One of the musketeers - Ms Chan finally promoted to "Mrs" with effect from today.
May she live in eternal marital bliss!
September 28, 2008
F1 Craze
It has been the talk of the town for many months. Some of my colleagues are even taking leave to personally witness the booming cars, the seamless workings of the pit crew as well as the handsome drivers.
Of course, I am clueless about the cars, the engines and all the mechanics. Obviously, I cannot understand some of the hype surrounding the event other than the beautiful city view having been lit up specially for the event.
Clearly, I am in the 'out' group. When I was returning home after a wedding dinner, the hotel whichis just a street away from the F1 track was simply congested with traffic - both vehicles frm the diversion of roads as well as people from returning after catching the finals.
Although I never watch any of the race, I do feel the craze when because of the traffic, I was stuck in the jams for at least 30 minutes.
Of course, I am clueless about the cars, the engines and all the mechanics. Obviously, I cannot understand some of the hype surrounding the event other than the beautiful city view having been lit up specially for the event.
Clearly, I am in the 'out' group. When I was returning home after a wedding dinner, the hotel whichis just a street away from the F1 track was simply congested with traffic - both vehicles frm the diversion of roads as well as people from returning after catching the finals.
Although I never watch any of the race, I do feel the craze when because of the traffic, I was stuck in the jams for at least 30 minutes.
September 26, 2008
F1 Grand Prix
The tickets for the inaugural F1 night race are too expensive. However, I can busk in the excitement by getting up close and personal with the trophy. Although I cannot touch it, I can certainly snap a picture of it.
September 25, 2008
Playing with Video Calls
My colleague and I were suddenly piqued with curiosity about 3G phones. Despite having a 3G phone for years and under a 3G plan, we have never used it beyond a 2G means, ie just normal voice calls and texting.
Since we are working in a telco, we should be more familiar with the services that we are offering, so we attempt to do a video call. Wow, we got really excited when we saw images of the party we were talking to and our own face in the screen of the phone.
We thought 3G phone calls would be a solution for friends and families who were separated geographically, ie when we were posted overseas or were travelling overseas. My colleague even suggested that she could call me using video calls when she got lost driving in Ang Mo Kio so that I could see where she was and provided her directional guide.
Wow, it would really be very convenient with 3G calls. It was a pity that we only discovered its usefulness recently.
P.S. My colleague and I are sitting only side-by-side.
Since we are working in a telco, we should be more familiar with the services that we are offering, so we attempt to do a video call. Wow, we got really excited when we saw images of the party we were talking to and our own face in the screen of the phone.
We thought 3G phone calls would be a solution for friends and families who were separated geographically, ie when we were posted overseas or were travelling overseas. My colleague even suggested that she could call me using video calls when she got lost driving in Ang Mo Kio so that I could see where she was and provided her directional guide.
Wow, it would really be very convenient with 3G calls. It was a pity that we only discovered its usefulness recently.
P.S. My colleague and I are sitting only side-by-side.
September 24, 2008
Technical Knowledge Overload
As part of our training program, free Financial Reporting Standards (FRS) updates seminars are conducted by our auditors. It has been ages since I last attend such a session. Moreover, keeping abreast with the changes in the accounting world is part of the professional requirement of ICPAS. Hence, I signed up for the course immediately.
The Partner started off by sharing about the latest business consolidation standards, ie adding the financials of 2 related companies together. Given that I was already very confused during uni days about consolidation of accounts. As he quoted the numbers to illustrate, I was certainly lost after a while.
Everything went downhill from then on. The information came in waves that merely overloaded my mind. My brain had not worked as hard since I last sat for the qualifying exams for non-practising accountant. Being rusty from use, it was never at its tip-top position to fully absorb and assimilate the information passed on. My mind started to drift after a while.
Looks like it will be very hard for me to pick up the books and go back to school. I have never known that it is this hard to be a student. :-(
The Partner started off by sharing about the latest business consolidation standards, ie adding the financials of 2 related companies together. Given that I was already very confused during uni days about consolidation of accounts. As he quoted the numbers to illustrate, I was certainly lost after a while.
Everything went downhill from then on. The information came in waves that merely overloaded my mind. My brain had not worked as hard since I last sat for the qualifying exams for non-practising accountant. Being rusty from use, it was never at its tip-top position to fully absorb and assimilate the information passed on. My mind started to drift after a while.
Looks like it will be very hard for me to pick up the books and go back to school. I have never known that it is this hard to be a student. :-(
September 21, 2008
Pow Sing Peranakan Cuisine
I am a big fan of Peranakan cuisine with its sweet, sour and spicy taste. Pow Sing Restaurant is one which offers fairly reasonably priced dishes at Serangoon Gardens. When the restaurant opens a stall in Food Republic, I always order its grilled set as it is a set without my having to think of what to eat.
September 20, 2008
Street Sights
I got off at the wrong bus-stop because I remembered the route wrongly. As bus 124 was going in a loop, I recalled it stopping at Capitol Building but I forgot that it was en-route to Telok Blangah and not from Telok Blangah back to Whampoa. Hence, I ended up alighting at SMU and had to walk back to Cityhall.
Sometimes, a little de-tour was also good because I passed by places that I would normally ventured to. I walked through SMU and seemed to be transported back in time to my uni days. I passed by the very-well-preserved Stamford House which currently was hosting a variety of cafes and boutiques. I was also greeted by the used-to-be MPH building just opposite the already demolished old national library when I was waiting at the traffic junction.
In the not too warm evening, I suddenly felt very touristy and stopped by to snap a picture of the ageless MPH. Just as it used to be a great landmark, the old MPH continued to captivate passerbys with its rather colonial façade. I felt guilty. Having travel far to other cities and be wowed by each city’s unique personality, I seemed to be less interested in exploring Singapore.
The Singapore Flyer is the latest icon on the bayfront. Although I have yet to have a chance to ride in the cabin overlooking the bay, I can at least see for myself its full glory as it lights up the night skies.
As a Singaporean, I ought to very ashamed of myself. I should really spend more time exploring Singapore.
Bus Ride
My love-hate relationship with bus-rides is almost like riding a roller-coaster.
When I was a child, I used to like buses. The rides were smooth and I could nap throughout the ride so that I woke up refreshed. With the advent of MRT, I preferred MRT as they were cleaner, faster and more comfortable. At that time, many buses were still non-air-conditioned while train cabins were certainly air-conditioned. I used to shun away from buses as the journeys were long-winded. The increasing crowd heightened claustrophobia and created a rowdier ride. Bus drivers who were more reckless with intervals of fast driving accompanied by fast brakes exacerbated car-sickness. Thus, given a choice, I would opt for MRT over buses.
Recently, I become more acceptable to buses again as buses can offer me a faster and more convenient mode of transport than MRT. My residence is between 2 train stations. This means it is a long walk if I would to take train. Even if I take train, travelling to places in the East will take at least an hour. As some buses will only take 45 min (eg Bugis), I turn to the buses instead. With the new airconditioned buses and the wider seats, at least I felt less claustrophic in a bus. Some of the revamped routes are also less long-winded so it made me less susceptible to bus-sickness.
When I was going to Hui's house for ber baby's showers, I took a 30-minute bus from Plaza Singapura to her house. She was surprised when she heard I took the bus. She thought it was a pretty long journey while I took a 30-minute ride was quite manageable, frankly. When I overcome the jerkiness of certain rides, I am able to better appreciate the journey - the local sceneries that are often not available in the underground tunnels.
Hey, I start to enjoy taking buses. :-)
When I was a child, I used to like buses. The rides were smooth and I could nap throughout the ride so that I woke up refreshed. With the advent of MRT, I preferred MRT as they were cleaner, faster and more comfortable. At that time, many buses were still non-air-conditioned while train cabins were certainly air-conditioned. I used to shun away from buses as the journeys were long-winded. The increasing crowd heightened claustrophobia and created a rowdier ride. Bus drivers who were more reckless with intervals of fast driving accompanied by fast brakes exacerbated car-sickness. Thus, given a choice, I would opt for MRT over buses.
Recently, I become more acceptable to buses again as buses can offer me a faster and more convenient mode of transport than MRT. My residence is between 2 train stations. This means it is a long walk if I would to take train. Even if I take train, travelling to places in the East will take at least an hour. As some buses will only take 45 min (eg Bugis), I turn to the buses instead. With the new airconditioned buses and the wider seats, at least I felt less claustrophic in a bus. Some of the revamped routes are also less long-winded so it made me less susceptible to bus-sickness.
When I was going to Hui's house for ber baby's showers, I took a 30-minute bus from Plaza Singapura to her house. She was surprised when she heard I took the bus. She thought it was a pretty long journey while I took a 30-minute ride was quite manageable, frankly. When I overcome the jerkiness of certain rides, I am able to better appreciate the journey - the local sceneries that are often not available in the underground tunnels.
Hey, I start to enjoy taking buses. :-)
September 19, 2008
Singapore Biennale 2008
I took a bus and as the bus turned at the junction, I saw people standing in front of sheets of red and blue film and staring hard. My curiosity was piqued. What were they looking at?
When I had the chance to pass by the place a second time, I made sure that I seized the opportunity to look through the films to seek ‘enlightenment’. Oh, I finally see what the rest see.
The red and blue films filtered out certain colours so that different pictures revealed under the different lights.
When I had the chance to pass by the place a second time, I made sure that I seized the opportunity to look through the films to seek ‘enlightenment’. Oh, I finally see what the rest see.
The red and blue films filtered out certain colours so that different pictures revealed under the different lights.
September 17, 2008
Dismal News
Incident 1: Bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and the financial difficulty of AIG.
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae or Bear Sternes are names too remote to cause any alarm to Singaporeans. However, Lehman Brothers and AIG are certainly close to the hearts of many. The former offers high yield-high notes which are tied in with DBS where many retail investors in Singapore have subscribed. AIG, on the other hand, is the parent company of AIA which is also one of the largest insurance companies in Singapore. The ripple effect of the subprime mortgage crisis of US has finally hit home and gradually evolved to a widespread financial crisis.
To many people, money placed with Lehman Brothers and AIG could be their life-long savings. Any loss in money would be a pain in the heart, much less these are their life-long savings. Given the spate of the financial turmoils, it is inevitable that many laymen like you and I are increasingly more wary of placing our heart-earned money in investments, including insurance. Maybe we will retract to the time where we will place our money under our pillows where we can feel it every night we sleep to know that they are still safe with us.
Incident 2: Melamine found in many dairy products of China
Again, initially it sound remote with some of the Chinese brands being affected. Then, it hit home when some of the familiar household names such as Dutch Lady and the White Rabbit candies are also affected. Then, more brands are being named as Chinese milk powder is one of their ingredients. As we recalled that we have once consumed some of these products, we began to fear for ourselves. Has the toxin already taken root in our bodies? What other problems could there be in other food that we consumed and waiting to be uncover.
Sometimes, I wonder why businesses cannot be conducted with greater responsibility and ethics?
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae or Bear Sternes are names too remote to cause any alarm to Singaporeans. However, Lehman Brothers and AIG are certainly close to the hearts of many. The former offers high yield-high notes which are tied in with DBS where many retail investors in Singapore have subscribed. AIG, on the other hand, is the parent company of AIA which is also one of the largest insurance companies in Singapore. The ripple effect of the subprime mortgage crisis of US has finally hit home and gradually evolved to a widespread financial crisis.
To many people, money placed with Lehman Brothers and AIG could be their life-long savings. Any loss in money would be a pain in the heart, much less these are their life-long savings. Given the spate of the financial turmoils, it is inevitable that many laymen like you and I are increasingly more wary of placing our heart-earned money in investments, including insurance. Maybe we will retract to the time where we will place our money under our pillows where we can feel it every night we sleep to know that they are still safe with us.
Incident 2: Melamine found in many dairy products of China
Again, initially it sound remote with some of the Chinese brands being affected. Then, it hit home when some of the familiar household names such as Dutch Lady and the White Rabbit candies are also affected. Then, more brands are being named as Chinese milk powder is one of their ingredients. As we recalled that we have once consumed some of these products, we began to fear for ourselves. Has the toxin already taken root in our bodies? What other problems could there be in other food that we consumed and waiting to be uncover.
Sometimes, I wonder why businesses cannot be conducted with greater responsibility and ethics?
September 16, 2008
Change of Taste?
Everyone goes through different phases in life. We fall in love with certain things at one point and fall out of love at another time. It applies to all things - hobbies, fashion, music and even books. I used to like books on philosophy. Jostein Gaarder's Sophie's World has kept me hooked for a long time with provoking questions like "Who am I?" and "What am I?".
Sophie's World is almost like a Pandora's Box which invoked my curiosity and interest on philosophy. Yet, it also resulted in puzzlement and apprehension when I could not fully comprehend the ideas that the author is trying to convey. I have subsequently read Jostein Gaarder's other books, such as The Solitaire Mystery. Yet, none left as deep impression as Sophie's World.
Years later, I tried to read Maya which is also by Jostein Gaarder. Philosophy no longer keeps me as captivated as before. In fact, I have much difficulties trying to follow the flow of ideas. I understand the meanings of the words on their own but when they are stringed together into sentences and paragraphs, the meanings eluded me. It is so difficult that I finally decide to give up as somewhere along the paragraphs, I have already lost the flow of the story.
Can this be a change in taste? A taste in reading... ...
Sophie's World is almost like a Pandora's Box which invoked my curiosity and interest on philosophy. Yet, it also resulted in puzzlement and apprehension when I could not fully comprehend the ideas that the author is trying to convey. I have subsequently read Jostein Gaarder's other books, such as The Solitaire Mystery. Yet, none left as deep impression as Sophie's World.
Years later, I tried to read Maya which is also by Jostein Gaarder. Philosophy no longer keeps me as captivated as before. In fact, I have much difficulties trying to follow the flow of ideas. I understand the meanings of the words on their own but when they are stringed together into sentences and paragraphs, the meanings eluded me. It is so difficult that I finally decide to give up as somewhere along the paragraphs, I have already lost the flow of the story.
Can this be a change in taste? A taste in reading... ...
September 15, 2008
Bustling Chinatown
I have not been to Chinatown since the renovation of the Chinatown market. My 'foray' into Chinatown are typically concentrated in a few buildings where the tour agencies are concentrated. Being one of the most famous places of interest in Singapore, it is pity how little a home-grown Singaporean like me know of the place.
One of the latest attractions along Chinatown - Buddha Relic Temple. The facade of the temple in itself is already a feast for the eye. The building consists of 5 storeys with each floor either devoted to prayers or as an exhibition hall sharing the history of Buddhism and showcasing the Buddha Relic. There is even a rooftop garden opening up to the skyline of the Central Business District. As it was the Mid-Autumn festival, many lanterns created by the members of the public hang on the ceiling outside the entrance of the Temple.
The latest Chinatown market is bustling with many stalls just like before. With its sheer size, I can easily lose my way in the maze of stalls.
Outside the market, there is a bazaar selling many souvenirs of Singapore as well as many food stores selling 'international cuisines' which include the Germans' pretzels and sausages, Korean barbecued food and the Chinese pomelo.
I wish I have arrived earlier so that I have more time to leisurely explore my way around Chinatown.
My dinner at Chinatown
Mid-Autumn
It is a drizzling, so it is probably difficult to sip our tea, eat the mooncake and admiring the moon. Although the moon has hidden behind our clouds, so we can still eat our mooncake. Mooncake can be very filling after a while, so it is better to share.
Mid-autumn should be spent together with your family. Good things (eg mooncakes) are meant to be shared. *Wink*
September 11, 2008
Stress Time: Maybe a Baby
The host - Flying Dutchman invited 4 male guests whom included Hossan Leong and Willin Loh to share why Singaporeans are not getting married and making babies. Before you go "Oh! No! Here again?!?!?", I assure you that it was pretty interesting to hear this issue from the perspective of another gender. For some time, we focused on the Singapore women and what stopped them from having babies. Now, we hear from the men why they too had a part to play, especially when a sloppy guy who wore flip flops to his first date was cited on national TV.
Before we even talk about having babies, we need to get people to tie the knot. The rising prosperity of Singapore's economy and the educational level of women had once been attributed as the main factors for later marriages and rising divorce rates. I wonder if these were the sole reasons. However, to completely dismiss them appeared illogical as trends showed a correlation. Increasingly, other reasons such as how it could be stressful juggling both careers and family for working mothers and the high cost of raising a child (from education to infant care) started to take centre stage. Such concerns normally came from the female perspectives. What were some of the thoughts of the men?
While women complained about the lack of social graces of some men, the men were stressed by women who judged each date on potential husband material checklist. This robbed the joy of dating. Indeed, this might put many men off. This was also one reason why some older men chose to date younger women to avoid this stress.
It was certainly entertaining and insightful to hear from the men. Let's face it. Sometimes, we women can get too preoccupied by our concerns, our stress, our difficulties that we inevitably influence our better halves. So, are the men freed of all charges? Well, personally, I have also had my fair share of lousy "dates" (both the persons and the events), mostly non-chivalrous men. To quote a few examples, I have met dates who are grossly late. Erm, if you are so busy with your other appointments, maybe I should not take up any more of your time. I have also met dates who completely disregard my presence by walking way ahead of me. Hello, I do not think I am such a disgrace to be walked beside. Moreoever, we are not in a short sprint here. I have met dates whose wallets miraculously disappear when it is bill-time. Come-on, many Singaporean women are financially independent these days. We will often offer to go dutch.
Does this mean that Singaporean men are beyond redemption? Certainly not, we women must also do some self-reflection too.
We shake our heads when our dates appear in flip flops and bermudas. No doubt, our dates have to be blamed for making such a social faux pas, especially when we are attending a concerts or dining at a restaurant, maybe it is signal that our dates are more comfortable in a more casual setting. Or, in the worst case scenario, our dates hinting BIG-time of their disinterest in us by simply not making any effort and appearing obnoxious?
We complain that the men are not helping enough with household chores and taking care of the family. Well, Singapore men, get off your couch and start vacuuming right away. Women, please keep out of the way, instead of being a commando, giving instructions and criticising continuously before jumping in and taking over. We have our fair share of being scolded by our bosses or snubbed by our peers at work, let us not create the same environment at home. Furthermore, everyone learns from mistakes. So what if the dust still accumulates at the corners or water drips on the floor during the mop. It can only get better the next time.
Everyone dislikes being judged as a potential husband or wife material on the first date. Everyone hates it more when the likelihood of the next date is determined completely by this first judgement. Hey, there are some late bloomers where their true potential will only reveal at a later stage. Much as we are anxious of ensnaring the most eligible male out there, we also want the feelings to be mutually reciprocated. By bringing out our checklist too prematurely, we will only be shooting ourselves with our guns. Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you. In the same manner, we also do not want our dates to judge us as a potential mother or wife material on the first date. Just relax and enjoy each other's company.
As much as it sounds very cliche, it does take take two hands to clap. While women always lament about men not understanding them, have we always try to put ourselves in the shoes of the men? If it is tough for women, it is similarly tough for men.
Before we even talk about having babies, we need to get people to tie the knot. The rising prosperity of Singapore's economy and the educational level of women had once been attributed as the main factors for later marriages and rising divorce rates. I wonder if these were the sole reasons. However, to completely dismiss them appeared illogical as trends showed a correlation. Increasingly, other reasons such as how it could be stressful juggling both careers and family for working mothers and the high cost of raising a child (from education to infant care) started to take centre stage. Such concerns normally came from the female perspectives. What were some of the thoughts of the men?
While women complained about the lack of social graces of some men, the men were stressed by women who judged each date on potential husband material checklist. This robbed the joy of dating. Indeed, this might put many men off. This was also one reason why some older men chose to date younger women to avoid this stress.
It was certainly entertaining and insightful to hear from the men. Let's face it. Sometimes, we women can get too preoccupied by our concerns, our stress, our difficulties that we inevitably influence our better halves. So, are the men freed of all charges? Well, personally, I have also had my fair share of lousy "dates" (both the persons and the events), mostly non-chivalrous men. To quote a few examples, I have met dates who are grossly late. Erm, if you are so busy with your other appointments, maybe I should not take up any more of your time. I have also met dates who completely disregard my presence by walking way ahead of me. Hello, I do not think I am such a disgrace to be walked beside. Moreoever, we are not in a short sprint here. I have met dates whose wallets miraculously disappear when it is bill-time. Come-on, many Singaporean women are financially independent these days. We will often offer to go dutch.
Does this mean that Singaporean men are beyond redemption? Certainly not, we women must also do some self-reflection too.
We shake our heads when our dates appear in flip flops and bermudas. No doubt, our dates have to be blamed for making such a social faux pas, especially when we are attending a concerts or dining at a restaurant, maybe it is signal that our dates are more comfortable in a more casual setting. Or, in the worst case scenario, our dates hinting BIG-time of their disinterest in us by simply not making any effort and appearing obnoxious?
We complain that the men are not helping enough with household chores and taking care of the family. Well, Singapore men, get off your couch and start vacuuming right away. Women, please keep out of the way, instead of being a commando, giving instructions and criticising continuously before jumping in and taking over. We have our fair share of being scolded by our bosses or snubbed by our peers at work, let us not create the same environment at home. Furthermore, everyone learns from mistakes. So what if the dust still accumulates at the corners or water drips on the floor during the mop. It can only get better the next time.
Everyone dislikes being judged as a potential husband or wife material on the first date. Everyone hates it more when the likelihood of the next date is determined completely by this first judgement. Hey, there are some late bloomers where their true potential will only reveal at a later stage. Much as we are anxious of ensnaring the most eligible male out there, we also want the feelings to be mutually reciprocated. By bringing out our checklist too prematurely, we will only be shooting ourselves with our guns. Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you. In the same manner, we also do not want our dates to judge us as a potential mother or wife material on the first date. Just relax and enjoy each other's company.
As much as it sounds very cliche, it does take take two hands to clap. While women always lament about men not understanding them, have we always try to put ourselves in the shoes of the men? If it is tough for women, it is similarly tough for men.
September 10, 2008
Cut the Slack
To disappoint you, I have not cut the slacks on my job. If you think I am referring to my exercise regime, I am certainly a self-declared slacker and I have no intention of changing this in the near future. The slack here refers to my dressing.
I was abashed when my boss asked me why I had looked so casual on a weekday. She thought I was wearing jeans. I was donning a white blouse and a pair of green pants. It seemed like the ‘culprit’ was the pants. In fact, I thought I looked pretty formal until she questioned this. It was never intentional.
Uh-oh, I better watched out on my dressing. The safest bet would always be at least a shirt and a skirt despite such combination being a bore at times.
I was abashed when my boss asked me why I had looked so casual on a weekday. She thought I was wearing jeans. I was donning a white blouse and a pair of green pants. It seemed like the ‘culprit’ was the pants. In fact, I thought I looked pretty formal until she questioned this. It was never intentional.
Uh-oh, I better watched out on my dressing. The safest bet would always be at least a shirt and a skirt despite such combination being a bore at times.
September 09, 2008
Tough Decision - Do not Make in Haste
The below is an extraction from an email that has been forwarded to me. The words in italics and purple are adapted from its original form. It really set me thinking, so I thought of sharing with you. Unfortunately, I do not know who is the original author to give him or her the due credit. Whoever he or she is, thank you for sharing this and set us thinking so that we do not lose sight of the bigger picture when we have to make a tough decision.
A group of children were playing near two railway tracks, one still in use while the other unused. Only one child played on the unused track, the rest on the operational track. The train is coming, and you are just beside the track interchange. You can make the train change its course to the unused track and save most of the kids. However, that would also mean the lone child playing by the unused track would be sacrificed. Or would you rather let the train go its way?
Most people might choose to divert the course of the train, and sacrifice only one child. Yet, have you ever thought that the child choosing to play on the disused track had in fact made the right decision to play at a safe place? Nevertheless, he had to be sacrificed because of his ignorant friends who chose to play where the danger was. This kind of dilemma happens around us everyday.
Most people might choose to divert the course of the train, and sacrifice only one child. Yet, have you ever thought that the child choosing to play on the disused track had in fact made the right decision to play at a safe place? Nevertheless, he had to be sacrificed because of his ignorant friends who chose to play where the danger was. This kind of dilemma happens around us everyday.
The kids playing on the operational track should have known very well that track was still in use, and that they should have run away if they heard the train's sirens. If the train was diverted, that lone child would definitely die because he never thought the train could come over to that track! Moreover, that track was not in use probably because it was not safe. If the train was diverted to the track, we could put the lives of all passengers on board at stake! And in your attempt to save a few kids by sacrificing one child, you might end up sacrificing hundreds of people to save these few kids.
This is indeed something is worthwhile pondering upon. Sometimes, in a haste to make decision, we may be lured into thinking short-term.
September 08, 2008
Bibimbak
Hee hee, I finally lay my hands on the bibimbak.
What is bibimbak? It is a traditional Korean rice dish mixed with colourful vegetables such as carrots and cucumbers, a half-boiled egg and barbequed meat in a stone bowl. When served, it has a tinkling sizzling sound.
I have been intrigued by the dish for a long time, since the opening of the foodcourt at Ang Mo Kio hub. It is one of the most popular stalls. My line of sight inevitably drift to other patrons who order the dish every time I visit the food court. For fear of the spiciness of the dish, I have always resisted this temptation. Until recently, I have been assured by another patron that it was not spicy at all did I have the courage to take it on.
It was scaldingly hot as the heat was maintained by the stone bowl. The crispy rice at the bottom of the bowl added more crunchiness to the dish. it was not spicy initially, but the spiciness grew as I took more mouthfuls. For someone who do not have a high tolerance for spicy food, I would rate the spiciness as still manageable.
Ah, finally, my curiosity for the dish was satisfied. Nothing beats having a wonderful dish to end off a hectic day. :-)
What is bibimbak? It is a traditional Korean rice dish mixed with colourful vegetables such as carrots and cucumbers, a half-boiled egg and barbequed meat in a stone bowl. When served, it has a tinkling sizzling sound.
I have been intrigued by the dish for a long time, since the opening of the foodcourt at Ang Mo Kio hub. It is one of the most popular stalls. My line of sight inevitably drift to other patrons who order the dish every time I visit the food court. For fear of the spiciness of the dish, I have always resisted this temptation. Until recently, I have been assured by another patron that it was not spicy at all did I have the courage to take it on.
It was scaldingly hot as the heat was maintained by the stone bowl. The crispy rice at the bottom of the bowl added more crunchiness to the dish. it was not spicy initially, but the spiciness grew as I took more mouthfuls. For someone who do not have a high tolerance for spicy food, I would rate the spiciness as still manageable.
Ah, finally, my curiosity for the dish was satisfied. Nothing beats having a wonderful dish to end off a hectic day. :-)
September 06, 2008
Ichiban Bento
I always like Ichiban Bento and their sushi. I am always attracted by their colours. My sister has cravings for Ichiban as she has not had Japanese food for a while, so we order one of their bentos to share. This bento comes with 2 mini rice-bowl. We are both watching our weight, so the mini rice-bowl suits us fine. The softshell crab is crispy without being oily. What a satisfying but not too filling meal. :-)
September 03, 2008
Lamenting About Time
I still believe it is a sign of age. Reminiscing about the past and talking about the impending old age become more frequent as one gets older. Come on, when you are in your primary school, you hope time will pass by faster, so that you can do things on your own. Then when you are in your teens, how often to reflect and brood over the past memories in your childhood? When you are in your early twenties, you will think that people who are past their 30s are already considered ancient.
However, when you are in your late twenties, you start to feel the first sign of age, when you take longer to recover from your common ailments, such as flu or cough. You will also start to recall more and more fondly of your more havoc lifestyle in your school days where fear or beauty sleep are practically non-existent in your vocabulary. You start to look towards the big 3-0 with dread. You only think people who are in their sixties as being ancient. During those times when you are engulfed by work, time really flew by at the blink of an eye. Come year-end, all the unfulfilled resolutions would again cast a grey cloud over the festive mood.
We were working late again and my boss' boss dropped by and lamented that he seemed to pass his career prime and approaching the big 5-0. He counted the number of forecast and budget exercises that he had gone through and could not believe the numbers. My boss chipped in to comment that she used to think people in their thirties were old, now she felt that people in their fifties were still ok. My boss' boss added that he now paid more attention to obituary as there seemed to be more of his peers leaving this world.
You will be surprised at how all these complaints about lost time can be severely demoralising and depressing. Yet, it remains constantly as a nagging thought because time will always be a limited resource. If you feel that all these sound extremely foreign, congrats! You are probably still basking in your youth with all the parties and fun. If you are busy nodding your head with each paragraph, welcome to the club. All is not lost, we can still make up for as much lost time as we can. If you are in the mood of chatting about the past, you can always count me in and we can happily reminisce over tea and scones on a lazy afternoon.
However, when you are in your late twenties, you start to feel the first sign of age, when you take longer to recover from your common ailments, such as flu or cough. You will also start to recall more and more fondly of your more havoc lifestyle in your school days where fear or beauty sleep are practically non-existent in your vocabulary. You start to look towards the big 3-0 with dread. You only think people who are in their sixties as being ancient. During those times when you are engulfed by work, time really flew by at the blink of an eye. Come year-end, all the unfulfilled resolutions would again cast a grey cloud over the festive mood.
We were working late again and my boss' boss dropped by and lamented that he seemed to pass his career prime and approaching the big 5-0. He counted the number of forecast and budget exercises that he had gone through and could not believe the numbers. My boss chipped in to comment that she used to think people in their thirties were old, now she felt that people in their fifties were still ok. My boss' boss added that he now paid more attention to obituary as there seemed to be more of his peers leaving this world.
You will be surprised at how all these complaints about lost time can be severely demoralising and depressing. Yet, it remains constantly as a nagging thought because time will always be a limited resource. If you feel that all these sound extremely foreign, congrats! You are probably still basking in your youth with all the parties and fun. If you are busy nodding your head with each paragraph, welcome to the club. All is not lost, we can still make up for as much lost time as we can. If you are in the mood of chatting about the past, you can always count me in and we can happily reminisce over tea and scones on a lazy afternoon.
September 01, 2008
Happy Teachers' Day
Happy Teachers' Day to all teachers (past and present)!
Teachers play a very pivotal role in many of our lives, especially to many Generation Yers, Xers and Baby Boomers when our parents often leave the teaching and often the discipline to the 'professionals', ie teachers in schools. Teachers are often our first mentors to our studies, our values and our protocols. In fact, many of us are so inspired by our teachers that one of our childhood dreams is to become a teacher.
I always count myself very lucky to meet and to have Mrs Lim-Tan as my form teacher when I first entered primary school. She was the one who eradicated my fears and built my liking for school life. She was always patient even to the most mischievous student. Coming from a Chinese-speaking family, it was almost frightening to go into primary school where all teachers and students (except during Chinese lessons) had to converse in English all the time. To be frank, I only knew words but not sentences. Yet, Mrs Lim-Tan would explain words slowly to me and gradually built my confidence for English. She also encouraged my love for arts and drawing by displaying some of my completed pieces on the class' noticeboard. I believed no one could surpass her as the epitome of a perfect role model, not even my mum (but please do not let slip this to her).
When I was in secondary school, my poor command of English continued to take 'centre stage' on the 'billboard' of problems. Again, I had to thank my lucky stars for being in the English class of Miss Thng. Not only did she stay back after 'official' classes to run through grammar practices with me, she also patiently listened to my grumbles of life when it was one of my most diffident phases.
Study stress peaked when I entered into JC where complexities of the concepts increased tremendously. Being a studious but not very intelligent student, I started to lag behind. Trust me, I was not being humble when I defined myself as not being intelligent. Adjectives are often used in relativity. Standing beside classmates who topped O Levels with their more than 9 A1s and who made it to the Chemistry Olympics or the then-prestigious TERP programs (in conjunction with NUS), my mediocre results paled in comparison. In fact, at one stage, I was always at the bottom of test list with my 'O' and 'F' grades.
Science has always never been one of my strongest subjects. Yet, I was doing both Physics and Chemistry. When I started to flunk or borderline pass Physics, I was granted a separate session with my CT tutor - Mrs Tan. Again, such sessions were conducted after official school lessons and yet she had patiently ran through different 10-year series questions with me. In fact, Mrs Tan was very well-liked by the entire class.
There are many other teachers who had helped me both academically or in character-building throughout my school days. The three named above are just three who have leaved a more lasting impression. They have all contributed to who I am and where I am today. I am not perfect. Nor am I extremely successful. Yet, I will continue to strive on both in my work performance or my values and character-building with their teachings as guidance.
I am sure you too hold fond memories of your teachers. Happy Teachers' Day.
Teachers play a very pivotal role in many of our lives, especially to many Generation Yers, Xers and Baby Boomers when our parents often leave the teaching and often the discipline to the 'professionals', ie teachers in schools. Teachers are often our first mentors to our studies, our values and our protocols. In fact, many of us are so inspired by our teachers that one of our childhood dreams is to become a teacher.
I always count myself very lucky to meet and to have Mrs Lim-Tan as my form teacher when I first entered primary school. She was the one who eradicated my fears and built my liking for school life. She was always patient even to the most mischievous student. Coming from a Chinese-speaking family, it was almost frightening to go into primary school where all teachers and students (except during Chinese lessons) had to converse in English all the time. To be frank, I only knew words but not sentences. Yet, Mrs Lim-Tan would explain words slowly to me and gradually built my confidence for English. She also encouraged my love for arts and drawing by displaying some of my completed pieces on the class' noticeboard. I believed no one could surpass her as the epitome of a perfect role model, not even my mum (but please do not let slip this to her).
When I was in secondary school, my poor command of English continued to take 'centre stage' on the 'billboard' of problems. Again, I had to thank my lucky stars for being in the English class of Miss Thng. Not only did she stay back after 'official' classes to run through grammar practices with me, she also patiently listened to my grumbles of life when it was one of my most diffident phases.
Study stress peaked when I entered into JC where complexities of the concepts increased tremendously. Being a studious but not very intelligent student, I started to lag behind. Trust me, I was not being humble when I defined myself as not being intelligent. Adjectives are often used in relativity. Standing beside classmates who topped O Levels with their more than 9 A1s and who made it to the Chemistry Olympics or the then-prestigious TERP programs (in conjunction with NUS), my mediocre results paled in comparison. In fact, at one stage, I was always at the bottom of test list with my 'O' and 'F' grades.
Science has always never been one of my strongest subjects. Yet, I was doing both Physics and Chemistry. When I started to flunk or borderline pass Physics, I was granted a separate session with my CT tutor - Mrs Tan. Again, such sessions were conducted after official school lessons and yet she had patiently ran through different 10-year series questions with me. In fact, Mrs Tan was very well-liked by the entire class.
There are many other teachers who had helped me both academically or in character-building throughout my school days. The three named above are just three who have leaved a more lasting impression. They have all contributed to who I am and where I am today. I am not perfect. Nor am I extremely successful. Yet, I will continue to strive on both in my work performance or my values and character-building with their teachings as guidance.
I am sure you too hold fond memories of your teachers. Happy Teachers' Day.
New Dish at Crystal Jade?
It is the time of the year to start redeeming my credit card points. There are not many choices given my pathetic credit card points. Usually, I will settle for F & B vouchers since eating well has always been one of my primary guiding principles. Stop sniggering! You must be wondering that this must be one of the greatest joke of the year - how can someone who eats bread for lunches have eating as a principle? Much less "primary principle"? Well, though I eat rather plainly for weekday lunches, my desire and 'quest' for food unleash over the weekend.
Given the rather limited choices, I shortlist Crystal Jade for redemption since my family patronises Crystal Jade more than any other restaurants I know of. The waitress recommends one of their signature dish - claypot stewed spring chicken stuffed with fish maw and mushroom. Apparently, it is so popular that the waitress has to be check with the kitchen if there is any left for the day. Hmm, strangely, I have frequent Crystal Jade for so long and yet I have never known of this dish's existence.
Although it is a spring chicken, the size is not small (at least for 3 ladies). When the dish is first served with the entire chicken, we are delighted with the tantalising look and aroma of the well-cooked chicken. We are more surprised when the waitress cut the chicken to reveal the mushrooms and fish maws.
Yummy, I must certainly come back for more.
Before the cut
After the cut
Given the rather limited choices, I shortlist Crystal Jade for redemption since my family patronises Crystal Jade more than any other restaurants I know of. The waitress recommends one of their signature dish - claypot stewed spring chicken stuffed with fish maw and mushroom. Apparently, it is so popular that the waitress has to be check with the kitchen if there is any left for the day. Hmm, strangely, I have frequent Crystal Jade for so long and yet I have never known of this dish's existence.
Although it is a spring chicken, the size is not small (at least for 3 ladies). When the dish is first served with the entire chicken, we are delighted with the tantalising look and aroma of the well-cooked chicken. We are more surprised when the waitress cut the chicken to reveal the mushrooms and fish maws.
Yummy, I must certainly come back for more.
Before the cut
After the cut
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