All I can say...life is a roller coaster and bad things come in two.
Just collected the keys and on day of inspection of unit, we found the whole apartment flooded with water. Apparently the stupid stupid stupid maid next door had choke the pipe and tried to pumped and forced the stuck materials down the pipes. She continued to use her kitchen and water rushed through our toilet and flooded the whole house, saved the master room and kitchen.
It was a nitemare, hassle and frustratin matter, especially the useless management office didnt want to press after the next door unit since he claimed it was "inconclusive" to determine the other party was at fault. The good thing is insurance is covered, but as to how much can be claimed is undetermined. Not only that, the renovation period will have to extend since I have now to rip up the whole wooden flooring in both bedrooms, dining room, living room as well as the cabinets.
In a way, I kept myself upbeat and positive thinking, that all these happen before we start our renovation and thus able to "identify" the problem, and change my renovation plans in time. Also, knowing this potential problem, at least I am gonna swop all the wooden flooring to tiles, and ensure my wall attached cabinet is gonna be lifted off the ground! The troublesome thing is that the flooding occured before we collected the keys and so the insurance is covered under the seller. The good thing is that it doesnt seem to raise our insurance premium since the claim is not made under our name. The bad thing is that everything is subjective.
Maybe its all predestined. I honestly hated the flooring and was in 2 minds about whether to ripped the whole flooring. However cost and renovation timeline were major factors, and now heaven willed it that I need not think about it and just go ahead with it. I just hope the insurance claim will break even at least with what we need to do...damn.
So far, my contractor seem to be rather reliable and experienced, advising me that he has encounter similar problems and suggested to checking the common pipe during renovation. If determined it is the common pip problem which he suspected, we have the right to request the building management to change the pipe...then again how long will that take is an unknown factor.
My husband is pissed and annoyed of course with all the various aspect, even though I am actually the one dealing with it and following up with the various contacts, such as the lawyer, contractor, seller, management... He told me that I am only focusing on the positive aspect and I asked him why dwell on "if only" since there is nothing he can do to change the current situation and what lies ahead? I told him positively at least knowing ahead now, can saves us alot of hassles in future. And that the flooding had occured just one day before which still falls under the seller insurance because my husband had forgotten to buy our own insurance, which would have been a headache!
Anycase, there are so many questions and no answers.
Doesnt help when I have to start my temp work next monday.
So much to do, so little time. Damnnn....
That is why I always hate china people, irresponsible, selfish etc and worse, these people who doesnt teach their maid proper way to dispose garbage and stuff, and still think that the household pipe can infinitely take any rubbish and use it without care. Its like out of sight out of mind and not their problem once they dont see it. Bastards.
Apparently I just found out our neighbor who flooded our place is a 60+yr old guy who is living with 3rd wife/mistress, who also is a very young Shanghai woman... Gossip mill is that he leads a rather "indecent" lifestyle... I dont really care how many young china woman he fk, so long as he doesnt fking cause more headaches for us!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Quay Grand Suite (Sydney)
As usual...my usual erratic, random and non chronological posting.
After staying in several rather disappointing major hotels in Sydney (which frankly isnt up to par compared to Asia standards), I finally found one accomodation worthy of my expectations. Recent stay in Quay Grand Suite (located near the Sydney Opera house along Macquarie street) proved to be a rather comfortable and convenient experience.
After staying in several rather disappointing major hotels in Sydney (which frankly isnt up to par compared to Asia standards), I finally found one accomodation worthy of my expectations. Recent stay in Quay Grand Suite (located near the Sydney Opera house along Macquarie street) proved to be a rather comfortable and convenient experience.
Quay Grand is actually a service apartment and not a hotel, so the one bedroom comes equipped with a proper kitchenette and laundry services. We chose the room overlooking the garden as we wanted more tranquility and green. The alternate is the harbor view but I have enough of harbor view after living in Sydney.
The bed was a good size (unlike in HK, Australians probably cannot fathom any couple cramming in small mattress), the bathroom comes with a jaccuzzi bath and seperate walk-in shower. The only thing that remained a relic and time for an update is the music player. Who on earth still uses a cd with casette tape player in such modern days? It's about time someone tells the management to stop being cheap and change it to an MP3 and Ipod player soon.
Anyway back to hotel review.
The contemporary bedroom and living spaces are both rather spacious by Australia standards. It even comes with a small outdoor balcony for the die-hard cig puffers. The room is rather well insulated from noises, which is a big welcome change from the usual lame wafer-thin plaster wall-dividers in other major hotels.
I stayed in Sheraton Sydney hotel in this trip as well.
The breakfast was good and worth waking up for. Its bathroom is big but noise from corridor is an issue for me. I didnt like being awaken by drunken neighbors stumbling back from wee morning drinks, or hyperactive screeching children racing down the hotel corridors from the rooms to the lift. Plus, I could faintly pick up a not so pleasant smell in the toilet with my ultra sensitive nose. Perhaps the toilet bowl area needs a good scrub down from previous occupants' lack of good aim.... or perhaps someone ought to conduct global wide seminar on why "Men should learn to aim right before peeing" followed by bonus session 2 - "Men should learn to WIPE down if they miss" It's such a BIG hole, how does one miss it? *Shake head*
Another good thing about Quay Grand Suite, its situated near the bus stops that goes to city. In fact there is even one free shuttle bus that picks up people along QVB street that heads street back to the harbor terminal. So its really great for people who doesnt want to buy Travel Ten (a local bus pass for 10 trips)
Monkey-dog?
Was strolling around Lane Crawford IFC and spotted this sitting on the counter.
I couldnt quite decide really...
Is it a Monkey? A Dog?
A monkey on fours?
Whatever, the "identity-crisis" animal it's meant to be, its rather cute...
Chopsticks
Chopsticks... Yep, that is exactly what caught my attention while dining in my usual Jap restaurant last week.
Perhaps subconciously I had picked this up but never quite fully realized it, that is when I get served fully by a native Jap staff in Japanese, the whole dining experience is completely different as compared to being served by a Hk staff.
It isn't just about the soft mannerism, politeness and better service...its about attention to minor details down to chop sticks placement. The first difference I spotted was that I get served with proper chopsticks, not the disposable ones. Perhaps Japanese clients generally prefer not to use disposable chopsticks in restaurants, as such when I was conversing with her in Japanese throught out, I get the honor of extra attentive level. When she placed the chopsticks, it wasn't enough that it was on the holder, she made sure the pair had the logo faced up perfectly and aligned side by side. A Hk staff will not take the trouble trust me! I looked at the tables around me, no one else got the proper chopsticks except another Japanese table...hmmm. Secondly, In true Japanese style she would proactively apologised should she notice there be a longer delay between the dishes served. without being asked, the Jap waitress will check and informed the eta of the next dish. Again a trait sorely absent frm Hk staff. It would be hardpressed to expect any remote resemblance from the Hk counterparts. It is more likely for me to be flinging my arms desperately enquiring where is my next dish everytime I get a Hk service staff.
I like being served by Japanese staff because it completes the dining experience. Take a Japanese out of japan but the spirit of service lives on in them. When one goes to japan, people might complain about price or amenitie or language barrier but bad service? Almost unheard of.
When my dinner ended, she politely enquired if I had lived in japan. I have come to a conclusion that if a non Japanese is able to go beyond saying hello bye and thank you, they would always politely compliment that one's Japanese is very good. I know my spoken Jap is rusty and crap but they always tell me I am good... Feel so undeserving each time sigh...
Perhaps subconciously I had picked this up but never quite fully realized it, that is when I get served fully by a native Jap staff in Japanese, the whole dining experience is completely different as compared to being served by a Hk staff.
It isn't just about the soft mannerism, politeness and better service...its about attention to minor details down to chop sticks placement. The first difference I spotted was that I get served with proper chopsticks, not the disposable ones. Perhaps Japanese clients generally prefer not to use disposable chopsticks in restaurants, as such when I was conversing with her in Japanese throught out, I get the honor of extra attentive level. When she placed the chopsticks, it wasn't enough that it was on the holder, she made sure the pair had the logo faced up perfectly and aligned side by side. A Hk staff will not take the trouble trust me! I looked at the tables around me, no one else got the proper chopsticks except another Japanese table...hmmm. Secondly, In true Japanese style she would proactively apologised should she notice there be a longer delay between the dishes served. without being asked, the Jap waitress will check and informed the eta of the next dish. Again a trait sorely absent frm Hk staff. It would be hardpressed to expect any remote resemblance from the Hk counterparts. It is more likely for me to be flinging my arms desperately enquiring where is my next dish everytime I get a Hk service staff.
I like being served by Japanese staff because it completes the dining experience. Take a Japanese out of japan but the spirit of service lives on in them. When one goes to japan, people might complain about price or amenitie or language barrier but bad service? Almost unheard of.
When my dinner ended, she politely enquired if I had lived in japan. I have come to a conclusion that if a non Japanese is able to go beyond saying hello bye and thank you, they would always politely compliment that one's Japanese is very good. I know my spoken Jap is rusty and crap but they always tell me I am good... Feel so undeserving each time sigh...
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Sharkbones, Sharkfins...
I was faced with a mild dilemma yesterday. I went to Lei Garden for dinner and asked them what was the daily soup of the day. I thought I misheard what they said, so I asked for the written menu so that I can read for myself. I didnt hear them wrongly, the soup of the day was indeed written as boiled shark bone soup.
Ok. This is where I was a little caught off guard. Sharkbones?
So is it ethical or non-ethical?
So now, sharkbones?
For or against?
In the end, I forgo the soup dish completely because I figure if in doubt, stick to your instincts.
This brings to mind an event that occurred during recent Christmas.
Finally, this recent Christmas, I had enough in light of well other events that transpired. I took my cue when he was lamenting on the indirect "collapse" of the Copenhagen talk on dealing with Global Climate, and how people should support the green act with their political votes rather than their mouth. He commented people just want to stick to their old habits and not care or understand that fossil fuels are not infinite etc... I took the opportunity to question my partner on why he was willing to abandon all his principles on Christmas day? I drew parallel that if he was unwilling to rid totally his sharkfin habit, who is he to expect other people to understand and make habitual changes over such a "big and remote" concept of going green? He is not unlike the people who didnt want changes to their daily life. And then I asked him, how could he be so passionate against whale hunting and an advocate for Australia's whale protection but yet turn a blind eye to the uncontrolled sharkfin trade? Both are equal partners of the ocean life. Both deserves same treatment and respect.
My partner gone quiet.
He agreed to go cold turkey and rid himself of eating sharkfin from future Christmas meal.
It probably wasnt easy for him but I am proud of him for doing it.
Apparently his mum had gone hysterical and ballistic over his request to exclude his share from her future sharkfin dish preparation. She kinda got upset because to her, "eating sharkfin" is the Chinese family tradition. Back in my head, I was thinking "oh save the crap logic." On one hand, she didnt retain any (worthy) Chinese culture and traditions in her kids, and yet, she wants to cling on to the singular senseless consumption of sharkfin? All her kids and grandchildren grew up not having or knowing their chinese heritage, language nor values and she wants to talk about "traditions" with me? Talk about irony. But that is her problem, not mine.
Anycase, this isnt a stand I will back down from regardless.
My partner deserves a good pat on the back.
Ok. This is where I was a little caught off guard. Sharkbones?
So is it ethical or non-ethical?
I have been against anti-sharkfin consumption for a long time now. Basically, for the senselessness of the cusine, as well as the cruel disposing of finless shark left to die in the sea. In addition, it will cause a rapid decrease in the shark population and throw the eco balance off its charts.
It is fast becoming a common knowledge that eating sharkfin as a traditional delicacy is retained for no justifiable reasons, except that it is just a "chinese tradition" to mark celebratory occasions, or at times merely to flaunt wealth & status. The fin itself is tasteless, and quite frankly, has little nutritional value to sustain our wellbeing. I fail to see how other more common food cannot substitute this insatiable need to eat sharkfin.
So now, sharkbones?
For or against?
In the end, I forgo the soup dish completely because I figure if in doubt, stick to your instincts.
This brings to mind an event that occurred during recent Christmas.
My partner all along understood my stand against sharkfin, as such out of respect for me, he has discontinued this dietary habit introduced by his folks from a young age. Yet during Christmas meals with his family, I am always confronted with this offending dish without fail. I would always politely decline the dish. While I cannot expect his family members to change for me, I do expect my partner to a certain degree, not cave in to the dish before him.
Finally, this recent Christmas, I had enough in light of well other events that transpired. I took my cue when he was lamenting on the indirect "collapse" of the Copenhagen talk on dealing with Global Climate, and how people should support the green act with their political votes rather than their mouth. He commented people just want to stick to their old habits and not care or understand that fossil fuels are not infinite etc... I took the opportunity to question my partner on why he was willing to abandon all his principles on Christmas day? I drew parallel that if he was unwilling to rid totally his sharkfin habit, who is he to expect other people to understand and make habitual changes over such a "big and remote" concept of going green? He is not unlike the people who didnt want changes to their daily life. And then I asked him, how could he be so passionate against whale hunting and an advocate for Australia's whale protection but yet turn a blind eye to the uncontrolled sharkfin trade? Both are equal partners of the ocean life. Both deserves same treatment and respect.
My partner gone quiet.
He agreed to go cold turkey and rid himself of eating sharkfin from future Christmas meal.
It probably wasnt easy for him but I am proud of him for doing it.
Apparently his mum had gone hysterical and ballistic over his request to exclude his share from her future sharkfin dish preparation. She kinda got upset because to her, "eating sharkfin" is the Chinese family tradition. Back in my head, I was thinking "oh save the crap logic." On one hand, she didnt retain any (worthy) Chinese culture and traditions in her kids, and yet, she wants to cling on to the singular senseless consumption of sharkfin? All her kids and grandchildren grew up not having or knowing their chinese heritage, language nor values and she wants to talk about "traditions" with me? Talk about irony. But that is her problem, not mine.
Anycase, this isnt a stand I will back down from regardless.
My partner deserves a good pat on the back.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Singapore Mac Donald's unilateral decide to drop the "Pig" from its zodiac collectibles
Did anyone else read about the PR mess Mac Donald made in Singapore in killing the "pig" character from the traditional 12 animal zodiac sign? What a furor it created...I couldnt believe such blatant discrimination against non muslims...
It was an absurd, "stirring-the-pot" marketing mess made by Mac Donald Singapore with regards to the Chinese Zodiac plush collectible? I was totally nonplussed after reading the article.
Apparently "some idiotic" personnel in the Macs team had decided to pull out the "Pig" character from the renowned Chinese Zodiac collection, and replaced it with a cupid representation. Their rationale was Mac Donalds is a Halal restaurant and this stunt was to prevent offending the Singaporean Muslims. So instead, they didn’t have any issue offending the Non muslim Chinese. Good to know that.
To me, this is pure insensitivity against Chinese non-Muslim customers. The point to note, this is another case of political correctness gone overdrive and totally mishandled. As a non-muslim Chinese, the immediate reaction was "why are the Chinese non muslims being marginalised and discriminated?" A giant American corporation suddenly felt they are conversant enough with the various religious faiths and native traditions to make such an arrogant unilateral decision? Even if the decisions are taken by the local staff, a corporation on the whole has to bear some responsibility.
With this move, I felt the deeply entrenched Chinese tradition / culture is being sidelined because of some idiot who decided to place one religion over the beliefs of many others.
While I am all for racial and religious harmony, however to create a non existing matter into an issue, this is surely not to be encouraged? It couldnt have been the decision of a single person. A chain of people who approved it apparently has not real understanding of the individual beliefs.
The first fundamental question that goes to refute Mac Donald's argument.
When has faith's Halal definition of non-consumption of pork been changed to non- association with pig related objects?
In the first place, Zodiac IS a CHINESE custom. So in celebration of a Chinese custom, how does another religious faith come into play here? Are u telling me next that the whole country should refrain from any Chinese New year Celebration when it is the Year of the Pig? While the Muslims have every right not to purchase the pig animal if it truly offends them, the Chinese also have every right to retain our rights to purchase the Pig character. The crucial point to highlight here - we are NOT celebrating a Muslim festival, the collectibles is a representation of our Chinese heritage while embracing the arrival of CHINESE NEW YEAR. Hence it is incomprehensible as to why are the Chinese being deprived of its cultural rights and traditonal "mascot"?
The second question begets the next thought, why should Muslim be the only religion be taken into consideration? How about Hindu religion that advocate the non consumption of beef? Shouldnt Mac Donald's just withdraw the OX character? Make it better, let’s propose not to sell any beef burgers. Oh no? Simply because Indians typically do not kick up a stinker or have some certification to back them and as such, their viewpoint doesn’t stake a claim? So explain to me Mac Donalds, why isnt the company practising what you preach about religious sensitivity towards our fellow Hindus in Singapore? Why is there such a glaring double standard?
Back to the Muslims; care to explain why wasnt Dog character withdrawn as well since it is common knowledge how Muslim would avoid any contact with dogs. So it is an issue for them to come in contact with a real dog but really, a doggie character is perfectly fine? So really, help me out here.
Mac Donald's logic is so flawed that I almost wanted to laugh from exasperation. Taking their logic one step further, should all hawker centers that currently have Muslim stalls and Chinese stalls coexisting together be demolished? If the Mac Donald logic stands that selling of plush toy is unforgivable, isnt it worse to have sale of pork taking place within close vicinity of the muslim stalls?
More importantly, if we were to confine ourselves to the idea of banning all sale of pig related products, then ideally cinemas should refrain from airing pig theme movies like Charlotte's web and Babe. For their sake, all Muslim patrons should be prohibited from watching such offending movies due to 2hrs pig exposure. Libraries and book stores likewise should pull out all pig related items from its shelves to align with this Macdonald's warp definition of respecting the Muslims. As for Disney world, Universal world it is time to say goodbye to the infamous Mr Porky pig character and our "threee little pigs" . that is if they want Muslim tourists to patronise their theme park. A big No No to pigs.
The list goes on as to why this promotional stunt is such a stinking mess. It is illogical, arrogant and neglect the long practising belief of the Chinese with our zodiac signs. Quite frankly, this reeks of pure ignorance, poor judgement and ill advised partiality. This PR blunder has got to be halted.
If Mac Donald's staff had truly been using their head rather thinking with their arse, they should have retained the PIG character, as well as adding the Cupid character for our fellow patrons who had no wish to collect the pig character. In this way, Mac Donald's would have successfully made both the Chinese non-Muslims and Muslim customers happy. Instead of grabbing the opportunity to display their ability to promote harmony across all faiths, this singular oversight has landed macs in the middle of a negative media storm.
What Mac Donalds Singapore is doing from this incident is not a practice of sensitivity. Rather, its action and any support of this comes across more as a display of religious intolerence and contemptuous demand of a one-sided submission and surrender of other religious and cultural rights to the Muslim faith.
Someone really ought to get demoted for such a PR mess.
Strait Times News Extract (link)
FAST-FOOD giant McDonald's has stirred up a controversy by omitting pig characters from its latest toy promotions.
The pig soft toy was expected to have been part of a 12-character Doraemon set depicting the animals of the Chinese zodiac calendar. Customers wanting the toy would have to pay $2 on top of making a food purchase.
But McDonald's decided not to include the pig toy to avoid offending Muslim customers, and had a Doraemon Cupid toy in its place instead.
The move has upset Chinese customers keen on collecting all 12 toys in the series. One of them, staff nurse Daphne Koh, 26, said: 'I was born in the Year of the Pig and would have collected the whole set. But without the pig, it makes no sense for me to do so.'
Retiree May Liaw, 55, who had wanted to buy a set to decorate her home for Chinese New Year, said: 'It is strange to have Cupid in place of the pig. The set is incomplete and I am not interested in individual pieces.'
Various online forums are also abuzz with discussions on whether the fast-food chain has overreacted.
It was an absurd, "stirring-the-pot" marketing mess made by Mac Donald Singapore with regards to the Chinese Zodiac plush collectible? I was totally nonplussed after reading the article.
Apparently "some idiotic" personnel in the Macs team had decided to pull out the "Pig" character from the renowned Chinese Zodiac collection, and replaced it with a cupid representation. Their rationale was Mac Donalds is a Halal restaurant and this stunt was to prevent offending the Singaporean Muslims. So instead, they didn’t have any issue offending the Non muslim Chinese. Good to know that.
To me, this is pure insensitivity against Chinese non-Muslim customers. The point to note, this is another case of political correctness gone overdrive and totally mishandled. As a non-muslim Chinese, the immediate reaction was "why are the Chinese non muslims being marginalised and discriminated?" A giant American corporation suddenly felt they are conversant enough with the various religious faiths and native traditions to make such an arrogant unilateral decision? Even if the decisions are taken by the local staff, a corporation on the whole has to bear some responsibility.
With this move, I felt the deeply entrenched Chinese tradition / culture is being sidelined because of some idiot who decided to place one religion over the beliefs of many others.
While I am all for racial and religious harmony, however to create a non existing matter into an issue, this is surely not to be encouraged? It couldnt have been the decision of a single person. A chain of people who approved it apparently has not real understanding of the individual beliefs.
The first fundamental question that goes to refute Mac Donald's argument.
When has faith's Halal definition of non-consumption of pork been changed to non- association with pig related objects?
In the first place, Zodiac IS a CHINESE custom. So in celebration of a Chinese custom, how does another religious faith come into play here? Are u telling me next that the whole country should refrain from any Chinese New year Celebration when it is the Year of the Pig? While the Muslims have every right not to purchase the pig animal if it truly offends them, the Chinese also have every right to retain our rights to purchase the Pig character. The crucial point to highlight here - we are NOT celebrating a Muslim festival, the collectibles is a representation of our Chinese heritage while embracing the arrival of CHINESE NEW YEAR. Hence it is incomprehensible as to why are the Chinese being deprived of its cultural rights and traditonal "mascot"?
The second question begets the next thought, why should Muslim be the only religion be taken into consideration? How about Hindu religion that advocate the non consumption of beef? Shouldnt Mac Donald's just withdraw the OX character? Make it better, let’s propose not to sell any beef burgers. Oh no? Simply because Indians typically do not kick up a stinker or have some certification to back them and as such, their viewpoint doesn’t stake a claim? So explain to me Mac Donalds, why isnt the company practising what you preach about religious sensitivity towards our fellow Hindus in Singapore? Why is there such a glaring double standard?
Back to the Muslims; care to explain why wasnt Dog character withdrawn as well since it is common knowledge how Muslim would avoid any contact with dogs. So it is an issue for them to come in contact with a real dog but really, a doggie character is perfectly fine? So really, help me out here.
Mac Donald's logic is so flawed that I almost wanted to laugh from exasperation. Taking their logic one step further, should all hawker centers that currently have Muslim stalls and Chinese stalls coexisting together be demolished? If the Mac Donald logic stands that selling of plush toy is unforgivable, isnt it worse to have sale of pork taking place within close vicinity of the muslim stalls?
More importantly, if we were to confine ourselves to the idea of banning all sale of pig related products, then ideally cinemas should refrain from airing pig theme movies like Charlotte's web and Babe. For their sake, all Muslim patrons should be prohibited from watching such offending movies due to 2hrs pig exposure. Libraries and book stores likewise should pull out all pig related items from its shelves to align with this Macdonald's warp definition of respecting the Muslims. As for Disney world, Universal world it is time to say goodbye to the infamous Mr Porky pig character and our "threee little pigs" . that is if they want Muslim tourists to patronise their theme park. A big No No to pigs.
The list goes on as to why this promotional stunt is such a stinking mess. It is illogical, arrogant and neglect the long practising belief of the Chinese with our zodiac signs. Quite frankly, this reeks of pure ignorance, poor judgement and ill advised partiality. This PR blunder has got to be halted.
If Mac Donald's staff had truly been using their head rather thinking with their arse, they should have retained the PIG character, as well as adding the Cupid character for our fellow patrons who had no wish to collect the pig character. In this way, Mac Donald's would have successfully made both the Chinese non-Muslims and Muslim customers happy. Instead of grabbing the opportunity to display their ability to promote harmony across all faiths, this singular oversight has landed macs in the middle of a negative media storm.
What Mac Donalds Singapore is doing from this incident is not a practice of sensitivity. Rather, its action and any support of this comes across more as a display of religious intolerence and contemptuous demand of a one-sided submission and surrender of other religious and cultural rights to the Muslim faith.
Someone really ought to get demoted for such a PR mess.
Strait Times News Extract (link)
FAST-FOOD giant McDonald's has stirred up a controversy by omitting pig characters from its latest toy promotions.
The pig soft toy was expected to have been part of a 12-character Doraemon set depicting the animals of the Chinese zodiac calendar. Customers wanting the toy would have to pay $2 on top of making a food purchase.
But McDonald's decided not to include the pig toy to avoid offending Muslim customers, and had a Doraemon Cupid toy in its place instead.
The move has upset Chinese customers keen on collecting all 12 toys in the series. One of them, staff nurse Daphne Koh, 26, said: 'I was born in the Year of the Pig and would have collected the whole set. But without the pig, it makes no sense for me to do so.'
Retiree May Liaw, 55, who had wanted to buy a set to decorate her home for Chinese New Year, said: 'It is strange to have Cupid in place of the pig. The set is incomplete and I am not interested in individual pieces.'
Various online forums are also abuzz with discussions on whether the fast-food chain has overreacted.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
How I came to love reading...
As I strolled along the children's book section, I found the shelves lacking of good books. I'm not refering to the writing, rather, I wish there is a broader range of content that are more thought evoking for the young developing minds. The hot and popular range from vampires, to magical adventures of sort are fine, except it isnt exactly character moulding and in touch with reality.
I miss the classics. Ocassionally, I still derive much joy glancing through some of my childhood favs.
If someone is to ask me what was my first favorite book, unhesitatingly my reply would be "Sing to the Dawn". Though my favorite children author remained unreservedly to date as Enid Blyton.
If someone asked me what was the first book I read (that I didnt quite like), it would be "The Ugly Duckling". Ghees I hated that book. The title seared into my head because my brothers had refused to explain the words to me, instead demanding that I should underline the unknown words and to look up the dictionary on my own. Damn, reading became such a chore that I decided I had rather guess the meaning than the hassle of checking up the dic. That habit ultimately ended up as a useful "ability" as I eventually discovered in high school, since my English papers always required me to guess the meaning of the word in passages and comprehension under the vocab section. Ha!
"Sing to Dawn" wasnt a book someone picked for me. Instead, it was a gem I had found nestled amongst the scores of books kept inside the neglected storeroom. At my old home where I grew up in, my mum used to pack all the unused books into the storeroom. I remembered there were like numerous elongated shelves built from floor to ceiling, filled with tightly packed books. There must be over hundred books in that tiny dark room which became my favourite secret hideout. It was truly my magical store. Unknown to rest of my family, one of my treasured past time then was to grab a stool (since I was too short to reach books at the upper shelves) and browse through all the books laid forgotten in the dusty shelves.
Due to our vast age difference, my brothers had many great books. From the hard cover novels, to literature books and encyclopedia. By 8yr, my brain was starving for something to occupy my mind with. Since I didnt have a playmate near my age and my mum had this policy that "girls" should stay at home at all times, those books were ultimately my saviour for years to come.
My mum didnt buy me alot of story books. She would if I asked for it specifically or when they are recommended by school. When one is young and you understand your family financial status, you kinda instinctively know not to ask for "non essential" things, so I was more than happy to raid my brother's collection. That was how I found "Sing to the Dawn" and begun my proactive foray into the world of books.
The books I was exposed to were probably my brother's textbooks. Though some were really good adventure friction.
I cherish his Egyptian encyclopedia with all the pictures and narration from the mythical gods to the tragic story of Cleopatra the most. Which probably explain my ongoing fixation with the legends and stories that evolved round the mummies and treasures displays.
It was at the same year that I borrowed Enid Blyton's collection on The Faraway Tree, Secret Seven, Famous Five, Wishing Chair, and Naughtiest Girl series, not to forget my fav Hardy Boys series and those too became my all time prized reads.
As I look through the children book section of today, and compared to what I was reading when I was young, I am glad I grew up with my brother's rich literary collection instead of these fantasy books. I remembered those books more vividly than those children titles like Snow White, Sleeping beauty etc.
Frankly, I have always hated those princesses books. In fact, the 2 most significant characters whom I had despised and disliked since I was a kid had always been Snow White and especially Little Mermaid. Till this day, I still didnt like these 2 famous wimpy characters. When I was young, I didnt like the mermaid's attitude but even more so that I didnt understand how she could willingly abandon her family for a guy whom she didnt know. Somehow, I just knew it was a stupid idea and being so flaky to blindly wish the prince would know who she is esp when she couldnt talk. Christ, I hated bimbo even when i was kid....and there truly is not an ounce of syrupy romantic gene in my bones... Come to think of it, I had never ever wanted to be a princess even as a little girl. I much rather go on an adventure than to live the mushy lines of "live happily ever after" Eeeweee...
There isnt an age limit to how far a kid can read. I am glad there was no one to ever tell me I couldnt read a book because it was too deep for me to comprehend. Most of all, I am glad my partner loved books as much as I do. By the time our years of our unsettled living come to an end, I look forward to having my own reading room to host the infinitely large amount of beloved books that I had chalked up over the years.
I miss the classics. Ocassionally, I still derive much joy glancing through some of my childhood favs.
If someone is to ask me what was my first favorite book, unhesitatingly my reply would be "Sing to the Dawn". Though my favorite children author remained unreservedly to date as Enid Blyton.
If someone asked me what was the first book I read (that I didnt quite like), it would be "The Ugly Duckling". Ghees I hated that book. The title seared into my head because my brothers had refused to explain the words to me, instead demanding that I should underline the unknown words and to look up the dictionary on my own. Damn, reading became such a chore that I decided I had rather guess the meaning than the hassle of checking up the dic. That habit ultimately ended up as a useful "ability" as I eventually discovered in high school, since my English papers always required me to guess the meaning of the word in passages and comprehension under the vocab section. Ha!
"Sing to Dawn" wasnt a book someone picked for me. Instead, it was a gem I had found nestled amongst the scores of books kept inside the neglected storeroom. At my old home where I grew up in, my mum used to pack all the unused books into the storeroom. I remembered there were like numerous elongated shelves built from floor to ceiling, filled with tightly packed books. There must be over hundred books in that tiny dark room which became my favourite secret hideout. It was truly my magical store. Unknown to rest of my family, one of my treasured past time then was to grab a stool (since I was too short to reach books at the upper shelves) and browse through all the books laid forgotten in the dusty shelves.
Due to our vast age difference, my brothers had many great books. From the hard cover novels, to literature books and encyclopedia. By 8yr, my brain was starving for something to occupy my mind with. Since I didnt have a playmate near my age and my mum had this policy that "girls" should stay at home at all times, those books were ultimately my saviour for years to come.
My mum didnt buy me alot of story books. She would if I asked for it specifically or when they are recommended by school. When one is young and you understand your family financial status, you kinda instinctively know not to ask for "non essential" things, so I was more than happy to raid my brother's collection. That was how I found "Sing to the Dawn" and begun my proactive foray into the world of books.
The books I was exposed to were probably my brother's textbooks. Though some were really good adventure friction.
I cherish his Egyptian encyclopedia with all the pictures and narration from the mythical gods to the tragic story of Cleopatra the most. Which probably explain my ongoing fixation with the legends and stories that evolved round the mummies and treasures displays.
Following next, I bulldozed my way through the William Shakespeare's novels patiently awaiting its next reader. Much that I didnt quite understand some of the words written in old English/ Latin used in Macbeth and The merchant of Venice but the content was nevertheless thoroughly enjoyable. I truly admired the idea of "a pound of flesh" that it made quite an impression in my young head. Subsequently in later years, I went on to finish the rest of titles for leisure and reread those I had pored over as a kid...much to the skepticism of my friends who couldnt fathom what is so interesting about those books. Their loss, not mine.
At 10, I proceeded to conquer my brother's collection of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen collection, primarily A Tale of two cities, Oliver Twist, Christmas Carol, and Sense & Sensibility. In the same year and the following, I went on to Animal Farm and was incredibly sad when the book ended.
It was at the same year that I borrowed Enid Blyton's collection on The Faraway Tree, Secret Seven, Famous Five, Wishing Chair, and Naughtiest Girl series, not to forget my fav Hardy Boys series and those too became my all time prized reads.
As I look through the children book section of today, and compared to what I was reading when I was young, I am glad I grew up with my brother's rich literary collection instead of these fantasy books. I remembered those books more vividly than those children titles like Snow White, Sleeping beauty etc.
Frankly, I have always hated those princesses books. In fact, the 2 most significant characters whom I had despised and disliked since I was a kid had always been Snow White and especially Little Mermaid. Till this day, I still didnt like these 2 famous wimpy characters. When I was young, I didnt like the mermaid's attitude but even more so that I didnt understand how she could willingly abandon her family for a guy whom she didnt know. Somehow, I just knew it was a stupid idea and being so flaky to blindly wish the prince would know who she is esp when she couldnt talk. Christ, I hated bimbo even when i was kid....and there truly is not an ounce of syrupy romantic gene in my bones... Come to think of it, I had never ever wanted to be a princess even as a little girl. I much rather go on an adventure than to live the mushy lines of "live happily ever after" Eeeweee...
I think reading books beyond my years had a significant impact on me. I drew many inspirations from it. Most of all, it shaped my viewpoint in life, my objectivity and frame of mind dealing with events and decisions in my life, including people around me. Indirectly, it influenced the way I behave, and the way I recognise people for who they are as depicted in the books. Just like how "Sing to the Dawn" had given me an insight about sibling bond, and about going after what your heart desires (basically modern go getter syndrome) that a girl is equally competent as a guy, which was reinforced by my all-girls school environment. Which is probably why I hope my nephews would read as widely as they can at an early age and benefit from reading as I had the fortune to. Then again, everyone is different.
I wonder how many people realise reading is not about enhancing the language skill. It is about the kid absorbing and digesting the content and the important message that comes through from the words as the author intended.
There isnt an age limit to how far a kid can read. I am glad there was no one to ever tell me I couldnt read a book because it was too deep for me to comprehend. Most of all, I am glad my partner loved books as much as I do. By the time our years of our unsettled living come to an end, I look forward to having my own reading room to host the infinitely large amount of beloved books that I had chalked up over the years.
Singapore Food Review: Dinner @ Absinthe
Realised that there are so much backlog as I was sifting through my old pictures....
Ok, this is my update on Absinthe , a modern french cusine restaurant nestled in the lovely shophouses along Bukit Pasoh road in Singapore which I had tried in last Oct. (online review)
Since it has been such a while, I wouldnt have much details except that it had been a rather enjoyable dinner. The meal was excellent, food cooked to perfection, and the best of all, the French maitre d' Philippe was a delightful company who had absolutely made our night merry. He had us hooting in laughters with his stories and personal insights, unlike the typical stiff, or formal maitre d in larger establisments. He was a charmer alright, as many French guys typical are with honey coat gift of a gab. Chef Francois, who had previously been at Flutes@ the Fort had also came out to greet us and had a small chat, to ensure all was well. Those who had followed my previous food reviews would rem how I had praised my experience @Flutes, and hence it would come as no surprise that I state the dinner fare I had at Absinthe was even better than that he had produce at Flutes. I guess Chef Francois had been a busy boy and not resting on his laurels.
We had ordered half a dozen oysters and it was clean and fresh to the palette. Chef Francois appeared by our table to explain "the oysters were alittle small in size and thus there were 8 oysters instead to compensate for the size. Dont worry, this chef can count!" With that, I broke into a laugh as he winked a cheeky grin. I appreciate the fact that the chef had taken the time to mingle with the guest as time permits, and didnt go by the book of "a dozen is a dozen". I like and appreciate the fact he was fair in the treatment of his guests.
Focusing on the mains.
The renowed pork belly was fantastic. When chatting with the chef, when I mentioned my intended choice of the pork belly, he assured us with great humour and confidence that the pork belly is as good as its namesake. It was so good that I almost forgot to take a picture being busy chomping down, thus the half eaten portion snapshot below.
I was truly not disappointed and my partner was kicking his own arse for forgoing the pork. His lamb was excellent but mine was way better. haaaa! To be fair in my review, the lamb was pink, succulent and juicy. Tender but full of flavour no matter.
Hence the next time you are in town, wanting a special dinner with someone, make a note to check out Absinthe if u want something more fancy. Incidentally, they also have a seperate wine bar section, and their famous sister Italian restaurant is also located upstairs.
UPDATE 2012:
Philippe has left but food is still good.
Ok, this is my update on Absinthe , a modern french cusine restaurant nestled in the lovely shophouses along Bukit Pasoh road in Singapore which I had tried in last Oct. (online review)
Since it has been such a while, I wouldnt have much details except that it had been a rather enjoyable dinner. The meal was excellent, food cooked to perfection, and the best of all, the French maitre d' Philippe was a delightful company who had absolutely made our night merry. He had us hooting in laughters with his stories and personal insights, unlike the typical stiff, or formal maitre d in larger establisments. He was a charmer alright, as many French guys typical are with honey coat gift of a gab. Chef Francois, who had previously been at Flutes@ the Fort had also came out to greet us and had a small chat, to ensure all was well. Those who had followed my previous food reviews would rem how I had praised my experience @Flutes, and hence it would come as no surprise that I state the dinner fare I had at Absinthe was even better than that he had produce at Flutes. I guess Chef Francois had been a busy boy and not resting on his laurels.
We had ordered half a dozen oysters and it was clean and fresh to the palette. Chef Francois appeared by our table to explain "the oysters were alittle small in size and thus there were 8 oysters instead to compensate for the size. Dont worry, this chef can count!" With that, I broke into a laugh as he winked a cheeky grin. I appreciate the fact that the chef had taken the time to mingle with the guest as time permits, and didnt go by the book of "a dozen is a dozen". I like and appreciate the fact he was fair in the treatment of his guests.
Focusing on the mains.
The renowed pork belly was fantastic. When chatting with the chef, when I mentioned my intended choice of the pork belly, he assured us with great humour and confidence that the pork belly is as good as its namesake. It was so good that I almost forgot to take a picture being busy chomping down, thus the half eaten portion snapshot below.
I was truly not disappointed and my partner was kicking his own arse for forgoing the pork. His lamb was excellent but mine was way better. haaaa! To be fair in my review, the lamb was pink, succulent and juicy. Tender but full of flavour no matter.
Hence the next time you are in town, wanting a special dinner with someone, make a note to check out Absinthe if u want something more fancy. Incidentally, they also have a seperate wine bar section, and their famous sister Italian restaurant is also located upstairs.
UPDATE 2012:
Philippe has left but food is still good.
HK Food Review: Tenzen Japanese
The Japanese ISE restaurant I used to frequent in the past had sadly closed down some time back. However, one of the girls who used to work there called me up and told me about this new Japanese Tenzen place @ causeway bay, Jardine road, Jardine center (天膳:銅鑼灣渣甸街50號渣甸中心12樓 -map, Tel: 2882 2107) that I could try.
So on good faith, I went in the early days after they started business. It was good but I wanted to be sure and after a couple months after they settled down, they have proven to be consistent in their quality and standard. Hence this is definitely a Japanese food place I would recommend to Japanese cooked dish food lover. Food is good, service is attentive.
The current chef at Tenzen had previously worked for many years at Kenjo Restaurant at Minden road(見城日本料理: 尖沙咀棉登徑30號地下) . I had tried Kenjo before and it was a good dining spot though a little on the pricey end with a small menu.
The place isnt big and doesnt fit many tables, so advance reservation is recommended for lunch. Their set menu is reasonably priced within Hk$100-150 range depending on what you order. I love my grilled cod fish and it was done to perfection each time. Because I am on relative good terms with the serving staff, I was able to feedback about the cod fish needing to be a little sweeter. She said she would reflect it to the chef. I didnt expect them to rem, and I certainly had forgotten about my feedback. About a month later when I returned after all the long hols, the same waitress asked me if this varied version of cod fish was better this time and sweeter? I was a little puzzled until moments later I rem my feedback before. This is truly a place who strive to improve their quality of food!
I had their sushi and it was certainly fresh. All the dishes I had as far, I certainly had been pleased and satisfied, thus postively assuring my return visits! One of the few dishes I like is the grated raddish with eggplant, and the grilled beef slices. I have yet to sample everything but everything I had tried had not disappoint. The latest seasonal special was this raddish wrapped with chicken meat ball starter, served with bamboo shoots (my fav!). It is light and healthy, not to mention visually delightful!
Thought I would share a pix of it, with a quarter of the raddish peeled open to display the hidden "content".
So on good faith, I went in the early days after they started business. It was good but I wanted to be sure and after a couple months after they settled down, they have proven to be consistent in their quality and standard. Hence this is definitely a Japanese food place I would recommend to Japanese cooked dish food lover. Food is good, service is attentive.
The current chef at Tenzen had previously worked for many years at Kenjo Restaurant at Minden road(見城日本料理: 尖沙咀棉登徑30號地下) . I had tried Kenjo before and it was a good dining spot though a little on the pricey end with a small menu.
The place isnt big and doesnt fit many tables, so advance reservation is recommended for lunch. Their set menu is reasonably priced within Hk$100-150 range depending on what you order. I love my grilled cod fish and it was done to perfection each time. Because I am on relative good terms with the serving staff, I was able to feedback about the cod fish needing to be a little sweeter. She said she would reflect it to the chef. I didnt expect them to rem, and I certainly had forgotten about my feedback. About a month later when I returned after all the long hols, the same waitress asked me if this varied version of cod fish was better this time and sweeter? I was a little puzzled until moments later I rem my feedback before. This is truly a place who strive to improve their quality of food!
I had their sushi and it was certainly fresh. All the dishes I had as far, I certainly had been pleased and satisfied, thus postively assuring my return visits! One of the few dishes I like is the grated raddish with eggplant, and the grilled beef slices. I have yet to sample everything but everything I had tried had not disappoint. The latest seasonal special was this raddish wrapped with chicken meat ball starter, served with bamboo shoots (my fav!). It is light and healthy, not to mention visually delightful!
Thought I would share a pix of it, with a quarter of the raddish peeled open to display the hidden "content".
HK Food Review: Chung Restaurant
Brought my gf to one of my fav Chinese restaurant at Times Square since she wanted to eat Dim Sum. So Chung Cusine Restaurant @ 10th storey (Tel: 25069128) it is.
I used to frequent the place alot while working at TS. The service is good, and the food is nice too. It's not the cheapest Dim Sum in town but compared to other chinese restaurants in the same building within Food Forum, it is definitely the best in my humble opinion esp when there is no MSG in the food as far as I can tell. Even my friend who was visiting was impressed by the service since in her mind, HK chinese restaurant tend to host very impatient, loud and abrupt service in general. So it was a pleasant change to consume nice food in a nice environment, with cushioned pillow large table booth seat.
One of my fav for today which I had never tried previously, their custard milk bun with choc swirl. I thought it was adorable, hence snapped a pix of it. It tasted as good as it looked:)
HK Food Review: Dinner at WHISK (@ Hotel Mira)
We had dinner at "WHISK" on saturday nite after picking up an article review on it (read article). The primary interest stem from the fact it was a venture by Justin Quek, a chef with French cooking by training and trained under Michelin-starred eateries in France. I use to like his dishes at Les Amis Singapore, until he left that is.
WHISK is located on the within Hotel Mira (previously miramar) at TST, along Nathan road. It was undoubtedly the acclaimed crispy suckling pig main that had enticed us greatly.
The meal was good on the whole. The food was excellent but the service was more of a let down and undeserving of the great dishes served.
The ambiance was neither pretentious nor ostentatious. Rather the formal dining area was decked in with clean modern lines, combined with chic contemporary wintry colours and design.
WHISK is located on the within Hotel Mira (previously miramar) at TST, along Nathan road. It was undoubtedly the acclaimed crispy suckling pig main that had enticed us greatly.
The meal was good on the whole. The food was excellent but the service was more of a let down and undeserving of the great dishes served.
The ambiance was neither pretentious nor ostentatious. Rather the formal dining area was decked in with clean modern lines, combined with chic contemporary wintry colours and design.
The menu was in huge neat block prints that made it easy to read. Believe it or not, menu impression is important. I have been to this french restaurant Absinthe (Singapore) that had such long descriptive words in swirly curly typeset that reading the menu had actually given me a headache.
We settled for starters, the "roasted king sized scallops" and the "lobster bisque with herbal souffle". As for the mains, we had the suckling pig (HK300+), as well as the lamb rack (HK290+) with a bowl of side sauteed wild mushrooms to go with.
About 10-15mins into our ordering, the same waiter returned to us, stammering in English something about pork. We didnt understand what he was saying. He stuttered with great difficulty about one lamb for me and what for my partner? We looked at him quizzically and asked what was the problem. The waiter looked confused and then said oh nothing, never mind and started to walk away. I asked him if everything was fine about our order, one suckling pig and a lamb rack. He looked at me looking insecure and went off. Bizarre...but my food came anyway.
On the whole, I really think the meal was excellent on a score of 9 out of 10.
The scallops were cooked to perfection and decked nicely with couple of raw veges.
My lobster bisque was also rich in flavour, though I had doubts about the souffle crust. For one, I had expected the pastry to be more crispy with a bread like texture when mixed with the soup. Instead, it was alittle bland and didnt seem to soak up the soup flavour with dunked into the bisque. The texture was kinda weird, soft and gluey like melted marshmallow, rather than something that I could chew with. Perhaps its me, I never like souffle, so I personally wish the soup covered pastry had more crunch to it. However, I had no faults with the taste of the soup itself nor the portion.
Next was the suckling pork and the lamb rack.
Honest to god, the pork was divine. And note, you need allowance of 30mins to cook after ordering. The skin was crispy but non greasy. The meat was stewed to perfection which melts softly into your mouth without losing its flavour nor meat texture. No description does it justice. U have to taste it to understand it. It is pork cook to perfection. Simple as that.
My lamb was cooked perfected to pink. However, the only flaw i found was the accompanying vege sides that came with the rack. It was supposed to be grilled eggplant. What I found was a half eggplant bed, slapped with asparagus, tomato and carrot sitting on it over a paste of something that resembles mayo or potato mash, which are both something that I disliked. I couldnt decide what it was without tasting but it looked off putting enough to me that I left the whole thing alone, save for the asparagus that tasted good. There were also 4 slices of baked potatoes which wasnt stated in the menu description which annoyed me. I hate potatoes. If I had known they were gonna be there, I would have requested them to swop it to something else like salad. The wild mushroom side dish we ordered was good and thus I had something to munch along with my tender lamb.
We had the chocolate with caramelised banana for dessert. It was not stated on the menu that it would be a tart until the waiter informed us. We went ahead anyway. It was alright, but a little too rich for such a wafer thin shortbread crust. I wasnt too sure about the ice cream that came with it. Wasnt that spectacular. Thank god I had tea. So I suppose, I could have skipped dessert.
Everything was fine till it was bill time. I saw we were charged $75 for a 800ml mineral water.
I asked the waitress "Is our bottle of still finished?" She said she would check. The reason I asked was that I was only served a 3/4 glass of water throughout the entire night of 2hours dining. Including my husband's glass of water, I was wondering what happen to the rest of my water since there were no refill.
The waitress came back informing that our bottle of water was finished. I was pretty shocked. We informed her it was impossible since I fail to see how two 3/4 filled glasses of water would amount to 800ml of water. That tiny 3/4 glass cannot contain 400ml of water. The waitress said "its 750ml" I replied "No, its PRINTED as 800ml on your bill". She opened the receipt book and replied "Let me check."
She disappeared for good 10mins, and returned with a NEW bottle of mineral water ready to serve me. My husband stopped her, asking her where is OUR BOTTLE of water? She said "Oh dont worry you will not be charged for this." We told her that wasnt the point. Then she asked in an annoyed manner "So what do you want?"
Apparently she didnt quite understand what the problem was. So we had to explain ourselves. We asked her if we are being served communal bottles of water, rather than a dedicated bottle of water. We felt as if we were being charged for a bottle but being served leftover water from bottles ordered by other patrons. We were unhappy that we never saw our water, and questioned the handling of the bottle we were gonna pay for esp it isnt cheap water. She insisted immediately that it was a dedicated. So we queried "Then why couldnt you show us our bottle of water? I didnt asked for more water, I had maintained my position as to where is my bottle of water and why are u having so much difficulty with such a simple request?" She looked abit stunned and scurried away. We waited for a good 10-15mins, before the same staff appeared with a used bottle but NOT COMPLETELY empty.
Firstly, I didnt believe that was our bottle because the consumption amount simply did not tally with what we had drank. Secondly, even if that is our bottle, it WASNT empty but she had told me it was finished during the time we asked for the bill. That was at least a good 2 mouthful of water. So how could she have lied about something like that is beyond me.
We told her we didnt mind paying for what we ordered but it is not right if the restaurant cannot produce immediately our bottle nor even show us our bottle, instead, it seemed as if we are subsiding water for other tables which didnt make sense. I didnt see what is the issue with leaving the ordered water ON OUR table instead of hiding it away out of sight from the paying customer.
Anycase, we paid for it and had a 10 percent discount for HSBC credit card. As I said, the food was great but service wise...still have a HUGE room for improvement esp when it comes to serving English speaking clientele.
While we were heading out towards the restroom, the french guy who was the floor manager caught up with my partner and once again apologised for the incident. He explained he didnt know exactly what had happened and perhaps our bottle of water had been accidentally swapped with another table. He offered his apologies. We told him we were fine but imagine you ordered a bottle of wine and ended up drinking left over from somebody, yet you are payin the full price of a new bottle just didnt make sense. We suggested they should just leave the bottle on the table and only take it away after it has been determined and shown to the customer it is completely empty.
PS: picture from Iphone so pardon the resolution.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Singapore airport Check in counter observation
I wish I could find out, who determines the service quality of the ground check in staff. Would it be airport policy, or airline policy? I suspect it is the latter. Then the next question I wonder aloud, if airline dictates the check in staff service, would it be a standard directives?
I am a regular Cathay Pacific passenger. If I could, CX would be my preferred choice of airline nowadays after several disappointing brushes with SQ.
In Hong Kong check in station, may it be at the train station or at HK airport, one thing is constant. That being, CX check-in counters allocated to serve business or first class passengers will ALWAYS help to check-in economy passengers too if there isnt anyone waiting in the business or first class line. This practice was evidently followed in Sydney upon my recent trip back to Australia. The idea is simple, cut the waiting time for passengers trying to check in. Try to clear the line as much and as soon as possible.
As a passenger, I think this is an excellent praise worthy practice.
Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, this practice was obviously not carried out or ignored in the Singapore check in counters.
Several times I have noticed. Singapore CX staff located at the business class counters would conveniently IGNORE people lining up at the economy Q. I am highlighting that they have NO passengers waiting in line at the business class line.
In my recent trip back to Singapore last dec, I was faced with this scenario.
2 economy counters, 1 business, 1 first class counters were in service.
One economy counter was busy serving a family of passenger.
The other economy counter staff was discussing some document with another staff, thus rendering the counter inactive. The business and first class counter did not have any waiting passengers, and the staff were free. They were seated there, staring out with an empty non smiling look.
I thought perhaps they werent aware of people waiting for the economy Q. I was in 2 mind if I should walk up to the business counter to be checked in since the staff was so free. Just then, the non Chinese staff at the business counter looked up and our eyes met. I was half expecting her to acknowledge my existence and assist with my check in. Instead to my utter surprise, she ignored me and turned to her colleague seated next to her (first class counter) and started chatting happily. They would burst into short laughs, and continue to chat animatedly, ignoring the fact they are suppose to be servicing passengers.
The economy counter was being held up for unknown reasons to me. The other girl at the economy looked up at me, looked at the business + first class colleagues chatting away, and then decided she rather pretend to be reading some document. So I stood there waiting for good 10mins till the held up was cleared and the staff started to assist me.
I thought perhaps I was "mistaken", that the 2 female non-Chinese staff had not seen me waiting in the line of economy waiting to be served. So while I was waiting for my boarding ticket, I turned to look. There were 7 people in the economy line waiting, only one economy counter was active in duty. The other two remained happily chatting away. They saw the passengers in the economy line but had decided it wasnt their obligation to help out. They only stop their rubbish behaviour when a business class passenger arrived to check in. After that, they continued their chit chat again.
This is not the first time I had experienced this "couldnt be bothered" or "not my business" poor attitude at Singapore check in counters. Hence I wonder if this attitude stem from airport policy of "serving only your allocated clientele" or is it the infamous Singaporean lack of customer service mindset? The sort of "I am stupid to do extra work" mentality.
I would truly find it hard to believe Cathay Pacific would designate differing set of service manual and practices for different countries. Especially since both HK and Australia shares the same practice of "clearing" customers quickly. I would also not think airport policy would micromanage service level of the various airline counters.
Hence I can only deduce it is the typical Singapore selfish service culture that had allowed the two chit chatting counter girls to get away with their unprofessional behaviour.
I am a regular Cathay Pacific passenger. If I could, CX would be my preferred choice of airline nowadays after several disappointing brushes with SQ.
In Hong Kong check in station, may it be at the train station or at HK airport, one thing is constant. That being, CX check-in counters allocated to serve business or first class passengers will ALWAYS help to check-in economy passengers too if there isnt anyone waiting in the business or first class line. This practice was evidently followed in Sydney upon my recent trip back to Australia. The idea is simple, cut the waiting time for passengers trying to check in. Try to clear the line as much and as soon as possible.
As a passenger, I think this is an excellent praise worthy practice.
Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, this practice was obviously not carried out or ignored in the Singapore check in counters.
Several times I have noticed. Singapore CX staff located at the business class counters would conveniently IGNORE people lining up at the economy Q. I am highlighting that they have NO passengers waiting in line at the business class line.
In my recent trip back to Singapore last dec, I was faced with this scenario.
2 economy counters, 1 business, 1 first class counters were in service.
One economy counter was busy serving a family of passenger.
The other economy counter staff was discussing some document with another staff, thus rendering the counter inactive. The business and first class counter did not have any waiting passengers, and the staff were free. They were seated there, staring out with an empty non smiling look.
I thought perhaps they werent aware of people waiting for the economy Q. I was in 2 mind if I should walk up to the business counter to be checked in since the staff was so free. Just then, the non Chinese staff at the business counter looked up and our eyes met. I was half expecting her to acknowledge my existence and assist with my check in. Instead to my utter surprise, she ignored me and turned to her colleague seated next to her (first class counter) and started chatting happily. They would burst into short laughs, and continue to chat animatedly, ignoring the fact they are suppose to be servicing passengers.
The economy counter was being held up for unknown reasons to me. The other girl at the economy looked up at me, looked at the business + first class colleagues chatting away, and then decided she rather pretend to be reading some document. So I stood there waiting for good 10mins till the held up was cleared and the staff started to assist me.
I thought perhaps I was "mistaken", that the 2 female non-Chinese staff had not seen me waiting in the line of economy waiting to be served. So while I was waiting for my boarding ticket, I turned to look. There were 7 people in the economy line waiting, only one economy counter was active in duty. The other two remained happily chatting away. They saw the passengers in the economy line but had decided it wasnt their obligation to help out. They only stop their rubbish behaviour when a business class passenger arrived to check in. After that, they continued their chit chat again.
This is not the first time I had experienced this "couldnt be bothered" or "not my business" poor attitude at Singapore check in counters. Hence I wonder if this attitude stem from airport policy of "serving only your allocated clientele" or is it the infamous Singaporean lack of customer service mindset? The sort of "I am stupid to do extra work" mentality.
I would truly find it hard to believe Cathay Pacific would designate differing set of service manual and practices for different countries. Especially since both HK and Australia shares the same practice of "clearing" customers quickly. I would also not think airport policy would micromanage service level of the various airline counters.
Hence I can only deduce it is the typical Singapore selfish service culture that had allowed the two chit chatting counter girls to get away with their unprofessional behaviour.
Incorrect use of "No seat" on CX
Someone should inform Cathay Pacific on using "proper" English for signs/ instructions on board their planes.
I forgot to take a picture but if you have ever taken their business class segment, with the remodelled seat, you will understand what I am referring to.
Someone should have Cathay Pacific rectify the incorrect use of "No Seat" sign above the leg rest. It should have been reflected as "Not a Seat" or "Do not sit" instead, to align with the intended meaning as translated from their Cantonese/ Mandarin text below.
One would imagine an airline this established, would make a greater conscientious effort to ensure the correctness of languages used on-board...otherwise, I wonder which language directives will supercede the other? The Chinese or the English instructions since they mean completely different thing?
I forgot to take a picture but if you have ever taken their business class segment, with the remodelled seat, you will understand what I am referring to.
Someone should have Cathay Pacific rectify the incorrect use of "No Seat" sign above the leg rest. It should have been reflected as "Not a Seat" or "Do not sit" instead, to align with the intended meaning as translated from their Cantonese/ Mandarin text below.
One would imagine an airline this established, would make a greater conscientious effort to ensure the correctness of languages used on-board...otherwise, I wonder which language directives will supercede the other? The Chinese or the English instructions since they mean completely different thing?
Singapore airlines, not that great way to fly
Had a lunch and dinner appointment with my gf who was in town for a visit. She was griping about the horrid airline food on United Airlines and we started to veered off to comparing airlines.
She told me her fav airline is still Singapore airlines. I beg to differ. For the last 2 years or so, I havent had excellent service from SQ staff for ages. I am refering to both ground staff and the flight attendants. I will state upfront that the service isnt bad, it isnt rude but it isnt impressive either. In fact, my recent flight to Maldives on board SQ left a rather bitter taste.
In all the flights I had taken, Singapore airlines is the FIRST renowned airline to inform me they do not have Chinese tea. More correctly, they ran out of Chinese tea after serving me one miserable half cup of tea.
After several months since Oct'09, I still didnt know which bug me more.
The unprofessional way service was rendered, or the glaring fact that the airline didnt even bother to stock enough CHINESE tea on a flight which was 90% ethnic Chinese, out of which 80% were CHINA Chinese. This is given that the airline KNEW perfectly well the demographics of the passengers onboard for that day. The story went like this....
The bad impression starts with the very slow check in and the very brusque way the staff informed us to board the plane. When lunch was served, I had asked for Chinese tea which is a pretty normal request onboard Cathay Pacific. The attendant looked alittle surprised at the request but politely told me to wait. It took them say 15mins after 2 reminders to get me my chinese tea.
As I had mentioned earlier, most of the passengers were Chinese nationals. Apparently they had some honeymoon package and these people were on couple tour to Maldives. After my meal, they begun their rounds to serve English tea. When it reached me, I asked for Chinese tea but was told in a manner that "I am too busy to deal with u" tone that she will get back to me.
After about 10mins wait, this senior male attendant came to me and said rather loudly in accented Singlish while waving that container of English tea :"Sorry ah, we ran out of Chinese tea. English tea lah, same lah, still tea."
It took me a few seconds for the Singlish to sink in, and another few seconds for the "running out of tea" fact to be digested. "You ran out of Chinese tea?" I repeated. Seeing my puzzled and disbelieving look (I believed him, I just didnt expect them not to have tea) , the senior male flight attendant mistook my expression and continued nonchalantly:
"Aiya you know hor, this flight got so many Chinese people, so we dont have so much tea to give to people. Everyone want Chinese tea, so no more. Finished! So you want? Can? English tea ok for you?" He smiled and talk to me like I was some dense 10year old kid.
I smiled and declined the English tea but he didnt seem to think what the deal was. English tea, Chinese tea, all the same. I had to decline his offer twice.
Just when the incident of "no more Chinese tea" was fast becoming history, I was awakened by 4 flight attendants going to almost each row with a trolley cart decked with boxes. Overhearing and seeing the passengers open the box filled with cake, I discovered it was a gesture of "personal touch" to these china honeymoon couples congratulating them on their honeymoon/ marriage.
I think that was what pissed me off.
Considering the SQ team had prior knowledge that this is a flight packed with ethnic Chinese judging from the volume of all these preprepared "cake gifts", why didnt the team have the same common sense to take into account of our beverage preference? If SQ truly pride herself as one of the top airlines, trying to convince money payers that they are the great way to fly with, I would expect SQ to pay more attention to passenger needs -considering the dietary habits of Chinese people and prepare more Chinese tea.
I am not asking for gourmet tea, I am just asking for normal tea. Hell, I am not even asking for things not commonly served on board. How ironical it is, not to focus more about your regular passengers with good service, instead trying to pull off your marketing gimmicks with the goodwill cakes? What was even more like a slap to SQ face was that, the china nationals (seated around me) were also complaining about not being served Chinese tea. Apparently, I am not the only one who was sorely disappointed by this major SQ service oversight.
If this had been united airline or emirates or any European airlines, I would perfectly understand the flight not stocking any or sufficient Chinese tea. However Singapore airlines, should know better. If Cathay Pacific can serve BOTH english and Chinese tea, why couldnt Singapore airline do the same? What is worse, is to have the male attendant trying to blame the shortfall on the high number of Chinese nationals on board. The way he was talking to me was ...utterly like some uncle selling tea in coffeeshop. Eeeewwk, what happen to the quality of SQ flight attendants?
The ironical thing is that, if SQ had not prepared those cakes with the matching couples' names, I prob wouldnt be this miffed. At least I could delude myself into believing that they genuinely did not have any idea on the demographics of the passengers to anticipate this increase demand for chinese tea.
It is not a life and death situation I know.
It's just tea I know.
However, it is precisely details like this that distinguishes between a good airline, from a GREAT airline. Disappointingly, SQ is definitely has proven in this case not to be the latter.
Oh how far has our mighty SQ fallen from grace since the early glory days....
She told me her fav airline is still Singapore airlines. I beg to differ. For the last 2 years or so, I havent had excellent service from SQ staff for ages. I am refering to both ground staff and the flight attendants. I will state upfront that the service isnt bad, it isnt rude but it isnt impressive either. In fact, my recent flight to Maldives on board SQ left a rather bitter taste.
In all the flights I had taken, Singapore airlines is the FIRST renowned airline to inform me they do not have Chinese tea. More correctly, they ran out of Chinese tea after serving me one miserable half cup of tea.
After several months since Oct'09, I still didnt know which bug me more.
The unprofessional way service was rendered, or the glaring fact that the airline didnt even bother to stock enough CHINESE tea on a flight which was 90% ethnic Chinese, out of which 80% were CHINA Chinese. This is given that the airline KNEW perfectly well the demographics of the passengers onboard for that day. The story went like this....
The bad impression starts with the very slow check in and the very brusque way the staff informed us to board the plane. When lunch was served, I had asked for Chinese tea which is a pretty normal request onboard Cathay Pacific. The attendant looked alittle surprised at the request but politely told me to wait. It took them say 15mins after 2 reminders to get me my chinese tea.
As I had mentioned earlier, most of the passengers were Chinese nationals. Apparently they had some honeymoon package and these people were on couple tour to Maldives. After my meal, they begun their rounds to serve English tea. When it reached me, I asked for Chinese tea but was told in a manner that "I am too busy to deal with u" tone that she will get back to me.
After about 10mins wait, this senior male attendant came to me and said rather loudly in accented Singlish while waving that container of English tea :"Sorry ah, we ran out of Chinese tea. English tea lah, same lah, still tea."
It took me a few seconds for the Singlish to sink in, and another few seconds for the "running out of tea" fact to be digested. "You ran out of Chinese tea?" I repeated. Seeing my puzzled and disbelieving look (I believed him, I just didnt expect them not to have tea) , the senior male flight attendant mistook my expression and continued nonchalantly:
"Aiya you know hor, this flight got so many Chinese people, so we dont have so much tea to give to people. Everyone want Chinese tea, so no more. Finished! So you want? Can? English tea ok for you?" He smiled and talk to me like I was some dense 10year old kid.
I smiled and declined the English tea but he didnt seem to think what the deal was. English tea, Chinese tea, all the same. I had to decline his offer twice.
Just when the incident of "no more Chinese tea" was fast becoming history, I was awakened by 4 flight attendants going to almost each row with a trolley cart decked with boxes. Overhearing and seeing the passengers open the box filled with cake, I discovered it was a gesture of "personal touch" to these china honeymoon couples congratulating them on their honeymoon/ marriage.
I think that was what pissed me off.
Considering the SQ team had prior knowledge that this is a flight packed with ethnic Chinese judging from the volume of all these preprepared "cake gifts", why didnt the team have the same common sense to take into account of our beverage preference? If SQ truly pride herself as one of the top airlines, trying to convince money payers that they are the great way to fly with, I would expect SQ to pay more attention to passenger needs -considering the dietary habits of Chinese people and prepare more Chinese tea.
I am not asking for gourmet tea, I am just asking for normal tea. Hell, I am not even asking for things not commonly served on board. How ironical it is, not to focus more about your regular passengers with good service, instead trying to pull off your marketing gimmicks with the goodwill cakes? What was even more like a slap to SQ face was that, the china nationals (seated around me) were also complaining about not being served Chinese tea. Apparently, I am not the only one who was sorely disappointed by this major SQ service oversight.
If this had been united airline or emirates or any European airlines, I would perfectly understand the flight not stocking any or sufficient Chinese tea. However Singapore airlines, should know better. If Cathay Pacific can serve BOTH english and Chinese tea, why couldnt Singapore airline do the same? What is worse, is to have the male attendant trying to blame the shortfall on the high number of Chinese nationals on board. The way he was talking to me was ...utterly like some uncle selling tea in coffeeshop. Eeeewwk, what happen to the quality of SQ flight attendants?
The ironical thing is that, if SQ had not prepared those cakes with the matching couples' names, I prob wouldnt be this miffed. At least I could delude myself into believing that they genuinely did not have any idea on the demographics of the passengers to anticipate this increase demand for chinese tea.
It is not a life and death situation I know.
It's just tea I know.
However, it is precisely details like this that distinguishes between a good airline, from a GREAT airline. Disappointingly, SQ is definitely has proven in this case not to be the latter.
Oh how far has our mighty SQ fallen from grace since the early glory days....
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Such a bad look
Never am quite sure who is the idiotic fashionista who came up with the indecent design of having jeans hang loosely halfway down your butt, exposing the unsightly boxers worn by the tasteless youth in question.
Many times I saw scrawny, unshapely youngsters walking around town, proudly parading in the city area with a pair of jeans obviously several sizes too big for their imaginery huge waist. It's hideous. With sloppy top and a super loose jeans emphasing how flat and shapeless their bodily bottom half is, why on earth does any guy think they look good in it? Not only that, they have to apparently keep pulling their jeans up at some point as they walk, to prevent the complete exposure of their inner wear as their jeans might potentially drop down quite literally.
As I walked along the HK station travelator connection to Central, this dude in front of me was wearing just that oversized jeans, and worse with those fashionable "torn and tattered" ripped patches. Why pay good money on something that looks like the only possession a tramp might own is beyond me.
The back pockets of the jeans were hung so low that it was halfway down the thigh. The guy was stuffing his wallet into his back pocket with much difficulty, and simultaneously trying to hold up his jeans as he was shoving it down at the same time. It's almost hilarious if I didnt think it was a stupid concept.
So I mused aloud to my husband as too why on earth would this guy before us, want to wear a pair of jean that makes his backside appear flat and almost non existent? That aside, his boxer short looks awlfully nasty and cheap too. Doesnt he realise he looks rather comical with half of his pants almost falling off?
Obviously we are within ear shot what I said must have gotten to him, because almost immediately, the guy decided he didnt want to remain as the object of my interest, and decided to oblige my modesty by pulling those damn jeans up properly to cover his underpants/ boxer short. Which incidentally I felt like telling him that starting from waist, not butt is the proper way to wear any piece of trousers, jeans or pants; not to mention the guy looked much more presentable almost immediately...
Oh well, maybe this is the so call generation gap, where I have come to question the "sense and sensibility" of some of the things that go on around me.... seriously, having the waist of the jeans hanging halfway down your butt is really NOT a good look regardless which era we are in. If that is the definition of cool, and suave look nowadays, all I can say is that really spell the dearth of good fashion combined with common sense.
Many times I saw scrawny, unshapely youngsters walking around town, proudly parading in the city area with a pair of jeans obviously several sizes too big for their imaginery huge waist. It's hideous. With sloppy top and a super loose jeans emphasing how flat and shapeless their bodily bottom half is, why on earth does any guy think they look good in it? Not only that, they have to apparently keep pulling their jeans up at some point as they walk, to prevent the complete exposure of their inner wear as their jeans might potentially drop down quite literally.
As I walked along the HK station travelator connection to Central, this dude in front of me was wearing just that oversized jeans, and worse with those fashionable "torn and tattered" ripped patches. Why pay good money on something that looks like the only possession a tramp might own is beyond me.
The back pockets of the jeans were hung so low that it was halfway down the thigh. The guy was stuffing his wallet into his back pocket with much difficulty, and simultaneously trying to hold up his jeans as he was shoving it down at the same time. It's almost hilarious if I didnt think it was a stupid concept.
So I mused aloud to my husband as too why on earth would this guy before us, want to wear a pair of jean that makes his backside appear flat and almost non existent? That aside, his boxer short looks awlfully nasty and cheap too. Doesnt he realise he looks rather comical with half of his pants almost falling off?
Obviously we are within ear shot what I said must have gotten to him, because almost immediately, the guy decided he didnt want to remain as the object of my interest, and decided to oblige my modesty by pulling those damn jeans up properly to cover his underpants/ boxer short. Which incidentally I felt like telling him that starting from waist, not butt is the proper way to wear any piece of trousers, jeans or pants; not to mention the guy looked much more presentable almost immediately...
Oh well, maybe this is the so call generation gap, where I have come to question the "sense and sensibility" of some of the things that go on around me.... seriously, having the waist of the jeans hanging halfway down your butt is really NOT a good look regardless which era we are in. If that is the definition of cool, and suave look nowadays, all I can say is that really spell the dearth of good fashion combined with common sense.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Nothing in particular...just another rambling
If blogging is any indication of my current "motivational" level, I suppose one can adaptly deduced "Laziness" would be the right word to come mind...
Just got back from the bank to sign the loan documents....left it to my partner to digest all the technicalities of the loan. My head remains solidly muddled with all the jardon. Why do they make things so difficult to understand for layman? It's intentional I know...Oh well, at least everything is settled now.
Previously the relationship exec in-charge was sooo fk up that my partner had to storm into the bank to throw a hissy fit at this incompetent guy whose brain is either fried from lack of use, or suffering the after effects of over ingestion of too much bad food over last 10years. It took the dude over 2 months to inform us "our lawyer" might not be approved, leaving us less than a month for other options. That being, we had to call for status from him (not the other way round) since our nagging suspicion tells us normal processing time only takes 5-6weeks max. Our worries were indeed founded.
We didnt understand what the problem was since the guy didnt even bother to follow the case. It was later that we were informed the lawyer we engaged wasnt able to handle our case due to loan size, and the ratio to the size of his firm didnt work out. So why couldnt the lousy exec had advised us accordingly in the first place when we first submit the lawyer's company name to him? The scum just took the documents, let dust collect until we rang him up. Man...he was literally asking for it...
So faced with the potential of losing our deposit, I let looose my all mighty partner and let him have a go at the useless chipmuck. Grossly stupid (ugly) smuck who simply didnt even understand the severity of the situation or how his oversight would potentially cause great grief. In the end after much nasty raving, the mentally invalid nitwit's manager had to step in and calm my partner down, and promised to take over and oversee our case personally. All we ask for is efficiency and finally we got some. Why do we always have to yell at someone before anything gets done properly? This is a clear testimony of why "bringing the world to its knee" is only reserved for the capable hands of elite "ivy league" bankers while morons in a case this like at best, can only ruined the day of a customer leaving others to clear his shit...Anycase, all is settled after our return from lousy oz trip, and all we have to wait now, cross fingers is the hand over at end of Jan'09.
It's terrifying. Buying a new home.
The process is lengthy, troublesome and every step of the way, u keep asking yourself, did I do right? Hopefully this anxiety will go away once we are actually the owner of the place.
Straying off to better things...
I kept telling myself I should sit down proper to blog about my Maldives trip before all the details start to elude me...but alas....the mind is weaker than the flesh as reality has sorely proved to me recently...It's probably already a miracle that I had even load the pixs onto Facebook but then that is restricted viewing... So that means it's round 2 of reloading...crap.
However, because I had such tonnes of fun (R&R really) in Maldives, it would be injustice to let my experience slip past without a word on it. Thus I have made my biggest resolve and singular resolution, to get the blooody posts up asap.
Tough seemingly I keep getting distracted grappling for my limited attention....oh wait, what is this? Just when Doc Who series revival is getting good, they are changing the good doctor again to Matt Smith. I hope he fits into the big shoe left behind... Did I digress again? Damn! Ok ok... I better get crackin after I finish whipping up my dinner...
Just got back from the bank to sign the loan documents....left it to my partner to digest all the technicalities of the loan. My head remains solidly muddled with all the jardon. Why do they make things so difficult to understand for layman? It's intentional I know...Oh well, at least everything is settled now.
Previously the relationship exec in-charge was sooo fk up that my partner had to storm into the bank to throw a hissy fit at this incompetent guy whose brain is either fried from lack of use, or suffering the after effects of over ingestion of too much bad food over last 10years. It took the dude over 2 months to inform us "our lawyer" might not be approved, leaving us less than a month for other options. That being, we had to call for status from him (not the other way round) since our nagging suspicion tells us normal processing time only takes 5-6weeks max. Our worries were indeed founded.
We didnt understand what the problem was since the guy didnt even bother to follow the case. It was later that we were informed the lawyer we engaged wasnt able to handle our case due to loan size, and the ratio to the size of his firm didnt work out. So why couldnt the lousy exec had advised us accordingly in the first place when we first submit the lawyer's company name to him? The scum just took the documents, let dust collect until we rang him up. Man...he was literally asking for it...
So faced with the potential of losing our deposit, I let looose my all mighty partner and let him have a go at the useless chipmuck. Grossly stupid (ugly) smuck who simply didnt even understand the severity of the situation or how his oversight would potentially cause great grief. In the end after much nasty raving, the mentally invalid nitwit's manager had to step in and calm my partner down, and promised to take over and oversee our case personally. All we ask for is efficiency and finally we got some. Why do we always have to yell at someone before anything gets done properly? This is a clear testimony of why "bringing the world to its knee" is only reserved for the capable hands of elite "ivy league" bankers while morons in a case this like at best, can only ruined the day of a customer leaving others to clear his shit...Anycase, all is settled after our return from lousy oz trip, and all we have to wait now, cross fingers is the hand over at end of Jan'09.
It's terrifying. Buying a new home.
The process is lengthy, troublesome and every step of the way, u keep asking yourself, did I do right? Hopefully this anxiety will go away once we are actually the owner of the place.
Straying off to better things...
I kept telling myself I should sit down proper to blog about my Maldives trip before all the details start to elude me...but alas....the mind is weaker than the flesh as reality has sorely proved to me recently...It's probably already a miracle that I had even load the pixs onto Facebook but then that is restricted viewing... So that means it's round 2 of reloading...crap.
However, because I had such tonnes of fun (R&R really) in Maldives, it would be injustice to let my experience slip past without a word on it. Thus I have made my biggest resolve and singular resolution, to get the blooody posts up asap.
Tough seemingly I keep getting distracted grappling for my limited attention....oh wait, what is this? Just when Doc Who series revival is getting good, they are changing the good doctor again to Matt Smith. I hope he fits into the big shoe left behind... Did I digress again? Damn! Ok ok... I better get crackin after I finish whipping up my dinner...
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
A brand new year (again)
Brand New Year and nothing really new to talk about. I suppose people make new year resolutions but since I have been seemingly living my life right, so i gathered I am spared from making any since there really isnt any bad habit I feel a need to break or a new goal to achieve.
Xmas sucks as usual, with an exception highlight that I get to spend a day of the hols with an old friend.
Good, memorable Xmas comes rare for me. I would be happy enough if no one pisses me off. As usual this year some one did (again), what's new... Why do simpleton even try to even piss me off continuously after I had try to let past issues slide?
I have balls. I was just afraid they will be too huge for these morons to swallow. Apparently they are too dense to realise. But enough is enough. My threshold has been crossed. So come this year, the only difference is that instead of only me having my Xmas ruined, I decided to bring someone down with me by retaliating with my frosty "U are invisible" reception. No more playing nice. The message went through loud and clear, with Much gratification on my part. No point dwelling about it. Nothing victorious but it helps in soothing my ego. My mojo is back! That is why I hate Xmas, having to make small talks and going out to meet and spend time with people I abhor.
Got a new toy this xmas.
An iPhone! Dont really need it, didnt ask for it but I must have been on the Santa Dean's list. Ha! Havent been able to lift my fingers off the screen since I hooked it up... In bed, in loo, in kitchen, in almost everywhere except the bath. I luv this 24hr connectivity to the internet man!!! Gross as it may sound, U have no idea what joy it delivers as I even get to read my manga as I Poo poo! Joy to the world! haaaaaa
Well folks, enjoy the brand new year.
It's 2010.
Bring it on!
Xmas sucks as usual, with an exception highlight that I get to spend a day of the hols with an old friend.
Good, memorable Xmas comes rare for me. I would be happy enough if no one pisses me off. As usual this year some one did (again), what's new... Why do simpleton even try to even piss me off continuously after I had try to let past issues slide?
I have balls. I was just afraid they will be too huge for these morons to swallow. Apparently they are too dense to realise. But enough is enough. My threshold has been crossed. So come this year, the only difference is that instead of only me having my Xmas ruined, I decided to bring someone down with me by retaliating with my frosty "U are invisible" reception. No more playing nice. The message went through loud and clear, with Much gratification on my part. No point dwelling about it. Nothing victorious but it helps in soothing my ego. My mojo is back! That is why I hate Xmas, having to make small talks and going out to meet and spend time with people I abhor.
Got a new toy this xmas.
An iPhone! Dont really need it, didnt ask for it but I must have been on the Santa Dean's list. Ha! Havent been able to lift my fingers off the screen since I hooked it up... In bed, in loo, in kitchen, in almost everywhere except the bath. I luv this 24hr connectivity to the internet man!!! Gross as it may sound, U have no idea what joy it delivers as I even get to read my manga as I Poo poo! Joy to the world! haaaaaa
Well folks, enjoy the brand new year.
It's 2010.
Bring it on!
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