My crab-craving satisfied!!

The Star of tonight's dinner:
Black Pepper Crabs @ Eng Seng, Still Road, Joo Chiat
I had satisfied my crab craving today.. I have always wanted to try the black pepper crabs from this so-called famous stall.. And today, a group of us went (Tjow family, Greg, Jaslyn, Carlise, Christina & myself)..

My verdict? Its nice, but it could have been better if the crabs are bigger and steadier, the sauce less sweet and more spicy (in terms of the amount of black pepper)..
But ultimately, I like it, and if you ask me whether I would go back a second time? I would.. so ya.. do try it if you can! The crabs are really fresh, and the sauce is ichiban.. =)

And guess who we met when we were there? Wendy & Tiffany (close ex-church mates).. haha..
Carlise, Tjow & Jaslyn had agreed that it is abnormal today at this place we eat crabs, because usually, you will have to wait for at least 15 mins for a place to sit, and people will be pressing you to give up your seats, the minute you finish your stuff.. But today, we didn't have such a situation.. so ya.. according to their speculation, it maybe due to their competition, House of Seafood @ 180, Yio Chu Kang, where Carlise said she ate there last week, and its comparable but much more spicier.. so ya.. oh well.. shall give it a try next time..

Then we all go for Udders ice-cream.. Had my Choya Lime Umeshu.. I tell you.. this is really very very very very good.. If you like sour stuff, and into sorbets, this is the one for you.. I was so satisfied with the flavour that I bought a pint home, but because its an alcohol flavour, this costs $15.90.. expensive but worth it.. gonna share it with my family.. =)

Bathe and got home and blog this blogpost loh..

Tommorow is Sunday, and it would be the day where my dog goes for a routine haircut, and a whole lot of other stuff will happen at VivoCity tomorrow (because this is where my dog will do her grooming).. so ya..

Crab-li-cious,
<<< abriel >>>

My Labour Day Holiday...

My Labour Day was spent with family..

Went to see my grandmother at the nursing home (but becos' of this stupid swine flu, only 2 persons were allowed to do so, and therefore, only my dad and mum went to see my grandma).. And I had to be left hot out in the sun.. haix..

Later proceeded to Tampines 1 Shopping Centre.. It was a so-so mall only (at least better than Tampines Mall & Century Square), but it still cannot compare to my favourite Suntec City Mall & Raffles City Shopping Mall..
I only like the basement level of Tampines 1 Shopping Centre, as that is where my favourite part of the shopping lies.. Cold Storage Supermarket & Food... so ya.. but then again, still cannot compare to Raffles City Shopping Mall (and I luuurrrvvveee Market Place Supermarkets). Raffles City Shopping Mall also has Marks & Spencer, but Tampines 1 don't have.. oh.. btw, did I tell you? I'm crazy over Marks & Spencer breakfast cereals (esp. the berries one.. very nice.. For ppl who like sour stuff - like me, would love it).. so ya..

After 1 hr, decided to leave Tampines 1 Shopping Centre to Raffles City Shopping Centre (where else?!?.. haha).. and I realised that the MacDonalds there (newly opened) is 24 hrs.. what's more shocking is the Starbucks there is also 24 hrs now!! So ya.. one more place to hang out now.. haha..

Ended up at Suntec City Shopping Mall for dinner.. Gave my parents a treat @ Crystal Jade Kitchen.. We had like 6 dishes at $81 after taxes.. which is quite cheap.. here is what we've ordered:

(a) Marinated Jellyfish & Chicken Feet
(b) Yang Zhou Fried Rice
(c) Half Roasted Duck with Curry
(d) 4 steam scallops (which were not very good actually.. not fresh.. it is frozen. Confirm, guarantee plus chop!)
(e) Sichuan Hot & Sour Soup
(f) Mix Vegetables, Seafood & Vermicelli in Claypot

** Of all, the mix vegetables, seafood & vermicelli in Claypot was the best.. I tell you.. you have to eat and then you know what I'm talking about.. It's really good!

And there was a combine deal of items (c) & (d), whereby it costs only $28.80 for these 2 items! There was one option of $28.80 also, but it is only 2 vegetables.. so ya.. not very worth it..

Glad both folks are happy.. What's most important is they 吃的开心！ =).. That's all it matters..

Ok.. gtg liaox.. getting tired..

Had a very fruitful Labour Day,
<<< abriel >>>

My IPT starts today!

Fwah! I tell you.. Though I exercise every Sunday, I never felt so tired before.. It could either be because this IPT is in evenings, and I'm actually more of a morning person.. so ya..

Well, the next 7 sessions would be torturous for me, but looking at the bright side, it will come to end in like 4 wks time, and that is a good sign.. at least I got a lot of things to look forward after the IPT, like my company's movie day event and also my Wellness project (most probably eating durian.. yummy!), etc.. so ya..

Ok.. I'm very shag le..

Tired,
<<< abriel >>>

Met the gun again!

Yes peepz.. its not exactly my in-camp training yet (mine is in Sept 2009 for a solid 3 weeks.. sianx.. but that is a long time still).. but I had a shot of being marksman.. but oh well.. I'm proud to say, I'm a "BOBO" (which is an NS term, whereby this person always miss the target!) king.. haha..

** Photo on left: Trying to aim and fire..

The session was a so-so one only.. If you don't hit any of the targets, your whole game, you will feel sian.. However, if you manage to hit at least one, then that is where you will be motivated.. ha..

I didn't do well until only when the competition started.. so ya.. but my do well is still only 2-3 shots out of the total of 13 shots!

Thank God also for the weather, which were not very warm or humid.. It was a so-called good weather lah.. so ya..

After the session, went dinner at Jurong East interchange with a few of my colleagues.. had a fun time talking and laughing..

** Photo on right: It's a bird? A plane? Superman?? hmm..

Then came home after the session via MRT/NEL and its chatting all the way with Kian Hong (as he took the same form of transport as me).. So ya.. it is always fun to chat with him lah.. easy going fellow, and we literally chat anything under the sun!

Reached home, took a bathe, and now, I blog this blogpost loh.. before I turn in for the nite.. there is still this strong paint masking smell in the room, but oh well.. I still have to sleep..

I'm starting to get used to the new look of my room liaox.. and man.. its so hot and humid nite lah.. argghh..

The weather is getting on my nerves,
<<< abriel >>>

My room makeover..

** Photo on right: After 3 days of sheer sweat to pack and all, its finally done!

Okay peepz.. not really an extreme makeover of my room, but its more of a minor renovation, but the preparation and the after renovation stuff is enough to kill.. I have lost like dun koe how many thousand calories (ok.. I may or may not be exaggerating.. but oh well.. someone is sure gonna poke me on this comment.. *yikes*) from this.. Not forgetting my precious hours of sleep as well.. Oh.. my last weekend also kenna burn also.. haix..

But oh well.. seeing such nice wardrobe and a slight revamp in my room's furniture (I added an IKEA mirror & IKEA clock for this renovation), did perk up my satisfaction level... Oh. did I mention that the room had a fresh coat of paint as well? =)

Just looking at the room, it looks a lot like a designer room, but at the same time, becos of the part grey wall, it looks a bit like a prison cell.. so ya.. oh well.. guess I need time to get used to this..
By the way, the wardrobe colour and design are all of my own initiative.. the wall paint colour is from the suggestion of the interior designer.. so ya.. so I still have some designing cells in me hor =P

Excuse me now, for I'm going to enjoy my room right now, on the bed.. =)
But what's missing is air-condition in my room, which I'm definately working towards to =)

Roomie I like,
<<< abriel >>>

Shagged

The weather is killing me!
My room is currently going through a so called 80% renovation (changing wardrobe cupboard and painting of my room).. so ya..

Spend 2-3 hrs in the afternoon packing and all.. of course, not forgetting sneezing and mild rashes on my already-sweaty body..
(Ok.. enuf.. I may make you puke your meals out.. haha..)

At least now my room is a little neater (with all the rubbish thrown), and look at this.. I just placed my clothings in thrash bags (for temp storage), and guess wat.. it filled up 6 bags!! 6 bags ok!! my goodness.. and somemore I say not enuf clothes.. haha..

Ok.. gtg and sleep liaox.. I would post my before-room makeover and after-room makeover photos on this space soon.. Not much change, but at least, it will look much better after the renovation.. so ya..

Doodles,
<<< abriel >>>

My first race...

** Photo on right: We (Cerebos) run for charity, passion, challenge & team spirit!

It has been 1 year since I've joined Cerebos, and I don't know whether this is good or bad, because I have never taken part in any marathons and all (I gave last year's StanChart Marathon a miss due to Youth Camp.. so ya..).. being a person who doesn't like running at all (and I still don't!).. but you see.. In Cerebos, running such marathons are for a charitable cause (for every kilometre that we complete, Cerebos will donate $100 to the Straits Time Pocket Money fund).. so you say whether I should run or not loh..
This race is the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge, which spans a total of 5.6km, therefore, by running this race, I had already raised $560 for charity!

Anyway, I had a prior Wellness project meeting (planning for company people to join this event to go round Singapore & eat.. we call it a food adventure trail) before this event, so was in office immediately after lunch..
Originally supposed to be a 1 hr meeting, but there was too many factors to consider and all, and it ultimately became 2 hrs!

Then at 1600 hrs, immediately got changed, and then went down at 1615 hrs to meet the rest (which was the original mtg time, but besides the organisers, I was the first participant! Talking abt being punctual.. haha.. ooppss..)

** Photo on left: My regional HR Vice-president, Michael, and myself taking a picture for the camera!
We are both wearing the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge finisher t-shirt, and the Adidas shoe-bag in front of me was the goody bag.. it contains a water bottle as well!

Once all gathered, the cameras were whipped out and then its cam-whoring.. then, as a warmup exercise, we all walk to Esplanade (the meeting point for this year!).. According to reports, there were about 10,000 participants this year, so you can imagine the crowd..

Waiting for the race to start was a torture.. the heat and humidity is enough to kill.. Fortunately, I had water-paraded myself yesterday nite, or else, I may just suffer from heat-stroke!

The run route this year was the F1 route, so we get to see all the sights and spills that the spectators for F1 season 2008 get to see.. but the place was too many people to run.. paths were also so small.. we spent 6 minutes to get past the start line (clock started ticking immediately when the horn was sounded) and started running..

Just when you thought you can run quite freely, at some point in the race route, bottlenecks were formed again.. so ya..

** Photo on right: Having a mini-celebration after the run at O’Learys Sports Bar & Grill

Because of the humidity and heat of the race day, my clock-in timing for finishing the race was 47 mins 07 secs.. it was considered quite an achievement for me already, considering the current stamina I have, and also the amount of people running.. so ya..
Most of my team mates were only 2-3 mins faster than me.. so ya.. I'm about there lah.. at least I didn't run like an hour plus or something.. so ya.. I'm just glad about the timing loh..

After that, queued for about 20-30 mins for my goody bag collection.. Super packed with people.. managed to get mine after so long of an attempt.. haha..

After that, we proceeded to O’Learys Sports Bar & Grill at the Singapore Flyer for some drinks and food.. It was my second time at the makan place, so naturally, I know the standard of the food is quite good one.. so ya..

Then went back to office, where I just grab my stuff, and share cab home with 2 of my colleagues..
Bathed and now blogging this blogpost.. I'm now feeling super shagged, but satisfied that at least the carbos that I had yesterday was burnt a little because of the run.. haha..

Oh well, I need to turn in liaox.. very very tired.. eyes are starting to close..

Slim fit,
<<< abriel >>>

My colleague's farewell lunches..

Hi peepz.. This is gonna be a week of eating and more eating..

** Photo on left: Executives taking a photo together at Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant.. All look so serious like tat.. haix..

First stop of the week, was my department farewell lunch at Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant..

It was for a colleague of mine, Chea Yun (dressed in black and she sat beside me, and she has been with the company for 2 yrs 11 mths, but I've only known her for 1 year, since I am only 1 yrs old in the company..)

For many instances, all of us in my department are family.. my colleagues are my "da-jies" (since all are much older than me, and I'm the youngest in my workplace [lab]..), my manager being my "ah-bu" and my senior manager being my "ah-ma".. One of my colleague in my main office is 12 yrs older than me, and therefore, I call him "uncle".. so ya.. so much like family liaox..

** Photo on right: Representatives from cross departments come together for a farewell lunch at "The Queen & Mangosteen - Gourmet British Pub" @ VivoCity..

So naturally when one "da-jie" leaves us, I was initially very saddened by the news when it was first broke to me.. but I've learnt to take it in my stride, and unlike my first job [when cheong left] where I got all crybaby and all, I did not become sappy and all this time round!! =).. its not that I'm unfeeling.. its just that it is all part of life.

As if 1 farewell lunch is enough, it apparently doesn't, because members from other departments, would want to have a farewell lunch with Chea Yun as well..
Initially, this idea did not went well with Chea Yun, because she has said so troublesome, and dun want to make it such a big affair.. She has expressed her thanks initially when I wanted to seek opinions as to how many people will attend the lunch if organised and all.. and man.. the replies came in fast and furious.. it came up to 13 pax (including Chea Yun)!

** Photo on left: Another group picture at "The Queen & Mangosteen - Gourmet British Pub" @ VivoCity..

Then it came to the point where I would be the one who chose the location for the lunch and all.. In the end, spend quite a lot of time researching on it, and I came up with a list for Jap, Western & Thai cuisine at VivoCity..

They chose "The Queen & Mangosteen - Gourmet British Pub" as a result.. and this restaurant for one, I didn't try, but when I was doing my research, this very well could be the one that I want to try..

The ambience there was good.. the food was definitely carbo-overload, because almost everything had carbos in it.. But you koe ah.. though its carbo-overload, its very nice food ya koe..

A pity we went there in the afternoon, or else, if its dinner, the place would look much much better!

** Photo on right: Look at all the delicious food we had at "The Queen & Mangosteen - Gourmet British Pub" @ VivoCity..

There was indeed a time of catching up.. laughing.. talking.. munching the carbo-overload food and all..
Glad that everyone had a great time..

Some of my colleagues said that I'm suitable for a Public Relations job.. some also said I'm suitable for a marketing job.. oh well..
Let's just say I enjoy doing such stuff, which is why I had a very strong interest in the tourism and hospitality industry.. but guess that it wasn't my calling to do so in the first place.. so ya..

Oh well.. with the full meals that I had just 2 days ago, and today, no matter how much carbo-block I consume, it will never be enough.. but hope it can help a bit.. haha..
Fortunately, tomorrow is a 5.6km run for me.. and saying of which, why am I still here blogging? I should be sleeping!! haha..

Oh well, farewell lunches are never good, but one shld make full use of the opportunity to enjoy it!

Goodbyes are hard,
<<< abriel >>>

I HATE needles!!

Today was the day where my company held an annual health screening for all staff.. Unless you have a good reason for not attending it, you would have to go!

I fasted from plain water (though they said they allow) and food from 2200 hrs yesterday nite, and then woke up this morning totally hungry..

All in all, went to office and did the health screening, and the last station was my most hated station, and that is to draw a test-tube of blood.. I'm afraid of needles and blood since young.. will go all soft when I see them.. even till my age.. I wonder when I would ween off this.. oh well..

But glad that its over within 10 mins, and the nurse who drew blood from my arm was quite professional.. she even talk to distract me.. ha.. I think she know people are scared of drawing blood.. ha..

Oh well.. the mayhem is all over.. Finally!

I hate health screenings,
<<< abriel >>>

What a weekend!

Fwah! I had a very looonnnggg weekend!!

On Friday itself (ie. Good Friday), I woke up like 7am and then meet some of my church friends to go to my main church for service and then followed by some workshops and then another evangelistic concert again.. so ya.. so I have actually spent 12 hours in church just on Friday itself (from 0930 hrs to 2130 hrs)..

Woke up on Saturday morning at 0645 hrs to go for my weekly jog, and then spend the rest of the day in my own church again... Came home, and then rush through the PowerPoint presentation for the service this morning at my main church..
By the time everything was done and I bathed, it was already 12 midnight..

Woke up this morning at 0530 hrs, to go to my main church for music practice at 0700 hrs, because my church worship band is schedule for worship lead this morning at main church (for Easter Sunday service)..
Because the crowd is close to a thousand, and I actually have a solo singing part during the service, I prayed very hard that I won't be nervous and voice shiver as a result.
And thank God I didn't and everything went smooth! All Glory to God!! =)

Then was super tired, came home and then slept for 3 hrs.. went out for dinner.. and then watch TV.. now, I'm writing this short blogpost before I turn in for the night, and then sleep loh..

This weekend for me is super tiring.. so ya.. but glad that it's all over!!

Eyes wide shut,
<<< abriel >>>

A very tiring week~!

Have been working till late on Thursday and Friday, where I did OT at work till 10pm and 9pm respectively..

Cabbed home and after tat, eat dinner.. sleep, and cycle starts all over again..

Sleeping time,
<<< abriel >>>

Buy 2 get 6 free! =D

** Photo on right: My favourite Magnum Ice-Cream - Yoghurt Fresh!
It is an ice-cream with yoghurt and raspberry sauce, coated with milk chocolate.
If you like sweet and sour, or raspberry ripple ice cream, you confirm like this ice-cream!

Just in case you didn't see correctly, Wall's Magnum single-pack ice-cream (from Germany and NOT Thailand) is selling at provision shops/7-11/Cheers outlets/Shell petrol stations at $3.90 for the 2 ice-cream (in other words, it is a 1 for 1 offer - because it usually cost $3.90 per stick!).. It is an offer NOT to be missed, and offer is valid until 31 March 2009.

Anyway, been searching high and low for this Yoghurt Fresh ice-cream around my neighbourhood (since it was on offer), and I only found 2 sticks.. my dad bought the other time.. Then it was no news, until today.. I went to this particular store.. here was the conversation..

Went to store and saw that there are plenty stocks for Yoghurt Fresh, and took 8 packets (since its 1 for 1, and I only pay for 4 packets).

Me: 1 for 1 right?
Cashier: Yes.

Cashier: (scans and total bill came up $7.80).
Me: (shocked because its supposed to be $15.60).. aunty, 8 packets leh..

Cashier: Ya what! 1 for 1, so I charge you 4 packets.
Me: (still confused).. Orh.. Ok.. (wanted to go and take another 8 packets, since its so cheap because of miscount! But then I didn't go back to take, because if so, there is a high chance that the cashier will realise that she has miscounted, and charge me the original price!)

Cashier: (register shows $2.20 as change)
Me: (receives receipt and $2).. eh aunty.. $2.20 change right?

Cashier: Ya.
Me: I only got $2. Where is the $0.20?

Cashier: (checks what she gives me, and realises that she didn't give me $0.20.. and she force open the cash register and give me back the $0.20).
Me: Thank you.

Me: (checks receipt in train back home and realises that the cashier only key in 4 packets, and the computer automatically check it as 2 packets, which costs me only $7.80!)..

This must be God's blessing (because its supposed to be buy 4, get 4 free.. whilst I got buy 2, get 6 free)! Saying of which, I think I will buy more Yoghurt Fresh ice-cream to stock up in my freezer, since promotion is ending soon.. =)

Oh.. did I mention to you that actually, my friend didn't try before this Yoghurt Fresh ice-cream, and when she saw the offer, she immediately SMS me, and I was told today by herself, that in great faith (because she trust my taste), she bought 10 sticks at one go (and pay only for 5 sticks!).. and she said she didn't regret since! She loves it becos' its both sour and sweet at the same time (so fans of sourness - like me - will love it!).. haha.. (told you that its nice.. so my recommendation most of the time is correct one!) =)

Deeply in love with my Yoghurt Fresh,
<<< abriel >>>

Being 25!

** Photo on left: Office birthday celebration - My birthday cake (chocolate cheesecake) and a token of appreciation from my company.

I have reached the age of 25 on this day.. and as the saying goes, "a year older is a year wiser".

I am seriously touched by the number of SMS-es and Facebook comments! They just kept coming, and each time I see them, I would just be so touched.. in fact, just thinking of it, will cause a tear or two in my eye.. ya..

Thank you all for your well-wishes and prezzies.. its not the presents that counts, but rather the thought of it.. so I affirm and appreciate each and everyone of you!

THANK YOU~,
<<< abriel >>>

Disappointed..

Dun wish to blog much today, except to say that I'm disappointed..

Today was supposed to meet up with my army friends to discuss about our holiday trip in October.. but morning, I've received one SMS from one of them that he has to report back to work (though he is off today) as one of his colleagues is on MC.. so no choice have to cancel, because its only 2 persons (including me) in the discussion.. What's the point?

I know all these can't be helped, but probably because I've placed very high hopes in today's meeting, and because it didn't pull through, I will feel naturally disappointed..

And mind you, this disappointment doesn't stop like 1-2 hrs.. it started from the time when my friend replied that he is not coming, till the point after work..

So after work, wanted to go and repair my phone at Wisma's Sony Ericsson service centre, but I can only collect it on Sunday if I do so.. I cannot live without my phone that long.. so ya..
Then went to Borders to see see look look, before going home on bus 105, and then now blogging this blogpost loh.. Believe me.. I'm still feeling a tinge of disappointment and I wonder when will this wear off.. haix..

A teardrop of disappointment,
<<< abriel >>>

Discover Scuba Diving!

Scuba Diving is fun I tell you.. I was that close of signing up for the licence, but it will cost me a whopping $550 for the licence and the open dive @ Dayang or Tioman (very expensive leh!).. so ah.. looks like I have to give up this dream of mine for the time being.. but I got the person's namecard, so if I ever want to go for it, I will be able to loh.. just have to wait!

Anyway, today was quite interesting.. here's a lowdown..

** Photo on right: A group pic (in our wet suits) before we set off for the dive! Don't we look professional? =P

Left my lab quite late to the diving place, as I got some last minute urgent matters to attend to..
To make things worst, the cab driver actually did not know the place, and as if that was not enough, we have to travel via AYE -> ECP -> KPE -> TPE (Jalan Kayu) and I tell you.. super long journey.. and guess what.. there was an accident (involving 4 cars) at AYE, so there was this big jam.. haix..
And I have to like reach there within 10 mins, and I was only at AYE.. so ya..

My other colleagues were actually waiting, so not so nice to reach there late loh.. haix..
But I did anyway, after a whopping $33.20 (meter charge + call charge + peak hour surcharge + ERP) on cab fare (but thank God its claimable!)..

** Photo on left: Playing a fool with the snorkle masks! Quite nerd hor.. haha.. =P

When reached, I was required to fill in this super detailed indemity form.. then wait for like about 15-20 minutes before we can begin..

We were then briefed about the equipment (how to handle the tank, inflate/deflate the BCD at surface, clearing the regulator, etc)..

Then we go into the pool, and the instructors helped to put on the oxygen tank (which is 14kg) onto our backs.. it felt like nothing.. haha..
A few minutes later, we were all breathing underwater and one-by-one, we were supposed to do some basic techniques of diving (from clearing mask underwater to more complicated tasks like retrieving back the regulator in the event that it misplaced out of our mouths during the dive)..

** Photo on right: All of us in the full diving gear, and getting instructions from the instructor under the surface of the water!

The whole learning process take about 45 mins to an hour, and the whole time, we were mostly breathing from our oxygen tanks, which actually made our throat quite dry (because of compressed air) after the dive.. so ya..

It came to the time where the basics were taught, and then, we practice our own in the pool.. so ya.. managed to swim quite a bit, and experienced real diving..

And the lesson ended and it was time to go home.. but ya.. I'm actually longing for an open dive (but of course, have to get the licence to do so prior to the dive), and as mentioned above, it will cost at least $550 for me to do so, but I don't have the money.. oh well.. I shall see how.. if got kakki, sure onz one! So if you are interested, we can learn together.. contact me if you are interested =)

The other day where Tjow and myself were at Starbucks, I told him that I was going Scuba Diving trial today, and he was like telling me about his friend, of how his friend bought a very expensive camera completed with professional lens, to take underwater, and he actually started from an Olyumpus camera.. but oh well..
I told Tjow seriously that I won't be so crazy one loh..
But after today's dive, I finally knew why his friend actually bought the professional camera with lens, because able to be diving underwater with the fishes, is considered a privileged thing for people who love the ocean (including me!).. so ya.. so I told Tjow that if ever I'm going for open dive, I may actually consider to get an underwater camera.. haix.. hope not bah.. since now no money for open dive, means no money for camera.. haha..

Oh well.. gtg and end my blogpost here.. super tired.. tml, one whole department is coming to my lab for a training session, and guess what! My colleagues (in my department) is conducting a training..
And I'm in charge of explaining and demostrating 4 equipments.. stress, and may get "crowd-fright" loh.. haix.. hope not bah..

Under the sea,
<<< abriel >>>

Run.. Run.. Run..

Man! Believe it or not.. I actually ran an approximately 8.5km!! Yes.. 8.5km!!
Here is the route that I've ran:

Serangoon Avenue 2 -> Boundary Road -> Lorong Chuan -> Braddell Road -> Bartley Road -> Serangoon Avenue 1 -> Serangoon Central -> Serangoon Central Drive -> Serangoon Avenue 2

So ya.. that run took me close to an hour, but I didn't regret it! The weather was shiok I tell you.. so if end of the year I'm going for the Standchart Marathon (21km), where high chance that I will do so, then it will take an approximate 2 hrs, which is somewhat normal...

I actually did a slow jog rather than run.. If I run, I would have died liaox.. haha..

Then came home after the run.. bathe.. watch my recorded programmes on my Hubstation, then leave for church..

Church was okay, but the dinner fellowship was better! Went to Zion Road Market to eat.. very nice.. in fact, was just talking it in office last Thursday, and viola.. Saturday just went to eat.. yummy!
Had my favourite dumplings & guo-tie, with a bowl of Big Prawn Noodles (from Adam Road).. Satisfied! =)

After that, went to Starbucks @ Great World City to accompany Tjow for coffee (I didn't drink, because I was too full!).. then got a lift from Tjow to Wheelock Place, and went home by bus loh.. so ya..

Just reached home not long ago, and I cleaned my dog (becos she poo-ed *eww*) and then blog this..

Finally I have run after a week of not doing so! =).. An achievement.. if time and weather permits, I will run this same 8.5km route next Saturday again!

跑吧孩子!,
<<< abriel >>>

Mad rush..

I was never this busy until this morning..

This morning, one email was enough to get me all frenzy, because I'm expected to coordinate enquires and get replies within just a working day, and send an email to the respective parties involved at the next working day..

I was totally upset about this matter, because in the first place, everything was not confirmed initially and suddenly, an email was written and sent to me and my bosses, to do this and that..
And the email was written in such a way that if anything goes wrong and I can't meet the deadline, I would have to answer for it, because it is my responsibility..
Called up my boss and seek her advice.. Later, I talk to the respective parties, and have agreed that the deadline would have to be extended.. It is possible for me to do the necessary paperwork, but getting a reply at the next working day is simply too much.. so ya..

Then in the evening, my big boss came to lab, and then, we had an urgent meeting.. Intially, it was just a short update of a situation.. but what I didn't expect that it dragged for about 2 hrs..
So now when my boss said short mtg of about 30 mins, I won't believe liaox.. I'm expecting it to be at least 1 hr.. if can keep within 2 hrs, consider very short liaox.. so ya..
And then your big boss talking in mtg, say just short update, and she just go on and on and on.. you can say "sorry.. a bit too long liaox?".. no mah.. her position in my department is one grade higher than my direct supervisor.. so ya.. We all know her pattern, so everytime she calls for mtg, we koe its at least 1 hr, though she mentioned that its short.. haha..
The only time when she keeps it short and sweet, is she has to either rush back main office for another mtg, or had an important appt after the mtg.. haha.. other than that, don't expect anything less than 1 hr!

Ok.. I have ranted enough.. feeling sleepy (though I slept for 8 hrs yesterday!)..

I hate last minute work,
<<< abriel >>>

Called to serve the Nation once more!

Just finish watching "Perfect Cut 2" on Channel U, which explains why this post was so late.
Nice show.. if you have not catch it, you should.. =)

Anyway, about two hours ago, just received an SMS and email telling me to acknowledge a message which actually states that my next reservist is from 09 September 2009 to 26 September 2009.
When I receive this message, I was somewhat confused, as dun koe whether should I be happy or sad.. and calls to my mobile came in fast and furious within minutes of the notification.. apparently, my friends who received the same message called to ask me whether I have the same date for reservist.. so ya..
Thank God that quite a few of my batch mates were actually being called up on the same reservist date as me.. and 2 of them were my best mates who went with me to Bangkok last year (they are Boon Sen & Kokwei).. so ya..

Have also set a date for my Bangkok trip gang to meet up again, and most probably, will go to Hong Kong this year for my holiday.. so ya.. see how lah.. see whether "do-able" or not loh.. haha..

Ha.. ok lah.. at least I've got good buddies to tide me through the 18 days of reservist (super long lah I tell you!).. and abt a mth later after reservist, I hope I can look forward for my holiday trip in 2009. =).. its been 5 mths already since I've came back from Bangkok, and memories were still vivid in my mind!
Besides the trip to look forward to after my reservist, I still can look forward to my company's activities (eg: the Standchart Marathon & Annual Dinner & Dance).. so ya.. the most I just miss my company's active day only loh.. ha.. 1 event only.. won't die =)

Ok lah.. very tired liaox.. its late..
Gonna sleep now..

Left, right, left, right.,
<<< abriel >>>

Finally!

** Photo on left: My Adidas Jacket!

Finally, after months of contemplating whether should I make such a purchase, and I'm glad I did!

It was a coveted cover (at least for me!), and I decide not to hold back anymore.. Just buy and settle with it, or else, the thought would be lingering till its uncontrollable.. haha.. oh well.. it cost me SGD$129.. and I have thought for it quite long before buying this, so you can say this is not a hasty purchase.. so ya..

But anyway, because my birthday is in 2 wks time (ie. 23 March 2009) *hint *hint*, ha.. this could well be my own birthday present to myself.. haha.. what an irony right..

Yesterday was also my dog's birthday, but instead, gave my family a treat at Sushi Tei.. it costs me another $108.. ha.. family, ok lah.. haha..

Oh.. I'm now eating Marks & Spencer breakfast cereals.. they are good! I like the Apple & Cinnamon ones! ha..

So as per usual birthday blogs, here are my wishlist/needs (if you can fulfill it, good for you.. if not, then just treat it just a story? haha.. but of course, I would wish to have it fulfilled.. haha).. so here it is:

(a) Crumpler laptop/messenger bag (the first one I had is starting to give way!)
(b) Watches (I very open-minded one.. You give me watch, I take.. unlike those old ppl say what send you go die earlier and stuff.. haha)
(c) Some Adidas sports Climacool t-shirts (I wear size M)
(d) A Toyota Vios 1.6 Auto (from Borneo Motors).. haha.. kidding, but if you can fulfill it, very good.. I would be grateful *grinz*..
(e) Vitamin M (which will always come in useful everytime!)
(f) iPod Touch (who won't mind another gadget?)
(g) iPhone (my current SE phone is giving way)
(h) Canon IXUS 870 IS Silver camera (my current one a bit of problem liaox)

So you see.. everything on my list is impt.. I have thought through each item.. ha..

Ok lah.. gtg and sleep liaox..
Hope my wishlist can be fulfilled lah =P..

"Nothing is impossible",
<<< abriel >>>

An exhausting 2 days!!

It was an exhausting 2 days, but it was fun.. here's wat happen..

Yesterday was the day after 5 months, where we played badminton again.. and it was okay at first, but the aching part didn't come in till at nite when I reach home and all.. it was quite torturing, but it was expected.. have not been playing for a while, so naturally, pain everywhere..

** Photo on left: Participants of Jog & Cycle @ East Coast Park (33 colleagues came to the event!)

And this evening, becos' I'm part of the wellness committee in my company, I'm tasked to plan this first event of the year, which is an annual jog & cycle event @ East Coast Park..

I was actually only expecting the most 20 people turning up, but the replies I've received after I send out the invitation email, just came in fast and furious!
When the registrations close, I have a total of 33 people coming for the event, and for me, it surpasses my expectations.. so ya.. so I was happy in a way lah!

** Photo on right: Me (being the organiser for the event) giving a welcome speech to all! Nervous sia!!

When we reached there, it was about to rain, but it didn't.. so becos I was the organiser, I had to give a so-called speech, and break the ice initially lah.. I asked each of the 33 persons to introduce themselves to each other, and all were like "huh".. I was like "don't care.. just do it".. haha..
(And I think after so many emails flying around every single employee's mailbox, where I signed off my name after each email, all who came, actually recognised me liaox.. haha.. whether good or bad, I don't know.. haha..)

Even though I had experience of speaking to big crowds, my welcome speech was a bit of a bad thing, becos' my tongue suddenly become tight, and I was stummering throughout.. at one point, I forgotten what to say, and just felt hard to convey the message across.. ha.. I was that nervous! Moreover, mine was the first event to kickstart the whole Wellness program this year!.. so ya..

** Photo on left: Posing for the camera with 2 of my colleagues..

It rained shortly after my speech.. and we waited like 15-20 mins for the rain to stop.. In the meantime, there was a lot of camwhoring.. haha..

It then came to the time when the rain stop, and almost all went for the bicycle rental.. haha.. so besides being the organiser, I had to take photos as well.. haha.. so armed with a camera, went round to camwhore ppl and take their pics.. haha..

By the time the participants are done, and its my turn to rent a bike, it was already 1800 hrs when I started cycling.. and becos I have to help in laying out of the food as well, have to finish cycling before 1830 hrs.. so ya.. not very worth the money I've paid (its $6 for 2 hrs), but oh well.. its ok lah.. company sponsoring $5/bicycle rental.. ha.. so technically, I only pay $1.. haha..

** Photo on right: Posing for the camera before tugging into the delicious finger food from Kriston Catering!

And as all outings, mostly will have food, and this time, it is no exception.. My company ordered finger food from Kriston Catering, and the food is not bad actually.. but heard its very expensive.. haha.. Kriston Catering leh.. dun play play.. haha..

Anyway, tat was more or less my dinner.. and surprisingly, I didn't feel hungry sia!

But like all organisers, must let participants eat first, then they eat mah.. so ya.. when I went back for the food after they have taken the share, there was not much sushi left.. haha.. so I grabbed a couple of sushis.. managed to eat my favourite - the maki with cucumber.. =)

** Photo on left: Colleagues from my department! They are so supportive of me, that they are the first few people to sign up for the event! Thanks peepz!

The night ended with each department taking photos! And ya.. Am so glad that the event is over liaox.. 1 event down.. I've got more events to organise.. let's see..

(a) Idol Nite - July 2009
(b) Food Safari - August 2009
(c) Annual Dinner & Dance - December 2009

Yupz.. ok.. tats it.. glad its all over now.. quite fun to plan actually.. haha.. the Idol Nite would be the next one.. heard I have to go to some pubs to recee.. woohoo~.. Glad to see the nightscene again!
And when Idol Nite comes, I get headache.. I have to memorise songs and choose songs again.. would it be Wong Lee Hom or JJ Lin again or maybe some other singer? I don't know.. let's see bah.. =)

Sleeping for the nite.. starting to feel body ache now (especially the buttocks..)

A successful event-management member,
<<< abriel >>>