De one with Share-low

Tolerance zero

People are such shallow creatures. Darn, how long can I tolerate such people. You know what I mean?

Oh by the way, the earlier adopted ancestress of every girl's must-have toy, Barbie, turns 50. Wonder do shallow people spend alot of their childhood with our ever-smiling Barbie. Beats everybody.

De one with Initial "Feb"ulous

So far so good

Two days at client's place @ Adelphi was good. Least expected the Church to require me to go down on Friday, it interrupted my solicitor's audit. Left with office's cashbook receipts. Man... plus I'm doing the entire audit solo. Wanted very much to completion on Saturday however the firm doesn't work on Saturdays.

The staff there are friendly people. Salmah will come into my room and talk to me (Pss...part reason why I couldn't complete my work). On my first day, she commented I look lik Jay Chou (because I style my frig sideways and am soft-spoken). Next day, she and Shirley asked how long it'd take for me to have my hair done. Omg. *blush*.

Generally, it's good. The office's not much changed from the previous. Well, except the audit room is smaller. For my two days there, I lunched at TCC and Foodcourt at Raffles City SC. Choices are abit limited as compared to Suntec (client's previous location). But I managed to make the best out of the area by recce-ing the Times bookstore for books and River Island during lunchtime.

It was then, I thought perhaps I enjoy lunchtime in city area. Unfortunately, considering the heavy eating expenses over a prolonged period of time, plus the undesirable crowdiness, I guess the undesirable outweighs the desirable of in-city-lunching.

Today I left everything at the lawyers firm for commencement of the Church audit at SAJC Village. Early morning already "gabbra" with the meeting place. I thought the busstop YW was referring to is the one at Potong Pasir MRT. Turns out, its the one directly outside the DOS. End up turning up late at client's place and YW gotta apologise to Rachel.

Church audit was a "breather".. because the schedules provided by Rachel (a richly experienced ex-auditor) possibled a smooth audit. Which means our job becomes alot easier. Today I completed all the balance sheet items. Next monday I shall start with P&L.

Evening so paiseh, made Clara wait at the DOS busstop. We made our way to Cine where we did dinner at Long John. So crowded. Watched a "gruesome" (as commented by my moive companion) movie, Underworld : Rise of the Lycans. I think it was so so. It's actually like watching Star Wars where this installment actually shows the origins of the long-lived bloodshed betweens the Lycans and the Vampires. It links to the first movie.

Yes, there was alot of blood (which I kept wondering how could the color of blood glistered in a dark-set environment.. hmmm *fingering my chin*). The core of the movie is like watching the reversed of "Romeo and Juliet" - the ill fate of the lovers didn't deliver reconciliation between two races. Instead, it brought freud. Overall, I think ok. At least there's a comprehendable story line which made the audience go "oooh, so that's why in the first installment why lidat.. and I prefer which installation... blah blah blah".

During the movie, there was an irritating guy beside me, talking on the phone in the middle of the film. Darn.. inconsiderate!

Met LW for "la kopi" session at Raffles City SC Starbucks. lovely place to chill, chit chat about our future or actually, LW's plans for the future. It couldn't help me thinking how my path in life's gonna be. Clara says at least I seems to be sticking with accounting, something I never expected myself with. I replied, it's my nature, making the best out of anything I encounter with. Guess, that's something I could employ to paved my way through life. And hopefully, to see a foreseeable and positive future ahead. How about you?

De one with Anticipation

Gaining momentum

Much anticipation is ignited since yesterday's meeting with Rebecca and my seniors on planning for our coming clients assignment. I have a list of 11 and Rebecca was puzzled why it is still so little. But we figured I was reserved for a big client: United Pineapple.

Speaking of that, my boss has yet to complete reviewing. He's busy. Today he just settled my Freight company's audit with a "cunning" client. Former RI student my boss would tell me. Which explains why every year the Company comes up with different funny matters. Thank goodness I have Rebecca and my boss to fend me man.

Yeay, tomorrow I'll be down near the High Court of Singapore, commencing the solicitor's audit for a client which I've understudied in the previous year. Don't know why I can't restrain myself from feeling excited. Maybe I'm going to a solicitor's office which was nicely renovated. But that was last year when they had an office space at Suntec Tower 2. This year they shifted. Hmm.. wonder how it would look and feel like.

Perhaps, much anticipation comes from my desire to break free from all these days of boredom in office primarily because I have nothing to do. My days were filled with ad-hoc stuff like sending confirmation, update things on the net, time-passing by researching on an changes to the Solicitors rules, follow up on clients and informing the up-coming clients.

So much so for the day, I left office for Vivo. It's those lonely shopping trip again. Something at River I caught my eye. No... perhaps two. Man.. I very well know it's recession and I ought to save.. but the shirts are screaming for my keeping. End up.. I kept my credit cards in tact in my Braun wallet.

Hehe.. but I spent quite awhile at PageOne before deciding buying another Candace Bushnell book. Guess I'm becoming addicted to books. Can't blame it.. got my Mummy's genes. She loved reading books when she was alive.

Tomorrow solicitor's audit, it is!! Brace yourself, here I come.

De one with Lazy Weekend

Breezy Sunday

Intended to blog in the morning today unfortunately, the HK drama bought by Jasmine was un-resistable. Yes, that's practically how I have wasted my weekend on: Watching the entire 24 episodes of Survivor's Law II, eating and napping my eyebags away.

The show was good. Not really exciting, not educational but passable as entertaining. The lawyers portrayed in the story were emotional, and did a heck lot of unconventional actions and behaviour as a result of their sense of justice (at least what they thought it was). Of course, there was a twist of event but I guess it was compensated by a happy ending.

Speaking of emotional, it provided me with inspiration for this blog. Of course, I have talked about what I did this "lazy weekend", plan A for "saving money" for a forthcoming typhoon (considering the current economic crisis, as discussed in the previous blog). And I guess I can't leave this "self-reflection" on the issue of being emo here.

I recalled my close friends, Clara and Mohan ever commented on emo state of mind because of the emotional behaviour I display in our conversations online and smses. That's partly because they have saw me through the fall of a few relationships.

An upcoming friend, D also commented I was emo after an incident a couple of months ago. That was because of the way I protrayed myself through smses, online chats and blogs during our initial friendship.

After what D said did I realised there's nothing wrong with being an emo. Of course, it is obvious that any who become annoying if they are overly emo, like how we develop into an undesirable body shape or worse, get diabetes if we consume excessive chocolates. But it all strips down to a human's behaviour or responses to our environment in hopes of getting support/assurance/comfort from our friends, family or even a helpful stranger because in that moment, things are just too overwhelmed.

Think about it in this way. A person falls ill when the virus is too overwhelming for that person's immunity. Symptoms reveals (like emotions) to signal for nothing but getting medical help.

In fact, judging from my expressions or should you ever met me live, you'd disagree that I'm an emo. Why? Simply because I do not have much much expressions unless I'm doing it for fun or the situation is too tramatic. All judgements against me are primarily based on my blogs (where I employed it merely as a tool for complaining and type things purely because writting is FOC).

Perhaps you may read the above and think "yeah, right..", then conclude that I'm just denying or excusing myself or what.. truth is, I have always thought I'm better expressive in writting because that's what people, my friends especially, relate on. Thing is, emotions are not plain words. It is how the reader feels about how I feel when they read my blog, judging by sentences-constructions, vocabularies, punctuation marks and even colors to some extend. Lately, I even put on pictures.

I read about this before. "Photos are frozen moments in time. Today it is. Tomorrow time moves on and meant to be forgotten". I couldn't agree more. Imagine how Rose in Titantic looked when she held Jack's drawing of her live-portrait some decades later. She's old. The still drawing of her youth was the opposite. Photos only reminds us of vid memories. It is evidence for us to compare. Hence, emotions are aroused from the memories and comparison. Not the photo itself.

Having said much, I discover being emo can't be judged entirely on how a person writes but also the way he behaves and display. Else, these are live examples of what I have learnt in my previous semester's Organisation Behaviour module: Perception and Stereotyping. Like emo, its existence is nothing. However, too much and consistent would be deemed unhealthy. Don't you agree?

De one with Not Having At All

Reality crunch

Think I ought to give myself a pat, congratulate myself abit for being strict on not taking the cab to or from work. Sitting on the bus gave me the luxury of excuse for finishing my Candace Bushnell book. Man, I'm 2/3 through. Wooohoo!

Almost coincidentally, I figured the direct-relationship between the number of days passed CNY, the higher the influx of passengers on the bus, depriving me of sits despite my constant boarding time on the bus to work place. Sigh. *puff of smoke*

Errr.. were my opening paragraphs abit too dramatic? Ok, let's toned down the drama volume. Back to the main objective.

Work was boring. I realise finding things to do is pretty much a toll. Not having anything to do is worst. 5:35pm sharp, I bunk-off. Couldn't wait to get home for a salivating dinner (home-cooked chicken cutlet..bon appetite), so hopped into a cab without 2nd thoughts. Watched Ip Man - a strongly inspiring story. The stunts were awesome.

Prior that, I watched the news. Surprisingly. Oops. Coz usually by the time it's 10, I'm often online. At time, I do visit CNA to check if there's any interesting news. But hey, live news reporting is much more attractive. Ok excuses, I am hardly a "current affairs" person. So what. At least I try.

Anyway, there was a news on unemployment. It's speculated or should I say, forecasted to be worse than previous'. Man.. it's worrying. I recalled a couple of months ago, the Government was coaxing the situation, advising consumers and companies to remain optimistic. I guess, the coax didn't work as everyone knew it was gonna happen and precautional arrangements such as cutting costs, dropping consumption pushed for an earlier economic crisis. I watched the unfolding of worsening events, it worries as much as it is disheartening.

The next was the news of local crime rates. Theft, fraud and rape cases have shown increase for 2008. The funny thing was, it's amazing to learn of the 600+ cases in a nation where security was contempted to be top condition. Guess it is the impractibility of reality.

Then, all of a sudden! The clip of an old granny talking on the handphone. Wuao.. it's not everyday I see this. Maybe daily business for people who hang out at People's Park.. Definately not for me. It occured to me.. oh goodness, the complicity and infinite ascertainty of generation gap. You go man, ah po! (granny in Cantonese)

I read a section in my current reading material, talking of the rich and poor and how the characters associated were filling. It's true, lie's never about the better of both worlds. You have some and lack some. Philosophic talks? Nope. Just realise the ugly side, as well as it is the interesting part of life. Ugly side is realising how limited my life is... interesting part unquestionably derives from how I can breakthrough and live life annoyingly fulfilling.

Time is what we need most which we are lacking. It is a harsh fact that it has to be divided to feed our bank accounts and personal commitments. Usually, the supressed victim might most likely be the latter. The "Wiseman" would advise that this effect can be mitigated (did they dared mentioned eliminated? I don't think so) with time-management. Effective time management that is. Which requires effort and discipline in the initial implementation.

Passing CNY would be frightening. Coz I know for sure, it will be like hour rush thereafter with two solicitors' audit, two special audits and 1 major Church client in my workload responsibility.
Plus Gabriel's yet to finish my UMP review. It's gonna flank in the milst of the forthcoming back-to-back schedule.

With the economy stiff, I wonder if there is gonna be more things to consider in our audit. In fact, I'm abit weary whether I could keep my job. Perhaps... thinking too much. Speaking of which, despite me saying many times, I'm gonna recite it again. I need to monitor my expenditure. Like D said. He bought two pairs of NUM slippers. Had 8 at home. I have 10 pairs lor. I don't seemed to have anything else I could buy. Sigh. Is the shopping list burnt?

As I was saying.. I ought to save for a rainy..no... typhoon weather. Clara and Mohan must be remarking: "Maybe you can begin with making less cab trips"!

De one with Post New Year's Fatigue

Tsukareta desu!
Slogging through two days of work and I'm shagged out. Don't know why I keep having stomach ache (half-weary if it's due to my liver) and my tooth hurts (can't be wisdom tooth ba). Sigh, I wouldn't deny I've become weak after the two weeks of tormenting sick leave.

Yesterday I was chatting on msn and fell asleep on my keyboard. Sigh. That's how shagged I am. But of course, I didn't drool on my lappy.

Yes, tsukareta desu! ("Am tired" in Jap)
Xp

De one with Happy Niu Year

Next age is haunting with its soon-arrival

Chinese New Year is an occasion we Chinese look forward to. Especially the food for some (Ba Gua! Pineapple tarts!), public holiday for others, financial assistance from the Angbaos collection for the children and un-weds, and for traditioned-conservators: Reunion dinner.

Personally, I dread CNY because of having to meet relatives who came to visit and entertaining them. Everytime I receive an Angbao, I have to smile and all those things. NOT THAT I'm rich or rude but largly due to my anti-social nature I guess. Yes, don't remind me of my 2009 resolutions. I have forget about this on the list. But hey, it takes time to change.
So I had a plan. I left for Bintan Lagoon Resort. E had to work during Chu Er, which explains why we had to foregone reunion dinner to arrive at Bintan and came back on Chu Yi evening. How was it you must be wondering. It was ok. I managed to find a spot to swim in the family-congested pool, read with the sea breeze and pitcher of fruit juice, walked along the beach and have plenty of rest.


Only disappointing thing about the getaway was there was no sun for sun-tanning. South East monsoon period. That's why.

I had my postponed reunion dinner that very night I arrived mainland. Made alot of noise. Was looking forward to late-night meeting with the gang which was eventually cancelled due to some commitment-indifference plus KTV (our initial plan) was too expensive.

Met KS, Ivan, Clara and LW this evening for dinner and coffee. During coffee, I felt aloaf because they were engaged in topics which wasn't interesting to me. Clara felt likwise. I changed the topic to having Ivan plan for our next outing. Turns out they "appealed" the discussion for our overseas trip (which was initiated last year).

Ivan responded he visioned himself teaching neuro-linguistic program. Hell what I though bad. Remained totally quiet because he mentioned whatever he's studying is to obtain a cert and thereafter move on for the course. I thought what a messy life-decision he's gotten himself into.

Then we discussed about holiday which I just couldn't understand why is it so difficult for us to behave and be more open-minded like adults and enjoy ourselves with a relaxing trip, outdoor games or the least improvised activities. I know, Ivan and KS ain't interested in beach-scene. Ivan's finance's abit tight due to his heavy investment into courses and books which he has interest and pursues.

I understand but with a limited budget, the enjoyment level wouldn't be there. If they don't want overseas trip. Fine. Outings can still be very fun if we have improvision in our activities. Like self-help games.

On my way home, I then realised how inconsiderate I was. And guilt filled my heart as I understood it is indifference which made our friendship interesting. Else, it'd be monotonous. And its a shame I was selfish thinking others would enjoy what I perceived of activities which would appeal to them.

Best solution. Don't think too deep coz it's not healthy. Live and let live.

De one with Hospital Saves, Not Piss!

Complaint day

I really have to blog about it. Never in my life have I ran out of patience. Omg. My aunt and I rushed to CDC clinic for my appointment. It was arranged at 2:25pm however, utterly disappointingly, I only got to see the doc only at 4:07pm. That means I've waited nearly 2 hours considering our arrival at the clinic at 2:07pm. Do you think I should not be fuming?

First they isolate me in a corner, explaining that they are afraid out-patients from wards might carry germs or unknown diseases. Man.. nevermind.. 30 minutes later, I realised the corner was deprived of air. It's super warm and stuffy. We kept waiting until my aunt burged into the room and the nurse admitted they made an error in the print of room which I'll be seeing the doc. WTF!

At 3:51pm, I was asked to wait further in a consultation room which provided a drastic change of temperature. Freak, it's so warm outside and now this eh.. I was really boiling mad.. when the doc finally sees me, she asked why I looked so puzzled. I asked her in the most "geih" (calm) manner, why my appointment was delayed for so unbelievably long. Only then she explained the staff have mixed up this doc for another doc who had a similar name, only differing by one syllabus. By then, the rightful doc had already got a list of patients to see. Damn screwed up!

I will and I swear I'll report this to the management. This was unacceptable. Made a patient wait for 2 hours for an explanation of the blood test results. My aunt was worried, wondering why they took so long for my diagnosis.

Anyway, the bloody long-awaited results reflected everything's normal except some trances of unfavourable news about my liver. Which the doc further ellaborate that it maybe temporary due to the dengue virus infection (which was confirmed) and effects of the strong antibotics I consumed during my fever-period. She recommends I abstain from chinese medications and drinking prior going for a checkup some month subsequently.

Man, at the end, she needed me to stay for the report.. Immediately I objected and request them to post everything to me. Specifically said "I'd definately want that..."

I left CDC to meet Clara (again) since she asked me to join her and Loo Wan for dinner. These two friends of mine are damn funny. One don't know how to go to Lau Pak Sah, the other couldn't confirm, still suggest dining at Lau Pak Sar.

Needed to get a cardholder, since my new wallet couldn't accomodate my collection of cards. So I pursued the two to change their dining venue at Cityhall, Clara could visit DMK at Suntec, while I could revisit Braun where I got a cardholder and a white leather cover for my miserably bare-passport. Hehe. Brilliant.

I made fun of Clara and her concealer again. This time to a bolder level. I actually shouted "You used concealer" when we were going up the esculator. Very bad, I know. But I really didn't do it to humiliate my close friend of course. It is this relationship which we had that explains why I dared to execute such insanity.

By the time Loo Wan arrived, my stomach felt deflated. We dined at Thai Express. I had green curry with fillet and rice. Seafood soup with glass noodles for Clara and I think was Drunken fried noodles for Loo. WE even helped Loo complete his school's researcher's survey. I role-played the "boss of a supervisor".. had a "deceitful" time doing so.. Omg.

After that we had Gloria Jeans for Loo to "park his butt".. amusing guy.. ba-gua abit.. crazy children.. When the clock struck half past 7, we proceeded with movie "Inkheart". I thought could be better. Ended near midnight, accompanied our dear Loo to the MRT and thereafter, took a bus back.

Along the way home, I couldn't help but think we have less and less to chat about.. Clara deciphered our lives are diverting, it underlies the lack of common topics and hence you know.. Perhaps she's right.. I was moe concerned that we're ageing and so does our lifestyle and friendship. It's turning dull.. and less exciting? It's good to be matured..at the same time, its worrying over the narrowing activities in th dawn of leaving "teens" era.

And I thought, I'm just over concerned over silly stuff. Most importantly, my self-reflection releapsed once again. At the end of the day, I reviewed my behaviour while with Clara and interrogated myself, doubting if my actions were acceptable and ethnical.

Nothing... and my mind gave up, given there are more important things like worrying what kinda food I should refrain myself from that causes further harm to my liver.

De one with Shopping Again!

Alive!

Today was looked forward to since Monday. Great to be shopping again.. after a few weeks of isolation from the REAL WORLD! Hehe.

Met my shopping khaki, Clara who turned up late again. So while waiting, I participated in the "one-to-one" EZ link card exchange exercise only to be informed that it would have to wait for another 2 days before they could deactivate my GIRO facility. Oh well.. no choice but to wait longer I guess.

We lunched at Paragon Fish & Co. where I had my all time favourite Fish and Chips (Dalelala had spicy peri-peri-catch)!! Mouth-watery-yummy! After that we jalan around Paragon. I spent $221 on Biotherm. Hehe. Double-point rewards so I wouldn't risk losing my membership in the event my annual spending falls below the required for auto-renewal. Clara? She bought a concealer. Which I kept making fun that "it is such a waste to buy a concealer to be used on her". Ok, very bad to joke about that but I couldn't help it! I told her I wanted to get one too. However, considering I have yet to explore and gather any information on how to apply concealer, it's best stay away. Else, application of concealer can turn out obvious and everybody can spot. Defeats the purpose if it's seen right?

Kinda disappointed coz there was nothing at Gstar, no colognes at Centrepoint, no home videos at HMV, no jeans at Levis. Sigh. Consolation? I got a new Braun Buffel wallet since my old one was partially stratched. Clara just kept nagging about my excuses to buy something new. The new collection weren't much of smooth leather (like the one I've always preferred and what I had from the previous collection). The new collection gave thoughts to reduction of stratches, hence the rough-appearance. The sale assistant advised us to try the departmental stores where she believe we could locate the old smooth and hard leather designs. Figured it was time for a change and got one (clueless whether I like it anot). This is my bad habit for shopping. Hehe. But taking a second look at home, I felt I made the prudent and ideal choice.

I asked her over lunch do people buy new stuff because they only get to buy new clothings during CNY or it's a must to put on new clothings. She knew me too well and she responded: "It doesn't apply to you since all year round you're buying new clothings". But then, hearing her mentioning its true people always wear new clothings on CNY, I supposed this is substantial for me to purchase a new clothing! Which I did from River Island! Ok, clinche but it'd do just fine. I like it alot. Now I have NY clothes!! Wanna know how it looks? Meet me for CNY!! *chuckles*

Was damn tempted to move on to my 42th shirt but Clara discouraged me when I asked her for agreement on whether I should buy a new shirt. Hehe. Pink shirt.. looks professional though. Nevermind.

We ended our meeting with coffee and cheesecake! Woohoo.. nice. I told her I wanna get a pocket mirror since I look myself into any shiny surface all the time. She asked sarcastically what I'd do if the mirror cracks because I look into it too much. Irritating. And she got me admitting I'm a vain pot.

She was super overjoyed she could fit into jeans. Naturally, I was a wet blanket, jokingly spiting her saying I could fit into one two waist-length smaller. So humorous!

At the end of the day, am just glad I go out shopping again and had fun lunching and brickering with my close friend, Clara.

De one with Deadly Kiss

Won't wanna fall sick ever

If there's ever gonna be a deadly kiss? I think it's inevitable for the vampire to step aside for a deadly competitor: Aedes Mosquito.

A kiss from this tiny whiny blood-sucker and out goes $1.3k from the pocket/wallet. Yes, there's nothing wrong with your eyesight nor was there any typo-error. It's ONE THOUSAND AND THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS for medical bills. In addition, I was deprived of much blood for countless blood tests and 14 days of non-work. Omg. I wondered if my job's gonna be part of the price too..

It all started with a fever on the evening of Thursday. Little did I know it developed into an unbearable feeling I had to drag myself to a 24 hours clinic in hopes of a relieve. Turns out the clinic was closed during 2+am and had to redirect the cabby to TTSH. There, I thought it was nothing but a jab for a couple of minutes before I return home. Turns out it dragged into a few hours visit when the doctor drew my blood, told me it was too early to detect anything (still puzzled why he drew my blood in the first place) and had to go for IV-drip. But thank goodness my temperature dropped from 39.9°C to 36.7°C.

Hell broke loose since then. I felt like I was burning like a sun as the day progress. Mama (my aunt) took me to see a chinese physician. Who I took my hat off him. I spoke nothing of my illness and he could report everything which was wrong with my health just by feeling my pulse.

By evening, the chinese medication didn't work. I made a trip to the neighbourhood's family clinic and got a lecture from this hag-doctor. But we had to agree whatever she nagged about was quite right. We shouldn't have consumed Western medication with Chinese's which is likely to cause kidney failure. Oh anyway, I couldn't tolerate her lack of professionalism (from the way she spoke and reacted when we tried explaining my situation and how desperate we were seeking help from the chinese and TTSH). Damn her.

Of course, the medication prescribed by her didn't work. Obviously. My temperature remained in the 39°C range. I was helplessly on a 3 pill medication, constant hydration and porriage diet. Half-alived and feeling cold and warm through the weekend.

Monday, feverish, I went back to the same clinic to consult Dr Vida, our family's "most visited doctor". It was then she suspected I had dengue and she suggested for me to go for a series of blood tests. The blood tests revealed my blood platelets was falling and these caused me to spend the next week travelling back and forth and wasting time at TTSH.

I just can't figure out why patients have to waste so much time..waiting when they are literally illed and suffering.. just because every staff at the hospital "dilly dally" and are in fact outrageously "inefficient". Is it the pay which they are getting which explains their behaviour? Is abit too over-professional to display patience when they are on duty?

More blood tests, bruises on my arms, time and costs were spent until they confirmed my blood platelets fell below 50 prior admiting me into a hospital. By then, my fever had subsided after 7 days of torture.

Insisting on staying at the main TTSH itself, it left me no choice but to live in an A class ward which was the only ones available. I never expected hospitalisation would be luxurious. Oh, it has to be with 900 bucks spent. There was LCD TV; nurses greeting you when they change shift; newspapers; drink water with wine glasses; and you even get to choose your daily meals from a two-paged menu. No IV drips, only guava juice, milo and flasks of water for me to consume.

People came to visit. So paiseh. Then blood test again the next day. By now the bruises on my arms made me no different from a drug-addict. Omg. And good new, the blood platelets increased and I was told by the doctor of my discharge. Funny thing was.. all my test for dengue proved negative. And the doctor never confirmed if it was dengue. So they have no choice but to tell me I had a viral-infection.

Today I went back for blood test. Same clinic at CDC. The arrangement was super inefficient I tell you. Somemore I am not under any government subsidy. In my mind I was cursing "Pay so much still have to wait and face all these stupid poor management". There was like no flow in the way they direct the patients. The staff tell different instructions (very weak SOP) and what? the patient suffers from being asked to go there and back and don't know where else.

Blood test was excruciating. Got pricked twice because my blood flow was limited. Super aching when the male-nurse pressed the needle before taking out. Omg. Three tubes of blood and dizzy spells came. I am worried I'm running out of blood, having faced two weeks of infinite blood test.

And today costs how much? 60 plus. Sigh... What a dramatic 10 day experience. All because of a deadly kiss from an aedes mosquito.

De one with 2009 Resolutions!

Smiles

Ok, I know it's abit delayed but who cares, new year resolutions can be made and revised throughout the year. Hehe!

By the way, O.M.G! It's the year of the Ox again. And you know what that means? I've existed on this Earth coming to 24 years. Oh dear..the figure just keeps adding annually.

Nonetheless, back to serious matter. Here are my resolutions for year 2009!

First on the list: Thriftiness. Recession's worsening. Which implies the belt gotta be tighten. I've gotta increase my wealth so as to open more bank accounts with varying banks! Of course, it shouldn't restrict my path to my second resolution. =]

Second on the list: Being more classy. Last year I remember it was all about being happy and being more mature. I'm. I have. And I will still be. Just that for this year, I have to maintain my youth. I'm not gonna be bothered by people thinking I look immature because I have the qualifications to be. Look small boy, so what.. Pretty boy's back. : *

Classy also mean I've to refine my etiquette and not change my entire wardrobe la.. since it has always been changing all year. I shall see what I can do and venture into other adventures. Hairstyle? Probably changing. Talk about this later ba.. =p

Next on the list: Gotta bring my level of confidence sky-high. Sick and tired of admiring people with an ever-flowing aura of self-confidence and "sing" steadfast confidence when they speak. I just gotta revamp myself on this. Starting with something I've always been fearful of - eye contact. Gotta charge those eyes. I know alot of people says mine's a beautiful set. And please, I reiterate, I don't wear contacts or spectacles. Neither did I ever undergo laser-surgery! Xc

Ranked number four: Academic. I know I've been under alot of commitments : work, personal, play.. and it never fails to help my da-bao my semester's modules. I can't and won't allow this to happen this to happen...again. My work's and sentences I used are improving. Reading alot currently too. So, I'm gonna prove I can do it, charging up the stairs to becoming a desirable "auditor"! (I fully understand without achieving this, my Hume Ave dream would go "puff") =S

Fifth: Relationship. Making myself available again. In fact, this was after much thoughts during my HK tour. Thank Buddha's magic. I am sure that special someone will appear. Gut feeling. =o

Sixth on the list and still going: Vacation. I have always love travelling and undergoing different experiences. Be it culture diversity, sight-seeing or plain relaxation. I guess the bi/tri-annual vacation from young had some impact on this liking to travel overseas. How, any travel buddies willing to volunteer themselves? ; D

Last but not least: Driving license. I know I know. My friends and even the taxi driver have encouraged me on this. And I've been talking about this since last year. Ok, I'll find a slot to start my practicals... soon. >)

Still continuing: Tattoo. A freaking weird taboo thing to do. I'm still biting my finger, considering deep on when I am gonna execute this. Hehe. Pretty boy turning bad. Hehe. =Z

Alright, I guess that's even longer than Bridget Jone's diary 1 and 2 combined. Oopsey dorsey. Happy belated New Year.. oh hack.. Happy Chinese "Nui" Year!!

De one with Hong Kong 2008 (Part II)

13th - 20th Dec 2008

Here's the sequence to Part 1. Feast your eyes!



De one with Shopping Wonderland

Besides the food and Disneyland, Hongkong's an unquestionable shopping wonderland. Just along the streets of our hotel lies various shops such as Agnes B, Bally, Burberry, HMV..shops you actually find only in city (that's if in Singapore).

Then Central itself houses endless major shopping centres. It's really more than meets the eye to have the entire week spent on nothing execpt endless shopping. So much I believe Mohan's sick of it.. or the least I thought.

Actually, the shops are repetitive. The usual suspects.. nothing much but just that there's alot of shopping malls. The entire island's like a living Vivocity, combined with Suntec, Forum and the streets are no different to Orchard Road painted with traces of Chinatown.

In our window shopping trip at Central, Mohan found this! Two of the Big 4s! Looks silly but hell, it was privileging to take photos with my possible future working partners.. oops, did I just say that?

Speaking of shopping, what's shopping without buying anything right? Won't deny I spent quite a sum buying two bags, belt, B.Sherman's cufflings & jacket, a black Tee from Zara, shoes from Diesel and presents or sovenirs for my cousins. Think I contribute a fair bit to the consumer index for Agnes B (I think we've patronised every Agnes B in Tsim Sha Tsui lor... until Mohan would turn hysterically-loathful and pull out his hair whenever I mentioned Agnes B). Price wise? Erm, let's not reveal la.. what's most important is there's something for everybody.

Been to and done Ladies' Street, nothing much though. Wonder what's the fascination over there. Haha.

~Shopping at HK: Recommended only for the loaded/spendthrift shopaholics~

De one with HarbourFront

Everybody says you've gotta try the Star Ferry, else it'd be like you've not been to Hongkong. I disagree. Though the fare's cheap (say $0.20?) I didn't try because.. I think it's a waste of time? Speaking of experience? Think I can feel it all just by standing along Harbour front.
This waterbay provides the crowd of tourist in the day and lovers at night with a splendid view of the tall skyscrapers of Hong Kong island. Not forgetting the magnificant cityview which seems to come alive with dazzling lights, especially for the Christmas season.


The waterside bay stretches to the Avenue of Stars. It's actually a path which is scattered with celebrities' handprints. Erm, I just thought how glamourous it is to take photos with the shootee's hand placed on the moulds which contains the soil and dirt coming from the soles of countless passers-by. Oh dear...

What I found worth taking photos was this (above)... the Golden-Oscar statute or something.. haha.. Don't know why this landmark carries with it an unexplainable special aura of glory. Marvellous.
Anyway, there was a Starbucks by the seaside... tried to find a spot there to enjoy the seaview, while drinking nice coffee.. turns out it was over-occupied with customers. Damn. End up we took our drinks out until we met "Mr Softee", an ice-cream selling caravan which plays melodious chime-music as though it came from a musicbox. And I thought "oh how wonderful it would be. Savouring Mr softee by the waterbay scene, glamoured with celebrities' handprinted street."

The Hong Kong Music Theatre can also be found near the Harbour front. It was here when I took photos on the last morning where I lost Mohan.

Didn't know what else to do after walking around and looking for him for 30 minutes, I suddenly recalled D's suggestion. Didn't take me very long to walk towards the huge HarbourFront shopping Centre, located "PageOne" in the Saturbday crowd and crashed into Starbucks located in the compounds of Hong Kong Music Theatre and this was I did...

Mohan found me about 45 mins later. And yes, I was guilty. At the same time, I had discovered my maturity (on how I handled the situation).. and a coffee drinking-reading habit I was picking up since that day onwards.

~Harbourfront : Seductive~

De one with Madam Tussauds

I didn't go up to the Peak to watch the scenary. It's a pity I know but we had no idea what the "Sky Terrace" was about during our purchase of tickets. I didn't mind spending HKD20 for it but I was aware of my travelling companion's budget constraints (plus he had already been up there before) and decided to keep mum.

It wasn't so bad.. I knew for certain I had to go for Madam Tussauds. Wax museum and exhibition were "not to be missed". I recall how thrilled and surprised (maybe not as much as I will be at Disneyland) I will be whenever I visited the ones at Sentosa, Gold Coast Australia and another at Thailand.

Good thing - Mohan helped me take photos with some famous people...

.. turned royalty..

... Bad thing - my camera went dead by the time we reached the sports stars and female singers' section. Poor thing right?

After I got back, I heard and read that there was actually a Jay Chou at MT (HK) since Oct 2006. Think they removed it and replaced it with famous pianist Lang Lang. Awww...

~Madam Tussaud : Never felt more like a Superstar~

De one with Everything Else But the Green

Apart from experiencing the bustling shopping malls, magical land of Disney, the peaceful and respectful Buddha and temples, drooling feast of dim sum, we went for a breezy sightseeing at the greens of Hong Kong.

Located in the heart of the Central city of Hong Kong stands a conservatory which occupies an area of Hong Kong Park - a hot spot for graduates and newly-wed couples for photo-shoots.There's also a park near out area. Think it's Kowloon Park. Funny we never spot anyone doing Taichi like what we see on Hong Kong dramas. Perhaps it's because we went there in the evening. Taichi's like a morning event!

~Hong Kong Greenaries : Luxiously relaxing~

De one with One Night Only

There isn't much nightlife on our itinery except walking aimlessly along Nathan Road. We didn't hit Lan Kwai Foong because we only decided to club on the last night. This decision was abolished when we figured it was imperative that we wake up early the next morning for check-out by noon.

Of course, anything good we didn't do was always saved with alternatives. No clubbing but drinking at Knusford Street was adequately sufficient.

Mohan looked mind-drifted as he drank his Corona. I, on the other hand, was venturing something I hardly had - Tequila Sunset. Could have ordered a Waterfall or Red Wine.. but my likes for Tequila consumed all other choices.

It was sweet. Nice. Bet Moh's corona must have been bitter.

Hong Kong's definitely not a place for night eateries (unlike Taiwan's Night market. In fact, I was warned by Rebecca and Yiwei beforehand). Been to temple street. Nothing but fortune-tellers and pushcarts like those you expect in the old Bugis Village/Chinatown. Well, good bargains for antiques-buyers though. I bought this pair of ear-studs. Nothing that I known of whether it's sold in Singapore but heck, it's only S$2. It's actually the normal plastic ear sticks with diamonds stuck on the edge. Which I thought was special and cheap. Why not.

~Night life : Reasonably chilly~

De one with Goodbye, Hong Kong

They say, "Parting is such sweet sorrows.." certainly wasn't in our case when we left HK. As much as I remember, it was a FREAKIN MAD RUSH! Completed our dinner at

and succumbed to the departure hall 15 minutes before gate closure. Turns out the customs checks took longer than expected. We nearly missed out flight. Oh good gracious. Turn out the flight departed 15 minutes later. And by the time we touched down at Singapore, the disembarkment was delayed by almost an hour. Sigh.

~Parting : Don't take it for granted everything's the same as Singapore~

De one with Last words from the Blogger Who Went HK

8 days was reasonably well spent but perhaps abit too long for this shopping heaven. Nonetheless, Disneyland took away all my years' worries and implanted every cells in my heart with happiness. There was alot of fun, I managed to untangle some thoughts and made some discoveries.

I'd like to thank my daddy who sponsored a major part of my spendings (yes, I got him liquor in case you guys are wondering did I). Next is my travelling companion cum personal photographer, Mohan who had to tolerate my erratic maddness, road-loss (largely because I was dependent on him for directors), shopping all day. Last of all, those who missed me while I'm away.

Any regrets? Ohh... first being, I should have brought a large suitcase so I could have bought more stuff! Second, we should have spent more days at Disneyland. And I made up my mind. If I ever proposed, it'd have to happen at Disneyland. Haha.

~Hong Kong in a word? Fantastic!~

De one with 2009

Happy New Year!

Transition into new year 2009 was an unexpected blast of fun! After a day's of stock take and work until 6+pm, the impromptu meeting with Zhen Ze, Guang Hui and Xue Yun and the two frame of 4 hours spent with them before and after 01.01.2009 were simply fun!

Believe it or not, I never meet them for dinner. Instead, dinner was a box of nachos which I muched nosily during "Spirit", a corny movie. After that, we went to the arcade, bought Heineken (my perferred beer) which happens to be my first beverage of 2009. Hehe

There was no countdown since everybody was just anticipating the commencement of the fireworks display (Man.. the fireworks, I love it.) at Marina Bay. That done, we continued our drinking at a grass patch in the compounds of Marina Square with chips and a couple of "dai di". What an interesting way fo spending new year. Hehe

All the fun came troubles of having walking from Cityhall all the way to Clemenceau Road, all of us perspiring and smelling "beer" until we managed to get cabs home. Too many people, too little cabs. Sigh. Think the cabs ain't efficient after all. Least talk of service quality.

Nonetheless, I had alot of fun. Better than spending it alone at home. Life's opening and I'm thankful guys! Happy New Year and cheers for a better year ahead!

De one with Hong Kong 2008 (Part I)

13th - 20th Dec 2008Sincere apologies to my supportive readers for the arrival of this long-awaited blog. You see I couldn't help being lazy nowadays after a long 8-days holiday - something to calm all that's happened during the year.

Without further ado, comeon hopping into my memory in this never-done-before mega-blog of collective blogs.

Ready? Fasten your spectacles, have your finger hot on the "down button"/scroll cursor and let's go . - ~ ^ ' `*


De one with Hong Kong Here I Come!

Left house flustered, got into a cab and travelled to pick my travel buddy, Mohan, at his house. That accomplished, I complained to him about how my aunt and cousin keep annoyingly blubbered about how I'll be late and missing the plane. It's so irritating to have people "making noise" when you're in the rush hour.

Our touchdown, the first gag I told Mohan was about how those people lined outside the arrival gallery, were my "fans" waiting for my arrival. Lol. Ok, not funny. The both of us faced alittle "nick of time" situation as we considered between purchasing the "3 day pass"/"Octopus card" for our transit purposes. Pity we'd only realised the outweighing benefits (which consist of trip to and frown on the airport express plus 3 days of unlimited travel on the MTR) of the "3 day pass" while onboard the airport express. Whereas constant deduction for every trip we make if using the "Octopus card" (something just like our EZ-link).

Making our way to Kimberley, the two of us (I didn't have breakfast/lunch) ventured for food at this restaurant laid across the street opposite our hotel. I have to admit we looked helpless when it comes to their ordering procedures with limited experience and language barrier. Thank goodness, we managed with my Mandarin and their knowledge of English. After a S$15+ dinner, we headed along our area (Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui). I was desperate for cologne and got the latest "Gucci" for man at SaSa (which was located within every 10 metres around the vincinity - very successful compared to Singapore's).

De one with "Seh Mey"?

I believe everyone couldn't be more familiar with the fact that dim sum was a "must-try" in HK. These people have frequent dim sum sessions, like how we have tea/coffee on daily basis! Out of our 8 days, 4 days we had dim sum for lunch. Let's see, we went to one (which I forgot the name) along Nathan Road, Jordan; Maxim at Cityhall; Ming's Court (posh environment) and the one at our hotel. Shiu Mai and Hakkao were the "indispensibles", the rest we tried different stuff at the varying restaurants. There was this glutinuous riceball with mango stuffing. It's nirvana after bitting into it. Ho sei wor!

We note that some Hongkongers practice washing their utensils at the table before use. Which explains why at the very first restuarant we went, a glass bowl and a pot of hot water were served. Puzzled and uaccustomed, I asked the waiteress how we were supposed to go about washing the cup. She poured the hot water into our cups and left. The amusing thing was, the glass bowl was gone even before we emptied our water into it. Damn. I had to ask gain for the glass bowl. Abit paiseh looking dumb la.

I read from Mohan's lonely planet book that the some Chinese are particular over sanitization. Which explains why some resturants serve two pairs of chopsticks. One for serving and the other for self-feeding. It usually comes in two colors too! Mohan and I agrued over this at Ming's Court. I spent my attention observing what people around us were doing! Mohan can't help being amused by my being a "conformist". I thought, it was education! tsk tsk.

The normal Hongkong food limits down to Wanton noodles, Pork chop, Beef and more pig's organs. Well, there are a couple of japanese, korean, Western and even Indian cruisines. Mohan doesn't eat Jap. Western food included our lazy visits to Mc for breakfast, Delifrance.

One night, I was dripping from my nose and this was an amazing discovery. An "East meets West" dish (it's actually Hong Kong mee baked with cheese and ham). Never ever seen in Singapore before!!

Mohan wanted to try this famous dessert. I never knew how prominent it was until I heard it from my colleagues when they asked. Ring a bell? It's called "Tsu Liu Xiang" - the brand name of the shops which sells mango and other fresh fruits-laid on ice desserts. Hmmm.. Most of the time, we were just bloated by the time we ate that.

~Hong Kong food : Tantalising ~

De one with Encounter with Buddha
Come our 3rd morning, we woke up early and took about an hour to get to Lantau so as to pay a visit to the Giant Buddha. While transferring from one MTR to another, I dropped my wallet by accident. Thank goodness, these passengers were super selfless and helpful. This young-looking guy immediately picked up my wallet and rushed to me to return just before I approached the door. Hongkongers = Morale citizens. Or Buddha knew I was coming? *shrugs*

The MTR was fast. Nothing as fun when co mpared to this minibus (No.23) which embarked on a bumpy, road-winding ride to bring us up to the mountain on which Buddha sits.

It was chilly despite the sun's glaring down. There's this circular, three-staged parlor with flags on the tri-circled circumference. I believe and obeserved people actually stand in the middle and make wishes while facing in the direction of the Buddha. Me? I like what I told Mohan, "Buddha only grants wishes to good people. For the average people (who have yet to accomplish whole-hearted goodness), well..Buddha can only grant forgiveness and wisdom to remind us to be good." Not a convictious offense. Just a mere personal opinion on MY personal blog. *"V"hand-sign* We..or I prayed at the temple, something I take it as a fun experience. People were dropping coins into the donation box even before they pray. I did the reversed. Just don't understand why drop your wishing coin even before you make your wish? Hehe.


The chrysanthemum, catus and lotuses at the temple grounds were enchantingly beautiful! Couldn't resist sharing these here!
Then, we climbed what? 90 steps? before we met the magnificant Buddha which sits on a three-level platform, with six erm...fairies (3 on each sides) offering different gifts to the Enlighted one. Me? I'm considered the 7th gift! (as below) I was filled with profused enthusiasm so I climbed the steps in a hast. Mohan keep reiterating "You're supposed to think of the Buddha as you climb the steps. Not climbing faster than other people". Bet Clara would have thought likewise. I simply was too excited whenever it comes to climbing stairs. Of course, the army bunk building was a method of different thing. Hehe.

~Lantau Buddha: Spirit-and-Mind purifing~

De one with Disneyland HK!

If anywhere were to be located "Wonderland on Earth, there's no better place than Disneyland!! Endless delights and joy fills your heart from the moment you set foot onto this "dream come true" compound!

I droved a jeep..

Flashed my smile for the camera from day...

to night...

with "erupting geyser" too!

Appeared as special guest in Toy Story 3...

Met Princesses who waved and blew kisses (at me? *blushed*) when their Princes are nowhere to be seen....

Ate candy-foss, calm my nerves abit... as I watched the spectacular "Let It Snow" Parade...

Apart from the above, rides such as Space-mountain (thrilling roller coaster in the galaxy of stars), Tarzan river boat (I read it was a World famous), It's a Small World (see below) were not to be missed.

Well, I wished we came earlier, I spent quite awhile at the merchandise, browsing for sovenirs. And guess what!? I was successful in "kidnapping" the chipmunks when they were "patronising" the merchandise store. Had the cashier girl as my accomplice. Brilliant! Hehehe.

However, spending too long in the cold weather conjured running nose. Thanks to me not heeling Mohan's advice to put on something that'd keep me warm. Oh saint. Nonetheless, the dazzling fireworks displayed at eight (after waiting doing nothing for 1 hour) momentarily suppressed my flu. Made a clip but couldn't upload. So I attached the link to a youtube clip in courtesy of mutatedsilian. What you'll find in there is exactly the same magical display I've witnessed! (don't wait further, click on the picture below to get redirected!)

I heard it'd be even more stunning at other Disneylands. But, I guess this one at Disneyland HK was good enough for me. Everybody exclaimed "wow" during the finale (well, it seems the exclaimation was thoughout the video). It certainly melt our hearts!

~Disneyland HK: Elixir of Youth!~

Well well, that's all for Part 1. Stay tune for more in Part 2 coming soon!!