Sunday, 3 November 2013

FRIDAY (1 Nov 13)


Headed to SWITCH by Timbre on Fri. Arrived around 6.30pm. Damn early i know, but what to do. Online reservations were all fully booked 4 days earlier...No choice but to walk-in.

Anyway, my crave for the roasted duck pizza was relished!!

It really is my top pizza! The sauce that was mixed so perfectly that i thought i was eating Peking Roast Duck... Currently salivating while looking at the picture..




Had a good meet-up with my clique as well. Everytime we meet, there will be never-ending topics to talk about. How about us all busy with our own activities, but never fail to make it for every gathering. 

Everytime someone goes overseas, he will also buy souvenirs or food back. Without fail. Really, the friendship and bond we share is ... speechless. 
We are also constantly planning holiday trips together, but it is SOOOOO difficult to fit everyone's schedule! Especially so when the girls are flying for exchange next year, and we are starting our University studies soon. 

On a side note, i'm heading to KL for a short getaway the following week! FOOD HUNT!!

Sunday, 27 October 2013

Trust

Trust.

It is something earned, not given.
It is something easy to say, difficult to do.
It is something difficult to gain, easily lost.
It is something commonly preached, difficult to maintain.
It is something so important, that one can swear his life to it.
Yet, 
It is something once gone, is impossible to return.

It is true.
Trust that took decades to build up, can just disappear just by words.

There is always a lesson to be learned anywhere, and this was indeed an expensive lesson. 

One should not listen to hearsay, and be swayed by words. 
One should only believe what he sees or hears. 

Rumours kill.

This will be the one and only time an incident will happen.

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Learning

Learning. 

This word is something which i hold dearly to. Anytime, anywhere, any point, i am looking for opportunities to learn. Be it from a young lad or an elderly, there will be something to learn.

Well, it is about how you want your brain to think as well. It is how to sculpture your brain, make it function the way you want it to run, to analyse, to critique every single detail. These are the things that makes you ponder. 

I always believe that a thinking person will always have the way ahead. But again, i have met a whole lot that thinks a lot, but for all the wrong reason...


I had a meeting today. It lasted 10 hours. Yes. 0800hrs to 1800hrs. 

It was the longest meeting i had attended. Nonetheless, i really learned many things from today! I can understand why some people say NS is a waste of time; Because after accomplishing their tasks, there really is nothing new or something for them to look forward to. 

Yet, for our level, there are always opportunities to learn. Attending today's meeting was an eye opener. I believe in doing your best, and extracting whatever lessons you learned and apply it elsewhere. Many life lessons can also be learned. It is through critical analysis and deep thinking though. No one teaches you. It is how you feel the issue is. 

How you control your brain, is how you want yourself to turn into.

Sunday, 13 October 2013

BANGKOK YOLO TRIP '13

BANGKOK 031013 – 081013


Finally, found some time to gather the pictures from the trip. Jun Hao, Keith Ming Zuo and I were all asking around for cameras, but NONE of us have it. All our siblings brought them overseas?? But its ok! We still have our handphones. Although quality still not as good, but mai hiam buay pai, ai hiam ka na sai. (Please read it in HOKKIEN point of view)

As mentioned earlier, my flight was at 1735hrs. Earlier that day, we were celebrating our Unit’s Annivesary at Adventure Cove. Really a mad rush home, packed super light (2sets of clothing, 1 set sleeping attire), and off I go! Literally everything I wore from the 3rd day onwards was from Bangkok, including my undies HAHAHAHA.

Anyhow, some pictures before we landed in Bangkok!


This was taken at 1130hrs. It’s been long since I’ve been to a water-theme park. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, even though i took only 2 rides?!? Will definitely go back again with another group of friends!



This was taken just before Bangkok!

Day 1

Once we landed, we had VIP treatment till we reached the hotel! Many thanks to jun and his friend for the arrangement!

First, there was an airport staff awaiting us as soon as we were out of the plane. He was walking so quickly and kept ushering us to move forward. Even offered to carry our luggage when we were pulling it onto the travellator!

Second, we went to the “Priority Customs”, without the hassle and queuing, we were out of the airport in 10mins?! (Excluding the 10mins we took to buy our 3G SIM Card) Oh yes, for people who are thinking of doing it, please buy it from Tru MOVE. I guess its Thailand’s SINGTEL. Pay 300baht and get unlimited data usage. Plus another 100baht of free calls (3baht a min if I never remember wrongly) The staffs are very efficient and all you have to do is to pass them your phone, and they will do all the settings for you.

Third, after stepping out of the airport, there was a van waiting for us. You know when the door opened, I was like OH MA GAWD. I really thought I was some DIVA SUPERSTAR. First thought was how I watched SNSD, K-POP idols getting out of their van. And how much comfort they have.
LOOK AT HOW ALL OF US CAN STRETCH OUR BODY. The feeling is… indescribable.



We then headed to this seafood restaurant called E.POCHANA. I cannot remember the exact location. But who cares, the food is heavenly! This will thus be the most expensive meal of our trip. Each person paid approx. 40SGD, but it was worth it.



Seriously, the pictures do not do justice to the food AT ALL. How I wish the lighting and camera were better…

Went back to the hotel and quickly stocked up on snacks/drinks. Got a bottle of CIROC at DFS, before another RED LABEL from the 7-11.

Day 2 (Platinum Mall – Union Mall – WIP)





Went for an early breakfast at a beef noodle stall just a few streets behind Baiyoke Sky. It was really a good meal to start our day, and would be a damn good meal after a drink.




Was quite fascinated about the train system running through the main junction as well. There would be a long siren before a guard would draw the gates to prevent any traffic from coming onto the tracks. 30sec later, you see a train! The gate is then withdrawn and traffic continued per normal!


Headed to Platinum next. Well, nothing much to write about, same old place. Tried the waffle at the food court for desserts, and it was surprisingly good! The crust, combined with the fluffiness when you bite into it made it really my top few dishes in Thailand! The shop offers more than 10 flavors, with original and caramel being my favourite. I highly recommend this!

Union Mall was next on our list. It was a pretty big mall, with many high school/uni students around. (We went on a Friday). The variety were different from Platinum, and I wouldn’t say it is better than Platinum. Just that it would be a good shopping mall for people who are bored with Platinum?


Decided to settle for some KFC as we were craving fried chicken. And guess what’s our staple? Maggi Noodles!!! Bought a family feast coupled with a cup noodle each. Had a few rounds of drinks and we were ready to hit WIP.

Day 3 (Siam – SLIM)



Had brunch at the famous Pratunam Chicken Rice. It was located 5mins away from Platinum Mall. Ask any local and they will direct you there. However, please look out for the stall where workers are donned in PINK. There are many other chicken rice there, but the pink was the most raved.

We waited 15mins before being seated. Ordered a chicken and roasted pork. In the end, they served as braised pork -_____-

The chicken rice was OKAY only IMO. I feel that that most of the chicken rice are better. Only thing which I felt was not too bad was the unique sauce dip. That’s all. And the chicken wasn’t very cheap either. 20SGD for one chicken.. The previous night at WIP caused all of us to sleep until 1000hrs. So basically, we were walking around aimlessly at SIAM, cause we really have nothing in mind.

We then proceeded to Siam, spending the afternoon there. Toured Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, Siam Square. Well, Siam Paragon was a nice place. Regretted not trying the “After You” Dessert Café! There were 5-6 groups queuing at 1500hrs.




Next, we headed to SOM TAM NUA for dinner. It’s a really popular Thailand restaurant where many people are talking about online. They are famous for their Chicken Wings, Fried Fish, Preserved Pork and Pork Bone North Thailand Soup. It was good, authentic Thai cuisine. But too bad we were really full from a heavy lunch that we ate only a little.

Yes, it is only a “little”, as it is a FAR CRYYYYY from our usual meals (At least 10dishes for most meals as you see below). I really don’t know how we manage, but yup, everything was spick and span!



Planned to visit Asiatique, but was really very tired. Decided to head back to the hotel to rest. I was knocked out for 2 hours before my mates woke me up for SLIM. ZZZZZZZZZZZ 

Day 4 (CHATUCHAK)

It was my first time there. And I really quite like the place! I don’t blame the numerous downpours, for it sent us scrambling into the alleys, allowing us to chance upon some good buys! Anyway, another memorable thing is that we saw Michelle Chong!!!


HAHAHAHAHAHA.

She is really friendly and nice! After taking the first picture, she said “Aiyo! Why never promote my movie!” And she took out some promotional cards for her movie “3 Peas in a Pod”. After that spoke a little and said I followed her on instagram! LMAO. She said MUST TAG HER HOR. Must hash tag her and all also.
BUT SHE NEVER LIKE THE PHOTO… … …


I think this is the Asian Syndrome. Like how everytime you must take a picture of your food. lol.


Day 5 (PATTAYA – SLIM)

Took a 2.5hr ride to Pattaya, and instead of playing all the water sports, what greeted us were rain, choppy waters, and almost a deserted beach (less some causasians…) Anyhow, we still took some pictures to mark our memory! 





Had lunch at a random restaurant before another 2.5hrs trip back to Pratunam.

Later that night, we still had 3quarters each of the CIROC and RED LABEL…
So, we played card games and both bottles were almost finished within an hour. We then proceeded downstairs along the streets to buy some snacks. Seeing how flushed we were, the way we talk and crap we said. It was SO FUN. It was as though we RULED THE WORLD.

Proceeded to SLIM and had another bottle again. There, we met up with a group of Singaporeans which we met on the first night. Frankly, that night wasn’t much of clubbing. It was more of socializing. More than half the time we were outside chatting. Anyhow, it was another experience.



Day 6 (Union Mall – Platinum Mall – Airport)

Last day left in Thailand. Decided on some last minute shopping and headed to Union before going to Platinum. My advice is to go straight to Platinum. Union is a tad far away, and I didn’t buy anything. Went back to Platinum and could easily find all the last minute stuffs I needed. Also, there is a souvenir shop where you can buy snacks back for your families and friends. It is located at the corner, beside the foodcourt. The lady boss claims that hers is the cheapest. Well, I didn’t find any other shops selling souvenirs, and the price was reasonable, so why not?

Was a bit of a mad rush. Booked a 10-seater van and invited the group of Singaporeans we met at SLIM to go to the airport with us as our flights were the same timing. Slept on the van throughout and parted ways at the airport.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Bangkok Trip was very different from the first. I felt that it is because of the different friends I got to know that made me experience many new things. I really enjoyed myself, and was indeed a good technical break from my job.

Tomorrow, when I am officially back, there will be many meetings and projects to attend. While seeing all my batch mates having prolonged leave, going for all their medical checks, handing over all their work to the juniors, I am bluffing myself if I say that I am not jealous.

Yet, I remember telling myself the first week I came into my new unit;

'I will not be like the seniors. Everything was literally thrown to us, while they sat back and idle, claiming that their time has past. It is a vicious cycle which we had to be used to. I beg to differ, and have to continue providing my assistance in whatever help the company is needed. What affected us and caused us harm was the previous batch, and I wouldn’t want the juniors to feel the same way, less treating the following batch with the same attitude.'


Okay, time to rest for my last burst! Can’t wait for my next trip!


Till then!  


Sunday, 29 September 2013

H O L I D A Y S

Time is 2240hrs.

I will be going outfield till wednesday.
I have a stayover/drinking session on wednesday night.
I will be going Adventure Cove on Thur morning/afternoon.
I will be departing to Bangkok on Thur night.



BUT..............................................


I have a big event to conduct.
I have limited time to complete this event.
I will not be coming home less coming home on Thur to take my luggage.
I have not packed my luggage.



I AM JUST DAMN LAZY TO DO ANYTHING!!!

On another note, i am very excited for this Bangkok Trip! Mainly because i have done a fair amount of research to know where i want to visit. Also, because of the group i will be going with.

It will be my second time there.  My first experience wasn't very pleasant...

I barely begun enjoying my first day, and the night when we were back, i had a high fever. Slept in the hotel room the entire second day -________-

Also, didn't really try many of the hawker and roadside stalls. Probably it was my first time, and didn't do much research prior to that. But hey, it was an impromptu decision, and my flight was just the day after my POP, after my 24km Route March! My legs were still full of heat rashes when i boarded the plane.

Come to think of it, ALL my overseas trip during NS is always after a very strenous activity...

1. Immediately day after my POP Day (24km Route March)
2. KL Trip - Should be the day after my Commissioning Parade 
3. Jakarta Trip - Left Camp at 2am after my 3days of outfield. Caught a flight at 8am.
4. Bangkok Trip - 3days of outfield. Going Adventure Cove in the afternoon and catching a flight in the evening.

Really very tight schedule! But its always worth it! Cause after all the tough training, it really is a good break, not only to my physique, but mainly to rest my mind!

Even before embarking on my trip, I have already plans to go KL + Redang Island at the end of the year. And probably visiting Cambodia as well! Let's hope all my plans will flow through!

Alright, I am watching a food programme now! Will probably pack my bag only after the show ends. 

Will be back after my Bangkok Trip!


Sunday, 22 September 2013

Remember Your True Self

Is it true that people can change overnight?

Even though many people has tell me how scary you have turned into, and what a hypocrite you became, i still choose to leave that little bit of confidence in you.

I sincerely hope that you are not what many people perceived you are. I hope that my trust can slowly build up to what it was again. 

I have learned many things from you, and respected you before.

And because of your change, i changed to suit your new style. It is not me, and i really hate this changed me.

I have since thought it through and decided to retain the old me, even if it means i am at a disadvantaged. But, this is the least i can do, to retain my moral ground and continue to be aligned to what i believed in ever since Day 1.

 If you do not change back to the real you, with moral rights and grounds, the minimum i can do is to ensure people around will continue to retain their true self, and not hurt innocent people in the midst of their selfish needs, because of your selfishness.



“You can't live your life for other people. You've got to do what's right for you, even if it hurts some people you love.”
― Nicholas SparksThe Notebook



Sunday, 15 September 2013

Who You Are



Jessie J  '' Who You Are ''



I stare at my reflection in the mirror
Why am I doing this to myself?
Losing my mind on a tiny error
I nearly left the real me on the shelf
No, no, no, no, no,no


Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing
It's okay not to be okay
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart


Tears don't mean you're losing
Everybody's bruising
Just be true to who you are


Who you are, who you are, who you are
Who you are, who you are, who you are
Who you are, who you are, who you are


Brushing my hair, do I look perfect?
I forgot what to do to fit the mold, yeah
The more I try the less it's working, yeah, yeah, yeah
'Cause everything inside me screams
No, no, no, no, no


Don't lose it all in the blur of the stars
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing
It's okay not to be okay
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart


But tears don't mean you're losing
Everybody's bruising
There's nothing wrong with who you are


Yes, no's, egos, fake shows like whoa
Just go and leave me alone
Real talk, real life, good luck, good night
With a smile, that's my home, that's my home, no
No, no, no, no, no


Don't lose it all in the blur of the stars
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing
It's okay not to be okay
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart


Tears don't mean you're losing
Everybody's bruising
Just be true to who you are
Yeah, yeah, yeah


Sunday, 8 September 2013

Mid Life Crisis

Had been watching a Taiwan food programme yesterday and heard this term "Mid Life Crisis", leading to a "Mid Life Career Switch".  

Let's take a deeper understanding and find out more about this term.

From an online article, the definition of Mid Life Crisis is as such:


'A midlife crisis is experienced between the ages of 40 and 60. It was first identified by the psychologist Carl Jung and is a normal part of the maturing process. Most people will experience some form of emotional transition during that time of life. A transition that might cause them to take stock in where they are in life and make some needed adjustments to the way they live their life.'


Okay, so why am i, at the current age of 20 and still serving NS, thinking about my life 20 years later, and moreover, talking about Mid Life Crisis? 

I have many friends who have directly or indirectly tell me about their family issues. More than often, it is due to loss of job, leading to a Mid Life Crisis. Most resorted to a career switch, which usually leads to a definite decrease in income from their last drawn cheque. Many has since changed their lifestyle, where eating out has not become as frequent, and overseas trips have greatly decreased. 

Relationships between family members will definitely be affected. Yet, there are 2 outcomes; Either for the 1. better, or for the 2. worse.

1. For the Better:

Family members continue supporting and encouraging whoever is facing a terrible issue. (Worse case scenario of not having a proper income for 1 year) This situation would be ideal, where families are always there for one another, and because of this issue; a. Have more home dinners b. More family time as most of the time all are at home c. More communication. Just looking at the reasons, people will feel the family bond will get stronger. However, the dynamics in today's world is different.

Everyone has a high expectation for themselves. This leads to them imposing this expectations on others as well, especially those that you are close with. Not that you are demanding, but you want them to have the best, by being their best.

In fact, those increased in family time may backfire, which leads me to the second outcome.

2. For the Worse:

Increased family time, if in the wrong settings, will lead to more quarrels and arguments. Because of the prolonged period seeing each other, one will begin to nit-pick on the nitty gritty issues. 

This might be the fact for everything. If you have something for a long period of time, you will feel that it is natural that you have it. Same goes for Love relationships. Sometimes it would not be ideal to see your partner everyday. Yes, if you are married in the future, you will definitely see each other. However, it is on a different scale. If you are still in a relationship, i believe that everyone still wants to have their personal space and freedom. I will try not to interfere, and i hope so otherwise. It's because of the little time you have together will you further cherish the relationship you have.

This is not off the point of the Mid-Life Crisis issue. This might be one of the outcome where you see each other more than often (Almost the entire day since one or both are jobless). And i can really imagine how difficult it is to get a job when you are more than 50yrs old. Even now, it is already very tough for myself to get a decent job. Many graduates are struggling with foreign talents, where having a MASTERS will at least earn yourself a few more seconds from the employer reading your resume. A degree would just be in a pile of the remaining applicants that are "On Hold". So imagine a 50 yr old, with no paper qualifications in the new field of work he/she may be intending to switch to, cope with the job, if he/she even manages to get it?

That is why i admire people who has the courage to do a Mid-Life Career switch, be it under dire circumstances, or because of the boredom of continuing something you did for the past few decades. Of course, a bonus will be you making it big after the switch, which is possible. 

The taiwanese male, in his 40+, made a career switch from a paid worker to being his own boss of a small road side stall, selling 生煎包.  He has since continued selling after 5 years, and is selling only one flavour till today.  He is happy with his job, his wife is supportive and helped him with the job, and both of them are happy when their customers are happy eating their product. Such is joy where no monetary value is measurable.



Saturday, 7 September 2013

Hi guys!

Met my best friends ( You know my best best best friends are all split and located around the world -__- ) yesterday at Simpang Bedok! It was impromptu.  They whatsapp-ed me at 8pm said they are meeting, and expect me to be there. 

Yina Dale:  "XJ, you cab here. First time you can use money to buy precious friendship time."

HAHAHAHAH. The best jokes that never fail to make me cringe in laughter. 

Anyway, I left NeeSoon slightly after 9pm and arrived in time to meet them!




-

The course I am currently attending is really mentally draining! Sometimes i wonder if it was tougher studying now, or was it tougher during A Levels. 


15mins Lecture, 2hrs to prepare for presentation, 4hrs presentation.


Nvm, at least i am learning something which is applicable. I just cannot contemplate WHY must we study A Level subjects which we will totally NOT USE AT ALL IN THE FUTURE. 

Physics, Chemistry, Maths...

Ok, it is good for knowledge and work. But...Basic understanding is needed only right? I think it is more relevant to focus and concentrate on what you wanna accomplish. If it's an accountant and you need certain algorithm to deduce formula, study what is relevant which you can apply! Otherwise, why waste plenty of precious time to be an expert in something for a short period (EXAM PERIOD), and totally forget everything, which 90% of the knowledge will not be thought through again and slowly fade away. 

Maybe its because my younger sis (studying for her A's) just asked me a simple maths question, which i cannot remember for NUTS!

That is why i am looking forward to Uni studying. In my perspective, it is definitely more focused teaching, providing you the necessary knowledge for the course that you applied. Nevertheless, the school platform only provides you knowledge. I have always been an avid believer in experience and practical skills, which can only be gained through internships or working. 

Anyway, I believe that most people have a different motivation to keep them going at different phases of life. At this current phase, whats keeping me strong going is the BANGKOK trip next month!!! Yes, decided to postpone my HANOI trip because air tickets were all sold for the period intended to travel!


Travelling is always a joyous occasion, even if i just think about it  :)

Friday, 30 August 2013

It seems that i have forgotten this feeling. This feeling was so distant, almost too far until i have forgotten about it. 

But just yesterday, or more specifically a few hours back, this feeling of bringing my hopes high, sky high, before dashing my dreams all the way down, came gushing right back to me. All at once. 

No matter how hard i tried, it still happened.

Why?




Am i the problem? 

Sunday, 25 August 2013

少年 - Part I

Finally caught 'That Girl in a Pinafore' yesterday.




It made me rewind my life back to more than a decade ago... 
Even though I was not born during the 新谣 period, the show brought back many, many fond memories of my own childhood years.
I still cannot believe that I am saying this; I am already (only) 20 years old?!



The growing up years of my life has been splendid!


I shall narrate one small part of my growing up years. It is an essential part of my life that I
couldn't have lived without.

Basketball

How I first got in touch with Basketball, this wonderful sport that made me gain a truckload of bosom friends, was actually introduced to me by my 14 years (and counting) buddy, Joshua.

Joshua first joined the sport as part of the school co-curriculum activity (CCA) back in GongShang Primary School in Primary 1.  He was enjoying the sport so much and pulled me along to join him when we were in Primary 2. Until today, I still remember him asking me to join Basketball, when we were both under the morning sun, 2 innocent boys standing beside the basketball court. Of course, I agreed to his request immediately. When we were young, everything also must do together right! Haha!

Anyway, it was a decision where i continued playing competitively for the next 10 years...



This was taken like when we were Primary 4/5? Can you spot me!! I am number 12!! ROFL!!! 

OMG. Cannot believe the change I had after 10 years. HAHAHA. 

After that, I continued playing in secondary school, Anglican High!



This was taken when I was in Sec 2! East Zone Champions!




When we were in Secondary 3!



When we were Double Champs in Secondary 4!  2009.

This was also the last year where I played competitive Basketball.

It was not an easy decision, to stop playing a Sport that has been close to my heart for so many years. Most of the things that happened in my life also revolves around Basketball. 

In fact, I cannot think of what I will be today if not for Basketball. It really is what made me who I am. 

Yes, Basketball definitely took up a large portion of my life. But it was the friends that made all the wonderful memories. 




Both pictures look "similar" right! 

Okay lah, not really... It's the closest i could find!


To be continued.

Saturday, 17 August 2013

ENDORPHINS

Feeling absolutely FABULOUS at the moment!

Not knowing WHY. Just feel this surge of endorphin rushing through my entire body!!

What is this called?? Is this mad? Hyper-Enthusiastic right now!


WHAT HAPPENED?


1. Just finished watching episode 5 of 'Triumph in the Skies II' ?




[ It took 10 YEARS for a sequel to happen. I would be doing the show injustice if i don't watch it! ]


2. Going on a 'YOLO' Vietnam Trip with my buddy? 




[ If there is a chance, I would like to travel the world alone. How great would that be. ]


3. Just completed ALL my pre-course assignments?




[ No comments... It is akin to studying all over again. ]


4. Just came back from a sumptuous dinner with my extended family members?




[ Dinner like this will never, ever be boring! Wait a minute. How can eating ever be boring?! ]