Met up with FH and Quetzal after guitar. It was a bloody hot day but we were comfortable inside the LoveHouse for Fish and Co. To break the 'curse of the west coast plaza' I decided to eat lunch there. They revamped the food. I ordered the 'Starter Platter' which had prawns, calamari, fish nugget, veg and nachos. Added in the rice plus the Mermaid (mango) freeze cos they removed the alcoholic beverages... NO!!! My Deep Sea and Fishy Maria cocktails are gone forever...
Signz, guess I should have eaten there more often. But the starter platter is very very good. The fish nugget and prawns are very fresh. Totally enjoyed the meal. After lunch, we headed to Robertson area. I actually mistaken UE square and UE in Novena.... err there goes the suggestion for udders. We ended up at the Laurient Chocolatier. Where I had my first creme brulee and a green tea milkshake. The creme brulee is quite nice, can see the vanilla essence pods inside. *FYI - an entire vanilla pod cost about $10* FH had chocolate ice cream and Quetzal had mango sherbet. The weather turned a bit cooler and it was nice to lounge around the Robertson Quay area.
Later we posed as potential buyers doing viewing with FH's current appointment. The view is not bad but the price tag is beyond most of us. Later Quet and I headed to Orchard. Nothing in particular except we were too full to eat dinner so decided to go Far East. We ended up buying a jacket each then had Chahaya dinner. Walked to ION to aid digestion a bit and ended up in the CD shop. Think I have a pent-up demand for music so I ended up paying $160 for 9 cds. Bought Lady Gaga's fame monster 2CD, her new album and JLo's new album. The other two were compliations. 1 is the Brit music award selection 3disc and the other is Now 78, 2 discs. I buy for the radio-friendly songs that I've heard over radio fairly recently.
The Bruno Mars song - Just the way you are, is stuck in my head. Its a very happy sounding song and its in the category of songs which lightens the mood alot.
I really spent a lot.... $60 on lunch, dinner and dessert, $160 on CDs, $55 on a jacket, $120 for guitar course... *kaching kaching* But its a good day out, that's how a weekend should be. Weekend has gotten so much more precious with the too-hectic and intense and tiring weekdays. I never want weekends to end.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Memorable food
Last week while eating my dabao lunch in the office, my Jap collegue, whom I am on good terms with, recommended this Jap food place called Ootoya. It's also available in Japan and sells more home-style Jap food. She recommends the set cos they come with free flow of rice (she really likes to eat rice)I was actually wondering whether I would even eat more than 1 bowl of rice. At the same time, my sister was raving about this dessert place at 313, called Mang Ji. So after Candle came back to Spore n proposed to meet up, I suggested trying both at once. First is dinner at Orchard Central followed by dessert at 313.
We met up on Monday evening. I headed there straight after work and was early. I went to the restaurant first. Spent some time looking through the menu, but cos the rest were a bit late plus I felt my gastric pangs starting cos I was really hungry. Had a light lunch. Ordered first. I ordered the set with chicken cutlet n croquette. I added this tororo or grated yam on my rice. It looks good and my first time having that. When it came, the grated yam gave light tasty texture n made it easy to eat the rice. I finished the rice very quickly within 2-3mins and got a rice refill. It's back to normal rice then. Continue eating. It's enjoyable to eat the set. Very full. Tab n Candle came soon after. They enjoyed the food too. I got a new bottle of Absolut vodka - Ruby Red. Need to find space to put my increasing collection of alcohol within easy reach.
We walked around some to let our stomach digest the food then headed to Mang Ji. I couldn't find the thing my sister recommended on the menu (there's another small menu with more stuff)I had the glutinous balls with walnut soup plus mango pancake. Pretty good. The mango sago is very thick n tasty. Definitely going back to try some more stuff since my sister showed me that exact item on that small menu paper she brought home.
Thursday, my assignment got cancelled n I decided to go for dinner with my local collegue. We ate at the Ootoya in clementi mall. Partly she needed to go to Phoon Huat (this chain that sells everything related to baking in clementi, she was alone for dinner, I wanted to test out that hamburg steak on the menu cos was thinking of treating my dad for his birthday us also introd to my collegue who loves Jap food.
The hamburg steak was okay but lose to the Korean BBQ chicken one but they took that out of the menu. This time I only ate 1 bowl of rice even with the tororo added. Later while she was buying some Thai dessert from Sticky Rice, I got the ice blended gulamelaka avocado. It's surprisingly good. I overcame my 心里章碍 about avocado. It's surprisingly a good combo for me cos I love the taste of gulamelaka. We headed to Phoon Huat and I bought some pasta to make. I bought the sauce on tue.
Friday, I agreed to go to my level's dinner. So the teachers of the level plus Headless were going to Sunset way. I decided to go cos partly I've turned down all those so far, the 3 school, whole school and even my own level n also the Pink one. So I think I've turned down at least 4-5. Since the organizer Jap teacher told me the place n it's in sunset way, Grill-out, never been there before, so I agreed. They asked me on Wed, then I had no plans, so decided to go. Nevermind my intended gym.
Though I was really tired cos I used most of my free time to plan next week's lessons plus get ready the resources. I had to do 'OT' of sort cos I end at 5pm but they leaving at 6.30pm. So I continued to think n plan the stuff. A collegue drove me with 2 others in her car while the rest shared cabs there.
The food was surprisingly very good. The clam chowder is a nice start with bread buns. The next is plate of fresh oysters. When it came, the Jap teachers actually sent hem back to be grilled except at my part of the table. 3 of us are sharing the portions n decided fresh is alright. So we didn't send back our plate. I decided to challenge one. Since I haven't eaten before plus the guy assured us it's very fresh. So I got the slightly smaller one, squeezed some lemon over and ate it. It's surprisingly light and soft n easy to chew through. Just when after a few chews, when it reached the part with more 'oystery' stuff, I swallowed. It's really not bad, intense oyster flavor (oyster omelette oyster taste) but still not my thing. Once in a lifetime thingy. The collegues were looking on when I told them it's my first time eating that. It's okay but not a new favorite. Later on the grilled ones came n they also served one portion on our table, I took one more just to taste the difference. It's nicely done. Its in a half cooked state, even more like oyster omelette oyster but still tender and easy to chew through. Slightly lesser intense oyster flavor when compared to the fresh version. A different texture n taste.
The next platter of 4 grilled meats; lamb with mint sauce, beef with brown sauce, pork with apple sauce n swordfish with chopped garlic. The lamb n beef were exceptional. Though they were not cooked through, maybe medium or medium-well but it's very tender n favorable until I can't taste the blood... (that is skillful) the little bit of fats melts in the mouth like satay with those bits of fats. Really delicious. The baby potatoes n carrots side was good too.
The next was portebello mushroom aglio pasta was ligh n delicious. The fries n wedges are very fresh n tasty (though I am not a fries person) By then very full. They decided to order dessert from the neighboring dessert shop Buttercake. I didn't want to eat cos I was too full but a Jap collegue highly recommends n like how they ordered dinner, they ordered a portion for each gp to share. It's a molten chocolate lava cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream n a small jug of condensed milk to dribble. Before that arrived, one had bought a cheesecake for one of the collegue's birthday. Then it turned out 4 collegues had their birthday in may, so each took turn to have a birthday song n pic taken with the cake, turning the candles in different combinations. So that meant cheesecake plus lava cake. I took a small portion of the lava plus ice cream. It's really flavourful, chocolatey n cocoa-y but too sweet for my liking.
Around 9.45pm, we ended n left. I wanted to take public transport but a few of them stayed near the school n hence told me to share a cab with them. Nice thought but later cos they flagged in the opp direction of where we were heading plus it was shift changing time so it took more than 15-20mins to grab a cab, that is after we finally crossed the road to take the cab. No point for me to point out verbally cos they have to do it the Jap way, I just followed quietly. Then they wanted to drop me first but I told the driver to drive the guy teacher first since the rest of us live along the same stretch of the AYE. Reached home safely with a full stomach.
Though in the end it went from $40 to $60 but since the quality is so much better plus it included the dessert, its alright. Though I didn't order drinks n still think the non drinkers subsidize the drinkers. But overall one of the best dinners beside the Nirai Kanai. I did feel tha if I had taken public transport, I would have reached home abit earlier cos it's not that far though I have to change bus, n the whole waiting for cab. But not to let it marr a good meal. Conversation-wise, this Jap guy collegue was talkin the whole night with me in English cos he sits beside me. He can really eat though. Make a bit of small talk with the others including Headless. Social setting wise, it's okay as long as it's not work. I did have the urge to go vegetarian but I know I can't eat all veg without meat.
My dad of all place, wanted to eat BK. I wasnt that happy to go to Clementi mall just to eat BK. Its a non-event of sort. Then we were to set off at 12 but not punctual n a very heavy downpour fell. I was so hungry but we had to wait until the rain was lighter n that took 2
hours. Sensing my irritation cos my mom cut the cake which my dad refused to accept cos of him blaming his heart attack on eggs solely n hence egg-phobia. My sister passed me the cake which I ate grudgingly cos I am not those who eats sweet stuff when I am very hungry. It was too sweet n kinda spoilt my appetite. It's a bad day. My irritation meter was through the roof... Was glad when we reached home at 4pm. A simple lunch dragged out 2 hrs... Signs I need to work on getting this out of my system. Reached home n just slept.
Woke up missed gym again n I made a ham sandwich with a huge plate of salad. I have been making my own salad to eat since last week. I bought cherry tomato, a head of lettuce, purple cabbage n black olives. I washed n chopped up the veg n store in the chiller. Plus a tomato vinegar salad dressing, so I can make my breakfast ham sandwich n a lunch add-on salad n fruit. Which I bring to work in containers. Anyway I felt better munching down the big plate of salad.
We met up on Monday evening. I headed there straight after work and was early. I went to the restaurant first. Spent some time looking through the menu, but cos the rest were a bit late plus I felt my gastric pangs starting cos I was really hungry. Had a light lunch. Ordered first. I ordered the set with chicken cutlet n croquette. I added this tororo or grated yam on my rice. It looks good and my first time having that. When it came, the grated yam gave light tasty texture n made it easy to eat the rice. I finished the rice very quickly within 2-3mins and got a rice refill. It's back to normal rice then. Continue eating. It's enjoyable to eat the set. Very full. Tab n Candle came soon after. They enjoyed the food too. I got a new bottle of Absolut vodka - Ruby Red. Need to find space to put my increasing collection of alcohol within easy reach.
We walked around some to let our stomach digest the food then headed to Mang Ji. I couldn't find the thing my sister recommended on the menu (there's another small menu with more stuff)I had the glutinous balls with walnut soup plus mango pancake. Pretty good. The mango sago is very thick n tasty. Definitely going back to try some more stuff since my sister showed me that exact item on that small menu paper she brought home.
Thursday, my assignment got cancelled n I decided to go for dinner with my local collegue. We ate at the Ootoya in clementi mall. Partly she needed to go to Phoon Huat (this chain that sells everything related to baking in clementi, she was alone for dinner, I wanted to test out that hamburg steak on the menu cos was thinking of treating my dad for his birthday us also introd to my collegue who loves Jap food.
The hamburg steak was okay but lose to the Korean BBQ chicken one but they took that out of the menu. This time I only ate 1 bowl of rice even with the tororo added. Later while she was buying some Thai dessert from Sticky Rice, I got the ice blended gulamelaka avocado. It's surprisingly good. I overcame my 心里章碍 about avocado. It's surprisingly a good combo for me cos I love the taste of gulamelaka. We headed to Phoon Huat and I bought some pasta to make. I bought the sauce on tue.
Friday, I agreed to go to my level's dinner. So the teachers of the level plus Headless were going to Sunset way. I decided to go cos partly I've turned down all those so far, the 3 school, whole school and even my own level n also the Pink one. So I think I've turned down at least 4-5. Since the organizer Jap teacher told me the place n it's in sunset way, Grill-out, never been there before, so I agreed. They asked me on Wed, then I had no plans, so decided to go. Nevermind my intended gym.
Though I was really tired cos I used most of my free time to plan next week's lessons plus get ready the resources. I had to do 'OT' of sort cos I end at 5pm but they leaving at 6.30pm. So I continued to think n plan the stuff. A collegue drove me with 2 others in her car while the rest shared cabs there.
The food was surprisingly very good. The clam chowder is a nice start with bread buns. The next is plate of fresh oysters. When it came, the Jap teachers actually sent hem back to be grilled except at my part of the table. 3 of us are sharing the portions n decided fresh is alright. So we didn't send back our plate. I decided to challenge one. Since I haven't eaten before plus the guy assured us it's very fresh. So I got the slightly smaller one, squeezed some lemon over and ate it. It's surprisingly light and soft n easy to chew through. Just when after a few chews, when it reached the part with more 'oystery' stuff, I swallowed. It's really not bad, intense oyster flavor (oyster omelette oyster taste) but still not my thing. Once in a lifetime thingy. The collegues were looking on when I told them it's my first time eating that. It's okay but not a new favorite. Later on the grilled ones came n they also served one portion on our table, I took one more just to taste the difference. It's nicely done. Its in a half cooked state, even more like oyster omelette oyster but still tender and easy to chew through. Slightly lesser intense oyster flavor when compared to the fresh version. A different texture n taste.
The next platter of 4 grilled meats; lamb with mint sauce, beef with brown sauce, pork with apple sauce n swordfish with chopped garlic. The lamb n beef were exceptional. Though they were not cooked through, maybe medium or medium-well but it's very tender n favorable until I can't taste the blood... (that is skillful) the little bit of fats melts in the mouth like satay with those bits of fats. Really delicious. The baby potatoes n carrots side was good too.
The next was portebello mushroom aglio pasta was ligh n delicious. The fries n wedges are very fresh n tasty (though I am not a fries person) By then very full. They decided to order dessert from the neighboring dessert shop Buttercake. I didn't want to eat cos I was too full but a Jap collegue highly recommends n like how they ordered dinner, they ordered a portion for each gp to share. It's a molten chocolate lava cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream n a small jug of condensed milk to dribble. Before that arrived, one had bought a cheesecake for one of the collegue's birthday. Then it turned out 4 collegues had their birthday in may, so each took turn to have a birthday song n pic taken with the cake, turning the candles in different combinations. So that meant cheesecake plus lava cake. I took a small portion of the lava plus ice cream. It's really flavourful, chocolatey n cocoa-y but too sweet for my liking.
Around 9.45pm, we ended n left. I wanted to take public transport but a few of them stayed near the school n hence told me to share a cab with them. Nice thought but later cos they flagged in the opp direction of where we were heading plus it was shift changing time so it took more than 15-20mins to grab a cab, that is after we finally crossed the road to take the cab. No point for me to point out verbally cos they have to do it the Jap way, I just followed quietly. Then they wanted to drop me first but I told the driver to drive the guy teacher first since the rest of us live along the same stretch of the AYE. Reached home safely with a full stomach.
Though in the end it went from $40 to $60 but since the quality is so much better plus it included the dessert, its alright. Though I didn't order drinks n still think the non drinkers subsidize the drinkers. But overall one of the best dinners beside the Nirai Kanai. I did feel tha if I had taken public transport, I would have reached home abit earlier cos it's not that far though I have to change bus, n the whole waiting for cab. But not to let it marr a good meal. Conversation-wise, this Jap guy collegue was talkin the whole night with me in English cos he sits beside me. He can really eat though. Make a bit of small talk with the others including Headless. Social setting wise, it's okay as long as it's not work. I did have the urge to go vegetarian but I know I can't eat all veg without meat.
My dad of all place, wanted to eat BK. I wasnt that happy to go to Clementi mall just to eat BK. Its a non-event of sort. Then we were to set off at 12 but not punctual n a very heavy downpour fell. I was so hungry but we had to wait until the rain was lighter n that took 2
hours. Sensing my irritation cos my mom cut the cake which my dad refused to accept cos of him blaming his heart attack on eggs solely n hence egg-phobia. My sister passed me the cake which I ate grudgingly cos I am not those who eats sweet stuff when I am very hungry. It was too sweet n kinda spoilt my appetite. It's a bad day. My irritation meter was through the roof... Was glad when we reached home at 4pm. A simple lunch dragged out 2 hrs... Signs I need to work on getting this out of my system. Reached home n just slept.
Woke up missed gym again n I made a ham sandwich with a huge plate of salad. I have been making my own salad to eat since last week. I bought cherry tomato, a head of lettuce, purple cabbage n black olives. I washed n chopped up the veg n store in the chiller. Plus a tomato vinegar salad dressing, so I can make my breakfast ham sandwich n a lunch add-on salad n fruit. Which I bring to work in containers. Anyway I felt better munching down the big plate of salad.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Work related issues can wait until Mon... weekend are for me
I was grateful finally when the weekend approaches. But Friday instead of gym (Sat also nope, Sun also nope) I headed home. Tired and hungry. End up dozing off. I was contemplating just heading out, go buy some CDs or shop around. But in the end, the home was too comfortable.
On Sat, some events at work on Friday caught up with me. The implication and the possibilities of some things happening got me rather irritated. I was rehearsing in my mind what to say if that scenario comes true. But it got me rather irritated, very irritated. Basically I am just doing my job at work. Using my free periods to plan the lessons and printing out ws (photocopy from ass bks) SO that I wont have to stay a minute extra. Go off at 5pm sharp.
There's this joke of Eng class, which replaced the weekly Solo lesson I had to teach last year. The joke is that its Headless idea to have 3+2 teachers inside the whole class of 36. They would do some Eng-related activities as a class towards some sort of theme. The catch is this. What is the aim? Lame aims like enjoy the lesson, do as a class. Even the themes planned by her are a joke. Such that the resources that we made for the Solo lessons dont fit cos we planned those to follow their syllabus instead.
Just an example - Welcome the Incoming New Students (aka S1) In addition there was a lame ws with drawing circles labelled the Past, Present and Future. Where is the English in that? We were all scratching our heads at the poor lesson planning, each part 10mins. Huh? My eye-whites were showing everytime I was talking with my local collegue about the poor planning while we were inside the actual class. She said it better. "What planning? This is just throwing unrelated stuff together and just assigning 10mins to each part. I also know how." My sentiments exactly. Given that everybody in my level 5 of us are unsure, I was asked by the rest of them to conduct for the first 2 lessons. Which I did. I printed out the WS prepared by Headless (with a few slight changes but I didnt upload the softcopy) and also an extra printout for that lame Circle activity. First lesson okay with the help of the quick-thinking a more capable jap collegue, who added a twist by adding in a psychological explanation which he told students in jap. I let them lucky-draw the teachers to interview and wrote down the names drawn by class.
2nd lesson - with just a useless ws about making 3 statements about the teacher one true, other 2 false, which I photocopied for the level without changes at all. I had bought this stack of coloured cube memo paper. Actually it was meant for my own use, cos I realized I needed this type of memo paper for me to write down reminders for myself. I bought it together with my clear binders for my own lesson plans. Then just decided to give each group a set of it so that they can write their sentences on it. We could collect it back and use. Again the same quick-thinking jap collegue told them to write an information and add an extra question. Make it more quiz-like, participative. So with that it ended my 2 lessons.
The rest of the planning fell to this new jap teacher who just came in. He comes to ask me stuff and I dunno what is he really saying... is it asking for my opinion or just telling me the plan??? Anyway I washed my hands of it. He did a followup, where he took pics of the teachers, provided vanguard paper so the students use their earlier paper and paste and decorate etc. Just when inside, I try to add help with a bit of eng explanation and help students. With 5 of us inside, its less tiring on all of us but still sometimes we ask if so many is necessary?
The problem comes about when Headless saw the finished product and said to me "Its very good", I looked at her (stoned) and say its students ideas not mine. The problem is the wrong perception that I was the one responsible for the work... which isnt. Little has been attributed to the rest of my collegues. Its not fair plus the repercussion seems to be that one of the IMM collegue might not be able to go for his slots due to his busy time table. I heard Headless talking with hod over it and I heard my name. The 2 possible scenarios that I want to avoid are: (1) Put me into her team (cos I am at another level cos that IMM collegue is in her level) cos I dont work well with her. Not interested at all plus who do you think got to carry out those stupidly planned lessons (2) Put me in charge of my level's lesson plans which is unfair to me. Cos it's not in my workscope and the understanding of my what my workload would entail. Nothing is being said to me at the moment, but they dont mention until they have discussed it with other japs. We are always the last to know.
I am prepared to oppose strongely adn vehemently argue about either of these scenarios. That was why when the thoughts caught up with me on Sat, I was feeling very irriated. Its not in stone yet but I need to pre-empt it. I have a whole list of arugments ready. That Headless better be ready for a less-than friendly reply from me.
Later on into the Sat, I decided to leave the worries until Monday at work cos my weekends are precious. I shouldnt let these work-related stuff affect how I enjoy my weekend nor let it weigh me down. I shall deal with them when work resumes. With that thought, I compartmentalize it and threw it onto that part of my brain that starts working only on workdays.
After guitar, I headed to the music shop in Raffles shopping mall. My target was to look for the Glee soundtracks. So I got 3 for the entire soundtrack of season 2. In the evening though, when I asked my youngest sis if I could borrow the cd player in her room. Actually it used to belong to me many years back, its still functional but after my mom bought another one for me (many years ago), she took that and passed to my sisters. Its been a very very very long while since I've listened to my cds, partly due to the lack of the cd player (mine spoilt some time back) and not being able to rip my cds using my laptop (cd drive spoilt) into the troublesome interface of Apple! I hate the idea of having to have a copy in my computer before I can sych it in. ITS UTTERLY STUPID.
But my sister's first words to me instead was 'dont spoil it, its the only one left'. Dunno but that sentence irriated the hell out of me. I kept my thoughts to myself and just changed and headed to the electrical shop nearby. I am going to buy myself a new cd player. Its not like I couldnt afford a cd player. Its that I've gone so long without listening to my cds that getting a replacement player was something I didnt go about to do it. In fact I've just replaced my dvd player so that I can watch my anime. Then getting a new cd player didnt strike me. Instead of arguing with my sister over her insensitive words, I got myself a decent cd player and listened to 1 disc. Fine issue solved and I can now remember to listen to my numerous cds.
Today was tired cos slept quite late around 2-3am. Didnt go gym. Stayed home. Fell asleep around 3pm. A day is going to be over. Need to R&R more, so very glad that Tue is a public holiday. Just get through tomorrow, looking forward to dinner. Will go to the gym on Tue morning instead. Try not to stop.
On Sat, some events at work on Friday caught up with me. The implication and the possibilities of some things happening got me rather irritated. I was rehearsing in my mind what to say if that scenario comes true. But it got me rather irritated, very irritated. Basically I am just doing my job at work. Using my free periods to plan the lessons and printing out ws (photocopy from ass bks) SO that I wont have to stay a minute extra. Go off at 5pm sharp.
There's this joke of Eng class, which replaced the weekly Solo lesson I had to teach last year. The joke is that its Headless idea to have 3+2 teachers inside the whole class of 36. They would do some Eng-related activities as a class towards some sort of theme. The catch is this. What is the aim? Lame aims like enjoy the lesson, do as a class. Even the themes planned by her are a joke. Such that the resources that we made for the Solo lessons dont fit cos we planned those to follow their syllabus instead.
Just an example - Welcome the Incoming New Students (aka S1) In addition there was a lame ws with drawing circles labelled the Past, Present and Future. Where is the English in that? We were all scratching our heads at the poor lesson planning, each part 10mins. Huh? My eye-whites were showing everytime I was talking with my local collegue about the poor planning while we were inside the actual class. She said it better. "What planning? This is just throwing unrelated stuff together and just assigning 10mins to each part. I also know how." My sentiments exactly. Given that everybody in my level 5 of us are unsure, I was asked by the rest of them to conduct for the first 2 lessons. Which I did. I printed out the WS prepared by Headless (with a few slight changes but I didnt upload the softcopy) and also an extra printout for that lame Circle activity. First lesson okay with the help of the quick-thinking a more capable jap collegue, who added a twist by adding in a psychological explanation which he told students in jap. I let them lucky-draw the teachers to interview and wrote down the names drawn by class.
2nd lesson - with just a useless ws about making 3 statements about the teacher one true, other 2 false, which I photocopied for the level without changes at all. I had bought this stack of coloured cube memo paper. Actually it was meant for my own use, cos I realized I needed this type of memo paper for me to write down reminders for myself. I bought it together with my clear binders for my own lesson plans. Then just decided to give each group a set of it so that they can write their sentences on it. We could collect it back and use. Again the same quick-thinking jap collegue told them to write an information and add an extra question. Make it more quiz-like, participative. So with that it ended my 2 lessons.
The rest of the planning fell to this new jap teacher who just came in. He comes to ask me stuff and I dunno what is he really saying... is it asking for my opinion or just telling me the plan??? Anyway I washed my hands of it. He did a followup, where he took pics of the teachers, provided vanguard paper so the students use their earlier paper and paste and decorate etc. Just when inside, I try to add help with a bit of eng explanation and help students. With 5 of us inside, its less tiring on all of us but still sometimes we ask if so many is necessary?
The problem comes about when Headless saw the finished product and said to me "Its very good", I looked at her (stoned) and say its students ideas not mine. The problem is the wrong perception that I was the one responsible for the work... which isnt. Little has been attributed to the rest of my collegues. Its not fair plus the repercussion seems to be that one of the IMM collegue might not be able to go for his slots due to his busy time table. I heard Headless talking with hod over it and I heard my name. The 2 possible scenarios that I want to avoid are: (1) Put me into her team (cos I am at another level cos that IMM collegue is in her level) cos I dont work well with her. Not interested at all plus who do you think got to carry out those stupidly planned lessons (2) Put me in charge of my level's lesson plans which is unfair to me. Cos it's not in my workscope and the understanding of my what my workload would entail. Nothing is being said to me at the moment, but they dont mention until they have discussed it with other japs. We are always the last to know.
I am prepared to oppose strongely adn vehemently argue about either of these scenarios. That was why when the thoughts caught up with me on Sat, I was feeling very irriated. Its not in stone yet but I need to pre-empt it. I have a whole list of arugments ready. That Headless better be ready for a less-than friendly reply from me.
Later on into the Sat, I decided to leave the worries until Monday at work cos my weekends are precious. I shouldnt let these work-related stuff affect how I enjoy my weekend nor let it weigh me down. I shall deal with them when work resumes. With that thought, I compartmentalize it and threw it onto that part of my brain that starts working only on workdays.
After guitar, I headed to the music shop in Raffles shopping mall. My target was to look for the Glee soundtracks. So I got 3 for the entire soundtrack of season 2. In the evening though, when I asked my youngest sis if I could borrow the cd player in her room. Actually it used to belong to me many years back, its still functional but after my mom bought another one for me (many years ago), she took that and passed to my sisters. Its been a very very very long while since I've listened to my cds, partly due to the lack of the cd player (mine spoilt some time back) and not being able to rip my cds using my laptop (cd drive spoilt) into the troublesome interface of Apple! I hate the idea of having to have a copy in my computer before I can sych it in. ITS UTTERLY STUPID.
But my sister's first words to me instead was 'dont spoil it, its the only one left'. Dunno but that sentence irriated the hell out of me. I kept my thoughts to myself and just changed and headed to the electrical shop nearby. I am going to buy myself a new cd player. Its not like I couldnt afford a cd player. Its that I've gone so long without listening to my cds that getting a replacement player was something I didnt go about to do it. In fact I've just replaced my dvd player so that I can watch my anime. Then getting a new cd player didnt strike me. Instead of arguing with my sister over her insensitive words, I got myself a decent cd player and listened to 1 disc. Fine issue solved and I can now remember to listen to my numerous cds.
Today was tired cos slept quite late around 2-3am. Didnt go gym. Stayed home. Fell asleep around 3pm. A day is going to be over. Need to R&R more, so very glad that Tue is a public holiday. Just get through tomorrow, looking forward to dinner. Will go to the gym on Tue morning instead. Try not to stop.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Curse of the West Coast Plaza
I suffer from this curse. It's food related. It means that as long as there is such an outlet in WCP, I end up not eating the food for a very very very long while. Maybe because at the back of my mind, I think that I can always eat it anytime I like... failing to realise that in fact I dont. Cos when I go there to dine with family, we end up eating others, like chinese food or the west coast cafe (more chinese food) and dont eat at my past favourites like Fish & Co, MOF cafe. In fact its been frigging damn long since I've last eaten at those two places.
Today I had my assignment cancelled (cos after exam paper) so got a break. Sms friends to see if could meet up. I wanted to do something more than just gym or assignment. Its been too dull, its either I go for gym or rush to eat then go for assignment. After which I am too tired to do anything else. My guitar has been neglected for 2 weeks liao. Cham! But nobody could confirm so I was talking with my local collegues and both of us headed to eat at the newly opened HK cafe and had MOF matcha atsuki kakigori dessert!
OMFG, I've forgotten how delicious the kakigori dessert is esp after these few bloody hot days. Though today was cooler due to the rain, but its still delicious. Yum yum... err cholestrol wise.... err I'll type out my dinner and dessert tomorrow into the HPB diet tracker.
I did enjoy talking with my collegue. She would be leaving for LV, almost 95% certain. Happy for her and telling her to let me know of good deals (lol) then I can get my first branded bag (even if emblossed with initials, dont care too much) Its definitely quite a good fit for her. Am happy for her but will miss talking to her alot. Luckily she lives very nearby and have been to her place a few times. Can still meet up after.
Better prospects than just staying on at the increasingly niao workplace, keep on saying funds is short. Given the Jap economy would probably be down for several years, then what? Live with $50 increase... until they run out of excuse to justify. I am also looking. Dont seem to see much of a fit so far in my past 2 Sat. I see things like HR or Admin. Short of doing centre tuition. I would be continuing the effort of looking out for any good opportunities.
Today I had my assignment cancelled (cos after exam paper) so got a break. Sms friends to see if could meet up. I wanted to do something more than just gym or assignment. Its been too dull, its either I go for gym or rush to eat then go for assignment. After which I am too tired to do anything else. My guitar has been neglected for 2 weeks liao. Cham! But nobody could confirm so I was talking with my local collegues and both of us headed to eat at the newly opened HK cafe and had MOF matcha atsuki kakigori dessert!
OMFG, I've forgotten how delicious the kakigori dessert is esp after these few bloody hot days. Though today was cooler due to the rain, but its still delicious. Yum yum... err cholestrol wise.... err I'll type out my dinner and dessert tomorrow into the HPB diet tracker.
I did enjoy talking with my collegue. She would be leaving for LV, almost 95% certain. Happy for her and telling her to let me know of good deals (lol) then I can get my first branded bag (even if emblossed with initials, dont care too much) Its definitely quite a good fit for her. Am happy for her but will miss talking to her alot. Luckily she lives very nearby and have been to her place a few times. Can still meet up after.
Better prospects than just staying on at the increasingly niao workplace, keep on saying funds is short. Given the Jap economy would probably be down for several years, then what? Live with $50 increase... until they run out of excuse to justify. I am also looking. Dont seem to see much of a fit so far in my past 2 Sat. I see things like HR or Admin. Short of doing centre tuition. I would be continuing the effort of looking out for any good opportunities.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Energy and Changes
Yesterday, I've managed to go to the gym after work, inspite of a very siong work schedule. Its siong whenever I have 4 lessons out of the 6 periods a day. It was 3 consecutive lessons. I was stoned by the end of it. Though it was coincidentally the same lesson being repeated 3 times but it was still siong. Esp those with more involvement from the teacher. Things like having to help them spell and answer questions. Always on the toes.
Yesterday I dragged my ass to the gym, did weights but didnt do treadmill cos it was full of people initially and by the time I was done with the weights, didnt feel like doing it. Went home and dabaoed Subway wraps both for my dinner and today's lunch. Yes I have been forced to eat-in alot due to the hectic schedule. At least twice a week, I have to dabao lunch in. On 2 other days, I can afford to go out to dabao in. And on my favorite day of the week Friday, I have the luxury of going out to eat or dabao in.
One of the local collegue has gotten a pretty decent job offer at LV. She is considering hopping over. Then would miss the chat with her. Plus we usually hide out in her preparation room to avoid sitting at the staffroom all day. Sighz... I better be dilligent and look out esp for Sat recruit and daily recruit to check. She was suggesting I take over Home economics. Hmm see how things goes, cant really sew plus too early to say how things are going. The school mgt might cheap skate and get someone at a cheaper rate than her current pay and still not increase my pay to hers... so really too early to say how things would go.
Definitely not that fantastic but the good thing is my energy level is finally up, after more than a month of going to the gym. Am more used to the 'fuller load' and yet still not that satisfied with the pay. Am still waiting for the stock market (which unfortunately is not that predictable and also maybe longer term) Who doesnt want instant gain but at times the stock market is rather stagnant. At times it moves alot both up and down. Really no way to know for certain. Just adopt a wait and see attitude.
Signz... short of money falling out of the sky, really there's alot of things to do and think about with regards to where I am heading, both career or money-wise. The whole issue of employment cos of PR renewal is always on my mind. Not really aware of any opportunities in Msia itself. Nor any biz ideas both in Sg or Msia. Guess rather stagnant at the moment too.
I still havent decided how to go about the driving course. Just so reluctant to go on Sundays... but already delay quite long... Signz sometimes feel like too much commitment/courses to do with so little time on hand.
Yesterday I dragged my ass to the gym, did weights but didnt do treadmill cos it was full of people initially and by the time I was done with the weights, didnt feel like doing it. Went home and dabaoed Subway wraps both for my dinner and today's lunch. Yes I have been forced to eat-in alot due to the hectic schedule. At least twice a week, I have to dabao lunch in. On 2 other days, I can afford to go out to dabao in. And on my favorite day of the week Friday, I have the luxury of going out to eat or dabao in.
One of the local collegue has gotten a pretty decent job offer at LV. She is considering hopping over. Then would miss the chat with her. Plus we usually hide out in her preparation room to avoid sitting at the staffroom all day. Sighz... I better be dilligent and look out esp for Sat recruit and daily recruit to check. She was suggesting I take over Home economics. Hmm see how things goes, cant really sew plus too early to say how things are going. The school mgt might cheap skate and get someone at a cheaper rate than her current pay and still not increase my pay to hers... so really too early to say how things would go.
Definitely not that fantastic but the good thing is my energy level is finally up, after more than a month of going to the gym. Am more used to the 'fuller load' and yet still not that satisfied with the pay. Am still waiting for the stock market (which unfortunately is not that predictable and also maybe longer term) Who doesnt want instant gain but at times the stock market is rather stagnant. At times it moves alot both up and down. Really no way to know for certain. Just adopt a wait and see attitude.
Signz... short of money falling out of the sky, really there's alot of things to do and think about with regards to where I am heading, both career or money-wise. The whole issue of employment cos of PR renewal is always on my mind. Not really aware of any opportunities in Msia itself. Nor any biz ideas both in Sg or Msia. Guess rather stagnant at the moment too.
I still havent decided how to go about the driving course. Just so reluctant to go on Sundays... but already delay quite long... Signz sometimes feel like too much commitment/courses to do with so little time on hand.
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Look younger...
I was getting irritated by the length of my hair. Esp the fringe. When the wind blows, it flies over my face, eating also inconvenient. Time for a hair cut. I set aside today to do that.
Instead of going there in the morning. I woke up and my parents were going to head to IMM. I followed along. We had brunch there. I suspect my cravings are coming back... I ordered this hotplate mushroom and tofu set. Then I queued for dark carrot cake and ordered the fried osyter omelette. Heavy lunch, err so I decided to have a light dinner so that the calories can continue to be deficit... So far only 3 days of calories deficit, the weekend was too enjoyable, slightly over the calories. No wonder, when I weighed myself, added back 0.8kg... Argh... back to the control and discipline. I ended up buying a new Dvd player.
Later around 2pm, there was a huge rainfall. So heavy that I decided to wait it out and see if still can make it to cut hair plus go gym plus buy ingredients for making macaroons. Around 5pm, I changed into gym wear, went for a hair cut, then went to the gym. Lastly buy the macaroon ingredients... forgot to buy egg white powder, so need to buy that tomorrow.
With the haircut, quite glad that its cooler and lighter. But cos the length is shorter, suddenly I look a bit more boyish and err younger too... Urgh I am going to bring a new pic for the next highlight. Think still have 1-2 more haircuts to go for before the coloured hair is gone. Need one with a more matured look, longer length at the back and a bit of the side. Cos while I like my hair, getting older too, need to update haircut after almost 3yrs of it? Hmm... lemme look around for the hair I like. Later kena checked ic again. Man, dunno to be happy or sad then.
The gym was alright but now muscles achin a bit. Spent almost $30 on the macaroons ingredients. Hmm enough to make several times. I hope tomorrow's would be more successful. Hope it will have 'legs' and also taste good. I got that recipe book from Taipei. Tomorrow I have a medical appointment early in the morning 10am. Then after have a lunch with local collegues to eat one better meal before work starts. After that I would want to make the macaroons then there's assignment in the evening. A bit tight but hope to have enough time to try out the macaroons.
Instead of going there in the morning. I woke up and my parents were going to head to IMM. I followed along. We had brunch there. I suspect my cravings are coming back... I ordered this hotplate mushroom and tofu set. Then I queued for dark carrot cake and ordered the fried osyter omelette. Heavy lunch, err so I decided to have a light dinner so that the calories can continue to be deficit... So far only 3 days of calories deficit, the weekend was too enjoyable, slightly over the calories. No wonder, when I weighed myself, added back 0.8kg... Argh... back to the control and discipline. I ended up buying a new Dvd player.
Later around 2pm, there was a huge rainfall. So heavy that I decided to wait it out and see if still can make it to cut hair plus go gym plus buy ingredients for making macaroons. Around 5pm, I changed into gym wear, went for a hair cut, then went to the gym. Lastly buy the macaroon ingredients... forgot to buy egg white powder, so need to buy that tomorrow.
With the haircut, quite glad that its cooler and lighter. But cos the length is shorter, suddenly I look a bit more boyish and err younger too... Urgh I am going to bring a new pic for the next highlight. Think still have 1-2 more haircuts to go for before the coloured hair is gone. Need one with a more matured look, longer length at the back and a bit of the side. Cos while I like my hair, getting older too, need to update haircut after almost 3yrs of it? Hmm... lemme look around for the hair I like. Later kena checked ic again. Man, dunno to be happy or sad then.
The gym was alright but now muscles achin a bit. Spent almost $30 on the macaroons ingredients. Hmm enough to make several times. I hope tomorrow's would be more successful. Hope it will have 'legs' and also taste good. I got that recipe book from Taipei. Tomorrow I have a medical appointment early in the morning 10am. Then after have a lunch with local collegues to eat one better meal before work starts. After that I would want to make the macaroons then there's assignment in the evening. A bit tight but hope to have enough time to try out the macaroons.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
IC and errands
Mostly on these off days especially, then I would use them to run errands. Being an educator meant that I don't have leave to take to handle stuff. Errands include banking, paying bills, things of administrative nature like changing IC, dental n medical check-up appts. Hair-cut, library trips of more minor nature. They all have to wait until I have a hol on a working day esp for those of banking and adminstrative nature due to offices opened on weekdays only.
I set my alarm to the usual 7am and woke to turn it off. Tried to sleep more cos initially I wanted to go at 8am but I wasn't sure if I needed to photocopy my IC, so that would mean I have to wait for the bookshop to open at ten. Hence stayed at home until 11am, headed out for brunch before going to Lavendar.
The queuing for the walk-in not mail or online application for the IC took a while, relatively okay when one is not in a hurry. Music and I-phone helps. Then got my number, waited for my turn. Not too long 15mins, then time for the application. Took fingerprint, show passport verification. Paid $50. Collection would be after 1.5hrs.
I decided to head to Bugis and maybe catch a movie before heading back to Immigration before 4.30pm. Thor was showing in Illuma. I watched in 3D instead of normal cos it was the earlier show at 2.10pm. Killed some time by walking around the Illuma arcade. Was tempted to play but nothing really catches my interest.
The movie was okay but the experience was marred by this gp of 5 china Chinese sitting in the row right behind me. Despite the movie starting, I could hear them talking. Plus I felt my seat moving time and again. Turned back a couple of time to look but wasnt stopping. Since my row was rather empty, I shifted 2-3 seats away to be uninterrupted. Yet the seat still can feel movement like someone kick or push the seat. I looked over and I saw feet coming from the back, stuck into the hand rest space. Irritatedly I try to watch.
Time and again, still feel the seat being moved. Until midway through, I turned behind, told them in a loud audible voice in Mandarin to don't kick the row in front please. They obviously heard me and stopped. There was still some later on, but from another idiot whom sat further from the chinese but at least it wasn't so often. But really instead of relaxed, become irritated. And couldnt focus on the movie at times. Still it's not worth the 3D premium. 2D will suffice. The movie is abt 2hrs.
After that I walked back to mrt n headed to collect the new IC. It was almost 4.30 by the time I arrived. Gave them the slip issued and waited for my name to be called. After that I had to head home, dinner n assignment. I called home cos my parents returned from Malaysia. I called in case I had to help dabao zcp dinner, which I did.
Dinner was zcp dishes n homemade rice. Our home rice is better quality than outside rice hence my mom would rather just dabao the dishes. I ate that and a scoop of my Rum & Raisin ice cream version 2. I quite like it though I am not a fan of rum n raisin ice cream. My mom tried a little bit cos she's on diet n she liked it too.
With a bit of milk added to smoothen texture cos version 1 was just cream, rum n sugar. The milk smoothens it alot and the texture in the mouth is very nice. Yet not overly milky and my mom was saying that it is enough milk such that its smooth yet soft n doesn't cover the taste of the rum.
My only grouse is that the texture when scooped is still flakey cos of the way that it's frozen. Cos if it's chilled by the freezer, the freezing would follow that of ice cubes. So instead of creamy soft like ice cream, it turns slightly popsicle texture. BUT that part can only be rectified by getting an ice cream maker... The one with an inbuilt compressor cost $400++ I am not sure how much ice cream I would be making to justify buying one. So for that part is bo bian. Just have to live with it until I can test it on a real ice cream maker.
I have 2 more free days. Tom cut hair, go gym, hmm practise guitar... Make macaroons? Err dunno but I already got the macaroons recipe book. Later when I reached home, I can check it out, can buy the ingredients after haircut. Means must go gym earlier in the morning. That should occupy me for whole day?
Then I have a medical check-up appt followed by lunch appt. After that, I have yet to decide what to do... Hmm resting and slacking sounds good. Too bad couldn't make a trip to JB. Had thought of asking Dad to drive in like today but due to the sudden passing of a granduncle, so they had to go back for the funeral, just came back this afternoon. Oh well... another time for that.
I set my alarm to the usual 7am and woke to turn it off. Tried to sleep more cos initially I wanted to go at 8am but I wasn't sure if I needed to photocopy my IC, so that would mean I have to wait for the bookshop to open at ten. Hence stayed at home until 11am, headed out for brunch before going to Lavendar.
The queuing for the walk-in not mail or online application for the IC took a while, relatively okay when one is not in a hurry. Music and I-phone helps. Then got my number, waited for my turn. Not too long 15mins, then time for the application. Took fingerprint, show passport verification. Paid $50. Collection would be after 1.5hrs.
I decided to head to Bugis and maybe catch a movie before heading back to Immigration before 4.30pm. Thor was showing in Illuma. I watched in 3D instead of normal cos it was the earlier show at 2.10pm. Killed some time by walking around the Illuma arcade. Was tempted to play but nothing really catches my interest.
The movie was okay but the experience was marred by this gp of 5 china Chinese sitting in the row right behind me. Despite the movie starting, I could hear them talking. Plus I felt my seat moving time and again. Turned back a couple of time to look but wasnt stopping. Since my row was rather empty, I shifted 2-3 seats away to be uninterrupted. Yet the seat still can feel movement like someone kick or push the seat. I looked over and I saw feet coming from the back, stuck into the hand rest space. Irritatedly I try to watch.
Time and again, still feel the seat being moved. Until midway through, I turned behind, told them in a loud audible voice in Mandarin to don't kick the row in front please. They obviously heard me and stopped. There was still some later on, but from another idiot whom sat further from the chinese but at least it wasn't so often. But really instead of relaxed, become irritated. And couldnt focus on the movie at times. Still it's not worth the 3D premium. 2D will suffice. The movie is abt 2hrs.
After that I walked back to mrt n headed to collect the new IC. It was almost 4.30 by the time I arrived. Gave them the slip issued and waited for my name to be called. After that I had to head home, dinner n assignment. I called home cos my parents returned from Malaysia. I called in case I had to help dabao zcp dinner, which I did.
Dinner was zcp dishes n homemade rice. Our home rice is better quality than outside rice hence my mom would rather just dabao the dishes. I ate that and a scoop of my Rum & Raisin ice cream version 2. I quite like it though I am not a fan of rum n raisin ice cream. My mom tried a little bit cos she's on diet n she liked it too.
With a bit of milk added to smoothen texture cos version 1 was just cream, rum n sugar. The milk smoothens it alot and the texture in the mouth is very nice. Yet not overly milky and my mom was saying that it is enough milk such that its smooth yet soft n doesn't cover the taste of the rum.
My only grouse is that the texture when scooped is still flakey cos of the way that it's frozen. Cos if it's chilled by the freezer, the freezing would follow that of ice cubes. So instead of creamy soft like ice cream, it turns slightly popsicle texture. BUT that part can only be rectified by getting an ice cream maker... The one with an inbuilt compressor cost $400++ I am not sure how much ice cream I would be making to justify buying one. So for that part is bo bian. Just have to live with it until I can test it on a real ice cream maker.
I have 2 more free days. Tom cut hair, go gym, hmm practise guitar... Make macaroons? Err dunno but I already got the macaroons recipe book. Later when I reached home, I can check it out, can buy the ingredients after haircut. Means must go gym earlier in the morning. That should occupy me for whole day?
Then I have a medical check-up appt followed by lunch appt. After that, I have yet to decide what to do... Hmm resting and slacking sounds good. Too bad couldn't make a trip to JB. Had thought of asking Dad to drive in like today but due to the sudden passing of a granduncle, so they had to go back for the funeral, just came back this afternoon. Oh well... another time for that.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Kinda a non-affair weekend
I spent Friday in a tired sleepy stupor. Fell asleep into the second hymn of the royal wedding. Slept until 10 plus. Later woke for dinner, watch the 10s of news abt the wedding, the carriage ride n the wave from the balcony. Was online looking at comics until the wee hours. Cos couldn't sleep.
The next day, got ready for guitar. On the bus to clementi, got a call to cancel the lesson. I went home... Tired was thinking of what to do. Wanted to sleep but couldn't. Later helped parents to carry heavy luggages to the car. They are bringing a friend's luggage to the airport but both old n aged. So I helped carry the luggage to the car and load it. Then sis came back with a new juicer and made some fruit juice. Drank and headed to the gym.
Need to go to the gym to increase calorie deficit. Plus went once on Wed. Eating at the status quo calorie intake... Can't seem to get it down. I really need to substitue a meal with a low calorie replacement. Eating the rum & raisin version 1 ice cream also meant hitting borderline calorie excess... Hmm after this version 2, I shall not be making more.
Dragged my ass to the gym again just before meeting up with friends for dinner. Met up with friends over sushi dinner n later tea cum dessert. Laughed quite a bit, one part my jaws hurt. Meal-wise, I just made calorie limit, no deficit. It's a good break from the hectic n dull schedule. Will rest n start looking around. Have some errands to run. Also pick up the exercise routine n weight loss discipline.
Sunday is kinda a non-affair. Really just slept late. Watched cable tv. Went out to buy dinner and cream for the second version of Rum and Raisin ice cream. After this try, I wont be making again. Cos I end up eating it and its not good for my attempts at lowering my calorie intake... But I tasted the mixture before it went into the freezer. It tastes better than version 1. Smoother. Need to see how it turns out after the freezing. Nothing much else happening. Just lots of tv and some internet.
The next day, got ready for guitar. On the bus to clementi, got a call to cancel the lesson. I went home... Tired was thinking of what to do. Wanted to sleep but couldn't. Later helped parents to carry heavy luggages to the car. They are bringing a friend's luggage to the airport but both old n aged. So I helped carry the luggage to the car and load it. Then sis came back with a new juicer and made some fruit juice. Drank and headed to the gym.
Need to go to the gym to increase calorie deficit. Plus went once on Wed. Eating at the status quo calorie intake... Can't seem to get it down. I really need to substitue a meal with a low calorie replacement. Eating the rum & raisin version 1 ice cream also meant hitting borderline calorie excess... Hmm after this version 2, I shall not be making more.
Dragged my ass to the gym again just before meeting up with friends for dinner. Met up with friends over sushi dinner n later tea cum dessert. Laughed quite a bit, one part my jaws hurt. Meal-wise, I just made calorie limit, no deficit. It's a good break from the hectic n dull schedule. Will rest n start looking around. Have some errands to run. Also pick up the exercise routine n weight loss discipline.
Sunday is kinda a non-affair. Really just slept late. Watched cable tv. Went out to buy dinner and cream for the second version of Rum and Raisin ice cream. After this try, I wont be making again. Cos I end up eating it and its not good for my attempts at lowering my calorie intake... But I tasted the mixture before it went into the freezer. It tastes better than version 1. Smoother. Need to see how it turns out after the freezing. Nothing much else happening. Just lots of tv and some internet.
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