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2008-02-25T23:50:00.001+08:00

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PAL Becomes One

2006-06-15T22:00:00.000+08:00

Life has been fast moving for me these past few months and trying to keep my blog updated is tough nowadays. Even tougher when I have to summarise in the MainPage.

So, I have decided to just have one page to think out loud with my incessant small talk.

I have to migrate all the past posts into this one page and delete the blogs afterwards. This unfortunately will delete the wonderful comments given to me thus far.

My new site: P:assionate A:bout L:ife P.A.L is the only page I will have until I change my mind for God-knows-why in the future.

So, please leave your messages in my new page instead. Thanks.

Escapades | Free Phones

2006-06-04T23:00:00.000+08:00

Now being a loyal Customer to M1 has its rewards.

I received a letter dated 19 May 2006 from the telco, rewarding me with free phone if I extend another 2 years plan with them, with an added reduction of monthly bill by S$11.62 for a whole year.

Great news, great reward, but getting it is kind of tough.

Partly my fault, really... I reacted quite slowly to it, thinking that this offer is meant for loyal Customers who are eligible for this reward until 18th of June 2006.

The rest of Singapore did not... as I found out. Click photo for more.

Family | 3rd Physiotherapy

2006-06-03T23:00:00.000+08:00

Today is the earliest of all appointments for Mom's physiotherapy session at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

At 8:15am, we would probably be the first patient to be received for that department.

Getting there is another matter. I had to leave home at 7:45am to fetch Mom and Dad from at their usual pick up spot in Woodlands from Tampines.

As usual there were a a few people waiting for cabs as well, so I had to choice but to call for one and pay the extra morning peak hour and the booking surcharges totally S$5.00 on top of the fare.

Being early has its perks too. We have more time to spend our day together after the therapy session. IKEA was the place Mom had longed to go since it has been one of her favourite shopping places, before her mobility was greatly restricted.

Fun and fulfilling day, though. Click photo for more.

Photo | PC Show

2006-06-02T23:00:00.000+08:00

Its that time again.

The show where all techno geeks wait for every quarter - The PC Show 2006.

Since 3 months ago, I have been planning and adding to my shopping list of techno stuff that I would like to purchase, take advantage of the lower promotional prices and bundled gift packs during this quarterly exhibitions.

Armed with the list, 2 of my friends and I headed to the exhibition at Suntec City Convention Centre to hunt for our stuff with the latest bargains. Click photo for more.

Family | Day Two

2006-05-28T23:00:00.000+08:00

Well, the house seems very lonely without our only son around.

Today is day 2 of his school trip to Desaru and then to Malacca in Johor, Malaysia.

Both Wify and I really begin to miss him. So do his 2 little hamsters. With both of us very busy at work or at the shop, the house is really empty. The hamsters are feeling the worst, I believe, as we can see their reactions whenever we come home.

Like ESP, while we were thinking about our son, he called us while we were at the shop. He sounded kind of down and admitted that he was missing us and the things he usually does at home.

He was missing his hamster too, but after talking about their antics, he laughed and gave some "pointers" to care for them. He felt better afterwards. Good to know we have a strong family bond. Click photo for more.

Family | Desaru Trip

2006-05-26T10:00:00.000+08:00

Hate to admit it, but my son is growing up fast. A little too fast for me to accept it, but he is growing whether I like it or not.

Not long ago, I was reading to him bedtime stories, and now he is going on a trip with a selected group of students for entrepreneurship trip across the causeway.

Heading to Desaru in Johor Bahru, Malaysia to expose himself to the world of business. Starting from where the different types of "raw materials" come from, to become a product that sells in the market.

Guess the school sees that he has the potential to be a good entrepreneur one day. It is a great thing to explore and experience for him, never mind at such a young age of 10 years. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Rat Trap

2006-05-23T23:00:00.000+08:00

Silly post it seems but I have to post it anyway.

Alright now. You have a rat infestation, so you have to do something about it. You need to rid off the rats, so you have several options. Poison, traps, etc...

It never occurred to me until I saw a couple of rats being trapped in a cage at work and left to die. Now how do you kill a rat once you catch it?

There are known to be many way to doing it. What about doing it as humanely as possible? Or do we really have to be humane to killing rats as we do to like... cockroaches?

Am I being overly concern? Who cares? Click photo for more.

Vicinity | Sports Sunday

2006-05-21T23:00:00.000+08:00

Had a good day today and a good weekend overall.

Sunday was spent doing sports in the afternoon. My son enjoyed his swimming while I had a thorough workout at the new gym that has been integrated into the Tampines Swimming Complex.

Like a theme-park atmosphere, the swimming pool is now revamped to include waterfall, slides and fountains for the kids and a much lively place, while the Fitness Club is now spacious with more free weights available.

Felt great for me to get some workout in a gym again since I purchased my home-gym. Good and productive Sunday. Click photo for more.

Family | 2nd Physiotherapy

2006-05-20T23:00:00.000+08:00

Saturday was spent with my parents as it was my Mom's 2nd appointment for her physiotherapy to correct her spine at Tan Tock Seng Hospital or TTSH.

This time around, besides the traction, she had to cycle on a stationary cycle to strengthen her lower spine and back in general.

Mom has set her mind to get well and physically stronger so that we can go on vacations again like we have been before her mild stroke a few years back.

I just feel proud of her and Dad for their determination and independence.

Lunch was good as usual, but a surprise awaited me when I sent them back to their home. My favourite dish since I was little was specially prepared for me and some "take-away" for my Son and Wify. Wonderful day today. Click photo for more.

Escapade | DHL Balloon

2006-05-16T20:00:00.000+08:00

Thought nothing of it when I saw it several times at Bugis.

Looked like a balloon ad you would normally noticed at fairs and the recent PC Show and Expos. But this yellow balloon is not just an ad, it is also a new attraction at the Bugis Junction area, by DHL.

It claims to be the largest in the world tethered air-balloon. Held in place by a cable, at a height of 150m. About 20 people can be in a caged-platform to have a panoramic view of Bugis and Marina areas.

Prices are a bit steep, but there is a promo for a 30% less. Should be worth the experience to go up in a hot-air balloon, swaying in the air. Wish to try it maybe this weekend. Click photo for more.

Photo | The Padang

2006-05-15T23:00:00.000+08:00

The long weekend was great even though it was raining the whole weekend with some reprieves in between.

The Vesak holiday and Mother's Day could have been even better if we could spend time outdoors with the sun out, but then again I count my blessings.

So couped-up at home with nothing much to do, I started sifting through folders and found photos of outings that I have yet to post in my blog. When the sun was out.

This will be my 12th posting of Click! Singapore for my Photography blog. The Padang has interesting buildings and history to it, but for now only the photos. These were taken at 6:30pm when not much light was left, so some details cannot really be seen clearly. Click photo for more.

Family | Mother's Day

2006-05-14T22:00:00.000+08:00

Click photo for more.

Family | Xbox Games

2006-05-13T23:00:00.000+08:00

I was as excited as my son when it comes to Xbox games. Though I do not play as often as he does, nor am I a great fan of PC Games, I was really anxious to grab my hands on the latest offer of its titles.

Takashimaya Shopping Centre is the only outlet of Xbox that has the offer of 3 titles at S$50.00. Went with my son over yesterday, but was disappointed when most of the favourite titles were already sold out.

Came back today and finally got some decent titles for him. Decent meaning, popular ones, but not for the content of two of the titles that escaped my attention.

The outside is cartoonish, but has violence and rated aged 17 and above. Totally missed that criteria out. Now I have to rate the game myself while playing with him. Click photo for more.

Family | Sudoku Intro

2006-05-12T23:00:00.000+08:00

Click photo for more.

Abode | Polling Parents

2006-05-07T08:00:00.000+08:00

Never thought polling day could be so fun.

Accompanying my parents to cast heir votes for Sembawang GRC proved to be a wonderful day instead.

Watched these two old folks performing their duty as a citizen, inching their way from registration to dropping their votes into the ballot box, warmed my heart with pride.

The day was spent shopping and just talking, joking and catching-up with each other. Did quite a shopping when they bought stuff, from cooking pots and light bulbs to VCD player.

I vote for the wonderful, warm feeling we felt inside the whole afternoon together that we call love. I voted for the couple that gave that feeling yesterday, my Parents. Click photo for more.

Abode | Polling Day

2006-05-06T12:00:00.000+08:00

Singaporeans go to the polls today, starting 8:00am.

The rain poured heavily in the early morning, so like us, people are waiting out the rain before casting their future with the two parties in Tampines GRC - the PAP and SDA.

Since our polling station is at Poi Ching School which is beside my block, I started to observe the people started to trickle into the polling station as the day progresses, in spite of the rain.

Wify and I casted our votes already and now on to my parents to cast theirs at Marsiling this afternoon. Reports for Tampines GRC observed from my bedroom window. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Birth Month

2006-05-05T22:00:00.000+08:00

Timely enough with my coming birthday in June 2006, I received an email from a friend describing characters of people distinguishable by the month they were born in.

I listed the many description that in essence describe me, a Cancer, born in June.

I agree to most of them, some reluctantly of course... since I am being honest here, but nonetheless true to being me unfortunately.

I am still evolving as a person, even at this late a stage of my life... hey I am a late developer. This I know. Click photo for more.

Escapade | What Degree?

2006-05-04T22:00:00.000+08:00

A usual weekly rounds blog-surfing to mostly FFMB members sites, I came across another personality quiz on "What advance degree should I get?" from Carols' A Revision.

Reading comments from her posting, it was quite interesting that the quiz was delightfully quite accurate in its analysis with the routine, standard set of questions.

The comments aroused my curiosity, so I did the test and guess what? The result is as what they mentioned, quite accurate. Click photo for more.

Family | What Season?

2006-04-29T23:00:00.000+08:00

Friday was the happiest day of the week for me, full of promise.

What more with the coming holiday on Monday to celebrate Labour Day, the weekend was even sweeter for me.

Unfortunately, Friday was a very stormy day instead. I had to cancel my trip to Wify's shop because I was drenched wet even with an umbrella, at the side of the road trying to get a cab.

Saturday was at least a family get-together day with all 3 of us at my wife's shop. Well, better make the best of it anyway.

The erratic weather kept the crowd from reaching its full potential, but fortunately did not dampened the Customers' spirits to shop, basically because its payday and the long weekend. Click photo for more.

Abode | Vote Me

2006-04-28T23:00:00.000+08:00

Going to the polling station on Saturday, 6 May 2006. Singapore's General Election 2006. The people decide the future of this island.

Tampines GRC is one area being contested and my wife and I are casting our votes that day. We received our polling card in the mail box yesterday. Polling station at Poi Ching School, just beside our home, like the previous GE before.

Should be very concern with the future of the nation, but honestly, not really. Does not sound patriotic, but I am, trust me. Maybe because I feel it in my gut which party will actually win. Nonetheless, there is that underdog chance or hope going on, every election exercise.

It seems to me, the campaigning is more interesting than the outcome. An irresponsible mentality, I know, but I just cannot help it. Click photo for more.

Photo | Friday Flare

2006-04-21T23:00:00.000+08:00

Had a flare on Friday, the eve of my favourite days of the week - yes... the weekend! The flare of having a long weekend it seems when I spend time outside on Friday after work.

This is the 11th post of my Photography blog which I started with Click! Singapore section.

Taken with my S700i Sony Ericsson cell phone, I took some normal sights I see whenever I go for Friday prayers, and additional photos I snapped while going to my wife's shop after work to give a surprise with dinner and spent time with her at the shop until closing time.

The photos did not turn out that well or sharp considering the cell phone is not good to take photos with low light as it was evening at Bugis Village then. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Monday Blues

2006-04-20T23:00:00.000+08:00

As always, Monday is not a good day for me.

After a weekend off, going to work is such a pain nowadays. Cannot do anything about it right now, nothing seems can be rectified to make it normal for me to wake up on Monday morning to go to work.

Nothing works for the time being to somehow psyche myself to feel at least normal to go to work everyday. I know there is a whole level of stuff I need to settle and not just this Monday blues excuse I give myself.

Though I had it bad. Not until I get to hear someone else's life story. Painful and devastating, nothing compared to my constant "bickerings." Something real, something that affects the whole family. I learnt that my life is still better than someone. For that I thank God. Click photo for more.

Thank you Carol - A Revision for the honor

Family | Sick Today

2006-04-19T13:00:00.000+08:00

I was about to eat my breakfast this morning in the canteen at work, when my wife called me on my cell phone.

Apparently, I missed a call from my son's school earlier; only to realized a miss-call when I picked her call up.

The school has informed my wife to fetch him back home, as he was not feeling well after his PE lesson. Strange thing though, there were another 4 students, who were unwell too after their physical exercise lessons.

I left work urgently to get to my son; and for him to learn that breakfast is an important meal of the day. Click photo for more.

Family | Tax Returns

2006-04-18T20:00:00.000+08:00

Had a little accident with the keyboard button while filing my income tax for Year 2006 online earlier.

So an amendment email with full details of my relief requests and income statement per my IR8A form was sent today, the last day of online e-Filing is available.

Quite unease to give personal details over the email instead of direct to the website, but the IRAS email is correct and the IRAS officer's email asking to do just that left me no choice, since the re-filing option on the IRAS website was turned-off for some unknown reason.

Hope that settles it. Now payback time! Click photo for more.

Family | Bye Comel

2006-04-17T23:00:00.000+08:00

Mom called me today with a very sad news.

Her little kitten my Sis found abandoned on 2nd April at the foot Mom's flat, where the children's' playground is, has died.

Mom named it Comel or Cutie. She nursed it to health for a week from its diarrhea state, but it came back again. This time Comel refused to take her milk. Her stomach bloated and hard.

Sis took it to the Vet on the morning of Good Friday. The Vet said that the kitten was otherwise healthy, but with its diarrhea and traces of blood in his liquid stool, his condition was definitely not good. Medication was given, but... Click photo for more.

Escapade | Hair Treatments?

2006-04-16T23:00:00.000+08:00

Never really bothered about my hair, even when my barber told me that he noticed my hair is thinning around the crown region.

I just did not care or grapple with what I should do if it was really true. I was in "denial."

Once a while styling me hair everyday to work becomes apparent to me that my hair is slowly, but definitely receding. Nothing much you can do for MPHL as it is genetics, but Mom and Dad still have good set of hair.

So why should I get worked-up for, until Sudoku.

Yes, Sudoku the Japanese, 1 to 9 numbers game triggered to remind me that it is happening. I should do something about it. Click photo for more.

Photo | Bugis Junction

2006-04-15T23:00:00.000+08:00

Not quite out of the woods yet, but feeling much better now.

Keep telling myself that I cannot control everything that is happening around me, I just have to learn to relax and try make myself happy. One way is definitely blogging.

This post is the 10th Click! Singapore post of my Photography blog.

The snapshots I took while "prowling" around the vicinity of Bugis Village, where my wife and I set-up shop for her Ladies Fashion Jewelleries and Apparels.

Good thing the photos turned out satisfactorily, even with dark clouds above, using my S700i Sony Ericsson cell phone. Click photo for more.

Family | SmartTV Installed

2006-04-14T23:00:00.000+08:00

About a month ago, I was impressed with a personality test that came with Starhub SmartTV viewing habits survey that I took part in.

On the 7th April 2006, I received a comfirmation email that I was picked to take part in the pre-launch of SmartTV. Replied that I was interested and a day later, a phone call from Starhub arranging to fix an appointment to install the DVR at my home.

Good Friday was the earliest spot given to me which they came and installed in less than 15 minutes. My son was the most excited person as this is like a new, improved toy for him.

Now, we get a complimentary viewing of all the cable channels except PPV for a month before it reverts back to our normal viewing package. Now use it, explore it and feedback any glitches it may have. Click photo for more.

Family | Now Open

2006-04-13T23:00:00.000+08:00

Finally, we have realised our dream to open a shop that we can call our own. Chic Couture how has an address!

Located at Bugis Village, 2nd Floor; we are so excited that we finally completed set-up and started business on 4th April 2006.

So far so good, as more and more people are aware of our shop and the outlook better than we had in the first week, which was quite scary when we had lots of window shoppers instead.

Still very new to test the "market" with our collection of Ladies Accessories, we have to weather the "storm" and sunny days ahead since we have already committed to have our little shop we proudly call our own. Click photo for more.

Escapade | My House

2006-04-12T21:00:00.000+08:00

Blog-surfed to Ellen's Coffee Granules and stumbled upon yet another personality test.

This time it is with a twist; you need to draw a house and yourself in the garden. With that, answer a few questions and the result comes out. She named her masterpiece "Little Girl's House."

I named mine "No. 1 Serenity Place."

Unfortunately, the code given for the drawing does not work with Blogger, so I resorted to copy-and-paste it onto my post instead. The drawing did not appear as nicely as it did when I drew it at Draw A House website.

It does not seen to analyse the drawing though, but the answers that were given returned the combination of expected results to you. Nonetheless, it was fun drawing it free-hand using your mouse. Click photo for more.

Family | Adopted Kitten

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

Mom has a new responsibility that started yesterday.

Both Dad and Mom have decided to take in a kitten left abandoned at the foot of her block.

Helpless, only a day or so old, with eyes still not opened yet, the kitten was found hungry and crying for its mother. For compassion from the passers-by.

The cruel act of someone to leave a defenseless baby, knowingly that it will not have the slightest chance of survival on its own; saddens me just thinking about it. A life so little, but a life nonetheless.

I am happy for both my parents who are very compassionate, nursing it back to health and have it added responsibility - a fun one, I might add to their lives with this little addition to their household. Click photo for more.

Family | MRI Results

2006-04-08T01:00:00.000+08:00

Sick not fully recovered from my bout of cough and flu, I took half day off in the afternoon today to accompany my Mom to TTSH for her MRI results taken a week ago.

Dr. Fong Shee Yan, Orthopaedic Surgeon in charge of my Mom's case has suggested therapy for a while to see if her sudden numbness or painful cramping attacks gets less frequent and bearable that surgery will be the last resort for her.

Mom's showed a little apprehension from the idea of surgery because of her age and the risks that may come from it. Paralysis is her biggest worry, what from all the talks from relatives about adverse outcomes from such procedures.

Since I have asked all the concerns and understood what is going on with my Mom, its time to let therapy work its miracle for her and have a get together with the rest of my siblings for a collective understanding of Mom's condition and what is in store next. Click photo for more.

Family | Medical Leave

2006-04-06T12:00:00.000+08:00

I finally have succumb to the cough and flu after days of on-off feeling like I was going down with something.

On medical leave today to rest my tired and aching body with medication, but mentally I still cannot escape the many things that are going on with my life right now.

I can only stop thinking about it when I doze off to sleep from the effects of the medication.

What with the gloomy situation at work, both my parents health problems that require very frequent hospital follow-up visits and the anxiety of whether our small business investment will be successful enough; nothing incredible, just manageable.

All these things seems overwhelming to me, but my biggest worry is the slowly, but surely gloomy condition at work. At least that is how I honestly feel, that has the whole weight on my shoulders. Click photo for more.

Family | Farewell Boss

2006-03-31T23:00:00.000+08:00

I have not been updating my blog lately, much less blog-surf.

Been quite down lately with the news of my boss of 14 years with him, leaving the company. Yes it may seem that he is moving on to most people, but there are other managers who left too. All in the same day, yesterday!

Everyone in our company knows that we are merging with HQ and restructuring, but the fact that the bosses left amid the gloomy outlook of what is to come, really hit home yesterday as I bid them farewell and saw the walking out the front door.

We are now left "exposed to the elements," just waiting come Monday onwards. It is going to be a strange Monday and uncertain future. Click photo for more.

Photo | Ride Home

2006-03-24T22:00:00.000+08:00

It has been quite a while since I updated my Photography blog.

This is my 9th update for my Click! Singapore section. It is an everyday event in pictures. Well, the mundane journey home on the bus from work has always been quite a relaxing ride.

For about 40 minutes, I get to be alone for a while and think, daydream, listen to my favourite song on my MP3 player and just relax while the world passes before my eyes.

Favourite spots along the route make it nice to watch out for, as the bus moves along. The changing landscape through time; people watching as they go about their daily routines. So many pictures, so little time. Will update more. Click photo for more.

Family | And Death

2006-03-22T22:00:00.000+08:00

Lately I feel like I am in the dump.

With the mounting workload is fine and manageable, but the uncertainty of a job security especially for the people under my charge is a grave concern. I hate this situation we are in now.

To add to this downer, call it coincidence, but the past 2 weeks were quite strange. 4 people whom I know had their relation passed away, which made everyone somber even more. I wrote to one person that made me think out loud what I think of death and how I would morn for that someone.

It will not take away the pain, because it is only natural, but the way I would handle it was something I never really thought through until that day. This is coming from someone who has not experience loss of someone close to before. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Blog Olympics

2006-03-20T22:00:00.000+08:00

Yes! I have won a Gold Medal!

Now I am really charged-up to go for the next event in Blog Olympics by Barbara from her Trying To Catch Up blog.

What a great name! I am trying to catch-up in blogosphere. What a great feeling to have an outlet to relieve your anxieties of the day with blogging, and this games with the residents of the world adds the enjoyment of cyberspace. Tallying my medals here and ready for the next event! Click photo for more.

Abode | Cab War!

2006-03-17T22:00:00.000+08:00

I finally lost it this morning. And all for a... cab.

My spirit was high, a Friday and the promise of a weekend that is full of wonderful things to do.

Two ladies spoilt my day with their lack of common courtesy. Being neighbours make it even worse. The sheer disregard for the next person just made me furious until I did something out of character. I confronted them and told them off.

You can never judge a person for who they really are by just looking at them from the outside. This incident was a reminder to me, but there are definitely nice people out there. There is still hope for this society I live in, only not with these two ladies. Click photo for more.

Family | Boston City

2006-03-16T23:00:00.000+08:00

Took a fun quiz from the link given in Carol's - A Revision blog to find out "What American City Are You?"

Though not an American, nor living there, but it was fun to know what kind of city would the quiz associate you with your traits and character. Boston? Wow. What's in Boston?

Well, I could identify a few things about the American states. Of course the one that I have been to and experienced so far, though superficial, but nonetheless interesting, no doubt. Click photo for more.

Family | Teal Green

2006-03-15T23:00:00.000+08:00

Blog-surfed to one of my favourite sites, Sister Celtic's - Life On Lopez Island with her link to a quiz on "What Colour Green Are You?"

Lately I have been sucked-in to taking personality quizzes. Simple and fun, you just wonder what it will associate you with or what really a personality you have that it summarizes you as.

Taken a quiz here and there, but what started it all snowballing was the innocent survey done by Starhub Cable TV, that got me kind of hooked on "self-discovering" quizzes.

Reminding myself it only for fun, it sometimes tells you something you never thought of, but find that it is quite... you! Click photo for more.

Family | Lost Puffy

2006-03-14T22:00:00.000+08:00

A terrible thing happened last Sunday evening.

My son lost Puffy while he went out with his two hamsters - Puffy and Buddy on his was back from buying our dinner take-outs from the neighbourhood coffee shop.

Realising only when he got back, he found only Buddy in his self-made box, strapped to his kick-scooter. Puffy was missing! Dashed out to find Puffy by retracing his route but was in vain.

I joined in the search party after our dinner, but was too tough to find this tiny creature on the grass verge with a wide area to cover. The search went on several times a day for several days to find our beloved Puffy. Click photo for more.

Family | Stroke Symptoms

2006-03-12T14:00:00.000+08:00

A friend forwarded an important and real email about Recognizing A Stroke.

This information creates awareness to identify a person is a victim of stroke with 3 simple questions. Getting medical help for the victim within 3 hours will prevent disability by reversing the effects and may save lives!

Know these 3 steps for yourselves. The next thing is to create this awareness by telling everyone you know. Everyone. More information from the above online ISC website. More local help online from all major hospital websites.

My Mom suffered a mild one and is now recovering very well. I am proud of her. Click photo for more.

Photo | Epson MPF

2006-03-11T23:00:00.000+08:00

It was the second visit to the IT Show 2006 at Sunctec City today.

We had out Lexmark X83 bailed-out on us recently, so it was timely that we get a new one. After narrowing to 3 brands - Canon, Epson and Brother, we decide on Epson Stylus CX4100 MFP.

What decided us on Epson was mainly because of its DURABrite Ultra INKdividual printing. It is smear and fade-proof. Water-proof demonstration on plain paper right after printing, even before the ink could get sufficiently dry, got us sold on the spot. What an innovation!

It was then a matter of what model with how much we were comfortably willing to fork-out. Click photo for more.

Photo | DVD Rewriter

2006-03-10T11:00:00.000+08:00

The time has come again for great hunting for the great buys as the 4-day IT Show 2006 at Suntec Exhibition Hall commenced from 9th March 2006 to this Sunday.

Was at the show today with 3 other friends at lunch time. Great bargains and this time the prices were even cheaper than the last one Simex 2005 in November.

Bought myself the long awaited LG DVD Super Multi Rewriter and will be busy beefing-up my PC and playing around with my new toy, but not before getting a replacement of our Lexmark X83 AIO Printer, so timely go bonkers on us a few days ago.

To return to the show tomorrow to get at network-ready AIO printer shared between our 3 PCs. Click photo for more.

Family | TTS Hospital

2006-03-09T21:00:00.000+08:00

Another leave taken to accompany my Mom. This time for her backaches.

Woodlands Polyclinic has referred her to TTSH or Tan Tock Seng Hospital for an Orthopedic Specialist assessment.

Her first time in TTSH, the registration, x-rays and consultation went pretty smooth. We went at 10:30am and left the hospital for lunch barely two hours after.

Great co-ordination and higher level of service makes the hospital not a terrible place to go to. The ambiance is more like a shopping centre than a gloomy medical centre my Mom was quick to comment.

There will be follow-up visits, but the experience is not a nerve-wracking one. Click photo for more.

Photo | Sentosa One

2006-03-07T23:00:00.000+08:00

Another update from Click! Singapore for my Photography blog.

Took my Mom and Dad outing with my family to Sentosa Island Resort at the spur of the moment since we were looking for a retail shop at HabourFront Centre.

The view on the other side of HabourFront was too tempting, so we hopped on the Sentosa bus and crossed the bridge from Mainland Singapore to the island resort for some relaxation by the seaside.

Went to Palawan Beach using the Yellow Line. All was great and with ease fortunately with Mom in her wheelchair, but we did not have any problem getting around as the buses were disable-friendly, and the resort stuff wonderfully pleasant and helpful.

Since there were so many photos, this is Part 1 of our outings. Click photo for more.

Family | Happy Hedonist

2006-03-06T23:04:00.000+08:00

Took part in an online survey today and was astound at my personality test result.

No nothing sexual about it as the title may have suggested, but my TV and movie viewing habits survey. No, still not "X" or "R" rated movies, but wholesome movies from broadband service by Starhub. God forbid these types of movies on TV in Singapore.

Anyway, the personality test result described me so accurately to the T. Amazing. It was able to summarise what I have been long-windedly trying to express my thoughts and feelings in this blog in one go. Click photo for more.

Family | Sunday Shopping

2006-03-05T23:00:00.000+08:00

Had a enjoyable Saturday and a pretty good Sunday too.

Had the day full of plans to shop, shop and shop. Money was moving out pretty fast, but all were necessary for us to keep going.

We were able to go to so many places and accomplished so many tasks that we set out to do within the day and still rejoice at the fact that we had an addition to the family.

Today, we became a family of 5! An inclusion of Buddy after blessings from Puffy. The whole of the day was spent watching the two of them get accustomed to their new cage and each other. Buddy settled in beautifully.

Only sad thing, was her replacement to the Danish's class Pet Project. Click photo for more.

Photo | My Sony

2006-02-28T20:00:00.000+08:00

Another update from Click! Singapore for my Photography Blog, the 7th edition of point and shoot, leave it to chance pictures.

The most useful thing on me is definitely my trusted Sony Ericsson S700i cell phone is like my best travelling buddy. Never leave home without it.

Appointments alerts and convenient metric/imperial conversions easily without cracking my brain. World time in major cities... not that I use that much but what a convenience!

The best thing of all, is definitely photo taking. I am so blessed to actually chose this phone over other brands, because until now, I am very pleased with the way the pictures turned out. Even while on a moving vehicle. It takes great picture as far as I am concern.

It has its limitation though - at night and indoors, but still its performance it tops. So I go around snapping anything I like, whenever I like. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Blue Skies

2006-02-27T21:00:00.000+08:00

Today is Monday. The least favourite day of the week. Ask anybody.

Yet I was greeted with beautiful sun shining in my bedroom while I was getting ready for work. The day was bright and the skies was deep blue. Heaven!

With my trusted S700i cell phone, I begin to snap the clear skies as the day proceeded while I go through my normal mundane Monday routine. With zest for some reason, my friends probably thought I was high on some banned substance.

Never mind them, I have to point out to them how beautiful the day was, the skies were showing as I snapped the free gifts from the heavens. Click photo for more.

Family | Sunday Sloth

2006-02-26T23:00:00.000+08:00

Sunday was suppose to be a great day outside. Planned to see the Asian Aerospace Exhibition at Changi Airpot, but there were more urgent and important stuff that took priority.

So stay-home were we this weekend, but all was not lost. The day with the family around the house was kind of well... cool!

Puffy made it all worth while for all of us to stay home with her antics.

Did not take lots of picture of gigantic flying machines, but lots of the tiny creature we called Puffy. But why the "sloth-like" Sunday? Click photo for more.

Family | Makan Sutra

2006-02-25T23:00:00.000+08:00

After the lull period of outings when my wife had to attend to her booth in a Wedding Fair at Orchard Road, this weekend is great!

Since we were looking for a retail shop space for her budding business, Peninsular Plaza had an interesting place. Funan IT Centre has too, but we are still trying to get one with an affordable monthly rent.

Almost by default, since we were there, after dinner at Funan Food Court, we could not resist to go to The Esplanade and Marina Bay for relaxation by Marina Bay eating snacks and maybe supper.

Supper we had at Makan Sutra. Our first time actually eating supper there. Nice happening place yet with a relaxed atmosphere. Tons of photos, but no space for all. Click photo for more.

Family | Postergirl Puffy

2006-02-24T23:00:00.000+08:00

Happy to report that our Puffy is doing really well here.

Gained weight and becomes like a furry ball, with the ever cute personality she oozes to the family.

We have finally realized that she now recognises us and accepted us when my son brought her to his class for Pets Day.

A wonderful news to my wife who just adore her. We are discovering more of her funny antics as we learn more about how to care for her.

My son let her swim in a warm pool in the sink.

Now that is something I need to read up a bit on. Is it natural for hamsters to do that? Click photo for more.

Photo | Space Station

2006-02-23T21:00:00.000+08:00

This is another update, the 6th from my Click! Singapore for my Photography blog.

Not really stunning photos, but the feeling I felt looking first thing at dawn when I woke up, a minute before the alarm clock striked.

The only bright jewel in the sky I noticed without my glasses on. After some investigative reading on NASA's website. I believe it is the International Space Station.

Not exactly a Singapore-made super-structure, nonetheless it was over Singapore skies at least. Just a bright spot in the sky, but a beautiful one indeed. Click photo for more.

Abode | Dawn Star

2006-02-21T06:00:00.000+08:00

Woke up to a pleasant view of man's achievement.

At dawn, I got all roused-up to capture the jewel in the sky that was biggest and brightest amongst the faint ones.

Was it a moon? No... it is too small to be. An aeroplane maybe? But it stayed on one spot.

A UFO? How I wish! That would be my childhood dream come through. That would be the news of a century! As far as Singapore is concern, that is.

Ah... a satellite! Nah! It is a space station. A space station? Click photo for more.

Abode | Sleeping Satellite

2006-02-20T21:00:00.000+08:00

Just one of those boring, the nothing-to-report kind of day.

What do I do when that happens?

I start to sift through my photos for something worthy to post.

Photos invoke memories, and the feeling felt then and many, many more words... being worth a thousand words and all.

Anyway, the recent full moon was cool. It was bright and beautiful and definitely worth to post in my opinion. Noticed how few words are coming out of my mind. Click photo for more.

Family | Sunday Certification

2006-02-19T23:00:00.000+08:00

It is Sunday again, the second week my wife tending to her booth.

I am left to help out around the house. Did the same mundane house chores, but not as awkward as before.

The second time around, the task was easier and less of a "chore" as I got the hang of things and did them better in double the speed.

I amaze myselft sometimes, but definitely will not quit my day job over this. Just like "Desperate Housewives" Tom Scavo, a stay-home Dad, I only have 1 kid to attend to while I do house chores. You do not want to know more. Then again... Click photo for more.

Photo | Orchard Road

2006-02-18T23:00:00.000+08:00

A 5th update on my Click! Singapore Photography blog section.

Help my wife to improve on her booth display in Orchard Road with more lights and rearrangments of the mechandise to be a bit more pleasing to the browsing eyes.

Did just that but dragged the whole revamp on and off while customers flowed in and out of the booth on a busy Saturday afternoon. From the afternoon, the project stretched all the way into the night.

Once done, I was free to "roam" the vicinities of Orchard Road. A once favourite teenage and yong adult's haunt, well, mine too when I was still courting my wife.

A lot has changed since then, a lot of revamped done especially to the facades of the famous buildings and the walkways that made the shopping experience world class. A photo opportunity for me to try my hands on hight shooting. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Longer Weekend

2006-02-17T23:20:00.000+08:00

Today is end of a working week.

It is a Friday evening, my official start to a weekend. I am all smiles. Weekend fanatic!

I already have tons of pending enjoyable stuff that I can do over the weekend. This would have started every Thursday, I might imagine, but all the good stuff cannot truely be enjoyed if rushed.

I need more spare weekend time that the normal 2 days.

I have a way to prolong the weekend that works for me. May be everyone is doing it too, but it works wonders for me. No, I do not slow down time, I do not turn back the clock, but I get 2 Sundays when I do it.

Maybe I am nuts, but hey, that is just me. Click photo for more.

Photos | The Esplanade

2006-02-15T22:00:00.000+08:00

A 4th update on Click! Singapore Photography section of my blog.

Had a good time on a weekend on March last year when we 3 went on a family outing at Marina Bay for dinner and a nice breezy stroll along The Esplanade.

The night city skyline is beautiful and was where I had the opportunity to use my Panasonic FZ10 Camera with setting other than auto. Went to the Padang, Marina Bay and then to The Merlion.

Such a great thrill to see good enough photos turned out (within my standard) with my night shots. Well, the camera did most of it. I just point and shoot.

Note, one pro-looking aerial view photo is not mine, but on loan. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Sunny Days

2006-02-13T22:00:00.000+08:00

The beginning of 2006 was a rainy affair. The month of January was gloomy and depressing as a dark a the sky, it felt.

Confined indoors with nothing much to do. We made the most of it with lots of movies almost like a marathon. With the movies came the snacks. And with the snacks came the pounds.

Well I have just to work it out on my HomeGym.

February came but continued with scattered rain and mostly cloudy days. Not exactly the weather I had in mind, but it improved by end of last week.

Then the skies brightened and clouds are floating away to reveal sunny days. Sunshine is here again and all is alive. Life is good! Click photo for more.

Family | Sunday Chores

2006-02-12T23:00:00.000+08:00

Not an interesting weekend for me. A slow one in fact.

Left home alone with my son having his Xbox Live online friends to play with and my wife tending to her booth at a Wedding Fair, I was dumbfounded. No clue how to fill my time without them.

Well, my wife gave me a list of chores to do instead. Thought of lazying around the whole day and do nothing, but I have to contribute to do house chores too. I have done bits here and there, but to be the "houseband" was kind of tough and needed some getting use to.

Well, at least for 2 weeks. Here goes the boring and mundane chores I did with some movie watching time squeezed in between. Click photo for more.

Photos | Sungei Buloh

2006-02-11T10:00:00.000+08:00

My third posting of photos from Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for Click! Singapore section.

Went outing with my son and nephew to Singapore's nature reserve located at the north-western tip of the island, bird-watching of local and migratory birds and nature trails of the fuana there.

My second trip there, we got to explored the reserve until we ventured out so far away from the Visitors Centre, just barely had enough time before closing.

What a wonderful place to be! We will be back again. Click photo for more.

Family | Puffy's Twin?

2006-02-10T20:00:00.000+08:00

It is Friday night and the on-off rain has rendered my plans to have dinner outside with my wife and son at Orchard Road be cancelled.

Instead I had to buy back dinner for my son and I, while wifey has hers at her booth. Guess it will be a slow business day for her with the rain restricting passers-by from her booth.

Puffy was awake quite early today and incidently met her distant relations on my desk while waiting for her treats. Cute Puffy and my trusted Microsoft Mouse keeping each other company while the rain poured outside. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Word Cloud

2006-02-09T23:00:00.000+08:00

Everybody seems to have one, so I gave it a go for my PAL - Passionate About Life blog.

And now I have one to call my own. Like I said, I got it free, short of ordering a T-shirt from the website. It was great when my PAL word cloud came out, as the words I often use and I can customize the fonts and its colours to suit my blog. Cool.

You should get one if you have not. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Brontok Virus

2006-02-08T20:00:00.000+08:00

The world was waiting for a Kamasutra virus to attack every PC in the globe.

The infamous Indian art of... you know what. I instead got a Brontok, a virus created from Indonesia today. Wow, both from Asia. Thought you would be proud of an Asian invention.

Nope! Definitely not this type of destructive and wasteful creativity.

The whole day was unproductive for me as I struggled to eradicate it from my PC and nothing else. The installed Hauri Antivirus did nothing to prevent nor detect it even with the latest updates.

Instead, a free version AVG Antivirus from Grisoft.com did the job in less than it took to download it. Fantastic!

The old trusted AVG is still the best around! I can vouch for that any time! Click photo for more.

Family | Busy Day

2006-02-07T22:00:00.000+08:00

Took off work on Friday to accompany Mom to SGH's National Eye Centre in the afternoon.

Since I could not make it in time if I were to take the afternoon off, I had to take the whole day instead. Well, what a busy day I had indeed.

Spent in the morning with my Wife to scout a new shop we have been thinking of setting up.

Then rushed in the afternoon to my Mom and Dad. I had to fetch them from their home, in time for her check-up at SNEC. She more than needs the eye surgery, she has been putting off for too long.

Click photo for more.

Photos | MacRitchie Reservoir

2006-02-06T11:00:00.000+08:00

In my second posting of photos of places in Singapore, we headed to the first TreeTop Walk on the island that is free to the public right in the middle of the island's Central Catchment Nature Reserve in between MacRitchie and Pierce Reservoirs.

An hour's worth of tracking on foot to the suspension bridge was hard work for many but great for nature lovers.

The long boardwalk ran almost endlessly winding the reserve primary and secondary forest and all the way to the water's edge.

An awesome experience and a very good workout for this family of 3. Click photo for more.

Photos | Click! Singapore

2006-02-05T23:00:00.000+08:00

Inspired by a message left by Ellen M Johns from Coffee Granules, I decided to pick-up where I left off on my MI Photography blog with pictures.

I will post pictures I took from family outings and scenes in and around the island now. It would have been more meaningful when I look back when I am old.

I would kill for photos of yesteryear, when I was a child. The scenes then... my home in village - the front yard, the back yard, our cats, chickens, our sheep yes, sheeps not goats, the view down from my favourite tree... the many pictures that are only in my head.

Oh, I wish to have them right before my eyes. The fond memories. Click photo for more.

Family | Something Wonderful!

2006-02-04T08:00:00.000+08:00

The verdict is out!

The "part-time" adopted hamster is officially ours to keep. We have always been a family of 3, and now Puffy makes 4.

When my son brought back the good news, both my wife and son went off to the neighbourhood library to look for books on hamsters and how to care for them.

We now know what breed Puffy is and armed with good information to make Puffy as comfortable and healthy as we could possibly provide her. Click photo for more.

Family | Something Great

2006-02-03T23:00:00.000+08:00

Continued from the last entry, the 3rd item on the list deserves the same "excruciating detailed description" as with all my entries.

If anybody has a lot of time to kill and wish to fall asleep in front of his or her computer, this would be an ideal read. No prescription required.

Insignificant to most, well.. all, but such a memorable event for this family of 3, hopefully 4 later on. We just have to wait for the verdict. Click photo for more.

Family | Something Good

2006-02-02T23:00:00.000+08:00

Today is a pretty good day for me amid everything else that sucked.

3 things that came to mind and I listed it, described them in "excruciating detail" for my own reference, for my immediate sanity.

I will look back and maybe laugh about it, or maybe reflect on the things I did and pat myself on the back, or maybe feel nothing of it, or... maybe cannot retrieve it back ever, if Blogspot goes bust or no longer free-of-charge.

Anyway, how or where it will take me later in life is anybody's guess. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Red Packet

2006-02-01T22:00:00.000+08:00

First day of work after the long Chinese New Year weekend. Received a Ang Pow and a pair of oranges from our CEO. Wow!

A slow day, but an educational one no less.

Interesting to actually see a Lion Dance performance and the blessings of a place by these Lions.

All these years living in Singapore and celebrating the CNY holidays, but never once stood and actually watched the whole ritual of my fellow Chinese customs and traditions.

Well, my Chinese friends were no helpful at explaning stuff and rituals as there are as ignorant as I was, but nonetheless it was interesting for us all to watch. Click photo for more.

Escapade | East Coast

2006-01-31T23:00:00.000+08:00

Last day of the long weekend of relaxation and day dreaming before coming back to the real world.

East Coast Beach Park is this family's last stop before the next weekend and holidays.

It was a cloudy day, so the sun played hide and seek for the rest of the days until sun down. Have some colour on my pale body after the "on-off" tanning session, but oh, such a good feeling to feel the sun on my skin, soaking the clean sea breeze and immerse the wide open sea view.

So refreshing to my senses. All 3 of us are energized as the long weekend draws to an end. Me back to work, my son back to school and wife to the chores before she starts her kiosk business again.

This little breaks from my mundance, daily routines keeps me sane for my own good. Click photo for more.

Abode | Morning Song

2006-01-30T09:00:00.000+08:00

Was awakened this morning by a wonderful song. A bird song in particular.

Still early in the morning of a public holiday. All was quiet and not a-stirring. No noise to pollute the morning heaven, just songs, songs from the birds.

I stood by my bedroom window listening to its happy tune for quite a long while. I felt calm, intrigued almost because that was the first time I ever heard a song like that from a bird that I could not see amongst the trees.

It reminded me of the time we were in Queensland, Australia on our vacation. Nature surrounded us. Pure heaven. I felt that this morning. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Dinner Out

2006-01-29T23:00:00.000+08:00

Every Chinese New Year you will be limited by choice of cooked food available from the stalls as the Food Courts in the neighbourhood and Food Courts in the shopping centres are closed.

The closest bet to finding good food would be to places where many Malays or Indian food stalls are located.

These are the only places left open for business these few days. We had a choice of either Bedok Walk or Changi Village.

We chose Changi Village because we can unwind after dinner which was going to be like a mad house.. well hawker centre that is, with the many people having family outings and dining out. Click photo for more.

Family | Peanuts Character

2006-01-28T23:00:00.000+08:00

While surfing, I landed on one interesting website via links from FFMB Member's blog.

My old time favourite cartoon - Peanuts was characterising anyone who wishes to take the test by answering a few questions.

Just be honest when answering the questions so that you will get your true Peanuts character for yourself.

I asked my son and wife to take the test and we finally are Peanuts! The picture depicts our family, minus Snoopy though, we have our own adopted "part-time" hamster Puffy in place of the dog. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Blogs Galore

2006-01-27T23:00:00.000+08:00

Left home alone, nothing good on TV, I had to turn to my PC.

Never in my life have I surfed to so many blog sites in one sitting, and never have I been so liberal on giving comments to the sites I visited, thoughts I read and so much urge to wanting to leave a message.

Yes, I am lonely without my family for even one evening. Hopeless me.

I have linked most of the FFMB members to my blog and made my first banner, well poster is more likely of my blog. Enjoy the many thoughts and the many witty comments with my hours of surfing.

Good way of learning from other people's experiences and opinions though they are miles apart across the globe. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Long Weekend!

2006-01-25T20:00:00.000+08:00

After what it seems an arduous and kind of depressing month of January, the weekend is just around the corner.

What is sweet is the two days of public holiday following right after the weekend. A total of 4 days off work is so needed. A long weekend finally here.

Have been waiting for this break for sometime now and it took the bus advertisement to re-ignite my "holiday spirits" back into me, pumping my blood of excitement as I will spend it all with my family.

No surprises as we are going camping, but which beach now? Oh and the weather has not been predictable for some two months now, what if it rains? Click photo for more

Escapade | Weird Day

2006-01-24T23:00:00.000+08:00

Ever had a weird day? I had my share today.

Woke up late for work and had to fork an extra S$4.00 on top of the normal fare for calling for a cab which came late for mistakenly saw the address as Pasir Ris instead of Tampines.

Sneaked into work with a straight face but stuck out like a sore thumb.

Coming back home was an even greater challenge. After 4 buses passed me by, I finally get to board one. Not before witnessing a weird antics of a woman gone mad over the long wait for the bus, or was it? Transportation can sure drive one crazy! Click photo for more.

Family | Our Hamsters

2006-01-23T22:00:00.000+08:00

We have an addition to our family unit. We have "adopted" part-time two adorable hamsters.

My son returned home from school one day with two hamsters in a cage. He was entrusted to be the first pupil in his class to take care of these animals for the weekend.

We had so much fun taking care of them. Our world revolved around them for the whole weekend. So much attention given to our new members of the family even though it was only for the weekend.

My wife even named the two after we got to know each of their temperaments. All was great with a few hiccups here and there, but the inevitable happened that made my son cried and I regretted that my memory failed me. We love you Sandy. Click photo for more.

Escapade | The Bully

2006-01-22T20:00:00.000+08:00

Time to confess. Even my parents did not know about this.

Yes, I have been bullied, but I have learned to forgive and have forgotten most of it ever happened, but I can never forget or forgive the bully I was with a girl from kindergarten.

Yes, kindergarten. I was as twisted and as mean as a child could be. To this day, I can never ever erase my mind when I saw here eyes speaking to me... why are you doing this?

I have no idea why I did it, but the guilt stays the same all these years. I though that I have forgotten and I thought the guilt has all subsided, but it stayed. I wish I could turn back time... but I just have to live with it. Click photo for more.

Abode | My Libraries

2006-01-16T13:00:00.000+08:00

My son was not feeling too well and had to skip school. I, on the other hand, had to take leave off work.

The flu season is in full gear I guess, when we saw a room full of people having about the same sickness as he had at the doctor's.

The journey to the doctor's was interesting. It traced his visits to the many libraries - from Children's Community in Tampines West, to the Tampines Regional - a neighbourhood library and on to the new and ultra-modern National Library situated in Victoria Street.

All in the bus ride from our home in Street 71 to the doctor's at Street 32. These places have been his eyes to the world and the whole universe if I can say so myself. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Friday 13th

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

Unlucky day? I am never a believer of such superstition.

Moreover, "Friday the 13th" and the number 13 are more of western superstitions than anything else.

Friday is a holy day of the week for Muslims and any number is just a number, the Almighty decides on everything.

That cleared up and out of the way, I would now like to relate a bad day I had on the 13th day of the new year 2006. The date notwithstanding.

I may get in trouble for this - career wise, but I just have to write this down for my own sanity and conscience. Click photo for more.

Abode | Trishaw Revived

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

I read with great interest of the possibility of trishaws plying our neighbourhood streets. A dying trade if not for the tourist attraction item.

It would be great to revived it to provide another transport option for the people to get around their estates and between neighbouring estates too.

Defintely a cheaper transport for mothers with their groceries from their nearby markets. A boon to the trishaw men who would be more than happy to have a steady income instead of depending solely on tourist seasons and limited movements.

Just cannot describe the many fond memories I have of trishaw rides home from my early primary school days. Just would a Tourist feel when he or she takes the ride.

This possibility should be explored further to provide the people in the estates another mode of fun but practical transport which will definitely be unique to this part of world, where modern fuses with the old seamlessly. Click photo for more.

Thank you Carol - A Revision for featuring

Abode | Arson Again?

2006-01-05T22:00:00.000+08:00

Not a good feeling to think that there was a second fire at the same place again.. the multi-storey carpark Block 730A.

Even more unsettling to think that there maybe a serial arsonist lurking around in our neighbourhood. Not a good start to the new year at all!

Well, we got another round of commotion when the Light Attack Fire Truck came with sirens blasting through the quiet night. There was already a small crowd near the open court beside the carpark.

As kaypoh or busy-body as my son and I were, we went down to the carpark to check what was going on. Did some "investigating" of our own and snapped some photo.

Thanks to our Civil Defence Force for their quick and efficient efforts to avoid the public and property in harms way. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Morning Ride

2006-01-04T13:00:00.000+08:00

Most definitely many Singaporeans have had a great countdown to 2006. Most have defintely started work on 3 January, but I had "luxury" to start work a day later.

An interesting journey in a cab to start the new year journey to work happened to me. Never thought of writing someone else's experience other than mine, and never thought of writing it in the Escapade section about anything to do with my work either.

Since I am a sucker for old Kampong days stories, reminiscing about childhood in a village when life was much simpler and more honest was a kind of nice. There were lessons learnt and some trivias about poultry too.

All from the can driver who happened to pass by his village in Punggol. Click photo for more.

Wishes | Happy 2006!

2006-01-01T07:00:00.000+08:00

Woke up this morning and another year has past, a new year to look forward to. Full of possibilities. My silent prayer for my love ones.

Bismillah.

To my loving wife Azi,
May you have good health and may your business flourish well, Insyaallah.

To my wonderful son Danish,
May your bright mind sparkle even more dazzling and may you grow up to be a pious son, respectful of his elders and excel in your studies, sports and interests.

To my dear Parents and Siblings,
May this year bring joy and happiness and murah rezeki to you all and may our ties bond even closer together and be emulated by our children.

To my true Friends,
Here and around the world,
Here's wishing you whatever good you wish for will come true.

To the Almighty,
Bless this family and our love ones,
Keep us in Your protection always,

Amin.

Abode | Spring Time

2005-12-10T16:00:00.000+08:00

Went to my parents to accompany by Dad for his blood test at Tampines Polyclinic.

Get to witness "spring time" in Woodlands. My parents corridor garden was blooming with beautiful and colourful flowers with the morning sun shinning.

The sunny and breezy day was perfect to spend it outside. It was even wonderful to get to witness the love and care shown between my parents as we went shopping after that.

It made my day. Life is good. Love is wonderful. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Sunday Setup

2005-12-05T20:00:00.000+08:00

Had a tiring Sunday afternoon.

Went with my wife to OUB Centre at Raffles Place to set-up her Chic Couture booth in the morning.

I was extremely excited to realise my visualization of how the deco was to be like, but at the same time anxious that it might not turn out the way I planned it or looked as how I would imagined it to be.

Some tweeks of the plan, here and there, but basically all were in place and the result was more than satisfactory for me. My wife became really excited when she saw all was taking shape and very delighted with the practical deco for her booth. Click photo for more.

Abode | Carpark Arson

2005-12-03T09:00:00.000+08:00

Woken-up by a burning rubber smell last night.

Checked the whole house, but all was alright until I opened my living room window. The smell was choking and the smoke was getting thicker.

Loud metal banging were heard and little explosions broke the silence of an otherwise quiet and cool night, but no fire was in sight.

It was our multi-storey carpark a few blocks away. The second storey was burning. The fire fighters were already there and put out the fire in no time.

My hunch was the motorbike that got burnt. We went back to the carpark in the morning to find out further. Click photo for more.

Photo | My Investment

2005-11-27T08:00:00.000+08:00

Went to Sitex 2005 with my son at the Singapore Expo on Saturday, 26 November 2005.

As promised, he got to be top 10 in class, so it was his time to pick his reward. Yes, he wanted the PSP bundled that costs above S$500.00. It would only entertain him but not educate him further.

Chanced upon a DigiLife DDV-M1 8-in-1 Digital Camera/Camcorder i-Pod and i-Pod Video combination for about the same price but the value-add to it is endless.

He will be able to take videos and still pictures at 5M pixel resolution that can be enhanced to 11M, listen to MP3 and watch Mpeg4 videos, convert movies from DVD or record off of TV programmes and tons of other stuff. Great for his school and personal projects.

The creative possibilities are endless. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Beach Park

2005-11-20T23:00:00.000+08:00

What was a lazy Sunday turned out quick fun for me and my son.

A last minute trip to the beach was all it took to lift up the spirits. Changi Beach Park has always been my family's haunt with my parents and siblings when I was a child and now it is my own family's weekend getaway spot.

The Tanjong or Changi Point is our favourite spot. The calming waters, the layed-back atmosphere and now with developments and facelifts, the beaches are still kept rustic, but further inland, the pace accelerates with the revamped Hawker Centre and many variety of shops and pubs as well as the traffic from the new Changi Ferry Terminal.

From childhood memories of fun at the beach to today's conveniences, whatever the modern changes it evolves to, it will give me the same happy feeling as I had in my childhood days. Click photo for more.

Family | Special Days

2005-11-18T23:00:00.000+08:00

My PC was acting up on me lately and thought I could clean up a little to rid off the unwanted stuff.

Sifting through the folders I found some photos of my son that made me smile when I thought about it.

Special moments I thought I should post for myself should I forget these little instances in time as he is fast growing up. Be continuously adding more in the future.

Old age and poor memory would suit it fine here in my private blog. Click photo for more.

Photography | Little Singapore

2005-11-13T21:03:00.000+08:00

A sight that awes me when I received it in an email from a friend.

Mother nature's own spectacle, a little tornado. These undated photos were taken off Jurong Island by an unknown person.

Have never seen something like this that is "large" enough being recorded here so far.

Puny compared to the ones we see on National Geographics where larger countries with large land masses and flat planes, would generate gigantic catastrphic swirls, but it is definitely a blessing we do not experience the nature's wrath of that magnitude.

Nonetheless, it definitely an awesome sight to see this little tornado in this little island of ours. Click photo for more.

Family | Big Boy

2005-11-08T21:00:00.000+08:00

Got my first big boy request from my son today.

Since the exams are over, he and his friends thought of going out together to watch a movie. Sky High was the choice made by the three boys.

Their first "no parents" hangout together, just the boys, big boys. Sure, I thought but not after he had to go through the mandatory questions and gave satisfactory answers before I let him go.

Just to be sure all is well since it was his first time out, then again I could have been paranoid or over-protective of him. Should give some space for him to grow. Click photo for more.

Escapade | Kampong Glam

2005-11-06T22:00:00.000+08:00

All this fuss about a making a good living caused a lot of ignorance to me personally especially about my roots as a Malay in the ever rushing, modern Singapore.

Yes I have heard or maybe read a few of Malay race and its heritage, but never get permanently burnt into my memory.

An outing to actually purchase a display console for the living room, made me discover the Malay Heritage - or the royal part of it at, all over again at Istana Kampong Glam, where the famous Sultan Mosque is situated.

It was my first time stepping into the Palace where once the Malay Sultan ruled Singapore before the Britsih established themselves here in 1819. Click photo for more.

Wishes | Salam Aidilfitri

2005-11-03T07:00:00.000+08:00

Woke up this morning with my heart full of indescribable joy and fulfilment. Heard the Syawal prayer played over my neighbour's radio and my heart filled with overwhelming joy! The trying month of Ramadhan has passed us and here we all are today to celebrate Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

To the Almighty,
We thank You and are grateful to You,
For giving us the opportunity to celebrate with our Mom and Dad,
For giving us strength to pull through during our darkest hours,
For Your blessings to our families.

To our Mom & Dad,
Thank you for your blessings,
Your unconditional love,
Your understanding and forgiveness,
Your being there just for us.
We love you.

Photography | Stormy Night

2005-11-02T14:00:00.000+08:00

Got awakened-up from my sleep by a loud thunder last night.

A storm was brewing and slowly but surely approaching. Unlike most rainy nights, last night was quite an exceptional one.

The strong winds whistled howling noises outside my window, but the continuous lightning and thunder were frequent and louder than usual. I opened my window and looked in awe at the sky.

The lightning was fantastically spectacular but nonetheless deadly. I just had to shoot it with my camera. There is no better day to practice than last night, but due to my inexperience, the pictures turned out bad. Click photo for more.