oh well...

I know, I know. Its been a long long time since l last updated my blog. A lot of things had happened since. But life still goes on. Gotten to know a couple new friends from a forum and we've met and gone out, dinner, pool, movies, etc… Bought myself a micro four-thirds, hmmm… more new friends… hmmm.. dono. I reckon this post is gg to be very random. Cos everything is all over the place. How could some girl not appreciate the guy when he had done so much for her and being such a sweet guy. But none of these happened to me? Hmmm… guess it time for bed. Will come in again when I'm erm… oh well…

i know. i know. i know.

I know I haven't been updating my blog. But between the last time I've updated my blog till now, which is like 3 months, I have gotten to know quiet a number of friends. To add to it, I've gotten to know some very nice people too. Been meeting them at least once a week since our very 1st meeting. Hmmm… All I can think of now is, its abit straining on my pocket. Hahahaha…. That’s what I can think of for this entry. Cos, the rest are like… emo emo emo. :) i shall continue later....

Going back to Xiamen in t-4days

Hmmm.... going back to Xiamen again. The thing that excites me most is, the big big gigantic tomato!!! hahaha... Which hopefully, I can get from my canteen again. Else, I'll have to buy loh.

Thinking hard which phone to buy. i have the following choices:-
1. iPhone 3GS
2. Nokia N97
3. Nokia E71
4. Nokia 5800 (i think. the music phone)
5. Blackberry Storm/Bold
6. Samsung Omnia
7. Samsung Jet (just launched 2days ago)

Hmmm.... I'm thinking of my tomato alr... hahaha... that is the only thing that can get my mind away from that HiPPo...

Hot hot Vietnam...

Its hot. very hot these few days. Yesterday was up to 37 deg. Didn't feel like 37 deg though. But today, 33 deg already sweltering heat. Aircon also not cold alr. + the non-stop yawning!!!!!!! open the mouth big like hippo!!!!!! + coughing!!!!! Arghhhh!!!! I'm just irritated.

Vietnam 2

21 May 2009

Had herbal chicken soup for dinner. Hmmm…. Don't think its THAT fantastic as my colleague says it is. The herbs just taste different but my colleague says its Cantonese style. Oh… maybe it is. But I still like the herbal chicken soup at Ubi Ave 2. Wonder if I have the chance to go there eat again. Their soups are simply fantastic!

Had a change of room. I must say, the new room is much much brighter and cooler. And didn't have the damp smell. =)


23-24 May 2009

Think I need to fill in the week just ended. Hahaha…. Weekday was just work. eat. sleep. Except for Thursday. Need to entertain some tax officials from Thai Nguyen. So, left office at 4pm for dinner. Till 7pm. Wonder why so long? Wahaha…. Its round 1, tea. Round 2, food and drinks and food and drinks and drinks and more drinks. Luckily their alcohol content is quite low. Their red wine was lighter and much much smoother. Hehhee… their alcohol is… nice and sweet and smells good. Hehehe…. 25% alcohols. Its nice. Hehehe…. Nice.

Weekend was spent in Hanoi. Hmmm…. Went shopping at some touristy place. Man oh man… the roads… was difficult to walk on and the traffic…. I almost fainted. The sound of the horns…. NON-STOP!!!!! But yeah! Internet for once at night. Hehehe…. nw, am back in Dong A II Hotel. Think there is some conference tomorrow. The hotel looks like half full now. As compared to less than 10 person for last week. =)

I love the Disney Channel. Think I have that on Mio TV. Gonna watch and watch… =) Time for some last minute work b4 hitting the sack. :)

Had herbal chicken soup for dinner. Hmmm…. Don't think its THAT fantastic as my colleague says it is. The herbs just taste different but my colleague says its Cantonese style. Oh… maybe it is. But I still like the herbal chicken soup at Ubi Ave 2. Wonder if I have the chance to go there eat again. Their soups are simply fantastic!

Had a change of room. I must say, the new room is much much brighter and cooler. And didn't have the damp smell. =)
20 May 09
Morning was good. Tot i'd have missed American Idols. But... i managed to watch the whole show. hehehe... I wish Adam Lambert would win. hehehe...

The beginning of my Vietnam adventure...

Thai Nguyen, Vietnam

18 May 09
Flight was ok. But I find the landing is a little rough though not as bad as the MAS flight I took 1.5yrs ago.

Reach airport. Small one though. Of course can't expect that every airport to be the same as Changi Airport right? But Hong Kong Airport is big. Hehehe… at least, I can have a reason to go to the airport much earlier for some shopping. Hahaha… so its usually, Tung Chung in the morning, airport in the afternoon and flight back SG in the evening. Looks like I have to plan a holiday soon. Probably in June.

Dinner was hmmm…. Tough. Cos dono what to order though there are English words there on the menu. Cos they have things like Snail, snake, rabbit, then dono what weird weird meat. Order vege also have to make sure its just vege and not + any kind of meat. Cos it just says fried vege with meat. Hahaha… who knows what sort of meat they'll serve? Oh… did I mention also, doggie meat? Ewwwwks…

19 May 09
As usual, 1st night didn't sleep well. Keep waking up to watch tv. AT LEAST there are programs to watch. Hehehe…. Woke up at 6.15am and got ready for breakie. But to my SURPRISE! I was told.. for our breakfast today, we have noodles with beef and noodles with egg. Errr… sorry. Is INSTANT noodles with beef and INSTANT noodles with eggs. *faints* ordered the Maggie mee with eggs + coffee. At least, the Vietnamese coffee is something that I look forward to. Its even thicker than espresso but I find it too sweet. Maybe she added too much milk. The Noodles was ok. I had 2 egg yolks. Not sure what happened to the egg white though. But I must say, the yolks are nicely done. Perfect half boiled.

Lunch at the factory canteen. Food is pretty decent. At least, we finished everything except for the cold soup and raw vege which I have no idea how to eat it.

Dinner back at the same restaurant again. This time, I remembered I ordered stir fried mixed vege. But came out as blanched carrot and raddish! But the prawns are nice. Its big and fresh. We only have 6 prawns to share though.

20 May 09
Woke up at 5+am. YES!!! 5+. Cos there was a power failure at ard 4+ to 5. and the room was so so so so so so stuffy. Oh ya. Not to mention I woke up at 4am to close the balcony door as it swang open due to the strong wind + rain in the early morning. Tried going back to sleep then but was really hot. Decided to just open up the windows and have some fresh air instead.

And to my surprise, there are more tenants than I think there are in this hotel. Hahaha… I thought I only saw 1 ang mo guy for the past 2 days. But this morning, sitting by the window enjoying the cool breeze (aircon is still dead from the generator failure), I saw another angmo and either a Japanese or Korean. Its 7am now. Had a 1 ½ hr breakfast by the window. Sandwich with salmon spread + 2 coffees. Full, but very sleepy. Sleepy!!!

Anyway, I'm looking forward to this weekend in Hanoi. Not sure what sort of surprises I'll get there. But, still is some "freshness". At least, we have a local 'tour guide' to bring us round.

On a side note, Dong A hotel is not bad a place to stay. If only their aircon can be cooler. Cos I on it to 16 deg and max speed, the fan is still cooler than the aircon. Other than a few barks from the neighbouring dog and some horning during the early evening, its actually quite a relaxing place during the day. When it comes to night time, I suppose it’s the low occupancy rate that they did not on all the lights. Some corners can be quite dark. Morning is fine. And hmmm… I smell INSTANT noodles again. Hehehe…. Ciao. Going to get ready for work. =)

The following Tuesday...

Yeah… had Nando's chicken. It was a wooping $12 per pax. Had my dinner with Ken and Audrea. Missing Ruth. Cos she's got work to do and needs to wake up very early the next day to travel 70km to work. Such is working life in OZ. hmmm…. ZM? Hmmm…. Ok. Back to work…. Nothing much to watch on tv though.

Will be meeting my secondary and JC school friend for dinner tomorrow. Its been hmmm… 10yrs since we last met? I think its more than that. 12 yrs maybe.

The 5th, 6th, 7th & yesterday...

Day 5. Been walking for like 3 hrs. 30mins to DFO and 30mins back. Expected much more over there but seems like it's not what I've expected. Hmmm…. Bought a Country Road back anyway. For $60. good for my jackets, shoes and other loots. Hehehe…

And guess wat? On my way back from DFO, met my long time friend. Really surprised. Considering that Melbourne is so big. Or at least, its bigger than SG. Still able to meet a friend on the streets. Nice. Planning to meet up for dinner sometime next week. =)

Saturday. Woke up at 7am, had breakie in Hotel and started working at 8am. Really no mood to work cos the hotel lighting sucks. The chair is uncomfortable, table is too high. Went out shopping round about 12pm but the things my manager wants is OOS. Bought mine and everything is 50% off. Went bank hotel at 1.30pm and showered. Waited for my friend to come but they didn't turn up till 3.30pm. Let them settle in for a while cos Audrea's bag got wet from the bottled water. Left hotel at around 4pm for the Moomba Fest.

What's there at the Moomba Fest? It’s a Water Fest. About the natural habitat dying at the Yarra River. Walked around, played a couple of games. The corn on the cob tastes really yummy. But it costs $4 for that. Anyway, it just fits into the mood on a cold weather. Had chicken and fries which is equally yummy and Dutch pancake. Its sour lemon juice within a 50cents coin sized pancake, topped with generous amount of butter and icing sugar. Really really yummy. Another friend of Audrea and Ken, Ming joined us for the Ratatouille and fireworks show. It was good fun. Shivering cold at night though. Was good fun having him around too. Cos… he likes to take pictures too. =)

After the shows, took a slow walk back to hotel. Packed my things and head down to Charlton, where Ming stayed. Then to Ruth's place. Went to my 'usual' room, had shower and bed time at almost 2am.

7.30am. Sunday, 8 Mar 09. No breakie for today cos we'll be having them at Mornington Peninsula. Left home at 8.30am sharp to fetch Ming. Stopped by, saying 'HI' to Wanda before we continue on our journey. It was photos photos photos. Then, it was food, food, fooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood. Hahahaha… 1st stop was at the Sunny Ridge Strawberry farm. Had Scones, Strawberry fondue, something roll and coffee. Next, a pair of blowglass earrings. Ice cream, wine tasting and Safety Beach. It was a fun-filled Sunday and good company.

Dinner? At Wanda's place. Good 'ol BBQ and a fresh cream pie as Ming's birthday cake. His birthday is on 9 Mar. Had a polish vodka. It’s made of 1/3 of 95% pure alcohol (vodka), 1/3 of Ribena & 1/3 water. Before drinking it, u'll have to toast ppl around you. Saying, Never above you, never below you, always beside you. Prost. Then u drink the shot down. Nice sweet shot. Saying goodbye to Wanda and friends, back to my good hotel. Showered, sleep.

Monday was terrible. Woke up with a terrible headache. Not sure if it was a hangover. Cos I had sort if 'sprained my neck during the ride. Starting my day with a headache. Thinking abt hmmmm… Saturday and Sunday's fun times. Didn't have any mood to work but just wanna sleep. Hahaha… and sending a sms which I keep putting off. 1st time I had Maggie mee for lunch and hot cross bun for dinner. Wanted to go downstairs get ice-cream but decided not to. Too lazy. Well, back to work. Dono how long it'll take me though. Its already 8.30pm. =(

The 4th day, and it goes on...

4th day. Went to Brimbank with one of my colleagues. Huge shopping mall with a foodcourt. Just tucked in a corner, is Nandos. Nice burgers but I'm supposed to get grilled chicken which I did not know. Hahaha… was a mad rush at work and stressful day. Was at work at 745am and this was the earliest I've ever been to work. I've stressed my colleagues. At the same time, I'm stressed too. Cos I effectively only have 2 more working days before my boss comes for the meeting.

Had the most unsatisfying dinner tonight. Was Japanese food. Hmmm… 1st night was Korean, 2nd nite Italian, 3rd night Japanese (cooked by my friend), tonight, Japanese also. Taste was disappointing. Damn! Went to target for shopping again but found nothing to buy at all.

Today was freakingly cold. Should have taken my new jackets with me to work. At least can use immediately after I've bought them. Costs damn expensive lor. Anyway, nothing much for today. Just boring. I just HATE to discuss work during lunch/dinner. Over meals actually. Any meals. It’s the only ME time within the standard working hours and people just like to jeopardise it! I just turn off. I'm eating for goodness sake and I have to think hard to discuss with you! What about my food? How would it digest?!!!! GET-A-LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On the 3rd day...

3rd day, 1st time having cereal for breakfast. was quite surprise that it lasted me through till 1pm. Weather was cold. 14Degs on average. My friends sent me to work today. What usually took 15mins, took us an hour to reach. Wahahaha… blame it on the GPS. Not updated. hahaha…. Anyway, finally managed to find out way to my office and tmr, they'll be able to find their wat there too.  Had Japanese curry rice for dinner, cooked by Audrea. Nice. I'll show the pix later. Played Wii, Mario Kart. Hahaha…. Nice… Karen, wish u were here wor… hahaha… such a nice weather, such big and nice house… if only I'm here for leisure trip. Then don't need to think about work. Hmmm… I can though. Hmmm… come back again some day. Hehehe…. Think I should be back again during end winter beginning spring. Nice weather too.

Wah… went to Target after work. Bought 2 winter jackets. I love them so much. Its those cloth material and the designs are so flattering. Of course, it came with a price. A$99.90 for the longer, trench coat like jacket, and $79.90 for the dark grey shorter jacket. Hmmm…. 50% discount on the 2nd jacket though. So, paid a total of $140 for 2 jackets, averaging abt $70 each. Ok la. Hehehe… usually 1 top I buy is alr S$50. bought a pair of boots at $50 and another winter boots (those fluffy fluffy on the inside type.) for $26.99? can't remember. I only know total bill was $215. Anyway, happy that I can find something I like here. Especially the boots… been looking for the longest time!!! Now, I have a BIG/HUGE plastic back to bring to office tmr and back to hotel tmr night. Wondering how I can fit them in my luggage.

Currently, I have half the luggage empty. But after the shoes and jacket goes inside, no more space for my other loots. The moisturiser leh? The crumpler bag leh? Hw? How how how? My Darrell Lea Rocky something. Hahaha…Candy Empire used to have them but not now. Anyway, I'm sleepy alr. Time for some zzzz. Hehehe… loooooooong day tmr. Ciao. =D

LIfe in Melbourne

Hmmm…. 1st day was crazy. Hahaha…. 3hrs of my precious life just vanished in the air(literally). Touched down at Tullamarine Airport, but everything was so different from 2.5yrs back. They are currently having renovation to extend the existing airport. So, most of the familiar shops are no longer there and I can't even find my way out after I passed the custom. Dinner, Korean food. Was nice. But eating out in OZ is bloody expensive. I spent almost A$50 for just lunch and dinner in a day. Wonder how I would survive. And, I should have brought more $$. Wahahaha…. Cos got sales ard…. Went to work and had a shock of my life. Next Monday is a PH in Mel. Mooba Festival. Its gonna happen in the city and I'm so going. Hahaha….

2nd night in Melbourne. Was drizzling early morning and temperature was about 24 Deg? Experienced hot hot weather (not very hot though,only 32Deg) during the day with strong winds at 120km/h. After 7pm, the wind changed direction and the north starts blowing. Temperature? Dropped to abt 17 Deg (at least that is what I felt it was). Strong wind with showers. Manageable but much coveted rainfall as Melbourne was rainless for the past week (so I heard). Met ex-KP my friends, had dessert at Brunetti before heading for dinner at DOC (Authentic Itallian Pizza). Nice. Now, staying over at their place and writing this blog entry. Wahahaha…. Gonna stay here tmr also cos they're bringing me to shopping. Some shops here close at 9pm.So… ya. Hahaha… its really good to have friends overseas! Ok now… finally sleepy enough to sleep. Hehehe… 12.30am.

I am not a professional

I haven't been singing for the longest time. Really missed the stage! Instead, i've picked up Golf and trying to push myself to go to the driving range for practices.

I have never considered my church choir as actual singing cos the way they sing is just not the way i would expect. Most are singing from the chest or throat and swallowing gallons of water for that 1hr and complaining of sore throat. Reason: To lubricate the throat. If you had used the right way of singing, whats there to lubricate?

Admit that my expectations are pretty high and i cannot accept excuses. Excuses to not sing well. Excuses to make repetitive mistakes year on year. Excuses for everything under the sun.

In my musical dictionery, there is no such thing as "Its ok la" or "Nevermind la. Nobody will notice" or "We are not professionals". These are nothing but plain excuses to me. I'm not a professional either. Not even proper voice training. Neither am i gifted. Such is the creation of music. You either do it 100%, or you don't do it at all. Respect the music writer just as you want to be respected.

Started out with a voice which is hardly audible, i went to read up (as i don't like books with lots of words, i went to search for books with picture illustrations) on voice training and singing. Practiced. Hardwork. Till now, I still don't have a very loud voice. But at least, I know how to project my voice when singing. As for talking, i think u'll still need a stethoscope. =)

This has got nothing to do with my post. Not very well taken though. Just wanna share my gigantic tomato from Xiamen. :P

One Word

Copied this from Facebook. Since.... waiting for me to get sleepy, might as well...

USING ONLY ONE WORD! It's not as easy as you might think! Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's really hard to only use one word answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? Ledge

2. Your significant other? Nope

3. Your hair? Long

4. Your favorite thing? Scores

5. Your dream last night? Dreamless

6. Your favorite drink? Coffee

7. Your dream/goal? Performer

8. What room you are in? Concert

9. Your hobby? Singing

10. Your fear? Sadness

11. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Alive

12. Where were you last night? Home

3. Muffins? Blueberry

14. Wish list item? Clubs

15. Where you grew up? Home

16. Last thing you did? Read

17. What are you wearing? Clothes

18. Your TV? Room

19. Your pets? None

20. Friends? Important

21. Your life? Lucky

22. Your mood? Anticipation

23. Missing some one? Who?

24. Car? Soon

25. Something you're not wearing? Glasses

26. Your favorite store? PageOne

27. Your favorite color? Yellow

28. When is the last time you laughed? Today

29. Last time you cried? Today

30. Who will resend this? None

31. One place that I go to over and over? Esplanade

32. One person who emails me regularly? Garry

33. Favorite place to eat? Home

My driving experience

Hmmm... just realised this is my 1st posting for the new year! was talking to a friend couple of days ago, and realised that i've left my blog unattended for some time.

i don't have much to say either. its always the same old things that i've been unable to put down and ranting abt my overseas working days.

i've finally passed my FTT. and is FINALLY passed after dono how many attempts. Started my 1st driving lesson on 7 Feb 09. 1st experience in driving a car is.... wow! this machine is damn complicated! after my 1st lesson, i think i prefer to be the passenger. hahahaha... cos i can't concentrate on the road. i tend to get distracted. either that, or i turn too much.

none the less, i went for my 2nd lesson. i just realised, after i've passed my ACCA and gotten my CPA 5 yrs ago, there's not much things in life that i'd look forward to. Especially work. THIS, getting my licence and be a car owner by year 2009, is something that i'm looking forward to currently . Also, am happy to say that i look forward to go to work everyday cos i've found a place and work that i like and enjoy doing. However, this would mean that i will have less chances in singing in a chorus too.

today? 1st time driving on the roads. wahahahaha..... can't keep my eyes on the road at all. change gear, eyes look at the gear. stop at traffic light, have to get ready the biting point and start to move off. turning, always forgot to check my mirrors. swaying from side to side. seriously think i'm gonna be a dangerous driver when i get my licence. hahaha...

can't decide what car to get though. a sweep through my company's carpark, its a sea of Nissan Sunny, Honda Airwave/Jazz/City, Toyota Corolla Altis/Wish/Vios. Most of the cars are grey in colour. 2nd is blue. i wanna get something sporty and different. the following are what i've taken into consideration. I know its way too early to look for a car, but thats what's getting me excited and looking forward to. =)

1. Mazda 3 - cos Mazda 6 is out of my budget. but its getting more popular as i'm beginning to see more of it on the roads.

2. Honda City, Toyota Vios & Corolla Altis - Built in Thailand and too common. (hahaha....) Not sure of the workmanship.

3. Toyota Rush - Parallel Importers, interior looks like sh*t, but i like this type of cars though.

4. Toyota Ist - Parallel Importers, interior not that nice and kinda small.

5. Hyandai Avante, i30 & Tuscan - Korean cars (hmmm.... still prefer Japanese make), interior looks very plastic-ky.

6. Peugeot 207 - Nice and fierce, but the price... its gonna be quite taxing on me. meaning, no more extravagant overseas holidays alr.

7. Fiat Bravo - Cool red seats. but the price is a killer. paying that amount for a 1.4L car is super not my budget lor...

If i have no budget constraint, i would love to own one of these...
1. BMW M3 Convertible
2. Hummer H3
3. Alfa Romeo Spider