Poet's Notation

2009-07-02T01:26:00.003+08:00

Dear Diary,

I can't stop thinking of her.

Please God, please give me the strength to carry on with my life and show me the path to what is the best for me. Amin.

2009-06-27T00:00:00.002+08:00

Here I am again, sitting by the window, with coffee and some smoke to pass the time away.

No words can dictate what I am feeling right now, as I stare into the open field.
No words have ever escape my vocal cords to say, what I was meaning to say.

I don't have the heart to say it all.

Even though I love you with all my heart.

I just can't say it. To you.

Coz my heart is binded by common sense.

2008-12-31T23:30:00.002+08:00

ON HIATUS

I realiased that I have not been updating as frequently as I would have wanted to. Nevertheless, I am keeping this site, partly because this blog holds a very sentimental value to me.I'm taking a break from blogging for the time being.

But I will be online most of the time. Online everyday, that is.

I'll see you guys in person/msn/emails/friendster/facebook/mobile, then =)

And have a wonderful 2009.

PS - Watch this space for any updates in the near future.

2008-06-28T01:07:00.002+08:00

I have been going for sheesha quite often now. The most recent one was on Thursday, and I am already thinking to go again this Sunday, provided I have some company. I should have stop for now, at least. I'm beginning to feel dizzy and groggy after a few puffs. But then, its the ambience of the whole place PLUS some great kakis, that makes me want to come again.

Category meeting was on today for 3 and a half faggot hours. And I have had not a single meal till 1800hrs. I felt like today half my day was for "doing nothing" in conference room, and the other half, felt like don't know what I'm doing. Anyway, my point is - time really passes very fast. And I'm not sure how long I'm going to stay at this company. I'm playing with the thoughts of leaving.

If only, there's just ONE suitable opening elsewhere, I would love to grab it.

The searching continues.................

2008-05-16T02:09:00.002+08:00

I shall have this post in point form, coz I m feeling so random. (maybe its just that I'm having a lot of things to worry about lately)

I'm looking for other jobs right now. Evn though, I am comfy with the current one, I can see some "cracks" which I don't like. The job scope is ok, its just some people and reshufflement that I can't stand.
16 May marks 1 year in this current employment.
I need a holiday break. BADLY!!!
I'm down with flu. And even though I can move & work, I'm still weak.
Somehow, I am spending more than I should. I think the inflation is biting into my savings. Geez..
I'm given a new role, which I feel so pressured to do well, and maintained.
AND I might get some new gadgets =D I may hit Sim Lim anytime soon =)

2008-05-01T02:00:00.007+08:00

30 April 2008 is a date I would remember always.

Largely due to D & D TNL falls the same day as my birthday. I still try to get my leave approved on this date, despite the fact I know, it won't happen. I'm one of those organizing party.

Held at GV Marina, I am the game host. Honestly speaking, I am very apprehensive at first. It is a long time since I talked to large audience in the hall. Even though, its the smallest hall that only fits 79 people. Will this people respond to you? Will they take the cue from your instructions?

I didn't get to watch the free screening - Definately, Maybe. And so are all those in the comittee. Some are at the reception area, while me and 2 others are sitting outside Hall 2, going though the game rules, and what so forth pertaining the game.

The dinner buffet started at 1800hrs, everyone tucked in, enjoying a talk just outside the hall.

I smile when I came home, when I am online later in the night, as I reflect the moments at the game part. We had the screenings first, at 1900hrs, then a company video with all the TNL staffs pictures in it. Then came the games part, which I had hosted - and I didn't even keep tab on the timing. My chairman of the commitee even reminded me to always keep note of the time, as we need to squeeze as much programmes as possible. Its undescridable how the whole thing came along, but I had fun. Minus a few hiccups, I think everyone had a wonderful time, with several friendly banter.

Then an award presentations followed. By then, everyone moved to the front. Tiredness got the better of me. Me and my 2 other committee members just slacked at the back of the hall, watching the whole episode. I just can predict who will win those titles, and how right I am.

The cream of the event was the lucky draw. With the laptop dangling as the carrot, you can tell that everyone is hoping that his/her number will be called for that 1st prize. Being the birthday boy, I cannot deny that I do want to win that Toshiba machine. But my chances of winning it, is the same as everyone else.

Let's just say I went home empty-handed, and I stop at that!

Flashes of the cameras were generous that night. Its almost 3am and I just can't sleep it off. Not just yet.

My thoughts were still at the event.

2008-02-25T00:03:00.002+08:00

I am going to miss her smiles.

Her giggles.
Her tired face.
Her everything!

In a while, she will just disappear.

I have come to my realisation that sometimes, I do take her for granted.

Somtimes, I regretted my actions.

Most of the time, I will remember her dimples.

This afternoon was weirdly different.

Smiles were charitable and laughters were inevitable.

But the sour feelings were deeply implanted in me. How soon is soon? Will soon be ever after? Will soon crawl for me? Will time give me a chance to make amends?

I'm going to miss her. Thats my honest, sincere answer. Irregardless of what people might say. Because between us, there are history that not all comprehend. Our own history. And we share our life experiences. Our expectations.

This afternoon was weirdly different.

I have had my doubts for the first time. I hate to say goodbyes. I wished you stay. But if indeed you stay, will it make things better? This afternoon looked weirdly different.

But for me, I'm trying to put that weirdness away. For now. And I like to repeat myself that I hate goodbyes.

Because for that each & every little time I have left with you, I'm going to cherish, like tommorrow never comes.....

2008-02-22T21:32:00.002+08:00

I just kena shoot to be in the D & D Commitee.

Darn!!!

And on the 20th, when it was supposed to be my OFF DAY, I become a good boy and came back to the office to attend the 1st ever meeting of this thing, when I met my boss.

Boss : So are u in the committee..?
Me : Yes, boss...
Boss: Good, Good (she smiles, and then she leaves for her desk)
Me : &*%*(%*^&!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-06T19:40:00.000+08:00

Tonight is the reunion dinner, I think. And its a start of a 4-day mini holiday for all those working 9-5 peeps. How I envy you. Tommorrow is day ONE of a 7 consecutive days I have to come back to work.

The last few days seems like I'm walking aimlessly around town. I really have no agenda during my off days. Don't feel like chilling out at Spin & I was just here, and there, taking a stroll while my mind taking a break. Just the other day, I was out with Jup. Whilst waiting for his fiance at the walk-way outside Taka, somehow we were just quiet for certain long periods of time doing something we rarely do - people watching!

I tell you, how weird it could be, people watching can be as relaxing as going to spa.... hhhmm..?

Another round of wedding invites coming round. The 1st one coming as soon as 2nd March.

And I can't wait for the next IT Show at Suntec next month. I was anticipating if the prices for my short-listed gadgets will drop a little, maybe 10% to 20% less. Or if these exhibitors can throw some freebies, if the prices are the same elsewhere in stores.

2008-01-26T07:16:00.000+08:00

It all started with a phone call from Andrew, my HR, at 8-ish am yesterday.

Short and sweet was the message - "Jong (my GM) wants to see you at 12.15pm in the meeting room. Don't be late!" Although I'm trying to keep cool about the meeting with my lady boss, I can't help but thinking, what was it all about. If the boss wants to see you, it means serious business.

It turns out that, we both had a good talk about me working in the company, and this is just the follow-up of the appraisal that I've done the other time. It didn't occur in my mind about this, the whole morning. She touched a number of things, mostly about me (thank goodness its mostly positive), the operation side and my category section. I left the office with her, as we are only ones left - the rest have gone for lunch.

Economic-wise, I'm enjoying an enhanced package this brand new year, if you know what I mean. Thank God for this, because I'm in this company for less than a year, and my review is on May, effectively. To have it now, is really a blessing to me.

Now, and until the end of this year, would be a different ball game to me. In terms of my category section, my pet area, I need to buck up a bit and put in extra effort. Although this is not mention during the meeting with my boss, but I can foresee that in my next one, she will be expecting a lot more from me. Despite my less-than-one-year, the way she handled the meeting with me, is a BIG indication of it.

On a lighter note, someone's birthday is coming up =D And I wonder whose birthday that is =)

2008-01-06T01:50:00.000+08:00

I was going thru my official email @ work, not the one that I always use for msn, and I just went "urrggghh" each time someone mentions my name, and then CC it to GM & OM.

For no obvious reasons or whatsoever, I am thinking if I would switch jobs. Not because of the contents of the e-mails, its' nothing malicious actually. I am exploring other areas, where I wanted to do something different, just to make myself happy. Not that I'm not happy with this one though. If you know what I mean.

And I heard there would be an opening in my place, so if you have a passion with books, do tell me.....

2007-12-29T18:56:00.000+08:00

I have really nothing much to say these past few months or so. And I was beginning to wonder, is my life really that boring?

hahahahaha =D

Even my off days are like, lazing around, recuperating my energies (& losing them at work - DUH!), the TV and/or a good book. Going to town felt like a chore sometimes. If you see something nice there, chances are you might buy it irregardless of the price. And the best part is, when you reach home, in your little heart, she says "There goes my money! How am I going to survive till my next pay check?"

=D

I have applied leave/off from 10 Jan till 13 Jan. Away to KL. That is, if my leave is approved, I'm can say we are short staffed right now. So I really don't know, if I can ever make that trip. My folks have spoken to me about Brisbane. Expected to holidayed in March. Although to me, the timing is not to my liking, I would have prefer Tokyo in July if I have my way. But Brisbane sounds nice to my ears too.

And this is my list of books, that I really enjoyed reading and some other titles I may start reading anytime soon...... These are great reads, trust me, if you have the time and moolahs to spare....

Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
A Splendid Thousand Sun - Khaled Hosseini
5 People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
Tuesdays With Morrie - Mitch Albom
For One More Day - Mitch Albom
Yakuza Moon, Memoirs of Gangster's Daughter
The Gathering - Anne Enright
PS I Love You - Cecilia Ahern
Shopaholic And Baby - Sophia Kinsella
The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
** Any other titles by Paulo Coelho, I heard they are great, but I've yet to read them.

2007-12-21T21:46:00.000+08:00

Appraisal is a scary thing.

Its either you look forward to it to voice your concerns, or if you think you have not perform well enough, be prepared..!!

2007-12-19T17:00:00.000+08:00

INCUBUS in Singapore 07 March 2008

WOOO HOOO!!! =D

Click here and here for details........

2007-10-28T23:54:00.000+08:00

Hello world =D

Its been such a while that I update this thing. Its that cyber space that I called my own. I haven't been online for such a long time (thats' how I feel), I'm beginning to feel like an alien and doing "online" things seems to be in 2nd gear. As for now.

I've been to couple of places lately. Vivo, Peninsula and Orchard; largely due to some things in mind that I may want to buy. Being fickle-minded now, I'm still spoilt for choices. If I should get a desktop or a notebook. An LCD tv or just a normal box. Nothing beats an old-school box tv. PS3 or the X-Box. A wallet sounds nice, but then I figured out that the only trusted brand is Braun Buffel.

Some other random thing, I am thinking of switching to rival companies. I hope none from my current company reads this, especially from the office. Borders and Harris are like the ideal switch-over for me. Harris is opening up, I heard it's 3 outlets, in the newly T3 Changi Airport. A number of people from my side have already jump ship. I may be next? I really not sure now. With November coming up, the 13-month and bonus is on my wishlist. I'll forfeit both them both if I tender now.

Speaking of Changi Airport, I just visited the T3 terminal this afternoon. I've got 4 tickets from my cousin who is working with CAAS, for a sneak preview for CAAS staffs and their families.

2007-09-24T01:51:00.000+08:00

I seriously think, that Chelsea FC has have lost all motivations to push ahead in this season.

To have lost an inspirational manager in Mourinho, well, I can see how that has affected that game tonite. I have only watched the game for 40 mins of the 2nd half, and I was quite surpries of the HUGE difference in the number of shots on target, and also the number of corners between them and Man Utd. That figures alone, tell me a lot abt the 1st half, even though I've missed it.

Man Utd won the match, I know I should have been relief of the scoreline after a rocky start to the season; and that I have the gloating right that we have beaten them.

BUT, given a choice, I would have rather have Man Utd beat Chelsea 2-0, WITH Mourinho in charge; not that whats-his-name-again? manager. That way, with 2-0 score, I can proudly say Man Utd can perform and beat them in their strongest team available.

With 3 pts in the bag, I shall shut my trap for now, and thank God, things have come my way for my supported team =)

2007-09-14T08:23:00.000+08:00

10 things you never knew about men are likely to.... And when you are at it, you might want to know what women are likely to do too. Hahaha =)

1. Men are more likely to cheat. Multiple studies have found that guys are more likely to commit adultery than women. Rates of cheating increase if the couple co-habitated before marriage and when the couples have high incomes.

2. Men are more likely to do personal web surfing at work. A Harris Interactive survey revealed that men spend more time on the Internet overall and visiting a wider variety of sites, including those that could be considered "malicious."

3. Men are more likely to die from melanoma, stroke, and other diseases. The journal Carcinogenesis cited a study in which a gene found only in men was found to be altered by chemical processes that lead to skin cancer. Further, a study published in American Journal of Public Health claimed that men are more likely to die from 14 of the 15 most deadly diseases in the U.S.

4. Men are more likely to die in traffic accidents. Research on U.S. road-risks by Carnegie Mellon University discovered that men are 77% more likely than women to die in traffic. The deadliest scenario for men on the road is a man between 21 and 24 years old, driving a motorcycle between midnight and 4 am. They are 45,000 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than the average person in typical driving conditions.

5. Men are more likely to be imprisoned. Further, a researcher at the University of Sydney reported that in all modern societies where data is available for study, men are predominantly the perpetrators of personal violence. In the U.S. in particular, men account for 90% of people charged in cases of aggravated assault, murder and manslaughter.

6. Men are more likely to be homeless. According to research by the University of California at San Diego, and published in ScienceDaily, men are more likely to be homeless than women.

7. Men are more likely to be murdered. The FBI's Uniform Crime Reports, analyzing 2005 data, showed that 79% of murder victims are men. Plus, men experienced higher rates of victimization for all violent crime except rapes/sexual assaults.

8. Men are more likely to commit suicide. Research published in ScienceDaily suggests that although suicide can be linked to high rates of depression, and women are more likely to be diagnosed as clinically depressed than men, women may be able to think through and express their problems more effectively than men, which could explain that men are four times more likely to kill themselves.

9. Men are more likely to use illegal drugs. The American Journal of Public Health reports that men are prone to experience the "Superman Syndrome" which makes them feel immune to health problems, making them less likely to shy away from dangerous activity like illegal drug use.

10. Men are more likely to have a drinking problem. A paper published by the group Counseling and Learning Skills Services points to the statistic that men are five times more likely to become an alcoholic than women.

2007-08-03T03:17:00.000+08:00

I have been Sleepless In Singapore for 23 hours (and counting). Not that I'm losing sleep, its just that, today, 24 hours just don't feel enough. Morning shift for the 1st half of the day, and then, I'm out to town and Mustafa Center till early morning. I did some catching up with some friends from my previous employer.

This book is recommended to me, but I have not read it yet, as I have not found it in any of the local bookstores. How he told me about the contents seem to interest me, and I wonder why I didn't come across it in the first place.

These 2 books, well, about this lady, who was brought up in Somalia, in a family firmly believed and religiously- followed Islam. What makes a twist in her life, is how she opted OUT of Islam, to follow what she firmly believed (or what I think, she thinks believe). I understand that she (and her books) caused uneasiness among the Muslim Community around the world. I'm mid-way through Infidel, some of my friends were asking me, why am I reading about her who is a "traitor". I just want to know why she did the things that she had done - that is, leave Islam. I do believe that many Malay Singaporeans do affiliate themselves with Islam in their daily life, so I'm reading this with an open mind.

2007-07-30T01:59:00.000+08:00

NDP Preview 2007 was great... I felt good, man, throughout the show; with all that lights; and the flypass; and the performances; and the fireworks; and the surroundings; the ambience and the skyline that outlines the buildings. The Fullerton Hotel; and the Merlion; and One Fullerton; the sea breeze; the PEOPLE; the atmosphere....

And the whole thing captivates me, leaving me in awe at the end of the night. I felt happy, I did. And there were videos, but I won't do the uploadings now. I'll posted it up all once it done.... 15 in all, I think.....

Some pictures....

2007-07-21T19:05:00.002+08:00

She is the one of two reasons why I like to watch Gilmore Girls.

The other reason is that, I loved the storyline.

2007-07-13T21:01:00.000+08:00

this song is stuck in my head for a long time now..... i have nothing to update, so erm, i'm just letting this song does all the talking...

2007-06-30T18:02:00.000+08:00

I have wanted to go out and chill, given it is a Saturday today. Ended up staying home R&R after much deliberation, especially when I have to wake up God-damn early at the moronic 0430hrs tommorrow.

If I hit the town, I have to be back early, lest I won't be able to wake up in time for work. Damn!

I guess New Urban Male have to wait a little more longer..... hmmmmm......

2007-06-29T01:24:00.000+08:00

I wasn't feeling my usual self today.

Even Kak Jinnah who called from the other side can sense my voice. And she went, " Is that you, Nizam? I almost can't recognise your voice. What happen to you today?" Its just not the usual me...!! I don't know why I suddenly feel so insecure today, maybe its some things that I may misinterpret, but then I wasn't able to lift my morale up a bit.

I'm more reserved today than any other days when I first joined. I have something in my mind, but I'm just holding it back.

On a lighter note, I was covering some hours at the south shop in the transit area today, when a number of japanese girls who are in school uniform pass by. Obviously, they are flying off back to Japan, when 4 of them came over me....

"Can I take picture with you?", giggling away with that Japs accent among them.

"Sure", I smiled back, thinking these girls wanted me to take a photo of them there. "Where do you you want me to take your photos..?"

"No, I mean we want you to be in the picture with us."

And then, I went "Huh..?!" Pause. "Ok...".

I was laughing to myself, feeling weird, and to see how 'open' these japanese people are, really makes my day. And I have 4 pictures taken, with 2, 4 and 5 girls around me.

How lucky can I get =DDD

2007-06-19T22:01:00.000+08:00

I have a new toy to play with =DD

Click here to find out what it is =)

2007-06-15T11:59:00.000+08:00

Sorry for lack of updates.....

I'm still around though - working on shifts and my timings have gone haywired a bit. Its either I'm very sleepy when I reached home slightly after midnite, or too tired to think if I'm home at around 5pm.

I'm feeling good, these past few weeks, or so. Albeit some nasty coughs and running nose now and then.

A couple of relatives went abroad for this June school holiday. My aunt brought her family to London and Manchester last week, and my cousins with my nieces and nephew took off to LA yesterday afternoon. So coincidence that my shift ended at 3, and I managed to grab a bite with them, in the transit area, before their 5.05pm flight. I guess at the point of my writing of this post, they should have touched down by now.

Disneyland alone for this party of 6, cost them US$865 for 3-day passes. I had fond memories of Disney World, pirates of the carribean, the haunted house, the night parade, fireworks and all. My nephew and nieces will definately love them, although they won't go for those high-intensity rides, they are just too young for that =D

Anyway, I read this news that Vince Mcmahon, Chairman of WWE died in an explosion of his limo. I'm not very sure how true this is, because WWE dramatize and 'staged' their fights all the time. Like how Undertaker was "buried alive" in one of the premier shows, and miraculously, he came back onto the Raw shows - ALIVE some weeks later.

My dad says its a gimmick. I wondered if this news is true. To me, I really questioned the credibility of news like this, because of the Undertaker literally buried alive scenario.

Especially when life and death of a person is concern. What's your call?

2007-05-20T09:26:00.000+08:00

Just posting to say that I've just started working at the airport and the first 3 days have been simply magnificant. I'm on 3 months probations, and I wonder what job doesn't have that in the initial months...

Its a 5-day week, with floating off days - meaning, the 2 off days can be any other day in the week. I like the idea of only 5 working days, unlike 6 days, trust me, its dragging if it is. Its a wonderful environment, I'm quite overwhelmed by the whole transit area. The place, the lights, the people who were always moving around. Its like a city on its own. And I get to enjoy discounts at the shops there and also for the food at the airport canteen. Not particular sure if discounts are applicable at the fast foods though, its been 2 months since I touched any fast foods.

This is a short post. I'm going to askmen webby again. Its my daily dose...

2007-05-11T23:52:00.000+08:00

I would be working at the new workplace on 16 May 07'. Currently, I'm clearing my leave till my last day; thats on the 15th.

I'm so happy, yet very sad. It very much a bullshit kind of feeling.

I'm leaving behind some wonderful friends. My stint there is quite short - 6 months 2 days to be exact. Yet, so many things bonded us together. And those memories and craps. Oh boy, I'm beginning to be so emo right now.

2007-04-27T21:52:00.000+08:00

I've got called up a second interview this coming Wednesday. You can't imagine how estatic I am when I received the call =D Considering it pays much better, with allowances.....

I hope this upcoming one would be to finalise some contract stuffs. And I can leave, well, with mixed feelings. This current one would mean I have to leave behind some wonderful people whom I have been at ease working with. Sometimes, I do feel that, if only they pay me well enough, I might not even consider going elsewhere. Somehow along the times I'm here, I do feel that this is a stop-gap solution and that I have to find a better one. Never I realised that it may be soon enough, but I do feel glad about it.

Anyway, I'm sooooo on relaxed mood. It would be Restday-FamilyEventLeave-PublicHoliday-Restday from Sunday till Wednesday. Thats 4 days straight of uninterupted rest and how nice it would feel like, coz I have planned this days, weeks beforehand.

And now I have to endure a working Saturday tommorrow first, before I get to enjoy my little "holiday" =)

2007-04-23T19:59:00.000+08:00

The new management is getting more and more ridiculous.

And I'm going for an interview on Tuesday afternoon.

2007-04-17T14:48:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, I just like to do what I do best - Keep quiet, sit down with a cup of coffee and cigg. and just chill, while observing the whole world rotates in front of me.

And then there are misconceptions that just because I don't talk much, humans tend to wonder why I did some things. And then, they start to offer advices on how I should do things. And then, they go on and on about why they don't like the way I do things

Just because I don't say much doesn't mean I don't cover my own ass. Especially when work is concerned. I know what my responsibilities are. Its just that when I finished my stuffs, or "have my ass covered", I don't like to bitch it out to the whole world.

Coz tommorrow would be another day and I have to start doing the same thing all over.

I am beginning to wonder, that just because I don't talk much, I don't share my thoughts that much in person, it bugs other people? But then, maybe I'm just being paranoid about this.

I used to know people who talk big. Those who are "all-talk-but-no-action".

I guess thats make me the way I am now.

Do my own things quietly; once done, don't bitch about it.

2007-03-26T19:27:00.000+08:00

15 Things That Took Me 27 Years To Learn

1- You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight-savings time.

2- You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.

3- The most powerful force in the universe is gossip.

4- The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status, or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers.

5- There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age 11.

6- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."

7- People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

8- If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."

9- The main accomplishment of almost all organized protests is to annoy people who are not in them.

10- You should not confuse your career with your life.

11- A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.

12- No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously.

13- When trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy.

14- Your friends love you, anyway.

15- Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

2007-03-23T20:32:00.000+08:00

Nothing much has happened these past 13 days or so. Maybe the odd 3 days where I was 'away' from my workplace.

One of which is medical leave. For those who work office hours, and never work shift before, would probably be thinking what a stupid thing to do, taking MC on a Sunday. I have wondered what statistics there are, if any, the percentage of people, who work shifts and those who enjoyed the beach and late Sunday mornings breakfast. I guess most Singaporeans would prefer to have weekends free from office commitments, and enjoy the weekend crowds down Orchard Road. I have seen, or overheard, people at interviews, actually sulk at the idea of working on weekends. I know, a lot of social events do happen on Sat or Sun, and the fact that most family members and friends, do not work weekends too, that makes it so conveniently nice if I myself could have weekends off too. At least, if there's makan makan with them, I wouldn't miss it for, "the money that I worked on Sundays".

For your info, that Sunday that I took MC on; I did not go to the beach or enjoy any companions. I was zzzzz most of the time.

Last Sunday was nice. Adil's wedding at Pasir Ris is equivalent to Reunion Dinner on CNY eve. We are nearing late 20's and a couple of us are in early 30s'; and trust me, all the stupid jokes that goes round the table, makes us look, and act, like we are still Sec 2 students. What I really love, is that, despite the fact that, after all those long years we leave school, we still can read each other's mind. And despite the fact that most of us are married, and age is pushing us to big 3, the friendship and relationships between us is still the same, as though we never leave our teens. We had laughs and everybody including me was at the butt of the joke....=D I had a blast last Sunday.

Contrary to Sunday, Wednesday is quieter. Much quieter. Spinelli at Herren is almost unrecognisable. New staffs, and a rainy day. I really enjoyed this break, and I needed this day to recharge my batteries. Everything in Orchard looks a little different to me. And I started to scratch my head, when was the last time I've been downtown.

I did a little window shopping. That always help me to unwind. It works like magic most of the time.

Till next week's on-which-day-that-is-my-rest-day-I-don't-know-yet, I will have to make that bus trip down to office.

And I feel like window shopping again =D

2007-02-21T18:50:00.000+08:00

Dimmu Borgir's newest is coming out in April 07'. Can't wait to hear how it turns out to be.....

2007-02-17T19:17:00.000+08:00

Home alone for this holiday weekend. Just cups of coffee, ciggies, radio, cable and the internet for companionship to fill my time. I'm so tired from working and I feel like just chilling out at home to recharge my batteries. I do however have plans to move my butts around town tommorrow, but I leave plans for tommorrow, to be decided tommorrow.. heh..

Because, I am in the LAZY mode. Meaning = If there are things to be done, I'll take days to finish up something.

Happy Chinese New Year to my chinese friends =D

And because I'm lazy now, due to fatique, I'll stop here for now. I need my rest.

2007-02-12T18:50:00.000+08:00

I have never realised time flies so fast. Tommorrow marks exactly 3 months into the new environment, and I'm expecting the confirmation letter when I get into the office at 8-ish tommorrow.

Anyway, I'm settling fine with the people whom I meet everyday, and I'm getting accustomed to the most usual everyday things that happened at the office. And most of my weekends are "burnt", thats nothing to me, I'm so used to work on weekends. Public holidays too.

You know, there's a couple of times these past 2 weeks, as I was having my smoking breaks in between, my mind starts to roam back in time. Especially so, I remembered my former workplace. And then, my mind wonders to my schooling days and my friends. The conversations that still stuck on my head and those songs I heard on class 95, always associate with certain events that I never forget. hah... The sec 3 camp at jalan bahtera just hit me...

Amazing isnt it. I can still remember things in 1990 -ish, and that was like 10 - 15 years back. And my heart just smile when I remembered my 1980-ish primary school days. Thats almost 20 years...!!!!

I stopped and stared into the blank spaces for a couple of moments as I typed this. I smiled to myself as I vividly flashed back some history in my life...... Boy, I've never realised life is such a beautiful thing if you just stop and appreciate the little things that you just overlooked as dumb things...

2007-02-09T21:14:00.000+08:00

Hiatus

I don't have much free time with me right now. Call / sms me if I'm not online yeah? =D

2007-01-26T21:44:00.000+08:00

I'm in a fickle-minded mode....

and

I rather not know anything..... hmmm..

2007-01-26T19:37:00.000+08:00

I'll be having an interview on the 29th, that is on Monday, 3pm.

And I'm not stopping sending out my applications until I have found another job. Feels like I'm job hopping, but I'm just finding one that I feel comfortable with.

Wish me luck.....

2007-01-25T18:17:00.000+08:00

I seriouly think, I need a girlfriend so that I can have someone to REMIND me to STOP smoking. Its not working when all my single happy-go-lucky friends start lighting up.... I wonder, where's all my self discipline...??!! Miraculously, those friends who are married or in a relationship, quit altogether..
Makes me wonder.... I need a girlfriend to stop smoking, and not love her...??? lol =)
I let "Carpet" - the stray cat who always had its meals outside my house, and then disappear most of the day, into the house. My mom's not in, and if she finds out, she's gonna freak OUT...!! Never mind lah.. Manja the cat a bit... hehehehe =)
I'm having a fetish for Ramly Burgers from the pasar malam downstairs. To hell with diet =) Tommorrow can start, coz I wanna have 3 tonight, for dinner..... =)

2007-01-23T16:19:00.001+08:00

OK.

This week, the whole team has got 3 new team leaders (2 arrived, one by next month) and a new supervisor. And some other people, they bring with them from the other center. I don't really like the way things are, right now. Especially how they run the whole operations. Its like, everything's changed from the 1st month I 've started working here. I don't know how am I going to survive. And, there's a few who have secretly thrown in the towel, and wanted out from here.

And remember the last few posts that I said, 3 has been asked to leave..?

They have been called back and have been offered back their jobs. Funny isn't it..? Only 2 accepted. Its hard to explain why they are called back - its just too complicated to explain, coz it involves just too many people and too many matters, combined together.

Anyway, I'm so glad they back though. It feels like, even though times right now are SO uncertain and so MANY unexpected things that can just popped out of nowhere, you know that there are always familiar people around you, who makes things a little much easier, if you know what I mean..

2007-01-19T21:19:00.000+08:00

Gastric Flu

Now I can wake up late tommorrow morning... muahahaha...!!!

2007-01-15T09:26:00.000+08:00

What a stupid way to start my week....

I didn't even know Monday is my RD - Rest Day, and I travelled all the way to Chai Chee, just to see RD on my name, on today's date.... Why oh why, they have to print the schedule on Sunday, also my RD, I could have checked it on Sat if they have printed it earlier....

On second thought, why they never called me yesterday to inform me of my RD today...?? hmmm.....

Oh well....

I have wasted 2 hours of extra sleep. I'll be on my way to PS or vivocity to catch Borat later. This is one show I have been wanting to see...

2007-01-14T10:24:00.000+08:00

4 people from my workplace have been forced to resign last Monday. Its hard to describe the situation at that point of moment, as nobody saw it coming.

A new management has taken over at the turn of the year, and from what I understand, they open up the files of all staffs. I heard 15 were on the chopping list. Some were on hold first, I was told. Who's next..?!

This makes me very, very vulnerable.....

It has been 2 months already since I joined, and changes have slowly been taking place. I don't know if this will be a good thing or not in the future. Admin staffs are being shuffled about, starting next week...

2007-01-08T01:40:00.000+08:00

Met a couple of old secondary-school friends over the weekend, on the streets. With wives and kids in tow =) Amazing how 10 years of not meeting, and suddenly, when you do meet again, a lot of changes to their lives.

I couldn't sleep tonight. I wonder how am I going to survive the day, later.

2006-12-28T21:25:00.000+08:00

I'm beginning to feel like I will be infected with flu.

I guess its' got to do with the cold weather lately, with all those rain. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to the super long weekend =) Coupled with pay day this Saturday. hehehehe =)

The cough is killing me.

2006-12-25T21:35:00.000+08:00

I have been feeling good these past weeks. No complains, no rantings =) Which explains why the long hiatus in between posts. The negative feelings aren't there anymore, I guess it do have something to do with the environment surrounding you.

I'm half way thru' my 3 month probation period. Confirmation should be somewhere from end January to mid February. I have to admit that I do submit my resumes to other places now and then, when I'm online. Sometimes, I do feel that this current one is a stop-gap, so that I could I "get lost" from the last one. I'm not desperate to land a new job. Yet...!! The people are nice =) I have never felt so much better =)

I just got back from KK. My younger sis has been warded in, as at 6pm on Christmas day. She went for employment medical check-up, weeks back. Found out that there were lumps on the chest, and had to went thru' day surgery last Monday, to remove them. Nothing serious, not cancer... The pain doesn't go away and she had to stay at least for 3 days. If not because I have to rise and shine for work tommorrow, I wouldn't be home this early though.

Muse concert is next month =)

2006-12-24T22:35:00.000+08:00

Concert Details Title: Muse 'Live' In Singapore

Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Time: 8pm

Venue: Fort Canning Park

Tickets: All free standing S$85 (now till December 15), S$95 (from December 16-31), S$110 (from January 1-16) available at SISTIC outlets and Internet: www.sistic.com.sg. All ticket prices exclude Sistic fee.

http://www.sistic.com.sg/cms/events/index.html?content=651

This, if time permits, I have got to watch them live =)

2006-12-12T21:30:00.000+08:00

I love the night atmophere after the rain.
The soft wind, the fresh air and the croaking of the frogs.
Surrounding it with silence.

2006-12-10T13:08:00.000+08:00

This is a good read =) I've been browsing askmen as often as I could now....

http://www.askmen.com/money/successful/41_success.html

2006-11-30T15:44:00.000+08:00

This morning's so-called meeting was cancelled. After which, and after some small talks, I went to Tampines and home after that.... Not even an hour at work, and I get to have some breakfast elsewhere... hehehe =)

I was thinking of continuing my studies. Any one of the polys, that may offer part-time dip courses. I thought I saw ads of NYP offering business, although I won't rule out TP, if they have my choice. I haven't got into their websites for more info yet, partly because I want to start saving up first.

At my age, I have friends who save up for marriage, and I did, for other purposes... =

I feel thats what I want to do after all, something wortwhile and useful, regardless of what people would say. Next intake would be in march 07', if I remembered correctly.

2006-11-29T20:32:00.000+08:00

Meetings are like surprises.

You never know whats' in store for you. If its good news or bad.

Till tommorrow morning, my heart is beating faster by the minute....

2006-11-23T22:21:00.000+08:00

These past 2 weeks or so, has been so fast.

That's good, meaning, I'm been so engrossed with things that I didn't realised time passes so fast, and I don't have to bother so much on things that to me, are so irrelevant and 'peanuts' to be bothered of.

I'm been learning so much, and being new, I'm taking things a little easier and relaxed a bit.

My gut feeling is that I may stay at this current job, for a while, before moving on to another one. Its the experience that I want to gain.

Hope I could I move up, like my former workplace.

Let see how it goes from here....

2006-11-17T22:42:00.000+08:00

Just when I thought my life is quite tough, I realised how much a person has to go through a divorce and the additional problems that come with it.

Tough luck though. It just teaches me to peservere and move on.

When I have student friends who came up to me and grumble about tests, exams and stuffs, I just laugh it off. I myself have gone through it. I know how was it like.

Try putting in this man's shoes, who lost his job, unemployed for 3 months, have to service his housing loans, his daily living expenses is next to zero, going through a divorce proceedings, expecting a new baby and debts that are accumulated because you have no money to pay due to unemployment.....

I rather stay in school and study for exams, if I have a choice.

You can't imagine how stressful if you were him.

2006-11-16T19:22:00.000+08:00

There are several things and memories that suddenly flashed back in my mind. Some actions, some speeches, those faces that I meet everyday.

These are from my former workplace.

I smiled for a while. To myself.

Because those memories make things beautiful. I won't go back, even if its for a visit to some close friends. I will leave it as it is. As I felt the ending is pretty ugly.

I felt much happier now, but more worried and sceptical about the road ahead of me.

2006-11-12T14:41:00.000+08:00

This article is taken off from www.askmen.com (exact link: http://www.askmen.com/products/double/index.html ) Something you might not know about me is, that I do read different types of female mags. Curiousity and some articles do make me want to read on, on some stories.

Not because of what some guy friends think, who went "eeeewww" when they caught me reading a female mag 2 years back, when most alpha-male prefer looking at picture rather than reading what they have got to offer. They offer a knowledge that some people went thru' with their life, I took that as a lesson to me. And other stuffs.

The only thing I do enjoy from FHM, Maxim, New Man or any other so-called male mags is the fashion and technical gadgets that are usually found at the 2nd half of the mags..... I'm serious...!!

This is not the full article. Its quite long, so check it out from the exact link above......

I have a lot of guys write me to say, "I know this girl who's beautiful and smart and attractive. She and I are great friends, we have everything in common, and we get along perfectly... but she says that she's just not attracted to me..."

Have you ever noticed that:

1) The most attractive and interesting women seem to be attracted to men who don't treat them very well?
2) That the "nicer" you are to a woman the more she often seems to act like "just a friend" to you?

What's going on here? Didn't mom say to be "nice" to girls?

Here's the deal: Women aren't usually romantically attracted to "nice" guys. Women are attracted to men who are funny, confident and mysterious. Good looks don't hurt, but if you're not 6'4" tall and model-handsome, then you have to learn how to attract women with your personality.

And being "nice" isn't going to do it for you.

A while back, I mentioned an interesting book that was written about the band "Motley Crue."

Remember those guys?

Well, the book is called The Dirt: Confessions of the Worlds Most Notorious Rock Band. As I read through that book, I realized that these guys have dated more of the world's most attractive women than anyone (except maybe Hugh Hefner).

In case you didn't know, the guys in Motley Crue are not very "nice." They're famous for taking every drug known to man, beating their women, fighting, and having a lot of people die around them.

Now, the first thing most guys say is, "Yeah, but they're rich and famous..."

And this is true, they are rich and famous.

But, and it's a BIG ONE... all of the women that they have dated, married and beaten up are ALSO RICH AND FAMOUS TOO!

These are supermodels and playmates of the year and such. These women can date whoever they want.

Tommy Lee was MARRIED to both Heather Locklear AND Pamela Anderson... remember?

These women didn't need Tommy Lee for his money or his fame... they're dating these guys for some OTHER REASON!

Are you with me on this?

So what's going on here? And more importantly, how can you use this information to be more successful with women and dating?

First of all, don't go out and start taking drugs and beating up your dates. I mean, I know that an occasional woman will drive a man to drink, but I don't recommend going "Motley Crue" on a girl....

2006-11-11T16:50:00.000+08:00

This is a good article about Yusof Islam (Cat Stevens), on his views and reasons why he converted to Islam. Just for general knowledge. Something I wish to share.
*With courtesy http://www.islamtomorrow.com/converts/yusuf_islam.asp

How I Came To Islam (by Yusof Islam, From Musician to Muslim by Allah's Will)

All I have to say is all what you know already, to confirm what you already know, the message of the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) as given by God - the Religion of Truth. As human beings we are given a consciousness and a duty that has placed us at the top of creation. Man is created to be God's deputy on earth, and it is important to realize the obligation to rid ourselves of all illusions and to make our lives a preparation for the next life. Anybody who misses this chance is not likely to be given another, to be brought back again and again, because it says in Qur'an Majeed that when man is brought to account, he will say, "O Lord, send us back and give us another chance." The Lord will say, "If I send you back you will do the same."

My Early Religious Upbringing
I was brought up in the modern world of all the luxury and the high life of show business. I was born in a Christian home, but we know that every child is born in his original nature - it is only his parents that turn him to this or that religion. I was given this religion (Christianity) and thought this way. I was taught that God exists, but there was no direct contact with God, so we had to make contact with Him through Jesus - he was in fact the door to God. This was more or less accepted by me, but I did not swallow it all.

I looked at some of the statues of Jesus; they were just stones with no life. And when they said that God is three, I was puzzled even more but could not argue. I more or less believed it, because I had to have respect for the faith of my parents.

Pop Star
Gradually I became alienated from this religious upbringing. I started making music. I wanted to be a big star. All those things I saw in the films and on the media took hold of me, and perhaps I thought this was my God, the goal of making money. I had an uncle who had a beautiful car. "Well," I said, "he has it made. He has a lot of money." The people around me influenced me to think that this was it; this world was their God.

I decided then that this was the life for me; to make a lot of money, have a 'great life.' Now my examples were the pop stars. I started making songs, but deep down I had a feeling for humanity, a feeling that if I became rich I would help the needy. (It says in the Qur'an, we make a promise, but when we make something, we want to hold onto it and become greedy.)

So what happened was that I became very famous. I was still a teenager, my name and photo were splashed in all the media. They made me larger than life, so I wanted to live larger than life and the only way to do that was to be intoxicated (with liquor and drugs).

In Hospital
After a year of financial success and 'high' living, I became very ill, contracted TB and had to be hospitalized. It was then that I started to think: What was to happen to me? Was I just a body, and my goal in life was merely to satisfy this body? I realized now that this calamity was a blessing given to me by Allah, a chance to open my eyes - "Why am I here? Why am I in bed?" - and I started looking for some of the answers. At that time there was great interest in the Eastern mysticism. I began reading, and the first thing I began to become aware of was death, and that the soul moves on; it does not stop. I felt I was taking the road to bliss and high accomplishment. I started meditating and even became a vegetarian. I now believed in 'peace and flower power,' and this was the general trend. But what I did believe in particular was that I was not just a body. This awareness came to me at the hospital.

One day when I was walking and I was caught in the rain, I began running to the shelter and then I realized, 'Wait a minute, my body is getting wet, my body is telling me I am getting wet.' This made me think of a saying that the body is like a donkey, and it has to be trained where it has to go. Otherwise, the donkey will lead you where it wants to go.

Then I realized I had a will, a God-given gift: follow the will of God. I was fascinated by the new terminology I was learning in the Eastern religion. By now I was fed up with Christianity. I started making music again and this time I started reflecting my own thoughts. I remember the lyric of one of my songs. It goes like this: "I wish I knew, I wish I knew what makes the Heaven, what makes the Hell. Do I get to know You in my bed or some dusty cell while others reach the big hotel?" and I knew I was on the Path.

I also wrote another song, "The Way to Find God Out." I became even more famous in the world of music. I really had a difficult time because I was getting rich and famous, and at the same time, I was sincerely searching for the Truth. Then I came to a stage where I decided that Buddhism is all right and noble, but I was not ready to leave the world. I was too attached to the world and was not prepared to become a monk and to isolate myself from society.

I tried Zen and Ching, numerology, tarot cards and astrology. I tried to look back into the Bible and could not find anything. At this time I did not know anything about Islam, and then, what I regarded as a miracle occurred. My brother had visited the mosque in Jerusalem and was greatly impressed that while on the one hand it throbbed with life (unlike the churches and synagogues which were empty), on the other hand, an atmosphere of peace and tranquility prevailed.

THE QUR'AN
When he came to London he brought back a translation of the Qur'an, which he gave to me. He did not become a Muslim, but he felt something in this religion, and thought I might find something in it also.

And when I received the book, a guidance that would explain everything to me - who I was; what was the purpose of life; what was the reality and what would be the reality; and where I came from - I realized that this was the true religion; religion not in the sense the West understands it, not the type for only your old age. In the West, whoever wishes to embrace a religion and make it his only way of life is deemed a fanatic. I was not a fanatic, I was at first confused between the body and the soul. Then I realized that the body and soul are not apart and you don't have to go to the mountain to be religious. We must follow the will of God. Then we can rise higher than the angels. The first thing I wanted to do now was to be a Muslim.

I realized that everything belongs to God, that slumber does not overtake Him. He created everything. At this point I began to lose the pride in me, because hereto I had thought the reason I was here was because of my own greatness. But I realized that I did not create myself, and the whole purpose of my being here was to submit to the teaching that has been perfected by the religion we know as Al-Islam. At this point I started discovering my faith. I felt I was a Muslim. On reading the Qur'an, I now realized that all the Prophets sent by God brought the same message. Why then were the Jews and Christians different? I know now how the Jews did not accept Jesus as the Messiah and that they had changed His Word. Even the Christians misunderstand God's Word and called Jesus the son of God. Everything made so much sense. This is the beauty of the Qur'an; it asks you to reflect and reason, and not to worship the sun or moon but the One Who has created everything. The Qur'an asks man to reflect upon the sun and moon and God's creation in general. Do you realize how different the sun is from the moon? They are at varying distances from the earth, yet appear the same size to us; at times one seems to overlap the other.

Even when many of the astronauts go to space, they see the insignificant size of the earth and vastness of space. They become very religious, because they have seen the Signs of Allah.

When I read the Qur'an further, it talked about prayer, kindness and charity. I was not a Muslim yet, but I felt that the only answer for me was the Qur'an, and God had sent it to me, and I kept it a secret. But the Qur'an also speaks on different levels. I began to understand it on another level, where the Qur'an says,

"Those who believe do not take disbelievers for friends and the believers are brothers."

Thus at this point I wished to meet my Muslim brothers.

Conversion
Then I decided to journey to Jerusalem (as my brother had done). At Jerusalem, I went to the mosque and sat down. A man asked me what I wanted. I told him I was a Muslim. He asked what was my name. I told him, "Stevens." He was confused. I then joined the prayer, though not so successfully. Back in London, I met a sister called Nafisa. I told her I wanted to embrace Islam and she directed me to the New Regent Mosque. This was in 1977, about one and a half years after I received the Qur'an. Now I realized that I must get rid of my pride, get rid of Iblis, and face one direction. So on a Friday, after Jummah' I went to the Imam and declared my faith (the Kalimah) at this hands. You have before you someone who had achieved fame and fortune. But guidance was something that eluded me, no matter how hard I tried, until I was shown the Qur'an. Now I realize I can get in direct contact with God, unlike Christianity or any other religion. As one Hindu lady told me, "You don't understand the Hindus. We believe in one God; we use these objects (idols) to merely concentrate." What she was saying was that in order to reach God, one has to create associates, that are idols for the purpose. But Islam removes all these barriers. The only thing that moves the believers from the disbelievers is the salat. This is the process of purification.

Finally I wish to say that everything I do is for the pleasure of Allah and pray that you gain some inspirations from my experiences. Furthermore, I would like to stress that I did not come into contact with any Muslim before I embraced Islam. I read the Qur'an first and realized that no person is perfect. Islam is perfect, and if we imitate the conduct of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) we will be successful. May Allah give us guidance to follow the path of the ummah of Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Ameen!

-- Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens)

2006-11-08T20:16:00.000+08:00

I thank God, how relieved I am to have a new job. I'll be starting on Monday the 13th. Guess this Friday will be my final day. Maybe tommorrow.

You can't imagine how relieved I am now...... =)

I've cancelled my Genting trip though. That can wait another 3 or 4 months =)

2006-11-03T22:51:00.000+08:00

How I loved to listen to this Belle & Sebastian song once in awhile. Its on youtube, click on it if you haven't heard it yet.

I have tons of things to update. Its kind of news update of me, come to thing of it.

First, end of this year, I will officially RESIGN from my current post. That will be a huge relief. I'll be taking maybe a month of hiatus. A breather from work after 6 years of making money. I'm still not attached to any new workplace yet, although I have sent 3 or 4 resumes online via e-mail. If you have read my last post prior to this, you may have guess, why I wanted to quit, but I'm not going to say it. A couple of other people may quit too, once the bonus is in the bank account.

6 years is a long time to be with someone, I will save myself from all the negative feelings which I feel, not worth for all the troubles.

18 and 19 Nov are dates of a former classmate's wedding reception in Pasir Ris. Needless to say, I'll be among the guests. This friend of mine is one weird person, although I'm close to him in person. If he changes his number so often, and he rarely tells you when he did, it's very difficult to "track" him down when I try to contact him. Once, it takes 2 and a half years, when I bumped into his mother, till I manage to get hold of him.

Hari Raya is ok. Really ok, as in, in moderation. I didn't buy any new baju kurung or something related to the malay outfit. I don't feel the need to, as I do have a couple from previous years that I have rarely worn. I have 2 invitations for Hari Raya open houses, hosted by 2 newly-weds, both are former schoolmates, tomorrow. I can expect some crazy stuffs going on... haha =)

I'll be away to Genting and Melaka in '13-19 Nov' week, exact dates not confirmed yet. But I'll back just in time for the wedding.

Other than that, I have nothing much to say. I'm still full even though I only had a brownie and caramel frap from Starbucks, since mid-day, when I chilled out when some friends. I don't feel like having dinner.

And suddenly, I'm craving for ciggies. Trying hard to quit though.

2006-10-31T00:43:00.000+08:00

This could be the lowest point of my life.

I'm so upset, its hard to put them in words and it took me in and out of my own blogger 7 times before I could finally piece my thoughts together.

30 October 06 is a date I wish its easy for me to forget.

Most emotional day to date. I can't continue. Sorry.......

2006-10-12T08:37:00.000+08:00

It took just one passing remark last night, and I have already had one travelling companion wanting to follow me. All I did say was, 'How nice it would be, to take train up to KL and spent some time there, instead of working now'.

My parents did a road trip to Had Yai 3 months back. It took them a good 13 hours before they settle down at the hotel. I thought maybe I should do the same.

I was thinking of cheap food, cheap lodging and major shopping, and then he suggested Concorde Hotel. Because Concorde Hotel has Hard Rock Cafe at its lobby, and he is so enthusiastic about the whole experience of dining and drinking there.

There goes my cheap lodging if he comes along. I haven't checked the rates at Concorde online, but if I can remember correctly, it cost me about RM 400'ish' for 3d/2n family suite the last time. But of course, with 4 sharing in a suite, its worth the deal. Now, I have second thoughts about Concorde, since KLCC is just around the corner, backlane food is there behind the hotel carpark, the LRT is just in front of the hotel, HRC is just downstairs, Sungei Wang Plaza is 3 or 4 LRT stops away, maybe, maybe I'll get the cheapest room available.

I'll think of KL after Hari Raya...

http://www.concorde.net/kl/index.htm

2006-10-07T07:28:00.000+08:00

I woke up at 3 am today. When I had to wake up early, I dread I'll miss my wake up call. Now when I don't have to, amazingly, its super early.

One of yesterday's paper report seems weird to me. Its regarding some schools having this Be Yourself Day. Students and teachers alike dress up in costumes of all sorts. And that is where it contradicts.

Be yourself means being yourself. I am who I am, and I don't understand why teachers /students dress up as maids, knights, zorro (???), stewardess. What actually is the true meaning of the day itself? If I had this day during my time, I wouldn't have bother to rent costumes to represent what I fantasize or inspire to be when I grow up. It would just be a casual me.

I don't think I would be online as much as I want to be, in the next couple of weeks. At least. I can forsee lot of stuffs coming in........

I don't want to comment on the job..... Its actually nothing wrong with it, but its just that, most people can't stand some people because of egoist, self-centeredness, balls-carrying and backstabbing.

But... I'm going to think of happy thoughts..... I just don't care less what people will say....

2006-10-03T06:04:00.000+08:00

Suprise, suprise..!!

Just a few days I'm not at work, and lots of politics are being unveiled. A few issues backdated last week, yet, because everyone kept their unhappiness to themselves, no one spoke up until I came back.

Oh well....

2006-10-01T02:14:00.000+08:00

These few nights, I couldn't sleep. Tonight is no different.

I have been spending my nights reading and watching the live telecast of Terawih prayers from Masjidil Haram in Mecca, on TV1.

Its very humbling to see the surroundings of the mosque, the readings of the Quran during the prayers and thousands of people who came to Mecca during fasting month to perform umrah. I miss the place and I have been longing to be in Mecca again; the sense of closeness to God is unbelievable.

Usually, I will wait till I have my sahur (meal before fasting) and Subuh (morning prayers) before I sleep.

Today is Sunday. I have always be the one, who organise breaking of fast together, each fasting month with my army buddies.

It will be at Selero Bundo Restaurant, Arab Street. The usual suspects will be there, me of course will be there too. Except for a few absentees, one is married, couldn't come down, the rest, will, simply put it as uncontactable.

If you are in the area, buzz me, I'll be able to meet you for awhile.

Life is the still the same, I'm still searching for a new job. I was thinking to put that on hold, until after Hari Raya.

I'll stop here for now, watch this space though, I will find time to update no matter what...... =)

2006-09-24T17:35:00.000+08:00

A Walk To Remember

It left an impression on me, so much so I watched it thrice so far. I didn't want to rent it in the 1st place, browsing through all the titles, making sure I didn't miss a single one that might interest me. Somehow, my hands just grabs it when I was about to leave, even though I wasn't sure if I liked the movie.

Romantic films just don't interest me at all......

And now, here I am, wishing how nice it would be if Mandy Moore is my girlfriend... hehehehehe =)

2006-09-21T10:11:00.000+08:00

The innocent victims of Internet child abuse cannot speak for themselves. But you can.

With your help, we can eradicate this evil trade. We do not need your money. We need you to light a candle of support <http://www.lightamillioncandles.com>

We're aiming to light at least One Million Candles by December 31, 2006.

This petition will be used to encourage governments, politicians, financial institutions, payment organizations, Internet service providers, technology companies and law enforcement agencies to eradicate the commercial viability of online child abuse.

They have the power to work together. You have the power to get them to take action.

Please light your candle at lightamillioncandles.com <http://www.lightamillioncandles.com> or send an email of support to light@lightamillioncandles.com.

Together, we can destroy the commercial viability of Internet child abuse sites that are destroying the lives of innocent children.

2006-09-21T09:54:00.000+08:00

I ripped this off someone's blog. Nice =) lol

1. I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you..
2. No man or woman is worth your tears, and the one who is, won't make you cry.
3. Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
4. A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.
5. The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside them knowing you can' t have them.
6. Never frown, even when you are sad, because you never know who is falling in love with your smile.
7. To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.
8. Don't waste your time on a man/woman, who isn't willing to waste their time on you.
9. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one, so that when we finally meet the person, we will know how to be grateful.
10. Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened.
11. There's always going to be people that hurt you so what you have to do is keep on trusting and just be more careful about who you trust next time around.
12. Make yourself a better person and know who you are before you try and know someone else and expect them to know you.
13. Don't try so hard, the best things come when you least expect them to.

REMEMBER: WHATEVER HAPPENS, HAPPENS FOR A REASON.

True friends: How many people actually have 8 true friends?Hardly anyone I know! But some of us have all right friends and good friends!!!

2006-09-18T01:40:00.000+08:00

The 100 : A Ranking Of Most Influential Persons In History
(source : http://www.adherents.com/adh_influ.html )

I find this very interesting. I have known about this list of the 100 most influential people in history based on his contributions to the society in his time, and humans at large, when I was in my schooling days. I understand that it was published in a book, stating who did what, and the reasons why should he be ranked higher or lower than the rest.

I have yet to find it, but this is the closest I can find online. Please refer to the source of this list stated above for a brief descriptions for these magnificient people below....

Before that, scroll down the list, and see how many could you identify his contributions...

1 Muhammad
2 Isaac Newton
3 Jesus Christ
4 Buddha
5 Confucius
6 St. Paul
7 Ts'ai Lun
8 Johann Gutenberg
9 Christopher Columbus
10 Albert Einstein
11 Louis Pasteur
12 Galileo Galilei
13 Aristotle
14 Euclid
15 Moses
16 Charles Darwin
17 Shih Huang Ti
18 Augustus Caesar
19 Nicolaus Copernicus
20 Antoine Laurent Lavoisier
21 Constantine the Great
22 James Watt
23 Michael Faraday
24 James Clerk Maxwell
25 Martin Luther
26 George Washington
27 Karl Marx
28 Orville and Wilbur Wright
29 Genghis Khan
30 Adam Smith
31 Edward de Vere a.k.a. William Shakespeare
32 John Dalton
33 Alexander the Great
34 Napoleon Bonaparte
35 Thomas Edison
36 Antony van Leeuwenhoek
37 William T.G. Morton
38 Guglielmo Marconi
39 Adolf Hitler
40 Plato
41 Oliver Cromwell
42 Alexander Graham Bell
43 Alexander Fleming
44 John Locke
45 Ludwig van Beethoven
46 Werner Heisenberg
47 Louis Daguerre
48 Simon Bolivar
49 Rene Descartes
50 Michelangelo
51 Pope Urban II
52 'Umar ibn al-Khattab
53 Asoka
54 St. Augustine
55 William Harvey
56 Ernest Rutherford
57 John Calvin
58 Gregor Mendel
59 Max Planck
60 Joseph Lister
61 Nikolaus August
62 Francisco Pizarro
63 Hernando Cortes
64 Thomas Jefferson
65 Queen Isabella I
66 Joseph Stalin
67 Julius Caesar
68 William the Conqueror
69 Sigmund Freud
70 Edward Jenner
71 Wilhelm Conrad
72 Johann Sebastian
73 Lao Tzu
74 Voltaire
75 Johannes Kepler
76 Enrico Fermi
77 Leonhard Euler
78 Jean-Jacques Rousseau
79 Nicoli Machiavelli
80 Thomas Malthus
81 John F. Kennedy
82 Gregory Pincus
83 Mani
84 Lenin
85 Sui Wen Ti
86 Vasco da Gama
87 Cyrus the Great
88 Peter the Great
89 Mao Zedong
90 Francis
91 Henry Ford
92 Mencius
93 Zoroaster
94 Queen Elizabeth I
95 Mikhail Gorbachev
96 Menes Egyptian
97 Charlemagne
98 Homer
99 Justinian I
100 Mahavira

2006-09-16T01:57:00.000+08:00

Have you read or heard of this joke...?? lol =)

A man went into a grocery store, got 3 cans of dog food, and walked up to the checkout counter.

The cashier asks the man, "Sir, do you own a dog?" The man replies, "Yes I do." The cashier then asks, "Do you have the dog with you?" The man replies, "No, I left it at home." The cashier then says, "I'm sorry, but I can't sell you this dog food unless I see your dog."

A few days later the man walks into the same store, gets 3 cans of cat food, and walks up to the checkout counter. The same cashier asks, "Sir, do you own a cat?" The man replies, "Yes I do." The cashier then asks, "Do you have your cat with you?" And the man replies, "No, I left it at home." Then the cashier says, "I'm sorry, but I can't sell you this cat food unless I see your cat."

A few days later the man walks into the store, this time carrying a paper bag. He walks up to the same cashier, and asks him to put his hand into the bag. The cashier says, "It feels warm, soft, and gooey."

The man then says, "Now, can I go back and get 3 rolls of toilet paper?"

2006-09-15T01:11:00.000+08:00

I am down with flu. With slight fever, I think. I don't feel like I am having a fever. Only bad coughs that ached my whole body. Mild headache - at times I don't feel like I am having headache too. And irritating blocked nose.

Blocked nose pissed and irritates me off the most. In the morning, it was the left nostril. 6 hours later, it was the opposite.

Weird symptoms..!! I didn't see a doctor, surviving on the panadols for the cold and cough syrups. Those, plus water and plenty of sleep during the day. That explains why I'm here online in the middle of slumber land.

There goes my plans. I was hoping to do some window shopping, maybe catch a movie and do some errands, in the afternoon. I got a good deal when I purchased Picard wallet from Robinson, Raffles City last Thursday. I was thinking of going back to Robinson again to see what other bargains I could find. I was that close in buying Braun & Buffel, before I decided on Picard.

What worries me is still my coughs. From my past experience, one week is what I need to recover fully from my coughs. What a wet blanket..!!! pppfffttt....

Looks like I HAVE to carry a bottle of evian and lots of strepsils when I'm going out....

2006-09-12T14:35:00.000+08:00

I love this song so much.. Everytime I'm online, I just tuned in to my own blog and play this repeatedly =)

My mum called to say we are going off to Genting early tommorrow morning.

I was like "huh...???".

She asked me to take leave/off/unpaid leave till Friday, at least. But I turned down. It was just last minute thing, and I don't feel like travelling at this period. Genting sounds fun, I had other ideas for this week though.

An uneventful period, nothing significant enough to say it ALOUD... Apart from work, and some chilling out with a couple of friends, bet your money on me sleeping in.

Fasting month starts next week. And that's a good thing...

2006-09-05T13:05:00.000+08:00

99 Secrets Girls Have To Know About Guys

1. Guys don't actually look after good-looking girls. They prefer neat and presentable girls.
2. Guys hate flirts.
3. A guy can like you for a minute, and then forget you afterwards.
4. When a guy says he doesn't understand you, it simply means you're not thinking the way he is.
5. "Are you doing something?" or "Have you eaten already?" are the first usual questions a guy asks on the phone just to get out from stammering.
6. Guys may be flirting around all day but before they go to sleep, they always think about the girl they truly care about.
7. When a guy really likes you, he'll disregard all your bad characteristics.
8. Guys go crazy over a girl's smile.
9. Guys will do anything just to get the girl's attention.
10. Guys hate it when you talk about your ex-boyfriend.
11. When guys want to meet your parents. Let them.
12. Guys want to tell you many things but they can't. And they sure have one habit to gain courage and spirit to tell you many things and it is drinking!
13. Guys cry!!!
14. Don't provoke the guy to heat up. Believe me. He will.
15. Guys can never dream and hope too much.
16. Guys usually try hard to get the girl who has dumped them, and this makes it harder for them to accept their defeat.
17. When you touch a guy's heart, there's no turning back.
18. Giving a guy a hanging message like "You know what?!..uh...never mind!" would make him jump to a conclusion that is far from what you are thinking.
19. Guys go crazy when girls touch their hands.
20. Guys are good flatterers when courting but they usually stammer when they talk to a girl they really like.
21. When a guy makes a prolonged "umm" or makes any excuses when you're asking him to do you a favor, he's actually saying that he doesn't like you and he can't lay down the card for you.
22. When a girl says "no", a guy hears it as "try again tomorrow."
23. You have to tell a guy what you really want before he gets the message clearly.
24. Guys hate gays!
25. Guys love their moms.
26. A guy would sacrifice his money for lunch just to get you a couple of roses.
27. A guy often thinks about the girl who likes him. But this doesn't mean that the guy likes her.
28. You can never understand him unless you listen to him.
29. If a guy tells you he loves you once in a lifetime. He does.
30. Beware. Guys can make gossips scatter through half of the face of the earth faster than girls can.
31. Like Eve, girls are guysbEUR(tm) weaknesses.
32. Guys are very open about themselves.
33. It's good to test a guy first before you believe him. But don't let him wait that long.
34. No guy is bad when he is courting
35. Guys hate it when their clothes get dirty. Even a small dot.
36. Guys really admire girls that they like even if they're not that much pretty.
37. Your best friend, whom your boyfriend seeks help from about his problems with you may end up being admired by your boyfriend.
38. If a guy tells you about his problems, he just needs someone to listen to him. You don't need to give advice.
39. A usual act that proves that the guy likes you is when he teases you.
40. A guy finds ways to keep you off from linking with someone else.
41. Guys love girls with brains more than girls in miniskirts.
42. Guys try to find the stuffed toy a girl wants but would unluckily get the wrong one.
43. Guys virtually brag about anything.
44. Guys cannot keep secrets that girls tell them.
45. Guys think too much.
46. Guys' fantasies are unlimited.
47. Girls' height doesn't really matter to a guy but her weight does!
48. Guys tend to get serious with their relationship and become too possessive. So watch out girls!!!
49. When a girl makes the boy suffer during courtship, it would be hard for him to let go of that girl.
50. It's not easy for a guy to let go of his girlfriend after they broke up especially when they've been together for 3 years or more.
51. You have to tell a guy what you really want before getting involved with that guy.
52. A guy has to experience rejection, because if he's too-good-never-been-busted, never been in love and hurt, he won't be matured and grow up.
53. When an unlikable circumstance comes, guys blame themselves a lot more than girls do. They could even hurt themselves physically.
54. Guys have strong passion to change but have weak will power.
55. Guys are tigers in their peer groups but become tamed pussycats with their girlfriends.
56. When a guy pretends to be calm, check if he's sweating. You'll probably see that he is nervous.
57. When a guy says he is going crazy about the girl. He really is.
58. When a guy asks you to leave him alone, he's just actually saying, "Please come and listen to me"
59. Guys don't really have final decisions.
60. When a guy loves you, bring out the best in him.
61. If a guy starts to talk seriously, listen to him.
62. If a guy has been kept shut or silent, say something.
63. Guys believe that there's no such thing as love at first sight, but court the girls anyway and then realize at the end that he is wrong.
64. Guys like femininity not feebleness.
65. Guys don't like girls who punch harder than they do.
66. A guy may instantly know if the girl likes him but can never be sure unless the girl tells him.
67. A guy would waste his time over video games and basketball, the way a girl would do over her romance novels and make-ups.
68. Guys love girls who can cook or bake.
69. Guys like girls who are like their moms. No kidding!
70. A guy has more problems than you can see with your naked eyes.
71. A guy's friend knows everything about him. Use this to your advantage.
72. Don't be a snob. Guys may easily give up on the first sign of rejection.
73. Don't be biased. Try loving a guy without prejudice and you'll be surprised.
74. Girls who bathe in their eau de perfumes do more repelling than attracting guys.
75. Guys are more talkative than girls are especially when the topic is about girls.
76. Guys don't comprehend the statement "Get lost" too well.
77. Guys really think that girls are strange and have unpredictable decisions but still love them more.
78. When a guy gives a crooked or pretentious grin at your jokes, he finds them offending and he just tried to be polite.
79. Guys don't care about how shiny their shoes are unlike girls.
80. Guys tend to generalize about girls but once they get to know them, they'll realize they're wrong.
81. Any guy can handle his problems all by his own. He's just too stubborn to deal with it.
82. Guys find it so objectionable when a girl swears.
83. Guys' weakest point is at the knee.
84. When a problem arises, a guy usually keeps himself cool but is already thinking of a way out.
85. When a guy is conscious of his looks, it shows he is not good at fixing things.
86. When a guy looks at you, either he's amazed of you or he's criticizing you.
87. When you catch him cheating on you and he asks for a second chance, give it to him. But when you catch him again and he asks for another chance, ignore him.
88. If a guy lets you go, he really loves you.
89. If you have a boyfriend, and your boy best friend always glances at you and it obviously shows that he is jealous whenever you're with your boyfriend, all I can say is your boy best friend loves you more than your boyfriend does.
90. Guys learn from experience not from the romance books that girls read and take as their basis of experience.
91. You can tell if a guy is really hurt or in pain when he cries in front of you!
92. If a guy suddenly asks you for a date, ask him first why.
93. When a guy says he can't sleep if he doesn't hear your voice even just for one night, hang up. He also tells that to another girl. He only flatters you and sometimes makes fun of you.
94. You can truly say that a guy has good intentions if you see him praying sometimes.
95. Guys seek for advice not from a guy but from a girl.
96. Girls are allowed to touch boys' things. Not their hair!
97. If a guy says you're beautiful, that guy likes you.
98. Guys hate girls who overreact.
99. Guys love you more than you love them if they are serious in your relationships.

I had this in my mailbox for 2 years. Its full of forwarded messages, I have clean forgotten them all this while, until I have this urge to clear my inbox today.....

I guess I will keep some anyway =)

2006-09-02T00:28:00.000+08:00

I have nothing much to say about the previous week or two. Its just either I'm at work, home - resting or being online.

Unusually, I have been very relaxed in every thing I do.

Unusually too, I find myself very very quiet.... For the last 14 days at least...

A couple of things are still bugging me - all work related. I guess I'm more in the thinking mode. Finding solutions to problems...

My apologies if I replied late or have not replied to some of your calls or smses.

And I do find myself turning in early most days though... Not tonight though..

2006-08-30T23:00:00.000+08:00

Why do people donate generously when celebrities do stunts on TV, but when beggers on the steets asking for your small change to feed an empty stomach, you just turn him away?

Why do people complain about talented Idols being ousted from SI, but when being asked further did you vote for him/her? - "I didn't vote...."

Does it matter anyway who wins the Singapore Idol? Life is still the same to me when Taufik wins the last time...

People would believe anything if you whispers it into their ears. Try doing it on someone, works like charm to me, even if I say something that is untrue....

2006-08-27T15:56:00.000+08:00

Emulsifier matter

These emulsifiers are HARAM:
120, 141, 160(A), 161, 252, 300, 301, 422, 430, 431, 433,435, 436, 441, 470, 471, 472(A,E), 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 481, 482,483, 491,492, 494, 542, 570, 572, 631, 635, 920

HALAL & HARAM
Colgate Toothpaste: Have now registered their dental creams (toothpastes)with SANHA and we can now confirm that all their toothpastes are HALAL compliant. Only palm kernel oil glycerine is used.

The following products were found to contain HARAM ingredients:
(A) ORAL CARE PRODUCTS:
1) Macleans toothpastes: Freshmint, Baking Soda, Spearmint
2) Aqua Fresh toothpastes: Whitening, Bambino, Strawberry
3) Oral-B Ultrafloss and Unwaxed Floss
4) Oral-B Minute-Gel and Disclosing Tablets

(B) MEDICATION:
(1) Spasmo-Canulase - contain pancreatine from pig and/or cows
(2) Pankreoflat - contains preservative of animal origin
(3) Sanatogen Multivitamin - contains Shellac - an insect-based rasin
(4) Sanatogen Vitamin B Complex - contain glycerine, stearic acid & palmatates from animal tallow
(5) Karemore B12 Spray - contain animal liver extract
(6) Timjan Wonder Juice (aloe extract) - contains 16.5% port wine
(7) Salusa 45 - contains extract of PIG LIVER
(8) Vita Thion - contains extract of BEEF BLOOD

(C) LEATHER PRODUCTS (shoes, health sandals, etc):
All animal hides (skins) are rendered Taahir (Paak - pure and clean) by virtue of the tanning process it undergoes. Pigskin, however remains impure even after undergoing the tanning process.
The following were found to contain pigskin:
(1) Hushpuppies - certain ranges are manufactured with pigskin
uppers lining
(2) Green Cross Health Shoes - some ranges use pigskin lining/foot bed linings
(3) Attache Cases etc. - at times, the inner lining of genuine leather
attache cases is at times also from pigskin

How to identify pigskin:
Take a close look at the item and if it reveals a porous surface like the pores of one's skin, then it is most likely pigskin.

(D) COSMETICS
(1) All/Most AMWAY PRODUCTS containing PIG hydrolyzed collagen/beef tallowate elastin.
(2) Nutriedge Antioxidant Supplement Pack
(3) Nutrilite Beta Carotene
(4) Nutrilite Natural Source Beta Carotene
(5) Nutrilite Wheat Germ E
(6) Nutrilite CoEnzyme Q10 Complex
(7) Nutrilite Chromium Picolinate
(8) Nutrilite Antioxidant Complex with Pycnogenol
(9) Nutrilite Leading Edge Pack 1
(10) Nutrilite Herbals saw Palmetto and Nettle Root
(11) Nutrilite Primrose Plus
(12) Nutrilite Herbals Bilberry with Lutein
(13) Nutrilite Salmon Omega 3
(14) Nutrilite Herbals Womena?(tm)s GLA Blend
(15) Hour Guard Insect Repellent
(16) Nutrilite Herbals Ginkgo Biloba and DHA
(17) Satinique Styling Mousse
(18) Nature Shower Hand and Body Lotion
(19) Grooming Gear After Shave Treatment Lotion
(20) Grooming Gear Hymm / Eparray After Shave Moisture Lotion
(21) Satinique Non-Aerosol Styling Spray
(22) Satinique Styling Spray with Protein
(23) Nutrilite Natural Multi-Carotene
(24) All/Most REVLON PRODUCTS (containing Proteins of animal origin)
(25) Absolutes Anti-Ageing Firming Cream
(26) Charlie Nail Ename
(27) Dry Skin Relief Anti-Ageing Body Lotion
(28) Double Thick Mascara
(29) Dry Skin Relief Original Cream
(30) Dry Skin Relief Hydro Lotion
(31) Dry Skin Relief Intensive Lotion
(32) Dry Skin Relief Hand Cream
(33) Dry Skin Relief Unscented Cream
(34) Innerlash Mascara
(35) Flex & Go 2-1 Shampoo / Conditioner
(36) Flex Net Regular and Firm
(37) Moondrops Hand Cream Tube
(38) Revlon Hand Cream
(39) Special Feeling Super Soft Activator
(40) Streetwear Hair Highlight
(41) Wash & Go Shampoo

(E) GENERAL:
1) Royal Chiffon Fridge Cake - contains PIG GELATINE
2) Kellogg's Mini-wheats Refer to carton inside panel Kellogg
cereal, rice krispies, which reads 'imported by' Canada cereal bars -
contains pork gelatin
3) Kellogg's Rice Krispies Refer to carton inside panel Kellogg
squares cereal bars which reads 'Made for' = Canada - contains
beefgelatin
4) Kellogg's Frosted Pop- Refer to carton inside panel Kellogg
Tarts which reads 'Imported by' or Canada 'Made for' - Canada
contains pork or beef gelatin
5) Pringles Potato Chips Made from USA and contain 471 has pork
substance or pork fats (MUIS)
6) Starbucks/Coffee Bean (espresso Frapucchino) Chocolate substance contains ALCOHOL (MUIS)

RENNET in the cheese is of animal origin is HARAM too unless otherwise stated.

For those who are unaware, I got this info from a friend, please let it be known to our "un-informed" muslim friends. This is what it reads. I bought this particular book title Islamic Parenting. One of the topics tells about eating habits. As I was reading, I came across this particular ingredient which is contained in most Chocolates & Ice creams: they have Emulsifier 471.

These are pork fats and they name it such a way.

After reading it, I called MUIS & checked with them. They told me that it is actually pork fats. I checked most Chocolate Brands & Ice creams and that most of them we cannot eat. I'm telling you this cause after reading & enquiring. I feel that as Muslims we should not make the same mistake.

Before eating any chocolates or ice creams, please check the ingredients first. You can still eat those ice creams which has HALAL approved label on them e.g. Walls, Kings.

2006-08-20T12:17:00.000+08:00

I sat in silence......

As I felt the worries and stress, settling in nicely.... I don't know for how long it will stay; I really hope its' not for long...

I have never felt so much helpless before... And fear has suddenly overwhelmed me these days...

I feared for tomorrow, I feared of losing the ones I loved, I feared the past..

The past has come back to remind me.... And I don't know where I have done wrong.... The silence of not knowing my mistakes, fears me a lot... Not knowing what's going on, freaks me the most...

I'm trying my best to make my life more worthwhile... Several times I felt, it is not giving me any chance to prove myself... I know I have a lot to give.... Its all in me , waiting for the right oppurtnity to redeem myself...

I sat in silence.....

As I watched the world revolved around me... Maybe these days, I took things too hard..... I don't know why, all of the sudden, insecurities and sensitivity took control of my heart...

I am still trying hard though, to at least pull myself together, for my own sake....

Because I believe, to change, starts from within...

I sat in silence...

As I watched the world again.... All ever changing, as it revolved and came back to me...

I hid behind the "curtain wall" for a change.. To see how was it like to be hidden away and watched the world from this perpective.... As much I don't like to believe it do happen....

Sadly, it did..

I sat in silence....

Wondering and thinking.... Reflecting myself in that mirror....

I have always been wanting to be a better man for tommorow.... Doing all I could to change my life, for myself and for the people whom I loved dearly... All it takes for me to be a given a chance, to prove my worth...

I'll take the cue from here.... I have to reconsider a lot of things.... Changes are inevitable, even if its hard for me to swallow....

Trust me, I find it hard to let go....

2006-08-18T19:25:00.000+08:00

Stop Crying Your Heart Out

Hold up hold on don't be scared
You'll never change what's been and gone

May your smile. Shine on. Don't be scared
Your destiny may keep you warm.

Cos all of the stars are fading away
Just try not to worry you'll see them some day
Take what you need and be on your way
And stop crying your heart out

Get up. Come on why you scared
You'll never change what been and gone

Let There Be Love

Who kicked a hole in the sky so the heavens would cry over me?
Who stole the soul from the sun in a world come undone at the seams?
Let there be love

I hope the weather is calm as you sail up your heavenly stream
Suspended clear in the sky are the words that we sing in our dreams
Let there be love
Come on Baby Blue
Shake up your tired eyes
The world is waiting for you
May all your dreaming fill the empty sky
But if it makes you happy
Keep on clapping
Just remember
I'll be by your side
And if you dont let go its gonna pass you by

I rarely put two songs from the same band together, at any one time in here. I make this an exception though. Because these songs keep ringing in my ears, its hard for me, not to put them down somewhere.......

There you go..... Beautiful songs.....

2006-08-17T13:05:00.000+08:00

As I sat & think where would I go from here... To lose a friendship and tell her that she's more than a friend to me, its a risk I've taken, and now, I've seem to ponder whether its' a right move after all...

I wonder if I have lose it all by confessing my deep end of my heart, now that she's kept quiet.... And that quietness have kept me waiting, wondering, curious, thinking and ponder what she's feeling towards me now....

Have she accepted it..?? I hope so....

But I dreaded the moment she said no.... thats when I feel like fainting and the world stops revolving, life just stops for a while....

I've wanted to be as normal, but thoughts of her kept crawling to me.... I've wanted to call, but my hands just froze...... I've wanted to forget, but can I...? I've wanted to cry, but I told myself to be brave... Cry doesn't help and those sleepless nites that I spent, thinking what should I do.....

Should I wait for her or should I go & move on......

All the things that I do, revolves around her, every seconds that I'm awake.....

Its raining now, its seems like the sky is crying for me.... the mood is sombre but the feeling is there...

No matter what, I feel happy when she's happy... even if she's happy with someone else but me.....

I just want you to know, that I will always love you, and will wait, and will always wait for you, until you have come to me and broke your silence....

2006-08-13T21:01:00.000+08:00

Edwin Yeo's columns in The New Paper are a must-read materials everytime I picked up a copy of the day's New Paper. I smirk and I smile at his points and views, to me, are spot-on, aimed at everyday lives.

If you are a smoker like me, read on, on how Edwin Yeo takes a dig on a new law that allows only 20% of the total eatery spaces fo smoking area.

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/columnists/story/0,4136,111599,00.html
(The New Paper - 12 August 2006, Saturday)

While initially I was mildly irritated with the new smoking laws, now I am majorly pissed off at them.

No, that's not true. I'm not pissed off at the law per se, but at the non-smokers who take up the smoking tables at eating establishments, especially when there are non-smoking tables available.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the smoking tables are reserved for smokers.

No, I get the fact that even though us smokers are squeezed into one corner as we are not allowed to smoke anywhere else, non-smokers are allowed to sit there if they so choose to partake of our second hand smoke.

The point here is consideration, though that may be a bit much to expect from a country whose citizens suddenly fall asleep in their MRT seats when a pregnant woman boards the train.

I also get the fact that non-smokers can argue that smokers are the inconsiderate ones in the first place, having no regard for the health of the people around them when they smoke in public places.

I am sorry that I put a gun to your head and forced you to sit right next to me in the al fresco area when you could have enjoyed your indoor, air-conditioned, non-smoking environment instead.

The New Paper recently reported how non-smokers sit at designated smoking corner at Chomp Chomp. This week, I experienced it first-hand.

On Monday, my colleague and I went to a coffee-shop near Robinson Road renowned for its wonton mee. There was only one table designated for smokers and, unbelievably, it was empty. After quickly buying 4D, my colleague and I swooped to the table. She sat down and I went to queue up to get the food.

An office nerd in a long-sleeved blue shirt walked from the queue to the smoking table and spoke to my colleague.

Blue shirt nerd: 'Excuse me, Miss. We were here first.'

My colleague: 'There was no one here when I sat down.'

Blue shirt nerd: 'You see the two tissue packets? That's us reserving the table while we queue.'

My shell-shocked colleague's reaction was to get up and move to one of the many non-smoking tables still available. Blue shirt nerd was soon joined by Blue shirt nerd 2, and both happily ate their wonton mee. After that, no lighting up a cigarette to go with their lime juice, just idle chatter. I had not known that outside of the primary school tuckshop, people used tissue packets to reserve tables. I also had not known that the smoker's table had seats made of calf leather, because it must be more comfortable to sit there than at any of the non-smoking tables available.

Now, I'm not advocating smoking - I get it that it's bad for my health.

It's not cool to smoke but for crying out loud, we have rights too. We pay our taxes, we vote and we take down the licence plates of vehicles in car accidents, just like any other Singaporean citizen. But since it is too much to expect consideration from non-smokers, the only way would be to speak in the language which only Singaporeans understand.

No, not campaigns.

Let's fine them. - I am very supportive with this idea. haha =)

Customers who are not smoking, or don't have a pack of cigarettes on the table, and who are caught sitting in the designated smoking corners, should be fined too.

If this law does not come to pass, I strongly recommend my smoking readers to invest in the tissue industry.

2006-08-13T11:03:00.000+08:00

Love the girl in your heart, not in your mind. If you base your relationship on feelings, it will fail for there are ups & downs in feelings. Girls are there to be loved, not TOYED around. Love her for who she is.
Don't even think about changing any bit about her. 6 billion people in this world & 6 billion different personalities. She's special & she will stay that way. You change any part of her, you'll change her forever. Don't substitute her for anyone else, they are just unique n their own ways.

Love whole-heartedly. She sacrificed a lot for you so you'd better really treassure her. She could have just got up & date a so-much-more-dashing guy in town but she chose you instead all because of love. So love her guys, not play with her.

Don't just get the girl to beg you to stay or whatsoever. If you're with her, love her. Don't cause a strain in the relationship, you'll end up loving each other out of pity or charity, that's not respecting love at all. Respect love the way it is & everything will be the best it can be. I've been there & I know how it feels.

Don't expect perfection from her. She's the only one in the world & she's done the best she could.

Like another girl while you're in a relationship? Then I think it's time you remain single for a while. Don't go around breaking girls' hearts, it's the most tragic thing to do.

Tell the truth, never hide anything from her. If you want her to tell you everything, do the same. Don't go calling other girls "honey" or "darling", how would it feel if your girl calls other guys the same way? Be faithful, enough is enough.

Socialise only when you're single. You socialise & flirt around is to get the girl of your dreams. Get it over when she's already yours, don't ask for more.

It never kills to be romantic. Think, be flexible. Getting that diamond ring isn't the only gift for her. Be realistic, she's human & she lives life just like you. Something sweet & simple always get the job done. Money doesn't exist between couples, it's the love.

Never promise her that you'll love her forever because your forever might end the next day. Love her as if each day is the last.

Sweet talks only apply for singles, not for attached guys. Do that & you'll really break your girl's heart. Isn't good being too well-known too, it'll give her a sense of insecurity. Remember, INSECURITY.

Promise her & make sure you never break it. Swear to her & make sure you keep it. Pledge your love to her & her alone.

Loving her is giving her your heart to break it but trusting her not to. Instead, she'll cherish it & protect it. That's love. Give her your heart, your life, your everything.

Lay down your life & prepare to die for her when the need arises. But stay strong & live through another day, she can never live without you.

Never, ever walk out of her life. She won't just cry her heart out & carry on living as per normal, she'd die. It her heart that you've broken, how would you ever know how she feels?

Winning a girl's heart isn't the final victory. Don't leave her once you've won her love. Love her all the way till the end of time, love her till marriage, love her till old age, love her till death. If you can love her till the end of time, you've earned the honor & respect for you've truly loved her.

She chose you because she believes that you can fulfil your promise. Win her heart & love her over. Remember, the girl isn't a trophy for display, she's someone to love, not to show off to your "friends". Stay humble yet proud that she's the one for you. Respect her for the way she is, never despise her & never mistreat her, never even think of toying with her...

2006-08-11T02:48:00.001+08:00

Whats' up...?? For me, its nothing new anyway...

- Just got back from town
- Met up with some friends
- Had my couple of jeans altered
- Bought a couple of CDs from HMV
- Nothing much changes in metal section - same old stuffs
- Was tempted to buy Barcelona's orange Away jersey
- Was tempted to buy Versace's parfume, although my fav has always been Tommy
- Was tempted to buy a pair of new shoes
- I had this pair for 3 years
- Was at Peninsula Plaza
- Was at Gramophone The Capitol
- Was at Midpoint Orchard to browse through cool board games you can't find at departmental stores
- Was at HMV, the whole of level 4 and Spinelli, The Heeren
- Was at Mac Cafe, Lido coz my good friend has this urge to have hot chocolate with a slice of brownie
- Muse. That is the current band of the moment for me
- Click on the video on the right if you have not heard of them, or if you like to listen to them
- Can't sleep tonight
- Woke up on the last 2 mornings feeling groggy
- Was thinking to have breakfast in JB
- Was thinking what movie to watch
- Wonder why I had this post in points form

Allrighty...

Today was all that, as mentioned. I have planned to go Peninsula only. If not because of my friends, I would have head home after that. Didn't planned to stay that late though. Its so nice to go out and chatted with your friends. It reminded me, during my NS days, Saturdays will always be Orchard Road. Its something we loved to do, to unwind - companionship with some friends...

Sundays are strictly for families, although that day would often ended up sleeping in, the whole day.

I find NDP parades are getting boring. Its the same thing every year. The same old marching, the same old parachutes, the same old fly pass, the same old performances....

Can we think of something different to break away from the norm..??

I wonder why people would bother to BUY the tix on ebay when they are given out FREE...??!! The only thing I'm looking forward is the fireworks... This Saturday I feel like going to One Fullerton...

*psstttt.. I have a secret to tell you... next year's parade will be the same like the one on Wednesday... only that its not at the stadium..

2006-08-07T10:26:00.000+08:00

I don't know why I feel like I'm worrying about something and everything when its really nothing at all....

Or is it really something..??

Everything to me is so blurry to me, I guess what can make a load of burden off my mind, is a new job. Other than that, I don't see any other things coming against me....

Last evening, having nothing to do at home, I chilled out at Starbucks - airport. A lot of changes and major refurbishments going on, but that doesn't matter to me.

I just want to go and chill out somewhere......

2006-08-05T23:32:00.000+08:00

The Problem With Stress
It’s important to remember that a little bit of stress can be good for you, it only becomes a problem when you let it get on top of you. Persistent or regular stress can impact seriously on physical and psychological health because sustained high levels of the stress hormones can cause a range of nasty side effects.

Physical
High blood pressure
Continuously high heart rate and blood pressure causes headaches and increases the risk of abnormal heartbeats, heart attacks and strokes.

Susceptibility to infections
When you are stressed your immune system is suppressed and the body’s natural defences are down. Being stressed also slows the rate at which you can recover from illnesses.

Digestive problems
Prolonged stress can disrupt the digestive system causing diarrhoea, constipation, cramping, bloating or burning.

Skin problems
Stress is known to aggravate skin problems such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. It has also been linked to unexplained itchy skin rashes.

Pain
Continued stimulation of muscles through prolonged stress can lead to muscular pain such as backache.

Sexual problems
Stressful situations can lead to temporary impotence in men and an inability to achieve orgasm in women. Levels of reproductive hormones can also be effected, so stressed out women can stop having their periods, and both sexes can experience a drop in fertility.

Weight gain
Although some people loose weight, the over-riding trend is to gain weight when you are stressed. The balance of sugars and fats in your blood changes and you can start craving salty, fatty and sugary foods.

Tiredness
The tension of unresolved stress can cause sleep problems. A stressed out person will find it hard to sleep at normal times and may feel tired and lacking in energy during the day.

Emotional
Memory and learning
During the stress response, activity in certain areas at the front of the brain is suppressed, and this impairs short-term memory, concentration and learning ability.

Rational thought
When we are stressed, we often don’t think sensibly, and we may over-react to situations or behave totally out of character. This in turn can generate more stress because we worry why we are behaving irrationally. Stress makes us lose the ability to handle complex social or intellectual tasks.

Depression
The onset of depression is often linked with the inability to cope with stress. When the stresses in your life start making you feel overwhelmed and out of control, you may become depressed and anxious. When life pressures bear down on you from all sides, you can start to lack energy, lack a desire to get out and do things, and lack an interest in the outside world. These depressive feelings can also lead to other psychological problems such as eating disorders including anorexia and bulimia.

It’s important to remember that most negative medical symptoms can be corrected if you take action and control your stress levels. Many people feel stressed a lot of the time, and different people respond differently to stress, including having different coping strategies.

The Samaritans found that 1 in 7 people between the ages of 16-34 have felt suicidal at some point due to stress.

http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/nakedscience/stress/problems.asp

2006-08-05T00:16:00.000+08:00

This just came to mind, minutes after I log off from my last post.

I was listening to Incubus' 11am when it reminded me of Disneyland.

I had fond memories of it, and LA in a larger context. What makes me so fondly remember about Disneyland, despite the fact that I was there 6 years back, was the fireworks. And it was accompanied by a few Disney songs.

Magical and exhilerating.

Felt like I'm a kid all over again... haha...

I may sound a little cheesy, but when I've met my Miss Right, I would bring her to see the fieworks with me one day........... Thats a promise to myself....

Its just - breathless.....

2006-08-04T23:47:00.000+08:00

Some random thoughts

Spinelli. I was alone at Spinelli, The Heeren today. It was Friday-I-want-to-be-by-myself today...
I dug out some of my stuffs today too. That includes my CDs, notes, clothes..... I spent 2 hours playing Roller Coaster Tycoon 2... That was an old game.... Very addictive....hmm...
These week, I listened to a lot of old stuffs... Stuffs like my CDs that I bought ages ago, when I'm still schooling or when I'm in NS...
It would be another quiet weekend this week again...
I went window shopping for games... Somehow, I feel like playing games again... Something I have quit a long time ago... The RCT2 makes me miss all the games I played before.... Like Championship Manager 3...
Black Hawk Down is on AXN now, and its the only war-type movie that I have not watch, of all its kind..... Yet I prefer to be online rather than catching it on TV....
I staying up late definately today...... CH22 will be showing football at 1 am..
I felt a little funny this week..... I've been chilling out most of the time this week, and it feels like I have no worries in life....
I ran out of things to say... bye..... =)

2006-08-01T16:20:00.000+08:00

This was taken off from Today newspaper dated 01 August 2006, when a certain Derrick Ho wrote in under the paper's Voices column. I agree every bit of his points about courtesy...

"What do you do when you see someone looking lost?You offer directions, right?

When you accidentally elbow someone in the bus, you apologise, right?

Wrong.

Instead, you walk away, looking lost yourself. Instead, you glare at me as though my soft belly had caused an abrasion on your polished elbow. These are a few scenes that took place in Singapore which have made me long to return to where I had spent the last five months — a small, mid-western university town in Columbia, Missouri, void of such careless and inhospitable behaviour. I was guest to the little town with a population of 800,000 over the winter months while on an exchange programme at the University of Missouri earlier this year, and despite the temperatures dropping so low, it hardly felt cold.

People in the hostel and along the streets were warm and kind, always asking if my day was fine and where I was from, then sharing their anecdotes on the Vietnam war, or asking if I wanted
my latte extra hot because they know Singapore’s weather is never this cold — yes, Singapore is not as obscure as it used to be. People were sincere and nice. And those smiles — they never failed to make my day. I thought that because it was pretty obvious I was new to the town, the people felt obliged to make me feel at home.

But as weeks passed, I observed that people there were not just nice to foreigners, they were nice to everyone - themselves included. This is where the difference lies. In Singapore, we are only (if we even are) nice to foreigners. And that is why we will never move ahead in our service standards. If it’s not an innate reflex in us to be nice to ourselves, how can we be expected to be nice to others?

How are we to play host to thousands of international delegates when we won’t even treat ourselves with respect and graciousness? If you are a Singaporean or look/sound like one, Singapore Airlines is perhaps not such a great way to fly, simply because the blonde-haired guy next to you is sure to get more attention.

Be nice to the Singaporean?

No need lah. We are all family-family already, what’s there to be nice for? And, like our beloved Singapore Girl, we treat politeness as a way of making money — i.e. if we are nice, tourists will come back — rather than away to encourage the idea that all humans deserve to be treated well. It’s sad, but true.

But that’s not the case in Missouri.

Family or not, social graces and service standards don’t take the plunge. The Americans are equally cordial with each other at Wal-Mart counters — and no, we are not talking about scripted courtesy, but sincere enquiries suchas: “You look good today, did you find everything in the store fine?” that you can’t help but respond to. And when you become a familiar face, service standards rise even higher.

As a coffee-addict, I became a friend with whom Starbucks baristas knew they could joke; their service was prompt, consistent and I got an extra dollar of foam on my lattes without having to ask for it. My mum says it’s because Singaporeans are selfish and I agree. Given the mad rush, the pace of society, it’s hard not to be selfish. We have become so embroiled in our own needs that we have lost our sense of context.

We hardly consider the feelings of people around us. It’s a price we have paid for becoming one of the fastest countries to jump from being a developing to a developed state. Our society has become one that believes in the concept of “what you do unto me, I’ll do unto you”. That has to go. When it comes to being nice, we are still at the potty-training stage. And— as with potty training — there’s no better place to start than at home.

Be nice to your family and friends.

A simple “How was your day?” makes a huge difference. Then, move on to the community and society at large. Be nice to, for example, your lab assistants; show appreciation when someone goes out of his way to help; thank the ‘aunties’ who clear your trays at the canteen.

No culture will develop overnight, but there has to be a starting point somewhere. In a century in which there is a possibility that Singapore might lose out to other powers, it is our graciousness, the ability to host and the desire to make this tiny island an inviting place to work, live and grow, that will help us stand above other economic juggernauts."

2006-07-29T18:14:00.000+08:00

I guess I'm taking life a little slower than usual...

Its not like it used to be maybe 2 or 3 years ago, when everyday there's always something to do. When I'm not working, nowadays, I find myself more at home, rather than going out doing something. Age has caught up with me , and I feel my priorities in life have changed tremendously.

Its at this stage of life, when most of my friends are already tied down with marriage and kids, I took a different route. I do occasionally when I met with my relatives, when to most people late 20s is a nice period to be married, they asked me about when I'm going to tie the knot. I chose not to. For now.

I'm not alone in this.

I do feel, life is more about marriage. More about kids and housing. Or career, or cars.

Its about satisfaction. There's a lot of things that I wanted to do. Things that I have dreamt of doing them, but have yet to accomplished them. People always say, you can always do things, even when you are married. Its true. But your time is restricted, due to family commitments and such.

Its very easy for me to tie up with my single friends than the married ones if we wanted to meet up, despite the fact we were all busy working. Why? Its an obvious answer isn't it?

I was repeated interupted by the cat's meowing. Her little ones are not around and I could sense her distress to find her babies. But this has happened quite everyday. These little ones are mischevious and playful lot. And I would have to scout my whole block of flat to find them. Yesterday morning, all 4 disappeared. Its mum keeps coming back once in a while during the day, and then during this time of the evening, all 3 kittens came back.

Cute... =)

Town council officer came around the other day to inquire about these cats. Well, my cousin is willing to take all of them but in 3 weeks from now, coz she's moving and the kittens still to be breast-fed. So its a hassle for her now.

I find Orchard less appealing nowadays. Lazy to go there alone today. Unless I want to buy something.

But there's one thing I need to buy urgently now. Dinner. Parents in Malaysia. My sis went out with her friends. So dinner for myself, is like, own time own target.....

I think I drop by VideoEZY later...

2006-07-28T01:03:00.000+08:00

Singaporeans are generally nice people. But I don't seem to tolerate some bad habits.

Rudeness, insensitivity, loud, kiasuism, impatient.

But the best bad habit of all times, the one I hate the most, is kepoism. Thats my own word. Kepo-ism. Taxi drivers are the main culprits. Once I step into the taxi, I would be asked questions, personal or relatively general. I wonder sometimes, if I was being interviewed for a job...!!! I just don't wish to talk so much, or answer too many questions. Is it too much to ask for, when all I ask for is to be taken from A to B with peace and quietness..?

Ask this, ask that. Even when I've explained nicely and clearly, they asked the same questions. Again.

Ask this, ask that. Even when I've explained nicely and clearly, they asked the same questions. Again.

See what I mean..?? For normal people, once is already enough for you to understand. To repeat my answers, its either you are not listening, or its just plain stupidity. By then, the F word is just about to be let loose. But when I calm down a bit, why assume malice for what stupidity can explain.....

Another bad trait is selective blindness.

How many times when you are about to sit in the trains, when some stupid bastards just rushed and 'steal' your seat...? Twice, I have seen old aunties did that to me, but then its understandable.

How many times did you see people 'pretending' to sleep on the crowded bus conveniently, just as a pregnant woman boarded..? hah, for me, countless times...!!

I'm sorry for this bad post. I have a not-so-good day because I have to entertain people with bad attitudes. Or bad habits.

On my way back home, at the Little India station while waiting for the train 20 minutes before midnight, I am 90% sure I saw this guy, with whom I was being interviewed for a job in February. Awkward isn't it....?? Why, after a long and tiring day meeting with "stupidity" people, I have to come across with him..?? Deep in me, it would be nice & I would be grateful if I met my friends along the way. Or you, whoever you are, who reads this =)

I don't know how to construct a conversation with a guy who interviewed me for a job, which I eventually didn't get it.

I wonder why I bother to publish this post............. oh well.....

2006-07-24T01:29:00.000+08:00

I feel like saying something tonight, but I don't know what to blog about.

I had my thinking hat on, the whole of Sunday. Some random thoughts that came to mind, about life, religion, movies, music. Also about my friends, education, working environment. Shopping and food.

I don't have any real purpose for this post. Just some random stuffs I feel like typing, to take them off from my mind.

I don't feel like going out today. Like I said previously, most people aren't working on weekends, and everybody had the same idea of going to places. Unless crowds is a must, like concerts or clubbing, I rather have moderate crowd so its easier to move around. Even like you want to have a decent burger meal at BK seems like a disaster. Neither I have the mood to go online. Spent a good 3 hours in the afternoon taking a nap. Now I can't sleep. pffftt....

2006-07-22T11:33:00.000+08:00

Last Wednesday, I was visited by some officers from pest control company and caught all the 10 strays that have had been living in front of my house. I was unaware of their presence, until they rang my doorbell and when I answered the door, all 10 were in a small cage.

I was told that they would be put down as instructed by the town council. At that moment, my mum is still at home, and when she saw the kittens with their 2 mums in a cage, she cried on the spot. I was stumped for a while, I can't really think when I saw my crying mum, the officers and the cats in the cage. Frankly speaking, although they are strays who always come to my home asking for food, I can't really bear to see them in this state, and the fact that they will die.

I did negotiate with them, that if they released the cats, I will personally will give them away, or put them somewhere else, so as they will not be put down. After about a year with the 2 mum cats, and 3 - 5 months with the kittens, I don't have the heart to let them be taken away at that point.

That night, my family and I discussed this issue, on what course of actions that are best for these feline. The kittens are 3 months for the black ones, and are only one month old for the brown ones. The problem is that they still need their mothers for milk, and I can't separate the kittens from its mum. We unanimously agree that, if there are willing parties who would take care of them as a whole, then we would let them take the cats away.

How would you feel if you gave birth to your child, and after 3 months, I took away your baby for adoptions..?

We had so little time, and yesterday night after dinner, the black 'family' cats were released at Changi Village, I feel that was the most appropiate, since the kittens are able to be less dependable on its mother, although she still breast-feeds them.

Why Changi Village? Thats the only place, that are littered with stray cats and with hawker center nearby, I can only hope and pray for them. My younger sister is ok with the place, as she often bypass Changi Village for work at Airline House. She says she will drop by during lunch if she could, and after work sometimes to see how they are doing.

The same can't be done to the brown ones. The kittens are a month old, and they are still with me now.

I know my actions and decisions to leave the cats at Changi Village are questionable. I myself am pretty upset, given a choice, I would let them roam the corridors and the roof top garden. Let them play and "fight" among themselves, they are after all a playful bunch of siblings. They will sleep wherever they like. Sometimes, at my doorsteps, at the garden, the carpark in front of my house or the void deck.

We have never kept cats as pets, my mum has asmatic problems. Its only January this year, that the 2 mother cats appeared out of nowhere in front of my door one morning.

Nevertheless, I had to do something about the cats. Wheather or not, there are willing parties to take the cats, I have to put the cats elsewhere.

Because for me, I rather have them roam the streets or food centres, than have them dead by now, if I let the officers took them last Wednesday.

2006-07-18T00:50:00.000+08:00

Just came home from Orchard today, and I got myself the Belle And Sebastian - The Life Pursuit album....!!

I've been looking forward to grab a copy of some of their albums, and I'm overjoyed when I saw a wide range of their albums on HMV shelves. For months, I have been scouting Gramophone, HMV and some other record stores, and none carries the titles... I was advised by a Gramophone staffs last month to place an order with them...... Acccording to him, no local supplier brings the band's albums to Singapore....

A pleasant surprise, that is, when I visited HMV at Hereen this afternoon.... I walked over to Gramophone at Paragon, and behold, most of Belle And Sebastian's albums are on sale, albeit the price that I feel a bit too steep... But that doesn't matter to me though, as long I grab hold one of which, is in my hands... =)

I was with a friend and we did our "rounds" at Cineleisure, Paragon and The Heeren before settling down at Spinelli. I never wanted to buy anything initially, just scouting some items that may be on sale... But the album is must-buy to me.... I have some rough idea what to buy for myself, I just have to wait for my next pay check...

I'm off to Peninsula tommorrow... Some of my old levis need some "stitching" attention....

Oh yeah... I met my old buddy from NS... He's working at Adidas Paragon..... What a pleasant suprise, its been years since I last met him in Tampines....

I had fun today.... I know, coz I got my prized CD in my hands.... =)

2006-07-15T21:08:00.000+08:00

I was browsing through youtube when I stumbled upon Sheila On 7's Berhenti Berharap. Literally translated - Stop Hoping.

It was one of the most beautiful ballads I ever heard, and its tunes kept ringing in my head today. Its quite some time I haven't heard it.

2006-07-15T14:58:00.000+08:00

This week seems so tiring....

I've been doing mornings, and for everyday I left home early at 5.20am, only to reach home in the evenings. Nothing much to say though, physically and mentally tired, and I'm still resting at home. I've wanted to go out today.... hhmm... somehow the crowd in Orchard seems to put me off...since its a weekend...

I guess I'll be dropping by Arab Street and Bugis later in the afternoon, if I'm still not tired...

2006-07-08T17:43:00.000+08:00

One thing about quizzes or horoscopes, is that I'm not sure if its true in real life, or not. I do not really take seriously in what they say about the future or about yourself, but I think its more like a checklist or mirror to yourself. I'm not expert in these things, I feel that horoscopes, the chinese zodiac or personality test like this one, are fields of human behavioural studies.

I find that fortune tellers are not relevent (I'm sorry if you are firm believer of one, everybody's entitle to their own opinions). We are all, after all, are human beings, not some super-power being which can predict what will happen in 10 years time. Normal people, like you and me, can't even tell whats' to happen even tommorrow, much less fortune tellers who live life like we all do...

I can't recall if I have posted this result from this personality quiz in my previous posts, I have them posted anyway. Weather its true or false about me, you will be the judge of it. If I were to describe myself, I guess I would be biased , isn't it..??
http://www.quizbox.com/personality/test82.aspx

Your view on yourself:
You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.

The seriousness of your love:
You are very serious about relationships and aren't interested in wasting time with people you don't really like. If you meet the right person, you will fall deeply and beautifully in love.

Your views on education:
Education is less important than the real world out there, away from the classroom. Deep inside you want to start working, earning money and living on your own.

The right job for you:
You have many goals and want to achieve as much as you can. The jobs you enjoy are those that let you burn off your considerable excess energy.

How do you view success:
You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.

What are you most afraid of:
You are afraid of things that you cannot control. Sometimes you show your anger to cover up how you feel.

Who is your true self:
You are full of energy and confidence. You are unpredictable, with moods changing as quickly as an ocean. You might occasionally be calm and still, but never for long.

2006-07-07T23:38:00.000+08:00

I had a good laugh at the pepsi ads when I went to watch a movie this morning. If you have not watched it, click the ads on the right..... =)

2006-07-07T14:49:00.000+08:00

I have officially resigned from the company. I'm not naming it because I feel its not appropriate to go public, since I'm not working there anymore. MSN me if you want details.

I went there at 8.30am as norm, instead of starting my work, I tendered my resignation to HR. We went through our contract, and we came to conclusions on certain aspects such as remunerations. That is one load off my mind. I guess if you are happy doing the things, you don't really mind putting time and efforts into it. But if you aren't, no point in forcing yourselves, you ended up feeling miserable.

I just got a phone call from them just 5 mins ago, its from my former department. She says that she's planning to send me for training next week. She have heard about my resignation and wondered if I'm sill interested, so as she could process my name. I turned her down, plainly saying I have had already had other commitments.

Here's the best part : There's another girl who started on Monday, same as me, and we sat just opposite of each other in the office. Yesterday, another staff (I presume she's arranged all the trainings etc etc) informed her to attend training the whole of next week, in front of me. Both of us are new staffs, but I was wondering then, why is it that she's the only one who got to attend it...??

And now when I'm already not interested to continue, you called me to say about the traning..?? Isn't it a case of a little too late now...?? Why wasn't I informed yesterday together with the other new staff..?? I'm not feeling angry, but this makes me felt left out, since we both applied for the same position. If you based on merits, I guess both of us, the new staffs, are about the same. I simply don't get it...!!

Enough said, since I'm not a part of the company, I shall not continue rambling on this issue..... I feel its pointless..

I had the whole day to myself, I had my breakfast at Tekka first and headed to PS for Thank You For Smoking movie later. Its the first movie of the day (I think), I had this urge to catch a movie this morning.....

2006-07-06T20:31:00.000+08:00

These past 4 days are like so blurry to me.

I have started on a new job since Monday, 0830hrs to 1800hrs for 5 days a week. Its so tiring, I slept quite early the past 3 days. And I miss watching the semis of the World Cup - live. I'm not so used to working during office hours. I miss my shift-hours, somehow I have some time for myself in the mornings, or afternoons. But now, its like already evenings when I reached home.

Honestly speaking, I'm still not used to the environment, I don't feel like coming in tommorrow. Its work since day one, and I hardly communicate with my new colleagues, and its like "Morning", "Had your lunch?" or "See you tommorrow" everyday. Nothing much. Maybe a small talk here and there, and then its me and my laptop. I'm so engrossed in learning the new things, I just can't be bothered whats' happening around me.

I have this feeling this is not the one I will looking forward to, maybe in 2 or 3 years. I'm not too enthusiastic about it. Don't be suprise if I let this go so early, I'm expecting it. Thank God, I have not resigned from my previous job. My boss is kind enough to let me go on unpaid leave this week till next Friday for me to sort out things in my new workplace.

I had nothing to rant about, except maybe this. I'm looking forward to weekends. I'm beginning to appreciate weekends even more now. How precious these 2 days are...!!

2006-07-02T12:03:00.000+08:00

For those who studied in Singaporean primary schools, remember these? Well, this really brings back so much memories. Heartwarming and a little funny the things we used to do. Sit,enjoy and think back about the past. Were you one of these?

50 Things You Did In Primary School

1. You grew up watching He-man, Transformers, Silver hawk and Mickey Mouse. Not to forget, Ninja turtles and Smurfs too.
2. You grew up brushing your teeth with a mug in Primary school during recess time. You will squat by a drain with all your classmates beside you, and brush your teeth with a coloured mug. The teachers said you must brush each side 10 times too.
3. You know what's Bin(1) Fen(1) Ba (1) San(1) is all about.
4. You know what SBC stands for.
5. You were there when the first chinese serial, the Awakening was shown on TV.
6. Internet? What the hell is that? So you thought a decade or more ago.
7. You find your friends with pagers and handphone cool in Secondary school.
8. SBS buses used to be non-airconditioned. The bus seats are made of wood and the cushion is red. The big red bell gives a loud BEEEP! when pressed.There are colourful tickets for TIBS buses. The conductor will check for tickets by using a machine which punches a hole on the ticket.
9. Your favourite actor and actress is Huang Wenyong and Xiangyun. Next is Lee Nanxing and Zoe Tay and the Aiyoyo woman.
10. You've probably read Young Generation magazine. You know who's Vinny the little vampire and Acai the constable.
11. You were there when they first introduced MRT here. You went for the first ride with your parents and you would kneel on the seat to see the scenery.
12. Movie tickets used to cost only $3.50.
13. Gals are fascinated by Strawberry Short Cake and Barbie Dolls.
14. You learn to laugh like The Count in Sesame Street.
15. You longed to buy tibits called Kaka(20 cents per pack) and Ding Dang(50 cents per box), that had a toy in it and it changes every week not forgetting the 15 cents animal crackers and the ring pop,
where the lollipop is the diamond on the ring.
16. You watched TV2 (also known as Channel 10) cartoons because Channel 5 never had enough cartoons for you.
17. All that you know about Cantonese is from the Hong Kong serials you watched on TV2.
18.Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, The Three Investigators, Famous Five and Secret Seven are probably the thickest story books you ever thought you have read. Even SweetValley High and Malory Towers.
19.Civics and Moral Education was "Hao3 Gong1 Min2".
20. KFC used to be a high class restaurant that serve food in plates and let you use metal forks and knives.
21. The most vulgar thing you said was asshole and idiot and THE MOST EXTREME WAS 'super white'...you just couldn't bring yourself to say the hokkien relative.
22. Catching was the IN thing and twist the magic word.
23. Your English workbooks was made of some damn poor quality paper that was smooth and yellow.
24. CDIS was your best friend.
25. The only computer lessons in school involved funny pixellised characters in 16 colours walking about trying to teach you maths.
26. Waterbottles were slinged around your neck and a must everywhere you go.
27. Boys loved to play soccer with small tennis balls in the basketball court or play something that uses tennis ball to hit other players known as "HUM TAM BOLA" during recess / after school
28. Hopskotch, five stones,chateh and zero point were all the rage with the girls and boys too...
29. Science was fun with the balsam and the angsana being the most important plants of our lives.
30. Who can forget Ahmad, Bala, Sumei and John, eternalized in our minds from the textbooks. Even Mr Wally.
31. You did stupid exercises like seal crawl and frog jumps.
32. Every children's day and national day you either get pins or pens with 'Happy Children's Day 1993' or dumb files with Happy National Day 1994'.
33. In Primary six you had to play buddy for the younger kids like big sister and brother.
34. Chinese teachers were always old, boring and damn fierce looking.
35. Your form teacher taught you maths, science and english.
36. The worksheets were made of brown rough paper of poor quality.
37. You went to school in slippers and a raincoat when it rained, and you find a dry spot in the school to sit down, dry your feet, and wear your dry and warm socks and shoes.
38. Famous Chinese singers were only Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok and Leon Lai.
39. School dismissal time was normally around 1 pm.
40. There would be spelling tests and mental sums to do almost everyday.
41. Your friends considered you lucky and rich if your parents gave you $3 or more for pocket money everyday.
42. During class gatherings, parents always tag along in case someone gets lost at Orchard Road.
43. You freak out when the teacher tells you to line up according to height and hold hands with the corresponding boy or girl.
44. Handkerchiefs were a must for both genders.
45. Collecting notebooks and all kinds of stationery was a popular thing.
46. Autograph books were loaded with "Best Wishes", "Forget Me Not", and small poems like "Bird fly high, hard to catch. Friend like you, hard to forget".
47. Class monitors and prefects loved to say "You talk somemore, I write your name ah!"
48. There were at least 40 people in one class.
49. Large, colourful schoolbags were carried.
50. You brought every single book to school, even though there was one thing called the timetable.

2006-07-01T17:14:00.000+08:00

I was at home the whole day today, in front of my pc most of the time, when I had the urge to have coffee.

Not just any coffee, nescafe or whatever common housebrand that most people use, or the coffee most people buy from coffee shop, starbucks or such, but this type of coffee from Malacca, that I will bring back if I went over there.

This particular brand, I don't know wheather if its a popular brand in the Malayan Peninsula, brings me back the old times when I was younger. I remembered, for every Hari Raya during my primary school years, my dad will drive us up to my grandparents' place in Malacca. Its nice isn't it..?? Get to celebrate in two countries, and honestly speaking, the festive of Hari Raya can be felt more in Malaysia than Singapore.

Getting back to coffee, I remembered the smell of it. The aroma of the coffee that my late grandad had every morning. Its smells like Issey Miyake or Tommy Hilfiger to me. So nice and fragrant. Now when I had this drink in front of me, I was reminded of so many memories in Malacca when I was a lot younger, that time.

I remembered the big house that my grandparents used to live in, with a little shop next to it, the one my grandad would run it everyday. *smiles* I remembered taking little, little things like sweets or snacks from the shelves without having to pay, because the shop belonged to my grandad. I still remembered the 'kampung' kids whom I played with each afternoon, and when its evening time, my grandmother would take out a box full of firecrackers. All the different sorts of firecrackers, you name it, my grandmother would keep for me some, as she knows, we would come back to her house eventually... as you know firecrackers are banned in Singapore... I can also remembered the old car. Its a vintage, just like those in the 70's. And my grandad would bring me around in it, when he went to order some stock for his shop.

And I still can remember, distinctively, that the house and the shop, were just opposite of the sea, separated by 2-lane road. There was this time, one night, when my grandad and me were by the beach, I really need to pee. In total darkness, I just pulled down my shorts and did my business after he reassured me that he would stand by me. Its not darkness that scares me, its just that I was afraid of ghosts. I was 8 then..

Each time it rains at night, I can hear the tittering of rain on the zinc roof and the thunder roaring. When morning comes, I can smell the fresh morning, after-rain air. And of course, my grandad's coffee...

Fast forward 15 years later, I enjoyed my cup of coffee. The house and shop were no more there. Torn down for oil refinery project. I had some pictures of them somewhere, I can't recall where I have put them. But the memories of yesteryears still remains in my heart.

Thanks to a cup of coffee.

2006-06-28T18:15:00.000+08:00

**I still had this in my mailbox dated way back in 2003.... Try answer the questions, its interesting... =)

Here's a quiz that's sure to get your heads spinning!

This one might leave you feeling a bit more foolish than the rest. See how many you can get without peeking at the answers below. If you are still kicking, try out the questions on that know-it-all brother of yours.............

1. Where can anybody sit but you, sit?
2. Why would a cleaning person prefer to wash a mirror than a window of the same size, assuming both are easily accessible?
3. How can you throw a ball so that it will reverse direction and return to you without the ball bouncing against or touching any solid objects?
4. Your bed and a light switch are 5 metres apart. Without using any object or mehanical devices - no pole, no remote switch - how can you turn off the light and get into bed before the room is dark?
5. Rusty's Montana Cabin is almost buried in snow, and the temperature is 25 below zero.Rusty's eyes moves from the single match he has in his hand to a candle, an oil lamp and a fire place with kindling - all ready to be lit. Which one does he lit first?
6. What common mechanised transports in New York (120,000 of them) carry 3 times as many passengers daily as all the city's subwaysm, trains, buses, cars and taxis combined?
7. Why didn't William Howard Taft run for a third term as US President?
8. What is cowhide chiefly used for?
9. Can you rearrange these letters into one long word word : dooronegwl ?
10. If Queen Victoria was livng today, what would she be most noted for?
11. The maker doesn't want it; the buyer doesn't use it; and the user doesn't see it. What is it?
12. Before Mount Everest was discoverd, what was the highest mountain on earth?
13. Clara Clatter was born on December 27, yet her birthday is always in the summer. How is this possible?
14. In what year did Christmas and New Year's Day fall in the same year?
15. A woman in Singapore married 10 different men from that country, yet she did not break any laws. None of these men died, and she was never divorced. How was this possible?
16. Which is correct to say........ "The yolk of the egg is white" or "The yolk of the egg are white" ?
17. An electrician and a plumber were waiting in line for admission to the International Home Show. One of them was the father of the other's son. How could this possibly be?
18. Can a roman Catholic marry his widow's wife?
19. How many animals of each sex did Moses take on the Ark?

Answers :
1. Your lap
2. A mirror usually has one side
3. Throw the ball straight up
4. Go to bed during daylight
5. The match
6. Elevators (lifts)
7. He was never elected to a second term.
8. For holding cows together.
9. One Long Word
10. Her age
11. A coffin
12. Mount Everest (it just hadn't been discovered)
13. Clara lives in the southern hemisphere
14. They fall in the same year every year. New Year's Day arrives very early in the year and Christmas arrives very late in the year.
15. The lady was a Justice of the Peace.
16. Neither. The yolk of the egg is yellow.
17. They were husband and wife.
18. No. A dead man can marry no-one.
19. Moses took no animals. It was Noah on the Ark.

2006-06-27T18:18:00.000+08:00

25 signs you have grown up

1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can't smoke any of them.
2. Having sex in a single bed is out of the question.
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
4. 6:00 am is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favourite song in an elevator.
6. You watch the Weather Channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of "hook up" and "break up."
8. You go from 130 days of holidays to 20.
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."
10. You're the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next door won't turn down the stereo.
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
12: When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them instead of asking "Oh s*$# - what happened?"
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
14. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald's leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
16. You take naps from noon to 6 pm.
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 am would severely upset, rather than settle, your stomach.
19. If you're a gal, you go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good stuff."
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
22. "I just can't drink the way I used to" replaces "I'm never going to drink that much again."
23. 90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
25. You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that doesn't apply to you and can't find one to save your sorry old butt...lol!