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Choices
Just had a big fight. No, not one of those that we walk away from with blues and blacks. The arguement kind. I don't know what sparked it off. Maybe it was just the travelling blues sitting in a car for 4 hours, or maybe it was just something that we bottle up and when it blows up, it really explodes. I have a feeling it was the latter.
The fight made me reflect a little. In life, we have to make many choices. Simple ones like what colour pants should I wear to harder ones like should I buy a Toyota Celica TRD or a Toyota RAV4 (The choice I made here is obvious to those who know me but I will blog about it another day). This is where I realised that whatever choice I make, it will always be WRONG. Someone always ends up getting hurt. Sometimes it is the ones that you love, sometimes it is your self that loses in the end. But the sad part is we still have to make that choice or everyone will end up hurt.
I kid you not. If I chose the blue pants, someone who hates blue will be like "YUCK!". If I chose, not to go to someones's party. they will get hurt........etc etc. If you make a choice that made you happy, that is selfish. In this world, it may be the survival of the fittest, but you would still be a selfish b****rd. If we walk away from the choices to make, we are cowards. That sucks, doesn't it? But that is life. In the end, we just have to mend the wounds that we caused only to open them again another time we have to make choices.
Just feeling really blue and red with anger (that would make me purple?). I dunno why, but I am still boiling inside. Over what, even I ask myself. Maybe, I'll just go rent a bike and ride round Singapore feeling the breeze (dusty I might add) in my face. I would rent a convertible but I just found out that NO ONE in Singapore is renting convertibles anymore. Even the one where I rented the MR-S before has closed down. The only place I found that do have convertibles in theire fleet is looking at a long term lease of 2-3 years........oh well. As always, life sucks.
Don't make demands of others what you yourselves cannot give. Sometimes, when we give and give and give until there is no more to give, we will blow up. Then we will want to take and usually very demanding in taking. How does one balance giving and taking? I dun know. I suck at that coz throughout my life I have always been the one giving. I think I spoil the people that I love by giving them what they want when they want. I sometimes feel that my sister is the way she is because I have always given way to her when she demands for things. Same goes with my mum. I wonder is it favourtism or due to the fact that I hardly demanded much from my mother that she gives in to my sisters whelms more than mine. It's too late to change that. And being humans and all, the more you give to people, the more demanding they become until the point of no return. When you start asking, you become the unreasonable one. Once again, you lose for being the nice guy. Such is the laws of society.
Inertia
Sigh! We all know how it is.....I understand how Chooey feels about verbal constipation. sometimes you just don't know what to say. Other time you have loads to say but just cannot find the time to type it all out.
Well, I decided to delete my previous post, mostly because I didn't realise until now that it was in large font. I know that it matched the mood that I was in when I posted it but it does become too loud for the mood of the rest of the blog. Also, I have since cooled down and wish to forget what has happened.
I am going to have some verbal diarrhoea (or however you spell it) for the rest of this post so bear with me. For those who have me on your msn listing, my personal messages on my msn messanger will finally make some sense.
What a Disappointment!
My cousin held her wedding dinner celebrations at the Rasa-Sentosa Shangri-la Resort some months ago and she gave away her free 1 weekday night's stay there. I happened to take it on and decided to bring fizzy and bub there to enjoy the facilities in Sept. However, it was a huge disappointment taking to account that the Shangri-la name comes with a 5 star rating.
The room has a musty feel to it like it has not been used in ages. The toilet fittings were old and normal looking. None of those Grohe or Hansgrohe that we found in the Shangri-la Hotel Even my toilet looked and had better quality stuff that what we saw.
We ordered room service. Fizzy had a Waldorf Salad and I ordered the Spaghetti Bolognaise. The food was alright. Edible but not fantastic.
We stayed there for about an hour and a half before we decided that a sleepless night for all three of us was just not worth a free nights stay there. We checked out and went back to our wonderful home. The service there were excellent and well worth a 5 star rating but the hotel room was not. It just reminded us of the 'resort' that we stayed in at Tioman during our diving trips. Those who have been on one of those diving trips will fully understand.
Ever since we moved to out new home, holidays have never been the same. Few hotel rooms feel more luxurious than our master bedroom and we have been spoilt with Starhub Digital TV and all all the channels they could offer. Sigh. Talk about spoiling my own market. Now only 4-5 star hotels will do (depending on country. Read fizzy's blog. That was a 4 star hotel in SZ)
I need a holiday from my holiday!
Fizzy, bub and I just went for a 4 day 3 night trip to Hong Kong/Shenzhen that was subsidised by my company chairman. It was tiring. It has been years since I last went on a package tour and I and reminded why.
The Shenzhen part of the the holiday was a complete waste of time. All those musuems and Silk factory were all scams that probably survives on the sales they make off stupid tourist that go on package tour and are brought to these shops. The Windows of the World was made more for the Chinese who don't want to leave the country but are able to take photographs of the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Taj Mahal and other attractions in the world. For myself, I have already seen the West Minister Abbey and the Big Ben dozens of times during my 4 years in England and I did not even bother to take any photos while the aunties were so excited and rushing to make sure they have their picture taken.
The 4 star hotel was another shocker. The rooms were clean but small. The bed was hard.....because there was no mattress. Just a duvan. The meals that were included in the package were like a refugee camp. We had to yell to get the waitress es' attention and if we want more water for our tea or more rice we had to make sure that the waitresses bring to our table before it is hijacked by another table.
There is no queing system anywhere in China. Not at the immigration between HK and SZ, not at the toilets, not at entering parks. Not even if you were an eldery woman or family with babies. Man, even the old ladies in China squeeze their way towards the front. They just make Singaporeans look more civlised.
Well, enough about China. When we finally made it to HK we enjoyed the trip more. It was free and easy and we got to eat lots of great food. We had beef horfun, pepper chicken spaghetti, Sabu Sabu Buffet, Dim sum.........throughly enjoyed the food. Yeah....but it resulted in a gout attack and I was limping around for more than a week.
8 Weddings and a funeral
Just realised that I should not have left the last blog hanging for too long. Had a couple of people call me to ask whether we found Hailey. Yes, we found her and have buried her in my mum's garden. It was a sad day and I do not wish to go into too much details here so we'll just leave it that she is now in a happier place and she can play with Cookie forever.
Much has happened in my life for the past few months. I am still fat and lazy (no change in this aspect of my life) but what happens in my friends' lives indirectly affect me too. For starters, I have got five million weddings to attend to this year; 2 in May, 2 in June, 1 in Sept, 3 in Dec. Is it a good year in the Chinese horoscope to get married or something or is it just brilliant timing? Not that I am unhappy about the news (I am truly happy for all the happy couples), it is just that it is a bit heavy on the pocket especially this year with all the financial commitments. Sigh. Just have to tighten the belt and take the oppurtunity to lose the weight! :p
Not only that but there are 2 births scheduled this year; 1 in Sept and the other in Oct. Ever since becoming a father myself, I have found the news of child birth very exciting. Maybe not so in the case of WF since it is her 3rd baby. I really take my hats off to her especially for expecting her 3rd child and her children are all so close with each other (each abt 1 & 1/2 years apart.) I don't think I would be able to take it having my second one that close to each other. We've had this conversation once and there are many train of thoughts regarding this issue. Mainly it is better to have all closer together, the kids can grow up together and have companionship. The stress on the parents is for the first few years but after that the kids practically look after one another. The only obstacle is whether you can take the stress. Congrats to SO on having her first baby. Bubbub has been waiting for more playmates!!!
New cars and new homes. That seems to be the trend these days. My sis and mum have changed their cars from BMW and Audi to the Subaru Legacy, one estate with turbo and the other just the normal saloon. My sister-in-law is shifting to the east and Fizzy's friend is moving to a house in Kembangan. Shell is also chipping in to get a new Honda. Even I gave in and decided to upgrade from a Rav4 to..........the new long wheel based 2006 Rav4. Sad, I know but we figured that we would be paying the same amount per month for a bigger cc, roomier back seating capacity and bigger boot space car!! I have even decided to go for my secondary goal and bid for the license plate with same number as my house. We'll see if I am successful with the bidding.
Lost! 
Hailey ran away from the groomers on Wednesday afternoon around 1-2pm. She was last seen in the West Coast Drive area near the Japanese School. We have been frantically searching for her ever since. Rain or shine, we have been walking/cycling/driving around the area calling for her, putting posters at possible corners where she could have run towards, put flyers into houses around the area. We have done almost anything short of going into the block of flats surrounding the area and going floor by floor to call for her (Like Dayang did looking for BaoBei in Potrait of Home II). We will be doing that this weekend if we do not find her today.
Although, I know that the people who do read my blog are friends of Gerie and I, I hope that you can pass the word around, especially if you have friends staying around the area, who work at per clinics to keep a look out for our little puppy. We miss her dearly and these few days have been very heartbreaking coming home without her greeting us.
Please help!
A New Year a New Challenge
The year 2005 was one that was tiring and challenging. I admit that I have been pretty much lazing around and getting minimal stuff done, just enough to survive the year. That year has gone by pretty fast and we are at a new year and new challenges arises.
It is not easy being a supervisor/boss/manager/whatever else you want to call it. Especially if you do not have the respect from your subordinates. It has been partially my fault since I have not given them anything to look up to. And I do not blame them. That is why this year is going to be different and challenging. My biggest challenge : How do you get someone who thinks lowly of you to respect you?
Things are going to moving even faster than last year. I have this feeling that my guys may not be able to take the pressure. Last year, they had few coming from me as I have allowed them a lot of freedom to do as they deem fit. This year, in order to overcome the obstacles ahead, I have to literally breathe down their necks which will be completely the opposite. In this case, it's a "Don't do and they say you are useless. Do and they call you a slave driver". It is a no win situation and I hate being in it. I just have to exercise a discipline and ensure that I pile on the pressure gradually.
Sigh. And everyone thinks they want to be a manager/boss. Can they handle the pressure?
The Buzz
This is a tribute to the stroller that we bought for bub a long time ago and brought to Australia with us. It has definitely served us well.
Despite the large dimensions even when folded, it has been through quite a lot and we are very happy with our buy. From metal detectors at airports, pesty flies trying to invade its personal spaces to irritate its occupant, to gusty winds on the streets, and even almost being lost in baggage at Adelaide airport, it has protect and held its responsibilty in protect the precious life with pride. Even when travelling on bumpy roads (or in our case failure to manoeuvre past obstacles without bumping into them), its tiny occupant did not stir from her afternoon nap. Truly, this has been and still is a great travel companion
Many Australians and Singaporeans alike have approached us on several occasions to enquire about the Buzz and where to lay their hands on one. Of course, its owners, beaming with pride, told them all and guided them to the right place.
I will be sad when the day comes when Bub outgrows this trusty stroller and we have to change to another. But that day will not come for another 4-5 years. So until then, I have to go look for a nice bag for to keep it in when we next go on another holiday. Otherwise, it will come out all dirty when you check it in at the departure gate. We were lucky they had a clingwrapstation for AUD$9 at the Melbourne International Airport but I don't think all airports have that facility.
Oh yes, note to all, it is best to check your stroller together with all your luggage (and carry your baby/toddler the rest of the way), especially if you are travelling with Quantas. We were told by their groung crew that for more than 12 months they have not checked in strollers at the gate but at the desk and that the stroller might not be able to make it on the same flight. So imagine, our horror and fear when we heard this news. But fortunately on of the flight crew who overheard our conversation made sure that the stroller made it and even told us before take off so that we could fly in peace (this was the flight from Adelaide to Melbourne by the way). Now that is what I call service as comparedto the ground crew staff who told us in a very condescending tone. I wonder if this has anything to do with the racism issue that is spreading over Australia at the moment.........................
Back from Down Under
Just got back from Melbourne. Although it was only 9 days away, it felt as if I've been away for months. I think I need a holiday from this holiday.
Looking after bub was very challenging. For the first day away, she clung onto me like a little koala. I had to be at least in the line of sight or else she would be waling her lungs out. I think it was due to the stress of being in a new place and all. She didn't like the new portable ducky bath tub that we paid $30 plus for. I suspect it was the ripples for non-slip pupose on the base of the tub. Oh well!
But she got used to being away from home a while especially since we brought along her 9.35kg play pen. That helps her sleep easier at night and surprisingly she can sleep through the night better in Australia!!
Then there was the shopping that we did. Both fizzy and I went absolutely mad at the Big W and Myers shopping for baby clothes for her. We bought lots of Bonds babywear and some of the nicer going out clothes too. We managed to find a nice cardigan that we keep her nice and warm. Then we went even madder at the Factory Outlet. Esprit Baby has many nice clothes and there was also this Auzzie brand baby clothes. Can't remember the name.........think it was something Patch. Anywayz, it was only three and I think we have already raked up a shopping bill of $300 dollars on clothes (babies and ours too lah although baby clothes easily took 70%)
Then there was the road trip to Adelaide. 1150km drive.....imagine! We wanted to take the Great Ocean Road to see the famous 12 apostles (which happens to be 11 now since 1 fell this year due to great winds) They shouldn't call it the Great Ocean Road. I think the longer half of the drive from Geelong to Port Campbell was mostly inland and you hardly saw any ocean. It reached a point where I almost panicked and thougt that I took a wrong turn 100km back. The road signs with the GOR (Great Ocean Road) symbol were scarce. But soon we saw the ocean again and I saw one of the 'apostle' peeking out of the cliff ahead. Everyone was happy to finally get out and stretch our legs when we were bombarded with flies. They were everywhere and we had to put bub in the stroller with the netting to keep her from the little pests. I would call this stop a hit and run as we ran to the view point, took the obligatory tourist shot of 8 of the apostles, ran to the next point where we could see the other apostles, took some shots and back to the car we went and away from the flies.
The rest of the roadtrip was just driving from town to town before reaching Mount Gambier where we stayed for the night. Total distanc travelled = 598km. Time on the roads = 7 hours. We were all exhausted but we took in the luxury of the 4 star serviced apartment before turning in. This place had everything from heated lamps for the bathroom to a capuccino machine. Wanted to take some photos of the place but forgot as we were rushing to set out the next day to Adelaide.
This morning, we took in the sights of the beautiful blue lake in Mount Gambier. It was absolutely beautiful even though the skies were cloudy. I think it is due to the mineras present in the lake that gives out this colour. Then onwards to Adelaide we went. Arrived there about 5 in the afternoon but it was absolutely pouring!!!! Oh well, what better chance for me to rest in the apartment. bub was tired too. But my mum and auntie had the energy and braved the rain to go to woolworths to get some groceries.
Next day. The highlight of the trip. My mum and aunt's convocation. From what you might ask. They are graduating with a Masters Degree in Health Service Managment after 1 1/2 years of hard work. I must say that I am really proud of my mother. From becoming a certified Chinese Physician Acupuncturist to her Masters today. Maybe next year I shall nominate for the lifelong learning awards. I can see that she is very happy on this very special day. After the 2 hour long ceremony, we went for seafood dinner to celebrate. Had really wonderful lobster! So good that I think my gout is coming back. Must top up on my celery pills!
Nothing much happened during the rest of the trip. We're back in Siingapore now and I am feeling sleepy at work. :(
Sorry, I can't post any photos of the trip as yet. I am posting this at work and have no access to any card readers to download the pics from the camera. You will have to wait till fizzy posts that on bub's or her own blog. Cheerio!
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