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
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Friday, April 20, 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
BUT ...!
Woohoo, tonight go airport, tomorrow go holiday liao!! Yippee!
Post Date: 20 April 2007
Thursday, April 19, 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
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
Tuesday, April 17, 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
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
Sunday, April 15, 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
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
Friday, April 13, 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
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
Thursday, April 12, 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
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
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
Sunday, April 08, 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
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
Saturday, April 07, 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
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
Thursday, April 05, 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
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
Wednesday, April 04, 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
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
Monday, April 02, 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
“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
Wednesday, March 28, 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
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
Monday, March 26, 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
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
Sunday, March 25, 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
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
Saturday, March 24, 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
Tuesday, March 20, 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
Monday, February 05, 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
"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
Friday, December 29, 2006
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
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
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