Tuesday, May 26, 2009
It's been quite some time since I last posted my entry here. Well, apologies to my regular blog visitors, have been rather busy recently at work.
I have no idea why I have so much work to do. Many times, I am always pondering, do I really have so many things on hand to do? What is making my work not being able to finish? Am I that inefficient? Or am I slow? Or I really do have so much work?
After much analyzing, I came to a conclusion that I may be inefficient in doing my work. I realise I need longer time than any other people to do certain things, i.e. write up, designs, etc. I am easily distracted by the slightest things around me. I also realise I am always rather slow in doing some things and get fustrated when people keep pushing me to do things fast. Well, of course I hope I can improve on that and do things at the shortest time, and am trying to improve and tries not to get myself distracted that easily, hence I started not to bother on to much things (which may make myself look/ feel attitude).
Recently my sales hotline number is rather HOT. It doesn't stop ringing even at wee hours, and weekends. Starting was still fine, but don't know why recently i find the calls rather irritating. I don't know if its the call that is making me irritated or the questions that the customer asked makes me feel irritated. Sometimes I just don't understand why the customer likes to ask the same question again and again, even after I have tell them the answer. At time, i have this urge to just tell them, "I thought you have asked the question before and I have told you the answer already, why still ask?" But i think it's rather rude, hence I will say "like I have just said, bla bla bla" and give them a feeling that I am irritated with the repeated questions.
Don't know why this few weeks I can't sleep well at night. It's either I wake up several times in the middle of the night, or I have dreams that link to either work or band. Sometimes, I wake up with the delimma whether what i dream is real or not. It's a kind of dejavu feeling, just like it happens before, or going to happen. One incident is I dream about picking up a phone call and making an appointment for someone to go, but after that when i started to think about it, i can't find any information about it and can't remember the exact location and the person's name and contact number. I also dream going work, meeting client for sales, picking up calls. think i'm going insane already.
Nowadays even when I'm home and I pick up the phone, I will say "Hello, Innotec.". God... I will also have the imagination that the phone is ringing as and when, and will tend to go check my phone, which actually it didn't. Don't know whether is this a phobia to work. but anyway, this is causing me lack of sleep and being very tired in the middle of the day.
Just mention to my boss about myself might not be in the company by end of the year (which he felt that I'm treatening him). Well, I am not threatening la, just that if anyone from the media company who offer to hire me, I'll definitely go since it's my dream and goal to work in a media company. My DJ course will be starting soon, and if I perform well, maybe I'll get a chance to be a DJ? Well, we shall see how things goes, and maybe i will start with being part time DJ first and continue to work with Innotec. Actually i don't have confidence in being a DJ, but of course I hope to have a chance to experience being one.
Anyway, whether or not I am with Innotec or not in future, what I can promise is that I'll still try to help in the marketing work, designing work and all, understanding that maybe I may understand what my young boss expect and want. So no worries that the job is keep undone, or unoccupied. Young boss, really not to threaten you on leaving the company. But I believe you know that sooner or later I will if i can find a better prospect or a job that I have more interest in. But of course i will not disappear overnight and will still help you through on whatever you need to (even if I am not with the company, promised).
love goes around | 12:49 AM
Sunday, May 10, 2009
After sending my young boss to Gleneagles Hospital for intenstine checkup due to infection of his intestine, I went to Great World City UOB to help him drop company's cheque (since it's nearby).
While walking to the bank, I passed by the Atrium with Harris having a mini book fair there. Walk around and saw a few books that I fancy (and selling @ cheap price).
The Rule of Wealth -- Finally got this book. Previously due to the high pricing, i refrain myself from buying. thus when i saw this book on the wagon, I was so happy, although with some torn at the side of the book, I still decided to buy it coz it's really selling cheap (S$8).
Other than that above stated title, I picked another 2 titles as well as they are going at 50% discount. Although I might not have the time to read the books anytime soon due to busy schedule and work, but buying the books and leave it for future reading purposes is worthwhile. Don't you think so?
I went to make some delivery to Homefix on Friday evening as I promise them that I will have them delivered to their stores by Friday (which I forget to pack the day before for the delivery man).
First destination was Lot 1. I didn't have the idea why there was a great jam into the Carpark. totally no idea why there was so many people going to Lot 1 that day, I waited for like around 15 minutes before I can enter the carpark.
After that went over to Causeway Point to deliver for the other batch of Homeview products that they have placed order. After doing so, I went to get some food at Pastamania. After meal, I went to get a cup of Bubble Tea before I headed into TS to look at what are the special offer that day.
I was hooked by the playing video on the screen "Beethoven Virus". It's a Korean seires drama. Well, I personally don't really fancy Korean drama as I find it very lengthy and a lot of shouting and crying by the artiste.
but I have no idea what gets into me, I just bought the DVD, together with "Yuhee, The Witch". I watch "Yuhee, the Witch" on the TV on a Sunday afternoon while doing my work on computer and finds the show quite nice too. Hence i bought that too, hoping to finish watching the show from beginning to end.
Today I was home after discussing on advertisement design with my boss at his house and started watching on the "Beethoven Virus". Woo, it was indeed a great show, especially for musicians. I strongly recommend all musicians to take a chance to view this drama.
What's more? There are nice pieces inside and it also taught us how to be a good musician even if we are part time.
I don't mind borrowing this DVD to anyone who is interested.
love goes around | 12:46 AM
Saturday, May 09, 2009
I received this wonderful and useful email from the courtesy of my poly classmante, Cecilia, which I think it will be most wonderful to share it here with everyone who reads my blog, be it passerby or regular visitors.
On Channel U, there was this variety show in the evening that introduce foods according to categories, and also to the different budget so that the view can try out various food from various places, at the same time looking after their own pocket.
Below are some of the details and URL for the restaurants.
1st Episode -- Lunch Buffets
Here are the details:
1. For lunch buffet below $20, Geek Terminal at Market Street (http://www.geekterminal.com/) @ $13.90 per pax
Think it's best for those working in Raffles Place & who want a light lunch.
2. For lunch buffet between $20 to $30, Carnivore at Vivocity (http://www.carnivore.com.sg/Outlets/vivo.asp) @ $28++ per pax
Good for meat-eaters & those working in Vivocity vicinity.
3. For lunch buffet above $30, Carousel at Royal Plaza on Scotts (http://dining.royalplaza.com.sg/) @ $39++ per pax
For those who can afford a leisurely lunch with international spread on a weekday at Orchard Road.
2nd Episode -- Dinner Buffets
Here are the details:
1. Below $20, Bombay Cafe Express at Suntec City Mall
(http://www.bombaycafe.com.sg/) @ $14.90++ per pax
Not sure if the buffet's only available on Friday nights since that was what the programme showed. There's also another Bombay Cafe around Tanjong Katong area. >> $9.90 on weekday, ok, included some Chinese dishes among the Indian dishes offered. Serves naan too. (value for money.)
2. Between $20 to $30, Harbour City Restaurant at PSA Building
(http://www.harbourcity.com..sg/) @ $27.80++ per pax, only on weeknights
Ala carte buffet menu of 48 dishes but subject to minimum of 4 pax to enjoy the buffet. This buffet does really look like a great-value for money, but provided you don't mind travelling to the rather remote location. I had only tried the dim sum lunch once & a long time ago, but it seemed very popular with working crowd around there
3. Above $30, MELT - The World Cafe at Mandarin Oriental
(http://www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore/dining/MELT/) @ $70++ per pax, only on weeknights
Add $25++ to enjoy free flow of alcohol. As expected, the programme showed this famous buffet in Singapore.
3rd Episode -- Tim Sum Buffets
Here are the details:
1. Below $20, Lao Beijing at Plaza Singapura
(http://www.tunglok.com/laobeijing/laobeijing_menus.html) @ $10.20++ per pax
Only for high tea on weekdays, 3 to 5pm. For weekends & PHs, the price increases to $15.80++, but the spread has slightly more choices as well.. Check out their website for the full high tea menus. It’s worth a try if you like lots of Chinese carbs.
2. Between $20 to $30, Peach Blossom at Marina Mandarin
(http://www.meritus-hotels.com/hotelresort/marinamandarin/dining/peachblossom.htm) @ $28.80++ per pax, served between 11.30am to 2.30pm, only on weekends & PHs
Ala carte buffet menu of over 26 dishes. I haven’t tried it but am really tempted by the display of fried cornflake beancurds, deep fried enoki mushroom parcels and black glutinous rice with pumpkin paste dessert last night.
3. Above $30, Hai Tien Lo at Pan Pacific
(http://www.panpacific.com/en/singapore/restaurants_bars/Hai_Tien_Lo.html) @ $58++ per pax, between 11.30am to 2.30pm, only on weekends & PHs
The spread looked good, but 4 out of 5 tasters on the programme commented that the price was a little too high for dim sum, which I tend to agree, what’s more with the recession looming over our heads now.
4th Episode on Breakfast Buffets
Here are the details:
1. Below $20, Bistro Delifrance at various locations
(http://www.delifrance.com.sg/)@ $9.90++ per pax
Only on Fridays to Sundays & PHs, 8 to 10.30am. Check their website for the various bistro locations & under ‘Promotions & Hot Deals’ for the breakfast buffet details. Not sure why the flyer on the website indicated that we can have the bakery buffet breakfast at $7.95 and will need to add $3 for an additional hot meal, which was different from what was telecasted last evening, showing unlimited helpings to both their hot & bakery items. Perhaps different bistro have different menus or the flyer is outdated? Did anybody know which outlet they showcased last night?
2. Between $20 to $30, Cafe Brio’s at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel
(http://www.millenniumhotels.com.sg/grandcopthornewaterfront/restaurant/index.html) @ $29.00++ per pax, served between 6.30 to 10.30am, on all days
The spread seemed very international, probably good for those staying nearby. I found the mention of dining al fresco alongside the Singapore River rather funny since the view is more like of a big canal, nothing spectacular.
3. Above $30, Olive Tree Restaurant at Intercontinental Singapore
(http://www.singapore.intercontinental.com/dining/olivetree.asp) @ $36.00++ per pax, between 6 to 10.30am, on weekends & PHs
The spread actually didn’t seem as international as Café Brio’s, but is definitely more high end. They have an egg station that will freshly cook your eggs in whatever style you want, which is the norm for 4 stars hotel establishments and above. And boy, am I impressed with their selection of fresh tea leaves that are served in actual tea pots rather than cups to individual customers. The pan fried beef and cheese selection looks really yummy too. So if I’m to choose between Café Brio’s & Olive Tree, I’ll rather pay a bit more & go for the latter. After a most satisfying breakfast, we can then walk off our food by shopping to our fill at Bugis Junction.
5th Episode on High Tea Buffets
Here are the details:
1. Below $20, Chilli Padi Nonya Café at North Bridge Commercial Complex (http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/chilli_padi_nonya_cafe/)@ $8.80+ per pax
There’s this other website - http://www.chillipadi.com.sg/, but I’m not sure if this is the main restaurant’s website or even related to Chilli Padi Nonya café, thus I link up the hungry-go-where website which I feel has the best details & reviews. The high tea buffet is served on all days of the weeks, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, and I think it’s $7.80+ on weekdays, add a dollar for weekends. I was salivating over the spread on tv last night, especially the nonya kuehs, kueh pie ti, chwee kueh & chilled sago with gula melaka. Seems like they rotate their daily menus, thus you may get your favorites on certain days. The spread may not be huge but it’s definitely worth a try for that price. For your information, North Bridge Commercial Complex is just opposite Bugis Junction.
2. Between $20 to $30, Ellenborough Market Café at Swissotel Merchant Court (http://www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/Singapore/Swissotel+Merchant+Court/HOTEL+HOME/Gallery/Dining/Ellenborough+Market+Cafe.htm) @ $28.00++ per pax, served between 3.30pm to 5.30pm, only on weekends and PHs
Needless be much said about this popular buffet with Singaporeans. It’s got a reasonably good spread, just don’t expect very nice ambience as I tend to think the café is always overcrowded. The cold chempedak dessert did look very tempting though.
3. Above $30, Tea Lounge at The Regent Singapore
(http://www.regenthotels.com/hotels/risin/dinings) @ $36.00++ per pax, served between 1.30pm to 5.30pm on weekends – this is a classic English tea buffet, probably more suitable for ladies of leisure or bunch of girls meeting up for a get-together or couples wanting a quiet afternoon to cosy up to each other. Can you imagine a bunch of guys or big families gathering at this place? I think that explained why Terence Cao kept going over to join the other 2 female tasters last night since it would be a bit awkward for him to sit alone and sample English tea. Anyway, interesting items to try include the Yuzu tarlet, cherry trifle and macarons.
6th Episode -- Steamboat Buffets
Here are the details:
1. Zheng Fa Steamboat - Less Than 20 @ $18.90++, on weekdays.
(http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/chin_huat_live_seafood_thomson/) (Chin Huat don't have their own website, so this is the best).
I was surprised by the indoor decor as it really didn't look very nice outside.
I found the uniforms of the staff rather corny, but overall, I wouldn't mind patronising this place with my family or a big bunch of friends so that we can share food & try everything. The desserts really looked interesting, and I am impressed by the fact that they don't only offer steamboat, but also grill/bbq & teppanyaki, & at such low price. I bet this place is going to get swamped from now onwards, & I regret not trying it before the telecast.
2. Chongqing Steamboat @ Tanglin Mall - Less than 30 @ $29.90++ on weekdays & $30.90++ on weekends.
(http://www.chinesefeasts.com.sg/restaurants.html).
The restaurant is more correctly known as The Magic of Chongqing Hot Pot, & you can find the extensive menu on the website above. I like their sauces a lot, and all the 1-serving Jing Chuan Dian Xin items are worth a try. The 8-treasure tea served is a bonus as it really aided digestion of food.
3. The Buffet @ M Hotel - Above 30 @ $38++ on weekdays.
(http://www.millenniumhotels.com.sg/mhotelsingapore/restaurant/theBuffet.html). The hotpot buffet showcased last night is really impressive, but I think more suited for seafood lovers since they focus their themes around seafood. I salivated over the drunken prawns cooked on the spot & mushroom varieties & chinese herbs that you can add all you want to your soup, and of course, the durian pengat.
7th Episode -- Dessert Buffets
Here are the details:
1. Below $20, Mingles at Velocity (Novena Square) – ice cream buffet @ $14.90++ per pax, available for high tea everyday
No official website so please refer to this:
http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/mingles_velocity/. The buffet offers 24 flavours of New Zealand Natural ice cream, with unlimited waffles (not served whole but in small slices) & 1 drink per customer. It may be too much to eat just ice cream unless you are a true-blue ice cream fan, so a suggestion is to go for their set lunches or dinners, which will give you main course, drink & dessert/soup. I tried this place a couple of times, & rather enjoyed their sausages & rosti.
However, this place is definitely not meant for hanging out or big crowds.
2. Between $20 to $30, The Rose Veranda at Shangri-La Hotel - dessert buffet @ $28++ per pax, available between 3 to 6pm on weekdays.
(http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/singapore/shangrila/dining/restaurant/roseveranda). I actually think this is the most worthy of the lot showcased last night, & would love to give it a try when I can find time to take the afternoon off from work & have a leisurely high tea with my friends or other half.
Being a female & tea drinker, I love the rose patterned crockery & am amazed by the 102 varieties of tea available. Apparently, they also serve tea cocktails, which are chargeable. Temptations include the crème brulee, mango & mint minestrone, lemongrass & chocolate mousse topped with crunchy chocolate balls, durian cake & chocolate fondue. They also have a selection of hot items for this buffet, which is great for those who are not die hard dessert fans.
3. Above $30, The Courtyard at Fullerton Hotel – chocolate buffet @ $38++ per pax, available Thur through Sat nights.
(http://www.fullertonhotel.com/swf/main.html#/dining/). Well, another well known buffet, so I’m not going to say too much. I have never tried it since I don’t fancy gorging myself on chocolate, not that I don’t love chocolate, but I just don’t wish to run at the sight of chocolate for a long time after that. The only items that caught my attention last night are the lychee tiramisu and white chocolate soup.
8th Episode -- Brunch Buffets
Here are the details:
1. Below $20, Penang Place Restaurant at International Business Park – not exactly brunch buffet but more like lunch buffet @ $19.80++ per pax, available daily from 11.30am to 2pm except on Sundays when they close
(http://www.penangplace.com/).
I tried this before, & have to say that I really enjoyed the spread. It is always very crowded though, so you definitely need to make reservations, even on weekdays. You can refer to the website for the buffet items.
2. Between $20 to $30, The Pearl River Palace Restaurant at Suntec City Convention Centre Level 3 – ala carte Cantonese lunch buffet @ $28++ per pax, available between 11.30am to 2.30pm on weekends.
Being such a traditional Chinese establishment, they do not have their own website, but you can get good reviews at (http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/pearl_river_palace/).
It seems like a good central venue for family get-together makan sessions on weekends with the usual Chinese restaurant fare, tim sum selection & desserts, & as usual, being able to shop after a heavy makan session is a plus point.
3. Above $30, Checkers Brasserie at Hilton Singapore – Sunday champagne buffet @ $160++ per pax, available from 12pm to 3pm. Without free flow champagne, it’s $70++ per adult & $25++ per child. http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SINHITW-Hilton-Singapore-hotel/dining.do;jsessionid=17BE3DCE5A2E6071BC2B21DAF1E7FCAB.etc73#2. It sounds crazy to pay that kind of $$ for champagne plus lunch, especially when the atmosphere isn’t exactly leisurely or relaxed with a kids’ corner on the same premises. It also seemed so crowded and noisy in the show but if you have the cash to spare, can try for the seafood, western hot entrees like roast beef, foie gras (WOW!) & Yorkshire pudding, Indian cuisine like lamb kebabs & naans, Chinese selection like crepes with Peking duck and of course desserts.
love goes around | 12:44 AM
Sunday, May 03, 2009
A lot of things happened during the pass few weeks.
Incident #1
The biggest thing that happened in my life as of now is.......
"HE HAS LEFT ME.. LEFT MY LIFE FOR GOOD.."
Yes!! My harddisk (HE) has left my life for good last week Tuesday. This was a super shocking news to me on a decent working morning when I wanted to access the files inside my precious and it fails me.
Tried to bring it to various data saving companies to retrieve the data but sadly, it's either the data saving company is charging too high or they are not able to retrieve.
I'm very sad. It's like someone leaving my life just like that, no warning. All my precious data and files are inside, and most importantly my designs are all inside too. And it seems like all are gone for now. Everything are gone, within a single night.
Suddenly feel like crying. Sob.. sob..
Incident #02
Mum was admitted to hospital for a minor ear surgery on Wednesday at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The operation was very successful although she was wounded at a few places during operation due to the general anesthesia (throat, forehead, left hip bone). Attached below one picture I took on the wound that was caused during operation around the throat area.
My mum ear had 9 stitches from top of the ear to the bottom of the ear (think the doctor literally cut off the ear when doing the surgery). Look at the picture below on how the stitch looks like on my mum's ear (quite scary).
Well, thank god for blessing my mum and giving her good health. She is now recovering fast and no side effects after the operation.
Incident #03
Finally, my Bachelor Certificate has arrived, after a long long wait of about half a year, since August 2008.
After a lot of pushing and chasing for my certificate (MDIS student coordinator is ever so slow and inefficient), and also enquiring personally with OCU side, understand the main reason for the delay of the certificate, I knew my effort on getting my certificate is not wasted.
At least OCU people didn't play me out by giving me an over promised answer (not like those student coordinator of MDIS, never keep their promise).
So happy to have my certificate with me now.
Incident #04
02 May 2009 is Robin Leow's Big Day, it his Wedding.
Held at Happy Restaurant along Tanjong Katong Road, the event commenced quite successfully. Well, I felt it's more like "歌台" or "黄金年华" kinda event. Why? Coz there's karaoke and singer singing on stage. And what's more, mainly in the dialect "hokkien" (which I don't really understand).
The host was really something. They invited 阿南 to host the wedding dinner, which brings a lot of joy and laughter to the in-house guest. indeed, he is one of the host that can bring the people up.
The wedding dinner was delayed for about 1.5 hours before the bride and the bridegroom marched in from the entrance.
Well, it's certainly a new experience to have attend such wedding (not the norm in Singapore) and I don't think there is any chance to attend such wedding the second time too. Still, I think the wedding is a successful one.
Hope that the newly wedds will spend their life happily together, sharing sorrows and happiness, till they grow old.
This was an unocassional change of hairstyle after I reach home and wash up. Now then I know I look quite nice with side parting too. Hee.
love goes around | 1:31 AM
