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PAL Becomes One

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click photo for more.

Family | Xbox Games

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

Click photo for more.

Abode | Polling Parents

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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.