A new chapter

Today marked a new chapter of our volunteering adventure. Actually the new chapter somewhat started yesterday, when Wifey and I went for a look-see look-see. "Prayers start at 9.30am tomorrow," we were told. "Come and join us," they enthused.

We woke up early and had breakfast at the nearby Mc. Reaching 15 minutes earlier, I found a need to visit the toilet. Symbolic isn't it - cleansing the old, starting the new? Haha.

So there we were, 2 newbies, wondering aloud how to go about joining the prayers. By then, everyone was getting into position. We looked around for someone friendly enough to help us with the sutras. As we were heading for the group on the left, a lady helper gestured to me "男的这边", pointing to the group on the right side of the hall. Uh oh, I'm on my own!

People are friendly here. It was also the first time for the guy in front of me, and we helped each other with the pages of the different sutras. The prayers were new, have never recited them before, methinks. There were a lot of 繁体深字, and I struggled. I also couldn't get the tune going - need more sessions!

At 11am, the prayers ended. People were rushing off as it was about to rain. I felt blissful and blessed, what with the spiritual 滋润 and the cool wind on my face. I think I did ok only, but considering this is the first time, I should be happy aleady.

This is a good start, and I am so looking forward to the next session.



The label Hard Work shall now be renamed as The Lord's Work.

Image from http://www.researchmonastery.org/_borders/praying%20hands.jpg

Post Date: 31 July 2007

It's been almost 2 months

Hi Dad,

We've just completed the 49-day rituals this Monday.

It's been almost 2 months since you went on your new journey. How are things at your end? Over here, we're all trying to lead a new life, as was mentioned previously. We now have somewhat new (but quite petty) challenges. We have yet to decide if Mum should continue to stay with us, or for us to move in with her. There are arguments for both sides, so there's hardly a clearly overwhelming choice. I trust that whichever decision we make, you will support us, yes?

The sai gong came over on Friday, to talk about enshrining you together with the ancestors in the tablet. Not exceedingly difficult to carry out, but well worth every effort, I believe.

And Dad, there is something else I want to report. Wifey was on the line with Brother yesterday, to talk about transferring his share of your CPF to Mum. I was shocked for 2 micro seconds before it hit me: this is a breakthrough. They are afterall siblings, and I'm so glad they are on talking terms now : )



Post Date: 23 July 2007

It's a comma, not a full-stop

After 2+ years, after all the 酸甜苦辣, my involvement in the activities has 告了一个段落.

I've indicated to the leaders that after my dad-in-law's incident, it seems that some understandings that I've always held dear are fundamentally wrong. As such, it will be extremely difficult for me to carry on.

Wanting to maintain a link still, I proposed to be the 3rd line of attack. We were asked to participate in last night's activities, as it seems the next one will be long time coming.

We will continue our volunteer work, albeit in a different place with very different callings. More of that later.



Post Date: 23 July 2007

Khao pad lah, prik!

After much hemming and hawing, we finally made up our minds and booked the package liao.

We are going to Bangkok!

Now we just need the agency to confirm the hotel, and also to get our hands on the list of most happening shopping centres.

The title, by the way, means fried rice, chillies, according to this website. The 'lah' is I ownself add in one. Hehe.



Post Date: 23 July 2007

Dilemma

Choice No 1. Rent our place, stay with Mum

Choice No 2. Sell our place, stay with Mum

Choice No 3. Mum stays with us, leaving her house empty

HEADACHE!



Image from here

Post Date: 17 July 2007

Summary - 07.07.07

Many things to pen down for Saturday.

1. Dental
Wifey and I went for our dental appointment today. The last time we went down (according to the appointment card) was Feb 2005 - 2 and a half freaking years ago!! No wonder those stainosaurus were spreading like algae.

2. Star Wars
After many years of inaction, I finally hauled my ass down to China Square Central 2 weeks ago, to gauge the SW response at the weekly flea mart. Spotted a number of items that I have which were on sale. Went down again last week and managed to convince one shop to consign my goods. Cleaned up the items, took photos, created a spreadsheet and brought the first shipment down. The last I heard, 2 items were sold. WOOHOO!

3. Live Earth
Yes, 7.7.07 is an auspicious date, and the fact that it falls on a Saturday helps. Yes, the Earth is ailing, and all of us need to chip in. I'm all for cutting electricity usage and recycling, but somehow, this initiative seems pretentious and showy.



Post Date: 17 July 2007

Xbox 360 repairs will cost Microsoft $1B

Need I say more?
NEED I SAY MORE??!!

Hahahahaha - obigood!


YAHOO! NEWS
By JESSICA MINTZ, AP Business Writer
Fri Jul 6, 10:26 AM ET

In another setback for Microsoft Corp.'s unprofitable entertainment and devices division, the company says it is planning to spend at least $1 billion to repair serious problems with its Xbox 360 video game console.

Microsoft declined to detail the problems that have caused an onslaught of "general hardware failures" in recent months but said Thursday it will extend the warranty on the consoles to three years.

Rest of the story here.



Image from here.

Post Date: 9 July 2007

The 5-7-10 Conversion

The company had a bowling outing today during lunch.

I played erratically, missing sitter in one frame and getting strike in another. Totally inconsistent, but enough to top both games : )

Anyhow, kena-ed 5-7-10 in one frame, and felt it was impossible to spare. After much research on YouTube,



So this is how it's done!



Post Date: 6 July 2007

Our faithful Philips peng liao : (

Our beloved 29" conked out last night.

Today, 2 repairmen and $50 later, no resolution in sight. "Most likely digital card faulty," I was told. "And only Philips can fix, cos they don't sell the card to us."

No signs, no warning, no nothing. Just decided to go blank. Considering its faithful service these past 7 years, I really wanted to have it repaired. But at an indicative $300+, it will make more sense to purchase a new one. So sad.

The timing is damn choon - just when I got the last batch of my comm.

My mind is not made up yet. Let's see how the next few days pan out. And no TV feeling is damn weird - like something is missing!

*UPDATE - 9 Jul 2007*

After much considerations ("why not buy LCD?", "what if are renting the flat?", "why should we buy a new TV for the tenants?", "why don't move Mum's small TV here, and buy a new one there?", "what if potential tenants are dissuaded from renting due to a small TV?", etc), we finally decided on a Panasonic 29" CRT for $460. It is taking delivery tonight. That means our old Philips got to sell to garang guni already - so sad!



Image from http://www.review33.com/review/av/images/philips_29pt9418.jpg

Post Date: 9 July 2007

I never thought of it that way

Ever since I was a kid, I had very little cravings for material things. When the toys I pointed out to yielded the response "That's too expensive; we can't afford", that was the end of it. No wailing, no insisting. That item was officially off my (already very short) list.

Thinking back, I guess I was trying to be a good kid and a good Buddhist.

Recently, when I related this story to someone, she exclaimed "Then you would have no goal to dream of, nothing to work towards ..."

I felt a million watts go through my body. The realisation ... is not too late, I hope.



Post Date: 19 June 2007

Maybe someone to look up to?

The show Britain's Got Talent just ended, and the winner is a Paul Potts.

Paul's an amazing character - regular bloke working as a mobile phone salesman, humble, has a great talent but also with a lack of confidence.

I can so identify with him. Maybe, just maybe, some day, I can be like him?


When Britain first heard of the Welshman, at the qualifiers.



His semi-finals performance, with a short self-intro. Very touching words.


His performance during the finals.


The announcement.



Post Date: 18 June 2007

Divine intervention

It must be the touch of the Lord that, during this business lull period, He arranged for my dad-in-law's passing and my emotional roller-coaster, so that I can have time to grief and to sort my thoughts out.

On another note, I know I'm currently just existing. Learning to moving forward, trying not to move backwards. I know it's wrong, I know it's bad, but ... I can't seem to find the drive nor the direction ...



Post Date: 18 June 2007

Joke of the Day - Real Story

A and B were having lunch at a particular coffeeshop when the drinks stall assistant approached them.

"要喝水吗"?

"给我 Whatever".

A while later, the guy brought a glass of home-made barley. DUHH!



Post Date: 13 June 2007

Back to my old self, somewhat ...

I'm back to being down, sceptical, insecure, worthless, and whatever negativities one can lay their hands on. Will have to add "sorrow" to the list too.

Impending GST increase, NETS sales charge increase, Starhub subscription increase, EDB's lack of transparency over the UNSW fiasco, the Alfian Sa'at incident, Richard Yong giving immigration the slip ... ALL THESE DON'T HELP AT ALL!

My mental state is now FRAGILE. That means, I'm just living day-to-day, and dare not think further than tomorrow. I pray there are no more psychological upheavals, else I might just snap.

As usual, will try to keep myself going.



Post Date: 15 June 2007

One thing I realised is ...

... if you really want to do charity work on a large scale, money is the single most important component.

Really, no money no talk.

I hope this will spur me to rationalise my priorities and re-energise my limp existence.



Post Date: 15 June 2007

Trying to move on

Hi Father,

Mother has stayed with us for about a week now. We have gone and bought some simple furniture for the spare room that Mother is now occupying. Not too sure if you know, but we used to use this room as a store room, so there was a major clearing-out! Thankfully, we managed to find space around the house to "re-locate" the boxes and stuff.

I hope Mother is slowly getting used to staying with us, just as we are slowly getting used to having another person in the house. Mother is also acquainting herself well with the different bus routes.

We all miss you, just that nobody is saying anything. Everytime I go over your place, I look at the chair that you always occupy, memories of us talking about current affairs will come flooding back.

I know time will heal, in that we will eventually come to terms with your absence, but nobody actually said how long it'll take ...

And one final thing: there was a moth that was flying around the prayers area on the morning before we sent you off to Mandai - was that ... you?



Post Date: 15 June 2007

Wishing you eternal peace, Father

Dear Father,

12 days after being admitted, you finally succumbed to pneumonia and passed away peacefully on 30th May 2007.

When we brought you to the clinic the night before your admission, I was confident that this was just a minor ailment that will go away quickly with medication. Thus, I was quite taken aback when Mother called Wifey to say you have been hospitalised. Even then, I was sure you will recover.

For the next 12 days, I visited you twice everyday. I'm not the most filial person around, but I just wanted to make sure I was aware of the situation. In fact, I think I was the one who was most updated on your condition. I even made the doctors called me, which they did. Maybe that's why I' taking it so heavily?

For the 1st week, your progress was slow, but they were positive nonetheless. I was glad the small whiteboard we bought proved useful as a communication tool, since the oxygen mask inconvenienced your speech.

Throughout your stay, I didn't allow the 'what-ifs' to slip into my mind. It was something I never wanted to consider. However, we were reminded about the frailty of life when towards the 2nd week, you developed fever. Your vital signs started to deteriorate. The doctors brought more bad news - your lungs' x-ray showed another dark patch. It seemed like you had another pneumonia attack.

Since that Sunday, you were mostly drowsy and sleeping, a direct response from the stronger anti-biotics. We never gave up hope, and quietly wished you didn't too.

Then came the day - Wednesday.

Your vital signs dropped substantially, to below safe levels. A quick word with the doctor revealed they don't have a Plan B. (I subsequently concluded they never saw the need for a Plan B). I could see that Mother and Wifey were very worried, and beginning to get emotional. I also wanted to show my emotions, but held back because I had to be strong for them. Of all the days, I had to choose that day to help my uncle move house. We rushed to the hospital after a second call was made to Wifey.

Wifey saw you for the very last time. I missed by minutes, because I insisted on dropping my uncle and aunt off at a taxi stand. While parking the car, when I saw the incoming call was from Wifey, I went numb.

"Dear, father 过世了..." in a nasal tone, in between sobs. Till today, I don't know how she managed to muster enough strength to say those words to me.

While walking to the building, it was as if someone sucked all the air out of me, and my chest was really tight. Then, I saw you, lying their peacefully, with the relatives all around you.

Memories of the events of the next days, I think, I will carry to my grave, cos I was able to do something for you, and it made me feel useful, it seemingly brought me closer to you. From choosing the package, doing the prayers, booking the void deck, receiving guests, closing the daily account, burning the incense paper next to you, your cremation, the collection of your ash, and the eventual placement of your final resting place in the columbarian. (You are now neighbours with my ancestors!)

Father, Mother is staying with us now. 大哥 is going to New York for one year, and he said he'll settle Mum's proper lodging when he's back. I also want to report that during this period, I ended the 10-year feud between Wifey and sis-in-law. All 4 of us are on talking terms now.

Father, I haven't exactly been a filial son-in-law, but from today, Mother will be my responsibility now. I will also take good care of Wifey.

Father, while my chest is once again tight and I'm taking in deep breaths while typing all these, I wish you well on your next journey. 我们来世在见.

Yours Faithfully,

Your son-in-law



Image from http://www.calgary-buddhist.ab.ca/images/amida.jpg

Post Date: 13 June 2007

An Escape

Dear Wifey,

I know for the past 2 weeks, you have not been very happy with me. I know that playing computer games until 2, 3am isn't healthy. But I can explain.

You see, when I play computer games, I am in my world. I can right the wrongs. I can even out the odds. I feel needed and wanted. I can contribute. Most importantly of all, I achieve success.

Success. Meant to be such an inspiring word, but so lacking in my real life.

Some people take drugs, others drink. For me, I immerse myself in a game.



Post Date: 15 May 2007

Denial I

1. Why do they think it's their god-given right to regard themselves as superior beings?
2. Why do they think it's their god-given right to treat us as peasants?
3. Why do they talk down to us?
5. How come people can be so self-serving, and still be able to sleep at night?
6. How can they increase their own salary, but go lukewarm when helping the needy?
7. Why is it that everything they say is right, and everything we suggest is wrong?
8. How come the picture they paint is different from what I see in the streets?
9. How long more do we have to live in this elitist hegemony?
10. How did we degenerate into such an elitist state?



Post Date: 15 May 2007

We are in UEFA Cup!

We even managed to hold Chelsea 1-1 away!

So looking forward to next season. Let's hope the board give Moyesy a big-enough kitty.



Post Date: 14 May 2007

Para Para

This is so achingly cheesy that it's good ...



Post Date: 10 May 2007

It's Called Love

Rushed back to change before heading to fetch Mum and Dad for Dad's appointment at the hospital. Sis also came along.

Initially, I was worried that Dad would be worried. This was after all a hospital, and it would a medical procedure, albeit a simple one. He didn't look very comfortable when we talked about the appointment sometime back. But looking how relaxed he was, I was relieved. Think he did all his homework already - talked to the doc, the nurses, read the pamphlet, surfed the Net, etc.

We were there for 3+ hours, but the actual procedure was only half an hour. The rest of the time was taken up by admin stuff, waiting, recuperation, etc.

I found myself eagerly attending to his needs, like carrying his bag, buying food, making sure he's comfortable, talking to him to help him relax, etc. No different from his eagerness to run errands for us, his kids.

It was then that it hit me: this is LOVE. It's time for me to start doing things for you, Dad.



Post Date: 10 May 2007

Image from ccindigo

Coming Back

I'm back.

When the plane landed on Changi's tarmac, reality hit me in the guts and then spat in my face.

If I hadn't be conditioning myself while there, withdrawal symptoms would be having their field day with me too.



Post Date: 7 May 2007

Wahlao and Woohoo

Wahlao eh, this week damn busy! All of a sudden, the workload in the office increased. Somehow or rather, the customers had more queries, visits and requests this week. Besides that, also got many errants to run - change money lah, buy stuff lah, fix handphone lah, season parking matters lah ...GRRR ...

BUT ...!

Woohoo, tonight go airport, tomorrow go holiday liao!! Yippee!



Post Date: 20 April 2007

The Spillover Effect

For lack of a better title ...

So M was in the office today, to do some handing and taking over. Her poise, elegance and the way she carries herself, impresses me no end.

Rumours have it that she is being groomed for bigger things in the company. Not that she's not up to the task. I happen to think she is quite capable. But what got me thinking is, if it had been a more ordinary-looking person, will the grooming be an automatic choice then?

Like it or not, this is a superficial world, where many things are just skin deep. Pretty people will find it easier to open doors, make friends. It's for them to scre up, really.

Not so good looking people, on the other hand, has to swim against the current. Not impossible, but takes effort and determination.



Post Date: 20 April 2007

At Long Last

After all these years, I finally met you.

I get the feeling that, throughout the years, we may have bumped into each other, but each time, you made a quick escape or a sharp u-turn. But nonetheless, you were gracious today, and even waved at me.

If you had been angry and was avoiding me, I know not the reason. But today, I didn't get any of that. We genuinely caught up, updating each other on our whereabouts, our happiness, our sadness. We made the 10 minutes worthwhile.

I exclaimed that you looked not an ounce heavier, and you gleefully said it was due to happiness. I'm glad to hear that.

I am really glad to have met and caught up with you. I'm not sure if the feeling is reciprocal, but it doesn't matter.

Strangely, it's a load off my mind.



Post Date: 20 April 2007

Rejected

Wah, I was eagerly waiting for my Amex-KrisFlyer credit card when I received a letter from them, informing me the application was rejected.

This has never happened before.

Normally, I would be upset, but I accept it as a low of my life.

Sigh.



Post Date: 7 May 2007

987FM FHM Competition

Didn't know about this until Jan mentioned on her blog.

I'm just gonna post this here, and let the readers (yes, I'm referring to the 2 of you, under that rock) to draw their own comments.





Post Date: 13 April 2007

How to do nothing and still get PAID

Damn it! Someone stole my ideas and made them into a video!





Post Date: 12 April 2007

Shop, Shop, Shop - update

Ok, some updates.

While the shopping was fun, not all turned out fine.

- Osim: guess what? The intended recipient choon choon also went to buy an iSqueez!! I scrambled like hell, called them to cancel the order. Unfortunately, the money has already been debited, although they allowed me to change the item. Finally 3 calls and 3 emails later, the order was changed to the uPapa and iCare200. Phew ...

- Nokia N73: instead of trying to solve 1 problem, I got hit with 2. The inability to install the old backup file into the new phone already got me quite cheesed off. I was trying to update the firmware when the thing crashed on me. It just went POOF! and refused to power up. WTFFFFF! Had to bring the phone back to the shop, and for them to t-loan me a used set, while they send it in for repairs. The trip to the Nokia Service Centre didn't help either. "We only do repairs here. Cannot help if it's software." WTFFFFF! Then why is it called a Service Centre and not a Repair Centre?? Went back to the shop to borrow the N70 PC Suite CD and data cable. Finally managed to install the old backup file into the t-loan set. But guess what? There was insufficient memory, and not everything was installed. So now, I have buttons that don't work. Should have taken Wifey's advice, and just make do with the copied-over contact list. And hack the rest!

- TV: already delivered, installed and generating happiness for the new owner already!

- 2 bags: carefully tucked away waiting to be called upon when the occasion arises

So eventful!



Post Date: 10 April 2007

Shop, Shop, Shop

There are a number of people I need to thank for achieving my targets, so I whipped out my allocation list and went shopping over the last few days.

To date, I have "procured":
- a nifty 20" Sharp Aquos LCD TV for Big Boss, for her immense help
- the Osim iSqueez for Big Boss' family
- the Nokia N73, after trading in my N70 (finally, after lusting after it for sooo long!!)
- my happiest purchase: 2 Gucci bags for Wifey. They may have been over my budget, but they were the most overdue

More purchases on their way!



Post Date: 9 April 2007

Sorry Dear ...

I know you wanted to see my allocation list, but at this point, I can't show you yet.

I think you're not angry, but I feel bad.

You will understand in a few months' time.

Sorry again ...



Post Date: 9 April 2007

It's ... in ...

Yes, the money is in. But must wait until the payslip is here before I can verify if the amount is correct.

When I saw the amount, I was taken aback, because it was lesser that what it should be. And then it dawned on me - I miscalculated. I forgot that the amount is CPF-deductible! SHIT!

What that means is, I have 'oversized' my expenditure list. Some things cannot cut. The biggest casualty is my investment fund *sob sob*



Post Date: 9 April 2007

D-Day Tomorrow

Tomorrow is D-Day.

All the hardwork, disappointments, apprehensions, responsibilities, together with problems with morale, confidence and self-worth, all will come to fruition tomorrow.

As expected, big boss dragged his feet. Small boss found out and got angry. Later, he told me he's resolved it. God bless him and his family.

The road has been long, and the journey arduous. Whether they've been worth it, tomorrow will tell.

By the way, today is the 15th anniversary of my passing out from OCS!

And poor Janise has been hospitalised! Visited her just now.



Post Date: 4 April 2007

It's a Possibility

Was having lunch with 2 customers from the Red Umbrella when they casually asked if I’d go back if there’s a chance. Well, this is something that I think of once in a while.

“I won’t go back to an AM job, otherwise it’s just a lateral movement – no point. It has to be something more.”

Honestly, I wouldn’t mind going back if the right package and challenge comes along.

The only worry is the politics.



Post Date: 2 April 2007

Alternative Energy

Article on Channel NewsAsia on 26th March.



EDB to pump S$350m to develop Singapore's clean energy industry
By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 26 March 2007 2115 hrs

SINGAPORE: Singapore will pump in a total of S$350 million to develop its clean energy industry.

This includes the previous S$170 million announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently.

The money will be spent to develop clean fuel products and groom manpower over the next five years.

There are also plans to export locally developed products overseas.

The fuel cell car, currently on trial in Singapore, is powered by electricity.

Such prototypes and more are expected under the Fuel Cell Community, set up at Temasek Polytechnic's School of Engineering, which is supported by the Economic Development Board (EDB).

Its focus is to help local companies and technopreneurs get started on developing fuel cell products.

Companies can even test-drive their prototypes at the poly's S$5.5 million fuel cell application centre, which will be completed in November this year.

Cham Yew Thean, Head, Temasek Engineering School, said: "We'll be initiating projects with members and partners in the hope of developing fuel cell commercial products for the market. These fuel cell products will develop an industry. Once we commercialise the products, then we're able to generate an industry manufacturing plant to produce these systems."

The Fuel Cell Community currently has about 17 members, including Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council, which can partner companies to test their products at housing estates.

All these come under Singapore's Clean Energy Industry Blueprint.

Headed by a newly formed Clean Energy Programme Office, the blueprint sets out to fund projects, build world-class research centres and groom manpower to power up the industry in Singapore.

Lim Siong Guan, Chairman, EDB, said: "EDB wants to do the same for the broader clean energy industry, not just fuel cells. We want to position Singapore as a global clean energy hub where clean energy companies can come to incubate, develop and produce solutions not only for Singapore, but to export to the world."

EDB said another reason why Singapore is going big on the clean energy industry is because of the growing market due to rising prices of fuel.

Nearly one billion people live without electricity in South Asia and Southeast Asia, and companies in Singapore can bring their clean energy products into these markets.

The clean energy industry is expected to boost Singapore's economy by about S$1.7 billion and create 7,000 jobs by 2015.



I need to find some way to wriggle into this field. I strongly believe, not only is there money to be made, it's going to change the world.

And I just learnt that my big boss is interested in renewable fuels too.



Post Date: 28 Mar 2007

Acceptance

My colleagues left for lunch without me. They went in 2 groups. Nobody called me; each assumed that I had left with the other group.

When I was younger, I used to get really upset over such incidents. It means nobody bothered if I’m there or not, that I’m not one of the “in group”. I remember once, at my grandma’s place, the cousins locked themselves in one of the bedrooms because there was this one pesky little cousin that kept irritating them. Unfortunately, I was locked out as well. My ego took a major hit. It was a while later that the bedroom door opened (can’t remember if I had knocked), and my eldest cousin exclaimed “What are you doing outside? Get inside!” and holding me by my arm, yanked me into the room.

There was this other incident in college. My girlfriend’s (now wife) good friend, for no rhyme or reason, decided one fine day that she will stop talking to me. I probed and I asked, but no response. I asked Wifey, she also got no clue. Wah, I really lost sleep because of it. (It was only years later, like recently, that she decided the war is over).

Not that I want to be Mr Popular, but I craved acceptance, acceptance into the group, into society. Yes, I may have been over-sensitive, but the lack of self-confidence was a greater devil.

Now, I’m still sensitive, but I don’t such things bug me. Actually, the truth is: I can’t be bothered anymore.

And my colleagues are back.



Post Date: 26 March 2007

War and Beauty (Final Episode)

Fwah, finished watching the entire VCD series with Wifey just.

Straight away got withdrawal symptons already.

I'm going to do some reading-up on the show, stars, comments, whatever.



Post Date: 26 Mar 2007

NATAS 2007

Woohoo, we are going to China!

Booked at NATAS today, at CTC. It will be 4 of us.

Very excited about going to the Forbidden City, and would be nice to cover more of Shanghai this time around.

Woohoo!



Post Date: 26 Mar 2007

War and Beauty (金枝慾孽)

Started watching from the middle of this show when it was on TV, and am watching the complete series on VCD now with Wifey.

This show really got under my skin. The storyline is captivating, and the characters believable, beautiful on-location filming and an impressive cast. 2 Saturdays (and a few hours last night) later, it got me interested in almost all aspects of the show, that I:

- read the 1st resource available, Wikipedia
- have been visiting forums that discuss this show
- read a number of Qing related articles
- bookmarked 2 unofficial blogs of Charmaine - in English and Chinese
- went on Youtube to view interviews, reviews and bloopers

It's not often that I get so drawn in, so I was thinking through the reasons, and I think they are:

- I've always preferred period dramas (神雕侠侣, anyone?)
- 人心险恶 shows make for a more interesting story (大长今, anyone?)
- it is based on history (although most of the characters are fictitious)
- it is backdropped against the place that we will be visiting soon (Yippee!)
- and finally, well ... it helps that *ahem*charmaine*koffkoff*isinit*koff*ahem*





Post Date: 20 Mar 2007

Dunno why

Was driving to work this morning when I got all pensive and serious and deep-thinking.

"Is there a need to rush?"
"Nothing wrong with giving way, right?"
"Is there a need to get angry with the traffic, something which you can't control?"
"Don't you want to decide to make today a great day?"

These questions popped up in my head unsolicited, and strangely, the drive was really smooth.

I then read Trisha's piece on the 1-roomers and Ting's article on being both scared and tired of meeting people.

Trisha's 1-roomers taught me that I really should be contented with what I have, rather than dwell on what I don't. For the life of me, this is one of the hardest and darndest thing to achieve. I was going to give the excuse that I was constructed this way, but no. I'll ... give it a try.

Ting mentioned that she wants these people to stay away. I'm glad that I'm not the only one feeling this way.

Now I remember why I was feeling like that this morning. I was recalling something my boss said to me last week, that I was only displaying less than 50% of what I'm capable of. Not that he was blaming me for non-performance, but rather, wondering why I'm holding back. I didn't know whether to be happy or sad.

I so badly want to sit by the beach right now.



Post Date: 5 Feb 2007

Why got this dream?

Had a weird dream last night / this morning. Of all the things I could have dreamt of, I had to dream of people of the god-forsaken company, no less 2 of the Top Management.

I was talking to the 2 of them along a corridor and it was pouring outside. They were supposed to be going somewhere for an appointment. Somehow or rather, I don’t know why I did it, but I offered to drive them there. They were supposed to wait for me at the carpark.

The next few bits were quite blur, and I can’t recall what happened. But I think I took a long time, cos when I reached the car, they were already there, and I was feeling apologetic. One of them even said “We even had time to change!” (My goodness, into ugly Hawaiian shirts??!!)

And about the car. It … wasn’t my car. But somehow, we all gathered around it. When I put my car key in, I was able to open the door, and start the car! Problem is, it was a manual car. I’m not very proficient with manual cars, due to the lack of practice. Anyhow, the Top Guy proceeded to tell me the destination, and also driving instructions. In the dream, I was able to feel the anxiety of not knowing any of those places / roads that he was saying … and then I woke up.

TMD. I left the company so many months ago, and not once did I dream about the fucking place or the people. Must be yesterday lah, after catching up with my ex-colleagues and talking about all these fuckers.



Post Date: 29 Dec 2006

Wham - Last Christmas

I like this song enough to listen to it 50 million times, and not get bored. It epitomises the spirit of Christmas, and the feel-goodness that comes with it ...





Post Date: 21 December 2006

Hougang Case VIII

Wed night / Thu: 4am, but went to bed at 6am.

The. Case. Is. Finally. Over.

I. Am. So. Farking. Tired.

I have also heard disturbing news, once again demonstrating the fallibility of men. Sigh.



Post Date: 30 Nov 2006

Hougang Case VII

Tue night / Wed: 2.30am

Thank goodness the job is finally done. Summary tomorrow.



Post Date: 29 Nov 2006

Hougang Case VI

Mon night / Tue: 1.30am

Just got back.

I've just realised the differences:

Helper / 死党
- someone that helps you with your work
- someone you clown around with
- someone that you show extraordinary patience and forgiveness towards

Helper / 亲信
- someone that helps you with your work
- someone you confide with
- someone that you have a soft spot for

Helper / Senior
- someone that helps you with your work
- someone more senior than you
- someone that you discuss the obligatory issues with

Lord Buddha, are all these part of your divine plans for me?
(Update: I checked, and the response is ... yes.)



Post Date: 28 Nov 2006

Hougang Case V

Thu night / Fri: 1.30am

Fri night / Sat: 7am

Sat night: 11.45pm

Sun night / Mon: 1.30am



Post Date: 27 Nov 2006

See, the superficiality of society!

I so believed in it that I even wrote a GP essay on it!



Post Date: 27 Nov 2006

AMW

I abhor:

• not being able to control my own time
• being pushed beyond my limits
• being torn between personal life and "greater good"
• being held ransom (when it happens)

I miss:

• chilling out at home with Wifey, at our own leisure
• spending quality time with my family, without having to watch the clock
• going to bed at the time I want

I wish:

• to have my time back
• I can go to work everyday morning feeling FRESH
• my boss will not detect the drop in my productivity and efficiency
• I don't have to lie anymore

Post Date: 23 Nov 2006

Hougang Case IV

Wed night / Thu: 1.45am



Post Date: 23 Nov 2006

Hougang Case III

Sun night / Mon: 12.45am, but to AMK first

Mon night / Tue: 1.30am

Tue night / Wed: 1.45am



Post Date: 22 Nov 2006

Hougang Case II

Sengkang → AMK → Jurong
Jurong → Yishun → Hougang → Jurong
Jurong → Lornie → Jurong
Jurong → Hougang → Jurong



Post Date: 22 Nov 2006

Mystery of the missing catalogues

When we went over to Mum's 2 nights ago, and saw the very inviting red-coloured, Christmas-themed Ikea catalogue, that was it.

"I'm going to call Ikea and Sony tomorrow to complain", I told Wifey.

Where is my bloody Sony catalogue? I can't even remember the last time I got one, but I keep seeing them pop up at Mum's. And where is my Ikea Christmas catalogue? I mean, I've been holding my breath, waiting for the Tampines store to open - how can they do this to me??

The call to Sony yielded some answers - the catalogue is not distributed island-wide. While the girl told me it's the management's decision where to send them to, methinks it's based on some profiling, and my area falls out of the crack. She was nice enough to offer to send me a copy, but I would still have to call her to demand a copy everytime I don't get it. TMD.

The call to Ikea was an angrier one. Although I remembered later that I have been receiving their catalogues (just later than Mum), the total inability of the customer service person to give me a straight answer put me very off. After saying she'll check with Singpost, I asked her why she never asked for my name and number. She grudgingly did. The case was subsequently resolved amicably after a Marcom lady Cassandra called to say she has checked with Singpost, and all delivery will be done by 22 Nov. Told her she has better customer service skill than her customer service team.

I definitely jumped the gun. Last night, in the mailbox, was the very inviting red-coloured, Christmas-themed Ikea catalogue.





Post Date: 17 Nov 2006

Mazda CX-7

Sent Elliot for servicing this morning and walked past the showroom.

Got attracted to the CX-7, so I walked in. It is a real beauty.


A 2.3l with direct injection engine, 9-speaker Bose sound system, keyless entry, electric sunroof, and many, many more features.


I am only $100,000 away from owning this baby.



Post Date: 17 Nov 2006

Not very happy

An ex-boss together with an ex-colleague coincidentally brought their customers to our place just now. After the customers left, we had coffee together.

The first comment thrown my way when we were just about to sit down was: "Wah, ler see bare pui leh! So much fatter compared to last time!"

Basket. Yes, I know I've not as skinny as before, yes, I know both of you are vain gym fanatics. Not that I'm angry with them, cos that's the frankness of our conversations over the years. It's just that ... the truth hurts. I'm also angry with myself for being such a King of Procrastination. It's my own body, for crying out loud!! Next 2 months' RT should correct all this.

Our friend was driving the Lexus RX300, albeit the older model. This reminded me all over again how different I was from them (and some others back from where we came from). Definitely flashy, they lust after the good life, believe in club memberships, chase branded goods and are regulars at night spots. Not that they can't - they can well afford all these.

By comparison, the regular Joe on this side of the fence hadn't had life that well, regretfully. While considerably more subdued than them, let's face it - I also cannot afford their lifestyle lah.

But herein lies the crux: I want to have the choice NOT to lead their lifestyle even though I can, and not that I cannot afford to lead their lifestyle!

Sigh. Maybe I should stop feeling sorry for myself.



Post date: 15 Nov 2006

Blink blink

Wifey and I were at a particular outlet of a jewellery chain last evening as they were having 50% off. Wifey went through a few items, and some she really liked.

I have always wanted to buy her a second solitaire diamond ring after the 求婚戒指 from years ago. This second one should be 1-carat, although she has protested it will be too big.

I checked out the prices - the 0.5-carat ones were already in excess of $5000. That would mean the 1-carat ones would be more than $10k??

Gulp. 老婆, it is still my wish to get you one, and I know I will get you one. I just don't know when!




Post Date: 13 Nov 2006

3D2N Holiday Chalet ... Not

It was another weekend spent in Jurong, from Fri night / Sat morning till Sun evening. This Hougang Case seems to be trickier than initially thought.

I sincerely hope whatever Wifey and I are doing now, we are paying it forward.

It was also this weekend that we learnt of another team member displaying signs of weakness - greed. How come people over the generations always 追逐名和利 leh? I'm not going to say I'm a saint and proclaim I'm indifferent - I still am looking for the proverbial pot of gold. But why should it matter SO MUCH to them??

1. Is this the norm?
2. Am I just abnormal?
3. Does this qualify as "fighting for what you think you deserve"?
4. Why am I so averse to the concept of 毛遂自荐? Maybe I'm in this current predicament because I never self-advertise enough?
5. Is the concept of 默默的耕耘 dated?
6. Or ... am I just not as hungry as them?

The truly dangerous thing about desiring fame, fortune or wealth is the perceived associated power and the always-not-enough syndrome.

At the same discussion, I also heard that this person might be thinking of overtaking me. While I am (well at least I think I should be) flattered, my response is: go ahead and be my guest.



Post Date: 13 Nov 2006

Which is your choice?

Our involvement in Hougang Case started on Saturday at 4plus in the morning. Aside from that one trip home for fresh clothes, we stayed until last night, at 10plus. We almost had to leave at 2am this morning (we were initially told 1am).

Which got me thinking:

1. Would you sacrifice today for tomorrow's good?
2. How many people believe that they actually would be there to reap the good tomorrow?
3. What are people's views on the intangible good versus the visible bad?
4. How much is too much? How far is too far?
5. How easy is it for people to keep ploughing without the signs, indications or motivations that the good is coming?

And finally,

6. How far is tomorrow?

Post date: 6 Nov 2006

Serangoon Case II / Hougang Case I

It. Is. Finally. Over.

We completed it this morning. Very, very tired. At least the work is done.

Thinking we can finally properly rest, our happiness was shortlived. We have just been informed another case is coming up.

Sigh. I really, really would like to know how much we have to put in this time.

Post Date: 6 Nov 2006

"Get out of my elitist uncaring face!"

Some ill-bred smart alecky you-know-what-JC kid who thinks the world of herself has incured the wrath of netizens and subsequently that of society. She who wears the elitist tag so ostensibly around her neck is but another product of our "give the best to the best" system.

Uncaring, unsympathetic and definitely elitist, her remarks show disregard for the real trappings of the other parts of society, or even the realities facing the common man. Mind you, her generation will be running our country in 20 years' time.

This just serves to further entrench my disrespect for people of that 'level'. I honestly don't think all they've done are 101% for the common good. I have reached the point where I'll just flip the damn page if there was a newspaper article about some elites saying something that they claim is good for us.

Call me a loser, a whiner, whatever. But limpeh is damn pissed.

Trisha wrote a very insightful piece on this fiasco, and I reproduce it here with her permission.

There is no glory in being an elite. No honour in trumpeting one’s own success. For if not by a fortunate roll of the dice of life, any of us could end up like Mr Y or Mdm C. Any of us could be born into a family visited by sorrow upon sorrow, where circumstances work against you and fate tosses you around like sand, so that you can’t get out of the shit even if you want to. So for those of us in which life has been unbelievably kind to us, a good measure of gratitude and humility is called for. Survival of the fittest is the rule for the animal kingdom. Surely we are above the beasts? Surely we are meant to rise up higher? Instead of dashing to be the first, perhaps it is far nobler to slow down, and give a hand to the downtrodden, the unfortunate, the unskilled, the retrenched, the slower, the old, the sickly and the poor. When we can restore even a modicum of dignity to our fellow beings who have no hope, surely that makes us more human.

Post date: 6 Nov 2006

The Waverley Blog welcomes its first public visitor ...

... Janise!

This blog is meant as an online diary, so its really personal, and you don't really want people prying into your private life. But I've been following Janise's blog (rather kapo-ly), so I think some reciprocation is in order.

Just a quick word, Janise dear. I tend to post- and pre-date my entries, making them as chronologically accurate as possible. Do bear with the quirks of this diary owner.

Goodness, I've been wanting to keep this blog under the radar for so long, and now I'm (sort of) making it public ... it's almost like Ting finally deciding to post pics of her face.

Sony DSLR-A100/B

Wah lau eh, can't wait to lay my hands on this mean-looking entry-level DSLR. While this is Sony's first foray into the DSLR market, I have faith in them, and have read good reviews of this model.

All I need now is $2100 to buy the body plus 2 lenses.

Post date: 6 Nov 2006

Sailor Moon!

I used to watch it every week. Religiously.

Innovationation

Attended this infocomm exhibition at Expo put up by IDA.

Must say it was quite well done, with interesting facts and figures, as well as a showcase of what our future might hold.

Brought me back to 9 years ago, when I made the decision to join either the telco or the transportation industry. While it was all excitement and greenfields then, I do admit I'm now a bit jaded. It has become a job, and that hardly gets my heart racing. Luckily, my appreciation of telco things puts me in good stead to understand gadgets, which I still enjoy checking out.

Found this interesting panel that says the average Singaporean sends about 200 SMSes a month. Well, my highest record is 700 SMSes a month. Now I average 400.

Post date: 6 Nov 2006

Channel 8 - An Enchanted Life

First episode last night, with the show touted as Yvonne Lim's breakout performance.


Was watching it when I realised her image seemed rather familiar. And then I remembered:


To help with the comparison:


To the image consultant: you really should get a life and stop going to her blog.

To Yvonne: NOOOOOOOOOO ...... !!!

Moody

I'm in one of my moods again. I feel very down.

I used to get hit a lot more often at the hell hole, so I guess this is an improvement.

Maybe with all the little sleep, limited results at work and still no news of the little baby, all these are the ingredients for an emotional me? Not to mention the inability (or an iota of possibility) to improve the status quo for my parents or Wifey ... just gets me down.

On my way back to the office after a medical appointment, I detoured and stopped at Shuang Lin Monastery. I want to know what I can do to improve the lot, what I have done wrong, or what I haven't done right.

I still don't have the answers.

Welcome Back!

Wow, it's been more than a year since they last visited!

Met up with them just now at the hotel, and realised I missed them. They encapsulate the good times Wifey and I had in Australia.

After a dinner at Riverside Point, we couldn't stay very long to chit chat, because of Serangoon Case.

Anyhow, next dinner on Friday!

Genting - Cool Weather + Smell = TMD

KNN. Just now PSI was 150, the highest in 9 years!

Taken on Thu, 5 Oct 2006.

Taken on Fri, 6 Oct 2006.

Object of Desire

This has caught my eye, but I'll wait for the price to drop further.

















It's now $768 without line. 3.2M camera with Carl Zeiss lens! My first digital camera, a Sony 3.2M without Carl Zeiss lens already set me back $1000!

TMD.

Big Case III / Serangoon Case I

Big Case has finally concluded last night. It was slated for 12 days, but it went on for a month. After all the hard work, all's well that ends well.

But ...

There is now a new case. I shall call it ... Serangoon Case. The work should be similar, and the cast will be 原班人马. Action starts tonight. Because we have a wedding to attend, our involvement starts tomorrow.

More late nights ...

My 100th Post!

Fwah! Didn't expect I'll hit 100 posts. Expected myself to be lazy. But since this is supposed to be my diary, I've tried to be as conscientous as possible.

Actually, 100 posts from July last year until now, 15 months, averaging 7 posts a month, isn't something to shout about lah.

Let's see how long it takes for the next 100 posts!

Communication

In recent weeks, we heard of conflicts between daughter and parents, as well as boss and subordinates. Each side insists on his/her opinion, and no one seems to want to give way.

I attribute all these to a lack/failure of communication. Don't wait until beh tahan already then explode everything out. Problems, like food, are easier to handle if they are in bite-sizes. Any unhappiness or uneasiness, no matter how small, should be brought out and discussed. No only does it nib the problem when it is smaller, it also builds the relationship with trust and mutual respect.

Such problems can happen to couples just as easily. My policy with Wifey is also the same: not happy, say out. Don't bottle. We have enjoyed great communications over the years, and I don't want that to change.

Wong Fu Productions

Came across this video clip at XLX's blog.

Damn funny. Went to their site at http://www.wongfuproductions.com, and found more gems!

Anyway, enjoy the show : )

How Come Leh?

Why is it that I can talk with ease to hawkers, cleaners, guards, students, salespeople, cashiers and the likes, but fumble when faced with CEOs, MDs, ministers or even angmohs?

Actually I know the answer: it is mindset.

For fear of saying the wrong things, for looking like an idiot, for sounding less intelligent than I really am. I kick in a different mode, and the outcome is exactly that: say wrong things, look like an idiot, and sounding less intelligent.

I have to start learning that they are humans too. As someone told me recently: Make that conscious decision to.

Say wrong things, look like idiot and looking less intelligent all equate to failing. It got me thinking: how come I'm so averse to failing leh? Sometimes, for fear of failing, I don't even want to do/start/say something.

Time to get out from under the rock and start living ...

Parental Love

Those past 2 weeks were terrible, but it taught an important lesson. If you were to dwell deep into the source of the case, one would realise that the underlying message is: PARENTAL LOVE.

Parents would do almost anything for their children, some even offering their own lives. I also recall the many sacrifices that my parents have made for me.

Yet, I am painfully ashamed of the little that I've done for them thus far. Can't afford to take them on tours (they have to pay for it themselves), hardly buy them things, even the car I'm driving. Priority should be given to Dad, but I end up hogging it most of the time.

So what has their poor son been doing? Keeping my weekly dinner dates, updating them about my daily life, and taking a genuine interest in their well-being. I know it's barely scratching the surface, but that's what I (and they) can only contend with now.

My dream is to one day, create 2 tertiary scholarships in their name. For Dad, a scholarship in languages, and for Mum, one in humanities.
They had (and still have) so much love to give. To them, I'll be forever their little boy. Oh, how I love the both of you so much! So many times, I want to hug the both of you and say thank you, but our Asian conservatism forbids me from doing so. Shit, I hate it when I get emo ... please excuse me as I grab a tissue ...

*compose compose*

On this very symbolic occasion, Pa, Ma, I would like to wish the both of you:

A VERY HAPPY 35th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!

Big Case Part II

Saturday night was supposed to be the last chance, but got called on Sunday night to report in.

This can't go on. It has passed my threshold. Anything that needs me to give up sleep, family time and is affecting my work is too big a compromise. If this case doesn't close soon, I don't want to be sleeping for 2 hours every night for the rest of my life.

Thankfully I've been allowed a daily (nightly?) early release.

What Will You Do ...

... if, in the span of 3 days, your boss tells you:

A) you are not shrewd and nasty enough, and

B) he hopes he doesn't reach the stage of him using a stick

A) came about because he thinks you were too nice to an agent. He expects you to change, ie. become nastier. Why? Because that is a pre-requisite to be in the business world!

If I have to change this aspect of my character because of my environment, then I'll rather change my environment.

B) came about because he thinks you are too soft, and have been bullied by the customer. This part I can agree. I need to be more assertive and must learn to put my foot down.

All said and done, my boss is a nice guy. This mild outbursting from him might have been a while in the making, meaning he's been holding it within until now.

Big Case Part I

Last night marked the start of the Big Case.

I don't know how long it would last. And I don't know how much daily sleep I'll get. If the 2 hours I got this morning is any indication, I think we are in for something whose scale I cannot comprehend.

And obviously, this post is pre-dated.

Bye, Mate

I've not seen anyone so enthusiastic and dramatic before. He actually got me interested in crocodiles.

I've always thought that if any mishaps were to happen, a crocodile would be involved. I was wrong. It was a stingray instead.

May you rest in peace, mate.

Lest We Forget

Accompanied Wifey sometime back to the newly-refurbished People's Park Complex. Yes, the place seems brighter and newer, but some flavour seems to have been lost.

Anyhow, as she was window-shopping, I went wandering around. On one of the floors, I made a turn and found myself back in the nostalgia that is Chinatown. I didn't realise that this part of the building wasn't upgraded. The shops were still using iron grilles, the signboards were old, and the floor tiles were still the small squarish type. I smiled to myself, having found the flavour back.

As I walked further, I came to the end of the building, and from across where I was, was the Chin Swee estate. This place brings back memories, as I recall my dad bringing me here to a 铁打 for my sprained ankle. The shop was no longer there, but the quaint red-green 亭子 was.

I walked downstairs, crossed the road, and did some walking-around. The birds were chirping, old people chatting, children playing, the whole experience was so surreal. And I enjoyed myself, lapping up all the rusticity. To add to the high, in front of Sheng Siong, I saw a bunch of old folks watching two chess players having a go at the game.





I am such a sentimentalist. I was both happy to find this gem of a place, but at the same time, worried for its existence. In our relentless pursuit of development, the evil claws of upgrading will, in a few years' time, degenerate this place into nothing more than memories.

When that day happens, at least with this post, the image can be preserved for posterity, and I can say that 我曾经到此一游.

Happy Anniversary, My Princess

How time flies! It seem like only yesterday that we had a good meal at Suntec.

I admit this year has been a bit mild, what with our friend's pregnancy and my pathetic financial condition. Think we didn't even have an official celebration, other than that visit to Ikea.

Despite this, my responsibility towards you hasn't changed, which is to provide for you and to love you. In tough times like this, I feel it in my blood even more, that I can't let you down.

And I won't.

On this special day, I want to dedicate a special song to you, one that I like a lot. Despite it being 10 years old, the lyrics are valid for eternity.

今生注定

高:现在你心里想什么
王:现在你心里想什么
能不能就写在眼眸
告诉我
在这沈默的片刻
让我们用心灵交流

如果爱情烦恼真的太多
或许心事都交给我
合:为你耽忧
对我来说也是快乐

合:不管有多少真心多少爱被错过
有了你我已经别无所求
用半生紧紧相守换取承诺
什么话都不必再说
喔......

总以为曾经付出曾被爱伤害过
这世上只有我对爱执着
直到我慢慢感受你的温柔
才了解
今生注定与你相守

Song at http://www.may-8th.com/zhuding.mp3

Matter of Opinion

Spotted at a commercial building in Jurong yesterday.

Yes, yes. I'll be hugging it to sleep every night.

Matters of the Heart

Poor SJ.

Think she has encountered one baddie too many. These bloody assholes are giving us 30-somethings a bad name!

But I guess it's all part of growing up. At different stages of our lives, we are faced with different obstacles. The challenge is to rise above all and to live to tell.

To help alleviate some pain, I phone-ordered a box of Godiva for her. The guy on the other line damn funny. My message to accompany the gift was: To My Sista: Cheer Up! He called me to ask if should be spelt as 'Sister' instead. Hello??!! A bit lame that it's a gift for her and yet she has to pick it up, but well ...

On a related note, FF had an entry on this and I left a comment. Thereafter SJ also left a comment, followed by FF's. Fancy seeing myself next to the 2 ladies whose blogs I regularly read!

Singapore Fireworks 2006

Update 12 Sep 2006:

Went to see fireworks again, this time near Esplanade. The whole experience can be summed up in 4 words:

LIM PEH KUA BO!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We were eating at East Coast when we decided that we will risk the crowd and see the fireworks.

There were many possible places to go, but I chose Marina South. The parking was so packed! Being the smart aleck that I am, and with 2 minutes more to go, I parked on the pedestrian pavement.

Shortly after, the fireworks started. I must say the place we stood wasn't too bad. Other than the low level fireworks that were blocked by the trees, the rest were ok.





While taking photos of the fireworks with my mobile phone, I noticed that many people were doing likewise. I took a shot of them, but the photo turned out crappy. Whatever.

When the show finished, Wifey and I almost ran back to the car, hoping to avoid the crowd. To our bewilderment, a Malaysian car had parked at the exact place where the pavement slopes down to join with the road. There was a car that parked behind me, and both of us were effectively locked-in. For the next 20 minutes, we waited and waited, with passing cars watching us. Felt like a bloody circus act. They must be thinking: Ge kiang lah, ge kiang lah!

I tried to look for other "launch sites", but to no avail. Finally, the car behind ours decided to do a 3-point turn, and head back the other way. We followed suit, finally relieved of our confines, only to be confronted with another 15 min of jam.

Grrrr!

Matter of Opinion

New product? Spotted in a supermarket in Geylang East.

Last I checked, the Merriam-Webster online dictionary has no record of this word ...

What To Do ...

I have been advocating cutting wastage in the office. For example, why print on one side when you can print of two? Why print only one page on each side when you can print 2? I even suggested to my boss that he should follow suit.

This morning I was mildly pleased when I saw my colleague adopting my suggestion of 2 sided - 2 page on one side suggestion. Needing the same printout for an internal discussion, I went about setting the printer to print a proposal on both sides when I forgot to set 2 pages per side. Imagine my aghast when 8 pages came out, instead of 4, when the 16-page document was printed. What if my boss saw my wasteful printout?

So what did I do?

Stealthly shred the 8 pages, and re-print 4.

Talk about cutting wastage.

Loser ... or Lost?

Went for a birthday party yesterday. It must rank up there as one of my longest 1 hour. To be fair, the family organising it are really nice people, friendly and easy to get along.

But everytime I'm with them, I can't help but be overpowered by their "whiff of wealth". They come from well-to-do families, and it shows. Everything about them is branded. Subconsciously I become reserved and ... boring.

I know the devil is in my head: branded stuff ≠ putting other people down, but ... but ...

Even the friends they invited share that smell. Not to mention the few Beemers I spotted at the visitors carpark - surely they belong to some of these friends?

I'm already not very good at parties. On top of that, I feel so inadequate among these people. I've once told someone I reek of "middle class", but I can't seem to pull myself out of this vicious circle, let alone rise to the occasion and qualify myself to be in THE league. The current financial difficulties just further compound the problem.

So am I a lose, or am I just lost?

IT salaries to go up in China, S'pore - ZDNet Asia

When I read this, I wanted to laugh. How come I'm always not in the loop of these things?

IT salaries to go up in China, S'pore - Business - News - ZDNet Asia

Matter of Opinion

Spotted at ROM last week.

Okaaaay... so where's the registry for a rowdy marriage?

Zizou, was this how you wanted to go?

Was on YouTube and saw the number of videos making fun of the head-butting incident. I feel sad for him.

People say Zizou is hot-headed and has a terrible temper. I don't think so. The way he plays, the way he reads the game, and the fact that he was the captain of the national squad speaks volumes of his character. Add to that his shyness, modesty, humble beginnings and what he has achieved.

At the same time, the guy is protective over his family. Maybe over-protective. A little word about them and he loses his head.

Is it wrong to want to protect your family? Is it wrong to get agitated if your family is insulted or you are provoked? Isn't his reaction a further testament to this guy's greatness?

**~UPDATE: 13.07.06~**

As I was writing this piece yesterday, Zidane was issuing an apology, as well as giving his side of the story here.FIFA, get off your bloody moral high ground and let him keep his Golden Ball Award!!

Final - Italy 1:1; 5:3 PSO France

When France scored the first goal, I was mildly excited. Among my friends, I was the only one supporting France.

And then Italy equalised, and the score stayed 1:1 till full-time. Into the bin went the 2 slips.

Then Zizou lost his head and crashed it into the chest of Materazzi, an ex-Everton player. And France lost.

Zizou, why like that? You are my inspiration leh, my 偶像 you know. You and I are of the same age (I'm a month older than you, actually), but look what you have achieved. I so want to be like you - making it to the pinnacle of your career yet still have time and so protective over your family.

Anyway, this has not been a financially fruitful World Cup. Actually, this is the first time I'm betting so actively.

Total Investment: $55
Net Earnings: $3.10

Yes, will be keeping my day job.

3rd, 4th Placing - Germany 3 : 1 Portugal

The tickets were bought in Jurong.

Germany, playing at home, should have the upper hand. Also felt that this will not be a 1 goal game. Bought 3 goals (Total Goals).

Finally, my first earnings from this World Cup! But the odds of $1.62 was really pittance.

Was on the way to winning both tickets, when at the 88th minute, Portugal scored their solitary goal. Oooiiii! Who asked you to score, Nuno Gomes?? Could have made $20 more!

Total investment to date: $45
Net earnings: $3.10 ($8.10 payout - $5 bet)

Tibet

On 1 Jul 2006, the 青藏铁路 was opened to much fanfare. At 5072m at its highest point, it is the world's highest railway.

Having been to Tibet myself, I have seen how simple the Tibetans live. Their absolute nonchalance towards materialism astounds me. Deeply religious, they donate huge amounts of money/precious stones to temples, leaving just enough for themselves. Their "just enough" seems to be just above the poverty line to me.

I have also seen the infusion of (for lack of a better word) capitalistic trademarks, like karaoke and massage joints, bars, billiard halls, etc. In the name of modernising, I think diluting is also taking place. Despite having stayed in Tibet for 3 years, our tour guide seemed just as dismissive of the Tibetans. In his mind, they are of a different breed, of a lower grade. I think I offended him when I replied "你似乎以有色眼镜在看待他们". My point was, let's not use our own yardstick to judge them. Who is to say which is more superior? They have lived this way for hundreds and thousands of years, and they have achieved equilibrium in their mental state, their spiritual state as well as in their society. SOMEONE ELSE is upsetting this equilibrium.

I may not have visited many countries, but I dare say Tibet has one of the richest cultures. It is an enigma which will take many, many years to unravel and understand. Only if you bother to try to understand. And not through white-washing or cultural bulldozers. I urge everyone to visit Tibet as soon as you can.

Politics 1 : 0 Cultural Preservation





(Graphic from: http://www.wellesley.edu/Polisci/wj/ChinaLinks-New/Images/121-potala-side.jpg)

To Be Different

So many things have happened. To break away and be different from the Old Me:

• I carry 2 pens instead of 1
• I re-started wearing cologne
• I wear a tie everyday
• I use a headset instead of earphones
• I use the other donation box in the temple

The changes may appear skin-deep, but I believe they will have far-reaching effects.

Semi-Finals - Portugal 0 : 1 France

Yesterday I had a feeling that this quarter final will be a 1-goal match, except that I wasn't sure who will be the winner.

Decided to bet on Portugal becos they played relatively well thus far and France's ah peks should be tired by now (sorry, Zizou!).

So, bought Portugal win (1 x 2) and Portugal win 1-0 (Pick the Score).
For buffer, I also bought Draw-Draw (Half/Full Time Double).

And then what happened? France won 1-0. Why didn't I just bet on Goals (1 goal)??

Total loss to date: $35

KNN. I've yet to win anything at this World Cup!!! Nabeh, better don't quit my day job, sia.

Semi-Finals - Germany 0 : 2 (a.e.t.) Italy

Wah lau, how come sturdy Germany can lose to stylo Italy? What ever happened to home ground advantage?

But actually, the Italians did play with more flair. The Germans see got ball, just anyhow whack towards the goal, even if there was an Italian right IN FRONT of him. Duh.

This ticket was also bought on 12 Jun. So,

Total Loss to date: $20

水来伸手，饭来张口

BM wrote an interesting piece about Singaporeans complaining about EVERYTHING, and always asking for help. Most of time, even if they don't need it.

It made me reflect on myself. Given my current situation, I know I've been guilty of grudging rants. But I've also been careful not to sound desperate or despondent, or critically needing people's 施舍. This applies even to Wifey. I got myself into this mess, I had better be the one to get myself out. Having said that, I don't know how much longer it will be before I get out of this rut.

I NEED TO CLOSE SOME DEALS! I NEED MY COMMISSION! I WANT MY OLD LIFE BACK!


How come some sites say it's 衣来伸手,饭来张口? Are both correct?



(Graphic from http://www.netsoc.tcd.ie/~villiros/pics/help.gif)

Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery

This is one of the reasons why I was so fascinated with astronomy.

So awe-inspiring. It really is a great leap for mankind and our dreams.

Quarter-Finals - Brazil 0 : 1 France

To me, the biggest upset of the tournament. Think the Brazilians were too complacent, and the team didn't gel.

This ticket was bought on 12 Jun. Can kiss it bye bye liao.

Together with the other England vs T&T ticket:

Total Loss to date: $15

Resolutions for 2006: Half-time Review

One of the reasons why I seem to be a headless chicken, I guess, is because I lack GOALS to work toward. That's why I itchy backside and made a few new year resolutions.

This is the half-way mark, and time for a review!

1. Avoid the poverty trap and spend within my means

- half-achieved. Have been spending within my means becos I am in the poverty trap!

2. Save $5000 by the end of the year

- this will be the new mother of all resolutions

3. Lose weight - let's start with 5kg

- last I weighed myself, I've lost 5... 00 grams. And that might have been becos I was sick for a week.

4. Exercise more, at least once a week

- I am very close to achieving this one ... very close ...

5. Be more diligent with the house work (this will be the mother of all resolutions)

- this has been relegated to the stepmother of all resolutions

Not all is lost, not all is lost ... yet.