Cycling (yes, in the rain, again)

Photos from the McCafe tea this morning:

McCafe, Parkway Parade

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I made it! Out of the house without the rain coming down yet, that is. I had to pump my bicycle tyres thus cycled to the nearby bicycle shop. This short route slowed me down say 3 minutes and gave the rain the chance to catch me and Fluffy. But, not for very long. The rain reduced to a light shower where we could proceed without becoming a wet duck.

Went onto my usual route till the new condo Baywater, then side-tracked into Bedok Park and went all the way ahead till the entrance of PIE. Looped a little back to the big traffic junction at Bedok Reservoir and Eunos Link, then cycled along the park connector beside Blk 600+. That stretch can be a little dangerous, yet it was superb and exciting; full of up slopes and winding down slopes. Some evil soul placed a big rock in the middle of the path somemore, good thing I was on high alert mode.

Spent a little while to get to Telok Kurau Park along Siglap Park connector. Happy to be back though coz the Sunday before last WW and I were there together for a stroll. This time round it was Fluffy with me, and that little wild dog just liked going near canals thinking there would always be cats in there. Didn’t stay long before heading home as it was nearing dinner time and the rain was starting again. Poor Fluffy was drenched, all cold and not like me, who had to cycle hard and therefore didn’t feel cold at all. Heh, she was shivering at one point, but I thought doggies should be strong, if not, then should be trained up to be. I still gave her a hot shower at the end of the day to make up for her chilling ride!

On the overhead bridge crossing over to Kembangan area. In front was the Starville condo.

Dark clouds looming!

Wahaha, PIE's under my feet.

Fluffy with wet hair. Wahaha.

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Photos from last week's dinner with family, to celebrate Shou Bi's birthday.

Zi Cha dinner at coffeeshop downstairs. Papa Mama.
Me and Wong Tian, color-coordinated.
The birthday boy!

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Photos taken from Pine Court Chinese Restaurant, 35th storey of Meritus Mandarin.

Leave Days are Sweet

Yay, leave days are always so good as they mean freedom!

So morning set off to SingPost building CoffeeBean for an appetitising meal of muesli parfait. Very yummy, but sadly few CoffeeBean branches offer it. So I was there for more than an hour, concentrating and typing away on my reliable lappie. Ah, what else but work again.

Happy Christmas time is coming soon. See the tree at the left side?
Me with laptop and breakfast (and work, brr).
CoffeeBean merchandise

I headed on to Parkway Parade, this time to McCafe (favourite café!) for tea and more work. Managed to finish up some documents before the battery ran flat on me. There was this small group of young Japanese kids sitting at two tables in a corner of the al fresca area of McCafe, eating their packed lunches. They have the same lunch boxes, the same food – macaroni with white bread. It’s interesting to see how independent they are, and how sensible they are to find themselves a small corner so as to be more discreet (after all they are not having MacDonald food). I suppose they live in hostels, away from their families and closed ones. No choice but to learn to be independent.

Now I’m back in my comfy newly-painted room. Wanting to bring Fluffy out for a cycle together, but I can see the very dark clouds in the North seeming to drift here. No rain no rain!

Happy Birthday Shou Bi!

It's Shou Bi's 20th birthday tomorrow, and I'm teasing him that he's no longer a teenager!

Papa, Shou Bi, Mama and Me!

Got him a rich chocolate cake from Four Leaves

Now it's Wong Tian with Fluffy

I would think it is one of Shou Bi's best times of his life now. He has just finished his NS duties at Traffic Police, and now has more than half a year to start of university. In this period, he's taking his time to find a temporary job while taking his driving lessons. The rest of the time is spent playing computer games and helping out in painting the house. Good life hor? Sis and I gave him some hundred dollars as birthday present too. My lucky brother!

Digging Deep

I like digging, reaching deeper and deeper into the bottom of my heart, my emotions, till a point when it feels like the limit. Pouring out my innermost knots, but not to anyone (no one likes sharing miseries, I realise), but to the surface of my shell so that I can chew them over and savour them long.

Those heart-wrenching love ballads evoke more sorrow emotions. I just have to close my eyes and can see so much of the carefree life I used to lead. The Game of Love brings me back to PGP days; I could see the layout of my room and desk so clearly, and feel the sweet old days so vividly. Roxette’s songs make me feel so distinctly the same ironic emotion twists I went through then. Those times, times when you sing out to yourself till a point when you feel like weeping.

What goes down comes up eventually, after it hits the bottom of the pit. It’s a cycle, after all.

Why oh Why?

Me with chio babe Xiuling at Bull Run

We got ourselves wet from running in the rain, but it was fun at the same time because otherwise you would not know how it felt with rain hitting on your face.

Me becoming philosophical these days again. I threw myself a lot of WHY questions, but still can’t find any answers. However, I cannot pretend life is good and smooth always and thus not ask.

Bull Run 2006

It started with heavy dark clouds looming overhead, followed by heavy downpour which lasted close to an hour but reduced to a drizzle for our annual Bull Run event. My company organises this charity event, targeted to help out 13 charity organisations, and which involves financial institutions and listed companies.

Every year they would invite overseas ambassadors to grace our event and this year we’ve got Richie Ren (任贤齐), the Taiwanese singer. I caught a few glimpses of him in the VIP tent earlier on, but no big deal. :p Last year’s ambassador was more popular; Jackie Chan’s popularity was unbeatable (unless if it’s 金城武！).

This year I joined a team relay (but actually more of team work – all our times were added together for placing) with three male colleagues. It’s a coincidence that two of them happened to be in the same secondary school as me, and so we just teamed up for the Bull Run 3.2km race but it’s more for the fun of it. Last year my team, with another three of my previous Data Centre colleagues (who are with HP now), came in second and won for ourselves $280 in all.

Also, this time round we have the very young ladies for the top three ladies’ positions for my company. First was a lady around my age, petite and sweet; we couldn’t tell she can run so fast. Second was my junior from DHS and a fellow scholar, a young lady who does her midnight jogs and yoga during weekdays and swimming during weekends. Third was my dear buddy at work and fellow scholar too, who also jogs every morning without fail. What does this go to show? Determination, perseverance and hard work pays off. Haha, but I still won’t want to run everyday.

All in all, the event was fun and allowed some mingling with colleagues. After the event, JY, Joyce, Nee and I went down to Orchard for some winter shopping and for late dinner. These ladies are tired out from the run and headed home for a good rest after our dinner. We’ll have a whole-day outing the next time!

A Day @ Vivocity

Fountain outside the main entrace of Vivocity
My view from CoffeeBean, taken in the evenings when I was back there a second time in the day for tea and to finish another piece of work on my lappie.
It's a rather small area for dining and drinking. I had to take a five-minutes walk around the mall before getting a seat.
Morrocan Mint (finished) - my favourite CoffeeBean tea so far
View of HarbourFront Centre. Will businesses there survive still?
Tangs advertisement. To me, Tangs is like another Robinson, not quite a big deal after all.
Flags of vibrant colours - is Vivocity that vibrant?
Proved to be a good shopping haven, at least for me. Spent around $150 on shopping, including a trendy dress for Mama.
View of the main entrance, taken on a bench where I was escaping from the coldness in the shopping mall.
Foyer on the 3rd storey where shoppers can see out to PSA, Sentosa.
Whirling staircases

Mama (oops with eyes closed)
Boat that hacks tourists money

Papa Mama on the rooftop garden. Just the right place for a break from the cold cold airs in Vivocity (their air-con is free!)
Looking like the coastal beach behind Papa Mama
On the rooftop still.

Considering the pictures are taken using my 1 Megapixel Nokia 6111, the outcomes are not that bad, right? But gotta bear with the vertical photos not being properly aligned; I can't rotate them!

One precious day of freedom!

On leave tomorrow!

Have planned to get some "ME" time. To leave the house with Wong Tian early in the morning (I like spending mornings out) and head off to Vivocity. Shall slump myself into the CoffeeBean couch for perhaps 3 hours, savouring their Museli Parfait while typing away on my snow-white Asus. But it won't be 3 hours of messaging or surfing of Internet, coz I've got some work to do. Boo. But still beats doing it in the office while I get distracted and disrupted with so many other urgent but unimportant things.

After which I shall head for the retail shops; time to stock up on new pieces for the bursting wardrobe Wong Tian and I share. I need to get a beautiful dress for Li Ling's wedding dinner too, which most probably will come from BLUM. (Sidenote: She's the fourth lady, in my JC class of 10 ladies, to get married!)

If Mama Papa decides to head to Town or anywhere near, I'll join them after lunch. Then back home to nua on the bed, see the sun set with its rays on my bed or perhaps go for a run to release some endorphins.

Lalala, just having this one day without working can be so joyous!

Hallo Halloween

Stole this interesting picture from a friend's friend.

Halloween's coming! Why ain't I invited to any Halloween party? Hmmf!

Retail Therapy!

Woke up this morning, walked to the wardrobe and spent a few seconds deciding which outfit to pull out. Decided on a simple white knit top and cream pants, but when I was about to step out of my room, I then realised the matching cream suit was in office waiting for its dry-clean. In the end I had to spend another 5 minutes or so fitting into other outfit combinations. So fed up.

Thus, this evening I made it a point not to stay late in office and ran off at around 645pm towards the shopping mall. In a relatively short time of 2 hours, a total of close to $200 was expensed in return of 5 pieces of clothing. I got a white top and a white skirt from Ness, a boutique which sells nice knitwear with splendid colours. This season they sell bright-coloured tops such as purple, tortoise and lime green. Oh did I mention I don’t quite like wearing black? Many a days this week I was left with no choice.

Then me went on to get pieces from SENSE and G2000. Almost all were knitted pieces, which save me the trouble of ironing. Comfy, warm and fitting pieces, but which most probably won’t last too long (all will 起毛soon). But then again, beautiful things don’t last long, do they?

Running in the Rain

Concurrently reading 3 books – The World is Flat, The New Singapore Dream, and SmartInvestor. Can tell how greedy I am huh, and the diverse interests in many different areas.

Just now was running along Esplanade with two of my fellow colleagues. We set off despite the looming dark clouds overhead and the downpour earlier in the afternoons. And almost as if expected, the raindrops fell on us a few minutes into our run. It wasn’t easy running in the rain, especially when it got heavier and blocked your nose. So I stopped after a while, and we made our way back cutting half our usual distance.

The last time I ran in the rain was post-JC days at Bedok Reservoir. It was those crazy days when I had only one aim in mind – to stay slim. Those days when I had only one tau sa pau for lunch, and a light dinner at home. Well, everyone has their teenage/youth days, right?

Let's just say I'm going through some changes now. Change in mentality, change in mindset and attitude.

Quarter-life crisis?

Seeing the Sun in the Eye

Don’t know if it’s good that we can see straight at the sun without any eye shield, as the particles in the air are thick enough to provide us the layer of protection. Somehow this haze reminds us of human’s vulnerability; how we are like small ants which can easily get drowned in a pool of water. When a shroud like the current haze comes along, where can we hide? If DPRK decides to shoot a nuclear missile to whichever country, how can the people run for their lives?

To me, we are like characters in The Truman Show – in a world big enough to encompass the whole Earth, with a blanket of atmosphere that controls the environment surrounding us, controlled by an unknown power out there beyond this shrouded world which directs the happenings in this Earth we live in.

Off Day Returns

Ended up being a fruitful day. Helped Mama colour her hair, helped Papa settle some Town Council stuff, visited the dentist (and paid 73 bucks).

And in the afternoon did some shopping which reap some good “returns”:
- Balmain watch. The first watch since Secondary school days that I’ve bought for myself. Since Sec school, my watches were from friends and relatives. So this Balmain is quite an iconic item for me.
- Thomas Friedman’s The World is Flat. After starting on his Lexus and the Olive Tree, I got interested in his books and theories on Globalisation. Some reviews on this recent book of his stated his views could kinda predict how the world will turn out in the future.

Also managed to buy a button short-sleeved top for work wear. Happy to get the two items listed above; shopping does induce high spirits!

Weekend round-ups

Short updates. Aiming to sleep by midnight.

Again, another weekend has passed and I’m feeling so blue thinking of the start of another workweek. That escapism feeling is somewhat seeping in gradually again. But me shan’t be deterred by work, coz from work we get happiness, albeit indirectly. That financial independence and freedom!

This weekend was indeed fruitful. On Saturday, together with WW and his family, we had breakfast at Bukit Timah food centre and then ventured to the North, where we took a morning stroll along Sembawang Park’s beach. Glad his mama liked it. In the afternoons, we wanted to check out the Premier (my mom’s interest really) but decided otherwise upon seeing the snaking queue at the entrance. Hooray!

Come dinner, family and I had zi cha downstairs. We ordered crocodile meat, froggies’ legs, oyster omelette and boiled kalian with oyster sauce (this dish upon my special request). Quite special dishes right? At a pretty affordable price of $40 for 4 persons. Mama papa are so understanding to want only a decent yet nice meal as a treat from me.

Today, WW and I met after our individual lunch at home at Marine Parade area. Did something special and checked out a new place. Quite exciting; it’s like starting a new phase of life, but of course we are just simply checking things out. Perhaps for future reference and for the fun of it =). And I’m happy to introduce a traditional confectionery to my dear man. Teh that comes with a tinge of bitterness, round buns toasted and spread with kaya and butter, and heavenly-baked butter almond cakes – all very yummy. I was secretly rejoicing at WW’s look of satisfaction eating that kaya-toasted bun.

Come dinnertime, I met up with Joyce, Tong & Nee at Suntec. We settled for Fish & Co. after some deliberation (those ladies are very considerate and always think for my health-conscious preference). And an after-meal tea/coffee session at our 老地方 – Siglap CoffeeClub. If you have any good recommendations for after-meal tea in the East, let me know, so we can break out of frequenting our old hangout place!

Hmm, thinking of taking one day off work next week. Perhaps a Friday to go out with Mama Papa, about time to bring them out (though they are very independent now, compared to previous times) and show them new places. Show your love to your dear ones.

Fine-Dining – not so fine after all

WW and I were looking forward to a nice meal at Al Dente at Colours by the Bay (Esplanade), an occasion to splurge a little after getting bonus. I ran by the place last Wednesday on my regular run, and saw the lanterns and romantic dim lighting at the open-air dining area, so thought of booking a place for Saturday dinner. But turned out the restaurant was disappointing.

First, we were met with a rude waitress at the door, who was speaking quite impatiently into her walkie-talkie. Then, after ordering our food, we waited for 40 minutes and our appetizers were not up yet. I definitely was losing my patience and wanted to remind the waiters, but tolerant WW trusted they had placed our orders in the right hands and continued waiting. Ended up they really missed out our orders after we really couldn’t wait anymore and questioned them.

After the hour-late appetisers, we had to wait close to another hour for our main courses, which was quite annoying as our stomachs had to go from hungry to semi-full to hungry and lastly to full from the main course. Quite a torture! So what if there is ambience? They don’t value and respect their customers, and thus has lost us forever. We weren’t the only disappointed ones; an ang moh couple left after having their appetisers, having waited too long for the main dishes.

When you go into a service industry, take note that customers are your top priority. Lose them once, and you lose them forever. No more Al Dente at Esplanade!

Happy Four Friends

Fortunate to have found these good friends in the same company, having them to go out together, enjoy our days off from work, and getting them to share my joys.

Last Friday we went Mong Hing Teochew restaurant for a good meal, courtesy of the one who so feels like splurging this period. We had steamed pomfret, braised beancurd with yam, goose meat and sea cucumber with fish maw, and ended the meal with oi nee (yam paste). Yummy dishes! A pity lard puts me off totally and all the dishes were laden with lard. But once in a while, and good thing was that they served pu er, the strongest cleanser out of all Chinese tea.

J & J didn’t eat much, but all in all we had a good time together. YN drove us to Changi road where we stopped by and watched airplanes take off. Some people may not see the joy out of airplane-watching, but I find it so magnificent. Engineering feats can bring humans such wonders.

After that, we headed to Siglap for tea at CoffeeClub where we ended up chatting about things like having lesbian friends and what criteria my dear friends look for in a guy. In all, we spent more than six hours together, yet it felt insufficient. The night seemed somewhat young still, but on our watches it ticked 1230am. I suppose we will have to look forward to more such sessions, and in the meantime, hope normal working hours ticked as fast, or even faster, so that merry times will come again soon.

Getting hot @ Yogaffinity

Here comes another weekend, a happy one without work but with joyful sharing.

Looking back first, the week, as usual, has been hectic and fast. But I managed still to squeeze in a hot yoga session at Yogaffinity, located near my office. To someone who has not tried sauna or exercising in a heated room before, this trial was definitely quite an experience. A short 15 minutes into the 1.5-hour session, the yoga-doers were already covered with a layer of shine on their bodies. Halfway through, everyone was sweating profusely, with drops of sweat dripping off their faces. The yoga poses we had were rather standard, but add a wave of heat and you get very tired bodies.

That didn’t stop me from signing up for packaged classes though. $230 for 12 lessons, which can probably last me for three months. The quest towards a more feminine composure and having greater 女人味。

Feeling... weird

It’s weird that the emotions aren’t that great, in fact have that feeling “no big deal” when the real thing sets in. But wahaha, I’ve set a budget for all the expenses I’m going to make, inclusive of shopping and lotsa treats! Happy!

Boo. And again, the weekend is ending and I’m missing WW all over again. 最想念时刻，总是离别片刻。Next weekend is looking good though. Some light fine-dine and divine wine.

老顽童

Don’t blame me for
Being a kid at heart
I buy Mac Happy Meal
For they say toys make one smart

15 Sep - Day on Wheels

Had a great time relaxing, enjoying and basically touring around places in Singapore that are relatively unventured, such as Sembawang.

The events of the day can be traced from photoblog here.

It was raining almost the entire day, which put some of our plans off. Missed Sembawang Park and sunset at Changi Village, but made up for them at East Coast Park and good dinner at Siglap. What matters most is warm company, especially in such a cooling weather.

The ladies are very easy to get along with, and any suggestion goes. It's funny how YN left the street directory in my hands, and the MakanSutra book in Tong's. She was thinking it's good to have two 书虫with her to do the research and stuff so she can safely drive her cute orange Picanto on our instructions. And smart JY brought her MakanSutra book along and guided us to new unexplored eateries. My stomach won't go hungry with her around (perhaps because she eats so little too so we may end up eating her share).

Later in the evening, J joined us for dinner and gave us a sumptuous treat. That woman ah, never fails to throw in her cash at the black-leather-case-opening situations and is ever so generous with her happiness and joys. A little woman with a big heart. :)

Good news on a Monday morning

I'm a happy nottozlady
:) :) :)

The Tsks and Ceks

Traveling by public transport is an agony these days. On the MRT trains there are old uncles tsk-ing away, as if there is some super-sticky bubblegum stuck to their front teeth. Or maybe they are just trying to get rid of food stuck onto their fake gold teeth. Then, there are the loud young ones talking and laughing away like they are in some Great Grasslands. Add that cry baby (literally) who wails and galls.

I can’t stand the extreme vibrancy in MRT trains!

On the SBS bus, the Mobile TV blasts away in your ear, the screen flashing away in your eyes. Can’t understand why they have to turn the volume so loud. Is it to cater to the elderly? But it doesn’t help that most programmes shown are English ones, right? Please spare us the agony; we just need some peace and quiet at the end of the busy work day.

Blue Day

Back in the office after the weekend, what I need is a cup of hot teh to perk up my moods and spirits for work.

Oh Blue Monday Blue~

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祝爸爸生日快乐！

Yesterday was Dad’s birthday, and we threw a feast for him at home. WW and I bought prata, durian cake and otah – all from Jalan Kayu. Health-conscious me then got Subway Veggie Delite sandwich for myself (still refusing to eat a whole piece of prata) and WW had a Subway chicken sandwich. However, my healthy vegetarian sandwich was let out to Dad as he wasn’t too keen on oily prata either! On top of all these food, Tian and Henry chipped in with New York Pizza, Old Chang Kee curry puffs and 611 Tau Sa Piahs; Mama cooked some rice and steamed a piece of fish too. Quite a feast! In the end we all had a little of everything.

Now Dad has become more health-conscious due to recent health problems such as high blood pressure. Gradually I’m converting the rest of the family to have my dietary habits – mainly vegetables and fruits, steamed rather than fried food, and no unhealthy snacks. Eat healthily and live a longer age!

附带条件

Is there anything that doesn’t come with a price anymore? When you have dealt more with the outside world, you tend to bring the same mentality of being calculative back home.

When Mama asked me for a few ang pow packets for future uses, I gave them to her but was thinking how many I should keep for myself. I was willing to give, but not quite willing to give all, thinking I may need them for myself and will have to buy more in time to come. That was my first reaction, but thinking on it, it seemed like everything has to be conditional. When we give, we think too much about what we are sacrificing.

Well, that should not be the case. Giving should be unconditional and truly from the heart. I suppose this conditional giving attitude partly arises from the commercial and retail situations we face. When retailers promote their products at a discount, you wonder if there are any conditions tagged to them (usually indicated in their advertisements in super-micro fonts, or a mini-asterisk). Or when your boss treats you to coffee or a meal, there is usually more work to come. Even when you get promoted, you had better expect to place more time and energies into your work, say having extended working hours. So it’s right to say “there is no free meal in this world”.

But this shouldn’t be brought into your personal life and into the way you treat your family and loved ones. When you treat others in a calculative manner, they treat you back the same way and it becomes a vicious cycle. Besides, giving without restrictions will be a much happier thing to do, though that may take some time to realise.

So the next time I give to my loved ones and friends, I’ll bear in the mind the true art of giving. To those who aren’t sincere, hmm, shall consider. Wahaha.

KL Rat Race

Back from KL Rat Race

The race was not as bad as thought as the weather was kind to us. It rained heavily around half an hour before our race, and stopped just when we were assembling at the starting line. The slopes were conquerable, and I felt somewhat proud of myself when I overtook some guys who were walking on these slopes. Perhaps I have the advantage of being younger, and of course, having had my regular runs.

Bursa Malaysia was hospitable. They invited us, treated us like VIPs (which I suppose we truly are, in their eyes) and were all smiles (genuine ones) when they came up to us during the dinner after the race. On a broader note, Malaysians seem friendlier than us lot. There is less pretence; they are more humble and down-to-earth.

The others in the two teams representing my company are cool guys and ladies too. The male captain, our Corporate Communications head, was full of humour and wits. We simply had to laugh when he talked about his boss (who was there for the race as well) with his straight face. Very funny guy. I had my good buddy with me throughout the two-day trip, being my roommate and dear companion. Judy is a wonderful girl!

Now I’m missing the bed comfy bed in Shangri-la. Ooh, sleeping under the comfortable on the bubble-soft mattress and double-stacked pillow, wearing a bathrobe and shorts.. I didn’t want to get out of bed the next morning. That’s what they call 5-stars. You have everything in the hotel room.

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Back in Singapore, I was pleasantly surprised by WW’s offer to pick me up from the airport. Sadly, due to miscommunication, he waited an hour for me when I had got out of the arrival gates half an hour earlier. Thus, I had waited half an hour too, stoning and thinking he might be still on the roads. This taught us – call on the mobile instead of sms-ing! More effective and avoids miscommunication! Ended up both of us were feeling frustrated, and spoilt our beautiful night. But me still happy that he made all the efforts, threw his work aside, and drove down all the way to meet me at the airport. My dear Wonderwen =)

KL Here I Come

Flying off to KL in less than 8 hours’ time, bound for some hard-sweat race with the corporate runners. Good thing we have two teams, total ten of us from my company to sweat it out together. Last Saturday, I had my run at Bedok Reservoir where I conquered the steep slopes and was left with no energy to complete the whole track without stopping. It was simply a torture! Can’t imagine the hills and mountains I have to conquer tomorrow afternoon, on familiar grounds some more. Shall inspire myself with the end goal in mind – get over that last 100m steep one and see food and one day of shopping and relaxation ahead!

Tomorrow morning have to be up by 4am, in time to reach airport for a 630am flight. Okay la, beats an X-hours coach trip to KL, right? By flight it takes slightly less than an hour only. And it’s my great fortune to have a buddy waking up early to have breakfast with me, though she’s not part of the team heading for KL. Yeah! I always believe in a good start to the day with a nice breakfast with a loved one or a good buddy. Happy happy!

长大的代价

Just finished ironing the clothes from last week’s wear. A good one hour I took. And now I’m sweaty sticky and feeling really uncomfortable. TP you must help me oki, especially now that we have bought more button tops.

That’s it. When you grow up to be an adult, you have so many more tasks to do. Often, things are not within your choice. Ironing is just a mole-hole example.

I suppose those who just came out of school into the workforce would find it challenging, exciting and be so full of drive. But ask me who has been in it for two years, I would just give you a nonchalant look. This kind of working lifestyle is just so numbing. Although I don’t have to slog till say 9pm every work day, I still find the routine hard to swallow. Weeks pass by like nobody’s business, and I’m getting a little wary and scared that time will pass by just too quickly. In no time you find yourself hitting your 30s, and again, following through life’s motions as if it were all scheduled to be.

Somehow I think these kinda feelings are linked to the passionate you find in the things you do. Check out a passionate soul who likes his or her job; you won’t hear a grumble often. Can’t blame me for concluding it’s the job scope, the job environment or the nature of job itself that is bogging me.

Anyway, I shan’t complain. Coz it’s all a parcel of Grown Up. Who doesn’t have to work? Who doesn’t need to bring home the beacon, answer to oneself or one’s family? In all it’s about telling yourself what needs to be done, how you want to get it done, and how in the process you take care of your heart and soul.

Customer Service

The government is promoting customer service levels in Singapore, pushing our standards higher and trying to brand our nation as a world-class place for both Singapore citizens and foreigners to live in.

Of course, this is a good move; in fact it is one long-awaited. All along, most of our customer service staff lack the etiquette and the courtesy towards customers. You can go into a shop expecting all kinds of treatment – from passionate hospitality to ice-cold treatment.

Having served by our usual customer service staff, I have learnt to manage my expectations and try to bear with lousy service most of the time, although I still frown at super slow cashiers behind the counter. After the recent movement to promote good service, I’m gradually raising my bar for good service. Don’t tell me we are not bucking up especially when the directive comes from above!

End up now, I’m frowning more at slow service (reasonable ones are pardoned), sometimes even tempted to give a black face. I wonder: are we raising our expectations given the recent highlight to up the service standards? Or are the improvements catching up too slow? Perhaps we’ll be able to better tolerate the current standards if we leave it as is.

Meanwhile, I’ll still be turning my pleasant face away from the ones whose service leaves much to be desired. But of course, everything goes both ways. Customers have to start first by being courteous and friendly to the service staff. As the phrase goes, everything starts with a smile!

With my lappie on the bed

ASUS W5F

Remember my old post? Haha, I'm happily typing on one now :) An ASUS W5F

Thursday Tian, Henry, Shou Bi and I cheong-ed down to EXPO after work, rushing rather madly to the show halls to grab my object of desire before the show closes for the day. Managed to get a good price as Henry was good in bargaining. Moreover, the exhibitors were not honest; they had no more stock of the exact specifications as in the brochure. Cheater bugs! Heng I spotted the discrepancy on the sticker on their display set. On the sticker it's 512MB RAM, 100GB HDD for $2,698, whereas on the flyer it's 1GB RAM, 80GB HDD for the same price. They claimed they could give us a free upgrade to 1GB RAM, but for HDD there are only sets with 100GB left. And for that variance of 20GB HDD, we have to pay $100 more. What? Or course bohua, lah. Good thing we managed to shove it back to $2,698.

Last night WW and I went down to EXPO, this time he to buy a laptop and a printer. We reached the show halls at slightly after 830pm, but still managed to grab what were needed. The smart man had done his homework, so we simply zoomed in on our hunts. He got a EPSON printer and a LG laptop - a cool piece with ivory-silver casing, a typical Korean product with the looks and the specs.

It feels good to be empowered. With the spending capabilities. Hooyay.

小男人，大男人

Recently I have been tuning in to Channel 8 when I reach home after work. On show is this drama serial about men in various stages in life, portraying the different situations and issues men have to face. Pride, ego, freedom from marriage, family responsibilities, infidelity, temptations – these are but some of the main themes running in the show.

In the first case, there’s the middle-aged man (played by 黄文永) with a caring wife (played by 陈丽贞) but who is also a career woman. At times the wife places career before family, but is still generally concerned about her husband and her young boy. This man faces the typical middle-aged scenario – middle manager level at work, faced with possible retrenchments as there are younger and more driven chaps at the workplace, and also has young sexy ladies as colleagues. There is one such divorcee who actually likes mature 40 plus year-old men and who teaches this man yoga at her place. So, as you have guessed it, the man starts falling for the sexy divorcee (played by 宋怡斐) and from here onwards, the serial will progress to show the development of their relationship and how the man’s marriage gets affected. (But don’t get the wrong idea, she’s actually a rather nice and rational lady in the show.)

I find this scenario very real. A vulnerable man (oh in the show 黄文永 got erectile dysfunctional) falls for a pretty and sexy lady colleague. This could be due to fading of his relationship with the wife, and due to the appearance of a Great Temptation. But you can’t quite blame the man either… a man is a man.

The second case – a young couple married out of shotgun. Both only 22 years-old, and currently living with the guy’s parents. Wah, this case is truly reflective of real-life case and I can somehow feel its genuineness. There are conflicts arising between the young wife (played by 李芝怡) and her mother-in-law, especially when both are stubborn beings. The young couple are quite poor things too, having only a small room to themselves and their baby, where only there can they have their privacy away from the rest of the family. I suppose life for most back then, where couples have to live with their parents in HDB flats, were not that easy after all. So, the young wife, being the modern and hip young lady, started her own business with a friend and insisted on moving out to a condo of their own. However, she faces strong resistance from her mother-in-law (for obvious reasons) and the poor husband is torn in between the two women of his life. The story progresses from here..

The third case – a young executive with the looks, the drive, the car, and termed a “designer good” by his current girlfriend (played by 傅芳伶). But this guy does not believe in marriage, runs away from committal ladies, and does not curb or watch his spending when he sweeps his expenses away on his credit cards. Eventually, the girlfriend, who herself is classy, beautiful, good in character, and all ready to settle down, decides to leave this guy if she is not given the status and stability. So at the end of the serial, she is supposed to get married to another guy, though in her heart she longs for the designer good. Similarly, the handsome chap loves her but is unwilling to give up his freedom for love.
I wonder how the outcome will be.

Linking to reality, if you read the Saturday papers, you would have came across these comics portraying the plights of men at various age brackets – 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60+s. It just seems to get sadder as the age bracket advances. All these responsibilities, car and house loans, debts, marriage woes, heavy workload, stress from fear of retrenchments, saving up for retirement, children’s education, healthcare bills.. and the list just seems endless. Is life really getting this sad? The case gets aggravated when men bottle things up and think they can solve them all somehow. At least women cry out them within their women network, take up some boliao hobby to let our minds concentrate on more minute tasks or take solace in human relationships – the warmth from friends or other family members.

If really life has only this one path for us to head towards, where comes the motivation? Why not look forward to setting up own business successfully sometime in our 30s, working hard and reaping rewards for our seeds planted, seeing our business take off and manage an early retirement? Then head off for some 环游世界, seeing beyond our local lands, contributing to the needy by doing volunteer work, donating to charities and get non-literal headaches from thinking of how to enrich own and other’s lives instead of how to foot their snowballing bill.

Sometime down the road, say 20 years later, how will life turn out to be?

Happy start to the week!

Coz I can do things (OT)2 and go off on the dot for an early swim! Lalala, no wonder my colleagues commented on my chirpiness. BTW, (OT)2 stands for Own Time Own Target, not Overtime x2. This Thursday I’ll be getting the laptop I’ve been eyeing for too. With that there will be freedom to do work or surf net on the bed, and to bring it out for use during weekends at cafes or at MacDonald’s. So happy~

The two 女人 have started drawing on sketch books, one for each of us – TJY, Ah J and I. I’m impressed by their artistic nature, the detailed drawings and sketches layout. As for me, I can’t draw! The most would be pencil-brushed strokes and a few skeletonal frames. But you two are really evoking the artistic brain cells in me, calling out the creative side of me huh. I shall try.

Next Tues I will have to convert to being a rat, joining all the other “rats” in the race in KL. Not sure what it means by winning this Rat Race. Does it mean winning the prize money or more symbolically means being free and way ahead of all in this corporate world? What does it really mean by being ahead in the rat race? Is it the same as breaking out of it?

(Yep, I’ll be away at KL for two days, together with four other ladies in a team and another guy team, representing my company in this corporate race organised by Bursa Malaysia.)

Oh I haven’t mentioned, one more month to the big amount. My neck is getting way too long…

Melancholic

I no longer people-watch and do not enjoy the sceneries as much anymore. Losing interest in things and sometimes just too disappointed with humans. Eden correctly observed my irritability with bad service. Actually, what have they done to offend me?

It's more or less determined interally; I need a change in environment. Will miss buddies, especially when they are just building up the rapport. But I guess in life you give and take. Furthermore, how to put up with something you are not able to stand for some period of time already?

Singapore Indian vs India Indian

Meant to do an update but there are other priorities such as chatting up with friends and having my precious sleep! Also it’s difficult with Fluffy on my lap.

Weekend has been gooood yeah. Relaxing, soothing and happy. Just now was listening to Prime Minister’s speech but felt some topics were rather old issues. But there was one statement I agree totally – Singapore Indians are very different from India Indians. Haha you know what I mean. But of course the next sentence really is not one everyone would stand by – to welcome them into our nation, our lives as they contribute to Singapore and help create a better world for us. Although I’ve studied with a lot of Chinese, Indians, Mauritius friends in Uni, I still find that idea hard to swallow when it comes to competitive foreign counterparts. Those who always want to outshine, outdo and outperform. Those who want all the limelight. Those who are robbing away your rice bowl!

Wahaha, but who cares? In the long run there will no more office, no more office politics, for me. Hooray =)

忍者为王！

There has been some self-perceived rivalry, which puts me on my edge as I don’t like unnecessary unhappiness and competition. Although you may say it’s self-perceived thus not exactly accurate, I still feel my sixth sense can’t go too wrong. I don’t like pretence, back-stabbing, secret competition. If you want, come out direct and I’ll fight with you, just like spurring in a taekwondo match.

Good thing my dear friends are able to see through my hide, the hide of cheerfulness. Tks buddies. Today we had lunch at 大长今Korean restaurant, one which serves authentic Korean dishes. J treated us to the meal (谢谢！) . Tomorrow we will be singing our hearts out at Party World and perhaps having supper after the KTV. Time to forget all troubles, worries, agonies. 忍者为王！

But haha I also hope to cultivate more compassion, because these days I seem to get more easily irritated by people who walk damn slowly in front of me, who cut people’s lane as if the person is invisible, who give me a fake smile (those really insincere kind) and who pokes me in the wrong way.

Jazz in the City 2

Favourite CD for the moment

Common Brown Elephant (hoho)

I support my boss' opinion, even though I'm not a keen follower of politics. And rather impressed by boss' ability to articulate political views and be able to see through some of the big party's policies with their flaws.

* applauds*

Sunday updates

Courtesy of my colleague, here are the photos for the Singapore Fireworks Festival from Singapore team on 8th August 06.

We didn't catch the fireworks on Tues; caught the ones on the previous two days though. Friday evening I ran off after work for dinner with Papa Mama Tian & Henry at LPS, then headed straight to Fullerton. Lucky us were able to secure fairly direct-view places and waited eagerly for an entire hour before the displays from New Caledonia team. Photos to come later. Ah, glad Apa Ama enjoyed the works as they have not seen the fireworks through bare eyes since years ago!

On Sat, we - Steph, Sophia, Fang, me and all our partners - were at one of the corridors at Marina Square, obediently standing behind some small crowd and waiting eagerly (again) for the fireworks some half hour before 9pm. Patient me didn't complain much about the tall couple standing in front of me, somewhat blocking my view especially when they shifted around quite a bit. So guai. But thought would have been better if I had wore heels instead of flats and blocked all of them instead. Wahaha.

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Weekend Updates
Sat I was roped in to do BCP blogging, since the main blogger needs a backup and knows I blog. So there I was, at our DR site early in the morning at 8am. Good thing it was near home and needed only a short taxi ride. The whole exercise ended at around 3pm, and I left a little earlier when WW came by and picked me up. So off we went, to his place for an afternoon nap. Shiok.

Come evening we went Marina Square Waraku Japanese restaurant for dinner with the gang. Stephie's tummy has grown bigger and it will be another 7 weeks plus to her BB's popping.. that's fast! I don't think I'll be ready to be a mama anytime soon. The other two ladies Sophia & Fang changed jobs recently too, just about time for the switch. Don't get exploited by a miser employer! Don't be shortchanged. So me happy for one of them for getting pay increment, and the other for finding a more satisfying job. =) When is my turn? Heh heh.

Next object of desire

My next object of desire - Asus W5F

Went Funan the IT Mall with the Man today, after I've made up my mind on purchasing my next object of desire. Pearl-white light-weight 1.6kg Asus notebook, very much needed for me to do my work during the weekends, and for use during workday nights. Also will come in handy for picnics in the car, with DVD or VCD playing comedian shows or light-hearted ones for entertainment.

This morning, since it's a National Day holiday morning, I made my way to CoffeeBean @ SingPost for breakfast and enjoyed the museli parfait thoroughly. Yummy! I always believe that a good breakfast equates a good start to a beautiful day. Chewing the museli breakfast while reading a magazine or the papers is indeed soul-satisfying.

Also, we went to a new cafe in Pasir Ris Park in the afternoons for a late lunch. Though it was about 245pm when we made our orders, the food still came rather late - 325pm. Many customers were unhappy with the long wait and could not bear with their growling stomaches, thus had their orders cancelled. What a mismanagement, a new cafe without proper work processes and allocation of roles and tasks. Haha, you see the work we do in our companies actually teach us more than what's required at the workplace. You can apply it in everyday situations. Back to the lunch. The food was good though, worth half the wait. Logically no one would bear waiting for long. And if the wait is ever more than half an hour, no matter how good the food is, it still won't be compensable. Good thing both of us managed the expectations well, having saw customers going up to complain right from the start.

National Day's over, and also meaning another workday ahead for us. 1am, and my body repair time is just over too. There goes another night without resting for my poor body, all in the name of *work*. (Damn, they had better pay me more.)

Something’s boiling up in me these days and I’m afraid if I’m not able to let them out or resolve them in some way, it’s gonna turn around and swallow me instead.

Chinooks can fly so low!

What are those black little things flying just a little above the ships at the sea? So I went nearer the window to have a second look, and realised those were Chinooks flying so low just above the sea! Looking like black houseflies hovering above a bowl of soup. Hee hee.

Since the Man is working in an Air Base now, I’ve increased that little bit of knowledge on aircrafts, but still has yet to see for myself the Super Puma he maintains. What I know is that it is tough keeping that thing in tip-top condition, and damn stressful when it comes to incidents occurring. If you want an easy life, avoid fire-fighting work.

Feeling a little sian that I’ll be heading home after work today as it’s a public holiday eve. But, I promise to leave at 6pm! Intending to catch PM’s National Day speech and get an idea of his vision for Singapore’s future. Our 铁饭碗s will depend on that. And hopefully I’ll be able to chart clear directions for own career soon.

Looking forward to a day without work tomorrow! Feel like going for a picnic at Fort Road, Cosy Bay area, but don’t know if WW is keen coz there’ll be lotsa people who will be trying to catch the fireworks from the National Stadium. And would be good to have Apa Ama go along for the fireworks display.

Adding on...
- 内在美 (wahaha)
- Sports Shoes (coz I have taken Tian’s for a long while; it’s time to return)
- Vitasence moisturizer

Can’t wait!

Beautiful for all

Firework shoots from my colleague's camera - Singapore Fireworks Festival 2006, performance by Italy team at Marina Bay, 5th August 06. Catch the set here. Anyone keen for more fireworks tomorrow?

Today has been a slightly blue-toned Monday, with the afternoon full of meetings that ran close to four hours. Very draining and I can't stand them sometimes. So the more I'm thinking of my freedom.. the times to be with the sun, with the afternoons, with the natural sunset breeze.

Just now while about to leave the office for head, my colleague said "Tomorrow's Friday" and I got a short shock, but was feeling so happy after realising, yeah, it's true! Wednesday holiday fills us with such joy!

2359 - trickling into another week

2300 – The usual time I would aim for to finish clothes-ironing every Sunday evening, and the time for me to settle down to round up some events for the weekend before the start of another new week.

This weekend’s activities reinforced some practical life theories:
- It doesn’t matter where you are, how the situation is, or even what you are doing, most of the times what truly matters is who you are with.
- A good break, though short, refreshes the mind and soul. Everyone will need it every now and then.
- No one can be as understanding and considerate to you than your family.

This weekend WW and I spent time idling away, passing time doing things we like. No pressure, no rush and almost all the weekend to ourselves. Yeah! I think both of us are mature to the point of liking old folks’ stuff and sometimes living old folks’ kind of life. Breakfast at Jalan Kukoh food centre and Margaret Drive food centre – both 老人区 – on two consecutive days. Reading Saturday papers by Suntec koi pond; checking out a cookie stall opened by WW’s friend; queuing (WW, not me, hee) for famous fish soup at a stall along Beach Road although it was hot hot hot; playing pool; hearing the fireworks but not able to see them while having dinner at Sketches at Robertson Walk – all seemingly small activities that add up to lotsa great time.

It doesn’t matter where you are, how the situation is, or even what you are doing, most of the times what truly matters is who you are with.

Appreciation – please show it more
Mama was cooking dinner this afternoon, frying egg omelette that gave out a mouth-watering aroma. I complimented her cooking, saying it smells so nice and should be yummy. Haha, she was happy to hear that as to her, this is some form of appreciation for the hard work she has put in for the whole family everyday. My dad hardly compliments Mama, making her feel at times just like a maid in the family.

Sometimes seeing how old-time couples take things for granted, gradually lacking that loving touch for each other and end up grumbling about each other rather than showering compliments and words of thanks, I would feel that pinch of sadness. Maybe should help Apa Ama spice up their lives, heh.

Appreciation from others on one’s efforts is a driver for one to achieve more and to do better. At work I hear colleagues lamenting the lack of appreciation from their bosses. Why then slog so hard, since one’s work may just go unnoticed?

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This evening Apa, Ama, me and Fluffy went to Bedok Reservoir – the last such time was like eons ago! They were on their wheels, Fluffy on her leash and me in my torn and tattered sports shoes. Managed a 25.13 minutes run and soaked in the sunset before we headed for home. Papa was sweating and panting away from the exercise, but it was a good effort! Must teach them the importance of exercising so that we all can be healthier.

Ah, this weekend had been a very pleasurable one.

5 minutes from the end of it; that bittersweet feeling is seeping in.

Starting to miss all things good, knowing come the start of the work week, I’ll be throwing myself into another rush-buzz, forgetting who I really am.

I must find back my big words; let's start with: Passion

Tomorrow’s Friday, the last day of the work week, thus the excuse for sleeping late tonight. Really miss the days of late nights and afternoon naps!

I used to express my views on big topics like adult responsibilities, balance between heart and mind, liberation, and similar philosophical matters. I seem to have lost this touch after starting work two years ago.

It’s true. Breaks in between work serve a big purpose – the rest of mind and heart. I was at an IT Service Management conference with my supervisor and another senior-rank colleague for the past two days, and had the space to think of other issues though I was also listening to the presenters.

Passion – How to find it?
People these days, in my opinion, lack passion in the things they do. Or perhaps I’m not exposed to passionate people in my scope of life so far.

Ask those around you if they really live for their work, live for their dreams, many will tell you it’s simply a survival life game. Some may strive hard in their work, but for what, you ask them yet they can’t tell you exactly what for. Job satisfaction? That’s a long-dated word which appears more on my final-year thesis than my two years of work.

So, I’m secretly happy to see the split on the career line at the middle of my palm (I believe in palmistry) which signifies a change of career or dual-career sometime down the road. Do I have a passion in working in the IT line? Honestly how many young ladies would tell you they have? (Here there is a distinction between genders as I truly believe guys, in general, have more genuine interest in technical systems and equipments than ladies do.) Consolation is that my job role is more a people- and process-oriented one, which allows me to deal with other technology folks and the business users.

So what is my passion? I can’t answer that.

I know I like talking to people, listening to their woes and providing them with golden advice, though I may still be a thousand miles away from being a guru. Thus becoming a psychologist could be one future route. But that takes more than interest; you need excellent academic results, superb communication skills and an iron-strong will not to bend under dire situations and negative influence.

I think making, baking and selling European-styled bread rolls and loaves are interesting activities that may fetch some income, but where businesses or new entrepreneurships are concerned, there often is more to lose than gain. At one point I’ve seriously thought it could work out – opening a niche bakery just for the expatriates and for those who truly know how to appreciate authentic European bread. Perhaps I should make my career goal being the raising of sufficient capital, then fly over to Europe for a year to explore and pick up skills.

At the end of the day, I’ll come back to square one, sit at my desk in front of the PC and start dealing with work pieces that come one after another, on top of each other.

Sometimes this way of working can get so immunising! And I’ll miss the sun so badly on some days, being able to see the sunny scenery (if I turn my head) but not able to feel the sun.

To start counting down? More wants!
Counting down to bonus day. Judging from the record profits last FY, we should be expecting our bonus end this month. Since the last update, there have not been many new items surfacing in Want-List, except for:

- Laptop, preferably a pretty pearl-white one coz I’m vain ($4k)

Old list:
- Omega watch ($3k) or lower-end watch ($300)
x Make-up course ($300+) --> don't want anymore
- Hand bag for work ($200)
- Fabulous meal with WW ($150)
- Treat for dear sister and family ($150)
- Diamond earrings ($200)

Maybe, if I feel like it
- New wallet ($80)

KL Rat Race
They roped me in for this run in Kuala Lumpur, representing a team from my company for this charity run organised by Bursa Malaysia. But I’m no marathon or any simple run material! Greenhorn. Plus the daunting terrain is scaring me off even before I set foot on KL lands. But still wish me luck! Hopefully CEO will remember those who go for the run and award us with more!

Ok, time to sleep. Will be merry-ing away for the next two days and hopefully able to catch some fireworks over the weekend. Happy weekends! Lulalalala!

Expectations, Appreciation and Understanding

Was supposed to head for bed by 1230am (a timing self-set), but I have more important things to do – blog!

Well a truly nottoz-styled (or more aptly nottoz-pre-work-styled) blog has not surfaced since a long while back and we can only blame the draining work ever since Aug 04. That said, it’s gonna be 2nd work anniversary this coming wed!

Yesterday during our gathering, Feng told us about her beau’s proposal. However, the guy wasn’t quite up to expectations and had left my dear friend disappointed. It would have helped if he had sought our advice before the proposal, to fulfill the lady’s expectations. Still, hope Jason succeeds soon as we know both of them are ready for lives together. We’ll be hearing good news soon!

To most of us ladies, that moment of proposal is like the moment for life, the moment that gets engraved in our minds and gets packaged into our “sweet memories” bank for life. This could lead to us having the expectation for a perfect moment, that moment where our hearts just get seized and squeezed, where we find ourselves on cloud nine and ninty-nine. For me, I am undecided on whether I would be happy if WW goes around seeking advice from my female friends, as being the original me, I might just be hoping WW can read my mind. But yes, here we will have to follow the Golden Advice for all relationships: Drop all expectations and see the merit from every well-thought and well-meant action or behaviour.

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I was just telling WW, how I’ve neglected romancing him. These days work occupies a huge part of me and my mind and other times I care more about efficiency in everything than to slow down and take things in appreciation. I complain to WW more than once or twice about his style of communication – packed with a little sting and that tease to dig out the anger in you. Many a times I fell for his trickery and got myself feeling a little unjustified, wondering how he could say things of me, albeit in a joking way. But isn’t this just looking at the little things that tend more to irritate, rather than looking at positive and good things he has done for me?

Also, these days we tend to get irritated more easily, perhaps due to the way we feel we’re treated in this working world. While driving, I’ll tend to scold or criticise other drivers or pedestrians, without realising the effect on the passenger in the car (that’s WW). Negative remarks rub off negativity in me and also the people around me. And it’s true that we should not get mad with those without consideration or who cause inconveniences to us though sometimes not intentionally. So that’s one area of improvement I have to work on – tolerance towards others and not be so niao of them.

Today while deciding where to go before heading back home for dinner, we had a tough time as both of us were trying to come up with suggestions we feel would please the other. Sometimes I feel we spare consideration for the other party, but end up could have a harder time having to decide. I won’t be able to change this perspective of placing WW’s happiness before mine, as I solely hope for him to be happy, and me sure it’s the same for him too.

Ended up he drove me to Simply Bread to buy the European bread I have been craving for, then we went on to Margaret Drive hawker centre for teh and popiah. And hee, I was really satisfied having bought the oatmeal roll, croissant and walnut raisin loaf at Simply Bread. Felt very happy too as WW advised me on a future path of life which once I had envisioned.

And it’s true. If you have something you want to complain about, think first of another good thing that you can compliment on. If you can’t find a solid one, go on to reflect on what worthy thing you have done for your partner. Having this thinking will, in my opinion, make the relationship more beautiful and stronger. Being appreciative and understanding – yet another Golden Advice.

It’s time to cast away work matters on my mind, be grateful and thankful of having WW in my life and embrace all the good things he brings along! Wonderful =)

Date with the Gang

Lunch at KO Japanese Restaurant, Intercontinental, to celebrate Xianhe's birthday! All of us were there except for Ivan, who had to work OT despite it being a Saturday (afternoon somemore). Poor guy, to think that it's only his 1st month or so at work.

The food was better than satisfactory, especially the big and crispy prawn tempura which left WW drooling away. The set lunches Feng, Xianhe, Henry and Michael ordered were served like an eight-course meal, completed savourly with wasabi ice-cream. The other choice lunches Tian, WW and Dennis ordered had salad, sashimi, rice set, chawanmushi, california sushi and ended off with fruits. Unconventional me ordered Tempura soba which also came with salmon handroll, some salad and chawanmushi. The food's great in all! Absolutely deserves another visit.

Yeah, view KO's lunch photos here.

After the meal we shopped around Bugis Junction; the ladies off to buy mascara (realised only I hardly wear them while most others do more often) and to get Xianhe's present. The birthday girl decided to KIV the Renoma wallet she spotted and to go around recce more instead.

Then, time flies... to near 5pm and we set off in our couple pairs and small groups. WW and I went Punggol Park, thinking to fly kite but went stroll around the park instead. Rather big and just right for jogging. Nice! And we had dinner at Chomp Chomp area, but at the other food centre with a thinner crowd.

Today is quite a day of exploration. More to come!

Satay Club @ LPS

Was supposed to go for my Esplanade - Marina Promenade - Kallang Park jog last evening but was feeling nua and lazy. So together with Ah Yun & Baby Yen, we settled for dinner just beside our office - Satay Club @ LPS (Lau Pa Sat)!

Don't we look like students? =P

21st July Fun Day Photos

Hoo yea, the photos are out. Many thanks to Joyce!

Fun Day on 21st July. The video tells much more than the photos; the magic of music that suits the theme just so well.

View photos here.

Excursion with friends from work

The four of us took leave on the same day (yesterday), packed our bags for the planned events for the day and set off for lotsa fun and joy!

Took quite a number of photos for our 15-hours fun day, will post them when obtained from Joyce. Ask JY about photo-taking, haha she was in the limelight, captured for numerous shots as she's the birthday girl. The feeling of being chased by 狗仔对!

We ventured mostly in the East, starting from:
- kaya toast & teh breakfast at Katong
- cycling at East Coast Park
- lunch at Parkway food court
- shopping
- games at Settler's Cafe
- Hokkaido ice-cream at Marina Square
- Waraku Japanese dinner (where 5 others joined us)
- Paulaner's Beer & Cake-Cutting

Quite a lot of activities! Haven't had some much fun with a group in a long while.

Most importantly is that the birthday girl has enjoyed herself! (Despite two very badly-bruised kneecaps which probably will leave her "memorable" scars for some time.)