New Phone!!!!!

YES !! I got this phone at last. It is my new favourite toy. Not at a cheap price though and apparently it's out of stock and A bought the last two phones. hehehehe.... so happy, it was a gift for the 'directionless' me :p

I know I might sound like a 'tortoise in a well' (direct translation) but this phone is so cool. It's even got Quickoffice and Adobe Reader functions so I can do some of my reading or paperwork on the run too... not that I do that, but who knows, I might be forced to use it someday , if my boss gives me hell of a great time at work. *slap head for you* yes, I seem like a dork now... Thanks.. :p

When you divorce me, carry me out in your arms

Story By: Anonymous


On my wedding day, I carried my wife in my arms. The bridal carstopped in front of our one-room flat. My buddies insisted that I carry her out of the car in my arms. So I carried her into ourhome. She was then plump and shy. I was a strong and happybridegroom.This was the scene ten years ago.


The following days were as simple as a cup of pure water:

we had a kid;

I went into business and tried to make more money.

When the assets were steadily increasing, the affection between us seemed to ease.


She was a civil servant. Every morning we left home together and got home almost at the same time. Our kid was studying in a boarding school. Our marriage life seemed to been viably happy. But the calm life was more likely to be affected by unpredictable changes.


Dew came into my life. It was a sunny day. I stood on a spacious balcony. Dew hugged me from behind. My heart once again was immersed in her stream of love. This was the apartment I bought for her. Dew said, you are the kind of man who best draws girls' eyeballs. Her words suddenly reminded me of my wife. When we were just married, my wife said, Men like you, once successful, will be very attractive to girls.


Thinking of this, I became somewhat hesitant. I knew I had betrayed my wife. But I couldn't help doing so. I moved Dew's hands aside and said you go to select some furniture,O.K.? I've got something to do in the company.Obviously she was unhappy, because I had promised to do it together with her.


At the moment, the idea of divorce became clearer in my mind although it used to be something impossible to me. However, I found it rather difficult to tell my wife about it. No matter how mildly I mentioned it to her, she would be deeply hurt.


Honestly, she was a good wife. Every evening she was busy preparing dinner. I was sitting in front of the TV. The dinner was ready soon. Then we watched TV together. Or, I was lounging before the computer, visualizing Dew's body. This was the means of my entertainment.


One day I said to her in a slightlyjoking way, suppose we divorce, what will you do? She stared at me for a few seconds without a word. Apparently she believed that divorce was something too far away from her. I couldn't imagine how she would react once she got to know I was serious.


When my wife went to my office, Dew had just stepped out. Almost all the staff looked at my wife with a sympathetic eye and tried to hide something while talking to her. She seemed to have got some hint. She gently smiled at my subordinates. But I read some hurt in her eyes.


Once again, Dew said to me, He Ning, divorce her, O.K.? Then we live together. I nodded. I knew I could not hesitate any more. When my wife served the last dish, I held her hand. I've got something to tell you, I said. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes. Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the serious topic calmly.


She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why? I'm serious. I avoided her question. This so-called answer made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer,because my heart had gone to Dew.


With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. I felt a pain in my heart. The woman who had been living ten years with me would become a stranger one day. But I could not take back what I had said.Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to


Late that night, I came back home after entertaining my clients. I saw her writing something at the table. I fall asleep fast. When I woke up, I found she was still there. I turned over and was asleep again.


She brought up her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but I was supposed to give her one month's time before divorce, and in the month's time we must live as normal a life as possible.


Her reason was simple: our son would finish his summer vacation a month later and she didn't want him to see our marriage was broken. She passed me the agreement she drafted, and then asked me, He Ning, do you still remember how I entered our bridal room on the wedding day?


This question suddenly brought back all those wonderful memories to me. I nodded and said, I remember. You carried me in your arms, she continued, so, I have a requirement,that is, you carry me out in your arms on the day when we divorce. From now to the end of this month, you must carry me out from the bedroom to the door every morning. I accepted with a smile. I knew she missed those sweet days and wished to end her marriage romantically.


I told Dew about my wife's divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she does, she has to face the result of divorce, she said scornfully. Her words more or less made me feel uncomfortable. My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. We even treated each other as a stranger.


So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mummy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly, Let us start from today, don't tell our son. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for a bus, I drove to the office.


On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. We were so close that I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this intimate woman carefully for a long time. I found she was not young any more. There were some fine wrinkles on her face.


On the third day, she whispered to me, the outside garden is being demolished. Be careful when you pass there.


On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I seemed to feel that we were still an intimate couple and I was holding my sweetheart in my arms. The visualization of Dew became vague.


On the fifth and sixth day, she kept reminding me something, such as, where she put the ironed shirts, I should be careful while cooking, etc. I nodded. The sense of intimacy was even stronger. I didn't tell Dew about this. I felt it was easier to carry her. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.


I said to her, It seems not difficult to carry you now. She was picking her dresses. I was waiting to carry her out. She tried quite a few but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I smiled. But Isuddenly realized that it was because she was thinner that I could carry her more easily, not because I was stronger. I knew she had buried all the bitterness in her heart. Again, I felt a sense of pain.


Subconsciously I reached out a hand to touch her head. Our son came in at the moment. Dad, it's time to carry mum out. He said. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had been an essential part of his life. She gestured our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face because I was afraid Iwould change my mind at the last minute. I held her in my arms,walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly, as if we came back to our wedding day. But her much lighter weight made me sad.


On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. She said, actually I hope you will hold me in your arms until we are old. I held her tightly and said, both you and I didn't notice that our life lacked intimacy. I jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my decision.


I walked upstairs. Dew opened the door. I said to her, Sorry, Dew, I won't divorce. I'm serious. She looked at me, astonished. The she touched my forehead. You got no fever. She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Dew, I said, I can only say sorry to you, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of life, not because we didn't love each other any more.


Now I understand that since I carried her into the home, she gave birth to our child, I am supposed to hold her until I am old. So I have to say sorry to you. Dew seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove to the office. When I passed the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet for my wife which was her favorite. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card.


I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out everymorning until we are old


.......................................................................................................................................................................

Quote: 'Never take someone for granted cos u'll wake up one day and realise u've lost a Diamond while collecting Stones...'



Isn't it a touching story?! This is what it should be. "...Till death do us part..." *smile*

Doggy world

Just received a piece of disheartening news.

I was a wee bit disappointed as things have not turned out the way I would have liked it for one. But then again all these are not actual facts since I only hear from one side of the story and would not be able to find out know how this story will continue.

It's a business world where dog eats dog and whoever is stronger will survive. I just hope that things will turn out to be fine , there will not be any awkwardness and relationships will stay on rock hard grounds, and lastly this reputable name so far will not be too tarnished at the end of it.

Woman who can't read map

Actually I can read a map just not very good at it. I have comments that I absolutely have a terrible sense of direction and sad to say I totally say so myself. After watching the new Nokia commercial yesterday night on discovery channel.

I am contemplating to get this phone, the new Nokia 6110 navigator:

Hope the price of it does not burn a huge hole in my pocket....

~

Just another thought.... Must-read book/books : 'Why Men don't listen and women can't read maps' by Allan & Barbara Pease. Coincides with the topic hur... hehehehe....

Actually their series of "self-improvement" books are nice to read and some parts are kinda funny too.
Another one which I read which I prefer better than the previous one is 'Why men lie and women cry".

Go get it and enjoy your quiet moments with a nice warm cuppa. Cheers!!!!

My stuff still has not arrived !!!!!!

How infuriating.... the dieting stuff that I have ordered online from the U.S is still not here yet. No wonder I still feel my fat cells expanding and colonising my already plump body... sobs... They even dare to email me this:

"Seven days ago we shipped your order #ABCDEFG from our warehouse as quickly as we could. You deserve the best possible service and our goal is to give it to you! The order should arrive any day now if it hasn't already."

I hope the stuff arrive this week then I can start on my dieting and exercise regime... No... not couching out in front of the TV, really find time to at least workout at home, doing some crunches, stretching and push-ups the 'pussy' way as my guy friends so politely point out, or even go for a swim or jog when my schedule allows me to.

Must cut down on the drinks and sugary stuff which I can't possibly live without...*whines*

Result: A svelte body and healthy lifestyle.... hopefully

Fantasy movies

I'm not a big fan for fantasy movies and stuff but I'm a sucker for fantasy movies that has a good critic to it. Movies like LOTR and the recent Spiderwik chronicles. It was a good movie with all the adventure and of course the touching scenes in it. It surrounds a plot of family ties and the power of a dark secret unleashed.

It is indeed a movie that is well animated in terms of the characters in it. There are particular scenes that I loved and thought it was absolutely dream-like if I was the character in it....






Thimbletack, one of the cute characters that has a nasty temper only to be removed by drinking loads of honey.... How cute, I mean diabetic is that???!!!!




A water sprite (something like a fairy) guards over one of the characters
The way they sort of camouflage in the flowers around you and fly out when
being told they could... so cute.....



Then there was another magical scene of the sylphs (like firs of our local lalang plant) whisking the Spiderwick aka the grandfather away. They way they portray them in huge groups are breathtaking.

Lastly one of the most touching scenes, undoubtedly those of family reunion is where both the old Spiderwick and the daughter are whisked away to an island where these sylphs dominate.



Nice ending to the film and good ol' adventure with magical and tear-dropping scenes. Worth the watch!!! At least that's my opinion.

Go catch it... it's in theatres now...

Friendship

Aristotle on friendship

Friendship... is a kind of virtue, or implies virtue, and it is also most necessary for living. Nobody would choose to live without friends even if he had all the other good things.... There are, however, not a few divergent views about friendship. Some hold that it is a matter of similarity: that our friends are those who are like ourselves... Others take the contrary view....

There are three kinds of friendship....

1. Friendship based on utility.
Utility is an impermanent things: it changes according to circumstances. So with the disappearance of the ground for friendship, the friendship also breaks up, because that was what kept it alive. Friendships of this kind seem to occur most frequently between the elderly (because at their age what they want is not pleasure but utility) and those in middle or early life who are pursuing their own advantage. Such persons do not spend much time together, because sometimes they do not even like one another, and therefore feel no need of such an association unless they are mutually useful. For they take pleasure in each other’s company only in so far as they have hopes of advantage from it. Friendships with foreigners are generally included in this class.

2. Friendship based on pleasure.
Friendship between the young is thought to be grounded on pleasure, because the lives of the young are regulated by their feelings, and their chief interest is in their own pleasure and the opportunity of the moment. With advancing years, however, their tastes change too, so that they are quick to make and to break friendships; because their affection changes just as the things that please them do and this sort of pleasure changes rapidly. Also the young are apt to fall in love, for erotic friendship is for the most part swayed by the feelings and based on pleasure. That is why they fall in and out of friendship quickly, changing their attitude often within the same day. But the young do like to spend the day and live together, because that is how they realize the object of their friendship.

3. Perfect friendship is based on goodness.
Only the friendship of those who are good, and similar in their goodness, is perfect. For these people each alike wish good for the other qua good, and they are good in themselves. And it is those who desire the good of their friends for the friends’ sake that are most truly friends, because each loves the other for what he is, and not for any incidental quality. Accordingly the friendship of such men lasts so long as they remain good; and goodness is an enduring quality. Also each party is good both absolutely and for his friend, since the good are both good absolutely and useful to each other. Similarly they please one another too; for the good are pleasing both absolutely and to each other; because everyone is pleased with his own conduct and conduct that resembles it, and the conduct of good men is the same or similar. Friendship of this kind is permanent, reasonably enough; because in it are united all the attributes that friends ought to possess. For all friendship has as its object something good or pleasant — either absolutely or relatively to the person who feels the affection — and is based on some similarity between the parties. But in this friendship all the qualities that we have mentioned belong to the friends themselves; because in it there is similarity, etc.; and what is absolutely good is also absolutely pleasant; and these are the most lovable qualities. Therefore it is between good men that both love and friendship are chiefly found and in the highest form.

That such friendships are rare is natural, because men of this kind are few. And in addition they need time and intimacy; for as the saying goes, you cannot get to know each other until you have eaten the proverbial quantity of salt together. Nor can one man accept another, or the two become friends, until each has proved to the other that he is worthy of love, and so won his trust. Those who are quick to make friendly advances to each other have the desire to be friends, but they are not unless they are worthy of love and know it. The wish for friendship develops rapidly, but friendship does not.

Aristotle The Nichomachean Ethics, 1155a3, 1156a16-1156b23

Doyle, M. E. and Smith, M. K. (2002) 'Friendship: theory and experience'

Something which I am pondering about for the past week. Maybe it's time I classify my friends too and spend more time on 'perfect' friends....

Happy Valentine's Day

It happened many many Valentine's day ago when I was 18, and feeling lonesome on Valentine's Day. Having broken up with my bf of 2 years, I had no one to spend the day with, so I took a solitary walk at East Coast, bringing my sketchbook with me, thinking I could do some sketching to take my mind off my broken heart.


When I got there, the sky was already dark with the sun sending out the last few weak strokes of daylight across the horizon. There isn't much to see. I sat down and stared for several long minutes out at the vast open sea, my thoughts jumbled and confused.


A sudden idea came to me and I opened up my sketchbook. Drawing a deep breath, I began composing a letter to myself.


Dear P.L (my initials),There is no use pondering on what had gone wrong. Perhaps the two of you were never meant to be. Put your sweet memories down in this paper and keep them where it is, and let the waves wash away the bad ones.. I went on to write down all the good times we had with each other, and wrote down all the bad memories I had of him on a separate paper. Tearing off my sheet with all the sweet memories, I began to look around for a bottle.


Locating an empty coke glass bottle (those that are hard to find these days), I rolled up my letter of sweet memories and push it into the bottle. It took me ages to find a cork on the beach to seal it with. Next I took a stroll on the beach to find a good hiding place for my memories, and finally choose to bury my bottle under a rock, which some smart guy had manage to carve his love for another girl on. 


Remy Loves Gina

it says and he enclosed it with a heart.


'Very well, Remy and Gina, you shall both be the keeper of my secrets'


I muttered as I dug a hole 3 feet deep to place my bottle in. To complete my ritual of letting go, I tore off my letter of bad memories and walked towards the sea. I watched the piece of paper drifted away on the tide, further and further, until it can no longer be seen. I left feeling very much better.


I totally forgot about my bottle of memories until about 3 years later when I went to east coast again, which happens to be on Valentines Day. I was dating someone casually then, and as I was walking by certain spot with him, a sense of déjà vu hit me and I stood there wondering why until I spotted the token of love carved onto the rock. Immediately I started digging away until I reached my bottle. It was dirty but still relatively dry inside. When I shook out my letter to show my then date, I was astounded to see a few pieces of paper fell out together with my letter.


There was first a serviette (MacDonalds) and rather yellow, as my letter was. Taking it up, I read the words off the crumpled serviette:

Dear P.L,What a wonderful idea! I don't have any sweet memories to put down, but I sure hope you felt better after sending away your bad memories. One day you will love again, and make some lucky guy very happy.Cheers T.S14/02/1998


I was stupefied. Someone saw me bury my memories that night! Picking up the other 2 pieces of paper, I went on to read them.


Dear P.L,I have fallen out of love. She left me for someone else, but I don't blame her. I will always...


I continue to read the memories of this stranger. They were very poignant, and even though he left no instructions for anyone not to read, I felt I was intruding on his privacy. The ink smudged a fair bit, which made it hard for me to read..


it is raining now (which explains the smudges), and I shall now sent away my bad memories of you and me to the sea, to be forgotten and drownedShattered T.S14/02/2000


That was one year ago. Too surprised to do anything, I stuffed the letters back in the bottle and reburied it. I refused to tell my date anything, and he shrugged it off like nothing happened.


Later that day, I secretly went down to the beach again and wrote a letter to T.S.


Dear T.S,

My, was I surprised to see your letters. Did you saw me that night so many years ago? Anyway I hope you are fine now and living happily. Love will find you someday, or maybe it already did.

Best Wishes, P.L14/02/2001


I contemplated signing off as Perina Lee for a moment and leaving my contact, but changed my mind as I kind of like the mystery. I buried the bottle hurriedly and contemplated waiting to see if T.S will show up with a letter this time. In the end I had to leave to meet my date for our romantic dinner, and again, I forgot all about this matter till the Valentine of 2002, about the same time I started seeing a guy call Trevor.


On the morning of Valentines day that year, I made my way to the beach early in the morning to the now familiar spot and started digging. This time I was surprised to find not only my bottle there, but another 2 other bottles, one Heineken and the other Tiger beer with letters stuffed in them as well. But first I retrieved my own bottle of memories, and honestly I'm not sure what I expected to find. A reply from the mysterious T.S perhaps? The bottle was quite full this time round, and it soon became clear why. I had 2 additional letters from the owners of the respective bottles who thanked me for my idea, and hope they don;t mind if I share my spot with them. Did T.S tell them about this place? Or did someone spot me again? I didn't know. I didn't really mind that fact that my letter might have been read a few times by total strangers this time. I looked at the other 2 bottles, and decided to respectfully leave them alone. Then I remembered T.S and look through the letters for his reply.He didn't disappoint me.


Dear P. L,

Thanks for your response. I have gotten over her, and I'm seeing someone new. You helped me let go of her and give me a measure of courage to start loving again. I hope you find happiness for yourself too.

Cheers T.S14/02/2002


I smiled and took up my writing pad after I removed all the letters except the one with his and my memories from the bottle.


Dear T.S,

So glad to hear that I've help in some way to help you move on. I just started seeing someone new too and it looks promising. Take care.. and I would really love to hear from you in the future

Best Regards, P.L14/02/2002

I sealed the bottle again.Time flew as my relationship with Trevor grew and blossom over the years. We were very much in love. On the Valentine of 2005, I made my way to my spot again in the afternoon, with the intention of writing another letter to T.S to tell him I found the love of my life, my then fiance Trevor. In additional to the original bottles, I found another 3 more, though there were no more letters addressed to me. Except one from T.S, marked last year:


Dear P.L,

I found the love of my life. I'm sure of it this time. After 2 years together, there has never quite been another woman like her. She is the only one I can picture spending the rest of my life with. I'm planning to marry her. Although I have never met you, I just want you to know that I found your letter of bad memories on the beach the same day you wrote it. Since you had the letter of sweet memories buried somewhere, I felt curious enough to find it, and I took a shot at Remy and Gina's rock. Without your letter of bad memories, I would have never found your bottle.Thank You P.L for your letters, and I will remember you and your letters forever. May you find your love soon.

Best Regards, T.S14/02/2004


In which I replied, not without a hint of sadness, because it sounds like he will not be writing to me again:

Dear T.S,

I don't know if you will ever read this, but if you do, I want to let you know I'm sincerely happy for you. I too have found the love of my life and I have agreed to marry him. There is no one quite like him, and I am convinced that this is the man I want to spend the rest of my life loving. How I wish you would be able to attend our wedding. Looks like I have my ex boyfriend to thank for our friendship. No matter what, I wish you all the best in your future, with the one you love.

Best Wishes,

P.L14/02/2005


With that, I buried my final letter to T.S and left Remy & Gina to watch over our memories.I got married to Trevor on Valentine's Day the following year and, and even during my wedding, my bottle of memories was on the corner of my mind. I felt rather then wish that T.S was there too during my ceremony, soaking in my happiness with me, and with the woman he love.

..........................................................................................................................................................................

Mrs. See, how long more do you plan to sleep? Trevor woke me up with a smile. Happy Valentines Day, Darling I answered with him with a kiss as I stretched myself. We had both taken the day off to spend the day together, for it is not only Valentines Day for us, it is also our 1st wedding anniversary. We went for a relaxing stroll by the beach after lunch, but out of the blue Trevor got all mysterious and told me he is going to bring me to somewhere special.


Leading me by the hand he lead me down a path that was strangely familiar. It hit me seconds later he was bringing me straight to Remy & Gina's rock. My heart started pounding, and I thought, it couldn't be, it couldn't be. I corresponded with a girl a few years ago through an old coke bottle buried under this rock. He started saying.


I stared at him speechless. She gave me support when I was down, and vice versa. Kinda silly right, writing to a girl I have never met. By the way, you have the same initials as her. P.L? Yeah. I never know what it stands for anyway, and I never did tell her mine either, I just indicate my name as T.S, for Trevor See. The last time I came here was the morning of Valentines Day 2004, and I left her a letter to tell her I found the love of my life. Though I didnt intend to write anymore to her, I suddenly felt compelled to tell her that I'm happily married now. Hopefully she has found her happiness too 


She has. I replied shakily.Huh? How did you know? My husband stared at me stupefied.I bent down and started digging. My husband, looking extremely suspicious, starting digging as well till we both unearth our coke bottle.


With trembling hands he remove the contents of the bottle and sift through them till he came to my last letter to him.We stood there for a long time just hugging each other and marveled at the workings of fate.


In a fit of childish fun, my husband decided to leave our mark on the rock too, by carving our names together and enclosing it with a heart like Remy & Gina's.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


In the distance an elderly couple stood looking at the couple hugging in front of their rock, and smile contently to each other.


Told you that rock is magic, Gina

I know, Remy.



Happy Valentines Day, Darling.

Servicing

Omg... I have totally forgotten about sending my car in for servicing till 'A' reminded me to. Actually, I remembered, it's just that it's so troublesome in terms of the time taken for it to be done. I actually have to go down to Champion motors at Pandan Crescent and it will take me three hours at least.

Major issue, I have to spend money on taking cab from there to office and after work cab there again to collect my car so I can rush off for classes... Argh.....!!!!!

Travel Fair

In view of the up and coming NATAS travel fair, here are some tips that I have personally acquired throughout the years of listening to post-travel tales of my friends and a little small traveling myself:

1) Always pre-plan what are the kind of activities you would like to do before deciding on the destination. Example: shopping : Hongkong, Thailand, Taiwan. If you can't decide on the activities you want to do, decide on a few countries you would like to visit then borrow a 'Lonely Planet' book and check out the places in that country you wanna visit then decide.

2) Get a pair of walkie talkie that can go up a certain distance and of course some batteries so that you can get updated with your pals in case you got lost.

3) Do not bring your whole wardrobe or packets of instant noodles for your holiday and bring appropriate clothes for the season. It is not as if you are going to an isolated island with no shops that sell clothes and food. Besides travelling to a new destination is to soak up the culture and that includes the food and fashion of the country. The extra space is saved for your shopping 'trophies'.

Free & easy tours

1) Plan to go on a trip with no more than 4 people. The last thing you would want to do is to have a small squabble over who wants to go where and waiting for each other to arrive at the specified spot. Best part is you may have a partner going to this certain place with you (so you won't be bored to tears since you can only mumble yourself if you are alone) and chat or discuss about stuff. If you are alone in deciding to go this certain place, either go yourself or compromise to the rest of the group; later super persuade them to go with you.

2) Save on the expensive five-star hotel fees and check yourself into the cheapest and clean motel, backpackers' hotel. You would rather spend your hard-earned cash on visiting the 'always crowded' tourist attractions or shop. Besides, the only time you will spend in a hotel is to sleep; that is if you are not going to a resort like Bali just to get away from the 'human traffic'.

3) Budget your expenditure and bring cash and credit cards. Credit cards for emergencies and cash for daily use. You do not want to have to worry about how to pay your credit card bills or loans after your holiday break, in which case, you will regret going for this holiday and tend to forget the good parts of it. Why make yourself suffer when the well-deserved holiday break is to refresh you mentally.

4) Hit the anti-tourist routes aka the local places for food and clothes, they tend to be much cheaper and better tasting.

5) Some places for shopping in some countries do not take to bargaining very well so check on the net or your borrowed 'lonely planet' before attempting to get chased down the block by chopper waving vendors.

6) Make some friends with some locals who speak English and are generally nice (you will know who they are but do not trust them too much since they are your new-found friends). They will help you soak up the essence of the country and when you visit next time you will have a friend there to hang out with.

Package tours

1) Pick out the best bargain package as in you get to visit tonnes of places with that miserable amount of money you have.

2) Do not be an ass and embarrass yourself , get back to the group when the time is up.

3) Rest early after the long day since you have to wake up early for the itinerary that has been set for you the next day. Have a night cap at the local night spots before hitting the sheets to help you sleep better.

4) Do not buy stuff from the shops that the tour guides bring you to since the same things can be bought at a much cheaper price at other stores that you walk in yourself. They will 'chop' up your wallet. Unless you really like the stuff and you will not have time to shop by yourself.

5) Do not get typical souvenirs like key chain, stuff toy, mugs and stuff. Get something that is special and made in that country.

6) Help out other people in the group when they need, it's only nice. Who knows you might get yourself a new traveling pal.

Well... I think that's it for now.... ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS !!!!

Overuse of antibiotics

ScienceDaily (Jun. 21, 2006) — The heavy use of antibiotics in the rearing of fish could be detrimental to the health of the fish, but also that of animals and humans, a recent report says. This practice encourages bacterial resistance and could lead to the evolution of resistant strains of bacteria in animals and humans as well as the fish themselves. A more judicious approach to the use of prophylactic (preventative) antibiotics is necessary.

Dr Felipe Cabello and his colleagues at New York Medical College, reported these findings in the July issue of 'Environmental Microbiology'. It is common practice in the fish industry, particularly in developing countries, to use large amounts of antibiotics to prevent infection. The antibiotics used are often non-biodegradable and remain in the aquaculture environment for long periods of time. This encourages the growth of bacteria which can survive in the presence of antibiotics - antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Eventually this process could lead to increased antibiotic resistance in the 'disease-causing' bacteria (pathogens) of fish. The properties which make bacteria resistant can also be transferred to human and animal pathogens, leading to increased infectious disease in fish, animals and humans alike.

When antibiotics are mixed with fish food, residual antibiotics may be found in fish products and fish meat. People who eat these products will be inadvertently consuming antibiotics, leading to changes in their normal microbial environment, or 'microflora' and making them more susceptible to bacterial infection.

"If we don't curb the heavy use of prophylactic antibiotics in aquaculture, then we will ultimately see more and more antibiotic resistant pathogens emerging, causing increased disease to fish, animals and humans alike" said Dr Cabello.

A global effort to curb the over-use of antibiotics in the rearing of finfish is essential in preventing these detrimental effects to fish, animal and human health.

Adapted from materials provided by Blackwell Publishing Ltd., via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

This is like so scary a news to reckon with. There's no way consumers would know which kind or from where the fishes might have a superdose of antibiotics. We can't even taste it since the flavor of the fish meat has covered it. It makes those who do not like fish in the first place even fear to eat them. Wonder what effect will it have if the fish is raw compared to cooked ones. Maybe they should do a study on the amount of antibiotics present in fish meat raw and cooked so that consumers like us can have a better idea.

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Hahaha... I'm done with my test.. despite the fact that I did not study for it... I gave the examiners a free mark as a gift... coz I don't know how to answer it... I just hope I get 2.5/5 since I could not do most of the calculations or I did just half of it.... sigh... nothing to blame since it is my fault for not studying.... just hope lady luck is on my side....

Addicted to online games

I have realised that recently, I have been absolutely addicted to PC games that require you to grow something or cook something and serve it to customers kinda of games, like Plant tycoon, Chocolatier 2, Diner dash and games like that. Bought the full version online, so now I'm on the lookout for more of these kinds of games since I've finished almost all levels of it with 'A'...

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Die...

Just realised my test and exam is on the 25th Feb & 6th Mar respectively.. better start studying and do it well since this is my last module... Now got to go bury my head for it since it's lunch hour and is my own personal time.

~ Wonder if my last module results is out... *crossing my fingers* Wish me luck and hope I pass.....

Feb 30

Funny and embarrassing thing happened today....

'A' wrote a cheque that was post dated in a jiffy so that I can send it to the supplier. The supplier called and said that he could have never been able to bank in the cheque. It was puzzling till he told us the post dated cheque date.

Feb 30 2008

It was terrible, 'A' had forgotten that there wasn't 30 days in Feb, even 29 days happen once every four years. Best part is I did not check the date as well assuming it was right. Silly us....

'A' joked and said that it is supposed to indirectly tell the supplier that we are NOT PAYING them... but then again it was merely a JOKE that arose from 'A' 's forgetfulness and me taking for granted that everything is right.

Well that only goes to tell us that humans make mistakes and the consequence of this... was I had to make another trip down to the supplier just to pass him a new cheque... to ice it off... the terrible embarrassement...

Anyway... why isn't there a Feb 30 ???? make 'A' and me look so bad.... must go search for the answer...!!!

PSP

Must start saving up for PSP... two of them... as a gift... so A & I can have fun playing the same game together.... don't tell him ya... if you managed to guess who A is...



Think A will like the black one, or perhaps the white one... Personally I like the white one. We'll go together and choose, who knows we might not choose any of these two... Will buy them at my friend's dad electrical shop after my exams... hehehe... hope got free games or discount....

Can visualise how happy 'A' will be when he gets the PSP where he can put photos in, play games, watch his downloaded videos.

Must save up more so can get a bigger memory card to do all those things... *giggles* so happy....

Poll shows Singaporeans the biggest spenders in Asia for Valentine's Day (from CNA)

SINGAPORE : Singaporeans are the biggest spenders in Asia for Valentine's Day. This is according to a survey which found that 60 percent of Singaporeans would spend up to S$500 to mark this occasion

Besides respondents from Singapore, those in Korea and China are likely to be big Valentine's Day spenders.

50 percent of the Chinese surveyed indicated that they would spend up to S$500. 78 percent of Koreans who took part in the survey said they would spend up to S$250.

The survey was conducted by GE Money Asia, which had polled 3,115 GE Money Asia and Joint Venture partner employees.

Besides Singapore, China and Korea, the survey also covered India, Thailand, Japan and the Philippines.

The poll showed that 60 percent of Singaporeans used their credit cards to splurge on their loved ones, and only started shopping for the gifts a week before February 14.

Three in four Singaporeans felt that Valentine's Day is a commercial exercise.

90 percent of the women surveyed said that Valentine's Day is here to stay. 67 percent of men support Valentine's Day and do not think it should be cancelled.

Throughout Asia, the survey indicated that Asian women would spend slightly more than men for Valentine's Day.

In Singapore, all of the women surveyed said they would spend below S$500.

However, 19 percent of Singaporean men said they are willing to spend between S$500 and S$5,000.

63 percent of women in Singapore prefer to receive jewellery rather than cash as a Valentine's Day gift.

25 percent of the women rated a spa or luxury resort as their preferred activity for Valentine's Day.

39 percent of men here said they prefer travel packages.

Personally, I think if a guy spends a lot on V day for you and does nothing throughout the year, DITCH HIM then. I won't fall for the commercial and 'follow the trend' thing. If I don't have a choice but to celebrate V day, I would rather spend it at home, in a nice cozy way, cooking dinner for the other partner and cuddling together with a glass of wine each, watching some action or thriller movie.

It's cheaper than going to a restaurant and jumps the queue for food but does not lack the love and romance that is the commercialised definition of V Day. In fact it should be like that every day, not just V day alone.

If you love a person, it should be a celebration everyday by showing your love in many small ways; putting toothpaste on his/her toothbrush, making breakfast, cutting finger/toe nails, giving a backrub, handling him/her a piece of tissue to freshen up when perspiration threatens to become a shower and etc.....

These are like really sweet things to do... well I'm speaking for myself...It's not that I spit at money or hate bling (if you see me doing that, I must be dead!) I still love my cash and bling but there are times where these can't really show how much you know or care about this certain person, it's the smallest details that were taken for granted or being looked over that matters.

Diet-ing

Thought of a healthy way to diet which saves money too....

Given my low energy expenditure ( no workouts, spend time in front of Laptop or goggle box):

1) Cut down on Carbs
2) Minimal of fried and fatty stuff
3) lots of vege and fruits
4) try to workout a little or at least do some stretching exercise
5) Get some diet pills (when I have excess money)

~

Was actually thinking on just spending money on the diet pills but I guess it won't really work well without me looking scrawny and breakable, which has happen to me the last time I took them. Good thing is one can hardly pinch out fats from me and I look thin and can wear smaller sized clothes, but the worst thing is... even my boobs decreased in size, which is terrible..... *Whines*

Will start on dieting and replacement shakes soon... Yes, I'm a procrastinator... but I'll watch my diet starting from now. Minimal suppers, fatty foods and booze. Ok... I'll try cut down on booze but if I do take booze, I'll cut down on other foods then. hehehe....

Wish me success!!!

post CNY blues

Hi hi... Happy CNY to all!!!

It has been a boring day at work. Too much rest during the CNY break now feeling restless and can't seem to do my work very well. I overate on the CNY goodies and booze this year now feeling absolutely guilty and fat. Must diet and find a good and healthy way to do so....

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Lost total about 50 bucks on festive gambling at MJ (Mahong) with family, full of experts. Well, treat it as 'giving school fees'. Sigh...

Spoil my day...

I am so so pissed just now... I feel like my face and head is exploding and my stance is ready for a huge fight.

I am not usually so easily pissed but that salesgirl is so damn rude I have to blog about it. It is not my nature to say anything bad about any shop but I feel I have the right to let whoever is reading this blog know about it so they will not experience the same thing that I have experienced.

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The water in the pool had to be changed like urgently this morning and the adaptor for the switch was 'kaputt' due to my clumsiness. I went downstairs to this shop known as the 'ONE STOP SHOP' to get a new adaptor. It was cheap like $1.20 only so I bought some other stuff as well. I patronise this shop quite often to buy things for the Nibbles, since their goods are cheap and I don't really need to get the super high quality stuff as long as it is use-able.

It was disappointing that the adaptor did not work so I went back downstairs to get it changed to one that works (took me some slight complaining to get changed to another one that supposedly works). It's not the first time things like that happen whenever I buy items from this 'ONE STOP SHOP'. I tried using it again and it does not work again so I got irritated and went back there to see if I can get like a refund for it and get the adaptor from elsewhere.

I was telling the lady that it does not work again and she insisted that it works. Hence, I asked her if I could get a refund for this since she insisted that it does work when apparently it does not. She answered me in a damn bloody rude way that made my blood boil.

Me: " Hi, it does not work for the second time so I would like to get a refund for it. "

Salesgirl, who happens to be China Chinese, shaking her head vigorously & waving her arms in my face: " Sorry, you can't get a refund coz it is registered in the cash register and if the numbers don't tally, I would have to pay for it."
(no.... I am not a racist)

Me: " Can't you strike it off or note down somewhere that this thing does not work and you gave me a refund? I can leave my number and name and I am just situated above you in case your boss asks."

Salesgirl, did not even bother to look at me: " CANNOT! NO REFUND! "

Me, threw the adaptor in front of her and loudly exclaimed: " Fine, you can have this back!"

I was so so angry. It is not about the $$, by the way, that stupid thing is only $1.20 and it is not as if she is super duper busy and there is a hundred people in the shop.In fact there is only one customer in the shop excluding me and he was walking around.

If she had just like pretend to ask someone or called or something then answer me that she can't give a refund, I would not be so pissed. She did not even offered the fact that I can exchange for something the same worth. Either way, it does not matter whether I can get a refund or exchange for something, it more like the way she rudely answered me and her non-existent effort in bothering to even patronise my feelings that made me so very angry and irritated.

For a start I was not in a bad mood when I went there to get stuff so I did not scream at her first, rather she talked really loudly at me first. Then again, I am the customer and I am buying stuff from the shop you are working at, the least she could have done to appease my irritation is to pretend to walk to her other colleague and ask a question that she already knows the answer.

Anyway, after this incident I am never going back there to buy anything. I absolutely detest RUDENESS.

I do not normally say this but out of 5 stars, this 'ONE STOP SHOP' does not even fall into the category of being rated so it is -5 / 5.

For those of you who have bought or wish to buy items from this ironically named 'ONE STOP SHOP'...

I wish you good luck, hope the cheap things you buy don't crumble and if they do get destroyed upon touch, don't even waste your time thinking about an exchange or refund. Just a reminder in case you are thinking of getting a refund or anything, " IF THE NUMBERS DON'T TALLY, SHE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT!" so don't waste her time fellas, she is too busy staring into the air and day-dreaming.

Busy Busy Busy...

Well, one more week to CNY....

Definitely will be terribly busy this week with everyone rushing to getting their nails done for CNY. So I might be putting off blogging for a short while till the shop closes for a break during the first few days of CNY.

Just bought my clothes from one of my favourite shops, FOND, two of those dresses here. If i don't look terrible on camera, will post some pics.

Woo Hoo!!!

Another two more weeks to CNY. YEAH!!!!!

More 'ang bows' and good food and best of all HOLIDAYS!!!!

No school, no work.... All fun and can play MJ.... Woo hoo!!!

Can't wait for it to arrive...

Must start getting new clothes *Grin* so I will look nice during house visits and after that party the night away be it at a huse party or a club... wahahahaha....

Saw a few nice clothes on this webby and am comtemplating whether they would fit the FAT me now and of course not be too taxing on my pocket while at the same time looking good.

Women... hard to please group of people *shake head* I totally agree with my guy friends.... I belong to one of them.. the hard to please group... hahahahaha....

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Really like this bag in the lilac color. Hope they have it in the stores so I can have a look at the actual thing before I get my friends who are going US to get for me.

TIME TO GO SHOPPING!!!!