Through the mountains and valleys of my life, Not willing to settle for mediocre - The Way plain, simple, real faith that will sustain us in our everyday lives
Wanted to give my new buy, The Canon S90 a night Tryout, Christmas Lit-up. But it is a rather disappointing trip as Din manage to find any interesting shots. Tiredness is also part of the reason, wasn't in the mood to think...
Centerpoint Decor seem interesting. A small display in front of their new extension with raindeer and Christmas tree. The Newest and most unique shop arrange must belong to Orchard Central. Design with by An Australian Designer. The interior look more like a condo than a shopping center. But their Christmas design is rather unique. The Long Escalator up is brightly lighted up. The building itself though not decorated as part of the Christmas light-up competition. It is still pretty amazing to watch the walk change color Walk toward Plaza Singapore and manage to catch a shot of the Orchard Road street light up. Honestly, having seen the light-up in Singapore for years, still feel the organiser just save cost and reuse the decor over and over again, changing just the color of the lights and add a few more accessories....not impressed Ended the photo-journey with S90 along Plaza Singapura. Did not find any fantastic shots to gaze at. Rather un-fruitful night.....Will be going for the Countdown with my Friend, YK. Hope it will be good. Fireworks installed for that night. But also lots of heads around as most folks would head down Marina Bay for the countdown.
If u have notice, I have been MIA from the blogging world for a good 3 months....not that I have nothing to write....but I am just plain lazy and tired......
But the mood is back...u will probably find me "back-dating" my blog for a while....talking about what happen way back from Last Dec'09
What is there to look forward to....
Hong Kong Trip in Dec'09
Christmas Dinner 2009
Christmas Lighting....(Share some of my masterpiece)
The long Blogging absense was mainly due to this...My One and Only PC has failed me....after only 2 years....:-(
The Culprit, I suspected was the Power Supply, Which has been having difficulties starting it engine everytime I Press the Power on Button.
The Procedure :
1. Press the Power-On Button
2. Hold it for > 4secs
3. Press the Power-On Button Again.
This is how I tried to turn on my PC for 2 weeks.
It finally RIP and I was left without a PC....to use...for 2 weeks...Lucky I can still surf the net in Office..(During my Free time and off working hours la)
The worst Deal is that the $89 dollars Power-Supply I Brought from SLS Failed me within a week of usage. (The one of the Right)
And I realise I forgotten to post the Warrany Card and the Card itself does not have the shop's chop....(Shitty, How am I to get the warranty when they did not chop their seal on it...)
Lucky, One of my friend was so kind to have given me this 400Watts Power Supply and after plugging in for close to a week now...and it is still running....
The Deal now is to re-install My PC, after all these downtime and resetting, It has become very very very Slow....
Call me crazy, the past few days are basically spend catching up on the Amercian Idol songs that I have missed. Came across these interesting video done by them....with their Sporsor FORD.
FYI, the Top 2, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert got their Hybrid Ford FOC....how lucky.....This is an interesting duet between them....they really are quite good together.....hopefully they can support each other in their album release. This probably would help ease the tension the fans from both camp current have.....(both are attacking each other, why Kris or Adam did not win or loss)
Kris's Single "No Boundaries" is on the itunes Top100 #1 single together with his edition of "Heartless" at no 4. Adam is not far behind #6, with Mad world.
Just too bad, how come we cannot download the song from itunes..now....they only restrict it to the US and Canada...(lame)
Was never a Fan of the series, but during my "MC" days I did manage to catch some repeat telecast of the show. I was watching the Top 3 Performance, aka 3 guys namely Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey. I am impress by their performance. I serious think all of them are going to sell out their album. Adam Lambert was the one they label as the "rocker" . I can see why, cos he really can sing those high notes and is definitely vocal superior to the other 2. I must say he is very versatile and basically can sing anything well thrown at him. But though I think he more suitable for Rocky music though. Rumors have it that he is "gay" as photo taken of him kissing men...but the girls are crazy for him...(Well what can u expect, he got the looks and the voice) Danny Gokey look tad older than the 2 competiting, sounded more hoase as well, but I feel he more into the rock as well though shy of Adam's Performance and the judges are also finding more fault with him like the scream...... - He was Eliminated though This is one unique contentant, First up, He got the look but not the build, he does look short compare to Adam. He plays the Guitar, Piano and is more of the Jason Marx kinda song, I must say his vocal cannot be compare to Adam, His is softer and weaker, but I feel he more suitable for Jason Marx kinda song, especially when accompany by the guitar. Label as the Dark Horse this season, He might spring a surprise. (Serious I do hope so) Comments from the finals performance which I saw just now seems to point to a political correct anwser when ask to judge the performance, But we can see their fav is still Adam. This year, they have an "indian" if i not wrong on the show, kinda remind me of slumdog millionaire effect, but he was eliminated in the top 5 show though (If I not wrong) Last year, front runner use to be David A, with his youth and innocent looks, he got the vocals and the looks, but he loss out to the Dark Horse, a rocker, David Cook. Ironically, his album sell better than Cook's one though. (Seriously, I think his music is more mainstream)
The American idol standard is definitely better than our local idol contestant. They really know how to arrange their music such that they sound original and where can we find contestant taking chance by playing instruments on local TV. They did that in American Idol.
Prediction I think Adam Lambert will win, cos of his vocals. Though I personally prefer Kris Allen to win, mainly for his Talent of musical instrument, rather creative music arrangement, and a humble, low profile outlook, somethings which I related to. Let the Votes beginning and the cash bells....RINGS (Though I can't vote )
Results
Was surprise.....serious. Miracles do happen, this must be the thought, kris must have felt. You should watch how he reacted to the win. Totally Humble, his Trademark.
Well, it a long road ahead for him. Will definitely goes to buy his album when it released. On the Finale, he sang 2 songs, one with Kiss a Girl, this song really show his advantage here....these are the song that suit him alot.....and also No Boundaries, where he did something though less powerful, but unique...
t's has been bothering me for the past 3 month.....almost to the extend of waking me up in the middle of the night.
The time has come to put an end to this ordeal!!
I went to Punggol, WH Dental to have this removed once and for all.!!
It wasn't as painful as I thought it would. Definitely less pain then having to endure it every-night, and the good thing is that I get to take a week off just by removing it....so this is kinda like a long break for me (Hopefully I won't get retrench for doing this...lol)
Process took about 30mins, 3 needles of "mah" medication shots and I can't feel anything, even talking and rinsing my mouth with water become a problem
It's follow with a Deep cutting action, not sure what the dentist is cutting and which part, but I can feel he is using alot of force, drilling action is next, some tingling feeling here, and lastly, he use a tool to pull the teeth gently out.....in-fact, he actually broke my tooth into 2 parts....
Cotton bud for my tooth and 2 sets of antibiotics and 2 sets of pain-killers and mouth-wash is what I need for after care...
2 days of soft-diet is making me super-hungry, however by the 3rd day...things look better and I started normal food but only eating from 1-side of my mouth though...
Just Received 2 of these cards. These events are coming up in June. On a Wed and Sunday to be exact. One of them happen to be on my 10k Mizuno Mt Faber Run.
They happen to be relatively close friends...lol....thus the Red Packet are expected to be BIG for them. WL and B, must be happy if they read this!!
I shall Start saving up for these events....and it also a good meet-up session as well...with fellow university mates as well as former colleagues...
You bet I will have my camera ready, just undecided which one to bring? IXUS or EOS?
Well, She added lot of joys and attention to the family...Born Last Year (2008)..to the World....
The World must have look bit Strange to her at first....since she can't really hear or see properly at first....see how "scare" she was
Everyday is all about Milk...in her World....as she probably only feel hungry....and don really understand what is Sad or happy...
And Of course ....crying for Milk....cos it really uncomfortable :-)
After spending a month on Earth...We have a celebration for her....a Golden Pendant...as a symbol of growing up....
The First few months was really sleepy for her....must be a way of growing up...with no troubles to think of ....only her Milk ...But she soon become more active...aka Curious...when her sight got better everything is new....and she would look at it almost everyday..
She Started giving us...expressions...how cute...after about 4-5months..This is after having a nice bath....
Then dressing up and going out for shopping was something to look forward to...every weekend...as she would know my sister and Hubby are going out as she change into her shopping outfit...she is really SMART..!!
The Next Few months was nothing short of exciting....she laughes...when we play with her..
She Started doing the "kicking" and " Flying" signs...when we play with her...
She Start Crying when she feel sad...or when her toys are missing....(aka...someone refuse to give her...lol)
we Nicked named her 大头姑...cos initially she can't keep her head up....and keep resting it on the bed....(look like she got a heavy head)
It is already coming in to 8mths...this april.....her hair has grown longer....her smile "larger" and also her voice..as well...
Now she know how to smile when the camera is on her....
She have her first Papaya...doesn't seem to like it at first looking at her expression....but it good for her bowel..though....lol
She has her bad hair days as well..!!
She now spot a temper if her demand is not met....aka..."where is my toys"
How lovely is she would be walking now at this height.....Her first Stand-up pose....without much support...
U think she can enter the contest for baby of the year or Miss Baby...contest...
lol,been a really boring year so far....not that nothing interesting happen.....just that there wasn't much excitement....CNY being the only excitement so far....looking forward to this coming June but depending whether the KK trip is confirm
Been thinking of going oversea for a short trip...places come to mind..
Vietnam, Tiger Airways....better make it cheap...
Bangkok, Thailand......should be super cheap now....
Siem Reap, cambodia....should be the most expensive...
...just want to go for a break.....another issue of worry...the deepen economy crisis and also ....the amount need to visit this places...lol
and Who should I go with....any kaki...want to go with me? ;-p hiaz....thinking...
To be honest...was really angry and disappointed today.
I found out a couple of days ago..I just lost some 40% of my Capital of my CPF investment...and all the funds that I have invested in lost 50% of their original value.
Worst...1 fund is at only 34cents....down from 90cent when I brought it....so I call my Insurance Agent to find out how this is so....and wonder why I have not been inform earlier? (FYI...my sis agent and a friend's agent have already inform their client to Sell or Park the funds)
Was really surprise by how my agent response.... Me : How come I was not inform of my the funds are not doing well? Agent : Call u numerous time...but u did not want to meet!! (Yeah...but it all because I lapse in payment and the regular Annual meet-up, I wasn't told of any info on my funds performance)
Me : You should have highlighted this concern via a voice mail or sms with regards to this matter !! Agent : our regular meet-up include this review of fund performance. Furthermore we are investing medium to long term!!. So this "paper Loss" is inline with your profile.? You are not getting a house soon right....told u before if u plan to get a house...we can seat down and discuss which fund can go while other fund are still in investment (Lame reason to give...Paper loss is still a loss. Furthermore...does medium to long term means I put in the funds....stay there forever and ever without getting profits at the correct time...aka maximise returns...she is so protective of her capital...kept stressing me not to dissolve the policy even if I want to buy house....)
Me : It would have been better if u could advise me on prices so that we could manage this loss better. Agent : Prudential does not speculate on the prices. I would not know when the price is going to go up or down. (Speculate mean guess..? but the funds has been going down for over a year, why is this consider speculate? I seriously think she know nuts about investment)
Me : I meant Advise me on prices. Leaving the decision to sell, hold or switch to me. Agent : I don provide this kind of service. My role is to provide Insurance Coverage. This job that u mentioned is the role of the Financial Consultant. Furthermore U cannot expect me to go thr all the client investment prices to ensure all their funds are doing well. (What so difficult to provide me with prices...since u are paid to do so. I don liaise with your so call Financial Consultant which loss my $$. If I know u just provide Insurance Coverage...Why Sell this product and not updates on prices...I am better off monitoring this myself....SO WHY I NEED HER FOR?)
As this is really dragging...and she(Agent) refuse to admit that it due to her poor follow-up...keep saying I am Accusing her of this. (Seriously...if u would at least tell me something about the loss in my investment....like prices drop...I would have not be "Blasting" her so hard...the problem is not even a single mentioned and update on this...I have to do the Calculation myself...and call u to find out....)
Me : Moving Forward, I want to be updated on prices of my funds and I want the focus to be on Investment...since a large part of the portfolio is in this. Update quarterly. Agent : My Role is to focus on Insurance Coverage. But since this is your request. I can do that. But During Bad times like this u Complaint about my poor follow-up (Which in this case, she think is not her job)....what have u done for me during good times? (Bloody Hxxx, didn't I give u some >$xx,xxx worth of capital for you to tax on?...really don understand how come she is so protective of her income when my investment in at risk..isn't the Customer..feedback of concern to her...or I am just some "Peanuts" which can be loss.)
After this incident....I came to know that It still better to monitor my own investment....I nt his way...I can only Blame myself for my foresight. This investment policy is a mistake to begin with....Cos I realise in the first place...noone ...including myself and agent is doing any form of monitoring for me...and the way this works....the agent just want your $$ to be there so that they can have more income....
The only consolation is the Insurance Coverage it provides....but my CPF investment does not really allow me to see the benefits....
Seriously considering of switching agent. If not...I will wait for my investment to recovered and terminate the account. The way I look at this....having been with her for 4 years...I don see her putting my benefits to serious thought...but only her income is of concern.
This is in conflict with my Investment direction and also I have loss my Trust and confidence in her.....(even insurance) :-(
It's look like 2009 is going to be a tough year ahead...
Our Prime Minister say this on Friday,
"It's very Bad"....Trade figure are down some 20%
Our Minister Mentor, aka Mr Goh....say
" if this is not a rainy day...I donno when a rainy day is"
Are we digging into our reserves.....I bet "yes"
Pay-cut is on the horizon....and I going to get very poor in 2009? I hope not...
Been Cutting cost already....
- StarHub Subscription - Cut off all the channels except the basic + Ch 55, save me $20 per month
- Hollywoodclicks subscription - Downgrade to 1 Disc package...save me also $20 per month.
Next on the List.... - Cut off Auto-roaming..I don use it anyway....save me $5 - Cut Return the extra Starhub setup box ...save me $12 - Cut down on Aircon usage...maybe use it on 3 to 4 days instead of everyday..:-0 - See if I can sell my Camera(the free one) and my Old Handphone. ......still thinking of what to cut further....
These maybe consider as extreme .... - Walk to work - Skip all drinks using Lunch - Limit Lunch Budget to $2.50
haha...Pray also to be able to keep my job ....since if pay-cut does not work..."layoff" is on the way....
One of my 2008 Resolution is to start reading books...be it story books or books on self improvement...but sadly....none of them I have manage to complete at all. Recently brought this book by Dan Brown titled "Angel and Demon". Brought it cos it going to be a motion picture this coming Summer....so was thinking why not read it first and see how the movies compared....already read about 10% of it..and it's quite interesting...make me feeling like getting DaVinci Code as well...though I saw the movie already. Together with books I brought last year....and serveral books I brought on Financial and investment....wow...I didn't know I have so many book under KIV.... I just found out that I borrow a series of books on China History...during the 3 kingdoms...which I have yet to start reading yet.....
Look like I going to be real busy on the Bus and Train also....(haha ...reading lo)
Didn't really follow every single episode, but must say this is one of the best show I have seen from Mediacorp in Recent years.... To be honest, I felt that Mediacorp drama have fell in quality since the SPH Left the Competition. Only Remember 荷兰村 and 九 层 糕
All their dramas about the same story lines...worst still , they now go into re-shooting those old serial with Malaysian counterparts and the result is " I donno what to say"...extremely bad This year was surprising as I usually don follow dramas now....but I see myself watching 3 shows...one is 小娘惹 , 奶爸百分百 and 一房半厅一水缸. Think these are the better show this year. But nothing beat 小娘惹, like the storyline and the food they introduce... talk about the tragic life of this lady...story starts from mother to child to even "grand child"...kinda.... I Watch at least 60% of the show...missing only the first few episode...and of course the last 2hrs episode...:-(
But I miss the ending though...heard it was real bad ...and lot of audience are complaining....and they are showing an update...aka...Happy Ending this sunday at 9.55pm.....though only 5mins...but will be there to watch...:-0
