Sunday, September 28, 2008

funny thing though, easily lethargic

Experienced the same thing today and yesterday.

We got up early near 9am, went to the airport to send my sister off. Ate and then just waited for her to leave. By the time I reached home near 2pm, the only thing I wanted to do was to get out from under the scorching sun and hibernate in my bed. I would fall asleep with the fan on and then when I woke up, had expected myself to have slept numerous hours. Only to find that I had just snoozed for 2hrs. Then I would get up and start feeling restless.

Today the same thing. Woke up near 9am again. Went with family to IMM. Ate and then just walked around Daiso. By 12pm, all I wanted to do was to go home cos felt tired and sleepy. The sun is scorchingly hot also. Didnt want to head elsewhere. Reached home near 1pm and fell asleep on the bed with the fan. Woke up at 3.45pm, disorientated. I had thought I slept through the day again. Ate the bao bing my dad bought and now stoning and feeling restless again. Will try to head to the gym near 6pm cos I've just eaten.

These fatique after just being out is getting to me. I had wanted to head out on the weekends earlier like during the day. So that the shops are still open, can eat more than one meal outside, the day can last longer type, more things to see and do. Yet when I actually head out, after less than 3hrs, I start wanting to go home and sleep. Feeling real tired, sleepy. Not sure if its cos of the weather, cos its with family hence more restrictive or just me and ageing.

Feeling better

Yar I've gone off the western medicine I've been taking for the past 2, almost 3 months and within a couple of days, plus the weekend, I've been feeling much better. No more discomfort though still tired and restless at times.

Yesterday the whole family hopped on the car and sent my sister, Yingel to the airport. Its to be her first plane ride to a foreign country beyond msia, batam etc. We went there and ended up being overly early. Ate at BK and still had an hour more. Their plane was delayed by an hour. But we hung around until they checked in. Then we went back.

Dunno if it was the early morning or age but by then, all I wanted to do was to go home and sleep. The weather was irritatingly hot and sunny. We reached home around 2+ and I headed for a deserved nap. By the time I woke up, it was 4pm and I counldnt go back to sleep.

Saw my other sister, Geoky who went to dye her hair. I ALSO WANT! Sian, this job doesnt really allow for highlighting of the hair. If you dye the whole head one colour, can. But if you wanna have streaks of highlighted hair and even with 2 colours, its frowned upon. The things one has to forgo for the job. Another 'push' factor. Been dying to highlight my hair since I have the J-rockish haircut. Oh well... Strike Toto big prize and then quit and dye my hair. That's a motivation >_>

At first Tab was somewhat supposed to meet me in Holland village, cos she'll be free and she wanted to see what t-shirts and cheena jacket I've bought. That was partly why I didnt go back to sleep around 4pm. But later smsed her near 5pm and she replied that she couldnt cos of marking. Suddenly I had nothing to do again. Just stoned around more. Didnt exactly take out my work to do.

Went about redownloading the files from my now-working portable hard drive. It took a while but the PSP files are too big that my laptop's almost full. Think I will go and buy another portable hard drive and then make a back up of the files too. So I will have 2 copies on 2 hard drive, maybe only a copy of certain files in laptop. IF both hard drives crash again, I swear I will curse and swear. Am going to avoid that brand which I bought.

Today havent gone to gym yet cos family wants to go IMM for brunch. Will go in the late afternoon. Have one piece of work and buying of small tokens for the coming children's day. Due to the milk scare, have to read very carefully if buying foodstuff.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Nothing much to blog about

Mainly cos I am not feeling well, havent been going out.

Havent been going out much, meant I didnt accumulate some different experiences worth blogging about.

Havent been reading much unless you count reading comics.

Havent been watching much tv cos my Dad hogs the tv and I do not want to share tv with him and have to listen to him analyze the show which I am watching. Not to mention, he does that when the show is showing, so cant concentrate.

Havent been thinking about things, except ask myself why do I feel so tired/unwell?

Really nothing much to say.

At my next consultation, am going to ask if these fatique, tiredness is a side-effect and if the medicine is not helping, I want to go off it.

Will try to sleep around 9.30-10pm for a change at least for tonight.
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Other side stuff

1) My family and I finished the pork floss egg rolls that I bought from Thailand. They are very good. If anyone is going, help me get some more.

2) My sister is going to taiwan next week for 9days. She be doing free and easy across taiwan with 3 others using the railway to travel around.

Kinda reminds me of that taipei trip with Quetzal quite a few years back, 4-5years? Time flies.

The smelly bean curd, the Ezy-Knight drink at the pub, the oyster mee shua, the lavendar milk tea, the dumplings, the Three Little Pig pork rice, the steam boat/grill dinner, the muachee confectionary that my mom requested, the lu wei (braised dish) and caramel coated strawberries and baby tomatoes.

Other stuff like the magical slimming jeans, the leg pains from shopping long long hours, the Yaoi comics experience, the numerous numerous convenience shops along the same street, the hot spring village experience.

Yar looking back, it was a different experience especially food-wise and sight-seeing-wise. Not much for shopping then cos that time just started out working.

Was telling her to die die try the smelly bean curd, drink their milk tea (though now with the milk scandal dunno safe or not), eat the mee shua. Just keep on eating. Shopping-wise prices kinda similar to Sg prices. At least for me, it felt like going to Msia but paying for Sg prices except for the food.

Yar also try stuff that I missed out, like the Hai Dao Fan Tuan (Pirate rice ball), Lie Lu Fan He (Railway bento) and whatever else is a specialty. Heheh.

3) Yar just sent my portable hard drive to my sister's friend to try to recover the data. Price = $80. Sian, big hole in the pocket! Checked a shop, its $38 for labour, $85 for recovery. Fish it. There are SO many things I can do with $80, duh!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Sickly

Havent been feeling well since last week.

Its like fatique caught up and just feel so tired. Sinseh was saying is the side effects of the western drugs I am taking. Ya and even the sleep is not always restful. Wake and sleep numerous times due to the hot weather. At night, dun sleep early cos of the loud noise from the tv (courtesy of dad and his tv)

Thought I had somewhat recovered. Was relatively okay until I reached my workplace where it somewhat started. Not as seriously bad as last week but still didnt feel like my usual self. Am not able to give my all for the lessons.

Decided to leave after work and just head straight home. Took 1hr 30mins to reach home! Cos I missed a bus in the changing of buses. By the time I reached home, its already 7.50pm and I left around 6.20pm.

Ate dinner, went next door to return comics, buy some supplies. Now waiting to take a warm bath and hope to sleep earlier. Hopefully the tv wont be toooooo loud that I cant sleep again.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

A weekend... and my

The weekend is almost over.

In an hour or two, I be heading to lie down in the bed.

This week is not a good one.
Work + Sickly + Very Tired + Portable Drive spoilt + have to pay around $80 to retrieve data + Sian + Restlessness

But all that changed today. Picked up pieces of my exercise routine. Headed to gym today. In the afternoon went to see Sinseh, got medicine to eat to help ease the body acting up. Also went out after with Mom and sisters to a shopping mall, where we walked around aimlessly and finally ate dinner then headed home.

All and all, nothing overly exciting. Yet the restlessness is somewhat cured. Only wished weekend was longer so that I could sleep more and later into the day.

SIAN with a capital S

Yes the feeling of sianness hasnt left me since last sunday.

The issue of the portable hard drive is NOT resolved yet. I have yet to go out to find a data recovery service provider.

Another reason for the feeling is that I have not been feeling well for half the week. Around early part of the week, I suffered a prolonged discomfort during work hours. It meant alot of discomfort. Cannot pinpoint the exact location, stomach, nasal passage, head. Its just a combination. Felt light-headed also. Not sure if I was coming down with flu or not but it meant I didnt feel up to things. Yet I didnt want to take leave or mc. It meant I had to go slower for marking and try to recover more energy for the lessons. The long journey home didnt help things. So I suffered this for about 3 days in a row until I somewhat recovered around friday.

It meant I didnt go anywhere unless absolutely necessary. Last week went out 4 days in a row, all 4 days reached home near 12am after the long bus ride back. Hate the transport system.

Today the initial plan was to go out earlier to head to Funan and even Sim Lim to hunt for data recovery services. The mind is strong but the flesh is weak. Didnt feel up for it. Stayed at home to recover. Didnt go out though later in the afternoon I got bored and wanted to head out. But didnt. Stayed and slept more. Feeling more refreshed after, I only headed next door to buy a ice teh and walk around cos feeling cooped up, yet dunno where to go or what to do.

The hot and humid weather is also getting to me. Adds onto the feeling of restlessness. At this point, though I am bored and dunno what to do, doing work-related stuff is out of the question. That can always wait. I want more ME-time. I'll have to accept the fact that even if I feel bored, the travelling would tire me out at least for this week. And just stay at home and entertain myself. Finished reading my new comics, watched sister complete Loco Roco, completed a puzzle game I bought. Think I should just rest. Next week would be another punishing week. I better get all the rest I can.

Tom better go to gym, its been 3 weeks. Stopped just before Bangkok trip.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

I HATE MY PORTABLE HARD DRIVE!

Grr... on sunday, when after a while since I've loaded all my impt files into my portable hard drive from my laptop, I decided to load them back and found that it DID NOT WORK!!!!

OMG!!! My pic files, my personal files, my psp games, my music, my work files and everything that I have been doing since I've got Siren are all trapped in that drive!

Warranty only covers replacement. Data recovery is NOT provided nor guranteed!

Bloody hell! A portable hard drive that malfunction first compared to my laptop. Then what is the point of storing large files inside if it malfunctions faster.

Basket! Now have to find 3rd party data recovery service, have to pay to recover my data before I send for replacement under warranty.

WTF!

First I have to get my data back myself, finding my own vendor, then have to pay, one quotation is $80 wtf? the drive is only $110. Then knowing my work hours, I cant run such errands on weekdays. Bloody Hell!

That's been my pissed and irritated stage since sunday.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Chinese emcee and ...

Yesterday received an sms request from Krynnder. She needed a Chinese speaking emcee for her wedding and desperately needs help.

My reply, 'for you, okay I'll do it.'

When I met the rest for dinner after a very long day of work (woke up 5.30am) up til then was already up for 15hours. Very stoned. Told them about it, and suddenly the issue of wearing a dress, chong sum came in again.

FH, the english emcee was saying that if I wear, he'll wear too. Duh!

Much as I would want to see it. I am not comfortable to be wearing those. And even if I was, I wont do it just to satisfy people's wishes. It just another stubborn ego/pride thing.

Anyway I was too stoned to find those jokes amusing, in fact it irritated me that I smsed to clarify that IF I am forced to do any of the above, I dun think I be doing.

The reply which I am grateful was that I didnt have to, if I dont want to. Thanks for the understanding.

Of course have to 'dress up' a bit and look more presentable on stage but not overdoing things.

Oh yar, high chance of 'adding on' to the basic script to spice things up :)

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Today went for my haircut finally. Its been more than 2 months since the last one and the hair length especially the back is getting on my nerves given the warm weather. Its also irritating on the neck, like wearing a scarf that you cant remove.

Went to the hair saloon but the hairstylist whom cut my hair had quit but its okay. I had brought along the pic of the hairstyle so another took over. He did quite a good job and also taught me how to 'style' it. Guess I need more practice to do so, given I am very lazy to style it. He mentioned cos my hair is very straight, need to wash then blow-dry before styling, cos the blow-drying gives it some waves to make styling easier. Otherwise hard to style if the hair is just wet, even bought the mud he used for styling. Okay, will practice a bit more.

Now the hair is much shorter and its nice not to have irritating scarf on the neck. At least I am happy with it. Also by Krynnder's wedding, some would have grown out to make it look nicer? Cos usually after a haircut, especially for a short hair cut, it would look better after some have grown out into the style.

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Bangkok Reloaded

Now feeling much more rested after the ordeal on the plane yesterday.

Lemme just give a slight insight, on the taxi ride to the airport, dunno was it cos I was playing PSP DJ Portable with Quetzal so after a short while, I felt giddiness and discomfort set in. So I stopped playing after about 2 songs and switched to listening to the OST and closing my eyes. I was feeling very uncomfortable and Candle's voice (sorry but later found out she was talking so much to distract herself from her own discomfort during the ride) was getting to a stiffling point that I switched the music louder to distract my nauseous mind and just will myself to rest to recover.

After we arrived, the feeling was very much abaited. In fact I thought I was alright until the plane took off. It came back full-blown and hit me squarely. I dun remember feeling so nauseous in a long time. The last time something this serious hit me was on the bumpy ferry ride back from Tioman island in my JC cca outing. And that was cos we had all just eaten breakfast before we were hurried onto the boat, and that day the sea was kinda choppy.

When I was younger, I often got car-sick on the nauseating ride back to Msia. Then we had to travel on the single-lane Malaysian truck roads and my Dad drove slowly (though he still drives slowly around 80-90kmph) so the ride is prolonged. Plus his old car had no air-con so it meant wind-down window, at times stuff, full of exhaust, full of the sick smell of rubber when we drove past rubber plantations plus my Dad smokes his cigarettes and we all had to suffer second-hand inhalation. (God-damn-the-person-to-hell, that guy who invented cigarettes!) BUT I outgrew this phase and dun get seriously nauseous easily.

So watching movie was out, tried playing a game to distract myself, 10s into the game and I gave up, changed to listening to music but most of the channels and their song selection really sucks. But it helped a bit and I just closed my eyes. My cough also started and didnt stop due to the humidity from the weather - it was raining. So the cough with nauseously compounded the urge to throw up. Dunno if it was another phelgm cake I was coughing so hard to force out. I ate a bit of the food, cos it might be the stomach acting up cos its hungry.

So after a bit of food and lots of resting with music to distract, I was much better. Just wanted the ride to end soon so I wont have to keep dealing with the turbulence and pressure compression difference. When they announced that they be landing, I was relieved but it was short-lived. Cos for the next half hour, we were still 'landing'. Quetzal was telling me we were early and the plane was just circling the runway. The longer we remained, the more I had to keep popping my nose, the discomfort was rising and the feeling of nauseousness returned.

When the plane touched down, I grabbed the bag prepared (cos still have to tear away the flap, which I did much earlier cos dun think there is time enough if one really needs to use it already) and just puked in. Have a strong feeling its mostly the phelgm cake but didnt open to look.

After that, was much better. Never been so glad for the Fox sweets at the checking counter. The rest went smoothly and I went back via cab. Gave him a tip and he kindly without my asking, helped me carried most of my luggage to the lift landing. My mom and sis came to help carry the stuff. I gave my Dad a Sherry, we are on talking terms again. Gave my mom the DOM, Johnny Walker Black label for Bro whose coming out tomorrow, unpacked the stuff. Took out all the T-shirts and food stuff bought. Sorted through the gifts for sinseh. Then had a bath, some soup, went online for short while then slept like a log up til 12pm++ when I woke up to eat lunch.

My dad had gone back to msia alone without my mom who didnt want to follow. We ate downstairs then I let my sisters choose the T-shirts. My mom insisted on paying for their share cos she had asked me to buy some nice t-shirts for them. Shirts for bro is FOC, from me. He better likes the design this time or I am not getting him anything already. My youngest sister like the very cute Chinese zodiac shirt I got for her, that Grafika brand one. Think I have 6 shirts and 1 jacket left. Had bought 19 t-shirts and 1 chinese style top, 1 jacket. Still felt tired and went online, later fell asleep watching tv.

Not much work done, in fact untouched. It can wait, already finished about half of it, thanks to Quetzal for helping me with the marking and my apologies for waking her with my screwed body clock and having to do work while she's still sleeping.

K onto the fun part...
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BANGKOK TRIP 2

At the airport, duty-free shopping, was walking around with Quetzal and Candle while they do cosmetic shopping. Later I wandered into the alcohol shop and scrutinized the bottles lying there. Learnt many new things, like that Johnny walker had red, black, green, gold, blue labels in increasing order of prices. They also had very vintage and very very expensive whisky and scotch ranging to several thousands of dollars in exotic-looking bottles.

After all the hoo-ha, we arrived safely in the hotel. Along the way, I called home to assure my mom that it was safe. We checked in, settled our valuables. I carried a money pouch this time, with my extra cash, atm, easy-link, sg and msia ic and passport. Then the shopping began.

We met up with Candle's younger cousin and her even younger friend. We headed to Siam square, without FH cos he had other plans (I am surprised that finally I can remember the names to the places we went to cos on the first Bangkok trip, I couldnt remember even a name. I only remember the place, not the name) We split up and headed to the small shops. I was with Quetzal and we headed around to find T-shirts.

My shopping goals were more clear-cut this time. No more buying some lady's clothes for my sisters cos they complained about the stuff I got for them based on their requests. They did find the t-shirts I bought for myself nice and I gave my first sis, the one with many pigs on it but didnt get for my younger sister cos didnt know if she wanted t-shirt. My bro didnt like the Elephant t-shirts for him cos he complained that the Asian elephant was hairier and smaller compared to the African counterparts (Ahem pardon my lack of knowledge while I walked through stuffy, narrow and dirty streets to get those for him...) We also like the soap and how clean one felt after using it. My youngest sister was on her 3rd bar since. Then the rest is shopping for myself. So this time, the goals are simple, nice t-shirts, more soap, more Boote stuff and myself, plus Tab's request and LB's request, duty-free alcohol, plus go for massage everyday.

K at Siam square, we went to the 2 T-shirt shops, me and Tab went the first time. Buying frenzy. At the first shop, I bought 2 tops, at the 2nd one where I bought my "L" shirt, I bought 12 at a go. The designs are very nice and funny. With lots of humorous ones and the shirt quality is very good compared to the first shop. After that, we went for Thai dinner at the same thai restaurant from the first trip.

While we were eating, a group of Ang Mo came in and sat behind our table. Quetzal's eyes lit up when she noticed a cute one amongst the rest who were much aged. They were facing us, and Candle, her cousin and friend's backs were facing them. She took FH's powerful Alpha camera and asked Candle's cousin and friend to pretend to pose so she had an excuse to take pic, when in fact she was zooming in to the guy's face to take his pic. It was very amusing to watch. She took quite a few shots even with her phone, and during dinner, kept bioing at him. Err the food still delicious. Also while seated, I noted that one could see his face very very clearly on the huge rectangular mirror hanging 45degrees 2m away from us. Quetzal started taking photos of the reflection too. and Candle, her cousin and friend were very much curious so much so, I changed seat with Candle later and we all looked through the pics taken. A very interesting dinner indeed.

Later we went to Paragon opposite to siam square, cos its a bit late and some places closing. Again I went with Quetzal to accompany her to buy cuff links for her bro. We walked around the Robinson area and saw this LeSportSec design that Tab would very very much go gaga over. We were secretly taking photo and thinking whether to buy back to tempt her :P But in the end, we went off elsewhere. We walked until it was near closing and met up with the rest. Went to King & I for thai massage. Its much better than the Mei Liang Xin in K.L and I dozed a very short while when she massaged my back. My neck did not make any cracking sounds after it. After that we bought water and headed back.

Later in the hotel room, Quetzal helped me with the marking and I could clear more the following morning. We went to bed around 3am+ sg time and I woke up at 8am+ sg time and couldnt sleep so I took out the stacks and started finishing as much as I could. Woke her with the light but for her, she had the ability to go back to sleep. For me, as I explained to her, I do not have 'Standby' function, mine is only 'Start, Switch off'.

We went for breakfast where I tasted my first crispy bacon. Its amazingly light tasting. I was crunching quite a few. See my dad had a bacon craze, one of his many food craze. So he bought a lot and tried to fry them crispy but to no avail. Even on shows I've seen, I envied the ang mo who ate crispy bacon. Its a dream come true. The freshly cooked scrambled egg was totally delicious that I forgot my 3 eggs per week quota and also ordered it the next day. Lots of fresh onion rings and different style potatoes. Kept thinking that Tab would definitely enjoy the breakfast and what she's missing out :P

Then after that we went to the 4-faced Buddha, the one opposite Central. We did our praying, hiring of dancers, washing away bad luck using the water provided, donating, and even drinking cold, refreshing coconut water under the scorching sun.

Then the girls walked to Phatunam and Platinum. The guy went for massage and other manly stuff. Again we split up to walk. A short walk in the complex something, and me and Quetzal headed instead for Platinum instead cos of the impossibly small sizes that seems more to suit Candle and company.

Inside Platinum, we headed to the 3rd floor and proceeded to shop in the most orderly fasion. Since there were many many intersections, to ensure that no shop is missed, esp for the cuff links, we walked in a straight line from one end, until the other end, then turn and walk in a straight line until the end, talking every intersection at the end to turn to a new row. It was again very interesting experience. I found this Cheena shop that sold shirts with oriental theme. It matched the gift supposed to buy for the sinseh. Then I noted a very nice Cheena style jacket. Quetzal encouraged me to get it so I did. Both items cost about 690Bht = S$30

I walked past this shop that sold that Spiky bag, with lots of spike on it and also that figure-hanging-off-your-back bag. But the quote for them still 890Bht = S$37.50, not sure if I really wanted it still. At least better than the 1000Bht quote from last time but still not a good deal. We walked on until we came to this Bag-kok, they had very contempory bags that even I was bioing a few items. Quetzal was very very tempted and physically restraining herself. To get the whole-sale price, we had to get 5 pieces. We got about 3 items and decided to sms Candle's group to meet up there later. We continued. Along the way saw pirated Tokidoki lugguage bag, very butterfly-ey on the outside and flowery inside.

Then we walked past this shop that had quite a few pieces of pirated tokidoki and I saw a Pirate theme bag, its a sling bag also. Price 390Bht = S$16.50. I decided to get it. Its nice. Shortly after saw a shop with many small tokidoki small purses for coins. Again Quetzal jio me to get a matching one, 39Bht = S$1.65. Thank you. Its very handy especially for keys. Just the right size for my bulky keys.

Later Candle called and we went to the bag-kok place. Everybody like going crazy over their bags. I got a black small sling and a matching colour dual long wallet. Its sleek looking design, very contempory plus the wallet was long enough to fit in money bills without hassle. Just nice, one side for larger notes, one for smaller notes and coins. In the end we came out with about 6 pieces I think. We had a heavy brunch of KFC.

We went back to the room to deposit our bags and by the time we came out again, I used my pirated Pirate bag and purse. We were intending to head to MBK, it was raining quite heavily. That changes plans. We headed to Big C next door and went first to the supermarket. Drank the nice blended fruit juice, bought some packets of the very nice dried fruits, I bought 2 mangoes to eat, pork floss for LB, plus water. Later met FH inside and he offered to carry the stuff since he had finished his massage.

We then went for massage. I did my first foot massage plus neck and shoulders. Got a new and very gentle and conscientious lady. Luckily I didnt kick her in the face as what I envisioned about doing foot massage. Gave her a big tip and while we were being massaged, I looked at my new bag and saw many elements that I kinda like alot. Lots of gems, coins, money bags, shark, tiger shark, Pirate girls with cool sleeve tattoos, crab with pirate hook, pearl and many more. It has many many elements and I grew to like it even more, the more I look at it.

After the massage, we went back to change for Candle's birthday dinner. I tried Quetzal's newly bought tops but not fitting. I brought the same top I wore for Ros's wedding and wore my jeans, sport shoes (the one with the hole opening, I only bought one piece of footwear) and wore that 3-way transformable overall I bought. Its amazing, can wear at least 3 ways. Can look presentable, butterfly-ey and even Japanese looking with bat wings. Think its easier to show. But that's the thoughts that came to mind when I wore it differently. Used the newly bought black sling and long wallet. Must use since bought.

We wanted to head for some nice restaurant but it was raining, traffic jam and many taxis refused to go. So we borrowed umbrella and walked over to the Intercontinental Hotel to ShinDaiKoku, a very nice Jap restaurant. We paid extra 150Bht to get an own room. Its like being in Japan! An authentic japanese room with tatami matting, wooden sliding doors, japanese fans decorating the wall plus bamboo shoots in the background behind the glass opening that served to 'pretend' to be a window overlooking the bamboo garden. WOW. There was a pretty lady serving us who dressed in Kimono. We ordered our delicious food and sake. YAY! Another dream of sipping sake in Japan. She entered via the side sliding door, much like in Japan.

We started taking photos with at first proper poses of Candle doing demure poses. Even FH doing demure pose. He didnt know the proper manly pose until I told him later after I saw his photo. Then during the meal, seductive pics of Quetzal and pics of us drinking the sake. FH with his manly brand of sake >_>" Also once we wanted to order some more food but they didnt know how to call for the girl, so I told them typically in Japan, if they want service, they just clap their hands twice, loudly. So FH decided to try. It work! :P Yay I really know a fair bit of the japanese culture, right? Watched too much japan hour previously. Later it became funny pics of FH and me with our food battles, since we didnt have samurai swords or ninja apparels. Much later, Candle and her wall-climbing pose.

After an enjoyable dinner, we headed to Vertigo at Banyan tree. But the place was closed due to the rain as its an open-air pub. So we settled for the sheltered bar which is on the 50+ floor, a pub in the hole in the building. It has a very beautiful full view of the Bangkok city lights. Reminded of Equinox in sg but the skyline looks different. The drinks are also very power. Very generous with the alcohol. Candle got her birthday cake (very nice) plus birthday song played by the dj. Then after many many pics taken, I started fiddling with FH's alpha camera, trying to take nice pics of the non-human articles like the wine bottles at the counter, candle and flower decoration on the table, glass of water, grass with flower etc. Its kinda fun.

After her second glass, Quetzal quite high. We went back and both of us just slept.

I woke up even earlier this time, 7.30am++. I had considered leaving the room like Candle suggested to do my work downstairs and enjoy breakfast. When I told her that the day before, she didnt want cos a bit afraid to wake up alone. I was also telling her that I didnt buy that hang-off-your-back-figure bag and she said, if she woke up alone in the hotel room and that bag started dancing, she'll pheng :P So eventually I woke her with the settling up of laptop to do other pressing pieces of work. Finished 1.5 out 3 works near 9.30 Bangkok time. In case you've forgotten, its 1hr behind our time.

We all headed for a hearty breakfast. Then we headed to do massage at Big C. I only did the neck and headed to the supermarket again. This time I was looking at the more local food that they were selling. Its interesting, I found and bought Crispy bread with butter. The bread butter biscuit that is so rare in sg nowadays. Then I looked through the cooked food, salad, drinks and other sections more carefully. Learn and notice many many new things. Interesting. Walked around a bit more leisurely to look through the shops, buy a zodiac t-shirt for younger sister, wanted the mouse one but they only had S size for the design.

Later we met up after the massage cos they did both foot and neck. We checked out of the hotel and left our stuff with the counter. Then headed lastly to Central just opposite to buy soap and undergarments. Wow, I bought 12-13 bars of soap at one go. As Candle and Quetzal looked through the numerous racks of undergarments, I went to explore the Isetan in Central. Saw the same design that Tab would like, went to the Toys section and even tried their gachapon. Got a sticker set though I wanted the egg-shaped disney characters and a desert-based mickey mouse logo. Mine is a sweet-roll style Mickey logo. Then I headed up to the Jap supermarket section, with a Jap food fair. Bought some pork floss for family, a drink and walked around. It is a nice relaxing walk and I noticed dried mangosteen! A new product but didnt buy. There's lots of stalls selling all the different types of Jap food, from dessert to meals but there's no room for my stomach so I just walked around looking.

I went back to join them and bought 2 underwear also to help reach the 3000Bht target. But they encountered bad service from this very old and unfriendly salesgirl. She really unpleasant to look at. I am reminded why I cant be in service line cos of my perceived-to-be-frowning face.

After that we headed back to get our stuff from the hotel counter and repack and head out. The rest continues from the nauseating ride on the limo to the airport.
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Overall its a very good trip, with many different elements compared to the first trip, with many firsts also. Also I think the 'shopping whore' in me is very evident... Spent more than the first trip. Changed S$650. Overall spent around $1350, all in including airfare, accomodation, shopping, alcohol, travel insurance, taxi fare back and even temple donation at Guanyin Temple the day before to settle my mom's mind.

Though still didnt get to MBK, Chatuchap and saw a cabaret. Though I did see quite a few ugly travasites. Where's all the pretty ones? >_>

But after the 'merlion' from the taxi plus plane ride. Think I need some time to recover and see if there's going to be a third trip :)

Its also good to have one more day of recuperating before work starts tomorrow. So at least I wont have to seriously drag my soul back. Its flown back and settled a bit more now.

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Its a long post, its been fun reliving the experience. Wow, its aleady past midnight. Night. Work will start tom.

Back and ...... *puke*

Reached home safely around 11.30pm and went about unpacking and settling gifts and stuffs. Done that, had a warm bath and ate a bit of warm soup. Bad news for those after my stuff *cough cough, Bro* that that note would have to take effect on another day.

Only thing still unsettled is my retching stomach and nauseous head. Head still spinning and stomach still trying to empty itself vertically like the Merlion. Wanted to blog about this trip which is very fun. A different sorta fun compared to the first trip with lots of new elements. But my head and stomach is unforgiving. Will do so tom, when I am better and more clear-headed.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

To go or not to go?

The dilemna as the political episode unfurls in Thailand, Bangkok.

We are caught smack up in it. The front page news coverage is not helping to defray tensions from worried parents, specifically my mom. She worried herself over my safety given the impeding trip over there. She had called her friends for advice, kept asking me about the decision to go or not, my sister smsed me this morning to tell me NOT to cause my mom more worries by going ahead cos her health is not good and stuff.

Then just now my mom decided once and for all to lay all the issues on me.
1) Things like Political unrest is not a joking matter, even with friends, in the event of something, they cant help you.
2) Spore embassy helps singaporeans, so who would help you? Malaysia embassy or Spore embassy?
3) The point of going back is partly to pray to the 4faced buddha, is it so urgent to go during this timing? Buddha is merciful and will understand this situation.
4) What is the cost of deferring if not cancelling, is it so large an amount?
5) Plus if got delays, I start work next week, so how to explain to employers?

Signz these are not issues I am unaware of. Wonderz what is holding me back from just cancelling and give her a peace of mind. Also received concerned smses from friends.

Well for one, its not just going back 1)to pray.
2) Its like a holiday, though by now the mood kinda spoilt.
3) Also it was to be like a repeat of fun and shopping and relaxation. Wonders how much of it is still doable?
4) Also looking very forward to celebrate Candle's bdae and stuff.
5) Had been planned in advanced, things booked, fees paid. Though the sum involved is not large,$500+, is that worth risking a life?

Maybe that is overstating things, is it worth risking some endangerment to oneself as what worried parents perceived?

On my part, I have checked with the others who are going with me, one even with direct information from the source, found an online map of the Govt house and our hotel plus the Spore and Malaysia embassy. Cant find the scale used in the map but its like 14cm radius from the hotel. It seems quite far. BUT also must be vigilant to avoid going out at night, if notice something wrong, have to siam and stuff. Have to bring extra cash in case of emergency.

Why not just end all these hassles and just NOT GO? I dunno.
-Is it my stubborn nature not to give up and just go ahead just to say been there, done that?
-My refusal to say defintely that I am not going, is it a naive judgement that I am invincible and that NOTHING BAD should happen to me? That bad things wont happen to me?
-Or I dun give a damn about my life anyway?

At least at this point of time, I still wanna go. Not sure what is driving this decision. Stubborn pride outweighing personal perservation?

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In the event of unfortunate circumstances,I am leaving behind a message for family.

1) Cash in personal account plus Spore shares and Msia shares - For use to settle stuff and then after, split between Mom and Dad equally.

2) Cash in CPF - For parents, unless I've nominated both my sisters, equal share.

3) Insurance claims - For some policies, I've nominated both my sisters equally. If not, for policies that are not nominated, equal share to both parents and three siblings.

4) Personal belongings - Anybody in immdediate family can take and claim for personal use. If not useful, can throw or burn.

I understand that I am of sound mind at this point. Only that I dun have the time to get things drafted up. This is binding in the event of anything unfortunate.
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Wonders if it is still worth going?

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Its one of those days when ...

I woke up feeling kinda disorientated and thinking it should be near noon judging from the light through the curtains.

Wrong. Its not even 8.50am. I had woken up early again. But feeling rested cos since last week, its been hectic everyday, including sat and sun due to events.

Since my bro was out yesterday and going back today, I decided to drag him out for breakfast. We went next door to eat lu mian and help my mom do some sundry shopping. Then we were talking about Maplestory, and I decided I want to try to login. The trouble is, I cant even go to the web page. Dunno is it my internet or too high traffic flow. Try later.
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Think today I shall skip the idea of going back to work and head down instead to NUH to get my other test done, maybe after lunch hour. The good news is that they cant find anything seriously wrong with me so far (no abnormalities). The bad thing is cos they cant find anything wrong with me, I have to go for more test to verify plus continue to take medication everyday. Will continue to get a peace of mind. Also need to get some reports for the health insurance thingy.
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Btw the 'cold war' between me and my dad is into the 2nd week. My mom's been asking me to apologize and I refuse. Incidentally last night, my youngest sister had a verbal tussle over the tv. Later when my dad was sleeping, the two sisters were like talking to each other. Older one saying that as long as dun fight with Dad over the tv, wont get into argument. Younger one was saying he hogs the tv the whole day.

I was thinking, I am the one paying for the cable which I hardly ever get to watch the channels I wanna watch. Later I told them, NOPE. I wasnt even arguing with him over the tv....

I was getting ready for work, almost about to leave when he decided to 'push' his piece of sandwich to me. I kept saying no nicely and he kept insisting until I got irritated and said " No is no, cant understand is it" in Chinese. I left for work feeling sian cos of the stupid thing and I came back to a cold war which he initiated.

I dun see the point of me having to apologize. I already told him quite a few times no. He wont listen until have to raise my voice to tell him its a NO. Then I have to apologize for being rude to him. Its not the first time, previously I had to apologize for some other incidents, which I have forgotten but think is somewhat similar. Why isnt he apologizing for putting me through this guilt trip and childish treatment? I guess, I'll just live with the silent treatment.

Was talking with my Bro and he had similar encounters. Kept saying no nicely, yet kept being persistent until he had to raise his voice to say something similiar " No means No. Which part of NO do you not understand?" I dun see him getting the cold shoulder treatment.

The only thing is I bought a pewter dog chinese horoscope keychain, bought for whole family, wanted to give to him, dunno how to go about it. Leave it until this is over then. Given the rest of the family liao. See if this will persist into a month or year thingy.

At my end, I feel guilty about it BUT I dun see the point of starting this 'cold war' on me just to get me to apologize. I am being doubley punished in a way. I dun see myself as being fully at fault also and even if an apology is made, that a similar episode wont repeat itself again in the future. Hence I am still refraining from that option. An insincere, forced apology made just to avoid trouble is not what I want to do. This cold shoulder treatment is making me rethink the apology part.

Family and friends think that its just me being stubborn. BUT there are principles behind also. Also the hardest type of apology to make is those when you really mean it to those whom you really care. Not something made just for the sake of things.

Am I being childish? stubborn? Signz...