AngelBlessings: August 2005

Self Awareness

1230 hrs: Met up with godsister & N
1300 hrs: Reached Singapore Buddhist Lodge (SBL)
1330 hrs: Lunch at SBL
1400 hrs: Chant & meditation
1500 hrs: Tea break at SBL

Chanting & meditation can do wonders to the mind. Everyday we seem to be doing things for others: work for our bosses to get money for our parents, to pay home bills. When do we do things for OURSELVES? Spent time with OURSELVES? Meditation is a healthy & stress-relieving way to exercise & recharge the mind. Promotes self awareness & lets you appreciate yourself more.

1600 hrs: Borrow books from new Central National Library
1700 hrs: Dinner at Fortune Centre
2000 hrs: Orchard Party World Karaoke (no room)
2015 hrs: Window shopping at HMV
2100 hrs: Supper with (N.Y.) & (J.A.)
2230 hrs: Chat with J.A.
0000 hrs: Back at godsister's house

1 Sep 2005

0130 hrs: Start journey home after chat with godsister

Cordless Iron

Bought a cordless iron today, only S$29.90

No more getting clothes, board, iron & me entangled by wire!

Also went to Parkway Parade (with godsister & N). Bought AA batteries, Holicks, shower foam & toothpaste. Extremely tempted buy EVERYTHING from Baleno 'cos Faye Wong is modelling the clothes now...

COMEX IT Show Anyone?

Once upon a time, I was packing a room in my house when I unearthed a scanner. As I already had a scanner, I thought of giving it to my godsister. Happily I brought the scanner, connecting cable and the instruction manual to her house. After connecting the scanner to her computer, I started to laugh... there is NO power cable, how to switch on the scanner?!

So off I went to Funan. I went to an authorized dealer and wanted to get the power cable. They do NOT have it as it was quite an old model. I had to go to their support centre in HarbourFront to get it.

So off I went to HarbourFront, bought the power cable and went home. Yay, I could switch on the scanner! That was ALL I could do. As it was an ancient scanner, my computer did not have its driver and cannot "see" the scanner even after the scanner is switched on and connected.

So off I went into cyberspace (internet) to search and download the scanner driver. After I installed the driver, my computer can "see" the scanner BUT there was NO interface software! My computer did not have any picture or photo software that had the "acquire" function. Hence I needed a stand-alone software which usually comes with the product.

So off I went searching my whole house for the software CD. It was nowhere to be found.

So off I went to cyberspace again to search for the software. I searched for TWO nights but could not find it. Luckily on the third day Injenue was "online" in msn and helped me to find it! Thanks Injenue! I downloaded, installed the software and yay... the software works! Sadly, the hardware did not. When I clicked the "scan" button, the scanner tried to scan but always an error message popped up: Switch lock/ unlock switch to unlock position, disconnect connecting cable and restart system. ALL the time, the switch of the scanner was ALREADY in "unlock" position. I switched the switch to "lock" then back to unlock, disconnect, restart system, connect back... I must have tried about 20+ times.

So off I went to HarbourFront (today) again and sent the scanner for repair as it seemed to be a hardware problem. Finally the verdict: the main controller chip in the scanner was not working. As the scanner was an antique, repair was not recommended. The scanner was pronounced dead. I could give it a decent burial back in my storeroom at home or I could trade it in and get some discount off the latest product range.

After all the efforts put in to save the scanner, I was traumatized. The customer service officer suggested me to go to the COMEX IT show at Suntec from 1-4 Sep 2005 as he sensed that I was unable to make a decision on the spot.

So COMEX IT show anyone? I am free in the evening on 1 Sept and whole day on 2 Sep.

Beautiful Fish Tank

This is the fish tank mentioned in my 24 Aug "See Doctor" post.

Nice right? My mum & I went back to SGH today.

This is a closer shot of the fish tank. Lovely corals ya?

I Need Help

Anyone has any advice/ charms/ experience/ formulas/ guides/ manuals/ methods/ skills/ spells/ tips/ tricks to teach kids, especially sports, especially swimming? Urgent!! My next lesson with the kids is next Sunday. I need to improve my skills in handling children. The situation today was:

2 kids dashed-ran-splashed-screamed-jumped in OPPOSITE directions --> which one should I chase? Gosh! I took 30 mins to get them together side by side and guess what they started to do? Fight! Yes, they started to kick-hit-grab-push each other! *Faint* Suddenly one boy was interested to learn while the other boy kept jumping in and out of the water, ignoring me. I tried to teach one but I must keep an eye on the other because both of them do NOT know how to swim. However they know how to run-splash-squeal-jump-fight well.

HOW? Apart, I can't teach. Together, they will fight. How do I get their attention to learn how to swim? They were so happy running-splashing-screaming-fighting...

Postmortem Of Exploded Shuttlecock

I've kept this "H 802" shuttlecock for about 9 years.

After a few hits, it "exploded" into 3 pieces...

Moral of story: Do NOT keep shuttlecock for 9 years! Hahaa..

Get A Grip!

NEVER go for yoga on Friday then go for a 150 minutes badminton session the next day. Yesterday after yoga, I could feel ALL the muscles in my legs as they were straining to carry me home. Now I canNOT feel them. WHERE are my legs?! Aarrgghh...

Today's badminton session was as enjoyable as ever: (S) was hit by the shuttlecock 3 times and in all professionalism we had "injury time-out" laughing until we were on the floor! Girl, hope that you are okay and remember to wear helmet next week ya? Also for the first time in my 17 years of playing badminton, the shuttlecock "exploded" into 3 pieces when I hit it! All 6 players present were stunned beyond words and laughed uncontrollably... Hahaa..

After 2.5 hrs of "comical" badminton, we rested and ate glutinous rice balls. Thanks to Josh for the treat!

The grip of my racket is coming off. Anyone has recommendations where to Get A Grip and what type of grip to get?

能者多劳

Feel like you're doing more work than others?

Don't worry, 能者多劳

roughly translated as "the able (or skilled) can perform"...

Meaning, you should feel good that you are able to do work &

you're more skilled to perform!

If not, you may be an "outgoing male" as shown in this comic...

See Doctor

0650 hrs: Woke up
0730 hrs: Left house
0800 hrs: *Beep!* Passed 1st ERP gantry on PIE ($1 gone)

My heart sort of "jumped" a little as it has been a while since I drove through a gantry in operation. I looked at the display and thought "Phew, it's only $1". Then...

0801 hrs: *Beep!* Passed 2nd ERP on CTE ($2 gone, "What the..?!")
0825 hrs: Reached Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
0830 hrs: Registered at counter & got a queue number

We (my mum & me) started to wait...When we stepped into the clinic at 8.25am, we were quite sure we were the first in the queue but nooOoo... There were already 20+ pple seated & waiting! There was a TV (snooker/ soccer program) & there was a huge & beautiful fish tank! Yes, fish tank. It was the most beautiful fish tank I have ever seen! Almost 2 metres in length & abt 60 centimetres in height with pretty fishes, like those in cartoon "Little Mermaid" & "Finding Nemo", & the UV lighting made it look magical. It was so beautiful, I kept looking at it until...

0900 hrs: *BEEP!* Our queue number came up on the display

Missy merely measured the weight of my mum & we returned to the waiting area to wait...

0930 hrs: & wait...
1000 hrs: & wait...

Luckily I bought a book to read. I had read halfway through the book (abt 90+ pages) when suddenly the UV light of the fish tank turned off... Then the fish tank lights switched to the normal white light! Amazing! So this is how "day & night" is simulated!! Cool. At once all the fishes seem to have "waken" & swam much faster.

1025 hrs: Finally we were called to see the doctor

And the doctor was indeed nice to "see" (handsome lah! *blush*). In 5 mins, we were out of the doc's room & back to the waiting area to... guess what? Wait lor...

When we came back to the waiting area, there was a man cleaning the fish tank! Unbelievable!! Do you know what he used to clean the corals? A paint brush (those I used in sec sch for art lessons), a toothbrush (yes, it looked like the brand I used too!) & a shoe brush!! So interesting ya? By now there were 40+ pple in the waiting area & nobody was watching TV, everyone was watching the guy cleaning the fish tank! Hahaa..

1100 hrs: We waited to pay & finally we left SGH
1115 hrs: Fill up petrol at Shell
1130 hrs: Lunch @ IMM
1200 hrs: Shopping at IMM (Daiso, Giant)
1340 hrs: A clinic in Boon Lay (For my pre-employment check-up)

This time it was MY turn to see the doc & guess what? The doc was very nice to "see" also! (Double *blush*) Wah, so nowadays handsome guys all become doc?!

1420 hrs: Drove to Jurong Point (JP) for X-ray
1445 hrs: Shopped @ JP
1700 hrs: Reach home

Fun With Water

Yes, this IS in Singapore. This is Jurong East Swimming Complex. I highly recommend this place if you want to have fun with water. Wave pool, lazy river, 3 water slides of different height, Jacuzzi & foot reflexology wading pool... you'll hardly notice (or need) the standard pool! Entry fee only S$1.50!! Enjoyed visit with my god sister today =)

Warning: Do NOT visit during weekends, the crowd can kill.

Sporty Weekend

Saturday, 20 Aug:

1100 hrs: Badminton

3 players "fly kite", so the 6 of us had to play continously in TWO courts. At 1300 hrs, after 2 hours of SOLID playing, we decided to continue since nobody booked the court. We "surrendered" to fatigue at 1330 hrs.

1400 hrs: Tai Tai time, help return photoshoot items in Orchard
1700 hrs: Dinner

1830 hrs: Coached breaststroke to my first student
2000 hrs: Feedback, Q & A in the pool with my coach
2230 hrs: End of swimming session

2300 hrs: Went chalet with god sister

Sunday, 21 Aug:

0200 hrs: Chat with god sister
0400 hrs: Reached home & concussed
1800 hrs: Shopping
1930 hrs: Yoga
2100 hrs: End of Yoga session

Now my body is screaming for me to hibernate for the coming week... Hahaa..

Breaststroke Kick

I coached my first student to swim breaststroke yesterday.

This picture roughly shows the method to practice the breaststroke kick.

I Have A Full-Time Job!!

71 applications to

60 companies/ organizations over

51 days,

1 phone interview (refer to my earlier post "Kick Myself" on 5 Aug) &

3 face-to-face interviews later...

I've got a full-time job!!

Yipee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Curious about my new company? Visit: http://www.technigroupfe.com/

Join Me For Yoga!

Are you interested to try yoga? I can bring a friend every week to join me for a yoga class - FREE! What are you waiting for? Go to this web site: http://www.trueyoga.com.sg/ Click on "Classes" and let me know which class you prefer to attend. Hurry, my membership expires November 2005!

If you are unable to sleep (insomnia), this yoga pose that can do wonders to help you enter your dreamlands! It will be better if I can do a 'live' demo, to show you how to get into this pose. Friends in my regular badminton sessions please remind me to 'live' demo...

Charlie, Willy & Oompa-Loompas!

Ernie, my brother and me went to watch "Charlie And The Chocolate Factory" today. It was an enjoyable movie but I think the movie should be renamed: Charlie, Willy & Oompa-Loompas!

Charlie was charming, Willy was weird and the Oompa-Loompas were outrangeously funny! Ernie was laughing the moment an Oompa-Loompa appeared. My brother was laughing at the Oompa-Loompas spoofing other movies. I was laughing at all the "roles" played by them. In fact, the ENTIRE row we were sitting in was laughing so hard at times I could hardly hear anything from the movie!!

Hahaa... Thanks to Ernie for advance booking of tickets. Thanks to Tim Burton for making the Oompa-Loompas so funny!

Confession: We bought chocolates immediately after the movie. Couldn't help it... especially after seeing a chocolatefall (yes, not waterfall) in the movie... yummy!

French Fireworks

Thanks to Ricky, Cindy, Yvonne, Josh and Geraldine for your company. Thanks to Yvonne and Josh for you tim sum and drinks treat! We went to the correct place but had to look for a good spot (not blocked by trees) to view the fireworks by the French. The 6 of us "separated" while getting to our different "viewing" spots to view the fireworks. It was a different kind of "feel" from the National Day fireworks on Tuesday but I did not capture it well with my digital camera. I concentrated more on watching than photo taking:

Boom...

... boom, boom, boom, boom...

Er... Looks like fireworks on 9 August?

'Cos I haven't figured out how to capture fireworks...

... actually it didn't look so "dim"

Note: I TOTALLY did not do justice to the fireworks.

See better photos!

Pleasant Surprises

Yesterday, 13 August 2005, I did not have my regular session of badminton due to "unforseen circumstances". So I scheduled my weekly yoga instead. I went for Yoga Combat.

Yoga Combat = Karate + Kickboxing + Thai boxing + Yoga = Exhausting workout... I almost fainted, no kidding!

Previously I went for: Yoga Therapy, Gentle Yoga, Yogalates and Sun Salutation Series. These were NOWHERE near the intensity of Yoga Combat. The moment the yoga master played the fast paced music, he began his mission to make us perspire like the rain and huff and puff to our physical limits. I was struggling to keep up with the pace but found myself pleasantly surprised. I was surprised because despite the different ages, shapes and sizes, everyone was in full concentration trying to box and kick. Amidst the frenzy of kicking and boxing, I observed that everybody (no doubt breathless and wet in perspiration), including the yoga master were enjoying ourselves tremendously!

After my yoga, I was very hungry so "radio" for a lunch mate. Terry responded in record time and after lunch, I was in for a surprise.

"You want to help me?" Terry asked. Since I was already in Orchard and had nothing planned, I agreed. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out what I had to do: Be a Tai Tai!

So off we went to Versace, Raoul, Pois, P.O.A., Hugo Boss, Bag Bar, Liz Claiborne, ProjectBloodShopBros... and 20+ other "class" shops! All I had to do was to carry the paper bags with clothes and accessories collected from the shops. Actually all the items were for a photo shoot for a magazine but it was so much fun going from shop to shop, carrying increasingly more label bags in the process. We definitely caught the attention of many shoppers. I felt like a Tai Tai for once... SHIOK!

While enjoying my Tai Tai moment, I met my secondary school mate (XBL). She was so delighted that she gave me another pleasant surprise: she treated me (Terry and her friends) to dinner at Pasta Cafe in Takashimaya! After dinner, it was about 8.30pm.

Just when I thought things could not get any better, (XBL) decided that the night was still young and treated the whole gang (7 of us) to coffee and tea at a hotel lounge!!

At about 10.30pm, (XBL) seemed tired and it looked like we were heading home when I was in for my final surprise. Somehow it was still too early to go home on a Saturday evening, so we went karaoke!!! At 3am, after 4 hours of pure enjoyment ~~screaming, yelling~~ singing we finally went home on Sunday morning. Gosh! What a day of pleasant surprises!! Thanks to Terry, (XBL) and her friends =)

Sales Talk

My god sister's friend wanted to buy a digital camera. We had just enjoyed a karaoke session with another friend. Among the four of us (all ladies), I can be said to be more knowledgeable in cameras. So I decided to go along to help in her search for a digital camera.

We (the four ladies) planned to visit a few shops to see which brand is recommended. From there we can narrow our search to a particular model, then compare prices of the model among the few shops. However we got stuck in the first shop we stepped in. We had met an expert (in my view) salesman.

He was direct, fast and skillful at reading body language. From budget, features, quality, technical support to user friendliness he led us quickly through and answered our questions. In 5 minutes he came to the question: Are you paying by cash or NETS?

"Wait a minute," we all thought aloud. We all had the feeling of being "pushed" into buying. Felt like he was doing hard selling. He sensed this immediately and addressed our concerns and went through the features again to show that we were getting a "value for money deal". We still did not feel comfortable and started to walk out of the shop.

"I will give you this battery charger with rechargeable batteries free!" he exclaimed. We stopped walking, turned and started to walk back to him. He revealed that the charger cost $55. The "battle" had began! He kept insisting that we were getting the "best" price but we still felt uncomfortable and kept making him guarantee that he is not "cheating" us.

Finally my friend bought a RICOH Caplio R2 at SGD$700 including 1GB external SD card (retail price about $100), charger (retail price $55) + rechargeable batteries (4 pcs) and one book on how to take good photographs (retail price about $45). Here is a review of the camera.

After reading the review, I felt that my friend got a good buy. The listed price is $699. Although my friend paid $1 more but she got 3 free items (1 GB SD card + charger + book) which will easy cost her another $200 if bought separately!! Good deal right? What do you think?

Show Your Kungfu:

This photo made me grin. It's fun to see new ways of posing for photos!

Next Stop: SENTOSA?

I pledge to appreciate nature,

especially flowers that "grow" into shapes of cresent & stars!

Lovely flowers! Like in the gardens of Holland ya?

If not for the word behind me, I'd thought I was in Holland!

After "Holland", next stop: beach!

Hey, is this paradise or what?

I have the WHOLE beach to myself!

Aiyah, after a while I was bored sitting around

so I went tree climbing!

Then we were bored of land & took a "cruise" out into the sea...

Our cruise ship stopped at "Banyan Tree" resort

& we rested for a while...

... Met a peacock...

... Saw monks...

... & drank from the "latest" type of water cooler!

We cycled...

... Carried some "loads"...

... & heard that if we sat together with MANY people,

gather "energies" of the masses...

... We would be "transported" to Las Vegas

for an awesome show!

For the return trip back from "Vegas",

we took this special capsule.

Note: Actually we were on Sentosa all the time but it DID felt like we "went" to Holland, cruise, Banyan Tree & Las Vegas. Thanks to Lihua for company throughout this amazing outing!

Oops! It Was Fun!

This is Dave

Notice his "frustrated" expression... 'cos

Oops! He forgot to bring his flash!

Dave waiting to photograph fireworks then...

Oops! He realised he forgot to bring lens hood!

I took quite a few shots but only can show these 'cos

Oops! My camera was in the wrong mode!

It was in "Macro" mode, hence the "blur"

At center of photo, guy on phone is Wai Kin

Lady squatting is Cindy

We were passing time while waiting for fireworks

Oops! We were late and did not have time to get to a good spot to view/ photo the fireworks.

Oops! Finally we settled at a spot but a double-decker bus went pass & blocked our view of the fireworks for a while.

Final Oops! We THOUGHT that the fireworks were over... There was a SECOND round!! We walked quite far from our "viewing spot" by then and ran back to view the second round of fireworks... Hahaa...

We had a lovely chitchat/ updating coffee session after the fireworks. Despite the "Oops!", it was a splendid evening! I enjoyed it very much! Thanks to "Chairman" Ricky for organising, Cindy, Dave, ZhaoMian, Felicia & Wai Kin & Preston & gf for your company!

Oops! I forgot:

Here's Wishing Singapore Happy 40th Birthday!!

Thanks for the awesome fireworks!!!