Back from Korea

Finally back from my Korea trip.

I've nt been blogging for quite some time. My excuse - BZZZzzz. Alrite, it's a lousy excuse. Jus pure laziness and buzzing ard wif other stuff instead of blogging.

Has been bz wif mth end closing, den the stress from GPPM follow by my Korea trip. Came back n start work immediately the following day. Following is catching up wif friends. To date, I've nt even cleared my luggage which is pretty rare for mi.

All the souvenirs hv yet to b distributed and a pile of laundry sitting in the bathroom. Rely hv to make an effort to clear all my outstanding agenda including going for cable ski, facial, mj, catching up wif friends and ex-colleagues.

Some updates on my Korea trip.

It has been tiring, considered tat I took a nite flight n continue wif a day out at Everland wif Ross. Everland was ok, nt as interesting as I expected but the rides are exciting. Together wif Ross, we took most of the rides n went to few animal shows which though I do nt understand the language, was interesting enuff to keep mi watching. However, the rides has caused mi headaches n the tiredness is rely eating mi. By 5pm, I'm half dead n literally can't keep my eyes open. So we left Everland and met up wif another counterpart - Dennis for dinner together at a Chinese restaurant. The day ended after the dinner as the travelling took up much time.

Despite the tiredness, I din sleep too early either. As usual, bz online chatting to make sure my friends remember mi.

Anyway, in a foreign environment all alone, I need to b rely tired to sleep. So chatting helps to entertain mi till I can drop dead n sleep well.

2nd day was beta, my counterpart pick mi at abt 10am to Dondemon for shopping. Tings r too expensive to my liking. Still, I mge to buy a pair of jeans n a mini skirt. Price is pretty reasonable for them. Spend most of the time browsing gifts for friends n comparing prices. I din purchase much as I can't bear wif my money (hehe).

Again, I chose nt to hv Korea food, as such we went to a fusion Italian restaurant for Lunch. Afterwhich, we shopped a little more and went to the popular river for a walk n took sum pics.

By 4pm, we were on our way back to my hotel to drive off to ofc. As promise, I'll go to ofc to do sum billings to mit the RTF for tat wk. Going to the ofc is like going to the airport. Security checks, declarations of equipment, getting of passes. Wat a hassle.

After work, we went to check into another Hotel in Suwon. Surprising, the hotel was nicer than expected. My room doesn't look like a hotel room, more like an apartment without the kitchen facilities. I was most impressed with the washroom facility. It has a juccuzi bathtub and a steambath shower area. Besides, it provides a pc wif free internet access. Nt too bad isn't it.

Day 3, finally officially report to work and miting up wif my other counterparts in Korea. They r rely a bunch of nice pple and offer great hospitality to mi. In fact, I felt a little pai seh forgetting to bring any gifts for them My excuse, again, is bz bz n bz. Usually it's nt like mi to 4get such formalities. Too bad, I'll jus hv to wait for the nex opportunity to send my gifts to them.

I had a wonderful dinner at this beautiful Italian restuarant which oversees the lake. Though it was too dark to c the actual view, yet I can appreciate the ambience and the surrounding. Rely gotta thk Jeans for bringing us to such a nice place with good Italian cuisine. Appreciate.

Geylang Seria YEC BGM

It's been a long time since I last blog. I've been rely bz these days. What I need most, is actually sum good sleep to replenish my energy.

Anyway, put tiredness aside. I've just attended the BGM of Geylang Seria YEC. It's been a long time since I've attended a CC event. It's nice to catch up wif sum old friends. Not much communication though, but it's nice to c tat they r doing well.

Sumhow, BGM bring back memories of my youth (alrite, I wasn't tat old). I've been involve in CC activities for almost 10yrs til I took my leave 2 yrs ago. It's a change to my social life since stepping away from the YEC. At times, I do miss the times I had wif my friends at the CC, planning, working out tings, developing ideas, executing those activities. The feeling of achievement when things turn out well and the cursing n swearing when there r hiccups. I guess, that's part n parcel of life.

I've learnt alot during my 10 yrs as a YEC member. N I do appreciate those experiences I've been thru while with the YEC.

But I knoe, there is a time u bid farewell n moved forward, which is what I did 2 yrs ago. Tings hv change n so hv I. Devotion to the YEC is no longer part of my agenda. N it's time to pass down n move on. I'm truly glad that the youths are growing, doing beta than wat we had done in the past. Well done!

Glad tat sum friends r still determine to do their part to the community, contributing in one way or another. Alrite guys, keep it up..

Hehe. Memories, they r always so sweet. But fear not, I am enjoying my current life too. Jus in a different way.

Recent activities

I seems to hv alot of activities recently, eversince late July.

I went for my first areobics tryout organised by Amore at Toa Payoh hub 29 July (2pm) with Sharon.

I din manage to finish the whole session, despite that it was only a 45min workout. I guess I was dehydrated. I did not hv a drop of water before the workout n the humidity is killing me. I felt giddy and decided to give up. I took a rest by the steps nearby and a kind soul passed me a bottle of Ice Mountain to quench my thrist.

Afterwhich, there is my 1st body combat class at Orchard Califonia (6pm). This time, I'm smarter, I took some bread and had a few litres of water b4 I went for the class. After the 45min of intensive (to mi) workout, I felt worn out.

The following wk, I can feel my musle aching and I've a late nite closing on 31 July. Luckily for me, there is the half day compensation which I took a short break on 2 Aug afternoon. I went for a body massage together with body scrub and hydro-bath as a reward to my tired body. Well, at least at the same time, I spent some time with my mum cos I brought her along. *killing 2 stones in 1 bird*

3 Aug was our division 1st GWP activity which was mentioned in my earlier blog.

We went to visit Joyce and baby Jonas on 4 Aug, also to celebrate Joyce bday. She looks beta now able to move around more easily. Baby Jonas seems slightly bigger than I first saw him a wk ago. I was happy for them.

In the evening, we went to Tampines Metro for the closing down sales. I din get alot of stuff but Javen did hv some good buy. After the shopping, we went for dinner at KFC due to the crowds at all restaurants. Follow which is a kopi session at Ah Kun. Another tiring day. *hehe*

On Sunday morning, 5 Aug, I went for my first Cable Ski experience. I was filled with anxiety as I am not sure wat to expect. Nonetheless, I did enjoy myself despite a hit on my nose by the knee board (I'll b more careful nex time). I was actually quite happy with my 2 full rounds b4 falling off the board on my very first try. However, it was truly tiring, and I guess I din hv enuff warm up to prepare for it. Plus the hit on the nose, we gave up after 2 tries with a complimentary pass extended to us as my friend has a cut on her feet. *lucky us*

So, we went to wash up and headed down town for lunch and catch a movie (The Simpsons Movie). We had a good laugh and did enjoyed ourselves. On top of that, we did some shopping, and again, I bought more clothings for myself. *my wardrobe is complaining* - Space, I need more space

The next few days, again, bodyache. *esp the upper body, e arms, shoulder, chest, etc*

On 8 Aug, I went down to a wake of a friend's mother. B4 the wake, there was dinner n again, shopping n buying *haha* (oredi bought x'mas pressie for colleagues lor). When I reach hm, it's already 1am. Tired again.

9 Aug, finally had a real good 12hours of sleep. Woke up in the afternoon feeling damn snook. Well, still enuff time for a good shower, light make up b4 going for the arranged seafood dinner as my mum bday celebration. Afterwhich, the bz mi arrange for fireworks watching. Followed by a long walk to Plaza Sing, for my friend KFC dinner. *ha*

1st GWP activity as a division

We have watched the other colleagues (from different division) participated for various GWP activities (with some envy) while we stay in office and work. Last Friday, 3 Aug, we finally had our chance of GWP activity. (yahooooo)

I wouldn't say it was a very interesting activity, all we did was a durian feast. Food, is always the best option for Singaporeans. However, being a weight conscious freak, I'm not a true food lover myself. No doubt, the king of fruit does hv its attraction and many of us did enjoy the feast. (hehe)


For me, jus a few durians n I had my fill. Enuff is enuff, too much of the mighty fruit would cause heatiness in the body and I am crossing my fingers tat it would not cause anymore outbreaks to my already deteriorited skin. (pray)

Nonetheless, I do enjoy the break from work n a chance to mingle with colleagues from other dept. Usually, I'm jus deskbounded and hardly mix with the other colleagues. We are afterall, from the same Company. It would be good, to jus cultivate beta relationship among colleagues. (wink)
Therefore, being my usual 'hyper - always moving around' character, I offer to be the photographer while they dirty their hands with the fruit. I had fun, going around takind snap shots and asking for poses. At least when all are out of work, we look more relax and approachable. (smiles)


After the durian feast, we actually went for our 2nd round - fish head steamboat plus zhi cha at a coffee shop at the Hong Kong Street. Food was good and value for money. Rely, it's pretty cheap considering wat we had ordered. I have more fun at the dinner cos I prefer hot and steamy food over durians for a proper meal. (fulfilling)

For myself and 2 other colleagues, we had our 3rd round of activity. Talking session at East Coast Mac. All in all, the day ended quite relaxingly despite the irritating credit block issue that hv haunted me since that morning. Luckily I did not receive any calls from HQ for the evening and the wkn which follow. (thk god)

Posted some photos taken during the activity. Enjoy.

Settling down with my work

After 8 mths of working here, I would say I finally feel tat I've settled down. Frankly, it wasn't ez.

1st, the agreement during interviews did not match wif actual circumstances (tis has caused a great dissappointment rite from the start thereby affecting my morale). 2nd, Korean culture is worst than the Japanese culture. 3rd, I took a long time to adapt (jus to clarify, adapting does nt mean accepting) to my bosses' working style. 4th, I hv difficulty understanding my job scope and process as none hv been clearly define. Even to date, there is no real job definition. Basically, I am to do whatever I was told to. Despite the fact that other CSRs are not doing. Also, I guess I've accepted the fact that there is no real process in the MNC! The expectation is u created u own process if u can, or jus follow wat is initially passed down to u. It's jus the blind leading the blind as tis organisation simply does not believe in being organised. *haha* Trust me, I wasn't exaggerating. However, it's difficult to understand how bad is bad til u work here. Words jus simply can't describe the situation. *wink*

If I continue, I tink the list can be very long. But the abv 4 points are the few main issues I faced. Over these mths, I've throw countless tantrums, fighting for my rites (as in wat was offered to me rite at the start), comtempleting to leave the Co numerous times, cursing work, sum times, even cried over the situations I hv on hands. Who would hv known, wat is it like to b cheated into a Co. I've more than doubled my work, getting a less annual income, longer working hours, mentally more tired and mayb jus more tempermental.

Looking at the range of 'events' that have happened since working here, I guess I can proudly say, I've made great friends (hugz), I've grown wiser (as in I guess I would nt b easily cheated into the nex job tat comes by), more efficient (when u r almost fire fighting all e time, u jus hv to push urself b fast), more appreciative of time for rest, and somehow, sleeps beta (probably due to the high stress level during work causing the mental tiredness)

Oh Oh, time to knock off lor. Will write again (hopefully soon) *smiles*

I am Back

After so long, I feel tat I've missed blogging.

So many changes over these months. The biggest change, of cus, is my change of job. It's a good change for me, I felt happier.

Work wise is truly shit! Lotsa work piling at me but then again, I've idle for too long, it's time to add pressure to my work life in order to feel worthy at work. I guess to some extend, I welcome the work challenge, everyday striving to finish my work in the shortest time wif minimum errors.

No doubt, I'm unhappy wif the work pressure and the nv ending issues, demands, problems from every where. Yet, I wanna prove that I can handle these. Complaints are inevitable, afterall, I am a complain queen. Hahaha!

I jus feel tat if I keep quiet, every1 will jus assume tat I can handle the stress, the workload and am happy wif where I am now. Sum how, tis wld cause pple to take tings (or me) for granted, continueously giving more n more work to me. Tat's the main reason y I make plenty of noise. To let them (e mgt) tat I am not to b taken for granted.

Other than the pile of workload n responsibilities, there is the silly Korean culture which I despise. I mean it, I hated the culture. Imagine, a high n mighty MD could walk around the office scolding pple (of cus, oni the Koreans get it). How demoralising is tat, hvg a walking monster in the office.

I truly hv the urge to act faint whenever he come closed, letting him tat his shoutings do have an impact on others, regardless of whether I am the target or nt. Mayb it's time to polish my acting skills and perform a good heart attack when he begin his routine shouts. :p

Trust me, being in one of the biggest Korean comogorate is nothing fantastic. These Koreans see themselves as high & mighty & simply lacks the respect to Singapore Culture. In fact, our MD also refuse to adopt few of the common guidelines proposed by our government.

Anyway, forget about the stupid Co. I can go for hours......

My biggest compensation, I've a brunch of lovely colleagues. Caring & fun & nice. They make my life so much more bearable during my daily fire fighting hours. Over these half a yr, I've make friends, gain trust, settle down in my new job n had lotsa fun.

To my new colleagues who happened to read this post... Thank u for making my life a much interesting n fun one.

cheers...

After So Long

It's been a long time since I last blog. Almost forgot about blogging. I've not been blogging for the last 3 mths (I guess so). I've altogether 4 blogs, yet no updates for 3 whole mths.

Somehow, after so long, I dunno wat exactly I wanna write here. Many things have happened over the last 3 mths. Changes in my work attitude and believe, changes in family values, generally a change in life perspective.

Forget about those unhappy events, mayb jus concentrate of my recent trip.

I just came back for HK abt a mth ago. Hmmmm, HK is nothing new to me. This was my 3rd trip there and I was only there during summer sales. Thus, I dun get to experience much difference. However, the greatest change in HK, I wld say, it's the increase in the population of mainland Chinese.

There are really alot alot of them. They are like everywhere and there is no problem in identifying them from the local HKer. Few very obvious traits.

1) They talk loudly and so their accent is obvious.
2) They are extremely kia su (Singaporean still a long way to go)
3) They are rude (The way they speak n act)
4) Their dressing (Obviously different from the local).

Mayb becos I am still very tourist there, thus the places I visited comprises of mostly tourists. These Mainlanders are tourists themselves, and their attitude are extremely scary.

They push and snatch and nv queue n talk loudly. All these, makes me have an extremely bad experience at Disney HK. We have chose a lousy day to be there. Weather was extremely hot and worst was there are too many patrons tat day. It's easy to tell cos Disney HK actually extends its operation due to the crowd.

Everywhere are pple. And those mainland Chinese truly show their "power" in Kiasuiam. I gave up. Can you believe that I was not on a single ride in Disney HK. All we did was to queue up for their shows (2 live musical and 1 interactive show). We din hv much time actually, each musical was 30 mins but the queue was unbelievable. The first show we queue for abt half an hour. The 2nd show took us abt 1 and a half hour and the 3rd show mayb another 45 mins. Including those show time, we spent more than 3 hours. Plus Lunch, dinner, the road show, photo taking and a silly monorail ride, I think more than 6 hours gone. Then we got to get ready for the fire works. After the fireworks, there is the snatching at the Disney shops. Those shops are packed with pple. The whole day was a chaos, not to mentioned that there was a heavy down pour in the afternoon causing more time wasted.

Anyway, if you plan to visit Disney HK, pls check the Chinese calender to ensure that it's neither the HK nor the Mainland school or public holidays. We were there during the HK and Mainland school holidays.

I guess I met most Mainlanders at Disney HK. Out of it, there are still alot but bearable. Nonetheless, shopping at HK was still fun especially for a shopperholic like me.

We were shopping till mid nite almost every day. My legs ache like hell and my slippers gave me problems. I missed my Osim Isqueeze thru out my trip. Tis trip was pretty tiring. But we can only blame ourselves cos we wanted to visit so many places n do so many tings within such a short period. It's really tedious.

I was tinking whether to go back again to have a more relaxing trip. But I guess I gotta give it a miss. I've overspent, terribly overspent. Cos tis trip, I've got to cover my mum expenses, and that's alot.

Haiz, nvm lah, money is meant to be spent. 财去人安乐。:P

Photos taken using Poloriad

My friend bought me tis for my bday pressie. Of cus it's bcos I told her I saw tis tingy tat looks sooooo cute de.... N as wat I tot, the effect is really cute n thus, I pasted them all over my work desk. *show off* :p

Nt really to show off, but since poloriads pix doesn't last, might as well display out for viewing. Afterall, those pix r really cute wif all e cartoons' borders. It's more like a toy to me. Hope I won't get tired of it too soon.... :D

Blw r some of the pix for viewing...

More Photos

Hv nt been adding pix here for long time. So for those photos browers, here r pix for various events for ur viewing.


D&D Dept photo

cheong at MOS

Hmmm, no time le... update more nex time...

Jus read my last post and tat was Lunar New Year Period. Seems like a long time ago. Then again, it seems like jus yesterday.

Time really flies, was jus talking to a friend tat very soon we will b in the 2nd half of 2006. And wat hv I achieved? Literally nothing. Unlike school days, where I can gauge my achievemts from my examination results. Now as a full time employee, I really dunno how am I to gauge my achievemt.

I'm completed 3 yrs of full time working. But I dunno exactly wat hv I gain. Mayb some financial stability. Mayb more luxury and material stuff. Yet I dun feel "rich". In school, I felt good when I get a good grades. I felt great when I've submitted a report which I've put in real effort. I felt happy when I've done a good presentation. & there is an acheivement when I learn something new.

But I feel nothing at work. Be it I tink I've done a good job, somehow, it doesn't really seems matter. Cos in tis company, there is no job satisfaction here. If my objective is to survive here, there is no worries. However, if my objectives is to climb the corporate ladder, I can't forget abt it. This is nt a place for me. Tis is a male dominant company. Guys & Sales person r e core of tis company. They get promoted much faster, they get better paid n benefits. As a backend admin, so long as I do my job faithfully, I dun really need to strive for anyting.

The gd ting abt tis job is, there is hardly any stress. At least for me. Probably bcos I'm the luckier one, I am able to handle my workload and finish work on time. On and off there are little OT but insubstantial. I've been in tis position and doing my current job for 2 yrs. I guess I'm kinda too familar with the process and issues and somehow it jus turn stagnant.

Anyway, I'm still on a look out for new opportunites. I do hope I get to work in some more interesting field, like marketing, comms, PR etc. 8 hrs at e office desk looking at the PC jus doesn't suit me. But then again, I've been like tis for the past 3 yrs and still surviving....

Lunar New Year

The Lunar NY is coming to an end soon. Somehow, I'll always play mahjong during this festive seasons. And often, from there, I'll continue to play for a period of time. But I realised that these days, many youngsters dunno how to play tis game, or so call not into this game.

I often hv difficulties finding enuff kakis to make up 4 players. Haiz, end up, the best Kakis I've are my uncle and aunties. I've some kakis here n there, but it's jus difficult to combine them. Thus, I often end up wif oni 3 players and therefore cancel the game.

Actually, I'm oso to be blamed. I jus dun like to play too small. Anything less than 30/60, count me out. Thus, some players I can't put in my kakis list. I dunno, I just feel that if I'm playing too small, I'll lose all concentration. Simply couldn't find the motivation to game thereby losing money. Of cus, when playing big, the risk is losing more, but the excitment keeps the game going.

I'm not really the kinda tai tais or gambler style, but I do really enjoy playing mahjong. Even if losing money, I still enjoy the game. I do play black jack, Dai Di, In Between etc, but none attracts me more than the square table. :)

There will be another round this sat.... and I'm looking forward to it...

Crossing my fingers and wish me luck... :D

My New Phone

I've sorta forgotten all abt blogging til a friend brought it up. True enuff, I've nt update my blog for a long time. Partly was due to all the festive and shopping and buying and many other excuses. Mainly, I guess it's tat I'm not too sure wat to write.

Come to tink abt it, many tings hv happened within these 2 mths or so. Let's me jus update on my new mobile phone - Nokia 6111. Actually, b4 it, I've bought another phone. However, the 1st phone I've jus used for abt a wk and I decided to change. Y??!! Cos my long waited Pink Nokia 6111 has finally arrived in the mkt.

I've waited for this pink phone since Oct 2005. Rumour has it that the pink coloured model may nt be launch in S'pore, thus, I got myself another model. Sad enuff, a wk (exactly a wk) after I bought my phone, I was told that the Pink 6111 arrived. Thus, being a pink-fanatic myself, I simply wanna get tis phone. (impulsive buyer!!!)

I've nt been using Nokia phone for quite some time. Somehow, I've strike off Nokia from my Mobile options as I find the Steep Pricing unjustifiable. But, this time, for the sake of my fav Pink, I've decided to give it another try. No doubt, if one is into the Phone Functions, then this phone is definitely unworth of its pricing. I bought it at $500 plus (without line). But to me, besides a communication device, it is oso an accessory. Though it's not mighty in functions, it's small n handy and slide easily. Pretty colour with big screen display. I dun hv much to complain abt it. It jus matches my style.

I've been using the phone for a mth or so. So far so gd. Still well maintained and still enjoying it. Praying tat this phone could last me another 2 yrs till my contract ends and hopefully there will b another pink phone to replace it.

But pls, not the Shocking Pink introduced by Motorola Razar.... it's simply too loud and ugly *personal comment*

:p

Festive Season

The year is coming to an end. Dec is always the most looked forward to mth of the yr. With the long anticipated bonus coming real soon, and X'mas presents exchange, dinners followed by a brand new year.

I like Dec, too bad I wasn't born in tis mth (nonetheless, I like being a Taurus too, straight forward, stubborn & loyal). Usually weather is cooler during the yr end. Lots of Christmas decor and lightings around to brighten up the mood plus plenty of pretty gifts and good food everywhere. Shopping couldn't be more fun in Dec with a good purpose.

This yr, I see a number of X'mas trees within my company. Our dept has also set up one for the fun of it. Christmas decor can be quite costly, those little litte ornaments & lightings can easily sum up to $100++. But it's oni once a yr and reusable, so I guess it's still worth it.

It's a shame that we dun get to enjoy snow in Singapore. Wouldn't it b fun, hvg snowball fights, skiing in hilly mountains, or simply watching soft, light snow flakes floating from the sky while drinking hot coffee at New Asia Bar...

Jus imagine, walking down Orchard Road wearing pretty jackets or stylish trench coats, holding the hands of ur loved ones, enjoying the pretty lightings. U can hear soothing Christmas Carols everywhere, and snow flakes falling onto u nose, making u wriggle and too cold to touch..... Romantic isn't it..... (there I go dreaming again) :p

Okie, enuff of dreaming... the year is coming to and end and I'm looking for to Dec... all the Christmas presents and goodies and parties......

A Brand New Look

Ah ha, I've finally decided to do away wif my fav pink outlook and change to a brand new refreshing greenary look. No doubt, pink is still e best, but it has existed for a year and it's time for a new image.

I'm still a lousy blogger, learning to add in new stuff to my blog. Somehow when it comes anyting tat is IT related, I'm as good as an idiot. Those programming codes r like foreign language to me. How I wish short cuts r available for me to click on to download music, change image, colours, fonts, layout easily.

I would hv loved to put in Inuyasha pic as my background
and change the colours n fonts to make it more personal.
I noe it's possible to do so, oni if I've a "teacher" to patiently
teach me. Part of the reason that I'm nt IT savvy it's I simply
hv no patient with tis equipment. Somehow, downloading
someting can take ages, and understanding those foreign languages
and applying them seems more difficult then climbing Mt Everest!

I blog mainly bcos I enjoy writing. Sometimes, I'd write in different style depending on my mood. Eg, a form of reflections, reporting of certain incidents or jus purely tots (simply jot down watever tat comes into my mind). I'm a dreamer & a tinker, I spent lots for free time jus letting my mind drift. Some interesting, some silly, or sad or happy or impossible or fantasy.

The oni flaw is, I'm nt too good wif language. I'm jus not creative enuff to b a writer. Though there r times I wished tat I've such gift to write beautifully, hv the ablility to express beta and more efficiently. Writing can b a powerful tool if used wisely.

So, if u hv such a gift, cherish it, use it.

Harry Porter and the Goblet of Fire

The long waited movie of the year seems more like a disappointment to me. If u r a fan of Harry Porter (the book), u wld hv agreed wif me tat the movie seems like a snap shot of each chapter wif an abrupt ending. Some characters have been totally cast off while many r jus being briefly brought across without much meaning...

Dumbledore doesn't seems as kind and wise as he was being described in the book. Important characters like Prof McGonagall, Malfoy (both senior & junior), Prof Snap seems like a nobody in the show while Percy was nt even mentioned in the movie. Somehow, the movie jus doesn't seems to link too well.

I used to b a true HP fan (until Bk 5). I find the story captivating and refreshing, full for fantasy. However, when the author became popular, her ideas began to shift a little. No longer is HP jus a 'Children' story book, it became more complicated and bloody. With the 1st killing in Book 4, it has sorta changed her style. My concept of HP is abt Friendship, Bravery, Love, Determination and Humour set in the world of magic & fantasy.

While the book gets thicker, the story gets less interesting. Too much effort is placed on the vengence of Voldemort against Harry Porter, repeating the same old story in a more lengthy and bloody way. I would rather the story keeps it's simplicity, going straight into it's focus. I din manage to finish book 5 as I find it too draggy to continue. Nearly one third of the book and I still dun get to see where is the story heading to. Mayb it was meant to be kept as a suspense, but it was simply overdone. Thus, the book is still lying on my shelf, waiting for me to pick it up again.

I guess it's time to pick it up n give it another try. I heard that it wasn't too bad once it gets into the story. & was told that Bk 6 is even more interesting. Hmm, shdn't hv too high hopes, otherwise might be disappointed again.

Testing on posting of pic

I'm a really lousy blogger, all I knoe is how to write a post or send a pic via picasa. When I visit some other blogs, I find their blogs interest wif nice background pic, music and pic all nicely saved in folders etc.

Thus, I've decided to try out other ways of posting a pic. Let's c if it works. :p

hahaha, succeeded.. this is beta...

ok.. will stick to tis method then....

ciao...

Dept Cruising Trip

I've not been blogging here for quite sometime le. Nearly forgotten the user name & password. Altogether I've got 3 blogs. Many will think this is silly, it's like keeping 3 dairies. Well, well, I've my reasons to split up my blogs, each meant for different stuff. Like I mentioned previously, this is more for photo viewing than feelings or tots.

Nonetheless, I'll still make effort to blog here once in a while.

I just came back from cruising. It was a company paid trip, mainly to have a dept team building on cruise. Thks to another dept initiate effort, small dept like mine can now follow suit and request for similar welfare to attend course on a cruise.

Frankly speaking, cruising can be real boring. Unless you are a serious gambler (which reminds me of a colleague), there ain't much to do on tat "big" ship. Food was lousy. According to many (those who ever went on similar cruise), the standard of food has drop tremendously. Even the ice cream taste lousy.

I was glad that this trip include a team building session tat occupied half of my time. I swear, the best part of this crusing trip is actually the team bldg itself. Other than tat, we are like unwanted souls, wandering around wif no purpose.

Good thing there r still some mahjong players who help to kill some time on the square table. I'm not into casino (not enuff spare $ & guts to try my luck), neither am I interested in visiting the library or hair saloon (who needs to do their hair on the ship, the serious gamblers might be pulling out their hair unknowingly). I din bring any gym gear or swim wear, so exercise is out. There r too little shops to last me for half an hour, not to say half a day. So tat leaves oni the mahjong room, theatre, disco, lounge and games room. Thus, it's pretty obvious that there is literally nothing much to do on tat ship.

Despite my complaint of the boredom, I actually find this trip quite fun. Firstly, it was my 1st trip with the whole dept. 2ndly, we r confine together so we do lots of tings together. There are actually alot of laughter through out, some r silly yet memorable.

I believe I'll keep the memories wif me forever, thanks to my dear colleagues. They r really a nice bunch of pple.

I wish that there are more such trips by the company (who wld not like to go on free trips :P).

:)

Bangkok - A shopping paradise

Have not been to bangkok for about 2 yrs. Though the decision to go was a rush one, wif a totally different mentality (trying to get away to avoid reality), but the trip turn out to be rewarding.

I've spent alot, much more than I would like to. I guess tat's the down side of bringing mum travelling together, cos I've got to cover for our common expenses (food & transport) and some of her buying (but no complaints lah, afterall, she's my mum). Plus my own shopping capabilities, it's not surprising that I double my spending.

However, there is no regrets. I've bought many many stuff. Accessories, clothings, shoes, decorations, sourvenirs, toiletories & food stuff. Everyting I bought is cheaper than S'pore by 30% - 70%. Thus, I simply couldn't help not buying.

It was a really tiring trip. I guess I've been walking for 10 hrs a day over the wkn and another 5 hrs on Monday. That was some kind of achievement. Frankly speaking, if I've more money, I would probably be purchasing more. But I've really overspent and need a little self control, otherwise, I wld hv to go on crash diet for the rest of the mth (no $ to eat).

I was so bz shopping that I din take any pic of the places went. The only pic I took were the tings I bought. Hmmm, wld probably upload some for your viewing.. :)

Anyway, for those who wld like to go Bkk for shopping. You may like to consider the following places.

1) Pratunam Mkt - It's a wholesale mkt that sells plenty of clothings. You can find dinner clothes, evening gowns, jeans, cardigans, jackets, skirts, dresses, accessories etc..... (not much for guys but plenty for gals) If you are buying more (usually 3 pcs or more), you get to buy @ whole sale price. Note that this mkt have various buildings (all over the place), jus walk around all the place, you are likely to find someting suitable for you.

2) Chak Tu Chak Mkt - Tis is the famous wkn mkt which most of the local patronise. Tis place sells everything, clothings, accessories, shoes, watches, home funishings, food stuff, army stuff, pets stuff etc. The prob is tat, tis place is a mess. It's very crowded and the lanes are very small. You get being bumped into, being pushed, your feet being stepped on. If you are going with someone else, there is high chance you will lose each other. So, either ensure you are contactable (autoroam) or fixed a time and place to meet (jus in case). I nearly lost my mum here. The prices are very reasonable. But you can still bargain a little. Usually if they can, they would sell to you. Bear in mind tat tis place is hot and stuffy. You may wanna consider wearing light clothings.

3) Suan Lum - Not sure if tis is the correct spelling. This is the nite mkt which is a smaller version of Chak Tu Chak. It's much neater and cleaner. And since it's a nite mkt, it's cooler. But there r much lesser stuff her. & prices can be a little higher. Overall, nt too bad, esp for those who cannot stand Chak Tu Chak due to it's messiness.

4) MBK - I guess every1 knows about tis place. It's the popular shopping area in Bkk. It's at the city centre and sells plenty of stuff too. I din really shop here cos been here few times and still find stuff @ Chak Tu Chak the cheapest. But for those who prefer air conditioned shopping, this is a good option. Similarly, you can find bags, clothings, accessories etc. There r also quite a number of restuarants and fast food here.

For guys, if you r into revamping your car, try a shop at level 4 (the level that sells plenty of mobile phones), from escalator, turn left (jus few stores from esc). I help my Bro bought the speedometre display at S$ 76 (according to my bro, S'pore is selling @ $135). Good bargain. If you are into handphone accessories, try this level oso, it's really cheap.

Also, there is tis "Tokyu" departmental in the bldg. So if u r into getting more quality stuff, u can try here. Esp for ladies, bras r cheap in Bkk. Get it in Tokyu.

If u hv time n r into medicure & pedicure, u may oso do it here. Much cheaper than S'pore. My friend did a normal medi & pedi (painted with pic) at S$16 oni. U can't even do a plain medi in S'pore @ tis price.

5) Siam Square (not sure exactly wat's it's call) - I din go here tis trip cos I run outta time. But I remember during my last visit, there are oso many girlie stuff here. T-shirts, tank top, tube top, dresses, accessories ... etc. I'm not sure if it's the same, but I guess it wld nt be much different. Anyway, it's jus opposite MBK and it's linked with a bridge. So, if u r at MBK, u might as well hop over for a look. The stuff here are for younger crowds though.

Siam Square itself it's very big, it can be linked to many areas, so you jus hv to try ur luck and navigate around.

6) World Trade Centre - I heard it change it's name. I wasn't here tis trip cos usually there isn't anything for me here (expensive stuff). This bldg has 'Zen' and 'Isetan'. Similarly, if u r into branded or quality stuff, try tis place. For those who likes Naraya pdts, try to get it at Isetan, it's much cheaper than Singapore. Worth the buy.

Okie, tat's all I know abt Bkk. If you wanna go pray pray @ the 4 face buddha, it's near to WTC. It's within walking distance.

Hope you hv an enjoyable (if u r going) and bring more luggages (for the gals) cos usually I end up buying those China bag to put my stuff.

:-D

actually oso lover boy bday... 

Ohoh... lover boy wif another target :p 

Our Dept 

Lovers' Bday :) 

Look like Lovers hor....  

Jeannie's Bday 

my lazy puppy 

Us gals 

Kiss after the solom 

Really happy!! 

e niece 

The loving couple