Saturday, January 28, 2006
Title: Lunar New Year!!
Its the time of the year again. Its time to go visiting, meet up with relatives and faced with awkward questions and to collect 'ang pows'!! Its Chinese New Year!! Its the biggest day in our Chinese calendar because it marks the beginning of the Lunar calendar and it is supposed to be a auspicious day!! Families will be going visiting, having lunch and dinner together, the grown ups will be happy to see one another again and the adolescents will be faced with difficult questions like, when are you getting a boyfriend/girlfriend?? how's your studies so far?? Some quotations, 'wahh... you have grown very tall already, getting more and more pretty/handsome.' These are just some of the examples i can think of right now.
Anyway, for the kids, its time to play, eat and collect 'ang pows'. Its the best time of the year!! Long holidays, new clothings and a chance to meet up with your fellow cousins. As for me, this year, my relatives are coming over to my house so my mum and sis are busy preparing the dishes and the decoratings for the house. Quite busy for them, i did help out, just a small part though but its still an effort made.
Yesterday, we went over to Hanchong's house for a steamboat dinner and a gathering. Its traditional for us to gather at his house over the Chinese New Year period. This year we decided to celebrate earlier because some of them flying off for their exercises. It was great, we had mahjong for a few rounds before we stopped for the dinner. There was abalone, prawns, home-made wanton, scallop and many more. It was simply stunning and with our usual over the dinner talk. Its great to see all my friends again after some time, to catch up on the latest happenings and how are they getting on also. We simply finished up most of the food and proceed to our potluck session.
Its been like this since secondary school days, come to think of it, its almost 10 years since we know one another. Time flies but i am glad i have them around me all the time. Wenxiong decided to volunteer to be the chief banker and we had lots of fun, trying our best to make light of situations whereby our cards don't look good at all. All of us had fun even though wenxiong did lose a substantial amount but all of us had fun. We are definitely looking at more opportunities to come in these few days of holidays.
Lastly, i have been promoted to LTA with effect 1st Feb 06. Great!! A pay increase is coming very soon. Almost 10 days to go!!
*Cheers*
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Monday, January 23, 2006
Title: Special TODAY!!
Today - Liverpool's 12 games winning streak came to an end.
Today - Chelsea's 100% home record came to an end.
Today - Marcus Bent of Charlton scored his 1st goal for his new club.
Today - Barcelona extended their winning streak to 18 games in all competitions.
Today - Rio Ferdinand of Man Utd scored his third goal in his Man Utd career after not scoring for 4 years!!
Today - Martina Hingis made it to the Quarters Finals of a Glam Slam tournament (Australian Open) for the first time since she came back from retirement.
Today - Kobe Bryant of LA Lakers scored 81 points to become the NBA's 2nd highest scorer in a single game.
Today - Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks made it to the NFL Superbowl final.
Today - Seattle Seahawks 1st NFL Superbowl final in its 30 years history.
Today - The King of Malaysia, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin is in Singapore for a 3 day visit.
Today - Backstreet Boys is in town for their 'Never Gone' concert tomorrow at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Today - Its my 1 year anniversary since I was comissioned as a SAF officer.
Today - I bought my 'LTA' rank for the 1st time.
Today - My understudy did his 1st DOO duty.
Today - My last day at work until after Chinese New Year!!
*Cheers*
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Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Title: Possession
After watching the drama airing on Channel 8, i decided to blog. Its about possession, I quote from the drama, 'Love is not a possession, when you see that the person you love most is in agony, that's the most painful thing even though both are just friends.'
This quote is so meaningful and very touching to the heart.
I came back today in the afternoon because i was feeling feverish and couldn't take it anymore so i took half day off to come back and rest. Subsequently, it was unbearable and with Chinese New Year looming just around the corner i think its better for me to consult a doctor and take the medicine dilligently.
Actually that's all i want to say. A very simple blog for today..
*Cheers*
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Monday, January 16, 2006
Title: Ministry of Sound
After the break from work i am back to post a new topic. I went to Ministry of Sound on Saturday because Victor's cousin can obtain the tickets at a cheaper price and we could get in without having to quene the whole night long. On hearing that we decided to give it a try and went ahead to order 5 tickets. Weiming, Hanchong, Wenxiong, Victor and me five of us went shopping before that. Talking about shopping, i decided to divert the attention on the MOS trip to my shopping first. At last, i went out to buy my new year clothings and other stuff. I bought a pair of Asics shoes from the shop at Wheelock Place. Its more of a vintage look not the kind you will buy for your AHM training every year. It costs a bomb but i was told by the salesman that it came only 4 pairs for that size and they do not bring in any more stocks so i do not know whether it is a marketing gimmick or not, i take it and i bought it. After that, i was in the mood for buying more stuff. I went around and managed to find myself in Lacoste shop looking at the Polo Tees and i decided to try the size and the colour that suits me. After some thoughts, lengthy thoughts i decided to buy it anyway. It was heart pain because i could feel that i am starting to burn a hole in my pocket. That isn't the end to my shopping for the day. I went around and landed myself another pair of bermudas and a long sleeved shirt from Polo Jeans. All in all, i think for the next 2 weeks till Chinese New Year i think i can only survive on bread and butter only. But i am happy on what i've gotten.
Ok back to the MOS topic. After all the shopping we made our way to Clarke Quay and was stunned to see the loads of people queneing to enter and NUS was having its own bash also. There was 3 quenes so we were thinking luckily we did not need to quene. I ask Victor to call his cousin and to our horror, she says that even though we got the tickets we still need to quene. I was left standing there looking at the quene and i thought why not we just go back now. After some persuasion, we decided to stay put and see how it goes. After 10mins, this guy came around asking who's holding on to the tickets and he ushered us right to the front and after about 15mins we were in!! The decor was excellent but something needs to be done on the crowd control and managing the people coming in. We went around looking and touring and there was even an escalator to take us to the second level. We went into the 'Pure' room and there were cubicles with a big round bed for the guests to mingle around and enjoy the music and drinks. It was beautiful!! Next was the 'Retro' room, it was playing British retro and some European tunes but it was alright. There was another room meant for the matured customers or VIPs even. I have no idea also but there were 3 VIPs rooms with lavish decor and lightnings, it will be excellent if you want to invite your friends for a getaway from the hustle and rowdy crowds.
After all this, we went to the R&B sector, it was completely different and it was jam packed. Literally i was just moving left right up down, cant move a inch to the left or right. The best thing was that there isn't any reception at all. I took out my handphone and there isn't any reception, when it started to receive some signals i put it in my pocket and off it goes again, no reception at all!! The worst thing is once you leave the sector, say around 1am and if you want to go back in again you cant do so it becomes an exit only. No more entrance!! We decided to go back to the 'Retro' room and bought some drinks and started playing games. Once all finished, it was time to go. Oh ya, there was this large dancing area but it was playing European trance and techno so it was not my cup of tea but it seems like everybody is enjoying to it.
It was a great experience but i might think twice before making a decision whether i will go again. The quene and the price of the drinks could just deter me away from there. Anyway, i think it will be a great success here because it offers another alternative to the clubbers here in Singapore. I am looking forward to the opening of 'St James Power Station' later this year. It could be another experience also.
That's all folks!! *cheers*
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Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Title: Hari Raya Haji
As the title suggests, today is a public holiday!! On sunday went to celebrate Bert's birthday, it was meant to be a surprise one so he wasn't supposed to know anything and true enough he was stunned when he saw us at the restaurant. It was a Thai restaurant and the food was not bad actually but the funny thing is you cant even use NETS to pay for it, they have no machines at all, you have to pay by cash. After that went to KTV, as usual i was accused of selecting too many songs and i sang too much to their liking but actually it was nothing. I chose the songs so that everybody can sing as well unlike others whom i do not want to emntion selected some ulu songs whereby he only knows the song. It was an enjoyable outing and it was great to see everyone again after so long never meet up. People like, Malcolm and Ching hei.
Yesterday i was actually planning to go to Bert's house to play mahjong overnight but after some thoughts i decided no to go, i apologise to them sincerely. The weather was very cold and raining whole day so i decided to stay at home and rest instead. Actually, i had other thoughts but i don't think it is nice to openly discuss here on my blog. I shall keep it to myself. I thought 2006 will be a year i can start to forget something that is lingering on my mind for quite some time already but i was wrong. It takes a lot of effort to let go completely. I was telling Alvin Leong about this problem, we had a fruitful discussion online and he was convinced that i was confusing him so instead of helping me he ended up being more confused than ever. It about opening up to the people around you and slowly but surely things will start moving again and you will have a end result. It was different for my case so i was telling him that its not easy for me to do that. Anyway, i shalln't talk about this anymore, i shall let it develop naturally and sees how it goes. Sometimes i think it all boils down to me, whether i am able to accept it and go for it or i do not know what i want, in the end everything did not turn out well and more parties will be hurt. It tough but i shall see how it goes.
Today i met up with my army friends for lunch at 'Aiwo' restaurant at Raffles city shopping centre. It was nice and the food was great at affordable prices and most importantly for me, it was buffet style!! I was late because i woke up late and by the time i reached there, everybody is starting to finish their food and i was there eating alone, all the food are mine!!
Tomorrow i am back to work so it is a bit boring but no choice i have to go back. Thats all folks!!
*Cheers*
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Saturday, January 07, 2006
Title: Future
I have been thinking about it for quite some time. What i intend to do after all my studies and all my worries have been settled. I always wanted to open up my own alfresco cafe doing my specialities and selling them to my loyal customers coming back for more. I intend to look into doing up some nice exotic desserts and some beverages to go along with. This will be the ideal type of cafe that i am looking at. Recently, the papers have been publishing about the 'new 5Cs' that Singaporeans should strive towards. I cant remember everything but i know there is a 'Choice, Chance, and etc' I mean nowadays the norm is not to conform to the usual practices, ironic it may seems but that's what the government is encouraging everybody to do it. More and more articles about success stories where individuals have embarked on a different journey and yet achieved and realised their long last dreams, be it a top hairstylist, a top dancer or a aspiring artist. True, the education system has been revamped under the suggestions made by the 'Remarking Singapore' commitee and many have been put in place to allow more young kids to liberate their talents and hopefully they follow an untrekked route to their dreams.
I am very positive about this changes to the system. I belong to the older days whereby kids are supposed to go through a fixed system or a fixed regime and graduated just any other kid you can find on the streets. Some made it as far as it can goes, some took the challenge and went into something they always wanted while some just get on with their everyday life and be contended with it. Now the million dollar question is, where should i be heading to?? Once graduated from tertiary institution get a decent job and call it a day. Everything's solved, there will not be any money woes assuming your income is stable, you have a family, your parents are well-taken care of and you are happy. Is that what i always wanted or something else??
Alternatively, i can loan some money and go into my F&B business and hope that it will be a success with a streaming flow of income. This is the challenge, what IF you failed and all your money is gone, who is going to look after your family and what about starting your own family and make sure they do not need to worry about money problems. Definitely, i will go study and learn about the tricks and skills of making the dishes i wanted but will it be successful??
Many have taken the tried and trusted route to success and happiness. Now, things are different, it about making the right choice and be daring enough to try it and get it right! As for myself, i am still thinking about it, there some concerns and deciding factors that may suay my decision. Whatever it is, my focus is very clear, i want to graduate with some honours and make my parents proud of me.
*Cheers*
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Sunday, January 01, 2006
Title: Happy New Year!!
Hey peepz, I am back for the new year ahead. Alot of things happened during this past week as we usher into the new year. Just to let you guys know that i didnt had a wonderful time at all on NYE and my countdown i spend it on my bed. Very disheartening but no choice. I shall elaborate more later.
After Christmas, I went to Charlene's house for our potluck session on Boxing day. I woke up early morning to prepare the food. Sushi, jelly and tacos stuffed with chicken were some of the dishes i did for this dinner. Of course with some help from my sister as well. I managed to use my aunt's car and because Weiming was in hall playing soccer i had to go over to NTU to pick him up before heading to Charlene's place. Along the way, i realised that i had forgotten my gift for the dinner and we had to make our way back to my house before going down again. Troublesome but you have to do it. By the time we got there it was almost 8pm and my stomach is making noises. I cant wait to start the dinner but to our surprise, only How chai and his girlfriend were there together with Stef and her friend. The rest of them on their way only. At least we weren't the first ones to arrive. Finally, we start the dinner and everybody was busy taking the foods and catching up with old friends. Pity Alvin could not make it due to wedding dinner but we had our fair share of fun and laughter. It was time to draw lots and the person name's who appear on the paper will be the one receiving your gift. Ironically, i will be giving my present to Weiming and he already knows that what i am giving so it wasn't a surprise anymore. I received a journal book from Stef and it was great. The cover was made of superior material.
After some talking and watching the football game between Liverpool and Newcastle, it was time to leave and hopefully we could catch up again.
I took a day off on the 28th because it was Feran's birthday and i already promised her that i will be doing something for her. On my birthday, she did some brownies for me, first time she had cooked something for me. So to return the favour, i decided to bake a cake for her on her birthday. As usual, i went to buy some stuff and the ingredients for the cake. I didnt prepare the flour and eggs, i bought this packet of powder already mixed and all i need to do is to add some eggs, oil and water and mix it evenly before spreading it evenly on the baking tin and put inside the oven. It was quite tiring to mix the ingredients well because it takes a lot of effort to do it well and evenly. Finally i can put it inside the oven for baking and to monitor the situation was a difficult task also. At first, i saw the cake slowly raising so i thought it is going to turn out nice but after 20 mins and i took it out, the top broke and the mixture started flowing out which means that it is not cooked yet. Back it goes back to the oven for further 10mins. Finally, it was ready and all i need to do is to trim off the sides and present it nicely in a container. My first ever cake baked with my own hands. Thank god she didnt had stomache after eating the cake.
On friday, my unit had its End-of-Year function in our camp premises. It was great to see some of my friends back for this function. A good time to catch up with them also. A good time to look back on the past year, 2005. After that, we decided to went drinking. One whole group of us, roughly 20 people went drinking at Devils Bar and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. This is the reason why i didnt go out on NYE because i was suffering a hang over and my throat was sore and could not take any food stuff at all. What a way to end 2005 and what a way to start 2006. This is the first time since secondary sch days when i spend the NYE night at home sleeping. It is so amazing to say the least. Anyway, its over and i believed it is going to be a wonderful year ahead for me.
2005, a year of highs and lows. It started brightly when i was comissioned as an officer on 23rd Jan. I went through a difficult period as well due to some personal problems. My friends were there to encourage me and pull me up when i needed a lift. As i settled in my new unit as a Platoon Commander, i faced with many challenges and tasks. I managed to overcome it and still working on it. It was an eye opener as i embarked on my journey in the unit. I saw many types of people and i saw how the Army works cohesively together. All in all, i would not say 2005 was a bad year, just that the difficulties that i faced was of a all time high during my 21 years on this planet. It was always my 21st birthday in 2005, a date marked as a transition into adulthood. 2005 was a mixed year for me but slightly towards the unhappy aspects of it.
2006 will be an interesting year for me because of my impending ORD and entry into university studies. It is going to be a challenge because i have been away from the books for 2 years and it will be hard to adjust myself again. Let's hope that 2006 will be a great year for myself, my family and my friends and maybe just maybe, someone will be my side to share all this with me.
Happy New Year!! *cheers*
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