Kayaking 1 Star completed on 4th and 5th of April. Initially a bit afraid of the capsize drill as I (believe it or not) have a bit of hydrophobia. After a few times of capsizing (intentionally and unintentionally), I think its quite fun! Will probably do 2 Star in July after the June race.
I've recently had a new found enthusiasm in learning some new skills. Windsurfing, Powerboating and the Basic Exercise Course are up next! I'm also taking my private driving lessons and hope to obtain my license by June! Wish me luck :)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Good Friday Ah Roy's Birthday 2009
Spent a fantastic Easter with 3 great pals. :)
1230
Galvin: Eh...I think Alvin till sleeping leh......
Chad: Hmm.......then how? I'm hungry!
1315
Galvin: Ok I come pick you up then we head to Alvin's place to pick him up? Thai Express at Siglap for lunch?
Chad: *beaming* Onz!
1345
Picked Alvin Up. Thai Express here we come!
1415
Tom Yum Talay, Chicken Basil with rice, Crispy fish cake, Chicken wings, Mango salad etc.......Famished but the waiter took forever to serve the food!
1530
Went to Siglap Centre and Werner's Oven to look for Roystern's birthday cake (his birthday is the next day). Couldn't find anything for the picky bday boy....Alvin's sister suggested Tampines mall.
1545
Pouring rain and impossible traffic in Tampines (because a new mall just opened) forced us to detour to Changi Airport to get the cake!
1600
Finally found the Tiramisu cake at Crystal Jade in T3. Yipee! Alvin's place for mahjong!
1630
Galvin, Alvin, Chad and Alvin's sister preparing for some mahjong faceoff! Time to show my claws!
2000
2 rounds of mahjong later, I emerge victorious and seventy six dollars richer! Thanks Galvin and Alvin! 下次再来！ Birthday boy arrived in time for dinner.
2100
Dinner at Xinwang. Birthday boy signed up for Xinwang membership, got discounts and free red wine. Had my favourite 四季豆炒虾米， 午餐肉蛋饭 and 港式特制奶茶. Burp!
2230
Galvin's place to get my cantonese drama while he freshens up!
2300
One of my favorite part of the night: Durian time! Headed down to Kovan area for durian. Dick joined us as he lives in the area. Had D24 durian at half price (5 boxes at $50)....thought I'd died and gone to heaven! Paid for durian with my mahjong winnings.....good things must share!
0000
Happy 27th Birthday Roystern!!!! Stay young, handsome, smart, fun, healthy and wealthy forever!
0030
Cake cutting at Alvin's place. I love cakes, but this Tiramisu cake is mediocre......
0115
Second round of mahjong faceoff with Alvin's Dad, Alvin and Galvin......Alvin's Dad almost won a 13 wonders! But alas, 天有眼。。if not I could have been $40 poorer! Luck is not good for the first few rounds.....
0330
Emerged unscathed with a pitiful winning of $1.50, which I donated to Alvin. Alvin's Dad was the overall winner at $30.
0415
Home at last. Thanks Galvin for always sending me home. You've saved me lots of cab money throughout the year!!
0500
Nicely tucked in bed after a nice hot shower.
A wonderful closure to a wonderful day with wonderful friends. Must do this again sometime soon!
Evidence of fun!
Roy with his birthday cake
Birthday boy and me
Roy & Alvin. One for memories.
Galvin eyeing the cake.
1230
Galvin: Eh...I think Alvin till sleeping leh......
Chad: Hmm.......then how? I'm hungry!
1315
Galvin: Ok I come pick you up then we head to Alvin's place to pick him up? Thai Express at Siglap for lunch?
Chad: *beaming* Onz!
1345
Picked Alvin Up. Thai Express here we come!
1415
Tom Yum Talay, Chicken Basil with rice, Crispy fish cake, Chicken wings, Mango salad etc.......Famished but the waiter took forever to serve the food!
1530
Went to Siglap Centre and Werner's Oven to look for Roystern's birthday cake (his birthday is the next day). Couldn't find anything for the picky bday boy....Alvin's sister suggested Tampines mall.
1545
Pouring rain and impossible traffic in Tampines (because a new mall just opened) forced us to detour to Changi Airport to get the cake!
1600
Finally found the Tiramisu cake at Crystal Jade in T3. Yipee! Alvin's place for mahjong!
1630
Galvin, Alvin, Chad and Alvin's sister preparing for some mahjong faceoff! Time to show my claws!
2000
2 rounds of mahjong later, I emerge victorious and seventy six dollars richer! Thanks Galvin and Alvin! 下次再来！ Birthday boy arrived in time for dinner.
2100
Dinner at Xinwang. Birthday boy signed up for Xinwang membership, got discounts and free red wine. Had my favourite 四季豆炒虾米， 午餐肉蛋饭 and 港式特制奶茶. Burp!
2230
Galvin's place to get my cantonese drama while he freshens up!
2300
One of my favorite part of the night: Durian time! Headed down to Kovan area for durian. Dick joined us as he lives in the area. Had D24 durian at half price (5 boxes at $50)....thought I'd died and gone to heaven! Paid for durian with my mahjong winnings.....good things must share!
0000
Happy 27th Birthday Roystern!!!! Stay young, handsome, smart, fun, healthy and wealthy forever!
0030
Cake cutting at Alvin's place. I love cakes, but this Tiramisu cake is mediocre......
0115
Second round of mahjong faceoff with Alvin's Dad, Alvin and Galvin......Alvin's Dad almost won a 13 wonders! But alas, 天有眼。。if not I could have been $40 poorer! Luck is not good for the first few rounds.....
0330
Emerged unscathed with a pitiful winning of $1.50, which I donated to Alvin. Alvin's Dad was the overall winner at $30.
0415
Home at last. Thanks Galvin for always sending me home. You've saved me lots of cab money throughout the year!!
0500
Nicely tucked in bed after a nice hot shower.
A wonderful closure to a wonderful day with wonderful friends. Must do this again sometime soon!
Evidence of fun!
Roy with his birthday cake
Birthday boy and me
Roy & Alvin. One for memories.
Galvin eyeing the cake.
Monday, February 9, 2009
My First Pineapple Tarts
Who would have thought that Chad can cook, not to say bake some delectable pineapple tarts? My Mum makes fantastic pineapple tarts, and I made her teach me how to when she came back for Chinese New Year. Here are the results of my first effort.....not too bad yeah?
Each tart is carefully molded into perfection (ok...maybe not perfection, but definitely yummy!). It takes a lot of concentration and patience cos my fingers are not nimble.
Not really good at arranging tarts am I??
The next thing I'm gonna learn is making Cheesecake. Anyone with a yummy recipe to pass on to me?
Each tart is carefully molded into perfection (ok...maybe not perfection, but definitely yummy!). It takes a lot of concentration and patience cos my fingers are not nimble.
Not really good at arranging tarts am I??
The next thing I'm gonna learn is making Cheesecake. Anyone with a yummy recipe to pass on to me?
Monday, January 5, 2009
There...I've done it
For those who've read my previous post on acting cute, I've just confessed my sin. Guilty as charged. What the heck, I don't have any excuses because the evidence is right there, all 2 fingers of it. In my weak defense, I was caught up in the joyously contagious mood of ushering in the New Year. I should put my foot in my mouth and be banished to hello kitty land.
I hope you are happy now!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Scorpion who've lost his sting
Mood: Gloom
Turning 29 is not a turning point in my life. It is, however the first time in many years that I celebrated my birthday with such festivities. I thank all my friends and colleagues who took the time out and celebrated my birthday with me, I really had a fantastic time.
November seems to be a month of birthdays. Joo, Alvin, Kerry, Caroline, Ben, Jennifer, Joe, Tracie, Windy, Yeacy, Sylvia......and the list goes on. The reason for this phenomenon, in my opinion, is that around February (Valentine's Day) of each year, couples tend to increase their pro-create-tivity (if there is ever such a word) due to the season of love and 9 months down the road they reap the fruits of their labour of love. Sweet huh? It is however an expensive month for those with many Scorpion friends. You burn a hole in your pocket buying gifts and dinners you wish you didn't have any friends.
Ever since the departure of my immediate supervisor, I've taken on most of his responsibilities, on top of my own. With the transfer of Akshay to another department and only Daphne to support, I've been stretched beyond what I thought I was capable of doing. To me, it seems like there are too many things going on at the same time that requires my attention, and my failure is sometimes being unable to prioritise things, and at times, trying to put everything as priority. I've been putting considerable stress on myself to deliver the resourcing brochure in time and of stellar quality. Although my boss is generally quite happy with the progress, I feel that there are so many things I could have done better. It sucks to be feeling this way.
My health, of late hasn't been fantastic either. Just last week during training, I felt like vomitting halfway and had to take a rest. The past few days my stomach has been feeling weak and hurts when I walk. With the race on Saturday, I feel physically unprepared for it and I feel really really disappointed with myself. I believe it is all stress related and I need to find a way to alleviate my stress quickly!
Like a Scorpion who've lost its sting, I feel like I've lost my worth. I hope to get my groove back soon.
Turning 29 is not a turning point in my life. It is, however the first time in many years that I celebrated my birthday with such festivities. I thank all my friends and colleagues who took the time out and celebrated my birthday with me, I really had a fantastic time.
November seems to be a month of birthdays. Joo, Alvin, Kerry, Caroline, Ben, Jennifer, Joe, Tracie, Windy, Yeacy, Sylvia......and the list goes on. The reason for this phenomenon, in my opinion, is that around February (Valentine's Day) of each year, couples tend to increase their pro-create-tivity (if there is ever such a word) due to the season of love and 9 months down the road they reap the fruits of their labour of love. Sweet huh? It is however an expensive month for those with many Scorpion friends. You burn a hole in your pocket buying gifts and dinners you wish you didn't have any friends.
Ever since the departure of my immediate supervisor, I've taken on most of his responsibilities, on top of my own. With the transfer of Akshay to another department and only Daphne to support, I've been stretched beyond what I thought I was capable of doing. To me, it seems like there are too many things going on at the same time that requires my attention, and my failure is sometimes being unable to prioritise things, and at times, trying to put everything as priority. I've been putting considerable stress on myself to deliver the resourcing brochure in time and of stellar quality. Although my boss is generally quite happy with the progress, I feel that there are so many things I could have done better. It sucks to be feeling this way.
My health, of late hasn't been fantastic either. Just last week during training, I felt like vomitting halfway and had to take a rest. The past few days my stomach has been feeling weak and hurts when I walk. With the race on Saturday, I feel physically unprepared for it and I feel really really disappointed with myself. I believe it is all stress related and I need to find a way to alleviate my stress quickly!
Like a Scorpion who've lost its sting, I feel like I've lost my worth. I hope to get my groove back soon.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Sava Sprint 2008 - September 13 & 14 @ Bedok Reservoir
Results:
Men's 500m finals - 5th placing (out of 15 teams)
Men's 200m finals - 5th placing (out of 15 teams)
We always lose out on a medal. Just when we thought we had a chance of bringing home a medal this year, stronger teams emerge to dash our hopes. This teaches us never to be complacent, and to push ourselves to the limits and beyond every time we get on the boat.
Personally, I feel that I still have some way to go to be able to compete competitively. I've tried my best yesterday and today and really pushed myself to focus on the race, and not the aching in my muscles or the scorching sun on my skin. I've improved since the last race (SDBF) in terms of technique and endurance, and I hope that this coming River Regatta in November, I can truly give myself a big pat on my back and say I am part of Naga Team A!
Behind each weary silhouette is a fierce determination to do our very best and make our brothers proud. That is the true Naga spirit.
Men's 500m finals - 5th placing (out of 15 teams)
Men's 200m finals - 5th placing (out of 15 teams)
We always lose out on a medal. Just when we thought we had a chance of bringing home a medal this year, stronger teams emerge to dash our hopes. This teaches us never to be complacent, and to push ourselves to the limits and beyond every time we get on the boat.
Personally, I feel that I still have some way to go to be able to compete competitively. I've tried my best yesterday and today and really pushed myself to focus on the race, and not the aching in my muscles or the scorching sun on my skin. I've improved since the last race (SDBF) in terms of technique and endurance, and I hope that this coming River Regatta in November, I can truly give myself a big pat on my back and say I am part of Naga Team A!
Behind each weary silhouette is a fierce determination to do our very best and make our brothers proud. That is the true Naga spirit.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
These Hands
Him
It feels empty nowadays, when there is nothing to hold on to. The tan line where the wedding band used to be is the only reminder of the times we had, good and bad. They grasp the pen that signed the pact that bound us together, seemingly forever but now it seems like......never.
Her
It feels empty nowadays, when there is nothing to clean and wash. The tan line where the wedding band used to be is the only grim reminder of the times we had, seldom good, mostly bad. They grasp the pen that signed the pact that blindingly bound me to you, seemingly forever, but now I'm glad it's never!
It feels empty nowadays, when there is nothing to hold on to. The tan line where the wedding band used to be is the only reminder of the times we had, good and bad. They grasp the pen that signed the pact that bound us together, seemingly forever but now it seems like......never.
Her
It feels empty nowadays, when there is nothing to clean and wash. The tan line where the wedding band used to be is the only grim reminder of the times we had, seldom good, mostly bad. They grasp the pen that signed the pact that blindingly bound me to you, seemingly forever, but now I'm glad it's never!
90 beeps
02.09.08
8.50am
CTE
ERP: 9 freaking dollars.
It is one of those mornings when I just couldn't drag my feet to walk 10 mins to the train station and end up being sweaty and agitated, so I hailed a cab, an old Nissan Cedric (there are only a handful of them left on the roads) to save myself from being canned like a sardine.
I like old cabs; the worn out seats, stale smell of the car and cracks on the passenger window gives me a feeling of nostalgia. The taxi was running on an old meter. The button for adding the surcharges comes only in 10 cents denomination (newer models come with dollar options). The poor taxi driver had to press the button 90 freaking times to add up the $9 ERP surcharge. Hearing 90 beeps at one go sounded like Wall.E on steroids.
The taxi driver, after adding up the sums turned around and said that this is the first time he clocked so much in ERP charges as he normally drives night shifts. The look on his face was a mixture of sheepishness and empathy. Sheepish because he feels bad for taking money from me on behalf of the G, empathy because he can understand how bad I must be feeling having my money taken away from me.
He asked me if I needed a receipt, thinking that I can probably get it reimbursed at work. But I told him no. This is my lunch money, just take it.
8.50am
CTE
ERP: 9 freaking dollars.
It is one of those mornings when I just couldn't drag my feet to walk 10 mins to the train station and end up being sweaty and agitated, so I hailed a cab, an old Nissan Cedric (there are only a handful of them left on the roads) to save myself from being canned like a sardine.
I like old cabs; the worn out seats, stale smell of the car and cracks on the passenger window gives me a feeling of nostalgia. The taxi was running on an old meter. The button for adding the surcharges comes only in 10 cents denomination (newer models come with dollar options). The poor taxi driver had to press the button 90 freaking times to add up the $9 ERP surcharge. Hearing 90 beeps at one go sounded like Wall.E on steroids.
The taxi driver, after adding up the sums turned around and said that this is the first time he clocked so much in ERP charges as he normally drives night shifts. The look on his face was a mixture of sheepishness and empathy. Sheepish because he feels bad for taking money from me on behalf of the G, empathy because he can understand how bad I must be feeling having my money taken away from me.
He asked me if I needed a receipt, thinking that I can probably get it reimbursed at work. But I told him no. This is my lunch money, just take it.
Monday, September 1, 2008
I'll never be caught dead......
Early this morning, I found 2 pictures of a colleague in my mailbox who, after much deliberation, decided that they were her best pictures to be posted on our corporate website for a feature on 'the day in the life of an employee'. Talk about putting your best face forward.
The first one is just a normal profile picture with her smiling sweetly. I have no problem with that. Now, the second picture.....maybe she is just trying to show us the "I'm-cuter-than-the-powerpuff-girls-combined" side of her, but it really is not funny when you are over 30 and posing with a kawaii "V" sign with your hands sticking to your face.
The V pose, or any other cutesy hand sign poses are strictly for beings below 5 (for boys) and 10(for girls). Any attempt by anyone to take pictures in these poses beyond the ages is vomit inducing. At this point I am tempted to pose a picture of my male colleague who committed this offence not so long ago, but he has recently shown interest in a member of the opposite sex and I do not want to put an abrupt end to it.
I will never be caught dead posing with the V sign. If you can dig out a picture of me in that pose, I'll buy you a meal. No, make it two (but you must promise to destroy it afterwards). Neither will I (in ascending order of grossness) be caught dead:
1. Wearing low V neck t-shirts that dips all the way down to my torso
2. Scratching my crotch in public
3. Hanging out with my ex-boss stinky
4. Wearing denim shorts
Some of you must wonder why I put wearing denim shorts after hanging out with stinky. Its a close fight I admit, but if I hang out with stinky, I can stand at a distance away from him. If I wear denim shorts, everyone will stand at a distance away from me. I've encountered many gross middle aged men who thinks wearing tight denim shorts is the "in" thing and can accentuate their "curves". I find it plain disturbing and have nightmares afterwards. Denim shorts are only for ladies with tight tushes and slim cellulite free gams.
Now you know my ultimate nightmare: Stinky in low V neck t-shirt and denim shorts scratching his crotch in public.
The first one is just a normal profile picture with her smiling sweetly. I have no problem with that. Now, the second picture.....maybe she is just trying to show us the "I'm-cuter-than-the-powerpuff-girls-combined" side of her, but it really is not funny when you are over 30 and posing with a kawaii "V" sign with your hands sticking to your face.
The V pose, or any other cutesy hand sign poses are strictly for beings below 5 (for boys) and 10(for girls). Any attempt by anyone to take pictures in these poses beyond the ages is vomit inducing. At this point I am tempted to pose a picture of my male colleague who committed this offence not so long ago, but he has recently shown interest in a member of the opposite sex and I do not want to put an abrupt end to it.
I will never be caught dead posing with the V sign. If you can dig out a picture of me in that pose, I'll buy you a meal. No, make it two (but you must promise to destroy it afterwards). Neither will I (in ascending order of grossness) be caught dead:
1. Wearing low V neck t-shirts that dips all the way down to my torso
2. Scratching my crotch in public
3. Hanging out with my ex-boss stinky
4. Wearing denim shorts
Some of you must wonder why I put wearing denim shorts after hanging out with stinky. Its a close fight I admit, but if I hang out with stinky, I can stand at a distance away from him. If I wear denim shorts, everyone will stand at a distance away from me. I've encountered many gross middle aged men who thinks wearing tight denim shorts is the "in" thing and can accentuate their "curves". I find it plain disturbing and have nightmares afterwards. Denim shorts are only for ladies with tight tushes and slim cellulite free gams.
Now you know my ultimate nightmare: Stinky in low V neck t-shirt and denim shorts scratching his crotch in public.
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