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.
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