More pictures.....

Monday, August 25, 2008

Great Sushi place!!!


Will be regretting that I ever blogged this but here goes.....the BEST sushi place I ever got to know & my belly's grumbling every week (specifically on Tuesday as that's my swim day & pig out day all rolled into 1.

Found this hyperlink to blog that says it all..... http://yum.sg/restaurants/fish_mart_sakuraya_parkway_parade/

Yummy delicious & best sushi ever tasted....MUST TRYS:
potato salad
salmon belly
handrolls especially the seafood salad one
fresh scallop

Psst - you see Sakae on the same floor & it's at the end of that same row:)

Addition on 1 Sep 08:
add on to the list of must trys:
Tofu salad - cold appertiser but absolutely deeeelicious

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Me closing a chapter


I finally closed a chapter - was asked by my staff on whether it was true that I was leaving just last week & even though it broke my heart to answer that question to that person (as we work quite closely together over the past year or so), I had to say "yes".

"What did I achieve in that year at my current position?"


That was what I asked myself when the staff went on to ask "What we going to do now once you are gone?"

I told him that he & everyone else will continue with what they do best.
I told him that the one thing I believe I have achieved is to ask "Why?" to current processes & procedures (i.e. the way we do things) & showing that there's always another way to do things (the alternative may not be the right way but there's always another way)
I have asked for changes to processes that have been in place since the start of the department including challenging the "that's the way it is done" mentality.
I have lost & won some battles but at the end of my song, it is really "I did it my way".
"What have I learnt about myself for the past year?"
This is what I asked myself when I was chatting with a close friend yesterday.

I have never thought that I could lead a team of 30 simply because my earlier departments have always been quite small.
I never knew what was my leadership style......
I have since found out that I take on the style of a forward-thinking person i.e. always anticipating change & looking at processes/ procedures that will fit future numbers at least months/years ahead & of course, challenging norms/ breaking new ground.

It has been an interesting year & the experiences will stay with me......

Happiness


Happiness is watching the kids play - knowing that the time with them will never come again...
Happiness is enjoying where we are - at that particular place & time & knowing there's no other place we are meant to be....
Happiness is being able to count my blessings e.g. ability to breathe, walk, waking up in the mornings, giving a hug to my kids & many many more blessings for each day...
Happiness is just being....

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Jewel's onboard...so is Crystal

Found a lovely little bunny today....
Lovely shade of grey mixed with silver.
JEWEL's her name because she's a gem to behold.
Cute as a little bunny & cuddly like a teddy
Ryan loves the Jewel & can't wait to play with her
Natalie talks non-stop about her & can't wait to hold her
Daddy's beaming from ear to ear cos he finally has company again on his late night TV
Mommy likes rabbits which are cute & cuddly....can't wait to bring the white shaded friend home tomorrow - her name will be CRYSTAL!

Here's 1 video & pic....






Thursday, August 14, 2008

Embarking on a new direction


I am in the final stages of embarking into a new direction - career-wise. To a certain extent, am quite sad as I have built nice relationships with the people I worked for & with for the past 5 over years but the new place simply posed too many opportunities for me to ignore.

  • Going back to my roots in my new place but also many exciting challenges ahead :)
  • Reporting direct to the main man in my new place & so far, I enjoy the communication process as it's been quite open (European style I think suits me much better than American style to a certain extent).
  • Speed of things definitely faster in my new environment but it suits me fine.
  • Volume is not the name of the game but rather quality of work counts - which also suits me fine.
  • My current place has its daily challenges e.g. TAT, management which will not be seen at my new place. Judging from the information given during the meetings, I will be looking at fewer cases but more challenging tie-ups which is both exciting & scary at the same time :)
My current place has emotional ties with me & of course, the familiarity of knowing how things work does help but my gut is telling me it'll a good move & I am going with that....

Wish me Luck!

Picked the eagle shot as it speaks of how I am feeling right now :)

Sunday, August 10, 2008

my heart's broken....

was not sure how to blog this cos I know I am not the sentimental type .... at least not as far as it comes to pets but I must say that my heart's broken when the pet rabbit that I got for the kids died last Sunday (exactly 2 weeks after we got it from the pet shop).....I've had my fair share of pets & mind you, I really cried when my cat, Boxy passed away some years ago (due to old age).... but what surprised me for Toffee was that this little girl was only with us for a mere 2 weeks before she died (unfortunately gasping for air at the end after having some stomach problems for the afternoon)....sigh...didn't even have time to take a nice photo of Toffee *my US lop-earred rabbit*

25 Aug 08: Update - managed to find a video which shows Toffee (unfortuantely greedy state) :)

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Primary 1 registration


This week has been a harrowing experience as it's Pri 1 registration week for Singapore (I am in phase 2B as religion is considered a priority to enter into certain schools). Initially did the registration at a school nearby my place after waiting some 2 hrs in line (christian boys). Unfortunately, the wait was in vain as was informed the next day that the number of applications in that school far exceeded the spaces allocated & hub & i only had another chance to register at another christian boy school in the same phase. After a couple of phone calls & a few hours of waiting at another christian boys school, we finally managed to firm up the registration.

Was asked by some friends why the need to register into a christian boys school when there's a very famous school (non christian) just down the road. For me, it was more about a feeling to a certain extent & heritage in another way as hub & i were both educated in christian schools which were single gender (up until college).

I can't explain why but I hold the hope that if my child is educated in a reasonably well christian school, human values (rather than simply academia) is integrated as part of the child's make-up. In the end, for me, at the end of the day, I would rather my child be able to survive in the world hopefully with values that will stay with him for his lifetime & be a positive & contributing person (as opposed to just a brainy kid with limited values) that will help him/her survive the many many years after school.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Maldives....a paradise on earth



What I absolutely love about this vacation:
nature & time with my hub & my book reading ....

Now for the all-time list:
  1. The glorious lovely all day sun....
  2. the never ending sea tides & powdery white sand....
  3. the wonderful fishes that swim around you as if you are part of them in the ocean....
  4. the lovely wonderfully shaped sea shells that only nature can produce. managed to get a nice variety that kids will be delighted with...
  5. the beautiful beach with endless sea that goes on for as far as the eye can see....
  6. the warm soft rain in the afternoons....
  7. the time with hubby cos it's been a long time since we had time spent together just being with each other without the phone or Internet..... just enjoying each other's company....
  8. the fact that you can see the clear water & white sand below even if you are standing in water up above your head.......
  9. the fishes that resembles promfrets that swim in schools so near to the shore (around ankle deep water).....
  10. beautiful pockets of coral that still teems with fish even if it is the only one standing in the vast area......
  11. the pair of yellow finned fish that swam next to hub & me for most of the scuba diving experience. schools after schools of fish.....
  12. dinner by the moon light with prawns so fresh & a platter of meat cooked to perfection.....
  13. hubby's gift of song from "Don Williams - You're my best friend" with words that made me cry & love my hub all the more....the lyrics are: 
You placed gold on my finger
You brought love life I've never known 
You gave life to our children
And to me, a reason to go on. 

You're my bread when I'm hungry
You're my shelter from troubled winds
You're my anchor in life's ocean 
But most of all, you're my best friend 

When I need hope and inspiration
You're always strong when I'm tired and weak
I could search this whole world over
You'd still be everything that I need. 

Last but not least, I actually managed to read 2 books -"Eat, Pray, Love" (about a woman who travelled to Italy. India & Bali in search of what is true for her - what better to read a trip book when one is on a trip :)) & "The Saint, the Surfer & the CEO" by Robin Sharma (a self-realization book of what life's purpose & how to live fulfilling lives.n many ways, both books remind me about another fav book, "Conversations with God" by Neale Donald Walsh


Messages to remind me of the wonderful book adventures taken for this trip.....
  • "When the student is ready, the teacher appears." 
  • "Human reaction either stems from love or fear - nothing else" 
  • "Joy, truth & love shows us which messages are divine messages" 
  • "Our journeys are always what benefits others as service for other are our common goals" 
  • "Each of us are perfect in ourselves. "
  • "We are unhapy the farther we are not living out our destiny. We innately know as we are all in the process of self discovery more like remembering what we are. We are not learning anything new as what we know lies deep in our hearts."



Saturday, April 12, 2008

"The Monk who sold his Ferrari" by Robin Sharma


Read this book recently - must say that it was the title that 1st got hub's attention. Surprisingly he bought the book (usually he's not into the self-help books - that's more my thing :)) & recommended me reading it.....as usual, was juggling reading about 4 books at that time so didn't manage to get down to this book till some time later. 

The book's easy reading cos got storyline infused into the "teachings" - a bit zen-like but not too overpowering. The ideas are quite interesting although being a self-help book junkie, the teachings have been taught earlier in other books like "One Minute Millionaire", various books by Og Mandino & Neale Donald Walsh.....

Quite a nice read with easy to recall concepts.....some reviewers have stated that the book has life changing concepts...from what i see on its impact on hub, i would say it has made him & me more aware of what influences or has an impact on deeds & words......

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Siloso Beach Getaway


Just had a nice getaway at Siloso Beach Sentosa (kids holiday cos too busy at work to take  leave) - definitely one of my fav places in S'pore....loved the breakfast served (what can beat fresh croissants baked in front of you & nice chilled fruits kept in the fridge?)....saw "Songs of the Sea" & found that it quite entertaining... topped off with a nice beautiful sunset...what more can I ask for a mini-vac?

Monday, March 10, 2008

Back from 2-weeks secondment

Back from my 2-week secondment in HK....boy! this is the LONGEST time I have been away from my family & the most unusual way to boot! Oft had to remind myself why I was given the chance to be there learning from my Home Office side & my Hong kong counterparts.....coldest period that I have experienced in all trips to HK...did loads of self-exploration as got loads of time to myself for the 2 weeks..I think I also can almost say that I've been there done that - took all available means of transport in HK (ferry, MTR, small bus, normal bus & cable car)...even tried some hiking to boot :)

Here's some shots from my 3 hrs hiking (done that & won't be doing that anytime soon again *hahaha8) & my cable car experience (exhilarating as foggy & almost surreal experience being up there in the clouds):


Saturday, February 09, 2008

flower show at Sentosa 2008




Spent about an hour in one of CNY hols at the Sentosa's flower show...pretty great effort considering the heat & scorching sun....it was nice but really crowded as throngs of people (mostly Chinese tourists naturally) flocked to take photos with the giant flower displays stretching from one end of impian station to beach station. Overall great effort & lovely displays...pity about the heat though....drop down if you have the time cos it's only till next week!

Saturday, February 02, 2008

Growing old...


Decided to do this post as just came back from birthday celebrations for hub's friend's dad who turned 80 last week....got me thinking of where I want to be when I am 80 (if I live that long that is...;) 

Hopefully Life at 80 for me will be as follows:
limbs intact & in working order
brain intact & in working order
able to eat, laugh & be merry 
have a group of people i love around me & loving to be around me 

What do you want to be life for you at 80? 

Saturday, January 05, 2008

A wonderful break at BKK over Christmas




Was in BKK over the Christmas break all the way till New Year's Eve...this time spent some time in the Thai countryside....was an eye-opener as who would have thought that in just 1 hr away from BKK city centre, there will fresh crisp air with wineries, horse riding, Thai cowboys, farmstays, Thai country music & waterfalls? 
The pictures show some fantastic R&R....very refreshed from the whole experience & looking forward to a great 2008! 

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Company D & D




Always grabbed the opportunity to dress up for my company's D&D (as funky as possible will be good thank you :)) Always had my funky hair-do (wigs no less) but this year's different cos had to cover my head cos I was well "in the character" so to speak.....
did my scary make-up done really last minute but it really turned out well scary that the make-up artist was scared that i won't go along with it :)

Kudos to everyone who went along with being crazy for the night :)

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Birthday Makan at Dempsey road


It is nice stepping into PS Cafe (Dempsey Road) for the 1st time & what better than to have my birthday dinner there....


For starters, had corn & chicken chowder soup - lovely cream soup with some nice toast. Had marvellicious soft tender Tenderloin with bacon (medium well done to perfection) for main meal. Just had to leave some space for a nice choc 3" cake nicely matched with vanillia ice cream (which actually tasted quite wonderful without the usual ice within that you find in other restaurants' made ice cream). Family was there tucking into fish & chips (signature dish) & fish steak...which were lovely as well....all in all, a good meal with good company. Matched with good service staff & ambience & you've got a winning place that I will go back again & again...:)

PS Picture from http://sparklette.net/archives/ps-cafe-dine-in-seclusion/

Heard that there's a nice Ben & Jerry's round the corner....hmmm kids will definately love such a place so will definately make my way there another day :)

Friday, October 19, 2007

Upcoming Birthday celebrations......


Oh! oh! just realised the Big Birthday's coming up.....am not usually fussed about it except that at least hubby must remember that day :)

Hubby's been nice - got me an iPhone for my birthday knowing the geek in me that will drool over the whole cool factor......

What's not to drool eh? Except that the unlocking bit takes some getting used to *Hahaha*

Had to redo the unlocking when did a software update.....after that read about some lawsuit (in US of course) re the iPhone becoming an iBrick after the update (http://www.computing.co.uk/vnunet/news/2200760/apple-faces-class-action-suit)

Now back to using the cool gadget......Tata! :)

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Results of Personality Assessment via online test

Was bored from all the leadership talk.....I did a personality test online- here's the results:

Your personality can best be described as choleric.
You are the extrovert, the doer and the optimist. [can't really figure that extrovert/ optimist parts :p]

STRENGTH


Your personality strengths:

You are a born leader, dynamic and active and have a compulsive need for change.
You often feel that you must correct wrongs.

You are strong-willed and decisive, independent and self-sufficient. You are not easily discouraged and can be unemotional when necessary.

You are capable of running anything and exude confidence.

Your strengths at home

You are an expert in exerting sound leadership, establishing goals and able to motivate the family in to action.
You always know the right answer and organise the household.


Your strengths at work

You are very goal oriented, see the whole picture and organise well.
You seek practical solutions to problems and move quickly to action.

You delegate work but insist on productivity.

You make the goals, stimulate activity and thrive on opposition.

Your strengths in relationships

You have little need for friends and will work for group activity.
You often lead from the front, organise and are usually right.

You excel during emergencies.

WEAKNESS

Your personality weaknesses

You can be bossy and impatient. You are quick tempered, can't relax and can be too impetuous.
You enjoy controversy and arguments and won't give up when losing.

You can come on too strong, are inflexible and uncomplimentary.

You dislike tears and emotions and are generally unsympathetic. [this is really true BTW...i cringe if anyone cries in front of me esp. if he/she was wrong to start off...]


Your weaknesses at home
You tend to over dominate, are too busy for your family and will often give answers too quickly.
You are impatient with poor performance and won't let children relax if you have any. You are likely to send them in to depression. [this is really true BTW...i must remember NOT to do this man!]


Your weaknesses at work
You have little tolerance for mistakes, however, you don't analyse details yourself, are bored by trivia and can often make rash decisions.
You can be rude and tactless and often manipulate people.
You are demanding of others and believe that the end justifies the means.
Work may become the driving force in your life and you demand loyalty in the ranks.


Your weaknesses in relationships

You tend to use people and dominate others. You make decisions on other people's behalf and you know everything.
You can do everything better, are too independent and are overly possessive of friends and mate.
You can't say sorry and, although you may often be right, you can become unpopular.


Must take all the above advice & constantly remind myself if my weaknesses so that I can become a better person! :)