Botak Jones

Guys, you gotta check out this superb western food stall at Clementi Ave 5!

My first try was Cajun Chix -charcoal grilled chicken breast, served with melted mozarella cheese and topped with their homemade Cajun sauce.















Look at that generous portion of spicy fries and coleslaws! *yummy.. slurpp.. :p

When they said charcoal grilled, they weren't kidding -it's CHARCOAL grilled alright. The fries were fried with CORN OIL -how healthy it can be. The fries came oil-less -not even single drop of oil! *okay I'm exaggerating here.. but it's pretty much no oil seen alright..

Here comes the best part -LOW FAT mustard! No joke! I looked through the nutrition facts -0 calories and 0 fat!

Price was $6.50 for regular and $12 for large (to be shared by two). I would say it was reasonable for the quality of the food, despite being hawker!

All in all, go and check it out!!!

Dior Watch + K2 Blade Bargains

Dior/Fendi/Tag Heuer were on sale today -discounts up to 70%. Went there empty-handed and came back with a nice watch and $380 poorer.. Original price: $1,090 -65% off! Great bargain yeah -but still burnt pretty deep hole in my pocket.


















Dior Collection Series..

Second damage was K2 Blade at $329 -original price $512 -35% off! Initial intention was to visit my friend who opened this Skateline shop at Peninsula Shopping Centre. Ended up trying out the blade, and found it nice and comfortable... impulsive shopper..















K2 Designer Rollerblade..

I am officially $700 poorer as of today. I gotta start a savings scheme for myself soon..

Haze

The haze is pretty bad today.. Regret my decision of going out.. I'm having bad migraine and breathing difficulty the whole day.

Funny sms from Tanu:

Fucking hazy, smell like bbq. Fuck man, if I got lung cancer who's gonna pay.. Our government is killing us..

*bwahahahaha.. joker of the day!


Below taken from NEA website:

The smoke haze situation has deteriorated overnight. The prevailing winds
have remained southerly to southwesterly overnight and they have brought
smoke haze from southern Sumatra to Singapore.

The latest satellite pictures showed that there were 506 hotspots and thick
smoke haze in Sumatra, mainly in Riau, Jambi and South Sumatra. The
prevailing winds are transporting the smoke haze towards the Malacca
Straits, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.

The prevailing southerly to southwesterly winds are expected to continue
for the rest of the day. Mainly fair weather is expected in Singapore
today with late morning/early afternoon showers expected on Sunday and
Monday.

As the 24-hr PSI is expected to be in the unhealthy range today, NEA has
posted a health advisory on its PSI website advising persons with existing
heart or respiratory ailments to reduce physical exertion and outdoor
activities. The general population should reduce vigorous outdoor activity.

A New Month

Looking back, I realized I have been wasting 3 weeks of my life last month. This is a new month now, and I tell myself I must move on! No more grieving.. Yes, still feeling pain, but it gotta stop somehow..

Did some catching up with Brandon who just came back from US for his sister's wedding. Then, had dinner at The Soup Spoon with AK. The soup was pretty good. I have always walked past the area, but yesterday was the first time I really sat down and tried.. Thanks for the suggestion AK, else I'd be stucked with the ol' Subway ;p

Divine Accident

The most wonderful of all things in life, I believe, is the discovery of another human being with whom one's relationship has a glowing depth, beauty, and joy as the years increase. This inner progressiveness of love between two human beings is a most marvelous thing. It cannot be found by looking for it or by passionately wishing for it. It is a sort of Divine accident.

-Sir Hugh Walpoe

Time Heals All Wounds

Well said..

Gotta pull myself together again.. :)

That's What Friends Are For

I dedicate the below verse to my friends out there.. I want to thank you for all your support when I was so down and broken.. Thanks for the heart-warming calls, thanks for the supportive words, thanks for the daily sms concerns, thanks for being with me physically, and thanks for the prayers.. You know who you are..

And I never thought I'd feel this way
And as far as I'm concerned
I'm glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you

And if I should ever go away
Well then close your eyes and try
To feel the way we do today
And then if you can remember

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For/In good times and/in bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

Well you came and opened me
And now there's so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you

And then for the times when we're apart
Well then close your eyes and know
These words are coming from my hearts
And then if you can remember

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For/In good times and/in bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

I am grateful to have you as my friend..

退后

Taken from Jay's newest album -Still Fantasy, this song was specially chosen because it perfectly describes the state of my relationship...

天空灰的像哭过
离开你以后
并没有更自由
酸酸的空气
守住我们的距离
一幕醉心的结局
像呼吸般无法停息
抽屉泛黄的日记
找到了回忆
那笑容是傻气
你我的过去
被深深真的忘记
缺氧过后的爱情
存心的眼泪是多余
我知道你我都没有错
只是忘了怎么退后
信誓旦旦给的承诺
全被时间扑了空
我知道我们都没有错
只是放手比较好过
最美的爱情回忆里带去

We both agreed to sail together to find our dream island. I was warned that the journey won't be smooth sailing as we will encounter big waves, rain and thunder storm along the way. That's why we prepared ourselves with lifebuoys as safeguard.

Many times our ship went through big waves, but it still maintained itsbalance. It slowed down our journey, but we're still moving forward..

During rainy days, it feels wet and cold. Fortunately, we had enough timber to lit up the fire to keep us warm and dry. Despite bad weather, our ship still sail forward.

Then came the thunder storm! It hit the sail and cause our ship to lose its balance and crashed into a huge rock! Our ship has to go down.. slowly but sure it's drowning..

Suddenly, our journey is forced to end here.. Our dream island has turned into a mere dream..

We reached to find the lifebuoys and discover that there's only one left. The other was lost without us realizing it. There's only one lifebuoy and there are two of us. One of us must sacrifice for the sake of the other..

And that one is me...

If You Want to Walk on Water, You Got To Get Out of The Boat

Interesting title, so I thought when I was first introduced to this book, written by John Ortberg.

Frankly, there are 1001 ways that I can think of to relate the above line to my life, be it personal development, love life, career, social life, etc. I believe you could too as you read the above line.

So, what does this getting out of the boat mean to you?

Yes you are right! Getting out of your comfort zone!

So next question, what's your comfort zone?

Okay, it's different for different people. It could be major career change, starting own biz, studying abroad in pursuit of independence/responsibility, etc.

I believe, many of us might have gotten out of the boat several times in our life; yet, we didn't find ourselves walking on water and we still couldn't walk on water. Most of us, in fact, were drowned!

Don't be discouraged my friend. Getting out of the boat takes courage yes, and being drowned is an experience. Perhaps you see it as a failure; however, let me tell you this, many people do not know the feeling of being drowned. Thus, look at the bright side: you experience the feeling of being drowned!

Life is a journey my friend. Take it slow, experience the ups and downs. Don't rush your own time, God has His own time. Everything will fall into pieces the way He wants it to be.

Just something to share :)

Happy Birthday Dad!

I was back in Jkt for the last 5days to celebrate my dad's birthday. The birthday celebration was simple, only with one small tiramisu cake and gifts by me, Tommy and Anton. I wonder what my bro's getting for my dad this year *wink ;p Unlike others, we didn't have birthday dinner, instead we had birthday lunch at Padang Restaurant. It's unusual though, as we always celebrate it at Gandy's every year with him having his ostrich steak. I guess this year was special after all ;)

The trip back was pretty much hectic as it was short and there were so many social visits to make. However, it was well spent! Thanks Tom for your companion and assistance on my 5days trip :) Also, thanks Anton for the premier grade apples freshly delivered from Shan Dong. The apples were SUPERB! Too bad bro, you didn't manage to taste them! It's your loss! :p

Anyway, Happy Birthday Daddy :D

Thought of The Day

The path to our destination is not always a straight one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn't matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark. -Barbara Hall, Northern Exposure, Rosebud, 1993

Decleor & In Essence Sale

We're having Decleor & In Essence Sale today. Everything is going at cost price!

Decleor Hydra Floral Mask going for $10 only -SRP: $60! In Essence essential oils going for $8 each -SRP $33! Shower gels and body lotion going for $10 -SRP: $60+! I am sooo thrilled! I admit I'm a sucker for skincare pdts. I rather spend on skin/body care rather than cosmetics.

Total damage this time is $210!
-Decleor Hydra Floral Mask x2
-Decleor Hydra Floral Eye/Lip Contour Mask x1
-Decleor Foot Cream x1
-In Essence Shower Gel x4
-In Essence Body Lotion x3
-Foot Deo Spray x2 (me and James)
-In Essence essential oils x7
-Rose Mist x2

Aside from the sale, rumours travel at speed of light. Everyone in office seems to know about my resignation. I wonder who and how?

Just today, I had 5ppl inquiring me about my resignation. They said they heard -but forgot from who -_-' Well, it's time to blurt out anyway. I informed my principals and sales mktg as well so that they won't get so shocked receiving my last email :p

Spent the evening pampering my skin with IE luxurious shower gel and moisturising body lotion, hydrating my face with DE hydra floral mask and eye/lip contour mask, moisturising my feet with DE foot cream and protecting my nails/cuticles with Neroli oil. I had a wonderful evening spa!

It's a blessing to be born as a lady..

Official Last Date

Talked to my manager yesterday regarding the early release. Apparently, she wasn't too happy about me taking two urgent leaves in two weeks. Ops! :p haha.. oh well, it can't be helped. First week I had menstrual cramp, and second week I was burnt out due to PC show. Things are just so coincidental eh! It's not as if I had arranged it beforehand. But well, it's too good to believe anyway.

She made a remark on me not having my heart in the company due to my subsequent urgent leaves. Oh well, those are two separate issues -but I don't deny that my heart isn't with Luxasia anymore. I just can't wait to end my last month and get outta here!

Guess what?! She passed me a letter from HR today confirming my official last date in Luxasia -it's on 28th Jun'06! Exactly, ONE MONTH NOTICE! Yay! I'm so relieved!

It's just perfect as I'd have tutorials for M9 modules on 29th-30th Jun, while exam will be on 3rd Jul! I can now study in peace! Boohooo.. I'm sooooo happy!!

PC Show 2006

Helped out my friend's shop -Trendsmobile- in PC Show 2006 selling ETEN PDA Phone. For those who are not aware of the brand, do check out the www.ppcsg.com for users reviews. FYI, this is the only phone so far with 256MB ROM using Samsung 400MHZ processors!

Burnt my weekend in PC Show just so that I could spend my weekend with my bf -working -_-" Haiz! I hope now you know how much I love you dear..

Anyway, sales were pretty good. Two days and I sold total of 12phones! I made approximately $300 that weekend and I get to trade-in my Dopod with the new launched HP6828 for extra $99 -quite justifiable for my burnt weekend.

Can't wake up the next Monday, my whole back is totally glued to my bed. Had no choice but to take urgent leave. Manager didn't reply my msg. Heck! I am not fit to work, you can't expect me to sacrifice my health for the company right?! I'm in my ORD mentality anyway -James' remark :p

I'm going to talk to my manager to give me early release. Really can't handle juggling between so many things now. I really hope that she'd release me by at least first week of Jul'06. Let's see how tmr goes.

Resignation

Today I tendered my resignation letter to my manager.

She was sorta surprised but not that surprised -what a way to describe -_-' Basically, she seems to know my intention, but kinda surprised that it'd be so soon? Oh well..

According to normal procedure, I should serve one month notice from the date I tender my resignation; however, she asked me to stay until they can find my replacement for me to do a proper handover. I agreed to it although she didn't mention how long it's gonna be -_-" Fool!

Now just hope that I can be released before 20th Jul as that would be the start of my EDP (Executive Development Program) with AIA.

Life at work is so much easier now that I know I'm leaving. HA!

Career Change

2nd mth in the job, I began to ask myself if this is the kinda job I'd like to do. 3rd mth in the job and I know that the answer is NO!

In actual, the job ain't that bad for those who enjoy desk bound job. Pay is pretty fair. Perks are tempting with $250 worths of branded goods every quarter -not to mention free testers/samples and good bargains during staff sale. Bonus can't be better with 3-4mths pay! So why am I quitting?!

Well, it's too desk bound! I figured that while I'm still young and dynamic, it'd be better for me to be on the go -if you know what I mean. Moreover, I'm better at PR and sales rather than in purchasing.

I shouldn't be complaining I know. I aimed for purchasing in luxury industry for my first job -and I got what I wanted! Yet now I'm backing off -kinda ungrateful eh! But well, I always believe that one should do what he/she enjoys doing.

Work should revolve around your life, not the other way around

The next step I chose is financial consultancy. Something I never thought I'd be doing which turned out to be the most suitable line for me -self motivation, hardwork and results based pay, freedom of time, wide clientele base.

I wonder what's with the common misperception of unstable income. To me, it's not so much of big deal as this is what you'd be facing when you start your own business. When biz is good, earnings go up; when biz is bad, earnings go down -might be negative if it doesnt cover your operations cost. Similarly, I regard financial consultancy as my own biz in intangible assets supported by big financial group with interest-free loan!

Now time to tender my resignation..

Dopod Pro 818

Finally! Got myself a PDA phone! Been aiming for this since my birthday (Jan'06). Took me 5mths to get my birthday's gift.

Bought the phone at $818 with free 1GB SD Card -it worths $40 only -_-' James gave me $200 voucher and another $200 subsidy for my birthday. So total net spending from my card is $418! Freaking cheap :p Thanks dear hee..

Decided to grab the lavender color cos the silver seems too common, not really into the black, pink is too striking while the blue is too kiddish. Brought the phone to GMask ($38) afterwhich I regretted so much. The color looks more dull than the original! ARgghh!!!

Spent the first two days tweaking the phone. Firstly, I did online research and discovered that www.ppcsg.com is one helluva resourceful forum. You can get all the info you need from the forum! Installed extra programs like wisbar lite advance to customize my Today screen -something like your desktop in PC, bejeweled 2 -a MUST to keep me entertained!, AvantGO -online news on the go!

Downloaded lotsa wallpapers to beautify my screen look. One thing about girl's stuff is that it always need beautifying -cosmetic surgery. Girls like to look good not only on themselves, but also on things they wear and carry! Guys, do note this: It's not that we're tech blind -we are just able to substitute tech for design, we don't need a too hi-tech stuff anyway.

Week later, I finally got myself a Piel Farma red leather pouch from Trendsmobile. Ben was kind to sell it to me at cost ($60) -in actual, he was DYING to GET RID of it! So I was just being kind to do him the favor :p

All in all, my Dopod is PERFECTO now! No complaints at all!

Snapshots of my new baby ;)

Krabi Trip

Krabi has what it takes for a perfect getaway destination -beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, great spa and friendly locals. My 4days and 3nights stay was very fulfilling and enjoyable. This holiday has been very memorable esp since it strenghtened the bond between me and James. This holiday was what our relationship needed!














Ao Nang Beach

We arrived in Krabi at 8am and was brought around for city tour directly. Places that we visited include Tiger Cave (with no tigers inside of course), Fish Farm, Krabi Town and several souvenir shops (as always in all tours). Surprisingly, the souvenir shops turn out to be cheaper than the normal shops in Ao Nang Beach. This is because that Ao Nang is a tourism area -something that we discovered only later on.

Around 2pm we reached our resort, checked in and asked for room service massage -just something that we needed after an early flight and tiring city tour. Dinner was by the beach -a romantic candlelight dinner (but candle was constantly being blown off by the wind -_-')

Second day was spent visiting neighbouring islands -Hong Island, Lading Island and Pakbia Island. We signed up for island tour package and travelled in big boat. Hong Island has a beautiful lagoon and thus make it a must island to visit. The downside, however, that it has not much sandy area for you to lie on. But hey cheer up, you can still snorkel and kayak here :)




















Hong Island Lagoon

There's nothing much to say about Lading Island. Scenery is beautiful but perhaps it's too secluded. We spent our time here relaxing and enjoying the scenery.














Lading Island














Pakbia Island -passed by but didn't stop due to high tide.

The island tour took up whole of the morning and afternoon of our day. We spent 10hours travelling and we were totally beat when we reached the hotel. We were crazy enough to swim for an hour after the travel though!

I and James agreed that the resort we stayed in was probably the best resort in the island. It was strategically located in front of the beach and near the town. Main exit leads to the main road; while back exit leads directly to the beach. The view from the resort is FANTASTIC -as you can see below.














I booked a superior cottage but was upgraded to deluxe FOC. The difference is that superior is on the first floor; while deluxe on the second floor. Additional facilities in deluxe include jacuzzi and open-air Balinese standing shower. Room was spacious yet private -perfect! Staff was friendly and service was fantastic. Nothing you could ask for more!














This is really a perfect place for getaway -esp for recharge. I'd definitely love to come back again -but not so soon. There are still plenty of places for me to discover such as Koh Samui, Maldives, Hua Hin etc.. This might have to wait till next year though ...














Sunset in Ao Nang -beautiful eh ;)

My First Job

It's been ages since my last post! Guess I was too tied up adjusting with my working life that I didnt have any time to visit my blog.

Well, I see there's quite a misunderstanding here due to my prev posts. I'm not working for LVMH- wasn't really interested in the position being offered. I'm now employed under Luxasia -a Singapore company dealing in perfumeries, skincare and cosmetics. My position title is inventory exec -basically purchasing line. I'm handling 10brands now -YSL, Stella, Zegna, Acqua Di Parma, Decleor, Carita, By Terry etc.

This is my 3rd month in the job and still coping. Heavy workload and many late nights. The earliest I've knocked off was actually 7pm! The past 3weeks been real bad, knocking off like 9pm on average. Well ..... -_-'

2months in the company and I decided to take a break for a spa getaway in Krabi. Yes it's really that stressful and tiring. Lotsa paperworks, admins, files to updates and stuff to follow-up. Well it's a FMCG industry and yes it's moving damn fast!

Do Cover Letters Really WORK?

I honestly think HR-s don't read cover letters! It's all about emailing to the right person! Quoting from 'What Colour is Your Parachute', the function of HR-s is to eliminate you! So why bother to send to them?!

From my experiences, I realized that all my interviews are due to my emailing strategy. Although I did tweak and fiddle with my CV, but hell, I don't think it's anything impressive still.

For example, I emailed LVMH three times -different positions though- and only got a reply on my THIRD email. Why? Because I didn't mail to hr@blablabla or recruit@blablabla or careers@blablabla.. I don't think they'd have chance to find my application as there'd be hundreds of applications inside that mailbox. Instead, I sent my CV to the HR's direct email, which I managed to find after weeks of thorough, extensive, restless research!

Anyway, I finally gotten a job -after two weeks! Yup, pretty fast eh? I'm kinda surprised myself.. It's non-engineering field -and you'd be wondering what the hell I am doing in non-engineering field with an engineering cert. Well I'm plain uninterested -and why did I take engineering in the first place.. I'm sure I have shared my view on that before..

So this is how it happened. First, I sent an email to the HR and cc-ed it to GM's office. 15mins later, the HR called and arranged for an interview the next morning. I came, took an inventory test, passed (partly luck, partly fate, partly analytical skill), chatted with HR who then passed me to my current direct supervisor for second interview -that's fast! Another interview, another talk, briefing of jobs description, another introduction..

The next morning, sent thank you letter and again convinced them how keen I am to join 'em. 4hrs later, they rang me up and offered me the position -the power of thank-you letter Accepted and went down straight to sign contract -!that's EXPRESS!

Now, I'm suddenly busy. Monday orientation, Tuesday PR application, Wednesday officially start work.. And the rest, needless to say..