I'm soon becoming an Apple convert!

The NEW iPod Nano-Chromatic
Well.. guess wat! After months of thinking, I have thought it through and through, and went to buy my iPod Nano-Chromatic (Green) 8GB @ epiCentre.Orchard for $235.60 (less 5% discount from the original price of $248), and becos' I would be needing to be charged for hours for my daily usage, I bought a USB charger which cost me $45.60 (after a 5% epiCentre member discount from the usual price of $48).

In addition, I also got a free 1-yr epiCentre membership as well, and its applicable to stores like Crumpler (where you get 10% disc off retail price), etc.. so ya..

Went to epiCentre.Orchard @ Wheelock today after work to get it.. super excited.. haha.. I'm going to charge it (as soon as after I blog this entry), and will sync it with my Macbook, since it has never been an easier way to do so.. wahaha..

So you can call me, an Apple fanatic.. and who koes.. I maybe someone who is "Apple-siao" in the future.. wahaha..

Nano-satisfied,
<<< abriel >>>

Great CNY but sick.. haix..

** Photo on left: Day 1 photo taking with my dog before vistation to my aunt's hse (my mum's side) starts!

How I love CNYs.. my first day of CNY was spend by going to my aunt's hse (my mum's side) for lunch, and some catching up with a few aunties and uncles.. a few of my cousins would also be there, but as they are like 8-9 yrs older than me, so there was nothing much to talk about.. every year is very much the same.. quite dreading to go there actually =P

After the visitation, my cousin gave my family a lift to IKEA Alexander, as it was still early and we didn't want to go home like that.. looked at a computer chair which I so wanted to buy, but then think that I could still do with my current one, so am saving up to buy a new one.. since the current one I'm having is giving me back problems (becos' my back is quite weak.. so sitting long in front of the computer would just give me the backache!)..

** Photo on right: Day 2 photo taking with my aunt's dog (my dad's side)!

The sad thing was that I was actually sick on Day 2 of CNY (which is one of the most fun days out of the 2)..

The day started with me having a bloated stomach and then the whole day, I didn't eat well.. Usually, its a yearly affair that I eat quite a lot (becos all food were chilli stuff - which is my fave).. but my lunch was just a morsel of rice with 5-6 pcs of sambal cuttlefish, and dinner (instead of Peranakan food at my aunt's place) was just 2 small pineapple tarts with a small fruit..
This is really one of the smallest meals I had so far!

It was really torturing.. at some point, I felt like vomitting.. but didn't really suspect that its the common bout of flu lah (or shld I say the onset of flu!)..

** Photo on left: Day 2 family visitation (annual photo taking at my eldest uncle [my dad's side] hse!

But one thing was comforting was that after 1 yr plus of my passing of my driving, I got to drive a trip from Bukit Panjang to Dover, and another trip from Dover to Queenstown!! It was so cool lah!! I got to drive my uncle's car!! It was auto, and this was only my 2nd time driving after I have passed my driving..

Certainly driving without the need of a 'P' plate feels good, but then again, becos I have not drove for so long, and still quite weak in keeping to my lane, I'm still a bit afraid..
In fact, I almost hit another car (probably 30% more and I will hit), becos I was concentrating on the mirrors and wanted to change lane (so took a little wee bit long).. haha.. looks like I can't really multitask.. but thank goodness my uncle was beside me, and he helped to shift the steering wheel, which of course manage to avoid the accident..

Then when I drove to the location, my cousin SMSed my uncle that he forgot to take his bag, so he needs his dad to U-turn.. so it was like my uncle ask me to stop the car, and asked me to go up first, whilst he and my cousin sat in the car to go home and take the bag.. so I somewhat managed to escape the "parking" bit..

Then it came the time where I drove from Dover Rise to Queenstown, and this time, I need to park the car.. I tell you.. I have always been weak in parking (though I manage to do it sui-sui one time during my driving test and WITHOUT mistakes, but becos that was with triangle and pole!), and now, I have to do it.. of course, with a LOT of my uncle's help, I managed to do it (after like a super long 6-7 mins!)..

** Photo on right: Day 2 family visitation at my youngest uncle [my dad's side] hse!

Then it was time from Queenstown back to my house for the annual visitation, and this time, I really cldn't take it liaox.. I actually felt even more sick, so I suggest to my uncle that he take the wheel (becos he offered me to drive again for practice) instead..

After my hse, it was to the final stop at my aunt's hse (my dad's side) in Pasir Ris, but becos I was too sick to even eat anything, I didn't join them.. instead, I just stayed at home, and ate so little that I cldn't believe it!
As mentioned above, I only ate 2 small pineapple tarts and 1 small fruit for dinner.. tats all..
(Quite a lot of my uncles, aunties and cousins kept asking me how I feel and all.. and they kept asking me whether I felt better.. kept telling them that I was all right.. I really appreciate them for their concerns!)

Then I bathe, and went to sleep.. my parents came back, and my mum helped to rub my back with the traditional method.. it worked a bit..

Woke up this morning with still a bit of symptoms and start to feel a little cold.. so I went to the doctor, and I was diagnosed with fever.. so ya.. I waited about 1.5 hrs for my turn, and I was given 2 days MC for my fever (today and tml).. so ya..

Now after taking medicine, felt a little better, though still not well, and appetite has just only improved a little.. so just hope that the medicine the doctor gave me will help me to recover a little..

Ok.. I'm tired.. need to sleep liaox.. hope tml I will feel better..

On the road to recovery,
<<< abriel >>>

CNY 2009 Reunion Dinner!

** Photo on left: Family photo!

I had one of the most full CNY reunion dinner this year.. it was held at Orchard Cafe, Orchard Hotel..

And becos I'm being the eldest son, therefore, plan to give my family a treat again at this annual affair of CNY..

** Photo on right: My seafood platter!

The spread was fantastic, which includes fresh oysters (which of course I didn't expect it.. but with a price of $78.80++ per pax, if it doesn't come with it, its a pity.. haha)..

Of course, I am starting to have the love for fresh oysters (which were super fresh big and juicy!), and I actually had 8 oysters! (I broke my record of 7 pcs @ Cerebos Active Day 2008 held at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel).

** Photo on left: Yusheng (with Alaska Abalone & Salmon Sashimi!)

Yusheng is also a must-have item at every CNY.. this yr was no exception..

In fact, this year is eat all you can... ha.. and you can eat watever sashimi you want in your yusheng.. and tonite, there were 3 types of sashimi: Salmon, Alaska Abalone & Red Snapper.. but I only put salmon and alaska abalone in my yusheng, and it was fantastic! =)

** Photo on right: My chinese platter (with various delicacies)

And then there was the chinese platter with quite a no. of delicacies like sea cucumber and spinach with baby abalone.

It was very tasty, and you shld have see how many sea cucumber I took.. my goodness.. it is one of my favourite delicacies.. =).. Yummy..

** Photo on left: Posing with a fresh oyster! Oishi-nei!!

I used to eek at the sight/taste of fresh oyster, but will now do so only if its not fresh!
And as mentioned, it was so fresh, tat I took 8 for the nite!! Ha.. It was simply yummy lah!! Tobasco sauce + lemon + oyster = oishi-nei!! *drools*

** Photo on right: Drunken prawns in herbal broth!!

I think this is only my second or third time eating drunken prawns.. so so only lah.. but if you call me to choose, I would rather go for the fresh prawns platter on ice =).. it is much better..

** Photo on left: Dessert platter 1!!

I had 3 rounds of dessrt, and this was my first..

Durian Pengat (which is actually durian moose), was not as good as Fairmont Hotel.. but the desserts were not bad..

** Photo on right: Dessert platter 2!!

My 2nd helping of the dessert.. and you see.. there is another durian pengat.. haha.. I'm crazy about durian!

** Photo on left: Dessert platter 3!!

The last round of desserts.. again, there is the durian pengat.. my 3rd serving for the nite.. and I decided to call it quits.. haha..

Anyway, I was so full, tat I actually experienced cramps.. I actually didn't eat a lot.. just a lot of variety.. hmm.. maybe appetite getting smaller..

Now still can't lose weight.. after CNY, I'm determine to lose, and start my jogging routine again.. so ya..

Ok lah.. gtg and sleep liaox.. very tired..
Long day tml..

Gong Xi Gong Xi,
<<< abriel >>>

Thank you bro!

Well.. had a 1 hr 40 mins chat with my bro and mentor, Tjow, over the issues tat I'm facing yesterday nite! Chatted from 2230 hrs to past midnight.. long huh! =)
So he did talk some sense into me, and I'm like more determined to change..

Of course, there were tears shed by me during the chat, becos its really heartbreaking, and comforting to know that someone (besides God) is there to encourage me and talk some more sense.. its not tat my parents never do their job, but I'm geared towards peer influence, so I guess that with someone about my age manage to talk to me actually works better than my parents.. oh well..

Of course, yesterday's chat was P&C (Private & Confidential), so I'm not going to blog it here.. but just want to say that it was a great session and comforting to know that there is always someone who is willing to give me a listening ear (becos' I'm usually the one who listens and provides solution, but am the reserved one who keeps everything to myself).. so ya..

Ok.. once again, THANK YOU SO MUCH TJOW!!

The boy has spoken.
<<< abriel >>>

CNY is coming..

Hey peepz.. sorry for my previous post.. am really feeling vexed over certain issues, but I'm feeling ok now liaox.. but certain stuff, I still feel strongly about it and will still execute it no matter what..
I need to be firm in my actions, or else ppl may think I'm a pushover.. ok.. better stop, or else, it will start again.. some stuff are coming back in my mind again, which I don't wish to blog it, or else it would be another angry post!

On a lighter note, CNY is coming, and I can't wait for it.. the excitement is killing me..

I'll be back,
<<< abriel >>>

I stand up for my rights!

Yes peepz!

Today my boss ordered Pizza Hut to celebrate one of my colleague's belated birthday, and I was in charge of the ordering..

And guess wat! Low and behold, they forgot to deliver 1 garlic bread!
It was partly my fault too, becos I didn't check.. its only shortly after 5 mins that I realise.. but it was too late.. the delivery man is gone..

So I called up Pizza Hut and tell them that they deliver short of one garlic bread.. but it took me about 7 mins to communicate this to the supervisor/team leader of the call centre, becos the operator simply dun koe wat I'm talking about.. or maybe she simply can't do anything?

All along the phonecall, I was saying "thank you".. my colleagues were saying, "wah.. still say thank you? you shld scold them".. I kept quiet..
Then I told my boss that the garlic bread would be delivered 45 mins later.. my boss say, "aiyah.. nvm..".. I replied her, "cannot.. you paid $2.40 for this.. its a matter of principal.. they are already earning so much, so this $2.40, you cannot let them white-white (bai bai) earn!".. my boss agreed to wat I say.. I know I sound very "uncle.. naggy.. calculative".. but in this time and age, one must be so to stay alive!.. even though you are not the one who pay, but since I'm the one ordering and its my fault not to check, I shld do my part.. this is called responsibility.. so ya..

Ok lah.. gtg and do my work liaox..

Lunch was yummy, but now sleepy,
<<< abriel >>>

Feeling vexed lately..

I have been feeling really vexed lately.. I don't know why..
Its a lot of things accumulating, and accumulating, but it has not erupted yet.. Thank God!!

But seriously, one of which is people kept telling me I spent too much, which of course I'm aware of it.. but when it gets just too much, you would feel like its nagging, and it gets really irritating.. if that's the case, then I would think I would not blog such stuff anymore (becos most of them will koe it only when I blogged it!).. even if I do, I will just say "I bought some stuff".. and tat's it! Period.

Then some people has been talking to me as if I'm a pest.. Just brush me off when I initiate a conversation.. do you know how irritating and angry I was (though I never show it physically)?
And some people has been really stubborn.. send reminder emails but never action.. then in the first place, why agree to it?
Don't wish to talk abt this anymore..

Then the last weekend was really hectic.. I didn't have enuf sleep.. I'm sure I got the normal 6-8 hrs of sleep, but its not enuf.. its like this terrible fatigue that I have been experiencing.. I want to sleep more, but my body's biological clock just doesn't seem to allow me to do that!

This morning, as I was in the bus (making my way to work), I'm thinking that this year, I will not initiate anything.. just let everything takes its natural course, eg: the countdown event 2009/2010.. I plan so much last yr (2008) and took the initiative to do so, but one after another cldn't make it last minute.. I totally am disappointed - I'm NOT going to do anything, and if there is someone else planning it, I will then go, but pls. don't expect me to plan anything.. I don't want to feel disappointed again..

From now on, I would do a silent retreat and take a step back, so if you see me just doing the abnormal (becos I don't believe in doing something that is against my will - no point forcing and being disappointed that efforts are not being paid off.. if I want to do, I will do it willingly and with a happy attitude), you know that I need the peace, and it will probably start very soon. In fact, it may start this weekend. A big hint already.. those who know, pls. respect my decision. For those who don't know what I'm talking, go figure!

All these factors just accumulates and if this carry on, it would soon be an outburst, which will be very ugly.. very ugly..

Okay.. I have spoken enough..
Got to just turn in for the night.. I'm really feeling tired easily these few days..

A sleepy man is an angry man,
<<< abriel >>>

Got what I wanted!!

Finally! Got my hair coloured and highlight today at my regular salon.. Sat there for a whopping 2.5 hrs (longest so far!).. sianx..
Today went to Raffles City Levi's (at first just to check out whether they have.. but in the end, I still buy the jeans).. its my dream jeans, Levi's 523..

Becos of the colour, its priced at 159.90, but becos I trade in an old Levi's jeans, it costs me only $109.90..

I know its expensive, but I still buy... ok ppl.. stop chiding me.. I can't take it anymore.. *ahh*

Let me rest in peace can..

Argh,
<<< abriel >>>

CNY is so near us..

Well.. from the blogpost title, one would have guess as much that I'm so looking forward for CNY.. I get to wear new clothes (yes! I still keep this tradition!), and the best thing, PERANAKAN food!! Woohoo~

Anyway, this would be a short blogpost.. nothing much to say actually... today, my IT ppl came to my lab, and help me upgrade my computer to a higher RAM and my Microsoft Office (from the original 2000 version, to 2007 version!).. The Microsoft Office 2007 edition looks cool (esp. with it actually helps to archieve the emails by dates!), but still need some time to get used too..
But I should be fine after tomorrow.. so ya.. quite easy to work with!..

Today also met my bro in GOH, Chee Yong, in NUS Arts Canteen.. He didn't see me.. I call up to him lah.. he blur block lah..!!
We chatted briefly and he was actually in the midst of a lecture, but felt hungry, so he got to the canteen to buy food.. my goodness! Such a lazy chap! =P

Okay lah.. gtg liaox..
Endure one more day and its the weekend!!!

Chor Chors,
<<< abriel >>>

Shopping @ Espirit..

**Photo on left: My result of today's shopping @ Espirit!! Woohoo~

Ok.. today was quite cool.. here's a lowdown..

This afternoon after worship music practice in church, proceeded over to Vivocity to meet my mum and sis outside the pet shop, as my dog has undergone her routine grooming at Vivocity.. also cut for CNY lah..

Then becos one of my motives is to shop for a bottom, I first went to Levi's and they were having a 15% discount on regular priced items.. I saw the one I like, but didnt have my size.. then the salesperson showed me another similar one.. this time is 523 with straight fit, but then they cldn't find my size, so it was so sad.. I seriously like the cutting and colour of the jeans.. haix.. it was priced at $159.90 before discount.. haix.. sianx..

Then proceeded over to Espirit, in the hope to find a nice bottom.. and I saw it.. it was a love at first sight (which you see in the photo on the above), but it still cldn't be compared to the Levi's 523 that I saw earlier..
Anyway, tried and saw that it was good.. colour was also ok (since I cldn't get Levi's, so guess that this is my second choice!).. The jeans costs me $129.90.
Then I realised that by topping a bit more, I can get Espirit membership.. and so I took 2 t-shirts which they are selling at a promotion of 2 pcs for $49.90.
Then when I paid at the counter, the person told me tat if I get a top (which is a regular price item), I can get the top and bottom all at 20% discount.. so ya..
So that's what I did.. and I used my Espirit membership to get a 10% discount on my 2 t-shirts (which is at $49.90 for 2 pcs).. so here is the final cost:

- Espirit 'Eagle Fit' Denim Jeans : $103.92 after 20% discount (UP: $129.90)
- Espirit Polo T: $47.92 after 20% discount (UP: $59.90)
- Espirit 2 T-shirts: $44.91 after 10% member discount (UP: $49.90 for 2 pcs)


Then proceeded to Chinatown to get some stuff for CNY house visitation by my cousins and aunties.. so need to get stuff.. I still got some minor things (like drinks) to settle, but Chinatown stuff are confirmed settled liaox..
Here is a lowdown of the stuff I have (so my cousins and aunties who are coming over to my house for CNY visitation, is gonna have a treat!.. haha.. bought some items again which was popular among them last yr and they finished it in 1 sitting.. *hint hint* the spicy bak kwa from Kim Hock Guan.. they finished three quarters of it!.. haha..)
So here are the stuff:

- Arrowhead (from Poh Guan Cake House) *popular*
- Pineapple Tarts (from Poh Guan Cake House) *NEW!*
- Chocolate Chip Macademia Cookies (from Cedele) *NEW!*
- Prawn Rolls (from Bee Cheng Hiang) *popular*
- Dried Cuttlefish (from BKK, which I bought it in October 2008 during my BKK trip!) *popular*
- Pork Floss Love Letters (from Bee Cheng Hiang) *NEW!*
- Spicy BBQ Sliced Pork (from Kim Hock Guan) *VERY popular*
- Garlic Groundnuts (from King of Melon Seeds)
- Black Pearl Groundnuts (from King of Melon Seeds) *NEW!*

Reunion Dinner (25 January 2009) reservation was also done a few days back. Its at Orchard Cafe in Orchard Hotel. I wanted to try something different this year; instead of the normal chinese seated dinner, wanted to try an international buffet (but of course with the normal chinese stuff).. Click here to find out more!
(Because I made my reservation early [ie. before end of December 2008], I'm entitled to a 15% discount of total bill).

So wat's left now is only the colouring of my hair, which would be happening nxt Sunday (18/1), and I hope I don't have anything on then, becos I maybe going on a business trip on the sunday itself, but everything is not confirmed yet.. so ya..
Let's see how lah..

A new work week starting tomorrow.. sianx..

I love SHOPPING!,
<<< abriel >>>

The taste of being homeless!

Man.. its only today that I actually felt like a homeless chap!

I forgot to bring my keys home from office, and no one is at home, becos my parents went to visit my grandmother in hospital, and my sis went out..
So on my left hand were the stuff from my staff sale distribution, and in the other hand, I was holding my dinner bought from Vivocity..

So there I was about to open my letterbox at my hse's void deck, and realised that my keys were missing.. I thought I have misplaced it somewhere, and then I sat down calmly and think, and my worst nightmare came true.. my keys were at office.. I left office in quite a hurry, tat I forgotten to bring the keys home!

This apparently not the first time tat such things happen.. The other time it happened (not forgot to bring home the keys, but its forget to bring keys to office)..

Then I had no choice but to consume my dinner at the void deck (with ppl passing by and seeing this weird guy with quite a baggage).. and the feeling was terrible! I felt so embarassed!
After which, I cabbed over to the hospital to see my grandma (becos I can't be possibly sitting in the void deck and wait for my parents to come home, and it took easily 2 hrs!).. Thank God I made the choice to go find them, or else, I would have "rot" in the void deck for like 2 hrs.. my goodness.. and tat mistake caused me $14+ to the hospital.. haix.. talking abt saving money for rainy day!.. =(

Oh well.. now at least I'm at home, all bathe and then blogged this blogpost.. haix..

Ok.. need to sleep.. eyes closing it like so soon liaox..

Chor Chors!,
<<< abriel >>>

I'm on M1 Broadband on Mobile!!

** My device for M1 Broadband on Mobile!

After months of thinking, I finally got my M1 Broadband on Mobile!
Am really happy to do so.. now, I don't need to find the nearest Starbucks or somewhere which has free wireless reception to do so! Woohoo~

Went down after work to Plaza Singapura's M1 shop (and suprisingly, not a single soul was in there, except the staff).. Signed on a 2 yr contract..
Actually I was on the verge to take the bulkier device because of the shorter contract period and the warranty is by M1 instead of manufacturer..

But the one I took, was slimmer, has a contract period of 2 yrs and warranty is only 1 yr with manufacturer.. so I'm actually running a risk here, but believe that my device should not spoil so fast.. so ya..

I actually tried considering to take Singtel's Broadband on Mobile, but after seeing the compatibility of the device, I decided not to take it (becos I would be using it with my Mac)..

I have used it so far.. am quite happy with it.. of course, its a bit slow.. 1mbps.. wat do you expect? wahaha.. But its unlimited local usage data.. so I can use it as much as I want.. =)

Ok lah.. I can't contain my excitement longer!!

London Chocolate Roll.. London Chocolate Roll.. Chor Chor!!!,
<<< abriel >>>

Refreshed!

** Photo on right: Me working effortlessly on my Mac (becos I was the official secretary for the retreat, and as a result, I kenna arrow by my bro, Tjow, to be the permanent secretary for meetings in Year 2009!)

My past few days with fellow church's youth leaders at a retreat was quite a good thing to start the year. It was held at Pasir Ris HomeTeamNS chalet.
Of course, it was mostly work (discussing issues regarding our church's youths, as well as also strategising), but there was not a single moment of boredom..

All of us got into some great fellowship (from going out in Tjow's car to have Starbucks! - for 2 consecutive days.. I had 2 different drinks on these 2 different days; first day was a dark cherry mocha frappucino & second day was the ice shaken passion lemonade.. very nice...), to watching the last episode of "The Little Nonya"..
It was really a good time of fellowship.. oh! Did I mention that Delci's (Tjow's helper) cooking was also fantastic? She cooked for us lunch and dinner.. well.. wat more can you ask from home cook food? =)

** Photo on left: Youth leaders & various youths who came to join us at the retreat!

The first day when we got there, we got checked in, and got some youths to come over for some discussion and fellowship, and it was a good thing.. dinner was good (ie. we've ordered Lee Wee Brothers Co. Ltd - specialising in otah), but fellowship was better!

Today we "broke camp" by going for a corporate time of cycling... haha.. though the bicycles were not very fantastic, but the cycling is cool.. Alvin & myself went quite far actually.. haha.

Then came home to take a nap for 2 hours.. super tired lah..

Now blogging it, and then getting ready my stuff to go to work tml.. haix..

I love Starbucks,
<<< abriel >>>

Happy New Year 2009!!

** Photo on left: The group who went for the Countdown event!! =)

Happy New Year everyone!! Woohoo~~
The new year is here! Here's wishing everyone a very Blessed 2009 ahead, and may you all remain youthful always.. =)

Well.. here's a brief outlook of the party yesterday!

There were some last minute changes in the dinner plans.. was supposed to be a group of 8 initially, then 7, then 6, then 4 in the end.. was a bit disappointed actually, becos I have spend so much pain/time to organise, and only 4 turned up.. oh well..
Sometimes when you see such a small crowd, you get discouraged.. haix..

** Photo on right: One of the better shots of the Fireworks @ Marina Bay that I've took for the nite!

Moving along, when its time for us to proceed over to the planned place to watch the fireworks (which is the place we had last yr, The Fullerton Waterboat House, low and behold, we know that there was a cover charge of $50, which includes 2 drinks..).. we were indeed shocked! Last yr, there was no charge!! Oh man..

Then we moved from place to place just to get a good spot (from Esplanade bridge to Clarke Quay area, but ultimately, still back at Esplanade bridge!)..

There was a lot of ppl actually (esp. foreign workers!), and when the fireworks started, everyone was whipping out their camera to take photos..
Of course, I was only armed with my handy Canon Ixus 60, and used both night mode and fireworks mode to take the photos..
One of the better ones, I have upload in this blogpost of mine.. The rest if you want to see, its at my Facebook account!!

Oh.. forgot to mention.. I change this blogpost design to give it a refreshing look.. instead of the normal black one, I gave it a refreshing change, white (one of my favourite colour).. haha.. (Also the colour of my Macbook).. haha..

Ok.. gtg and buy dinner from Chomp Chomp, Serangoon Gardens.. oh man.. my Hokkien Mee is to die for, and I'm craving for it right now! Yummy~

A year of new beginnings,
<<< abriel >>>