggage! I put my laptop inside the luggage. It was way too heavy and it gave way at my first transit point. There goes my luggage and I need to survive the rest of my trip with that luggage. -.-''''

I reached Seoul Hostel. Its a small homestay hotel, good enough for budget travellers. Priced at about 40,000won per night, which is SGD45 per night. It could have been cheaper if I hadn't book it this last minute! I had to take a double room. A single room would have been cheaper. The room is generally nice with clean amenities.

After setting down in the hotel for a while, I set off to my favourite place - Myeong-dong!

I love this place! It is young, fun, with lots of pushcarts! Pushcarts of clothes, accessories, food, etc.

It is seriously my favourite shopping place in Korea. (I didn't like Dongdaemun)

The streets of Myeong-dong

And this very night, Korea is playing a match in World Cup! And most retailers are too busy watching it on their mobile device. Boohoo!

Everyone is glued to the television sets watching the match.

And so, this became my dinner!!!

But I didn't mind it at all. Look at what I have got from my shopping buys!!

TA-DA!!

Though some of which are not mine, most of which are. =.='''

Friday was spend walking around and meeting a church friend for Lotte World.

I went Myeong-dong again, and this is what I found!

Haha! It is very pricey! I took a cup of Milk Tea for lunch. It is 4,500won (~SGD 5).

And well, the quality is so-so. (Especially so when KOI has won a big part of me!)

In the afternoon, I meet my church friend - Jean to Lotte World. She was having her exchange program in an University in Busan. It as ended and her bf is coming to Seoul for grad trip with a couple of graduating students.

So old folks like me joined them for Lotte World! How to go to theme park alone right?

<- So this the group of young people I joined.

They welcomed me warmly and I enjoyed their companionship totally!

We took the tickets for after 4 and it was cheaper than the normal priced tix!

There is parade shows, but am not quite fascinated by it. All in all, it was an enjoyable day out!

On Saturday, having no plans, I join the youngsters again for Insadong!

We went to a tea house. It serves a very wide variety of tea but serves only 1 dish.

So this is what we got - rice box with kim chi, eggs and luncheon meet. And upon getting this box, we will need to close the lid and shake to mix!

It taste nice!

We went for a short walk along this stretch of old historical lane. After that, I proceed to meeting my colleague from the Korea branch for dinner.

And we had this much of food!

I had my last shopping at Myeong-dong (again)

And Sunday I am off to home!

Good bye Seoul hostel! (Though I came back within 2 months)

Lost memories

2011-03-27T19:37:00.002+08:00

For the past one year, blogging has been a less than important of my life. Life has been busy with a variety of God's blessings. And with the deteriorating English due to lack of reading and minimal usage at work, the passion to write doesn't seem to bring forth new post.

But for the past year, there are so many nice travels at work. There are 3 business trips to South Korea, of which 2 I extended. One business trip to Europe, extending it to London. One leisure trip to Japan. And one leisure trip to Scandinavian countries in Europe. All of which I did not blog about, which I kinda regret.

Am reversing it, and will do the blogging of this travels. Had hop over to livejournal for a while, but am still more comfortable with blogspot functions. So.. I am back.. and collecting the lost memories. :)

2010: Closing cycles - by Paulo Coehlo

2011-01-01T15:22:00.000+08:00

One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through.
Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters – whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished.

Did you lose your job? Has a loving relationship come to an end? Did you leave your parents’ house? Gone to live abroad? Has a long-lasting friendship ended all of a sudden? You can spend a long time wondering why this has happened.

You can tell yourself you won’t take another step until you find out why certain things that were so important and so solid in your life have turned into dust, just like that. But such an attitude will be awfully stressing for everyone involved: your parents, your husband or wife, your friends, your children, your sister.
Everyone is finishing chapters, turning over new leaves, getting on with life, and they will all feel bad seeing you at a standstill.

Things pass, and the best we can do is to let them really go away.

That is why it is so important (however painful it may be!) to destroy souvenirs, move, give lots of things away to orphanages, sell or donate the books you have at home.

Everything in this visible world is a manifestation of the invisible world, of what is going on in our hearts – and getting rid of certain memories also means making some room for other memories to take their place.
Let things go. Release them. Detach yourself from them.

Nobody plays this life with marked cards, so sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. Do not expect anything in return, do not expect your efforts to be appreciated, your genius to be discovered, your love to be understood.

Stop turning on your emotional television to watch the same program over and over again, the one that shows how much you suffered from a certain loss: that is only poisoning you, nothing else.

Nothing is more dangerous than not accepting love relationships that are broken off, work that is promised but there is no starting date, decisions that are always put off waiting for the “ideal moment.”

Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will never come back.
Remember that there was a time when you could live without that thing or that person – nothing is irreplaceable, a habit is not a need.
This may sound so obvious, it may even be difficult, but it is very important.

Closing cycles. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because that no longer fits your life.

Shut the door, change the record, clean the house, shake off the dust.

Stop being who you were, and change into who you are.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

- By Paulo Coehlo

Shifting!

2010-04-17T12:19:00.002+08:00

I've shifted!

For a much better and neater layout, for possibility of locking my entries in future, here it is!

19nov

This current one will still be around. :D

No need for a 'uneqqee' name

2010-03-21T14:28:00.002+08:00

No need for a 'uneqqee' name

Trend of using unique Westernised names reflects insecurity

By Lee Wei Ling

Over the last 50 years, the names people choose for their children, and the names some people give themselves, have changed dramatically.

When my father was born in 1923, his family consulted a friend knowledgeable in choosing names. He suggested 'Kuan Yew', which means 'brightness' in Hokkien.

My great-grandfather was awed by the British and added 'Harry' to my father's name. Because his name appeared as 'Harry Lee Kuan Yew' on his birth certificate, when he graduated from Cambridge University and later from Middle Temple, he could not persuade either institution to drop 'Harry' from his university degree or his certificate as Barrister-at-law.

In 1950, he managed to arrange for himself to be called to the Singapore Bar as just 'Lee Kuan Yew', sans 'Harry'. 'Lee Kuan Yew' thus became his public persona. To this day, only family members and a few very close friends call him 'Harry'.

My brothers and I have no ang moh name. My parents were not literate in Chinese when we were born, so my father approached a court interpreter he knew to give him some names to choose from.

My name, 'Wei Ling', means 'the sound of tinkling jade'. My parents did not foresee that I would grow up to be a tomboy who would join the army cadets in secondary school, where my loud and resonant voice was deemed appropriate for a parade commander.

'Wei Ling' is a very common name for Chinese girls. When I try to sign up for electronic journals on the Internet, and the system prompts me for a user name, I try all possible permutations of my name, including 'Li', 'Weiling' or 'Wei-Ling'. Alas, I invariably find they have all been taken by others. Exasperated, I would sometimes try 'Lee Hsien Yang', and the system would immediately accept it.

Throughout my years in school, from kindergarten to pre-university, all my friends had only Chinese, Malay or Indian names. When I was in medical school and during my early years of postgraduate training, the only Westernised names were the Christian names of those who were actually Christian.

By the late 1980s, however, non-Christian Chinese began to have Westernised names and often did not use their Chinese names at all. The trend was initially subtle and I had assumed that those with Westernised names were all Christians. It was only when I needed to write a cheque to a friend and I was told, 'don't include my Western name, just write 'Tan Chee Beng'' or whatever, did it dawn on me that the Western names were not official.

My brothers chose not to give their children any Western names. One nephew, when he was in school, asked his parents' permission to adopt a Western name. His mother Ho Ching told him: 'In China, only waiters and waitresses use Western names.' My father also explained how 'Harry' became part of his name and how he tried to remove it.

To date, none of my nephews or niece has a Western name.

I trained in Boston from 1981 to 1984, and in Toronto in 1992. I kept my Chinese name throughout and told those who had difficulty remembering my name just to call me 'Lee'.

To my close childhood friends and my family, I am just 'Ling'. I still think 'tinkling jade' hardly reflects my nature. To those who know me, 'Wei Ling' perhaps conjures up a very different image from that of tinkling jade.

I am glad that Malays and Indians rarely give or adopt Western names - unless they are Christians, in the case of the Indians. I guess there is still a strong anti-colonial instinct in me that leads me to abhor any attempt by people in former colonies to adopt the names of their past colonial masters.

In the book The Narcissism Epidemic by Jean M. Twenge and

W. Keith Campbell, there is a chapter on 'Uniqueness'. They write: 'The biggest trend in baby names recently isn't a particular name; it's that fewer children receive common names.

'The Social Security Administration has compiled a database of the names given to every American child born since 1879. Half the boys born in 1946 received one of the top 23 names. Back then, naming a child was about belonging and fitting in instead of uniqueness and standing out...

'But over the last few decades, parents, tired of common names, wanted something unique for their children. At first it was a slow progression: As late as 1987, 3 per cent of boys were named Michael and 3 per cent of girls were named Jessica, with one out of five boys and one out of six girls receiving one of the 10 most popular names.

'Then, during the 1990s, unique names caught fire and fewer and fewer children received the most popular name for their sex, and only one out of 11 boys and one out of 12 girls went by a name in the top 10...

'Now it is considered better to stand out as an individual and be 'unique'. In fact, 223 babies born in the 1990s in California were named Unique, with some parents putting teeth into it with names like Uneek, Uneque or Uneqqee...

'Unique spellings are also trendy: Why name a child Michael or Kevin when they can be Mychal or Kevyn?'

The same trend can be observed in Singapore, especially among the Chinese. An example I came across recently here of a thoroughly made-up, 'uneqqee' name was 'Evetor'.

I asked a Malay friend whether there has been a similar trend among Malay names. She replied: 'Most Malay names have either Arabic or Sanskrit roots and some are drawn from Malay literature. When I was younger, many more Malays had simpler names. Now you find a whole generation growing up with multiple names, not just a simple Fatimah or plain Aminah. Instead, it will be Fatimah Nadia Trina, or Natasha Atiqa, et cetera.

'What you will notice about these new fashionable names is that they are a blend of Western and Islamic names,' my friend told me.

I view this new trend of choosing Westernised unique names as another example of the narcissistic epidemic. I feel that if you need a name to distinguish yourself, you or your parents probably have a chip on your or their shoulder, combined with a cultural inferiority complex.

The writer is director of the National Neuroscience Institute.

2010-02-07T13:08:00.000+08:00

The two drops of oil

Paulo Coelho

A merchant sent his son to learn the Secret of Happiness from the wisest of men. The young man wandered through the desert for forty days until he reached a beautiful castle at the top of a mountain. There lived the sage that the young man was looking for.

However, instead of finding a holy man, our hero entered a room and saw a great deal of activity; merchants coming and going, people chatting in the corners, a small orchestra playing sweet melodies, and there was a table laden with the most delectable dishes of that part of the world.

The wise man talked to everybody, and the young man had to wait for two hours until it was time for his audience.

With considerable patience, the Sage listened attentively to the reason for the boy’s visit, but told him that at that moment he did not have the time to explain to him the Secret of Happiness.

He suggested that the young man take a stroll around his palace and come back in two hours’ time.

“However, I want to ask you a favor,” he added, handling the boy a teaspoon, in which he poured two drops of oil. “While you walk, carry this spoon and don’t let the oil spill.”

The young man began to climb up and down the palace staircases, always keeping his eyes fixed on the spoon. At the end of two hours he returned to the presence of the wise man.

“So,” asked the sage, “did you see the Persian tapestries hanging in my dining room? Did you see the garden that the Master of Gardeners took ten years to create? Did you notice the beautiful parchments in my library?”

Embarrassed, the young man confessed that he had seen nothing. His only concern was not to spill the drops of oil that the wise man had entrusted to him.

“So, go back and see the wonders of my world,” said the wise man. “You can’t trust a man if you don’t know his house.”

Now more at ease, the young man took the spoon and strolled again through the palace, this time paying attention to all the works of art that hung from the ceiling and walls. He saw the gardens, the mountains all around the palace, the delicacy of the flowers, the taste with which each work of art was placed in its niche. Returning to the sage, he reported in detail all that he had seen.

“But where are the two drops of oil that I entrusted to you?” asked the sage.

Looking down at the spoon, the young man realized that he had spilled the oil.

“Well, that is the only advice I have to give you,” said the sage of sages. “The Secret of Happiness lies in looking at all the wonders of the world and never forgetting the two drops of oil in the spoon.”

from the book “The Alchemist”

2010-01-10T12:13:00.001+08:00

The true nature of friendship

Genuine relationships are built on more than mutual goodwill and exchanging of favours

By Lee Wei Ling

-- ST ILLUSTRATION: ADAM LEE

I had gone to bed at 7pm on Dec 30 from sheer exhaustion. I woke up at 2am and responded to e-mail on my Blackberry.

I noticed that I had missed two phone calls from two very close friends. It was obviously inappropriate to return the calls at 2am, so I e-mailed to say I'd return the calls during lunch time.

I then went back to sleep and have just woken up at 6am, trying to recall what day of the week it was because that would determine my schedule for the day.

For a moment, I thought it was Friday, New Year's Day. It was only when I went outside to pick up the newspapers that I realised it was only New Year's Eve.

I do not usually place any emphasis on 'special days' - whether it be Christmas, New Year's Day, Chinese New Year or birthdays.

These days are determined by the calendar, but to me they are no different from regular days.

In fact, they often are less pleasant than regular days as I dislike the noise and crowds of special days. I solve that problem by simply staying in my room at home on such days, clearing e-mail and paperwork. This applies even to the reunion dinner on Chinese New Year's Eve.

I am by nature not a sociable person. Indeed, I had become asocial by the time I reached pre-university in school. I do have friends and I have never neglected to help any of them when they needed help.

But for most of my adult life, I have not been willing to spend more time than necessary on conversations and social interactions with my friends. I felt that would be a waste of time - time that could have been better spent reading medical journals, analysing research data, exercising and other 'more important activities'.

It was only since 2001, after repeated bouts of illness, that I learnt that friendship does not just mean mutual goodwill, but also spending time with friends talking about things other than medical research.

Staying for months in hospital makes any friend dropping in to see one a welcome relief, though I was not bored as such as I could work on my laptop. As prisoners know, solitary confinement (even in a hospital) can be terribly punishing on the spirit.

Human beings are social creatures. We are social not just in the trivial sense that we like company, and not just in the obvious sense that we depend on others. We are social in a more elemental way: Simply to exist as normal human beings requires us to interact with other people.

There is a Chinese saying, jun zi zhi jiao dan ru shui

xiao ren zhi jiao tian ru mi. The literal translation is: 'The friendship between two honourable people is as understated as water.'

Many of my English-educated friends have difficulty grasping this concept. They would often exclaim in surprise: 'Surely you have changed the saying. The relationship between two honourable people must surely be as sweet as honey.'

No, I have not reversed the idiom. The friendship between two good honourable people is understated. Each will help the other when help is needed even before a request for help is issued. And when one offers to help, the other would accept without feeling any obligation to return the favour.

The 'friendship' between two petty people, on the other hand, is as cloying as honey. When one offers to help, the other would feel that at some point the favour would have to be returned.

The simplest analogy for this saying is as follows: Between honourable friends, there is no account of how many favours I owe that friend and vice versa. The relationship between petty people, on the other hand, requires an accurate account, since for every favour accepted, a return favour would be expected. As far as I can help it, I avoid such friendships.

I am not in the habit of making New Year resolutions. We should change our undesirable behaviour and mend our ways as soon as we discover that our behaviour is less than honourable; there is no need to wait for the New Year to resolve to do so.

2009 has given me both suffering and happiness. I expect the same of 2010. But to all readers who feel a New Year represents a new chapter in life, I wish you a Happy New Year, filled with true friendship and good deeds. And may 2010 be a better year than 2009.

The writer is director of the National Neuroscience Institute.

We should change our undesirable behaviour and mend our ways as soon as we discover that our behaviour is less than honourable; there is no need to wait for the New Year to resolve to do so.

2010-01-07T22:29:00.001+08:00

Poor are those who are afraid of running risks. Because maybe they are never disappointed, never disillusioned, never suffer like those who have a dream to pursue. But when they look back – for we always look back – they will hear their heart saying: “What did you do with the miracles that God sowed for your days? What did you do with the talent that your Master entrusted to you? You buried it deep in a grave because you were afraid to lose it. So this is your inheritance: the certainty that you have wasted your life.”

Poor are those who hear these words. For then they will believe in miracles, but the magic instants of life will have already passed.

in “By the river Piedra I sat down and wept”

Blessed to be a Blessing

2010-01-05T22:38:00.005+08:00

2010 started very well.

Blessed in every bit. :) But more than anything, I'll be blessed to be a blessing to others.

And Paulo Coelho's FB daily status updates are so very looking forward.

One of my favourite:

Don't try to predict. Allow the next months to be full of adventures - Paulo Coelho

2009 Review

2009-12-28T20:20:00.008+08:00

2009 indeed been an exciting year. A year with new challenges, new opportunities, new/rekindled friendships, and new direction. Love it so very much!

The year started with stormy unfavorable economy turbulence. Offered golden handshake. Painfully volunteered as I know many of my loved colleagues will do so. Parting is not easy. Really!

One of the last group photos we took before Emily left for Aussie. A very treasured group of people. Always in my heart. Always. The knowledge shared, joy and laughter, anger and sorrows, are memories of my life's best moments.

有万分的不舍得。但这也是必要的。
能相遇已是有缘。希望友谊能长存。
在我们离别同时，愿未来更是美好。

It was later a 1.5 months of idling. If not for this friend, I could have been hell bored. Thanks girl, for all the joy, laughter, and all the encouragement. You kept me going in a way. All the best for your someone new! ;pp

God kindly blessed me with 2 job offers. Something which made me ponder how God provides everything for my best interest. He provided me not only one offers, but two. Both are US firms rated in the fortune 500 league. The one I rejected is a world well known beverage maker - Coca Cola. Not that I dislike the offer, in fact, I super love the product (i.e. Coke) and the interviewers are great fun people. But the other offers vast exposure and opportunity. For this wonderful blessing, I can't thank God enough.

There is no other thing better than to complete 2 half marathons this year! Woohoo! More and more next year!

Lastly, Business trip alone is not easy. So much for looking out for your flight, looking for the hotel, personal belongings, to make sure of internet connection for accessing work emails, trying to get around in a place you've never been before all alone. And SO MUCH SO MUCH for beating the COLD COLD weather. And SO MUCH SO MUCH SO MUCH SO MUCH for convincing the client. I did it. Not I, but with God's favor.

To end the great year, it was a good time in Paris with a buddy.

My 2009 is a pleasant blast! How was yours?

Walk with life has been so wonderful because of the supportive family and friends around. Thanks all for the favor I see in your eyes and the love and support you always render. Life is great!

2009-12-13T22:32:00.002+08:00

Another inspiring view from the same writer I posted her article on simple life.

Simple holidays, rich memories

Sun, sand and sea in Changi made for great school breaks during childhood

By Lee Wei Ling

It is December now, and the rain is pouring like water gushing from a fire hydrant as I write this. For some strange reason, I like this kind of weather - perhaps because the time of the north-east monsoon coincided with the long holiday when I was in school.

Today, I tried to fix an appointment for a patient to see another specialist. Two out of the three specialists I tried to contact were holidaying overseas. This brought back memories of my own school holidays more than 40 years ago.

My childhood holidays were much humbler than what the children of my colleagues enjoy today. Most of my holidays were spent with my paternal grandmother. Before August 1965, my family would also spend a portion of the holidays on Fraser's Hill or Cameron Highlands in Peninsula Malaysia.

Indeed, we were on Cameron Highlands in the days before Separation. I remember my mother, my brothers and I driving back to Singapore in a hurry on Aug 8, 1965. My siblings and I discovered the reason only the next day.

After 1965, we would spend part of our school holidays at Changi Cottage or the chalets next door, bungalows by the sea that government officials - civil servants as well as elected officials - could use.

We did the usual things that children did on seaside holidays. I would rise early to watch the sun rise and meander along the beach. After breakfast, my brothers and I would build sandcastles, dig for clams and search for starfish and hermit crabs. When the tide was in, we tried our luck at fishing with hook and bait or swam in the sea. If it was raining, as it often did in December, we would read or play games indoors.

I remember playing a memory game using cards with the young Lee Chuen Neng, who was staying then with his father K.C. Lee and his family in a neighbouring chalet. More than 40 years later, we are still good friends; he is a cardiothoracic surgeon and head of the department of surgery at the National University Hospital, and I'm a neurologist and director of the National Neuroscience Institute.

These holidays were the rare occasions when my brothers and I had our father's company for the entire day. He would sometimes join us on the beach and swim with us. My mother would watch over us children whenever we went swimming. Without saying so, she was our lifeguard.

Every evening, my father would play golf at the nearby Changi golf course. We would walk with him, sometimes pulling his golf trolley. Sometimes, I would walk ahead to the next hole and roam in the thick vegetation nearby. Those trees and undergrowth were probably left there to increase the chances of a golfer losing his golf ball.

Among the bushes and trees, I would pretend that I was a soldier on a topographic march. I had a good sense of direction and never got lost, although I was often scratched or poked by sharp twigs and thorns. But that merely made the game more realistic, so I didn't mind.

Often, at least once a year while we were in Changi, my father would take us to Pulau Ubin. We would visit the Outward Bound School there. It was then rather under-developed by today's standards, but knowing no better, we enjoyed it, as we tried out the obstacle course.

I still have black-and-white photographs of my elder brother Hsien Loong climbing a net-like structure with parallel rows of horizontal ropes attached to parallel rows of vertical ropes. In the photograph, Loong had made it to the top, while I was trying very hard to catch up with him, as indicated by the determined expression on my face. My younger brother Hsien Yang was then too young to try the obstacle.

All three of us enjoyed our holidays in Changi and the quality time we had with our parents. I doubt we would have enjoyed ourselves more if our parents had flown us off to more exotic and expensive destinations overseas.

In the late 1970s, I remember one doctor friend deflating the ego of another doctor when the latter was boasting about his skiing holiday. My friend feigned ignorance and asked: 'Where did you go skiing? Off Coney Island (also known now as Pulau Serangoon)?' I chortled, for I shared my friend's attitude towards downhill skiing.

It is a chance for the rich to show off their ski costumes and stylish sunglasses. Equipment and ski lift passes are expensive, and skiing accidents are common. In the late 1970s, if you could afford to travel overseas to ski, you had to be very wealthy.

Now my younger doctors, with children in primary school, routinely fly their entire families to Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Europe, the United States or China during the year-end school holidays. A few with larger families may opt to drive up to Malaysia. But on the whole, the children of the upper- middle-class are growing up with expectations that expensive holidays overseas are the norm.

My readers can probably guess what I think of this trend. It is a waste of money to travel vast distances for a holiday when there are many interesting places near Singapore one could visit for both fun and education. It doesn't make sense for well-off Singaporean children to be more familiar with Vail or Aspen than with Borobudur or Angkor Wat.

But the festive season will be soon upon us and I don't want to sound like Scrooge. So I will end this trip down memory lane by wishing all my readers a happy year ahead - and by reminding them that misfortune can occur at any time and it is best not to get used to luxuries.

The writer is director of the National Neuroscience Institute.

I agree wholeheartedly. Kids, and sometimes even adults, boast on where they are traveling to, as a means to show how rich they are. Rich in cash. But richness in life is an even larger treasure than money can't buy. Rich in cash but poor in the heart is not uncommon nowadays. But people tend to work toward cash rich rather than rich in the heart and soul.

2009-12-04T23:21:00.013+08:00

I know I haven't update this space for a long long long long time. Time flies in November as lovely times past faster than usual.

*click the pictures to see higher resolutions*

Brussels Airport Sheraton Hotel

Food for day 1... Goose Liver~

Work work!

Tasty treat from the customer!

Day out to Brussels City

Brussels City

The pic Qing took when we were at opposite platform. Me leaving for home. She continue her Europe trip!

A really happy picture. Because it is really happy to see a friend in faraway land. It simply fills the cold weather with warmth. Lovely!

The summary of the trip:

- Well done for work. Learnt a lot. Experienced a lot. Managed to convince customer on several issues.

- Testing my independence to another level.

- Lovely Paris trip with good buddy, even if it is one day.

Lastly, I'm so broke. So so so BROKE!

My very first business trip

2009-10-31T20:04:00.012+08:00

Excited, yet apprehensive.

Why?

1) Its a trip alone~ Adventurous, but scary.
2) Freezy~ Cool, but the winter clothes are hell costly.
3) Europe~ Lovely, but the exchange rate kills.
4) Great companion~ My dear friend who is on months-long Europe holiday is joining me there.
5) Very last minute~ Flight confirmed on Friday, Flight on Sunday.

Lastly, I'm fighting to get project done fast!

And this is how much SGD1200 get you.

SIGH~

2009-10-18T21:23:00.005+08:00

A lovely article on Sunday Times, reminding us how luxury weakens man. Adaptability is a choice. Nothing is impossible. But whether man choose overcome luxury or to be overcame by luxury, is entirely a personal choice.

Enjoy the read.

No bed of roses for me, thank you

By Lee Wei Ling

In late May, I finally returned home after a prolonged stay in hospital, followed immediately by a trip overseas accompanying my father.

Both the hospital and the various hotels I stayed in had comfortable beds. My first night home after sleeping on proper beds for almost half a year was rather uncomfortable. I immediately noticed the minimal cushioning effect of my exercise mat on the hard wooden floor in my bedroom, and the next day I woke up with my right arm and right leg aching.

I had discarded my bed in 2002 when I moved a large desktop computer, a large laser-jet colour printer, a rowing machine and a cross- trainer into my bedroom, which now functions also as my study and gym. I would have had no space to move around if the bed had remained in the room. So it was removed and I slept on the floor on an exercise mat that was rolled up during the day.

I quickly got used to sleeping on the floor - till this May, that is. I had no difficulty previously re-adjusting to the floor after a trip overseas or a brief stay in hospital. But I had not been away from home for such a long period before and it was obvious that my body had got used to the luxury of a proper bed. It revolted when it was subjected again to the hard floor.

I have always chosen a spartan lifestyle both because it was in accordance with my philosophy in life and also because I felt that it would be difficult to do without luxuries once one had got used to them. Fine clothes and jewellery, gourmet food, luxurious furniture, expensive cars - these are things I could deny myself without feeling any sense of deprivation. But I had not expected to miss having a bed just because I had slept on one for six months. This experience further strengthened my conviction that once one got used to luxuries, it was difficult to do without them.

Whether or not you believe it, my lifestyle is considerably less lavish than that of most middle- and upper-middle-class people in Singapore. But if you can afford it, what is wrong with enjoying your wealth, you may well ask? Nothing - except that one's wealth may diminish unexpectedly, as many of us discovered during the recession of the past year.

Furthermore, what was considered a luxury when one first began enjoying it, may very soon be considered a necessity. My experience of sleeping on a bed rather than the floor confirms this psychological truth. I had not expected to become used to sleeping on a bed - but I did.

While I am not proposing that we adopt the lifestyle of a Hindu or Buddhist ascetic, I think frugality and a simple lifestyle are effective ways to cope, morally and psychologically, with the temptations of the modern consumerist world.

Ostentatious mansions disgust me. I watch with disdain sports cars that can accelerate from zero to 100kmh within five seconds. What use is such power and speed on Singapore roads? Similarly, extravagant banquets, expensive wines, designer clothes, shoes and handbags - all these things are wasteful. How many young children might we have helped if we were to use the money we spend on such luxuries to upgrade our kindergartens?

Perhaps I am idiosyncratic. My furniture is simple and functional. Indeed, my chairs are old chairs that my mother's former law firm Lee and Lee discarded. I don't even have a television set or radio in my room.

I was brought up to be frugal. As children, my brothers and I were chastised if we did not turn off taps completely, or left lights or air-conditioners on when there was no need for them to be. My parents decided not to live at Sri Temasek, the prime minister's official residence, because they didn't want their children to be waited on hand and foot by butlers and servants. At Nanyang Primary and later Nanyang Girls' High School, one of the virtues the school motto emphasised was frugality.

There is a Chinese proverb - wo xin chang dan - which literally means 'sleeping on firewood and tasting gall so as to undergo self-imposed hardship'. The story behind this proverb is as follows:

During the Spring and Autumn Period in Chinese history (approximately 722-481BC) the State of Wu defeated the State of Yue, and took the King of Yue and his wife prisoner. For many years, King Gou Jian worked as a slave in Wu. When he was finally released, he returned home determined to take revenge.

For 10 years, so that he would never forget his humiliation, he slept on a pile of firewood and tasted gall before every meal. After careful preparation, he attacked and conquered the State of Wu.

The Bible too commends suffering. Romans 5:3-4, for instance, states: 'We glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.'

There is benefit to be derived from a certain degree of deprivation and even suffering. Many of the things we like in excess are bad for us - for example, fatty meat, chocolates and alcohol. Over and above denying ourselves such pleasures, outright suffering is not always bad, and in moderation, is good character training.

I have been through a fair amount of suffering in my life, mainly because of my health. If I had been given a choice to be spared the experience, I would actually have chosen to go through it because suffering taught me lessons no teacher or book can ever teach me.

As the ancients of various traditions knew, tribulation worketh character.

The writer is director of the National Neuroscience Institute. Send your comments to suntimes@sph.com.sg

A simple life
Frugality and a simple lifestyle are effective ways to cope, morally and psychologically, with the temptations of the modern consumerist world.

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

It is such an apt material after knowing from yesterday's ST that there is 1 person dying of starvation every second.

I felt 'slapped' after reading these articles. I'm guilty.

After reading this article, it was signed off as director of NNI. You should know who she is. Even if you do not know, you couldn't not know who her father is.

2009-10-17T12:12:00.006+08:00

As I was counting my expenses this month and thinking that my pay is lacking for a comfortable life, I chanced upon this statistics that wipe out that thought immediately.

On average, 1 person dies every second as a results of starvation.

And here am I, still trying to shed off the kgs I out on due to food intake at gatherings.

2009-09-30T22:46:00.000+08:00

I am not sure to laugh or cry for this:

Angry woman ate pet goldfish

PASADENA (Texas) - AUTHORITIES say a Houston-area woman who was angry with her former common-law husband fried their pet goldfish and ate some of them.

Pasadena police say it's a civil matter and no charges will be filed. The seven goldfish were purchased together by the couple during happier times.

Police spokesman Vance Mitchell says the man reported on Saturday that the woman took the goldfish from his apartment.

Mitchell says the two argued earlier about some jewelry the man had given her but took back. She wanted the jewelry returned.

Officers who were dispatched to the woman's home arrived to find four fried goldfish on a plate. The woman said she already ate the other three.

O.O''''''

2009-09-27T20:38:00.002+08:00

The F1 season is here!

It's frustrating to know that it is Monday tomorrow.

I have the urge to privatized the blog, probably shifting it to livejournal. But knowing that some of my friends still reads them and they are probably too lazy to create a livejournal account, I'll still keep my blog up here.

I can't get over that I'm working tomorrow.

2009-09-21T21:09:00.003+08:00

I'm a fervent fan of Yahoo Singapore flash images during festive season.

And this is for Hari Raya~

Cute!

Brought work home to finish, which completed quite a fair bit. Left some record sheets/forms to create tomorrow as excel on Mac is not the perfect tool. It can do the same job, but probably with a longer time. With my excel speed, I can probably finish within half a day.

Am currently contemplating if I should do M.Sc (BioMedical Engineering) or M.Sc (Mechanical) with my alma mater. Looking at the course content, M.Sc (BME) will be much tougher and more applicable to my current career path. M.Sc (Mech) will be like a repeated, more in-depth study of my undergraduate degree, but definitely poses less challenge compared to M.Sc (BME) given existing background.

I'm looking forward to 2010.

Little Miss Chatterbox

2009-09-21T10:39:00.005+08:00

At the rate I am going now, I'm seeing one blog entry per month. *sigh*

It has definitely been a eventful month, with the organizing of department outing, and the madness of work. But I've yet to get hold of pictures, so not going to go into details on it.

However, this cute little one surely allow me to squeeze time to post pictures on her. :)

And here she is:

So cute!! She can speak English, Chinese and some Hokkien. Occasionally she'll say, 'So funny..' She's always willing to share her stuff and volunteer to help us get drinks when we finish ours. *cute* She's the new 'Miss Chatterbox'.

5 months into my current job, my English level has deteriorated terribly. -.-''' It is no longer as fluent. :( Probably the lack of Emily, Alvin, Vincent and Yulli to speak with on daily basis. I miss them.

Singapore Bay Run / Army Half Marathon 2009

2009-08-16T22:41:00.006+08:00

A good day with 3 guys cabbing down to my house and Vincent driving 4 of us to the run!

And so we were all up and in preparation by 5am.

Pictures! Looking good BEFORE the run!

It is my first 21km and it is a pretty good, yet grueling experience. To me, it is a good starting time, at least the sun won't catch up with the slow / first time 21km runners. A 5 mins early start is a bit weird for run events though.

The first 9km is going good for me. Pace is well, hydration is good with several water points, and many entertainment along the way. The new route is definitely good for a change. And jogging in ECP is entirely a new experience. And every km marking definitely helps in pacing ourselves. This is one important feature which Shape Run seriously lacks.

After the 9th km, my hand started to swell terribly. It is a common sign for me when I was running 10km runs previously, but it probably started after 4th km. To take precaution, I actually drank a glass of salt water (Sea salt) and fill my tumbler with salt water too. And these precautions managed to sustain me for a safe 9km. When my hands start to swell, I was pretty paranoid and it is pretty painful to even wriggle the fingers. And from then, I did and walk-stretch-run strategy.

Though completed past my target time of 3 hrs, I was glad to have completed it. The next 21km will be Singapore Marathon end of the year. I will need to solve my swollen palms issue by then!

Pictures! Looking tired but accomplished AFTER the run!

Well done to all who have struggled in putting your best efforts. In your own race, so run your best!

Happy Birthday Singapore

2009-08-09T23:18:00.005+08:00

*waving the flag*

With great companionship!

Last but not least, fireworks for you!

Words of compliment

2009-08-06T22:45:00.006+08:00

Receiving words of compliment seems to give assurance that I am performing well and am appreciated. Glad in a way, but if you ask me if I have given all out, I think I have given about 70% of my maximum effort. There are still room for improvement and there are still areas which I knew I can surpass what I am performing now.

Deep down, something is lacking.

Nonetheless, I am still going to work harder to reach my personal target of >4 (5 is full score) for my year-end appraisal.

Deep down, I am deeply missing some things.

3 months past fast.... so.....

40 years of Moon Landing...

2009-07-20T21:04:00.006+08:00

It has been 40 years since man landed on moon.

That man wore a watch to the moon.

In support of 40 years of Moon Landing, I fall prey to this naughty thing 2 weeks ago.

Men's. But I like, for its face and its value.

It is a highly addictive hobby I do not wish to start.

*tearfully parting part of my savings*

我们要加油!!

2009-05-30T22:49:00.006+08:00

Work has been busy and challenging. Energy drained, but the momentum is still going on very strong. It marks the end of May and June is so important. It is do-or-die! Success of failure. GOD, ride us through this storm and reap the fruits of our hard work (more of their hard work though)!

Toothache sets in and its another Root Canel Treatment sessions. And stretching the limits of my SGD at Msia is really amazing.

Some random pics of meeting up a 'cyber friend'. She's actually a friend's sister and I kinda know her since NTU days. Just that, recently, we kinda..... click! HAHA!

I may not blog that often due to work commitments, draining a large portion of my physical energy. However, my friends, don't forget to keep the positive energy! You'll be amazed how positive energy transform you in a positive way!

Hope this picture which I think looks positive (Hey, its difficult to get that proper smile recently with the drained physical body. But didn't I say positive energy is amazing? ;p) and ~~good~~ sinful food can transfer some of the positive energy to everyone around!

Thought of the day:

Love what you do, put your heart into it and you will be rewarded ~ 山不转，路转。路不转，人转。

Verse of the day:

Psalms 56:4 - In God whose words I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

2009-05-10T13:43:00.006+08:00

Yahoo! Singapore never failed to amuse me with cute flash headlines for every festival or special occasion.

I don't know how to reap the flash. So, I just print screen them. :)

For Vesak Day,

For Mother's Day,

Cute! :)

Work week past fast like lightning. Millions of things to do, but life is on an upward momentum, with vast opportunities and growth! Praise the Lord.

Fate

2009-05-05T20:39:00.003+08:00

In engineering field, you always meet contractors. But most contractors are dedicated to focus on certain industry.

So lets take a peep at this contractor, Ken.

I first met him in my first job. I was then in an aerospace industry related company. He was helping in one of the projects.

At my second job (Hoya), it was coincidental enough to be my contractor too. He spotted me when I was doing some stuff along the driveway. (which is not frequent) I was then in hard disk media industry.

Today, someone came up to me and ask if I was from Hoya. And it was him again. I am now in medical industry.

To meet the same person at 3 different companies of totally not related industry is what I call fate. *Amazed*

Miss Busy Bumble Bee

2009-05-04T21:52:00.002+08:00

Life is getting on the busier side, but I am not complaining. As you all know, I love being busy. It is just me. :)

Time zoom past faster than anything else. And if things go well, I am looking forward to July.

2009 is a blast of great things! Praise the Lord.

But work aside, I need to catch up on my books! Off to read for 1/2 hour before turning in early.

Hello BD

2009-04-27T19:38:00.005+08:00

After the goodbye HOYA, now its the hello BD.

It is tough to wake up as early as 545am. Surely, I can adjust. Give me a few days.

First day is good. Nice GL, nice colleagues, nice technicians, and many many nice ones. Steep learning curve and right attitude. A very good start.

I thank God for everything little thing that seems so right in place. And thank God for such a 'made-to-measure' job He has blessed upon me.

As usual, I don't disclose any job-related stuff on my blog, the only thing I show is probably my employee card. Since the id number is a global identification number, it has been blanked off. And the only sad thing is that I look damn 'chui' today due to bad hair day and lack of enough sleep. Of all days, they have to take a picture of me today and place it in my employee card. -.-''' Maybe I should have done a SK2 mask and look more glowy today. Or blow my hair to avoid bad hair day.

Hello BD!

I need a good sleep tonight for a stronger tmr!

New beginning~

2009-04-22T09:36:00.002+08:00

All is well within 4 days, from first interview, to 2nd interview and to appointment letter. I am amazed at how God has planned all these.

Thank you, Lord.

I am looking forward to the new beginning. :)

Is there more to life than this?

2009-04-19T20:31:00.002+08:00

Somehow, this cute advert leaves a really deep impression!

Enjoy~

Contradiction of man

2009-04-17T23:11:00.003+08:00

It is such a disgrace of man.

When God withdraw something from you that you thought you might get, you grew angry with God.

And when God finally gives you what you want, you compare.

When you decides that you prefer another one, you ask God for another one.

And when God didn't give an answer fast as you pleases, you can't find peace.

Where will, God my Lord, bring me to?

I ask, sincerely, your plans to prosper me. And I give thanks for everything that has happened.

Post Sputter Harvest dinner cum MEGA Farewell

2009-04-10T16:03:00.004+08:00

090408 Post Sputter Harvest dinner cum MEGA Farewell
@ Sakura Omni Theatre

As the title says.

A heartening gathering with full attendance. Probably the last gathering we might have as a team. With the 2nd golden handshake, the team will dwindle in size. With the previous strongest of 1 manager, 7 engineers and 13 technicians to currently, 1 manager, 2 engineers and probably half of current 13 technicians. Probably a MEGA farewell for 3 GHS engineers, 1 resigned engineer, 1 resigned technician (2 months ago) and the forthcoming GHS technicians.

I love them all.

Gatherings and Prawning!

2009-04-01T12:49:00.016+08:00

090327 Secondary School Gathering @ Brewerks and Coffee Club

It has been a good good many years! And finally...

Nice companion. People I've known since I was 13 years old.

And before the gathering was a mini session with the usual and a pretty new friend. :)

090328 Prawning at Bishan

Catch of the day:
Rod 1: ~30 -> The professional
Rod 2: 4 -> US!

Finally accomplished one happy activity we wanted to try. :)

But seriously, unless you are a professional, patient 'prawner', do spend the money at a market and you can seriously get many prawns. HAHA!

090404 Estee Lauder Private Sale

How can I not buy?

The Lucrative Price:-

Bobbi Brown E/S x 3 = $10 each
MAC E/S = $10 each
MAC E/S palette = $20 (4 colours)
MAC LE E/S palette = $35 (6 colours)
MAC Lustreglass = $10 each
Origins Liquid Foundation = $15
Origins 2 way cake (refill) = $18
Estee Lauder 2 way cake (refill) = $20
Origins Dr Andrew Weils Face duo = $40

Would have damaged deeper if I am employed. And yes, I've learnt to buy during sale. I want to go again next yr! Provided I am invited again.

And sorry girls, not that I didnt ask you along. But it is my first time going for this even though it is an annual event. It is a 'invite only' sale and I happen to have tix this time.

Summary of 2008

2009-03-22T21:55:00.006+08:00

I wanted to do this 2 months back. However, it had been a topsy turvy start to the new year. Different from the previous years, I'm adopting the format I saw on Paw's. :)

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2008

Health
1. I started the year with very bad contagious flu, cough and severe sore throat. My colleagues and I took turns to infect one another.
2. Hospitalized for 3 days, leaving me a 10cm and 2cm scar. Hospitalization leave for 1.5 months.
3. Detoxication took a good proportion of the year.
4. Improved digestion systems and less constipation issues.
5. Weight seems to hover on the high side and reached a new peak! *sian*

Beauty
1. Significant deterioration of skin since detoxing. *weird*
2. I have been lagging in my routine skincare as compared to 2007.

Friends
1. All my friends have been very supportive in one way or another. Especially thankful to my h6 roomie and my GGs.
2. All in all, I didn't think that I have been best at friendships in 2008. In fact, I think it's the worse year.

Work
1. It had been a tiring year. Workload was high during most of the months.
2. A sad turn in business demands towards the end of the year is quite agonizing.
3. The migration of a close colleague made an impact too. I miss her!

Running
1. My longest competitive distance has increased from 5km in 2007 (just started) to 10km.
2. Best timing is still pegged at 80 mins at Shape Run.

Others
1. Reading books at an ever slow rate.
2. Had 4 different handphone in 2008. *tsk tsk*
3. Learnt to practise more thrifty methods. One of which is to dine cheap.

Good bye 2008

我的好友嫁人了。。现称郑太太。。

2009-03-17T20:02:00.006+08:00

A simple ROM at Labrador Park, Moon Ladder.

Congratulations!

Handmade invite card!!

Finally after 7 years of dating~

The lovely cute funny witty couple!

The lovely cute funny witty couple, with their lovely cute funny witty parents!

Happily ever after!

She insist on doing that ugly face shot. But we concluded that only she has the ugly muscles to do ugly face! HAHA! My cute friend.

It is a pleasant wedding! Both of them invited few of their closest. They, together, only had one table of friends so that each and every guest will be entertained. It is an amazing idea considering the personal touch they added. One of the most enjoyable wedding I been to. :)

Blissful marriage!

HOMS Dinner and Dance 2009

2009-03-16T20:47:00.008+08:00

The last HOMS Dinner and Dance 2009.

No one would have predicted that things will end this way. Nonetheless, everyone embrace the probable last chance of gathering. It is no surprised scene to see camera shutters on in a frequent manner.

The people.

The birthday girl! I didn't mean to make her up on stage! I just wanted a simple celeb at her table. Thanks to her technician for informing the emcee.

My ever lovely technicians.

At Zirca

The H6 girls I bumped into at Zirca

My lovely GGs!!! Joined them at dragonfly~

Had a 'juvenile' night with GGs!

The evening just whizzed past! All was gone. New beginning is to come. :)

*You may find dramatic eyelash in my pics. Thanks to SHU eyelashes. Nice but it is so thick and heavy that the next day, I felt as if my eye lids were having muscle ache.

First week of unemployment

2009-03-08T22:51:00.003+08:00

It isn't that bad afterall. In fact, I had a happening week.

Monday 02 Mar - Resumes sending, revamping, etc. Min's house later in the day.
Tuesday 03 Mar - Jurong point to meet ex-colleagues. Yulli's house and a nice chat with Yulli + Yulli's mum.
Wednesday 04 Mar - High Tea at Rose Veranda with Gabby. Shopping.
Thursday 05 Mar - Temp flyer distributing at Career fair.
Friday 06 Mar - Temp flyer distributing at Career fair.
Saturday 07 Mar - Temp flyer distributing at Career fair. Sunset Way's The daily scoop ice-cream!
Sunday 08 Mar - Temp flyer distributing at Career fair. Katong's laksa, followed by Chinatown.

Life has been good. I am still looking positive despite the huge crowd of unemployed at the career fair. I didn't apply for any jobs during the fair. Somehow, there's no calling for it. Not that I am not desperate for jobs, but that I really seek for a job that gives satisfaction and I pride myself working on. I am ready to face tough and rough course. In fact, I'm looking for a challenging tough and rough job.

Distributing flyers at the career fair has been energy draining. 6 hours of standing is no kidding for a 27 year old. However, having friends together cushioned the effect! Saw many many ex-colleagues and friends at the career fair. Also, the chance to talk to many other people from Sentosa resorts, exhibitors, Min's supervisors, etc provided much exposure to things. Such experience and knowledge isn't what one can learn from theories. Not forgetting, realising that UGLY Singaporeans don't seems to apply to Singaporeans. It has extended to PRCs. A mini conclusion that Malays are more humble than Chinese was also made by myself. On many occasions, seeing people, of all shades and sizes, of the same platform, of all different styles, different attitudes, etc can be really interesting. The variety of people is just.....WOW....

Next week is another round of exciting events. But hopefully, the phone rings for a challenging job opportunity!

Temporary schedule:
Monday:- REST!
Tuesday:- Lunch @ Jurong Pt with ex-colleagues
Wednesday:- (vacant)
Thursday:- Isetan Private Sale
Friday:- HOMS D&D
Saturday:- Friend's ROM. Prawing at night.
Sunday: REST!

Been trying to formulate the 2009 resolutions. But the topsy turvy January and February has place the resolution idea on hold. It is time to note down some points I aim to achieve by 2009!

To all my employed and unemployed ex-colleagues, hold on my dears! We all have decide on our choice on current state. But be positive and strong. Life will be better.

God will provide. Have faith.

My Last Day in HOMS

2009-03-01T11:18:00.010+08:00

It is the most trying day.

As I board the company bus to work, knowing that it will be my last trip to HOMS, my tears victoriously fought its way out of the frame of my eyes. Life is never the same again, for those who stayed and for those who choose to leave.

I didn't bring a camera to take pictures of the work desk, partly because of my cranky low life battery and I do not wish to arouse more emotions.

It seems to pass just as a simple day of packing, laughing, chatting. The one who probably experience much more emotions is my boss. Staying without an option and yet, seeing all his buddies and team mates leaving is overwhelming him.

He wrote us a testimonial each. Each testimonial is so well written. Unlike other superiors, he wrote testimonials in depth of what you can done, your strength, and each word is filled with his emotions. He took hours to finish them. That is the most precious gift I've received on that day.

The contents were mosaic to protect the hard work of the testimonial writer.

The testimonial that I received from the most lovely boss on earth. As my colleague said, he has set a high benchmark as a manager that we probably never find someone to match up with him.

I later thank him for the wonderful testimonial that he wrote with great effort. He replied the most touching reply where tears fought victory again. He said. 'It's the last bit that I can do for you. Am feeling down and sad to see my team mates and buddies leaving on by one. Work is never the same back in the office.' *heart break*

I have nothing to give, but a simple card of my great appreciation. I had a great 3 years in HOMS. Thanks to my boss (and of course my colleagues)

No matter how difficult the parting is.... it is somehow necessary.

Goodbye HOMS.

有万分的不舍得。但这也是必要的。
能相遇已是有缘。希望友谊能长存。
在我们离别同时，愿未来更是美好。

Golden Handshake

2009-02-17T22:49:00.004+08:00

The discussions are everywhere everyday....

But there is no right or wrong regarding this issue.

An entirely personal decision which is based on:
1) Personal goals
2) Compensation package
3) Attitude towards future
4) Risk profile
5) Number of dependents
6) Desired industry of future work

Every one is entitled to their own decision. Judgement is not of human interpretation. And it doesn't require a judgement to begin with. To take up the offer or not, it is a personal choice.

Life is full of uncertainties. Noone knows if you'll get a fat package and get a great job the next day. Nothing is impossible. You may also stay on and get retrenched with a lousy package another month. Make the choice based on your own situation and risk factor.

Many grumble the existence of choice. Yet, the grumblers are those who complained that they should simply retrench them instead of wasting time forcing leaves onto them. Choice is just a decision process, where you exercise a decision based on your priorities, but holding on to the responsibilities that comes along. It appears that people love to blame on every other thing, than to appreciate a choice of deciding what you want. People rather the environment pass them the death sentence than to pass a death sentence onto themselves. Yet, when glory of success comes by, many take it as a glory resulting of personal wise choice.

Everyone needs positive energy. The fine line defining positive energy and optimistic is often stepped over. It took me a long time to clear that thought. But I do clearly feel that I am filled with positive energy but I'm not-so optimistic with the current reality.

My choice? I'll take.
Reason? Personal goals.

Laidback work life is enjoyable. However good, it is not my cup of tea.

p.s: my word of the day today: burnish (a word that is so.... work! haha!)

Random-ness

2009-02-05T22:26:00.003+08:00

I'm too tired to blog that I just decide to write in short sentences randomly.

So....

1) I'm working less than 10 days this month (Feb).
2) I'm probably not having any work days next month (Mar).
3) I can't decide what to do from 830am - 530pm.
4) If I received work to do during working hours, I'm super happy. (Like a data review today)
5) I revived my portable HDD and found many things that I could watch.
6) For this CNY, I conclude I only have $16 as ang pows. To be precise, one from my company and another from visit to friend's house.
7) I need to find more Mahjong khakis (probably colleagues) to play small amount mahjong during the days I'm not working.
8) I'm welcoming any part time work that is available.
9) Canteen food is getting so bad that I bought 3 cup noodles from NTUC today.
10) I hasn't run for 3 freaking months.
11) I finally had wisdom tooth. And few days later, another came.
12) One of the wisdom tooth made me popped panadol every night and I'm still popping.
13) The other one isn't affecting me because the molar beside it has already extracted due to tooth decay.
14) I'm VERY thrifty recently. The most expensive buy is probably a HDD casing to replace my faulty one which costs S$25 and it looks pretty!
15) I've got lots of blings, but I can't decide what gadget I want to bling.
16) I hope that everyone, especially my technicians, came tide over this crisis. Hang on!
17) The current crisis is like a case of survivor. The fittest and the toughest survive. It is especially true in the industry I am in.
18) I've counted and realised that with my boss imposition of either my GL or me has to be around at any one time, I only get to see my GL 1 day in Feb and ZERO day in Mar. I'll probably see him in Apr if we ain't retrenched yet.
19) I'm getting depressed when 830am - 530pm is so hard to pass.
20) I think I need to do something about my life.

Thats all...

I'll make sure I'll blog more often. But the news reported that blogging is passe. Some twitter thing is the IN thing now.

Oh well.......

Book List 2009

2009-02-01T22:55:00.002+08:00

Current Read: Mister God, This is ANNA by Fynn

Book List 2009
1) Veronika decides to die - by Paulo Coelho
2) The Attack - by Yasmina Khadra
3) Swallow of Khabul - by Yasmina Khadra
4) God Grew Tired of Us, A Memoir - by Jogn Bul Dau
5) The Witch of Portobello - by Paulo Coelho
6) The Best I Could - by Subhas Anandan

7) Middlesex - by Jeffery Eugenides

8) Left Behind #1 - A Novel of Earth's Last day - by Tim LaHaye

9) The Winner Stands Alone - by Paulo Coelho

Budget 2009 - [Tapping Reserves: Many back move]

2009-01-27T15:47:00.005+08:00

I haven't been blogging much. But this topic on Singapore Budget 2009 is definitely interesting to blog about. Not that I have any better suggestions to make, but well, there are comments others make on the papers that.. well.. will make you simply 'roll-your-eyes'.

I don't know how many of you are affected, but about 50% of my friends are affected, including myself.

On Sunday, in the Sunday Times, there is an article on 'Tapping Reserves: Many back move'

I wouldn't copy the entire report, but I'll just copy and past the comments made by Singaporeans.

'These are really hard times. If you don't make use of the reserves now, I don't know when is a hard time. The reserves don't just go directly to people, but more importantly to saving jobs, especially for the lower-income and lower middle- income who will be hard hit if they are retrenched.'
MR DAVID CHNG, 59, a businessman
Hmm... I have to agree with Mr Chng, afterall, it is really the lower income and lower-middle income who are badly affected.

'$4.9 billion is a lot of money. I don't quite feel the pinch of the recession yet so I don't agree now is the right time. I understand it's pre-emptive, but is there a need to draw so much when there are still current surpluses from last year? We should at least wait till things get worse.'
MS CHARLENE SNG, 21, university undergraduate
She's an undergraduate and probably do not belong to the lower income group since she is not hit. But the sentence on 'should at least wait till things get worse' made me hope that she is studying fine arts, music, or maybe teaching courses which do not contribute to the economy financially.

Security supervisor Lai Shiu Ming Senior, 49, is one who knows many who are struggling to make ends meet.
He said: 'If they lose their jobs, it'll be even worse for them. So hopefully, this $4.9 billion will do something for them.'
A fine example of the life of a lower income group.

Mr E. Lim, 35, a civil servant, said he understands and agrees with the need to use the reserves.
'But at the same time, there could be a misperception that the reserves are being tapped to make up for investment losses by government-linked agencies,' he said, referring to how the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation and Temasek Holdings have pumped more than US$23billion into global banks like Citigroup, which have since dropped in value.
'So this needs to be addressed,' he said.
A civil servant highlighting a misconception that probably could only be misconceived by civil servants.

Among those who disagreed with the move altogether is civil servant Noel Kaw, 30.
He questions if today's situation is 'serious enough' to warrant it.
'Is there a possibility that this becomes a slippery slope? This crisis has become the benchmark. When you have a similar crisis next time, the first thing you do is turn to the reserves,' he said.
My bet is... Noel's family are working as civil servant and he does not adopt the hobby of reading newspapers or watching the news since the news is reporting retrenchments almost on daily basis.

OK, this one is the best! I wonder if he is a Singaporean.
Mr Tommy Tan, 28, a oil and gas sales executive, said with a laugh: 'My first thought was, 'Wah, this shows we actually have reserves.'
'We've heard of it, but never seen it. So it's like something in fairyland.'
My bet is... Mr Tommy Tan is a free thinker. Because if he heard of God (or any other pagan gods/idols), but never seen it, he will take it as something in fairyland.

Now, who says Singapore is a boring country?

Disclaimer: No personal attacks involve as the writer of the blog is not even of acquaintance to the mentioned names. Above comments made by the writer is of her own personal humble opinion.

SCSM 2008

2009-01-23T11:28:00.005+08:00

My first Stan Chart Run..... A 10km run. But seems like the slowest 10km I've done. Looks like I need to do something about it.

Somehow, the stan chart route got be a little bored. Too much city runs I guess.

Reviews:

Race Route is... well.. the usual city run....
As expected, baggage deposit will be v crowded (Testified by a friend colleague)
Race Pack collection is.. well.. crowded...
Some complained insufficient female sizes of S, M, and L on the last day of collection
Fluid is more than sufficient.
Supporters are more than enough.

Ratings:

Pictures:

Sad to say... these are the only pics!

Will I join next year? Maybe yes. Maybe no. The crowd this year is really huge!

Birthday @ age 26

2009-01-18T19:24:00.004+08:00

Birthdays get more and more simple as we age.

So, on the day I turned 26, this is what I had. Simple but nice.

With a great companion!

I think flowers, cash and vouchers are still the best presents. Really. At this downturning economy when I am and will be affecting, these presents are more significant.

Halloween Party @ Zouk!

2009-01-18T11:52:00.014+08:00

My blog has been moving at slowest pace in 2008. Call it busy, call it lazy, I'm just not quite in the mood then. And partly to blame, Safari is not a good tool to write blog entries (mainly the pictures uploading part). So here am I, on firefox, hope it works better in uploading pictures onto blogspot.

From the last entry, I just peered into what my pictures can offer.
Here is the next upcoming updates:
1) Halloween Party @ Zouk
2) My simple birthday
3) Stan Chart Run

Halloween Party @ Zouk
We have taken serious planning into doing this. How serious? We actually starting choosing and bought costumes as early as 4 months before the event. It is our first Halloween party. Yes, when we are 26 years old, then the Halloween party idea creeped in. Slow developers. But no regrets. No regrets on the location too. It must have been the best party in town, absolutely no doubts. We went to queue as early as 8+pm? And we all took 1/2 day leave. Yes, we are that serious. HAHA.

Of the five of us, four got in free as we were dress in full costumes. Bringing up the pictures now!

The preparation @ Min's place. :)

Us, in policewomen wear, red-riding hood, kinky nurse, referee, sheriff.

Shan't indulge too much on us. Let's see whats in zouk!

Left: Some movie/cartoon character I can't remember
Right: Hard guy!!! (don't know what character? google for it)

Left: 2 policewomen and 2 red riding hood
Right: I can't remeber. Some victorian princess?

Left: This bumble bee is cute!!!!
Right: The fortune teller.

Left: Some pirates
Right: I forgot what movie/TV show character this is.

Left: Terrorist! HAHA! They run upon seeing me (police)
Right: Er.. Some priest?

Drinks time. We were then in a shots mood. Sour plum shots especially. But that day, I think we had.. apple shots?

The chinese vampire (left) vs the western vampire (right).

Some others.

Left: Geisha?
Right: Banana-man

Super Mario and Superman!

This is my favourite PAP!!! It is so simple yet distinguished. One look and you know who they are trying to portray. And they printed flyers to support them too!

The black and the white!

Just before we left for home! At the age of 26, late night party is a history. Reached home by 130 with a lift from Min's hubby. Thanks Min and her man!

We'll be back next year! And surely back to zouk!

The runs (Part 3) - Salomon X-Trail Run

2008-11-26T20:44:00.010+08:00

The run after Great Eastern Run is the Salomon X-Trail Run.

It is, so far, the most exciting run. The MUD! The up and down slopes! The endless zig-zags!! Woohoo!!!

Reviews:

Race Route is fun!!! The MUD! The ups and downs! It is a must-try! Really!
Baggage deposit looks... ok... I didn't deposit mine.
Race Pack collection was a little disappointing
Fluid is sufficient.
Lots of supportive students directing route! Esp at the mud pond.

Rating:

Pictures~

The trail!!!

The Mud!!!!!! You cant escape this. Your shoes SURE get into the mud!

The Ups and Downs!

The shoes...

And I won a little lucky draw prize.

It is a simple, small scale, but challenging and fun run. The after-run effect is... I will try again! But with a pair of old shoes next time!

The runs (Part 2) - Great Eastern Run

2008-11-11T21:02:00.005+08:00

Up next, Great Eastern Run on 26th Oct'08. Meet up with Pawlyn after the run to return her book - P.S. I Love You. A good bath at California Fitness and followed by a good bowl of noodle highly recommended by Paw. Nice!!! And of course, a hearty chat! ;p

Reviews:

Race route is good. It's a normal road race, but the route with a couple of turns made it less boring. And a route past the Kallang stadium is something new.
Baggage deposit is easy and convenient.
Race pack collection is smooth.
Some other isotonic drink provided. (But tastes weird. I still love 100plus)
Race day carnival a little messy.
Banana and chilled jelly readily available.

Ratings:

Pictures!

Will run again if there is companion next year!

The runs (Part 1) - New Balance Real Run

2008-11-10T21:54:00.013+08:00

19th Oct - New Balance Real Run

26th Oct - Great Eastern Run

02nd Nov - Salomon X-trail Run

3 consecutive Sundays, 3 different runs, 3 different experience!

19th Oct - New Balance Real Run

Reviews:

Good organization. Race Pack collection very smooth. Great discounts of New Balance items.
More than enough parking lots. (But locating the car after the run is a chore!)
Chilled 100plus served readily after the run. Bananas and water readily available too.
Goodie Bag includes a New Balance Tee (nice~), a sling bag (not fascinating) and some other stuff.
Race routes - 10km and 15km (4km trail, 0.6km sand, 5.4/10.4 road)
The route is okay. Sand part wasn't that bad. More than enough hydration stops (at least for the 10km route).
SUN is BAD. (but this is not something the organizer can help it. at least they compensated by having more hydration stops)

Ratings:

Pictures!

As I did the 10km and my boss and colleague did the 15km, I am tasked to go back to boss's car to collect the camera to snap their finishing pic! And this is when I spend 15mins trying to collect the car in the huge carpark. I bumped into this uncle whom had been searching for 15 mins! Later we realised his car were behind the one I am looking for. -.-''' That is what happened when you have a huge carpark w/o any marking.

Applying sunblock and a 'fresh' pic before the run!

The finishing line. The resting building. My colleague. My boss.

The sun is really merciless! VERY!

Pictures taken during the run. Road. Beach. Finishing Point.

The stuff. :)

Will join again next year!

*blogspot has got me a little irritated with uploading of pictures. Wanted to do a 3 event together post. I think I better do a one event one post.

I'm like covering the post one day at a time. That's all for today. Now, back to my story book - The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

Bintan - 4th-5th October 08

2008-11-09T20:30:00.010+08:00

Yes, a long long belated post. My entries are VERY slow recently.

The Bintan trip just reinstate the fact that I'm not a resort person. It is BORING!

That is how bored we got.

There are more pics we took, but oh well..

Lots more to update: the runs, the halloween party which were all much happening!

I'll update them real soon!

2008-09-24T23:02:00.002+08:00

Ever since my last post, I've been drowning myself in work. And after 2.5 weeks, the half a million worth of products are still on-hold. I've been trying many segregation methods and confirmation methods to filter and minimize wastage. All the tests and some redundant tests are draining my soul. Tired. No complains actually. In fact, I was happy being busy.

Many thoughts flash through my mind. But the body is too weak to note them down. Another time then.

With the seemingly downward economy trend, the best investment seems to be health and beauty. The china milk scare reaffirmed it. For beauty, I'm toying with the idea of braces. If I can get a good price for internal braces, I'll just get it.

UGLY. UGLY SINGAPOREANS!

2008-09-06T22:07:00.002+08:00

Had a busy, tiring and exciting day that I must must blog this. I've witness 2 cases of UGLY Singaporeans. VERY UGLY.

Woke up (unwillingly) at 830 this morning and went all the way to Suntec to collect my running bib for Swing KPE. The collection was smooth. I was issued black XL T-shirt for male 10km and orange for me. The run is FREE, so we don't have the right to argue to anything regarding the T-shirts. Afterall, it isnt easy to accommodate so many people and I believe the budget is tight given a free run. All was great until when I was about to leave. 2 aunties came, ferociously trying to change the black T-shirt for the orange/green one. The pathetic helper was trying hard to explain to them that exchange is not possible and that different colours represent different category of run and gender differentiation. They refuse to agree upon and continue to bargain for the exchange. Even when the overall in-charge came over, they still insist on exchanging. Of course, they left with disappointment with cursing and swearing spurting out of their mouth. UGLY. period.

Up next, I went to a VICHY product launch at SPH. It was my mum's idea to go and since it is just S$15 with many samples and it is so near my house, I gave in too. After confirming attendance and getting our goodie bag, we proceed on to look for seats. We sat at 3rd row beside some goodie bags neatly placed. People start streaming in and fill the front seats as well. And there came 2 aunties, who came early and placed their goodie bag' to book their seat. Apparently, they booked the 2nd row. But their 'goodie bag' is now at 3rd row. What would you do if you were in this situation? I'll just take the 3rd row. Afterall, what is the difference between sitting on the 2nd row and 3rd row? Well, the 2 aunties think otherwise. They keep on asking who moved their stuff and apparently think that it is those sitting in the 2nd row that moved their stuff. The fact is, the 2nd row pple were here later than us, and the stuff is already on the 3rd row when we reach. When noone 'admits', they start spouting curses and swears. Scolding the 2nd row pple 恐怖，恐怖份子，没有礼貌 and many many unpleasant words. I very much wanted to rebuke her accusations. I decide to keep my mouth shut. Such unreasonable aunties are not worth my effort. They are probably those kind of aunties who will find 1001 excuses for a single mistake they make and make 1001 accusations for a mistake others didn't make. VERY UGLY. period.

I promise God I will NEVER be such persons as described above, even when I'm in my auntie stage in future, I will NEVER be so unreasonable to cause unnecessary harm to people around me. Amen.

To date, I have yet to purchase my Goodwood Park Hotel mooncake. It is OOS everywhere. I wanted to join the queue today. But by the time i reached, the queue is already 40 meters long and the mooncakes have yet to be delievered. I even went to 4 locations to try, INCLUDING the hotel itself. It is OUT OF STOCK. EVERYWHERE. I will take leave to buy next week. RAH!!!!!

And speaking of the VICHY seminar, surprised to meet a familiar face - Esther, currently a vendor but was previously working in my company. And what I have learnt in the seminar.

1) aging spots is sometimes unavoidable due to aging.

2) Sunblock is the best prevention.

3) Even with the best technique, without sunblock care, the result is still zero.

I'm glad I started my sun protection 2 years ago. ;p

I'm not using VICHY's whitening but my mum has great results with it. It is not so much suitable for me as mine mainly consists of post acne scars. I do have some sun spots which my Lancome Spot eraser is doing its job well. (which I think the VICHY whitening will do good to my sun spots too) And for post acne scars, I swear by SKII Whitening source dermdefinition. SKII really work wonders.

Unexpectedly, I'm working tmrw, to rush a trouble report. Sian. But well, a good chance to earn more pocket money.

Nike+ Human Race 31.08.08

2008-08-31T21:13:00.010+08:00

A disappointing timing as almost same as Singapore Bay Run. The route was exciting, many twists and turns, many many bottlenecks that had become a 'Human jam'. Managed to overtake many this time as compared to SBR, probably due to the many young students. Shall try to get back my Shape Run timing soon. Met 2 Sixians - Li Jun at the starting point and Pawlyn at somewhere near 2km.

And thank God that the padang is not muddy. The rain stopped.

I'll be stuck with them for the runs ahead. But as they say, this will be the only year they'll be active. Their kids are either coming to SG (from MY) or taking PSLE next year. I'll have to find new khaki. Else, it'll be bored to join the many races in SG.

And this pretty thing I saw! She refused to smile initially.

After showing her the camera image and knowing I'm taking her picture, she opened her mouth! (According to her mum, her current way of smiling)

then her sexy eyes thing... hahaa!

finally, crying to get bk to mama's comfort.

So cute!!!

Next Run? Hmm.. Swing KPE!! Tunnel Run.. Scary!

Singapore Bay Run 2008

2008-08-31T12:22:00.009+08:00

Last Sunday, 2008 08 24, was a muddy and very crowded Sunday.

It is the start of the 'running' series. And a great start! My colleagues (not only the usual ones) took part too!

And these are the regular ones. :) (And we are going to Nike+ Human Race in 3 hrs' time!)

I didn't manage to surpass my Shape Run's record. In fact, I was even 10 minutes slower than previous record. As I was on duromine medication, it is not worth risking with the many reports of cardiac arrest. But worry not! I've decided to stop. Since the consumption of duromine on and off since 6 years back, my health has been deteriorating at alarming rate. Oh well... *sigh*

I'm so so sleepy now. I wonder how can I run later at 430pm. Maybe I'll just doze off halfway.

The race pack is one of the better ones I've got so far. There are a lot of stuff. I only took out the main ones. The female running top is VERY nice. For once, this running top is one you will wear out. Its a pretty curve female top. I registered for M, but they gave me S instead. Rah! Luckily it fits just nice.

Here we go!! The Aussie's average run is 58"54'. I know I will pull down Singapore's average. :s Ops!

NDP 2008

2008-08-10T22:48:00.018+08:00

Attended a rather special NDP this year, of the many I attended.

1) VVIP tickets, thanks to Yulli. (and of course her bf)

2) Wore formal attire to NDP (due to the VVIP seats)

3) RAIN! (It is the first time I attended a raining NDP)

4) The air show is really overwhelmingly nice!

The special tickets.

My favourite segment! The parade! It simply reminds me of the days I was there, in the 80 min long parade, standing with neatly ironed uniform. That was a good 11 years ago, at National Stadium, on a year when they decided to move the 21 cannon INTO National Stadium, which suffocated us every saturday. The days when you will refrain from eating KFC during normal days because you'll have soggy ones during all the trainings.

The National Anthem. The one we used to sing daily when we were young.

The show by RSAF.

Some pics of the performances!

Fireworks!

The attendees. :)

Though publicity for NDP this year wasn't done extensively, I felt good that it was so. Afterall, we couldn't bear to do all the publicity that extensive when our neighbours were in the midst of recovering from natural disaster and political upheaval. We celebrate country's birthday every year, but we dont face mega natural disaster every year. Well, still, Happy Birthday Singapore!

I'm proud that the Chinese made the Olympics Opening Ceremony so eye-opening. :)

But.. [ † Jing Xian 静娴] (x) is sad tt China lost bball to USA. 70-101. Size still matters! RAH!!

New Balance 893 and Speed Tank

2008-08-01T23:54:00.006+08:00

In view of my adidas which gave me many MEGA blisters, I've got myself a pretty and comfy running shoes. NB893! Well, a shoe good enough for my current distance. As long as it can go a good 10km and maybe up to a 1/2 marathon, I'm very satisfied. This is already my most expensive pair of running shoe so far.

My lovely NB893! @ S$155

A decent enough shoes, comfy and roomy for my broad feet. And its only 238g in weight. Lovely pretty thing! Link My 3rd NB shoe, getting prettier each pair. :)

As Amex is entitled 15% off, I even made the effort to transfer it (My size was OOS) from Raffles city branch to Novena branch as it is much more convenient for the Amex card holder (Chan) to help me get at 15% off.

And I can't resist this running top! In my favourite colour, in the lightest material @ 100g/m3, this is love at first sight.

And I replace my Nike+iPod sensor!

And that'll be all. No more fascinating buy anymore this month. I've not clocking enough OTs to compensate my buys. I better concentrate on how to improve my timing. Hur hur....

There are some other things I wish to write about. Just not in the mood today. *still excited over my new purchases, wondering when can my shoe make its debut*

Weary

2008-07-28T21:21:00.008+08:00

Drenched in weariness. Workload has been high from Apr - Jun. Though the dip sets in in July where most objectives completed, another form of weariness take charge.

The weariness of the upheavals due to the many non work related yet complicated issues at workplace, one after another. And they seems to come at at alarming rate. Many weren't of my direct concern, yet, all bring about an inner justice (or rather injustice) I cannot simply just shove it away from my mind.

Juggling and trying to mediate colleagues' affairs seems to bring me to a mentally and physically drained state. It is amazing how one's cynicism can affect the many around. Demoralizing it can be, but my persistent affirmative attempts brought about even more persistent negative response that I'm now choosing to escape from what it does not even concern me in the first place.

The increment is at an usual shameful rate that I'm so afraid to share with my friends. Nothing extra. Nothing my boss can do. Nothing I can do. Nothing I can think of I can do. I'm freaking drained and bored by the daily routine (due to 3 resigned and not replaced colleagues) which wins no appreciation. What will be, will be. I love my boss, my gl, my colleagues and my technicians, and that is enough to explain.

And I'm deeply glad when the Snr Production Engr complimented on our technician's increasing and admirable skills they have improved so far. Though the compliments were not directly conveyed to them, they are always a group of technicians we are very proud of. I'm sure my GL will agree in unison. GL built the team up, from a group of technically unsound to a group of capable technicians. No words can express my appreciation. They are just VERY great.

Jump ship? Well, I'm at a yacht now. Cruising and no specific direction as long as the master wishes it to be. Enjoying the laid-back style at the yacht yet I longed for a mission ship. But at the same time, worried that the mission shop might turn out to be a pirate's ship. I would love to be in a passenger cruise, but that will mean that behind the scene is the many hard work to put in, with little monetary returns. There are small wooden boats that float around. And I sometimes wonder if I need to hop on these small boats in order to reach the bigger ships. Future is such a unknown thing. And without knowing which ship you want, it becomes a chore to have to decide which one you want.

God gives you a choice, always. But yet, as human beings, the word 'no choice' seems to be hanging around the tip of the tongue. Man are craving for choices, but are yet losers for choices. Life's enigma always exists. Maybe because Adam and Eve have first sinned by eating fruits from the tree of knowledge and wanting to know what is good and bad. Obviously it didn't work, that sin has marred many generations with the urge in differentiating good and bad. And the choices further made us want to differentiate good and bad at every step we do. So much said, that doesn't make us look great as if we want to do good with each choice. Everyone of us, at any point of our life, does things we know is bad, even though we have a choice to choose the path we consciously know it is right/good.

Life's paradox.

I can't help but I went to read my first few post. And look at this one. That was a conversation between my friend (JC-NTU-Seagate friend, current still in same yacht) and me. For laughter.

Dont laugh too hard. Sometimes, God can play little jokes when you take a peek back your life journey. That was just mere 3 years ago.

~~~~~~~@

Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Updates

2008-07-20T22:43:00.009+08:00

I've been missing for close to 2 months on blogspot. And YES, I'm busy.

Updates:

Latest gadgets buys:

1) iPhone

My dear Chan went oustation in US. And so, you guessed it. She helped me get this in US. It is the 2G, 8Gb version. It works great! And looks great!!!

2) Nintendo DS Lite (in Metallic Rose)

Pretty and VERY FUN. Super addicted to this. SUPER.

The jogging season is here!!!

To start things off, this is what I did this early morning!

The run almost killed me. 10km for 80 mins. 3 more registered runs (Singapore Bay Run, Nike Human Race and GE run) and more to come!! And I need a good shoe. Still contemplating btwn Asics and New Balance. My current shoe gave me more than 5 blisters after a 10km. PAIN!

This entry has been... erm.. bimbo. Too tired to write something more meaningful.

May life continue to be great for everyone! :)

2008-05-28T22:01:00.002+08:00

I've noticed an increase in whining about work. I can't help but this is another.

My manager broke news on having one member less. It is not known to us who is the one. Whether or not, it is me, the sadness still linger. If it is me, it just means that the company is shutting the last hope that I held on tightly. I've been holding on to the job because of the best colleagues. If I were to be placed in another dept, that would meant that the last holding factor is gone. If another colleague were to be transfer out, the sadness grew too. Because each and every colleague means a lot to me.

My colleagues are now making guesses and feeling unsure of what lies ahead.

2008-05-27T23:03:00.003+08:00

This is how my hand looks:

Scary!! My broken nerves...

So far, TTSH is the hospital I went for 2 separate incident. One for my Lasik by Dr. Lee, the other is the hand injury.

As far as I could remember, the service there is pretty good. Dr. Lee is very nice and very experienced in Lasik. He's one of Singapore most famous and preferred doctor for Lasik surgery. He has now moved on the Gleneagles though. Dr Sathappan is my consultant for my hand injury. He's very assuring and somehow, gives the impression that you are in his safe hands. Medical Officers are good too. I've experienced 2 from TTSH Orthopedics - Dr. Oh and Dr. Kau. Both are young and entertaining. Therapist Ho is also very pretty and pleasing. Nurses wise, so far so good.

But one major complain. The waiting time is hell damn long! My appointment was at 3pm, I only managed to see the doctor at 430pm. I waited an hour for payment at 530pm. I had to collect medication from the pharmacy, but the queue was way too long that I decided to come back another day. And this happens every visit. So now, I bring a book to read. I finish 1/2 a book into Nicholas Sparks's 'A Walk to Remember'.

Now I know why my technician says... it is not call TAN Tock Seng Hospital for nothing!

2008-05-14T22:16:00.002+08:00

The company installed the work tracking system where every file that you open, anything that you copy, delete, save, etc will be recorded.

However, it doesnt have a deep impact on me. Probably, I have alternatives if I need to do personal stuff, I'm not bothered by it.

But a conversation I overheard between one of the engineers with the vendor.

Vendor: (asking his some technical questions)
Engr: Oh, we do not have internet access here.
Vendor: huh?
Engr: Eh, yah. Specific personnel (referring to Japanese and management level) do have access to the internet. But with quite a couple of sites blocked.
Vendor: HUH? (With a unbelievable look)

And yes, all my friends have internet access at work. And I do think that the more you try to restrict people from using, the more they react towards the actions the management takes. People will feel a sense of dreadfulness knowing that the management do not place trust in employees and that abuse is definitely imminent.

In this case, when the management just hopes to ensure the security of their intellectual propriety by having such tracking program running, everyone thinks that the management is trying to pry into what the employees are doing.

Seriously, do you think the management bothers to pry into what exactly you are doing? We open and close so many files everyday, access to so many folders everyday, who would have the capability to monitor? It is only when intellectual propriety issues happen that they check.

However, with the tracking system installed, the feeling of dreadfulness persists. Thanks to all the restrictions imposed.

2008-04-26T23:39:00.003+08:00

Overworked.

Mon: MC
Tue: OT
Wed: Work (even when I'm issued MC) + OT
Thurs: OT
Fri: OT till 330am
Sat: OT
Sun: Undecided yet. Most probably OT.

Usually OT made me feel like going on shopping spree. But met Lihua for dinner today to sign up for SHAPE RUN at the roadshow. After our 5km run at GE RUN last Sept, we are going to do a 10km this time! Hurray!

OK, too tired, I drifted from my topic.

Yah, I was saying overworked always make me feel like going for shopping spree. But Lihua says she is going outstation to U.S.!!! *jx shouts........ iPHONE!!!* *jx keeps money in the bank and hope that she'll receive good news about her iPHONE soon*

Sprained neck

2008-04-21T22:40:00.002+08:00

Of all places, I sprained my neck! I could only move a 30 degree radial. And probably a 45 degree up down motion.

The doctor's medication didnt help much. I wonder if i could sleep tonight. I didnt sleep last night though. The pain was too excruciating to bear.

Tah Ching's wedding

2008-04-13T21:43:00.006+08:00

Been overworked. And my dear colleague, YL, transfer some virus to me - Flu virus. And now, I'm down!! Bleah!

Alright, some pictures to share!

2008 03 29 - Tah Ching's Wedding @ CHIJMES
My good old year 1 classmate @ ntu engineering. We (TC, Merv, Chan and me) will stick on together for lunches, breaks, outings, birthdays, etc etc.

(L-R) Chan (Lihua), me, Tah Ching, Sin Yee, Adrian, Merv, Merv's wife-to-be

I managed to dig out some old pictures

2005 Convo and Grad dinner
Yup! TC is not ard. 3 of us went to pursue Mechanical Engineering. He went ahead with EEE.

2001 Class Photo
Yes, this is historic! I was barely 19 then

Mervyn: Back row 4th from left
Tah Ching: 3rd row from the front, 2nd from the left
Lihua : 2nd row from the front, 4th from the left
me: 1st row, 1st from the left

We were soooooo young!!

There's more pictures to share abt my 'One day outing' with my sec sch friends when we took leave together just to relax and spend precious time. But well, Ahhhhh Chooooo... *sniff sniff* Next entry then. =)

Faster than official release

2008-04-10T23:09:00.004+08:00

Due to my broad based readers which include many colleagues I know and do not know, I decide to be faster than the official (press) release.

Yes. Everything was expected. But most of it were absurd.

Swapping/promoting from one designation to another. One or two are with credentials and proven track records, I salute those in awe. Many, to my disbelief, is going to hold appointments of which I have no basis to respect their expertise in new appointments.

Multiple promotions within a year seems to be the latest trend. And such promotions doesnt seem to come with warranted credentials. As long as you are in the right click of pple, success is guaranteed.

So much saying about giving your employees benefits, pay adjustment, making your employees happy and satisfied. But our increment % still remains at a pathetic 3%. And we need to slog hard for our engineering allowance of a pathetically amount which get reduced if you happen to be hospitalized. Yes, mine will be reduce drastically soon. Isnt the engineering allowance meant to bridge the difference in our pay compared to the industry's? Seriously, even with the engineering allowance, we are still falling behind.

To get a clearer picture, the management ask us to cut cost. We are told that they try to make our salaries competitive. They did. Some small adjustment. We are slightly slightly happier than before. We risked our life to cut cost here, there, and everywhere. We worked hard and earn salary (with fluctuations). They say they try to give us the best bonus. We have no say but to nod in unanimity.

Then, after giving bonus, they do a sudden management change with many promoted. Promotion = pay increment.

Do you find any similarities in any life situation you are in now? If yes, you are as smart as me. No prize for that though.

Yes. I think they love SG's gahmen. They take SG's gahmen as a role model. We were told that increase in gst is inevitable. To unload our burden (pacify us), they give us offset package. We were slightly happier. Sometimes, we got little bonus from the gahmen too! We, again, have no say, but still vote for Pay-And-Pay. After all these, the gahmen says pple managing the gahmen needs to be rewarded more. OooooOOooooOOOo.... And if you happen to be born of the Lee family, success is almost guaranteed. OooooOOooooOOoo.... *tink tink tink* Does this illustration ring a familiar bell?

But of course there are some difference. In the Pay-And-Pay situation, yes, they work hard to keep us safe and peaceful. Although they make mistakes once in a blue moon like the prison break re-enact, all in all, things are still cool.

In the our situation now, the management decides that a person maintaining the building can do a even better and higher authority job at managing our company's procurement issues. It is like promoting a grassroot leader (with no trade or economics background) to minister of trade and industry.

Hur hur hur.... So Smart! *roll eyes*

Letting out some rants!

2008-04-06T18:04:00.003+08:00

Thinking back, I'm amazed how God trapped me in such an industry for over 4 freaking years. Every time, I tell myself not to get there AGAIN, I'm always there.

Back in 2004, I had attachment at Seagate from Jan-Jun. I was in sputter team, with projects mainly on yield improvement and extending carbon shield life. I do think I had given good opportunity compared to two others who mainly do carbon target measurements. My supervisor and manager gave me opportunity in doing product qualifications too. I think I did well. I even monitor yield and sputter parameters every hour. For a young attachment student, I think I'm quite impressive. But my interest wasnt really lying in recording media.

Right after attachment, I started my FYP project. Guess what, my FYP is on Copper (Cu) Overcoat for Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (PMR). In addition, my project is at DSI (Data Storage Institute). I'm once again, stuck in the industry for another 1 year. I learnt a lot - AFM, VSM, MFM, XRD, etc etc.. But its not considered fun for me.

When I graduated, I told myself not to land myself there. I got myself into a small local firm doing machines for aerospace industry. It is fun and learning curve is steep. But the pay is very undesirable. I resigned in search of better opportunities.

Dec 2005, I came across advert of my current company. And having a friend working there as well, i tried, interviewed, got it. In fact, I didnt send any resume during the entire interviewing process and I was jobless for a mth. It was all fated. I'm back into the industry AGAIN.

2 1/2 years down the road, I'm still here. Dating back from 2004, I've been in the same industry for so long, doing something I know it is not of my interest.

Rahhh!! God, bring me out of Egypt!! hahaha!
(Historical background:- God's people was at slavery situation when in Egypt. And through many miracles performed by God, they were being led out of slavery by Moses. Refer to the movie 'The prince of Egypt' for more info)

I knew I wanted more in life. I knew engineering might not be a place I love to be in. But the wonderful boss and colleagues are too lovely to make me leave.

So much about the industry. Let me rant abt things I dont like about my company.

Quarterly presentation. Seriously, the routine stuff you doing isnt much appreciated. The experiments you can do is restricted since no downtime is allowed. Machine modification require downtime too. So everyone hates quarterly. Cause have to wu2 zhong1 shen1 you3. Everyone grumbles, but still squeeze something out of nothing. We need our engineering allowance.

Courses and bond. I was talking to my friend who is at UK. She was there for training for 1.5 yrs. When she's back, she'll be bond for 2 yrs. Another lady whose company will pay for all courses (masters included) and no bond to be on her as long as she takes it after working hours. Brr.. Ours? A 3k CQE course at outside office hours yields a 1 yr bond. Duh..

Organization. Well, its not affecting me now. But affecting my friend wef nxt week.

Pay. I think we are turning into monkeys soon. Pay can somewhat affect interest. But it wasn't at a balance now.

Seagate is recruiting. And the pay is good. Lube dept environment is quite alright. Yes, was tempted for 2 seconds. But I ask God to bring me out of Egypt, not into Cairo.

Oh well oh well... OK! Enough of complains. Tmrw goes back to office to prepare quarterly presentation AGAIN.

God, bring me out of Egypt! Bring me to Paris! Hahahahahahaha!!

Those were the days. :)

2008-03-23T13:46:00.005+08:00

I found this really really old Hall 6 pictures in Paw's FB!!

Late night supper at Paw and Liyun's room. Dated way back to 2001. Back then, we weren't using digi cams. I didnt have a copy of this! Grr...
L-R: Pawlyn, Nigel, Madeleine, Liyun (bed), me (eating)

For church peeps, yup! This is our Nigel. The then young and happening Nigel! :) He was then our supper-buyer with his Honda. I guess he made many hall people fat!

And this one!

I dont know what we were doing. But I end up being carrying out of Paw's room by Paw and Liyun. Haha~

I had real short hair then. Because one hair dresser cut my hair in a yucky manner and I have to correct it by cutting all short! Yup! The short-short. Brr...

Those were the days. :)

2008-03-19T00:17:00.006+08:00

People says killer heels. I say killer flats.

I've 2 church friends who are great fans of this pair in white. But this pair is definitely not for me. My first and last pair of Charles and Keith shoes.

This pair of killer flats made my entire body ache like never before. As if I've just ran a 100km marathon. It was so bad that I couldn't get out of my bed. I had to drag myself to chinese medical massage. The massage points to the injured spine and injured muscles all the way from my hips! After the massage, I could barely walk.

But due to the prearranged appt to Julz killer shop, I literally drag myself there. Yes, I dont disappoint my friends. At least not for pre-arranged appointments.

Analysis of my killer flats:
1) Too flat (which is bad unless you've got a real flat feet)
2) Too slippery (which u will incur the wrong muscles to walk cautiously)
3) The toe grasp part and middle secure makes one use wrong muscles for walking.

I almost died. It is 10k times worse than my injured hand.

Rushed off to get a new pair of birkenstocks immediately.

jx loves good trusty shoes.

The handicap goes D&D, goes clubbing, goes wedding dinner, goes jogging!!

2008-03-16T20:37:00.023+08:00

Yup! Did I just say I'm a handicap? Hahaa!

Dinner and Dance 2008
Date: 14th Mar 2008
Location: Pan Pacific Hotel

One of my "priority (and unemployed) friends" took pity on a handicap. So she offered to groom the handicap to the theme!

Brr.. Why is my image consultant so slim!?!
My image consultant is very very good at hair!!! She's good with falsies too!
Professionalism: 9/10 (-0.5 for speed, -0.5 for drawing black gel eyeliners)
Pls note that she's not a professional MU artist YET, and she doesnt use black gel eyeliners! If you need any services for your functions, please feel free to contact us. We have a lot of talented image consultants, just that they are working.

Thank God for helping me battle the traffic jam. I managed to reach like 750pm and scan my invite to win lucky draw. I won 63rd prize!! Yeah!!

My 3 little pigs gang!! My pillar of support all the time!

Its piggy time!

My lovely partner-in-crime for Jap food!! And thanks for all the help you rendered all these years. And the HR team, for very great support ALL the time, especially during the period when I injured my hand! Thank you!!

The usually-serious-looking Japanese went crazy. Even the MD went crazy too! And Almighty director made a very very very unexpected performance.

My beloved department!!

Here's the people I always love!!
My lovely boss #1 - manager

My lovely boss #2 - grp leader

My lovely colleague

My beloved department. Where fun and work coincide. Absolutely love everyone of them!

D&D Round 2
Date: After D&D, 1am
Location: Zouk

I know my very much loved bitches are there! So I immediately agreed upon zouk! Moreover, my dinosaur GL is going. Hur hur...
The bitches didnt pick up my numerous calls and SMSes. So I decided to ujust do a random find. I head to the toilet! And I ended up screaming for 10secs! I know where to find my bitches in the midst of a crowded club!

I had a great day. But the handicap is very drained after that.

Colleague's wedding the very next day. Totally zonked out and stony throughout the wedding that there was no energy left for the pictures! Will get the pictures and post later!

As the title states, yes, the handicap went jogging! Totally refreshing. I love jogging!

Going to work tmrw even though I'm still on hospitalization leave. I can't wait. It is too boring at home! At least let me archive my emails!!!

2008-03-12T17:31:00.005+08:00

I finally managed to borrow this book from the library! Yup! The first of twelve book series 'Left Behind'.

I've been waiting for almost 1.5 yrs. Finally saw it! Read 1st 2 pages of it, not too bad! It is a fiction on Christ 2nd coming, a novel on earth's last day..

Currently reading Boy meets Girl by Joshua Harris. I've this book for 2 years, but never got a chance to finish. I've to agree, I dont like self-helps!

And yes, anyone knows where in SG you get to do such pretty G-mask? Apparently an acquaintance of mine did it in taiwan, but I so wish to get mine done! Pretty!

Flowers. I love flowers. *dance*

2008-03-09T22:55:00.003+08:00

Yet one week has past. 3.5 weeks to go. 23 days to go. (Counting down to the end of my hospitalization leave)

I'm thankful for all concern, for all prayers! I really need them. My wound is recovering very well, but my left thumb is still not responding.

And I thought this logo on my occupational therapy looks apt with my current condition.

There are so many things we thought we know, but we don't.
There are so many things we felt it was right, but it wasn't.
There are so many things we wished we could turn back time, but it will never happen.

For my eyes were marred by the deceiving words of mankind, I decided to retreat my steps, out of the pool of dung. I will be cautious to counter the capricious fate in attempt to protect my mental and emotional well-being. Enough said.

Viwawa is highly addictive. Keep out!

2 of my resigned, currently unemployed and bumming around friends and I will be having fun from tmrw onwards... 2 unemployed and a handicap.. and a car.. We shall see what fun we will get...

To look forward nxt week
* Fun with the unemployed ladies.
* Shopping with my roomie.
* Occupational Therapy with a pretty therapist!
* Isetan Private Sale with the unemployed ladies
* Dinner and Dance 2008!
* Colleague's wedding!
* Partying after D&D?? (Depending on injury condition)

Hurhur... Handicaps can be fun-loving and exciting too! :)