Starry Starry Stars...

Mediacorp came to campus for filming. Chinese drama to be telecast in Feb 09. Request was made through my office so I had the chance to bring the crew to the location. Other than a group of young calefares, the only actor who came was Shaun Chen - Michelle Chia's BF and soon-to-be hubby next year ;) Very charming man hehee!!!

I forgot to bring camera and so could only take a picture using my mobile haha!! Before the filming started, Shaun did talk to me BUT after we ended our short conversation, I walked away!! Darn!! I realised I could have prolonged our conversation but shy lah and didn't know what to say at that point in time! Darn!!! Needless to say, I missed the chance to take a photo with him too! Arrgggghhh!!! Actually, very paiseh to request also lah... not like I'm still in my teens, so no longer that garang anymore!!

I think I need someone to nudge me. There was once my hubby and I met 刘青云 and his wife (err.. can't recall her name right now but I like her!!) at Far East Plaza. They were asking for directions to a famous chicken rice stall with the Plaza. After we told them and went away, I hesitated very long and it was my hubby who encouraged me to turn back and get signature from them hahaha!!

Anyway, Mediacorp has a few more scenes to do on campus. One coming up next week but I don't know who the artistes will be. This time, I must arm myself with camera! Haha!!

Life's Simple Pleasures

Something to think about:

What are some of life's simple pleasures?

What are some of your life's simple pleasures?

Are you contented with your life's simple pleasures?

Why and why not?

Please don't tell me "tour the world" hoh... cos the keyword here is "simple"!

And don't think too much into these questions. They are not trick questions

Merely to reflect on it ourselves ;)

Kids or parents?

Was having brunch at a cafe at Jurong Regional Library this morning. A little boy (maybe 8 years old) came by wanting to share the table with us. He asked with his most gentle and innocent look, "Is... anyone... sitting... here.. ?" I was impressed! Happy with his good manners and courtesy! He made my day :)

It's been some time since I've met any kid so well-mannered. Most of the times, yes, unfortunately, these were what I've seen:

1. Kids rushing into MRT to get seats

2. Kids with shoes standing on MRT seats

3. Kids raising their voices at their parents/ elders

4. Kids who hit their parents/ elders

5. Yelling kids or kids crying to get attention

6. (Reasonably grown up) Kids getting seats in MRT/ buses instead of parents or (aging) grandparents.

I'm sure there are more.. Do you blame the kids or the parents? I blame the parents. Ooppsss ;p

Why, why & who

Took a bus ride to town today. 106 passes through the Holland and Orchard area before reaching Raffles City, my destination. Made many interesting observations on the way. If you like, you may attempt to answer some of my queries below but no crap answers please... so Mr 'boliao' Eng, you are banned! Hahaha!!

1. A girl board from opposite Singapore Poly. I presume she's still a student. She was sitting in the seat in front of mine. Saw her dark, black, curly, fake eyelashes. I wasn't sure at first until I saw her real eyelashes. Imagine two layers of eyelashes. Anyway, my question: do students nowadays put on such heavy makeup for school?? I can understand if one's attending party or perhaps has landed herself a role in a wayang theatre. But a student??? And she was dressed more formally than I am haha! If my girl becomes like this in future, I'd cane her hahah!! Joking!

2. Passed by Tanglin Mall and saw long queue of expats queuing for taxi. I've always noticed expats like to patronise Tanglin Mall. Why ar?

3. Saw a Porsche car plate number SJG1S cruised down Orchard Road. I don't know what model it is but I believe any of it is probably enough to last me half a lifetime??!!! Hahah!! Anyone knows who the owner is??? Argghh!! Tsk tsk tsk!! I'm envious! Ok, actually I'm jealous hahaha!! Kidding! ;p

眼镜，眼镜，找（小）朋友

I don't know if it's just me. Have you noticed there are more kids with myopia in Singapore? They could be as young as kindergarten to primary and older. It's such a pity that they had to wear specs at their age. Here are some statistics on the rate of myopia from SNEC:

7 year old - 25%

9 year old - 33%

12 year old - 50%

18 year - >80%

I think these figures are quite alarming, isn't it??

*Sigh*... I just feel kinda sad for these kids. So, parents, please take good care of your kids' vision okie. If you need assistance, SNEC has recently launched a NeuroVision program which aims to improve eyesight without surgery or medications by training the brain to see sharper.

The amazing clouds!

Took these pictures on campus cos I realised I seldom see this kinda cloud formation. Or is it just that I haven't been out to notice much?? Hahah!! Sorry, think my mobile phone's camera did not do justice to the clear blue sky it was suppose to be.

Curious, I ran through a search on wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clouds and found that this is called "altocumulus mackerel sky"and that it is called "mackerel sky" cos it is similar to the markings of an adult king mackerel (err.. I say.. "where got???")

"Altocumulus mackerel sky" falls within what is commonly classified as "middle clouds" as they develop between 6,500 and 20,000 feet.

Anyway, very nice hoh....??? Heheee....

This was taken in the evening (about 7.30pm) on the same day... another different formation.

Who owe who??

Again, I have to blog about this cos I thought this incident is quite ridiculous haha!!

I received a letter from an ex-employer saying I owed them some amount of medical expenses I had incurred before my last day of service. Now, let me analyse this:

1. First of all, I had left that company 2 years ago!

2. Since this happened donkey months ago, I emailed to the HR asking for "proof". I am concerned with the amount which anyway is only <$4, but rather, I am just trying to be naughty ;p. So, HR pdf-ed the invoice billed by the supplier, which was dated in Mar 2006! GOTCHA!!! Hahah!! If they were billed 2 years ago, what took them so darn long to inform me???? So, I queried HR again, but to date they have yet to (be able to) reply my email! Hahahha!!

3. Thirdly, if you notice, their letter was dated 27 Feb 2008. I got it in the evening on 28 Feb 2008 and I am expected to send them a cheque by 3 Mar 2008?? Harlow???

4. The most infuriating thing is their opening sentence asking me to refer to their note dated 23 Mar 2006. Excuse mua???!! I didn't receive any of such note hoh... I thought, no point me asking for "proof" of the letter since they could have simply typed one on the spot right? Hahah!!

5. I realised that I am not the only one who kena this letter. An ex-colleague is also in the same situation hahaha!! (as of 11 Mar, I know of a 3rd person who also kena haha!)

So, you wanna guess what happened??? I'm guessing it must be audit checks lah hahaha!!

Ok lah ok lah, I think I should not be so KL lah! Will send them the cheque lah.. *hmph* hahahha!!

Singapore gets to host 1st YOG!!!

Yeah!!! I very excited now!! Must blog about it!! Hahaha!!!

So exhilarating!!! Really ecstatic that Singapore won the bid to host the 1st Youth Olympic games!! My guess and hunch was indeed right!!! Wooo hoooo!!!! Well done Singapore, especially the team involved in the bid!!!

Ok, none of my business actually... I'm not even a Singaporean hahah!! But I feel very proud for Singapore mah... Hmmm.. maybe I should go work for MCYS or Sports Council or the Olympic Committee, aiyah, whichever is the team who will be involved in putting the actual YOG together in 2010!

Another victorious feat that'll go down history! Beautiful! CELEBRATE, SINGAPORE!!!!

HK drama serial - 酒店风云

Anyone watching the above-mentioned drama? I love it! I love the (main) casts, I love the story and I love the 主题曲 sung by Cantopop singer 李克勤! It's very easy to recognise his voice cos it's very unique to him. In fact, Hacken Lee was (not sure if it's still) touted as the next Jacky Cheung! He is a very good singer, just perhaps never got the opporunity to make it big like the "Heavenly Kings" ;( BTW, the 主题曲 is called "心计". I was listening to it over and over and over again yesterday hahah!! Don't ask me how.... *shhh...* Oh.. if you can't wait and want to know all about the drama, you've got to check this out

http://tvcity.tvb.com/drama/revolving_door_of_vengeance/frontpage/index.html

I'm restraining myself to read the entire episode. More exciting to watch it!

Comparatively, I never think any of our local dramas could beat that of the HK. I don't know why... Singapore dramas are ever SOOOOOOO predictable that none has ever interest me! Perhaps there was just one or two but sorry, no impression!! Hahah!! The current Ch8 programme at 7pm, a collaboration with Malaysian casts.. isn't it the same story line as that of... err.. don't know the name of the drama but 黄碧仁 was the main cast who acted as a gongfu master cum compulsive gambler (her hubby was killed in a car accident). So, this time round, her good friend is taking after her role.. *sigh*.. so disappointing! I mean the plot ;p

Well, maybe it is not fair to compare given that HK drama has come a long way, much more than Singapore.. And any one time, they have a bigger cast compared to what we have on our tiny island ;) Nevertheless, please 加油！

Feeling the taxi (fare) pinch...

Anyone of you taken taxi recently and got a shock from the new increased fare?? I knew there was going to be changes or rather increase in taxi fare but got a BIG shock when I hopped on a cab in town after 10pm to be slapped with a $3 surcharge!! Apparently, this is applicable from 5pm all the way to midnight and from Mon-Sat!!! My goodness!! Thought such surcharge should end by 9pm mah...??? DARN!!

Also, if you have noticed, or perhaps it's just me, there are more empty cabs running around now, right?? Especially in the mornings when I am going work, whenever I walk onto the roads, cabs will start slowing down.. no no, I didn't even look at them or look like I needed a cab.. so whenever these cabs slow down or even stop, I had to wave and signal that I am not taking cab!

I used to take cabs home after night out with friends but now I have to really think twice, or bear with taking MRT to Lakeside before hoping on a cab. So friends, please, let's not have our gathering in town anymore hahaha!! Anywhere else outside CBD is appreciated!! Hahah!!

Feeling the pinch... but what to do....??? If we have to take, we have to right??? I suppose this is still anytime cheaper than owning a car hoh??? Yes... self-assurance... Hahahha!!

Here's the new fare, if you haven't already know...

Basic flag down fare

$2.80 - $3.20 depending on the type of taxi you got onto

Midnight surcharge

50% of metered fare from 12am to 5.59am

Peak hour surcharge

35% of metered fare Mon-Fri 7-9.30am, Mon-Sat 5-8pm

This is the BIG KILLER!!

CBD surcharge

$3 from 5pm-midnight. Another murderer!!

!#$%^^&*()*#$&^#$&*^%

Feast On! Suckling Pig! (24 Nov)

Thought I'll not be busy and can go back to blogging until I was slapped with a last minute urgent request to write a strategy paper! I'm stealing time in between while the bosses read it to continue my blog before my back log builds up!! Else, it'll be worse by time I go away for holiday - next week!! Wooohoooo!!!


Ok, here's a picture of the suckling pig we ordered for a friend's gathering - from the famous Tiong Bahru Roasted Pig stall. Cost $70 + $5 delivery. Size just good for 8 people. It's nice when eaten warm but it can get VERY oily when it turns cold!!! You can actually squeeze and the oil will ooze out....... *shiver*



We also had donuts.. fantastic when heated up. Can't remember the brand of the donuts but friends bought it from Suntec City.



Jelly from Taiwan from the newly wed couple who just came back from their honeymoon trip.

The Good Ol' NAC Days (2000 - 2006)

Yup, that's how long I was with NAC... 6 years! Well, compared to some who are still there, I was just a hatching dinosaur haha ;p!!

Found some old pictures of my (2nd) cubicle space. Brought back a lot of great, unforgettable fond memories ;) Don't get me wrong. There's nothing that I'm not enjoying in my current workplace, but having been in a bigger organisation where I had a lot more fantastic colleagues and enjoyed great camaraderie was something I really missed ;(

We celebrated each other's birthdays, we had festive celebrations together, and during lunch time, we watched horror movies and screamed together, we played board/ card games and laughed so much together....... Unfortunately (or fortunately), everyone started to leave, one by one... and so the fun atmosphere just fizzled out...

Ok, following are pictures of the prank my ex-colleagues played on me while I was only on ONE day leave!! They were "inspired" by an email I forwarded to them on ideas of pranks. So, technically, it was my fault - for giving them the idea!! Argghhhh!! Frankly, it was quite a good piece of "installation art", don't you think so??!! Hahha!!

Decleor Institute (18 Sep)

I've been telling everyone about my fantastic facial & massage session I had at Decleor (http://www.decleor.com/) before I blog about this haha!! Just can't keep my mouth shut when it comes to such enjoyment that I must share mah hoh?? Haha!! First thing - thanks Ms Doreen Teo for her recommendation!

Hmm... ok, maybe I cut long story short, in case people say I loh-soh again haha!! I'll just go straight into what's so different about Decleor (situated at Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade)

1. They use essential oils or aromatic essences
2. There's no extraction, so no zits squeezing
3. They have electric-heated bed, so you'll be kept warm on your back and shoulder. You'll also be given a heat pack on your tummy.
4. They use disposable facial cotton specially made for facial purposes, hence no sponge like many others (who knows how many times the sponge has been reused on different customers!). So, you can be assured of its level of hygiene!
5. The Signature Treatment I went for includes back and arm massage in the 1hr 15min session. The usual price is $130 but thanks to Ms Teo, I paid $80 for the 1st trial ;)

The whole experience just felt so wonderful and heavenly!! It just felt soooooo different from those that I've been to, including the "kim kim" treatment at Bioskin! I think I can stop facial shopping already and just stick to Decleor.. hehe!!

Ok, for those who are interested about its packages (2 of which I am considering):
a) $1,330 for 10 + 3 sessions of Signature Treatment. You'll also get rewards points that can be used to redeem $80 worth of product + 1 complimentary Vital Eyes Treatment

b) $2,000 which can be used to deduct amount from any treatments at Decleor. Treatments will be given 20% discount before the deduction. You'll receive reward points to redeem product worth $280 + 1 complimentary Aroma Expert Treatment

There's no expiry date for the packages and they can be paid by instalments using UOB credit card. It may seem expensive, but comparatively, it is definitely very reasonable cos I was paying $90 per session at neighbourhood beauty salons too! See??!!

Maybe after I've signed up will I then be able to refer friends at the trial price. So, if you want, you wait ok hahaha!! Next month bah... hehe!!

Bioskin’s 24K Gold Luxury Face Treatment (4 Sep)

Yup yup, I went for a facial treatment at Bioskin http://www.bioskin.com.sg/. Received a flyer which offered its 24K Gold Luxury Face Treatment at $88, so thought can give it a go since I am also looking to having facials on a regular basis.. *sigh*... aging aging aging.. signs are starting to show on my beeeeaaaautiful face hahaha!! ;p

Actually I've seen it on TV before lah.. basically they put pieces of gold sheets on the face. Here's what it says: "... a new technology using 24 Karat which is a high quality beauty skin treatment made with nanotechnology which allows the main ingredients of 24K Gold, Witch Hazel Extract, Collagen, Kojic Acid, Lactic Acid, Aloe Vera Gel and Allantoin, to be absorbed into your skin completely and instantly. This nano-action from the gold mask plates will provide necessary beauty and nutritional components to help the skin return." Talk about nanotechnology, perhaps I should check with my Profs here... haha!!

Hmm... initially I couldn't feel or tell much difference after the treatment.. think the place is too dim lah ahaha.. but when I went home and have a closer look, I think the effects quite good leh... my pigmentation did lighten up a bit.. not too bad after one trial, I thought.. but too bad, I can't afford to take their package - 10 sessions at $4,800, 20 sessions at $7,500 and 30 sessions at $9,800!! *SWALLOW LOTS OF SALIVA* (well, it says usual price is $580 per session, but who are they fooling??? hahahah!!!)

Anyway, glad the consultant wasn't too pushy... perhaps it was getting too close to the time they have to close shop ;p Precisely because she wasn't too pushy, I'm browsing through their lists of treatments, and perhaps I can find something more affordable ;)

Happy 42nd Birthday, Singapore!

I am writing this as I watch the National Day Parade.. at home.. So sad!!! Though it is at the comfort of my own home, I really don’t mind being at the new floating platform, and be with everyone to enjoy the atmosphere… *sob*…. Actually, I haven’t been on-site at any of the previous National Day Parades. I only had one such similar experience performing at Singapore Youth Festival many many many years ago… And I really liked the feeling!!!!! That’s why I am upset my balloting wasn’t successful *sob*… *sigh*… neymind, next year try again….

I am not a Singaporean by nationality, but think I already feel like I am one, mentally hahah!! Such a disloyal Malaysian citizen right haha!! Cannot blame mah.. I grew up in Singapore and had my education here, right from Kindergarten leh… If you ask, “Why not convert to Singapore citizen then?” My reply will be “Not necessary yet, just in case if anything happens, I have a backup place to go.” Hahaha!! Such an ungrateful brat right??? Hahha!!

Watching how the performance went on so well, I really felt for the performers, be they students, members of public or the poor army guys… I believe it was months of sweat and hardship for them. I don’t know how they felt… Did they feel proud being able to perform in front of the entire nation, or did they feel like sh** having to go through hot, sticky and tough days of preparation? Whatever it was, I salute to these people!! WELL DONE!!

Arrrrhhhhhhhh the best part!!! Fireworks, of course!!!! And the good old national songs we’ve sung in the 10 years of our Primary and Secondary education!! It’s very strange, even after 20 years, we remember every word and tune! And all these songs are written and produced in such a way they never fail to raise goose pimples hahah!!

Anyway, I really thank God for this opportunity to be in Singapore. Thank God for watching over the nation - good leadership, prosperous and still growing nation, peaceful and harmonious country! And I will say this once again – I am contented ;)

HAPPY 42ND BIRTHDAY, SINGAPORE!

Inconsiderate her or me??

Noticed my silence in the past 2 weeks? *Sigh*… I was having wisdom toothache and couldn’t eat well, so no new food entries…

Anyway, I thought I did something quite unchristian-like today ;p. I was in the train, standing in front of a lady, asleep, crossed her leg and had one foot stuck out taking additional space in front of her. As the cabin got more crowded, the space her foot occupied became very precious cos it can easily accommodate another person! How inconsiderate of her!

So, I decided to do something. On my way out of the train, I purposely kicked her foot but pretended that it was unintentional cos we were all packed like sardines! *evil smile* ;p

I've been tagged!..

...tagged by my cousin to do this:

*4 Jobs I've Had In My Life:
- NUS
- NAC
- STB
- Minebea Technologies

*4 Places I've Lived:
- Jurong West, Singapore
- Lor Ah Soo, Singapore
- Upper Paya Lebar, Singapore
- Segamat, Johor, Malaysia

*4 Places I've Been On Vacation To:
- Europe (favourite!)
- Japan
- States
- Australia
(Others include Vietnam, China-never gonna go again, Thailand, Malaysia)

*4 Places I Would Rather Be In:
For living in? I don't know.. so far, I'm contented being here ;)

*4 Of My Favourite Food:
- Japanese food
- Vietnamese Pho
- Kuey Teow or Mee Tai Mak soup with pork balls
- Chicken pok-pok-geh!

*4 Lucky Souls Tagged:
Excluding my cousin, just nice, there are 4 others listed on my blog
- Vic
- Yen
- Frank
- Mavis
Aye, you guys better do it!! haha!!

"We had Joy, We had Fun, We had Seasons in the Sun.." (11 Jun) @ Vivocity

Mr Crappy Eng kept asking me to blog about our gathering and farewell for Rany on Monday. It took me a while to finally pen this down. Not that the get-together was boring that I couldn’t write much. On the contrary, there was too much fun and laughter I didn’t know where and how to start. It was a pity we didn’t take pictures ;(

Anyway, the main cast said she was going to be late so those of us who were on time went ahead with dinner at Food Republic. Uncle Frank bought most of the items! Thanks man! I think most of the fun & laughter happened because I became quite a laughing stock!! I kena “suan” left, right and centre, all thanks to Mr Eng and Uncle Frank. And because I can be quite an “entertaining item”, Nall said she’ll definitely include me in any of their future gathering haha!! Neighbour Mavis empathised with me, having been through similar situations whenever she was with her friends too…

Anyway.. goodbye Rany and have a blessed marriage ;)

Why I started this blog..

Guess I wanted to use this space to give comments (and complaints or so you say..) from my travel and food "adventure".. Then my friend asked, "You mean you travelled so often?" Haha!! Errrmm..Not so often I think, but I don't mind sharing all my little experiences and information while out and away..

I regretted not blogging earlier.. I think I have loads of things to say from each trip, from enjoying a galore of food in Singapore to trotting overseas (including just across the good old Causeway).

Hopefully, one or more of you will find it useful . You are welcome to post questions but I do not guarantee a prompt reply. One more condition - my comments may be subjective; don't take it too seriously until you experience it on your own ;p