Updates.

Today is Vesak day. The best thing about it is that, I dont have to work. Haha

So here is a little update.

My supposed 2 week stint at Popular has been extended to early August. So I wont be jobless for this period of time. Working condition is alright and my fellow temp colleagues are very easy to get along with. Lunch bus is indeed surprising, because you do get to go to different locations everyday. With to and fro shuttle bus at Ang Mo Kio Mrt Station, what more can I ask for?

I came across some books that are kinda lame and they seem to be mocking other more popular titles.

For example, there is this series called, Barry Trotters. Obviously a parody of Harry Potter.

Another one is the following:

Lame huh?

Gang meeting later. Its always nice and delightful to meet the Gang. I think its just the camaraderie we share. Always looking forward to it. And I do realise I haven't organised one yet. So I shall do it soon. How about tomorrow? Blah. Cranky me.

Taiwan trip - some of you might already know that I am planning a Taipei trip at the end of July and I've received responses from interested parties. Frankly speaking, I wasn't expecting such a warm response la. But for the time being, I will be planning the itinerary for the trip.

What is confirmed is that, we will be flying Jetstar. Choice of hotels should be a 3 star hotel within the Ximen Ding vicinity or with a Metro station within walking distance. Which zooms in to mainly KDM, Wonstar, Paradise, Rainbow. (Only KDM and Wonstar provides breakfast.)
Won't be switching hotels in between because it is a all Taipei trip.

Based on initial planning, the estimated date of departure is between 16th July to 25th July and the expected length of stay is most probably 5D4N.

This is a free and easy trip. Transportation from airport to hotel and hotel to airport will be via shuttle buses, such as Freego Bus.

Daily transportation will be by bus, MRT and Taxis.

Based on this arrangement, the estimated cost for a Paradise hotel room (assuming 2 person to 1 room.) + 2-way air tickets inclusive of taxes (rounded off) is about SGD600 per person.

This trip was initially planned for just Na and I, so interested parties please at least come with a friend/spouse/sibling. (Try to make it a neat arrangement such that you don't have to share room with my other friends because interested parties are from my different circle of friends.)

Photos.

My all time Favourite Group!

The all time Favourite of the All time Favourite - Hebe!

Attack of the Stuffed Toys!

The Newest Member of the family - Noisy(Left)

Trees of the favourite hang out.

Results.

I'm elated with my overall results. Definitely made the right choice to switch course.

Happiness aside, I am rather disappointed with my Nation-Building results. Expected to at least maintain my previous sem's grades, but it dropped by 1 grade instead. Last sem, I got 2 B- for the class tests and got a final score of B+. This sem, I got B+ and A- for my 2 class tests, and I ended up with a B for my final.

Econs is definitely the main cause of joy, while Sociology was a pleasant surprise.

I'm just delighted.

I'm sick.

Poor Referees

Referees, are poor people who get criticized, blamed and threatened when a team loses a match. It has been on the rise it seems, managers, players, fans, legends, wonderkids, heroes, flops, Toms, Dicks and Harrys.

Are referees today so lousy? Are they not human? If you think the referee is biased or crap, f_ing get 22 referees running on the pitch to keep a close eye on every single player.

Lose it with sportsmanship even if the ref made a mistake, it can't be helped, if you think you can do his job better, then quit whining and resign as a manager or player. Sign up as a ref. See if you get any threat letters.

Irritating.

PS. No one in my family is referee.
This post is not targetted at any teams, managers, players. It is just a summary of how I feel that referees are being treated too harshly and under respected.

First Day.

Well well, first day at work.

I don't remember mentioning this, but I am working at Popular's Warehouse as a warehouse asst. And I stuck about 1000 price labels on 1000 books by hand. (I'm not exaggerating.) Now, I can proclaim I am the human price tagger!

This job is pretty stress free, zero learning value, but I do get to see some good books that are going to be put on sale at a discount price of $6. Some of these books are still for sale at its original price at Kino, Times, MPH and even some of the Popular retail outlets, so they are fairly new. Although I can't buy the books at the warehouse, I might know when and where they are going to be on sale, so if you all want any books, (that aren't too new) I might be able to tell you all when and where its going to be displayed.

They hired 4 temps, of which 3 are undergrads. Haha. Not exactly a type of job that requires undergrads in my humble opinion. One of them is Na's friend. This just amazes me, I tend to be fated to meet Na's friends who take the same modules as me or temp together with me. Haha The supervisors are nice and such, but I didn't really like the guy-who-wears-shirt-and-pants-and-never-broke-a-drop-of-sweat-guy. Whatever/whoever he is, (Either manager or something.) he's too damn proud and arrogant. He is just an AP.

Although the pay isn't very high, $5.50/hr, they have a company bus that sends us to and fro to AMK Mrt Station. They even have a bus to drive us out during lunch. What amazes me more is that, the lunch destination is different everyday in the week! And its never fixed, so you are in for a surprise everyday!

Well, it can be monotonous and get pretty boring and sweaty but well at least I'm not rotting at home.

Job!

Finally got a job after a couple of disappointing weeks.

Its funny how when nobody calls you, no one will. And when a company calls, many will follow suit. Bah. Murphy is definitely working overtime.

Yeah, starting work tomorrow. No more nuaing at home.
But I wouldn't mind playing GE abit more, lol.

Granado Espada

I've downloaded Granado Espada Pre Open Beta.
Seemed quite interesting from all the reviews and descriptions.
Not quite used to the gameplay but the graphics wasn't all that shabby at all.
A screenshot of my characters in the game. My graphics card is a Geforce4 MX420 64mb.

Fighter, Wizard, Scout

Sanity

I am not happy.

I am not in the best of moods.

I feel awful.

I feel lousy.

I feel useless.

......

I actually have no clear picture of how I am feeling now, but it seems to be a fusion of all the few feelings mentioned above. It has been awhile since I have been having such mood swings. I guess I'm perfectly normal to be feeling this way... Okay, maybe not.

Something is wrong somewhere. But I can't pin point the exact source of discomfort, it seems as if its present everywhere. EVERYTHING seems out of place. I feel as though I am being consumed by the raging fire of darkness.

I watch slowly, as the fiery fire engulfing everything in sight, yet I am powerless to stop it. I stood there rooted, defenceless against the heat of this fire, watching it charge towards me. As it draws nearer, the weaker I grew....

Before I know it, the fire has reached me. The intense heat is penetrating into my flesh as if sharpened spears piercing through me. The pain, is unbearable, but not fatal. For no one knows if I'll withstand or crumble. But one thing is certain, I've lost it.

My Sanity.

Work work work

"Work work...." exclaims the Peon when you click on him.

How I wish I can be the one to say "work work.." or even answering my boss, "yes m'lord" instead. I am utterly bored stiff being cooped up at home. I don't mind $5/hr, I don't mind being a temp warehouse assistant or even standing for long hours.

I just want to spend this freaking 2.5months left meaningfully and usefully, rather than gaming the shit out of my soul or even running out my half woreout ankles.

Exam results are going to be released soon, and I am eagerly anticipating it. For better or for worse, I'll only find out on the 26th. For me, its always better to know, than to be ignorant about it.

To Mouse:
Please think fast! Your Birthday is reaching in less than a month. I need to prepare!!!

Lobster Kai

Yes, its this time again.

Mr Xie Kaiwei is hereby declared a lobster yet again.

We had been planning to go to the beach for quite sometime already, but due to certain unforeseen circumstances, we've already postponed it quite a couple of times. And now, we have finally made it to the beach again.

We started off by taking a stroll on the beach, and we ventured onto a "platform" where many people were fishing. There the waves were extremely high, and Na was extremely facinated. She loved the waves especially when they keep coming up onto the platform. The tides were so high that many of the paths leading to the breakwater are submered.

I simply love the sun, the sea and the breeze. One major reason why I love the sun is that, I can get a tan, despite knowing that I will more likely become a lobster rather than a golden brown dude. But still, sun is good. Had a great afternoon cycling, looking at people and just enjoying each other's company.


But this happiness and bliss was not as lasting as I hoped it would be, it started to look gloomy and the breeze from the sea blew at the faster velocity and at a lower temperature. So we rode quickly and we for coffee at coffee bean again. Heh.

Had been pondering abt what to eat, but in the end we decided to head to Bedok to explore uncharted territories. And we found the mouse craved fried oyster! Haha, after a filling dinner, we headed home. =)

Happy Day.

AI & lesson plans

Writing training programmes, lesson plans and admin instructions back in those days are actually quite helpful.

At least it has helped me with my current tasks on hand.

Meeting with the Gang.

Finally meeting with the gang after quite sometime.

Had dinner over at Sakae and I had my usual fare - Unatama Don. I have no idea why, but I just simply adore eels. Not those electric ones that shock you, but those served on a platter.

Had a good time talking cock, chit chatting at Sakae, sitting by the benches at Lido enjoying Hot Fudge Sundae.

Watched Summer Palace, and frankly speaking, it pretty much got me lost in translation. I'd give 0.5/5 for it.

My darling is sick, take care dear. Sleep tight.
Things are not going very well for you in school, but bear in mind that I'm here. I'll be there being the tree that stands tall, sheltering you from rain, shine or hail. Loves.

West Ham

Well, West Ham is staying in the Premiership.

I'm pretty happy with that, although I am a Man Utd fan, I always have a soft spot for West Ham. I simply love to see Di Canio play back then.

Btw, was rewriting my grandma's phonebook for her. And to my horror, my standard of chinese has deteriorated beyond my expectations. I can't even write some simple words. Only 1 word to describe myself - Horrible.

Need to start reading chinese newspapers already.

On the brighter side, my English is picking up.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers!

Went down to town pretty aimlessly. Was roaming around without an objective in mind, therefore I visited like 4 of the different toilets in Wisma and Taka just to wash my hands.

After the mad roam, I suddenly thought of going Kino to read some books. So off to Kino I went, had so many books I wanted to buy. But since I am currently jobless, I decided that if I needed to buy a book, I'd to choose the best out of the various good books I shortlisted.

In the end, I picked the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I'd read the teens version of the book and I liked it quite alot, so I shall read the grown up one now. After finishing Freakonomics that is.

While I was shopping for books, there was this lady(first impression)that came up to me to ask me for help looking for some book. She seemed really friendly and nice, so I helped. And after which we conversed for awhile and she asked if I were a student since I look like one. (For once, someone thought I didnt look THAT old.) And in the end, I found out that she is a Vietnamese and was an ex-yr 4 student in Computing. Now awaiting her commencement. Well, what a coincidence.

Didn't talk much, and I left for home. On the way I did see many huge bags of LV, Chanel all around town.

Dinner was a buy back feast. We have been doing this for quite sometime already. We will just go downstairs, ta pao different food from different stalls and just dig in. Its quite nice, I mean you don't have to smell smoke, don't have to wait for people, don't have to get chased out of restaurants because today is a PEAK DAY, etc.

Job applying that yields no return can be very demoralising. Luckily, I can busy myself with my books, after completing the project tasked upon me from my Aunt.

Junkie in the making

I've been a computer junkie lately. I've been applying to countless number of jobs seeking temp staff for admin/hr/acct assistants, but to no avail. Although the job requirement doesnt state gender as a prerequisite, I think females have a much higher chance in landing those jobs. Oh well, the search continues.

Been receiving a lot of calls from unknown numbers, always hoping for someone from some job agency/company calling me for an interview or something. But no, all the calls I received are for surveys, investments and loans.

I was so bored I'd completed 3 seasons of football manager with Juventus and got them promoted back to Serie A and currently playing in the Champions' League.

Time to switch target, and forget about desk bound jobs at the moment.

I have been spending much of my not-being-a-junkie-time exercising, time to get back in shape.(Although I was never shapely.) Been running around the same route for quite sometime now, but it just seem to get more foreign. People dont give way to joggers anymore, I have to stop countless number of times per run just to get past them. Cant they see I am charging towards them like a bull?

All they do is happily chit their chat, talk on the phone, stare at me as I charge towards them. (And I dont mean those who don't have situational awareness, I am talking about those who see/ have seen/ or are staring at me.) How I wish I were mean enough, to ram into them with my sweat soaked singlet, sharing my persiration with all of them. That'll teach them to give way to joggers.

Bah, I am bored.

So is Tuesday still on?

Donuts

Wtf, blogger is screwed up lor.

But anyway, this is my re-post.

Brought my mum to the doctor in the morning, and I am glad that all the pain and ailments are just symptoms of stress and lack or rest rather then something cancerous.

Took Sunny to the carwash in preparation of parting with her since my contract for temporary ownership is expiring.

Went to queue for donuts at the donut factory! And I saw buddy, or rather he saw me, again.
I've been wondering, how come its always him who sees me first? Am I that blur? Haha. It was thoughtful of Jack to offer to queue for me so that I could go relieve myself or grab a bite or he could help me buy a drink etc. Thanks buddy. But I think SAF trained us well, in terms of standing. Haha. But it did occur to me that, a field chair could come in handy the next time I join in the activity that Singaporeans love most - queue.

Well, for those who are unaware of the layout of the place, I'll do a rough sketch of it below.





The queue is basically split into 3 sections, namely Q1, Q2, Q3.
W1 and 2 are the walkways for other patrons in Raffles City.

I joined the queue at the end of Q2 which is just outside Crumpler, and it took me almost 2 hours to reach the start of Q2. And I finally got my 18 donuts after a bit more than 2.5hrs.

Do be prepared to wait for an additional 30mins just to get the donuts of your choice.
Na seems delighted to receive them. Haha. Thats all it matters.

They come in boxes of 6 and 12.
You can buy them individually as well.
Do note that 1 person can only buy a maximum of 24.

So, is it worthwhile?

My verdict:
It will have to depend on the individual. Personally I am no donut lover, but the donuts are indeed pretty yummy. Not the conventional donuts, which are a tad too plain looking and slightly too hard.

The "Kou Gan" is definitely there and some are just adorable. Not someone with sweet tooth? They have salty ones as well.

A must try if you ADORE donuts. Else, you can give it a miss.

P.S.
Bring a chair/ person. If you must be alone, for whatever reason, bring a good book.

And, perhaps giving it as a gift could buy you into the good books of that person. It might even win you the heart of the girl you love.

Look out for queue cutters (Be it act blur or simply too blur), because since the queue is split up, some people might not see that there is a queue behind.

Missed.

Today was a good boy day.

I drove my mum to IMM, and it has really been quite a while since we'd gone out together. Bought groceries, tidbits and etc. Didn't do much there actually, just roamed around before coming home.

Had a pretty exciting wait at Na's voiddeck just now.

While I was waiting for Na to come back from work, this Indian uncle in a drunken stupor came up to me and struck an engaging conversation with me. It got to a point that I got sick and tired of him talking in circles, because the alcohol in him seemed to have taken full control over him. So I took a chance to bid farewell and took a walk to the kopitiam to take a leak.

At this time, Na came back and we missed each other and I carried on waiting. Haha.

But now I am back and its abt time I went to bed. Nights.

Its over!

Finally, the last of my papers.

That marks the end of my 2nd semester in NUS.

I've been pretty much alone during this sem, but it seems that the myth that you don't need a friend in Uni is quite true.

Although I survived it, it wasn't without difficulty.


But as of now, let me take a break and indulge in this moment of serenity.

One more.

Finally, its down to this day.
The eve of the end of my exams.

Stats here I come.

Bah, Man Utd lost, but I kind of expected it anyway.

But, please win at Man City. Hopefully the loss at San Siro made you hunger for the Premiership trophy and more focused on it.

Arsenal, you still have a chance at fourth if you beat Chelsea at Emirates.

Liverpool through to Athens on shootout.

Although I'm a hardcore Man U fan, after the emergence of Chelsea with their Billionaire boss, and their arrogant manager, Jose Mourinho, I'd became less critical of Liverpool and Arsenal even though they are still bitter rivals of Man Utd.

Was watching the shootout of the match on dailymotion and I must say, Reina is simply fantastic. Liverpool is a very good team and their penalty taking is superb. I've always feared Man Utd having to face Liverpool in a shoot out.

But perhaps it is partly due to playing the game at Anfield that made it easier for Pool to win the shootout. It might be a different result if it were at Stamford bridge, but still, credit to Pool.

Hoping for a Man Utd - Liverpool showdown.