Happy Hatchday Thomas

It's Thomas's 30th birthday today!

Thomas is my unique and most respectable 'brother' whom our paths crossed due to theatre. And there it is, 7 years of precious friendship has blossomed and I'm glad we are still keeping in touch although we are almost always distances apart. Awaiting for your return soon!

Thomas is now in Taiwan - the 30th country he is visiting before he actually turned 30 today! *applauds*

And I'd just like to deliver my most heartfelt birthday blessings to him today. This is him looking suave and charismatic as ever...

Yes brother, you've hit the big 3 but you know what, you'll always be 23 to me from the time I knew you. Ha! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Genting Escapade

I'll be waking up in another 6 hours from now and at 0730 hours, I'll be emerging on a bus voyage to GENTING!

Argh... 6 lengthy hours to reach there. Oh well, and I'm coming back on Sunday afternoon. So technically speaking, I'll be spending less than 24 hours in Genting. Ha. Anyways, I guess it's all for the thrill and fun of going on a Genting trip with my colleagues for the first time so I don't mind the short duration spent there seriously. Erm. Afterall, what can you do besides 'show-handing' in the Casino? Hiaks...

I mustn't miss saying this before I retire to bed... What an awesome Friday I had!

Okay, basically I'd a haircut in the morning, went to town with Dan at noon, window-shopped and bought 2 cardigans and a dress and finally caught the movie 'The Gameplan' before we went home. It was merely another normal day but I haven't felt so buoyant and innocuous for the longest time. It's amazing how simplicity can communicate to my inner self so dearly and unpretentiously. Hence, I reminded myself that I need to capture and rekindle this momentuous feeling time and time again so that my 'self' will not fade and dwindle with time. For this, I feel totally blithe. :)

Watch out for my Genting posts and pictures!

Pining For Breather

I'm not sure if I've worked too hard. To be frank, workload these days has been on the decreasing trend for one reason or another. Of course I'm not being complacent about that but probably I'm worried on the other hand that I need to 'dig' out more work to do so as to remain equally productive as before. Whatever it is, it is still as stressful, busy or not. Damn. I guess I need a break!

On a light note, I'll be wearing the Korean Hanbok for my division's D&D held at Inter-Continental Hotel next Fri! Theme is 'Around the World'. We got our costumes from The WearHouse which is under People's Association. I must say I was quite impressed with the varieties of the costumes, headgears, props and accessories available for rental. Seriously! Whatever you need for any occasions are readily found here and the rental fees are rather reasonably-priced. I rented my costume for $42.80 inclusive of laundry. Well initially I wasn't exactly perked up for this D&D event but I was thinking since this is a like once in a year kinda event, I decided to be more earnest. Ha. Okay, for those who do not know what's Hanbok, it looks like this. Mine will be in pink though. So not me man! Hee. But I'm still looking forward to see myself in it!

I met up with my sweeties Joey & Evoynne for dinner and chat after work. Yeah, we need catching up sessions like this more often. Intermittently, I find myself craving for heart-to-heart talks with my close friends. Afterall, when everything seems to be in super fast-paced mode, there is a tendency that people do not talk and listen with their heart anymore.

Well, we ladies talk about anything and everything invigorating and therapeutic under the sun and moon. And we know that we can keep on doing this for many years to come. *laughs* Okay some cool itinerary on our calendar will be:

- Going to Pulau Ubin to cycle with our beaus on Deepavali Holiday (8/11)

- Going to Thumpers to celebrate Joey's birthday on 17/11

- Mahjong session at Evoynne's place in December (date to be confirmed)

- New Year's eve countdown!

I hope we can all fulfill the above planned activities! Hmm. This is an indication of how badly I need a breather...

Back to our dinner, it was at RakuZen @ Millenia Walk. It was actually our second alternative as Waraku @ Marina Square was way too crowded. RakuZen is set in a poetic and tranquil atmosphere and the cuisine is commendable!


















I'm glad to have taken leave. Break! I pine for it badly...

"Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency. Nothing is that important." - Natelie Goldberg

Jobs. Qualifications.

I received a piece of good news from Joey today! She has got an offer from IE Singapore. Woah, she's going to work as some advisor mind you. Hee. Good, it should be the right time for her to move on from her current job I suppose. Good luck babe!

On the other hand, Dearie Dan had some kinda disappointment today. He went for a job interview at SAFRA, well supposedly some sort of marketing consultant as claimed by the agency. But to his dismay, it was actually for some role who just needs to be at the reception addressing walk-in customers' queries and answering to phone call enquiries. This is hell of a difference as what the agency claimed, isn't it? Absolute absurdity I call! I know that it has been hard on him these coupla months, trying to look for a job that he has interest for and at the same time not compromising the remunerations. I know it's not easy but he's going to make it for sure!

To be frank, Dearie has no lack of capabilities when it comes to work. But the unfortunate horrible practical truth is that, he has no freaking degree. I really have loads of empathy for this atrocity. Of course I don't find any great deal about having a degree, or rather urm, we degree holders always say this. But seriously, no degree in this current society is a great deal, sad as it sounds, it's the naked truth. Wait, I beg to differ actually. Why do I even contemplate about going for my Masters? I know it's sort of going to promise myself a more comfortable life in future, but who knows by the time I have already obtained my Masters, people out there are already fighting for PHDs, doctorates etc. Urm, of cuz I've the exorbitant school fees to be distressed about but oh well, go and pursue for all you want. There is no peace I tell you.

One of my colleagues was relating the average market wage we should be earning for working in the banking industries according to one of the surveys. To my surprise, I still have not reached even the market wage as carried out by the survey. And when I turn around and look at others, whether or not they are in the same industry or not, yeah I think probably I'm too easily contented. But at the same time, I do not wish to get influenced by pressurising peers who keep on lamenting that they are underpaid and hope to move on with a higher-commanding pay. They irk me sometimes seriously. First of all, we have to think whether we are capable enough to even command that colossal wage and not forgetting the altitudinous volume of work coupled with it. Everything comes with a price alright.

Doubtlessly, everyone hopes to move up in their job. But I think we have to really ponder what we truly want to obtain from the job. If it's just pure monetary terms, then I really have to sympathise these people cuz they are just simply empty-hearted. But if you really adore and respect your job, fighting for it in terms of remuneration wise is indeed essential for positive growth and drive to perform better in the job.

So I've to still redress Dearie's grievances in job-hunting. Fine, he don't have a degree but look, he's pursuing his Advanced Diploma now, and hopefully upgrades to a degree next year. And he don't have to be called up by some company who can't pay decently to be some pathetic office boy anymore. You may think it's bullshit, but I still choose to believe that with talent and hard work, you do not really need high qualifications to see you through success and fruits of your labour. This will stand and prove its candor for sure.

And now, I'm so looking forward to kickboxing tomorrow. I didn't manage to run yesterday! Do you know why? I call it retribution. For cursing the humid weather on Sat and look how it has punished me... heavy rain yesterday! Argh. I shall be more appreciative of weather next time. And I promise to double up my energy for the kicks and punches tomorrow. :)

Weekend Immunity

Today is not a productive Sat for me as I was feeling lethargic at most parts of the day, even when I was in the heart of Orchard! This is just not right. Where did that weekend vitality vanished to?! I blame the weather. Indeed, it has been humid like crazy these few days and it's really horrible to withstand it. I hope that the rain makes its way here soon, well at least to devour the humidity and shower some refreshing air.

Nevertheless, it was relaxing to chill at Book Cafe at Martin Road on a Sat afternoon. Frankly, it's my first time there despite hearing about it so many years ago. And I really fancy the place! So cosy and domestic-feel kinda cafe. I shall go there often for coffee and books! Oh, not forgetting they really have tantalizing food. After the satisfying break, Dan and I walked to Simply Bread to check out their wholesome and delectable-looking varieties of bread and Dan bought a loaf of Ciabatta bread just baked from the oven. Quite an impressive bread and sandwich joint. Hmm, I want to try their sandwiches one of these days! Okay, some pictures to see...

Simply Bread...

Salivating! Turkey ham sandwich with avocado & egg-white on top

Rosemary tea in a pot

Pretty menu board @ Book Cafe

The homely interior

I shan't waste Sunday later. I shall go for a jog perhaps to release some tension in my body. Afterall, I sort of foresee a long and busy week at work ahead. Good luck to me...

"No matter how much pressure you feel at work, if you could find ways to relax for at least five minutes every hour, you'd be more productive." - Dr. Joyce Brothers

Losing Touch

It's appalling to realise that week passes by after week swiftly. This phenomenon is especially so after I joined OCBC. It will soon be 2 years for me in the bank next month!

Have you ever really pondered and envisaged what you've been doing during the course of your lifespan until now? Honestly, I find it hard to even comprehend. It's distressing because I find that I'm losing my own meaning of life. I'm not being suicidal here alright. Haha. Simply because I'm going through the conventional way of lifestyle everyone is leading here. Does that mean that I don't belong here, this our homeland? It's all committments' faults. Loads of it. And I think we can't live without it cuz afterall, committments motivate us to pursue our goals, aren't they supposed to?

Yes, I'm losing touch with myself gradually. I miss myself more 5 years back. The one that I was in awe and envy of. The one who was filled with much more zest and reasons to live and love. I've lost touch with myself. Sigh. So much for the melancholy, I tried to console myself that there is impermanence in every single stage of my life and therefore, I need to be adaptive and receptive to ever-changing situations/people. Maybe I should thank God that my life is sort of mellow and tranquil now. I have a healthy family, a job that pays me reasonably well, great pals and a boyfriend who adores me much. Well, I do not possess the above 5 years back. Life is fair they say. :)

Thank God It's Friday tomorrow! I can't wait for weekend immunity to hit me...

Weight

Seriously, you've no idea how much weight I've gained these 2 years. It's worrying.

I shan't disclose what's my current weight until I've reached my ideal. Haha. Unfathomable is that, how the hell did I gain so much?!

Look, I still work out and all, and not forgetting eating more as well. Oops. But that was more of like the previous year. You know when you're happily in love and all things just seemed perfect, your weight escalates as well. And when I realized that I could not fit into my size 27 Levis' jeans, I know that's the end. *Sobs*

Wait, that shouldn't be the end... I've picked up a more healthy lifestyle! I realized that I'm hooked on running. Urm, boring running. Ha. But really, I simply adore it just cuz it's a total body workout and my body feels lighter after a good sweat-out run. And you know what, I've recently reached my goal timing for 5km at the GE Women run last Sunday... 30 mins! Yay! I know it's not fantastically superb but well, I'm not a seasoned runner afterall, so you must compliment me for that. :)

Looking achieved!

My golden bid no & name. Cool, isn't it? Hee.

What's next? Maybe a half-marathon. But... that's freaking 21km. Sounds intimidating enough. And to think Yunwei asked me to join the Standard-Chartered full marathon. Excuse me? That's like a ghastly 42km. I took my hat off her cuz she actually made it in 2005. Respect. But the repercussion is that she can't walk properly for 1 week? *grins* But seriously, homage. I think I'll train progressively though, if not for the full marathon, then the half marathon. :P

Back to losing weight... I think I'm losing it somehow. Not significantly drastic, but I sense the
difference when I wear my clothes and I see my weight going down the scale. I want to lose more! Down down down the weight goes!

Uh, just in case you think I'm obsessed with losing weight and desires to look real good, please don't get it wrong. Afterall, I don't think I'll look good being skinny, just want to lose that extra baby fats on my body that's all. Besides, I'm not a looker, so it doesn't really make any difference whether I'm real skinny or obese, does it? I bet a lot of people will not think this way, but I really do. I'm just losing weight because I know I can do it and I want to prove it can be done!

So much for losing weight. I think that's enough. Just be healthy & happy.

It's late but my eyes are not shutting on me. I guess the adrenalin is still burning due to kickboxing just now.

Please retire me to slumberland now...