Happy 2008...

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

あけましておめでとうございます！

Nouvelle année heureuse!

Have fun and may all your dreams come true! I will be counting down with the rest of the world at work.



"Don't be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so."

Try this 绕口令

化肥会挥发
黑化肥发灰
灰化肥发黑
黑化肥发灰会挥发，灰化肥挥发会发黑
黑灰化肥会挥发，发灰黑讳为花飞
灰黑化肥会挥发，发黑灰为讳飞花
黑灰化肥灰会挥发，发灰黑讳为黑灰花会飞
灰黑化肥灰会挥发，发黑灰为讳飞花化为灰
黑化肥灰化肥灰会挥发，发灰黑讳为黑花会回飞
灰化灰黑化肥会挥发，发黑灰为讳飞花回化为灰

Try reading out loud in one shot.



"Treat everyone the same, till you find out there's an idiot."

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! May all your dreams come true...

クリスマスおめでとうございます。

圣诞节快乐！

Joyeux Noël!



"Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it white."

Eunos, Your Friendly Neighbourhood

Oh well, ohhoho, what can I say about this neighbourhood, my home for 28 years.

This is the most exciting part of SG ever. I grew up in this neighbourhood hearing and witnessing some of the most exciting stories ever. For starters, Eunos seemed to be a favourite hot spot for suicides, particularly leaping off some other people's block. I remembered as a kid, I would see ambulance and police cars stopping at car parks, and the usual black plastic bag for covering the bodies. One of my Mum's friends, who was a transvestite, turned on gas in her house which later exploded, with herself inside of course, because she suffered a broken relationship. And an unidentified 60 year old jumped off our block and his body landed on top of the Neighbourhood Police Post(as it was called years back).

Fire brigade also frequented this area, sometimes there really was a fire, but sometimes it was probably some prank calls. That being said, the Eunos wet market was burnt down quite a few years ago. My auntie who was also living in Eunos saw the fire and called us. When I looked through my window, the fire was wild and it was all too late. The whole market was ablazed, hot red. I watched in silenced, and in awed.

The kopi tiam just opposite my block was also quite happening. There used to be drunkards fighting and seriously, I hated it. Imagine that you were about to sleep, the drowsiness kicked in, then suddenly you heard men shouting, hurling abuses and women screaming. Then tables and chairs were being manuveured around. Beer bottles broken. And being a kaypoh that I am, I couldn't resist the commotion. I had to take a peek.

There were also a few accidents that happened, 3 actually, which I remembered. 3 of which happened at my block, including one that happened yesterday night, while I was working. A kid was knocked down by a car just behind my block, at the car park. The kid died, unfortunately. I remembered I was inside the house, together with my parents and brother that day but not a single soul heard anything. The second one was a painter whose gondola had mysteriously gone haywired. I was sitting at the living room watching TV. Then I saw, in the corner of my eye, something swang past the living room window, followed by a thunderous crashing sound. I jumped to my feet immediately, horrified by the loud noise. My Mum and I instinctively opened the door and get out to the corridor at 6th floor(we lived on the 7th). And to our horror, we saw a man lying on the grass patch, with white paint spilling all over his body. I could see blood on the man's face. His body twitched a few moments and stop. It was a bit too much for me and tears just welled my eyes.

And this morning, when I just stepped into my house, my mother told me that a car was burnt yesterday.



Probably arson but, I really pity the victim.


So as you can see, I would probably miss this neighbourhood the most :p small and a bit ulu, but never boring.



"Eunos, the urban kampong."

December = Mood

Yay it's December, the month of Christmas!

Don't feel like doing anything at all. Not even working, not even writing blog, not even going out... Just hope to stay home and rot. Got nothing to look forward to at this moment, except maybe for Christmas' Eve and Eve's eve, because there will be a Christmas log cake.

Hmmm, I've never had one before.



"There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child. "

Dear Telemarketer...

1. I am not your girlfriend, boyfriend, father or mother. If I missed your calls I missed your calls deliberately, so don't try to call back every half hour.

2. Just in case you don't know, well I don't supposed you do, I work the night shift, i.e I need to sleep during the day, so don't go round trying to call me in the morning when I was about to slip into a slumber, or afternoon when I was in deep sleep, or any other minute of the day for that matter.

3. Please keep using private numbers because I now barred annonymous calls.

4. If I rejected your offer, please don't ask me why.

5. And if I rejected your offer again, please don't tell me how good your product is because that is not the point.

6. And if I rejected your offer politely, you are lucky. But God knows when you will be out of luck. Maybe the next phone call to me.

7. And hello dear telemarketer, please don't ask if I have a minute to listen to your crap because I will surely say NO!

8. If I answered your call in silence, please don't try to do the same. It will only irate me even more.

9. If you can't get through my handphone, please don't bother to call my house phone.

10. And certainly not the last point, if you decided to call me again and again after so many missed calls, please be prepared to be hollered at, by me.


All these crap calls. Who wouldn't be pissed? And God knows where did they get my number from!



"I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter. "

Sianzzz...

Yet another disappointment.

This is the nth time that I'm not getting a house. Because all the okay units were all taken up. Only those units with stupid architectural design were up for grabs. Forget it man! I hate HDB! Damn you all!



"I am losing my head."

Songs of the Sea

Finally. Something which I, as a SGer, can be (a little bit) proud of.

It's been a while, like 20 years, since I last watched the Musical Fountain in Sentosa. I could vaguely remember what it was like, except for the splashing water dancing to the rhythm of the music.
But now, for the first time in 20 years, I stepped foot onto what is now known as the Songs of the Sea. Admission fee is 6 SGD. It's like a show akin to those live shows you watch when you go to Disneyland or Warner Brothers or Universal Studios.

Instead of a big stage with fountains, like it was in the past, the Songs of the Sea was aptly staged at the beach near the sea. I was treated to a feast of water works, pyrotechnics, fire works, laser shows and projections on the water fountains. All these displays were cleverly weaved into the story. All my senses were awakened with the sounds of the music and sights of the colourful displays. It was beautiful and mesmerizing. I must say that I was pretty touched. It was better than I had expected. The only nitpick I find was that, since it is a live show, then it would be better for the performers to perform live dialogues and songs, instead of pre-recording. Only then, would this show be comparable to the others worldwide. And it would also make the whole performance richer and fuller.



"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

Urge

Oh no. My nomadic syndrome is acting up again. No, no, no, no. I must suppress it!



"Travelling is the greatest non-living love of my life."

Wordless

I wonder why can't people be truthful and sincere to one another?
There he is, holding hands with another girl, while the Real McCoy happily thinks that he is the man for her. Pitiful, that such a nice girl should end up with such a lousy person.



"As they say, love is blind."

Another D & D

Yet another Dinner & Dance. This year, it was held in Sentosa's Siloso Beach. A Hawaiian-themed beach party, that is. Food definitely sucked, and can't feed the hundreds of stomachs out there. And they called it a buffet? Food was gone in less than 30 minutes.

The only consolation was that the emcees for the night was the Flying Dutchman and Mark Lee. They were hilarious. And the performance by Singapore's very own drag queen, Kumar, was fantastic. His stand up comedy was, well, as politically incorrect as his image. But he was really funny and I laughed and laughed, with my mouth opened so big you can shove your fist in it.

Other than these, the rest wasn't really worth mentioning.



"SAFETY FIRST: Please put on your seat belt - prepare for accident."

A Lesson Hopefully Learned

I had paid a high price, for trying to be different.

A high price.



"Not in a mood to say anything."

A Leopard in Disguised

I've just realised that I behave like a blood-thirsty leopard when I am angry, ready to pounce on anyone who dares make the first move.

No, wait. I've always acted this way.



"Feeling a bit cranky up there lately."

How to Age Gracefully

First of all and the most important thing of all, take good care of yourself. Take care of your skin, your body, your manners, your appearance, above all, make youself feel good about yourself. For me, I try to dress up and put on make up whenever I can, be it shopping, travelling but not working(my workplace doesn't allow make-up) etc. Buy new clothes and make up to make your look updated, but don't go overboard, or else your better half will be screaming his lungs at you.

When people call you "auntie", don't take it too personally. It's just a title, nothing offensive. When ill-hearted people say you look ugly, has small breasts, big butt or lousy skin, keep cool. How many of us in this world look like supermodels? Very few percentage, apparently. So instead of being angry and starting to lose your confidence, fight those emotions back. Just tell yourself that there is nothing criminally wrong to look that way. Accept the way you look and you would probably feel better. I have already accepted my fate by the way.

The thing is, it's not just about appearances, it's also about your inner-self. Always smile, be courteous, be graceful(although I'm not), be daring, be courageous, be witty and smart with a sense of humor.

That being said, try not to think about what you can or cannot do when you are in this age or that. Just do it, lah. The world is becoming a smaller place so don't restrict too much on what you can do. You can still wear that cute Lolita dress even when you are like, 35 or 40. Or go to school to get that degree or learn a new language or cooking etc.

Hmm, what else? I am also learning to cope with the stress of getting old. But ultimately, a happy life makes one's age seems unimportant, isn't it?



"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

After Thoughts Part 4

My brother asked me this question when we arrived in Laos, doing sight-seeing.

"So, do you think you can live in this kind of condition(s)/place(s)?"

I told him that this place(Vientiane) is quite a nice place to stay in, as long as there is hot water and a bathroom for bathing. I don't really care about not having internet access or not seeing any pubs or night shops around. Even if it means sitting in front of my own porch, doing nothing except to listen to the sounds that crickets make during the night, or just star gazing. The same goes for staying in Thailand.

But truth be told, when I think about the loathsome creature which I would have to face if I decided to settle down in Thailand, I feel nauseated. That creature is the lizard. Domestic lizards, that is. That being said, I think that the gecko is the most disgusting reptilian being that I had ever seen. It was humongous, as compared to the house lizard. When I saw a gecko on the terrace restaurant's wall, at a hotel in Udon Thani, I was petrified. I remembered not seeing anything like it when I first sat down on the chair. I only saw a few house lizards. And before I knew it, it was there.

I asked my sis-in-law whether that was a gecko since I had never seen a live one before. She replied that could be some decoratives but I was convinced that it was alive. She then asked the waiter about that creature, and though she was conversing in Thai, I could sense, from her surprised tone, that it was indeed the real thing. I freaked out immediately. The waiter added that the one we saw then was not the biggest, found lurking in the restaurant. A chill just went down my spine, with hairs standing on the back of my neck. And from then on, I can't get the image of that gecko out of my mind. It was black in color, definitely big, with a tail as big as its head, and hanging on the wall.

And the funniest thing was, my sis-in-law, being the funny gal with a weird sense of humor, went over to the gecko and started mimicking a gecko's call. She returned to tell me that it was gone.

Well, with all these said, I would prefer a place with not too many of these reptiles.


"EEEWWWW!!!"

My Fortune

二○○八戊子年肖羊運程

　　屬羊的朋友在豬年凶星雲集，沒有吉星守護，以致各方面都進退失據，手足無措，運程動盪不堪，極難保持守勢。踏入鼠年，運勢明顯轉順，不論事業、財運、愛情或健康，若跟去年相比較，簡直大相逕庭。今年「紫微」、「龍德」和「地解」星同照命宮，可謂難逢敵手，不過，別忘了仍有「暴敗」、「天煞」和「天厄」和「六害」等凶星出現，令你在通向勝利之門的途中，總要碰一點挫折。

　　事業方面，在鼠年中，你的運勢大有一洗頹風、重振聲威之勢。今年為你的事業添福添祿的吉星有「紫微」和「龍德」。這兩顆都屬於超級的吉星，羊人得到兩位吉神照耀命宮，代表你在工作上將會萬事亨通、事事順利。 　　流年有「紫微」星坐命的人士，事業上都會有明顯的進步。今年你是才華沒法擋，雖然你並沒有刻意表現自己，但有榭自然香，你的工作能力大家有目共睹，所以被點名提拔是遲早的事，你將有很多發揮的機會，只要用點心機，便可以事半功倍，創造美好成績，那麼，升遷的日子自然不會遠了。「龍德」這位大貴人，則當你的發展出現阻滯時，祂就會引導你發揮本身的智慧，去圓滿解決困難。 　　不過，你千萬不要因為流年有吉星照護，就可以橫行霸道，因為在吉星的旁邊，有「暴敗」、「天煞」和「天厄」幾顆凶星在約束著你，令你容易因為工作順利而變得狂妄自大，無矢放的，犯下口舌和失言的禁忌。幸好，你命宮中有一顆「地解」星為你消災化煞，使你到最後也不至於受到嚴重傷害。可是，謙虛始終是一種美德，做人切勿得意忘形，過份自滿。

　　財運方面，今年可以四方得到，錢財亨通，原因是你有一顆強而有力的「紫微」大吉星飛臨命宮。今年受薪者會有升職加薪之喜；做生意人士接獲源源不絕的訂單，令你忙得喘不過氣來，但多勞多得，財源廣進。從事不固定收入的朋友，例如保險、物業代理等，今年客似雲來，簽到很多合約，所以賺得特別多佣金。　　偏財方面，短線、長線投資都會有微利，不妨運用部份儲蓄來投資保值，將會得到不錯的回報。不過，由於今年你工作繁忙，無暇兼顧其他事情，故此不宜投機或博彩，以免得不償失。

　　愛情方面，流年「紫微」照耀，諸事順遂，人緣運甚佳，異性緣更厚，桃花明現，愛情路上春風得意，甚為愜意。不過，由於有「歲煞」和「天煞」的影響，不論已婚或未婚的羊人，都難免會跟伴侶有爭執拗撬，不過，「地解」有很強的化煞能力，所以最後雙方都會和平解決，重拾以往溫馨甜蜜的關係，甚至有些朋友會因為與愛人鬧意見，而使大家互相有更進一步的了解，可算是因禍得福。

　　健康方面，雖然命宮無病星，但因犯「六害」，所以在整年裏的大部分時間，你都會感到精神疲倦，除了工作之外，你對其他事情都提不起勁去做。再加上工作勞碌奔波，經常趕工至深夜甚至通宵，身體因而更加疲累。因此，今年應盡量避免不必要的應酬，同事的聚會，吃喝玩樂，可以推掉就最好，否則也不要逗留得太晚，早點回家，早點休息，才是保持身體健康的良策。此外，戒煙戒酒，以減少壞習慣對身體的傷害，日常三餐維持飲食均衡，患病危機就可以減到最低了。

二○○八戊子年天同錦囊

　　 對於羊人來說，這個鼠年可說是轉運年，事事得心應手，路路亨通，各方面都有上佳的表現，很值得高興。

　　不過，鼠年過後，踏入牛年，丑未相沖，羊人正沖太歲，運程十分動盪，不可奢求有突破機會，也不易有貴人扶持。因此，你必須要未雨綢繆，在鼠年這個得運年盡量爭取好成績，為來年的相沖年做好不時的準備，讓自己在動盪的時刻也能立於不敗之地。

My luck for the Year of the Rat. Not bad on the whole. But like what the fortune says, better not get too conceited. Just work hard and hopefully I will be able to reap the rewards.



"Just take things easy."

After Thoughts Part 3

Vendors of the floating market.


One of the simple pleasures of the local children.


The Amphana floating night market.


This was one of the many places in Thailand, where the people depended their lives on the river. They bathed in the river, played in the river, made their livelihood in the river. Their only mode of transportation was the boat. This was also the place where we came to see the fireflies.

There was a slight drizzle when we reached there. But luckily the rain stopped just in time for us to see the fireflies. We hired a boat for 600 THB for the 4 of us. Thank goodness for the rain, we saw an abundance of fireflies resting on the trees growing by the river bank. They looked just like LEDs at first glance. But when I saw a firefly flew in the air, I was overwhelmed with a sense of emotion. They are real. They looked like stars against the dimly lit surroundings, blinking and shining. They are beautiful. The whole boat ride lasted one hour and half. And to tell you the truth, this is the first time I had seen fireflies. I feel a bit of sadness when I think about what a city dweller I am, to miss all these simple little happiness in life.



"We should embrace nature more often."

After Thoughts Part 2

Bread worm


Silk worm


Finally get to taste the worms from the streets of not Bangkok, but Nong Khai. There were other insects available, like, dragonfly(I swear it's dragonfly), grasshopper, some water bug etc. But I was only gamed enough to try the worms.

It was fantastic, surprisingly crunchy and savoury in taste. I especially like the silk worm, which tastes so much like prawns. Very meaty with lots of protein :)

I should try the rest the next time. A pleasant surprise might be in store for me, hee hee.


"It's just a matter of perspective."

After Thoughts Part 1

Just came back from a 3D 2N road trip to Northeastern Thailand. My brother drove us all the way from Bangkok to Phetchabun, Udon Thani, Nong Khai and then to Vientiane. Our final destination was Nong Khai, home of the Naga. We were supposed to see a phenomenon along the Mekong River called the Naga Fire Ball. But we didn't get to see it, after hours and hours of driving up northeast and waiting by the Mekong River. A little disappointed, but, I must say that the sending off of the Kong Ming lantern into the sky was pretty fun and impressive. The locals also displayed fireworks, though small but added to the surrounding atmosphere. Then, from a far distance, you can see krathongs floating from one end of the river to the other end. It would have been a fantastic sight if you were to see it from Laos, which is just opposite of the Mekong.

But through this experience, we know that the controversial Naga Fire Ball could be the real thing. That it isn't staged by people. This phenomenon has been around and witnessed by people from both sides of the Mekong since a hundred years ago. To know more about its history, click here.


"It is not the destination, but the journey, which is so rewarding."

Ah Zhu's Special Bak Chang

Best Bak Chang ever! 2nd helping le.


And my mission is to bring 30 of these delicious bak changs to BKK for my brother and sis-in-law.


Note: Ah Zhu is my Mum.


"What will I do without my Mum's bak chang?"

The Cookie

This is a good one.

A young lady was waiting for her flight in the boarding room of a big airport. As she would need to wait many hours, she decided to buy a book to spend her time. She also bought a packet of cookies.

She sat down in an armchair, in the VIP room of the airport, to rest and read in peace. Beside the armchair where the packet of cookies lay, a man sat down in the next seat, opened his magazine and started reading.

When she took out the 1st cookie, the man took one also. She felt irritated but said nothing. She just thought:
"What a nerve! If I was in the mood I punch him for daring!"

For each cookie she took, the man took one too. This was infuriating her but she didn't want to cause a scene.

When only one cookie remained, she thought:
"Ah... What would this abusive man do now?"
Then, the man, taking the last cookie, divided it into half, giving her one half.

Ah! That was too much! She was much too angry now! In a huff, she took her book, her things and stormed to the boarding place.

When she sat down in her seat, inside the plane, she looked into her purse to take her glasses, and, to her surprise, her packet of cookies was there, untouched, unopened! She felt so ashamed! She realised that she was wrong... She had forgotten that her cookies were kept in her purse.

The man had divided his cookies with her, without feeling angered or bitter... while she had been very angry, thinking that she was dividing her cookies with him. And now there was no chance to explain herself... nor to apologize.

There are 4 things that you cannot recover.
The stone... after the throw.
The word... after it's said.
The occasion... after the loss.
The time... after it's gone.

Maybe she was just hungry lah...?


"You got your brain very early. Apparently the warranty has run out."

Hello? Rise and Shine

To all singles out there, it's time to break out of your shells and go and meet someone new! Especially those who are not so young anymore, if you still harbor any thoughts of getting married or hitched, then start doing something about yourself! Change your hair style, change your clothes, your shoes, your underwear, anything! The most important thing is to take the first step forward. Then, meet some people, either from your friends, or your friends' friends, or your sisters' friends... you get the idea.

Having said all that, good luck.



"You and only you can make it happen."

We are Minuscule

Someone sent this series of graphics to me yesterday. Thought that it was rather awe-inspiring.

Imagine the size of the Earth when compared to other planets in the Solar System. Well, it seems big enough.


Now compare again.


Well, it's the Solar System, so the Sun should be the biggest, naturally.


But what if it's beyond that System -- the Universe.


You starting to get the picture?


Antares is the 15th brightest star in the sky. It is more than 1000 light years away.
Now how big are you?
And, how big are the things that will upset you today?
Or, for that matter, the things that are important?

KEEP LIFE IN PERSPECTIVE!

Pass it around to all the people you know. It might help someone get a better feel for the important things in his/her life.

Well, I felt a lot better now, knowing how small I am.


"Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first."

Kirakishou

Wow. I just found out from one site that the Kirakishou is one of the most expensive Rozen Maiden dolls, costing around 200 to 300, presumably USD. They are limited, only 1000 and sold exclusively through a online Japanese store. I had just checked the site out, and the dolls are sold out! Why didn't I get these dolls while in Japan? WHY WHY WHY????!!!!


"Lolita rules!"

Pullip, Dal Dolls + Rozen Maiden

Suigintou(Mercury Lampe) and Shinku( Reiner Rubin), Pullip.



Suiseiseki(Jade Stern) and Souseiseki(Lapislazuri Stern), Twin Sisters, Pullip.



Barasuishou(Rozenkristall), Pullip.



Hina Ichigo(Klein Beere) and Kanaria(Kanarienvogel), Dal.



And, Kirakishou(?), Pullip.



Actually there are 8 of them, including Kirakishou.

These are the eight dolls from the manga/anime, Rozen Maiden. Don't ask me about the story, you can check it out at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Rozen_Maiden_characters. Aren't they cute? So pretty and pristine looking. Their faces look different from one another, and the details of the clothing and accessories are meticulously well-made. They are expensive though. One costs about a little over 100SGD and some may be more expensive.

I already have 3 mini pullips, bought from Macau. I should have bought the Suiseiseki doll when I saw it in Hong Kong, costing less than 100 SGD. But that's about the only one that I saw. I am interested in getting the Kirakishou. Seems like this doll/character is pretty much neglected in the anime version.

Interested in Pullip dolls already? Check out this site http://www.magmaheritage.com/Maidenrozen_shinkupullip.html. It's local and they have a sort of museum showcasing Pullip dolls. I have yet to visit there. Was afraid a trip down there will leave a hole in my pocket. Sigh.


"Why are all my hobbies so expensive?"

The Waffle Maker was Down

So, I was in the mood for some waffles after lunch and shopping. We decided to go to Cafe Cartel in Marina Square.



We sat at table 21 and the waiter promptly served us the basket of bread. We browsed the menu, although I already knew what I will be having -- Banana and peach waffles, yum yum. I wrote the number code onto the order chit, and Hubby ordered the Deep-fried pork chops. Hmm, didn't he say he was very full? Hubby then passed the order chit to the waiteress. He returned to tell me that the waffle maker had broken down. You really did not want to see the look on my face at that moment. It was anguish and disappointment all in one. So Strawberry Crepe it shall be.



It looked really nice, wasn't it? Wrong again. The crepe was a disaster. The strawberry jam filling inside was too sweet for my liking. The crepe skin was too hard. I like it soft and fluffy. Think I like the Japan version better. Disappointment again.



But the pork chops that Hubby ordered really looked good. And it's value for money too, less than 14 bucks. Well, at least there is something to cheer about.


"A hungry woman is an angry woman."

Quest for the Ultimate Demi Glace Sauce

We went to Marina Square today for lunch. We had specially chosen a Japanese western restaurant called Waraku because it serves something which me and Hubby like -- the Demi Glace sauce. We just wanted to try out the sauce, so it didn't matter what was on the plate. But we ordered the hamburger steak with demi glace anyways.



For me, just having the hamburger steak was not enough. I was famished. So I ordered another Rice Set, with rice, salad and corn soup. How I loved the salad dressing! I loved the tangy taste, just like what Ma Maison* served. The corn soup was also similar to Ma Maison's, sweet and creamy.



Then finally, the main character arrived. At first glance, I thought that the sauce looked a bit too light-colored. I tasted the sauce on its own. Hmm, not quite what I had imagined. I ate it anyway. The demi glace sauce which we had eaten before in Japan had a meatier taste, but this one tasted too tomato-ish. Also, the color should be a nice, dark brown, definitely not this color. Even Hubby didn't like it. He vowed never to step foot in this restaurant again. It was just too bad. The food wasn't really that bad, but the demi glace sauce is really a very important component in Japanese western food. So too bad, the verdict is written all over my face.



Well, I will not give up just yet. I will continue to look for similar restaurants in SG, in search of my demi glace sauce. Or, could it be, only Japan has the ultimate demi glace sauce?


* Ma Maison is a Japanese western restaurant located in Bugis Junction.


"Everything should be as simple as it is, but not simpler."

To Bangkok and Beyond!

18 more days before arriving in BKK. I am looking forward to this trip even more than the last time I was there. This trip would be like an adventure of some sort. My sister-in-law will be bringing us to see the Naga fireball, a natural phenomenon that occurs every year along the Mekong river. Then we will cross the border into Laos, for a brief stop. Next up, she is still contacting people who could bring us to see fireflies, where, I'm not so sure.

I also wanted to try some bugs when in BKK, watch muaythai (not sure if this is possible), go Ayutthaya by train and the floating market. And the most important thing of all, is to take great pictures and have fun with Hubby :)



"The best moments are times spent with your loved ones."

What would You Do?

You were being approached by a lady while on your way home. She had a baby in her arms. She then pleaded you to keep her baby. Not knowing where she was from, or whether the baby was really hers, you were quite taken aback. What would you do? The first reaction that came naturally would be: no and walk away. But when you had time to think about it, you felt that you could've done something. You worried for the baby, fearing that you might read about it in the papers the next day. You decided to go and search for the duo, but to no avail.

The question is, what would you have done? What is the right thing to do? Even if you asked me, I'm clueless. Anybody has any ideas? Any numbers to call other than 999?


"Whatever you do could affect the lives of others, positively or negatively."

New Passport

I had been such a moron.
I didn't check my passport's expiry date before I booked the air tickets to Bangkok.

Travel date: 24 Oct to 30 Oct. Passport expiry date: 4 Mar.

Duh? We are supposed to have at least 6 months validity before embarkation. Luckily the process of renewing it is fast, if not expensive. So now, I've got the new Biometric passport, complete with a new photo! Boy, I was trying for years to get rid of that old photo. Hahaha, no more suspecting eyes from the immigration officers from around the world.

Oh, just a reminder from ICA, if you are going for holidays during the peak season, which is from October to the end of the year, be sure to apply for your passports early to avoid the long queue and waiting time.

Hey kids, happy children's day.


"I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce."

First Impression of Me

Fierce, stuck up, indifferent, got a people-owe-me-money look, somemore?

I think that is the general impression that I tend to give people. Well, what to do? I'm borned somewhat this way. Some even described me as "manly". Oh bother.


"It doesn't matter."

I Envy You, People

Dreams. What's a human without a dream? A lame one? But I do know that to some, dreams are extravagant, unrealistic and only for people who can't face their lives properly. Well, I do agree to an extent that most people treat dreams as something to numb and blur themselves from the reality. But I also believe that, with dreams, you can do wonders.

There are two people in my company now, whom I truly believe, are able to accomplish what they set out to do. One is Ano, who aspires to be a manga artist, and Little Moustache, who wishes to study in France.

Ano is now going towards her own goal, one step at a time. She hopes to go to Japan to study the art of manga drawing, and maybe, have a manga created under her name some day. I think that is a very impressive dream. A dream that can be realised. She is now studying the Japanese language, to get herself ready. She's even got her language teacher to recommend her a school in Tokyo. But that will have to wait till she's passed her JLPT 3. Yeah you got that right. She's only a beginner but she will be skipping JLPT 4 to go on to JLPT 3. I know she means business. Every break time, I can see her buried in Japanese materials, while her other friends slept oh-so-peacefully. She told me she's a bit stressed out. Her exam is this December, so she has about 3 to 4 months to prepare. Well, that's a lot of stress, and did I mention Ano is only 21? Not only does she have to worry about her grades, she also has to think about the financial matters. Just came to Singapore from China about a year ago, she still has a long way to go. But for her spirit and determination, I salute her! がんばってね、アノちゃん！

Another person, Little Moustache, also from China, but studied diploma here in Singapore, wants to study in France. Like me, he likes to go travelling in a backpack. I can understand why he wanted to do it. A lot of people disagree with the idea of studying in France. They thought, what can that degree from France do? But to me, what the degree can do is secondary. The most primary thing is, you can learn from living abroad. Widen your perspectives, broaden your knowledge. That's the single most important thing in life, isn't it? At least to me, it's true. I think I am the only one in this company who wholly supported and encouraged his idea. Well, truth is, he may be the most attitude and arrogant and unpopular guy in this whole department, but that's not really important. Aptitude is more important. He is currently studying French on his own, with a basic background from Alliance Francaise.

So you see, they are not just talk and no action. They are doing things that are making their dreams come true, bit by bit. The journey might be a bit longer for some, but they never thought about giving up. That alone, leaves me in awed.



"Hold fast to your dreams, for if dreams die, then life is like a broken-winged bird that cannot fly."

Funny truths about life in small small Singapore Island ....

1. Nite - Sleep with air-con; Day - Bathe with heater on (That's me!)

2. Day - Cannot Wake up; Nite - Cannot Sleep (That's me now!)

3. Translation is needed between Singaporean Chinese and Mainland Chinese (My chinese is good enough, no need translation)

4. Smell Of rubbish besides letterboxes; Rubbish inside Letterbox

5. Spore Chinese use different languages other then Chinese to communicate. (Hahaha, Singaporeans like to show off their linguistic abilities mah)

6. Sporean never like to vote, but like to complain (They hum-chee mah)

7. There are quite a number of rich/poor in spore - They have Car, Credit Card, CPF but no Cash and is liable to lots of loans

8. There are quite a few high-tech barbaric Singaporeans - they know how to use state-of-the art equipment, 3g mobile phone and powerful computers but they dunno how to use a simple dustbin or a toilet (*nodding head vigorously)

10. Half Sporeans rushed to buy Hello kitty, but the other half busy killing stray cats

11. Chewing Gum - Can Chew, Cannot buy?? (Restricted to buying) (I think it's for the better of all mankind to ban chewing gum)

12. Cigarettes - Convenient to buy; not convenient to smoke (Heng ah not my problem)

13. Private Cars - Cheaper and Cheaper to buy, harder and harder to Maintain

14. Public Bus - Half the Crowd squeeze in front section of the Bus, Second section is for Carrying Ghost (*nodding head so vigorously that it almost dropped)

15. Education - Teachers teaching Less but expects students to learn More (Well, is it the teachers or parents expecting more?)


I like to thank whoever came up with the "truths", good job, well done. You've done Singaporeans "proud".


"Well, you gotta learn to laugh at yourself first!"

The Simpsons' Test

I am Professor Frink. Don't know who is he though.

"Solitary trees, if they grow at all, grow strong."

By the way, Happy Mid-Autumn's Day!

I know it's a bit late, but I hope everyone had a great time eating Mooncakes.


"I'm just preparing my impromptu remarks."

Yes Girl, Humans can Drink Cows' Milk

Based on the conversation I had with Ano on our last working day. She was so pissed off by a girl whom me and Su called, "The Lazy Girl" or TLG for short. I do not know how their conversation started with the the topic of the milk thing, but for TLG, her stand was that cow's milk is meant only for calves, not human. Let's stop and ponder over this. Theoretically it is correct. Just like giraffes will milk their young, elephants will milk their young, and so do all other mammals in this planet will do. But to say that it is not for human consumption? Isn't it a bit too serious? Then Ano retorted, asking TLG whether she drinks cow's milk. Her reply? She tries not to drink it. *eyes rolling all over*

Then their conversation went a little further. TLG maintains that using leather products or goods pertaining to that aspect is cruelty to animals. Well, let us once again stop for a while and think. Theoretically she is correct. But so do people who consume meat, no? Ano told me that TLG is a vegetarian, and that explains all the weird topics and theories.

Because Ano asked for my opinion, I just said that many, many years ago when the 1st human surfaced this planet, they had been hunting for animal hide to use them as clothes and shelter and their meat for food. We, the 'new' humans, are just mimicking their actions. It's all for survival. There's no saying it is an act of cruelty. But I did emphasized to Ano that for me, as long as that animal is farmable, not facing extinction, in excess, it is ok. Well we've got to eat, no?

Well, Miss TLG, despite being vegetarian, you don't seem to be any good, except making people angry. Now that's cruel.


"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life."

Colorful Geylang Serai

Ramly Burger with black pepper sauce, curry powder, mayo and cheese!


Deep-fried you tiao, Malay-style


Wadeh and the other one is deep-fried vegetable in a dough. Don't know what it's called



Happy eating all these food :)



Lights of Geylang Serai. Sorry my phone's camera does not do justice to the pretty lights.


Not to forget the otah and keropok.


It's the festival of the year again! How I love the pasar malam of the Muslim Hari Raya Puasa! So crowded, so many merchandise to buy and to look at, and best of all, so many food to eat! And I must say that the lighting for this year is so much colorful and beautiful compared to last year's. Rows of light decoratives lined the roads of Geylang Serai. Very beautiful.


"Eat all you can ah!"