29.6.10

Movies

Woa, I don't know where to start really... It's time for movie reviews, yes, delayed. It's actually past midnight now, and I haven't got much brain cells left working. So I probably will just keep this short and sweet :)

I did watch quite a few recently... some which I quite like!

Ip Man 2
I didn't manage to see this in the cinema, but my cousin brought a loaned DVD to my place. It is a fantastic film, but I wouldn't go for it without watching Ip Man 1. And thanks to my ex-colleague who introduced so many funky movies during the lunch hours at my previous job, we really watched tonnes (more than I ever would in a year)! I am normally not a Kung-fu show person, because I dislike violence and too much actions. However Ip Man 2 didn't bore me, it's engaging and I love how cool he is! The story of part 2 reveals how he saved the Chinese martial arts from being humiliated by the westerners. Very good film!

My verdict: 4.5/5

Toy Story 3
Yes it is back again, and I am guessing it's the finale. By the way, did you catch the short Pixar film before the start of the movie? I thought that was a pretty witty animated film about day and night! The film as usual is pretty entertaining, the story always revolves around going back to Andy (the owner of Woody, etc). But this time, they were being sent to Sunnyside Daycare where their nightmare began. That big purple bear is so cute and cuddly, smells like strawberry... yet so evil! Who would have expected it? I enjoyed the part where they were trying to escape from the dump. Many of my friends mentioned how touching it is, and they cried... I could feel Andy's sentiments towards his toys, especially when he was giving them away. Talking about that, I still have some of my childhood toys! Seriously.

My verdict: 4/5 (light-hearted fun)

A Nightmare on Elm Street (a re-make?)
No one would have believed I grew up watching these. They were the most gruesome shows, but as a kid, I actually enjoyed it. The horror films these days doesn't excite me, those like Scream, Final Destination or The Ring... But Nightmare on Elm Street, Freddy sure brings back memories. The films usually were shown late at nighton the telly, and I would cover myself with pillow and blanket, laying on the sofa. I liked the thrill. When this film came out, I had promised myself to watch it. My sisters and I bought the late night timing, the cinema was packed. The show is very bloody... I don't like the throat-slitting!!! But yes, the excitement is still there... Freddy looked different and I still prefer the old Freddy. I can't remember if the story should be like this one. Somehow... I still prefer the old films.

My verdict: 3.5/5

28.6.10

Like it?

Time to give my precious a new make-over!

I quite adore the brown scheme, plus I think I have done a great job customising it :)

7 days to Taiwan

7... 6... 5... 4... 3.... 2................... 1.

Dreading.

I have no mood for planning. I wish I can just go. I used to plan every holidays... and I wonder why I can't be bothered anymore now.

13 days 12 nights with only 6 nights booked. I am leaving the rest to fate ;) I hope I will be able to hook up with my friend's Taiwanese friend, C. She has certainly been very helpful in my past research and route planning, I really want to thank her personally! It has been 5 years since I travelled alone. I can't wait. I can't help but feel that this trip will be very enlightening and beneficial, I will come back seeing things in another different light. I will learn and adapt.

After work ends on Wednesday, I have stuff practically lining up till I leave. I can't imagine the crazy schedule... world cup matches, one more pilates class, a birthday party to attend, changing currencies, doing some freelance writing, sorting out a rough and finalised travel plan and packing, buying things for trip... etc. I suddenly wish that I have more time.

I am crossing my fingers that I don't bring rain to Taiwan!

So long...

My stay at SingTel is coming to an end... I enjoy every experience that comes with every job. I leave with new friends made, a better perspective of the working culture in the company (and whether I would like to stay longer) and also to handle very difficult people (which happens at every job). I will miss the people here after spending 8 months together and I have definitely hit it off with some of them (some whom haven't been here longer than me)... Imagine I have 3 farewell lunches & dinner with the different groups, I am indeed very lucky.

It has been a ride... At one point, I almost wanted to give up because the poor project management and communication skills of my project manager. He's tactless, doesn't possess very high EQ and doesn't do his job very well if I may say... He's okay on a personal level, but I don't see eye to eye with the way he works. Sorry, if you happen to read this, just being honest! Worst of all, he went to spread rumor about how much I was earning to other colleagues whom are getting lesser, not very professional, fat cat! That's the reason why I really despise him. Compared to the other project manager I was working with on the previous SingTel project, man, there's no way to compare...

22.6.10

Brotzeit's empty promise

The Germans lost. YAY!

p.s: This is an out-dated post.


In fact, I was delighted when Serbia scored! I was rooting for them all the way since the start of the match because the German restaurant totally ruined my mood to support them.

Brotzeit is a big big big disappointment, in fact a HUGE disappointment. 2 days before the match, I specifically went down to check if I need to reserve a table in order to view the World Cup screening live at their restaurant. They sent ALL OF US on the mailing list a newsletter to say we could watch them at Raffles City and Somerset 313 branches. The staff told me the reservations are full, but there would be a huge screen placed on the ground level for viewing.

So Friday came, I happily settled my day at work and headed there... only to realize there was no screen on the ground level and the only live screening on level 2 is a private event, booked by Commerzbank. WTH, then why did you send out a stupid newsletter inviting us to come watch public screening?!?!

They are total crap. I was even willingly to pay for those overpriced salad and sausages... but now I am thinking twice. Maybe Paulaner would have been a better choice!

Also thanks to them, I did get to view the screening at my office recreational club, I could even bring guests in! We bought takeaways, and enjoyed a screen that is probably 5 times bigger than Brotzeit's plasma TV!

16.6.10

Rain, rain, go away...

I think this is the first time I am asking rain to go away... I love rain, I enjoy the drop in temperature that comes with it, I like to snuggle under the blanket. Well, I love my sweaters and jackets even more! But today, it is disastrous.

Orchard river? Heard of it?

We only have Singapore river but after today, we are going to re-write the history, today we have an Orchard river. Orchard road is practically flooded. I didn't witness it, but looking at the video posted in Facebook and pictures on STOMP, then I realized my office area was also affected this morning. Thanks to the 4 walls I'm working within, I can't even see anything beyond blocks of concrete! I came out during lunch and witnessed the aftermaths.

Traffic was horrible. Cars, bikes, lorries all lined up... slowly moving. There was half of a rubbish bin right in the middle of the road. The other half was laying some metres away. Not just one, but all the bins have fallen apart. What's worse - I saw the postbox laying flat on the ground... it is damn heavy and I wonder how strong the rain was to be able to move this thing?!

I like the cold, but I can't sacrifice Orchard road, can I? :(

13.6.10

WORLD MOST SELFISH SISTER FOR SALE

Yes. On sale. Big sale. Just buy it so I can get rid of her! Even if it's for free, just take her away and no return or refund! Any mister, please?

I just realised what a selfish bitch she is... well, not that I just realised today. It's already something that all of us at home know.

Today, this stupid woman was complaining she lost a book, something she needed urgently. So she described it, and it really sounded familiar. As we shared the room, I thought I have seen it under her bed. She has boxes of rubbish under her bed and it is no surprise I think I noticed it the other day while I was sitting on the floor doing my stuff. So being helpful, I said,"I think it's under your bed." She went and found it, but instead of being grateful and appreciative (not even thanking me), this ungrateful bitch accused me of shoving it under her bed. I fumed, this stupid brainless woman lost something and I was being helpful and then was accused of throwing her stuff under the bed. This is the most UNREASONABLE BITCH I ever met in my life. Not only that, she's one big selfish soul and I wonder why she's my sister? She wants people to live their lives the way she wanted it (and she never realised who IS the selfish one?). I wish she just grows up!

11.6.10

Kiasu-ism

I love Daiso but I hate shopping in Daiso because all the damned inconsiderate Singaporeans are always pushing and shoving. I wish I have spikes so I can prick them all over!

Humans, fascinating

Yes, that's the word.

Look around, did you notice how people have changed over time? I like to cite some real life examples here... you can guess who that is, if you happen to be in my social circle (but don't ask me for the names!).

One carefree soul, who used to entertain me with her light-hearted nonsense... until life remold her. A melancholy soul, she worries and dispirits. She fusses over the details she used to overlook. She calculates to each penny she used to take lightly. We seem to have swapped our souls... we have taken each other life journey. We are still great friends because we complement each other. But I don't know how to revert her to who she was... for I am enjoying the her I have become. I hope one day she finds back her positivity which once filled her to the brim.

Crazy woman who wants to be Samantha Jones but secretly *deep inside* dying to have life of Charlotte... Finally, this woman is getting hitched. She sang many praises about the wonderful men she went out with. Now she sings too much complaint... unnecessary complaint that most women would happily switch their roles with her for it. Don't take life for granted;) She complains and complains and so often it does really get on my nerves. WOMAN, please know this is irritating! Haha. I love you because you're my friend, but please understand you can also be annoying at times haha.

The friendly, easy-going girl-next-door. She was chirpy, liked being alone, and almost had no temper. Nowadays her quick temper alarmed many of her friends on Facebook, her depressive mood swing is unpredictable like the London's weather... Her status updates are often too emotional and show how much attention she is craving for. She has changed, and how I miss that mellow soul!

Cute, bubbly and always helpful. She was my precious companion growing up. Now she often needs the nudging to even offer her help, gets edgy like a woman on PMS and lacks the motivation to get things done in life... I hope in some years, she will finally mature into a fine lady, just like good wine.

...

For sure, everyone has changed. So have I.

8.6.10

I gave in to temptation

I picked up a passport wallet I really adore... I was circling in the store for 5 minutes, because I couldn't decide! Not because I was considering the price, it wasn't cheap but I really like and would pay for it! It was because my dear friend gifted me one recently and I won't have 2 passports to use both! Given the chance that I haven't found one I fancy so much and that one might worn out after a while, I headed to the cashier. Still loving it now! Tell you what, I keep one for my europe travel and the other for everywhere else, how's that!? ;)


Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. Sign up now.

2.6.10

Randomness XIV

Monday. I waited in vain.

Tuesday was good. The courier finally came, so did my Adobe Photoshop CS5. It has been a long wait, but it is worthwhile.

Wednesday's terrible lunch made me realise how much I love home-cooked food, especially mum's. Retail therapy always help. I found myself an Alice in the Wonderland tee, absolutely beautiful that it's almost sold out, my sister loves it and Angela also wants it! However I am more in love with the other tee with Minnie mouse & Daisy duck, it's classic. The last piece in store was faulty. I actually came up with many stupid ideas inorder to have it, i.e. asked for a discount for the faulty piece then tried to convince myself to buy or wanted to buy it and exchange it at another store... I guess the manager was touched by my perseverance and sincerity that she decided to order it for me from other outlets so that I can buy it :) Nice.

Thursday was filled with birthday celebrations.

Friday. Should I bring my new Kate Spade out to see the world?

1.6.10

Under S$25 meals

Picture this...

It's a rainy evening, and you're trapped at Parco Bugis Junction. Your stomach is growling and you crave for good food, something hot, steamy and juicy. Not FASTFOOD! No Mos Burger, no McDonald's, not even the barely satisfying food from the basement food stalls. So what's there to eat??? Okay, and you've only a budget of S$25.

There's MOF, it was pretty crowded when I was there. Food was alright but on the higher end for their quantity. However I miss their rice balls - I can't remember the names, I only remember it was one of the best things I had.

There's also a Hong Kong cafe, which is best kept for having a cuppa or two.

There was Sketches, my favourite place to have customized pasta or pizza but unfortunately is replaced.

There's Soup Spoon, suitable for the days you feel like having liquid diet!

And then you suddenly remember.... Nando's just opened their first restaurant in Singapore! And it happens to be at Bugis Junction! Yes, it's the replacement for Sketches, not that I'm very happy that Sketches has closed down... but well, at least there's another dining option! I just found out that Nando's is Portuguese! Ma Maison, it rings a bell. Go google it and you'll find a French-Japanese fusion restaurant. It's tucked in a cosy corner behind the Hong Kong cafe which I never noticed - OMG!

To cut the story short and save your creative juice churning... I dined at the two places recently and would like to share my experience! The cost per person during my visit came up to S$21+, same for both restaurants, but for Ma Maison it was after a "Ladies' Night" 20% discount.

Nando's
Located at #01-85 Bugis Junction
Timing: Sunday lunch
Card promotion/discount: None at the moment

It was a celebration lunch, for my dear friend who has completed her last paper. I suggested to give a try at Nando's since it's pretty new and I never had it anywhere else. I was there about 1245pm and there was already a queue, fortunately the wait wasn't too long. The place is very cramped, and only if you're super skinny, you could probably squeeze through the space between tables without saying "Excuse me". Other than a group of noisy kids at the neighboring table, our dining experience was quite pleasant. It seems not the case for everyone as I read of a few nasty reviews on friends' Facebook status. They probably went for dinner when things have ran out and was extremely crowded and so they couldn't wait for the diners to leave once they cleared out their plates. Still I wish they have a larger area!

We each ordered a 1/4 chicken (Mild) with cous cous salad and peri peri/old-style fries and drinks respectively. I didn't like my drink! Both the fries appeared the same to us! My friend didn't quite like cous cous but I happily finished mine ;) The chicken portion was just right, and was tender and hot (unlike the hungrygowhere reviews). We didn't have the bottles of sauce at our table, but was attended to quite promptly when we requested. I prefer the mild and hot sauce, to the extra hot and garlic sauce (sour!).

It reminds me of Kenny Roger but the latter has a better variety of side dishes (e.g. macaroni cheese!!). I suppose the price is fairly close to Kenny Roger's too. But if I am to return for comfort, I think Kenny will be a better option. Nando's can improve with a bigger area with more comfortable seating, better service and shorter waiting time (especially when calling for bills).

Ma Maison
Located at #02-51 Bugis Junction
Timing: Monday dinner
Card promotion/discount: JCB UOB Card & ANZ credit cards / Every Monday "Ladies Night" @ 20% off

I have heard and read lots about this place and thus specially made the trip down on a "Ladies' Night". It was near 7pm, and a queue was already quickly forming, this place must be quite impressive.

The majority of the staffs are Japanese, so were some of the customers. It certainly felt like I was in Japan (not that I've been there), but the service was prompt, polite and excellent! The ambiance was delightfully romantic, and it just made you want to sit there forever... slowly savoring the food and drinking sake! I have promised myself to return ;) Not sure when but definitely!

We were served ice water almost immediately after we sat down. I was amazed at their service! Then we were asked if we wanted garlic bread or something else (I can't recall!) while waiting for our main course to be served. The garlic bread came in two long pieces, delicious! It costs us S$4.20 if I remember right. We ordered a big hamburger steak and gratin with scallop and prawn to share, which was a very good idea indeed.

The steak came, a huge patty drizzled with brown sauce and surrounded by pieces of roasted potatoes and cauliflower. Not forgetting, it was topped off with a sunny side up. The steak was soft and tender! Like minced meat patty, it was a heavenly combination with the brown sauce, we finished it in no time. No wonder it's one of their signature dishes, next time we should try the one on hot sizzling plate!

The gratin with scallop and prawn was a very good size for its price. Two juicy prawns and two scallops, inside the grain was shell-like pasta, not potatoes. Fortunately we shared, else too much of it might be icky! It tasted more milky than cheesy by the way. I didn't realize we didn't order any drinks! But our iced water was always being refilled without even raising our hands!

I had a dessert craving that evening, forget about being on diet on a Monday night;) So we had apple pie with vanilla ice cream. It was an art, when it was presented to us. So pretty that I couldn't bear to eat it:) Domo loved it too. It was not the usual apple pie, because I tasted green apple! Slightly sour, coupled with the sweetness of vanilla ice cream and the baked crust... mmmm... I think I can do one on my own next time!

All in all, thumbs up for Ma Maison! I can imagine holding a few celebration dinners over there, but I will better book in advance!

p.s: Pictures up.