Registration Day

Registration for new semester starts today. It was packed with foreigners, as expected from international students school :p The majority of students were dominated by Korean with Japan on the second list. There were many Indonesians seen around too.

Despite all the downsides, Shanghai is filled with many pretty hot babes! It really makes me wonder how they managed to keep their eight-shaped figure given such unhealthy food. I rarely saw any obese females around; in fact I’ve spotted none so far! Moreover, they are blessed with beautiful complexion and fair skin tone. I guess it’s in the genes! How envious..

The weather is getting colder each day. I guess the autumn is here. I sleep with heater and blanket nowadays. My flat mates said I was crazy! I just can’t stand cold. I can’t imagine the winter here.. Last year it was minus 2 degree man! I better prepare myself with the thermal clothes – they call it long john here. Don’t ask me the origin of the name..

One advantage of living here is that I get to eat dimsum anytime I want as it is served 24hours!! Yay!! The dimsum tastes pretty good too! :D

Healthy Food Finally!

Today I had steamboat meal. Finally! A healthy oil-free food! The past few days have been real dreadful. The food here is incredibly oily, be it Shanghai food, Cantonese food, anything! I’m real fortunate for the invention of Xenical. Without it, there goes my liver, and there goes my figure.

Went to IKEA to shop for furniture. I’ve never seen so many people in IKEA before. It looked more like groceries store than furniture store. Price is pretty much the same here and Singapore. Certain goods are cheaper, while the others are more expensive. I noticed that Shanghai’s living standard is pretty much comparable to Singapore.

I rushed to Airport by cab after my shopping as I was supposed to fetch my friend from Japan. Waited for 1.5hours and haven’t seen her at all. I was extremely worried if I missed her. She’s a German and she knows nuts about Chinese.

The cab driver parked his car and helped me to look around. He went to information centre to make announcement. We waited for another half hour. In the end, I decided to call my friend’s bf’s dad to inquire about her flight. He informed that my friend cancelled her trip as she’s not feeling well. I was like.. WTF?! @%&^*$~! Oh well, I tried to keep my cool though.

The cab driver in the end sent me back to my apartment. The total fare from IKEA to Pudong Airport and back to my apartment was RMB 346 and on top of that there was still a parking fee of RMB 10. But the cab driver asked me to pay him only RMB 240. He did say that he’d give me discount if I take his cab for round trip journey, but to give a RMB 100 discount?!

My friend was cheated by cab driver on his first day here. He paid RMB 400 for a one-way journey from Pudong International Airport to my apartment! I was like WHAT?! And this driver actually gave me RMB 100 discount?!

Well not ALL Shanghai people are rude and fraudster. I did meet few kind and polite people. This nice cab driver is apparently one of them.. I am feeling real blessed :p

Carrefour shopping in Shanghai

The past few days have been hectic days and today is no exception. Today we moved in to the new apartment. I’m currently staying with my god cousin, William, and his friend, Jeffrey.

Spent the whole afternoon shopping in Carrefour for basic necessities. Carrefour seems to be doing good job here as they do everywhere. It was really crowded everywhere, perhaps because today is Saturday.

Today I encountered a very shocking experience. I was queuing cashier and two ladies behind me were quarreling over a mere queue. They were practically scolding and shouting at each other. Both ladies were in fact cutting the queue! The husband of the first lady tried to stop her, but was in turned scolded too.. -_-‘ I just watched them in disbelief..

On weekends, the streets are fully packed with vehicles. Traffic jam is everywhere and unavoidable, unless you travel to suburb perhaps. It really resembles Jakarta. I feel like living in Indonesia without vehicle. Feel damn terrible.

I haven’t gotten used to the environment and lifestyle here. Somehow I miss Singapore a lot. I’m used to living in a clean and orderly environment, eating healthy food, living a healthy lifestyle..

Andrew, I haven’t seen the bright side of Shanghai. Perhaps I should go to the tourism area, and THEN I’d be able to appreciate Shanghai.

Second Day in Shanghai - Busy Looongg Day

Nothing is impossible in China and I have proven the saying true.

This morning, I went to Jiao Tong Uni for application. In actuality, the application is closed in June and there were still 300 people in waiting list. I called in previously and obviously was turned down. However, this time I got the admission! Surprising eh?

I can’t complain anything about NTU’s halls after seeing the local dormitory here. The local dormitory is a very small room, comprising two double deck beds and two small study tables. It really looks like army bunk! The foreign dormitory, however, looks like hotel. I haven’t had the chance to check out the rooms inside though.

Found a nice apartment –NEW, three bedrooms and fully furnished- in Hong Qiao Rd. The rental fee was pretty reasonable considering that it’s located in downtown. One must be prepared to pay a 2months deposit and 2months rental fee during the first month. The agent commission fee was 30%, but it is negotiable. We managed to bargain till it was left 20%!

Went to Fudan Uni to give up my admission, but the director wasn’t around so I had to come back again on Monday -_-‘ There goes my effort! I spent my whole afternoon there, walking around and getting lost trying to locate the office! Crap!

Fudan Uni was really huge and surprisingly clean! It resembles Chinese Heritage Centre of NTU. The first moment I stepped into the vicinity, I was astonished by its friendly environment. Just outside the school, major reconstructions were underway, thus resulting in terribly polluted and noisy environment. However, the inside of the school was filled with greeneries! I felt like I was in two different worlds.

Entrance of Fudan University















Walkway in Fudan University

In a split second, I almost regretted my decision of giving up the admission. But after spending 4hours getting lost and walking around, I knew I made the right choice.

Fudan Uni is located at North East of Shanghai, far away from civilization. Moreover, the area was still under major reconstruction; thus creating a polluted environment which is bad for health. On the other hand, Jiao Tong Uni is located at South West of Shanghai, in downtown of Xu Jia Hui area. The location is much better than Fudan Uni. The only drawback is the heavy traffic flow.

Talking about traffic flow, I wonder what the figure of accident rate in Shanghai is. It is truly terrifying seeing the way they drive around here. Courtesy driving is not applied here. Honking and lane cutting are common practices. They don’t seem to have any ‘stop’ sign in their mindset. I wonder if they’re aware of the existence of the brake pad beside the acceleration pad. Perhaps they thought it’s just a mere decoration.

All in all insurance is a MUST here

First Day in Shanghai

Huge was the proper word to describe Pudong International Airport. One has to walk a long distance before reaching the immigration section, and be prepared for the long queue. I was amazed by the way they conduct luggage screening, which uses dog to sniff every single luggage on the conveyor belt!

I have heard a lot about the impressive Shanghai’s Maglev, but riding it is a total whole different story. The train travels at speed of 430km/hr, taking only 7mins 30secs to clear 30km journey. It ends at Long Yang Rd, so one has to take other transport to go to their desired destination. The Maglev was pretty clean and empty, perhaps due to the expensive fare of RMB 50. But I think it’s good to ride it at least once, for experience sake ;)

The train station has NO elevator going down, so you only have the option of stairs. During peak hours, the station is so packed that it’s almost impossible to protect yourself from pushing, squeezing etc. The positive thing is that you don’t need a pole since you will never lose your balance as there are so many people squeezing around you.

I was stunned by the attitude of the locals – once they see the train coming, they’d rush to the door, cross the yellow line, stand in front of the door, and push their way in when the door is opened. Here, you’re allowed to consume food/drink in the train, only smoking is forbidden. However, I don’t think you can eat/drink in a packed train where you can’t even move..

The traffic in Shanghai reminded me of Jakarta’s traffic, worse as there are more bicycles and buses here. It seems that there’s no distinct traffic rule. Zebra cross seems to lose its purpose, people are seen jaywalking freely. The pollution is kinda terrible, both ar and noise – cutting each other and honking are common practice here. You can, too, stop taxi anywhere on the road.

I haven’t tried the bus yet, and don’t think that I’d give it a chance after seeing the traffic here. I actually saw people standing at the top level of double deck bus, and the driver was literally speeding! Err…

Weather was hot and humid, even at night. I kept on sweating even though I had showered. I guess summer’s still here. Oh well, the next few days should be better.

Xu Jia Hui's Train Station

Something to Think About

Ever wondered about what are you looking for in this life? Or perhaps what do you want to achieve in life by the end of the day? I believe that these questions have ever crossed your mind -definitely not only once..

I often wondered about this and eventually asked myself: what exactly am I looking for in life.. Is it success? glory? wealth? happiness? family? salvation? Happiness is perhaps too generic to define. Again, I asked myself, what leads to happy life? what will bring happiness to me?

The young-naive me emphasized heavily on success and fame. Being raised up in a family with a nu qiang ren mom, I idolized and once hoped to be like my mom. Back then, I regard my mom as a successful capable woman. I aimed to surpass her capability and success.. That was during my teenage days..

However, I began to view things in different ways after my mom's death. Her death was itself a misfortune to my family, and yet there were more to come. Throughout these four enriching years, I came to learn that there are more to life than success, fame and wealth..

True enough, we're living in realistic world. I honestly admit that I do have a certain expectation of portrait of my future. This is my way of thanking my parents for raising me up and providing me with good educations. I want to show them that their efforts are not gone to waste :p

But again -back to the main topic -what is it exactly that I want to have in life? I guess it's something that I need to ponder upon..

My cousin lost her dad when she was 16. Her mom was too weak to face the fact and thus ran away from reality for 5years, grieving upon her husband's death. This situation forced my cousin to take charge of the household administrations and carry a responsibility beyond what a normal 16years old teenage could ever imagined. Life wasn't easy for her back then.

This experience turned her into a strong career woman. She became a highly self-disciplined person with strong leadership skill. Her works are always excellent as she's very careful and focus in everything that she does. Once you pass a task to her, you can rest assured that everything is taken care of.

One day, I asked my cousin about what she's looking for in life. I made few guesses between success and fame, or perhaps family. However, her answer was far than what I could think of. She told me that she is looking for a togetherness. When I asked for the definition, she explained how she viewed her career as a mere tool of providing bread to the family. Climbing corporate ladder is not her main goal as she wishes to spend more time with her family -mom, husband and children..

She shared with me her dreams of having a happy family with her mom around, living a peaceful life with good health. She expressed how she hopes to raise her children and provide them with necessary guidance throughout their lives -as a child, teenage or adult.. and etc..

Her answer strucked me in awe and kept me speechless for a moment. All I did, in the end, was nodding in admiration and gave her my blessing. Her aim in life was so simple and yet so beautiful..

Currently, I am still in the midst of looking for the answer; and I'm confident that I'd come across it one day.. Perhaps then I'd share with you all, my dear friends, my view of life..

Socializing Days

These few days I have been spending my time dating and socializing... My post today basically covers the review of the meal that I've been savouring for the past two days :p Sinful indeed.. I need a strict diet!!!

Met up with Andrew, Yong Han and Sonny yesterday for a dinner at Ambush, a pasta place located at Takashimaya Food Court. All of us enjoyed our orders except Sonny for making the wrong choice of meatball pasta. The meatball actually tastes like ngo hiong! All in all, the food was alright, though I prefer CPK's pasta. I guess it's just a different type of pasta with CPK being more asian..

Today I had a sumptuous dimsum brunch at Crystal Jade Kitchen in Takashimaya with James. It was sumptuous because we actually ordered enough for four people share!! Okay perhaps it's an exaggeration but the food was too much for us alone to finish. I felt bad having to waste food while James kept on convincing me that being a good host, he must make sure that everyone has their share of meal and the leftover food on the table serves to ensure that everyone is full -_-" What a theory..

Dinner was with Ivan at News Asia Bar. The popular item is the pizza. We had a spicy seafood and tuna pizza with spiced fries, both in my recommendation list :) It is comparable to Wala's pizza with more generous serving. Ambience was great for socializing with magnificent view of Singapore nightlife. Music wasn't too loud thus conversation was still audible. Most of the customers are blondes though, so be prepared to meet a lot of foreigners there..















Me and Ivan @ News Asia Bar

Anyway, I had a wonderful sharing session with good dining experience today. I know Ivan through JAC back then during my uni days. He was the president of the club when I first enrolled into the club. Back then, he has displayed a powerful leadership skill and strong determination. I knew all along that he's one of those who'd make in life. However, I was surprised when he shared with me his goal and dream. His ambition was far beyond my thought..

Graduated with third class honours, he got his first job with P&G as Sales and Development Manager with the highest salary during his batch. I shall say that a degree can only bring you so far, in the end everything depends on you yourself. Moreover, he sent out 70+ resumes before he landed with this rewarding job.

So for those who's looking for a job now, perhaps you graduate with third class honours or higher, more likely you have sent out more than 50 resumes with no replies (as market is real bad now), don't be discouraged! The opportunity is out there for you.. All you need is just courage, determination and perhaps luck too :p

Ronald's Blog

I guess everyone has to surrender to the raging blogging trend, and that doesn't exclude Ronald! bwahahhahaha *evil laughter..

When I first started blogging, he was surprised and was pretty against it. Okay.. perhaps against was too strong as a word.. However, he found reading a blog is a waste of time, not to mention writing one. I had to endure so many series of lecture about how one can actually spend his/her time wisely by exercising, reading books, sourcing for information through the net, relaxing through games etc, anything other than blogging..

Nevertheless, I continued my blog as a means to update my friends on my activities :) He, eventually, spared his time to read my blog and learnt about my activities throughout.. To me, it's a good improvement I guess, knowing he was so negative about blogging..

However, as time goes by, perhaps by seeing how blog has emerged as a trend, Ronald now has a BLOG!!! *bwahahhahahah.. miracle does happen! :p

Anyway, I'm going to be an angel by sharing to you all his newly created and decorated blog ;) It's a blog full of information on geeky stuff such as books, computers, IT, investments etc. So for those who wish to enrich your knowledge, find out what you can learn there ;) Just click on the title, it's linked to the blog :)

Ronald, you have to thank me for promoting your blog! A decent meal would be sufficient ;)

Sending Off My Bro

Yo Bro, I know this is too late. But as the saying goes 'it's better to be late than never'. You should forgive me for the putting this up so late -it's only 2weeks cmon :p

Look at my bro's new hairstyle! Jay Chou impersonating he is! *bwahahhaha* evil laugh

Happy Birthday Pa

Today's my dear old pop's birthday. Wished him happy birthday and may he find a new spring soon. I often wonder if there'd ever be a new woman in his life. It ain't easy to find 'someone' at his age I guess.. It'd be good though if you can ever found one, perhaps for the sake of companionship..

Finally I'm done with the administrations. Collected my visa and settled my banker's guarantee. I'm left with approval from MOE which I'm expecting in 2-3days and flight ticket.. Still trying to confirm the departure date with my friend.. *haiz.

Had a pretty long day today. Started my day with a list of places I had to run -Embassy, Banks, UOB. Ended my day in Chinatown for KTV and dinner with my friends. As usual, Tanu and Ronald are real energetic during the KTV. KTV is always fun with them around.. hahahaha.. It was one great outing I shall say :)

It's really difficult to catch up with friends once we started working. You have company outing, friend's birthday, farewell, dates, appointments etc. I count myself lucky to be able to have the outing yesterday. Tanu is really one helluva busy person -and he's not even employed YET!

Anyway, I'm having this irresistible cravings for dimsum lately. Been hunting for good places for dimsum. Yesterday I had dimsum lunch in Chinatown at a homemade Cantonese dimsum restaurant called 'De Ji' if I'm not mistaken. It's located at the other end of Food Street, just next to Yum Cha restaurant, opposite Dong Fang restaurant.

They serve pretty nice dishes although lack of variations. Siew may and prawn mushroom dumpling are at the top of my recommendation list. I didn't know that banana and prawn go well together until I tried their banana & prawn dragon beard. The fong zaw was alright, perhaps bland for my tastebud and DON'T get the lo mai gai! Pricing was fine, with range of $2.50-$3.00 per serving. No service charge indeed ;)

Still looking for good place for dimsum though. Recommendations anyone?

D-Day

Now I know the reason behind my sluggishness for the past few days. It's the time of the month! That explains my short-temper, appetite, lethargy and mood swing! ArGhHHhhhh!!! I hate these period.. The trouble that I have to go through.. The pain that it caused.. The blood shed.. Why we, females, have to suffer from these? Why is it there in the first place?!

Today I had to cancel two appointments due to the cramp! My body just didn't feel right. Be it standing, sitting, lying, crouching, the pain is just there!! It's been long since my last cramp I guess (or perhaps I depend on pills too much). Thanks to James' mom though for the hotbod that she just bought. It really helps relieving the pain.. I felt much better soon..

In case you're wondering what a hotbod is, it's a pillow filled up with wheat beans for therapeutic purpose. It can be used both cold and hot to relieve pain, headache etc. Just put it in the microwave for 30secs for hot effect and fridge for cold effect :) Nowadays it comes with different types of scent and shape.. The on that I'm using now is honeysuckle :)

Come to think about it, I should get one in Shanghai. It'd be useful for winter or my next period, whichever comes first..

Having a long day tomorrow.. Early in the morning I'd be collecting my visa from China Embassy, afterwards proceed to settle my banker's guarantee in UOB Plaza which I have to pass to MOE in exchange for approval letter.. Running around again tomorrow.. -_-'

Lethargic

Lately I have been in bad health condition. Perhaps it's the weather. Perhaps it's the stress. Perhaps it's the wine. Perhaps it's the sleeping habit. Definitely it's NOT the eating habit. I have been eating well and regularly, not on time though, but well I eat! I have my lunch and dinner ALWAYS!

I feel tired easily when I go out for long hours or stay out too late. I wonder why. I guess I'm getting OLDDDD.. I feel the difference when I was still in my teens and now that I'm in my 20-s. I made it sounds as if I'm reeeaaaalll OLLLDDD eh -_-'

I guess my Shanghai trip is stressing me out. Going to a new country with no friends/family at all. It kinda freaks me out esp. because I'm a girl. The pressure is there. The fear is there. The stress is there. I won't be able to relax until I'm there. And I know the first few months will be full of adventures for me. I'm feeling both excited and anxious..

I ask myself often if this is the right choice, if I made a correct decision. I have gone this far though. There's no way of turning back. I guess I have to make it a right choice even if it was not in the first place. No matter what, I have to gained the best out of it! This is what I'm telling myself, but well.. we shall see :p

Wish me the best k! I'd need all the luck, prayer, support etc here..

Independence Day

Today is my country's independence day and yet I FORGOT!! Ouchh.. I guess it can't be helped. It has been a while since the last time I actually celebrated it. Let me count.. hmmm.. 4 years? 5 years? Can't really remember. Oh well.. I'm really losing my identity.. NOOOOO!!!

I'm done with most of the administrations I need to do here. I hope there'd be no more unexpected to come. The medical check up was shocking enough, to think that China Embassy ONLY recognize medical check up from SGH! The extra cost was difficult to bear nor accept..

It's pretty confirmed that I'm leaving Singapore sometime around 25th August. So Andrew, let's meet up after you come back from Lampung! Yeah!!! We shall! We shall! Sonny was suggesting a KTV session.. What do you guys think? TYH, give idea! Anyway no more fancy food please. The hole in my pocket is bigger than Sonny's now that he had job offer. Hmm.. Let's make Sonny treats! Yay Yay!! :p

!#%$@^#$^!!

I had my visa application rejected this morning due to my medical check up! They ONLY recognize results from SGH! What kind of monopoly is this? What's wrong with other hospitals? Why only SGH?! Why is it not even stated in the website?!? Wasted my time, effort and money! #!%#^@$#^!#$^!!

Now I had no choice but to redo my medical check-up! *GrRrr.. TWO check-ups in THREE MONTHS!! I just calculated the expenses for my preparation for Shanghai and it costs me $3K already inc. air tix! I'm soooo discouraged now!! Perhaps I shouldn't go. Perhaps I should just stay here, find a nice apt to stay and get a job!

#!@%@#%^@$^@#! So pissed off!!

Anyway I gotta postpone my schedule now. I guess I can only leave around 25th then. Should have gotten myself a temp job.. Darn!! *pissed I'm soooo broke now...

I MISSED EEE DINNER!!

Tell me it's not happening! Tell me it's postponed! Tell me there'd be a second round! Tell me anything but I missed it! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....

There goes the chance of seeing my graduate friends :( Well guess I have to wait for EEE yr 2005 reunion, if there's ever going to be one. Thus, someone out there, especially EEE Club, please start planning for the event!!! Danny, Andrew, work hard please :p

Anyway, I'm rotting here in Jakarta, passing each day by day without doing anything -_-" HELPPPPP!!! I can't wait to get out of this boring life and start my study in Shanghai AND return for work in Singapore. My graduate fellows, I envy you all so much that you could start building your career now and planning for your future.

Well thank to my books that I could still survive each day fulfillingly. I'm currently on the last few chapters on my current reading, How to Have a Beautiful Mind by Edward de Bono. Nice book, but kinda tasking. I can't wait to finish that book and proceed to my next book! In fact, I've been aiming for my next readings: Tipping Point by Malcom Galdwell and King of Torts by John Grisham.

Separation is inevitable. Ah Liang went to US for his holiday trip-cum-work in June and be back only in late September. Dave went back Canada earlier in July. Leslie, too, has left to HongKong early August for his own good. Jenson's leaving for US studies in mid August. Andrew is still in question.. Soon, it's my turn to leave Singapore for my Chinese studies. Everyone has his/her own path eh..

Beyond the Beautiful Rainbow

Gazing at the sky at night,
I see a light, o' so bright.
Beyond the world above so far,
It's my Angel's glorious Star.

I watch the rise and fall of tides,
With an Angel's presense by my side.
I see her glitter, see her glow,
And I see her soul, slowly grow.

She's got a Brave and Beautiful Heart,
Caught my mind like a speeding dart.
With a Smile that's ever so sweet.
Frankly, she sweeps me off my feet.

Her Soulful eyes tell of countless tales,
Of all she braved, storms and gales.
And of feelings that lay so deep,
Thoughts that lingers, she rather keep.

Her Beauty can launch a thousand ships,
But yet her soul lies hurt and weak.
A forced smile is what I saw,
But in her Heart, the Teardrops fall.

If this is what they call Destiny,
Let it not last for Eternity.
Please don't play tricks oh dear Fate,
Show my Angel the Happiness gate.

In Life's journey, she slipped and fall,
But soon she's up, standing tall.
And Life's tough, it slowly get,
But I'll be there with her, step by step.

Angel, be Brave and be Bold,
As the Future slowly unfolds.
Beneath the dark clouds is a clear blue sky,
And that's where I believe, You'll eternally fly.

As an Angel, beyond the Beautiful Rainbow

Once upon a time, a kind-hearted lad wrote me this poem to cheer me up.

Back then, I was feeling sad and depressed being unable to let go of my past and move on with my life. Being a good listener, he listened to my troubles and gave me many encouraging advises. Often he sent me messages asking about my well-being, whether I'm feeling fine or have I taken my meal etc.

Looking back, I am really grateful to know such a wonderful lad. I sincerely thank him for those encouraging words, pasted and assembled nicely in a piece of paper. I also want to let him know that I am all happy now and have gotten my ticket to beyond the beautiful rainbow.

Thank you my dear friend..

What Could You Possibly Find Through Google

Have you ever tried typing your name in Google to see what you could find out of it?

A friend of mine actually typed the name of the girl whom he's fond of in Google, just to find a link showing the history of her employment in certain company! I know it sounds geeky freaky etc, but well trust me he's a kind-hearted guy. Perhaps he was feeling a little bit bored then.. :p

Anyway, this actually raised my curiousity. I wonder what could one find by typing his/her name in Google.

I actually tried typing my name to see what I could find, but I guess my name is an exception. A list of mostly french websites, many related to "Monalisa" or "Mona Lisa", appeared! As expected, most are related to Da Vinci paintings, while there are other few sources such as Monalisa Interior Decorators Pte Ltd, Monalisa Hairstyle, Monalisa Bridal etc. Interesting eh *wink*

I tried typing few other names on Google too. Some names actually relates me to their owners, those I know of; while there are few names that returned no results too. I'm not going to reveal the names here for confidence purpose.. :p

Well perhaps I'm feeling a bit bored here, but it's kinda an interesting way of filling up your free time eh ;)

Living Standard in Jakarta

I just realised how high the living standard in Jakarta is. A hair cut here for female starts from $30, while for male starts from $25! A fast food meal costs around $5-$6 per pax. A normal char kway teow costs around $3.50. I really think that Jakarta is becoming more and more expensive.

A normal person can live by $20/day, but that doesn't mean that $600/mth is all that you need. A car is a MUST transportation means here, so you have to include fuel surcharge into your monthly expenses, which perhaps will cost $25/wk depending on usage. For ladies, we need skin care expenses, perhaps amounts to $100/mth. Electricity/gas/water/internet bill amounts to $100-$200/mth depending on usage. Bear in mind that I haven't even touched on entertainment expenses. A simple proper life would require $1000/mth to survive!

I guess the living standard in Jakarta is really comparable to Singapore, or perhaps higher. People here care a lot about their 'face'. For some people, hair treatment, manicure-pedicure, massage and spa are basic monthly needs. Although perhaps they don't spend a lot on food, they do spend a lot on service and leisure.

Slacking Day

Wasted my whole day sleeping throughout! I am still recovering from the hectic from Convo-Genting-Singapore-Jakarta trip I guess. Time really flies, especially when you sleep on it :p just kidding! *haiz actually I wished I could utilize my time better for other activities. Really hate wasting my time this way!

Anyway let me share with you my finding on mask :) SK-II mask is really different! I tried so many different kind of masks, yet none has ever given me the satisfaction I got from SK-II mask. Well the $20 mask worths its every cent! After the treatment, my face becomes much fairer and softer! Darn!!! If only it wasn't so costly.. I guess the saying is true "yi fen chien yi fen huo"

I really like my new hairstyle now. I guess short hair suits me better :) Had the haircut at Cineleisure Supercuts two days before my flight. I personally think that the skill was just fine and the service wasn't really that bad, but my hair turned out real great. Perhaps it's after-cut feeling :p

My study to Shanghai has been approved by MOE finally! All left are only preparation of banker's guarantee, China visa application and apartment hunting in Shanghai. Applying visa in Jakarta aint an easy task, so I guess I'd process it once I'm back in Singapore. *phew* Looks like I'm gonna be real busy in Singapore then. I hope two weeks would be enough to settle all these..

To all my friends, I hope to be able to catch up with you when I'm back. If time doesn't permit, I'd see you again in Singapore k :) I'd still be back after all, with even better Chinese hopefully!! hahahha..

Moving with MY Cheese

I shall say that the book 'Who Moved My Cheese?' is a great inspirational book. It shows how one often being led by the comfort one has in his/her current life, that he/she is unable to react positively towards changes that occur and change his/her current life. This book teaches you on how to react and respond positively to the changes, and in turn benefits from the changes

In 'Who Moved My Cheese?', 'Cheese' is used as analogy of what's important in life, be it career, money, family, love etc; ; while changes happen when the 'Cheese' is no more there, or it has been moved. The more important 'Cheese' is to you, the more you want to hold on to it!

People don't like changes because of the fear of change, that's why they resist changes. However, when changes happened, they had no choice but to cope with the changes and change along with the changes. There are, though, some people who just can't cope with change and refuse to change. These people would eventually extinct.

This book has made me look at my Shanghai study in a different light. As I've mentioned in my previous post, I'm uncertain about my decision on Shanghai study, mostly due to the fear of having to move to a new foreign country alone. I'm afraid of the change and thus resist change, as what people often do! However, I'm now able to look positively at this opportunity and looking forward to the change. I believe there'd be a better 'Cheese' in Shanghai waiting for me to savour ;)

Now that I'm done with the book, I'm hunting for my next reading now. I guess this reading craze of mine will be on for quite a some time, not that I don't like it though! hahahha.. I'm into China history actually, not because of my China studies though, but I'm really interested to learn about Three Kingdoms, the dynasty and distinguish the difference between each dynasty, and how it became republic country. Credits go to Andrew who always share his knowledge of China history to me. I'm looking for a great book on it. Any recommendations anyone? *wink*

Anyway, Ronald, you should read the book 'Who Moved My Cheese?' and perhaps 'The Present'!! I'd pass them to you once I'm back k ;) Although, perhaps you don't need them since you are already full of optimism in life! :) Anyway I think 'Atlantis' should be an interesting novel, you have it yet?