TGIW (Thank God It's the Weekend)

** Photo on right: The results of my retail therapy, which I can say made a little wee bit happier, when the past week is filled with nothing but 'downs'!

Wow! I didn't know that this would be my 1000th post.. haha.. I talk a lot.. haha..

Anyway, this weekend is somewhat cool.. Just the past Friday (28-Aug), I've stayed office till about 2200 hrs to do up my performance appraisal for 2009.. My submission date would be by mid-Sept, and by then, I'm on reservist, therefore, no time to do..
So I thought to myself, since there is like no time already, and I don't have the necessary information at home, therefore, I've decided to like stay on (yes I know.. its a Friday nite!) and finish my performance appraisal as much as possible!
But sadly to say, I couldn't finish on time.. I'm only 80% done.. so ya.. the other 20%, I shall see how loh.. =)

And then Saturday came.. and I actually ran my usual 6.54km run.. and then afternoon, went to church, and then went with a few of my church mates to some steamboat restaurant in Vivocity.. the food so so only, but what can you expect from $22 per person right.. Variety is also not as much.. so ya.. oh well..

Then the highlight of the evening came.. was actually proceeding to Starbucks, when Tjow actually asked me to follow him to Adidas, as he wants to ask for an opinion on an apparel he wanted to buy.. so low and behold, he saw one of his SP students working there, and man.. Because we are Tjow's friends, he got us 30% off our purchases (becos' its staff discount!).. and not only I bought, but a few of us bought as well.. becos they (including myself) have been eyeing on some stuff for very long already, and just wait for the right moment.. so ya.. so yesterday was the moment loh.. haha..

I bought the following (which is also in the photo!)..

- AESS 3 Stripes Polo (ClimaLite Cotton): UP - $49, and after 30% discount, it became $34.30. --> Look at above picture, shirt no. 1

- ADIColor 3-Stripes Treffoil T-shirt: UP - $59, and after 30% discount, it became $41.30. --> Look at above picture, shirt no. 2

And these discounts got me a whopping savings of $32.40, and its a LOT!!

So this retail therapy really made me happy.. who is not happy when he saw something he likes right =)

And there is one great piece of news, regarding off-peak cars (aka. vampire cars - because they only come out before you can see the sunlight.. haha.. what a nick!).. and it makes me think even further whether I should get one next yr (provided I can afford one.. haha).. Click here for more details.

Yupz.. this is so far about my weekend..
Just hope my coming week won't be as bad..

Adidas - Nothing Is Impossible,
<<< abriel >>>

My work week so far..

My work week so far hasn't been good.. A single irritating person in my office is enough to kill.. Driving all the people in our lab nuts!
Look at us (all the people in the lab are poly graduates!) as if we are some uneducated, lowly creature and inexperienced.. and this person (who committed the mistake and refuse to admit it) even went as far as insulting my fellow colleague, and kept providing excuses to hopefully cover the error that was made! Arghh...

Not to mention, I also have to complete all my work (which is quite a handful!), before I go for reservist..
In fact, I just came back from work not too long ago!.. Super tired..

The incident which happened last Saturday at my church anniversary, kept playing back in my mind, and the more I think of it, the more I'm angry! I really regretted not walking away and leave the event just like that!~ Since you don't like me and I disappoint you, fine!
Don't be surprised one day I will just wash my hands off everything.. and when I say everything, I really do mean EVERYTHING! Sometimes I really wonder why you exist, you hypocritical creature! Arghh..
To this person, DO NOT TEST MY PATIENCE! You are treading on thin ice, and when I snap, it won't be nice! *roars*

Hope my weekend would be better,
<<< abriel >>>

A bad day..

I just don't feel happy at all today, though today is my church's anniversary celebration at York Hotel.. and I should be happy, because there is the food and also the company of my church friends..

But some people just have to spoil the fun for me (I don't care whether the person(s) are reading this blogpost or not, because this is my blog and I'm entitled to my opinions!).. and its not 1 but 2 persons!.. and one of them have hurt me so much though I seriously think it was unintentional.. oh well.. I shall not mention names here.. it won't be nice if I do so..

After the anniversary, I just came home immediately, becos' there was nothing I could do, and also I don't see the need to socialise anymore, because I'm very tired of all these le.. "Acting" is tough, and I can't keep up with it anymore..
At one point (before the whole event starts proper), I even thought of just to go home immediately.. I can't take the pretense anymore!.. and as if its not bad enough, this second person just have to "shoot" me with something which I can say I was quite hurt..

Call me sensitive or something, but after such a long work week and with some weird person at office who is so longwinded and keeps pestering people to ask the SAME things repeatively for 4 times in a SINGLE day, life is becoming a chore.. and I certainly don't need any further "wounds" to ruin my weekend further!

I tired of all these le.. Can I give up? That is the question I have to ask myself..

"Can I give up?",
<<< abriel >>>

2 guys & a gal!

L-R: Rebecca, myself & Alex @ Sushi Tei, Paragon
Met up with 2 of my ex-company colleagues for dinner.. it was a nice time of catching up over dinner at Sushi Tei, Paragon and Coffee Club at Ngee Ann City (All of course under the recommendation of the *ahem* food guru - which is me).. haha..

Had what I wanted le.. so craving quite satisfied, especially the Ice Earl Vanilla at Coffee Club.. superb stuff! If you like Earl Grey tea and vanilla ice-cream, you will like this, because what's best is that you can have the best of both in just 1 beverage! You all should try it some day if you have the chance to =)

And of course, jokes did scatter everywhere too.. with a joker like me.. haha.. and there was a word of the nite that it never fails to make us laugh, "ball-leh".. haha.. as pronounced by the person who got an A2 in Bahasa Malayu from Malaysia..

You all go figure "ball-leh" is what loh!! =)

Full to the max,
<<< abriel >>>

0700 hrs again..

Its this fateful day that my boss has asked me to do a scale up trial (she instructed me yesterday, to do it), and no matter what, I would have to finish by today..
And you know what? Everytime I need to do up a scale-up trial, I would get super stressed! Imagine all the washing and all.. The 3 hrs washing of machine parts, etc is enough to kill, and talking about doing ALL by myself.. so ya.. now you know why I get so stressed up?
When I'm stressed, I would shut myself from the rest of the world.. my face would automatically turn into a stressed look, with eyebrows keep frowning.. so ya... I don't know why.. don't ask me why..

So since I started work at 0700 hrs, I had the luxury of leaving office on the dot.. and I tell you.. I'm super tired now.. Its worst than running! I'm not kidding...

Oh well.. gtg and sleep le.. very tired.. and tomorrow is only Friday.. haix..

*Yawnz*,
<<< abriel >>>

Shagged sia..

** Photo on left: Cerebos Charity Futsal 2009 Committee!

Super tired.. have been up and about since 0515 hrs this morning.. Apparently, the event (Cerebos Charity Futsal 2009) needs lotsa help (helped needed since 0645 hrs this morning, where help is needed to assemble goodie bags and all, etc), as there are about 15 teams taking part in this charity futsal 2009 event..


If you are curious about the event, take a look at this website --> Click here

This event was organised in a charitable way where each team had to pay $20 for every goal conceded. All these money from the goals conceded, including the registration fees would be donated to our coporate charity, The Straits Time Pocket Money Fund. And as if its not enough, Cerebos has matched the sums raised dollar-for-dollar!
And just for today's event, the total amount of money for charity that was raised today (AFTER it was matched by Cerebos), has added up the total sum to a hefty sum of $11,500! Cool huh!! =)

Then came home, and just bathe and then had a simple dinner.. and glued myself to the TV set, with eyes almost half-closed!

Even as I am writing this blogpost, I'm half-asleep le.. Shagged sia..
Just wondering whether should I run tomorrow.. hmmm...

Using toothpicks to support my eyelids,
<<< abriel >>>

Effective Communication & Interpersonal Skills.. up a notch le!

Attended a course, "Communication & Interpersonal Skills" at M Hotel for the past 2 days, and of course, got great food (because its a buffet lunch @ M Hotel), as well as it is a very informative course..
And I can boldly say that this is one of the best courses I've attended so far..

Not only theory is thought, but the speaker was very engaging with her presentation.. and she added into the presentation her personal touch, because she don't use so much of her powerpoint slides, but rather, she write on flip charts.

As if its not good enough, her way of presentation varies.. which means to say she varies her tone of voice during the presentation, as well as throwing us some situations and ask us to role play on the spot..

And of course with much "rehearsal" from all those church camps video and stuff, I did mine naturally, and injected a lot of humour.. Was particularly amazed (at how spontaneous I was!) when the role was given to me to be a person/colleague who was a "pain in the back" (no more than 4 words being told to me).. super easy for me, and of course with my exaggerated acting, lotsa laugh as a result.. machiam clown like that..

And not only this role play I act as clown, but I acted like in 3-4 role plays, and all I act those scenerios with a dose of humour.. Even the instructor joked that I could just go to the TV station and act.. haha..

Oh well.. I've learnt valuable lessons and skills about handling difficult people, etc.. And I must say its working quite well, because I just tried it.. I saw an email which I don't like how it is written, and I count to 6, and the tot seemed neutral.. for those of you who are curious about this, it is called the "6 second rule".. so ya..

Am so glad that I went for this course..

Language perfect and a natural comedian actor-in-progress,
<<< abriel >>>

National Day Physical Workout!

** Photo on left: My improved longer distance running route!

You know there would always be a time that you would just turn super lazy, and decide to give the weekly jogs/exercise for a miss?

That's what happened to me today.. but yet, I have been eating so much the past few days (as well as the days to come), and also like I need to train up for my year end's StanChart half-marathon (ie. 21km).. so ya.. 1 less week of practice would be like missing one day ration of food.. haha.. ok.. I'm exaggerating, but you get the point! =)

So ya.. After my brief look at the website, mapmyrun, and counting the no. of kilometres that I ran, I was shocked that I actually didn't run 8km (which I thought I did, because I used another website), and I actually ran a measly 5.73km.. so today, I decided to up my milage (did a prior research of course) to 6.54km. Gonna continue this route for about a month or so, and I won't be running the whole of September (becos' of reservist.. haix).. after which, I will then further up my milage to about 8-9km, and it would continue for about another 3-4 weeks.. and by then, it would be end of October.. at the beginning of novemeber till race day, I'm going to run about 17-18km one shot.. so ya.. I would need to do it, so as to better condition myself for the gruelling 21km route.. so yupz..

That is my plan for now.. whether can I fulfill it is another matter altogether.. but I'm determined to! So keep cheering me on ya =)

** Photo on right: My super expensive luggage bag by Samsonite! - Its supposed to be red in colour, but I couldn't find it.. so this photo was the next best alternative!

Then went out for my weekly family outings to VivoCity, as my pet is having her haircut.. Whilst waiting for her to finish her hairdo, we just went shopping.. And I suddenly walked past Samsonite, and there was this ad which said "44% discount on red luggage bags, in celebration of National Day! 4 days only!"..

That ad totally caught my eye, and went in to see, and saw that the red is not that bad afterall! Hesitated it for a while, but the offer was really tempting.. It was an original price of $680, but because it is because this offer, it was only $380.80! Terribly a good deal, and I was actually in search for one!

Went to TANGS and find and see that a "no-brand" was about $211 after discount! And I don't even know whether would there by any warranty.. On the other hand, Samsonite had a limited 10 years global warranty..

Then I thought for a while and thought that at least I'm paying for some form of warranty, and its more durable than the one I saw (ie. the no-brand luggage)..
Other problem then arose.. which size.. This luggage is 29 inch, whilst the smaller one is 24 inch.. The 29 inch luggage may sound like its super big, but actually inside, it is actually ok only..
The main reason why I bought this, is because of my short business trips.. but then again, if I buy such a small one (ie. the 24 inch), it won't be able to last me for my holidays.. and the difference between the 24 inch and the 29 inch is just a mere $45.. so you see.. the big one is more value for money!

So I bought it, and the salesperson was like super happy lah.. haha.. oh well.. Then after which, I started to regret.. haha.. but I must keep telling myself that it is for the common good, and I would use it.. because spending so much at one shot, is no joke, though it is only $380.80!! Oh well.. what is bought, is bought le..

** Photo on left: My newly-bought Converse shoes.

Then continue walking, and man.. I saw another necessity.. this is even more important than my luggage.. it is my shoes.. And just nice, the Adidas sneakers which I bought (its about 2-3 years old already) has already given way.. so decided to get this pair of Converse shoes which you see on the right!

It is a "charcoal" colour, so its neither black nor white.. Grey lah.. So easier to match with my clothes and all.. so ya.. Got this for $59.90.. and I told myself, I can't be buying another pair of Tiger shoes, or else I would get broke.. becos a Tiger shoe will cost easily $170+ at least! So ya.. So I saved my money for something else lah.. =)

So ya.. spend a lot of money this month, so I guess I won't be spending anymore this month! Quota over liaox.. haha..

Then came home, and watch the recorded-on-my-HubStation programme of NDP 2009, and I tell you.. this year the show is a bit long-winded.. everything has gone a way bit too slow, but it was a refreshing change..
There was even bits and pieces of past National Day songs (super old kind - about the 1980's included!), and they remix it! And according to the commentator, this year's musical director was Sydney Tan.. and he is absolutely good.. and sorry to say, he is BETTER than past musical director, Iskandar Ismail.. so ya..
But you know what did really put a tear in my eye? The National Anthem during the Finale item! They actually did like a very jazzy feel! Here is the video (for those who missed it!)



And it is a very emotional moment for me.. Even as I blog this and hearing this over and over again, images of my BMT and NSF days just flew past my mind, and it never fails to put a tear in my eye.. so ya.. Kudos to this remix!

Yupz.. ok.. it is late le.. I need to sleep!

Enjoy.. and Happy 44th Birthday Singapore!,
<<< abriel >>>

I'm finally flying le.. haha..

After a solid 16 months in Cerebos, finally I'm embarking on my first business trip to Thailand, and may stay there for close to 1 week, or go there 2 consecutive times back to back..

But then again, everything is preliminary only.. talk is easy, whether in the end, confirm or not is another matter.. But it is quite confirmed on paper only.. We will see how loh..

Oh well.. but this would then mean that my Taiwan holiday trip is not happening this year liaox, becos' of work commitments.. feel a bit sad lah.. but oh well.. haix.. this kind of thing cannot avoid one lah.. haix..

No point brooding over sad stuff!

Going to a land of a thousand smiles,
<<< abriel >>>

My chinese cannot make it lah!

Fwah.. today my boss asked me to call a contractor in Taiwan, and guess what.. the contractor doesn't know a single word of English, so everything must be in Mandarin..

With my half-baked Mandarin, I manage to "scrape through", but when it comes to those technical terms, that's it.. I'm gone.. In the end, he asked me and I tell him, and the whole conversation (which probably could be wrapped up in 15 mins if its in English) has lasted about 30 mins.. wah piangz..

And as if its not enough, that was only Part 1.. I still got Part 2, but that is after the contractor has send me some stuff, before further discussion can be made.. haix..

I regret not studying hard enough to brush up my Mandarin,
<<< abriel >>>

The Food Experience!

Food I had today! Sinful!!
I had a wonderful day today.. EATING.. haha..

The day started with me like going for meeting at church, then had lunch with some of the committee members at MacDonald's Anson Road.. Had their new item, Le Grand Beef Sandwich.. not bad I must say, but one is enough to kill.. It is very filling.. wat's best is that it is on a different type of bread.. so ya.. you shld try it.. oh.. did I say the beef is very nice and tender as well? Yummy!!

Then after that, went to Suntec to go see see look look.. and you know me lah.. see see look look, hand itchy.. and I bought a GAP Classic Kakkis pants (its $79 leh.. of course, not nice also nice lah!!.. and material is super comfortable!).. very nice I tell you.. Going to wear it for my colleague's wedding at Rasa Sentosa (most probably going, because probability quite high le).. so ya..

Then gave my family a treat at Crystal Jade.. and what we had, is all up there in the photo loh.. so ya.. what's important is they have a good time loh.. tats all it matters, though its a bit expensive!.. but long long one time lah.. haha..

Then came home, and then blog this blogpost loh..
Ok lah.. gtg and sleep le..

Why my weekend end so fast?,
<<< abriel >>>

Craving satisfied!

** Photo on left: My running route (to train up for my StanChart 21km Marathon)!

Well.. in view of my Youth Leader's Meeting tomorrow, I ran today.. and all along, I counted before, and thought that it is actually a 8km route.. but when I did this charting of my run, it was only 5.73km! Disappointing!! haix..

Oh well.. I have charted a 8+km run, and will run soon.. I have to start slow.. cannot like suddenly go to 8+km.. I will die.. so ya..

But glad that I run today, since Wednesdays now, I would be quite busy with work (as I'm going to reservist in September, and thus, I need to finish most of my paperwork before I go for reservist), and thus, will not be able to play badminton.. so ya.. so this run is the only "weight loss" weekly exercise.. so ya..

** Photo on right: The Teochew Porridge place

And man.. I do have this great craving for Teochew Porridge, and thank God, He manage to satisfy my craving, and went to this place at Windsor Hotel to have a Teochew Porridge buffet.. went with some of my church makan kakkis.. so ya..

It was a very satisfying meal, because I stress again, I'm there to SATISFY my craving for teochew porridge.. haha..
But the price per pax is only $12.80++, and there was duck as well as prawns, so not too bad.. Food wise, so so only.. not very good and not very bad.. but definitely cheaper than if we were order ala carte at some 'kopitiam'..

But ya.. as I said again, I was there to SATISFY my craving, so anything is nice lah.. haha..

Then we proceeded to Udders, and I have a scoop of their new ice-cream, Whiskey Java Choc (which is the HIGHEST alcohol content ice cream they have, which is actually Whiskey + Dark Chocolate).. Nice if you take only a few small scoops.. to finish a whole big scoop, is quite torturing, becos I don't really like Whiskey in the first place.. so ya..
But I did have my Choya Lime Sorbet.. haha.. tat one no problem.. haha..

Then came home, and then blog this loh.. I will soon sleep le.. becos tomorrow morning I have to wake up early and go for meeting at church.. so ya..

Ok.. gtg le..

Teochew Porridge, I love you!,
<<< abriel >>>

**PS: If anyone wants to go there, don't forget to call me! I always got space for Teochew Porridge.. saying of which, I want to eat some again.. haha.. =)