Why not?

People are always fighting their way up the corporate ladders, hoping to earn as much as they possibly can within a short life span. Over a friend's wedding, I got to catch up with many old friends and I am actually quite surprised that a majority of them are now into selling property. It is no secret that the money is good, assuming you work really hard and beat the rest who are jumping into the ocean for the chance. The papers always seem to feature profiles of many successful agents. 

My friend asked me to consider and ask why not?

It was disturbing to me. Why don't I do it? I believe I can do quite a good job if I work my ass off. What is there to lose? It lead me to think about my current ventures and what I wanted in life. Coincidentally, I was reading this book that helped to answer a big part to my dilemma. It is about finding your purpose in life. We all have our own calling. If I have the passion to find and sell houses, I would have jumped into it without doubts. There is purpose and fulfilment when you can help people find their dream homes but I suppose that kind of purpose just doesn't seem to rock my world.

But the money is really good if you do well!!! Without the passion for it, I will be literally 'working' and remaining free time will be considered my own personal time. Right now, I am just having fun everyday. Ok, there were some days that can be really bad but I can deal with that. Sacrifice for all the money in the world and how much do you really need or the time you are willing to sacrifice? I am sorry to hear that Richard Stanley (DBS CEO) is now suffering from cancer. It should be safe to say he has all the finance he require for the rest of his life but nature decided to cut the story short for him.

Find your true purpose. We only get to live it once.

41km

Just came back from a short run. Quite proud of myself to have clocked
a total 41.4km this month! Compare that to lazing and accumulating
fats exponentially for the past 4 months, this is quite an
achievement. Now just need to maintain this quota every month. Feel so
much better at work now.

Uluru

I am not that attas to be enjoying 'casual' dining but have always
wanted to try Edwin's cooking at Uluru. Now he is a sous chef! Jan
have tried the wagyu beef once and says he has to go back again so we
made an appointment with Edwin that we will dine at his place
yesterday. Its been years since all of us from the bike days had
dinner together. Considering the bike days, that means we knew each
other for about 10 years!

We ordered forgetting we were at an attas place, ordering as if we
were at Kenny Rogers. If Edwin didn't give us a discount, our bill
would be over 1k for the 5 of us. Every dish was nothing but
perfection, regretted not bringing my dslr for the food photos. Bulk
of the bill went to the wagyu beef, this exorbitant stuff that cost
$150 at retail. Jan wasn't satisfied and ordered another plate,
sharing with me. That means we had 450gm of wagyu beef each!
Plus the lobster bisque, hardcore desserts, 2 bottles
of red wine, cheese platter. One of the finest dinner I've ever had.

Its not cheap but it is violent quality and at a great place, located
at Duxton Hill. I will definitely go there again but order moderately.
Last night was considered CNY reunion dinner for us, that should
justify it.

?!!!!

If you really like a new song. How many times can you listen to it in
a row?!

The song next door is driving me crazy.

My lungs are filthy!

and I don't even smoke. Imagine those who does.

Run no enough

After all the new year goodies, its time for a run to burn some
surplus. Run was fine but my timing was slower than my last run.

Going for wagyu steak tomorrow evening!

Family Mahjong

Unlike previous years, my paternal relatives left early today. When my
Mum said my Dad is going to play mahjong with us, no one believed it
cos none of us ever seen him playing before. We really played in the
end and my mum did assist him along the way. Obviously, he won the
most. My brother was paying 'tuition money' through the four rounds we
played. My proudest moment was to win a 'ping hu' in the shortest
round. Don't remember ever getting a 'ping hu' before in my life, some
flower or animal tile will spoil it the combination.

Think this is the longest time we actually sat together at a table as
a family besides dinner gathering in a very very long while...

Come to think about it, we actually spend more time with people in our
working environment more than our families. I feel sorry for the
sisters in Art Outreach (Yoshie, Shinta and now Stella). Its been more
than a year since I shared the space with them and I can't imagine the
amount of shit and cold jokes I had to put them through. *Yosh must be
grinning about it now*.

//

The same awkward situation happened today again. My auntie was asking
"so she is flying today and couldn't make it?". Most of the probably
felt bad asking about it but I am cool. Its been long enough! I
actually feel more awkward seeing all my cousins whom I only meet once
a year. What were we supposed to catch up on? Different age gap,
interests, so many different people, don't even know where to start.
Even friends who read my blog are more updated about me than relatives
who are blood related. Strange isn't it? I do have friends who were
really close with their all their cousins so it is different, partly
because their family tree is smaller than mine.

Hongbao for Zel

She got a little excited and the red packet was torn into half when we
were engaged in a "tug of war". Luckily the money was safe in her half.

Clutter free to allow flow of positive energy

Managed to clear up my workspace now but not sure how long will it
stay this way. Waiting for relatives who will drop by anytime today.

CNY Day 1

Zelene was trying to imitate me when I was using my palm to meter the lighting for setting exposure.

My sister and brother-in-law,

My Dad and Zelene.

My brother.

Like every year, the first day will be visiting my Grandma's place and
relatives from my mum's side will gather there. It was a slack day,
eat, sleep, tv, read book, sleep again. It was funny when one of my
auntie gave me two hong baos saying the other is for my gf. She didn't
believe that I am now single then my other aunties was trying hard to
convince her to help diffuse the awkward situation. I didn't feel
awkward though. After my relatives ran out of conversation, I knew I
couldn't escape them. The usual stuff of what I am doing now but they
are more concerned about me settling down, especially my Grandma since
I am the eldest among her grandchildren.

Some suggested a Chinese bride, some suggested finding a Malaysian gf.
*Faint*.

Most useful ang bao

An expat client (macenrich) gave me a red packet for CNY. They are
Americans so they don't exactly celebrate CNY the way we do as they
already have Christmas but they gave me this red envelope saying this
is a very special "Hong Bao". Was surprised to find a iTunes gift card
inside! It may not be cash but I can seriously put those credits to
good use.

Happy Chinese New Year

First "ang bao" collection from our parents.

Reunion Dinner

Took a cab from Suntec and the driver was grumpy in a funny manner. He
was sharing what happened with his previous passengers. His language
was colourful with all the dialect vulgarities but I especially like
the phrase in dialect which means that he was "so angry to the point
that his balls bloated".

Had dinner at my Grandma's place. Just a simple dinner and wholesome
home cooked food with my relatives.

2nd photo is Zelene with her great grandmother.

Yakult Soda

Thought I had this brilliant idea on Saturday when my family went
grocery shopping at the supermarket. Was trying to replicate Calpis
Soda by mixing Yakult with Soda water. Wasn't exactly what I wanted
maybe I added too much soda water to it. Will try again the next time.

Bought a spare can to try mixing it with my fruit juice. Since my new
diet as part of my 09 resolution, I can only drink coke minimally so I
need a substitute for that. How about Carrot soda? Will post the
review after my concoction.

Brother Panda

My brother in his metro charcoal facial mask. He refused my paparazzi
shot so had to make do with the blurry effect from my iPhone.

Relationship and business

Since I have been receiving news updates from SDU, the whole idea has been troubling me somewhat but I can’t point out exactly what it is. There are several reasons but the recent awareness of this upcoming dating convention for singles brought up one point to me. It seems like getting into a relationship is like getting into a business.

Everyone acts like they don’t ask much of their opposite but subconsciously, there are many key requirements. What happens if you think the other half is the perfect person for you till you discover he is not financially stable or doesn’t have ambitious goals in life? Maybe he just holds a humble job early less than the national average wage but he is in perfect bliss because his simplicity life has less clutter and it keeps him happy. Would the girl still consider him? Ideally speaking, yes she would but realistically speaking maybe no because he may not be able to support the family and on.

Even if the girl really doesn’t mind. What about her parents, relatives and peers?

It is akin to an investment. Thinking whether if the other half will be stable enough to stick through thick and thin. One needs to analyse the other half, to see if it will work out in the long run. Like it or not, with the competition, inflation and rising costs, you do kinda need the other half to be reliable and stable.

Just too bad and the global recession is just only going to make things more complicated. The good thing if one can find another partner and go through this difficult time time, good for them.

My view may seem one sided and insensitive but this widely publicised dating event gives the impression that it is targeted at the executive level. So the girls do expect at least a ‘certain standard’ in the guys’ financial status among other traits. The event may sound like it is open to all but I think the unwritten rule is that you got to at least qualify in certain aspects and bring something to the table.

The article in today’s newpaper was highlighting that there are many high qualified and good looking girls that have to resort to such events to get hitched because the event would have helped them filter out the guys that will match their criteria. That doesn’t sound right. It becomes shopping for partner at amazon.com. The editor was probably trying to portray the cover girl of that article to show the standards of girls are now higher (looks and education) and it did mention that the guys remained stagnant. These men have been ‘labelled’ and they ought to deserve more credit than that.

I was told by someone about this and it never fails to amuse me. As a girl mature, their value drops. However, tt is opposite for the guy as they tend to appreciate over time. Take this with a pinch of salt. It does have a little truth to a an extent and I think the statistics does prove that.

Friends have asked me what would I look out for in a girl. The truth is I don’t know the criteria. I allowed myself to have guidelines but if I have criteria to act as filters for date speed dating sessions, then I will be screwed. I may get to know a girl who meets all my criteria but everyone changes over time so whatever... 

I just rely on my gut feel.

If only we can strip the expectations we have of others and just follow our hearts but it is a challenge task considering the society we are in. Money is not everything but it is really something, somehow.

This post may be written from a guy’s point of view but I feel it is also applicable to the other sex.

I need to disclaim that the event does not appeal to me but doesn’t mean that I am against it. If there are going to an attendance of 600 people, it shows that many are open to the idea and wouldn’t mind trying it. Good for them! My theme was last year was to save the world. This year theme is that you can do and think whatever you want so long it makes you happy. （开心就好。）

Wake up

I watched season 1 of Dexter recently. There was this particular scene which may seem very trivial but it has been making me think a lot about it.

In that scene, Dexter was in a room with his victim who was tied up and knew he isn't going to live long.

Victim: Oh God, please help me...

Dexter nudged the guy's forehead with his palm.

Dexter : Wake up! That has never worked for anyone before.

//

What if... 

what if.

Well worth the wait

I used to have this when I was still in NTU but sold it off when I
didn't really need it. Now I want one again cos I am revamping my
workspace at home. Just some minor changes to make it more ergonomic.
Was reluctant to pay the full retail price cos honestly there are
better wireless mouse out there but they don't look as good.

There were two good 2nd-hand deals which I missed out from a forum,
selling at 20% off retail. Not brand new though.

Was more or less ready to pay full retail by today or tomorrow cos
I've already gotten the keyboard last night.

Till this morning, something miraculous happened and It is still
shrink wrapped!

Thanks!!

Mismatches

The right ones always end up with the wrong ones and vice versa. If
the right ones come together too easily then there will be no meaning
in life. We only wish to have an easy and shitless life but it doesn't
seem work that way. Either we slack too much, taking things for
granted, hence screwing something up. That is just human nature, we
need challenges to keep us on our toes. Even if we getting too smart
for our own good, not screwing anything. We will eventually be bored
of a mundane life. Life is too short to be mundane. Rather make it
short and awesome than to live through a long life for the sake of it.

There are bigger things in life to look forward to and the biggest is
just the smallest of something even bigger.

All of this to add more colours to our life.

//

If one can't commit then how about now? It doesn't mean anything to me
anyway but it was a very interesting and "good to know" observation.
Thanks.

Most Funky Potato Salad

Ok, I admit that I am not attas enough to enjoy this salad. The
dressing was way too funky for me. Missing the potato salad that Addy
used to make.

It was the only solid food left in Starbucks so I just ordered it.
Have it at your own risk. I don't think it is bad, it is just not my
kind of dressing. It has an interesting sour taste.

Don't mind running more for this

Got to know about this honey chicken chop from some pasar malam last
year and it was life changing. This was supposed to be the pirated
version of the 'shilin' one which turned out to be over hyped. Now the
guys are hooked and the sisters at Art Outreach are getting addicted
too. It is funny to watch them eat because they will be dabbing the
oil off the chicken with tissue paper.

Just so good that I don't mind running more to compensate for this.
Now they have a stall that is just below my office making it way too
convenient.

Small doesn't mean innocence

Was on my way to work this afternoon. In front of me was a little girl
who just finished Sch. She is about primary 1 or p2 at most. There was
an empty styrofoam lunch box on the grass. She went over, squatted
down and started stabbing the box repeatedly! She isn't poking. I
really mean stabbing. After a few stabs, she got up and continued
walking to the bus stop. I looked at her at the bus stop and she gave
the sweetest innocent look.

Violent.

If Melvin sees her, he would probably kidnap her to be his daughter or
something.

Just left office but definitely worth the time spent! Finally ported
my inventory system which was previously done on spreadsheets to a
proper database system. It has opened up so many possibilities for me!

Via iPhone

Tw bomoh

Sandra's tag: "you know mel's brother-in-law one showed me this whole youtube series on this taiwanese bomo embryo burning ghost king. its a great big scam."

If that was publicised to be a great scam. It leads to the question if those 'things' really exists. It is dangerous territory here because it leads to the question of religion and culture. I could be jailed for saying the wrong things.

For me, the line was drawn during my trip to Taiwan last year. I was surprised to learn their 7th month festival was  just starting after ours in Singapore ended. Wth? If there was really a  underworld, shouldn't they book out and book in at the same time?

Random debates

Bomohs and those little ghosts in jars are bs.

Was thinking about this during my run earlier on. We have all heard of stories where a spell can be cast, bomohs with black magic, having powers to locate missing people, or keeping those little hosts in jars which they will let out to help them run errands, feeding them with blood and shit like that.

If they were true. We don't need to waste so much tax payers' money on military, spending all the budget on training and equipment. Just train a platoon of 'witches' (not sure if there is a proper term to generalise all of these specialists) and they should be able to cast spells on any opposing army.

I believe there are different kinds of witches from all kinds of race, religions and cultures. They should form a fairly huge community. Can't they just consolidate their efforts and powers to isolate Osama out from where ever he is hiding?

Our local witches could also do their part to find Mas Selamat when he escaped and still no where to be found despite the size of our tiny island.

And those little ghosts kept in jars. The US army could have just used those during the war instead of spending money on research in war. Less logistics and more effective.

To think I was to naive enough to have believed all these tales when I was a kid.

AL's 25th Birthday

Sharon enlisted our help to hold a surprise birthday celebration for
AL at the shop. We didn't do much actually, I was just tasked to help
pick up the cake from Canelé. It was weird collecting the cake when
the sales girl opened the cake for me to check if the greetings on the
cake were right. She asked "... are you Sharon?" Almost fainted. I am
aware that gays are more common now but I hope it hasn't gone to the
extend where it is normal for guys to have girl names! It was funny.

Back at the shop, we were preparing the last minute gifts. Mostly made
of recycled stuff, thats what we are best at. They arrived, simple
surprise. The highlight has gotta to be the flourless cake!!! Almost
life changing and it was really good, Better be good if it is $70 plus
for a 1kg cake. The best choc cake I had was from Lana and the
debatable awfully chocolate. They were good but now this is better! I
guess it is a subjective judgement when it comes to dessert.

Hope AL likes his gifts. Happy birthday!

So many people's birthday fall in January. Smart babies.

While I was collecting the cake at Canalé, it was an attas place
selling almost nothing but sinful treats and I am surprised to see
that the customers were mostly ladies. No wonder slimming centres keep
popping up everywhere. Maybe it is not a guy thing to chill at a place
eating chocolates and cakes. I would do it as long I maintain my 9km a
week quota.

*Photos courtesy of Andrew Lin

Hans 22nd Birthday

Wednesday, Hans birthday. Dinner at subway followed by chill out session at Eski Bar. Was a little disappointed by the bar cos I was expecting the cold area to be much bigger. We tried to stay in that section for as long as we can and we lasted pretty long. Of all days, don't why I took my beanie out of my bag that morning. Didn't think that we need it cos Eski Bar was a last minute idea. It was a simple outing with good friends. Thanks to Andrew for the photos. Don't know why the photos didn't have photo of the girls - Sharon (AL's gf), Sandra (Mel's gf), Xin (Andrew's gf)

Ginseng Carrots

Intended to start my detox regime today (3 fruit juice nights a week).
Remembered that I asked my Dad to buy some carrots back some time
back. Well, the carrots were still there but there were some non-
carrot looking growths on it! It looks like a ginseng hybrid or
sprouting pubic roots.

Was tempted to just juice it anyway but my Dad advised not to. Threw
them away in the end.