^^ The Grass Is Bluer Where? ^^

NATO

2007-02-08T20:33:00.000+11:00

I reckon a lot of people are all action and no talk. Take Singaporeans for example, they whine a lot and talk a lot of cock but when it comes to concrete actions it's like "chasing the dragon". Granted not all Singaporeans behave this way but looking at how people say they want to do this do that and nothings been done irks me big time. Granted also I've been in that boat before so I won't criticise too much of "no action talk only" or what my sergeant in army used to say NATO!

Am I daydreaming?

2007-02-08T20:24:00.000+11:00

Sometimes I'll start thinking about how things will be different if this happen, how there is a special entity up there that is looking after everyone, how everyone's born into this world to fulfill their destiny.

Maybe I watched too much anime but it does feel good to know that there's someone up there looking out for you. Man, the omnipotent being most probably need a massive call-centre and a super duper gazillion core cpu to process all the requests & prayers by people.

How real is it, to watch all the shows and movies and the main character who has to fulfil their destiny. To walk the path that no one else walked. To go where no one else been. So are all these beings born great or have greatness thrust upon them?

It's such a fantasy, to be able to fly, to do special stuff that you can only dream of or watch on tv. So are directors and story-tellers living in their own world. A world they imagine. A world free of the shackles of reality. Sometimes I just wish I don't need to worry too much about things. Being optimistic does have it's qualms too, especially if things start to fall apart. This is just one of those days.

No my world is not falling apart, just thinking too much makes my head painful. Maybe that's why I loved cartoons...

Australian Open 2007

2007-01-27T19:22:00.000+11:00

Now what did I do this whole week? Lemme see... Work, eat, sleep, thinking about work, watched the Australian Open; Maria Sharapova's grunting sound is a turn off though she's quite a beauty (among the rest so can't complain). The mens final is going to be a really good match up, I hope Roger Federer wins. Maybe I should head over to the betting site to check out the odds of Federer winning.

*LATEST UPDATE* Federer winning odds is 1.12. That is fucking pathetic! So each dollar I put in only wins 12c tax free. Ok, how about Gonzalez? His odds is 6.25. Hmmm, I may support Fernando Gonzalez then. Still undecided, I have til tomorrow evening. So who shall I bet on? *headache ah*

Tiger Woods in the making

2007-01-24T19:32:00.000+11:00

Ya like real. Catchy title only so don't get too excited after this... I played golf this week, finally!!! Well technically not the whole course, not that pro but I finally I got off my slacker arse and went to the Sydney Olympic Park golf driving range and have a few swings. Mind you, the range was very scenic and serves as pretty good eye candy.

I had yum cha in the morning so the thought of burning off some fat is very encouraging. I didn't bring my gloves and one of my noob friends asked the counter lady is it ok to play without gloves and of coz wanting to do business and looking at what we wore she said yeah if you're not that pro it's alright (damn my friend who wore slippers that day, look so unprofessional so paiseh coz everyone in there look the part in a golf range). So anyway, three of us shared a bucket of 140 balls and soon after our palms start looking red and feels like blisters is popping out soon. *Remind self to be more prepared in future*. Overall, it was fun but I am thinking of going for a course to get the proper foundations instead of swinging like a crazy man. No rabbits were killed in this process.

So HOT!

2007-01-21T17:45:00.000+11:00

That I don't even feel like blogging. It's 37"c today and clear sky. Really bad for my morale and mood. Maybe that's how men PMS comes about. Even staying at home is dreadful as the whole house's engulfed in hot, steamy air. Driving pass a swimming pool, I see throngs of people in their swim wear jumping into the pool. That felt so tempting...

Work's alright this week, nothing major. Never had to bring work back so far, which is good. I've finally decided I'll hold off on the DSLR camera I want to buy for now. Maybe towards the end of the year when/if I go back to Singapore for holiday. That's a big IF. So in that case, I'll concentrate on getting a el cheapo tripod that's hopefully not too heavy nor wobbly.

Back to the heat. Now I'll have no excuses not to have a beer. Upon saying that, I have to use the huge beer mug I got from Ainul. Till then... meanwhile I'll amalgamate with my beer in blissful 37 degree freaking heat wave!!!

Liverpool won Chel$ki

2007-01-21T02:01:00.000+11:00

Alright, so what if Liverpool lost in the FA Cup and the Carling Cup? They restored that by winning against Chel$ki at home. Well done and well taken goals. Now if only Australia has more coverage of the English Premier League that would be a god send. I still believe it'll take something magical to win Barcelona, unless some Barca key players are injured.

Okie enough of boring balls. Let's talk about something more interesting for the ladies, ahh... diamond ring. Diamond rings are expensive, they scratch other things easily, they're small and I don't see what's the big ho ha about diamonds. Note to self: I have to learn more about diamonds if I'm going to buy one in the future. If diamonds are the girls best friend, balls are the boys best friend then.

Oh I just checked, air tickets to Vietnam one way is quite cheap now. With Simon/Mela's wedding in mind, I was thinking of flying to Vietnam this June and fly from there to Singapore and then back to Australia. Tempting.... very tempting; if only I can get my ass together to get it organised now. Lol!

Pineapple tarts

2007-01-20T20:14:00.000+11:00

I bought some today at an Asian grocery store. Err I think it was like 10 for $5 or thereabouts. 50c a pop for some Pineapple bliss. Happy me... Oh I went magazine reading also in the local shopping centre. Was checking up on some mags for hifi and tv. All the chimelogy (confusing high tech jargons in Singapore talk) of those gadgets are slowing being infused into me.

I felt like I level up. I felt like a tech guru (hifi and tv) now. I can sprout hdmi, HD ready, component cables, optical out, HD definition, 768i, 1080i, 1080p, HD upscaling etc. I think I dare to venture into those specialist hifi shop and talk cock with the sales people now.

Temporary housemate bye bye

2007-01-18T21:21:00.000+11:00

Rosie was staying with us for around a week and she is leaving for Singapore today. We decided that she should check in early coz her luggage is very heavy. She managed to check in about 38kg of luggage, hee hee. See, one of the merits of going early. Ok, it may not be entirely that reason; maybe the SIA chick got a diamond ring the day before so she couldn't care less about how heavy the luggage is. Maybe Rosie pray the night before. Whatever!

To Rosie: Hope you'll be back soon! Go get PR! You know you like it here! You can download LOTSA anime & TV series here without being monitored or fear that the government will take you off their Chinese New Year Ang Pao (red packet) list. Even if you blur in Australia no worries, people tend to ignore what you're doing in public; not like Singapore, they look at you weirdly like you're from the Institute of Mental Health (it's a mental asylum, infamous). I don't meant you're from IMH. It's a figure of speech (words). Ok, nuff said, go have the food I want to eat.

Truly yours truly concerned

2007-01-14T17:55:00.000+11:00

I was reading this news clip: "Why the frogs are dying" and found it to be very depressingly informative. It's not like I don't know the world is changing, it's not like I don't know the world is getting hotter, it's not like I don't know whole species are dying; but what we as homo sapience are doing about it?

Look, there's so many people in positions of power that could enact and perhaps enforce policies that could save the world. Note, I wrote save the world. It is indeed grim I would say and if things were to continue the way it is, 10 years from now (that's if this blog is still alive) we will witness a world where there may be no frogs alive (judging from the article above), and I shall miss my frog leg porridge in Chinatown & Geylang, Singapore. Either that the frog leg porridge could cost like $50 a pop, more expensive than other delicacy.

What about people in no position of power? What can we do? Note, I include myself as I'm not in the United Nations nor did I win any $20+ million lotteries. For a start, we can all sell our cars away; take public transport; drink recycled water; don't buy books rather read e-books; don't use toilet papers for businesses etc. Some people may just do that but I envision the majority will not. It's not in people's nature to care. Let's put it this way, people's personal & more basic needs need to be fulfilled first before other external needs such as the need to care for our environment is realised (according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs).

If that theory holds true, then what? Of the world's billions of people, how many percentage truly truly care then if their basic needs ain't even fulfilled? So what's that got to say about humans doing our part for the environment? Does it start with the small things we do? What if I do but my neighbour doesn't? Does it fall on the government to educate people or to tow people in line? I don't purport to have the answer, but doing my bit for the environment is equally important as the policies that support such stances.

So what have I done to save the environment? Hmmm, I buy a car that's classed under LEV (Or low emission vehicle so the amount of carbon dioxide it emits is really low. I think it's classed under the EU low emissions guideline). Yes I don't take public transport, I'm not ready to sweat it out on the public transport system (at least not in Australia anyway). It's pretty shitty (pardon me) but that's not the point today.

I also recycle all my plastic, glass and paper garbage separately and throw them into the recycle bin. I usually shop using my own bag (those green bags you can buy in supermarket such as Woolworths or Coles in Australia); err usually coz I tend to forget to take it out of my car. My bad!

I also hate to waste water (which I think is going to be a MAJOR MAJOR resource in the future; anyone know any stocks in company dealing with water??) so I try to use as little as possible. I couldn't think of anything else I can do on my part but perhaps people else where are doing it differently, even better, even more efficient?

Now I pose you this question? What are you doing to save the world? Meanwhile, I'll go back to my world of Battlefield 2 and kill some idiots to vent the day off.

Eat eat eat, pay pay pay

2007-01-13T23:50:00.000+11:00

OMG! I tell ya! If this is what I'm doing every weekend, my resolution of getting slimmer is going down the drain. Brunch I had seafood at the Sydney Fish Market, followed by dessert/tea at Passionflower (ice-cream + fat inducing parlour) followed yet by a sumptuous dinner at a Korean restaurant call Zozo. Along the way, I may have walked quite a bit but I pre-empt myself by saying the walking is definitely not enough to burn off those extra calories.

Now, going on to that food in detail. Sydney Fish Market was the usual draft of things I eat when I'm there. Sashimi, seaweed salad, seafood platter, a small bite of sea urchin (they look weird, curry colour and slimy looking and taste well just too fresh for my taste bud.

As for Passionflower, they sell ice cream and lotsa ice creams and they have some pretty unusual flavours too! Since I haven't had waffles for ages, I went ahead and ordered a waffle with black sesame ice cream and chocolate sauce on it. I like the black sesame ice cream but I don't think it goes well with the waffle. I still finish it at the end; at least I'm still maintaining my philosophy of not wasting food.

We went Zozo coz Rosie is going back Singapore and have not tasted Korean food (not that Singapore don’t have Korean food) so that’s a good excuse to have Korean. We had bbq pork and chilli squid and chicken, Korean noodles and a tofu seafood soup. During the dinner, we kept asking for extra servings of kimchi (LOTSA IT!!!) and I felt so paiseh. They must be thinking have they not eaten kimchi before? Well, we tipped them at the end, as the service is good.

That reminds me tipping is not compulsory but highly encouraged if you felt the service is good. I don’t want to tip for the sake of formality but rather to encourage the good service that was rendered. That IS tipping! I don’t know what’s the idea behind “must always tip” mentality. Does it mean you’re well mannered? Does it mean you’re well to do? Does it mean you’re better off compared to the stingy buggers that don’t tip? Does it make you feel good? Is it the culture? Ah, as long as I feel that the service is good, a tip will be on the way. Also, can someone enlighten me when you pay via credit card, there’s an option there to write how much tips you’re giving. Who gets that? Is it the waiters/waitresses or the shop owner?

Sidenote: Maybe I should redesign the template again after looking at a few people’s blogs, mine’s getting too stale for my taste.

Casino Royale

2007-01-12T22:35:00.000+11:00

Overall I think it's not a bad show. Although the reason I watched it today is coz the weather outside is like 36"c and the temperature inside the shopping centre is like 21"c, there's no prize for guessing which option I took. To make it worse, I didn't bring along my student card so I have to pay for full adult price (not that I'm still a student) but I just want to make the full use of my extended expired privileges.

Show finished at 3.30pm so there's still time to spare and we (Rosie, Yasa and me) decided to hang around for the sake of the air-con in the shopping centre. It is really THAT bad outside right not. I'm not kidding. For those of ya who's been in Adelaide during the summer, it's pretty comparable.

So back to 007, I don't pretend I know why they choose Danial Craig. Maybe he's English? Maybe of his super tone body? But he's just so different from all the previous 007 characters. Just the way he turn around with the gun pointing through the gun barrel is just so stupid. The way he stand just does not ooze style to me. On to better points, it is more (slightly) realistic. They tried to portray 007 as not totally invincible. He's fallible. He can die. He have feelings. You know, those stuff.

Liverpool ah Liverpool, wake up your idea!

2007-01-10T22:20:00.000+11:00

All I can say is it pains me to see Liverpool lose yet again. Come on, losing once to Arsenal is painful enough but once more in the Carling Cup is the nail in the coffin. Why the heck Benitez plays Jerzy Dudek in such an important FA cup match? Match fitness & rest Reina? I suppose so but I can't totally put the blame on Dudek as he's not played for yonks. Losing the Carling cup is still alright in my book but at least work harder for the FA cup. Conceding 12 goals altogether to Arsenal alone this season is just not acceptable! Liverpool is going to lose to Barcelona if they continue this way and a pessimistic outlook for Liverpool fans this year. No cups...

I didn't watch the match, but got a SMS from a friend and was so pissed to see the scoreline and I was fuming inside. If I've watched it I'm very sure I'll be jumping mad! Sheesh!!

Internet is for losers

2007-01-08T22:05:00.000+11:00

How sweet of Optus to deprive me of Internet for 5 freaking whole days! No internet since last Thursday 4th Jan (Yes I keep tab). It just came up today evening, finally! Not a happy camper I tell ya. I was stuck with my PS2 and gf for company. Ok, stuck is such a bad word. I'll paraphrase it again; I've the opportunity to spend time with my beloved gf and PS2 and away from my evil PC. For a moment, I was losing my sanity.

Now I'm living in a world where no internet is making me anxious. I can't check news, I feel disconnected from everything, detached. I don't even know Liverpool lost to Arsenal at home, with a 1-3 score line. I don't have faith in Liverpool overcoming Barcelona. Sigh, I hope I'm wrong.

Anyway on to happier things, I got prawn rolls (those small fried prawn rolls that you can get from shops like Mei Zhen Xiang) courtesy of my darling. It's not heaps but enough to make me uber happy for awhile.

Onto my PS2, I just clocked 40+ hrs on Final Fantasy XII. Its kinda fun but I feel that I'm wasting my time instead of doing something that could be more important, such as watching Blood Diamond on my pc and knowing that conflict diamonds are bloody. Then armed with that knowledge, I can dissuade my gf not to buy too big a diamond to contribute to the growing problems in countries such as Sierra Leone.

New Year resolution 2007

2007-01-02T22:39:00.000+11:00

I want to set out to do the following this New Year 07. I'll huff and I'll puff but I'll endeavor to try my bloody best! In no order of priority.

1) Lose weight. I don't hope to be 6-pack dude but at least look a bit slimmer.
2) MBA? Wishful thinking? Maybe towards the middle or the end of the year. I have to pay for it myself this time.
3) Attend Simon & Mel's wedding. I can't give 100% guarantee but I'll plan my leave EARLY!
4) Try to keep in touch with my family and friends more. Being away in a different country does not give me an excuse.
5) Be proactive in everything I do. Yeah it's quite generic but trying to apply it in everyday context.
6) Not sure buying things will be listed under NY07 resolution but what the heck. Either a 5.1 kickass sound system / home theatre, a Nintendo Wii, LCD/Plasma TV > 32", body kit and sports rim for my car, a Canon E400D or Nikon D80, maybe a new dual core pc or everything listed above.
7) Don't procrastinate. I don't know how many times I've done it and I've got no excuses.

That's all for now...

Oh something for you Simpsons fan. Check out which character are you? I'm Bart Simpson!!!

Yet again

2007-01-01T22:25:00.000+11:00

I'm back! *GRINS*

I'm back from Singapore, back from holiday and back to work. Feels shit now especially when I start thinking about the December 2006 trip in Singapore. That was not so long ago. It was great!!!

3 years away and when I'm back some things still felt familiar yet some things change. Changes are good I always tell myself. Best part of going back was seeing everyone I miss. My family, my relatives, uncles, aunties that dote on me, cousins, nieces, nephews, good friends. I can't truly describe my feeling when I see my long lost loved ones and friends. Just feels so good!!!

Oh not forgetting food too. Before I went back, I was thinking to myself all the food I'm gonna eat. When I'm back, surprisingly I didn't crave so much for it. I was like, ok if I get the chance to eat it I will if not no worries.

I see all my little nieces, nephews, cousins and they're all so big now! When I last saw them some were like so katek (short) and so innocent. Now, they're into those boy bands ah, 5566, err don't know what those handsome Chinese actors lah. Little kids nowadays are so impressionable and it's no joke.

I've finally got off my arse to post the pictures up at flickr.com too. Clicking here will get you to the photos. Could have done it sooner but I was without my camera usb cable + memory card reader can't read my stupid Sandisk 2GB SD card. Grrrr... I managed to nick a memory card reader from my mate.

Food illustrious food

2006-08-24T16:43:00.000+10:00

Ah, I'm missing stuff like Hainanese chicken rice, fried carrot cake, mee pok, bah kut teh, nasi lemak etc. There's this restaurant (call Temasek, how nostalgic ah) nearby where they serve Singapore/Malaysian dishes and there was this week where I was perpetually camping my butt there. I went for lunch, dinner and followed by lunch the next day there. My gf told me off but I couldn't care, I was in bliss land! Of course it can't be compared to the real thing, but it's the next real thing.

Then there was another restaurant nearby. Similar food but peanut service. It was one quiet weekday, gf and me went into the restaurant first and a guy waiter (China dude. I got nothing against China folks, my ancestors came from there, I worked with Chinese people too so no grudges against the majority) saw us and we made eye contact. Then a group of aussies came straight in after us and that SOB pointed to a table for us and floated straight to them (like Scrooge McDuck to his gold). I was flabbergasted! What kinda service is this?

Throughout our dinner, he was attending to their every needs and trying to get them to order this and that (basically getting them to pay more and trying to provide good service) while when we called him he'll say wait a sec while he go to attend to their needs. Note, there were only us and them during this period.

This really pisses me off and I decided not to give any tips later. So after I signed the cc, he went to the bar counter (not far away) and murmured in mandarin to another waiter that we're stingy, never give any tips even though the dinner comes up to around $30ish. Well, I'm not normally vengeful but it felt good while I walk out with a satisfied grin from the food and the revenge! If I was REALLY REALLY piss and confrontational, I would speak to the manager and tell him the excellent service rendered by that dude.

Even hawker service is better but I pay peanuts and I expected peanuts in a hawker centre, except if you go to a restaurant you pay macadamia nuts you expect macadamia nuts service (pardon my pun).

I can be the happiest man of the moment when I'm finally able to be in a hawker centre! Meanwhile, we're going Temasek today! NOW! *GRINS*

Hiatus

2006-08-21T15:16:00.000+10:00

Ahh, feels good to be away for so long from blogging. Seriously, I think it's so hyped up and so full of people who wants to feel heard. Kinda self contradicting isn't it since I'm here too and back.

Lotsa things have happened since my last update. New job, new place, new car, new credit cards, new bills (and more bills)... ah the life of a classic working man in short, punctuated by occasional news of friends getting married or having babies since me frens and me are of marriageable age and making babies in this era of oil shortage and ever rising petrol prices.

I dunno, everyone I knew is kinda in the 1) going to get married stage, 2) married stage, 3) married with babies stage and I think I am feeling inundated by all these going onto the next phase, planning for the future stuff. Not that I don't love to plan, I love to plan stuff and lay things out and hopefully I'll get more organised (not that I would for those who knew me).

So meeting up with friends always get recurrent themes such as when are you getting married, what are you doing, when this, what that, when that, what this etc. You get my drift. Perhaps this is why I stopped writing for awhile. Perhaps working too hard diverts me from thinking too much... just perhaps I could be hungry too :p

Tiring

2005-11-30T21:21:00.000+11:00

I'm not sure whether is it due to work or just me, I've been tired the last couple of days. I reckon it's the sleep late, wake up early that's making me so tired. After I came back from back, I'll sit in front of my pc and read some news etc, next thing I know I end up in my bed (I don't think it's sleep walking).

So by then, I'll wake up at around 7ish. Then I'll sleep late again and maybe this is the vicious cycle that's making me tired. Drinking Genmaicha (green tea + popped rice), playing Need for Speed, catching up on my books, checking what next should I upgrade for my pc ain't helping either.

Talking about genmaicha, I love it so much! I can practically drink it everynight. I've read up a bit of it, although it contains a small amount of caffeine I hope it won't get me addicted to caffeinated stuff like countless millions of coffee drinkers out there. *Sheepish grin*

Now that Christmas is around the corner, I should pick up my lazy ass and start listing those old stuff that I have. You never know, someone might wanna pay gold for my Casio 128kb organiser. Muahahaha!!

Need for speed

2005-11-29T22:14:00.000+11:00

The latest instalment of Need for Speed: Most Wanted is out. For those in the unknown, NFS is a car racing game. It injects in a storyline, with awesome graphics and cars and a variety of cities, tracks, courses to drive in.

For those astute enough, you know where to find them. For those less astute, you can always do a search for Need For Speed: Most Wanted demo.

Now please let me get back to my game.

Wedding

2005-11-26T23:48:00.000+11:00

No, definitely not mine. I'll let you all know when that time comes. Stay focus.... Now, this is the wedding between Edwin and Serene (both my uni mates) who're now staying in Sydney. What more can I say, they have been together for ages. Hmm, if I count correctly it's about 5-6 years. Serene's from Singapore and Edwin's an Australian Chinese.

She came over to study in Australia and met up with him. Ever since, they're been together and she moved to Australia because of him. Anyway I shouldn't bore you with such lovey dovey stuff.

So, armed with my kick ass camera, we (Cat, JJ, Sam, Siew, Steph and me) attended their church wedding in the arvo. Cat is staying in Adelaide, JJ/Sam and Steph are from Singapore and Malaysia respectively and they flew down to attend their wedding. It was so good to see everyone. Although we didn't have lotsa time to catch up but I suppose a little is better than nothing. It just goes to show how much I miss all my friends who're overseas or far away.

Back to the church wedding, it was a typical solemn church wedding with formal ceremonies etc. For those who're been to a church wedding you should know how it's like. For those who haven't, please go find a church wedding to go to. I shan't explain further as I have a lot to write.

After the church wedding, there was the evening banquet dinner to attend in the city. They had lovely food with I think 12 course dinner. I was busy taking pictures and taking to people I knew. Cat and Sam was the bridesmaid for the bride. I managed to take a couple of pictures of everyone. Yes, I'll email to those who're there so you can develop it. I'm not sure whether should I post the pictures here, but if you wanna see a couple of it, I suppose I can always do it the email way.

I'm happy to see them tie the knot as it's only a matter of time before they do that. You know they'll be there sooner or later and it takes great courage to take that step forward. It's like walking in the dark not knowing what will happen in the future. The good thing is there's two of you taking that step forward. At least if shit happens, you know you're not alone. :)

Now, I just have to go back and process the pictures, convert it to jpg and find their email and email to them. For those interested, give me a buzz and I'll send a couple to you too. *GRIN*

Weee!! my camera

2005-11-25T23:11:00.000+11:00

After much deliberation and consideration, I've decided I'll buy my camera today. Although it sounds like a spur of the moment but in actual fact it isn't. I've been thinking about it for the past 2-3 days and there were several logical deductions as to why I decided to do it then although it seems so last minute (which I shall explain later on).

1) Edwin and Serene's wedding is just around the corner (which is tomorrow). That's one of the best times to deploy a spanking brand new camera.

2) Several of my friends are here too. Cat, JJ, Sam and Steph who are coming for their wedding. Even better as I can take even more pictures of everyone.

3) It is only slightly cheaper in Singapore compared to here. I was thinking of getting my gf to get it when she go back to Singapore but that would mean I'll only get it around early Jan 2006. $50 more to pay compared to Singapore provided I bargain.

4) Pay check just came in, better spend it now so it won't be so painful.

As you can see, due to these reasons I've decided to drop by my local Harvey Norman and bargained with them. It was raining so heavy when I was driving there. In my mind, I was like aaaaa I don't really feel like going, so troublesome, so last minute, so wet. 15mins went by and there I was walking around in Harvey Norman in Auburn, NSW.

As if I was a homing missile, I went straight for the digital camera section and immediately a salesperson approached me. I told him what I wanted and he brought out the new one. I asked him whether will he match a cheaper price I got elsewhere and after some fumbling with his pc, he said yes and I said yes. He tried to sell me extended warranty for like 4 extra years for 80 bucks, I took it (don't ask me whether am I going to use it that long, I've bought it already). After getting a memory card, it all adds up to $730. As I paid, I felt my heart skipped a heart beat.

So you can see I'm a happy person yet sad too coz today I've bought meself a spanking not super duper kick ass but pretty close to kick ass camera in my opinion. Oops, I haven't say which camera is it. It's the Panasonic DMC-FZ5. I choose the black colour one. Went home, gf ask why I didn't choose the white one I don't know why. I like both colours but I suppose I'm catering to the traditional idealogy of SLR lookalike cameras being black.

I hope this $700ish is well spent as I'll be looking forward to taking pictures and showing/sending to you all. hee hee

Fake Beerbelly

2005-11-22T21:20:00.000+11:00

I guess it was a busy and hectic 2 weeks since I've updated my blog. I'll try to fill it up with what I've done in the meantime. Well, with friend's wedding, buying of my camera, helping people move house, upgrading some pc parts, oogling xbox 360 etc hell yes I'll be busy.

Meanwhile, check out this beerbelly drinking bag. Cool!

As per their website - The result? A removable spare tire that also serves a stealth beverage. So now you can not only sport the look thatÂ?s legit to the touch (and the frisk), but you can also enjoy a tasty beverage wherever you want, whenever you want!

Don't ask me why and/or how I found that site. :)

World Cup here we come!

2005-11-19T18:01:00.000+11:00

Australia finally qualified for the World Cup! Hooray! First thing that came across my mind when Australia scored was woo hoo 1-0. Hopefully they'll make it 2-0 and go through. Minutes went by agonisingly and it went to penalties eventually. Well this penalty shootout is not as tense as the Champions League match between Liverpool and AC Milan.

Exciting nonetheless but not as heart-pumping. Australia got off to a winning start by saving the first penalty. Always good to have the advantage in penalty shootout. When it came to the last one, I've always got the feeling that Australia will win and qualify (as it's about time they do). When I saw the saved penalty I was like oooh yeah!!!! we'll definitely have free to air football matches in Australia next year.

Fox Sports (equivalent of cable monopoly) will not have the exclusive rights to the World Cup as every single Australians will want to follow the Socceroos's adventure in Germany. Muahahaha! Anyway, that's in 2006. I should stop dreaming and instead follow the premiership matches now as the World Cup qualifiers are over. If I'm awake on Sat night I might catch some matches with a Charlton Cold (local beer brand).

I should also use the huge beer mug I got from one of my friend as a gift. Just have to take it out of the storeroom and give it a good clean. ICE COLD BEER HERE I COME LATER!

Shopping day

2005-11-17T22:57:00.000+11:00

Shopping day as in it's Thursday and there's late nite shopping till late. How late? Well typically around 9pm-ish. Naturally I won't stay so late as I'm not a shopaholic. Gf came down and I guess it's been awhile since I've went shopping with her.

So chirply, we started at around late arvo. I wanted to check a couple of things like camera prices (not ideal so I'm going to buy it from Singapore), some work clothes, food and laundry bags and anything that interests her.

By 3ish, I was already feeling tired. Mind you, shopping is extremely tiring. It zaps your wallet, your bank credit ratings. Psychologically it might make you feel good if you're into shopping therapy. How true is shopping therapy? Does it really work?

Work or not, it doesn't matter. At the end of the day as long as everyone's happy that's enough.

Time flies

2005-11-16T15:45:00.000+11:00

Now what have I been doing for the past few days? I seriously can't remember. I know I was excited for my gf as she's got a couple of interviews this week. I'm happy for her that she's getting an opportunity for something new. Her current job is only a 6 months contract. Contract basis just doesn't go down with me. It's like a 6 months affair with no strings attached. Not so easy! After 6 months you have to go on with your life and look for another. It just feels so tiring for me. Hope the next job she get is permanent. Change is good but constant change is another matter.

Oh well, wish her good luck for her interviews. Hope she's not as jittery as usual in interviews. The more interviews you have, the better you'll get. :)

Monday a new week

2005-11-14T01:10:00.000+11:00

Monday just doesn't feel like a monday anymore when at 1am you're wide awake and typing away at the keyboard. In a few more hours time I'm going to work. Am I feeling the blues? Is it just me? I suspect there's millions (possibly bordering on the billions) out there that have the monday blues.

Is it a disease more virulent than the bird flu or as incurable as AIDS? It could be worse but not terminal. At worst it'll cause you some down time in your productivity at work. At least you know you're not alone and that a lot of others also feel the same way as you do.

When does work become monotonous? Is it when you're sick of it and feel that it's time to find something new? I always try to tell myself that whatever I want to do it has to be fun and something I'll like to do. What's the use of a million dollar job if you hate that job. Hmm... if it's really a million I might take up that job that I don't like.

I suppose it's a case of weighing both sides of the case. How much remuneration are you willing to take to take a job you don't like. I know a friend who works as a scuba diver and he gets paid really good money but he doesn't like the job. So how long would it last? I'm sure it'll come to a point where enough is enough and that you'll start to find another job even at the expense of lower pay. I think I would.

I just can't imagine getting paid to do something I don't like for 8-9hrs a day. It's like 1/3 of my day is given to something I don't like. I don't think I like that kind of life. Hmm... one million... I wish! Though pigs will fly!

Char Kway Teow

2005-11-13T11:56:00.000+11:00

I had char kway teow today. I cooked it for my gf and me. Doesn't taste too bad. It's not exactly char kway teow, but it's got yellow noodles and kway teow and fish cake and dark sauce. Not exactly the Singapore version but can't complain. Taste good though could be better. Didn't want to put too much oil in it. It's like a low fat version.

Nothing much happen today. Was busy for the past couple of days and just didn't have time to sit down and write what's going on down here. Weather's been bad. And when I say bad, it's getting HOTTER. Arrrrrr... Soon when Dec comes it'll be really HOT! But that also means I should be heading down to the beach and oogle at the gals in bikinis. Oops, no I meant I'm going there to suntan my white smooth buttock :)

Haven't been putting in my best at work the last couple of days. I don't know whether is it peer influence lol! Well, the reason I say that is the first thing my colleague who came in is say 'I don't feel like working today.' What a dampener. What a great start to a day. There I was feeling all good and cherry and bubbling to work and he just have to sprout that. I kept count, out of the last 5 days he mentioned it at least 3 times. That of course ain't good for my productivity. Plus I slept late some days staying up late to read books and waking up early. Drinking bottles of Vs (the equivalent of Red Bull here) didn't help me either, I'm still feeling sleepy.

Anyway, it's late and rainy. Rain = sleep if you get my drift. *grins*

Some self-reflection (maybe only)

2005-11-12T11:10:00.000+11:00

No it's not the serious type of self-reflection. If it is I'll let you know in advance. It's a reflection of what I want to buy for Christmas. On one hand I want to get a faster computer (don't ask me what's the obsession I have with faster and newer and more kick-ass computers) on the other hand I want to save some $ up.

Maybe I can do both. Don't get such a kick-ass spanking computer and get to save some $ too. Maybe I shouldn't get the computer, my current one is still working fine, why should I get another one. Maybe I should get other stuff instead. Maybe an Xbox 360 or a PlayStation 3? Maybe I should purposely spoil my computer and that'll give me an excuse to get another. Maybe I should get a new car. Maybe I should spend more time finding another job. Maybe I should start thinking about my air-ticket back to Singapore for a holiday and to catch up with everyone.

There's so many maybe. Maybe I should tackle one thing at a time. Maybe... Just maybe...

Friday blues

2005-11-11T23:51:00.000+11:00

Seems like ages, but a friend of mine just flew off on Thursday or was it Friday? I think it's Thursday. So basically I'm baby-sitting his (or his gf''s ex-car) red coloured Ford Laser. Which means I'm getting even more lazy and is driving everywhere I'm going now. Even though work's like 10mins walk away, I'm still driving over. *BIG SMILE*

Don't persuade me to do otherwise. I have a duty to make sure his car is working and in drivable condition when he's back. So, after work came back home, pretty tired but excited coz it's a Friday and I'll be seeing my gf.

Meanwhile, online I've a gaming competition going on with a couple of my online friends. We play a first-person shooter called America's Army (similar to Counter-strike for those who're familiar) but it's much more realistic and of course better graphics. Competition's 4 vs 4 and is suppose to start at 9pm AEST (Australia Eastern Standard Time). My team all came in early and was prepared by 9.05pm. The other team's setting up the server, so we waited patiently for them to set it up and get their guys going.

Guess what, we waited like a whole hour for them to get ready. How bad can they get? Rules state that maximum wait time is around 45mins before the other team has to forfeit. We were actually itching to play as we haven't for ages so decided to wait it out. Anyway all's well ends well. We won the match 10-2 (out of 12 rounds). Maybe we were pissed and wanted to avenge the time spent waiting for them.

After that I promised my gf I'll spend some quality time with her. Turns out in the end she fell asleep on the couch. Hee hee. So much for quality time. Can't entirely blame me. *sheepish grin*

Doing my bit for charity

2005-11-10T23:34:00.000+11:00

I remember a few weeks back where my gf decided we should do our bit for charity. There's this new novelty idea where you can pack a shoe box worth of stuff for kids in 3rd world countries. You can put toys, gifts, footwear, some types of food and toiletries etc and pack it all up and seal the box. You can choose what age range you want to give to and so you can cater what you pack in there too.

So we went shopping and bought some stuff like toys, skipping rope, slippers, markers, crayons, books and toiletries for the kids to use. Apparently you can personalise the box by putting in a note or a photograph to give a face to the gift they receive.

It's a good alternative idea instead of just giving money. I know I've donated to a charity but I don't know where and what exactly that money is used for and whether did it really did them good or just usurped by some corrupted officials. At least with this shoe box of goodies, these corrupted officials won't want it that's for sure.

The organisation's called Samaritan's Purse and the project is called Operation Christmas Child. How sweet. Hopefully these shoe box gifts not only brought them a merry Christmas but also hope for the future.

Lanky leather pants on Ebay

2005-11-10T13:57:00.000+11:00

This is one of the funniest ebay descriptions I've seen for a listed item. Check out the questions and answers. I must say it's innovative to post it this way, attracts those type of people that'll want the leather pants. LOL!

A win is a win

2005-11-09T00:54:00.000+11:00

I won at mahjong today. Oh for those I didn't pick up the call sorry, was busy playing mahjong. It's been ages since I had a go at it. We played 10c/20c. So the maximum win per round is $1.60/$3.20. Game lasted for 3 hours due to all the rusty players.

In the end, I won $2.50. LOL!!! Not even enough for my red bull I need for work tomorrow morning. I had fun I suppose. I miss those mahjong sessions I had with my friends back in Singapore. Those were really fun days! Talking cock, suaning (teasing) one of my guy friends as he's always the big target board which everyone aims at. In reality, he's actually a really nice guy. He's single and available. Chinese, a bit brownish overall, tall (but shorter than me), drives a beng car (with blue lights underneath the passenger seat to show off to others), mid-late 20s, highly eligible and rich, he'll pamper you like crazy if you get picked.

To apply, please email me with your vital stats. I'll screen through and if you pass me, I'll forward your resume to him for 2nd interview. Alternatively, email me for his friendster account. Really, he's a very nice guy. Loyal and down-to-earth, you know you can always trust him (maybe due to his police nature) and his melodramatic cry till you're suck dry of tears mandarin songs he always play in his car. I will never forget those traumatic moments, though he has good song choices.

It's getting late and I need to wake up freaking early. I should retire and enjoy a bit of the latest Robert Jordan - Knife of Dreams. Sweet dreams all. Meanwhile, I'll savour my $2.50 victory till tomorrow's red bull. *sheepish grin*

Series of unfortunate events

2005-11-07T11:53:00.000+11:00

This is what I did for the past few days. Work, relaxing, checking out brochures and eyeing my camera, shopping and yum cha.

As the story goes,I was suppose to meet up with my friends at Sydney. I was staying at gf's place at Parramatta (inner west of Sydney) and they called to meet up. I said okie, sure, yeah what time? Happily they gave me the time and just say we'll meet you there. Normally we'll meet at Sydney but this time they decided to come over to Parramatta. I should be happier coz I don't need to travel right? You're wrong.

After the call, I get dressed and set off to take the train to Sydney. Just when I get on the train and it left the station, they called and asked me to open the gate to the house. I was like "WHAT! Where are you guys now?". Chirply they told me they're outside the house. I was like what the!!! Didn't we agree to meet at Sydney? Apparently they decided to come over without informing me. I had to stop at the next stop which was like 15-20mins later and take the train back to Parramatta (cursing and swearing by then).

So when I reach Parramatta, I asked them whereabouts are they in the shopping centre. They say they're in the foodcourt with KFC and McDonalds. I was like ok, I'll be there in 5mins. I stood in front of KFC and my friend called me. They say they're in front of KFC but I just don't see them at all. After much healthy banter I realised they're in another foodcourt (why must Australia have such huge shopping centres) in the basement. Walk walk walk (plus more cursing and stomach growling). Finally we meet up! What a great start to a day!!

I eat a lot of good food like peking duck, some kinda chicken (friend order I just tuck in), siew mai and har gao (can't do without those two during yum cha). All thanks to good friends who made me walk and walk and walk.

Went to the Nike, Adidas, Puma warehouse outlet, what a gem of a place! Didn't even know it existed till my friend brought me there. I drove pass that place countless times before and come to think of it, the signs are huge too. Did some shopping, of course! Pampered myself with a nike running shorts to inspire myself to run more (more like it was on sale). I need to get a top too but couldn't find one I like. Then I'll be complete to rock and roll (jog). That is if I rock and roll. I need to, I want to. Must motivate myself to jog!!!!

On a sidenote, I bought a gym top and bottom for my gf. Hope she likes it, though I know the size most probably won't be suitable but I bought it to surprise her. So if size doesn't match, she can always bring back and change it now that I gave her the receipt. *grins*

I made her angry on Sunday, *cheeky grin* but it wasn't entirely my fault. Anyway, the storm's over and it's clear blue skies now... muahahahaha! No, I didn't buy the sports apparel coz I made her angry. I bought it coz I felt I wanted to.

While driving, I stopped for a breath test. Pretty cool now. All you have to do is count from 1 to 10 into the handheld breath testing machine. Then that's it. It'll tell you whether you're drunk or not. I dunno whether is it really that reliable. I'm still skeptical. Nothing beats walking in a straight line. What if there were 10 cars piled up behind you waiting to take the breath test, I would be pissed if I was the last car. So for now, I have to agree with these breath test machines.
I'm considering whether should I go buy a domain name. An internet domain that ends with .com costs only US$7.95. unbelievably cheap! Well, if I find one I like, I might register for it. I tried www.bigbanana.com, alas it was taken. I tried www.bigbananas.com and it was taken too. What's people's fetish with bigbanana? I thought I was the only one with that fetish? Sheesh!

Now you may ask why unfortunate events. Hmm... coz of miscommunication I had to travel much longer; coz I spend money on food and clothes; coz I made myself tired; coz I made my gf angry; coz I'm side tracking from what I should be doing (like improving myself and getting another better job); and lastly coz nothing beats having to read and endure my crap. ^-^

How to push the romance button?

2005-11-06T02:43:00.000+11:00

I think something I can improve on is to be a bit more romantic. My gf has hinted to me before she wants more romance in our life. What exactly constitutes romance? Buying flowers? Holding hands? A candle light dinner just the two of us? A walk at the beach? A surprise for her? Cooking for her? A short holiday?

I'm still trying to learn what makes a woman tick. After years of theory and some practice, I feel like I'm still fumbling around and searching for the holy grail. Not that I didn't pick up a copy of the fable "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus" book, but that still doesn't solve the riddle.

Yes, there are differences in each gal to warrant different techniques (if that's how you want to put it) but I'm sure there must be some standard operating procedures (SOP for those army personnel) that you can follow.

Sure, there comes a point in your relationship where both of you need a boost. Where complacency and dullness sets in and you know it's time you do something about it to rekindle that feeling. Too long together does brings about a level of comfort with each other and life just goes on in this comfort zone.

So then, what should you do then?

/To myself. I want a happy blog. I think I should start to write more on happy stuff.

Love for camera is blind

2005-11-06T02:15:00.000+11:00

Love can be for a person or for an activity that you're passionate about. You can enjoy tremendously an activity or a hobby to be willing to do anything and buy anything to satisfy that desire.

I have a friend who just recently spent like US$5000 on a DSLR camera (plus lenses and other accessories. He whinges that it's too expensive in Australia and decided to buy it off someone from Ebay in the US. In the end, when it finally came (after 2 weeks even though he went with UPS), he had to pay custom tax amounting to another A$500.

In total, he paid approximately A$7000 for the camera + lenses + carry bag. To top it off, the previous camera he was using was working fine and he just bought new lenses that cost like A$700 for the previous camera and he sold it all off on Ebay (at a loss) just to buy that new toy.

Well, perhaps I'm not so into photography to that extend, and can just never imagine how the hell will you fork out that kind of insane amount of money for a camera.

This comes to the next point I want to relate to. Comparing this to relationships where a couple is truly in love. If you have never love before, would you truly have known the happiness and sadness that can be caused by such a wonderful relationship?

Just like I'm clueless for my friend's camera obsession, I don't think someone can truly empathize with how you feel when you're in or out of love. This goes for anything else too.

Note, the camera he bought was a Nikon D70 which retails for like A$1800.

You'll Never Walk Alone

2005-11-05T00:48:00.000+11:00

It's sad to hear about friends you know breaking up. It's sad to hear about lecturers who are nice people having terminal diseases. It's sad to know of bad things that befall your family, relatives, friends etc (touch wood).

Who in the world invented sadness? Is it coz there's happiness that sadness must follow? Is it a up and down trough that people experience? Why can't we have eternal happiness? If there is such a thing call eternal happiness would you know that you're happy? I don't think I would coz if I have never experienced sadness how would I be able to differentiate happiness from sadness?

Don't tell me it's an emotional thingy when you're sad/happy. I know that. Just because I know doesn't mean I have to acknowledge it (classical sign of denial). Life is just like the stock market. Life is just like history. You learn so much from it and yet you learn nothing too. You learn that it's only sooner or later the low ebbs sets in.

But one thing I learn, to take heart from these depressions and push myself forward. I learn that I'm not the only one to take such shit. I learn that no matter how low at a point you are in life there's always a turning point. I learn that there are friends around you who care for you. I learn that I'm not alone. I learn that I have to let go and that it takes time. I learn that I have to acknowledge whatever that happen. I also learn that I have heaps to learn about life and it'll never end with my demise.

To those who're feeling this way, be strong.

You'll Never Walk Alone.

Holiday Buyer's Guide 2005 (No not ipods)

2005-11-05T00:09:00.000+11:00

This guide is different from the ipod guide that I posted earlier. This is more adult stuff (*cough*) when you load up the site.

If you like gadgets and gizmos and the latest high tech stuff, give this place a peekaboo. Not having the dough to buy them doesn't mean I can't oogle at them (no, not the model mind you).

I find these to be cool:

1) Star Wars Force FX Lightsabers (imagine some combat action people. There's red, blue and green to choose from)

2) Plasma Mug (Friends coming over for a drink? Show this off, muahahaha. They'll be so jealous)

3) Inflatable Speakers (Ultra-portable and you can blow them up, ultimate in geekness. When you're finish with it, deflate it. I like this a lot. So uber! Definitely caters to the geek in me. Imagine, lesser to blow compared to a blow-up doll, more enjoyment and can cater to everyone instead of the selfish you. LOL!)

Lovely Singapore on Uncyclopedia

2005-11-04T12:05:00.000+11:00

Was reading one of my friend's blog when I came across a site called Uncyclopedia. There was a short write up on Singapore; hilarious I must say.

To quote from Uncyclopedia:

"Recent field reports indicate that Singapore's physical location is actually populated with foreign talent from China and India. The majority of the indigenous population remains in a persistent vegetative state that arose from complacency and Apathy during the 1997 Oral Sex Rights Crisis. The remainder exist as collective consciousness at blogspot, or as patients on kidney dialysis machines kept dependent by being force fed peanuts.

Singapore is also famed for producing large numbers of whiny bloggers. Singaporeans are reputed to make up more than 70% of all Asian blogger users. 80% of Singaporean bloggers are female. 90% want to marry William Hung. The other 5% are not stupid, and the other 5% are not gay.

The official Singaporean mascot is a half-fish, half-lion chimera known as the merlion. This takes on a sinister new overtone once one realizes that Singapore is gearing up to be the most sought-after biological sciences hub in Asia. Of course, who says it is not right to do so???

The Merriam-Webster defines "Kiasu" as "The Singaporean state of mind"."

It's too early to be sober; la la la la la, la la la la

2005-11-04T11:09:00.000+11:00

Sing to the rhythm of the Christmas carol - Tis the season to be jolly, la la la la la, la la la la.

If you think you're like him/her, seek help. I can understand it is not your fault. It's the beer.

Ultimate iPod Buyer's Guide 2005-6

2005-11-03T07:12:00.000+11:00

As I'm watching yet another live soccer match (maybe to make up for the times I missed live matches) between Juventus and Bayern, I came across this site that showcases all the latest ipod products in a nifty pdf. It's pretty much everything to do with ipods and mainly targeted towards buyers this Christmas season. *BIG HINT*

Looking for your virgin ipod? Looking for an accessory to mate with your ipod? Looking to get your darling something that starts with i? Looking for a pink ipod? Look no further than this one!

Very tempting & comprehensively covers almost all ipod stuff. My ramblings does the guide no justic. Definitely a must see for ipod fan boys/girls. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Enjoy! Back to the match and later work (coffee ain't going to help my black ringed eyes).

The Da Vinci Code

2005-11-03T00:48:00.000+11:00

Saw this somewhere, decide to share it.

Written across the wall of the cave were the following symbols:

It was considered a unique find and the writings were carbon dated at approx three thousand years old!

The stone on which the symbols appeared was removed, brought to a museum, where archaeologists from around the world came to study the ancient symbols. They held numerous meetings and after months of deliberations determined the meaning of the markings.

The President of the society pointed to the first symboland said: "This is a woman. We can see these people held women in high esteem. You can also tell they were intelligent, as the next symbol is a donkey, so they were astute enough to have animals help them till the soil.
The next drawing is a shovel, which means they utilised tools."

Even further proof of their high intelligence is the fish, which means that in times of famine, they sought food from the sea. The last symbol appears to be the Star of David which means they were evidently Hebrew.

The audience applauded enthusiastically.

Then a little old Jewish man stood up in the back of the room and said, "Idiots, Hebrew is read from right to left......
It says: 'Holy Mackerel, Dig The Ass On That Chick'

Sex in the Dark (RA18)

2005-11-03T00:23:00.000+11:00

There was this couple that had been married for 20 years. Every time they made love the husband always insisted on shutting off the light.

Well, after 20 years the wife felt this was ridiculous. She figured she would break him out of this crazy habit. So one night, while they were in the middle of a wild, screaming, romantic session, she turned on the lights. She looked down and saw her husband was holding a battery-operated pleasure device...a vibrator! - soft, wonderful and larger than a real one.

She went completely ballistic. "You impotent bastard," She screamed at him. "How could you be lying to me all of these years? You better explain yourself!"

The husband looks her straight in the eyes and says calmly: "I'll explain the toy, you explain the kids."

No, that's not my story but that's the end of the joke.

Google is 1337!

2005-11-02T22:18:00.000+11:00

No that's not the age of Google, nor their share price, nor how much of planet earth they're covered in Google Earth. For those truly ignorant, read what does 1337 mean.

I'll like to share something that Google created and I think its pretty useful. It is also indicative of where the Internet is going towards. I shall not confuse you with terms like social bookmarking and feeds etc as you can always Google it. :)

Back to Google.

Yes Google, the ultimate devil or angel depending on who you're siding with. People are suggesting they're the next up and coming Micro$oft, almighty and about to intrude on your privacy by collecting data about your surfing habits and tracking cookies. Yet you can't fault them for their ingenuity and creativeness. With the recent spate of new products/technologies like Google Earth, Google Desktop, Google Map; no wonder people are getting paranoid (and the shareholders getting happier).

Recently Google introduced a fairly new technology call Google Suggest. It's basically similar to the normal Google search engine except it offers suggestions (think of Internet Explorer's auto complete whenever you type something) back to you in real time. I think my explanation does not offer it much justice but give it a try. Certainly very interesting and certainly very good. Here's a faq on how Google Suggest works.

The next new Google feature is their RSS feeds reader call Google Reader. In lay-man terms, Google Reader collates various RSS/ATOM feeds (which contain sniplets of information) that you're interested in and it polls that particular site for the latest news. So whatever websites (not all sites have RSS/ATOM feeds but a lot are supporting it now due to its popularity) that you subscribe to you can read the latest news and updates all in one place instead of having to scour the entire net to find what you like.

There's already non web-based feed readers available out on the market for those who prefer to read their news on a separate application. Just that Google's one of the first (could be the first) to introduce a web-based version. I sincerely hope they come out with more applications in the future that similarly can have a positive effect on our daily lives.

I didn't wake up in vain

2005-11-02T07:22:00.000+11:00

I barely am awake for the soccer match. However, due to the lack of live soccer matches available here. I drag myself out of bed just to catch it. It was not in vain as they won the match 3-0 and should hopefully progress to the next stage. Hooah! Pretty happy but tired. Going to go back for a short nap.

Champions League

2005-11-02T02:56:00.000+11:00

For those who follow the Champions League, know that Liverpool is playing Anderlecht later this morning. I hope I can wake up to watch it. It's at bloody 630am in the wee morning. *Fingers crossed*

Melbourne Cup Day (tomorrow)

2005-10-31T23:57:00.000+11:00

Work was eventful today. Went into office and found that the air-con was down. How do you expect people to work in Africa like temperatures and expect us to wear long sleeve shirts? Naturally this turns me off work. To top it off, tomorrow is Melbourne Cup Day (or informally known as a bludging day for every Aussie as they'll be tuned in at around 3pm AEST).

Now what's this gotta do with tomorrow's work you may ask. As a social event at work, we're all required to dress like Melbourne Cup wannabes. So for the guys we're gonna have to wear shirts + tie + suits (I don't care, I'm definitely not wearing a suit. Crazy!). For the ladies, colourful dresses and floppy hats. I wonder would they provide champagne at work? Mind you its the atmosphere.

I suppose Melbourne Cup's got a rich history and something to take us off work is always good. Plus if you like betting and you fancy your luck, you can bet a couple of dollars (point here for tips on favourites and here to bet). Who knows, you might be the next millionaire and if you do don't forget I gave you this lobang (also known as opportunity).

Too bad Melbourne Cup Day is not a public holiday in the state of NSW. Why can't they standardise the holidays so everyone here gets a holiday too. *Sheesh!* I just hope the air-con works tomorrow, else.......

Bart the plagiariser

2005-10-31T22:01:00.000+11:00

Quote: "I always believe what won't kill you will make you stronger". This has been validated with the Simpons episode I watched today. Its about Bart getting obese and getting a heart attack. After the ordeal, he was nonchalantly saying that exact phrase. How coincidence. Or maybe one of you whom I shared this with leaked it to Fox.

Talking about Simpsons, due to the lack of meaningful cartoons here I have to resort to watching Simpsons. Not that I don't enjoy it. A round of binge Simpsons sure does you good. I still remember when I was in Adelaide (yonks ago) where fox cable was showing Simpsons for 24 hours a day for one entire month. That's OD for you... Actually after that I'm still watching Simpsons. Maybe they ARE that addictive.

Somehow I find Simpsons so different to south park. I enjoy south park too but its different in its way. More direct, more bashful and outright sick. But no where as sustainable as Simpsons (judging by its season 17 run). Now I just have to find my Simpsons season 1 and I'll be a happy camper.

Thank God It's Still Weekend!

2005-10-30T13:05:00.000+11:00

Ok, there were not that many booze as I expected yesterday but nonetheless still some. There were Kilkenny, white wines and that's about it for alcohol. Better than none. Food wise there were bruschetta, dips, chips, ricotta cheese & spinach pies, sushi, Vietnamese rolls, tim sums etc.
Pretty good although I didn't get to eat a lot. Maybe coz I was paiseh (Singaporean term for shy). Nay, I think its got to do with the place. Its a studio apartment so imagine 14 people squeezing into one room. It makes a hell of a heck orgy + sizzling hot temperature coz only 2 windows are open. Throw in a bed, a couch, a study table, 3 cupboards, 2 chairs and lounge table; you can imagine the mess. Luckily the kitchen is in a small narrow lane by itself (still messy btw).

After chatting with the host, I know the reason why she's moving out and rightly so. She stays on the 3rd floor (in Singapore terms coz in Australia ground means 1st floor) and she's got a nice view out of her window. For the past few months, some developer started building an apartment next across to her view.

For one, the view is gone (or going real soon), for another its coz of the lack of privacy. While she's practicing salsa dancing at home with her friends, they close their blinds (not fully) so that no one can peek in. Apparently through that 10 inches of open view, the sick peek-a-boos from the construction site were checking them out. Sitting on the pylons and ogling at their dancing. hehe. I suppose if I were in their position I would do that too. But in this scenario, its my friend who's suffering from the invasion of privacy so I have to side with her.

Another reason (and I think its mainly this) is the new place she's moving into is a house that is just ACROSS the beach. Essentially, from her house, there's the road, then its the beach. HOW KEWL! She's staying with a housemate who's got a dog, so she can walk the dog everyday at the beach. She can watch sunrise and smell the fresh air everyday. Won't you like that?

Now I know why she's moving! Okie, if she's going to have a house warming party and if my camera arrives in time, I shall take a picture and share with you all. I'm jealous. I don't see beach/sea views but the good thing is my work place is just 10 mins walk away. Can't complain. Give me a few months more and I'll get sick of it. Hehe, by then who knows I might stay up in the mountains.

And why do they call daylight savings so? I don't save an hour? I just lost one. How unkewl! Oh summer is coming, cockroaches have come, spiders have come, flies have come, and so has my insecticide spray. Muahahahaha! I just sprayed one girl palm sized spider to death last night. More to come and more shall perish but insecticide spray rulez!

I am going to have a cuppa genmaicha (Jap green tea with popped rice) & maybe catch some more Simpons season 16. Now if you would excuse me and you have a lovely weekend too.

Thank God It's Weekend!

2005-10-29T17:54:00.000+10:00

But darn I lost this post that I was writing. Not happy! Next time I think I'll use the Word to write instead of this stupid blogger window. Anyway, I'm going for a house cooling party of a friend of mine. She's leaving the unit she's stayed in for about 2-3 years. I know of house warming but house cooling? Hmm... Guess its an excuse to meet up with everyone and anyone who's going and also to have a bit of a social life. Lol!

She stays near the beach, which is aptly named North Beach coz its North of the city. Err, for those having exams tough luck. Go study ah! I have fun on your behalf. Don't worry, those who're finishing this year we go chiong after your exams.

We're having pot luck. So Caroline (friend of gf) and gf is cooking Vietnamese rolls and sushi. Me being Chef Yan's disciple (self acknowledged), I thought I'll give them tips and occasional food testing. Well, its their classmate's party, I'm just tagging along for the booze. Just kidding.

Anyway I thought ok the 1st rule of cooking, you must be in a happy mood. So I fire up my PC with my mp3s and start being the in-house DJ. I was churning out the Australia Top 20. Hopefully, the food's as good as the Australian Top 20 Charts. There I was churning out music and they're churning out food by the dozens (not literally but for effect else you won't read this would you?). From time to time, I get called into action to cool the sushi rice, sharpen the sushi knife, cut the prawns into half, clear the table for them to put stuff, grins in their eyes that I am doing the washing etc etc. Hmm.. I wasn't exactly the Chef, but I feel that I still contribute to the taste of the food.

I'll update later after I taste it. Fingers crossed I don't get diarrhoea. Fingers crossed I don't get sanctioned by gf for writing this. Internet is free speech after all.

Yan can cook, so can I! Part 2

2005-10-28T23:58:00.000+10:00

Weekend comes, so off Yan goes to the closet. Its eating out day! As for my thai chicken with rice, it was yummy (maybe coz I wasn't the one who marinated it). As usual, on a Friday evening I'll always eat out. Nothing special and I always go to this one Chinese restaurant call Chef's Choice. I suppose its the habit of going there and that I don't really know of any other place. How pathetic!!

Chef's Choice... Ah for those who went there with me you'll know its synonymous with Pork Chop with tomato rice. hahaha! That's me. Ok I'm trying to break out of this. Give me time. Time is what I don't have.

Ahh time, 24hours / day is not enough. Sleep takes away a huge portion. Not fair! Anyway topic today ain't about time. I'll leave this for another time.

Back to food. So I had dinner with my friends but neglected my gf. I asked her whether wanna have dinner together too she didn't reply back in time. In typical bf/gf dynamics, she got angry so I had to make up to her by bringing her for dinner. We drove around and went into Chills but she opt out. In the end she choose Mac and had o-fish meal. Not my fault mind you for those on her side. *GRINS*

So she was angry with me for not thinking of her. I do but just that she didn't confirm with me whether is she available for dinner, else I would have told my friends if possible we can wait for her awhile more. Oh well, shit happens! :p

Yan can cook, so can I!

2005-10-27T23:18:00.000+10:00

In typical working environment in Singapore, whoever makes their lunch and brings to work? I have never or seldom heard of it. Phua Chu Kang will be disappointed if you pack food to work in Singapore. Anyway, food prices are ridiculously low in Singapore (in the region of $3 and you'll get a good meal) but this is NOT the case in Australia.

One meal in Australia normally cost you in excess of $6 and above. That is like rice with vegs and meat or a noodle dish. How about a sandwich? That'll set you back around $4-6 depending on what kind of sandwich.

So I've been eating out while at work for the past few months. Friends & colleagues keep telling me how cheap it is to cook and bring their lunch to work. For me, the only relieve from not eating home cooked food is I'm too lazy to cook and bring it to work. Why go through the trouble when I can get a meal for $6 on average. Now, to a mathematician, that will equate to 5 days x $6 = $30. So one month = $30 x 4 = $120 just on my lunchies.

To me, this doesn't bother me. Food what! That's what I tell myself. As long as food's edible and I don't need to cook, I suppose that $6 justifies the time I'll waste on cooking and packing and cleaning up etc.

After eating out for like 4-5 months now, I'm feeling kinda sick of the variety available at where I work. Okie, so I decide to cook something and pack it to work. For today's menu, I fried an egg (coz I wake up late and had to rush to work, else I'll prepare something more fanciful) and poured the contents of a can (five spices meat) with rice of course into my microwavable container. Hehe, well it doesn't taste that bad in comparison to the SICK & TIRED food I've been eating in the foodcourt.

Imagine 10 fingers. You can count on 10 fingers the variety of dishes they have. That's how pathetic it is. So a permutation of 10 over a course of several months doesn't leave you with much interest and variety. Minus dishes I don't eat, so its less than 10. Imagine, every lunch eating the same or similar dish I always order. Sianz is the word!

That's why I tell myself time to try something new! I've cooked marinated thai chicken with rice and bringing it to work tomorrow. While grilling it, I've QA tested the chicken and its fabulous . So I suppose I'll have an enjoyable meal tomorrow.

See my mood, I might continue this next week. Now what's my menu for next week? I wonder... (let me finish my thai chicken first).

Down with flies

2005-10-26T16:49:00.000+10:00

ARGH!!! Summer coming = flies aplenty! For those who have never had close encounter with an aussie fly, beware!

They are big and fat
They buzz heaps around you and your back
They attack solo but later gang up on you
They fly slowly just to irritate you
They are everywhere
They surprise attack you when you come out of a building
They don't bite but they sure do irritate the hell out of me
They just have to pester you when you're walking!

Luckily they don't sting but they're a close 2nd to mosquitoes. If only its still winter. :(

Travel bug is contagious

2005-10-25T18:11:00.000+10:00

What's with traveling around the world? I like that idea but my pocket won't be able to support me. I don't want to sell my arse to earn $ overseas (not like anyone would want) :p.

Recently, I just meet up with two of my friends who went traveling around Canada. They were loving it and having fun and experiences which you can never have if you're only there for like 1-2 weeks. They were there for at least 6 months+. They bought a car and travel on the road, slept in the car, hiked in the mountains, camped, snowing boarding, close encounters with big brown bears of the 3rd kind, beautiful sceneries, lovely sunrises, fresh air in the remote areas etc.

Not everyone have the luxury to do that. I'm sure without obligations and commitments, everyone (if not most) will like to experience what they did. I feel happy for them that they're able to fulfill their dreams of traveling.

So if given the chance, where would I like to go? Hmm...let's see:

Venice (ahh, the mystique, the gondola. So romantic, definitely not with you ogre. Kidding!)
Sistine Chapel (go there specially get neck ache)
Orient-Express train across Asia (not the Wollongong to Sydney train, sucks!)
Spain (watch Real Madrid's galaticos lose to lowly Getafe)
Manhattan, New York (how the heck so many people cram into so small a place)
Boston (Red Sox baseball game)
Japan (Akihabara, the geek paradise)
Peru (Machu Picchu)
Brazil (the beaches, the bikini clad girls are bonus)
Tibet (good for health and karma)
Hawaii (I might learn the hula hoop)
Cayman Islands (ah, the art of money laundering)
Paris (no, not coz of Paris Hilton)
Egypt (pyramids what else, doh!)
India, Taj Mahal (no no dancing around coconut trees)
At least 1 SuperBowl (I don't get what's the big deal)
At least 1 World Cup (quarter final and above else a waste of my time)
Talking about World Cup, I want Olympics too. Definitely not when Singapore host it (not like they'll ever get the chance... wait long long)
Drive in the Channel Tunnel (in an Aston Martin DB9, have to rent of course)
All of Europe (think Eurotrip movie)
Greenland, on a ship with an expedition
China (seems like every Tom Dick Harry have been there already to buy bootleg stuff)
Canada - Yellowknife Aurora Borealis (after watching too much Last Christmas)

Original aurora photo taken by Bernie Surette

Lots more!

Won't it be nice to enroll for Amazing Race. Although I won't have the time to enjoy myself at those places with all the rushing here and there. Not to mention the stupid tasks you're subjected to. So what about you? Where would you like to go? What would you like to do?

Sleepy like fug

2005-10-24T02:15:00.000+10:00

Anyone can answer this? Is it just me or does most geminis like to sleep? Although I sleep around 7-8 hrs a day and the older you are the lesser you sleep. But it seems like a lot of geminis I know like to sleep or nap a lot. What about other zodiacs signs? Maybe I'm just paranoid.

Eg. I got an Aquarian gf, she doesn't sleep a lot. Not as much as me I think. *shrug*

Soccer highs and lows

2005-10-23T04:01:00.000+10:00

I felt let down by Liverpool's poor performance today. How can they lose to Fulham!!! Maybe if I don't have high expectations I don't feel so disappointed. I don't think I'm obsessed with soccer scores and whether my favorite team wins, however it does make you happy to know your favorite team wins.

So tempted to just get cable to watch soccer only. What a waste of $$$ if I really do that. Cable cost like $49/mth here for the basic package. I could put that $49 for better use. I can watch live matches online anyway.

God bless Internet and technology and p2p. There are p2p internet streaming of cable TV's based around the world, however current ones are mostly in China (I wonder why...). Basically, it operates the same way as a p2p in that you connect to other peers that also want to watch that particular show/channel. The more peers, the faster and the better the quality of the streaming. Coolstreaming was the pioneer in this area till it was shut down due to copyright issues. Up and coming ones include PPLive and Feidian.

If you fulfill the following criteria:

1) Don't want to spend $ on cable coz you won't utilize it
2) Want to watch live or cable shows
3) Have a fast broadband connection (at least 512kbps, optimal preferably 1500kbps)

Then check out PPLive's site (note it's in Chinese). English version available too. Might be slow to load the webpage, so be patient.

Casinos in Singapore by 2009

2005-10-22T14:11:00.000+10:00

I'm sure this is a much talked about issue over the last couple of months. Recently, there's a debate of whether to lower the casino entry fee or do away with it. I understand the need to keep the gamblers or Singaporeans from spending their hard-earned dollars.

I think I can understand the need for an entry fee knowing how Singaporeans who are deprive of such facilities in the past will immediately flock to it. However, setting a $100 entry fee is not the solution to the problem. It is a solution nonetheless but not an ideal one and definitely not one to sustain in the long run.

Firstly, $100 ain't going to stop the really compulsive gamblers from gambling. To them, $100 is still cheaper than going overseas to play and their mentality is that they can easily earn back the $100. Secondly, why do we have to restrict people from accessing a facility that is built and paid for by the taxpayers on the reasoning that we're trying to help you? If you're really trying to help, you won't build the casino in the first place.

Gambling has always been an issue everywhere. However, what I am disappointed with is the lack of support or help for those compulsive gamblers in Singapore. Recently, the government has stepped up their drive to educate the public. I think its about time they realize that and remedy the situation.

In the past, there were no avenues of support for people who fall into this category. There are no helplines to assist people with obsessive gambling. There is no public recognition of this wide-spread problem until now.

It is all good to setup up a website for people to get to know more information about problem gambling, and running ads etc to educate the public. However, most Asians have been slow to catch up to the 'I am sick and I need to seek therapy' mentality. A lot of this has got to do with taboo as well as lack of education.

In terms of education, it is good to see ads, talkshows etc to inform the public about the malice of gambling addiction. These targets the current & older generation of our population. What about our young? They should be taught in schools (like maybe start from secondary schools) where teenagers may possibly get exposed to such influences (like gambling or alcohol or drug abuses in the family) affecting their direct family members.

I believe that educating teenagers in recognizing the early signs of addictions can possibly help their parents in early intervention programs. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Of course, the responsibility does not solely rest on the child's shoulders. This is just one of the solutions to the gambling problem. Also, educating the kids on such issues means that as they become adults, they bring with them less social stigma on such subjects and possibly a social structure change where people recognize the need for help and the acceptance that they need help.

A wide-spread education coupled with less social stigma on therapies will definitely help to improve addictions or abuses. When that time comes, I may be more open to the idea of casinos in Singapore.

Japanese drama mama

2005-10-22T00:11:00.000+10:00

Yet another one, no this is not driven by political greed nor the desire to satisfy my friends who lust for more news. It kinda feels good to just write what you want here. Maybe that's my feel good brain cells or am I getting into the groove of it? Perhaps, time will tell.

Recently over the last few months, I've been watching lotsa Japanese dramas. I find them so refreshingly different from Chinese/HK/English dramas. J-dramas are often quite intense and fast-paced in their storyline. The number of episodes normally max out at around 12, rarely going above that. It also often tries to tell a moral or a story and you learn from the story and be a better person. Essentially, a lot of them tells about choice & freedom, and doing what you always wanted without any barriers or regrets.

Inferring this to a Jap culture (to a lesser extent other Asian countries), I can see why a lot of the main themes revolve around this. Not only that, telling a story in 12 or less episodes make for a very action packed and always (most of the time) interesting plot. Comparing this to say a western or chinese drama, which can often span up to 30+ or a few hundreds. I don't have the patience to follow it (imagine Neighbours or Home & Away - as Homer will say... BORING!!). Nonetheless for those who like their school days, I highly recommend GTO (some tissues may be needed. If you not into hentai, don't watch the anime version. GF-sama says the teacher was depicted as quite hentai) or Gokusen (Yakuza boss turns teacher. Funny rating of 8/10). After you watched these two, you'll feel like becoming a teacher. You'll feel so inspired that nothing is impossible. Although I pity the shits the teacher get sometimes. Then there's the romantic /sad ones like Last Christmas (prepare heaps of tissues near you. Cry rating of 8/10) or Beautiful Life (also lotsa tissues). If you have the extra shoulder to cry on good for you. Even not don't despair, by the end of the show you'll be VERY VERY motivated to do what you feel like doing.

Oh, not forgetting this new J-drama that just came out this year. It's called DENSHA OTOKO (Funny rating 8.5/10). Hmm... I think it deserves special mention for the storyline (coz actress chio too). To quote from the synopsis:

"Adapted from the best selling book "Train Man," this is the true life story of a geeky young man's romance with a beautiful young lady. The book is based on actual messages posted on a huge internet discussion board in Japan. A million internet users followed the Train Man's romance, giving him advices on how to impress the girl and take her out on dates. Train Man belongs in the so-called "Akiba-kei" category: a term that describes nerdy looking men who hang out at Akihabara (the famous electronics area in Tokyo) all day, who are obsessed with video games and computers."

Anyway, these are just a few of the good J-dramas I know and if you get the chance to watch it go for it. If you don't you can send a self-addressed envelope with at least 2 DVD blanks for each series and I'll kindly burn it for you.

Digital cameras & weddings don't mix

2005-10-20T23:20:00.000+10:00

Did I say I want to buy a digital camera? I've short listed a couple or rather mainly two. It’s either the Canon Powershot S2 IS or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 . Nonetheless, both are equally expensive but I like the features of these two cameras. Basically 12x optical zoom which will allow me to zoom all the way into the block next to me (now what are you thinking). Coming close third is the Sony Cyber-shot H1, the only reason it’s not in my list is it'll burn a HUGE hole in my pocket.

This is how they look like...

I've always wanted to fulfil one of my dreams, which is to own a SLR look-alike camera. I don't care if it doesn't have SLR features like manual settings etc etc as long as it looks like a bloody SLR. The terminology now is DSLR. Although these two cameras still don't belong into that category but for my sanity as well as my pocket's sake I'll persist with it. Ain't they chio? hehe

Anyway, one of the main reasons I'm buying one of these babes is so that I can take pictures of my place and wherever I go. So if one picture = 1000 words then I won't have to write so much. The chance of me getting carpal tunnel syndrome is greatly lessen.

What's happening... everywhere I see and read I see the words WEDDING written all over it. I read blogs, I talk to friends, I see events around and there's always the 7 letter word mentioned around. Is that a sign. As gals always like to say, my biological clock is ticking better hurry! Maybe I should setup a sperm / egg bank targeting middle age customers. Back to that 7 letter word, isn't it happy to see others willing to make that plunge and commit to each other and promises of ever lasting love and companionship.

It sure does take great courage to take that step forward. At least the way I look at it, if something bad happens at least there are two of you to take the shits together. Half the amount of shit is still better than the whole package. I'm in denial and I don't want to talk about this for now. If it comes it comes.

BTW, I should make out a list of things I miss now (not in any particular order).

1) Karaoke-ing with my buddies. Hearing Mata crooning out love songs eeeek! Or worse Green Ogre with his 'melodic' often off key tunes. :p
2) Talking cock
3) Singapore food!!! ARGH!!!
4) All my friends in Singapore
5) My family
6) My cute little cousins
7) Home sweet home
8) Having a direction, a focus where I can drive my energy to. No, not sex but I won't mind more.
9) Sim lim square, being a geek (I don't look like a geek but I do feel like one) and hanging out there
10) Just chilling out with my friends
11) Crowded trains so I can check out gals. Trains here ain't crowded, and nothing to check out.
12) Asian chicks, short supply of this here. That's why I go Chinatown in Sydney.
13) Yum cha, I always miss it even if I go once a week
14) Elaboration of food, chicken rice and carrot cake *sob* *sob*. If only some chinese chef will migrate to Australia, specifically Sydney area *hint* *hint* for those wanna be migrants.
15) Missing out of all the life changing events in Singapore of my friends. Can't be there for them. :(
16) Playing pool with you know who
17) I don't miss my freedom. I'm not complaining...

Oh, Liverpool won their latest match, I'm a happy camper. Although SBS (the sports channel in Australia) kept showing Chelsea matches, its irking me off. I vow to boycott SBS until they show me my favourite team in action.

Friends need TLC

2005-10-20T00:36:00.000+10:00

Now onto the topic of friends...

Friends take ages to befriend but enemies take just a moment. Can I boost of many friends but few true friends? Ideally I would like to say no but I liken friends to like growing a plant. Let me paint a picture. You need to plant the seed, cultivate and nurture it. Look after it, water it. Give it sunshine. Give it TLC. Give it whatever you feel will make it grow. You want it to grow because you want it to blossom.

But what if you neglect it? Would the plant still grow? Most likely it would wither and die. Although certain plants (just like certain friends) can stand the test of neglect even though you didn't look after it. That's what I feel. I feel like I've neglected a lot of my good friends. Not because I purposely do it nor for the sadistic enjoyment of it. More like out of sight out of mind. I do think of my friends often but I don't take the action to call them or write letters. Yes actions do mean louder than words and one of the goals of this blog is to let my friends know the inner me. Creation of this blog is definite action already. hee hee.

If only I'm a millionaire, I would fly thru and back to Singapore and Australia and visit all my friends and family and buddies. I would fly back for every single wedding of my friends, every happy and sad moment where I'm needed. Maybe I'm feeling neglected because I've felt that I've done exactly the same thing to some of my close friends. Hopefully with the creation of this blog, I can start to grow this plant that I so sorely miss.

Of course if I'm a millionaire, I'll be sharing my love with you all.

My virgin post

2005-10-19T23:37:00.000+10:00

Ooh ooh my 1st post of this blog. Yes i'm a n00b in this and why did i get persuaded to start this i don't know. Knowing how slack i am in retelling stories etc i guess i won't last 3 weeks from now. Only time will tell. Give me 5 yrs from now (provided blogger didnt delete my account and god forbides any natural disasters to the data center that holds these bits.

So, what should i write about. I could write about my life, what i do etc but that would be too boring. But isnt that what everyone writes too? Upon saying that i do think it'll be interesting to share my life, even though its simple and nothing fancy.

To be realistic, I wont be writing this everyday. Don't expect flowery words. Dont expect great poetry genius. Dont expect anything. Dont expect there not to be grammer mistakes. Dont expect me to reply to each comment, but it doesnt mean i won't read it and appreciate it :D

Now now, all i ask for is anonymity (but if so why am i writing here). Maybe I am vain after all. Confused now? Hopefully you're still with me.

Oh, btw i got 2 free t-shirt today (yes i'm a sucker for t-shirts, especially free ones although my gf promptly reminded me I paid 5 beers for it though in fact it was 7). That cost me about $20 for the 7+ beers so technically in my head the t-shirts are considered free. They only have it in XL, red in colour with 2 guitars in front and the tooheys picture (the beer logo) behind. Back to the beer, the buying part was ok, the drinking part aint. As it happened, you need to get a chop each time you buy a beer. When you get 5 chops = 1 free t-shirt. So you might wonder, how come i only have to pay for 7 beer instead of 10 (in actual fact i only have to pay for 5 beer to get 2 t-shirts, but i'll tell u the story). So i went to the bar counter the 4th time to get my number 5, 6 and 7 beer, this blonde gal wearing that t-shirt that i so sought after happens to be serving me. i approached her with trepidation as i know i'm gonna get my t-shirt. Hooray!! I paid her the $ and pass her the card, she asked "Are you drinking here for the night"? I wonder what kinda question is that but promptly answered "Yes!" as i'm so eager to get the t-shirt. She happily chopped the card and handed me 2 t-shirts. Weeeee!!!! I'm over the moon. So for now I have one extra t-shirt which I can give to someone. ;)

Now you may wonder, what's so big with one t-shirt. I wonder too, but if you're a sucker for t-shirts then you know how i feel. Btw, if you're far from me don't expect me to pay for postage if you get it as a lucky draw prize.

Alrite, that concludes my 1st post. Hopefully I have the motivation to continue further with my rantings (note that doesn't mean I want you to post comments on it, and it also doesn't mean i don't want you to post comments either).