Aloha

I have decided to revive this blog, after such a long long long hiatus. I am sure 'hiatus' has appeared numerous times in this blog. A leopard can never change its spots, but I'll try my best to blog more frequently.

Everyone loves shopping. I am no exception too. Seeing things on sale triggers the release of endorphins in me. People say my eyes will sparkle whenever I spot 'discounts', 'free' and managed to get things at a steal. Well, I don't deny this, cause I really felt so and I do feel proud of myself. Haha... Therefore, from now onwards, I will mostly blog about the my purchases from time to time. Sounds like it's syok sendiri, but who cares? This is my blog.

I will blog on the items I got at a steal. But this is not all. I will also share with you guys whatever purchases (desires, not needs. I don't want to blog about the phone bills, my weekly marketing, etc. But I will blog on my fine dining outings with the girls too cz it's considered as a splurge.) which is above SGD 30/MYR 50. The rationale behind this is that I will think twice before I splurge on something. I will ask myself, "Do I really need this? I have to blog about this purchase wor". And maybe I will feel too troublesome/lazy to update and thus refraining myself from getting that item? Seems like a good idea, right?

Not sure for how long can I keep this blog alive. But if there is a will, there's a way. Just that this will is not here yet. You will know it's here when there is a new post on my purchase. :)

Till then, adios!!!

Awwww.....

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls

Lo and behold! Click here and be in awe.

P/s: Leave comments and praises if you love the artistic pieces.

Air fresheners, anyone?

On the last day of 2008, I did something I seldom do, which is buying something from the disabled. On the way to the MRT station, there are a number of people selling packets of tissues to the passersby. They are either disabled or in their seventies. Never once I did to stop down and buy the tissues from them. To come to think of it, I’ve never gave money to those lying on the middle of the walkway at pasar malam, unlike Pei Shan. Well, she’s always a kind-hearted person.

Back to the story. The incident happened at my sis’ place. While I was getting ready to go to Expo to meet WC, the door bell rang. Through the peephole, I saw an unknown man. Reluctantly, I opened the door. The middle-aged guy starts to talk about air freshener which he’s selling for $3.50 each. Gosh, is he a salesman? Then he said his right hand got stroke… blah… blah…

So, in the end, I bought 3 air fresheners from him for $10. Hope he’s not a swindler. I can feel the sincerity in him, unless he’s faking it.

The not-so-cheap air fresheners. (haha... I dunno the
market price for it)

By the way, is this considered as a donation? Talking about donation, the biggest amount of money I’ve given is to World Vision. I’ve also attended the 30-hours Famine Camp few years ago. Since then, I have an aim of sponsoring a child when I’m financial independent. Anyway, guys, if you are interested too, can visit their website. It’s only RM50 monthly. It’s just a few karaoke or movie outings less. Seriously, give it a think!!

P/s: If you are keen on sponsoring a child/doing any monetary donation, but is unwilling to cut down your karaoke session, your saviour is here.

P/p/s: Happy New Year!!! Hope 2009 is a better year for all of us, unlike the kiam 2008. Have a fruitful and memorable year ahead!! (^_^)

Pics

Been doing nothing except job hunting for these few days. Don't want to waste money, so seldom go out. And my sis is using my Ezlink card now, so I lagi have excuse of not going out. So I spent most of the daytime at my sis' place, either online or reading books I've smuggled from my bro-in-law's place.

The nearest shopping mall is Junction 8, which is about 7 minutes of walking distance from my sis' place. So I'll go there once a while, to buy McFlurry. I guess the Oreo McFlurry here is cheaper compared to M'sia. It's S$ 2 only, although the cup size is smaller. Not sure on the portion though.

Maybe tomorrow I'll go swimming, since I've been lazing around. Then weekend go window shopping. Haha.. My life is kinda 'tui fei' now.

By the way, I haven't really played with my camera. But it has already taken more than 2K of pictures. Why? Cz my sis brought it along to Egypt and she has the passion to take 'still' pictures. The 'still' here means non-living objects, i.e. buildings. Anyway, the following are the shots I've taken with the camera so far.

Yeah, it's me in the lift.

The wedding bears that were tied at the car's hood.
This reminds me of the SG Bridal shop my sis
went to at JB. Coincidentally, 2 of my friend (HC and Ann Gie)'s
sisters went there too. So ngam.

Update of my life

It has been weeks since I left uni. The last time I was there is to find my supervisor, get his signature before submitting my thesis to the faculty. Nope, I don’t miss there as much as I miss the KL campus.

On wedding
My sis’ wedding was right after my finals. Banquets were held in BP and Sg, respectively. I invited some of my pals to the dinner back in my hometown and I managed to ask/persuade/command Ho Sheng and Jun Xiang to sing on stage. The unlucky JX even had to sing w/o the lyrics.

I was kinda disappointed with the food at Seaview (one of the restaurants in BP which caters for wedding) and also Holiday Inn Park View’s. This might because I dun stay seated at my place for long during the dinner. I was the bridesmaid, so I need to go around, helping my sis (changing clothes, pulling the train of her gown, etc). I was also one of the jie meis. Multitasking is my forte. Well, even if my sis didn’t ask, I will still volunteer myself. Think about the ang pows and the chance to fool (the people) around. Hehe…

The bears (h/p hanging accessories) was a gift from the
bride and groom to everyone who attended the banquet at
the Holiday Inn Park View

Well, it was the biggest sum of money I’ve ever got in my life. Each of us (another 4 of the jie meis are my cousins) got the amount of 161 000. Too bad it’s in Indonesian Rupiah. Otherwise I don’t have to work for dunno how long. Apart from the IR, there was RM 33 and SGD 22 each.

I liked the wedding photo albums. My sis and her hubby painstakingly effort was taken off. They went to numerous wedding studios in Sg and JB. Lastly they chose the one at JB. The pictures were unique, as most of the time, the wedding pics we see are the joyous-type. My sis’? One word. Artistic. Generally most of the pics have dark background. But it wasn’t the gloomy type. Anyway, many had praises on the photos.

In Sg, getting married need lots of planning and money. To book a hotel, an advance booking of about a year earlier is needed. I’m not exaggerating and this is the Singaporean kiasu-ness. My sis has already blended herself in this culture. The make-up is also expensive. It’s S$500 for day and night make-up (2 times make-up) whereas it was RM230 in BP for one-time make-up. I shouldn’t study so much after my SPM.

For whole day photography, it was another S$2K. But I dunno the price in M’sia. So cant determine if it’s expensive. But I like the photos outcome. The photographer knew how to capture the moment. Too bad I haven’t got the video/pics. It’s still in editing, I guess. But on the wedding night, it was compiled as a short video. I was amazed on how he managed to capture it. It made me to love photography (using DSLR).

On BP
Khai Joo extended his stay at BP for a day when the rest went back a day after the wedding. Whenever someone asks me what/where is BP’s attraction, my reply is always the same - ”There’s nothing in BP”. Sometimes, I’ll add, “But BP got a lot of rich people, but I’m not one of them”. So, I told KJ the same thing. Never did I expect my mum and dad’s friend told him exactly the same thing. Hehe…

But this time I (more correctly, my dad) managed to bring him to one of the famed briyani stalls in BP. Not cheap leh, by my standard. A plate of nasi briyani ayam is RM7. It wasn’t just KJ’s first time, it’s my first time eating Nasi Briyani there.

On hair
I rebonded my hair about 2 weeks ago. Low hair maintenance is so suitable for me. I no longer need to really comb my hair, struggling and taming my unruly hair everyday. Ah Bee also just permed, colored and highlighted her hair. And Hsin Ching thinks she doesn’t have place to waste her money, so she rebonded her bits of front hair. My sis did highlighting+coloring there too, a day before her wedding in BP.

This is the first time so many of us gone to the same hair stylist and all of us have the same comment on the hair stylist, Adam. When you speak to him, he’ll need about 30-second of silence before answering you. This will make us think he didn’t get/hear the questions in the first place. And only WC had the guts to tell him to wake up, and stop being so slow. Hehe…

On @ Sg
Came in here with Ching and stayed at my sis’ place, while the newlywed was at Egypt honeymooning. Now they are back here and Ching returned to M’sia yesterday. While she was here, we went to the community library, shopping at Junction 8 and Orchard. Oh ya, a word of caution. Don’t ever shop at Cotton On Body at Wisma Atria/Ngee Ann. The things there are so hiked up. The same piece from the same outlet at Plaza Sg was 10 bucks cheaper. Ching was so unbalanced after seeing the price, since she was fleeced at the first shop.

The other day we went ‘clubbing’ at Clarke Quay during ladies night. The first place we entered was Lunar. They gave each lady 3 lychee martinis for free. Actually the place was different from what I’ve imagined. I’ve never went clubbing before but I thought clubs have dance floor de? So is this considered clubbing? Urgh… It’s not that important since it’s free. The first programme that night was singing, a la ‘min ge can ting’ where they sang Chinese songs most of the night. Then, the performance that came right after that was pole-dancing.

One of the dancers. Both of us agreed this girl is the hottest,
but not the prettiest. Or is it? I don't really remember. Nway, this
pic is blurry, but never mind it. The cleavage is kinda distinct.

We left Lunar shortly after the performance and headed towards the second pub/club, Gotham Penthouse. This place was lagi cham. Although they have a small dance floor, no one is dancing. The number of people can be counted with my ten fingers. Maybe Wednesday night (at 10.30pm) is memang like that de? I dunno. Or the crowd gets in after 12? Since free housepour for ladies only begins after twelve. So, sadly to say, we had to get that a miss, since we’re Cinderella. Well, we don’t want to miss the last train. Anyway, the band at Gotham is better than Lunar.

On the other hand, met up Ann Gie, our very own air stewardess. She is always the girly girl type. And as usual, we always don’t mess around with her too much. If not, we’ll have to bear some consequences ourselves. But we like to joke with her, since making her laugh is easy. Hehe… She’s like the ‘da xiao jie’ type. Anyway, hope her eye infection gets better soon, so that she can resume her flying schedule.

On THE next step
There’s a silver lining on every cloud. I would like to differ. From my life now, I guess it’s better for me to say that, between the clouds with silver linings, there’s cloud with lightning and thunder. I’m still unemployed. I’m so unlucky. Why the recession happens now? The no of job offers/vacancies dropped significantly. The Saturday Straits Times recruitment section used to be very thick. Now? It is less than 20 pages.

Wait. I see something. “Mechanical Engineer wanted”. “Proficient in AutoCad”. Well, I guess I can learn using this software again. Although I dislike designing, this is a better way out for freshie with some kind of skill. “1-2 years of work experience”. Hmm… 1 or 2 when rounded off is equal to 0. So, I can still give it a try. “Only Singaporean and PR need apply” Urgh… Screw it. Tosses the newspaper away. This repeats a few times a day and without fail, for everyday.
So, I need to think of a few alternatives. First, I am now applying jobs in Malaysia too, but still not actively. I guess I will attend the career fair by Jobstreet at mid of January next year. Then I am also considering if being an air stewardess is good for me. The perks of flying around the world is good, but then, the life after flying? It’s so uncertain. Hmm… But I think I’ll apply too, since no harm doing so. Lastly, continue doing Masters. By doing Masters, I can avoid the economy downturn and on the meanwhile, enriching and equipping myself for a better future.

Anyway, let’s wait and see. And hope I’ll be on the right track. Would be better if there’s guidance by God. I guess I’ll need to make a trip down the temples, mosques, Indian temples, churches, etc. Just realized the advantages on living in a multi-racial country. I can leave my fate in the hands of more than just one God.

On camera
Since I’ve written such a lengthy post, I shall include every single bit of my life update into it, to make it even lengthier. I just got my long awaited camera. It was bought at the Sitex fair in Sg earlier on, with the help from my sis since I was at M’sia at that time. Initially I was quite sure on getting IXUS 870 IS, a new model by Canon. Then, WC told me her colleague got a Panasonic Lumix FX 38 and it was quite good too. Then, WC also got herself one in Brown colour.

Being a fickle person, I asked my sis to help me decide between Canon and Panasonic. But actually deep inside my heart, I was hoping that her answer is Canon. I just need assurance that my decision on Canon is the better one. But, in the end, my sis chose the Panasonic model. It was S$551 for a 10 megapixel camera with 5X optical zoom, 25mm wide angle, with a total of 20 GB memory cards, 5 years warranty, tripod, 2 additional batteries, cleaning kit and not to forget a $40 Takashimaya gift voucher. And so, now I’m in a huge debt. I’ll deposit RM 1200 to her account when I get back M’sia, despite of her saying that I no need to pay her back. Hehe… That’s my sis, always the big-hearted and generous one, especially towards her family members.

Playing around with the camera. This bathroom in
the master bedroom was my sis' beloved. She
spent lots of time and energy designing it.

On another related note. I have funny friends surrounding me. One day, Ching told me her sis is eyeing on a Canon model. So, I asked her what model is it, since I was keen on Canon too. Then she told me a model I’ve never heard of. Canon 8015. Hmm... This left me thinking if it’s Powershot series, since I’m only familiar with the IXUS series. Then one day, when we go shopping, she pointed to me that very camera. It turned out that all the while, the camera she was talking about is IXUS 80 IS. See, this is my friend.

Ok. Tata for now. Sorry for the abruptness. I should get myself a life, instead on facing into the computer screen for the last 5 hours.

Guide me

My last paper was yesterday. I think I've done badly. But it's don't really matters now, since it's over dy and most importantly, I guess there won't affect much, since it's final semester for me.

But, instead of feeling happy or relieved, a wave of uncertainty hits me. I cant make any short term plan, since I dunno what/where I'll be next week or next month, let alone next year. Work? But landing a job seems kinda hard now, thanks to the crisis. I’ve got my fingers crossed...

A walk down memory lane

As I get older, more time was spent on reminiscing the past. 想当年 is a phrase I will blurt out every now and then, just like here…


Kindergarten

想当年, I was a more courageous/bold/brave person than I am now. Whenever seeing my classmates kena bullied or having some problems, I was the one who run to the teachers and report it to them.

想当年, I started attending English tuition class, whom the tutor, Mr Niap, is the husband of the principal of my kindergarten. From the tuition, I was exposed to various children songs. Till now, singing children songs is my forte.

想当年, I was very close with my cousins and we would soak in the bath tub for hours, playing paper dolls, etc.


Primary School

想当年, was one of the chosen Std 2/3 kids to perform for a dunno what event. Each was given a musical instrument. There were drums, tambourines, xylophones, etc… And I was among those who were in charged of the castanets. A minor role, but nonetheless, cannot be left out.

想当年, I always volunteered to represent my class for the inter-class (more correctly, inter-batch) singing competition. And finally, won the second place, with the “It’s a small world” and lost to that Ruth Gong, who later became one of my close friends in high school.

想当年, I signed up for a computer course and stayed back at school every Friday. The course was a waste of money, since what we learnt in the class was only using a card making software to design cards and printing it out using a black-and-white printer. The best part was staying back, playing with my fellow friends.

想当年, we volunteered to perform a dance during Teacher’s Day. Rehearsed for a few days, thus I can imagine how badly I did. I never had that gene in me. Moving, bending, turning, twisting gracefully and whatsoever are still something I will never achieve.


Secondary School

想当年, we participated in a singing competition organized by Nanyang 学记 at the now-defunct Wira Court. We chose the song 真心不假 by 赵薇.

想当年, we represented 4 Arif for the singing competition during English Week and won the first prize. Sang Abba’s Dancing Queen + Mamma Mia + Thank You for the Music.

想当年, went for a prefects camp. The teacher told us to wear old shoes, since we need to go trekking and wading in a muddy pond (with leeches. Urgh...Hate them). But a close friend of mine wore not only old, but a nearly spoilt Power shoes. Ended up, the GPK (as in Guru Penolong Kanan) helped to pulled apart the sole from the shoe.

想当年, collecting certs was my hobby. But it was something I eventually give up, since although with the certs, it got me nowhere.

想当年, was the school’s ping pong representative. Knew nothing about ping pong yet still took part. The prospects of getting certs and skipping class were good.

想当年, loved the PE classes in the afternoon session. Get to play football (and kicking puddles of water).

想当年, we liked Bio teacher class the most. We practically drooled whenever he was cleaning the blackboard (in a tight fitting shirt). =) Girls, in a 100% girls school. It's all we can do/admire.

想当年, recess was something we liked the most. Finishing up the fastest will spare us from throwing the food wrappers.

想当年, misfortune was something infectious. In a day, Ruth lost bracelet/anklet, I lost my purse and WC’s tv spoilt. And there was another time when a series of unfortunate events happened to us. So suey.

想当年, treated SW’s place as resort and WC’s place as HQ. At SW’s place, always hogged the mike and sang like there’s no tomorrow (weird description, right? Nevermind la. Lazy to think of the appropriate word/phrase). I think her bros hate us. Hehe… Meanwhile, WC’s place will always be our meet up place. Till now, we sometimes still go over to her place, even if she’s not around (in S’pore).

想当年, playing badminton was a weekly routine at the sports complex near Summit. And we will always reward ourselves with waffles, from an outlet in Summit which are infested with flies.


Diploma

想当年, travelling back and fro from Wangsa Maju to Subang Jaya/Damansara for almost every week, without any grunt. Well, that WAS the power of love.

想当年, I was the texting queen. That time, my phone never leaves my side.

想当年, yum cha-ing till wee hours, gossiping and talking crap.

想当年, going over to neighbor’s place to de-stress, a place to shop for new clothes.

想当年, playing ‘Chor Dai Dee’ (using phone la), while the lecturer is teaching.

想当年, the place to celebrate any occasion will be the 民歌餐厅.


And the list goes on...

It's random, yet again

1. Viva is something of a past now, but this isn’t the main point. The main thing is, I am literally free now, until my first final starting on the 11th. And in between, I signed up for a 2-day course (Degree++) on total quality management.

2. Went to the library the first thing after viva. Borrowed not 1, not 2, but 5 chic-lit books. Among them was the one I’ve been eyeing on for so long, but seemed to be unable to locate it on the shelves. Haha… Was feeling triumphant then. And I finished the book (Size 12 is Not Fat, by Meg Cabot) in one night.

3. To rebond, or not to rebond. That is the question.
Now, I’m still struggling, on whether I should get myself a hair rebonding. Sometimes, my shoulder-length hair is the mother of all unruly hair. Yet sometimes, although it’s rare, I might be having good hair days. And there’s no any bushy hair. I’m in dilemma and my sis’ wedding is around a few corners.

4. Later I’m going to sing k and buffet dinner is included. But this will spoil my plan of losing weight, since my part time is being a glutton. Hmm… Maybe go swimming tomorrow. So, tata for now.

Nicknames

I just changed my profile name from my given name to my nickname. There is reason behind it, on why I changed it. But I’ll spare you guys with the details. Nicknames. I’ve got a bundle. Now let me give you an account on the list and how it originated.

Ah Wan – My family calls me this and I used to hate it. In fact I still dislike it, but I’ve kinda grown to accept it. Well, it’s what they call, resign to fate. According to my sis, my grandmother started calling me when I’m still a toddler and the rest of my family member followed suit.

小 熙 – This is what my maternal side relatives call me. Now only a few uncles and aunts still call me by this name. The rest they have changed to call by my Chinese name.

Ah Shi / Ah Shi Wan Tan Mee – My primary schoolmates called me this, as back in my hometown, we have a famous wan tan mee shop, known as Ah See Wan Tan Mee. In fact, now they have a website. See here.

Ah Noi / Noi Noi – Leek Mei gave this name when we were at standard 5/6. I can still vividly remember how excited she was on the phone, while telling me she got me a new name. Well, at that time, whenever someone asks me where something is, I’ll point it to them, answering ‘noi’. Thus, the birth of the name.

Donkey Tieo Noi Noi / 张 驴– I had this name when we started playing the ‘family’ game back in std 6. My father is Handsome Tieo Shuai Ge (Wee Chieh), my mum is … (I’ve forgotten the name) by Janice, Ruth is Dinosaur Tieo Boy Boy, … Hmm… Next time I can try creating a family tree for this.

惊 喜 / Surprise - Alright, my Chinese name rhymes with this. I never realize the alikeness, until my diploma friends started calling me this. Instead of correcting them, I let them continue calling me by this, till now.

Ok. Gotta stop here and start studying for my Control test tomorrow.

It's countdown time!!!

From now, there are
7 days --> last test
8 days --> submitting FYP log book
15 days --> the deadline for thesis draft
20 days --> viva
40 days --> last degree finals
49 days --> sis' actual wedding dinner
59 days --> thesis submission deadline
84 days --> 2009
100 days --> my birthday!!