The first post after the Big Move.
I have been so stressed out with the move and all things related to the move that my eczema flared up big time and turned into an infection.
I was frankly, caught by surprise that this condition - eczema infection - does exists after the long-awaited visit to Dr Tan at the National Skin Centre. Thankfully he confidently said my condition is 90% infection and nothing else.
Today is Mid Autumn's Festival - a year after MiMi's passing. Festivals are becoming somewhat unbearable to me - mainly because my folks are no longer around and I do not have what one would constitute a 'family'.
Then I realised we can take control of things to feel better and so, we had an impromptu family gathering at Aunt's place. I am supposed to head to Aunt's for my weekly herbal soup and since it is Mid Autumn's, I round up Sis and Uncle as well.
Festivals are also times when we reminisince and remember. Tonight, it dawned upon me that MiMi is dearly missed. At almost every point during dinner or during the mooncake tasting session we would relate something to her. The funny moments, her famous quips and the trying times when she fell ill, we spoke about it at length.
Happy Mid Autumn's, everyone. And I shall go out to my patio now and try to find the moon.
till later.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Counting Down...
The date is officially set: 9 September 2010.
The day of the Big Move. The move from Hougang to Hillview Avenue, bidding farewell to 4 years of memories in this quaint estate and hello to..... I don't know ?!
When friends first heard that I am moving, the first reaction they had were, "AGAIN?"
Yes, again. But I hope it will not be for the next 5 years at least, in view that this apartment is meant to be a mid-to-long term money-making strategy.
In the last decade, (seriously!) I was like a normad, moving every 2 to 3 years. If it was not moving house, it was moving the office. I become an expert with the pre-move preparation but I most hated the packing.
I still do, to this day. No kidding.
And in less than 2 weeks to the big move, I am only about 10% done packing the stuff into boxes, because I am still in the midst of 'de-cluttering'. And my! Mummy did have a lot of clutter in this 4-room!
I shall trudge on....slowly but surely, I will get there.
In the meantime, I just remembered I need to log on to Singtel to apply for the re-direction of the telco lines.
till later.
The day of the Big Move. The move from Hougang to Hillview Avenue, bidding farewell to 4 years of memories in this quaint estate and hello to..... I don't know ?!
When friends first heard that I am moving, the first reaction they had were, "AGAIN?"
Yes, again. But I hope it will not be for the next 5 years at least, in view that this apartment is meant to be a mid-to-long term money-making strategy.
In the last decade, (seriously!) I was like a normad, moving every 2 to 3 years. If it was not moving house, it was moving the office. I become an expert with the pre-move preparation but I most hated the packing.
I still do, to this day. No kidding.
And in less than 2 weeks to the big move, I am only about 10% done packing the stuff into boxes, because I am still in the midst of 'de-cluttering'. And my! Mummy did have a lot of clutter in this 4-room!
I shall trudge on....slowly but surely, I will get there.
In the meantime, I just remembered I need to log on to Singtel to apply for the re-direction of the telco lines.
till later.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Off to Cambodia.....
In less than 48 hours I will be off to what The Boss officially calls it... the company Family Day.
Hur hur hur....
It is that time of the year where the company rewards the staff for a job well done for the previous year and packs everyone off for a short retreat. This year, the destination chosen was Phnom Penh, Cambodia and unlike previous years, we decided on a slightly longer retreat - we will be gone for 4 days!
From the time the management gave the go-ahead for Phnom Penh, the girls will take over the plannin, playing tour consultants and tour leaders while the management becomes tourists. I see it as an 'inhouse team building' exercise and it is also a good opportunity to assess the capabilities of the team.
And I must say, over the years, they have improved by leaps and bounds. Especially when it comes to setting the 'theme' for the getaway, they never failed to stress me out trying to comply.
The first year, we went away for 3 days to Bangkok. They decided that, in line with the corporate color, everyone must wear a green on the day tour to Kanchanaburi. That was relatively simple, as I happened to have the one-and-only piece in my wardrobe.
The following year, we decided on a beach holiday so Phuket was the desination of choice. And the girls then set the theme as 'Hawaiian'. I remember going "What the...." at the pre-departure briefing. In the name of fun, I found a very 'Hawaiian' top from Island shop, bought another 6 pieces and made all the girls wear it.
We all looked like Miss Beach Holiday Phuket in our similar get-ups during our island tour of James Bond Island. We are probably on Youtube, uploaded by curious Indian tourists who thought we were doing a MTV on the island.
This year, the girls upped the ante and set a very challenging theme - Love the 80s.
LOVE THE 80s ????
Once again, I felt the stress overwhelming me. For the life of me, what exactly is 80s fashion?
My Resident Designer tried to help: "Think Boy George". Another friend offered, "How about the wife's explosion hairdo? It's somewhere in the store but I am sure we can find it for your party."
My challenge is - how do I balance obiang-ness with a touch of class?
Thank God Zara is on sale and they brought in retro fashion (which seems to be in fashion now) in their basic line. In 2 hours, I managed to load up on the necessary gear that will see me through Day 1 and Day 3 - the 'set' days where we must dress according to the theme - and some S$250 poorer.
Pics soon, for amusement.
till later.
Hur hur hur....
It is that time of the year where the company rewards the staff for a job well done for the previous year and packs everyone off for a short retreat. This year, the destination chosen was Phnom Penh, Cambodia and unlike previous years, we decided on a slightly longer retreat - we will be gone for 4 days!
From the time the management gave the go-ahead for Phnom Penh, the girls will take over the plannin, playing tour consultants and tour leaders while the management becomes tourists. I see it as an 'inhouse team building' exercise and it is also a good opportunity to assess the capabilities of the team.
And I must say, over the years, they have improved by leaps and bounds. Especially when it comes to setting the 'theme' for the getaway, they never failed to stress me out trying to comply.
The first year, we went away for 3 days to Bangkok. They decided that, in line with the corporate color, everyone must wear a green on the day tour to Kanchanaburi. That was relatively simple, as I happened to have the one-and-only piece in my wardrobe.
The following year, we decided on a beach holiday so Phuket was the desination of choice. And the girls then set the theme as 'Hawaiian'. I remember going "What the...." at the pre-departure briefing. In the name of fun, I found a very 'Hawaiian' top from Island shop, bought another 6 pieces and made all the girls wear it.
We all looked like Miss Beach Holiday Phuket in our similar get-ups during our island tour of James Bond Island. We are probably on Youtube, uploaded by curious Indian tourists who thought we were doing a MTV on the island.
This year, the girls upped the ante and set a very challenging theme - Love the 80s.
LOVE THE 80s ????
Once again, I felt the stress overwhelming me. For the life of me, what exactly is 80s fashion?
My Resident Designer tried to help: "Think Boy George". Another friend offered, "How about the wife's explosion hairdo? It's somewhere in the store but I am sure we can find it for your party."
My challenge is - how do I balance obiang-ness with a touch of class?
Thank God Zara is on sale and they brought in retro fashion (which seems to be in fashion now) in their basic line. In 2 hours, I managed to load up on the necessary gear that will see me through Day 1 and Day 3 - the 'set' days where we must dress according to the theme - and some S$250 poorer.
Pics soon, for amusement.
till later.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Sick.
After constant nagging at the girls in the office about keeping well, it became my turn to fall sick.
It started off with a dry scratchy throat and by Day 2, I was purging thick yellow bloody phlegm. Along with it I felt tired all the time. Especially when driving, I would feel very sleepy and be yawning away.
And so, I paid a visit to my GP.
The diagnosis: Flu with sinusitis.
Apparently the flu virus these days has mutated to a form where one does not experience the usual symptoms. I, for one, did not experience running fever or running nose (instead I merely had the nasal block); and next in line to the flu symptom is, surprisingly, gastric flu.
And doctors these days do not prescribe lozenges for sore throats because it is deemed to do more harm than good by introducing the virus into the stomach, leading to once again, gastric flu!
And so, I left the clinic with 5 types of medicine: antibiotics for the throat, meds for the inflammation of the throat, muscle relaxant to ease the nasal area so as to prevent the mild sinusitis condition to a chronic one; some meds for running nose, just in case, and another I can't remember for what.
Along with it, 1 day's medical leave so that I can sleep.
Sleep I did, some 13 hours of it; so much so that I became groggy from sleeping. But at least the meds worked. The gangrene-colored phlegm has cleared up and i feel less tired. At the very least I could focus on getting the cabinets cleared out for tomorrow's recyling bags collection.
Ok, time for meds again!
till later.
It started off with a dry scratchy throat and by Day 2, I was purging thick yellow bloody phlegm. Along with it I felt tired all the time. Especially when driving, I would feel very sleepy and be yawning away.
And so, I paid a visit to my GP.
The diagnosis: Flu with sinusitis.
Apparently the flu virus these days has mutated to a form where one does not experience the usual symptoms. I, for one, did not experience running fever or running nose (instead I merely had the nasal block); and next in line to the flu symptom is, surprisingly, gastric flu.
And doctors these days do not prescribe lozenges for sore throats because it is deemed to do more harm than good by introducing the virus into the stomach, leading to once again, gastric flu!
And so, I left the clinic with 5 types of medicine: antibiotics for the throat, meds for the inflammation of the throat, muscle relaxant to ease the nasal area so as to prevent the mild sinusitis condition to a chronic one; some meds for running nose, just in case, and another I can't remember for what.
Along with it, 1 day's medical leave so that I can sleep.
Sleep I did, some 13 hours of it; so much so that I became groggy from sleeping. But at least the meds worked. The gangrene-colored phlegm has cleared up and i feel less tired. At the very least I could focus on getting the cabinets cleared out for tomorrow's recyling bags collection.
Ok, time for meds again!
till later.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Turning Dull?
I think so. I noticed I haven't had anything interesting to write about of late.
If I am not at work, I am holed up at home catching up on much needed me-time or driving to some ulu warehouse to seek out value buys. Social life is almost nil, much less golf. School term has started and I have not met Godson J and family since a month ago.
Hmmm...... this isn't good and I don't like it. Sighz...
till later.
If I am not at work, I am holed up at home catching up on much needed me-time or driving to some ulu warehouse to seek out value buys. Social life is almost nil, much less golf. School term has started and I have not met Godson J and family since a month ago.
Hmmm...... this isn't good and I don't like it. Sighz...
till later.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Corian versus Prada?
Sis and I have been having this discussion over my decision to 'upgrade' my countertops to the atas Corian - by duPont - for my 2 bathroom counters as well as the kitchen. To cut a long story short, here's the condensed version:
Me:
I have decided to 'upgrade' the countertops. For the 2 toilets as well as the kitchen. Bill gave me the estimated about S$600 each for the toilets and up to S$2k for the kitchen.
Sis:
WHAT? Wow, that's a lot .... ask him to use the equivalent lah... LG or something, Made in Korea. Just like our countertop. It's just as nice but not so expensive.
Me:
Huh...errr... but ....
Sis:
S$2000 odd, here and there, it adds up. S$2000 can buy you a Prada or LV bag already. Don't be such a spendthrift lah...you can save all these money.
Me:
Sigh. I take it as an investment lor. Will close my eyes and not buy expensive bags for the next few months! hahaha..
Sis:
Ok, you close your eyes when I show you my new Prada bag next time, k?
Me:
............................(speechless)
This debate of 'Corian versus Prada' has been bugging me for weeks on end, because on the one hand, I believe in investing in quality- Corian's a harder and lasting surface, antifungal, antibacterial and no ugly joints.
On the other, I cringe at the thought of having to pay up to S$3k + for such an 'investment'. Not that I will use the savings for another branded bag but this amount of money also translates to like, ... 10 months of my condo maintenance fees?
AND THEN TODAY.......................... I finally to put an end to it.
My original selection of the Corian 'Green tea' kitchen countertop is longer in production; which means I had to select another range. I thought to myself, might as well, I can then seek out the alternative cheaper range, provided I do not get murdered by my contractor.
Bill is a very straightforward contractor and I adore working with him. As I sat down in his office, he brought out the Corian samples and told me candidly, "You may like to choose from here, because this range of samples are currently on promotion."
WAH!!! Atas countertop also have Great Singapore Sale! *loves*
Upon my selection of 'Linen' for the kitchen, he quickly worked out the additional amount I have to pay on top of the current cost. And it amounts to...........................an extra S$880, for 2 bathroom countertops and for the kitchen!!
Cheaper than a Fendi Forever!!
I left his office feeling rather jubilant and happy. I didn't bargain with him any further and signed off his quotation. All's done now except to confirm on the date of commencement.
I is happy!
till later.
Me:
I have decided to 'upgrade' the countertops. For the 2 toilets as well as the kitchen. Bill gave me the estimated about S$600 each for the toilets and up to S$2k for the kitchen.
Sis:
WHAT? Wow, that's a lot .... ask him to use the equivalent lah... LG or something, Made in Korea. Just like our countertop. It's just as nice but not so expensive.
Me:
Huh...errr... but ....
Sis:
S$2000 odd, here and there, it adds up. S$2000 can buy you a Prada or LV bag already. Don't be such a spendthrift lah...you can save all these money.
Me:
Sigh. I take it as an investment lor. Will close my eyes and not buy expensive bags for the next few months! hahaha..
Sis:
Ok, you close your eyes when I show you my new Prada bag next time, k?
Me:
............................(speechless)
This debate of 'Corian versus Prada' has been bugging me for weeks on end, because on the one hand, I believe in investing in quality- Corian's a harder and lasting surface, antifungal, antibacterial and no ugly joints.
On the other, I cringe at the thought of having to pay up to S$3k + for such an 'investment'. Not that I will use the savings for another branded bag but this amount of money also translates to like, ... 10 months of my condo maintenance fees?
AND THEN TODAY.......................... I finally to put an end to it.
My original selection of the Corian 'Green tea' kitchen countertop is longer in production; which means I had to select another range. I thought to myself, might as well, I can then seek out the alternative cheaper range, provided I do not get murdered by my contractor.
Bill is a very straightforward contractor and I adore working with him. As I sat down in his office, he brought out the Corian samples and told me candidly, "You may like to choose from here, because this range of samples are currently on promotion."
WAH!!! Atas countertop also have Great Singapore Sale! *loves*
Upon my selection of 'Linen' for the kitchen, he quickly worked out the additional amount I have to pay on top of the current cost. And it amounts to...........................an extra S$880, for 2 bathroom countertops and for the kitchen!!
Cheaper than a Fendi Forever!!
I left his office feeling rather jubilant and happy. I didn't bargain with him any further and signed off his quotation. All's done now except to confirm on the date of commencement.
I is happy!
till later.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Random Updates
I just updated on my Facebook page: "It's been helluva week....and it's only mid-week!"
It's another one of those work weeks where you feel 24 hours in a day is insufficient. Time seems to just fly by and before you know it, the day is over.
To a certain extent, I enjoy such hectic moments because the mind does not have the liberty to 'wander off' as every effort is needed to focus on the work matters on hand. On the other hand, the mind gets so tired after the work day is over that you do not have the extra energy to run/complete the necessary errands on the personal front.
So there you have it - humans. Always full of complaints. Hehe.
There are some developments on the homefront - tenant texted the other day to update me that she's got a new place and may decide to move. After reconfirming that she is free to take all of the existing furniture - an agreed arrangement and offer on my part in return for early termination of her lease - she then texted to tell me she may wish to move earlier.
Being the kind soul I am (actually more like I just wish for a 'good-come-good-go' tenant-landlord parting. hehe), I agreed to pro-rate her rent to mid-July should she decide to do so.
Which means, my renos will take place earlier! Which also means, I may move in earlier to my new place too!! And that will finally mean, my self-imposed 'social life embargo' (had told my close friends that I will not be travelling or golfing in the months of July to Septempber, in preparation for the move) will be lifted earlier too!
Happys.
ok, time to sleep!
till later.
It's another one of those work weeks where you feel 24 hours in a day is insufficient. Time seems to just fly by and before you know it, the day is over.
To a certain extent, I enjoy such hectic moments because the mind does not have the liberty to 'wander off' as every effort is needed to focus on the work matters on hand. On the other hand, the mind gets so tired after the work day is over that you do not have the extra energy to run/complete the necessary errands on the personal front.
So there you have it - humans. Always full of complaints. Hehe.
There are some developments on the homefront - tenant texted the other day to update me that she's got a new place and may decide to move. After reconfirming that she is free to take all of the existing furniture - an agreed arrangement and offer on my part in return for early termination of her lease - she then texted to tell me she may wish to move earlier.
Being the kind soul I am (actually more like I just wish for a 'good-come-good-go' tenant-landlord parting. hehe), I agreed to pro-rate her rent to mid-July should she decide to do so.
Which means, my renos will take place earlier! Which also means, I may move in earlier to my new place too!! And that will finally mean, my self-imposed 'social life embargo' (had told my close friends that I will not be travelling or golfing in the months of July to Septempber, in preparation for the move) will be lifted earlier too!
Happys.
ok, time to sleep!
till later.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Bangkok after the riots.
I have just arrived home after 2 days in Bangkok - work trip. When I first mentioned this trip to my friends, and then later posted my 'outstation' status on Facebook, many of them quizzed if it is the right time to go.
When, exactly is the right time? I mused.
Granted, we all know that the political situation in the Land of Smiles is far from stable; on departure day, reports of the anti-government protestors starting somethings were flashed on the news. Then again, we all know how the media sensationalizes.
So when we felt that the dust has somewhat settled (from talking to our counterparts, partners there), we decided to quickly ascend into the city, do the necessary hellos, meetings and updates with the important parties and then move out quickly.
Well, at least for me, because I have a wedding to attend on Saturday hence the short trip.
One of the taxi rides took us past the Central World Shopping Centre, the mall that bore the worst brunt of the 3-months riots. It looked like a 9-11 ground zero site, except of a much smaller scale. I had a mixture of feelings seeing the barricaded building, all shops closed sans the street hawkers flanking the steps that once led tourists, locals alike into the swanky mall.
The locals told me the owners will be rebuilding the destroyed building but the process may take a few years.
Then over coffee with our client, we learnt that there were a few other buildings in Siam Square area, opposite Siam Paragon were also burnt down. That came across as a shock to me, because all along, I thought the worst hit was merely the Central World. See, either the news sensationalize, or it simply omits.
Just as well the media did not pick it up. It would have been a bigger blow to the tourism industry for the city. Already there is an ongoing price war amongst the hotels; the inbound operators are finding it hard to keep the business going with the tourists keeping away. For once, traffic in Bangkok city was smooth and I could get from one place to another in under 20 minutes!
I feel sorry for what has happened to the lovely city. That said, like what the locals say, the protests are ongoing; if it aint's the Reds, it will be the Yellows. It is something the Thais will have to live with, and live around it.
To the resilient Thais, life goes on.
till later.
When, exactly is the right time? I mused.
Granted, we all know that the political situation in the Land of Smiles is far from stable; on departure day, reports of the anti-government protestors starting somethings were flashed on the news. Then again, we all know how the media sensationalizes.
So when we felt that the dust has somewhat settled (from talking to our counterparts, partners there), we decided to quickly ascend into the city, do the necessary hellos, meetings and updates with the important parties and then move out quickly.
Well, at least for me, because I have a wedding to attend on Saturday hence the short trip.
One of the taxi rides took us past the Central World Shopping Centre, the mall that bore the worst brunt of the 3-months riots. It looked like a 9-11 ground zero site, except of a much smaller scale. I had a mixture of feelings seeing the barricaded building, all shops closed sans the street hawkers flanking the steps that once led tourists, locals alike into the swanky mall.
The locals told me the owners will be rebuilding the destroyed building but the process may take a few years.
Then over coffee with our client, we learnt that there were a few other buildings in Siam Square area, opposite Siam Paragon were also burnt down. That came across as a shock to me, because all along, I thought the worst hit was merely the Central World. See, either the news sensationalize, or it simply omits.
Just as well the media did not pick it up. It would have been a bigger blow to the tourism industry for the city. Already there is an ongoing price war amongst the hotels; the inbound operators are finding it hard to keep the business going with the tourists keeping away. For once, traffic in Bangkok city was smooth and I could get from one place to another in under 20 minutes!
I feel sorry for what has happened to the lovely city. That said, like what the locals say, the protests are ongoing; if it aint's the Reds, it will be the Yellows. It is something the Thais will have to live with, and live around it.
To the resilient Thais, life goes on.
till later.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Heard Today.....
I walked into a shop today after a rosewood bed frame caught my eye:
Sales rep:
Mam, you like wood? This is rosewood; solid wood. Very nice. You like wood? What kind of wood do you like?
Me (smiling):
I like................. dark wood.
Sales rep:
Rosewood is dark wood, so you like this? This is a sleigh bed, high and comfortable. Got matching side table also.
Me:
Oh, ok, nice bed frame but I don't fancy the side table leh. (I found it a little too 'european classical' if combined with the bed)
Oh, it's high bed yeah..... it's nice I agree. I am deciding between a high bed and those low bedframe with broad sides.
Sales rep:
Oh, those resort style beds? It's very bulky. And only suitable for old people. This rosewood bed, good for young people like you. We sell a lot, we know.
Me: huh? Resort style only for old people?!!
Sales rep:
Yah, and you sure will get tired of resort style. This sleigh bed, classic, you will not get tired of it.
Now now now...........
Resort style beds:
Bulky? Yes.
For old people: NO!
Will I get tired of returning to a 'resort' (assuming my house were designed that way): I don't think so.
That rosewood bed:
Nice? It is.
For young people? It's of a european classical design, I think it appeals only to some.
Will I get tired of it? For a S$2450 bedframe, more like I will regret.
Goes to show, when a sales rep is hungry for business, she'll go all out to say the most ridiculous things.
till later
Sales rep:
Mam, you like wood? This is rosewood; solid wood. Very nice. You like wood? What kind of wood do you like?
Me (smiling):
I like................. dark wood.
Sales rep:
Rosewood is dark wood, so you like this? This is a sleigh bed, high and comfortable. Got matching side table also.
Me:
Oh, ok, nice bed frame but I don't fancy the side table leh. (I found it a little too 'european classical' if combined with the bed)
Oh, it's high bed yeah..... it's nice I agree. I am deciding between a high bed and those low bedframe with broad sides.
Sales rep:
Oh, those resort style beds? It's very bulky. And only suitable for old people. This rosewood bed, good for young people like you. We sell a lot, we know.
Me: huh? Resort style only for old people?!!
Sales rep:
Yah, and you sure will get tired of resort style. This sleigh bed, classic, you will not get tired of it.
Now now now...........
Resort style beds:
Bulky? Yes.
For old people: NO!
Will I get tired of returning to a 'resort' (assuming my house were designed that way): I don't think so.
That rosewood bed:
Nice? It is.
For young people? It's of a european classical design, I think it appeals only to some.
Will I get tired of it? For a S$2450 bedframe, more like I will regret.
Goes to show, when a sales rep is hungry for business, she'll go all out to say the most ridiculous things.
till later
1 Down, Few More To Go....
After a few days of pondering and musing, I came to a decision.
Instead of paying S$1900 + for this:
Instead of paying S$1900 + for this:
Well, I reckon it will be a nice centrepiece for the house since it is 'customised', but I deem it too pricey for what it's worth - a big piece of wood with plastic laminate. Plus, should I not like the final product, I might just end up kicking myself for such an expensive mistake.
And so, after surfing the net, flipping through various decor magazines and talking to a few more friends, I headed out to Park Mall and bought this:
High-Gloss black with steel stands; modular and flexible (I can decide to change 'sides' if I got tired of it), it is a perfect match to my existing black glass coffee table which I intend to reuse.
With an extra CD cabinet module, I paid the grand price of S$830 total, after the sales rep told me there is a 30% storewide discount due to the Great Singapore Sale.
Woot! I am a happy bird!
Prior to Cellini, I had gone hunting at a few other shops, including the atas John Erdos. I saw something I like at John Erdos and got real excited after they told me they could customise the designs to my requirements. Two days later, the quote came in and a simple console would set me back by S$2500!
Sigh... it would be nice to have a piece of designer furniture in the house but practicality ruled at the end of the day. It doesn't make money sense to save S$1900 from the contractor only to pay S$2500 to a furniture shop (Let's just say I was mindful not to get into the devious temptation of 'impulse buy' hehe..).
With the TV console out of the way now, it's time to tackle other decisions - the dining table, the bed.....etc etc etc
till later.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Decisions! Decisions! Decisions.
I am in the middle of a home furnishing crisis. HELP!!!
In the last 6 days, I have been cracking my head trying to decide if I want to custom-make my TV console or buy a ready-made piece.
I have been having this conversation with My Brain:
Me: How.... ? Custom make or ready-made?
Brain: Custom make lah...no need to think so much, everything is customized.
Me: But 1k for a freaking wall feature??!! I can do other stuff with this money!! And it's only laminate on plywood leh!!! For a bit more, I can get a piece of nice solid wood sideboard man!
Brain: But no wall feature means cannot mount the TV panel, else the wires will be exposed..like that defeat your purpose liao lor...
Me: Yah...but I spoke to Sheryl....wall mounting the TV has got its pros and cons. Worse situation could mean the TV falling off the wall!
Brain: Then don't wall mount your TV then.... place it on the TV console.
Me: I don't mind... just that I have not come across a design that I really like. And I am running out of ideas as far as furniture shops are concerned. Where else besides Furniture Mall, Park Mall or IMM?
Brain: Dempsey and IFC.
Me: oh yah hor....! But can only go on weekends.
Brain: Set?
Me: Then my dining table? And shall I get a new bed frame or go with divan????
Brain: Arrggghh.......
I think I am turning schizo.
till later.
In the last 6 days, I have been cracking my head trying to decide if I want to custom-make my TV console or buy a ready-made piece.
I have been having this conversation with My Brain:
Me: How.... ? Custom make or ready-made?
Brain: Custom make lah...no need to think so much, everything is customized.
Me: But 1k for a freaking wall feature??!! I can do other stuff with this money!! And it's only laminate on plywood leh!!! For a bit more, I can get a piece of nice solid wood sideboard man!
Brain: But no wall feature means cannot mount the TV panel, else the wires will be exposed..like that defeat your purpose liao lor...
Me: Yah...but I spoke to Sheryl....wall mounting the TV has got its pros and cons. Worse situation could mean the TV falling off the wall!
Brain: Then don't wall mount your TV then.... place it on the TV console.
Me: I don't mind... just that I have not come across a design that I really like. And I am running out of ideas as far as furniture shops are concerned. Where else besides Furniture Mall, Park Mall or IMM?
Brain: Dempsey and IFC.
Me: oh yah hor....! But can only go on weekends.
Brain: Set?
Me: Then my dining table? And shall I get a new bed frame or go with divan????
Brain: Arrggghh.......
I think I am turning schizo.
till later.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Bimbo Moments
And I thought I was going through a phase of serious boredom because I suddenly had so much time on my hands! When I am bored, I embark on a journey of self-entertainment.
But of course, my journey sometime involve -call it intentionally or unintentionally - my friends. And because of who I am, most of time I get away with murder, when I evolve from an intellectual being........to a bright-eyed exasperating bimbo in their presence.
*smiles with glee*
Over MSN with Ber, when I was trying to fix dinner with the boys in 2 weeks:
Me: ok, dinner is fixed at 6pm. Tony says he will pick you boys so it'll be earlier. He just WA-ed me.
Ber: WA? huh?
Me: WhatsApp..... WA lor
Ber: Wah lau, you people super lazy....WhatsApp is already short enough you make it lagi shorter.
Me: There's 8 characters in the word - where got short? It's like a mobile number. Do you memorise mobile numbers??
Ber: Duh...
Me: hehe, bimbo moment. Let me be lah....
Ber: *puts on a stunned look* ...... FINE.
On the way home with Sam, driving home:
Me: I tell you....I just watched animal porn on cable TV last night!
Sam: errrr.. what????
Me: On National Geographic! Serious! There was this horny young male elephant trying to score an older horny female elephant... it was damn funny I couldn't stop laughing!!!
Sam: .................... uh-huh? then how?!!!
Me: have you seen an elephant's penis?? It's like 2m long!!!!! and looks like a hook!
Sam: (I can tell he is trying to patronize me while trying to keep awake) Eh, an elephant leh....they are supposed to be the largest animal on earth...will look funny if they have...errr.... less than expected length ??
Me: and of course being young and horny, performance wasn't to be expected. He literally just ejaculated without...errm.... doing what he should do to the female elephant.
Sam: (very wide awake by now) WHAT??!!! You mean you saw an elephant ejaculate?? On TV??!!! What channel???
Me: YEAH!!!! On cable TV, National Geographic...and it's supposed to be educational. But I can't get the silly 2 metre penis out of my mind after that.
But of course, my journey sometime involve -call it intentionally or unintentionally - my friends. And because of who I am, most of time I get away with murder, when I evolve from an intellectual being........to a bright-eyed exasperating bimbo in their presence.
*smiles with glee*
Over MSN with Ber, when I was trying to fix dinner with the boys in 2 weeks:
Me: ok, dinner is fixed at 6pm. Tony says he will pick you boys so it'll be earlier. He just WA-ed me.
Ber: WA? huh?
Me: WhatsApp..... WA lor
Ber: Wah lau, you people super lazy....WhatsApp is already short enough you make it lagi shorter.
Me: There's 8 characters in the word - where got short? It's like a mobile number. Do you memorise mobile numbers??
Ber: Duh...
Me: hehe, bimbo moment. Let me be lah....
Ber: *puts on a stunned look* ...... FINE.
On the way home with Sam, driving home:
Me: I tell you....I just watched animal porn on cable TV last night!
Sam: errrr.. what????
Me: On National Geographic! Serious! There was this horny young male elephant trying to score an older horny female elephant... it was damn funny I couldn't stop laughing!!!
Sam: .................... uh-huh? then how?!!!
Me: have you seen an elephant's penis?? It's like 2m long!!!!! and looks like a hook!
Sam: (I can tell he is trying to patronize me while trying to keep awake) Eh, an elephant leh....they are supposed to be the largest animal on earth...will look funny if they have...errr.... less than expected length ??
Me: and of course being young and horny, performance wasn't to be expected. He literally just ejaculated without...errm.... doing what he should do to the female elephant.
Sam: (very wide awake by now) WHAT??!!! You mean you saw an elephant ejaculate?? On TV??!!! What channel???
Me: YEAH!!!! On cable TV, National Geographic...and it's supposed to be educational. But I can't get the silly 2 metre penis out of my mind after that.
While I couldn't quite make out (or remember) his reaction to my statement, I could, under that moonlit shadowy corner of my car, sense that he couldn't quite react immediately.
I think my buddy discovered a 'shocking' side to his 'supposed to be very prim proper and intelligent' good friend tonight. Hehe.
till later.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Bidding Farewell to our Founding Father
Third Aunt called me late Thursday night and asked if I will be free on Saturday. As I had not resumed my weekend Powerplates workout routine, I said yes.
Only to be told afterwards that she wanted me to accompany her to Parliament House to pay our last respects to Dr Goh Keng Swee.
To be very honest, I have very little knowledge of this man. When news of his passing first broke, I was quite nonchalent and shrugged it off as 'yet another passing of one of our Old Guards' because, that was what I know of him. I belong to the 'generation of transience' where when Dr Goh retired from politics in 1984, I was merely 8 years old. At Primary 5, when Social studies was taught, we had some simple lessons on the different government ministries, and taught the names of the ministers then heading these various ministries.
My generation grew up enjoying the convenience, efficiency and success of The Singapore System. While we understand that all these did not happen overnight, we did not quite know this was actually the result of Dr's Goh leadership and foresight in setting the right policies and system.
And so, while we know who Mr Lee Kuan Yew is, of how he led Singapore to join Malaysia and eventually divorce from it to our gaining independence, I remained quite clueless about this Dr Goh Keng Swee 'figure' who was the then Number 2. They were a formidable pair who complemented each other well to bring Singapore its economic success and remarkable achievements for our defence and education policies.
My aunt and I were amongst the 5000 plus members of the public that went forth to pay our last respects this afternoon. We experienced a short but orderly queue. Even the weather was kind to us - it was as if Tee-gong is also showing his grief to the demise of yet another great man that helped write Singapore's history.
Thank you Dr Goh, for making Singapore what it is today. Rest in peace - was what I wrote this afternoon on the condolence book.
till later.
Only to be told afterwards that she wanted me to accompany her to Parliament House to pay our last respects to Dr Goh Keng Swee.
To be very honest, I have very little knowledge of this man. When news of his passing first broke, I was quite nonchalent and shrugged it off as 'yet another passing of one of our Old Guards' because, that was what I know of him. I belong to the 'generation of transience' where when Dr Goh retired from politics in 1984, I was merely 8 years old. At Primary 5, when Social studies was taught, we had some simple lessons on the different government ministries, and taught the names of the ministers then heading these various ministries.
My generation grew up enjoying the convenience, efficiency and success of The Singapore System. While we understand that all these did not happen overnight, we did not quite know this was actually the result of Dr's Goh leadership and foresight in setting the right policies and system.
And so, while we know who Mr Lee Kuan Yew is, of how he led Singapore to join Malaysia and eventually divorce from it to our gaining independence, I remained quite clueless about this Dr Goh Keng Swee 'figure' who was the then Number 2. They were a formidable pair who complemented each other well to bring Singapore its economic success and remarkable achievements for our defence and education policies.
My aunt and I were amongst the 5000 plus members of the public that went forth to pay our last respects this afternoon. We experienced a short but orderly queue. Even the weather was kind to us - it was as if Tee-gong is also showing his grief to the demise of yet another great man that helped write Singapore's history.
Thank you Dr Goh, for making Singapore what it is today. Rest in peace - was what I wrote this afternoon on the condolence book.
till later.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Breathing Space...Finally!
It was the morning of the Monday just past, that I recieved the first BB message from a good client, "Good luck babe. Today's the day."
Indeed it was, the days of preparing, meetings and discussions finally culminating to this day - the first golf event we managed for the year.
For some strange reason, that Monday seemed to fly by in a flash; so much so that at some point, I was on the verge of panicking as the on-course set-up had yet to be completed at 12.30pm!
Thankfully for the existing 'guan xi' - relationship - we had with the set-up guys, the cajoling and offers of free coffee helped to speed things up and at 1.30pm, the golfers were on their way to an afternoon of fun and competition on the course.
As soon as we learn of the return of the first buggy at the clubhouse, I knew 80% of our duty is over. Still, I could not breathe easy as we had some accountability stuff to take care of - the collection of the alcohol, utensils and the helpers on the golf course.
Running this event has had its challenges; not with the golf club nor the organizer's sponsors but with the organizers themselves. It's like a simmering pot of broth waiting to boil over, just to give you a better idea of what I mean. And just today at the debrief, the feigned ignorance and wane look of clue-lessness from that particular lady - I'll call her The Unique Character - did nothing constructive to the drying pot of broth except to fan the flames bigger.
I reacted with nothing more than a raised eyebrow. To say anything more is useless, to say nothing is probably the best.
As soon as my colleagues and I walked out of the building at the end of the debrief, I could breathe easier, at least for the next few days.
Will still be busy in the coming weeks as we need to move on to other events but I sure hope the process will be smoother and better.
till later.
Indeed it was, the days of preparing, meetings and discussions finally culminating to this day - the first golf event we managed for the year.
For some strange reason, that Monday seemed to fly by in a flash; so much so that at some point, I was on the verge of panicking as the on-course set-up had yet to be completed at 12.30pm!
Thankfully for the existing 'guan xi' - relationship - we had with the set-up guys, the cajoling and offers of free coffee helped to speed things up and at 1.30pm, the golfers were on their way to an afternoon of fun and competition on the course.
As soon as we learn of the return of the first buggy at the clubhouse, I knew 80% of our duty is over. Still, I could not breathe easy as we had some accountability stuff to take care of - the collection of the alcohol, utensils and the helpers on the golf course.
Running this event has had its challenges; not with the golf club nor the organizer's sponsors but with the organizers themselves. It's like a simmering pot of broth waiting to boil over, just to give you a better idea of what I mean. And just today at the debrief, the feigned ignorance and wane look of clue-lessness from that particular lady - I'll call her The Unique Character - did nothing constructive to the drying pot of broth except to fan the flames bigger.
I reacted with nothing more than a raised eyebrow. To say anything more is useless, to say nothing is probably the best.
As soon as my colleagues and I walked out of the building at the end of the debrief, I could breathe easier, at least for the next few days.
Will still be busy in the coming weeks as we need to move on to other events but I sure hope the process will be smoother and better.
till later.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
You Know What ?
I haven't been able to update this space because:
1. Work has been keeping me supremely busy before Siem Reap and busier upon my return. If not for the coming Monday's event (as well as the Cambodian getaway), I would be in chilly London shopping to my heart's content, riding on the favorable Sterling pound exchange rate. And not get all hot, sticky and sweaty and absolutely pissed with the.....hot, and stuffy weather in Singapore!
Side note: It is ABSOLUTELY WARM when you can still break out in a sweat with your aircon blasting at 16 Deg C. This is bad.
2. I have been occupied with the renovation preparations for my new abode. In all honesty, it is starting to bother me alot. What used to be exciting shopping for new furniture and fixtures, I am beginning to find it a chore. Probably because I can be rather undecisive with....making decisions which is a BIG IRONY because I am fairly quick and decisive with commercial decisions.
Then again, what do you do when the contractor asks if you want a 2-bowl sink with rim, or a 2-bowl sink without rim? Or, would you prefer gloss finish over matt finish paints for your walls. Fairly straightforward questions needing straightforward answers - I know. But it is that fear of making the wrong decision that will bear consequences which I may end up kicking myself for.
I have that high expectations of myself. Or some would say, the fear of failure?
Heck, I use to find renovations fun. Doing up my own place should be fun because this time round, I am the Boss. I decide. Then I realise it was fun then because Mummy was around to give me the guidance and insist on her anal-ness (which will make sense at some point although it sounds ridiculous initially), and she would front the negotiations herself. I would merely accompany her at procuring the necessary funiture and fixtures when asked to.
I miss Mummy. Especially at times like these.
till later.
1. Work has been keeping me supremely busy before Siem Reap and busier upon my return. If not for the coming Monday's event (as well as the Cambodian getaway), I would be in chilly London shopping to my heart's content, riding on the favorable Sterling pound exchange rate. And not get all hot, sticky and sweaty and absolutely pissed with the.....hot, and stuffy weather in Singapore!
Side note: It is ABSOLUTELY WARM when you can still break out in a sweat with your aircon blasting at 16 Deg C. This is bad.
2. I have been occupied with the renovation preparations for my new abode. In all honesty, it is starting to bother me alot. What used to be exciting shopping for new furniture and fixtures, I am beginning to find it a chore. Probably because I can be rather undecisive with....making decisions which is a BIG IRONY because I am fairly quick and decisive with commercial decisions.
Then again, what do you do when the contractor asks if you want a 2-bowl sink with rim, or a 2-bowl sink without rim? Or, would you prefer gloss finish over matt finish paints for your walls. Fairly straightforward questions needing straightforward answers - I know. But it is that fear of making the wrong decision that will bear consequences which I may end up kicking myself for.
I have that high expectations of myself. Or some would say, the fear of failure?
Heck, I use to find renovations fun. Doing up my own place should be fun because this time round, I am the Boss. I decide. Then I realise it was fun then because Mummy was around to give me the guidance and insist on her anal-ness (which will make sense at some point although it sounds ridiculous initially), and she would front the negotiations herself. I would merely accompany her at procuring the necessary funiture and fixtures when asked to.
I miss Mummy. Especially at times like these.
till later.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Legacy Mummy Left Behind
It was nothing substantial material- or financial-wise; and not enough to elevate my siblings and I to 'heir and heiress' status. Nonetheless, all it took was an encounter today that made me realise the legacy that Mummy left behind was worth more than anything money could buy.
Very often in my growing up years, there would be times where I could not relate to certain actions or behaviour that Mummy would do. And being the rash young me then, I would make noise and argue with Mummy when things just 'did not seem right' - my way.
Mummy will then retort, 'Wait till one day when I am not around, you will know why I did what I did today.'
It was like a prophecy come true - in many sense - after her demise.
On several occasions before she fell ill, I would returned home from work to find her scribbling away at her desk. One of her hobbies, I realised (while clearing out her stuff), was compiling contacts and filling up address books. It will list various useful contacts - for the house, relatives, suppliers so on - and she prides herself at being adept at it. Mummy never received formal education so learning to write and read simple English was a great achievement. The contacts came in handy at certain points of time, since I had to live alone now.
And then there were occasions where she will come running out to me asking me to write greeting cards to people that I vaguely know. That will somewhat irritate me that time but I did it nevertheless because I knew she had waited up for me to come home so that she can catch me to get the task done.
It never struck me until today, that small actions like these brought about big differences to the people whom she sent greeting cards to.
As part of the sale process of the current apartment I am staying in, one of the conditions of sale was an inspection of the flat by an officer from HDB. That morning of the inspection, a soft-spoken male officer in his 40s dropped by. Midway through his rounds, he stopped and stood in the corner of the living room where Mummy's favorite spot used to be and said, as he turned to me: 'I remember your Mum. She is very nice and kind....sends us cards every year. We all received her cards."
I was surprised, and couldn't quite react to his sudden comment. What I eventually did do was to briefly tell him what Mummy was stricken with, and that her departure was swift. On hindsight, it was a rather pathethic attempt to provide solace to the officer, regardless if he wanted to know or not.
The officer then continued for a few more seconds of looking around and gave the all-clear. Then he left, in less than 5 minutes.
For the rest of the day, my heart was filled with warmth over what I heard that morning. It is almost a year since Mummy left yet her small gesture of sending cards was remembered. More importantly, she was thought of by others in a fond way.
To me, such tributes are priceless and more valuable than anything material in this world. It is by far the best legacy Mummy has left behind for us, her children, to remember her by.
till later.
Very often in my growing up years, there would be times where I could not relate to certain actions or behaviour that Mummy would do. And being the rash young me then, I would make noise and argue with Mummy when things just 'did not seem right' - my way.
Mummy will then retort, 'Wait till one day when I am not around, you will know why I did what I did today.'
It was like a prophecy come true - in many sense - after her demise.
On several occasions before she fell ill, I would returned home from work to find her scribbling away at her desk. One of her hobbies, I realised (while clearing out her stuff), was compiling contacts and filling up address books. It will list various useful contacts - for the house, relatives, suppliers so on - and she prides herself at being adept at it. Mummy never received formal education so learning to write and read simple English was a great achievement. The contacts came in handy at certain points of time, since I had to live alone now.
And then there were occasions where she will come running out to me asking me to write greeting cards to people that I vaguely know. That will somewhat irritate me that time but I did it nevertheless because I knew she had waited up for me to come home so that she can catch me to get the task done.
It never struck me until today, that small actions like these brought about big differences to the people whom she sent greeting cards to.
As part of the sale process of the current apartment I am staying in, one of the conditions of sale was an inspection of the flat by an officer from HDB. That morning of the inspection, a soft-spoken male officer in his 40s dropped by. Midway through his rounds, he stopped and stood in the corner of the living room where Mummy's favorite spot used to be and said, as he turned to me: 'I remember your Mum. She is very nice and kind....sends us cards every year. We all received her cards."
I was surprised, and couldn't quite react to his sudden comment. What I eventually did do was to briefly tell him what Mummy was stricken with, and that her departure was swift. On hindsight, it was a rather pathethic attempt to provide solace to the officer, regardless if he wanted to know or not.
The officer then continued for a few more seconds of looking around and gave the all-clear. Then he left, in less than 5 minutes.
For the rest of the day, my heart was filled with warmth over what I heard that morning. It is almost a year since Mummy left yet her small gesture of sending cards was remembered. More importantly, she was thought of by others in a fond way.
To me, such tributes are priceless and more valuable than anything material in this world. It is by far the best legacy Mummy has left behind for us, her children, to remember her by.
till later.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
You Know It's A Bad Day At Work....
...... when you see that less-than-desired decisions made by your staff resulted in less-than-desirable consequences for the Company...and the staff concerned appeared nonchalent when told about it.
..... when it happened twice in one day.
..... when you really feel like exploding but have to exercise constraint. Well I did blow my top but it certainly was not my worse bite. I recognise I should allow for some leeway but on hindsight, do people ever learn from their mistakes?
I muse and I ponder, it is situations like these that I always wonder.
till later.
..... when it happened twice in one day.
..... when you really feel like exploding but have to exercise constraint. Well I did blow my top but it certainly was not my worse bite. I recognise I should allow for some leeway but on hindsight, do people ever learn from their mistakes?
I muse and I ponder, it is situations like these that I always wonder.
till later.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Welcome!
Hello!
For a while - quite a long one actually - I was contemplating between starting a new space and continuing with Muses. For those in my inner circle, you would be well acquainted with Muses - a collection of memories, events and my inner most thoughts; all 5 years of it.
What will happen to Muses now, you ask, since there is now... this space? Well, Muses is still up but I have decided to archive it. After all, that space contained entries that I would rather keep away, for my personal reading when I feel like it.
I first started writing a blog as an 'exercise' to practice my writing. It was essential then mainly because of the degree course I was taking, which required one to submit essays no less than 3000 words. Blogging was good as it was a platform for me to build a 'story' to express my thoughts and observations, however comical, sad, frustrated or excited it would be. (I'd like to think I have kept you very entertained all this while!)
5 years later, and having gone through some of Life's biggest lessons and experiences. I am sure there would be changes; to my style of writing and way of thinking. No matter, I hope I can keep you interested enough to keep checking back this space.
Enjoy.
till later,
Fi aka The Trivial Traveller
PS - notice there is a REAL name now??
For a while - quite a long one actually - I was contemplating between starting a new space and continuing with Muses. For those in my inner circle, you would be well acquainted with Muses - a collection of memories, events and my inner most thoughts; all 5 years of it.
What will happen to Muses now, you ask, since there is now... this space? Well, Muses is still up but I have decided to archive it. After all, that space contained entries that I would rather keep away, for my personal reading when I feel like it.
I first started writing a blog as an 'exercise' to practice my writing. It was essential then mainly because of the degree course I was taking, which required one to submit essays no less than 3000 words. Blogging was good as it was a platform for me to build a 'story' to express my thoughts and observations, however comical, sad, frustrated or excited it would be. (I'd like to think I have kept you very entertained all this while!)
5 years later, and having gone through some of Life's biggest lessons and experiences. I am sure there would be changes; to my style of writing and way of thinking. No matter, I hope I can keep you interested enough to keep checking back this space.
Enjoy.
till later,
Fi aka The Trivial Traveller
PS - notice there is a REAL name now??
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