Thursday, April 27, 2006

Some Thoughts

Met Benny this afternoon while on my way to the gym. He is still an auditor but has joined another firm. However, i can see that he is not too happy with the switch. He is worried he had to start all over again as auditor requires experience. Not the 1 or 2 year kind, maybe more. Promotion takes place if they stay long enough.

His first question to me was, are you happy with your job? I was stunned for a minute when he threw me that question. Next he proceeded and said, since i am in a different field, i must have love this job very much. I was stunned for the second time. I din gave him a direct answer but honestly, i din hate this job as much as i did when i first started.

Jun was right too. She said i dun like sales. If that is the case, why put myself in a difficult position becos of money? Of course i am not saying money is not impt, but do something that u really enjoy. So the million dollar question, Am i happy now?

ANS: YES

Despite earning much lower than my peers, i am living a wonderful lifestyle. I dun have to work like 12 hours a day. No phone calls from customers or customers' complaints. Although i have almost zero oppt to go overseas for work, i can still go on vacations. Remember, going overseas for vacation is different from travelling abroad for business. More importantly, once i am back home, i can forget abt work and never need to bring work home. (at least for now)

Come to think of it, i am very satisfied with the job(except pay). Even if i want to switch job, i should opt something related or similar. Hopping on to a higher pay job does not equate happiness. I have think it thru. Will still look for greener pasture but something that i like. hee...

Anyway, the big day is here. Yes, Nomination Day. Going to be very busy from then. All the best to the candidates who run for the election. We shall know whether the people in white will garner stronger mandate this time!

Monday, April 24, 2006

Shock n Disbelief

Many unexpected turn of things happened today. First, tuition was cancelled cos the kid having a test on monday. So packed my stuff and headed to the gym. When i arrived at PF branch in Caltex House, i realise i din have my membership card with me. I stood at the entrance for a min, trying to recollect if i left it at home or i left it at suntec branch on my last visit.

Think think think. I called Suntec branch to check. The receptionist told me they din have my card. So i tot the card may still be in the locker that i used. I rushed down to Suntec to check. My card is not there. MISSING! Panic, i headed home to see if it was there. Was very pissed cos i run ard like a mad man.

I was worried if i dropped the card or something. Then, i would have to make a replacement card n go thru all that hassle. Fire burnt strongly at that point in time. Waited for the free shuttle service, aiyoh, so suay, became the last guy who could not board the bus. I waited 15 mins for nothing. Shit. I have to wait for the next bus. By then, i started cursing.

Very angry. Wasted my time for nothing. Reached home an hour later, n found my card resting comfortably in my shirt's pocket. Argh.... Really bodoh... Jun called and msg to see if i am ok. I din know wat to say, keep blaming myself. Fortunately, she came over.

My anger subsided when i saw her. hahaha... The power of love. When u are in the midst of anger and confused state, a fairy appear right in front of you, everything just melted. ha... Kept cool. Spoke to her. She bought a new handphone. Nice phone and hope she is adapting it fine. Afterall, it's a switch from Nokia.

Checked my email just now. Received an email from a sec friend. OMG! He participated in Mister Singapore 2006, a manhunt contest. Wah... Cant believe. He was an introvert during sec school days. He is now so daring to participate in such event. Anyway, doing some publicity for him. Pls vote for Roy, Marine Parade representative. Your vote is greatly appreciated.

website: http://www.mistersingapore.org/mistersingapore/Contestants/contestants.htm

Shall do more publicity for him. ha....

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Mixed feelings

Wat a wonderful nite at Dbl O. Met many classmates and friends from secondary school to university. Eric and gang was there, Ziyi n her friends were present too. Wat a surprise! As for regulars, Jaden is not here. However, pple like chicken buttock, ta yan zang plus the maid were there. Fun! Real fun!

Anyway, i received a shocking news from my colleague this evening. An ex-colleague of mine passed away yesterday. I got a shock of my life cos he is very young, probably older than me by 2 or 3 years old. I remembered i clubbed with him once at the countdown party in Expo early this year. Now, he is gone. Quite sad to hear the news.

Then, Gavin told me Ed found a new job. High pay job n relocating himself back to Thailand (his dream). He has now become a sales manager. I really envy him lor. Can find so good lobang. I asked myself, wat have i achieve so far? Would i want to stay in an operation job that pays little?

Ed once told me, if possible, switch to a sales job. Prospects are better, pay higher. Unlike operation job, tasks are mandune, pay are miserable. I got to agree. We graduated from the same school, me equipped with better results, but end up with lower pay. Cant believe wor.

I enjoy the life i am leading now. Of course, who will resist the temptation of a job that pays u better? I am reconsidering if i should really switch field. It is still not too late to change if i decide to do it. But then, i am not sure if i am the sales type. Been searching for new jobs all these while, however, no reply as far as i know. Hmm... My credentials are not good or more room for improvment? Dun know leh...

Praying hard tat new oppt will knock on my door soon. I hope to hear more good news after my trip from US. Peace out!

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Naive Past

Wanted to call it a day for bed when i came across this blog that mentioned abt his naive past. Well, i had some naive n silly tots too. haha... When u were young, u tend to dream more. (i still have dreams too) ha...

Anyway, wat were you doing n thinking while you were 18? I think most of us are studying. Yep, i was struggling very hard in SP. I remembered during those days when i "forced" myself to study extremely hard to secure a place in university. Yes i did it. However, it has been very tough on me.

I have this silly idea to envy hawkers or even bus drivers during tat time. I mean they dun hv to study exams and can earn money. Come to think of it, it was really silly. hahaha... Oh yes, i recalled there was a time when i was so mad abt radio. Always attend their roadshows, birthday bash and even WOW guang bo che from 933.

Ken and i became very good friends since then. We always go after stars, get free tickets. Trying so hard to see stars like Zoe, Fann, Taiwanese Singers etc. aiyoh... so silly. That's probably the most naive thing. Other than tat, it was study study study. Like a bookworm. Probably that's why i prefer to work than study. Think over studied. ha...

My life circled ard schoolwork (role of a student, so nothing wrong. ha) and radio. Strange, i wasnt sporty, no ball games. I wasnt into clubbing too, picked up only at an old age. haiz. Travelling was not in my list too. KTV was exp tat time, voice just changed and my mum asked me to take care. Seldom watch movie. The only luxury is irc. Internet just started! yes. That's it.

I think most of the time was spent at home. Think my hobby was studying and radio. Boring rite? I even record my voice on my pager,ha. Remember those days when pple leave voice msgs on pager, there will be a welcome note? So i change the welcome note to my voice with the song "guang dao zhi lian" as background. Think i am over crazy with radio. hahahah......

Pretty silly! It's fun lar. Everyone has their naive past. Things have changed over the years as you grow older. I like to live life to the fullest. Do watever i can when i am still young! I dun want to live in regret when i grow old. I want to live in good memories of the past. hee...

A colleague once said i know to enjoy life. (READ: Do things u like to do) Even if the day come to an end, i have nothing to lose. Yes. That is wat i want to achieve. I dun want to tell pple "hey i had a meaningless life".

Friday, April 21, 2006

Writ of Election

Yes, President SR Nathan has finally dissolved parliament to pave way for the upcoming general election. Everyone heave a sigh of relieve when the actual announcement was made. That means, we can go on leave and enjoy our holiday in June! No worries. I guess no one will want to be called back from their holidays.

The time frame for this year's election has been long. It started brewing from the start of this year. Initially, most pple guess it will take place in March. However, DPM Wong Kan Seng came forward and confirm that election will take place after the 1st quarter of the year. And he is right!

There are more than enough time this round for the opposition to field more candidates. Voters do have a choice now. I guess, most voters preferably young voters will want to see more opposition. However, during polling day, things turn out otherwise. ha.. This shows how indecisive some pple can be. well well...

Get ready for the polling day in May 6. You may get a chance to hear a different voice if u like. Or stick to the pple in white who has always bring us prosperity and stability. It's your choice!

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Dream Trip

It's my off day after a busy tuesday. Arrive early in office but left for home late. Spent slightly more than 12 hours. It's another work day later, then off again. Whoo hoo. Despite all my busy schedule, i am very excited abt something. Yes, my upcoming trip in June.

So fast and u are out of the country again? Hee... Well, if i can afford, n more importantly, i deserved it, why not? Have been longing for this long vacation for some time. I will be flying out of asia to the west! Yes, States! An entry written in April last year have actually come true. A dream into reality.

Collected my air ticket from the travel agent this afternoon. Part of the itenery, as follow:
9 June
0810 Singapore Changi Terminal 1
1250 Taipei Terminal 1

1615 Taipei Terminal 2
2205 New York JFK Terminal 1

Oh my god. I have to transit in Taipei for 3.5 hours before leaving for New York. Not only that, there will be a stopover at Anchorage, Alaska. However, i dun think i am allow to get into the airport terminal in Anchorage. I think the plane needs to be refuelled before taking off for New York.

Total travelling time: 22 hours
Transit in Taipei: 3.5 hours
Total Time: 25.5 hours.

I cant believe that i need a day to reach US. And that shows how far the place is. Well, that also means expensive air ticket!! It did cost me a bomb. Almost 1.9k including taxes. A frequent traveller should know which airline i am taking. whahaha... China Airlines aka Hua Hang! That's the cheapest!

Why? First it's under promotion, i saved abt $300. Next i will be coming back from Los Angeles and not New York! I cant imagine if i fly SQ. EXP! I remembered when i flew to London in 2002, the price was almost 2k. New York is further, so a simple calculation reveals that China Airline is still cheaper. I asked the agent how much would SQ cost, her reply more than 2.3k. Yes, i save $400?

Well, some may think, if you are travelling on a long distance, travel with a comfortable airline. That's true. But i guess, if we can save some, will have more for spending rite? After all, China Airlines arent tat bad. Whahhahaha....

Will be spending a lot time on plane, i guess i need to bring some books to read. Travel guides. Will be backpacking in New York. First time there and EXTREMELY excited. Done a bit of homework. Unlike the time i was in Bali, i left the planning chore to Kevin and Alex, this time i need to work hard. Cos my travelling companion, Hao will not hv much time to plan due to his tight schedule.

Anyway, i will be very busy over the next few weeks. So need to do all the plannings before time runs out. This is only first part of my US trip. Shall discuss more next time. whoo hoo....

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Wedding n Friends

Attended Mulian's wedding last night at Marriot Hotel. Many NTU friends turned up. Edwyn, Gavin, Joelle, hall friends, Mulian's clubbing kakis were there. Well, jun was also invited, hee... It's good to be blessed by blissful marriage. whahaha... call me pan-dang if u like.

When montages of Mulian was played, it reminded me of times when we were classmates. She actually included our photos too. So touched! Well, we went for a one wk trip to Penang and KL during Year 2. Those were the days. Anyway, I knew her for 5 years and she is now happily married to Ryan. Feel very happy for her, at the same time, very honoured to be invited to her wedding dinner.

After dinner, joelle, gavin, edwyn and i went for coffee. Been a very very long time since the few of us get together. Joelle is doing very well at Prudential, star performer some more. I guess the job suits her a lot. Ed also updated me abt his work. Poor guy, have to go thru so much stress.

Though given the chance to travel regularly, his health deteriorated due to stress n overwork. I told him to leave the job if health is jeopardised. I mean no point staying on if ur health is affected. When i came home, i told my mum abt it. She agreed to what i said too.

However, she did point out something to me, which left me thinking the whole night. Despite getting lower pay, almost 0% overseas oppt, i still get to travel overseas. Let me explain. When u go abroad for work, (though fully paid by company) u work, but no time for fun or recreation. Like ed, he had a hard time, cannot recover fully from his illness.

For me, i paid for my own trip. It is out of my savings and the more i should enjoy. Unlike others, I will not be disturbed from work while on a holiday. That's true. I can "xin an li de" shop ard or go sightseeing. It's something not everyone can do it. Mum said, i should be grateful to be able to travel. (Here she meant holiday n not work)

Yes, i am. That is why i am always on the move whenever possible. I love travelling. Do it when i am still young and not tied down by kids. I mean when u have family, if without the kids still ok, u can travel with your wife/husband, but when a kid comes into picture, things will change. More travelling? Yes, but will stop for a while after june. The upcoming trip is expensive. whahaha....

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Reminiscing Night

Made a comeback to Music Underground last friday. Oh my god, the place where i picked up all my dancing stints. Missed the place a lot eversince we relocate ourselves to Dbl O. Culture in MU remained the same, still the beng n lian culture, hokkien speaking, more importantly the Techno songs.

Songs from Cascada, Lonely Spirit. Well, those were the days when i met ken for clubbing on fri or sat night. The place brought me memories, i was so touched when i i arrived. I remember Ken used to rush from work just to meet me up for a chill out session over at MU.

Arrive early for free entry tat night. Bought ourselves drinks since it was on a one for one promotion. Cheap. Amyway, the place been renovated. Looks better and more conducive. Nice platform. Music started at 10pm with retros. ha... Same same same. Party a while before techno songs came.

Thankfully, i remembered my techno moves. Incorporate with mambo stunts, i party with some of the techno regulars. whahaha... The old birds are no longer there, now replace with younger clubbers. I was invited on platform to dance with them. Surprise! (cos i dun know them)

Ha... my techno steps works. However, the new regulars were fantastic. I was amazed by their dance steps. Tried to pick up a few from them. One of them told me they usually dance with their entire body. Great! That is wat i call dancing. Ken disliked techno, so he was watching me as i danced with the regulars.

"You enjoyed urself! Can see u smile like chicken buttock (someone in dbl o)"
"ha.. for the fun. Stress at work wat"


Left early for home cos i need to work the next day. Moreover, still need to reserve some energy for our regular session at Dbl O. 1 year since we left MU. Ken said it was like our "secondary school", where we learn the art of dancing. There has been many happy moments there.

I would say we are late boomers for clubbing. At this age, most have retired from the scene. We are trying our best to salvage the time that we have lost. In another few years, it will be time to retire. I told ken we are old, we can no longer party like youngsters. This is a reality. I guess young clubbers will laugh at senior citizens like us. ha... Anyway, i am 25 forever. whahahah....

Friday, April 14, 2006

Barbaablackchic.com

If you are wondering wat is that, well, its the latest club in town. The place is pretty small but fantastic place for chilling out. They have a clubbing area on the first floor, nicely decorated with excellent sound system. On the second storey, u have beds and sofas, perfect for chilling out. Oh, they also serve finger food, pizzas and desserts.

Now, where's the place? Located behind Tekka Mall,erm... near little india. 10 min stroll from the nearest station, Little India. Opened last sat, i was invited by a friend of mine to drop by. I realised Dj Aaron from Dbl O joined this small yet robustic new club.

However, i seriously wonder how long they can survive on such a location. I agree its new, so much publicity effort is needed. Ha... I am now doing them a favour by doing some advertising over here. Do drop by the place even if u are a non-clubber. Cos they have got chill out lounge on the second floor, suitable for executives, students or pple who dun want to dance.

The bed and sofa arrangement reminded me of Bed Supperclub in Bangkok. Almost similar, except smaller. Well, Bed Supperclub is one of the "hippiest" club there, so their deco is even extravaganza.

Chin yin and liyan were there too. They find the place quite comfortable and conducive. Extremely suitable for meeting up friends. Some more can club if u like. We party a while, chit chat till late at night. Reach home before 3am. Slept till afternoon when ken gave me a call.

Too bad i cant meet him. Having tuition later. Argh. My kid is giving me problem. haiz.. shall try my best to motivate him further.

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Newbie

Have been busy lately from work. I have fully recovered from my stomach cramp, gastric pain. However, i lost 3kg during this period. Cant believe it. I am already VERY skinny. Imagine losing another 3kg, i look like a skeleton. Yucks! Well, a couple of my colleagues acknowledge that i grew thinner.

Will be resuming my eating habit slowly. Will also visit the gym more often to gain my muscle mass. During this period, i stopped visiting the gym. Spent most of the time at work or at home. By theory, you should grow fat, but for me it work the other way. ha...

Anyway, election is coming soon. Everyone is gearing up for the upcoming election. The incumbent party is coming strong, hoping to get a strong mandate from us. The opposition, hmm, still struggling but not sure if they can make it.

PAP has been introducing its new candidate over the media lately. All of them have good credentials, clean background, willing to serve the people. However, i notice something. Most of them came from the upper class. Here i mean, either from well to do family or very educated pple. Here's the problem.

Can they really see what kind of problem the poor or low income family are facing. Well, they did help out in a few MPS but that doesnt mean they really know. I mean they based on wat they think to help pple out.

I see the sincerity in them except they can never really understand what the pple are going thru. Let me pose a simple question, "Have they ever feel how it is like to get retrench or probably on the verge of a retrenchment?" Pple may argue that u dun need to go thru all these to be a MP. Yes, that's true. But if someone who is more heartlander becomes our MP, of course, we are more than happy to accept.

How many of the new candidates are heartlander like us? Come on, they are either lawyers, doctors, senior civil servant, lecturer or businessman. Can they be heartlanders? They might be one in the past. Now, things have changed esp after they moved up in their careers. Remember, most Singaporeans live in HDB flats.

In the past, many MPs were very grassroot. They are able to understand pple like us better. Eventually, they got a very strong mandate from us. Pple like Ong Ah Heng, i heard a lot of stories abt him. I respected him a lot. If he is in my constituency, i will give him my upmost support.

Anyway, it's my 2 cents worth. I shall not venture further in case i get into trouble. I am voicing out my little opinion from a young voter point of view. If there are pple from the incumbent or opposition youth wing, feel free to enlighten me. I am open to all kind of thoughts.

Friday, April 07, 2006

Busy Schedule

In the midst of busy work, i took some time off to update my blog. Felt quite tired after taking all tat medicine over the last few days. I still need to work despite of my weak body. Thankfully, i am recovering. Able to eat better and more.

Had another attack on one of the night. It was so painful that i got up from my sleep. I guess the medication effect was over when the pain took place. I hope there wont be anymore attack n on the road to recovery.

Wkend is coming. I am looking forward. After a week of pain and work, i want my deserve break. Should be meeting ken and gang again. Hope dbl o wont disappoint me again. Oh yes, there will still be tuition again on sunday. Haiz... for the sake of money, shall tolerate...

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Road to Recovery

Gastric pain is killing me. Eversince i got back from Bali, my stomach is always bloated with occasional pain. I took chinese medicine, charcoal pills but no effect. Left with no choice, i went to see a doc who prescibed me some medicine. Think the effect wasnt strong enough, i had another acute attack last night.

The pain climaxed! I was awakened by the extruciating pain. Woke up, walked ard the house and felt like calling 995 to ease the pain. Thankfully it subsided after some 15 mins of torture. When i woke up this morning, there was still some slight pain and uncomfort. I went to the doctor again.

This time, he gave me a heavier dosage. I desperately need it. Call back to office, my colleague was surprised i took another day MC. I told them i had gastric attack. So have to rest at home one day to recover.

Medicine is taking effect now. Down at least 6 pills just now to curb the pain. Feeling a lot better. Been warned by doctor not to take alcohol drinks, no fried and oily stuff, no soya material, no supper. I told mum to cook light meals for me. So i had some porridge this afternoon. Will be taking easily digestable food for the next few days.

Surprisingly, this is the first time i felt sick after coming home from an overseas trip. Well, i was already in pain when i was in Bali, except it wasnt as bad as when i came back. Still on recovery mode, hopefully i can recover quickly. Need to work, if not damn paiseh to take MC.ha...

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Swing into Action

Yeah! Dbl O sat retro party is back in action again. I believe the management must have received violent objections from their new theme. Despite being called wild party, the Dj continues to spin retros. I am so relieved. I tot Dbl O has decided to do away their retro theme. Well, afterall, it is their brandname, making changes will only see profits dipped and regulars leaving.

Was on MC yesterday, due to my bloated stomach. Although not fully recovered, it was slightly better than last few days. The medication was not bad. However, my burping continued. Whenever i finished my meals, my stomach expand like an inflated balloon, with airs. I pray for speedy recovery. I want to eat but my stomach is protesting. argh....

Finally, returned to work this afternoon. Everything looked the same. It was quite a peaceful saturday. I am glad to keep it this way. Lost my momentum for a while since my last working day was last last monday. ha... I almost had a 2 week break. It is time to move on, ready for the upcoming general election.