25.5.11
A hot toddy please!
My throat is killing me softly. I guess I'm off to get some rest! So much I wanted to write but probably another day, why is life so busy?
24.5.11
Nothing's gone right
This week is terrible. The hot weather is not making things any better. I can't pinpoint what, but everything is not running smoothly.
I got in later and later at work, and I suspect SMRT has now decreased their train frequency after PAP's bad performance for the election, I had to wait for 5 minutes instead of the usual 1, 2 or maximum 3 minutes in the past. The platform was packed with people and by the time the train reached Bedok, passengers couldn't get in anymore. 5 minutes of waiting, scorching hot weather, "kiasu" people standing in the way of alighting passengers, inconsiderate people who wouldn't move when standing on the right side of the escalator... I know it's probably worst in other countries but I have seen better in Taiwan and Hong Kong. I wonder what's the appeal of working in Singapore for the foreigners?
I booked my spinning class and it was being cancelled without me being informed. I would have blown my temper but I decided I had enough of a bad start for the week and shouldn't cause more trouble. So I just kept my mouth shut, and arranged for the next session. Just my luck, the evening session is full. Okay, patience, patience. It's just testing my patience! I hope flu is not coming to me, as I have been feeling slightly under the weather. Goddamnit! 所谓心静自然凉。。。 I must keep my cool, reap some good karma ;)
So I probably am going to paint my nails and eat some chocolate tonight to make myself happy :) Not very difficult to please, is it?
I got in later and later at work, and I suspect SMRT has now decreased their train frequency after PAP's bad performance for the election, I had to wait for 5 minutes instead of the usual 1, 2 or maximum 3 minutes in the past. The platform was packed with people and by the time the train reached Bedok, passengers couldn't get in anymore. 5 minutes of waiting, scorching hot weather, "kiasu" people standing in the way of alighting passengers, inconsiderate people who wouldn't move when standing on the right side of the escalator... I know it's probably worst in other countries but I have seen better in Taiwan and Hong Kong. I wonder what's the appeal of working in Singapore for the foreigners?
I booked my spinning class and it was being cancelled without me being informed. I would have blown my temper but I decided I had enough of a bad start for the week and shouldn't cause more trouble. So I just kept my mouth shut, and arranged for the next session. Just my luck, the evening session is full. Okay, patience, patience. It's just testing my patience! I hope flu is not coming to me, as I have been feeling slightly under the weather. Goddamnit! 所谓心静自然凉。。。 I must keep my cool, reap some good karma ;)
So I probably am going to paint my nails and eat some chocolate tonight to make myself happy :) Not very difficult to please, is it?
23.5.11
A burnt cake in the oven
I hate the weather!! Absolutely hate it! Without a doubt!
I would swear at the weather, if only he would understand me! I would put up a fight with him, if he has limbs. I would try means and ways to make him cry, the way to make him pay for the fiery temper we have been putting up. How much do we love him for the light and warmth he has given us? How much again do we hate him for making us melt like a snowman under the scorching heat! Every step under the mighty sun, I feel my pores opening and the sweat glands begin to work like a factory. I feel my shirt getting soaked, my throat getting dry and my skin getting burnt. I hate 32°, 33°, 34° and all of their extended families.
I want to hide inside the house, warming my hands with a cuppa as I watch the snow falling and the smile on my face widening. I want!
I would swear at the weather, if only he would understand me! I would put up a fight with him, if he has limbs. I would try means and ways to make him cry, the way to make him pay for the fiery temper we have been putting up. How much do we love him for the light and warmth he has given us? How much again do we hate him for making us melt like a snowman under the scorching heat! Every step under the mighty sun, I feel my pores opening and the sweat glands begin to work like a factory. I feel my shirt getting soaked, my throat getting dry and my skin getting burnt. I hate 32°, 33°, 34° and all of their extended families.
I want to hide inside the house, warming my hands with a cuppa as I watch the snow falling and the smile on my face widening. I want!
Can I have one more please?
After two days of bubble tea, I'm still craving for more! But I ended up getting rose tea from the bubble tea place, it was a bad decision. I felt like I could brew it myself by just throwing some rose petals into boiling water. However drinking tea instead of milk tea has a psychological effect, it just makes me feel healthier. Blah, on days like these, I hate the healthy stuff. Give the bad stuff to me!!!
18.5.11
Melaka makan trip
I like Malacca, and there's no doubt about it.
I am already thinking about another trip back. The 23 hours was a good start to gauge to see if I like the place, and it is already making me fall for it. It was a cheap and easy trip, even though I don't speak Malay, English is widely used and very easily understood. I didn't pay a cent to sightsee, and the ones I like to visit are all at a close proximity, not to mention a walking distance from my hotel.
Hotel Equatorial is excellent, they gave us a non-smoking room on the 12th storey. The view is magnificient, especially during sunset. Even though they have ongoing renovations two levels below us between 9am-5pm, but I didn't hear anything when I was there during those timing. They didn't ask for deposit or hold my credit card number, probably because we have fully paid our tour package.
I saw A Famosa, St Paul church and Christ Church Melaka. A Famosa and St Paul church are ruins from the Dutch colonization (originally built by portuguese), it also reminds me of the old fort I saw in Tainan (also formally from the Dutch occupation). Even though I'm not much of a history person, I love seeing things with a story behind them. I also went to see the Stadthuys (Christ Church Melaka), the famous Red Square, which was built and occupied by the Dutch. It was crowded on a Sunday, everyone seemed to be just sitting everywhere possible... is it the new place for a picnic? There was also a stretch of souvenir stores right beside it and plenty of colorful fancifully decorated trishaws waiting to pick tourists up for a ride.
Malacca is known for the delicious food. Nyonya food, chendol, chicken rice balls to name a few. I had only 1 full day, so there was a limit to how much I could eat :( Also we had A&W, because Singapore doesn't have it anymore. They still do their root beer in the real A&W mug, unlike Batam and it was so good. As I heard the chicken rice balls aren't superb, I skipped them and had Nyonya food, which was REALLY spicy! Also we tried chendol from two places, I didn't have too much of it as I was tired of it by the second time I had it. The Nyonya pineapple tarts are real yummy too!
I also particularly enjoyed the Jonker Walk's night market. I'm a sucker for markets. I found myself a nice big navy blue hat with pokka dotted ribbon :) There was also local Malay market near our hotel but our legs were almost breaking by the time we were walking back. So I gave it a miss but I'm sure I will be visiting them the next time I'm there!
I am already thinking about another trip back. The 23 hours was a good start to gauge to see if I like the place, and it is already making me fall for it. It was a cheap and easy trip, even though I don't speak Malay, English is widely used and very easily understood. I didn't pay a cent to sightsee, and the ones I like to visit are all at a close proximity, not to mention a walking distance from my hotel.
Hotel Equatorial is excellent, they gave us a non-smoking room on the 12th storey. The view is magnificient, especially during sunset. Even though they have ongoing renovations two levels below us between 9am-5pm, but I didn't hear anything when I was there during those timing. They didn't ask for deposit or hold my credit card number, probably because we have fully paid our tour package.
I saw A Famosa, St Paul church and Christ Church Melaka. A Famosa and St Paul church are ruins from the Dutch colonization (originally built by portuguese), it also reminds me of the old fort I saw in Tainan (also formally from the Dutch occupation). Even though I'm not much of a history person, I love seeing things with a story behind them. I also went to see the Stadthuys (Christ Church Melaka), the famous Red Square, which was built and occupied by the Dutch. It was crowded on a Sunday, everyone seemed to be just sitting everywhere possible... is it the new place for a picnic? There was also a stretch of souvenir stores right beside it and plenty of colorful fancifully decorated trishaws waiting to pick tourists up for a ride.
Malacca is known for the delicious food. Nyonya food, chendol, chicken rice balls to name a few. I had only 1 full day, so there was a limit to how much I could eat :( Also we had A&W, because Singapore doesn't have it anymore. They still do their root beer in the real A&W mug, unlike Batam and it was so good. As I heard the chicken rice balls aren't superb, I skipped them and had Nyonya food, which was REALLY spicy! Also we tried chendol from two places, I didn't have too much of it as I was tired of it by the second time I had it. The Nyonya pineapple tarts are real yummy too!
I also particularly enjoyed the Jonker Walk's night market. I'm a sucker for markets. I found myself a nice big navy blue hat with pokka dotted ribbon :) There was also local Malay market near our hotel but our legs were almost breaking by the time we were walking back. So I gave it a miss but I'm sure I will be visiting them the next time I'm there!
On a coach
I spent almost 11 hours on the bus, just for 23 hours in Malacca. That's almost half the stay for just the travelling time, it is insane. But I have to say it's worth it. This short trip is way better than the stay in Batam, well, I would say it's more my kind of holiday. The explore, eat and have fun... the spa type of holiday doesn't seem to appeal to me.
I never really fancy the idea of travelling on coach. I did quite a bit when I was in Europe because it was the cheapest way to get around. From Germany to London, London to Dublin, London to Bristol, Bath to London, Germany to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Paris, Paris to Germany, Scotland tour on the bus and also a few times in Asia from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, Cingjing to Taipei (within Taiwan), I have had a bad experience, resulting in me missing my tour due to the shitty driver whom missed the last ferry. Ever since, I do not take a coach if I have other means to travel.
It also explains why I have never been to Malaysia much since it's so near. I took a train to Kuala Lumpur before and it was 8 hours compared to a 4 to 5 hours coach ride. I would rather take a train if I am in no rush really. I used to have motion sickness, but as I grow older, I seem to have grown out of it. Therefore it recently appeals to me that I should do more getaways, and thus this is the 2nd time I'm taking a coach to Malaysia.
I never really fancy the idea of travelling on coach. I did quite a bit when I was in Europe because it was the cheapest way to get around. From Germany to London, London to Dublin, London to Bristol, Bath to London, Germany to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Paris, Paris to Germany, Scotland tour on the bus and also a few times in Asia from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, Cingjing to Taipei (within Taiwan), I have had a bad experience, resulting in me missing my tour due to the shitty driver whom missed the last ferry. Ever since, I do not take a coach if I have other means to travel.
It also explains why I have never been to Malaysia much since it's so near. I took a train to Kuala Lumpur before and it was 8 hours compared to a 4 to 5 hours coach ride. I would rather take a train if I am in no rush really. I used to have motion sickness, but as I grow older, I seem to have grown out of it. Therefore it recently appeals to me that I should do more getaways, and thus this is the 2nd time I'm taking a coach to Malaysia.
14.5.11
Little indulgences, not so little I'm afraid...
Yum Yum Yum...
After a few visits to dessert.cup, I can finally write a proper review. They sure know how to keep us going back. Not only do their cupcakes look irresistable, they taste just as good as they look!
Thanks to Facebook, I won their new cakes pop during one of their promotions. Cakes pop are lollipop cupcakes, in tiny bite sizes! They were coated with a layer of chocolate and covered with sprinkles. Inside the round balls, the moistest chocolate cake ever. I couldn't believe it, they taste just like chocolate balls (I would say rum balls but they have no rum!). I am so addicted.
A small selection of the variety they have... Fabulous Chocolate, Very Black Forest, Cranberry Vanille and French Earl Grey Banana. I also tried the Bailey's one the other day. But please note, these aren't as nice anymore after you put them in the fridge, I guess you have to put it at a certain temperate so the cream won't hardened the next day. They are best savoured within the next few hours after you get them ;) I like the idea that the muffins for each of them are different, one is banana muffin, the other is vanilla, dark chocolate while Black Forest's is dark chocolate with a hidden sour cherry! Don't they look so pretty that you wouldn't bear to bite into them...!! Typing this now is making me hungry (seriously!!).
Beside cute looking cupcakes, they do sell beverage and parfaits with very creative names and concepts. The one I tried above is Avocado Rum Rasin. As quoted from Wiki - "parfait refers to either the traditional French-style dessert or a popular variant made by layering parfait cream, ice cream, or flavored gelatins...", it's not really ice cream, it's like a fanciful version. I did enjoy it but too much of it got me tired of it. Still, it's quite a new idea and I haven't seen this around in Singapore! Probably best for sharing ;)
And.... I have to say I am surprised they make good drinks as well! I had the Lemonade Honey Kiss (if I still remember the name right), it was lovely but maybe just a little dilute, I love good lemonade. On the second try, I had Tokyo Matcha and it's actually green tea latte. The flavour is strong, just as I would like... and more importantly they didn't flood my cup with tower of ice cubes! Do check out more of their Artisanal Teas and Tea Au Lait on their beverage list :)
After a few visits to dessert.cup, I can finally write a proper review. They sure know how to keep us going back. Not only do their cupcakes look irresistable, they taste just as good as they look!
Thanks to Facebook, I won their new cakes pop during one of their promotions. Cakes pop are lollipop cupcakes, in tiny bite sizes! They were coated with a layer of chocolate and covered with sprinkles. Inside the round balls, the moistest chocolate cake ever. I couldn't believe it, they taste just like chocolate balls (I would say rum balls but they have no rum!). I am so addicted.
A small selection of the variety they have... Fabulous Chocolate, Very Black Forest, Cranberry Vanille and French Earl Grey Banana. I also tried the Bailey's one the other day. But please note, these aren't as nice anymore after you put them in the fridge, I guess you have to put it at a certain temperate so the cream won't hardened the next day. They are best savoured within the next few hours after you get them ;) I like the idea that the muffins for each of them are different, one is banana muffin, the other is vanilla, dark chocolate while Black Forest's is dark chocolate with a hidden sour cherry! Don't they look so pretty that you wouldn't bear to bite into them...!! Typing this now is making me hungry (seriously!!).
Beside cute looking cupcakes, they do sell beverage and parfaits with very creative names and concepts. The one I tried above is Avocado Rum Rasin. As quoted from Wiki - "parfait refers to either the traditional French-style dessert or a popular variant made by layering parfait cream, ice cream, or flavored gelatins...", it's not really ice cream, it's like a fanciful version. I did enjoy it but too much of it got me tired of it. Still, it's quite a new idea and I haven't seen this around in Singapore! Probably best for sharing ;)
And.... I have to say I am surprised they make good drinks as well! I had the Lemonade Honey Kiss (if I still remember the name right), it was lovely but maybe just a little dilute, I love good lemonade. On the second try, I had Tokyo Matcha and it's actually green tea latte. The flavour is strong, just as I would like... and more importantly they didn't flood my cup with tower of ice cubes! Do check out more of their Artisanal Teas and Tea Au Lait on their beverage list :)
11.5.11
Bizarre beings
I'm not sure if they are human beings and thus the word "bizarre beings".
I like observing people, and I also pay attention to my own behaviour. I know when I have a bad day, woke up on the wrong side of the bed, have PMS and am extremely irritable and I would write less on those days when my sensitivity towards others would peak and I would be easily annoyed.
I am going to write about some people I bumped into recently, usually the unpleasant ones. Sometimes interesting and quirky characters, these however do not come by very often.
One morning, I boarded the train. It was full and a pregnant lady came in, with her husband. She stood in front of the "reserved seat" and out of consideration the lady stood up to give up the seat. But not even a word of "Thanks" or a smile, how rude! I began to wonder why such people come in and readily assume the seat is owed to her. Yes, it's reserved for people in need. But HELLO, the world does not owe you anything, is it so tough to show some appreciation? Throughout the train journey, she was glaring at the people around her and her face is just straight and "black". Seeing such people really pulls a wet blanket over the bright sunny morning!
Next, it's the security guard uncle at my office. He's one of a kind, I don't know why, but he exudes composure and an old man's sophistication. You know, like age with style! He always put on a stern face, I guess probably due to the nature of his job. Every morning I see him, I always try to greet him "Good morning!". But his reply is always silence. After a while, on occasions I get greeted the same back, but not very often. One morning, he actually replied differently and I was shocked. As I was running up the stairs, I saw him looking up and replied,"It's still early!" From then on, I know he's still a cool old man, not unfriendly but just need someone to melt his icy exterior.
p.s: Tagged "pest" for some of the people I mentioned here.
I like observing people, and I also pay attention to my own behaviour. I know when I have a bad day, woke up on the wrong side of the bed, have PMS and am extremely irritable and I would write less on those days when my sensitivity towards others would peak and I would be easily annoyed.
I am going to write about some people I bumped into recently, usually the unpleasant ones. Sometimes interesting and quirky characters, these however do not come by very often.
One morning, I boarded the train. It was full and a pregnant lady came in, with her husband. She stood in front of the "reserved seat" and out of consideration the lady stood up to give up the seat. But not even a word of "Thanks" or a smile, how rude! I began to wonder why such people come in and readily assume the seat is owed to her. Yes, it's reserved for people in need. But HELLO, the world does not owe you anything, is it so tough to show some appreciation? Throughout the train journey, she was glaring at the people around her and her face is just straight and "black". Seeing such people really pulls a wet blanket over the bright sunny morning!
Next, it's the security guard uncle at my office. He's one of a kind, I don't know why, but he exudes composure and an old man's sophistication. You know, like age with style! He always put on a stern face, I guess probably due to the nature of his job. Every morning I see him, I always try to greet him "Good morning!". But his reply is always silence. After a while, on occasions I get greeted the same back, but not very often. One morning, he actually replied differently and I was shocked. As I was running up the stairs, I saw him looking up and replied,"It's still early!" From then on, I know he's still a cool old man, not unfriendly but just need someone to melt his icy exterior.
p.s: Tagged "pest" for some of the people I mentioned here.
9.5.11
A better future?
The general election is over. I'm not pleased with the results, but seriously what can we do. We lost good ministers but the bad ones stay. Even the counting of the votes, the system is unfair and inconsistent. After reading the experience of a counting agent (who counted the votes), did you people realise scribbling swear words or tarnishing the logo do count as a vote for them! Please don't be foolish next time. I don't want to go on about who should be in or who shouldn't be an MP... The news circling around on Facebook is enough to make me sick of them. Let's just put a stop, there seriously isn't much in our control if you know they still have 93% of the seats. We can only pray for better things to come...
Gentlemen
It's his birthday!
I know he just turned 34. Thanks to that we get a little slice of Cedele's carrot cake! It's still so yummy like before but I didn't remember it tasting so good the last time I had it. I guess the mood counts ;)
Also I had Four Leaves' chocolate cake topped with raspberries for Mothers' day just yesterday. If not for the second spinning class at lunch time, I would be feeling extremely guilty!
The spinning class today is an introduction class, I should be doing this as my first really but couldn't make it on the last few Mondays. It was nice and easy. This time, there were 2 guys and 3 girls (including me). The guy next to me was really helpful, and taught me how to adjust the seat, fasten the pedals and even picked up my dropped towel in the middle of the class. I knew I dropped it but it was too inconvenient to get down and so I just left it. Such a kind act makes me realise there are still gentlemen around! Well, the birthday boy is one too :)
For now, I like a good night's sleep and no aches in the morning!
I know he just turned 34. Thanks to that we get a little slice of Cedele's carrot cake! It's still so yummy like before but I didn't remember it tasting so good the last time I had it. I guess the mood counts ;)
Also I had Four Leaves' chocolate cake topped with raspberries for Mothers' day just yesterday. If not for the second spinning class at lunch time, I would be feeling extremely guilty!
The spinning class today is an introduction class, I should be doing this as my first really but couldn't make it on the last few Mondays. It was nice and easy. This time, there were 2 guys and 3 girls (including me). The guy next to me was really helpful, and taught me how to adjust the seat, fasten the pedals and even picked up my dropped towel in the middle of the class. I knew I dropped it but it was too inconvenient to get down and so I just left it. Such a kind act makes me realise there are still gentlemen around! Well, the birthday boy is one too :)
For now, I like a good night's sleep and no aches in the morning!
7.5.11
GE day
The D-day is here. I don't want to get too political on my blog as I'm not very much into politics. However, all the hooha going on in Facebook somehow affected me. I began to go to a rally, I read the newsletter, followed the newspaper, watched videos on Youtube and even shared them. Many of my friends have their own voices too and it's very obvious whom they are going for.
I have to agree the recent years things have deteriorated, quality of life isn't as good as the past, living in Singapore is taxing not just for us, but also for our ageing parents. Who is supporting our unemployed or retired parents whom have no funds but worked their younger days to support the family and contributed to the country today... US! Not the government. Where is the welfare benefits for the sick and needy considering how expensive it is in Singapore? Why are people migrating, why do people try to get a chance to leave and doesn't wish to come back anymore? Why are we allowing our population increase rapidly over the years but without doing much to cater for it - housing, transport, and jobs! Why do we need 1/3 of the population to be foreigners? Why is GST forever increasing and our salary raise not being able to catch up with the inflation? How are all the average Singaporeans going to afford S$400K HDB flat without being in a long termed debt, without slaving to survive in a place we called our home country? Why do we have casinos? Why is everything all about $!? Where is our freedom of speech?
Everything seems to have surfaced - the concerns, complaints and unhappiness of Singaporeans. But we have to vote wisely. I don't think people are being smart trying to make our voices heard by voting for the opposition blindly. We must decide if they are able to contribute to the society, to represent our voices and address issues correctly. After hearing the rallies, there are things I agree and disagree with both parties. This is not the easiest choice to make. But things have to change to minimise our sufferings in future... Let's all vote with a clear head, my fellow countrymen!
I have to agree the recent years things have deteriorated, quality of life isn't as good as the past, living in Singapore is taxing not just for us, but also for our ageing parents. Who is supporting our unemployed or retired parents whom have no funds but worked their younger days to support the family and contributed to the country today... US! Not the government. Where is the welfare benefits for the sick and needy considering how expensive it is in Singapore? Why are people migrating, why do people try to get a chance to leave and doesn't wish to come back anymore? Why are we allowing our population increase rapidly over the years but without doing much to cater for it - housing, transport, and jobs! Why do we need 1/3 of the population to be foreigners? Why is GST forever increasing and our salary raise not being able to catch up with the inflation? How are all the average Singaporeans going to afford S$400K HDB flat without being in a long termed debt, without slaving to survive in a place we called our home country? Why do we have casinos? Why is everything all about $!? Where is our freedom of speech?
Everything seems to have surfaced - the concerns, complaints and unhappiness of Singaporeans. But we have to vote wisely. I don't think people are being smart trying to make our voices heard by voting for the opposition blindly. We must decide if they are able to contribute to the society, to represent our voices and address issues correctly. After hearing the rallies, there are things I agree and disagree with both parties. This is not the easiest choice to make. But things have to change to minimise our sufferings in future... Let's all vote with a clear head, my fellow countrymen!
4.5.11
Hello clean teeth!
Is having holes between the teeth even a normal thing? I don't get it. I feel abnormal when I feel them.
Thanks to a rubbish blogger who brags about the dentist at All Smiles Dental, I had my teeth cleaned. Thanks to the rubbish doctor who joked about a cavity, I'm the one paying a price for it. But thanks to them, at least now I know I am cavity free, tooth decay free... and my gum need some TLC (tender loving care).
I dread visiting the dentist. The last time I went prior to this visit was a few years back just for cleaning. Another time I chalked up a bill of over S$300 for filling up cavities. Dental visits not only hurt, they also damage my wallet. Whoever invent teeth, tooth fairy and sweets!? Why can't we be borned with dentures or plastic teeth and those won't ever rot!
So I visited the dentist today who gifted me almost 40 minutes of pain, drilling and grilling. The only good thing is he was quite humorous and patient, so it helped. After cleaning, he suspected tooth decay and/or cavities, and so made me took X-rays. But I feel so cheated when they turned out fine (Phew too!), because he was so experienced I thought he could tell better. And I had to pay for them because of his wrong suspicion. The bill this time came up to S$145, almost double the price I would get for cleaning elsewhere.
A follow-up visit?? I'm thinking twice about it.
Thanks to a rubbish blogger who brags about the dentist at All Smiles Dental, I had my teeth cleaned. Thanks to the rubbish doctor who joked about a cavity, I'm the one paying a price for it. But thanks to them, at least now I know I am cavity free, tooth decay free... and my gum need some TLC (tender loving care).
I dread visiting the dentist. The last time I went prior to this visit was a few years back just for cleaning. Another time I chalked up a bill of over S$300 for filling up cavities. Dental visits not only hurt, they also damage my wallet. Whoever invent teeth, tooth fairy and sweets!? Why can't we be borned with dentures or plastic teeth and those won't ever rot!
So I visited the dentist today who gifted me almost 40 minutes of pain, drilling and grilling. The only good thing is he was quite humorous and patient, so it helped. After cleaning, he suspected tooth decay and/or cavities, and so made me took X-rays. But I feel so cheated when they turned out fine (Phew too!), because he was so experienced I thought he could tell better. And I had to pay for them because of his wrong suspicion. The bill this time came up to S$145, almost double the price I would get for cleaning elsewhere.
A follow-up visit?? I'm thinking twice about it.
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