Jall bits

What has happened to Jall since Sep '07?

2008-04-02T11:33:00.004+08:00

Nope. No GTI yet...

- Toured South Korea (AGAIN!) with guide for 7 days and ended with 3 days F&E. It's really quite okay and urge you to try it too.
- Transited to Standard Chartered Bank.
- Planning a holiday to Japan next Mar/Apr (yes... no more Korea...)
- Learning Korean language at SengKang CC.
- Watched 'Lovers in Paris' fully and now crazy over Park Shin Yang. Looking forward to start watching 'Money Warfare' where he stars in it.
- Bought a brown Anycall L768 (commonly known as Samsung) mobile phone to follow the korean craze. Also subscribed multi-SIM so I could switch between this mobile and my beloved white Treo 680.

New car...

2007-09-02T10:19:00.000+08:00

Well yes, like any new driver, we all wish we could go out there to get a new car for ourselves but it just ain't practical in Singapore... Carpark fee, ERP, Petrol etc... it'll just kill people slowly but surely. But if I could really buy a car, these are the models I'm eyeing on...

1st choice

Volkswagon Golf GTI (5dr of course!) Catch me with a silly grin each time I see one... :p

2nd choice

Mitsubishi "i". Being someone whos always going for the radical design, this model excites me a lot! Another nick I gave, "Wing"... (like a futuristic sound as the car moves, haha)

3rd choice

Toyota IST. Looks boring? The 2007 model is quite funky and I can't wait for it to arrive in Singapore.

My greatest achievement in 2007 (or my life)

2007-09-01T10:34:00.000+08:00

Passed my driving in 3 mths!!

Yup, you read correct... the dates are specifically:
20 June '07 - Passed Basic Theory Test
30 June '07 - Passed Final Theory Test
27 August '07 - Passed Traffic Police Test

I have to give credit to SSDC (Singapore Safety Driving Centre) for their friendly and patient driving instructors and support of my family members especially my hubby! For all the times he rushed me to school in time for my lessons and encouragements throughout.

Drivers out there, watch out for 1 more lady driver! Wahahaha!

Blood Diamonds - movie

2007-01-20T13:28:00.000+08:00

Too violent but of course, it's very realistic. After my visit to Korea and listening to stories on North Korea, my heart goes out to countries like these. If only peace is everywhere and greed for power, wealth is non-existence... wishing thinking huh? Anyway, back to after-movie review, I wonder if I should still keep diamonds under my D-list... hmm, how can I verify diamonds from conflict free countries?

Finally completed!

2007-01-20T13:21:00.000+08:00

Alright, I've finally completed my korea holiday photos. For those who'll be interested, here's the address: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jallpix Oh yes, in case you wonder what's D1 - 2D stuff, it's read as Day 1 - 2nd destination and so on...

Blogger to Google suck...

2007-01-15T19:26:00.001+08:00

Having so many problems with my blog these days... :( Not as user friendly as it's marketed...

8 days in Korea

2007-01-14T00:10:00.000+08:00

An-Nyung-Ha-Se-Yo (Hello, how are you!) I had not imagine having any fun in Korea since I would prefer Japan plus earlier getting some feedback that it wasn't nice... Surprisingly, it was great! The history and culture is amazing and I'm still trying to google more info about Korea each day. Everyday day in Korea, I dealt with early wake-up call (1 hr behind S'pore), lugging our luggages everyday, climbing and endless walking... but I was rewarded with a wonderful guide, beautiful scenaries and being at places of korean drama film locations. I can't explain why anyone should visit Korea over Japan but maybe it just up to individual. For now, I'm still fascinated with Korea and hope to travel there again. This time, with my hubby of course! :) I have not completed uploading all the photos yet but here's pictures for 1st 3 days in Korea. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jallpix/

'D' list! (updated)

2007-01-14T00:08:00.000+08:00

in no order...

- Slim digital camera (ticked! White Sony T10)
- Watch
- Perfume (ticked! Issey Miyake)
- Phone... new Treo 680 (in white)
- Girl's best friend... diamonds!!! (Heh)
- I'll think of more!

My watched korean drama list (Updated)

2007-01-14T00:06:00.001+08:00

- Lovers in Paris (Completed)
- Dae Jang Geum aka Jewel in the Palace (Completed)
- Full House (half-half)
- Winter Sonata (Completed)
- Hur Jun aka The Way of Medicine (Completed)
- Goong: Princess Hours (Completed)
- Stairways to Heaven (Completed)
- Tree of Heaven (Completed)
- Seodongyo (Completed)
- Jumong (Completed)

Complaint no.1

2006-12-01T00:42:00.000+08:00

I had my department's year-end dinner at my boss's house today and everything was almost perfect... expensive, nice-looking tents for the rainy November period (it drizzled!). My complaint? I ordered wine from this company and the marketing guy actually offered to stand-by since I complained the last time, the wine glasses weren't clean and we had to wash it (hundreds...). He even said he would serve wine to guest and had even done for a group of 100 over paxs while our group was only about 60 paxs.. To my surprise, not only he did not stand-by to serve wine, he even joined the rest to eat the catered buffet!! Yes, although he is not charging his time for being there but hellooooo.... isn't he suppose to even let me know since I'm his main liaison person at the party??

I hardly see the guy during the dinner coz he was probably sitting down comfortably with everyone. Lastly? When I finally cleared the tables, I found him at the last table with the big shots!! I gave up, I did not even want to clear the wine glasses... And why am I not even surprised he left without telling me or giving me any eye contact. I believe his main purpose was to solicitate business and aim for supply to bigger events.

My resolution? I'm gonna to try to find the company's email and perhaps sent a nasty email tomorrow...

'D' list!

2006-11-28T23:43:00.000+08:00

in no order...

- Slim digital camera
- Watch
- Perfume
- Phone... new Treo 680 (in white)
- Girl's best friend... diamonds!!! (Heh)
- I'll think of more!

COCO-nuts!

2006-11-28T22:54:00.000+08:00

Nah, I'm not toking about coconuts but a little puppy that usually go nuts with AJ, jumping all over him... :)

Our good friends have gone to Bali for their honeymoon and we're dog-sitting Coco! It's been an adventure since we never cared for AJ as a puppy... (we first had him at 7 mths) Coco's a delight and I guess we'll miss her once she returns to her daddy & mummy next week. Here's some cute shots of Coco.

Treo 680

2006-11-28T18:09:00.000+08:00

Treo 680

After months of waiting, Treo 680 is released in Singapore... BUT, only graphite colour is available... :(

Goong : Princess Hours

2006-11-28T17:54:00.000+08:00

Ok, ok... I'm a bit obsessed with this show now but I want to thank my dearest hubby for his support. Thank you for bearing with me when I constantly repeat the OST for this show and especially for getting the special interview dvd, the magazines, the poker cards and lately, gigantic poster!! :)

For those who are also interested in this show, you may visit these websites to follow up on the sequel:
www.goong2.com (Real sequel of 1st Princess Hours)
www.goong-s.com (Prince Hours following the style of Princess Hours)

My watched korean drama list

2006-11-28T17:31:00.000+08:00

- Lovers in Paris (half-half)
- Dae Jang Geum aka Jewel in the Palace (Completed)
- Full House (half-half)
- Winter Sonata (Completed)
- Hur Jun aka The Way of Medicine (Completed)
- Goong: Princess Hours (Completed)

Where have I been?

2006-11-28T17:20:00.000+08:00

I know... I've been missed! Been out in space a while
watching my korea dramas and doing spring-cleaning (surprised?!).

Well, I'm back and hopefully get the momentum going again.

Flag Day (June 14th)

2006-06-20T12:09:00.000+08:00

Did you know?

The only place where a flag flies all day, never goes up or comes down, never flies half-mast and does not get saluted, is the moon.

The United Nations flag is the only flag that may fly above an USA flag on an American flagpole.

Betsy Ross's sewed the first American flag (she also run a munitions factory in her basement).

The Swiss flag is square.

The ball on top of a flagpole is called the truck.

Libya has the only flag which is all one color (green) with no writing or decoration on it.

The flag of the Philippines is the only national flag that is flown differently during times of peace or war.

I met a kind soul!!

2006-06-17T01:10:00.000+08:00

Was trying to get 6 more doggie stamps to buy 'The Dog' - Westie stuff toy from Cold Storage / Guardian at only $5+ (must have 12 stamps). After trying so hard to buy things from Guardian, we realised we're still short of 3 stamps... a nice lady queuing behind us at the cashier spoke up and asked if we wanted 2 stamps coz she's not gonna be able to get enough. So nice hor!! We ended up buying some other stuff from Cold Storage to get our last stamp! So yes, we got the Westie!

Funny dogs!

2006-06-16T13:38:00.000+08:00

Do I look wise enough?

Now I just have to attempt to fly away...

What am I suppose to guard again?

They ran out of spiderman costume?

Where pigsy and the monk??

When You Divorce Me, Carry Me Out in Your Arms...

2006-06-09T17:26:00.000+08:00

On my wedding day, I carried my wife in my arms. The bridal car stopped in front of our one-room flat. My buddies insisted that I carry her out of the car in my arms. So I carried her into our home. She was then plump and shy. I was a strong and happy bridegroom.

This was the scene ten years ago.

The following days were as simple as a cup of pure water: we had a kid, I went into business and tried to make more money. When the assets were steadily increasing, the affection between us seemed to ebb. She was a civil servant. Every morning we left home together and got home almost at the same time. Our kid was studying in a boarding school.

Our marriage life seemed to be enviably happy. But the calm life was more likely to be affected by unpredictable changes. Dew came into my life.

It was a sunny day. I stood on a spacious balcony. Dew hugged me from behind. My heart once again was immersed in her stream of love. This was the apartment I bought for her. Dew said, you are the kind of man who best draws girls' eyes. Her words suddenly reminded me of my wife. When we were just married, my wife said, Men like you, once successful, will be very attractive to girls. Thinking of this, I became somewhat hesitant. I knew I had betrayed my wife. But I couldn't help doing so. I moved Dew's hands aside and said, You go to select some furniture, O.K.? I've got something to do in the company. Obviously she was unhappy, because I had promised to do it together with her. At the moment, the idea of divorce became clearer in my mind although it used to be something impossible to me.

However, I found it rather difficult to tell my wife about it. No matter how mildly I mentioned it to her, she would be deeply hurt. Honestly, she was a good wife. Every evening she was busy preparing dinner. I was sitting in front of the TV. The dinner was ready soon. Then we watched TV together. Or, I was lounging before the computer, visualizing Dew's body. This was the means of my entertainment. One day I said to her in a slightly joking way, suppose we divorce, what will you do? She stared at me for a few seconds without a word. Apparently she believed that divorce was something too far away from her. I couldn't imagine how she would react once she got to know I was serious.

When my wife went to my office, Dew had just stepped out. Almost all the staff looked at my wife with a sympathetic eye and tried to hide something while talking to her. She seemed to have got some hint. She gently smiled at my subordinates. But I read some hurt in her eyes. Once again, Dew said to me, He Ning, divorce her, O.K.? Then we live together. I nodded. I knew I could not hesitate any more. When my wife served the last dish, I held her hand. I've got something to tell you, I said.

She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes. Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the serious topic calmly. She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why? I'm serious. I avoided her question. This so-called answer made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer, because my heart had gone to Dew. With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. I felt a pain in my heart.

The woman who had been living ten years with me would become a stranger one day. But I could not take back what I had said. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer.

Late that night, I came back home after entertaining my clients. I saw her writing something at the table. I fell asleep fast. When I woke up, I found she was still there. I turned over and was asleep again.

She brought up her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but I was supposed to give her one month's time before divorce, and in the month's time we must live as normal a life as possible. Her reason was simple: our son would finish his summer vacation a month later and she didn't want him to see our marriage was broken.

She passed me the agreement she drafted, and then asked me, He Ning, do you still remember how I entered our bridal room on the wedding day? This question suddenly brought back all those wonderful memories to me. I nodded and said, I remember. You carried me in your arms, she continued, so, I have a requirement, that is, you carry me out in your arms on the day when we divorce. From now to the end of this month, you must carry me out from the bedroom to the door every morning. I accepted with a smile. I knew she missed those sweet days and wished to end her marriage with romantically.

I told Dew about my wife's divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she does, she has to face the result of divorce, she said scornfully. Her words more or less made me feel uncomfortable.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. We even treated each other as a stranger. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mummy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly, Let us start from today, don't tell our son. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for a bus, I drove to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. We were so close that I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this intimate woman carefully for a long time. I found she was not young any more. There were some fine wrinkles on her face. On the third day, she whispered to me, The outside garden is being demolished. Be careful when you pass there.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I seemed to feel that we were still an intimate couple and I was holding my sweetheart in my arms. The visualization of Dew became vague.

On the fifth and sixth day, she kept reminding me something, such as, where she put the ironed shirts, I should be careful while cooking, etc. I nodded. The sense of intimacy was even stronger.

I didn't tell Dew about this. I felt it was easier to carry her. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger. I said to her, It seems not difficult to carry you now. She was picking her dresses. I was waiting to carry her out. She tried quite a few but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, All my dresses have grown bigger. I smiled. But I suddenly realized that it was because she was thinner that I could carry her more easily, not because I was stronger. I knew she had buried all the bitterness in her heart. Again, I felt a sense of pain. Subconsciously I reached out a hand to touch her head. Our son came in at the moment. Dad, it's time to carry mum out. He said. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had been an essential part of his life. She gestured our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face because I was afraid I would
change my mind at the last minute. I held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly, as if we came back to our wedding day. But her much lighter weight made me sad.

On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. She said, Actually I hope you will hold me in your arms until we are old. I held her tightly and said, Both you and I didn't notice that our life lacked intimacy.

I jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my decision. I walked upstairs. Dew opened the door. I said to her, Sorry, Dew, I won't divorce. I'm serious. She looked at me, astonished. The she touched my forehead. You got no fever. She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Dew, I said, I can only say sorry to you, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of life, not because we didn't love each other any more. Now I understand that since I carried her into the home, she gave birth to our child, I am supposed to hold her until I am old. So I have to say sorry to you. Dew seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears.

I walked downstairs and drove to the office. When I passed the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet for my wife which was her favorite. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until we are old.

Gym

2006-06-04T01:27:00.000+08:00

My fav exercise - Body Combat:

Combining kicks, punches and defensive movements from various martial arts desciplines, these unique fat-burning programs develop strength, endurance, muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness. high impact and high intensity, these workouts will energize and revitalise you while reducing stress, fat and cholestrol. No prior knowledge of kickboxing or martial arts is required.

'Marriage'

2006-06-04T00:58:00.000+08:00

'Will you take this woman/husband to be your wedded wife/husband, to live together in the legal estate of matrimony? Will you love her/him, comfort her/him, honour and keep her/him in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful to her/him, so long as you both shall live?'

Yet... number of divorce = 6293 (year 2003) and still a growing number (No stats for recent years).

So, is romance resulting in marriage or simply obligation due to many years of understanding each other. Who invented marriage? God, for Adam and Eve?

I think, besides LOVE, CHERISH is an important word to understand too. No worries, Jall's happily married :)

GSS (Great Singapore Sale) - Late Night Shopping

2006-05-26T13:30:00.000+08:00

Teaching 'Ang Mo'

2006-05-26T13:17:00.000+08:00

Hah! No, I haven't changed my career.

I just happened to teach an ang mo to say Chee Cheong Fun! I was queuing for my yam cake and this ang mo was standing in front of me. He asked what's the name of main dish sold here (DUH! and he was queuing already...) so I said Prawn Noodle. Yes, the noodle is not bad (at Arcade, one of the many food stalls from the back).

Then he asked again for the dish served with black sauce and I was stumped. How do I tell an ang mo 'Chee Cheong Fun'. Well, he really learnt it and ordered it all by himself.

I figured that he must have had walked past many times coz he even knew that there are different type of noodles for the prawn noodle. Heh!

I admire these foreigners who takes the effort to learn. There are many I know who insist not using the chopsticks...

American Idol

2006-05-24T21:56:00.000+08:00

Beauty vs Talent?

First time I'm watching this season and it's the last performance before the final votes determine who will be the next American Idol. If you ask me, I think Katherine has the girl-next-door attitute and sweet/pretty face but Taylor wins hands down for singing... even mean Simon said so!

We'll know the answer really soon. My vote? Taylor!

Wrong or Right, Right or Wrong?

2006-05-22T23:49:00.000+08:00

We always come to a crossroad where we question our values and belief... Toss a coin, seek advice, what else but to follow your heart and do what's right.

Work sucks!

Equinox - 21 May 06

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

It was meant to be a celebration for hubby's birthday today and I only wanted the best for him. What else but to be top of the world. Well, at least quite high in Singapore. Dining on level 70 of Swissotel (or Westin, can't figure out the diff).

Food was great, service was prompt. Everything was almost perfect! Before paying the bill, I went to the ladies and upon my return to the table, I saw little flakes flying around my table. I was thinking that 'wah, got such special effect'. Only coming nearer to the table did I realise that it was actually dustballs flying around. GOSH!

It was everywhere on the table, on our clothes and our hair! While the staff was busy clearing the 'dirty' table and replacing the tablecloth and cutlery, I was thinking that they should have at least done some service recovery since the expectation of the name 'Equinox' was really quite high. NOTHING! All we had was 'sorry' from a waitress who handed us the bill.

What if any of the guest was asthmatic?! I'm not looking at free meal but at least some sincere apology would be nice.

Geez, 5-star meal? I doubt it now...

Massage at Andana - 13 May 06

2006-05-13T17:20:00.000+08:00

Finally... using the voucher which I got from department thanksgiving session. Expiring in a week... hee.

I was shown into the ladies locker room and somehow intructions weren't really clear. Uh, it's my 1st time at spa... : p (PAISEH!)

After changing, the lady showed me to the therapatic hot water area and i soaked myself for nearly 30 mins. I think that's a bit too long coz when I showered, I felt dizzy... I recovered shortly and drapped in my bathrobe, I went into the lounge (waiting) area. They were showing "Fantastic 4". Best thing about the package? Unlimited food, drinks and network! (Yippee!!)

After eating, I had my 45-mins massage and now typing away in the lounge. Rating for Andana, well, like I said, I haven't been to other spa sessions so can't really judge. But I wish they gave a walk-through so we know what to expect for the next 3-4 hours to make the experience for worthwhile.

So hubby, when is my next session? ; )

RAV4 meet up - 12 May 06

2006-05-13T17:08:00.000+08:00

Well, went to the meetup last evening (uh, late night actually - 11ish) and brought AJ along! :)

Luckily another doggie was there to entertain AJ a while (a mini white schnauzer).

Since it was quite late, we guess the bulk of the ravers were gone already but some of those we recognized, the usual. Din managed to make any new friends... : (

Saw 2 new rav4s (1 red, 1 silver). I still prefer the older version. Looking forward to more upgrades! : 9

Oh, the meetup was at West Coast MacDonald car park so tat's dinner for us. Tried the new pepper drumlets. Not bad at all!

The thing about these meetups, most of them are almost buddies liao but well, we need to work on our socializing skills.

Long weekend. Wheeee!

2006-05-11T12:27:00.000+08:00

TGIF is TGIT this week! All thanks to Vesak day tomorrow and best of all, no need to celebrate so it's late night today and late morning tomorrow. I've got a course to attend coming Monday and Tuesday so it's a long absence from work. Hip hip hurray!

Well, of course, first thing on my agenda is watching my beloved hkg drama series... hee. Must spend some time with hubby and AJ too!

The poor furkid was grumbling, whining, barking when we left the house this morning... aiyoh, so heart pain.

Oh yes, also looking forward to rav4 meet up tmr nite too!

Okie, better go back to work for now... ...

First post!!

2006-05-10T23:35:00.000+08:00

My first blog - 10 May 2006!

Yes, I caught the bug, blog bug... so here goes!