Missing stuff ...

Life is getting a little boring here with nothing much to do. No visitors from overseas, no big bang parties. I guess it is due to our recent purchase of our home that we feel nowhere else can be more comfortable than being at home.

 

We haven't really found the strength and energy to go shop for some missing items of the house. I am still missing two side tables and a television console for my bedroom. Did I blog about this already? : )   Of course, we are still missing a wardrobe in the guest room too but that can wait.

 

I frankly can't wait to get myself the television console because my sound system is still at Marine Parade and I miss listening to the radio while in bed.

 

There are so many things I miss actually. CD racks, book racks and photo albums. I still have a few cartons of items I left behind at my parents' place and the things in the cartons are things I collected throughout my teenage years. I think I also will need a display cabinet or whatever you call that.

 

It'll take time I guess since weekends are pretty busy entertaining family.

Bra Talk ...

No typo, no blurred eyes. Indeed am writing about bras today. Bra talk, not Breadtalk.

 

Well, you must wonder why the sudden interest in this topic.

 

My wife often comes up to me asking me if her bra was showing under some other cloth she has over her and I would always tell her it looks fine even with the lacy prints showing. ( Did I use the right term? )  

 

As an open minded chap like myself, I think it is fine to have those designs stick out as long as it isn't something else sticking out. You know what I mean right?

 

I think all men out there would think it is normal having a little bra being revealed but men would think even naughtier if they realised nothing else was below the blouse the ladies wear above their skin so isn't it better showing some lacy prints instead to make sure men think straight.

 

Oh, talking about lingerie, a guy friend just told me about his massive collection of sexy lingerie. I wonder whaton earth does he do with it. I certainly hope it is not for cross dressing because I don't think he'll look better than me in a dress.

 

Lost and found ...

I always thought the term "lost and found" to be pretty amusing. I should perhaps write my thoughts about it the next time I sit at home with a computer.

Anyway, I found a latest model of a Sony Ericsson phone this afternoon and sent it out to the police station so that the item can be found by the lost owner. :)

Ok, I wonder who got lost first. Was it the phone or the owner? Beats me.

Catching planes ...

My in-laws are back and am at the airport awaiting their arrival typing this blog.

With nothing much to do, I tried snapping photos with my camera phone but the effects suck. If only I purchased one of those SLR cameras.

Its funny. My father-in-law called and asked me to return home and hear this, it's a funny reason.

He heard some chaps coughing and is pretty much afraid that he might be carrying some H1N1 virus. Afterall, he came back from a place with the virus HK.

I told him it was ok and that it didn't bother me since we do know the flu can be cured and is likely just another strain of virus.

Anyway, check out the photo. Lousy huh?

A quiet morning swim ...

Besides the sun being out, no one else seems interested to enjoy the swimming pool as much as us. Perhaps its a work day thus no one has the time to take a dip in the pool.

I managed to do a few laps and that's it. I was punctured. I was gasping for air and the muscles ached a little. It was time to stop after swimming for only 15 minutes or so.

I used to do better in terms of speed and stamina. Sandy urged me on but I gave up. Anything more would likely lead to heavy consequences - water entering my lungs.

Swine flu ...

The swine flu has hit America as well as some European nations and it seems to be coming in the direction of Asia now.

Can you remember what it was like during the days when Asia was hit by the SARS outbreak?

It was a common sight to see people wearing masks and everyone was paranoid whenever someone coughed or sneezed. Looks like it is going to be a repeat of what hit us in 2003.

Tourism came to a halt, the economy went berserk and people were dying every day.

The governments sent a red-alert signal across nations and placed barricades to try and stop the bacteria from forcing its way through the immigration borders.

Thankfully the Singapore government did well and managed to get us out of further deaths within a month or two and I am sure this time round, we'll have more than enough ammunition to fight out this swine flu but let's hope it won't be as serious as how it was in 2003.

I can only picture the winners out of this ordeal - makers of protective masks and bacteria fighting cleaning solutions.

Luis is turning 1 this May ...

A year ago, Luis was delivered in Mount Alvernia and very soon, he'll turn one next month.

Seeing him grow up a healthy boy surely brings smiles to us all.

I believe Luis is going to be a cheeky boy and surely a playful chap when he grows older and that is what's going to excite all of us later on as we wonder if he is going to take on his father's traits.

Here is a photo of him in the midst of a gambling session. Too young to learn the game of mahjong?

Sushi making ...

Finally I got to eat sushi that was made by my sis-in-law. The last time she said she'll make it for me was more than a decade ago. Yes, 12 years is surely a long wait but what matters most is I finally got to savour the delicious handrolls and makis she made with her own hands.

Check out the video and see if you'll like to place some orders with her too but bear in mind that you might only eat it after another 10 years.

By the way, I am sorry you might need to tilt your head to watch the video. : )

A mothers' celebration ...

Having three cakes together seems to be pretty unusual but that is what happens when there are three birthday celebrations that take place at the same time.

Happy Birthday to Grandma, Mum and Godma!

May their days be filled with great health and lots of happiness!

Thank you to Weisheng for the cakes which he has contributed. Indeed a very filial son and a supportive brother too.

Junsheng, it'll be your turn in a few years so start working hard now.

Fatty liver ...

It's been a week and I have not yet received news from the doctor regarding
the medical tests I did last week. It is good news isn't it? At least for
now it is. The nurses told me if anything goes wrong with the results, I
will be notified immediately so fingers crossed.

I can roughly tell what is wrong with the body through my daily lifestyle.
High cholesterol is a sure thing but diabetes has so far not been detected
all these while so I guess that one shouldn't be on the list of my worries.
Afterall, I don't drink a lot of soft drinks.

When I stepped on the weighing scale last week, the nurse told me to watch
my weight as the scale shows a little more than I should be. Wait. I am not
obese. I just have 24% fats in my body which I will try to rid off. Frankly,
if I had 24% of fats in my body, I wonder how much more would my other
friends have. : )

So blood was taken, ultrasound in the stomach was done and guess what? I
have fatty liver. Reason behind it is once again lifestyle. Alcohol, oily
and fatty food is what I will need to avoid. I guess my meals will have to
consist of more sushi, sashimi and importantly adequate servings of green
leafy veggie. I will cut down on beef and pork but more chicken breast
without the delicious skin. Darn! I will also need to cut down on eggs but
frankly, I don't eat much of them.

Yes, exercise is most important given my unhealthy lifestyle. Sandy plans to
jog with me in the evenings after work and we'll do some laps in the
swimming pool. My buddies have also asked me to play basketball on a weekly
basis but that again died off after only one attempt. Maybe I should just do
something I loved so much when I was younger – put on those blades and show
off some stunts or maybe, cycling. Talking about that, I need to move my
bicycle to Simei. Oh, the other two items I need so badly would be my
keyboard for composing music as well as my Bose system.

Back to the topic about my medical check-up, I was informed by the doctor
that there are some lumps found in the neck and that can be scary after
seeing what my grandmother went through. She didn't eat for many months.
Ouch! That thought just kills me completely.

Anyway, let's try not to worry too much about such. We'll just leave it to
the doctors to reveal whatever they are supposed to and until that time
comes, I'll just live my life like how I want it to be. Merry and Happy!
Come what may, I'll ward it off at a later stage so don't worry. I'll still
be who I am. The one and only Mark Chong you'll ever know.

The day Heaven shook my hand ...

In bad economic times, people seek religion to subdue their fears of instability and I am one of those who do the same.

 

Frankly, I was astonished when I had such a close encounter with the subject and I never thought I'll ever stand that close to Heaven.

 

I always heard that Heaven and Hell were separated by only one thin line but not many can tell the story about what both places have in them. A rosy garden versus a fiery oven? I don't know.

 

As usual, I do think a little too much. Have I been good or have I been bad. Do I deserve the finer things in life or do I not.

 

As we often hear preachers talk about Heaven, I always wondered how heaven really look like.

 

Within minutes, the news spread. Heaven has arrived at her new work place.

 

While Heaven was introduced as she made her rounds with a HR colleague, I sat at my chair nervous.  Like every new face in the company, Heaven was shown her way around the many desks filled with files and more files. I too didn't escape from this really difficult taks. The number of people you had to meet and the names you had to remember did cause me anxiety then.

 

Finally, they made their way to my desk and as Heaven approached, she reached out her hand and introduced herself politely.

 

Aren't we all glad now that Heaven is going to be on our side at least for the next couple of months at work? What more can we ask for in times of trouble.

A rainbow birthday ...

In an hour's time I will hit the big 3. Yes, I will be 30.

So what happens when one turns thirty from twenty nine? The cake gets lesser candles.

As usual, birthday week is often lined up with dinners and get together with family and friends. What else can we do but eat in Singapore? Frankly, I enjoy eating and having the company of family and friends so this is always a great excuse to be with them or should I say, it is a very good excuse for them to be with me. Both ways only benefit me. Just think of all the delicacies one gets to enjoy in the birthday month.

All these 30 years, I had my fair share of birthday parties, surprise parties, get-drunk parties and sex parties. Ok, kidding. Haven't been to a sex party just yet.

I often try to recall the birthday parties I have had. From MacDonald's to high end hotel parties, I had them all. My parents dote on me so much that they make every effort to throw a party for me and my friends whenever possible.

I can still remember how I spent my 17 year old party at the Pan Pacific hotel and the gifts my parents and my godparents bought me. At that time, Sandy hasn't entered my life fully. We were only acquaintances from the January 1997 orientation at school.

That year's party had all my close friends with me. Hanwen, Edwin, Timothy and Yiliang. Sadly, am only in contact with Hanwen and Edwin. I guess that's life. We thread on certain journey together and after that phase of journey passes, we split ways.

Now as I am turning 30, I sit back and think of my life. Frankly, I have it all. I can be considered pretty lucky in life. In terms of affinity and career, it is sailing pretty well. The occassional storm comes and goes but I know at the end of it all, I make it and make it pretty good. So what more can I ask for?

At times I feel like a lost child even though I turn 30 at the stroke of midnight. I acheived most of my goals ( except for little Mark / Sandy) and I crave for more. Cravings can be dangerous if kept unsupervised. The more ambitious one gets, the harder he falls. I guess at the age of 30, I should just let the year pass me by slowly and gently and let loose the tight reins I have forcefully held on. It is time to relax a bit and enjoy a little.

For now, I shall sit back and enjoy the beautiful sound coming from the sound system that sits in my living room. Happy 30th Birthday Mark! May all your wishes come true and may you find lots of happiness in the many more years to come.

2 Nights with X-Japan ...

All it took was for Yoshiki's ivory keys to bring me tears and what was even more emotional was that after 14 years of dreaming that I finally made it to watch my first X-Japan concert live in Hong Kong.

Now listen, I watched it twice in Hong Kong in two consecutive days.

Of course, after the concert ended on the second night, reality became a dream of memories all again.

I am now looking forward to hearing news about the next concert and hopefully that'll happen in the next couple of months in either Beijing or Shanghai.

I will try all means to make the dream come true yet again. Of course, the biggest dream is to watch it on New Year's eve in Tokyo Dome. Hopefully, I'll have that dream come true by end 2009.

X-Japan sure played an important part of my life and I will always keep those memories close to my heart.

The moments I have been waiting for ...

This two weeks will surely bring me lots of unforgetable moments.

Firstly, I will be heading off to Hong Kong to watch my beloved X-Japan's concert and this has been something I have been looking forward since 1996 and my, that's a long wait of 12 to 13 years.

X-Japan has been my favourite musicians all these while and I have been waiting for this day to come whereby I can watch them right before my eyes. On Saturday, this will be a dream come true for me.

When I was younger, I used to urge my father to purchase as many LDs ( Laser discs) for me from Japan and thinking about it, at the age of 17, I already started online purchases by ordering their merchandise, CDs, books and posters. Frankly, I cannot wait to have all these displayed in my new home.

Talking about my new home, I am going to move in next Friday and wait till you hear this - I have yet to collect my house keys and will only collect it next Tuesday after I return from my trip.

Sandy and I will rush through everything. From painting to cleaning so that we can move in before the Lunar New Year and yet again, another dream come true for me because all these years I have been waiting to have my own home and my own living space.

Am happy I will be able to have a place where I can sit happily to appreciate my DVDs. I wonder if I will be able to get my hands on a Laser Disc player because if I did, I will be able to entertain myself with the numerous X-Japan concert discs.

Wish me luck and I certainly hope in two weeks time, I will be blogging about my new home and what joy it has brought me and Sandy.

Worrying ...

I just recently read a book by the name of 'Why Worry!' by K Sri Dhammananda. It isn't exactly a religious book despite it being written by a Buddhist teacher but there was a very interesting metaphor he mentioned.

He mentioned something about people with lots of worries and paranoid by nature and these were people who made the lives of others unhappy especially those in the family.

I kind of felt that this was a rather true reflection and I have learnt that one should not worry too much or show others his worries. One should not be paranoid and instead of filling the head with negative thoughts, one should try to fill it joyous thoughts that influence others.

I guess I'll share more about my thoughts on the book in another posting as Sandy is now rushing me to get off the computer as she wants to use it to watch her DVD.

ERP and transport fares ...

Just in the year 2007 / 08 and those were when times were better, the government increased ERP fares as well as public transport fares and I repeat, it was when times were good.

Articles splashed all over the papers nowadays show slow or even negative growth and yet the government has not made any adjustments to bring such living costs down.

When the bus fare hike was announced, it was mostly on the basis that oil prices have risen so much that bus transport companies were losing bits of their profits and thus a rise in fares was required but today, the explanation was different. The prices have to stay where they are now and not come down because competition was stiff and bus companies needed to expand their business and maintain the fleets of buses.

I sort of found it silly but what to do? That's life isn't it? When such fares increase, our salaries hardly increase and I wonder employees in such public transport companies, are they also not getting an increase despite profits raked in? Is this fair? I dare not comment.

After 10 years ...

I remembered reading the bible 10 years ago and I was pretty close to completing both the new testament as well as old testament. Bet you didn't know that and this might be a shocker too, I used to go to church pretty regularly too.

Anyway, don't ask me further but I thought I'll share my experience about my visit to a church after 10 years.

My mother-in-law was baptized this afternoon at a church in the eastern side of Singapore and Sandy, Beatrice and I witnessed the event.

I sat and listened to the sermon patiently and pretty attentively. I heard every word the pastor spoke but at the same time I looked all around me. It was quite a big congregation that was present at the chapel hall but I was rather disappointed with the behavior of some fellow church goers.

There were people who talked loudly on their mobile phones while some were dozing off and sending text messages. This wasn't something I experienced when I was in the previous church I attended. I felt really uncomfortable seeing the many people who were not sensitive to the people around. Perhaps, Singaporeans really don't know their manners. They don't know how to behave.

Forget the incident at the church. If such a thing can happen at a church, why not cinemas? We still experience fellow movie buffs having their phones ringing in the middle of a show. Again, I think Singaporeans really need to learn to be graceful just like what our government campaigns are about. It is sad but it is true that this happens in a country like Singapore. Maybe the government should put a hefty price tag to this - yet another fine imposed.

Back to the church event earlier, I felt like visiting old friends at my previous church at Cambridge Road. Pastor Richard, Collidear and if Timothy is still around, it'll be nice to re-visit those days with him again. Frankly, I miss that chap.

Farewell 2008 ...

2008 brought me lots of joy and it sure will be one of the years which I will remember most.

At the beginning of the year, a big party awaited us as my buddy Hanwen and Clara had their customary wedding dinner in February 08.

The months that followed were also very exciting as Sandy and I prepared for our own wedding in June 08. Wedding invites, schedules as well as work kept me busy.

On 7 June 08, Sandy and I finally tied the knot at the Amara Sanctuary in Sentosa.

Just right after our wedding, we embarked on a honeymoon that went very well. I guess it was the companion of best friends as well as a splendid choice of location in Japan that made the honeymoon a perfect honeymoon.

In the second half of the year saw a change in job for me as I explored other opportunities within the same industry and that was when I joined GMAC in August 08. It was indeed another good choice I made.

In Oct 08, my younger brother Weisheng entered the army to do his duty for the nation just like every other able bodied man in Singapore. I have to say this is going to be a rather life changing experience for him and it is only now that we all know he is a grown up and will be able to fend himself along life's journey. He is no longer that little boy we all had. He is now a soldier that will fight enemies when the time arises.

In November 08, Sandy and I found a place we'll call home at Melville Park. This is going to be the biggest investment that both of us have made together and this is also going to be the place where I can hide from the world. With peace and serenity, I am sure my new home is going to be the place I want to be most of the time. We are looking at moving in Feb 09 - hopefully.

I guess the main highlights of the year was my wedding as well as my purchase of home therefore 2008 is the best year for me despite the numerous negative news that impacted the market, causing it to fall into an economic downturn.

However, there is something which I wasn't able to fulfil in the year and that was to move into my new home before 2009 as that was one wish I had when I counted down to 2008 but nevertheless, I have found a place and that is what is really important for me and Sandy.

Ups and downs we faced together, Sandy and I will surely keep these memories of 2008 and these memories will surely last a lifetime ... but before we chuck aside these memories, I guess we would like to thank the many people who attended our biggest party in our lives - our wedding. We want to thank everyone for the well wishes as well as the many foreign guests that took the time and effort to attend our wedding.

We would also like to thank our families especially my parents and godparents for helping me out with the wedding preparations, of course not forgetting Beatrice and my other close friends who also played a part to make our wedding a success. 2008 is a highlight of our lives and we thank you for contributing postively to it.

As we bid farewell to 2008, I am sure 2009 will be a better year for us all. Let's look at it postively and walk the journey together.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ...!

I know it has been a while since I last updated this blog and this could likely be the last blog before the year ends but I hope in 2009, I would be able to carry on posting regularly to this blog as this is a platform for my friends and family to know more about what's going on with my life.

 

Perhaps you can look forward to reading about some of my accomplishments for 2008 and what I want for 2009.

 

Until then, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the days of 2009 be filled with lots of laughter and joy.

The rainbow after the rain ...

I hear this pretty often but I never really gave it much thought about it.

Rain often brings people like us lots of inconveniences. Umbrellas and getting our selves soaked wet but what happens after a downpour?

A cooler climate which Singaporeans tend to enjoy better and a possibility of a colorful rainbow across the skies. Without rain, rainbows will not present itself. Without bad days, what good are happy days?

So the next time when you feel like life is getting tough and you are feeling miserable, believe this. Believe that even after a fiercest storm, a rainbow could still appear in the skies smiling as you await better day ahead.

Again, it is easier said than done but I at least I am trying ....

Terror attacks at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai...

I couldn't believe my eyes this morning when I saw a familiar hotel with blazing fire from its rooftop. It was the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. It was burning yellow and red with lots of dark fumes arising from the blaze.

The first person I thought of was Ratan Tata, a good friend of mine. I immediately rang him at his residence and asked if he was doing ok. Thankfully he picked up the phone almost instantly with only one ring. He must have been by the phone all night as he mentioned that he didn't catch sleep at all. I managed a sigh of relief.

The Taj Mahal Palace brought me pleasant memories of Mumbai. It had a beautiful architecture and the service was just splendid. I wondered why was the Taj Mahal Palace chosen as the place to execute such terror acts. Afterall, it belonged to the House of Tatas.

Tatas are one of the very few conglomerates left that believes much in corporate responsibility. They are one of the few drivers of the Indian economy so why hit them? Wasn't this hotel built for Indians to show case that they weren't inferior to the British during the Commonwealth days? Did Indians forget that while other foreign owned hotels rejected them, the Taj Mahal Palace welcomed them?

It is sad but that is life. We know the House of Tatas will grow from strength to strength and after this ordeal,they can only grow bigger.

Horrible report

The New Paper published photos of an unsightly incident that took place at the Singapore Zoological Gardens and I felt really disturbed seeing those pictures of a man being mauled by the ever popular exhibits – the white tigers.

 

We don't know for what reason the man entered the exhibit area of the otherwise tame tigers but we know the reason TNP decided to splash such horrific photos and that was to boost sales.

 

I think it is very selfish on the part of the papers to publish these photos which might have already traumatized many visitors who witnessed the incident and what about the victim's family members? Do they want to be reminded of the visuals that they missed? I really don't think so.

 

Singapore's media authorities should step up with stricter controls of its contents published even on tabloid papers. I simply cannot believe a 6 page write up on the incident with full color is acceptable.

Happy Halloween ...!

The long awaited Halloween Party at GMAC GRS has happened and gone all in just 2 over hours but I sure had lots of fun being able to cross dress using a piece of black thrash bag.

Halloween often associates with the color black and practically seventy percent of us in the office came dressed in the darkest color ever known but of course, there are always people who decided to think out of the box and came in white drapes of cloth.

We had some who really looked ghostly with bleeding nose and blood stained dress and what’s best was a pirate who came back to life from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. Oh, we also had a mummified corpse that walked around slowly and God knows how many tissue papers were used in the making of the mummy but it was really funny seeing my colleagues all dressed up. I wonder how they’ll look when it comes to other themes like ‘Back to School’ or even ‘Saturday Night Fever’. That’ll be really fun!

Anyway, what is Halloween all about? What’s with Trick or Treat? Frankly, do you have any idea why in western countries people celebrate this? Is it something close to our traditional Ghost Festival celebrated by the Chinese?

I took a read on Wikipedia and found out that this tradition actually started from early Irish immigrants who celebrated the festival of Samhain and it is often regarded as the Celtic New Year.

This is perhaps my second time participating in a Halloween party and if memory doesn’t fail me, the first time was likely 10 years ago in Sentosa which included a Ghost Tour of a former British barrack. Spooky!

Nevertheless, we had lots of fun painting our faces and making it look as scary as possible but the effect on me was meant to be pretty. So tell me, chio bo? ( Am I pretty?) Seriously, when I saw myself in the mirror, I wanted so much to laugh out loud and yes, I somewhat freaked a man who was doing the pee in the Gents. My presence really startled him and I had to assure him that whatever he had between his legs, I too have it.

If given another opportunity, I won’t mind putting on some make up again and turning myself to look like a girl especially since we all know there is some feminine side of me that’s hiding deep inside. : )

Now between me and Sandy, am sure you can tell who the female is.

Finally we made it ...

The idea has been lingering around for a long time but we never ventured nor explored but just on Saturday, we decided to commit to a place we found in Simei.

Not a very big apartment but it is enough for the two of us to live in and of course there is still room for the occasional visitors who want to sleep over in the guest room.

I have to say it was almost love at first sight with the apartment at Melville Park and don't get me wrong, it wasn't because the development was pink that finalized the decision. It was the 'feel' of the house. We just felt good in the apartment upon stepping in.

For 89 square metres, we need not spend the whole weekend cleaning up the place thus it will be much easier to maintain.

The apartment will be handed over in January 2009 and it is likely I won't get to move in until later on unless the seller decides to let me have it in December 2008 but I doubt it as I understand it is currently tenanted to a lady artist.

Sandy and I have decided to keep the apartment simple and likely will not go for much renovation works unless there really is a need to. Maybe just the basics like wardrobes and cabinets but other than that, don't think we'll need it.

I sure am looking forward to this new phase of life where Sandy and I can have our own love nest. Something I have been waiting for many years and it is only now that I take the courage to make this investment possible.

We'll now be making use of weekends to look around for furniture and home appliances. The list doesn't seem long for now and like I said, we'll try to keep it as simple as possible. A simple home would allow us simple chores and who will be doing the chores will be the next big question but I seriously look forward to contributing even though I know I suck at such jobs.

Whatever it is going to take, we finally made it with the first step.

Yet another fine city ...

I read in the papers recently that any person caught sleeping on the bench at a park can be smacked a fine. This is really surprising especially when I ever took a quick nap at East Coast Park.

Sometimes it is really weird how our government comes up with such strict rules and regulations. Littering, jay walking and speeding are quite the norms when it comes to fines and court summons but sleeping on a park's bench can result in a hefty fine sounds pretty weird.

It is not wrong to say that benches are meant to be sat on and not to be slept on but what harm can it do if one decides to take a quick nap during office hours at the park just below the office? As you can see in the photo, even the Japanese take naps in their office attire and it just seems so normal in a busy park. Don't you think the government should allow a little more freedom to what we can do in parks?

So remember, don't you get caught dozing off on a bench if not, you'll end up paying more than a night's stay in a 4 star hotel. : )

A queue so long ...

It took several hours before grandma was able to see the doctor and that was quite a long wait.

The Cancer Centre was filled with patients and accompanying relatives. Seats were limited and some patients were left to stand around while waiting for their turn to consult the doctor. There were those luckier ones who owned a private seat - the wheelchair.

Seated with grandma and godma, we joked and laughed our time away and mainly at fellow patients as well as doctors. Ok, I know. We are a mean bunch but what to do? The time was crawling and the timing of the appointment wasn't kept as scheduled.

We joked that every patient who visits the centre would likely end up queuing at a Singapore Pools buying lottery and that was the main reason why Singapore General Hospital decided to use the queue number system with 4 digits. Our number was 1034.
Now that you have read it, go and buy it. You might just get lucky reading my blog.

Anyway, while I was seated at the Cancer Centre, I realized that life is really fragile and along life's journey, we'll never know when we'll end up at that place as a patient and given a private seat ( once again, the wheelchair). It is kind of a scary thought as both the ladies I was with were patients who battled the same enemy - cancer.

Cancer is one of the main culprit that takes lives away, killing it slowly. I guess I somewhat know the pain as I saw two of my closest relatives, Godma and grandmother suffer from it. They went through it all. I learnt a lot from the experience they went through and whenever I saw them in pain, I too felt the pain and tears would well up in the eyes. It is something I'll try to forget but deep inside, I know it will not be forgotten as this is part of my life's journey with them.

Forget the sobbing stories. Three of us spent the day together laughing most of the time and that was important. Laughing helps kill germs and bacteria. : )

Sing a song ... sing along.

At GMAC, we work hard and we play really hard too and that's what "Team GM" believes very much in or at least, I try to make it look as if it is true.

We had an evening session of wonderful singing as well as beer drinking. It is a pity that not everyone from "Team GM" could make it but the turn out wasn't that bad either.

Everyone started off really shy and noone wanted to start the opening song thus yours truly had no choice but to break the ice with Bee Gees How Deep Is Your Love.
Frankly, I didn't sing the song. I only read it like I was uttering a prayer.

It took a little while to warm up but given time, we realised there were quite a number of song birds in the team. My, some of these vocals are pretty good.

We also managed to hear our fellow Filipino colleagues, AA and MM sing to the tunes of Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang. I couldn't recall the meaning of the song but well, music has no boundaries and that's good isn't it?

I look forward to more activities coming up and looks like the next outing is going to be on Deepavali at a colleague's place. Yahoooo ...!!

Folks from Kuching ...

Earlier in the month, we had some relatives from Kuching visit us. They are my granduncle and grandaunt, siblings of my grandmother.

Managed to catch up with them on two occassions and both were for dinner. That's what Singapore is good for anyway - food.

The lady on the right is my grandmother who dotes on me really much and we can all see how much she has aged over the years and I cannot believe my cousin Alexis adding on donkey ears to her greying hair. You naughty girl .. ! : )

SAF enlistment ... either a boy's dream or a mother's nightmare.

In Singapore, every able bodied man will have to serve the nation through conscription and I am no exception however, if you were to ask me about my army days, I'll tell you its lots of fun.

My younger brother Weisheng was enlisted last week and by counting the days, he should be in camp for almost 8 days now and I am sure he is counting down the days to his first book-out.

The military believes in a confinement period whereby new recruits have to stay in camp for at least two weeks and from experience, it is sheer torture. Can you imagine the mental torture that can bring? Argh. I don't want to think about it but too bad, Weisheng is now serving his duty towards the nation.

Having three boys in the family, my parents contribute quite a bit to the defence of the nation. Without us, the nation will not sleep in peace and comfort - something I always tell my friends and colleagues.

I guess it is also a good time to learn how to be independent and surely the best time to keep the body in shape. Going through national service was torturous and we were in it, we just want to get out of it but many friends tell me after having completed the 2 years of service, they kind of miss the life in there but for me it is a complete opposite. I am due for my reservist liability end of this year and I dread it heaps but for the sake of the nation, I will have to make this big sacrifice to be away wearing the color green.

A trip to Melaka ...

Once again my apologies for not being able to load up pictures and write about my recent outings as I have been really busy these days.

First of all, let me highlight one of the more important events that took place last month and that is our family trip to Melaka.

Melaka being an old Portugese settlement, it has a rich and diverse culture. About 2 hours by road, one can find simplicity in the small Chinese dominated town. Oh, for you who do not know where Melaka is, its in Malaysia. : )

It has been quite a while since I joined my parents and my two younger brothers for a trip and its a big bonus to have my godparents as well as another cousin join us. Its a pity we weren't able to have the whole family tree together but that'll happen soon I hope.

A one night two day trip can be quite a rush but frankly, we were there only for the food. Shopping wasn't that bad but the weather was really hot as we had to walk to Jonker Street from the Holiday Inn hotel.

My colleague Eileen provided me with lots of addresses for food but unfortunately we only managed to try Aunty Lee as shown in the photo. My, the food was great.

In another picture, you'll see a rather rare photo taken in a pub with my parents, brothers, cousin and my beautiful wife Sandy. Believe it or not, we played dice games and whoever loses will need to take a gulp from the Heineken bottle. The 'kids' enjoyed themselves and what's best was we had an underage chap drinking two bottles of the ever popular beer.

I am looking forward to the next trip and am planning for it to be Ipoh as well as Genting. That is going to be real fun but the traveling time is going to be a little long but with family, a journey can never be too long.

Another crash ...

We now live in a high tech world where at a click of a button we'll be able to see the world and its activities.

 

Sometimes I don't know whether this is good or bad but I somehow got lucky enough to find that out first hand how my world will change when my work computer crashed on me, taking with it a whole load of information that was important to me.

 

This would never have happened in the 60s where snail mails were sent and type writers used in churning out these letters. This is now a complete different world. We depend so much on technology nowadays that when a glitch decides to surface, air planes lose hundreds of feet.

 

I am sure at work you often find yourself depending so much on the computer that without it, you just cannot function right. There is no one to blame but myself for trusting too much in a system that I thought would work and that big question on 'what if it crashed? 'never really occurred to me.

 

It is weird. Only two months old and kaput. Game over. Maybe a Dell isn't that stable or have I overworked the computer or am I overworked myself.

 

I guess I learnt my lesson now and shall have all my correspondences printed out and kept in a hard file. Back to the Stone Age days where one has to use a perforator. Ok, I exaggerated this time. Just back to the 'chop the trees' age.

Singapore in recession...

Economists predicted it, hawkers talked about it and what's worst is that Singaporeans are now caught in it. Its the first time in 6 years that the country has gone into recession and the stock markets hit freefall mode.

The question now is whether Singapore can weather the storm as the global economy suffers a meltdown. The Great Depression might have found a stronger match this time round as reports show that this global downturn could well be worst than the 1930s turmoil.

Is it really true that what goes up must always come down? We saw the peak in tourists visiting Singapore and now its a huge contrast in figures and what's worst, the casino projects at Marina Bay and Sentosa are still on-going. Will this project our government spearheaded fail given such times of uncertainty?

The government still believes that our financial situation is safe however we have been forewarned of the rough ride that might take one, two or three years to recover but seriously, we don't know for sure if it will recover that quick.

It is now not only United States bailing big financial institutes, its happening everywhere else in the world with governments trying to fund and support local banks protecting it from further plummeting. It is becoming a catastrophe, like an epidemic slowly spreading throughout the world and affecting many lives. People lose jobs, homes and even lives. Perhaps this is the result of globalization where countries depend on one another for trade and investments.

The end is clear. The world is in recession.

The place I'll call home .....

At the beginning of this year, I made a goal and that was to be able to move in to my own home before the year end. Sad to say, this will be impossible now. Its October and I have yet to start my home hunting expedition.

 

Friends come up to me asking if I could wait till next year to make a purchase. I personally don't know. For me, I want to move on and move out for various reasons. Selfish it may sound but starting a family is one of the reasons even though Sandy insists that we do that only after 2 more long vacations.

 

I guess I want the freedom to move around, purchase my own furniture and enjoy the power of inner peace. I also have plans to convert one room ( the baby's room) into a music making room. Due to space constraints, I am not able to play and make music in my room now. This is something I miss a lot and thus, is pushing me really hard to quickly get a place despite the uncertainty we face with the economy.

 

Almost every night I dream of my house and how I want it to look like. The layout, the kitchen. Oh yes, I too will be able to have the kitchen all by myself. I can choose what to eat, snack at midnight and even make steak out of the kitchen. It all sounds good isn't it?

 

I even thought about house work and who does what. This is the time you will see me doing house chores which I will happily do after all, its my own place. If I don't take care of it, who will?  Sandy is the answer. I will help her with the simple stuff like placing the clothes into the washing machine, wiping the floor with the magic mop and maybe cleaning the dust that will settle on the television set. See, its house work right?

 

When little Mark / Sandy comes about, I will be very happy to wake up in the middle of the night and help prepare milk and feed if I need to. I like children because I still am rather child-like. I know I can connect with them and stay close. I will throw birthday parties and sing birthday songs with them as each year passes. Phew, I make it sound like I am already a father.

 

Whatever it is, the main pictures I see in my mind will be rosy and happy and that's when I get my own place. Even in the midst of uncertainty, if I need a place, I will want a place and this is where I can call the home of our own – Sandy and Mark.

 

 

Market uncertainty ..

Lehman Brothers collapsed. The question now is 'who is next ?'

Many American giants are finding themselves vulnerable in this financial turmoil as the on-going credit crisis see many lay-offs in MNCs. Good examples are Hewlett Packard, HSBC and Citigroup. These employers are now seeing many of their employees through the door with a golden hand shake.

So are we also hit in Asia ? Unfortunately yes. The down side of globalisation has shown its colors. We all thought with the rising of China and India , this two power houses can play shield to the growth of Asia. Apparently not.

Both India and China has seen tremendous growth over the last few years but things are slowing down as both countries are still developing but at a slower rate. Why ? Uncertainty. Projects are held back. Exports have taken a dive as every where else in the world consumes lesser.

No country lives alone. Local stock markets plunge when bad news is heard in Wall Street. When the US Senate passes a bill to rescue dying banks, Asia cheers.

We are inter-dependant. We survive on each others' growth and mourn together when losses are made.

Would it be better if every country go on the tracks of nationalization instead? If that happens, we in Singapore will sink faster than everyone else.

Do you now see why our government has injected funds into the ailing finiancial institutions belonging to the US ? We needed to cling on to a safety net that initially didn't belong to us. We needed to stay linked to the big boys and even if nationalization is going to happen else where in the world , we can still survive on dividends paid out to our government who in turn provide us with more GST credits. :)

And who is government ? PAP!

Singtel F1 spells trouble ...

This morning, I only managed to step into the office at 10.45am. My, I sure was late for work. No thanks to the upcoming Singtel F1 race that is to take place in the city starting Friday 26 September.

I was expecting slow moving traffic when I headed towards town but not traffic that crawled millimetres every few minutes.I felt so frustrated that I wanted so much to just dump my car there and make my way on foot to the office.

The purpose of having the Singtel F1 in Singapore is to bring lots of excitement as well as help boost tourism in Singapore but its seems all these are done at the expense of office-goers like myself.

I understand that the roads are going to be closed for a week and its going to bring nothing but chaos on all roads leading towards the city centre where the pulse of business markets are situated and what's worst, we still have to pay for Electronic Road Pricing (ERP). Shouldn't the Land Transport Authority shut off all these ERPs at this time?

Perhaps they should consider having the IU fitted in the F1 cars and charge them accordingly for using the roads. Brilliant idea isn't it?

Sandy turns 31 ...

It was a weekend of feasting as Sandy turns 31.

Old she may seem but can tell there is still a child-like behavior in her. This is perhaps what amuses me most. Naive. Simple.

We spent the weekends with close friends for lunches and dinners. Had lots of fun partying at Movida and Dragonfly. As age catches up on us, our drinks were slow. Only two bottles of vodka for two couples.

The birthday weekend ended with a romantic dinner by the poolside of Dolce Vita, at Mandarin Oriental. Just the two of us digging into some alfresco dining and admiring the full moon in the bright lit sky.

A surprise was thrown in by the friendly guys at Dolce Vita. They presented a cake to Sandy and of course, sang a birthday song too. My, she was really surprised.

I wish Sandy a world of happiness and never mind the age as its just another number. What's best is to stay young and happy and may OUR wishes come true together.

Brazilian martial arts ...

We went to Movida just to see this martial arts or dance event. It really inspired me to take up this sport.

A dormitory in Serangoon Gardens ...

Are Singaporeans an ungrateful bunch of people or are they just pure insensitive? Let's just compare this two groups. When we say a foreigner, we tend to picture a person as an expatriate but when we mention a foreign laborer, the picture you see is always soiled shoes and lousy odor. Two contrasting worlds isn't it?

 

I am referring to the recent debate on whether or not a foreign workers' dormitory should appear in the housing estate at Serangoon Gardens.

 

It was mentioned in the papers that residents upon hearing such news quickly stepped up petitions and protested against the plan to house as many as a thousand foreign workers.

 

Why is there such a huge reaction from the public? I cannot really relate. It appears Singaporeans have this wrong perception that these foreign workers are dirty, rowdy and a huge threat to the people living in the area.

 

Let's think about it.

 

These workers pay a huge fee to leave the country in seek of better opportunities and many of them have families awaiting their return. All they want is a better life when they get home after a few years but Singaporeans see it differently.

 

Singaporeans tend to degrade this particular group of people who work really hard for their money. We have to remember it is them who build our homes, our schools, our roads and like every Singaporean, they also contribute to the growth of our society. Without them, who do you think is going to help make our country a better place? Do you think Singaporeans would do the job of laying bricks and working under the sun? I really doubt it.

 

Singaporeans feel that they are a threat to security but look who is a worst threat? Is it our long lost Singaporean terrorist Mas Selamat or the Bangladeshi worker painting the walls of your new home?

 

On the other hand, we have a group of foreigners who hold a white collar job. They often called expatriates. These groups of people usually do not need to pay high prices to come to Singapore but in turn they get paid higher salaries than any locals when working in Singapore. For this group, we respect them even though they take jobs from locals but to be frank, they do bring along experience with them and thus, they too contribute to our society positively.

 

But think again. Why are expatriates treated differently from our foreign laborers? They both work hard for their money. They are only worlds apart when it comes to living conditions and spending power so is that the reason why we look down on foreign laborers who sweat it out for us. Are Singaporeans really materialistic?

 

Instead of trying ways and means to ostracize these laborers, why not show that we appreciate their help in building Singapore. We as Singaporeans have been painting the wrong picture to the world, telling everyone how ungrateful Singaporeans are especially after the huge publicity we gathered when our table tennis association wanted to terminate the services of a returning coach that helped the nation win a silver medal during the Olympics. Not a good sign right?

 

So let these foreigner workers share our gardens just like we allow the expatriate community share our roads and stay together harmoniously as one. Frankly without either group, we wouldn't be the Singapore today. We'll be building our own homes, mixing our own cement and washing our own clothes.

 

 

 

An acting Prime Minister ...

I read an article about the besieged Thai Prime Minister who played host to two cooking programs aired on national television – Tasting & Grumbling and All Set at 6am.

 

Isn't it weird to see the head of a government hosting non-political TV shows and what's funny is he decided to do it for the cause of food.

 

I can hardly imagine our local ministers doing a cameo or even best, acting on our ever popular sitcom Phua Chu Kang. I wonder what role will each of them take on if given this opportunity.

 

Perhaps, this could be done for a good cause instead of always having our television artistes Fann Wong and Zoe Tay performing those dangerous and nonsensical  stunts at fund raising shows. If former Speaker of Parliament Tan Soo Khoon can do a Jailhouse Rock, I am sure many of our current ministers can do the Y.M.C.A too.

 

I remember many years back, our former President, Mr Ong Teng Cheong played the piano on national television and that helped bring in a lot more donations.

 

If only Prime Minister Samak did the same but he chose instead to get paid for playing host … if only he did it to help the less fortunate then he wouldn't find himself caught trying to play Survivor now or better, if he wasn't the Acting Prime Minister for fellow Thai exile Thaksin.

late for work ...

As am typing this blog entry, I can feel the perspiration dripping
down my back,soaking my pink shirt.

This morning instead of driving, I decided to commute by bus. Now I
agree that there are more passengers than before. The buses I took
just this morning tells a story.

The story goes ...

Taking a slow and easy walk to the bus stop , I saw this familiar
double deck bus from afar thus I thought it's better not to miss the
bus and end up waiting for the next one. Well, I used to ride on 196
everyday until i purchased a car.

So I quickly boarded the bus and found myself a seat. Smiling to
myself and thinking am really lucky to be seated on a crowded bus. So
I whipped out my phone and started messaging friends and dropping
morning greetings. That was when trouble started.

15 minutes later, I looked up and out the window and realized my bus
went off course from the original route that was to Shenton way. Damn!
Wrong bus.

Obvious lessons were taught.

1: don't rush up a bus but check the number before boarding.

2: when on the bus, look at our beautiful trees and plants and forget PSPs.

3: don't send morning greetings because your friends who are on the
bus might be sleeping and likely won't respond. Those who are driving
will be forced to commit a crime. (driving and using a mobile phone is
illegal)

At 9am, am still on the bus. Frankly, I hardly get to work late and
thus am feeling anxious now.

Never mind. Its better late than never.

--
http://hidekram.blogspot.com/

Pathetic weekend...

Believe it or not I was forced under circumstances to head back home early on a Saturday night.

Its something I find very sad because Fridays and Saturdays mean hell of a lot to me. Sunday is obviously family day and thus Friday nights and Saturdays night should be spent out and not at home but but once again, I find myself stranded in the house with nothing much to do and I don't really think its home.

Is this what marriage life is about? Is it true that all the sparks people talk about really die off? Its sad to admit but it is. Forget about having a spicy side in marriage life, romantic talks or even simple dating like going to the movies. Its worst when you find a boring partner.

Nows its only boring stuff. You lead your own life, I lead my own. There is nothing else to do together and its painful. Very painful especially when you are caged in your own little room.

Can't believe that this is happening only after few months of marriage and it is pissing me off really.

Music rings in my ear ...

Have you heard the song Viva La Vida by Coldplay?

My. I have to say its really good because I heard it only once or twice but the darn melody stays in the head. The catchy tune and the interesting lyrics. Its just plainly amazing what music can do. It stains and stays.

Oh, not only music but words that strike like a cobra will stay too.

Right, let's not think too much and just allow the music to swallow me in.

Go hit the record store and grab Viva La Vida!

Its been a year but ...

I still can remember the incident really well and usually being a forgiving person and 'forgetful' one, I never keep these in my head but this particular incident still lingers around and I am very sure I'll never be able to forget it.

The feelings are still sore and it still hurts but what can I do and what can I say or who can I blame but myself. Am just pure sensitive, overly sensitive sometimes but that's me.

I try to let it pass but it just won't. It just can't. Not now, not next year cause its surely going to be remembered forever even though I don't like remembering it.

MacDonald's Sausage Mcmuffin with Egg ...

This morning I decided to join Lance for a quick breakfast at East Coast Mac's and I ordered a Sausage Mcmuffin with Egg burger. Its been a long time since I had a burger for breakfast and that's because I am known to skip breakfast. Yes, I know breakfast is the most important meal but for me, its dinner that ranks most important.

Anyway, what I received wasn't anyting close to a Sausage Mcmuffin with egg burger, it was just an egg between two pieces of bread.The paper wrapping it indeed state its a Sausage Mcmuffin with egg burger but my beef patty was missing.

I decided to be brave and headed for the counter. I informed the manager of the missing piece and without asking a single question, he brought me a warm Sausage Mcmuffin with egg. So what happens to the burger with missing parts? He took it away and dumped it into the bin.

I started to wonder how much food MacDonalds discard in a day. Its wasteful isn't it? I was thinking instead of throwing it away, why not just return it to me since its not dirty or spoilt. I could have eaten an extra burger but having it thrown made me feel really guilty for having reported this mistake they made in giving me a burger less sausage patty.

Perhaps Macdonalds should re-align their policy and not waste food this way. If only I had known that it'll be thrown away, I wouldn't have asked for another burger but that's me - yet another Macdonald encounter.

Yet another company event .. bowling.

So I won my first ever medal in bowling and perhaps the only one.

Its been some time since I rolled a ball but strangely I realised the stance was still there. Only the stance.

It was another outing arranged by the company and this time, they decided to hit the lanes at East Coast Park.

Actually I enjoy bowling very much but sadly, the friends I hang out with dislike this recreation and you want to know why? Chipped finger nails. Yes, these ladies are afraid their expensive manicure will break. Anyway, I don't see manicure as an art nor a fashion. You know what they remind me of? Don't scold me but it reminds me of Thaipusam.

Back to the bowling game we had, three games in a roll and the fingers ached. Must be my age but the younger girls also felt the same thus its not the age. Its likely due to the lack of exercise but fortunately I did my fair share of exercise this week. Straight after bowling, my colleagues decided to sweat it out along the cycling tracks - I cycled while some others jogged.

These women really inspire me to run again and keep fit. They don't give up, they just carry on despite being tired and drained out. Can I do the same? I am sure I can do the same given my atheletic history.

Next week its cable skiing. That will be loads of fun trying to stay on the surface of the water. If it happens, you'll hear from me really soon.

For now, I'll keep this medal of mine as this is the only one I am going to keep as those I had from school have been disposed and I really regret doing so. How many more medals or trophies can I ever receive? Franky, none cause once again, my friends aren't into such. My friends only live the fine life and that's hitting the gym. Sandy does the same which is good but my best friend hates it thus my belly.

We work hard .. we play hard too.

Its almost a month since I joined this company but I have attended quite a number of 'mini parties' already.

 

Is this what Gen Y Singaporeans want during their employment? I think so.

 

In this company, colleagues work hard and they also play hard too but what's best is the people here are really fun and warmth.

 

This morning I decided to put on something shorter than my usual work pants or jeans, I wore bermudas. I know you are going to be really envious but too bad, you have to look harder for an employer as good as this.

 

I am happy where I am now and the work can be challenging but end of the day, I know whatever I do, my teammates will be there to support me even when I fall – this is very important.

 

Anyway, sharing a picture of my boss and the mini birthday celebration we had at Yarrow ( one of the many conference rooms we have ).

 

An aggravated ankle ...

On Tuesday, I decided to go for a run at East Coast Park with my colleagues and those who know me well enough also know that I am not someone who goes for jogs.

 

So after 10 years, this is the first time I put on those jogging shoes and jogged. My, it was a little tough at first but after awhile, the momentum picked up and I could feel the healthy me only to realise minutes later that I was panting really hard and my breaths got heavier and heavier and what's worst was the pain in my left ankle.

 

I remembered I sustained an injury at the ankle during my NS days while representing my unit in a Sepak Takraw competition that caused me to rest at home for a week due to a bad sprain. I thought I recovered but apparently it didn't recover fully.

 

This pain comes on and off and stays a little longer whenever I take part in vigorous exercises like soccer, basketball, volleyball and roller blading so can you imagine the pain after my jog on Wednesday.

 

Not wanting to stay in pain, I decided to visit a Chinese physician and there I was, being massaged at the ankles and calves. So what did the Chinese sinseh tell me besides my aggravated injury?

 

1) I lacked exercise

2) I sleep in too cold a room 

3) I consume too much cold drinks

 

Bingo! He said it right. I did all of the above and it has become a bad habit and now, I am really trying to kick these bad habits thus at work I take only hot green tea, I sleep at 21 degrees celcius ( no more 17 degree celcius) and I will try to join my colleagues for jogs every week.

 

Don't believe me? We shall see.

 

Wishing me a speedy recovery.

 

--
http://hidekram.blogspot.com/