Thursday, August 31, 2006
my refugee barangs barangs
all my stuffs are packed except my wallet, passport, laptop, adaptor and thumbdrive. And here's what I'll be lugging to the airport later. My blue nacgpack is so under-packed that it looks so droopy! It can actually reached the height of my suitcase when filled to the brim (which I think will be so after all my shopping there...heehee)
Bon Voyage
I am taking a little time before I fly off in 24 hours, in the comfort of my Singapore Airlines Jumbo Jet to Zurich then the awful Austrian Airlines to Vienna, to thank all those that have gave me their well wishes!
But still, as usual I just gotta side track slightly and share with all you on what I intend to do to torture and examine the service standards of the Singapore Girls onboard the carrier. I am gonna request for 2 servings of my meals, extra ice cream (then complain and moan and lament that the blardy ice cream is too frozen), demand them to give me a 1.5L bottle of Evian to prevent me from dehydration and thus, saving them from more drama (and if they do not have Evian, they are SO dead), and throughout watching my Da Vinci Code on Krisflyer, I'm also gonna keep pestering for snacks to make me have the whole movie theatre experience. Oh! I am also gonna be ranting my extremely limited Spanish to them by pretending to be a Spain-born-Chinese. Haha...
The Singapore Girls better be afraid of this Singapore Bitch!
Ok, now back to those that have sms-ed me, from all my friends ranging from Secondary pals to JC buddies to fellow SMU-ers and also those from my internship! So sweet! haha...
This is when you all can make me feel REALLY bad when I bitch-ed behind your backs before. haha...
This time off, I felt so weird with so many ppl giving me their well wishes! I mean, I have been to USA last summer and Latin America in Dec, but I don't recall so many drama mama actions and wishes! Even Dad flew back yesterday so that he can "spend some time with me" before I fly off! All this wishy washy stuffs are exactly what I hate, simply because they just trigger off the emotional aspect inside my tender heart.
Yes dear all, I do have a soft and mellow interior despite my cold and bitchy facade...haha...More importantly, all these emotional roller coster stuffs also reinforces the fact that I, too, am merely mortal and has emotions (tune of Mariah's Emotions playback in background).
I think the last time Dad was back to 'accompany' me was before I left for Pulau Teking for my NS. Ha, except this time round, Vienna certainly is way much better than Tekong, DUH?!
So dear all, rest assured that I'll try to update this page as often as possible and showcase tons and tons and gazzilions of pictoorials and photos of the wonderful scenery and most importantly - ME!
Till my post in europe (or at the airport), hasta pronto!
But still, as usual I just gotta side track slightly and share with all you on what I intend to do to torture and examine the service standards of the Singapore Girls onboard the carrier. I am gonna request for 2 servings of my meals, extra ice cream (then complain and moan and lament that the blardy ice cream is too frozen), demand them to give me a 1.5L bottle of Evian to prevent me from dehydration and thus, saving them from more drama (and if they do not have Evian, they are SO dead), and throughout watching my Da Vinci Code on Krisflyer, I'm also gonna keep pestering for snacks to make me have the whole movie theatre experience. Oh! I am also gonna be ranting my extremely limited Spanish to them by pretending to be a Spain-born-Chinese. Haha...
The Singapore Girls better be afraid of this Singapore Bitch!
Ok, now back to those that have sms-ed me, from all my friends ranging from Secondary pals to JC buddies to fellow SMU-ers and also those from my internship! So sweet! haha...
This is when you all can make me feel REALLY bad when I bitch-ed behind your backs before. haha...
This time off, I felt so weird with so many ppl giving me their well wishes! I mean, I have been to USA last summer and Latin America in Dec, but I don't recall so many drama mama actions and wishes! Even Dad flew back yesterday so that he can "spend some time with me" before I fly off! All this wishy washy stuffs are exactly what I hate, simply because they just trigger off the emotional aspect inside my tender heart.
Yes dear all, I do have a soft and mellow interior despite my cold and bitchy facade...haha...More importantly, all these emotional roller coster stuffs also reinforces the fact that I, too, am merely mortal and has emotions (tune of Mariah's Emotions playback in background).
I think the last time Dad was back to 'accompany' me was before I left for Pulau Teking for my NS. Ha, except this time round, Vienna certainly is way much better than Tekong, DUH?!
So dear all, rest assured that I'll try to update this page as often as possible and showcase tons and tons and gazzilions of pictoorials and photos of the wonderful scenery and most importantly - ME!
Till my post in europe (or at the airport), hasta pronto!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
pregnant symptoms
I do not know if it is the local Singaporean in me, or that I am just a glutton. It seemed to me that everytime before I leave for some Ang-Moh country for a long period of more than 30 days, or that I am already in a non-Asian foreign land for more than a week (and knowing that there are still more weeks to follow), I will have a sudden craving for Asian food. Not just Singaporean, Malaysian, Nanyang style food, but Asian food!
Right now, I am having a strong urge for Bak Kut Teh, Hainanese Chicken Rice (though I just had it like 2 days ago), and Thai and Hong Kong food like tom yum, hor fun, and especially C Jade food. Oh! and Beef kway teow and bean curd from Geylang too! Bean curd from Rocher is great tambien!
In fact, I will really miss pork ribs, especially bak kut teh, and sine my US stint last year, it's the only food I'll really think of when I'm in a foreign land! There is just something extremely delicious and tantalising about a piping hot bowl of pork ribs broth and the succulent tender meat with some fats and tendons! Speaking of meat and tendons, I'll also me missing Pig's Organs soup! yummy! oh gosh, and I am not even on the plane yet! Will miss my Pig's intestines, stomach, kidneys (but I hate the liver!), and also the various meat from the various body parts (favourite is the neck and the loin and the piece besides the trotters and knuckles!)!
I think I am just missing pork in general! haha...
Right now, I am having a strong urge for Bak Kut Teh, Hainanese Chicken Rice (though I just had it like 2 days ago), and Thai and Hong Kong food like tom yum, hor fun, and especially C Jade food. Oh! and Beef kway teow and bean curd from Geylang too! Bean curd from Rocher is great tambien!
In fact, I will really miss pork ribs, especially bak kut teh, and sine my US stint last year, it's the only food I'll really think of when I'm in a foreign land! There is just something extremely delicious and tantalising about a piping hot bowl of pork ribs broth and the succulent tender meat with some fats and tendons! Speaking of meat and tendons, I'll also me missing Pig's Organs soup! yummy! oh gosh, and I am not even on the plane yet! Will miss my Pig's intestines, stomach, kidneys (but I hate the liver!), and also the various meat from the various body parts (favourite is the neck and the loin and the piece besides the trotters and knuckles!)!
I think I am just missing pork in general! haha...
Monday, August 28, 2006
catching a sight
went down to school today to meet up with Amy and to ask her some final questions on Wien. Though, in reality, It was really how she started her relationship with her Swiss-German boyfriend that caught my interest! haha...
It was also wonderful that Amy and mine's yakking away outside Pick and Bit actually caught the attention of Cindy and I also managed to catch some nice quality bitching time with her..haha, told me she'll miss me (have to admit she pulled off the "I'll so miss you, you bitch!" look SO convincingly! Ha) Later, went down to Peninsula to take some Passport photos to bring along with my trip, I so do not want to follow in my Summer Camp friend, Hayley's footsteps in NYC where she had to pay freaking USD$20 for 2(!!) tiny miserable passport photos at the local post office! Oh by the way Cindy pal, you are not that fat...haha. With your supermodel height, you can so carry off those lil' pounds like feather! (Are you happy now that I am praising you for your supermodel body?)
Thereafter, met Wanwen and Sharen after they had their IMF training at Suntec for dinner supposedly, but alas! They were gorged with tons of food at their training sessions and since i had a late lunch at 3p.m., decided to go to Starbucks at Suntec instead for a good chat (after sitting inthe Suntec foodcourt for 15min think what stuffs to eat when we're all so filled) Wanwen updated me on her 2nd trip to Argentina in less than 9 months, and I was so happy for her that she managed to ski and have tons of fun in Bariloche! Can truly see the beam on her face she had from the blastin-licious time she had there! Really starting to miss Sa'adia and if only I make an effort to call her up last week for coffee!
Sharen also had a blast with her lovely boyfriend in Paris, Barcelona and Madrid (so romantic!) and she is still so revishing from the glow of both the trip and her relationship like, nearly one month after her trip! haha...oh, Sharen's bf has impeccable taste cos he bought a Loewe briefcase for his dad! Sharen, you bf is a good catch! haha...
The evening ended when I met up with Van, Gillian and Tina for a K Box session where we sang like crazy folks haha, and i think I just scare Gillian off (she's actually Tina's friend from NTU and this is only like the 3rd time I'm seeing her)
Oh I also managed to do some shopping! Got for myself the new 3M Nexcare pimple patch! and also stock up on my Biore porepack after I'd stopped using it for 1 year! haha, also, bought some pills to stop diarrhea from Watsons and Guardian.
3 more days to go and I cannot wait!
Oh and being typical Singaporean, whom is Kiasu like crazy, I managed to find some friend to bid for lessons after my term in Wien! Gonna take BP and Stratetgy with Wanwen and Sharen, and found Cindy to do a Corp Comm module! In case I have too much fun and forget all bout what I need to take in 2007, here're the courses: BP, Strat, Comm course, (if assigned) Ethics, Fixed Income and IE (dropping Fixed Income if ethics is assigned cos I may be taking Int Trading option under Fin which requires 2 mods and fixed income is not one of it!))
It was also wonderful that Amy and mine's yakking away outside Pick and Bit actually caught the attention of Cindy and I also managed to catch some nice quality bitching time with her..haha, told me she'll miss me (have to admit she pulled off the "I'll so miss you, you bitch!" look SO convincingly! Ha) Later, went down to Peninsula to take some Passport photos to bring along with my trip, I so do not want to follow in my Summer Camp friend, Hayley's footsteps in NYC where she had to pay freaking USD$20 for 2(!!) tiny miserable passport photos at the local post office! Oh by the way Cindy pal, you are not that fat...haha. With your supermodel height, you can so carry off those lil' pounds like feather! (Are you happy now that I am praising you for your supermodel body?)
Thereafter, met Wanwen and Sharen after they had their IMF training at Suntec for dinner supposedly, but alas! They were gorged with tons of food at their training sessions and since i had a late lunch at 3p.m., decided to go to Starbucks at Suntec instead for a good chat (after sitting inthe Suntec foodcourt for 15min think what stuffs to eat when we're all so filled) Wanwen updated me on her 2nd trip to Argentina in less than 9 months, and I was so happy for her that she managed to ski and have tons of fun in Bariloche! Can truly see the beam on her face she had from the blastin-licious time she had there! Really starting to miss Sa'adia and if only I make an effort to call her up last week for coffee!
Sharen also had a blast with her lovely boyfriend in Paris, Barcelona and Madrid (so romantic!) and she is still so revishing from the glow of both the trip and her relationship like, nearly one month after her trip! haha...oh, Sharen's bf has impeccable taste cos he bought a Loewe briefcase for his dad! Sharen, you bf is a good catch! haha...
The evening ended when I met up with Van, Gillian and Tina for a K Box session where we sang like crazy folks haha, and i think I just scare Gillian off (she's actually Tina's friend from NTU and this is only like the 3rd time I'm seeing her)
Oh I also managed to do some shopping! Got for myself the new 3M Nexcare pimple patch! and also stock up on my Biore porepack after I'd stopped using it for 1 year! haha, also, bought some pills to stop diarrhea from Watsons and Guardian.
3 more days to go and I cannot wait!
Oh and being typical Singaporean, whom is Kiasu like crazy, I managed to find some friend to bid for lessons after my term in Wien! Gonna take BP and Stratetgy with Wanwen and Sharen, and found Cindy to do a Corp Comm module! In case I have too much fun and forget all bout what I need to take in 2007, here're the courses: BP, Strat, Comm course, (if assigned) Ethics, Fixed Income and IE (dropping Fixed Income if ethics is assigned cos I may be taking Int Trading option under Fin which requires 2 mods and fixed income is not one of it!))
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Mee Sua and Red Eggs for Me and Mum!
Mum made a nice mee sua in ikan billis broth with Pig's Kidneys (my favorite!) and Loin Meat. She also added Corriender (or Cilantro as some says) and spring onions into the soup.
The special occasion for mee sua and red hard boiled eggs was cos, Mum and I decided to 'celebrate' our birthdays earlier, since I'm leaving on Thursday. Mum's date is 24/9 and mine's 25/9, so it is always a breeze to celebrate both of ours together! Lunar calender wise, I am in the eight month and mum's in the second July (akin to a leap year where the second July only appears after certain years, so theoretically, the second July is to make up for the lost days over the few years to balance out the 12 month calender system)
Amazing how Mum's food will always taste the best, and despit all my rants and complaint,sI really do love my Mum's cookings! Will so miss her leng tong (boiled soups Cantonese style) when I'm overseas. Hate local soups, water and some food pieces and you call that soup! But can hardly blame them since nice Cantonese style soups are so rare here since majority are Hokkiena and Teochews. Hong Kong is one lace where you can get decent soup everywhere!
Mum, i already know what I want to eat on Thursday befor I flyt off for 4 months! I want your diced chicken with cashew nuts, boiled soup with beet root or old cucumber, and stir fried sweet potatoe sprouts!
The special occasion for mee sua and red hard boiled eggs was cos, Mum and I decided to 'celebrate' our birthdays earlier, since I'm leaving on Thursday. Mum's date is 24/9 and mine's 25/9, so it is always a breeze to celebrate both of ours together! Lunar calender wise, I am in the eight month and mum's in the second July (akin to a leap year where the second July only appears after certain years, so theoretically, the second July is to make up for the lost days over the few years to balance out the 12 month calender system)
Amazing how Mum's food will always taste the best, and despit all my rants and complaint,sI really do love my Mum's cookings! Will so miss her leng tong (boiled soups Cantonese style) when I'm overseas. Hate local soups, water and some food pieces and you call that soup! But can hardly blame them since nice Cantonese style soups are so rare here since majority are Hokkiena and Teochews. Hong Kong is one lace where you can get decent soup everywhere!
Mum, i already know what I want to eat on Thursday befor I flyt off for 4 months! I want your diced chicken with cashew nuts, boiled soup with beet root or old cucumber, and stir fried sweet potatoe sprouts!
Friday, August 25, 2006
new bag and I stink like charred marinated meat
Met Jos, Brenden, Kiyo and Stevie last night for dinner at Marina Bay. Cheap fare at $12 nett, but at these rock bottom price, there are certainly some sacrifices one needs to tahan with. Anyway, I am sure all of you whom have been to Cheng Huat at Marina Bay knows how stuffs are, so I'll skip the nitty gritty. Anyway, was famished to snap photos of the (cleaner) beginning process, so i only managed to snap these (gross and disgusting) after meal shots of our rubbish. Hope you ain;t reading these within an hour of your last meal and worse, before your meal!
Jos drove us home after dinner and I managed to get some night scenes of the CBD area from Marina:
Ok, and NOW, for the pretty thing! Just came back from lunch and managed to snag for myself a new Crumpler Bag cos my Samsonite backpack is too small and does not have the lappie protection pad. Settles on this model, and me a very happy person now.
Oh, the real highlight was in my mailbox last night.
Did I tell you all that my NS unit was charging me for nbot taking my IPPT in the year 04-05? Well, i did not turn up that day for the Summary Trial in my uniform and hence, i need to go down on 12/9 to answer for that charge and the AWOL charge when I failed to turn up prior. Disruptive to studies and employment! So gonna denounce my citizenship the moment i get one from preferbly UK or US. Ha. But then again, 12/.9, will i be in Singapore? No! I am on exchange you imbecile civil servents of Mindef! And i though I told you so?! Man, those clerks in the NS units with only their N and O Levels Certs are really so suited for their pathetic lives.
Jos drove us home after dinner and I managed to get some night scenes of the CBD area from Marina:
Ok, and NOW, for the pretty thing! Just came back from lunch and managed to snag for myself a new Crumpler Bag cos my Samsonite backpack is too small and does not have the lappie protection pad. Settles on this model, and me a very happy person now.
Oh, the real highlight was in my mailbox last night.
Did I tell you all that my NS unit was charging me for nbot taking my IPPT in the year 04-05? Well, i did not turn up that day for the Summary Trial in my uniform and hence, i need to go down on 12/9 to answer for that charge and the AWOL charge when I failed to turn up prior. Disruptive to studies and employment! So gonna denounce my citizenship the moment i get one from preferbly UK or US. Ha. But then again, 12/.9, will i be in Singapore? No! I am on exchange you imbecile civil servents of Mindef! And i though I told you so?! Man, those clerks in the NS units with only their N and O Levels Certs are really so suited for their pathetic lives.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
packed dinner and lift posters
my block is currently undergoing lift upgrading to retrofit and make them land at every floor instead of only at Levels 1,5,9,13,17 and 21, for the next 9 months, therefore, only one tiny miserable life is available to the 22x4 households in my block.
So glad I do not have to work or study during morning or evening 'peak hours', which I believe leads to the sticking and pasting and constant reminder by these posters on every floor where the life currently lands, that is L1,5,9,13,17 and 21, as shown:
I do get these posters and their meaning but if one looks closely, do you not find it slightly ironic? Thought it should be courteous for one to hold on to the lift for someone else? I believe the correct term to be used in these posters should be 'Hog', right? What buffles me more is the placement of the poster inside the lift; where it's like only one palm away from the lift's ceiling. Whoever goes into the life with the head tilted so freakingly high to gaze at the ceiling?! Look how far atop the poster is from the top of the buttons panel inside the lift!
Anyway, it actually also does makes sense even if they use hold, since there's only 1 and only 1 life now, a kind considerate person which our local government had been trying to cultivate with the countess numbers of campaigns after Singapore gained independence, should indeed not hold onto the lift, and, instead, allow it to run freely.
Anyway, had lunch with Mum at Crystal Jade in J8 this afternoon, and since I'd just woke up less than an hour b4 meeting her, I decided to eat Giblet Porridge, that's actually porridge with Pig's various Internal Organs. Some of you, especially the non chinese, must think it's gross. Well, at least I do not force feed my ducks here in Asia and then, dig out their livers and make some mushy delicacy out from them. Neither do I eat horse meat, nor do I eat fast food on daily and frequent basis, where if you've watch Supersize Me, you so outta know that the Nugget you eat do not just consist of Chicken MEAT.
Anyway, packed dinner from there as well, where I opted for Yang Chow Fried Rice (I'd usually have the Crabmeat with Conpoy Fried Rice but getting tired of that today), Deep Fried Garlic Pork Ribs and Prawns and Chicken in Spicy Sichun Sauce. Standard fares since my family(which equate to me and my mum) are not very adventurous people at all, and I've remembered that as far as C Jade food are considered, the pork and prawn dishes are like somewhat staples. Bummer bout the Starwberry Ribs though. They are no longer offering it as it was a Promo dish, and it had been on Promo for like 1 year. What kind of promo dish can last 4 seasons, or rather here in Singapore, last through both the draughtlike season and the monsoon season?!
So glad I do not have to work or study during morning or evening 'peak hours', which I believe leads to the sticking and pasting and constant reminder by these posters on every floor where the life currently lands, that is L1,5,9,13,17 and 21, as shown:
I do get these posters and their meaning but if one looks closely, do you not find it slightly ironic? Thought it should be courteous for one to hold on to the lift for someone else? I believe the correct term to be used in these posters should be 'Hog', right? What buffles me more is the placement of the poster inside the lift; where it's like only one palm away from the lift's ceiling. Whoever goes into the life with the head tilted so freakingly high to gaze at the ceiling?! Look how far atop the poster is from the top of the buttons panel inside the lift!
Anyway, it actually also does makes sense even if they use hold, since there's only 1 and only 1 life now, a kind considerate person which our local government had been trying to cultivate with the countess numbers of campaigns after Singapore gained independence, should indeed not hold onto the lift, and, instead, allow it to run freely.
Anyway, had lunch with Mum at Crystal Jade in J8 this afternoon, and since I'd just woke up less than an hour b4 meeting her, I decided to eat Giblet Porridge, that's actually porridge with Pig's various Internal Organs. Some of you, especially the non chinese, must think it's gross. Well, at least I do not force feed my ducks here in Asia and then, dig out their livers and make some mushy delicacy out from them. Neither do I eat horse meat, nor do I eat fast food on daily and frequent basis, where if you've watch Supersize Me, you so outta know that the Nugget you eat do not just consist of Chicken MEAT.
Anyway, packed dinner from there as well, where I opted for Yang Chow Fried Rice (I'd usually have the Crabmeat with Conpoy Fried Rice but getting tired of that today), Deep Fried Garlic Pork Ribs and Prawns and Chicken in Spicy Sichun Sauce. Standard fares since my family(which equate to me and my mum) are not very adventurous people at all, and I've remembered that as far as C Jade food are considered, the pork and prawn dishes are like somewhat staples. Bummer bout the Starwberry Ribs though. They are no longer offering it as it was a Promo dish, and it had been on Promo for like 1 year. What kind of promo dish can last 4 seasons, or rather here in Singapore, last through both the draughtlike season and the monsoon season?!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
rotting away
I didn’t realised that I had not updated moi's blog in 3 days. And I have indeed done tons of stuffs in these 3 dyas. Firstly, met up with KS, Shuting and Tina on Mon to Ogle and Wah! And Gosh! over Shuting’s photos from her European stint as an Exchange Student in Hungary. She looks so ravishing now after spending 5 months in Europe! How I wish the air of the Alps in Austria can do wonders for me too! So not going to need my SK2 after my European stint!
Yesterday I attempted my IPPT at TP Safra. HA! I was such a loser. But that’s another story. Oh, I have also managed to catch 52 episodes of TVB drama within the last 5 days; thanks to the fast forward function, I can now forward the dramas in order to finish a 45 min episode in less than 20 min. Caught a Melissa Ng flick about insurance and another 32 episode big budget TVB production called Dance of Passion that stars my all time favourite TVB starlets Charmaine, Gigi, and Ada. But bad bad bad storyline. Haha…
K, just got a call from Mum that she’s now at J8 and moi needs to go there to grab lunch. Though technically, it’s breakfast cos I just woke up less than 30 min ago. 8 more days to my exchange!
Yesterday I attempted my IPPT at TP Safra. HA! I was such a loser. But that’s another story. Oh, I have also managed to catch 52 episodes of TVB drama within the last 5 days; thanks to the fast forward function, I can now forward the dramas in order to finish a 45 min episode in less than 20 min. Caught a Melissa Ng flick about insurance and another 32 episode big budget TVB production called Dance of Passion that stars my all time favourite TVB starlets Charmaine, Gigi, and Ada. But bad bad bad storyline. Haha…
K, just got a call from Mum that she’s now at J8 and moi needs to go there to grab lunch. Though technically, it’s breakfast cos I just woke up less than 30 min ago. 8 more days to my exchange!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
mah and ridge
had a long day of mahjong from 3+pm at Jos's bf (Brandon) place. And lucky Kiyo actually won 15 bucks! Man, i am so happy that he is starting to win miney although i actually have to contribute to it! haha...
However, highlight of day was our post mahjong supper at Geylang, where we had amazing frog legs porridge. The stuff there never fail to whet my appetite! If i ever have friends coming to Singapore, I must so bring them there and scare them with these Asian food, haha! But i think the French do eat frog legs do, do they not?
Other than these lovely forgs, I'd also wanna share with you all the NTUC brand Garlic Bread I got from the J8 branch. For a price lesser than $6, it is sure value for money as it comes with 2 long loaves of bread smack with tons of butter. However, I find the Garlic to be very very little and they can also sprinkle much more herbs onto the bread. There's this other brand that comes from Australia and that is WAY WAY WAY better!
Lastly, I am so happy! I got a decent grade for my Inter Cultural Comms! And I thought the exam will do me in! No doubt another booster to show that I am indeed right in chossing Corp Comms as major. I hace also been looking at jobs in HK for PR positions an d I am also seriously contemplating to drop Finance as 1st major. Haiz...I suck in Math and VBA and it seems that all these are so vital in a Finance position!
But let's all forget about grades for the next few months as I should so get to immerse and enjoy Europe! 11 Days more to my flight to Vienna!
However, highlight of day was our post mahjong supper at Geylang, where we had amazing frog legs porridge. The stuff there never fail to whet my appetite! If i ever have friends coming to Singapore, I must so bring them there and scare them with these Asian food, haha! But i think the French do eat frog legs do, do they not?
Other than these lovely forgs, I'd also wanna share with you all the NTUC brand Garlic Bread I got from the J8 branch. For a price lesser than $6, it is sure value for money as it comes with 2 long loaves of bread smack with tons of butter. However, I find the Garlic to be very very little and they can also sprinkle much more herbs onto the bread. There's this other brand that comes from Australia and that is WAY WAY WAY better!
Lastly, I am so happy! I got a decent grade for my Inter Cultural Comms! And I thought the exam will do me in! No doubt another booster to show that I am indeed right in chossing Corp Comms as major. I hace also been looking at jobs in HK for PR positions an d I am also seriously contemplating to drop Finance as 1st major. Haiz...I suck in Math and VBA and it seems that all these are so vital in a Finance position!
But let's all forget about grades for the next few months as I should so get to immerse and enjoy Europe! 11 Days more to my flight to Vienna!
Friday, August 18, 2006
heartwarming stomach churning
Meeting up with one’s friends really make one realize how swiftly time flies by. I had dinner and desserts with my JC pals last night and it was funny to see the highly detrimental effects of National Service it has on local guys; all my gal pals are like working and contributing to GDP of our sunny lil’ pathetic island and yet, we boys are still studying. Not that studying and not working is no joy, in fact, as long as not needing to work is always good, But one needs to have tons of money you know…and I ain’t that lucky few with tons of moo-lah to give me such a tai tai life.
Me attacking my Toast with Honey and Butter while poor Brandon (a.k.a. the bunny) attempts to topple over the ice ball.
So sweet of Maria to actually escape from her evil EY manager to join us for this dinner!
Bunny and Hamster with Cheey Derrick whom came down after his heavy Crab dinner. Sweet!
This is actually the bunch that were in JC at the dawn of this millenium! and it's now 2006! But we all still look young and ravishing, do we not?!
Anyways, we had dinner at Marina Square food-court, then proceeded to have desserts at the Hong Kong café at Level 1. Mental note: Xing Wang Café has crispy thick toast that reeks of oil, or rather, stale oil.
Ultimately, it was a great sessionbeing able to catch up on each other's lives and get in sync with what's going on lately and for the last few years what everyone of us have been up to.
One sentence: Anything that has been fried before reeks of stale oil. The shaved ice was nice while it is in its solid form though; but another totally different description once it melts.
Me attacking my Toast with Honey and Butter while poor Brandon (a.k.a. the bunny) attempts to topple over the ice ball.
So sweet of Maria to actually escape from her evil EY manager to join us for this dinner!
Bunny and Hamster with Cheey Derrick whom came down after his heavy Crab dinner. Sweet!
This is actually the bunch that were in JC at the dawn of this millenium! and it's now 2006! But we all still look young and ravishing, do we not?!
Anyways, we had dinner at Marina Square food-court, then proceeded to have desserts at the Hong Kong café at Level 1. Mental note: Xing Wang Café has crispy thick toast that reeks of oil, or rather, stale oil.
Ultimately, it was a great sessionbeing able to catch up on each other's lives and get in sync with what's going on lately and for the last few years what everyone of us have been up to.
One sentence: Anything that has been fried before reeks of stale oil. The shaved ice was nice while it is in its solid form though; but another totally different description once it melts.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Number 2
December 2005: PepsiCo’s market valuation exceeds that of Coca-Cola for the first time in history.
January 2006: Apple’s market value overtakes that of Dell.
The news that Apple had overtaken Dell in the valuation stakes was sweet indeed for founder-evangelist Steve Jobs. Back in 1997, when the iconic computer-maker was at a nadir in its fortunes, Michael Dell was asked what he would do to fix Apple. “I’d shut it down,” he said, “and give the money back to shareholders.”
Apple has always been number one in the minds of many tech purists, but will the decision to go after pole position in terms of market share – as exemplified by the once-unthinkable move of building Intel chips into its boxes – eventually come back to haunt? It could be argued that, when it comes to long-term health, there is a lot to be said for coming second.
The longstanding rivalry between Coca-Cola and PepsiCo is surely the best illustration of how companies can lose their way if they’re entrenched at the top.
No longer motivated by growth, their goal is to maintain market share; and the qualities that got them up there – motivation, determination, efficiency, responsiveness – are replaced by inertia and complacency.
PepsiCo succeeded where Coca-Cola failed because it was much more responsive to consumer trends. Sales of carbonated drinks have been flat in developed markets for years, but – crucially – PepsiCo saw the writing on the wall and diversified into juices, bottled water and sports drinks. It now generates just 23 per cent of profits from the carbonated sector; Coca-Cola still relies on its famous drink for 85 per cent of earnings.
Perhaps the most startling thing is the speed of such reversals. Five years ago, Coca-Cola’s market cap stood at $128bn – three times that of PepsiCo. Their respective values now stand at around $98.4bn (PepsiCo) and $97.9bn (Coca-Cola).
Spirits might be low at Coke right now, but the new role of underdog could prove just the long-term stimulus it needs. Coke should take its lead from Avis – the highly successful silver medallist to Hertz in the car rental market. Company motto: “We’re number two, so we try harder.”
From BDO Stoy Hayward 33 thoughts.
January 2006: Apple’s market value overtakes that of Dell.
The news that Apple had overtaken Dell in the valuation stakes was sweet indeed for founder-evangelist Steve Jobs. Back in 1997, when the iconic computer-maker was at a nadir in its fortunes, Michael Dell was asked what he would do to fix Apple. “I’d shut it down,” he said, “and give the money back to shareholders.”
Apple has always been number one in the minds of many tech purists, but will the decision to go after pole position in terms of market share – as exemplified by the once-unthinkable move of building Intel chips into its boxes – eventually come back to haunt? It could be argued that, when it comes to long-term health, there is a lot to be said for coming second.
The longstanding rivalry between Coca-Cola and PepsiCo is surely the best illustration of how companies can lose their way if they’re entrenched at the top.
No longer motivated by growth, their goal is to maintain market share; and the qualities that got them up there – motivation, determination, efficiency, responsiveness – are replaced by inertia and complacency.
PepsiCo succeeded where Coca-Cola failed because it was much more responsive to consumer trends. Sales of carbonated drinks have been flat in developed markets for years, but – crucially – PepsiCo saw the writing on the wall and diversified into juices, bottled water and sports drinks. It now generates just 23 per cent of profits from the carbonated sector; Coca-Cola still relies on its famous drink for 85 per cent of earnings.
Perhaps the most startling thing is the speed of such reversals. Five years ago, Coca-Cola’s market cap stood at $128bn – three times that of PepsiCo. Their respective values now stand at around $98.4bn (PepsiCo) and $97.9bn (Coca-Cola).
Spirits might be low at Coke right now, but the new role of underdog could prove just the long-term stimulus it needs. Coke should take its lead from Avis – the highly successful silver medallist to Hertz in the car rental market. Company motto: “We’re number two, so we try harder.”
From BDO Stoy Hayward 33 thoughts.
pissed at being a fool
the time is 10.01 am.
Scene: Me in school
that's right, I am in school, but the two main leads in my gp are missing. Apparently, both overslept.
Hence I am so gonna put a disclaimer that all SMU students should NOT do project with this Year 1 SIS Freshie called Irvin Tan. Tough name to remember? nevermind, just remember him as the guy with tons of tattoos whom studied in the states before. Now that's easier for you to recognise his mug shot huh?
The other gal, watever, it's her last term so chances of you working with her are near zero.
Beware of Freshies.
Update at 11.16am: they are here, and still all that greeted me was PPT with Grey Words! Hello Freshie...do you not know that one shall never ever use GRey Fonts for PPT. imagine staring at grey wordings in white background on the projector screen in a dimly lit room...freshie freshie freshie...
Scene: Me in school
that's right, I am in school, but the two main leads in my gp are missing. Apparently, both overslept.
Hence I am so gonna put a disclaimer that all SMU students should NOT do project with this Year 1 SIS Freshie called Irvin Tan. Tough name to remember? nevermind, just remember him as the guy with tons of tattoos whom studied in the states before. Now that's easier for you to recognise his mug shot huh?
The other gal, watever, it's her last term so chances of you working with her are near zero.
Beware of Freshies.
Update at 11.16am: they are here, and still all that greeted me was PPT with Grey Words! Hello Freshie...do you not know that one shall never ever use GRey Fonts for PPT. imagine staring at grey wordings in white background on the projector screen in a dimly lit room...freshie freshie freshie...
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Newton's Laws
there are some things in one's life that causes one to never being able to fanthom the reason behind the action. It's like law of Physics simply do not apply and all the theories learnt goes haywired. Akin to the apple falling down and its not due to Gravity.
Being grouped with my mates for comms this term is one of the many mysteries in my life. And I thought I had a good group. The jokes on me, I'd guessed.
What is the reason of wanting to meet at 9 am in the bloody morning when the lesson do not start till 1pm? Why is it that no one bothers to do up their part in the NIGHT AT HOME instead of meeting up as a group, then do up their own respective parts. What happened to all those stuffs you were telling me that you practise, or did you merely practisED those stuffs that you preachED?
Fine, and i may fail to understand your reason for wanting to meet that early (though theorectically, it's not you but rather the other you that wanted to meet so early), but please tell me why the hell must is it be at nine in the MORNING?
Suggested Answer: So that we can come up with the introduction slides AND allocate the section to whom's presenting what from 9am till 1 pm?
thought to self then: aren't we just presenting our own parts?
Looks like I keep making same old mistakes of choosing wrong project mates for my comms projects. So glad that I have till date found 4 other freinds whom are also in Comms and I can actually look forward to working with, with an EXCLAMATION MARK!
Maybe I really do not get what both of you are trying to do. But i think it's simply because i do not think like you, and you. I wanted to say that it's all because "you suck" but then again, i seriously, from the bottom of my (broken) heart, think we rock as a group. Of friends, or rather, mere acquintences, that is.
Nonetheless, I do enjoy working with you, and you. But just not in the same group, ever again. Please.
Being grouped with my mates for comms this term is one of the many mysteries in my life. And I thought I had a good group. The jokes on me, I'd guessed.
What is the reason of wanting to meet at 9 am in the bloody morning when the lesson do not start till 1pm? Why is it that no one bothers to do up their part in the NIGHT AT HOME instead of meeting up as a group, then do up their own respective parts. What happened to all those stuffs you were telling me that you practise, or did you merely practisED those stuffs that you preachED?
Fine, and i may fail to understand your reason for wanting to meet that early (though theorectically, it's not you but rather the other you that wanted to meet so early), but please tell me why the hell must is it be at nine in the MORNING?
Suggested Answer: So that we can come up with the introduction slides AND allocate the section to whom's presenting what from 9am till 1 pm?
thought to self then: aren't we just presenting our own parts?
Looks like I keep making same old mistakes of choosing wrong project mates for my comms projects. So glad that I have till date found 4 other freinds whom are also in Comms and I can actually look forward to working with, with an EXCLAMATION MARK!
Maybe I really do not get what both of you are trying to do. But i think it's simply because i do not think like you, and you. I wanted to say that it's all because "you suck" but then again, i seriously, from the bottom of my (broken) heart, think we rock as a group. Of friends, or rather, mere acquintences, that is.
Nonetheless, I do enjoy working with you, and you. But just not in the same group, ever again. Please.
tales of the insomiac
Having insomnia, and just cannot get moi-self to doze off, which was weird simply because moi swear I did dozed off when Grey’s Anatomy was on the tube just now. So now, after counting more sheep than I actually will ever see in my entire lifetime, I am downing myself with some beer and hopefully, the mild alcohol will have some hypnotizing effect. As long as the ciggies and music are off, I think I should be able to doze off…hopefully.
Sigh, it’s approaching three in the morning (which is usually moi's bedtime) and I have to get up at 9(!!!) to get to school for my project meeting; who the hell meets so early on non schooling days?! Well, the perfect answer (luckily both are nice people, otherwise, I'll make sure I'll purr them to death with my nails!) lies in my project mates apparently. Anyway, had the exam today and I screwed it up. Think Ong will have such fun reading my crap filled with tons of white-out smudges.
Back to meeting tomorrow, why am I even meeting the two of them when they are the ones whom have not done anything, and I had compiled my parts over the National day holiday period last week. To trust one of them (the guy) to have to cheek to tell me I am efficient. Had to come up with excuse that I’m going to be busy packing for my exchange and running around island shopping for LAN cables this weekend which is why I need to do up my part earlier. Though I am already 90% done with all my exchange packing and purchases, I think this lame explanation proves to be way better than “That is because I am efficient and you are not, Retard!” Mental note to self: Never ever do projects with Freshie ever again!
Anyway, today was really bad, not only the screwed up exam, Mum stood me up for dinner and I had to go and settle dinner alone. That’s not the worse; I actually ate Ding Tai Feng all alone! Had a basket of 6 pieces Xiao Long Bao and the Fried Rice with Pork Chop. Gosh, so sad being the only child, it’s always like living the lonely life. Anyway, I am already so used to that, except in Singapore, where I have to eat all by my lonely miserable self.
Anyway, so sick of turning and tossing in bed that I snapped some shots of the view outside my room's windows of the streets late at night. If there’s one thing I love about my flat, it’s the view where nothing obstructs it and I need not close my curtains all the time to prevent moi's neighbor next block from gazing into my private affairs.
Oh, Mum said I grew fatter. GREAT. What a wonderful piece of news to hear coming out from one’s mother’s mouth. Talk about me and my mum having a great relationship.
Sigh, it’s approaching three in the morning (which is usually moi's bedtime) and I have to get up at 9(!!!) to get to school for my project meeting; who the hell meets so early on non schooling days?! Well, the perfect answer (luckily both are nice people, otherwise, I'll make sure I'll purr them to death with my nails!) lies in my project mates apparently. Anyway, had the exam today and I screwed it up. Think Ong will have such fun reading my crap filled with tons of white-out smudges.
Back to meeting tomorrow, why am I even meeting the two of them when they are the ones whom have not done anything, and I had compiled my parts over the National day holiday period last week. To trust one of them (the guy) to have to cheek to tell me I am efficient. Had to come up with excuse that I’m going to be busy packing for my exchange and running around island shopping for LAN cables this weekend which is why I need to do up my part earlier. Though I am already 90% done with all my exchange packing and purchases, I think this lame explanation proves to be way better than “That is because I am efficient and you are not, Retard!” Mental note to self: Never ever do projects with Freshie ever again!
Anyway, today was really bad, not only the screwed up exam, Mum stood me up for dinner and I had to go and settle dinner alone. That’s not the worse; I actually ate Ding Tai Feng all alone! Had a basket of 6 pieces Xiao Long Bao and the Fried Rice with Pork Chop. Gosh, so sad being the only child, it’s always like living the lonely life. Anyway, I am already so used to that, except in Singapore, where I have to eat all by my lonely miserable self.
Anyway, so sick of turning and tossing in bed that I snapped some shots of the view outside my room's windows of the streets late at night. If there’s one thing I love about my flat, it’s the view where nothing obstructs it and I need not close my curtains all the time to prevent moi's neighbor next block from gazing into my private affairs.
Oh, Mum said I grew fatter. GREAT. What a wonderful piece of news to hear coming out from one’s mother’s mouth. Talk about me and my mum having a great relationship.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
things i wanna do in Vienna
1. Enjoy all the grandeur of Vienna and the amazing architecture styles of Habsburg Dynasty
2. Try the chocolate cake that is so famous and yet i still do not know what it is called
3. Drink authentic Viennese Coffee in a coffee house
4. Watch Opera at the Vienna Opera House
5. Visit the Leichenstein(??) Museum
6. Visit Schronbrumn(??)
7.Not learning German and yet be able to communicate
2. Try the chocolate cake that is so famous and yet i still do not know what it is called
3. Drink authentic Viennese Coffee in a coffee house
4. Watch Opera at the Vienna Opera House
5. Visit the Leichenstein(??) Museum
6. Visit Schronbrumn(??)
7.Not learning German and yet be able to communicate
Saturday, August 12, 2006
lugging it all in
done with 85% of packing, so far the only things I need to pack are all those that goes into my Italian Trip Backpack, and also, the consolidation of 3 PJ pants. Speaking of which, moi went down to Carrefour yesterday and decided to buy a tin of Milo and dump into my luggage to SQ-ed over. Oh, and by the way, I wonder if the recent London-USA air terror will have any effect on my carry on languages.
Anyway, I'd packed in 2 additional bags; 1 for my short wk-end trips and the other can be used to fill with all my other barangs barangs when I come back. Currently contemplating if i should buy a new hard case Samsonite since this is already filled to the brim - what will happen when moi is done at the end of the trip with my shopping?
Anyway, I'd packed in 2 additional bags; 1 for my short wk-end trips and the other can be used to fill with all my other barangs barangs when I come back. Currently contemplating if i should buy a new hard case Samsonite since this is already filled to the brim - what will happen when moi is done at the end of the trip with my shopping?
fireworks...more like gunpowder smell
the pathetic view of the even more pathetic fireworks from Natuonal Day Parade from
moi's balcony... USA have way better fireworks as seen from my trip to East Side River Park in NYC last July 4th. Imagine in tiny NYC, there're 3 fireworks parade concurrently going on in 3 different parts of the city! And these are all sponsored by Macy's (can you imagine if there are actually more firework parade sponsored by other firms?) And mind you, each show last for 30 solid minutes, Was so dazzled by it!
Mental note: Save tons of $$ to go see July 4th fireworks again in future.
Friday, August 11, 2006
the cool hunter
i was snoooping ard and surfing the web endlessly and stumbled across this really cool website, ok, actually, it's this link on some random webpage that brought me to The Cool Hunter.
So if you guys are free, do drop by to http://www.thecoolhunter.net/home/
Their Travel section has some really cool and hip hotels under reviews tambien. And giving me a glimpse of how I can induge myself if I have tons and tons of Euro Dollars after my Italy trip, maybe a night or two in the following hip hotels will be amazing, do you not think so too?
So if you guys are free, do drop by to http://www.thecoolhunter.net/home/
Their Travel section has some really cool and hip hotels under reviews tambien. And giving me a glimpse of how I can induge myself if I have tons and tons of Euro Dollars after my Italy trip, maybe a night or two in the following hip hotels will be amazing, do you not think so too?
Thursday, August 10, 2006
in between project runway and real world
just downloaded and finished watching Heidi's Project Runway Cycle 3 where in the States, it's currently at episode 4. One contestant who is utterly arrogent and conniving got kicked out cos he'd got stacks of Patter Cutting Books with him in his possesion, which as Tim Gunn said: It's enough of a ground to be disqualified immediately. (maybe not eaxctly the same words, but along that line)
Pity fellow, he's kindda talented actually, having score highest marks and I suspect, Miss Klum actually thinks kindda highly of him and so does the Elle editor. Oh, speaking of which, their new tagline has changed from "Who'll be out next" from previous seasons to "Who'll be Auf'd next" Clever! haha...
Watching MTV's Real World Key West and don't really think there's enough eye candy...haha...The season in Austin is better I feel. But oh, the highlight of today's post s actually the water kettle I bought yesterday for 45 bucks (chose the Philips over the 22 buckaroos Iona kettle cos as always, I am a sucker for brand). I ain;t that rich to aford evian evaryday while in Europe ok, and I have this personal preference to boil my water before consumption if it ain't bottled water. Besides, I need the occasional hot water to make my Milo (Which I'll also be buying a huge tin and lugguage it over).
Packing's almost done, 65% along the way I guess, just need to seperate my Tees and jeans and Intimates into the Italy Pack and the Perm Bag. Haiz, think the only things I need for Italy will be 5 Tees, Toileteries, Intimates, PJs, Power chargers, and i think thats it...Wondering if i need the kettle...Maybe I'll bring along just so I can save $$ buying bottles water for the 10 day trip.
Pity fellow, he's kindda talented actually, having score highest marks and I suspect, Miss Klum actually thinks kindda highly of him and so does the Elle editor. Oh, speaking of which, their new tagline has changed from "Who'll be out next" from previous seasons to "Who'll be Auf'd next" Clever! haha...
Watching MTV's Real World Key West and don't really think there's enough eye candy...haha...The season in Austin is better I feel. But oh, the highlight of today's post s actually the water kettle I bought yesterday for 45 bucks (chose the Philips over the 22 buckaroos Iona kettle cos as always, I am a sucker for brand). I ain;t that rich to aford evian evaryday while in Europe ok, and I have this personal preference to boil my water before consumption if it ain't bottled water. Besides, I need the occasional hot water to make my Milo (Which I'll also be buying a huge tin and lugguage it over).
Packing's almost done, 65% along the way I guess, just need to seperate my Tees and jeans and Intimates into the Italy Pack and the Perm Bag. Haiz, think the only things I need for Italy will be 5 Tees, Toileteries, Intimates, PJs, Power chargers, and i think thats it...Wondering if i need the kettle...Maybe I'll bring along just so I can save $$ buying bottles water for the 10 day trip.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
my dream list
looking aroung my favourite websites and these few items caught my eyes...
Saw Mulberry's Roxanne on Lum Fung on TVB drama and man he carried the bag so well despite being a girl's bag- maybe cos he's got a strapping figure at 6.1" and is tanned like charcoal. Decided that a LV will suit me much better, hence the IVAN.
I started this crazy affair with the Kendall since my HKG trip last year. Ain't it a lovely piece of lugguage for my cabin? Simple, sophisticated, and classic!
This is one of the lateset design for LV, it actually started out as the Carry All under the Tobago line for Spring 2006, and LV decided to permanent-lize the item on its signature Monogram Canvas, whoch is great cos, I was sooo in love with the Tobago line but found it too freaking ex!
This is the Roxanne from Mulberry, a brand which I've started admiring few years back. It's a classical Brit leather house famed for its sift Napa leather, and this bag reached cult status after Miss Cocaine Snorting K. Moss was spotted with it! At the price, 595 POUNDS, man...it's not cheap!
Another great bag to carry on shoulders. also from Mulberry, and not a cheap price too, and yes! it is a man's bag, unlike Roxanne, this is listed under Men's Holdalls and look, I've got the advert as proff of it's manliness! haha...Mulberry has steep pricing!
Saw Mulberry's Roxanne on Lum Fung on TVB drama and man he carried the bag so well despite being a girl's bag- maybe cos he's got a strapping figure at 6.1" and is tanned like charcoal. Decided that a LV will suit me much better, hence the IVAN.
I started this crazy affair with the Kendall since my HKG trip last year. Ain't it a lovely piece of lugguage for my cabin? Simple, sophisticated, and classic!
This is one of the lateset design for LV, it actually started out as the Carry All under the Tobago line for Spring 2006, and LV decided to permanent-lize the item on its signature Monogram Canvas, whoch is great cos, I was sooo in love with the Tobago line but found it too freaking ex!
This is the Roxanne from Mulberry, a brand which I've started admiring few years back. It's a classical Brit leather house famed for its sift Napa leather, and this bag reached cult status after Miss Cocaine Snorting K. Moss was spotted with it! At the price, 595 POUNDS, man...it's not cheap!
Another great bag to carry on shoulders. also from Mulberry, and not a cheap price too, and yes! it is a man's bag, unlike Roxanne, this is listed under Men's Holdalls and look, I've got the advert as proff of it's manliness! haha...Mulberry has steep pricing!
hair dye, hair die...
had an impulsive thought after having lunch and buying my boiler (to boil water for my Exchange, duh?). Mum had to go to Watsons to replenish her Hoyu Hair Dye in color code C6, and after 30 min of me deciding if I should follow suit, I told her that I'll forget bout my hair dye, and signal her to the cashier. Haiz, blams the female hormones in me as just before the cashier scanned her product, I grabbed a bottle of Gatsby Rusty Brown that costs 10 buckaroos and proceeded to usher the cashier to include it in. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Mum rolling her eyes, I snared back. ha...wat a bitchy child I am...watever~
Before I proceed to tell you all the drama of my first DIY hair dye experience, I checked my post box and saw a post card from USA, thought it was sent wrongly and realised it was from Brittny. She went back to Sloane this summer as is the co-director over at small crafts. Cannot believe she still remember me! Ah...all those days of summer last year.
Anyway, made a mental note to drop her an email, and proceeded to dye my hair for the first time (as in DIY dah-lings...moi is simply too broke to afford the tai-tai experiance in a salon)
Anyway, realised it is very vey challenging to attemtp to dye one's own hair, especially the rear. In the end, Mum helped me and so, I sat on the toilet cover and let her do all the work for my head. Cos she's barely 5 foot 5, and considering I am roughly 5.10", even there were occasions when my head is tilted to high and she have difficulties. Of course, in my family, she'll just yelled at me in Canotonese which'll roughl;y translate to "Bloody hell, idiotic son! Why tilt your head so sideways/high up. You think I can reach huh?" Then she'll use her hands and push my head around till she get her desired position. Roll eyes...But I think that was kind of a great bonding session...haha, we both bitch so much and so loud...haha...
Anyways, after 40 minutes, and 10 bucks poorer, washed and have my new hair color, albeit it's a bit dark though that's what i wanted...not something overly blonde and bright.... Wat a fun day! haha...roll eyes, watever~
Before I proceed to tell you all the drama of my first DIY hair dye experience, I checked my post box and saw a post card from USA, thought it was sent wrongly and realised it was from Brittny. She went back to Sloane this summer as is the co-director over at small crafts. Cannot believe she still remember me! Ah...all those days of summer last year.
Anyway, made a mental note to drop her an email, and proceeded to dye my hair for the first time (as in DIY dah-lings...moi is simply too broke to afford the tai-tai experiance in a salon)
Anyway, realised it is very vey challenging to attemtp to dye one's own hair, especially the rear. In the end, Mum helped me and so, I sat on the toilet cover and let her do all the work for my head. Cos she's barely 5 foot 5, and considering I am roughly 5.10", even there were occasions when my head is tilted to high and she have difficulties. Of course, in my family, she'll just yelled at me in Canotonese which'll roughl;y translate to "Bloody hell, idiotic son! Why tilt your head so sideways/high up. You think I can reach huh?" Then she'll use her hands and push my head around till she get her desired position. Roll eyes...But I think that was kind of a great bonding session...haha, we both bitch so much and so loud...haha...
Anyways, after 40 minutes, and 10 bucks poorer, washed and have my new hair color, albeit it's a bit dark though that's what i wanted...not something overly blonde and bright.... Wat a fun day! haha...roll eyes, watever~
Monday, August 07, 2006
kaput
Had a really long day; met at 10am(!) in school to discuss comm project, with a project group which I initally thought was great; but alas, I think my grades will be screwed up again, even if I am only taking 1 bloody course (not to mention there is an exam!) My project mates aren’t exactly what I will call wonderful, the bitching is good, but seriously, working together is so another case.
Anyways, decided to pop by M&S after lesson to snoop on the cereal, which equates to checking out if the bi-weekly shipment of my Triple Chocolate Crunch are now in stores; having such a tremendous craving for these wonderful grains! Turns out the cereal will be the only good news happening to me today, as There ARE indeed shipment of my favorite cereals in stores. Immediately picked up 2 boxes, simply because my wallet cannot tahan anymore cereals that costs a whooping 8 buckaroos for a box that gives moi less than 5 servings.
Met “Jeremy’s Girlfriend” and my SMU-Bishan bitching buddy, the wonderfully stick thin anorexic looking Lauren and think she appears much more ravishing! Caught up with 2 months on bitching about her pre-BKK trip non existent love life and post-BKK trip blossoming love life with a tall guy (whom I caught a brief glance when he came to pick Laurie dah-ling for dinner), and of course, Lauren updated me on her BKK trip (with her friends and no, the new guy in her life did not tag along), and we both agreed that BKK is no longer good and conducive for shopping. Creo quiero ir de comprar en otra (=I think I want to go shopping in another) country next time round!
So happy for Lauren, and of course, I am highly anticipating all the drama when her ex (whom she still shares a great amazingly wonderful platonic friendship) and her current boy toy meets in SMU! (Ex will be in this yr, with lover boy next yr) Dear Laurie, like I said, unlike Ursula (yes as in the name of Lil’ Mermaid Ariel EVIL stepmother) Laura whom was in “blink and you’ll miss” split second on last year’s Miss Singapore, you’ll get all the attention even without resorting to participating in a pageant! Not to mention you are kind of a poster girl for SMU website on their Community Services Webpage! Take that you fake-American-twang-Ursula-whose-role-is-credited-as-Maid-No.-2-in-the-school-stage-play!
And what a day with surprises it was para mi hoy(=for me today)! Saw Adeline desperately looking for a seat at MOS Burger and asked her to take our seat in MacDonald’s instead. Had a brief chat and soon parted way, and while on the bus, bumped into this old school mate and neighborhood mate of mine whom I’d not seen in ages, like in years! Chatted at bus stop (we both alight at the same one) and it is good catching up the good old times though mostly, our conversation revolves around school stuffs which are deemed more current than old nostalgic memories.
Finally reached home for Mum’s brewed sharks fin soup in superior chicken stock that tasted so good, it could have come out of the Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant! I am so glad to have a Cantonese mother whoprovides me with the best home cooked food I’ll ever taste!
But! Heard from mum that my nosy aunty (and for the record, I hate my Dad’s side of the family) had called up earlier to inform that Dad has some stone thingy in his stomach and apparently, he had been in pain for some days now.
Instead of starting to go all drama, which I usually like to behave in my everyday life, I reckoned that Dad’s a grown man, and being someone who’s always very particular anxious about his own health,( I mean, he just went to BKK for health screening at the posh hospital there 2 months back and it was from there that the doc told him abouth the stones. Besides, the last I heard when Mum called, he had been to China, Australia and Indonesian within the last 2 months after BKK for business trips, which of course are all actually more of a leisure nature.) he'll surely know wat to do for his follow up.
Mum was cool but I do sense some fear in her, she’s worried that he may be down with some tumor as she rationalizes that stones will not be that hurting and painful for a human being.
This is so freaky because Mum was just telling me to check the home title deed just less than 5 days ago to see if my name is included in it, but it turned out stating Dad as the sole owner, and now, it really worries us both. I mean, will we have a roof over us if he just goes kaput? Mum had apparently told him to include my name in the deed, since Mum’s Malaysian and she cannot be placed in the deed, many years back and all she got was Dad yelling, ok, maybe not yell, but telling, her that she’s cursing him to die, and the other reason being that if my name were to be included in the deed, then I will not be allowed another chance to buy my own flat in the future since no one citizen is allowed to own two flats. Just goes to show how important and essential planning for the unexpected is these days...
So typical of Dad – self centered and only thinks about himself, which in certain aspects, I do take after. He never plans for emergencies and always never thinks about others. Even at my age 5 years ago, I started putting Mum’s name as beneficiary for all of my investment and insurances; one can never know and expect what will happen to him/her split second later! Once again: Importance of contingency planning!!
Going to call him early tomorrow to find out more details, and hopefully, I will continue to have a shelter over my roof.
Anyways, decided to pop by M&S after lesson to snoop on the cereal, which equates to checking out if the bi-weekly shipment of my Triple Chocolate Crunch are now in stores; having such a tremendous craving for these wonderful grains! Turns out the cereal will be the only good news happening to me today, as There ARE indeed shipment of my favorite cereals in stores. Immediately picked up 2 boxes, simply because my wallet cannot tahan anymore cereals that costs a whooping 8 buckaroos for a box that gives moi less than 5 servings.
Met “Jeremy’s Girlfriend” and my SMU-Bishan bitching buddy, the wonderfully stick thin anorexic looking Lauren and think she appears much more ravishing! Caught up with 2 months on bitching about her pre-BKK trip non existent love life and post-BKK trip blossoming love life with a tall guy (whom I caught a brief glance when he came to pick Laurie dah-ling for dinner), and of course, Lauren updated me on her BKK trip (with her friends and no, the new guy in her life did not tag along), and we both agreed that BKK is no longer good and conducive for shopping. Creo quiero ir de comprar en otra (=I think I want to go shopping in another) country next time round!
So happy for Lauren, and of course, I am highly anticipating all the drama when her ex (whom she still shares a great amazingly wonderful platonic friendship) and her current boy toy meets in SMU! (Ex will be in this yr, with lover boy next yr) Dear Laurie, like I said, unlike Ursula (yes as in the name of Lil’ Mermaid Ariel EVIL stepmother) Laura whom was in “blink and you’ll miss” split second on last year’s Miss Singapore, you’ll get all the attention even without resorting to participating in a pageant! Not to mention you are kind of a poster girl for SMU website on their Community Services Webpage! Take that you fake-American-twang-Ursula-whose-role-is-credited-as-Maid-No.-2-in-the-school-stage-play!
And what a day with surprises it was para mi hoy(=for me today)! Saw Adeline desperately looking for a seat at MOS Burger and asked her to take our seat in MacDonald’s instead. Had a brief chat and soon parted way, and while on the bus, bumped into this old school mate and neighborhood mate of mine whom I’d not seen in ages, like in years! Chatted at bus stop (we both alight at the same one) and it is good catching up the good old times though mostly, our conversation revolves around school stuffs which are deemed more current than old nostalgic memories.
Finally reached home for Mum’s brewed sharks fin soup in superior chicken stock that tasted so good, it could have come out of the Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant! I am so glad to have a Cantonese mother whoprovides me with the best home cooked food I’ll ever taste!
But! Heard from mum that my nosy aunty (and for the record, I hate my Dad’s side of the family) had called up earlier to inform that Dad has some stone thingy in his stomach and apparently, he had been in pain for some days now.
Instead of starting to go all drama, which I usually like to behave in my everyday life, I reckoned that Dad’s a grown man, and being someone who’s always very particular anxious about his own health,( I mean, he just went to BKK for health screening at the posh hospital there 2 months back and it was from there that the doc told him abouth the stones. Besides, the last I heard when Mum called, he had been to China, Australia and Indonesian within the last 2 months after BKK for business trips, which of course are all actually more of a leisure nature.) he'll surely know wat to do for his follow up.
Mum was cool but I do sense some fear in her, she’s worried that he may be down with some tumor as she rationalizes that stones will not be that hurting and painful for a human being.
This is so freaky because Mum was just telling me to check the home title deed just less than 5 days ago to see if my name is included in it, but it turned out stating Dad as the sole owner, and now, it really worries us both. I mean, will we have a roof over us if he just goes kaput? Mum had apparently told him to include my name in the deed, since Mum’s Malaysian and she cannot be placed in the deed, many years back and all she got was Dad yelling, ok, maybe not yell, but telling, her that she’s cursing him to die, and the other reason being that if my name were to be included in the deed, then I will not be allowed another chance to buy my own flat in the future since no one citizen is allowed to own two flats. Just goes to show how important and essential planning for the unexpected is these days...
So typical of Dad – self centered and only thinks about himself, which in certain aspects, I do take after. He never plans for emergencies and always never thinks about others. Even at my age 5 years ago, I started putting Mum’s name as beneficiary for all of my investment and insurances; one can never know and expect what will happen to him/her split second later! Once again: Importance of contingency planning!!
Going to call him early tomorrow to find out more details, and hopefully, I will continue to have a shelter over my roof.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
HR Hell
Came upon this on BDO Stoy Hayward (UK BDO site) monthly 33 thoughts feature.
To: All employees
It has come to our attention that some members of staff are making politically incorrect comments to fellow employees, and even business contacts.
Detailed below are some general guidelines in this matter, together with a short-form dictionary of correct usage. Please note that any employee found to have contravened these guidelines will be given immediate leave to explore external career opportunities.
Staff are asked to assess the group of people you’re speaking with and at least make some effort to gauge who might be offended by what. If employees insist on cracking jokes, please select jokes that seem appropriate for the group at hand. The firm will no longer accept the often-used excuse that your immediate line manager was the one who told you the joke in the first place.
Dictionary
Please note that you should not describe an employee as ‘lazy’. The person concerned should be referred to as ‘motivationally deficient’.
Someone does not ‘fail’ – they ‘achieve a deficiency’.
A colleague is not ‘dishonest’ – he or she is ‘ethically disoriented’.
Please do not use the word ‘wrong’ – try ‘differently logical’.
Only situations are ugly. People are not. Use ‘cosmetically different’.
For ‘unemployed’, say ‘involuntarily leisured’.
‘Spendthrift’ – ‘negative saver’.
‘Ignorant’ – ‘knowledge-based non-possessor’.
‘Unsophisticated’ – ‘socially malformed’.
Some of our male colleagues have complained of being referred to in a politically incorrect manner, and staff are asked to adhere to the following:
A male member of staff does not have 'a fat beer gut’.
He has developed ‘a liquid grain storage facility’.He does not ‘stink’ – he suffers from ‘hygiene aversion syndrome’.
He does not tell ‘endless, boring, unfunny jokes’, but is simply ‘humourly over-confident’.
And finally, staff should be respectful when speaking to female colleagues, too.
Please note that a female staffer is never a ‘moaner’ – she is merely ‘vocally unappreciative’.
Thank you for your co-operation.
To: All employees
It has come to our attention that some members of staff are making politically incorrect comments to fellow employees, and even business contacts.
Detailed below are some general guidelines in this matter, together with a short-form dictionary of correct usage. Please note that any employee found to have contravened these guidelines will be given immediate leave to explore external career opportunities.
Staff are asked to assess the group of people you’re speaking with and at least make some effort to gauge who might be offended by what. If employees insist on cracking jokes, please select jokes that seem appropriate for the group at hand. The firm will no longer accept the often-used excuse that your immediate line manager was the one who told you the joke in the first place.
Dictionary
Please note that you should not describe an employee as ‘lazy’. The person concerned should be referred to as ‘motivationally deficient’.
Someone does not ‘fail’ – they ‘achieve a deficiency’.
A colleague is not ‘dishonest’ – he or she is ‘ethically disoriented’.
Please do not use the word ‘wrong’ – try ‘differently logical’.
Only situations are ugly. People are not. Use ‘cosmetically different’.
For ‘unemployed’, say ‘involuntarily leisured’.
‘Spendthrift’ – ‘negative saver’.
‘Ignorant’ – ‘knowledge-based non-possessor’.
‘Unsophisticated’ – ‘socially malformed’.
Some of our male colleagues have complained of being referred to in a politically incorrect manner, and staff are asked to adhere to the following:
A male member of staff does not have 'a fat beer gut’.
He has developed ‘a liquid grain storage facility’.He does not ‘stink’ – he suffers from ‘hygiene aversion syndrome’.
He does not tell ‘endless, boring, unfunny jokes’, but is simply ‘humourly over-confident’.
And finally, staff should be respectful when speaking to female colleagues, too.
Please note that a female staffer is never a ‘moaner’ – she is merely ‘vocally unappreciative’.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Extreme Ends and a Wonderful Friend
Met up with Van on Fri for dinner and to bombard her about her time in Italy. From all that she has said, I’d think she really had a great and amazing time in Europe. The greatest piece, or rather, pieces of news must be that she :
a) bought herself a pair of Ferragammo shoes for 160 Euros (!) , now…even moi who has shallow materialistic cravings, I’ll not buy something that costs so expensive (serious!) and I doubt I’ll be that high class to buy from boutiques, which explains all those branded stuffs I want must all come from one source – The Mall factory outlet near Florence, in fact factpry outlets are de facto reason for my purchases.
b) She bought pair of Gucci shades for her sister (also, NOT from outlet) and it was the wrong pair. Of course, the best part is that the expression from Van’s sis, though disappointed, cannot be shown directly to Van, constipated forced smile perhaps?
c) realised that wine and alcohol is great!
Best part of the whole evening is the pressie she got para mi - Chocolates! Gosh, those chocs are so good! Europeans really do make great chocos, and Latin Americans too, actually. Here’re the pics of the chocs:
The next part of my post will be that I just MSNed with Marc and Wanwen, and you may ask, why am I bringing this up. Well, Wanwen is now in Argentina (for the second time in under 12 months!) with Sa’adia for the Latin American Forum, and Marc is in Madrid, the last stop on his 3 months backpacking trip across Europe. Marc was suppose to go for exchange in Norway same time as me, but cos he had to leave for Europe to tour with his amigos, he was unable to leave his passport with the Norwegian Embassy for his visa- who needs exchange when he can tour?!
Anyways, the funny part is that Wanwen and Sa’adia is experiencing harsh winter in the Southern Hemisphere with temperature dipping to 1 degrees at night, and Marc is telling me how hot Madrid is (trust, me, Spain is so not cool in Summer-been there, done that!) But I guess the wonderful thing in Argentina now is that they either can go to Bariloche for a great Ski Trip or even venture to Patagonia for icebergs, and with the extremely favorable exchange rates, how I wish I am there with time enjoying a glass of wine from Mendoza and eating my Bife de Lomo! Argentinean Beef is the best in the world! Done jugoso, esta muy bien! Glenn’s students for the end year BSM there will so enjoy themselves!
All for now, gotta get back to my packing…currently digging all my cold wear out.
a) bought herself a pair of Ferragammo shoes for 160 Euros (!) , now…even moi who has shallow materialistic cravings, I’ll not buy something that costs so expensive (serious!) and I doubt I’ll be that high class to buy from boutiques, which explains all those branded stuffs I want must all come from one source – The Mall factory outlet near Florence, in fact factpry outlets are de facto reason for my purchases.
b) She bought pair of Gucci shades for her sister (also, NOT from outlet) and it was the wrong pair. Of course, the best part is that the expression from Van’s sis, though disappointed, cannot be shown directly to Van, constipated forced smile perhaps?
c) realised that wine and alcohol is great!
Best part of the whole evening is the pressie she got para mi - Chocolates! Gosh, those chocs are so good! Europeans really do make great chocos, and Latin Americans too, actually. Here’re the pics of the chocs:
The next part of my post will be that I just MSNed with Marc and Wanwen, and you may ask, why am I bringing this up. Well, Wanwen is now in Argentina (for the second time in under 12 months!) with Sa’adia for the Latin American Forum, and Marc is in Madrid, the last stop on his 3 months backpacking trip across Europe. Marc was suppose to go for exchange in Norway same time as me, but cos he had to leave for Europe to tour with his amigos, he was unable to leave his passport with the Norwegian Embassy for his visa- who needs exchange when he can tour?!
Anyways, the funny part is that Wanwen and Sa’adia is experiencing harsh winter in the Southern Hemisphere with temperature dipping to 1 degrees at night, and Marc is telling me how hot Madrid is (trust, me, Spain is so not cool in Summer-been there, done that!) But I guess the wonderful thing in Argentina now is that they either can go to Bariloche for a great Ski Trip or even venture to Patagonia for icebergs, and with the extremely favorable exchange rates, how I wish I am there with time enjoying a glass of wine from Mendoza and eating my Bife de Lomo! Argentinean Beef is the best in the world! Done jugoso, esta muy bien! Glenn’s students for the end year BSM there will so enjoy themselves!
All for now, gotta get back to my packing…currently digging all my cold wear out.
Friday, August 04, 2006
prior to my beauty sleep
Van is finally back from her exchange from Italy Milan. Great, finally meeting up with her later for dinner.
Anyway, started my packing on Wed night, and as usual, i am gonna do it in batches. Firstly, I shall lay out all my toileteries on my mahjong table (which explains why Kiyo and gang cannot come over to my place for any future mahjong sessions since the table is gonna be utilised) and I have decided that since I am gonna bring with me a Samsonite Hardcase and my Bagpack, I'll have to do 2 diff packages; one for the bagpack which I'll bring with me to Italy for the 10 day trip, and place all those big bottl;es and clothes in the Hardcase in my Vienna Hostel. Hopefully, this plan will work.
So far, here's my list:
Toileteries:shampoo, conditioner cum grooming aid, bath gel
Facial: Toner, Moisturizer, pimple cream, cotton pad, earbuds
Grooming: Comb, Shaver, both electric and razor, shaving cream, perfum
contact lens and solution
Specs.
10 Tees
2 Jean
1 long sleeze white shirt (it'll nevcer go wrong and matches everything)
Suade Blazer
3 pair of PJ with 2 long pants
Internal Wear 15 of them
Small bottle of detergent
Socks, 10
1 long sleeve tee
1 hoodie
1 Sweater thick
1 Sweater Thin
1 Feather Fluffy Jacket
Nail Cutter and buffer
1 Berms
Bedsheet, pillow cases and Quilt Cover
Hmm...think thats about it...
ayway, here a pic of what I'd packed on Wed.
Ok, i know i am vain...but they are all essentials! that said, i do not use Kiehls at home k, too ex! all these were bought since last yr, impulsive buys and now's the chance to use them all!
one will never go wrong with Hermes!
Ok, and you thought that is the end! after going with you all out there my packing list, i need to also inform you all of my shopping list! haha...so are you ready?
Etro Shirts
Dolce Pants
Gucci Loafers
Prada Boots
Ferragamo Dress Shoes
Missoni Sweater
LV Wallet
H&M Tees (Serious...)
M&S Food
Think the first 3 will already bust my budget!
Anyway, started my packing on Wed night, and as usual, i am gonna do it in batches. Firstly, I shall lay out all my toileteries on my mahjong table (which explains why Kiyo and gang cannot come over to my place for any future mahjong sessions since the table is gonna be utilised) and I have decided that since I am gonna bring with me a Samsonite Hardcase and my Bagpack, I'll have to do 2 diff packages; one for the bagpack which I'll bring with me to Italy for the 10 day trip, and place all those big bottl;es and clothes in the Hardcase in my Vienna Hostel. Hopefully, this plan will work.
So far, here's my list:
Toileteries:shampoo, conditioner cum grooming aid, bath gel
Facial: Toner, Moisturizer, pimple cream, cotton pad, earbuds
Grooming: Comb, Shaver, both electric and razor, shaving cream, perfum
contact lens and solution
Specs.
10 Tees
2 Jean
1 long sleeze white shirt (it'll nevcer go wrong and matches everything)
Suade Blazer
3 pair of PJ with 2 long pants
Internal Wear 15 of them
Small bottle of detergent
Socks, 10
1 long sleeve tee
1 hoodie
1 Sweater thick
1 Sweater Thin
1 Feather Fluffy Jacket
Nail Cutter and buffer
1 Berms
Bedsheet, pillow cases and Quilt Cover
Hmm...think thats about it...
ayway, here a pic of what I'd packed on Wed.
Ok, i know i am vain...but they are all essentials! that said, i do not use Kiehls at home k, too ex! all these were bought since last yr, impulsive buys and now's the chance to use them all!
one will never go wrong with Hermes!
Ok, and you thought that is the end! after going with you all out there my packing list, i need to also inform you all of my shopping list! haha...so are you ready?
Etro Shirts
Dolce Pants
Gucci Loafers
Prada Boots
Ferragamo Dress Shoes
Missoni Sweater
LV Wallet
H&M Tees (Serious...)
M&S Food
Think the first 3 will already bust my budget!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
tired mind
was supposed to update on dinner with ling, don, peiyi, bunny over at tian tian hot pot at tan quee lan street (the place where the advert goes: the soup here is really tasty...sorta)
anyway, like i mentioned, went to trry out the place last friday(?) and they have a very interesting pricing system. Buffet (but certain itmes can only be ordered three times...raro) costs 16.80 person and they charged extra for siup, at 10 bucks per pot. Mum said that they are such rip offs cos obviously one'll need soup to have steamboat. Totally agree.
So, here're the photos of before and after of our hotpot.
Warning: Unlkike slimming centers with photoshopped after photos, the hotpot do not look exactly, well, nice and bonita, after we 5 gone through it.
Chose fish head canotonese styled soup and mah la spicy soup.
Not a pretty sight...yah yah, the watermelon and whatever you see closest to the camera is from me.
anyway, like i mentioned, went to trry out the place last friday(?) and they have a very interesting pricing system. Buffet (but certain itmes can only be ordered three times...raro) costs 16.80 person and they charged extra for siup, at 10 bucks per pot. Mum said that they are such rip offs cos obviously one'll need soup to have steamboat. Totally agree.
So, here're the photos of before and after of our hotpot.
Warning: Unlkike slimming centers with photoshopped after photos, the hotpot do not look exactly, well, nice and bonita, after we 5 gone through it.
Chose fish head canotonese styled soup and mah la spicy soup.
Not a pretty sight...yah yah, the watermelon and whatever you see closest to the camera is from me.
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