The F1 season is here!

It's frustrating to know that it is Monday tomorrow.

I have the urge to privatized the blog, probably shifting it to livejournal. But knowing that some of my friends still reads them and they are probably too lazy to create a livejournal account, I'll still keep my blog up here.

I can't get over that I'm working tomorrow.

UGLY. UGLY SINGAPOREANS!

Had a busy, tiring and exciting day that I must must blog this. I've witness 2 cases of UGLY Singaporeans. VERY UGLY. 

Woke up (unwillingly) at 830 this morning and went all the way to Suntec to collect my running bib for Swing KPE. The collection was smooth. I was issued black XL T-shirt for male 10km and orange for me. The run is FREE, so we don't have the right to argue to anything regarding the T-shirts. Afterall, it isnt easy to accommodate so many people and I believe the budget is tight given a free run. All was great until when I was about to leave. 2 aunties came, ferociously trying to change the black T-shirt for the orange/green one. The pathetic helper was trying hard to explain to them that exchange is not possible and that different colours represent different category of run and gender differentiation. They refuse to agree upon and continue to bargain for the exchange. Even when the overall in-charge came over, they still insist on exchanging. Of course, they left with disappointment with cursing and swearing spurting out of their mouth. UGLY. period. 

Up next, I went to a VICHY product launch at SPH. It was my mum's idea to go and since it is just S$15 with many samples and it is so near my house, I gave in too. After confirming attendance and getting our goodie bag, we proceed on to look for seats. We sat at 3rd row beside some goodie bags neatly placed. People start streaming in and fill the front seats as well. And there came 2 aunties, who came early and placed their goodie bag' to book their seat. Apparently, they booked the 2nd row. But their 'goodie bag' is now at 3rd row. What would you do if you were in this situation? I'll just take the 3rd row. Afterall, what is the difference between sitting on the 2nd row and 3rd row? Well, the 2 aunties think otherwise. They keep on asking who moved their stuff and apparently think that it is those sitting in the 2nd row that moved their stuff. The fact is, the 2nd row pple were here later than us, and the stuff is already on the 3rd row when we reach. When noone 'admits', they start spouting curses and swears. Scolding the 2nd row pple 恐怖，恐怖份子，没有礼貌 and many many unpleasant words. I very much wanted to rebuke her accusations. I decide to keep my mouth shut. Such unreasonable aunties are not worth my effort. They are probably those kind of aunties who will find 1001 excuses for a single mistake they make and make 1001 accusations for a mistake others didn't make. VERY UGLY. period. 

I promise God I will NEVER be such persons as described above, even when I'm in my auntie stage in future, I will NEVER be so unreasonable to cause unnecessary harm to people around me. Amen. 

To date, I have yet to purchase my Goodwood Park Hotel mooncake. It is OOS everywhere. I wanted to join the queue today. But by the time i reached, the queue is already 40 meters long and the mooncakes have yet to be delievered. I even went to 4 locations to try, INCLUDING the hotel itself. It is OUT OF STOCK. EVERYWHERE. I will take leave to buy next week. RAH!!!!!

And speaking of the VICHY seminar, surprised to meet a familiar face - Esther, currently a vendor but was previously working in my company. And what I have learnt in the seminar.

1) aging spots is sometimes unavoidable due to aging. 

2) Sunblock is the best prevention. 

3) Even with the best technique, without sunblock care, the result is still zero. 

I'm glad I started my sun protection 2 years ago. ;p

I'm not using VICHY's whitening but my mum has great results with it. It is not so much suitable for me as mine mainly consists of post acne scars. I do have some sun spots which my Lancome Spot eraser is doing its job well. (which I think the VICHY whitening will do good to my sun spots too) And for post acne scars, I swear by SKII Whitening source dermdefinition. SKII really work wonders. 

Unexpectedly, I'm working tmrw, to rush a trouble report. Sian. But well, a good chance to earn more pocket money. 

Weary

Drenched in weariness. Workload has been high from Apr - Jun. Though the dip sets in in July where most objectives completed, another form of weariness take charge.

The weariness of the upheavals due to the many non work related yet complicated issues at workplace, one after another. And they seems to come at at alarming rate. Many weren't of my direct concern, yet, all bring about an inner justice (or rather injustice) I cannot simply just shove it away from my mind.

Juggling and trying to mediate colleagues' affairs seems to bring me to a mentally and physically drained state. It is amazing how one's cynicism can affect the many around. Demoralizing it can be, but my persistent affirmative attempts brought about even more persistent negative response that I'm now choosing to escape from what it does not even concern me in the first place.

The increment is at an usual shameful rate that I'm so afraid to share with my friends. Nothing extra. Nothing my boss can do. Nothing I can do. Nothing I can think of I can do. I'm freaking drained and bored by the daily routine (due to 3 resigned and not replaced colleagues) which wins no appreciation. What will be, will be. I love my boss, my gl, my colleagues and my technicians, and that is enough to explain.

And I'm deeply glad when the Snr Production Engr complimented on our technician's increasing and admirable skills they have improved so far. Though the compliments were not directly conveyed to them, they are always a group of technicians we are very proud of. I'm sure my GL will agree in unison. GL built the team up, from a group of technically unsound to a group of capable technicians. No words can express my appreciation. They are just VERY great.

Jump ship? Well, I'm at a yacht now. Cruising and no specific direction as long as the master wishes it to be. Enjoying the laid-back style at the yacht yet I longed for a mission ship. But at the same time, worried that the mission shop might turn out to be a pirate's ship. I would love to be in a passenger cruise, but that will mean that behind the scene is the many hard work to put in, with little monetary returns. There are small wooden boats that float around. And I sometimes wonder if I need to hop on these small boats in order to reach the bigger ships. Future is such a unknown thing. And without knowing which ship you want, it becomes a chore to have to decide which one you want.

God gives you a choice, always. But yet, as human beings, the word 'no choice' seems to be hanging around the tip of the tongue. Man are craving for choices, but are yet losers for choices. Life's enigma always exists. Maybe because Adam and Eve have first sinned by eating fruits from the tree of knowledge and wanting to know what is good and bad. Obviously it didn't work, that sin has marred many generations with the urge in differentiating good and bad. And the choices further made us want to differentiate good and bad at every step we do. So much said, that doesn't make us look great as if we want to do good with each choice. Everyone of us, at any point of our life, does things we know is bad, even though we have a choice to choose the path we consciously know it is right/good.

Life's paradox.

I can't help but I went to read my first few post. And look at this one. That was a conversation between my friend (JC-NTU-Seagate friend, current still in same yacht) and me. For laughter.

Dont laugh too hard. Sometimes, God can play little jokes when you take a peek back your life journey. That was just mere 3 years ago.

~~~~~~~@

Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I've noticed an increase in whining about work. I can't help but this is another.

My manager broke news on having one member less. It is not known to us who is the one. Whether or not, it is me, the sadness still linger. If it is me, it just means that the company is shutting the last hope that I held on tightly. I've been holding on to the job because of the best colleagues. If I were to be placed in another dept, that would meant that the last holding factor is gone. If another colleague were to be transfer out, the sadness grew too. Because each and every colleague means a lot to me.

My colleagues are now making guesses and feeling unsure of what lies ahead.

The company installed the work tracking system where every file that you open, anything that you copy, delete, save, etc will be recorded.

However, it doesnt have a deep impact on me. Probably, I have alternatives if I need to do personal stuff, I'm not bothered by it.

But a conversation I overheard between one of the engineers with the vendor.

Vendor: (asking his some technical questions)
Engr: Oh, we do not have internet access here.
Vendor: huh?
Engr: Eh, yah. Specific personnel (referring to Japanese and management level) do have access to the internet. But with quite a couple of sites blocked.
Vendor: HUH? (With a unbelievable look)

And yes, all my friends have internet access at work. And I do think that the more you try to restrict people from using, the more they react towards the actions the management takes. People will feel a sense of dreadfulness knowing that the management do not place trust in employees and that abuse is definitely imminent.

In this case, when the management just hopes to ensure the security of their intellectual propriety by having such tracking program running, everyone thinks that the management is trying to pry into what the employees are doing.

Seriously, do you think the management bothers to pry into what exactly you are doing? We open and close so many files everyday, access to so many folders everyday, who would have the capability to monitor? It is only when intellectual propriety issues happen that they check.

However, with the tracking system installed, the feeling of dreadfulness persists. Thanks to all the restrictions imposed.

Sprained neck

Of all places, I sprained my neck! I could only move a 30 degree radial. And probably a 45 degree up down motion.

The doctor's medication didnt help much. I wonder if i could sleep tonight. I didnt sleep last night though. The pain was too excruciating to bear.

Faster than official release

Due to my broad based readers which include many colleagues I know and do not know, I decide to be faster than the official (press) release.

Yes. Everything was expected. But most of it were absurd.

Swapping/promoting from one designation to another. One or two are with credentials and proven track records, I salute those in awe. Many, to my disbelief, is going to hold appointments of which I have no basis to respect their expertise in new appointments.

Multiple promotions within a year seems to be the latest trend. And such promotions doesnt seem to come with warranted credentials. As long as you are in the right click of pple, success is guaranteed.

So much saying about giving your employees benefits, pay adjustment, making your employees happy and satisfied. But our increment % still remains at a pathetic 3%. And we need to slog hard for our engineering allowance of a pathetically amount which get reduced if you happen to be hospitalized. Yes, mine will be reduce drastically soon. Isnt the engineering allowance meant to bridge the difference in our pay compared to the industry's? Seriously, even with the engineering allowance, we are still falling behind.

To get a clearer picture, the management ask us to cut cost. We are told that they try to make our salaries competitive. They did. Some small adjustment. We are slightly slightly happier than before. We risked our life to cut cost here, there, and everywhere. We worked hard and earn salary (with fluctuations). They say they try to give us the best bonus. We have no say but to nod in unanimity.

Then, after giving bonus, they do a sudden management change with many promoted. Promotion = pay increment.

Do you find any similarities in any life situation you are in now? If yes, you are as smart as me. No prize for that though.

Yes. I think they love SG's gahmen. They take SG's gahmen as a role model. We were told that increase in gst is inevitable. To unload our burden (pacify us), they give us offset package. We were slightly happier. Sometimes, we got little bonus from the gahmen too! We, again, have no say, but still vote for Pay-And-Pay. After all these, the gahmen says pple managing the gahmen needs to be rewarded more. OooooOOooooOOOo.... And if you happen to be born of the Lee family, success is almost guaranteed. OooooOOooooOOoo.... *tink tink tink* Does this illustration ring a familiar bell?

But of course there are some difference. In the Pay-And-Pay situation, yes, they work hard to keep us safe and peaceful. Although they make mistakes once in a blue moon like the prison break re-enact, all in all, things are still cool.

In the our situation now, the management decides that a person maintaining the building can do a even better and higher authority job at managing our company's procurement issues. It is like promoting a grassroot leader (with no trade or economics background) to minister of trade and industry.

Hur hur hur.... So Smart! *roll eyes*

Letting out some rants!

Thinking back, I'm amazed how God trapped me in such an industry for over 4 freaking years. Every time, I tell myself not to get there AGAIN, I'm always there.

Back in 2004, I had attachment at Seagate from Jan-Jun. I was in sputter team, with projects mainly on yield improvement and extending carbon shield life. I do think I had given good opportunity compared to two others who mainly do carbon target measurements. My supervisor and manager gave me opportunity in doing product qualifications too. I think I did well. I even monitor yield and sputter parameters every hour. For a young attachment student, I think I'm quite impressive. But my interest wasnt really lying in recording media.

Right after attachment, I started my FYP project. Guess what, my FYP is on Copper (Cu) Overcoat for Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (PMR). In addition, my project is at DSI (Data Storage Institute). I'm once again, stuck in the industry for another 1 year. I learnt a lot - AFM, VSM, MFM, XRD, etc etc.. But its not considered fun for me.

When I graduated, I told myself not to land myself there. I got myself into a small local firm doing machines for aerospace industry. It is fun and learning curve is steep. But the pay is very undesirable. I resigned in search of better opportunities.

Dec 2005, I came across advert of my current company. And having a friend working there as well, i tried, interviewed, got it. In fact, I didnt send any resume during the entire interviewing process and I was jobless for a mth. It was all fated. I'm back into the industry AGAIN.

2 1/2 years down the road, I'm still here. Dating back from 2004, I've been in the same industry for so long, doing something I know it is not of my interest.

Rahhh!! God, bring me out of Egypt!! hahaha!
(Historical background:- God's people was at slavery situation when in Egypt. And through many miracles performed by God, they were being led out of slavery by Moses. Refer to the movie 'The prince of Egypt' for more info)

I knew I wanted more in life. I knew engineering might not be a place I love to be in. But the wonderful boss and colleagues are too lovely to make me leave.

So much about the industry. Let me rant abt things I dont like about my company.

Quarterly presentation. Seriously, the routine stuff you doing isnt much appreciated. The experiments you can do is restricted since no downtime is allowed. Machine modification require downtime too. So everyone hates quarterly. Cause have to wu2 zhong1 shen1 you3. Everyone grumbles, but still squeeze something out of nothing. We need our engineering allowance.

Courses and bond. I was talking to my friend who is at UK. She was there for training for 1.5 yrs. When she's back, she'll be bond for 2 yrs. Another lady whose company will pay for all courses (masters included) and no bond to be on her as long as she takes it after working hours. Brr.. Ours? A 3k CQE course at outside office hours yields a 1 yr bond. Duh..

Organization. Well, its not affecting me now. But affecting my friend wef nxt week.

Pay. I think we are turning into monkeys soon. Pay can somewhat affect interest. But it wasn't at a balance now.

Seagate is recruiting. And the pay is good. Lube dept environment is quite alright. Yes, was tempted for 2 seconds. But I ask God to bring me out of Egypt, not into Cairo.

Oh well oh well... OK! Enough of complains. Tmrw goes back to office to prepare quarterly presentation AGAIN.

God, bring me out of Egypt! Bring me to Paris! Hahahahahahaha!!

Motivation or discouragement?

Though it is not the first time it happened, it still set tears down my cheeks. And spoils the entire mood for the day. Not for the monetary value, but my self worth.

And just as everything seems to pile and and set a good opportunity and environment to learn and grow, a disappointment has to befall... I'm tired of all these... because I see no justification being laid upon.

Or maybe routine monotonous and yet have-to-clear 'shit' is invisible in the eyes of others?

Seriously, I feel damned.

Infected..

When the infection happens to be your eye, you know you have to stay in. What would you do?
A) Insist that you should go to work. (But end up been banished back home)
B) Sleep (And put weight)
C) Read a book (and infect the book)
D) Reply emails (from the girlies)
E) Do some shopping (and infect pple around)
F) Play Facebook (and win lots of munni)

Ahhh... Why is 2008 so 'eventful' negatively? Or should I put it as 'viral-ful'? It is just 15 working days in 2008 and this is my 5th MC. I've infected 4 persons at work. 2 of whom my close colleagues are seriously infected. One of whom on MC for 3 days last week. Another is puking, coughing and will be on MC tmrw. Now I wonder how many more I'm going to infect this time.

I'm still coughing, and my rib cage hurts as a result...

Sigh.. What a way to start 2008...

Rantings of work

There's always stupidity at workplace.

There are always kuku pple around.

Like when u try to use something new call XXX and it catches fire and burn u like hell...

But the decision is.. continue to burn in hell...

What the hell...

I tried to be as saintly and holy as possible. But sometimes, I do get turn off too..

Or maybe it is the PMS getting in the way.. RAAHHH...

SK2 stinks big time. Their so-called Pitera is super stinky! The chemical name for the Pitera is Saccharomycopsis FERMENT Filtrate. Now you know why SK2 stinks!! But to be frank, it works! *pinch nose and continue to use FERMENT on my face*

If you wanna get New Year/Chinese NY/Valentine/Good Friday prezzie for me, you can get me vouchers from Isetan (preferred), Taka, Metro, or wherever that sells skincare. I will love you. Hahaa!!!

I managed to sold off some skincare I dont use anymore. I sold 2 moisturiser for S$30 off yahoo auctions!! I'm gonna post more of the items I dont use up and get some cashback!!

I'm grounded..

As the title says, I'm grounded.. Roar! And thats because I'm terribly terribly sick!

The amt of medication I'm taking:


Visited the doctor for 3 times within 4 days.

I'm on MC on Wednesday and Friday. With my current condition now, I wonder if I need an MC on Monday. Hope not though.

I've super swollen throat. So swollen that even swallowing saliva is a major task! My throat and ear seems to have the burning sensation pain everytime i swallow something. *ouch* Cough for the entire night until I couldnt get a wink! Flu came in too!!

In short, I'm sick to the max!!

I'm sorry for the pre-arranged appts I couldn't go. Especially Shaozhen & Andy's post wedd celebration! Sorry for all the appts I have to cancel. My deepest apologies!!

What a way to start 2008! *smack forehead*

I'm so so tired even though I'm on leave. Brrr....

Mon - Work, steamboat at qing's, chat till wee in the night @2am
Tue - Service @9am, Lunch, Shopping, Dinner, Shopping, Home, Tired
Wed - Manicure with HUi, Movie with Hui and LH, Zouk With min, qing, shir, kate till 4am
Thurs - Isetan Private Sale, Pri sch friend (Wufeng's) Bday
Fri - Clearing some of my stuff, meet Gab in town.

Freaking tired.

Pictures to be up later.

I dont know why, but I'm not feeling joy. I wonder why. But level of lethargic has went beyond control. I really need rest.

Reaching the end of the year, it means I have to make a decision for cell group. It is a tough decision to choose. I've decided not to choose any. As for service, seems like going adam or PL becomes another difficult choice too. I've great friends at both side. See how it goes then. I have to agree that the splitting thing made me shun church activities. My tight schedule made things worse. Come what may.

Ah Kang just made me cry..
Kang says: (9:00:07 PM)
i mean think of it this way.. if u choose not to choose and just walk "away" from God, it will be more upsetting to any group of us than if u have chosen the other group!

I dont like the idea of leaving/parting.

i HATE christmas

5 reasons i HATE christmas..
1) Jesus grew one year older. *sigh*
2) The malls get way OVER crowded.
3) The sinful food are getting on the dining tables.
4) Headache when getting xmas prezzie.
5) The true meaning of christmas isnt very well made known and appreciated.

Poor Jesus got one year older. But I dont think He minds.

If I could petition, I hope that the govt could try to control the population of Singapore. I know there is economic boom when people spend. More pple, more spending, more economic growth. But the situation is getting way too exaggerating. There is crowd everywhere. I dont think the govt feels the impact anyway. They dont go to the malls. Maybe God should do a mega-flood again, to take control of the situation. *struggle for breathing space*

Needless for explanation, sinful food lures me. Gluttony is a sin.

The idea of xmas has been commercialised. We, now, buy xmas prezzies for the sake of buying. And to accommodate all, we buy trashy stuff for one another. In short, we buy more trash and give more trash. The ones smiling at the end of the day are the retailers. They must be the ones who invented the slogan: The season of giving. The hoax slogan.

What does Christmas mean to you? For believers, it is our saviour's birthday. For non-believers, it is a religion's founder's birthday. It is a day of remembering Him. Some Christmas carols are quite crappy. Personally, I feel that the Christmas song - "Joy to the world" contained the essential meaning of Christmas.

i HATE christmas. To be precise, I hate the commercialised christmas!!

I guess the super duper crowded malls and the buying of prezzies made me real cranky. Does GOD want us to show our love for one another in this way? Jesus gave a lot of prezzies to mankind when He was up and running on earth. He gave sincere gifts - gifts of miracles, gift of truth, gift of life. He gives things mankind need. He gives comfort mankind needs. He gives eternal life mankind needs.

We, disciples of Jesus, give trashy stuff mankind doesn't need.

The best gift you can give to someone is your time, your love, your listening ear.

The best gift I receive so far must be Trinity's Christmas play/performance. It is amazing. Ask anyone who attended it. Astounding is an understatement. I am deeply impressed. God must be at work! Well done!!

Tired and Busy are just understatements. (which explains my slow and brief post)

Everyday is so packed. Everyday is either stuck at work or having appointments. Sometimes, I get 3 appointments on the same day. And I had to choose one, either first-come-first served or priorities.

I'm so tired. But I enjoy every single moment.

I promised I will update my blog with my past happenings soon!!! Esp. Min's wedding!!

Thank God that Thurs is a holiday! Weeee!!!

Somehow I felt a little empty about life. Maybe I'm getting a little tired and bored. Oh well....

Nothing to share about actually. A little too empty. Maybe it has been long since I last did a retail therepy. Sigh.

Thanks Chan for the companionship! Very much appreciated.

Having bad cramps, I think I shld stay in at home.

Some entertainment.. For those who play GB, a knight vs dragon, who wins?

It depends on the player. But dragon won. But yesterday, my dragon and knight lose to commoners. Bleah!

Gum Gum.. PAIN....

I extract my last tooth on my top right set of teeth. Did a root canel, scaling, filling too. All for RM320. Cheap! They can easily cost SGD600-700 in Singapore. Money saved.

But the anaesthetic starts to wear off, and the PAIN is coming it... Eewww....

JX is now having painful gums... due to the large hole after big tooth extraction. Ouch!

Secret <不能说的秘密>

Watched this yesterday! Nice! :) No regrets waking up early in the morning to go Woodlands to catch this in a 10-persons cinema. :)


Somehow, I didnt expect much for this. But it turn out pleasantly great! Maybe we should lower our expectations in life. Life will be happier this way. :)

And here's our farewell dinner for one of my colleague - Jensen.

Hmm.. I dont have much work related issues with him. But he's one of my closer colleagues. Our conversations always landed in BGR issues! Not that I want, but he is always landing the conversation in that track. *faint* Still, a nice guy. :)

I had a tired weekend... So Monday blues.......

Photo courtesy of Alvin's Amelia. :)

August is finally over!!! Claps!!! Although September didnt start that well, there's increment and bonus to look forward to!! Ok, at least there is something to look forward. :)

For some reason, I'm contemplating to move my blog. Not because of friends, church buddies, colleagues, or even mere strangers... but paternal relatives. I feel insecure in my writings...
Oh well....

Thought of the day:

There or not there?

Not there.

The week just whoosh past... just like that...

Recalling what I've done the past week,
Mon - Dine with KH
Tue - Shiseido Sale
Wed - Went to get a new TV
Thurs - Dine with Lileen
Fri - Rest at home
Sat - Power weekend at Trinity
Sun - Meetup with sec sch pals

Indeed it just whoosh past....

I'm glad I went to the Shiseido sale, even though the crowd, the pushing, etc, wasnt that pleasant, I found my primary school friend!! She's working in Shiseido. WOW! Although she added me on friendster like not too long ago, I'm glad we found each other familiar and 'reunited' as friends. She's the best deal I got from the sale! Haha!!

It was light damage for the sale. A Shiseido e/s palette (S$25), Shiseido Lip Stick (S$15) and Shiseido Lip Gloss (S$12). Gab got exactly the same thing (in exact shades) as me. Our total buys (inclu. of SZ's lip glosses) is even less than SZ's damage on her first attempt. SZ, we spend less than $130 including your lippies lor.... But well, since you're getting married soon, money spent to look good is always worth the price!!


My phone is getting cranky sometimes. If you can't hear me speak, try again. It happens occasionally. Until it get worse, then this will come...



Errr.. S$800... Till I strike lottery... Till then.....
Or this could be a cheaper alternative...



This is 5MP Camera phone. Do I need it when I already have a 5MP Canon Ixus? Lets see how much this will be priced at. And see how much increment and bonus I will get. Lets see lets see...

I have a spare phone to live on though. But that one has sms problem. *tniaoz* Please help pray for the survival of my phone! My dear W810i, please, be good. =) I've so much precious secrets in you. You have to survive!

Someone's new partner suggested that I look strong. And on asking the other friends, some agree. *shake head* Thats is so not true!! I'm not as strong as I look. I rem Chan told me something I thought to be true. Those who look strong on the exterior usually has the weakest in the heart. I agree. We both look strong outside. But are we really that strong? Hmm....

Chan is out of town in Turkey!! Enjoy yourself!!! And be back safe and sound!!!

Thought of the week:
God give pleasant surprises! It may be the darkest hour before dawn, but look forward to dawn and be strong during the darkest hour. It is always tough to BELIEVE during the darkest hour. But you'll be in for great surprises and wonderful gifts from GOD. :)