Thursday, November 30, 2006

Esplanade, final.

All too soon, the month has come to an end. Another 31 days or so, another year would be passed, leaving us with only memories of 2006. Memories can and will fade away, but it can also be captured and kept for as long as we want to.

Reflections.

Evening.

At times, you'll be just at the right place, at the right time. Hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I do. It's taken outside of the Esplanade.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

I'll be back.

Jed is heading home this coming Friday night!!! By bus!! And it would be Saturday morning when I reach KL! -_-" *sweat weh!* Quite fortunate for me to be able to grab one of the last seats available because coincidentally again, its school holidays for Singaporeans. Oh, didn't manage to get single seats, so I'll be sharing with someone *prays hard for a pretty girl*.

Anyhow, there so much to be done, would really enjoy catching up with everyone, but its like, impossible, since I only have a handful of hours (will be heading back on Sunday evening). The one important mission that must be accomplished would definitely be celebrating the girlfriend's belated birthday, else, who knows what'll happen to me.

Seems like D & E (the Malaysian colleagues) might be heading back for a while somewhere next week, which once again will leave me all alone. I'm the unluckiest among the three (power of 3, Charmed just ended another season here) as I'm always left by myself, be it in the Malaysia office or here, dem sad case weh! Gotta get used to it, more lonely days to come.

My current Project Lead mentioned that there'll be more similar projects coming up in Singapore, which I felt that he's indirectly hinting me that I'll be here for a long, long, long time. Looking from the bright side, its actually not that bad since I'm getting additional allowance on top of my current salary. But... but... but... I miss my KL life lah!!! Miss the girlfriend also *must say this one, else will kena*

One of the things that I really feel like doing for this very long business trip would be to visit either Zouk or MoS. It's kinda hard since D & E don't club and my only choice is to go there alone, which is like, dem siao right? So, anyone kind enough to accompany me to fulfill my wish??? Anyone at all? I'll buy you a drink... Wait a minute, I'm not that desperate lah...

Hope for the best for the many, many days in Singapore to come... Till the next time, cheers!

Monday, November 27, 2006

Still at Esplanade.

Continuation from here.

Inside of Esplanade, an exhibition was ongoing, featuring artworks in the form of wire sculptures. Something similar to those souvenir like stuff made from wires normally seen sold in Petaling Street, but on a larger scale. Have a look at the picture below.

Notice the white text, "Please do not touch Artwork". Seems like even the black colored platform is considered as part of the "artwork", cause Mr.E was sounded by the guard as he tried to get closer to the wire-framed structure.

See through has never been sexier.

National Geographic Special. *Please play the tune in your head*

Coincidently, a bunch of school children were having an out-of-school expedition there. Basically, they were also snapping pictures around and I tell you, if you think Brother Rames is a poser, wait till you see them!!! Super Posers weh!!! *Sorry, but no pictures of them*

All of the exhibition items. It took me a while to take this picture because lots of children "posed" here.

As seen through the frame to frame.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Last Saturday.

Just came back from the Creative Warehouse Sale cum Christmas Sale cum 25th Years Anniversary in it's headquarters in IBP. Most of the items that I have interest in have already been sold out. Sien.

The previous Saturday morning was spent in the office and later, I should be meeting up with KY, who later FFK-ed (canceled the appointment with) me. We were supposed to head over to Orchard Road to immerse ourselves in pre-Christmas celebrations.

Hence, me and E headed over to meet up with D, who was at the Esplanade. Since there's nothing much to do there, so, I took pictures. The following pictures to come are purely of the infamous "Durian" building from various angles. Prepare to be bored.

Pic1. Taken from the rear area of the roof-top. Only at this moment, I had the realization that the angles of the *DunnoWhatIShouldNameIt... roof-tiles?* are differs from one location to another.

Pic2. Taken from one of the entrance.

The roof area of the Esplanade offers a splendid view, thought not from the bird's eye point, of Singapore City, its bay as well as the Merlion (yeapz, get to see it this time) from afar. Oh, when I mentioned the roof, wasn't referring to me climbing up on top of the spiky architectures, haha! Ok, that was lame.

Anyway, while taking pictures, I think I spotted a guy-guy couple cuddling and enjoying each other's company there as well, as the place was quite deserted to begin with. Ah, things you can see in Singapore...

Evening view of Singapore City.

City bay. I'm not really sure what that white structure is, all I know is that loud music is being emitted from that location.

Looking beyond into the bright blue sky and the deep blue sea.

Just some other random pictures I took.

The other time when I was there, the half-mermaid half-lion water squirting from mouth statue on the bay was being cleaned, unlucky me. Finally get to see it, but from afar since D & E weren't really interested with it. And I was already thinking of all the stupid and farny poses I wanted to do there earlier on, potong steam weh (utter disappointment).

Simba, look, I can squirt water from my mouth! Can you do that?

An obligatory picture of myself before ending the post. Just to let you guys know what I'm doing quite fine here.

I felt that the Evening View is quite nice, that I should put another one here. haha!

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Done it.

I'm just wondering if anyone is facing the similar problem. I'm currently using IE 7 and when I click on the Sign In link on the top right corner from my blog, the top bar redirects to the intended page (beta.blogger.com) while the body of my blog remains, which is dem annoying...

Anyway, this is a no picture post again cause its all in my camera! I went out for a photoshoot last Saturday @ Esplanade, and it was quite rewarding. I've been there previously, but this time around, I went inside and to the other end. Might be loading some up this Saturday, so stay tuned.

The girlfriend tagged me. Ah Kel also tagged me. Both also the same thing, but that doesn't mean I have to do it twice, right? right? right?

Layer ONE : On the Outside
Name : Jed
Birth Date : Somewhere near the end of April
Current Status : In a Honey Sweety Lovey Dovey Relationship
Eye color : Dark Brown
Hair Color: Pure Black
Righty or Lefty : Righty
Zodiac Sign : Mighty Taurus

Layer TWO : On the inside
Your Heritage : Chinese
Your Fears : Losing people that I care about
Your Weakness : Tends to keep things to self
Your Perfect Pizza : There's no such thing as a perfect pizza

Layer THREE : Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Your thoughts first waking up : Is the washroom occupied?
Your Bedtime : Normally its around 12, but once in a while, I sleep @ 6am.
Your most missed memory : Moments of great achievements

Layer FOUR : Your Pick
Pepsi or Coke: Chup!
McDonald's or Burger King: Bada Ba Pa Pa, I'm loving it!
Single or group dates: Erm, groupie?
Adidas or Nike: Just Do it!
Lipton tea or Nestea: Feel the rush!
Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate all the way!!!
Cappuccino or coffee: Koh-Hee

Layer FIVE : Do you
Smoke : No, no and no! I break ciggies!
Curse : All the time! Never a day without cursing!
Take a shower : WahRaoOMGWTFBBQWhatKindaOfQuestionIsThis? - See, already cursing!
Have a crush : At the moment, no
Think you've been in love : At the moment, yes *somebody reads this, gotta behave*
Go to school : Not anymore...
Want to get married : Soon, before 30 *are you shocked?*
Believe in yourself : Sometimes, faith is not by my side
Think you're a health freak : Nope, just concious

Layer SIX : In the Past Month
Drank alcohol: Nope, not even during wedding dinners, I'm a gooooood boy
Gone to the mall: Last weekend, a few malls actually
Been on stage: Erm, nope
Eaten sushi: Not really sure, I think yes, Sushi King
Dyed your hair: Nopez, not planning to do so, yet

Layer SEVEN: Have You Ever?
Played a stripping game: Wish to, preferbly opposite gender
Changed who you were to fit in: Perhaps, Kinda, I think so...

Layer EIGHT
Age you're hoping to be married : Before 30, after 25

Layer NINE: In a Girl/Guy
Best eye colour: Clear light green
Best hair colour: Pure, pure black
Short or long hair: Long, with curls *hint*hint*

Layer TEN: What Were You Doing
1 minute ago: This thing loh!
1 hour ago: Reading/Surfing blogs
4.5 hours ago: Coding like there's no tomorrow, C# if you're curious
1 month ago: I think I'm watching drama series on Astro
1 year ago: Wednesday, not really sure. Surfing Web? Playing Games?

Layer ELEVEN : Finish The Sentence
I love: the girlfriend
I feel: like having maggi mee at the moment
I hate: snobbish people, please go far far away from me
I hide: my fears and keep them just to myself
I miss: Spending time with the girlfriend
I need: more money, gimme! gimme! gimme!

Layer TWELVE : Tag 5 people
Sorry, me no tag people

There ya go, bits of my life revealed for your reading pleasure...

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to the girlfriend!

Regretfully, I couldn't be there on this very special day to celebrate this very meaningful occasion with you, but there's no need to gloom over it, as I'll definitely made up once I'm back.

So, I really do hope that you will and have enjoyed every moment of today, until the moment that you read this. I couldn't get things up sooner, really caught up with work over here.

Once again, have a great birthday. Love you always.

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to Laurel Jacklyn,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to my dearest,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday is what I want to say,
Happy Birthday to you,
If you're singing to this to the birthday tune, you're nuts,
Happy Birthday to you.


p/s: I'll post something up once I think of it. Currently, my mind is shrouded with too much codings that I'm going nuts.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Office in SG.

Well, most of you already know that in Malaysia, my office is located in Plaza Sentral and is quite empty, at any given time but I guess none have any idea where I work in Singapore.

The office is located in International Business Park, or better known as IBP, in Jurong East. The best description would be, its something similar to Technology Park in Bukit Jalil. Basically, it consists of multiple office buildings, featuring a lil' landscapings and lots of trees.

One of the trees around, the day before, it was really beautiful because the flowers were blooming, quite similar to sakura. I'm one day too late.

Lush greenery beside the office block.

This is where I work.

So, come find me if by chance you're in Singapore and around the area, I'll treat you lunch ok?

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Japanese Buffet @ Singapore.

As mentioned here, my Malaysian colleagues planned to splurge on Japanese buffet upon my arrival @ Singapore. I made a mad rush to the restaurant in order to minimize loss of time.

It was a restaurant by the name of Kuishin-Bo :: Japanese Gourmet Bazaar; located at the highest floor of Tropic Atrium, Suntec City.

The restaurant.

The spread of food, starting from near entrance, going way back to the end.

Well, inclusive of the taxes, the dinner buffet costs approximately $40 per person with the dining period starting from 1730 till 2130. The spread of variety isn't exactly overwhelming, but I guess its enough to keep you occupied for those 4 hours.

I surveyed everything to ensure that I will manage to try every food item that interest/intrigue/looks delicious to me. and leave others behind to be tasted given that I still have storage or time. Hence, didn't get to try everything.

Kaminabe (Japanese paper pot), with beef. They have a selection of vegetarian, seafood, chicken meat, pork.

Chicken kushiyaki (Japanese satay) and Tempura prawns.

A bowl of agedashi tofu. Yummy!

One of the popular dishes there would definitely be the Snow crabs, which is free flow. From my point of view, the crabs (only the leg part) are boiled, then cooled in cold water, therefore leaving the meat soft and tender.

Other than that, from time to time, they'll have in-house specials, such as Grilled Lobster with Thai Chilli sauce, Candy floss, some strawberry and green tea ice-cream, etc. These items are limited, so, a word of advice :: always be prepared for the annoncements.

Assorted sushi, Mantis prawn and snow crab in the background.

Just to let you estimate the size of the crabs better (and maybe make you jealous).

Assorted desserts, they have a chocolate fountain there as well, although it doesn't seem very Japanese.

More desserts, chocolate moose, red bean dorayaki (that Doraemon loves), konyaku jelly.

Well, that's all. I do have to apologize for the bad quality of the pictures because the restaurant was dimly lighted, and I don't have any picture editing softwares with me currently. Bear with me for a couple of weeks, alright? Last but not least, a picture to crush your appetite.

Mess left behind.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Thankful.

I am thankful, for having a family that have given all they could, to ensure me a happy and healthy upbringing. That has endlessly forgiven my sins, no matter the magnitude, that has showered me with endless love.

I am thankful, for having the girlfriend, who has been there for me all the time, through thick and thin, giving me the strength and courage I need. That I am able to receive love from you, is a gift from above.

I am thankful, for having friends that accept me for who I am, that I enjoy meeting up and spending time with. That they have given me a hand, in times of need, I am eternally grateful.

I am thankful
, for being able to enjoy all the little things in life, to be able to witness breathtaking sceneries, to be able to taste scrumptious food, to be able to hear wonderful sounds, to be able to smell the lovely fragrance of flowers, to be able to feel your existence.

I am thankful, for having the ability and the freedom, to pursue my dreams and to achieve my goals. That I am able to learn and understand, I am truly blessed.

I am thankful, for many other things that have made me what I am today, and will shape me into tomorrow.

I am thankful, to be able to complete writing this in a rush, and not miss the bus later, to meet up with a friend.


p/s: Did I spoil anything?

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Random updates, again.

In actual fact, I have quite a handful of things to blog about yesterday, but I can't seem to be able to put them into words that reflects what I wanted to say. It just wouldn''t materialize into sentences. I think I'm beginning to lose the ability to express using my fingers.


I think the company has decided to cut down my travelling expenditure, as they suddenly decided to purchase the bus ticket for me (Nice++, RM60.90), instead of the usual, you buy first then claim (Aeroline, RM82.40) procedures. Since I did a mini-review about Aeroline the other time, its only fair if I do one for Nice++ as well:

PROS
- Each seat is equipped with a 14" TV, able to watch preferred movie of few that are running simultaneously (2 hours of movie, 3 hours of advertisements).
- Ample leg room (horrible seats).
- Food is served (sandwiches and drinks only).
- Duration of journey is short (driver is speeding lah).

CONS
- Not punctual! Delayed the departure time, which I could have instead spend the precious 30 minutes with the girlfriend.
- Bus vibrates quite badly.
- Not equipped with washroom facilities.

Seems like the points mentioned as PROS are not that encouraging either.


My Malaysian colleagues, who are all down in Singapore as well, welcomed my arrival in Singapore by forcing me to join them for a Japanese buffet, which starts at 5.30pm. I only manage to arrive in Singapore @ 5.48pm (some trouble with one of the passengers @ Singapore's Immigration) and rushed like mad to the restaurant, reaching @ 6.50pm. Lost so damn much precious dining time! Will blog about the dining experience another time.


Fortunately, my Singapore colleagues are still able to recognize me, might be due to the fact that I'm one of the only few Chinese working there (in the Indian dominated working environment). And yes, I know how it feels to be the minority. It was nice catching up with them after some time.


"How's Singapore?" is one of the most common question that I am currently face. Well, it has been raining quite frequently here, mainly in the afternoons. Christmas decorations are up as well, happen to pass by Orchard Road the other day. The PSI readings for haze is between 20-50, which is in the healthy range, so no worries. Singapore Motorshow 2006 is also ongoing currently.

That's all that I am aware of currently, since my working life is pretty much a routine of waking up - work - lunch - work - dinner - sleep.


Last but not least, Happy 53rd Month Anniversary to the girlfriend and me! Sorry for not being able to celebrate with you, will made up when I'm back in KL, OK? Love you always.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Jed will be missing.

Hello all!

I'll be in Singapore for quite some time, therefore, the updates might not be as frequesnt as it currently is. Therefore, please bear with me. Haha!

Why cannot update regularly? Don;t have the facilities to do so lah! Yah, I know it sucks.

Take Care and Bye.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Old Town Kopitiam.

First heard about it when the KK Trip gang gathered there few months back for a short get-together cum briefing. It was the Taman Connaught branch, at the shoplots below UCSI.

Interior of Old Town Kopitiam, same old design, everywhere.

We bumped into the outlet in Pandan Indah by accident on the second day of Raya, looking for a place to have brunch. Initially, the plan was to have yummy Bak Kut Teh but unfortunately, we were a tad bit too early and I was lazy to head elsewhere. Sigh.

This is me sporting a muka sien (bored look) because had to settle for a meal here instead of Bak Kut Teh. How can!

The pencil. Used to place a tick on the menu sheet, seen on foreground.

I notice that the latest trend in the food business/industry would be Kopitiam outlets. If you still remember (not taking into account mamaks, which has been around for some time), initially it was Cafe(s), sprouting like mushrooms after the rain.

Then came the HK themed Char Chan Teng (restaurants/eateries), pioneered by Kim Gary and birth of the Cheese Baked Rice, yummy! Finally, at current time, Kopitiam(s) which sometimes bearing the most Uncle-ish/Aunty-ish names around, normally famous for toasts and local dishes.

Si Mat Lai Char (Stockings Tea with Milk?), cold.

Normal Lai Char (Tea with Milk), hot. Old School tea cup.

One thing I do have to point out is the limited choice of food item here, which is a turn off, at least for me. It's like being in a hypermart with the variety of a minimart. Nothing really special about the food either, and the price not being relatively cheap. A place suitable only for a hearty breakfast. Period.

Fire & Ice Something Bun. Intriguing name, very normal, bland and plain taste.

The girlfriend's half-boiled Omega eggs, very healthy.

Her Roti Bakar (Toasts) as well. Bread and butter with hal-boiled Omega eggs, very healthy indeed.

Excuse me while I indulge in my Dry Curry Chicken Mee. Slurppsss...

Given a choice, I would prefer the Kopitiam located in Leisure Mall's Food Junction anytime.

p/s: Prior to this post, all of a sudden, my album in photobucket went bonkers, disabling me from accessing my account. Had quite a shocking then.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Dream a little dream.

It's really weird. For two consecutive nights, I've been having the same dream (or rather, nightmare), which in both cases, jolted me awake at approximately 4.30am. Talk about coincidences.

In my dream, I was shrouded in absolute darkness, not able to see nor feel anything, except for the solid ground that I was standing on. Nothing heard as well, absolute silence. Quite scary I should say, it's as though I've suddenly lost all my sensing abilities.

I would then try to move around, by sliding my feet on the ground, step by step, slowly, just to ensure that there were no obstacles located around. This would go on for some time, before a soft, flickering light would finally appear in a distance.

Even though I was moving as quickly as I possibly could towards the source of light, it seems to be moving further and further away from me. Panicked, I increased my pace, from brisk walking, to slow jog and then almost sprinting, not giving a damn towards my surrounding anymore.

Suddenly, the source of light was getting nearer, and nearer, and I would fall. Not the tripping and fell type, it would be some sort of a bottomless pit that I am falling into. On the second occasion (of the dream) I remembered slowing down and feeling my steps to avoid the fall, but still, it occured.

A short moment into the fall, might be due to fright, I'm awaken.

I think read before that dreams occur because the brain activity is still occuring while sleeping, and the dream is most likely to be the latest memorable occurances strong enough to be stored actively in the brain. However, I don't recall anything similar happening for the past few days.

Is this some kind of premonition that's bound to happen? If I'm having the same dream again tonight, I'll definitely freak out! Enlighten me, anyone?

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Cheese Cake.

Miki Ojisan No Mise, which in Japanese means Uncle Miki's Shop.

A cake shop, that's what it is; speciality being the cheesecake. Not like any of those dense or creamy ones that we usually consume, its texture is soft and fluffy, to some extend. Though I've tasted the cheesecake for a few times, I've never been to the shop myself (seldom head to Bangsar). Sis would normally be the one doing the buying. *Puts a piece into mouth*

Original Miki Ojisan's Cheese Cake. Me loving long time! Do not mistaken this for the cake, its just the packaging.

Even refrigerated, it is adviceable to finish it in 3 days to maintain its freshness. Heck, I could finish the whole thing in 1 hour (or less).

The thing that keeps me wanting for more is definitely its soft texture. You can cut small slices of the cheesecake and place it into your mouth, feeling it melt slowly, the taste of cheese overflowing, tantalizing your taste buds. Or you could just cut a big chunk and gobble it up. Either way, its heavenly! *Puts a piece into mouth*

It will never last a minute without being eaten. I was not quick enough to get the camera for a shot before the feast begins. And yes, this is indeed the cake.

s!mply irresistable. *puts a piece into mouth*

The soft texture! The cheese! The aroma! *This piece ended up in my mouth as well, just in case you wanted to know*

Forgotten to mention that since the refrigeration kept the cake in a cool temperature, thus, the melting in mouth sensation is even more enjoyable. Excuse me while I syok sendiri (indulge in self excitement, in a non sexual way).
Good things are meant to be shared. If you're planning to get some, currently, in Malaysia (or rather, in KL), there are only 2 Miki Ojisan shops available:

Bangsar Baru Outlet
Bangsar Village Shopping Center
11A, Ground Floor Jalan Telawi
59000 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Isetan KLCC Outlet
3rd Floor Isetan
Suria KLCC
50088 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

And no, this is not an advertorial, I'm not getting paid and there's no discount if you mention my blog. Just spreading the love for cheesecake! *puts a piece into mouth, promise self that this would be the last one*

Alright, I have to stop this entry right now, else, I'll be finishing the whole cake pretty soon. *temptations to have another piece soaring high* Must resist..... No wonder cannot slim down loh...

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Kiku Zakura, again.

Had the pleasure of dining in Kiku Zakura again, but this time around, its the branch in Times Square instead. The previous meal was in Mid Valley, click here for more information. I was expecting a full house, but surprisingly, it was quite deserted.

Which is a good thing, at least I can dine in peace. Was even more surprised when I saw the face of the manager, very similar to the one in Mid Valley.

At Times Square.

Jia Hui and the girlfriend. If the background somehow felt familiar, click here.

This is Kiku Zakura. Its located on the 2nd floor, at the far end.

Well, to sum things up, the food did not disappoint. Neither did the service, much to the fact that we were like, the only customers there. Our drinks (green tea) were refilled so frequent that it was never reach half full. Wish it was beer instead, Haha.

This is gyoza, grilled dumplings.

Against my advice, the girlfriend ordered this, raw egg + seaweed udon, to which she later commented, "tasted like food for the unwell".

This is how it looked like after mixing everything, not her cup of tea.

Fish set. Unagi and unknown piece of grilled fish. Tasted quite good according to my friend.

Ta-Dah! My Sukiyaki! Very nice, cause the soup is spicy, sweet and a tad bit of sourish at the same time. Very appetizing!

Group picture.

For Kiku Zakura, a detailed review has been done before @ FooXion. Click here if would like to know more about the restaurant, and its branches.