My first trip to Japan & I got to meet up with my good buddy Emily!
Thanks to Emily, I mostly just followed her around since she can read a little of the Japanese kanji and also she does Japanese-accented English waaay better than me. :) E.g. Glass museum, you say, gu-la-shi no-mo-ri or something to that effect! And she can navigate the confusing network of Tokyo's trains cum MRT - every other station is an interchange station between a couple of lines, you really need to pre-plan your route.
We were blessed with really super good weather. Weather so good, we had an awesome view of Mount Fuji from our room! And even after we got back to Tokyo, weather was so great, the Tokyo Tower just behind us looms huge! Today however, it rained and then sleet, and finally snow - maybe slush is more appropriate. It got below zero. My right hand got so cold it was painfully tinggling.
We did it all, most of the touristy things. Meiji Shrine, City View, Palace, flagship store of Mikimoto in Ginza, Shinjuku, Takeshita, lots of museums and art galleries from Hakone to Tokyo, outlet shopping at Gotempa, dressed in yukata for dinner, gazed at Mount Fuji... I didn't realize we got so much done in so few days.
And I forgot what a shoppaholic Elmo is, she browses EVERYTHING, from socks, to trinklets to touristy souvenirs, even 福 (lucky charms issued by Japanese temples which can be purchased for all purposes, from health to traffic safety!).
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
I turned down a role because I don't want to relocate again
Just turned down a Dell role to be based in Sydney because I'm not ready to leave Singapore.
He said he thought my experience was pretty "close to what he was looking for in the candidate" but it needs to be based in Sydney and if I couldn't, then the interview ended.
Am I crazy? Perhaps I'll call him 1 month from now...
Bleeh...
He said he thought my experience was pretty "close to what he was looking for in the candidate" but it needs to be based in Sydney and if I couldn't, then the interview ended.
Am I crazy? Perhaps I'll call him 1 month from now...
Bleeh...
Monday, February 21, 2011
Grey's Anatomy season 7
Season 7 started sometime September last year. I can't believe I didn't realize it until Michelle mentioned over the weekend. I am a big fan!
Anyhow, problem fixed with my little netbook downloading all night last night all 15 episodes of season 7.
Just saw episode 1 - edgy with the doctors coping with the deaths from the mass shootings!
Anyhow, problem fixed with my little netbook downloading all night last night all 15 episodes of season 7.
Just saw episode 1 - edgy with the doctors coping with the deaths from the mass shootings!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
What are weekends for?
I recall the my highlight of weekends while living in Taipei was finding a new restaurant to try out. Totally worthless self-indulgence but something I took seriously.
The highlight of this weekend was cycling the 52.5km round trip to Yishun rockwall.
Zi & I did that perhaps 5 years ago & we were so tired after climbing, her dad came to get us.
This time around we cycled both ways despite crazy traffic, horribly bumpy road surface along Bt Timah Road, and a heavy downpour which we waited out sitting at Yishun coffeeshop, stuffing my face with mee rebus, a chicken wing & some of Zi's noodles.
Best!
The highlight of this weekend was cycling the 52.5km round trip to Yishun rockwall.
Zi & I did that perhaps 5 years ago & we were so tired after climbing, her dad came to get us.
This time around we cycled both ways despite crazy traffic, horribly bumpy road surface along Bt Timah Road, and a heavy downpour which we waited out sitting at Yishun coffeeshop, stuffing my face with mee rebus, a chicken wing & some of Zi's noodles.
Best!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
It never rains, it pours
Not a good day.
1. At 7:30am realize now front tyre of bicycle has gone flat. After some &:))@ at Rodalink, I had to inform Derek no cycling for me.
2. The Malaysian motorcyclist called me asking for $. Said his bike needs 2 months to fix. Either I give him $800 or he'll sue me for 2 months loss of earnings. Even though he admits damage only to his handlebars. Are they made of gold?!! And 2 months to repair? Spaceship or scooter? Madness.
3. Right after that call, when the phone rang again, I thought it was the greedy bloodsucker. But it was a shocked Jo who just rear-ended a car. She couldn't stop in time & was sobbing over the phone. The toll of work pressures, wedding preparations & all really getting to her. Let's pray for Jo.
And I pray for everyone tonight. May Jesus reign always.
PS just found out Michy beat me at Bejeweled Blitz. Grr!
1. At 7:30am realize now front tyre of bicycle has gone flat. After some &:))@ at Rodalink, I had to inform Derek no cycling for me.
2. The Malaysian motorcyclist called me asking for $. Said his bike needs 2 months to fix. Either I give him $800 or he'll sue me for 2 months loss of earnings. Even though he admits damage only to his handlebars. Are they made of gold?!! And 2 months to repair? Spaceship or scooter? Madness.
3. Right after that call, when the phone rang again, I thought it was the greedy bloodsucker. But it was a shocked Jo who just rear-ended a car. She couldn't stop in time & was sobbing over the phone. The toll of work pressures, wedding preparations & all really getting to her. Let's pray for Jo.
And I pray for everyone tonight. May Jesus reign always.
PS just found out Michy beat me at Bejeweled Blitz. Grr!
Monday, February 07, 2011
Need to drive carefully this year...
First thing this morning, I called Liberty insurance to find out how to get Roar fixed asap. They took down my particulars and told me to go to a Liberty prefered workshop to report. I selected a few in the AMK/Sin Min area and googled them for good reviews in the local auto forums, and decided on 3.
Then headed out for midday mass at Novena then to the auto repair place. Francis had jio-ed me for midday mass and I went, but our friend didn't! But he called and we agreed to meet at Sin Min.
The first shop at Sin Min quoted me $600+, my excess is $600, means I'll be poorer by $600+ out of pocket. Gah!
By that time, Francis had arrived, inspected the damage himself and felt he could fix it himself.
So I reported the accident for insurance, but chose not to fix it there.
Then Francis helped me shove the headlight back into place & presto, it looks like no repair needed. Totally saving $.
But to bust my short-lived joy, I got stuck a $50 parking fine for parking at the loading/unloading bay. I hate this year of the Rabbit.
Then headed out for midday mass at Novena then to the auto repair place. Francis had jio-ed me for midday mass and I went, but our friend didn't! But he called and we agreed to meet at Sin Min.
The first shop at Sin Min quoted me $600+, my excess is $600, means I'll be poorer by $600+ out of pocket. Gah!
By that time, Francis had arrived, inspected the damage himself and felt he could fix it himself.
So I reported the accident for insurance, but chose not to fix it there.
Then Francis helped me shove the headlight back into place & presto, it looks like no repair needed. Totally saving $.
But to bust my short-lived joy, I got stuck a $50 parking fine for parking at the loading/unloading bay. I hate this year of the Rabbit.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Friday, February 04, 2011
2 days into the year of the Rabbit & it's been bang no. 2
Derek arranged a dawn cycle on day 2 of the lunar new year. When I got there to the carpark 10mins after 7, everyone was already there, save Jispal who was still cycling to East Coast... Early bird catches the worm!
I didn't get any worms, I got more bad luck.
My back tyre was totally flat - must've picked up something at the Singapore Duathlon 2 weeks ago (thankfully didn't explode on me during the race).
Corinna (so sweet) handpumped up my tyre - in the process, because her bike was unattended, some angmo woman carelessly knocked Corinna's bicycle to the ground. Stupid angmo! And when I started to ride, the back tyre deflated totally again. This time, Derek, Melvyn & Robert changed the tube and pumped it up using Robert's gas canister (instant pumped up tyre). Thankfully it lasted the ride, but the super pumped up tyre deflated itself after the ride, while I was driving home (3rd time deflating itself today). Something is seriously wrong with the back tyre - possible a spoke is out of alignment or something. GAH! I need to take care of both my wheels : car and bicycle.
All of us outside the public toilets by the beach. Incidentally, the guys carried their babies (read expensive bicycles) into the toilet with them. Don't ask me which they were holding & how....
So in these eventful few days, I also count Michy's dad reversing his Mercedes and running down his home gate accident, Corinna's near death at the hands of an awful angmo driver as blessings. Because collateral damage is nothing as long as nobody's hurt.
I wish everyone a happy year of the rabbit and God's divine protective blood over every square inch of our bodies. Be safe, be in Jesus' shadow!
I didn't get any worms, I got more bad luck.
My back tyre was totally flat - must've picked up something at the Singapore Duathlon 2 weeks ago (thankfully didn't explode on me during the race).
Corinna (so sweet) handpumped up my tyre - in the process, because her bike was unattended, some angmo woman carelessly knocked Corinna's bicycle to the ground. Stupid angmo! And when I started to ride, the back tyre deflated totally again. This time, Derek, Melvyn & Robert changed the tube and pumped it up using Robert's gas canister (instant pumped up tyre). Thankfully it lasted the ride, but the super pumped up tyre deflated itself after the ride, while I was driving home (3rd time deflating itself today). Something is seriously wrong with the back tyre - possible a spoke is out of alignment or something. GAH! I need to take care of both my wheels : car and bicycle.
All of us outside the public toilets by the beach. Incidentally, the guys carried their babies (read expensive bicycles) into the toilet with them. Don't ask me which they were holding & how....
So in these eventful few days, I also count Michy's dad reversing his Mercedes and running down his home gate accident, Corinna's near death at the hands of an awful angmo driver as blessings. Because collateral damage is nothing as long as nobody's hurt.
I wish everyone a happy year of the rabbit and God's divine protective blood over every square inch of our bodies. Be safe, be in Jesus' shadow!
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Into the Year of the Rabbit with a bang (literally)
First day of the lunar new year, I was driving mom, Bo Dae (4th aunty's husband) & aunty Florence over to Ah Neo's (eldest aunty) house.
I was planning to drop them off so they can start their annual mahjong session while I sneak home for a quick nap then return at dinner time.
As I approached & prepared to turn towards the lift lobby, mom suddenly yelled, I slammed on brakes but too late, collided with a motorcycle.
The Malaysian motorcycle didn't topple over : impact wasn't that bad. But their legs hit the car, so both of them rubbed their shins for a long while. I was shocked, offered to call an ambulance but the 2 Malaysians declined it, he kept repeating "my bike is very expensive". That plus it's a Malaysian plate, really worried us. Luckily I had Bo Dae & cousin Ah Yin's help. Bo Dae negotiated with them for a long time but finally they decided to report the accident.
Ah Yin accompanied me to the police station where we lodged a report. On Monday after the holidays, I'll fill in paperwork with the car insurers.
Then later, I received a call from the Malaysian, he wanted to know who'll pay his medical bill & when I told him that since we agreed to report it, he should claim insurance. He then stumped me with "my insurance got no $".
Sigh.
No point crying over spilt milk & will resist implications to the new year. Get Roar fixed up & then move on.
I was planning to drop them off so they can start their annual mahjong session while I sneak home for a quick nap then return at dinner time.
As I approached & prepared to turn towards the lift lobby, mom suddenly yelled, I slammed on brakes but too late, collided with a motorcycle.
The Malaysian motorcycle didn't topple over : impact wasn't that bad. But their legs hit the car, so both of them rubbed their shins for a long while. I was shocked, offered to call an ambulance but the 2 Malaysians declined it, he kept repeating "my bike is very expensive". That plus it's a Malaysian plate, really worried us. Luckily I had Bo Dae & cousin Ah Yin's help. Bo Dae negotiated with them for a long time but finally they decided to report the accident.
Ah Yin accompanied me to the police station where we lodged a report. On Monday after the holidays, I'll fill in paperwork with the car insurers.
Then later, I received a call from the Malaysian, he wanted to know who'll pay his medical bill & when I told him that since we agreed to report it, he should claim insurance. He then stumped me with "my insurance got no $".
Sigh.
No point crying over spilt milk & will resist implications to the new year. Get Roar fixed up & then move on.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Arigato Japanese people!
I've never visited Japan before... unless you count Narita airport, then yeah, I've been to Japan at least 20x!
Since I'm still sitting around and by now doing very little, might as well go visit another place that I've hitherto not been to.
Going to meet up with the Elmo there and we are calling the trip, "Operation Find 2 Marriageable Japanese Hunks". On a secondary note, we're also visiting Mount Fuji so I can gawk at the dormant volcano with my own eyes and the old capital city of Kyoto. Oh, I forget, also spend time with Elmo and eat some yummy raw fish (NOT!). Probably need to bring my own blowtorch and get everything cooked!
I'll be missing a 168km cycle race since I'll be in Japan, pity!
Since I'm still sitting around and by now doing very little, might as well go visit another place that I've hitherto not been to.
Going to meet up with the Elmo there and we are calling the trip, "Operation Find 2 Marriageable Japanese Hunks". On a secondary note, we're also visiting Mount Fuji so I can gawk at the dormant volcano with my own eyes and the old capital city of Kyoto. Oh, I forget, also spend time with Elmo and eat some yummy raw fish (NOT!). Probably need to bring my own blowtorch and get everything cooked!
I'll be missing a 168km cycle race since I'll be in Japan, pity!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Races this year 2011
3 March : OCBC Cycle Singapore (Next!)
28 May : Adidas Sundown Marathon (Will I survive a full marathon again, perhaps night running might be easier?)
August : SAFRA Army Half-Marathon/ Bay Run (my favourite event, I love the scenary)
December : Singapore Marathon (I'll do the half again, just need to beat 2:55 to get Jo off my back)
Hopefully I'll stay in decent shape to race all of them to the best of my abilities! Inshallah!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
New Look!
New year, new look!
I've used my photo from the Taj Mahal trip because it's a watershed moment in my life : fulfilling a lifelong dream of seeing the Taj with my own eyes & being able to pursue happiness by leaving an unhappy job courageously.
There are more demons to battle in the days ahead, most of them in the form of my human relationships, but with God under my wing, what have I to fear...
I've used my photo from the Taj Mahal trip because it's a watershed moment in my life : fulfilling a lifelong dream of seeing the Taj with my own eyes & being able to pursue happiness by leaving an unhappy job courageously.
There are more demons to battle in the days ahead, most of them in the form of my human relationships, but with God under my wing, what have I to fear...
Monday, January 24, 2011
What a blast: Singapore Duathlon 2011
Had a great outing at yesterday's race. Weather was a little hot but otherwise perfect.
I had a rough goal of 3hours and if not for withering in the last 5km run, I'd have kept to that. According to my trusty pink Timex, first 10km 1:07, 36.36km cycle 1:29, last 5km 0:44. Plus transition wastage time I finished at 3:17.
Good start to 2011. Next race : OCBC 40km cycle in March.
I had a rough goal of 3hours and if not for withering in the last 5km run, I'd have kept to that. According to my trusty pink Timex, first 10km 1:07, 36.36km cycle 1:29, last 5km 0:44. Plus transition wastage time I finished at 3:17.
Good start to 2011. Next race : OCBC 40km cycle in March.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Need a job
Many phone & F2F interviews, text/email/Linked In messages, friends who forwarded JDs/headhunter contacts...
I know I don't want a job with Electolux (vacuum cleaners?!!) nor a role to be based in Taiwan again.
Otherwise, I'm open to all possibilities.
Oh and being able to interview in Chinese was interesting especially since the call was unexpected. My linguistic abilities astound even myself. My command of the Chinese language has not gone to the dogs... yet.
I know I don't want a job with Electolux (vacuum cleaners?!!) nor a role to be based in Taiwan again.
Otherwise, I'm open to all possibilities.
Oh and being able to interview in Chinese was interesting especially since the call was unexpected. My linguistic abilities astound even myself. My command of the Chinese language has not gone to the dogs... yet.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Guess what? Exciting updates!
Er.. Nothing much happening of late.
Ok, started to run a little more regularly as preparations for Sunday's duathlon but otherwise nothing exciting nor happy to report.
Sigh...
Ok, started to run a little more regularly as preparations for Sunday's duathlon but otherwise nothing exciting nor happy to report.
Sigh...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Happiness - where art thou?
I can't believe how everything soured so quickly.
It was only a few months ago, I was happy. New job, coming home to kakis who were willing to kill themselves with me on a daily basis, actually found some who were even more hardcore than myself and Zi (gasp! they exist?!), new beginnings, new hope, and when Zi became my colleague, that was really nice (albeit smelly toilets, but small price to pay).
So here I am... New year, new promise, stay positive.
Ecclesiastes Chapter 3
There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
It was only a few months ago, I was happy. New job, coming home to kakis who were willing to kill themselves with me on a daily basis, actually found some who were even more hardcore than myself and Zi (gasp! they exist?!), new beginnings, new hope, and when Zi became my colleague, that was really nice (albeit smelly toilets, but small price to pay).
So here I am... New year, new promise, stay positive.
Ecclesiastes Chapter 3
There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Alamak - kena rapped by God
Today's reading from 1 Jn 4:19–5:4.
Beloved, we love God because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
This is the commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the Father loves also the one begotten by him. In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments.
For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
Beloved, we love God because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
This is the commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the Father loves also the one begotten by him. In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments.
For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
VO2Max
Started out as a casual chat between 2 belayers at Yishun... between SJ & myself. She moved to work in a US hospital but will be back in July for good.
I must've bitched to her about decreasing fitness vis-a-viz my age and she mentioned that VO2Max is different for each individual body. That she has problems pushing her VO2Max levels up regardless of how hard she runs, compared say to someone else who naturally has high VO2Max.
Hmm... at that point, I realize I missed her! I recall a similar conversation with her (goodness knows how long ago) about fast and slow twitched muscles and I believe she reassured me that my muscles are mostly slow twitched, hence better suited for climbing than a quick sprint to the finish with Zi.
Yeah, I like talking to SJ cos 1, she is very reassuring & uses technical mumbo-jumbo to make you feel good & 2, she is smart. Of cos, smart and on your side is always a nice feeling!
Back to earlier topic - need to be encouraging to people around me this year. Please excuse me now while I go watch 爱, in the process decreasing my VO2Max.
I must've bitched to her about decreasing fitness vis-a-viz my age and she mentioned that VO2Max is different for each individual body. That she has problems pushing her VO2Max levels up regardless of how hard she runs, compared say to someone else who naturally has high VO2Max.
Hmm... at that point, I realize I missed her! I recall a similar conversation with her (goodness knows how long ago) about fast and slow twitched muscles and I believe she reassured me that my muscles are mostly slow twitched, hence better suited for climbing than a quick sprint to the finish with Zi.
Yeah, I like talking to SJ cos 1, she is very reassuring & uses technical mumbo-jumbo to make you feel good & 2, she is smart. Of cos, smart and on your side is always a nice feeling!
Back to earlier topic - need to be encouraging to people around me this year. Please excuse me now while I go watch 爱, in the process decreasing my VO2Max.
Pompeii - Life in a Roman town 79CE
Visited the exhibits at the National Museum yesterday. Joined the guided tour and got a pretty good narrator, I didn't know that this is the first time they are exhibiting stuff outside of Pompeii itself - we are blessed, Singapore!
It ranged from interesting (Pompeii people ate out a lot in restaurants, cafes 2000 years ago!), to funny (there was a mosiac floor warning to 'beware of dog', just like us today!), to religious (there was no traces of Christianity even though Jesus had already died & resurrected earlier), to sad (the plastic casts moulds of people/animals in death).
A good exhibit, well worth visiting. Am glad I went on a week day so it wasn't too crowded. Yeah, there were still strangely, a lot of visitors.
It ranged from interesting (Pompeii people ate out a lot in restaurants, cafes 2000 years ago!), to funny (there was a mosiac floor warning to 'beware of dog', just like us today!), to religious (there was no traces of Christianity even though Jesus had already died & resurrected earlier), to sad (the plastic casts moulds of people/animals in death).
A good exhibit, well worth visiting. Am glad I went on a week day so it wasn't too crowded. Yeah, there were still strangely, a lot of visitors.
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