I would finish my valuer's log book as soon as possible ...
I would put in more effort into my Masters ...
I would learn to control my temper more and lose it a lot less ...
I would remember to be grateful and complain less ...
I would remind myself that I'm worth so much more, that I don't need to take crap from others, that I deserve ...
I would learn to be happy with the things I have within, and learn to live without ...
I would, if I could ... and I can - so I will :)
Friday, December 31, 2004
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Sombre new year
"New Year eve bash cancelled in view of tsunami tragedy" The Star 30/12/2004
So, dashed are plans to catch the annual KLCC fireworks. Although, if further thought were put into it, it would be rather inappropriate to be celebrating when others are mourning.
Calls were made for all to pray for the tsunami victims. Offering spiritual solace, donating to the victims, providing whatever help possible - all very worthy ways of bringing in the new year. A new year, new deeds, new resolutions, new days ahead, a new beginning. The natural disaster threw everyone off their chairs (some more literally than others), and suddenly you realise how fragile life is. That whoever gave life to us has that very ability to take it immediately away. That family and friends should not be taken for granted (however cliche this sounds). That despite such selfish thoughts (i.e. never being able to see the beauty of Phuket again), all of us know now to treasure holidays more.
Disbelief and shock - when I read the SMS my sister sent me while I was shopping in Suntec City, Singapore, saying that 15 people had died in Penang from an earthquake. Earthquake? In Malaysia? Impossible!
Appears that the impossible became possible. Granted, it wasn't an earthquake, but the earthquake caused tidal waves which caused the deaths off Batu Ferringhi in Penang. Watching BBC in the hotel, the horrific pictures of dead bodies along Sri Lankan and Indonesian coastlines were enough to start you wondering if it were all some huge joke. Questions, questions, I'm sure you've got more running through your mind - like I did the past few days. I've read enough blogs and newspaper articles and broadcast websites to know that this disaster caught everyone unaware.
Question : What if today were your last?
So, dashed are plans to catch the annual KLCC fireworks. Although, if further thought were put into it, it would be rather inappropriate to be celebrating when others are mourning.
Calls were made for all to pray for the tsunami victims. Offering spiritual solace, donating to the victims, providing whatever help possible - all very worthy ways of bringing in the new year. A new year, new deeds, new resolutions, new days ahead, a new beginning. The natural disaster threw everyone off their chairs (some more literally than others), and suddenly you realise how fragile life is. That whoever gave life to us has that very ability to take it immediately away. That family and friends should not be taken for granted (however cliche this sounds). That despite such selfish thoughts (i.e. never being able to see the beauty of Phuket again), all of us know now to treasure holidays more.
Disbelief and shock - when I read the SMS my sister sent me while I was shopping in Suntec City, Singapore, saying that 15 people had died in Penang from an earthquake. Earthquake? In Malaysia? Impossible!
Appears that the impossible became possible. Granted, it wasn't an earthquake, but the earthquake caused tidal waves which caused the deaths off Batu Ferringhi in Penang. Watching BBC in the hotel, the horrific pictures of dead bodies along Sri Lankan and Indonesian coastlines were enough to start you wondering if it were all some huge joke. Questions, questions, I'm sure you've got more running through your mind - like I did the past few days. I've read enough blogs and newspaper articles and broadcast websites to know that this disaster caught everyone unaware.
Question : What if today were your last?
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Singapore spree
Once again, Christmas in Singapore. This time, it was more food than shopping. I think the economy there recovered pretty well from SARs, so we didn't see much discounts in the retail scene that were as fantastic as last year's when they were trying to boost spending. Ah well. Although didn't manage to get things cheap, at least I got stuff that were a better selection than the ones available in Malaysia :P
The highlights of the trip :
Geylang, Lorong 9
This is where the famous "ngau hor" (beef noodles Cantonese-fried) and "tin khai chuk" (frog legs' porridge) is. Came here last year and had to visit it again this year. It's an open hawker's road side stall. A few shops away is a dessert shop that sells great "tau foo fah" with extra long "yau char kway". They're longer than your arm!!
Pek Kio Market, Owen Road, Farrer Park
Great huge big prawn noodles with wonderful tasty prawn soup! I never tasted them better anywhere else! Cost at SGD$8 per bowl, pretty pricey but worth-every-single-cent. To get there, stop at Novena MRT station, take Bus No. 131 to the Pek Kio Market B02 stand.
Crystal Jade Palace, 4th Floor, Ngee Ann City
The queues and crowds of people in front of the restaurant are enough to put you off. But, from another viewpoint, it makes you think what's causing it. The dim sum here is excellent. Quality Hong Kong style dim sum with excellent service. Recommend the porridge especially - authentic, just enough taste, light and yummy. And if you don't convert to RM, the price is pretty reasonable - similar figures to KL restaurants, i.e. RM3 = SGD$3.
Nydc, Suntec City
Serves pasta, baked rice and plenty of cakes. Delicious chocolate cakes that are thoroughly sinful but yummy to the last spoonful. Also has a trademarked drink "elephancinos" which are huge mugs of drinks. Again, if you don't convert, they're similar figures to say, Chili's or TGIF's. You can check out its delicious menu at its very own website.
Hotel New Otani, Singapore
An excellent hotel with Japanese hospitality! Its rooms overlook the Singapore River and it is sited in the happening area of Clarke Quay. Location : 10 minutes leisurely stroll from Clarke Quay MRT station (purple line or NorthEast line), 15 minutes walking distance to Chinatown, 20 minutes walking distance to City Hall. Taxis abundant in the hotel doorstep. Bus stop just across the hotel street, with buses that bring you to just about anywhere. The hotel is atop the Liang Court shopping complex, which has a 7-11, Kinokuniya, Meidi-ya supermarket, McDonald's and Starbucks, among many other things. We got the room at a super special low rate, or else it'd cost us at least RM400 per night! :P I'd stay there again if I could get the same rate back :) However, it's changing management and will change its name to Novotel Clarke Quay on the 1st of January 2005. Rates may go down, hopefully - though I doubt so :)
And now, the pictures!! ;)
The highlights of the trip :
Geylang, Lorong 9
This is where the famous "ngau hor" (beef noodles Cantonese-fried) and "tin khai chuk" (frog legs' porridge) is. Came here last year and had to visit it again this year. It's an open hawker's road side stall. A few shops away is a dessert shop that sells great "tau foo fah" with extra long "yau char kway". They're longer than your arm!!
Pek Kio Market, Owen Road, Farrer Park
Great huge big prawn noodles with wonderful tasty prawn soup! I never tasted them better anywhere else! Cost at SGD$8 per bowl, pretty pricey but worth-every-single-cent. To get there, stop at Novena MRT station, take Bus No. 131 to the Pek Kio Market B02 stand.
Crystal Jade Palace, 4th Floor, Ngee Ann City
The queues and crowds of people in front of the restaurant are enough to put you off. But, from another viewpoint, it makes you think what's causing it. The dim sum here is excellent. Quality Hong Kong style dim sum with excellent service. Recommend the porridge especially - authentic, just enough taste, light and yummy. And if you don't convert to RM, the price is pretty reasonable - similar figures to KL restaurants, i.e. RM3 = SGD$3.
Nydc, Suntec City
Serves pasta, baked rice and plenty of cakes. Delicious chocolate cakes that are thoroughly sinful but yummy to the last spoonful. Also has a trademarked drink "elephancinos" which are huge mugs of drinks. Again, if you don't convert, they're similar figures to say, Chili's or TGIF's. You can check out its delicious menu at its very own website.
Hotel New Otani, Singapore
An excellent hotel with Japanese hospitality! Its rooms overlook the Singapore River and it is sited in the happening area of Clarke Quay. Location : 10 minutes leisurely stroll from Clarke Quay MRT station (purple line or NorthEast line), 15 minutes walking distance to Chinatown, 20 minutes walking distance to City Hall. Taxis abundant in the hotel doorstep. Bus stop just across the hotel street, with buses that bring you to just about anywhere. The hotel is atop the Liang Court shopping complex, which has a 7-11, Kinokuniya, Meidi-ya supermarket, McDonald's and Starbucks, among many other things. We got the room at a super special low rate, or else it'd cost us at least RM400 per night! :P I'd stay there again if I could get the same rate back :) However, it's changing management and will change its name to Novotel Clarke Quay on the 1st of January 2005. Rates may go down, hopefully - though I doubt so :)
And now, the pictures!! ;)
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Jingle bells
You know, no matter how slutty Britney Spears is, her Christmas song is actually quite nice to listen to - bells jingling, sweet voice, nice tune ... just like how Mariah Carey's Christmas song sounds good too. In fact, these 2 songs always gets me Christmassy :)
Once again, taking a trip down to Singapore for the weekend - to join the crowds, squeeze on Orchard Road, ride on endless MRT rides (I've had this dislike for trains ever since London's tubes) ... BUT it shall be fun.
Enjoy your presents, reflect on the past, dream about the future, and promise to be a better person next year ...
Once again, taking a trip down to Singapore for the weekend - to join the crowds, squeeze on Orchard Road, ride on endless MRT rides (I've had this dislike for trains ever since London's tubes) ... BUT it shall be fun.
Enjoy your presents, reflect on the past, dream about the future, and promise to be a better person next year ...
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
The Family Way
Tony Parson does it once again! This time he thrives on and on about babies, women, babies, husbands, babies and more babies! I got this as a present, and nope, I'm not complaining. He's an excellent writer, if you've read his previous 3 books, you'll thoroughly agree with me. This time however, he doesn't speak from the viewpoint of a man. He adopts the vocals of 3 lady protagonists. He doesn't do it as well as he does in the male voice, but the essence is definitely there.
Humourous, witty, touching - very well-written I'd say. If you've never read a single one of his books, go grab one today! I think the first book you read of his will remain your favourite book. I read "Man and Wife" first (his 2nd book I believe), and until now, I still love that book and the emotions it evokes whenever I read it :) A good book should be like that, shouldn't it?
Humourous, witty, touching - very well-written I'd say. If you've never read a single one of his books, go grab one today! I think the first book you read of his will remain your favourite book. I read "Man and Wife" first (his 2nd book I believe), and until now, I still love that book and the emotions it evokes whenever I read it :) A good book should be like that, shouldn't it?
Friday, December 10, 2004
How much are YOU worth?
I've heard that question a couple of times the past week. The first time I heard it was from a good friend who calculated it out mathematically for me. Apparently, I'm basically worth how much I earn, plus the assets I own - which all accumulates to not much, haha :P Hmm, if that's the basis of my worth, think it's time I asked for a raise :P
The second time I heard, or more accurately, read this question was at a blog site I frequent. This time, the question was asked not in the mathematical sense. This is the article that goes with it :
In a brief conversation, a man asked a woman he was pursuing the question : "What kind of man are you looking for?"
She sat quietly for a moment, before looking him in the eye and asking : "Do you really want to know?"
Reluctantly, he said yes.
She began to expound ... "As a woman in this day and age, I am in a position to ask a man what he can do for me that I can't do for myself. I pay my own bills. I take care of my own household without the help of a man, or any woman for that matter. I am in the position to ask 'What can you bring to the table?'"
The man looked at her. Clearly he thought she was referring to money. She quickly corrected his thought and stated, "I'm not referring to money. I need something more. I need a man who is striving for perfection in every aspect of his life."
He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and asked her to explain.
She said, "I'm looking for someone who is striving for perfection mentally because I need conversation and mental stimulation. I don't need a simple-minded man. I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection spiritually because I don't need to be unequally yoked ... believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster. I need a man who is striving for perfection financially because I don't need a financial burden. I am looking for someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but strong enough to keep me grounded. I am looking for someone who I can respect. In order to be submissive, I must respect him. I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business. I have no problem being submissive ... he just has to be worthy. God made woman to be a help mate for man. I can't help a man if he can't help himself."
When she finished her spill, she looked at him. He sat there with a puzzled look on his face.
He said, "You're asking a lot."
She replied, "I'm worth a lot."
With 2005 approaching fast, (where did the time go?), it's that time of the year when most of us sit back and re-think the resolutions we made. And what we've achieved. And a time when we make new ones, and start all over again. Next year, I reach my quarter-life point (if I live to be a hundred!). Half a decade ago, I had dreams of what I'd be at this point, what my life looked like, how successful and glamourous life as an adult would be. Like I said, that was 5 years ago ... and that was day-dreaming. But, I'm happy I'm halfway there. Not there yet, but on the right path.
I ask a lot of myself. And it honestly hasn't been easy. At work, perfection appears to breed more work! I guess you can look at it a good way, being efficient and causing more work to be delegated to you, and thus increasing your worth or value to the company - which, conversely, is not aligned with your salary :P And, for the sake of my future, a hopefully bright one, I endure countless nights of ploughing through books just to complete my Masters assignments.
But of others, I have this inanely low expectation. I don't expect people to be nice to me for no reason, don't ask for help if I don't need it, don't bother them unless necessary, and won't rock the boat at all unless it's absolutely essential - maybe I'm just plain accommodative. Some could see that as demeaning others' abilities.
But, if I follow the line of the story, wouldn't that mean that I see my worth as a whole lot less if I expect so lowly of others?
And, if you're the man in the story, wouldn't you think that the woman was asking for so much and wonder if she'd be able to give as much back in return?
BUT, isn't the woman oh so right in putting into such eloquent words the need of every woman??
The second time I heard, or more accurately, read this question was at a blog site I frequent. This time, the question was asked not in the mathematical sense. This is the article that goes with it :
In a brief conversation, a man asked a woman he was pursuing the question : "What kind of man are you looking for?"
She sat quietly for a moment, before looking him in the eye and asking : "Do you really want to know?"
Reluctantly, he said yes.
She began to expound ... "As a woman in this day and age, I am in a position to ask a man what he can do for me that I can't do for myself. I pay my own bills. I take care of my own household without the help of a man, or any woman for that matter. I am in the position to ask 'What can you bring to the table?'"
The man looked at her. Clearly he thought she was referring to money. She quickly corrected his thought and stated, "I'm not referring to money. I need something more. I need a man who is striving for perfection in every aspect of his life."
He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and asked her to explain.
She said, "I'm looking for someone who is striving for perfection mentally because I need conversation and mental stimulation. I don't need a simple-minded man. I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection spiritually because I don't need to be unequally yoked ... believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster. I need a man who is striving for perfection financially because I don't need a financial burden. I am looking for someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but strong enough to keep me grounded. I am looking for someone who I can respect. In order to be submissive, I must respect him. I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business. I have no problem being submissive ... he just has to be worthy. God made woman to be a help mate for man. I can't help a man if he can't help himself."
When she finished her spill, she looked at him. He sat there with a puzzled look on his face.
He said, "You're asking a lot."
She replied, "I'm worth a lot."
With 2005 approaching fast, (where did the time go?), it's that time of the year when most of us sit back and re-think the resolutions we made. And what we've achieved. And a time when we make new ones, and start all over again. Next year, I reach my quarter-life point (if I live to be a hundred!). Half a decade ago, I had dreams of what I'd be at this point, what my life looked like, how successful and glamourous life as an adult would be. Like I said, that was 5 years ago ... and that was day-dreaming. But, I'm happy I'm halfway there. Not there yet, but on the right path.
I ask a lot of myself. And it honestly hasn't been easy. At work, perfection appears to breed more work! I guess you can look at it a good way, being efficient and causing more work to be delegated to you, and thus increasing your worth or value to the company - which, conversely, is not aligned with your salary :P And, for the sake of my future, a hopefully bright one, I endure countless nights of ploughing through books just to complete my Masters assignments.
But of others, I have this inanely low expectation. I don't expect people to be nice to me for no reason, don't ask for help if I don't need it, don't bother them unless necessary, and won't rock the boat at all unless it's absolutely essential - maybe I'm just plain accommodative. Some could see that as demeaning others' abilities.
But, if I follow the line of the story, wouldn't that mean that I see my worth as a whole lot less if I expect so lowly of others?
And, if you're the man in the story, wouldn't you think that the woman was asking for so much and wonder if she'd be able to give as much back in return?
BUT, isn't the woman oh so right in putting into such eloquent words the need of every woman??
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Sunday morning
A day you laze and yawn on. Not for super juggler-between-all-kinds-of-obligations-to-all-kinds-of-obligatory-people-and-things. But, enough about me. What's up with you?
Yes, I'm continuing that book binge. John Grisham's King of Torts was, well, very legal. And, if you took out all the law terms and lawyer paraphernalia, you're left with not much of a book. Well, never was a huge Grisham fan - although he did write some pretty good books, most of which have been pretty big films.
Speaking of movies, I'm looking forward to the opening of the IMAX theatre in Times Square. I think it's supposed to open this weekend, with the first 3D showing of The Polar Express. Thought it'd be fun to watch it with those ugly 3D goggles ... but on second thoughts, RM20 per person for a cartoon ... hmmm ....
Now, if it were RM20 per person for Phantom of the Opera, it'd be a different story altogether. Ha ha. If there's nothing else you watch this month, make sure this makes the "Must Watch" list. Only RM10 at major cinemas in the Klang Valley, and even cheaper in other parts of the nation. And I must remember to go get a soundtrack before the movie release ... or it'd cost a bomb later with all the hype and hoo-ha.
I'm slowly slogging through a thoroughly horrible finance assignment right now. Deadline's in a few days. Meanwhile, work is piling up, because everyone else is taking turns with their long annual leaves. Which makes unfortunate me the person who takes up everyone's unfinished jobs. BUT, I've promised myself. It's only going to be another 2 years. Then, I'll be off ... to do whatever I wish to do then. Ah. The threads of hope that offers survival dreams ...
Yes, I'm continuing that book binge. John Grisham's King of Torts was, well, very legal. And, if you took out all the law terms and lawyer paraphernalia, you're left with not much of a book. Well, never was a huge Grisham fan - although he did write some pretty good books, most of which have been pretty big films.
Speaking of movies, I'm looking forward to the opening of the IMAX theatre in Times Square. I think it's supposed to open this weekend, with the first 3D showing of The Polar Express. Thought it'd be fun to watch it with those ugly 3D goggles ... but on second thoughts, RM20 per person for a cartoon ... hmmm ....
Now, if it were RM20 per person for Phantom of the Opera, it'd be a different story altogether. Ha ha. If there's nothing else you watch this month, make sure this makes the "Must Watch" list. Only RM10 at major cinemas in the Klang Valley, and even cheaper in other parts of the nation. And I must remember to go get a soundtrack before the movie release ... or it'd cost a bomb later with all the hype and hoo-ha.
I'm slowly slogging through a thoroughly horrible finance assignment right now. Deadline's in a few days. Meanwhile, work is piling up, because everyone else is taking turns with their long annual leaves. Which makes unfortunate me the person who takes up everyone's unfinished jobs. BUT, I've promised myself. It's only going to be another 2 years. Then, I'll be off ... to do whatever I wish to do then. Ah. The threads of hope that offers survival dreams ...
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