As 2011 comes to a close, it is time to evaluate and plan for 2012.
2011 has been an eventful year. With many things happening. Qin and I changed our jobs. Massive changes in Ministry for both of us. And I have been flying and seeing places that I have never been before. Brother moved to be my neighbour. Parents relocated to Central Singapore.
As I was flipping my passport the other day, I noticed for 2011, my traveling has significantly increased compared to 2010. Both for work and non-work.
1X Taiwan
5X Vietnam
1X Thailand
5X China
4X Malaysia
1X Macau
1X Hongkong
With most of the travelling happening af the 2nd half of the year, it is like 2 to 3 times a week. Interesting. Wonder what 2012 will be like.
Will probably blog more about food the next time.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Hanoi - Dec 2011
Decided to put in some photos to my otherwise very boring blog. Hoping to revive this blog after a long while...
And so, my Final Trip for 2011 was to Hanoi. Huiqin came to join me for 3 days and 2 nights. It is a city that has nothing much. Or at least, nothing much caught my attention.
So I picked Huiqin from the airport and here we are in a cab.
After resting in the hotel, we decided to talk a walk out in the town area. We were putting up near the Hoan Kiem Lake. This is the place where there is the highest concentration of tourists.
Generally, it was cold, but not too cold that it was uncomfortable. The air was polluted like all cities and especially so in Hanoi.
We decided to watch the water puppet show but it was so dark inside and the photos didn't turn out well.
For dinner, we went to the famous "Cha Ca". It means grilled fish. Ca means fish. In fact, the entire street was named after this dish. There are a number of stalls selling this traditional dish, but this stall was the best or at least that was what I was told.
This was actually more like fried fish rather than grilled fish. The shop only sells 1 item and that is this dish. Plain Noodles go with it, however, I cannot remember what the noodles are called.
It was a really old building and I am sure it will not pass BCA checks. As you can see, this is really a touristy place. Ang Moh behind...
After dinner, we went to the lake for a walk. I was told that "when you feel stressed, just sit by the lake and you will feel very relaxed".
The Next day, we went to Halong Bay. This was what we have been looking forward to and seriously, this was the highlight of this trip. We were so looking forward to rekindling the times we had at Doubtful Sound in NZ. We are in a Chinese Junk here.
Halong Bay is famous all around the world and it is one of those heritage sites that conservationists are conserving. Imagine a hilly area that got flooded. That is how it is like. I was told that during the Qing Dynasty, the Chinese empire actually spread as far south as to Halong Bay. I'm impressed....
The symbol of Halong Bay is this so called "Fighting Cock" boulders. It is unique as it stands as if 2 fighting cocks are facing each other. I explain to Huiqin and she said I was "Talking Cock". but it is true...
There are people living here in the Bay.
We then decided to explore the inner caves and this was by row boat by the locals.
We walked the caves too...
The journey back from Halong Bay to Hanoi was again 3.5 hrs on a very bumpy road and in a very cramped van. It was not pleasureable at all.
Then it was more street walking the next morning before we leave for the airport back to Singapore.
Bought street food too. This is their "donuts". There's green bean paste inside too. The sasame flavor was the best!
Last cup of coffee at Highlands Coffee.
And so, my Final Trip for 2011 was to Hanoi. Huiqin came to join me for 3 days and 2 nights. It is a city that has nothing much. Or at least, nothing much caught my attention.
So I picked Huiqin from the airport and here we are in a cab.
After resting in the hotel, we decided to talk a walk out in the town area. We were putting up near the Hoan Kiem Lake. This is the place where there is the highest concentration of tourists.
Generally, it was cold, but not too cold that it was uncomfortable. The air was polluted like all cities and especially so in Hanoi.
We decided to watch the water puppet show but it was so dark inside and the photos didn't turn out well.
For dinner, we went to the famous "Cha Ca". It means grilled fish. Ca means fish. In fact, the entire street was named after this dish. There are a number of stalls selling this traditional dish, but this stall was the best or at least that was what I was told.
This was actually more like fried fish rather than grilled fish. The shop only sells 1 item and that is this dish. Plain Noodles go with it, however, I cannot remember what the noodles are called.
It was a really old building and I am sure it will not pass BCA checks. As you can see, this is really a touristy place. Ang Moh behind...
After dinner, we went to the lake for a walk. I was told that "when you feel stressed, just sit by the lake and you will feel very relaxed".
The Next day, we went to Halong Bay. This was what we have been looking forward to and seriously, this was the highlight of this trip. We were so looking forward to rekindling the times we had at Doubtful Sound in NZ. We are in a Chinese Junk here.
Halong Bay is famous all around the world and it is one of those heritage sites that conservationists are conserving. Imagine a hilly area that got flooded. That is how it is like. I was told that during the Qing Dynasty, the Chinese empire actually spread as far south as to Halong Bay. I'm impressed....
The symbol of Halong Bay is this so called "Fighting Cock" boulders. It is unique as it stands as if 2 fighting cocks are facing each other. I explain to Huiqin and she said I was "Talking Cock". but it is true...
There are people living here in the Bay.
We then decided to explore the inner caves and this was by row boat by the locals.
We walked the caves too...
The journey back from Halong Bay to Hanoi was again 3.5 hrs on a very bumpy road and in a very cramped van. It was not pleasureable at all.
Then it was more street walking the next morning before we leave for the airport back to Singapore.
Bought street food too. This is their "donuts". There's green bean paste inside too. The sasame flavor was the best!
Last cup of coffee at Highlands Coffee.
Monday, December 19, 2011
SMRT
How can any blogger resist the temptation to blog abt this latest, most happening event in Singapore. It is as epic as the great flooding of orchard road. Citizens are screeming to get rid of smrt's ceo. Our PM has done the popular move to call for an Inquiry of the incident.
What more can I say? everyone's attacking SMRT's profits over the past many years. I personally am not affected at all as I was overseas then. However, i though it would be nice to recap what we are all familiar with 1 year ago.
What more can I say? everyone's attacking SMRT's profits over the past many years. I personally am not affected at all as I was overseas then. However, i though it would be nice to recap what we are all familiar with 1 year ago.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Glad
I was glad I was glad I went to the house of God last Sunday. Felt good listening to Pst Phil Pringle.
I'm happy also that our friend has finally got attached and to a Christian girl. Happy for him.
My project has also some progress, less stress now.
And my flight is confirmed. Leaving for China on thurs and back on Sat.
Next week, I'll be leaving on wednesday and back on friday...
I'm happy also that our friend has finally got attached and to a Christian girl. Happy for him.
My project has also some progress, less stress now.
And my flight is confirmed. Leaving for China on thurs and back on Sat.
Next week, I'll be leaving on wednesday and back on friday...
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Recently...
It certainly is shocking to know that an impt man in church is leaving. And it seems for good... The takeaway I've got is Never be quick to judge. Better if we can Not Judge at all. Easier said than done. Let the judging be done by God.
I was talking to someone and this was the advice he gave me too. Do not judge.
I was recently in Guangzhou and had dinner with an ex-military colonel. What happen was that in his organizstion, there is someone who has a very heck care attitude. lazy is what some ppl call him. Totally bo chap. Basically, every other week, this staff will be on mc a day. He will come late and leave early. However, the ex-colonel said that we should try to understand him and know the history, then you will know why he is like that. Asking around, I realised y. Apparently, the company did some stuff to him and he was devastated. Perhaps that's y he is not sacked to date.
As I take on various projects in my company, I realise the importance to understand the history of things. Seek to know what was transpired before and know what has already happened. Then we will know how and why we are where we are.
I begin to see things in a different light after having that dinner in Guangzhou. Do not judge. What goes around, comes around. I must remember not to judge others. I hope others will not judge me too... Cos at the end, when we begin to see the reasons, we may look like a fool.
Ok, a quick update of what is happening in my life. I've been to Ha noi and Guangzhou. In fact, going back to China soon, perhaps this coming week. Not confirm though. Then next month, back to Hanoi. One day, I woke up wondering which country I was in and realised I was in my own home in Singapore.
My bro has moved his house. Abt 2mins from my place. My parents are moving soon too..
I was talking to someone and this was the advice he gave me too. Do not judge.
I was recently in Guangzhou and had dinner with an ex-military colonel. What happen was that in his organizstion, there is someone who has a very heck care attitude. lazy is what some ppl call him. Totally bo chap. Basically, every other week, this staff will be on mc a day. He will come late and leave early. However, the ex-colonel said that we should try to understand him and know the history, then you will know why he is like that. Asking around, I realised y. Apparently, the company did some stuff to him and he was devastated. Perhaps that's y he is not sacked to date.
As I take on various projects in my company, I realise the importance to understand the history of things. Seek to know what was transpired before and know what has already happened. Then we will know how and why we are where we are.
I begin to see things in a different light after having that dinner in Guangzhou. Do not judge. What goes around, comes around. I must remember not to judge others. I hope others will not judge me too... Cos at the end, when we begin to see the reasons, we may look like a fool.
Ok, a quick update of what is happening in my life. I've been to Ha noi and Guangzhou. In fact, going back to China soon, perhaps this coming week. Not confirm though. Then next month, back to Hanoi. One day, I woke up wondering which country I was in and realised I was in my own home in Singapore.
My bro has moved his house. Abt 2mins from my place. My parents are moving soon too..
Sunday, October 30, 2011
SGN now
I'm in SGN now somewhere near cho ben tenh. Came here this morning and will be staying here till 1st Nov and followed by a flight to China within 6 hours after landing in Changi.
Qin's at home and saying that I miss her is an understatement. I think our hearts are intertwined. We simply cannot live without each other. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Miserable is how we feel without each other. No friend, No relative can ease that feeling. Come Feb, there will be a 2 -week reservice. How how how???
Any tips from anyone who have been through this?
Qin's at home and saying that I miss her is an understatement. I think our hearts are intertwined. We simply cannot live without each other. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Miserable is how we feel without each other. No friend, No relative can ease that feeling. Come Feb, there will be a 2 -week reservice. How how how???
Any tips from anyone who have been through this?
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup 2011 is in season and I got to catch part of it when I was in a hotel in China. The match I caught was NZ vs Tonga. Quite an early match, so expect to see some huge tries. Well, in that hotel room, something did caught my attention.
For those who are not familiar with Rugby, it is played with a team of 15. 8 of them are known as the "forward pack" as they are larger in size. They are usually slower and bigger, packed with power and great force. They are also the ones invovled in the scrum (the guys who engage in a circle with their backs bent). The remianing 7 are known as the "backs", who are typically smaller in size and way quicker. They are usually the sprinters who are capable of penetrating the defense line of the opponent.
So there I was watching the match in China, alone in the room and I remembered how it was like when I was playing Rugby when I was in JC. I was in the forward pack and often was caught in situations where it is tough, dirty (as we have to dig for the ball literally) and it as a thankless job as it is always the backs who score the try. They are the quick ones who will burst through the enermy and score by running into the try zone.
Back to the game, there was a moment when the NZ backs was in possession of the ball. One of them ran and boy did he run, offloading the ball along the way and passing it down the line. After offload, move down the line to creat extra man. Creating a confusion in the opponent, one of the backs managed to run through the line and he looked like he is going to score. He has gained a lot of ground and it was a bug break. Unfortunately, the fullback of the opponent was waiting for him and looking to tackle him. The NZ player knew he was trapped.
Then the NZ player turned and looked behind to try to pass the ball to one of his team mates(u can only pass backwards in rugby). However, no one was around. He had gone so fast that noone caught up with him. The other backs were also tackled in the previous few plays. The forward pack, that had all the muscle and mass were quite a distance behind also. Then this NZ player did what I thought was quite smart. He just stood firm. the natural thing to do is to go down and quickly release the ball (when you are on the ground, you have to release the ball). Usually, when a player goes down with the ball, the other players will then form a human wall over him and with the ball released behind his "wall", the ball is picked up and pass out. this is known as a RUCK. If the ball is not released, the player is known to have committed a foul.
So why did he stand firm and not go down? Standing firm will make him an easy target for the opponents to tackle. A deadly spear tackle can literally send him to the hospital. He stood there because he knew that if he were to go down, he will have to release the ball and without his teammates with him, they will most likely lose the Ruck and hence lose possession of the ball. He will be forced to release the ball to the hands of the enemy.
He stood bravely and from the look on his face, I knew he was asking the forward pack to hurry up to reinforce him. Yes they are slow, but when they arrive, they can do quite a lot of damage...
I was remembered of my JC days playing rugby. Every rugger in the forward pack absolutely hates it when we have to clear a ruck. Basically, we have to run in and swop down to pick up any opponents who are covering the ball so that your team mate can come in to pick it up and pass it out. When you are tired, you really do not have any energy left to bend down and lift up a 100kg piece of meat and throw him aside. And what's more, you have to form the human wall to prevent another opponent from trying to snatch the ball when you team mate is picking it up. It is pure hardwork, but that's the usual job for a forward.
Looking at the NZ player, the NZ forward pack quicking ran to his aid and seeing that they are coming, and that he cannot hold on any longer (at this stage, the opponents - Tonga were all over him, trying to drag him down) he is really struggle to keep both his feet on the ground now. Good thing he stood firm at the start and can hang on a lil longer for that few more seconds to buy more time for the NZ forwards to rush in. Standing creats no momentum and hence, will be harder to bring a person down. It is like when a Cheetah is chasing an animal, the animal needs to be running in order for the Cheetah to trip it. If the animal is standing still, the Cheetah will not be able to bring the animal down.
So why am I touched by this scene?
It reminded me of church. the NZ backs was like one of a church pastor who has gained great ground. But he cannot do it alone. He will need the forward pack to back him up by supporting him. Being physically there for him and with him. Until that happens, he will be mauled by the opponents and risk losing possession. He can only stand firm until reinforcement comes. I know how it feels to be the forward. You will have to make a decision against your desire. every part of your body tells you not to engage and let the others do it. even if you are going in to clear the ruck, you'll be cursing at the back for running so far ahead. However, deep down you know that it is for the good of the team that he did that.
When PK announced that we are going to have BF this year, That's exactly how i felt.
Is it courageously foolish or foolishly courageous? I do not know. I only know that I have to make a decision to either engage or to just sit back and let someone else do it. I'm tired, yes. But who is not? Am i going to see him being mauled alone by the enemy? Or should I run in and clear the ruck and be a team player?
Today, on the bus, I said a prayer... God, help me to love again.
For those who are not familiar with Rugby, it is played with a team of 15. 8 of them are known as the "forward pack" as they are larger in size. They are usually slower and bigger, packed with power and great force. They are also the ones invovled in the scrum (the guys who engage in a circle with their backs bent). The remianing 7 are known as the "backs", who are typically smaller in size and way quicker. They are usually the sprinters who are capable of penetrating the defense line of the opponent.
So there I was watching the match in China, alone in the room and I remembered how it was like when I was playing Rugby when I was in JC. I was in the forward pack and often was caught in situations where it is tough, dirty (as we have to dig for the ball literally) and it as a thankless job as it is always the backs who score the try. They are the quick ones who will burst through the enermy and score by running into the try zone.
Back to the game, there was a moment when the NZ backs was in possession of the ball. One of them ran and boy did he run, offloading the ball along the way and passing it down the line. After offload, move down the line to creat extra man. Creating a confusion in the opponent, one of the backs managed to run through the line and he looked like he is going to score. He has gained a lot of ground and it was a bug break. Unfortunately, the fullback of the opponent was waiting for him and looking to tackle him. The NZ player knew he was trapped.
Then the NZ player turned and looked behind to try to pass the ball to one of his team mates(u can only pass backwards in rugby). However, no one was around. He had gone so fast that noone caught up with him. The other backs were also tackled in the previous few plays. The forward pack, that had all the muscle and mass were quite a distance behind also. Then this NZ player did what I thought was quite smart. He just stood firm. the natural thing to do is to go down and quickly release the ball (when you are on the ground, you have to release the ball). Usually, when a player goes down with the ball, the other players will then form a human wall over him and with the ball released behind his "wall", the ball is picked up and pass out. this is known as a RUCK. If the ball is not released, the player is known to have committed a foul.
So why did he stand firm and not go down? Standing firm will make him an easy target for the opponents to tackle. A deadly spear tackle can literally send him to the hospital. He stood there because he knew that if he were to go down, he will have to release the ball and without his teammates with him, they will most likely lose the Ruck and hence lose possession of the ball. He will be forced to release the ball to the hands of the enemy.
He stood bravely and from the look on his face, I knew he was asking the forward pack to hurry up to reinforce him. Yes they are slow, but when they arrive, they can do quite a lot of damage...
I was remembered of my JC days playing rugby. Every rugger in the forward pack absolutely hates it when we have to clear a ruck. Basically, we have to run in and swop down to pick up any opponents who are covering the ball so that your team mate can come in to pick it up and pass it out. When you are tired, you really do not have any energy left to bend down and lift up a 100kg piece of meat and throw him aside. And what's more, you have to form the human wall to prevent another opponent from trying to snatch the ball when you team mate is picking it up. It is pure hardwork, but that's the usual job for a forward.
Looking at the NZ player, the NZ forward pack quicking ran to his aid and seeing that they are coming, and that he cannot hold on any longer (at this stage, the opponents - Tonga were all over him, trying to drag him down) he is really struggle to keep both his feet on the ground now. Good thing he stood firm at the start and can hang on a lil longer for that few more seconds to buy more time for the NZ forwards to rush in. Standing creats no momentum and hence, will be harder to bring a person down. It is like when a Cheetah is chasing an animal, the animal needs to be running in order for the Cheetah to trip it. If the animal is standing still, the Cheetah will not be able to bring the animal down.
So why am I touched by this scene?
It reminded me of church. the NZ backs was like one of a church pastor who has gained great ground. But he cannot do it alone. He will need the forward pack to back him up by supporting him. Being physically there for him and with him. Until that happens, he will be mauled by the opponents and risk losing possession. He can only stand firm until reinforcement comes. I know how it feels to be the forward. You will have to make a decision against your desire. every part of your body tells you not to engage and let the others do it. even if you are going in to clear the ruck, you'll be cursing at the back for running so far ahead. However, deep down you know that it is for the good of the team that he did that.
When PK announced that we are going to have BF this year, That's exactly how i felt.
Is it courageously foolish or foolishly courageous? I do not know. I only know that I have to make a decision to either engage or to just sit back and let someone else do it. I'm tired, yes. But who is not? Am i going to see him being mauled alone by the enemy? Or should I run in and clear the ruck and be a team player?
Today, on the bus, I said a prayer... God, help me to love again.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Wisdom Tooth
Went to have my wisdom tooth extracted on monday. Been quite an experience.
To start, I went for my regualr check-up at thie place called Profile Dental at Marina Square. The shop was a hole in a wall and I had a hard time looking for it to be honest. If not for the directions Huiqin gave me, I would have given up. It is at one of the most deserted places in MS and even then, only a signboard showed the clinic's name and there was this arrow that pointed to nothing. After walking into the tunnel, you'll find a dental clinic. I went in and realised that the Dentist is a Vietnamese. I thought he is a Phillipino. MY word..... but wat difference does it make?
He did the usual stuff of cleaning but said my wisdom tooth was very serious. Recommended I pull it out and also do braces. Piangz, easily going to cost me a few k.
And so i arranged to take an x-ray. An OPG to be exact. This is the x-ray of the whole set of teeth, not just 1 tooth. And this clinic has no such facility. So I need to get to Tampines. This clinic can only take the x-ray of a single tooth. The facility at tampines is an x-ray centre.
Last thurs, I went down after work. This is one run down place to have x-ray done. It was set in the 1980s. If you have seen Stephen Chow's movie, you will know there is one with a cracky doctor who invented a lot of crappy instruments such as a solar powered torchlight. This centre is exactly like that lab of the mad scientist. The admin staff was blur and the radiologist is a Phillippino. Another job that went to foreigner. The good thing is I bumped into my ex-colleague there too.... he was there to get his x ray done as well.
Now, this is the x-ray that I took before. Not the one at tampines. I will never get to see the one I took at Tampines. However, it should look similar. Oh btw, the horizontal tooth is my wisdom tooth that I'm going to extract. Dun ask me why it's growing horizontally...
That night (thurs), the wisdom tooth started to give pain. In fact it was so painful that I woke up in the middle of the night. Perhaps the x-ray has induced it and i really felt the push. It's like someone trying to break your bone. not at a go, but slowly adding pressure. It is unbearable. Popped a few painkillers but not useful. Used an ice pack to numb the whole left side of my jaw.
I then spend my Friday looking for a clinic desperately that can allow me to do the operation immediately. I was willing to go collect my x-ray from tampines and bring it to wherever. Then, of all the clinics I called, they were all booked. The best part is, Profile even asked me to go find a nearby clinic. Thanks for trying to get rid of me. Profile then gave me the next avail date, wednesday... I think i would have died by then.
Then i came cross Asia healthcare. It is in Wisma. I was there before to extract my baby tooth. Now I'm planning to go back to remove my wisdom tooth. Of cos, the doc to look for is Dr Egwin Yeo. As I'm on my wife's company dental coverage (that will expire end of this yr), I'm happy to know that Asia healthcare is now on the panel of dental clinics. Oh, Asia healthcare also have their own x-ray machine that could take OPG...
The best thing about Asia Healthcare is that it can give me an appt on Monday. Which means I just need to endure through the weekend. Ok, I'll take that I said.
When I was finally there on Monday, the place is as usual - high-class. Classical music greeted me. As well as the bright smile of the receptionist. Totally different from Profile. The magazines on the table were well-arranged, unlike Profile's that were chucked one side. Then I went over to the pantry and noticed there were fruit juices in a jar... there's all sorts of hot drinks. Coffee, Tea, hot Choc, etc. Not that I can drink all that, but it feels good to know those are available. It was like Business Loungue over at the airport.
So Dr Egwin came out while I popped my medicine. Well, I think the last time I did my wisdom Tooth op during NS, I didn't have any medication before the op. No wonder it hurt so badly the last time... After the meds, i proceed to sign the papers and went in for the op.
Seriously, the injection of anthestetic was painful. My tongue felt numb, followed by the lower side of the left jaw. After chatting with Egwin for a while, the chemicals took full effect. Then I was wrapped up and it all starts. The sawing, the hacking, the pulling, the crushing, the stitching, the unwrapping and I'm done.
Totally different from my NS experience. The discomfort was so minimal. So wisdom tooth extraction can really be this comfortable. I remember waving my hands to the army dentist when I was back in camp as the pain was excrutiating. He then called out for the assistant to inject more anesthetic. It was like an operation out in the field. those we see in movies like "saving Private Ryan"... Totally horrible.
If anyone wants to remove ur wisdom tooth, I highly recommend DR Yeo from asia healthcare.
Btw, here's the product of the operation...
The crown (top of the tooth) is on the left and the long part is actually the root. Disgusting? Yeah...
To start, I went for my regualr check-up at thie place called Profile Dental at Marina Square. The shop was a hole in a wall and I had a hard time looking for it to be honest. If not for the directions Huiqin gave me, I would have given up. It is at one of the most deserted places in MS and even then, only a signboard showed the clinic's name and there was this arrow that pointed to nothing. After walking into the tunnel, you'll find a dental clinic. I went in and realised that the Dentist is a Vietnamese. I thought he is a Phillipino. MY word..... but wat difference does it make?
He did the usual stuff of cleaning but said my wisdom tooth was very serious. Recommended I pull it out and also do braces. Piangz, easily going to cost me a few k.
And so i arranged to take an x-ray. An OPG to be exact. This is the x-ray of the whole set of teeth, not just 1 tooth. And this clinic has no such facility. So I need to get to Tampines. This clinic can only take the x-ray of a single tooth. The facility at tampines is an x-ray centre.
Last thurs, I went down after work. This is one run down place to have x-ray done. It was set in the 1980s. If you have seen Stephen Chow's movie, you will know there is one with a cracky doctor who invented a lot of crappy instruments such as a solar powered torchlight. This centre is exactly like that lab of the mad scientist. The admin staff was blur and the radiologist is a Phillippino. Another job that went to foreigner. The good thing is I bumped into my ex-colleague there too.... he was there to get his x ray done as well.
Now, this is the x-ray that I took before. Not the one at tampines. I will never get to see the one I took at Tampines. However, it should look similar. Oh btw, the horizontal tooth is my wisdom tooth that I'm going to extract. Dun ask me why it's growing horizontally...
That night (thurs), the wisdom tooth started to give pain. In fact it was so painful that I woke up in the middle of the night. Perhaps the x-ray has induced it and i really felt the push. It's like someone trying to break your bone. not at a go, but slowly adding pressure. It is unbearable. Popped a few painkillers but not useful. Used an ice pack to numb the whole left side of my jaw.
I then spend my Friday looking for a clinic desperately that can allow me to do the operation immediately. I was willing to go collect my x-ray from tampines and bring it to wherever. Then, of all the clinics I called, they were all booked. The best part is, Profile even asked me to go find a nearby clinic. Thanks for trying to get rid of me. Profile then gave me the next avail date, wednesday... I think i would have died by then.
Then i came cross Asia healthcare. It is in Wisma. I was there before to extract my baby tooth. Now I'm planning to go back to remove my wisdom tooth. Of cos, the doc to look for is Dr Egwin Yeo. As I'm on my wife's company dental coverage (that will expire end of this yr), I'm happy to know that Asia healthcare is now on the panel of dental clinics. Oh, Asia healthcare also have their own x-ray machine that could take OPG...
The best thing about Asia Healthcare is that it can give me an appt on Monday. Which means I just need to endure through the weekend. Ok, I'll take that I said.
When I was finally there on Monday, the place is as usual - high-class. Classical music greeted me. As well as the bright smile of the receptionist. Totally different from Profile. The magazines on the table were well-arranged, unlike Profile's that were chucked one side. Then I went over to the pantry and noticed there were fruit juices in a jar... there's all sorts of hot drinks. Coffee, Tea, hot Choc, etc. Not that I can drink all that, but it feels good to know those are available. It was like Business Loungue over at the airport.
So Dr Egwin came out while I popped my medicine. Well, I think the last time I did my wisdom Tooth op during NS, I didn't have any medication before the op. No wonder it hurt so badly the last time... After the meds, i proceed to sign the papers and went in for the op.
Seriously, the injection of anthestetic was painful. My tongue felt numb, followed by the lower side of the left jaw. After chatting with Egwin for a while, the chemicals took full effect. Then I was wrapped up and it all starts. The sawing, the hacking, the pulling, the crushing, the stitching, the unwrapping and I'm done.
Totally different from my NS experience. The discomfort was so minimal. So wisdom tooth extraction can really be this comfortable. I remember waving my hands to the army dentist when I was back in camp as the pain was excrutiating. He then called out for the assistant to inject more anesthetic. It was like an operation out in the field. those we see in movies like "saving Private Ryan"... Totally horrible.
If anyone wants to remove ur wisdom tooth, I highly recommend DR Yeo from asia healthcare.
Btw, here's the product of the operation...
The crown (top of the tooth) is on the left and the long part is actually the root. Disgusting? Yeah...
Friday, September 16, 2011
The start of a nightmare
I was looking through my electircity bill that day and a thought came to my mind. Since water is relatively cheaper than electricity, I need to have a better water flow, to save on the electricity bill I'm paying for that extra few minutes of toilet light that I'm on-ing each day. When I moved in to my current place, the water pressure has been low but it was just high enough to prevent us from making a fuss over it.
So, I called PUB and asked if they have a prescribed benchmark for water head (or aka water pressure). Knowing that they are the govt body, I'm sure they have standards for everything.
So I dialed 18002846600 and complained about the low water pressure. Then I was told that for HDB units that is above 5th floor, they fall under HDB, if it is 4th floor and below, the water source comes from PUB straight and falls under PUB. Then I realised from HDB that it is actually Town Council that I should be looking for as it concerns the water tank that my water supply is suppose to come from.
After all the mambo jumbo, I finally lodge a complaint successfully with PUB and at the same time, I called Town Council again. So last night, the PUB man came and opened up the meter, etc. They foundd the meter was working perfectly fine... not surprising cos I DIDN"T complain about the meter... I may not be a PhD, but I'm certainly not dumb. To say the least, a huge time of my NUS life was spent doing pressure heads, and valve controls. Anyways, I got PUB to help me make a complaint to Town Council also. The PUB chap claimed that Town Council needs to clear the choke and that PUB is clear from this.. They left. Yes 2 of them. To be more specific, 2 M.
Then today, the Town Council plumber called me at around noon. He came and tried to have a look at the situation. Then he claimed that the problem is actually just before the meter. That part, however, belongs to PUB. He tried to clear the sediment and has been successful he reported. "Tonight you come back, sure pressure big big".
Tonight came and the water was tested. Other than lots of bubbles at onset, nothing has changed. So i called the plumber. His HP was off. So I called the PUB 1800 number again. Then a Faridah told me to call maintenance. The number is 62824344. Then I spoke to a man and he said this is the SOC. It is an operations control centre. Not Maintenenace. He tried to brush my away and then I said I'm pushed by PUB and Town Council already, please do not brush me off. He said he will get the officer to call me. The officer from Maintenance. Till now, still no calls. I tried to call 62824344, no one picked.
Thank you civil servants. You bunch of marons.
I've decided that this game is quite fun. I'll continue to play it until I get a satisfactory result or until I get busy with other things... I am a Singaporean afterall.
So, I called PUB and asked if they have a prescribed benchmark for water head (or aka water pressure). Knowing that they are the govt body, I'm sure they have standards for everything.
So I dialed 18002846600 and complained about the low water pressure. Then I was told that for HDB units that is above 5th floor, they fall under HDB, if it is 4th floor and below, the water source comes from PUB straight and falls under PUB. Then I realised from HDB that it is actually Town Council that I should be looking for as it concerns the water tank that my water supply is suppose to come from.
After all the mambo jumbo, I finally lodge a complaint successfully with PUB and at the same time, I called Town Council again. So last night, the PUB man came and opened up the meter, etc. They foundd the meter was working perfectly fine... not surprising cos I DIDN"T complain about the meter... I may not be a PhD, but I'm certainly not dumb. To say the least, a huge time of my NUS life was spent doing pressure heads, and valve controls. Anyways, I got PUB to help me make a complaint to Town Council also. The PUB chap claimed that Town Council needs to clear the choke and that PUB is clear from this.. They left. Yes 2 of them. To be more specific, 2 M.
Then today, the Town Council plumber called me at around noon. He came and tried to have a look at the situation. Then he claimed that the problem is actually just before the meter. That part, however, belongs to PUB. He tried to clear the sediment and has been successful he reported. "Tonight you come back, sure pressure big big".
Tonight came and the water was tested. Other than lots of bubbles at onset, nothing has changed. So i called the plumber. His HP was off. So I called the PUB 1800 number again. Then a Faridah told me to call maintenance. The number is 62824344. Then I spoke to a man and he said this is the SOC. It is an operations control centre. Not Maintenenace. He tried to brush my away and then I said I'm pushed by PUB and Town Council already, please do not brush me off. He said he will get the officer to call me. The officer from Maintenance. Till now, still no calls. I tried to call 62824344, no one picked.
Thank you civil servants. You bunch of marons.
I've decided that this game is quite fun. I'll continue to play it until I get a satisfactory result or until I get busy with other things... I am a Singaporean afterall.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Precedence
Will the guy in charge of security at SMRT lose his job?
No, cos when Mas Selamat escaped, they didn't sack.
Will any of the Tans be charged if they do any campaigning 1 day before Voting day?
No, because they will only get a stern warning at most.
The power of setting precedence.
No, cos when Mas Selamat escaped, they didn't sack.
Will any of the Tans be charged if they do any campaigning 1 day before Voting day?
No, because they will only get a stern warning at most.
The power of setting precedence.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Chasing Cars
The COE prices have been crazy lately. It was introduced many years back in Singapore to prevent the number of cars to go out of control. Singapore being land scarced, and a growing population at that time, saw a need for such measures to curb traffic congestions, pollutions, etc.
Today, COE has a different meaning. The price of that piece of paper is like 40k? It is almost the price of a car itself.
So why did it balloon till such a state?
Singapore is hungry to be a vibrant first world city. In fact, she is very hungry and will do anything and everything to obtain that goal. we have 2 casinos in recent years to attract the rich and powerful. Not wanting its residents to be bankrupt and cause crime rates to increase, means to prevent locals from going in was established. SGD 100 was the entrance fee for locals who want to enter the casinos.
To be a vibrant city, the income of the citizens, type of housings, vehicles on the road, everything plays a part...
To give an example, I've been to Vietnam 2 times this year. There are many motorbikes. A lot more than cars. The traffic is congested and polution is high. In my opinion, it is not too nice for the image for Vietnam.
This year, I have also been to China twice. Once to a rural place. There were farmers working on the land when the plane landed. The vehicles there are tractors (on the road), trishaws, old cars, broken motor bikes. Again, bad image. However, the 2nd city I was in in china was different. It was a rich city with people driving Audi, VV, and other European brands. Though they were made in China, it still gave the city a very good reputation. It is a city just beside Shanghai. It is that league.
So back to Singapore. We have to up the quality of our cars on the road. How? Up the COE. Push out those who cannot afford big cars.
This is confirmed in the recent report by ST that China brand cars have pathetic sales records.
For housing, there are measures in place to restrict how many houses an individual can buy. There are rules in place. If we want to limit the number of cars on the road, we should apply the same rules. In fact, ERP serves to curb that problem also. An issue of usage. However, we are just allowing the COE to increase in price. So that the rich fella can have 2 lambos and a fleet of BMs while the poor fella has to squeeze in MRTs and the pregnant lady who has done her duty to up the population of Singapore will have problem getting a cab and having to squeeze in the over crowded public transport.
Today, COE has a different meaning. The price of that piece of paper is like 40k? It is almost the price of a car itself.
So why did it balloon till such a state?
Singapore is hungry to be a vibrant first world city. In fact, she is very hungry and will do anything and everything to obtain that goal. we have 2 casinos in recent years to attract the rich and powerful. Not wanting its residents to be bankrupt and cause crime rates to increase, means to prevent locals from going in was established. SGD 100 was the entrance fee for locals who want to enter the casinos.
To be a vibrant city, the income of the citizens, type of housings, vehicles on the road, everything plays a part...
To give an example, I've been to Vietnam 2 times this year. There are many motorbikes. A lot more than cars. The traffic is congested and polution is high. In my opinion, it is not too nice for the image for Vietnam.
This year, I have also been to China twice. Once to a rural place. There were farmers working on the land when the plane landed. The vehicles there are tractors (on the road), trishaws, old cars, broken motor bikes. Again, bad image. However, the 2nd city I was in in china was different. It was a rich city with people driving Audi, VV, and other European brands. Though they were made in China, it still gave the city a very good reputation. It is a city just beside Shanghai. It is that league.
So back to Singapore. We have to up the quality of our cars on the road. How? Up the COE. Push out those who cannot afford big cars.
This is confirmed in the recent report by ST that China brand cars have pathetic sales records.
For housing, there are measures in place to restrict how many houses an individual can buy. There are rules in place. If we want to limit the number of cars on the road, we should apply the same rules. In fact, ERP serves to curb that problem also. An issue of usage. However, we are just allowing the COE to increase in price. So that the rich fella can have 2 lambos and a fleet of BMs while the poor fella has to squeeze in MRTs and the pregnant lady who has done her duty to up the population of Singapore will have problem getting a cab and having to squeeze in the over crowded public transport.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Update
Realised it's been 3 months since i last blogged. Aug is coming, time flies.
Many things have happened since the last entry. For one, I've stepped down as a CGL. Many have asked why. Well it is not easy to explain as some of those who have stepped down as well will be able to identify with me. Did something happen? was it something I saw or heard? Was I offended by someone?
I doubt anyone will read this but I think I will want to pen somethings down before it gets deleted from my memory. It is a hard decision to make. After 6.5 years. Some 300 over sermon and cell grp meetings that I have conducted, I've decided to stop. Do I miss taking a cell grp, conducting a meeting? Yes.
the first ever cell grp meeting that I have attended was at jelaine's place. That was in Jurong East back then. When i was in secondary school. I love the warmth and the chance to see how a Christian house was like, how the culture is like. How serious people were with God and religion. That's my introduction to application Christianity. How people said grace. How people worship God in the confort of their home. How they shared about their lives and encourage one another in whatever trials someone is going through in the pack. How there was a strong hope for a better life. a vision to work towards. I wanted my life to be like that in the future.
Things have changed. perhaps after the incident, we were much more relaxed. Things are optional. Often it is not what happens to an organization that shows it's strength but how it reacts to a situation that shows its true character. So how did we react to the incident? How did we fair? Why ask for suggestions when it is only a talk-cock exercise? we do not want wayang bikin, we want real solutions to real problems. Why set up a school only so that someone's KPI is met? job creation? whatever generates more harm than good must be stopped immediately. Things have to be tracked. Lives we are talking about. Seriousness have died. A tree is known by its fruit. If I want to know a tree, I just need to look at the PA and I know what is acceptable what is not. You have no character whatsoever. It is disgusting. where is the progess? Where is the plan? and the continuity plan? are you all stupid or what? We need brains. God gave them, so use them. Perhaps only 1 man is using his brains. Not enough.
So well, I have decided to pull out my resources. No, I'm still tithing. My time is devoted elsewhere. My precious - my wife, has been pulled out. Crap. Not easy to answer the same questions in every interview... Finally. Hope that things will get better.
As for me, I've been traveling. Yeah, it is tiring. but it is interesting. After a few trips to vietnam with the wife and colleague, I went to Bangkok with my mom and the week after, to hong kong with the wife and the week after to China for work. Now I'm back, I'm told I'll be going to Taiwan in 2 weeks' time. And China probably a week after Taiwan.
Interesting to note that throughout all these traveling, I miss my wife. thought of her in the hotel room, thought of her in the plane. Remembered the time I hostipalised and she was there taking care of me. Someone once said that when you are dead drunk, and someone sends you home to your doorstep, you will always remember this person. I am never drunk. Almost in China, but no. But I remember who takes care of me. Who changed the dressing to my wounds. Who helped me when I needed help. Who was there to lift me up when I was almost out. I remember.
On another note, I just spent some time on a saturday playing "Take my life". Not the latest song. Been a while since I've been to church it feels. Most songs are foreign to me. But it;s good to strum the guitar once again.
Many things have happened since the last entry. For one, I've stepped down as a CGL. Many have asked why. Well it is not easy to explain as some of those who have stepped down as well will be able to identify with me. Did something happen? was it something I saw or heard? Was I offended by someone?
I doubt anyone will read this but I think I will want to pen somethings down before it gets deleted from my memory. It is a hard decision to make. After 6.5 years. Some 300 over sermon and cell grp meetings that I have conducted, I've decided to stop. Do I miss taking a cell grp, conducting a meeting? Yes.
the first ever cell grp meeting that I have attended was at jelaine's place. That was in Jurong East back then. When i was in secondary school. I love the warmth and the chance to see how a Christian house was like, how the culture is like. How serious people were with God and religion. That's my introduction to application Christianity. How people said grace. How people worship God in the confort of their home. How they shared about their lives and encourage one another in whatever trials someone is going through in the pack. How there was a strong hope for a better life. a vision to work towards. I wanted my life to be like that in the future.
Things have changed. perhaps after the incident, we were much more relaxed. Things are optional. Often it is not what happens to an organization that shows it's strength but how it reacts to a situation that shows its true character. So how did we react to the incident? How did we fair? Why ask for suggestions when it is only a talk-cock exercise? we do not want wayang bikin, we want real solutions to real problems. Why set up a school only so that someone's KPI is met? job creation? whatever generates more harm than good must be stopped immediately. Things have to be tracked. Lives we are talking about. Seriousness have died. A tree is known by its fruit. If I want to know a tree, I just need to look at the PA and I know what is acceptable what is not. You have no character whatsoever. It is disgusting. where is the progess? Where is the plan? and the continuity plan? are you all stupid or what? We need brains. God gave them, so use them. Perhaps only 1 man is using his brains. Not enough.
So well, I have decided to pull out my resources. No, I'm still tithing. My time is devoted elsewhere. My precious - my wife, has been pulled out. Crap. Not easy to answer the same questions in every interview... Finally. Hope that things will get better.
As for me, I've been traveling. Yeah, it is tiring. but it is interesting. After a few trips to vietnam with the wife and colleague, I went to Bangkok with my mom and the week after, to hong kong with the wife and the week after to China for work. Now I'm back, I'm told I'll be going to Taiwan in 2 weeks' time. And China probably a week after Taiwan.
Interesting to note that throughout all these traveling, I miss my wife. thought of her in the hotel room, thought of her in the plane. Remembered the time I hostipalised and she was there taking care of me. Someone once said that when you are dead drunk, and someone sends you home to your doorstep, you will always remember this person. I am never drunk. Almost in China, but no. But I remember who takes care of me. Who changed the dressing to my wounds. Who helped me when I needed help. Who was there to lift me up when I was almost out. I remember.
On another note, I just spent some time on a saturday playing "Take my life". Not the latest song. Been a while since I've been to church it feels. Most songs are foreign to me. But it;s good to strum the guitar once again.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Parable of the Policeman
A certain policeman was patrolling the streets and at the foot of a block, he saw a heated argument taking place between 2 guys. He stood a distance away from the situation and observed. After some time, one guy took out a knife and stabbed the other person. The policeman continued to stand at the side and watched the entire incident unfold. The stabbing continued and finally, the person was fatally wounded and by the time the paramedics arrived, he was already dead.
In the court of law, the lawyers questioned the policeman and asked why didn't he react to the situation. "Weren't you suppose to stop crimes?" they asked.
In his defence, the policeman said, but I did nothing wrong. I didn't instigate them to fight. And I didn't cause the killing to take place. I'm not at fault.
So the question we all ask ourselves is if this policeman is not required to be accountable despite having the responsibilities by holding that positioin? Or is he totally innocent as he, technically, didn't cause the cime to take place?
In the court of law, the lawyers questioned the policeman and asked why didn't he react to the situation. "Weren't you suppose to stop crimes?" they asked.
In his defence, the policeman said, but I did nothing wrong. I didn't instigate them to fight. And I didn't cause the killing to take place. I'm not at fault.
So the question we all ask ourselves is if this policeman is not required to be accountable despite having the responsibilities by holding that positioin? Or is he totally innocent as he, technically, didn't cause the cime to take place?
Monday, April 25, 2011
Testimony
Was looking at my CG blog and was just thinking of shutting it down when I stumbled upon an old testimony I posted back in 2009. Was very touched by it and so here it is...
Huiqin and I were desperate for a venue for our photoshoot as we were both too busy to get into serious planning. On the day where we met our photographer, we had to tell him where and we just gave raffles marina as the 2nd venue. After that night, Huiqin dropped RM an e-mail and it states that we had to pay about SGD 200 plus as we are booking it quite last minute.
Both of us are very tight now as we had just completed BF. SGD 200 plus is indeed a lot for us. Then, I remembered I had met a friend when I was in Malaysia about 1 yr ago. I dropped him a sms and he had his contacts. In the end, he got the manager of RM to call me and the total amount I needed to pay was 0 dollars.
Thank God for this saving and truly God is good. Savings here and there goes a long long way...
- Kenneth
Huiqin and I were desperate for a venue for our photoshoot as we were both too busy to get into serious planning. On the day where we met our photographer, we had to tell him where and we just gave raffles marina as the 2nd venue. After that night, Huiqin dropped RM an e-mail and it states that we had to pay about SGD 200 plus as we are booking it quite last minute.
Both of us are very tight now as we had just completed BF. SGD 200 plus is indeed a lot for us. Then, I remembered I had met a friend when I was in Malaysia about 1 yr ago. I dropped him a sms and he had his contacts. In the end, he got the manager of RM to call me and the total amount I needed to pay was 0 dollars.
Thank God for this saving and truly God is good. Savings here and there goes a long long way...
- Kenneth
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Bus Routes (2)
Here's the reply from the authority.... What can I say???
Dear Mr Teo
We refer to your email of 18 October 2010.
Feeder bus services play the important roles of feeding coumuters to/from the MRT stations as well as connecting residents to key amenities within the estates. In the case of Service 334, it connects residents in Jurong West St 42 and Jurong East Ave 1 areas to the MRT station, bus interchange and amenities like the library in Jurong East. Being the transport hub for the area, residents can conveniently transfer to other bus services or the train via the East West or North South Lines. If residents wish to access Lakeside MRT Station, they can still do so using Service 98 or 187 along Jurong West Ave 1. The situation is similar for the case of Service 229, which connects residents to the MRT station, bus interchange and amenities like the hawker center and Polyclinic at Bedok. For Bedok South residents wishing to go to Tanah Merah MRT Station, they can do so using Service 12 or 14.
Given the above considerations, we find the connectivity to MRT stations for these two areas to be reasonable. Nevertheless we note your feedback and we will keep it under consideration for future review as land use and transport development evolve over time.
We thank you for writing in. Yours sincerely
SIGNED IN LOTUS NOTES)
CHAN HON WAI SENIOR
TRANSPORT PLANNER
*We invite you to share your views on land transport related issues with us at http://talk2lta.lta.gov.sg. Now, you can also send us your feedback via SMS at "77LTA" (77582).
Dear Mr Teo
We refer to your email of 18 October 2010.
Feeder bus services play the important roles of feeding coumuters to/from the MRT stations as well as connecting residents to key amenities within the estates. In the case of Service 334, it connects residents in Jurong West St 42 and Jurong East Ave 1 areas to the MRT station, bus interchange and amenities like the library in Jurong East. Being the transport hub for the area, residents can conveniently transfer to other bus services or the train via the East West or North South Lines. If residents wish to access Lakeside MRT Station, they can still do so using Service 98 or 187 along Jurong West Ave 1. The situation is similar for the case of Service 229, which connects residents to the MRT station, bus interchange and amenities like the hawker center and Polyclinic at Bedok. For Bedok South residents wishing to go to Tanah Merah MRT Station, they can do so using Service 12 or 14.
Given the above considerations, we find the connectivity to MRT stations for these two areas to be reasonable. Nevertheless we note your feedback and we will keep it under consideration for future review as land use and transport development evolve over time.
We thank you for writing in. Yours sincerely
SIGNED IN LOTUS NOTES)
CHAN HON WAI SENIOR
TRANSPORT PLANNER
*We invite you to share your views on land transport related issues with us at http://talk2lta.lta.gov.sg. Now, you can also send us your feedback via SMS at "77LTA" (77582).
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