Life is about Having Fun

Denque Fever

2009-04-14T14:41:00.003+08:00

I came from hospital today, winning fight from Denque Fever. I was hospitalized for 4 nites. I begged God, I would not be infected by such illness anymore in the future.
Denque Fever is a common illness in Indonesia, but for someone like me who have lived in overseas for too long and just recently been back, denque is not something that is familiar. In fact, I didn't even know my two siblings had suffered from it sometime ago.

To summarized, the symptom of denque fever may varies from person to person but here are what I felt. It started from:
1. Nausea
2. lose of apetite and having the urge to vomit
3. Headache
4. Fever (usually high @ 6pm onwards until the next day 9am) Highest is 39.6 dec C
My fever started on monday evening. And I was sent to hospital on friday morning.
5. Occasionally feeling of numbing on the skin and face
6. Diarhea
7. Extreme body pain. Especially lower and middle back, as well as the bones of the leg and the joints.
8. Occasionally prickling pain, similar to being beaten.
9. Stomach bloated.
10. Leukosit dropped to 4000 then 3300 to the lowest 2700
11. Thrombosit dropped from 223,000 to 119,000 to 109,000 to 89,000 to 76,000 until it stopped on the 3rd day of hospital stay and rised back to 128,000.
12. Anemic. Usual Hb 12, dropped to 10.7.

For my case, I did not have spots on my body. In fact the DB tested negative. I thought I might be suffereing from typhus.

My blood was taken 3 x a day so they could monitor my thrombosit level. Doctor said, if it dropped below 30, they would give me transfusion.

I drank alot of pink guava juice, angkah water, pocari sweat and continue for force myself to eat no matter how sick I feel.
Most importantly is, having someone caring for you and encourage you to recover.

I am lucky, I don't have to stay in hospital for too long.

True love

2008-04-15T21:01:00.000+08:00

I tagged myself through melisa's blog haha. But I break the rules

-----------------------------------------

1. What does true love mean to you?
"True love to mean means willing to sacrifice. Through out the time, I have learnt that there is no love without sacrifice". When you are not willing to give up the things that are important to you for the sake of love that is not love" This was how Jesus proved His love right?. There is no such thing as being calculative when love is mentioned. No weighing scale involved.

2. How do you know you're really in love?
No man can love another man perfectly forever. One can only try his best. Will never know whether it is real until it has a good ending.

3. How many times in your life have you fallen in love?
Fallen in love sweetly many times. But only in a relationship twice. Not all men stay in my heart forever though. Only those that are special.

4. Have you ever fallen out of true love because you were mad at the moment?
Yes. those times were childish time. When you just said the cursed word 'break up' because you were angry. Over the time, i have learnt that when you treated the relationship seriously, you will not say this word easily. In fact, it should never appear in a happy relationship.

5. Do you feel love and physical attraction are the same thing?
Yes. It comes together. In fact, unconciously, physical attraction comes first. True love, comes later after you know the person more.

6. If your true love became ill or disfigured, would you continue to love them the same way?
With no doubt.

7. Should anyone else be able to tell you who to love or not love?
In the past, I listened to my parents. It was difficult not to. Because I love them too. But as an adult, i know I shouldn't. It will never happen again.

8. Do you believe people that ended up divorced were ever truly in love?
Yes. once they did. I suppose its natural for human to change his heart and his mind isn't it?

9. Would you give up something you want for someone you love?
Yes. explained in 1.

10. If you truly love someone, do you feel it should be unconditional?
Yes.explained in 1.

PS. I have to add that a true love is not easy to find. Have I already found one?

Good bye Singapore

2008-02-29T23:38:00.002+08:00

Will miss this view of singapore river!

I am terminating my internet access for this month. So probably this will be my last blog written in Singapore.

Being 8 years here, my life did not start with excitement and joy. In the begining, I thought the soonest I finished my study, the fastest I could leave the place.

Unfortunately I was wrong. Very wrong.

Not only that I completed my study here, I also worked here for 5 years!. Making friends more than the numbers I used to have bck in my home country. Learnt more about life. It can be summarized as 8 years of meaningful days. There were stress during study, many tears, broken hearted, angers, falling in love, challenging at work, found my future husband and many more to say.

I just returned from a dinner, a shopping and a walk in Orchard Road. I don't know why, I felt tonite, the walk seems so beautiful. Orchard road seems rather different. Everything is so convinient and peaceful here, and it is just a blessing to be able to live a life in this place.

Finally I am saying good bye to Singapore. Not forever of course-I may be coming back any time in the future: for holiday, or probably back to work again, who knows!

But I really have to say thank you to God for His plan. 8 years ago, I was angry with God, for pulling me into this country. But now, I know the reason. God is always there with me these years. Giving me any surprises..just like a Father who really cares.

I know He will continue to bless me in my new page of life. So, friends here, please don't worry about me.

Keep in touch always!

Last day of work

2008-02-29T14:58:00.002+08:00

This is how I feel

- Stomach butterfly
- Confuse
- Sweaty and cold palm
- Keep looking at the clock
- Keep looking at those surrounding my office
- Flash backs of the years I spent here
- Heart beats very fast

Leaving a job is not a good feeling after all. May be because I really love my job and my colleagues. What if, leaving an unpleasant job? Will people feel happy on their last day?

Experience make who you are.

2008-02-29T11:30:00.003+08:00

Some people, they want a short cut to be a 'specialist' and 'obtain' high position in their career.

But I told you 'experience' make who you are.

In the past, when I was young, just came out to work. I thought with high academic knowledge and degree I can be smarter than those people who had worked years ahead of me, simply because I am more educated.

I have a friend who asked me what sort of training was needed to be a speacialist in my field. Trying to dig out many things. We worked in different industry, and she was so proud that she is being picked up and offered high budget for training.

But I wanted to tell her that, a chance is given to you, you can show off about it and making used of people. But if you don't go through a tough learning hard time and continue to learn by yourself, you will never be a true specialist just by taking courses and licking people above you.

Thanks for the meal and kind arrangment. But I do know who is sincere and who is not. The first time when I knew you, you were that proud. Now, you are still the same.

Looking back, it took me 6 years to be what I am today:-I will see how you can catch up.

TCM

2008-02-29T11:17:00.003+08:00

"Acupuncture"-another option for healing

I was not a big fan of seeking chinese traditional doctors for treatment whenever I was sick. I prefered western-healing. Probably because I don't really fancy herbs and usually chinese-medicines heal slower-by from internal to external and I can't wait that long to be back to good health.

--

I got my neck sprained recently-when I was sleeping. I knew, western doctor won't be able to heal such pain, except giving me pain-killer. But it was hard to find TCM medical centre in Singapore. Even if there is one, it will be long queue. So I decided to go to Reflextology centre instead. Thinking that after a good neck and shoulder massage I would feel better.

--

The next day, my pain got worst and I got two swollen & bruise parts on my shoulder. So I decided to visit the TCM Health Care Medical Centre at Clementi Ave 3. There is only 1 chiense doctor there, and he is very nice. I got to queue for half an hour before my turn. And he treated me with acupuncture and other methods (the whole session took about 1 hour), and I was given 2 types of medicines to eat. Total cost was only $38!.

Usually if i went for normal health-clinic (western type), it would at least cost me $70 include medicine just for 'flu' illness.

It was my first time trying acupuncture:-not as bad as I thought-in fact the comfort almost made me fall asleep.

I felt so much better now. At least I can turn my head 90 degree now.

Please don't look back

2008-02-26T20:51:00.002+08:00

Thank you for telling me,
"when you are there please don't look back. Don't ever think you will come back"
I seriously don't know whether i will think this way unless I am there.
You are the second person who knows me for years and truely understand what I am going through.

--

I guess not everyone can feel like what someone else is feeling unless they are in his shoes.

--

It's weird isn't it I said.
I would call my housemate and said goodbye to her and concerned about her, when she suddenly moved out.
But when she was around, I dislike her for being smelly.
No matter what, she was there when I was afraid to sleep alone. Sometimes knowing that there was another person beside my wall makes me sleep better.
The day when she moved in I was relieved bcz finally I had someone with me in the house.
A sinful nature of human being, always taking granted of what they have.
and only feel loosing when it's no longer there.

--

I said, it took me more than 3 years to finally let go of my heart-longing to to return to sydney. You were with me all these years. It would probably took me years again to forget Singapore. Sometimes, it is really not my choice to miss things from the past or to be afraid of the unhappy past coming back to haunt you.

--

I believe what I need now is plenty of sleep and prayers.

--
It is hard when someone closest to you don't understand you at all.

Selfish house owner

2008-02-26T16:18:00.002+08:00

Being a foreigner is tough-coz you are homeless all the time
You move from one place to another and you live with different types of people whom you called housemates.

I wouldnot say all house owners are bad. I met a very nice 'homestay' mom when I was in Australia: who brought me around to eat nice foods and took very good care of me without expecting anything in return.

However, I could only find such a nice house owner 1 in 10 chance. In Singapore, I lived with 2 before, both of them were extremely 'calculative' and 'heartless'. All they saw in their tenants are only 'money' and how to make profit.

Once I was forced to move out before my tenancy date is over. She thought she could get a much better offer from others who wanted to buy or sell the house. But I insisted i wouldn't want to. She forgot my kindness of helping her to find a tenant to replace my room much earlier before I told her about my room termination.

Now that no one is buying the house, neither want to rent the room, she came back to me, asking my help to find any tenants that are willing to stay for a few weeks. So she could earn more money.

Last night I found out my housemate was moving out too. She was told to find a new place, i guess during the same time when I was forced to move out.

I pretended to ask her why my housemate was moving out. She told me, it was because she wanted to find a place nearby her workplace.

Oh come on, I knew my housemate loves the place she is living right now. She is enjoying every single day, when no one cares what she is doing. She doesn't even have to empty the dustbin and clean the toilet.

You don't have to lie to me your guilt.

Serving her right for her own greediness. Her two bedrooms will be empty after we left.

I think she will never find tenants as good as both of us who are preserving well her house anymore. (except for my housemate's bedroom which would probably remain smelly forever).

I really admire some of my friends' house owners, who do not increase the rental prices despite of market volatility.

In life, there are still many things beyond money to look at!.

Singapore flyer

2008-02-26T10:55:00.002+08:00

Pics above were taken by a friend

http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/

open to public on 1st of March 2007

Ticket is $29.50 for adult

"Wish to go try. but dunno who to go with"

Finding a soulmate

2008-02-25T14:24:00.002+08:00

"Finding love is like a journey on a train"

God, he gives some of us, everyone

Each an empty ticket.

Boarded into the train and left at different time

The destination, it is however, only he knows

As how long the trip will be, who we will meet, we will never know too

All we can do is just sit, looking at the sceneries,

Say Hi to those just are boarded

and say good bye to those who left the train

Talking to those who happened to be in the same cabin

Some of them become our friends

some become enemies

When we thought someone holding the same ticket as us

We fell in love

We went through a part of the journey together

It was sweet, beautiful at the begining

Then, there was thunder and rain

and finally either one decided to get down from the train

boarding another train of different destination

It moves on...

Only one who hold the same ticket as you

stopping at the same destination

They are soulmates

and we will never certainly know who

until we almost reach the destination

and there it goes, God tells you he is the one

[God is playful isn't he?]

He will give you a new ticket

That will take both of you to the next train: the journey of life

You may say goodbye to the "love train"-a memorable journey of finding the 'right one'

The journey of life

2008-02-25T13:51:00.003+08:00

I happened to visit the hospital, at the ICU Unit.
For the first time, I was peeping at a stranger who was struggling to live
with all the appratus connected to her body.
Outside the room were many of her family members, relative and friends in distraught.

I stood for at least 15 minutes.
Looking at her heart pumping up and down at irregular beats
I could feel she was in pain to breathe
For a moment I felt, so 'afraid'
[Last nite I even dreamt of being chased by vampires]
I talked to God, is this how life will end for everyone of us that you have created?
Just like when I saw a baby rabbit that I used to have, fighting for its life, a few years ago.
Once the heart stopped beating
I prounced it dead.

Everything ends with a full stop.
Recylce bin was emptied
No turning back
No amendment for regrets
No place to pour how much you are longing to see the person anymore
Just like how much I wished my grandpa was still alive

This is how fragile life is. There is nothing like "forever" isn't it?

Oscar awarded movies 2008

2008-02-25T13:13:00.002+08:00

Feat. Oscar's trophy

Movies that were nominated or awarded at the Oscar award this year, which I would want to watch are:

1. No country for old Men (Best picture)

2. Atonement (nominated for best picture and achieve Best Original Score)-almost watched in cinema last time
3. Juno (nominated for best picture)

4. Away from her (nominated for best adapted screenplay)

5. La Vie en Rose (Best actress: Marion C)

6. There will be blood (Achievement in cinematography & Best Actor Daniel L)

7. The counterfeiters (Best Foreign Language Film)-I am always the fan of foreign movies!

8. Taxi to the dark side (Best documentary feature)

9. Elizabeth the golden age (Best Costume design)

10. Peter and the wolf (Best animated short film)

Highlighted in bold and larger fonts (must watch list)!! hehehehe

Sony Ericsson K770i

2008-02-21T09:31:00.004+08:00

Bought my first Sony Ericsson mobile phone for $449 yesterday. The shop said, it was on 'sale' price. Let me know if it's cheap?

As a regular user of Nokia mobile phone, I was afraid i wouldn't know how to use Sony phone. But it worked out to be fine. Functions are not so complicated.

I am definitely very satisfied with the 'clear sounds' quality and the photo quality (3.2 MP).

Unfortunately, I feel, Sony phone could give me some kind of electric static shock. Not advisable to touch or using it during charging.

Rating: 7.5*/10.

Rate: 5*/10

Sold my old phone N73 for $250 (used it for 11.5 mths) still hv 2 weeks guaranteed and in very good condition with the box. The buyer was stranger on the street who followed me while I was trying to sell the HP to 3 other shops.

Approached a 2nd hand dealer 1st shop: offered me $240. Max. $260 if i bought new phone from them. I went to 2 other more established shops which only offered $200 and $150.

Bought this phone while signinng 2 years contract with Starhub. I think I paid additional $200 cash with the contract. It wasn't cheap. Got it when it first came out last year and I got penalty $300 for terminating it earlier by 1 year.

So this phone actually cost me $500-$250 (resale price)= $250

Not a bad price since i had used it for 1 year.

I did not like it and couldn't wait to sell it off because of its thickness and lagging system.

I almost chose N 6500 instead of Sony, but, the real phone looks very ugly!.

Elmo my new friend.

2008-02-17T13:26:00.002+08:00

Bought in Toy r us

My new friend "Elmo". Like it coz' it's red and always smiling. Elmo is actually my "fantasy toy". It is a toy that I wish to have since I was a kid, but of coz' i never ask for it. Saw it on my friend's facebook, and commented it was so cute. It reminds me on the Elmo T-shirt that I bought from a trip to malaysia. I actually bought the T-shirts for my whole family!

Thanks Wee2 for buying me a farewell gift. I really need this to accompany me in my new apartment :D

Feast of Love

2008-02-17T12:53:00.003+08:00

3*/5 stars

"Slow but meaningful"

Never stop believing in Love...

Everyone deserves to love, to be loved, to be in love and...

Live for the one you love.

NUS 2008 tuition fee

2008-02-14T13:42:00.005+08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

In Singapore 2008 begins with increasing of fees from all sectors. Food prices have increased averagely around 10-15%, housing from 20-50%, taxi around 35%, and now, tuition fee, 5-50% depending on whether you are citizen, PR or foreigner.

Average increment across all sector is around 5-20%, which is definitely not enough to cover the inflation rate.

NUS academic 08/09 tuition fees are below:

From year 2000-2003, I only paid about $6000/year for my science undergraduate course. And in year 2004, I only paid about $6500/year for my master degree course.

If education demand is so high in singapore now, why would government reduce the subsidy?

Life, is getting tougher! :'(

Oscar Conrad Buffet at Suntec

2008-01-29T12:44:00.000+08:00

Overall rating: 4.5/5*

Price: $48++ (for weekday) and may be $58+++ for weekend

I got my best treat of buffet last nite yummy

The signature dishes are the noodles and laksa below which I did not fancy. But I quite like the watercress pork rib soup.

Of coz my favorite will be the fresh oysters. Which they would open the fresh shell for you on the spot. It tastes very yummy with lemon and salt. I had at least 6 pieces!. Best eaten with wine or beer. But i prefer with beer.

Look at the seafood range. There were fresh sweet prawns, crabs, sashimi, muscles and even..hmm....baby lobsters!

Desserts are always my favorite. The desserts here are not so special, except the peach-white wine (in that little red glass)-very yummy. Will make u alittle drunk if you drank the liquid.

and lastly

i presented the super duper yummy baby lobsters!! oh i will miss it.

Overall, the service of the restaurant was exellent. Foods were very clean & fresh. Cozy and nice dining environment. Definitely worth the money!.

Turtle soup

2008-01-07T16:18:00.000+08:00

I love turtle soup, and i can finish a portion that cost: $60 by myself! (although I ended up having headache after that)-this portion is for 3-4 people.

Where to find:

659-661 Geylang Rd (Near Lor 35)

Our Ratings: 4.3*/5

Also serve: Black Chicken Soup (but I don't really like it)

also I heard: in Geyland lor 17 or 19

Ricotti at Riverwalk

2008-01-07T15:51:00.000+08:00

Where? Clark Quay Riverwalk

It served the best dessert I have ever eaten in Singapore. 50% off if you order after 9pm!

Great environment for relaxing and coffee chat with your colleagues.

Our overall rating: 4.2*/5

Must try: Sofiato and the "curry chocolate"

Authentic Taiwan Delight

2008-01-07T15:44:00.000+08:00

Where can you find smelly tofu not as far as Geylang?

Smelly tofu from "Taiwan Delight" (Rating: 3.5*/5-not smelly & juicy enough in the flesh)

456 Joo Chiat RoadSingapore 427669Telephone: 6478 1787. Also located at Bugis (but this branch does not serve smelly tofu)

Our overall rating: 3.8*/5

Serve: Authentic taiwan meals & snacks.

Our best picks: Minced meat rice with egg (yummy lor egg), spicy fried chicken and smelly tofu.

Dessert: Green bean + dumplings

Recommended: "Definitely"

Jacky Chan's Cafe

2008-01-07T15:15:00.001+08:00

1 Nassim Road #01-01 Singapore 258458

Our overall rating: 2*/5

Comment: Dissapointed-Ordinary Hawker quality food taste, cheap & simple interior design

Serve: a few choices of set meals & dimsums plus drinks like coffee and teas.

Set meal around $15 (include soup and dessert of choice).

Beverages like tea and coffee prices are around $3-$6.

The tea that we had tasted like diluted kopitiam tea (Rating: 1*/5)

Recommended by the waitress. Our choice too. Rating: 3*/5. Very crispy and fine layered egg tart, but not eggy enough. Too much custard and vanilla like flavour. Do not blend well with the egg.

Herbs dessert: Taste natural with bitter after taste (Rating: 3*/5)

Pork Ribs set meal (color is not attractive, but has reasonably good taste of the pork ribs, except the rice is not delicious enough). Rating: 2.5*/5

Fish set meal: The fish tasted musty (not fresh), and there is nothing special about the tomato sauce. Rating: 1*/5 (worst meal of all)

mango ice cream dessert: artificial mango flavored pudding (nothing special): Rating: 1.5*/5

Looking at the crowd on friday nite when we dined, we reckoned, the cafe will not last longer than 2 years. I think Jacky is not serious in managing this cafe. Probably he is trusting other people to manage for him.

Lust, Caution

2008-01-02T11:32:00.000+08:00

"Lust, Caution" - Ang Lee

I love this movie. I have been wanting to watch it, and I thought I would have missed it. But GV actually re-showed the uncut R21 version of the movie.

Shame with those bad publicities that describe this movie only about "sex", because it is definitely not.

I don't deny it that I was looking forward to see how sexy tony leung is. But the story, and the pictures of the old shanghai, the acting of the female lead (although she is not sexy), had brought me into a deeper feel. Every single moves, the body language and the costumes, brought you back to the shanghai during the war times. Unfortunately, Wang lee hom did not reach to the standard required to act as supporting actor.

I would still want to buy and re-watch the move in DvD

Thanks to NuffNang

2007-12-24T08:58:00.000+08:00

Many thanks to NuffNang for 3 pairs of National Treasure 2 movie tickets last week at Suntec EngWah Cinema. I enjoyed the movie alot with my partner.

Star awards 2007

2007-12-17T17:12:00.000+08:00

Did you watch last nite Star Awards?. Almost everyone is wearing white and red. It seems that these 2 colors will be 2008 fashion trend.

It also means, next year will be excellent year for me. Because I love "Red". Red is the color of my life. It means brave and lively. But i seldom wear because it is such a dominant color.

I voted Yvonne for the top 10 list, and she won the best actress. She is my fav. actress..well, i am not a crazy fan of any singapore produced actor and actresses. But I think she is talented, hard working and also..has a strong determination in her life. She is quiting smoking too.

http://www.freshair.sg/yvonne/?p=8#comment-919

My fav. drama "metamorphosis" won the best drama of the year too!. Not suprising, since mediacorp seldom produced "crime & detective" type of drama.

Sharon Au, hosted the event, alittle shaky in her voices. May be she has forgotten how to speak mandarin in public or losing her stage confidence?

Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes

1. Zhang Yao Dong

2. Dasmond Koh

3. Mark Lee

4. Bryan Wong

5. Gurmit Singh

6. Edmund Chen

7. Christopher Lee

8. Tay Ping Hui

9. Qi Yu Wu

10. Elvin Ng

Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes

1. Kym Ng

2. Xiang Yun

3. Vivian Lai

4. Jesseca Liu

5. Ivy Lee

6. Quan Yifeng

7. Rui En

8. Felicia Chin

9. Huang Bi Ren

10. Michelle Chia

Btw, Kinship II drama will be on 7pm TV show start from today. Don't miss the drama if you watched the first series.

National Treasure 2

2007-12-12T17:37:00.000+08:00

www.bookofsecrets.com.sg

Another movie on my waiting list: "National Treasure 2"
There are 3 reasons to watch this:
1. Because of Nicholas Cage
2. Because I gave 4 stars for the first version.
3. Because all movie about believe in your own dream always inspiring.

Nicholas acted as Ben Gates, a treasure hunter. In the first serie, he believed that a clue to treasure was hidden at the back of Declaration of Independence.

In this 2nd serie, Ben's great-great grandfather is suddenly implicated as a key conspirator in Abraham Lincoln's death. Determined to prove his ancestor's innocence, Ben follows an international chain of clues that takes him on a chase from Paris to London and ultimately back to America. This journey leads Ben and his crew not only to surprising revelations, but to the trail of the world's most treasured secrets.

I hope I can get a pair of free tickets to watch this with my bf. Even if i don't, I will certainly willing to pay for it =)

The Tatooist

2007-12-06T17:28:00.000+08:00

"Tatoo is not merely about image but it's about arts"

One of my fantasies are to have a tiny tatoo at my back-waist area or below my belly button. But after watching this movie, I guess, I would never had that kind of fantasies anymore.

I would give this movie 4/5 stars. The originiality of the story and the twist at the ending deserves it.

It's horror, but not so frightening. Definitely not suitable for children and teenagers.

GV Golden Club Member

2007-12-05T15:08:00.000+08:00

Go to http://www.gv.com.sg/

You may register as member online.

and receive previledges and sometimes promotions offers (shown as below)

and also today is the last day to particate on the 'enchanted couple photo contest"

I had submitted mine (well, dunno I am allowed to participate since, i have not collected my membership card yet).

I designed this photo for the contest. Cute?

This month i got 2 pairs of movie tickets. One pair I got it from winning the team-bowling game. and another pair i got it from GV because this month is my birthday month as recorded in my IC hehehehe. I have 2 movies to watch with my bf when he comes here later.

Dragon boat part 2

2007-12-04T17:59:00.000+08:00

Ok, can you see where is me?

Dragonboat is such a fun game!. Unfortunately not many people dare to try or can see it in another angle.

Christmas Tree

2007-12-04T17:51:00.000+08:00

It's about 20 more days to Christmas. Have you got the Christmas spirit yet?

Yesterday, my colleagues and I went to concourse to get this Christmas tree. It is slightly below my height (probably the tree is around 100 cm tall) for the price of $39. I think we spent about $100 include all the decorations and the lights.

It was my first time actually decorating a christmas tree from scratch. I kinda of enjoying it alot. The tree gives the christmas spirit at work to everyone!

Merry christmas in advance ^_^

Dragon Boat at Kallang Singapore

2007-12-03T15:29:00.000+08:00

What I like about dragon boat:

1. "The team spirit". You can't move the boat by urself. You need the team effort.
If there is only 1 person that making a 'deep shit' mistake, you may either lost the game completely or putting the whole team into danger of the boat sinking.

2. The energy needed. Dragon boat takes lots of energy and it's a good form of exercising

3. The 'focus and concentration'. Yes, you need to really focus in order to win. You need to listen to instructions from the leader at the front and look at how the rest of your team mates are doing.

4. It's a strategy sport. Yes, you need strategy. From controlling the speed of the rowing, the counting speed, etc.

Dragonboat, is a challenging and healthy sport. I only played twice, but I love the game!

I strongly recommend this game for company sport event.

PS. Please don't give up dragon boat sport only because of the Cambodia dragon boat incident.
I believe, the sport is safe as long as extra precautions are taken.
Such as:
- Evaluating the condition of weather and river prior to racing period
- Make sure the condition of the boat is perfect
- Wearing safety lifevest etc.

Accidents can happen anytime anywhere in any occasions. Life and death is always unpredictable. As long as we live our lives doing the things that we are passionate about. To me, that's the meaning of 'living'.

Where to play dragonboat?

http://www.sdba.org.sg/

Colgate 360 deg

2007-12-03T15:17:00.000+08:00

I have a new toothbrush: Colgate 360 deg. It's my first time actually bought it, after looking at the advertisement. Main reason is because my usual toothbrush brand: OralB does not have such design. I need a toothbrush that i can use to clean the tounge besides the teeth.

This toothbrush cost ($6.10) 3 x more expensive than the normal OralB that I can get for $2 only. But it worths the money!.

The toothbrush works like magic. The brush is very firm and hard (may be not suitable for those who have sensitive gums and teeths coz it may bleeds). It can cleans every parts of your mouth include small little corners that your normal toothbrush cannot reach.

Most importantly, I really like the 'clean tounge' effect.

IT Fair December 2007 in Singapore

2007-12-01T21:41:00.000+08:00

If you are not in a rush to purchase any electronic items (especially computers & notebooks), you must really wait for the IT fair. It is usually held 3-4 x a year in Singapore.

I had just purchased a laptop HP EasyNote BU45-012 for $1300 (include 1% charge because of Nets payment).

The specs: T5200@1.6GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 CAche, 100GB SATA. Mobile Intel Core 2Duo 1 GB DDR2, DVD-RW Dual layer, 4 in 1 (SD/MMC/MS/MSpro) Integrated webcam. Ehternet LAN, buetooth, finger print and windows vista home premium. It also come with free upgrade to 2.5GB RAM, free notebook bag, and free xtra 1 battery, plus 1 chance to take the lucky dip (which I have won a HD EasyMouse-this is actually the no. 3 to prize). The weight is only 1.8 kg include battery. I only spent less than 1 hour to decide which one I wanted to buy. I told the sales staff straight that my budget will be below $1500 with 2 conditions: Lighter than my current laptop (Acer TravelMate 3282WXMi which I bought at $2000, 1.5 years ago) and it must have integrated webcam.

Ok, i have no idea what those specs mean..(seriously) and just now I have a hard time understanding HP laptop. The configuration is different from Acer.

I actually bought the last piece of such HP laptop that they have on stock today. The original retail price is $1600. Kinda of happy with the lucky draw & also good price.

If you are looking for new laptops here are other cheap and about the same standard, offers that I may recommend:

1. Dell Inspiron 1420 $1249
2. Toshiba Satellite M200-E431 at $1499

The IT fair also offers laptop that cost only $999-$1100 (Acer and Toshiba).

Hurry up, tomorrow will the the last day of the fair.

PS. Currently Expo also holding a up to 90% sales for branded clothes, bags and shoes. But you must bear with pushing yourself in the middle of aunties & foreign workers.

Bowling in Singapore

2007-12-01T11:01:00.000+08:00

In my opinion bowling is a good social & family sports. I picked up bowling for the first time when I used to be active in my past-church. We used bowling to build up friendship with each other.

Recently, we incorporated bowling competition in our company as part of the sports and recreation campaign to support HSA idea for healthy workplace. Beyond our expectation, not only that we had successfully encouraged people to exercise, they also enjoy the sports very much. The social interactions are built up, everyone are having fun and most importantly, it also gave a message on how 'team-work' effort is important as part of puzzle in the workplace.

I love to see family play bowl as their weekend family activities. Sometimes, i saw parents coaching their children to play bowling, or even competiting, cheering and praising each others. These are very good ways of building up confident in the children as well as stronger & closer bonds between parents and kids.

A few places that i usually went for bowling

- Kim Seng Bowl (opposite great world city)
- West bowl (at west coast recreation centre)
http://www.singaporemirror.com.sg/co_wcrc.htm
- Marina Square (just beside the cinema)

List of other places
Cathay bowling
http://english.sccci.org.sg/index.cfm?GPID=86

http://www.streetdirectory.com/businessfinder/company/291/Bowling/

Beowulf

2007-11-29T16:20:00.000+08:00

"Angelina Jolie acted as Grendel's Mom who slept with Beowulf and gave birth to a dragon son"

Message: Watch it only when you are bored.

The review that I posted in Yahoomovies

Quotes from the movie:

All men fall under the hand of the beauty and promises of power & money.

All women fall under the hand of what they see as a "Hero"

Personal comment: Strong imaginary fiction. Digitally made human-cartoon are not so nice to watch. Dissapointed that Jolie only appears less than 5 x and less than 10 minutes in total.

What you can see is digitally naked men and women that are not "really naked". Not recommended for children because of the violence and naked image.

Short Synopsis:

Director Robert Zemeckis ('The Polar Express') and graphic novelist Neil Gaiman (the 'Sandman' series) team up for this highly anticipated, performance-capture adaptation of the Old English epic poem. When the young warrior Beowulf (Ray Winstone) travels to a neighboring kingdom and slays the monster Grendel (Crispin Glover), he is hailed as a hero. But before long, Beowulf must face an even deadlier foe: Grendel's mother (Angelina Jolie), who seeks vengeance for the loss of her son. The film also stars Anthony Hopkins as King Hrothgar, Robin Wright Penn as Queen Wealtheow and John Malkovich as Unferth.

Be a Krisflyer member

2007-11-28T12:20:00.000+08:00

How to be member?

Click here: http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/krisflyer/aboutkf/krisflyer.jsp?

I just registered as Krisflyer member early this year. It was because I was told that I would have 2 business trip to 3 different countries this year (Thailand, USA and Japan). Thanks to the recommendation of my good friend, a marketing exec who always travel as part of her job.

Do you know that it is free to register as Krisflyer member? What you have to do is just to do the registration online at singapore airline website. It will take about 1 month for you to get the card, however, you will be given the krisflyer membership number on the spot. Therefore, you can use it to claim points anytime when you are flying by flights that are under the Star alliance

(click here for detail: http://www.staralliance.com/en/travellers/index.html)

Imagine without knowing this, all the flights that I have taken before I was a member, I couldn't have the benefits to claim the points.

From only 3 trips that I made this year, I had accumulated 21,000 points which were enough for me to claim 1 return tickets from spore to jakarta and a 1 way ticket from medan to spore.

I must say, I am really happy being a krisflyer member. Thank you for the great service and offer.

So, why wait? register now (especially if you are a highflyer)

Plastic Surgery in Korea

2007-11-27T20:51:00.001+08:00

Han Ae Ri (which parts of her are fake?)

Are you fan of korean drama? Did you notice that all the pretty girls look the same?
Have you ever thought of doing one yourself?

I would love to have bigger boobs & smaller thighs, especially after the difficulty of fitting myself into a "S" size cheongsam. However, thinking about having a 'fake image' and the possibility of 'side effects' by having plastics in my body, or may be turning into 'michael jackson' one day, I am still convinced to be my own self.

The Korean look from high cheekbones to sculptured features is all the rage from Shanghai to Singapore. A women's magazine had actually advised women to spend 30% of their income to invest in making themselves look good. Beauty has become a source of investment.

South Korea has 1200 certified plastic surgeon however, many are also operating without proper qualifications. It causes a drastic drop in the cost of plastic surgeries and become affordable to all. Who knows next time you can get a fake boobs for merely a few hundred dollars?

I was watching this TV one day, they are talking of a save way of making boobs bigger by injecting a water-like liquid. You can measure according to your wish how much you want your boob size to be. But this method is only workable for women who wish to increase boob size by 1 size, let's say from A cup to B cup. Imagine you can have a small boob without having to have plastic in your body. Well, they say, men actually can differentiate plastic from real flesh. But can they actually distinguish water with flesh?

Interesting news from today paper, Han Ae Ri, a famous Korean Singer, was rushed to ER after chin job goes wrong. It was reported she needed 40 bags of 150cc blood!! (imagine how serious it was).

Would you sacrifice your own health just to look good?

Forex

2007-11-27T20:25:00.000+08:00

Reading a news at newpaper today edition page 17.

Heading: Will euro replace ailing US dollar?

Recently I heard people buying 'Dinar' because the public are speculating it will be the next currency to rise in folds.

---
It was mentioned in the paper that currency traders and the Egyptian street hawkers are looking to euro as a better store value as US dollar keeps dropping.

Suprisingly, 20 years ago, the same scenario has happened.

quoted from NYtimes query,

''I would characterize what's happening today as a basic inflationary thrust,'' said Joel Popkin, an economic consultant in Washington''This is going to be a year in which the Consumer Price Index gets above 5 percent.'' By comparison, it rose 4.4 percent in 1987 and the same in 1988.

The ECB board seat and professor at Belgium Univ said, "There was a talk then about other currencies replacing the dollar but it never happened"

---

However, 20 years ago, the situation is different from now. Globalisation syndrome has spreaded and affected the economics of the world like a virus.

A few of people that i know start to get involved in forex trading. A new forex trading companies emerges since the strong 'volatilities' are observed in many major currencies.

The interest rate for Euro fixed deposit is 3.275% offered by local bank.

Will you start to save in other currencies?

Looking for jobs in Indonesia?

2007-11-27T11:51:00.001+08:00

There are a few free-online websites that I can recommend:

http://www.learn4good.com/jobs/language/english/list/country/indonesia/

http://blog-indonesia.com/search_post.php?page=11&keyword=vacancy

http://karir-job.blogspot.com/

http://jobs.asiabot.com/

http://lowongankerjas.blogspot.com/

http://www.jakjobs.com/

http://infokarir.blogspot.com/

http://www.karirzone.com/

http://lowongankerjaku.blogspot.com/

Tatarah Bidding game

2007-11-27T09:28:00.000+08:00

I want to introduce this new bidding website. When it was first launched, you can bid items that they offered at lowest bidding score to win. The winner was selected from the lowest and unique bidding number. Let's say You won because everyone else was bidding more than $1 for an item, but you bid it for 0.99 cent. Which mean, , You can win a car at less than $1 or an LV bag. You had to pay a bidding fee (through credit card or mobile sms fee) at $1-$10 (depends on what item you were bidding).

Let's say, if they offered a Nokia N73 which is sold at $700 generally in a shop, and the cost of a one time bidding is $7, they basically just need 100 people to cover the cost of the item. The rest, are their profit. If you got the item sponsored, you got more profit too.

Very excellent business idea i must say.

Unfortunately....

The rule of the game has been changed after their website reconstruction. I did not read the new rule and happily bid for 3 more items. You bet, I definitely did not win the bidding.

Currently the new rule is that, the highest unique bidding will win. There is a max bidding score you can bid too and you have a points that they give you for free if you recommend this website to friends. These points can be used to omit the cost of the item that you had won through the bidding.

Example: An LV bag that cost >$1000 at retail price, the max bidding is $500. May be one could win by putting a bidding at $499.99. Would you still want to bid then? Still cheaper than buying from the shop though.

For me, I would bid, if i really want the item, and if i am sure I will be the winner by putting the max bidding. Else, I am going to waste money on the bidding fee too.

A fun "gambling" like game.

Looking for Cheongsam?

2007-11-26T16:02:00.000+08:00

Shanghai theme is on the trend at the moment.

If you are looking for Cheongsam to wear for wedding dinner, meet the parents (especially traditional chinese), or dinner and dance; there are a few good places that I can recommend.

Recently, I bought one from madamme Xi at Tanglin Shopping Centre (Unit 03-14) with 50% discount. I kinda of very satisfied with their designs and service. The cheongsams are designed by their own bosses and manufactured in HK and China. They sell very good and expensive cheongsams of a few hundred dollars too, like those made from real satin clothes.

You can find a number of clothes at Far East plaza that sell 'modern look cheongsam too' . I will especially recommend the 'Mazzario'. They even offer alteration service at $3-$4 cost. The cheongsam are at discounted price of less than $60.

Others:

Lau Disan
19 Tanglin Road #04-01B (Tanglin Shopping Centre)
Tel: (65)67338813

Shirley Seow
14 Scotts Rd Far East Plaza
#02-100
Telp 65-67362879

KBOX lunch

2007-11-25T20:20:00.000+08:00

Kbox lunch is the best option for those who love singing!. With lunch included you can sing for 3 hours from 11am or 12pm to 2pm or 3pm (both weekdays & weekends).

There are 3 types of lunch to choose from: Thai-fish set, Lemon-fish set, and chicken set; all comes with side dishes and dessert and drinks.

You can basically sing with full stomach at $13-$15 cost only.

Went to Kbox lunch with my colleagues on sat. We enjoyed singing old songs!

A creative Christmas present

2007-11-25T20:05:00.001+08:00

New creative idea to make your own Christmas present...

Popular has sales of children toys, books and puzzles at Bt. Batok.

I bought this 3D wooden puzzles for $3 include the glue. The puzzles come with many shapes you can choose with like car, tower, building, furnitures, etc.

You can also come with your own creativity by painting them or sticking them with cute stickers. Suggestion: paint them before you actually putting the puzzles together. I had a hart time painting them after the puzzle was completed.

It took me half of my sunday to get this done. It's not nicely made, but to me it's a great challenge to make it.

I am very bad at putting shapes together, because I can't differentiate them. It's the first time I actually make puzzle for someone.

It's a BMW car, ride by 2 elephants (Nambee & Namboo).

Cuteeeeeeeee?

Sketches Pasta & Wine Bar

2007-11-25T13:50:00.000+08:00

I came to this place for dinner with my colleagues to avoid long queue at other restaurants.

I chose the signature course: "Lamb set meal" at $16++ with ginger ale drink at $9/jug (for 4). My colleagues were having pasta sets and beef steak.

Overall rating for the foods: 2/5 stars. Prices are not too expensive, all set meals can be easily grasped at below $20. But the taste of the foods are "so-so only".

The lamb has too much fats on it and a little hard for my biting. The mash potato is too thick too.
My colleagues complaint the pasta to be 'tasteless". There were some leftovers on their plates. As for the beef, it seems better than the rest, since my colleague actually finished it.

The service of the restaurant is good. You don't have to wait long to be served.

Where to find this place?
200 Victoria Street, Parco Bugis Junction 01-85/86/87
Bugis
63398386

[Opposite Ajisen]

What others think about this place?

http://chefmoz.org/Singapore/Bugis/Sketches_-_Pasta_&_Wine_Bar1049809636.html