Here you Come, There you Go.....

Goodbye, 2008 !!!!

Welcome, 2009!!!!!

It is the last day of the year. Another year will soon be gone. There were many happenings in the year of 2008 for me, at least. But sitting here and rewinding them like a tape in the VCR, there were equally good and bad ones.

Good ones – I cherish them and will keep them in my good books.

Bad ones – I will take them as a lesson and learnt from them. They will be a reminder (the little voice behind my head) to me as precautions or an experience to manage them better in future.

What are my new year’s resolutions?

Hmm…..I won’t blog about them. Not Yet.

But I know I will soon be hitting the final year of my twenties.

TWENTY NINE….YEE SAP KAU….ER SHER JIU……DUA PULUH SEMBILAN….


YES!!! The semi-big TWO- NINE is coming my way, in approximate just 1 month’s time.

TWO-NINE will be an exciting age for me, I know that for SURE !!!!!

One more year of wisdom.

Happy New Year, everyone! Have a great year ahead and have good health, abundance of good returns and happiness in the coming year.

I’ve Found Them…

I’ve made up my mind at the 13th hour to go on a getaway trip. A trip to somewhere alone. A non-subsidized or sponsored trip.

The destination?

Singapore.

I booked my air tickets online after comparing between Air Asia and Tiger Airways. I managed to get the ticket despite of the usual, expected crowd during this time of the year to Singapore. I was lucky enough to have friends in Singapore and the best part was they were around during this festive celebration.

So, what made me purchased the air tickets impulsively and traveled alone? (I went against my parents. They were worried sick about me) Even though Singapore is just a stone throw away; over the river, but I have never traveled to anywhere alone (except for to Sydney for studies) before.

I was pretty head strong about it. I went still.

I needed it. I explained to my parents. It was the relationship factor and my work stress at that juncture. It went up to my neck. A going-to-burst-balloon.

I went to Singapore to search for some answers. Answers to my life. I thought it would be as if a needle in the haystack......

I was lost for the past few months. Lost of directions and lost the purpose in life (not talking about ending my own life here. I love my life). I just didn’t know what to do or what I wanted in life.

I know God knew my reasons for flying to Singapore alone. He was kind to me. He granted my wish.

When I visited the Discovery Centre of Singapore, I was led to this section of the exhibition hall. Somehow, something drew my attention to these boxes.

I have been thinking about it thereafter. I knew my answers. It was right in front of me; just that I didn’t want to see them or rather accept them back then. Till now......

Now, I know what I want to achieve; what I want to do.

I will spend my time with my family and Princess Gabby. Giving them more of my love and care. My parents who brought me up the right way and love me for whom I am. They’ve always been very supportive with their unconditional love. As for Princess Gabby, simply because she always make me smile and laugh with her silly acts and cheekiness. She was there for me when I needed a hug. A confidante, protector and most importantly, a faithful companion.

Besties and Friends that I have? Cherish and keep the friendship going strong. No man is an island. I still need a shoulder to cry on and company to share my happiness! Hehehe…

Spending time to myself and enjoy my own company is a definite. I love myself!

I have my mind set that I would like to travel around – near or far, around the country or overseas; at least twice a year. I love traveling. I love to snap photos everywhere I go. I want to see and explore the other parts of the world while I still can walk with my stumpy legs and see the colorful world with my very own eyes. There are just so many places that I want to plant my foot steps. Top of my mind are: Stonehedge, Greece, Coliseum, Egypt, China, Europe, Japan and the list just goes on…….

Of course, in order to travel around, I need funds. Traveling funds. Thus, while I earn every dollar and cent for my trips, I will concentrate on my work; my job. While I enjoy what I am doing and what I am good in, I will also put in my heart and soul to learn new stuff that comes along the way – from finance to management, from management to presentation skills. Anything. Everything. There is nothing to lose at all. If I start to get bored with my current tasks, I might just hop to another new environment – for a better and bigger pay check and new experiences. I wouldn’t mind working overseas if I have the opportunity!

I will have savings to own a property. A place of my own! Regardless whether I will live there, I just want to have my own place. I would probably go for a landed property as it will be more spacious than an apartment. When I decide to stay in there, I will then have a bigger kitchen and so I can feast ! I will then also have a bigger hall to have family and friends over for the weekend or so….Hmm..the thought of it is just awesome!

Overall, I am very happy that I followed my heart and went on the trip solo. My mind is cleared now and more focused on my desires. Bygones will be bygones; all will be turned into memories. Sweet memories kept safely in me.

Cheers!

Farny Signs around Us

Okay, so besides the funny encounter with the Ghostbuster, I also spotted a few signs which I find quite witty and interesting….

Weekday Campsite

Does this mean people can only camp here on Weekdays? What if they camp there on a weekend, will they get FINE in the FINE City?

Sergeant Rice

This chicken rice is only sold to police officer or once you have a plate of it, one will be promoted to a sergeant?

Thunder Tea Rice

OoooooooOOooooooo…..Thunder Tea (a.k.a Lui Char in Cantonese) is a well known hakka dish. It contains 7 types of blended/ finely cut vegetables served with rice. It is also served with a minty flavoured soup. A healthy food for the body! I supposed it is also called “Thunder Tea Rice” because the “thunder” will stir up a typhoon in your tummy?

Hmm….good detox!

Unknown Restaurant – No Signboard Restaurant

A: Let's meet up for dinner.
B: There is a No-Signboard Restaurant there.
A: What is the name of the restaurant?
B: No-Signboard
A: What is the name of the restaurant?
B: No-Signboard
A: (*blood started to boil a little, face turning red slowly*) What is the name?
B: Eh, how many times you wanna ask ah? No Signboard lar.

Oklar, enough of the lame, stupid joke there.

This is actually a quite-posh looking seafood restaurant outside Vivo City. There were big fish tanks behind the tinted glass window. What is the name of the restaurant? No Signboard Restaurant. So, sometimes don’t think it is April Fool, a name can be the truth.

Wet Bra Road

Hmm…..have you ever wonder why is this road called “Bras Basah Road”? Is there an implicit meaning behind it? Is it because in those yesteryears the road was filled with wet bras or people were there and the sky suddenly started to pour till those ladies’ bras were drenched?

Sell Her!

Who got the bid?

Cute Name for Soup

In Chinese it means tasty pork soup. This signboard will never be found in Malaysia.

Poh Chi Lam

Ooohhh….I got pretty excited when I saw this. There is a Poh Chi Lam in Singapore’s Chinatown! You can go there for pure Chinese medication and not to learn kung fu!


Ok, that’s all for now folks! These were my findings in Singapore.

Who Ya Gonna Call ?????

Something strange goin on

Something's wrong

Gloom in the room

Outside is the storm

All alone in the crib

Watchin the tube

Yo-o-o-o is that what I think?

Did I see somethin move?

Chill down your spine

Your heart fills with fright

Not filled by the things

that GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT

They walk through the walls

With no time to stall

You call the GHOSTBUSTERS

Well that's who you call!

GHOSTBUSTERS!

We ain't-we ain't-we

We ain't afraid of no ghosts

GHOSTBUSTERS!

We ain't-we ain't-we

We ain't afraid of no ghosts

GHOSTBUSTERS!

We ain't-we ain't-we

We ain't afraid of no ghosts

GHOSTBUSTERS!

Stop!

UHH!

No joke. This Feng Sui shop is called "Ghostbuster"

Yup !!!! Yup!!!!!
That was exactly what I saw while walking along the shoplots in Katong, Singapore. We were on our way to the famous local Laksa stall there.
I tapped on KY’s shoulder and both of us burst out laughing! We called the other 2 friends who were busy talking in front of us to stop.
It was really hilarious to see it.

National Museum of Singapore

As I mentioned in my previous blog entry, I was in Singapore as a 100% tourist. I wasn’t there for the cheap-low-prices-mega sales or to be part of the queue outside the LV store; but to explore Singapore as much as possible.

Sad to say that all those times that I was in Singapore was either for meetings or for trainings.

I visited the National Museum of Singapore. I had to admit that their museum is far more advance and beautiful than ours in KL. *Pai Seh*

I was lucky to visit the Museum this time round as it was opened for FREE Admission (normal admission fee is SGD 10) from 24th Dec 08 to 4th Jan 09.

The exterior and interior of the building were just breathtaking.

The Rotunda Dome is the most iconic architectural feature of this museum. It was originally built as the former Raffles Library and Museum in 1887. The museum was restored in 2003 and it is the most extensive conservation project in the building’s history. (Can you see the Dome in the photo above?)

I love this Glass Passage.

It is the only modern intrusion allowed by the authority during the conservation work. This Glass Passage gives a clear view of the Rotunda Dome’s external facades. It was designed to blend into the old neo-Palladian architecture.

The Glass Rotunda

This is the modern interpretation of the Rotunda Dome. It is the signature feature of the museum’s new extension. Awesome, isn’t it?

This Glass Rotunda serves as the main entrance to the Singapore History Gallery.

Here are some other beautiful features in the museum.

I spent about 3 hours in there, just to explore the National Museum. I had my “Companion” (an electronic guide device) with me to explain all the artifacts and treasures in there. This museum is really a good educational place to explore. I've got to learn more about Singapore!

I should have woke up earlier that morning and hit the museum earlier. I didn’t get to explore the other exhibits in there as it was time to meet up with KY.

I’M Back….from the Land of Kiasuness

(I will be blogging about my trip in a few different entries, so watch out for them!)

5.00am Thursday morning, I went to LCCT to catch a plane to the Residence-Of-An-Opened-Mouth-Merlion-Super-Duper-Clean & FINE-City.

I was rather blur and felt like a zombie that morning because I had only 3 hours of sleep in total.

Oklar, let the drama queen tell you a little incident…..As I mentioned earlier, I was feeling quite zombified and sleepy that morning. I checked in and managed to make my way to the boarding gate. As I was walking there, I thought it was the gate to board Tiger Airways to Singapore. BUT, I almost followed the long busy line to board the plane to Jakarta!!!! I was terrified when I found out and yet had to keep calm (so pai seh, you know. There were heaps of people there). I sat down, waited for the gate to be opened.

After awhile, I boarded the right plane to the right destination. The whole flight was about 45 minutes with Tiger Airways. It was cheaper than Air Asia by RM100 plus when I booked it online.

My friend in Singapore, JJ, picked me up from the budget terminal. It was quite early in the morning that I arrived – 8.40am. Poor girl, she had to wake up early, despite the crazy Christmas Eve celebration she had. *I was really grateful*

JJ brought me to Changi Point along the way to check out the place.

My zombified look

…..It was the place where I saw this fat, chubby cat – she/ he was drooling while taking a nap!!! Can you see the saliva dripping down?

Later, we went back to JJ’s HDB. It was my first time ever to visit a HDB! We rested for awhile and then off we went to town for shopping! Honestly, I didn’t really shop much as my purpose of going to Singapore was not to shop. I wanted to be a pure tourist and also it was my soul-searching trip. I only bought 1 satin top and 1 dress.

JJ also brought me to Vivo City for a late lunch. It is the biggest shopping mall in Singapore currently. There, I snapped some photos with the X’mas decors.

Food Galore!!!!!! (Look at the Chinese words, it's so catchy)

The giant tree

Outside Vivo City

In the evening, JJ brought me to her friend’s HDB for a Christmas gathering. It was a big group settled in her HDB. I think there were at least a dozen of us.

I have to say this: In the beginning, my perception towards HDB is a run-down and rowdy place like those in Malaysia. BUT, to my utter surprise, those HDB in Singapore are quite nice in the inside. I would say the Singaporeans are civilized people (more than M'sians) and Mr. Lee (Kwan Yew) has taught them well.

And so, back to my story…..The X’mas gathering started around 5-ish and I felt a little awkward at first because I didn’t know anyone there except for JJ. Her friends were really nice people. They made me felt as if I was part of their group. The hostess, LM, made me a little sockie to hang on their x’mas tree.

After watching Transporter 3 for around an hour (it was a boring movie, don't waste your money watching it in the cinema), we moved on to play rounds of games – from Taboo to Charade and we ended the night with X’mas Gift Exchange. I brought a gift for this event too! After the few rounds of games, we turned from strangers to friends!

The losing team

JJ and I excused ourselves as both of us were really exhausted. We took the bus back.

Washed up and tucked myself to bed.

*Lights off*

*End of Day 1 in Singapore*

A Very Distinct Christmas For Me

It will soon be Christmas…it just less than an hour. Here I am blogging.

NO, hold that sad thought right there! I am blogging at home at this hour is because I have something else up my sleeve! *Grins evilly*

I promise I will blog about it soon.

Well, here I am sitting in front of the PC…..many thoughts popped up in my mind and it was flooded with memories……

2008 Christmas is going to be very different for me.

I had dinner with my beloved parents. I had a good quiet time with them after the hustle and bustle lately.

I did not set up the 6ft tall Christmas tree; because I have the active Princess Gabby in da house now. She will surely knock it down. The other reason was also because I was really really packed with work. By the time I was home, I was dead tired to do anything else. Thus, no pressies under the tree. What tree?

I am not in church for midnight mass.

There will be no supper during wee hours.

I have been sending loads of text messages to my close friends (included people who I used to hug and wish personally, face-to-face) and business associates with the Christmas blessings and wishes.

The gift exchange will be done in my own house. Not anywhere else.

I will be sleeping in my own bed tonight.

I will be hitting the bed soon as Santa’s sleigh will be coming to pick me up later.

Even though it is a different Christmas for me, I know it will be a good one!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Time to Myself

I will be having some time to myself this holiday season. I needed to take the time off to reflect on the happenings this year (2008 is coming to an end) and also to rethink what I really want in life. In the mean time, have a fair share of FUN too!!!!!

I know I had mine when I was a toddler. I don’t know what my little mind was wondering about then sitting there in the stroller by myself, but I sure know I wasn’t bored. I surely know that I enjoy my own company.

Till then, have a great holiday!

One of My Traits….

I have to admit that since young I was pretty vain; simply because it was documented. I can't deny the fact.


Can’t deny that some things are just inborn, right? As the saying goes: “A leopard will never change its spots.”


See!!!

I was clinging on to my brother as I was shy with my bling- bling on.....


It was my auntie’s birthday dinner and I asked Mum to loan me her little earrings. A pair of clip-on gold earrings. You must be thinking that I was nuts right, being the little tiny girl can tahan the pain!

Yes, apparently I did tahan the pain the whole night. I don’t know how I did it, but yeah, I think for the sake of beauty, why not?! Just ignore the pain, I suppose.

Hahahahah….

If you know me, now you know since when I started to be who I am today. I have this “bling-bling traits” since young. Very young…..

The Meaning...

I have not done this in the longest time. I used to always have my own plans on the weekends.

Not anymore. My priorities now are different from the past few years.

Time has changed, things have changed, and they have changed for the better (I know).

I went for a theater play with my family. It was a RM100 family package for 4. We drove to KLPAC last Sunday afternoon after Gabby’s training. It was my second time going to KLPAC. This round it was for pleasure and not work.

“A Christmas Carol” was the play we watched. It was my very first time going for plays.

Me with the giant banner

Darius Taraporvala was the main actor as Ebenezer Scrooge – the old and bitter miser. He undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of one night. If the experience doesn't change Scrooge's ways of thinking and actions, he will end up walking the Earth forever being nothing but invisible and lonely, just like his friend Jacob Marley. Mr. Scrooge is a financier/money-changer who has devoted his life to the accumulation of wealth. He holds anything other than money in contempt, including friendship, love and the Christmas season.

My verdict: It was quite entertaining and meaningful. The actors and actresses were good. Props looked great and cute.

My thoughts after the play: Putting Christmas aside, we should be kind and generous to others at all times. Not only in terms of monetary, but also our care and love for others. We shouldn’t stinge on that. Sharing what we have and giving others our time and ears sometimes make a difference in life. A little effort, but HUGE Difference. It is a form of charity (and charity starts from home).

Have you ever felt happy and having the satisfying feeling in you when you have extended your hand to someone needy? Even just by doing the tiny little thing that others will remember and appreciate for life?

After the play, we had a few snap shots before we left KLPAC. KLPAC is really a beautiful place. I felt the serenity and peace there. Just by standing near the glass window, overseeing the carpeted-like grass, it was just an awesome sight.

Dad suggested settling for an early dinner at The Coliseum. It has been 2 or 3 years since we last had dinner there. It used to be six people at the table, but now only 4. The happy, cheery 4.

Coliseum is really an old, rustic looking restaurant. Some of the old waiters there are really Hainanese and OLD – the oldest that I know is now 83 years old. You think he is the blur and partially deaf old man?! NO, he is still healthy and “happening”. Apparently, when we asked about him, he just punched in, back from a mahjong session. Chief Morgan is the chief waiter in the restaurant. He is Indian, but he can speak Hainanese and Cantonese fluently - Putting us, the Chinese into shame.

Again, I had a few shots there before we left. Had a few at the bar area too…..

I just love taking photos to capture the excitement of my journey; day by day!

Lepaking on the cozy couch

Till then, good night!