1118. getting connected

Rant of the day: Year end coming...

I'd made my tweets private and only approved followers can view. I have the urge to delete my Facebook account because I feel it's no longer that personal. And I'm also considering either making my blog private or might as well, delete it too.

These new media and social media platform is no longer just a pure means to get connect, stay connected and be connected. It's now a stalking mechanism, kpo-ing avenue and a gossiping directory. Cheng just commented that I should go relax on words like "WTF" and "f**k" on Facebook and Twitter as we wouldn't know who is reading.

Scary? Yes. I felt INVADED in fact! I don't mind sharing my views, opinions and rants but if these are gonna affect my social and private life, then the invasion might had gone way too far.

Sometimes, what I need is just a place to let out my frustration but apparently, such simple nature platform had mutated. All these might just put me back into my emotional refrigerator.

1117. save money

Rant of the day: I need to exercise more!!!

Mum is leaving for Europe coming Monday for 2 weeks. Damn worrying 'cause many parts of Europe are having snowstorm and temperature is below tolerance level. Just hope that everything will be fine when she flies off in 2 days time.

This just sorta reminds me that I'm prolly skipping lots of long holiday trips in 2011 because I really need to save up for my flat and of course, wedding stuff... It's blardy hell expensive to get married now. We haven't really plan what we want to do for the banquet and stuff and guess what, already spent thousands on wedding photo packages. And when going through the magazines on the banquet prices, we will go like "oh my gawd" and "what the fuck"... Why so expensive?

This is totally  WHAT-THE-HELL!!!

For those of you who are considering getting married within this couple of years, do act fast before the prices soars again.

But I guess that everything is well spent on (for now minimally). At least I'm not getting most of my wedding photos shoot in Singapore or neighbouring countries. We are so going to Taiwan!!! It's what dear and I really wanted to do actually.
Talking about holidays in 2011, since I'm gonna skip long overseas vacations, I'm prolly gonna settle for the cheaper alternatives like Genting, KL or Bintan. No choice lah. What to do? At least I know I will not be spending thousands on places like these... Dear will understand... right? Sometimes, we just gotta find simple pleasures in life and not making it more unbearably. We can still find simple funs without burning our pockets.

Objective in 2011: SAVE MONEY!!!

I gotta remember to pen this down for my 2011 resolution!!! Hahahaha... ^^v

Anyway, just to share one of my favourite photo taken recently using my iPhone. The MBS.

Nice but haven't been inside yet. Too high crass for me (but actually is a bit too far to go)...

1116. scm comparison results

Rant of the day: I think I'm too fat. No, not think... I am fat!!!

I like what I see on the comparison chart for the 10km SCM. For those SCM runners, you can check these information here.

Anyway, end of the course on Situation Analysis. Fun? Ok, not to bad. But made a few really interesting friends from other ministries. They are really fun to be with. So life in gahmen bodies ain't that bad after all. There are still fun people around.

Cheers!!!

1115. false alarm

Joy of the day: Meeting ridiculously fun peeps during the customised course. Didn't know that SPF peeps are so friendly!!! =)

Mum gave me a scare this afternoon. She texts me "MC till friday. Cheken poo."

First thing to my mind, what on Earth did she get? She's only complaining about some "insect bites" on her waist and had been giving her much pain since last Friday. It's only Tuesday today and she's on MC till Friday! It's like 4 days of MC!!!

Next, what the heck is "cheken poo"? What is "cheken"? And it poop? Where and when did my mum comes in contact with this poo? Sort think that my mum meant... chicken pox. Hahahaha... But at her age, this viral infection might just cost her life! And she did had chicken pox the last time. Why again?

So rushed home after course and to my relief, it's herpes and not the deadly cheken poo. If you are not sure what is it, it's simply some sores from don't know what virus. All I know that it's more or less ok now. It's non-infectious already (but was very much infectious during the first few days). Still giving mum alot of pain.

She better recover fast 'cause her Europe trip is NEXT WEEK!!!

1114. we did it

Rant of the day: Having a bad abrasion from the arm band. Ouch...

We finally did it! We finally completed our first long distance run! Even though it's only 10km, still, the sense of accomplishment is overwhelming.

Seriously, for a first timer, it's really a challenge against the individual limits. At the 6km mark, I'm already on and off walking because even jogging SLOWLY was tough. Plus the sun was pretty scorching. Well, at least I completed it. Actual timing not out yet but definitely less than 1hr 30min.

We probably going for another 10km run in May next year, the Adidas Sundown 2011. Pending confirmation from dear's cousin. But it's slightly more costly than SCM. Hmmmmmmm... Maybe the race pack goodies are better? Not sure though.

Anyway, lovin' the finishing medal. Just look at the details!!!

And it's pretty heavy for such a small thing. So, aiming to complete a half marathon next... Gambatte!!!

1113. sitex

Rant of the day: Long weekend over... *sigh*

It wasn't much hype for me nowadays to all the IT fairs and stuff. Prolly going broke.... That's why... So, didn't buy much this year at SITEX. Just a Norton Internet Security 2011 'cause my current is gonna expire in 18 days time. And I won a 4GB thumbdrive... Not bad...

And a new set of speakers from SonicGear. It's Tattoo 303Xb, comes with a sub-woofer and it's only $19.90!!! So cheap!!! Must buy right?

So, gave my current speakers to my mum since she will need one to watch her dramas on her laptop. Also, got her a laptop cooler fan at only $5. Cheap...

And yes, Diary Queen serves the BEST soft ice-cream! Creamy and thick. Not even those in restaurants serves equal standards... Boo~~~

1112. night cycling

Rant of the day: The new Hotmail SUCKS!!!

Ya know what, night cycling is seriously TORTUROUS but I'm not sure why I'm joining every year even though my butt will sore like crap after that. Maybe I like to be tortured? Erm... Maybe not... Hahahaha... It's having the company to enjoy the painful ass cycling trip together I guess.

The way it was organised this year was pretty much different too. Instead of all participants cluster together and move out in one large group, it was now split into 5 smaller teams and along the way, each team is to complete some tasks. Pretty fun actually and when our team was led by my brother and his colleague, Rachel.

Lazy to put up all the photos so prolly just the group photos. Here's our group: Kim Chin, Rex, Fang Ying, Thiam Yeong, Grace and me.

And the team lead: Rachel and my brother, Jeric. Photo not very clear...

The rest of the photos are in my Facebook but you can only view if I have added you as "friend". Hahaha...

1111. scm

Rant of the day: Should I sign up for Adidas Sundown?

Post number 1111... HUAT AH!!! This is my first time really going for the Standard Chartered Marathon (SCM) but due to the injury and lack of real training, ain't going for the full marathon. Just a comfortable 10km should be fine... I hope (keeping fingers crossed).

So, collected my race pack on Friday. Curious what's inside?

The official race singlet by Asics. Ugly colour but the dri-fit fabric is good!!! Bad thing is, the SCM logo makes the ugly singlet even uglier. And super poor quality print!!! ROAR!!!

Muscle ach patches by Tiger Balm. Will come in handy... But I'm only doing the 10km. Will I ach that much?

Mini Silk Bath shower gel by Silk Pro. Hmmmmmmm... Good but I don't think I'm using it after the SCM. Where got place to bathe sia? Prolly use it when I go swimming or overseas.

My number tag of course. There's actually a small device inside that sort of capture my timing and personal info. Cool. Human ERP in the making...

Fruit bar by Nature Valley. For breakfast? Not enough. After run? Not enough either. For us to sample and buy in loads...

CEPAS to take MRT home? Is it even pre-loaded with some cash? I've got a feeling... NO...

A sample multi-vitamin packet by Ocean Health. Ok, so do I take it before or after the run?

A pre-run questionnaire (not knowing yourself enough and need to pre-evaluate with a piece of paper) and traffic advisory (this is really useful especially for drivers).

"Useful" coupons. But I really like the Ben & Jerry's coupons!!! The others... will I use them or is it going into my rubbish bin?

And not forgetting the loads and loads of brochures and pamphlets. Spams...

As I knew my own ankle condition, I decided not to risk further injuries. After the recent jogging, realised that my ankle began to hurt like crap. So, I bought this fully adjustable ankle guard to play safe. Got it for $12 but I ain't sure what's the market rate. Just buy lah in case I forgot.

Also, I don't wanna wear my regular army attire for the run. So finally bought my first FBT running singlet and shorts. Like the red top and it's really comfortable. But the short... not so nice on the colour but it got a small back pocket for CEPAS cards and keys!!! Really comes in handy.

Anyway, just hope nothing goes wrong after the run... especially my ankle. Don't wanna make things worse. I must remember to get my mp3 player fully charged before the event. And from now till the run, I must carry on with my own training. No slacking Eric!!! NO SLACKING!!!

1110. you are the only exception

Rant of the day: Tired... Very very very tired...

You know what? I had made the arrangement for the bridal photo shoot in 2012... Unbelievable? I know but this day will be here soon.

So I've confirmed my flat earlier. Now, bridal photo shoot confirmed. What's outstanding? Hahaha...

Because my dear is the only exception for me,

I'll make myself the only exception for her as well...

1109. learning but not mastering

Rant of the day: Playing guitar is seriously tough and painful...

I just remembered that for 2010, I made only 3 new year resolutions on 06 April! This was what I wrote:
1) Learn inline skating

2) Do a long distance run event
3) Change a job to something I like (but of course should pay me enough as well)

Unfortunately, the inline skating thingy gave me a hairline fracture in my right ankle but I think I can at least stand up while in skates. Haha... Gonna do my first 10km run in coming December. Hope I survive it. As for a new job, sadly it didn't happen and I wish it did.

In just a couple of months time, it will be 2011. Suddenly, I've got this weird feeling. Scared of the unknown? Perhaps. But probably time just going on too fast. But maybe I need to really spend some time to think about my next resolution for 2011. And definitely, I need a new and better job.

Since I can't do inline skating, shall do the guitar. At least I learn something new bah. But it's another painful process. I'd just done some practises and my fingers are all numb!!! I can't feel my finger tips on the left hand!!! Still, have to thanks Kevin for giving me free guitar lessons. Gawd, I'm so over-whelmed by his musical talents lah. Plays drum. Plays guitar. Plays with those totally chimalogic photography stuff.

And all I have is just that stupid voice that couldn't even hold notes and keys properly!!!

*envy*

Well, we can't choose our talents can we? No doubt we can learn, but surely without the god-gift, we just can't master "talents". So I'll just keep the guitar lessons thingy purely for learning on interest basis. If I can't do it good and steady, nevermind... At least  had been there done that.

Actually, I had done quite a few of these "talent developing" stuff but succeed in none. Here goes some of the stuff that I can still remember:
- Taekwondo... Failed my black belt not once but TWICE and I'm not planning on the third.
- Hip-hop... Too expensive to pursue and seriously, I felt that I'm always the oldest in class.
- Inline skating... My injured ankle proves too much for me to carry on but perhaps in the future, leisurely and slowly.
- Radio DJ-ing... Went a few lessons, competitions and auditions but nothing futile.

And I believe the list will go on. But hey, at least I tried right? No regrets.

Hmmmmmmm... Come to think about it, I'm always surrounded with musically talented peeps like Hansel, Xuan'an and now, Kevin. But why am I just sooooooo normal? I wonder what are my talents besides eating? Hahaha... Ok, include slacking and snacking in my list of talents too. =P

1108. topokki

Rant of the day: Hate Sunday nights...

Do you like topokki (Korean rice cake)? It's now one of our favourite food and both dear and I find the hot and spicy flavour the best! You know what? You can actually home cook it in just a few simple steps!

Step 1: Buy the necessary ingredients. Prepare the following items...

1 packet of topokki (600gm - 1000gm)

2 packets of topokki sauce

1 onion (diced)

1 carrot (sliced thinly)

Salt

Step 2: Cook the topokki quickly in a pot of boiling water to remove the layer of oil. Add some salt to pot. Pour away the boiling water and fill it up with ice water or running tap water. This is to maintain it's chewy state.

Step 3: Add some cooking oil and stir fry the diced onions and sliced carrots in a non-stick pan.

Step 4: Drain the water from the pot of topokki and add in them into the pan of onions and carrots only when the onions are turning brown. Cook for about 5min - 10min. Constantly stir the ingredients to prevent the topokki from sticking together.

Step 5: Add in the topokki sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add some water to dilute. Cook for another 5min - 10min. Ensure the sauce are evenly spread around the pan and all topokki are glazed with the them.

Step 6: Once the sauce boils, your topokki are now ready to serve.

1kg of topokki and 2 packets of sauce serves 6 - 8 pax. You can also add in diced beef/chicken/fish cake. If you want to make it more appetizing, sprinkle some white sesame. Perfect for small gatherings or potluck sessions or even CNY!!!

My girl can cook. Can yours too?

1107. technology advancements

Rant of the day: I am so looking forward to Friday... Haha...

After conducting numerous workshops for the public, it sometimes saddens me when you literally see the fear in people when technology advances at the speed of light. Coming to my third year conducting workshops, I'd seen aunties and uncles trying so hard to understand how to use the mouse, where to click to minimise the screen or even where is start button.

I'm listening to complains almost every lessons that some attendees are IT illiterate. I really sympathise with them but honestly, I can only help this much. While we put the blame on them that they are not making enough efforts to adapt, think it this way... one day, we will be in their shoes really.

Now that my mum got herself a laptop, I'm feeling even more of these. Literally everyday, my mum will come up with questions and questions for things like how to copy the images from the digital camera to her thumb drive, where to view photos that were copied out and even how to use MSN!

Sooner or later, she will want me to teach her how to create PowerPoint presentation slides... But first, still on the basics of transferring files to and fro an external device.

But at least, my mum is not that bad. She knows what is Youtube.com and Tudou.com! And even more amazing, she managed to locate where to watch those Taiwan variety shows in Tudou.com!!! Steady pom pi pi ok... Haha...

At the speed of all these technology advancements, we (as in our generation) might find it hard to catch up one day. Probably talking directly to the PC to get words being typed out automatically? Snapping the fingers to change the TV channels? Or just by mere thoughts to navigate the mobile phones?!?!? Scary... I hope I will not find myself not knowing how to switch on my TV in the future.

So while we can start to worry for ourselves, perhaps I shall continue to teach my mum on how to use her laptop (or at least how to surf the Net). Facebook for her? Maybe...

1106. trying things out

Rant of the day: Have the feel of visiting Zirca... It's been ages...

I am going to try out something that's totally alien to me and is extremely high risk... securities trading or to most known as "buy shares"! Not sure if I should be doing it but looking at the prospects of the fund that dear is recommending and also, too get more returns in order to fund my future, I should do it but probably at a much smaller scale.

It's a risk but take it slow and steady. Pray that the returns will jump in folds come the near future.

Back on office stuff, workload is still hell lots... Is like never-ending flow of emails!!! But besides that, still have to conduct classes and that takes up at least half a day! Gawd, please slow things down a lil will ya? It's getting on my nerves everyday looking at the number of emails piling and hitting the edges of the service level deadline. FML!!!

I'm like staying back after my office hours longer and longer each day. Though I'm telling myself "please go home now" but I can't just leave for I know doing that will result in undesirable consequences, i.e. answer to my boss.

My leave indicated for early November is also not approved yet even though we are coming very much soon to the end of October and my boss is on leave next week. Luckily, dear and I did not plan for the Phuket trip else, WE ARE SO SCREWED!!!

*phew*

On the bright side, even if the leave is not approved, it means I will have more days in December off from work because these are my last year leave and by hook or by crook, it must be cleared by this year. Hahaha...

Nevertheless, 2010 is coming to an end... SOON!!!

1105. coming back

Rant of the day: Work work work...

Dear and I make it a point that we visit Bintan once every year, regardless whether to use office subsidized bungalow or to book a room ourselves. We need to slow down the pace and in Bintan, we can find that kinda peace, quiet and space.

And not forgetting the aromatherapy massages. Total relaxation.

But of course, spending in Bintan ain't cheap. A simple meal and easily chalk to S$40 for two! And if you are intending to do some sea sports, get ready more cash as well. But for dear and I, is mainly to chill by the pool and get some tan... Hang out by the beach and pick sea shells... Sit by the balcony at night and savour some light alcohol.

Ahhhhh... That's life!!!

Admiring the view from my room... If only I have sea view everyday now in Singapore. Hahaha...

Hanging out by the beach. Picking sea shells...

Breakfast buffet is ridiculously good! Eat till you drop!

We probably be going to Phuket next year but this plan is besides the annual Bintan visit. Haha... Which resort is good and affordable at Phuket? Any experienced visitors? Share your experience...

But on the day of coming back Singapore was miserable. Don't wanna be back. At least not so soon. We were there at Bintan for only 3D2N... Even though there's nothing much to do, we can pretty well not do anything very proficiently... Haha...

1104. 上吐下泻

Rant of the day: Ran rain go away. You're making me sleepy all day...

这两天请了病假。似乎是感染了病毒。肚子一直翻滚个不停、上吐下泻、发烧发冷，简直是难过极了。就连喝开水都吐！就算肚子饿了，也完全没胃口吃。昨天一整天也只不过吃了一粒苹果和一片面包。

辛苦啊！！！

老板的sms也没让我好过一点。写到好像我故意没照顾好身体似的。不是我要生病的ok。难道我想让自己上吐下泻吗？我也知道自从Ah Pee走了之后，我们人手就不够了。但生病又不是我要的。我也很尽量保持健康了。

*叹*

今天虽然已经没吐没泻了，但是仍然没什么胃口。也因为没吃什么东西，现在全身没力气。我好像吃鱼粥或皮蛋瘦肉粥哦……老板，cheng teng热的一碗！！！