Everything is a Process

Collage for Ashley

2008-12-28T13:47:00.000+08:00

Amazing BS gathering + Peirce again

2008-12-26T09:53:00.003+08:00

NUSBS gathering, not for my BSFOC2000 clique, but various Dhamra leaders/committee members during the 1998-2001 era.

Being the most junior amongst all, i am truely glad to see all these seniors whom were already around in NUSBS when i first joined them in yr 2000. I have not met most of them since their graduated 6-8yrs ago. Peifen and Shiongwei have done a great job in gathering back these 'old' folks!

As OCC mentioned, most of their looks have not changed much. I couldnt agree more. The effect of Dharma cultivation?

Arhh....another relaxing day spent at the Peirce Reservoir, enjoying the tranquility, calmness and peace magnificently blended in with litters of sounds made by surrounding insects and creatures. Cool~

View from Swissotel

2008-10-26T17:14:00.005+08:00

Nice Break

2008-10-01T23:13:00.004+08:00

I had a nice break today, soaking in a roof-top pool at one of singapore's top notch hotel, at the same time enjoying the scenic view.

I guess sometimes i really need to spend some money to relax and reward myself... shiok.

All wired up

2008-08-31T13:23:00.004+08:00

All wired up for the ktv session

In love with the Cabriolet

2008-08-10T11:08:00.004+08:00

I am a great fan of fanciful cars. Sometimes, i really wonder why am i not as excellent a worker as i was a student. I don't seem to excel well in my career. Probably what i am earning now is considered average (or slightly above), but still a far cry from friends who are doing superbly well.

Perhaps its time to develop the fullest potential in me..... using fanciful cars as the motivation. lol.

Belated Celebration with Lena & Felise

2008-07-26T00:43:00.003+08:00

29th Birthday

2008-07-08T22:15:00.002+08:00

Yeah, it was my bday yesterday, my last year in my 20s. Thanks to my colleagues for making the effort to get the birthday cake. Sincerely touched and thankful to all my friends who remembered my birthday and sent me the well wishes: riki, jeff, weiyang, jennifer, leepeng, julian, jason, kenneth, kenny, jane, fungling, lena, zeathereal ... and last but not least, my parents for their love and care and concerns shown to me over the past 29yrs + 10mths. May i continue to practise the Dharma diligently for the new year.

Southern Ridges Walk - 9km

2008-07-05T16:18:00.004+08:00

.

Decided to try the Southern Ridges walk which is reported to be 9km long. Places we passed by:

1) Vivocity - starting point
2) Murang Trail - leading to Mt Faber (lots to stairs to climb)
3) Henderson Waves - a new interesting bridge made of wooden planks (worth visiting)
4) Hilltop walk - an old park which has lost its appeal. The walls and flights of steps have turned from white to blackish, the grass patch which was once filled with nicely grown flowers are now left with withered plants
5) Forest walk - my fave 2.1km stretch, very interesting (worth visiting)
6) Alexandra Arc - next to my former work place HP, okay la, not very interesting but its a new bridge
7) Flora walk (HortPark) - its a v nice place with horticulture, but erm, i cant appreciate (may not visit again)
8) Kent Ridge Trail (with Canopy Walk) - been many times, so no longer find it interesting
9) Science Park Trail - i wonder why is this urbanized stretch considered part of the southern ridge walk? just because they want to link HortPark to West coast park? very forceful la......
10) Heritage Trail - this is none other than our Old Kent Ridge road, where u can find PGP, K.Edward7 Hall and the various research institutes behind sci fac (waste my time cos been there so many times)
11) Mac Donalds - Decided to end my walk at NUS Mac which offer a much lower price than outside.
12) Clementi Woods - I didnt walk there because i dunt find it interesting
13) West Coast Park - I didnt go there because i dunt find it interesting either

Conclusion: If you want to walk the Southern Ridges, i suggest you start off from Vivocity -> Mt Faber -> Henderson Waves -> Skip Hilltop Walk -> Go direct to Forest Walk -> Alexandra Arc -> HortPark -> Go Home. If you havent been to Kent Ridge Trail and Canopy walk, you may give it a try, but falling out from there is difficult. Good Luck!

Back to camp

2008-06-30T21:09:00.003+08:00

It has been more than a year since i last worn my green uniform. This can be evidently proven by the fact that Ashley has grown so much over the past 1 year. Today was actually just a mob-briefing, but definitely a significant one because i get to see many of my ex-camp mates, some of whom i havent met for more than 8 years (since the day i ORDed and stepped out of the camp). I am pleasantly surprised that it didnt take much effort for most of us to break the ice that have formed over the past 8 yrs, as we began to communicate like what we did during our good old days in camp. As we indulge ourselves further in the tok cok session, all the army languages, secret codewords, nicknames and interesting topics began to flow back in steadily. Most of us were only in our late teens or early 20s then.

Thanks to the many nights we had spent together watching tv, playing daidi, bridge and eating supper together in our bunks during our active days. Those were one of the most memorable and enjoyable moments i had in life, when life was pretty carefree and relaxing. Its kinda interesting to see how much each of us have grown up over the years. Most of us have put on weights, and no longer wear the youthful looks we once had. Practically, all have become uncles already, haha.

On the sad side, i learnt that one of my camp mate has been sent to jail for 23 years for sexual offences. Another close camp mate (who was my permanent driver) was also jailed for similar sexual offences. By the time they are released from the prisons, they should be already in their late 40s. Sighz...... what a huge waste of their precious youth and a major part of their life.

Ashley with her funny stunts

2008-05-29T20:42:00.002+08:00

My Little Shrine

2008-05-19T14:40:00.002+08:00

My heartfelt gratitude to ChyeChye and Sukandar for accompanying me to buy this Buddha statue from Evergreen. It has been with me for 8 years, watching me grow up and witnessing my countless cycles of ups and downs.

Lord Buddha, My Teacher, My Guidance in life.

Happy Vesak 2008!

2008-05-19T10:00:00.003+08:00

Happy Vesak 2008.

I spent a simple pre-vesak celebration with several Dharma sis/bros at HuiSuo, lead by Ven Kaizhao. As emphasized by shifu, parts of the world are now in crisis with the aftermaths of the China quakes and Myammar cyclones. We should channel our resources to help in relieving the sufferings there, instead of spending too much unnecessarily on celebrations.

The evening was no doubt a quiet but meaningful one. We did chantings and offerings to the triple gems. We had another dana session the next morning. I cant help but feel guilty for being absent from there for so long. Some of the Dharma friends and even Shifu commented that they have not seen me for so long. Shifu also remarked that i am getting overweight. Indeed, i have been spending most of my fridays and saturdays at buffets and indulging in great food. I have stopped attending the Dharma sessions (be it at huisuo or CMC) for so long. I am really feeling very happy to see so many of my Dharma bro/sis at the HuiSuo (Kenny Lam, MeiBei, Katrine, Riki, Pearlyn, Jolin, KeePang, KinSong, Teddy, Kairine, Waitu, Gaik Hong and her canadian husband!), in addition to the regulars from HuFaYuan.

Vesak is (supposed to be) a very important day to all Buddhists. It may carry different meanings to different individual, and I regard it as a special day for me to remind myself how slack and lazy i have been in practising the Dharma, as it also recharges and reinforces my faith in Buddhism. Last evening at PKS was just as crowded. As i squeezed through the crowds, i saw past images of myself running up and down in the compound, be it as a tour guide, manning booth selling stuffs, or just as a visitor. The number of familiar faces i see each year are getting less, but at least i am still seeing some. As i see the various activities participated by the thousands of folks, i also see the different kinds of needs & wants that each individual is seeking from Buddhism. Its true that we should not judge these activities, but at least as a buddhist with some basic foundations, we should be looking at stuffs which can help to uplift or upgrade ourselves spiritually.

May the Buddha blesses you, Dharma guides you, and Sangha protects you. Happy Vesak!

She has grown up

2008-05-05T21:04:00.005+08:00

Bears bears everywhere ...

Probably this is the first time there is a gal in my family, my parents (yeah both of them) spare no time in flooding my house with soft-toys - ever since my niece start to appreciate the first bear given to her. When i was a kid, my room was full of toy cars.

Kids are really fun, especially when they start knowing how to respond to you. From teaching her how to crawl, followed by how to walk, now i am teaching her how to talk. I can foresee that very soon, she will start to argue with me, hahaha.

Ferrari One More

2008-04-14T21:09:00.002+08:00

Okay, I admit i didnt have the complete collection of the latest Ferrari car models then, but now i really do. The fact is that among the 7 models, i like this Ferrari 360 least. Hence, i have never thought of adding it to my collection.

Few days ago, i happened to meet this friend at ECP, when i happily showed him from my handphone some photos of my car model collection. I explained to him how much i adore the cars and how far an extent i will go to get all of them.

The next day, he called me to tell me he has bought one of them for me. My 1st response was "Dun buy! I have already gotten them all!" It took me a few seconds to realise how rude and insensitive i was. "Dun worry, i will still take it since u have already bought it". Feeling paiseh, i called him a few min later to tell him that i actually still lack 1 of the models, and i can actually use the similar one i have at home to exchange with the station, while i can keep the one he bought.

At the same evening, he sms me again to ask me exactly which model i dun have. And within a few seconds after i replied him , he MMSed me with a photo of the model i mentioned. He told me he has changed it for me! Aww..... i feel super paiseh to trouble so many ppl just because the need to feed my hunger and huge interests for the cars. Nevertheless, i am sincerely thankful to my friend, CJ, someone whom i am actually not very close to.

Miracle water

2008-04-05T11:18:00.003+08:00

This is commonly known as the SKII "Miracle Water", which many users have claimed to produce miracles on their complexions within weeks or even days of using it.

Frankly speaking, I have never been a fan of facial & skincare products, and i absolutely know nuts about them. In fact jus 2 yrs ago, i did not even use facial foams and merely used only normal bathing soaps to wash my face. I did not apply any moisturisers too. A friend learnt about my habit and exclaimed in horror, telling me how harmful normal soaps is to my skin, and bought me a set of facial foam + moisturisers. I managed to make it a habit to use them since then.

Last week, I met her again, teasing her there isnt seem to be any improvement to my skins, and it was a waste of money. Well, not that i have very lousy and dirty complexion, but i do have significantly big pores on my face, thanks to my intensive swimming regime during my younger days. It was then she recommend me this SKII product, which she claims has worked miraculously on 2 of her guy-friends.

Last nite, she passed me this bottle. Reminding myself of the tv advertisement by supermodel Qiqi and Sammi Cheng, i cannot imagine myself using this woman product. The funny and grosteque feeling.... anybody wanna try on my behalf??

Gifts from Zeathereal

2008-03-30T22:08:00.003+08:00

Thanks to my dear BSL (zeathereal) for the beautiful gifts he has gotten for me.

The Ferrari car model which is the final piece that adds on to the complete collection i have for this series.

The buddhist beads (which he calls it brother-beads) he got from Nanjing. Indeed, i really love the design and coincidentally, i have been contemplating for quite sometime if i should replace the old one which i have been wearing daily without fail for the past 8 years. I guess the gift comes at the right time.

What a wonderful buddhist brother i have, who knows exactly what i want.

My Congested Collection

2008-03-23T14:51:00.002+08:00

Ferraris Me Adore

2008-03-19T23:24:00.005+08:00

For the 4th or 5th time since the mid 90s, Shell has been launching diff series of model cars. Being a superb car lover, i spare no chance to collect each and every single piece of them.

For the first few series, I was able to buy them in bulk (the entire series at one go). However, the new rulings of the latest series state that only 1 car can be bought for every $50 of fuel purchase. I have no choice but to go around seeking help from friends. Worse still, a few of the more 'hot' models were quickly depleting and went out of stock.
Thanks to zeathereal and a couple of friends, i managed to grab hold of 3 of them. However, i was still unable to get hold of 2 of my favourites (apparently the hottest) as they seemed to be out of stock in every kiosk. Last evening, i decided to try my luck at this particular petrok kiosk. True enough, that exact 2 models were listed out of stock. I gave the cashier a huge disappointing expression, and much to my surprise, she actually took out 1 of them from her drawer and told me that it was actually a 'reserved' set for her customer. She was willing to let me have it since i like it so much. I spare no time to pump $50 worth of petrol to purchase it... Wheeewee....

This evening, i decided to try another outlet, though without much expectation. But once again to my great surprise, this petrol kiosk still has stocks for all the 7 models! The cashier initially did not allow me to purchase them as i didnt pump any petrol, but upon some persuasion, she finally gave in and let me buy 1. I guess my greed get the better of me and i began to negotiate for a 2nd piece, and further pushed my luck by asking for a 3rd and 4th piece. I think she must have pitied this young man for being so foolishly crazy over the model cars, that she actually agreed!

Now i am a super happy man with all the ferrari car models i adore...hahahaha

The Nalanda Trail

2008-03-16T22:54:00.002+08:00

Thanks to Puay Kim and TseYing, I made my way to the ~~aNanda~~ Nalanda Trail today.

Quite close to my initial expectation, there wasnt much Dharma content in the exhibition. Nevertheless, it was a great and terrific showcase of the history of Buddhism. Personally, i feel that understanding the history of a religion is very important and plays a crucial role in supporting our cultivation - though some self-acclaimed "practising" buddhists may think otherwise and feel that this is an exhibition that can be missed.

Though in a much smaller scale compared to other museums around the world, it is definitely a very rare chance that one is able to see so many buddhism artifacts and exhibits in Singapore - imported from worldwide.

Walking past the exhibits, i develop this very strange and unexplainable feelings in me. Looking at the nicely furnished settings kissed gently by the dull orangy lamps, somehow i feel as if i have ever done a great exhibition myself before - the setups, the arranging of exhibits, displaying of artefacts, choosing of materials, these activities were so vivid yet i couldnt recall that i have actually organise (or part of organising) any exhibition before. Could it be remnance of memories from my previous life? LOL....

Probably i think too much. But i couldnt really explain why my hair stands on end each time i walk round the Buddha relics. Due to the limitations of my vocab and my weak command of the language, i really couldnt pen down how i actually felt then..

Growing Up

2008-03-01T11:01:00.001+08:00

No little way for Yahoo

2008-02-24T17:22:00.003+08:00

Wow, i feel so proud that my personal friend, Littleway, is chosen to be the poster gal for Yahoo! Singapore.

Singaporeans who surf the net can now see her face everyday~ (click on the pic for larger version)

Chinese New Year Movie

2008-02-08T10:51:00.000+08:00

It has always been a tradition for my family to watch movies during day1 of CNY, after all the visits. Last year was an exception due to the new-born to my family, which made it not so appropriate and convenient to bring her into the cinema.

This year, i was pretty disappointed the 3 only available CNY movies , namely Ah Long Pte Ltd, Kungfu Dunk and CJ7. Despite the very very very poor reviews read from the online forum, i decided to settle for AhLong, considering the fact my parents will be able to most relate to it, compared with the other films. Furthermore, i really love some of Jack Neo's past movies like Just Follow Law, I Do I Do and Home Run.

I entered the cinema with little expectations, esp after reading the critics and reviews. However, i thought there should be at least some comedy scenes which can crack me up and laugh. But i didnt expect none of the scenes in this film manage to do so. There were some very pathetic scenes which Jack Neo and gang were trying to make it funny, but the entire cinema remained a complete silence - Not funny at all.

I guess Jack Neo has really run out of ideas and needs some breaks. This film pales much in comparison to his previous works. I remembered vividly Just Follow Law was much more wicked and hilarious. Probably Mark Lee spoils the movie and is definitely not cut out to be an actor. No doubt he could be funny during his variety show, but his actings sux. There is no way he could hold a candle to the previous male leads like Adrian Pang and Gurmit Singh, whom i thought are natural comedians. Fann Wong sux just as much with her very stoned expression. If you dun believe, just visit the official website and take some previews at the gallery - all her facial expressions are similar. Pls give this movie a miss, don't even consider it.

Gone with Ah Long, i decided to try on a second movie - CJ7, which didnt receive very good reviews as well, but at least it scored the highest amongst the 3 CNY movies.

Indeed, the child actor (actress actually) is really v good and promising, but the story line is weak and i didnt feel as touch as what i have expected. Once again, compared with Stephen Chow's previous movies like Kungfu Hustle which sent me ROFL, i didnt enjoy it and was just waiting for the movie to end quick. However, credits must still be given to Stephen Chow for his brave new attempt to break away from his stereotyped works. Another movie which you can consider to give it a miss.

Both movies were watched at the newly opened Filmgarde cinema, located at Kallang Leisure Park. Its actually a very nice place, open air carpark, not crowded, and free online bookings! Unfortunately, the cinema ran into a major technical fault yesterday which caused a 45-min delay for my CJ7 screen time. The entire cinema was affected, and it snowballed to the subsequent show time as i walked out from the cinema, to find it greatly packed with ppl who have their shows delayed as well, waiting impatiently.

Poh Ern Shih

2008-01-27T13:18:00.000+08:00

I have always felt a great affinity for Poh Ern Shih. Located on a hilltop near NUS, it used to be one of my fave places to visit, especially during my final year in NUS. The tranquilty experienced at the old temple was marvellous.

Unfortunately, the old temple had to give way, but for a good cause - to make room for a bigger facility to cater to the needs for a larger grp of buddhists.
2 weeks ago, i re-visited the temple after 3 long years of absence. Indeed, my graduation from NUS (leaving the campus compound) has given a great impact on my life. I realised I have stopped doing many things which i used to do routinely when i was a student in NUS. Visiting PES is one of them.

The old buildings are now totally gone - not a single trace of the old authentic feel can be felt now from the new commercialised looking modern building. 1/2 of the new temple is up, but the other half is still under major construction. Nevertheless, the tranquility and peacefulness could still be strongly felt, even admist the noisy piling noises pouring out from the constructions.

I have a good chat with Mr Lee, the owner of the temple who hosted our BS MC retreats some 3-4 years ago. He looks much more aged now, probably due to the pressure and stress from managing the re-construction of the temple. But i have no doubt he still has a gold-filled heart, just like his father who used his own money to build this temple up for the public - The Thanksgiving temple, housing the Ksitigarbha bodhisattva, taking care of the lost and wandering souls of our brave WWII soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the fierce battles with the Japs.

The New Looks

Although 1/2 the temple building is up now, the temple is still seriously lacking in funds. If you have ever been touched by this temple, or by the stories written in the website, pls kindly offer your support by making donation/dana to the temple. The Sangha community needs our support. May the Triple Gems be always with you.

Temple Website: www.pohernshih.org

Best and Worst of 2007

2008-01-22T21:33:00.000+08:00

Most Entertaining Movie #1 - Hairspray
Hairspray, yeah, i fell in love with it instantly when i chanced upon its trailer while watching another (forgetable) movie. Although the plot is pretty senseless and weak, i find the movie extremely entertaining with the lively sound tracks, colourful pictures and the best of all - the superb dances. At the end of the tiring working day, you just do not wish to think much but enjoy the movie. Trust me, I enjoyed the movie so much that i felt like standing up and dance along in the cinema~

Most Disappointing Movie #1 - Warlords

Similarly, the trailer of this movie caught me by awe. However, i walked out of the cinema feeling very disappointed. Although the movie comprises big name actors, only Jet Li's performance is satisfactory. Andy Lau's performance sux especially.

Most Entertaining Movie #2 - Enchanted
I didnt choose to watch this movie. The tics were bought were bought without my consent, when i only agreed on a movie with some friends. Nevertheless, i ended up enjoying myself much more than i have expected. Although the female lead looks far too old and haggard to play the role of a princess, i thought her dance steps were marvellous and superbly graceful. It clarified my earlier doubts on why she was chosen for this role. Yeps, i love this movie.

Most Disappointing Movie #2 - Mr Bean's Holiday

SUX is the only word i can think of for this movie. Fancy i am a #1 Mr Bean fan, i am truely disappointed. I need not say more....

Best Buy #1 - Toyota Vios

I am glad i have made the right choice at the right time. A toyota vios has never been that cheap in history. In fact, cars have never been that cheap for the past recent years, with the COE price at its lowest point of 5.2K , and i hit the jackpot.

Not a performance car, but definitely a practical and economical car.

Although the ERP & petrol prices keep going up, it is still relatively cheaper than owning a car 10yrs ago when the car prices were much more expensive. Comparing the price of a nissan sunny in 1997 (91K) and 2007 (41K).

Best Buy #2 - K800I Sony Ericsson

Yes, this is an old phone, launched since mid 2006. Nevertheless, i have decided to lay my hands on this phone, because i simply love the Cyber Shot camera. Many ppl have mistaken the fact that the quality of a camera is determined by the number of megapixels. I am not an expert myself and i shant elaborate here. For just $102, i am really satisfied with the picture quality of this cam phone. In fact, all the pics u r seeing in this blog (the recent entries including the cambodia trip) are from this camera phone.

Worst Buy #1 - Seahorse Sofa
I used to think that Seahorse delivers high quality products at reasonable rates, but i am terribly wrong. On the last few days of 2007, i ordered a set of leather sofa and it was delivered to me with several holes, cuts and even a stapled wound/mark.

To make the matter worse, the very-hard-to-get-through customer hotline was actually directed to an outsourced China service centre. The china lady was unable to help me solve my problem as she kept calling me everyday for an entire week, giving me ridiculous explainations on the defects and proposing pathetic compensations. In the end, i have to resort to losing my temper to get the problem solved.

In summary:
1) Seahorse said that the defects i am seeing is normal, but i protested and argued its not.
2) Next, the lady told me my sofa is probably made from an 'old cow', so i am seeing more defects. She offered me 10% rebate as a compensation, and this 10% only applies the price of the 3-seater and not the entire set! I rejected.
3) She then offered me a replacement set but is UNABLE to give me even an estimated delivery date, citing the fact that the leather is currently out of stock, and the factory workers will be on leave for 2 weeks during CNY. I challenged her that if i were to walk to their retail outlets now to order a new set, i am sure they will be able to give me a delivery date. So why cant she do the same for a replacement set?
4) I asked for a 30% rebate as a compensation to close the matter, but she called me for 3 consecutive days to negotiate for 15%, then 20%, then 25% - a great waste of my time.
5) Eventually, she agreed on the 30% rebate, but it will be a voucher instead of cash rebate. I told her i do not trust their quality anymore, and there is no way i am going to use that voucher. I demanded cash.
6) Finally, she agreed to the 30% cash rebate - but i have yet to receive the money......

If you are thinking of buying seahorse product, pls think twice.

More pics from Cambodia

2008-01-06T10:49:00.000+08:00

More pics can be found here

This cambodia trip is no doubt a very fun and enjoyable one. The scenery is nice, the hotel is nice, the food is nice, the transport is nice, the prices are nice, and most importantly, the companions are nice! Its an almost flawless well-spent trip, as it wrapped up my 2007 marvellously.

More pics can be found here

Angkor Wat @ Dawn - Marvellous!

2008-01-02T20:50:00.000+08:00

BS Xmas Chalet

2007-12-17T18:40:00.000+08:00

1) The usual gang at our annual BS Chalet

2) Presenting my gift to Benny

3) Receiving my gift from TC (Xingyi's husband) - they got me a shaving kit and a cactus!

4) The gals posing with their gifts

The cactus is indeed an interesting present and i like it a lot. Xy said it is to remind me to remain strong and be able to excel under pressures and tough conditions.

Trip to West Msia

2007-12-10T18:45:00.000+08:00

2mths after our last trip to genting, my colleagues and I made our way to Malacca. This time, we drove there in 2 cars.

We had a very nice apartment facing the sea and sunrise. The trip was full of fun and laughter. I guess these pictures say it all....

Our next trip will be Cambodia end of this month.

Russell, you know what i mean?

2007-11-29T20:58:00.000+08:00

I am not exactly a Rusell Lee fan, but i am definitely a fan of horror movies and ghost stories.

I remember vividly I was only primary 5 when i first bought the True Singapore Ghost Story book (which was later labelled as Vol 1). It cost $10 and i got it from MPH - Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1. I duno why, but i seem to get most of my childhood books from there, including some tintin comics.

The TSGS book was a hit in singapore then. Everyone in my class was discussing about it, as the stories did indeed send chills down our spines. One of my classmates told me she did not dare to bathe at night, fearing her arms will appear blood-written words (the "I am David" story) while the other gal told us she would always keep a look out at the ceiling as she fear of seeing someone hanging and swinging by a rope.

I didnt follow up with the sequels, until abt 8yrs later, when i was in the army doing my guard duty late one night. A TSGS book (wow, it was already vol 7) was left at the guard-commander desk by one of my men, and i decided to read it. I was all alone at the shed in my super quiet and eerie camp, surrounded by cemetries from Jews, Chinese, Muslim, Christians etc. There was even a rumour that a lady in red was always standing by a nearby drain. However, i didnt remember i felt spooked from reading the book. Probably i was so used to the ghostly environment in camp that i became very immuned to 'them'.

Another 10 years passed, and i was at the International Book Fair at suntec when i chanced upon the MPH booth, selling Russell Lee's entire set of TSGB books. Wow! The latest book was already Vol 15! (in fact, now is 16). I was very impressed as i didnt expect the popularity of this book to last this long. Excitedly, i picked up the latest volume and headed towards the cashier. It took me less than 5hrs to finish reading this book, with great disappointment. Probably my expectations were too high then, but majority of the stories were so fictitious, boring and to the extend of... stupid. I wonder why so many ppl like to use this phrase "Russell, you know what i mean?" in their entries. It makes me ponder if all these stories come from the same writer. The standard of the stories have dropped tremendously, compared to vol1 and 7.

But i didnt give up. I decided to go online to search whether the other volumes are available at the NLB. I personally visited a few libraries (Bedok, AMK, Geylang East, LKC) but was unsuccessful in finding one, even though the online catalogue stated they are available. Finally, i managed to borrow a few of them from Geylang East Lib., and i went back for more. Within a few weeks, i have finished almost the entire collection of 16 books (except for a few). Yeah, i am glad some of them are still very nice, especially the older volumes like 3, 4 and 6. From reading these older books which stories are mostly based on local context, i also get to feel how much singapore has changed over the past 2 decades. For instance, a story wrote about this gal who has to rushed to a nearby shopping centre to make an urgent call - cos there was no handphone back then. Another wrote about "the newly constructed Newton MRT station". Wow....

Lions for Lambs

2007-11-17T13:03:00.000+08:00

It was under an almost without choice situation that I went to watch Lions for Lambs last evening. While there hasn’t been many interesting movies to watch lately, the night was still pretty young at 10am to call it a day. The much anticipated Bee Movie is not a choice after reading much negative reviews from online and friends. The showtime for Hero was at midnight which is a bit tad too late. Lions becomes stood out amongst all the not-so-appealing movies.

At 11pm, I wasn’t expecting my brain to function as actively. Afterall, it was a working day and all I wanted is to sit down, relax and enjoy whatever sound or graphic effects the movie has to offer. 10 minutes into the movie, I realize how wrong my choice was. The movie was full of dialogues and debates amongst the lead roles. It must be the first time that I really felt like sleeping midway into the movie, especially when the total number of audience was a single digit in this super large cinema – those who has been to the old shaw will know how big it is (probably 3 times the size of the Cineplex we see nowadays).

But dun get me wrong, it was no doubt a great movie. The director has intelligently but subtle-ly brought across some messages which stimulate my brain to function and ponder. Lions for Lambs – a great movie title which I thought have sarcastically describe the situation on how US army leaders have deployed their young soliders at Afghanistan in opposition of the Taliban troops, at all costs, whatever it takes. It was also closely linked to what Alexandra the Great had ever remarked that he feared more of a troop of lambs led by a lion than a troop of lions led by a lamb.

The movie also reflected on how propaganda was used to brainwash the citizens, and to fuel up the patriotisms in them. It reminded me of the holocausts, how young men were influenced (to some extend, misled) into joining the armed forces, naively blinded by the pride of protecting their nation, oblivious of the dangers they were put in. Many of them died, without knowing why.

There must be more to this movie which I have not absorbed, but the above piece got my attention most. Its not just a great movie, but a very great movie.

Love in the First Degree

2007-11-10T23:52:00.000+08:00

This pic was taken from NUS engin (outside the ECE office). I always love this particular scenery, especially during evening time, when the sunset dye the clouds purple and orange.

I was even more fortunate to got myself a room at PGP, with the windows facing the sea, where i could enjoy the beautiful scenery in the evenings. My room at Sheares Hall was just as splendid, facing the PSA port, with the cranes and hangars diligently working on the containers, giving me the encouragement i need as i mug thru the countless nites on my FYP and exams.

As i was driving on the expressway with my friends in my car, the speakers pour out a pretty familiar tune, a song by bananarama - Love in the First Degree. Immediately, i was remined of the dance we had for BS FOC2003, Camp Voyage (by zish). Involuntarily, i began to sway my arms and body recalling the dance steps (yeah, i could remember at least 80% of it) with my car at occasional free-wheeling. My friends were teasing me that the dance steps were so obiang and cnmi, and they couldnt imagine i would dance 'such' dance during my campus days.

"Well, all those who dance with me in BS were not really into dancing, but somehow, we enjoy the process of learning together, laughing at one another, esp at those whom we would nv imagine them dancing, and most importantly, the enjoyment we had dancing alongside together". With this stream of words unexpectedly flowing out from my mouth, they kept my friends quiet. I think zish has done a great job, without him, my BS days would not have been 1/2 as lively :)

Birthday Presents

2007-11-01T22:14:00.000+08:00

I told myself not to post too many pics of my niece on this blog, but i couldnt help it. This pic is really funny, with her facial expression and dress ups.

Don't you think she looks like a bandit on her bike?

Anyway, the hat is her birthday present from a neighbourhood auntie, while the tricycle is a birthday gift from none other than her uncle, who loves her to the ultimate!

Wedding Dinners

2007-10-28T19:28:00.000+08:00

Wedding bells are busy ringing lately. I see my friends one by one getting hitched, ROMed and march on the red carpet. I even witnessed one of my lady friend transform from a tomboyish lass (7 yrs ago) to a gorgeous stunning looking bride during the dinner. Frankly speaking, it wasnt easy for me to digest, for whatever reasons. I just feel that weddings or marriage is something so distant from me, and definitely not something i would want to look forward to.

Today, I SMS to congratulate another my lady friend who had her big day yesterday. "Juz glad everything is over!" was her reply, which was kind of shocking but not totally unexpected. Ahh.. that reminds me of what Prince Siddharta said when Rahula was born.

Getting married is a chore, especially holding wedding dinners. But if i were to wed one day, i will still proceed on with a grand wedding dinner, not so much for myself, but for the sake of our parents. These ceremonies are so important to them, to answer to their relatives and friends. I guess its the time we do them proud, and it also marks the end of another phase of life to them. To me, it is definitely a must.

But having said much, I would want to choose a different path from what the others are doing. Not being conformed to the societal norm, i actually feel more at ease, more freedom and happier. I know i am contradicting myself, but i am truely satisfied with my life now :)

Photos

2007-10-17T22:05:00.000+08:00

The baby and her fat uncle

2007-10-10T23:26:00.000+08:00

Mid Autumn Celebration

2007-09-26T21:51:00.000+08:00

It has become an annual event for me to visit Labrador Park for lantern festival.

Previously there was only a crab + a taurus, now we have an additional taurus. Yeah, they say that taurus and cancer make excellent friends - i agree.

My niece + my car + dad + mum + her car + myself

2007-09-23T13:17:00.000+08:00

Peirce again.....

2007-09-02T21:49:00.000+08:00

I am back at Peirce reservoirs again today... this time i brought a friend along who is very siao-on in photography.

I have to thank him for taking this candid shot of me. Without this photo, i wouldnt have known how much more haggard and old i have grown over the past 1 year.

With migraines and headaches attacking me very often in the afternoon, i was often told that i look tired (but i have enough sleep and i eat well). I guess what i am lacking in is spiritual cultivation.

The baby can stand now...

2007-08-22T23:07:00.000+08:00

This post is specially for Jane as she wants to know how tall the baby is now.... hahaahaa...

Genting Trip

2007-08-06T19:58:00.000+08:00

A super fun genting trip with colleagues over the weekend. My last trip there was 24 years ago.
My fave item for this trip was the SpaceShot ride i took at the theme park. The feeling of suspense when staying high up in the air anticipating the sudden release/fall was indescripable. With our feet hanging in the air without any footrest at 15 storey high, the feeling was a mix of fear, thrill and excitement.

The most memorable part was the crazy screamings along with colleagues, with chilly fast moving clouds brushing against our faces. At that instance, i felt i have completely let go of myself - SHIOK!

Frankly speaking, i have never enjoyed myself that much in my life. I felt i have been so deprived over the past 28 yrs of my life, haha. Or perhaps, its not so much of the place u go, but the companions u r with.

A driving trip to Melaka

2007-07-22T22:06:00.000+08:00

Made a list minute trip to Melaka. Although i have been to melaka several times, i thought this must have been the most enjoyable trip - cos i actually land my hands on a Perodua Kenari for my trip there!

Driving a malaysian car plate and malaysian-made car made me feel so well blended into the malaysian society. I felt very safe and secure along the way, as i could anyhow park escaping summons. I thought i also avoided potential road bullies and honkings on the roads - cos i was driving a humble perodua kenari!

The Christ Church is still as cool and authentic while the pasat malam at Jonkers was terrific. Seriously, I thought it was even more interesting and fun than those famous taipei night street markets.

Finally, i had a great seafood dinner on a kelong (though i dun take seafood). I enjoyed the sambal kangkong (plus other local dishes) while enjoying the romantic and blissful seaview. The entire atmosphere was marvellous - very rustic and non-commercialised.

The return trip was extremely fast as i sped home in the Merc sports coupe. Japan-cars really no fight with euro cars la....

Transformer Barricade + My Old Partner

2007-07-15T12:15:00.000+08:00

Here comes a new transformer to my collection - The Barricade. No doubt it comes in a very tiny piece without much details in its car's form, i thought the robot form is pretty cool. Cant imagine a small tiny car can be transformed into such an impressive robot. Thanks to my dear friend for giving me this wonderful toy.

On the sad side, i spotted my ex-partner today. Obviously the ex-owner has a better taste. Its now orange and black, yucks...........

2007-07-08T13:18:00.000+08:00

This year i had a very special birthday celebration at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Wow, the furnishings and quality of this hotel is indeed on par with those i stayed in Shanghai. Afterall, its a 6-star hotel costing $480++ per nite.

The views from the hotel were splendid. I could not only see the NDP rehearsal, but also the Benjamin Sheares Bridge + the entire east coast stretch.

On top of that, i also received presents that i like a lot this year. I have 2 WRXs, one which can be transformed into a robot, while the other is a die cast black baby.

Finally, a black nike t-shirt which is exactly wat i wanted this year :) Thanks all!

叔叔，我自己会冲凉了~~~

2007-07-07T13:22:00.001+08:00

Cars O Cars~

2007-07-02T21:07:00.001+08:00

Too bad, I didnt know how to take pictures when i was younger, but i do vividly remember my dad used to have a few more very nice cars in the past.....

Mercedes C Class Sports Coupe

2007-07-01T20:51:00.000+08:00

Ever since i parted with my family mercedes 4 yrs ago, i never thought i wud be able to step my foot onto one again. But i guess i am pretty fortunate.............

Its a C Class Sports Coupe.....

Dun u hate it or find it an eye sore whenever u spot very nice and posh sports cars on the roads, only to discover the drivers are some old aunties or uncles? No offence though, i find them a total mismatch~~

But well, only old uncles and aunties can afford such expensive cars... unless u r someone's mistress or a kept boy ;)

3 times within a month!!!

2007-06-24T16:58:00.001+08:00

Either June is my lucky month, or i have gotten a very lucky car license number.

3 times in june!!!

Shopping Spreeeeeee

2007-06-20T20:47:00.000+08:00

ABC baby + BS Gathering

2007-06-10T11:18:00.000+08:00

Little Ashley loves the ABC mat a lot and couldnt stop giggling as i set up and arrange the mat for her.

Another of our BS-FOC2000 gang quarterly gathering. Finally, someone in our gang has her own house... and more to come...

Baby Pirate?

2007-06-03T09:38:00.000+08:00

Inspired by the movie Pirates of the Carribbean, i gave little ashley a head gear to put on. I thought she looks cool with it, hahaha...

Happy Vesak 2007

2007-05-31T12:14:00.000+08:00

Happy Vesak 2007!

I have a very different Vesak Celebration this year. Not because i attended something more grand and big scale, but rather on the contrary, I had a pretty toned down celebration - a simple Vesak Ceremony with Ven Kai Zhao and Hu Fa Yuan.

I have been very sick for the past 4-5 days, and took 3 days MC from work. Starting from a mild fever of 38 deg, it rose to near 40 deg as i experienced my first ever black out in my life. The fever refused to go away, even till now it has not fully subsided.

Over the past few days, I am sincerely grateful to my mum for taking good care of me - preparing my meals, wiping my body with ice-sokaed towels and waking me up on time to take medicine. The food i took were plain porridge and some simple steamed food. Strangely, i have never found them to be so delicious in the past. After 4 continuous days of consumption, i actually grew to love them, as i feel very light and pure within.

Ven Kai Zhao shared last night that the happiest thing in life is when:

1) We get to fall asleep - indeed, when i was sick, i could not even sleep well and lying on the bed in pains was like another form of torture to me

2) We get to swallow food - indeed, when i was sick, the food were hard to swallow due to my highly inflammed throat

3) We get to digest the food and feel the warmt in our stomach - indeed, when i was sick, my digestive tract was not working well as i kept experiencing stomach upset

In short, Shifu was trying pass us the message that nothing is happier than having a healthy body.

The viral attack, together with the Dharma talk given by Ven Kaizhao, has been a wonderful Vesak Day package gift for me.

150km/hr along N-S Highway

2007-05-28T18:05:00.000+08:00

For the first time, i took Darkiee to Malaysia (or rather, Darkiee took me to Msia).

I remember I used to drive my dad's Nissan Laurel and Merc at 170km/hr along NS Highway several years ago.

Being just a 1.5 litres car, I am pretty impressed by this vios' performance, even though the max i hit was only 150k/hr (i din wanna stress it further).

However surprisingly, I could still easily pick up its speed even beyond 100km/hr. I think thats because the car is light + its new. I am sure the car will not deliver similar performance say, 2-3 years later.

Nevertheless, its still a value-for-money deal.

38 years, wow!

2007-05-26T10:55:00.000+08:00

As a newcomer, I am not surprised to kena the arrow to organise a team building event for my team.

Unlike HP, this company does not have as much budget for us, probably less than 5-10% what HP is willing to allocate for each employee. I decided to organise a simple one - Games & Buffet dinner at my playground, ECP.

Although I have had quite a fair amt of experience organising games and events during my sch days, this is actually my first time to organise stuffs which involve eldery folks. Most of the games i have played in my sch days could not be applied here.

During the ice-breaking and introduction session, i am very surprised to learn that many of the staffs have been working in the company for decades- 3 of them for 38 years, 1 of them 35 years and another few close to 30 years. I am really very impressed by their loyalty to the company, and they have seriously earned my respect.

Cannot get enough of babies

2007-05-21T20:49:00.000+08:00

Some ppl like me are suckers to babies, but i also know some ppl find babies a nuisiance.

Human babies are born dependent on their parents, unlike cats and dogs. They knew how to walk and look for food the moment they were born, but human babies remain helpless.

This would mean nuturing is essential for human beings. That is why we are not cold blooded - we love and we care.

Phobia

2007-05-16T21:26:00.000+08:00

I am not exactly in the mood of writing, but i thought i could just briefly pen some thoughts down.

One of the BS freshie (Diana) messaged me 2 nites ago and told me she was very upset. Apparently, one of the SAF soldiers who got killed by the crashing fighter jet in taiwan was her jc classmate. Personally, i cannot imagine what would happen to me if my love ones were to leave me one day. I am sure i will slumber into a long depression.

Frankly speaking, i could see one potential relationship coming up strongly and promisingly, but i am now just struck with phobia of getting attached again. I wish to avoid from the pains of having to leave my love ones one day. I thought we should just all just stop 挥霍情感 altogether.

2 singaporeans were killed in the morning storm yesterday. I hope their family members are coping well.

Last of the Army Series

2007-05-12T00:12:00.000+08:00

**Camera phones and any other forms of photography are strictly prohibited in the army. Hence, pls do not assume this pic is taken within the camp premise**

My ICT has finally ended. I guess I was being too optimistic prior to this ICT that it turned out to be a nightmare for me - probably the worst period i have ever gone thru in my life since i ORD in yr 2000. I used to be one of the very few guys who felt great abt my army days but after this in-camp my impression has changed a great deal.

The weather was extremely hot with 40-50 soldiers squeezing together in a poorly ventilated BTOC tentage. There was totally insufficient or NO sleep at all for the almost entire week of 24-hr exercise. There were nites that i pia from Pasir Leba Camp back to home at bedok at 3am, slept for abt 2++hrs and then pia all the way back to camp at 6am. I reckoned that sleeping 2 hrs on my own bed is much more recharging than sleep 4hrs on the hard grounds. I am no longer the soldier i used to be (who can sleep anywhere). Moreover, I didnt want my HBP and migraine to come back due to insufficient sleep.

The thing which pissed me off most was that i felt we are called back this time for "NOTHING". I did not get to provide much service to the active guys, and i did not learn anything useful from this ICT. Its a fxxking waste of my precious time, which i could have spent much more meaningfully at work.

But on the positive notes, i get to know many funny and interesting fellow NSmen (like the one in the pic). When you put a group of men together without anything serious to do, all the nonsense and rubbish will start to sprout out, haha. Suddenly, i became very fluent in my flowery language once again, as those fanciful words start to flow out smoothly from my mouth. I really enjoy the companionship and friendship made with these guys.

During this ex, i also get to visit my Sispec company line - a dreadful yet memorable place which i used to train/sleep/eat/sweat at 9 yrs ago. The building has since been refurbished nicely, but the old memories remain vivid in my memory. The trainings may be tough, but definitely professional.

Army remains a love-hate relationship for me.

Laughing Baby

2007-05-05T01:05:00.000+08:00

Hmmm, its always so difficult to capture photos of Ashley baby smiling, but i actually managed to took several of them this morning.

Besides the smiles, she also wetted my army no.4 uniform 5 min before i wanna leave home for camp. Well, good and bad things always come in a package....

5 things about The Army

2007-05-03T21:22:00.000+08:00

This was me in my armoured vehicle in year 1999. I was arrowed as the 'poster boy' for the then newly launched Singapore-made Bionix vehicle. Forat least a year, this picture could easily be found on newspaper ads, publicity posters and huge exhibition boards placed at various shopping centre (for promoting Army21). The ironic thing is i never got the chance to be operational ready with this armoured fight vehicle.

During this reservist, I noticed 5 disturbing things about the army:

1) The commanders are all very young and kiddish
This may be something relative to my own age, but i cant help but feel that the commanders nowadays are all very young and kiddish. Unlike the past, i always have the impression that they are made up of very matured, strict and no-nonsense kind of personnel. Any compromise with their experience and capability? I duno yet...

2) A waste of young talents (personal view)
There are a couple of young regular officers whom i am quite impressed with their working style and attitude. I am sure they will be an asset to MNCs in the outside working world, helping the companies make big money. But why are they stuck in the Army??? (of cos ppl will argue Army also got bright future.......wat)

3) Super slow moving pace
Having worked in the fast-moving paced society (esp in companies like HP) for sometime, I wasnt quite used to the pace i have to follow in the army. As agreed with my fellow camp mates, we have to switch ourselves to ultra slow mode ie. walk slowly, eat slowly, go toilet slowly, do things slowly, and the list goes on......

4) More time spent on breaks than useful work
I am not exaggerating. I actually spent more time at the breaks than useful work today. Furthermore, I didnt quite remember my lunch break duration was 1.5hrs long 10yrs ago - Today, we spent 1min queuing for the food, 10min to eat, and 79min sitting there tok cok.

5) They assume everyone drives a car
I may be driving one myself, but i am very sure not all my camp mates drive. But they assumed so by issuing everyone a carpark label (by default). They also guided us how to find our way to another camp next week, by telling us which expressways and exit to note, instead of telling us which MRT station and SBS bus to take. The commander even told us we must bring all our army barangs barangs along for reservist regardless whether we need them. He said we can always place these bulky items in "our cars" *faint*

Seeking Bliss even in Darkness.......

2007-04-29T20:34:00.000+08:00

I took these pictures while waxing Darkiee today. In the deep black and dark bonnet, i see reflections of sky with fluffy white clouds, giving me the soothing and blissful feel. I thought these pictures were pretty suitable to use to describe what I am going to blog next.

Most of my friends would have known by now that I have left HP 1 month ago. HP was not exactly a bad company, but the amount of pay i get every month does not justify the amt of work i was doing.

Recently, there is a very very very sad case about a HP staff who died due to work overstress:
1) http://kaiyan.multiply.com/journal/item/197
2) http://pinkmayflower.multiply.com/journal/item/140

This may be an isolated case and should not be used to condemm HP and her management. But well, what May described in her blog is definitely no exaggeration. Although mine was not as bad, but it really reminds me of the work conditions i was experiencing for the past 2 years. There were phases when I came home often in a v bad mood, as i carried my work stress to sleep and over the weekends. I dragged my feet to work in the mornings, fearing of opening up the mailbox and developed phobia of answering phone calls.

But of cos, there are many others who are able to cope well enough to survive, and those who cant would eventually find their way to the exit (like me). I was also reminded of Ven Pema's advice for me when i met him one fine evening in NUS, complaining about my sch work and stress (i was yr 2 or 3 then). He calmly said " Even when you are busy now, you can still seek peace and bliss within yourself "

May all of us be able to seek the bliss and peace in ourselves, even during the darkest days of our life. We must take good care of ourselves. And may May be reborn in a world with Dharma and less sufferings. Rest in peace.

Nice Car!!!

2007-04-23T19:33:00.000+08:00

This evening when i reached home, i was so excited upon seeing this green car. This car is so old that it seems as if its going fall apart anytime! Several parts of the body are also severely corroded.

Nevertheless, i still view this car as a beauty of its own. I feel that it has a very nice unique stylo shape which makes it more interesting than those boring boxy + squarish type cars.

Alas, i bet this car is about 30-yr old. This shows that japan-made Datsun rocks. I wonder what will the green QQ behind looks like in 30yrs time. Probably it cant even last for 3 yrs ( i am serious!).

Sadly, I have to acknowledge the fact that my Thailand-made vios is definitely no match for my France-made Peugeot Partner. My Partner gets more and more powerful with speed, while the vios wobbles upon reaching 100km/h. The driving feel and shiokness of my Partner also wins my vios hands-down. Last but not least, the finishings and chassis of the Partner is super solid. The vios is pretty flimsy and plasticky. Worst of all, i could see parts from my engine with my bonnet completely shut, cos the front gaps are so big!

Army Days

2007-04-22T14:08:00.000+08:00

I will be going back for my 4th reservice soon after a break of 5 years. My previous NS was done in 2002 when i was still staying in PGP.

I was enlisted in the army in the year 1997 This would mean all my barang barangs (ie. my helmet, uniform, field packs, boots etc) have been with me for almost a decade.

Nothing much has changed except for the fact that i am carrying now a big pot belly (which is pretty obvious in the last pic i posted). I was reminded of the slimmer waist line i used to have, LOL.

I was digging out all the items i will need for my NS from a big box which i have used to store my army barang barangs for the past decade. As I put on my boots, pulled up the laces, tied them into army knots, folded my slacks and stuffed everything under the gutters, I found i could put on my boots without any problem, despite the fact tt i havent touch them for 5 yrs. I guess there are certain things that have already been deeply drilled down into you - considering the fact i have been doing these actions for almost everyday in the 2.5 yrs spent in the army.

Putting on my boots gave me many memories. 1) The change parade which i was tekaned on during BMT - when we were ordered to change in between our army uniform and PT kits many times over within a 1 min time frame. 2) Those demoralising feelings i used to have when performing tying my boot lace early in the morning - sleepiness + sianness + ready to drag my feet to draw arms (rifles). 3) Outfields in the rain when u finally got the 'luxury' to untie your boot lace, remove your boots and let your feet out to breathe - after being soaked for hours or days in the damp and wet boots. 4) Encountered swamps when bashing thru the forests with your entire foot sank into the muds -> pull out your feet -> dig away all the smelly muds off your boot -> find a stream or river to clean away (not for the sake of cleanliness but to reduce the weight your feet have to take (muds can be v heavy).

As i showed my mum the webbings, i told her how many live rounds were kept in these pockets before. I was also reminded of an incident whereby i accidentally carried a live round back to the base in of my webbing pockets. Well how i manage to dispose it after that is another story - i nearly landed myself in the db/jail manz...

Watch the movie, or Read the film?

2007-04-21T01:15:00.000+08:00

Blame it on my luck, but the movies i watched lately really sux. Other than "The Protege" which i thought is kinda more refreshing, the other movies i watched simply cnmi (TMNT, Golden Petal or watever, Mr Bean on Holidays, One Last Dance).

This evening, i went to watch the "Fracture" with a friend. The movie is about a man shooting his unfaithful wife, and how he outsmarted the prosecuter and escaped the punishments. At the end of the movie, i had some small discussions with my friend on the movie, to clarify on some parts which i didnt quite understand. I didnt quite agree with what my friend has interpreted the movie, and thought there were some parts which his understandings are not too correct.

"Its jus a very simple and straight forward movie... you think too much....." he exclaimed.

Well, seriously i think i have adopted the habit of reading films (instead of just watching films) ever since i took up the NUS Module "Film & History". I dun quite like the idea of just spending 8 to 10 bucks sitting down for 2hrs and purely letting your eyes do the work. Especially nowadays, there are more and more cheem films which require more indepth understanding, to truely appreciate the movie and get what the film director has to say. Even comedy films like Mr Bean on Holidays has a theme (not jus purely funny scenes and jokes).

True enough, I did a quick surf on the internet and got the light. The movie was not what my friend has interpreted (that simply). It requires some understanding about the english law. Now, the joy of watching a movie shld not be just limited to the 2 hrs of sitting in the cinema.

Perfect Company

2007-04-19T21:45:00.000+08:00

It has been quite some time since i have written a proper entry. My recent entries were mainly made up of pictures, with the additions of some superficial comments and blabberings.

I have joined my present company (i m not naming it yet) for exactly 1 month today. Despite the fact that both my present coy and previous one are US MNCs, I am still unable to avoid experiencing a cultural shock. The management styles are totally different.

I remember my colleagues at HP always complained that the bosses do not care about them. Personally, I didnt get much attention from my manager in HP. It is a double edged sword - he gave me complete freedom to manage my own stuffs and gave me minimal disturbances at work. On the flop side, he was often not around when i needed the support and guidance. My first few mths in HP were terrible as i was pretty much like a lost sheep, aimlessly banging my head around, and i learnt my stuffs through the hard way.

At my present company, the colleagues are complaining that the managers 'care too much'. In my opinion, the managers here really micro-manages - which is quite a waste of resources. But on the positive side, at least they are around to guide you and show you the light. I believe this type of environment is best for fresh grads are young workers like me. What i need now is a solid manager who is willing to guide and lead me. I am glad my manager now is willing to do so.

HP is always well known for its good working environment. Indeed, the people in HP are nice (i mean my fellow team mates, not those cross functional team members who have work conflicts with me). My seniors were always very willing to guide and teach me. They are very patient ppl, compassionate and enthusiastic in sharing their knowledge with you. Somehow, it really applies to everyone in the department. I could hardly think of any exceptions. I guess its the culture there.

Unfortunately, colleagues in my present coy are often not very willing to teach and guide the new comers. Although they can be very friendly and chatty, the culture of helping the newbies is simply not there. They give very vague and incomplete answers when you seek their guidance. Its a very individualistic environment - "last time when i was new, my snrs treated me like this. So now, why shld i give special nice treatment to the newbies?" Nevertheless, we still hang out together during lunches, tea breaks, tok cok and gossip abt the managers (whole-day-long). After our paint-ball challenge, we r thinking of wake-boarding at batam later this month.

HP gives her workers superb working environment, superior office furnishings with teak wood, high chairs, LCD monitors, laptops, PCs, IP phones, orange lamps, thick carpets, coffee-bean-like pantries at every levels and corners of the building, solid gyms and a swimming pool + lots of outings, big foods, great gifts BUT VERY LOW PAY. My present company uses CRT monitors, lousy telephones, old and run down furnishings, NO PANTRY, NO Swimming pool, pathetic gym ... but most importantly Good Pay + Good Bonuses.

I have heard complaints in all the 3 companies i have worked in. People are always dissatisfied somehow (including myself). I believe there is no perfect company. In fact, we should be looking at 'whats most important to me now". From Delgro to HP, i was looking for greater exposures and learning opportunities - hence i took a huge annual pay cut to jump to HP. HP really gave me the exposure i want. Playing a regional role, i get to travel and work with people from all over the world. Moreover, i get to work with people from diff functional grps - marketing, sales, planning, production, r&d, service etc. After HP, i was looking more for money and also building a diversified job experience, and here i am......

to be continued (if i have the mood) ......

Presenting my new Colleagues

2007-04-15T14:09:00.001+08:00

Just as I thought the ppl in HP were young and vibrant enough (as compared with Delgro), these ppl dealing with semiconductors are even more energetic and crazy.

We had a few rounds of paint-ball war games today at OCC. $55 in exchange of several bruises and shot marks - ouch (for both my skin and pocket).

Baby + Darkiee

2007-04-08T14:23:00.000+08:00

Mirror Effects in Darkiee

2007-04-06T14:46:00.000+08:00

After doing lots of research on car waxings and maintenance, and having tried quite a number of car wax, detailings and different cloth materials (terry cloth, microfibre, chamois), finally i managed to produce this wet-looking high gloss looks on Darkiee. It can now double up as a mirror, haha.

Telco Analysis

2007-03-30T18:53:00.000+08:00

My singtel bill is getting ridiculous lately, so i decided to study and analyse what the 3 telco has to offer once again.

Under my company's corporate plan:

1) Singtel iOne Plus
- $19.60/mth
- Free caller id for only 1 year and $5/mth subsqly (-2)
- Free incoming calls and 100 min outgoing calls
- 500 SMSes
- Per Minute billing (-5)
- Get to retain my existing number (+1)
- No need to buy new simcard (+2)
Score: -2

2) M1 SunTalk Plus 100
- $22.50/mth (-2)
- No free caller id (-4)
- Free incoming calls and 100 min outgoing calls
- 500 SMSes
- Charged for the 1st min followed by blocks of 6 secs (+3)
- Absolutely free weekend calls (+3)
- Get to retain my old but v nice M1 number number (+2)
- Need to pay new SIM card (-2)
Score: 0

2) Starhub PowerValue 100
- $19.60/mth
- Free caller id for 2 yrs (+4)
- Free incoming calls and 100 min outgoing calls
- 500 SMSes
- Per sec billing (+5)
- Must change to a not so nice number (-2)
Score: 7

So the choice is obvious. Without much doubts, I drove to i-hub centre to get a new starhub mobile number. My old number will be ported to the new one, so i am still contactable via the old number :)

Spoiler for Darkiee

2007-03-21T20:56:00.000+08:00

Darkiee again~

2007-03-18T13:53:00.001+08:00

17 march marks the birthday of my very first-owned car - a 1.5 litres Toyota Vios.

My driving experience started 7 yrs ago, and i have been driving almost daily since the day i got my license. However, all my previous rides belonged to my dad. Even the Peugeot Partner is under the company's name (and not my name) although i paid for it.

Finally i have a car that is registered under my own name - and it is the smallest car i have ever owned.

Although the car is relatively cheap, it has eaten away more than half of my savings, aww....

2000-2003 - Mercedes Benz E300 (3 litres)
2003-2004 - Hyundai Sonata (2 litres)
2004-2007 - Peugeot Partner (1.9 litres)
2007 - ???? - Toyota Vios (1.5 litres)

O Darkiee~~~

2007-03-17T20:06:00.000+08:00

This morning, i woke up early and made my way to Borneo Motors. While in the garage, it took me quite a while before i finally locate my new Vios (which i name Darkiee now).

And before i even realise, the dealer drove my beloved Partner away (almost immediately after signing the papers).

With my Darkiee on hand, the first destination i brought it to is none other than its "shoe" shop, to buy him 2 new pairs of shoes (upgraded to bigger and sportier sports rims + tyres). Next, I went on to add on the fog lamps, solar stripes, 3M and plastic mats and blind spot mirrors.

Finally, i gave it a coat of protection wax. Black is hard to maintain.....

Trekking with ex colleagues

2007-03-13T22:25:00.000+08:00

Last saturday, I led my ex colleagues for an exciting local trekking trip.

We started our route as follows: Bukit Timah Visitor's Centre -> Hindhele Quarry -> Singapore Quarry -> Diary Farm Quarry -> entering from Bk Batok -> piercing through the Central Nature Catchment Reserves -> emerging from Old Thomson Road.

The trek is fairly simple with 3 streams to cross - but the ladies were cool with getting their shoes and feet wet *impressed*

We ended the trek with delicious pratas at the Casuarina Prata House. Oh yes, i would also like to thank the lorry uncle who drove the entire bunch of us out from Pierce reservoir, cos we were basically too shag to walk out from the pierce reservoirs to thomson road!

TJC class gathering

2007-03-12T01:45:00.000+08:00

We first met one another slightly more than 10 years ago.

We had pretty much fun and joy together skipping lessons, going v far out for lunch breaks, movie outings, mahjong sessions, gossip about teachers, play taidi and bridge in between lesson breaks... all the way till our A levels - and the guys headed for the army with their heads shaved, while the gals entered the universities.

We are back again after 10 years of 'separation'. We did have a gathering some 5 years ago but because i am SO free lately, I decided to activate everyone and organise a class gathering. The process of getting all their contacts was not easy, as i began to dig through whatever contacts i have available + ask around + google search for some of their names.

The response was very good, with 11 of us present + 4 of them last min fly aeroplane out of a total of 18 of us. Our next gathering is already fixed and in planning :)

NUSBS CNY 2007

2007-03-11T00:04:00.000+08:00

Some pretty back dated pics I took with my NUSBS FOC2000 gang during CNY 2007. As usual, we took turns doing CNY home visits. Transport used to be a problem for our grp but nowadays, we have more than enough cars to ferry the group around.

Tmr one of them is going to get ROMed. We are ready to meet again for more photoshoots (which is their fave activity).

Farewell to HP (finale)

2007-03-07T20:31:00.000+08:00

Today marks the end of my stay in HP after about 2 years. It wasnt a pleasant feeling as I really couldnt bear to leave this wonderful company (of cos not wonderful in all aspects but in most aspects). Unlike friends made in the uni, friends made in HP were even more hard to come by - especially after going through many work disputes, conflicts and disagreements and yet eventually nuture as friends.

It was easy for me to send out my final farewell email to all, but it wasnt easy for me to digest all the replies, many of which are very touching words and well wishings. The mailbox which i always dread to open almost everyday for the past 2 years has suddenly become something precious to me, to the extent that i couldnt bring myself to close it - knowing that forever i will no longer be able to access and read the mails anymore.

As i handed over my ID badge to my secretary, i took a last look at the office surroundings. Finally, i took my final step out from the office premise, driving out of the compound and know that i will not be coming back again, at least not in the near future.

Farewell HP, and all my dearest friends there.

Thanks for all the Farewell Lunches & Dinners

2007-03-02T23:45:00.000+08:00

Seriously I am very touched by the nice gestures of my colleagues in HP. I have really never expected them to organise all these farewell lunches and dinners for me, most meals which have burnt big holes in their pockets.

Last Monday - Suntec (some v authentic western restaurant)
Monday - Queenstown Market
Tuesday - Thai Express @ Tiong Bahru Plaza
Thursday - Akashi Jap Restaurant @ Vivocity (Lunch)
Thursday - Steamboat @ Tiong Bahru (Dinner)
Friday - Asian Kitchen (Lunch)
Friday - Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant (Dinner)
Next week - a few more lunches

These farewell meals have indeed added on to the fond memories i have in HP. Sometimes I really wonder if I would ever get such nice and friendly colleagues ever again in the rest of my working life.

I would like to say a big Thank You to each and everyone of them.

New Vios 2007

2007-02-25T23:18:00.000+08:00

The new vios will be launched v soon in the local market by borneo motors, estimated sometime in June. It is similar to the JDM Belta which is already available in the market, but it will be thai-made.

I was contemplating today whether i should wait for this new vios to be launched or should I go ahead with the existing vios (which is now clearing stock and sold at a relatively cheaper price). Estimated price of a new vios will cost 4-5K more for the car itself, on top of the fluctuation in the COE prices (which is most likely to soar over the next few mths).

The current vios is sold at only 45K (auto) , deluxe version with leather seats, sports rims etc. The feeling can be quite sucky imagine u drive your new car for just only abt 2mths, before u start to see newer versions running on the roads alongside yours.

Which car to buy?

2007-02-22T20:41:00.000+08:00

If everything goes well for my new job, i am thinking of changing a new car.

Pros of a van:
1) Economical, running on diesel, cheaper insurance and road tax
2) Powerful engine 1.9litres
3) European chasis and engine (more lasting and definitely better driving feel)
4) High platform (more shiok)
5) Ample space (can transport bulky objects like mattress, furnitures, potted plants etc)

Pros of a car:
1) Can carry more ppl legally
2) Can drive faster
3) 1st 3 yrs no need VICOM inspection

Now, with the COE at all time low (5.2K), which car should i buy? Vios is cheap and affordable but its thailand-made. I am thinking of the Belta and Axio which are japan-made, but worry about the availability of spare parts as they are PI. SX4 is nice, but..... its suzuki....

Struggling Baby

2007-02-20T17:44:00.000+08:00

Hmm, this baby just doesn know how to keep still, and love to struggle and struggle and struggle..... I think i have spoilt her too much such that she needs to be rocked at all times while sleeping. Her crying starts once her sarong remains still for more than 15 seconds.

Baby with Peugeot

2007-02-17T10:38:00.000+08:00

I have a super long pre-cny break this year - i actually took a week's MC. Hence, I am given ample time to play with my baby niece at home, and even brought her out for a ride in my Peugeot.

Little Ashley is getting cuter each day and i found myself getting more attached to her. She is now able to recognise me and sooner or later, i will become a baby expert, LOL.

My days in HP are numbered but instead of feeling sad, I couldnt wait to leave the company - not because i hated this company but i wanted to get rid of my job responsibilities fast. After one week's of absence, i cannot imagine how much work has been piled up, and how many emails have flooded my mail box. (avg of 500/day x 5 = 2500 emails).

And sorry for misleading some concerned readers on my statement that "my new company is paying me sooo much more". Its actually a relative statement. To me it means a lot but to others it may be just a meagre sum. Its about 20% increment, so there u go figure whether it means a lot to u or not...