Ford GT -- An Icon Reborn

After dinner at Swensen's and while waiting for my movie, Confession of pain to start, I have passed by a rather slick car that is being displayed at Suntec City.

This slick car is manufactured by an American car company, Ford Motors.

Here are some pictures of the Ford GT. You may wish to enter this website, http://www.fordvehicles.com/fordgt/home.asp for more information.

Nice Dinner

Year 2006 will be coming to an end, and we will soon welcome the New Year 2007 in a few days time.. .

Since I started working in the year 2004, I have this tradition of having a nice meal towards the end of the year so as to reward myself for the hard work and effort being put in.

What a better way to do this at my favourite Restaurant, Swensen's. I have fond memories of this eating place as the environment is cosy and is also suitable for some valuable bonding time with friends, family or loved ones.

I went to the Suntec City outlet yesterday, after taking a guided tour around the heart of Singapore and taking some beautiful pictures of it. I spend the day out in the sun, from 11am to 4.30pm and got sunburn in the process. Although the colour of my skin looks like a cooked prawn, it is still worth it as I have got to know a bit more about my country's beautiful sceneries which I normally don't have the time to enjoy.

Well, I will write about my tour and will also upload some pictures in another time.

Back to the Swensen's episode. I have decided to order chicken baked rice (have not tried that before) and a mango mongo smoothie after pondering over what to eat, as the menu has a lot of choices.

The chicken baked rice consists of tender fried breaded chicken baked over savory rice in white sauce and the mango mongo smoothie is a combination of mango and banana mixed with orange juice. The smoothie tastes a bit sour, but is still delicious. I have some complaints about the baked rice, as the portion is just too small for me! Nevertheless, the meal is still enjoyable .

Yes, the meal costs me $18.

I have taken some pictures of yesterday's dinner and hope they will make you drool and that you find yourself rushing over in no time to sample the food.

Lastly, wishing you a Happy New Year!!!

Chicken baked rice


Chicken baked rice with mango mongo smoothie

My "New" Home

Do you agree with me that having your house repainted really feels like moving into a new place?

I have this kind of feeling, although I have been staying in my current home for the past 19 years.

I have to admit that any form of improvements to the house, be it renovation, decoration, upgrading or so on, is really very tough work.

Our family has therefore decided that our house will be undergoing painting work because it has been 3 years since we last renovated our home. In addition, we have also decided that the painting job must be completed in the space of 2 days.

As the festive season is just around the corner, hiring people to do the painting job is really very diffcult. We have been contacting numerous companies, but they are unable to match our expectations in terms of budget and schedule.

After much effort and countless rejections, we have finally found a contractor who is willing to help. He is being recommended to us by my mum's friend and has charged a fee of $850 which is really value for money for a 4 room flat.

Well, it has been a very busy 2 days for me and my family. We have to shift the furniture around for the painters to carry about their tasks with ease. Moreover, we also have to ensure that they do not give us shoddy piece of work and that they strictly adhere to our schedule.

There are both good and bad about the completion of the renovation work. The best part should be the final outcome and that it matches to your expectations. The bad part? Definitely should be the hours spent on cleaning up... .

Is the amount of $850 well spent? Definitely! My house looks as good as new, feels much cosier than before and is much more attractive.

We have decided to renovate our house in order to welcome the New Year 2007 and also the upcoming Lunar New Year, which is just 2 months away. We hope that this will bring us an abundance of luck and prosperity for the whole family.

I have taken some pictures of my "new" home. Hope that you will like it as much as I do. Lastly, wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Yours Sincerely,

Wilson

The main hall (the colour Apple Green is choosen as it will be soothing to the eyes and is rather cheerful too!)

My room (it looks like white in this picture, but it is atually an extremely pale shade of purple....)

My younger brother's room...

Pretty in Pink (my parents room....)

The kitchen (white colour makes it look brighter and cleaner...)

A Surprise From A Penpal In Japan.....

Received a package from my Japanese penpal last monday and it is a pleasant surprise from her, considering that I am not in the best of mood lately.... .

I have got to know her through this penpal website in around September or October this year. She is 17 years old, currently studying in High School (equivalent to Junior College level) and will graduate in year 2008.

We have been exchanging e-mails at that time, building rapport so as to get to know each other better. After getting comfortable with each other, we have both decided to write to each other via snail mail, while continuing with our e-mail correspondence at the same time.

This is the first time in which I am writing a letter and sending it to a foreign place. The feeling is really great, as it is always nice to make more friends from all over the world so as to know more about their cultures and lifestyles.

Beside the usual letter exchanges, we have also been exchanging small gifts. I remember her saying that she likes a certain Manchester United footballer by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo and I have gave her a small figurine of that particular player. She has, in return, gave me some items which I really like it very much.

We will still be maintaining our friendship and I really hope that it will be an everlasting one. True friendship between people are really hard to find in this frantic world of ours, and who will spend some of his / her time to savour it? Only those who really knows how to cherish it will truly enjoy and understand this special bond between people... .

Well, I have something to say to this Japanese penpal of mine: Thank you Akiko, for the wonderful memories and happy moments in which I have been corresponding with you. May you and your family be blessed with good health, prosperity and everlasting happiness.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Stay in touch always....

Arrigato.

The surprise package....

A file with the drawing of a traditional Japanese performer (hope I am not wrong.....)

A cute fan

The letter from Akiko (very cute letter!!)

Airmail from Japan! Can you see the word Japan in this picture?

A Pair of Shoes Or A Watch??

Have I told you in my previous posting that I have just received my extra 1 month's pay bonus and will be buying something to reward myself?

I have listed 2 items of my desire: a pair of Nike shoes or a watch.... .

In consideration of the prices and my budget ($100), I have decided to get myself a pair of shoes.

You may ask, how about the watch? Well, I am now on my way to save for it, just like what I did for my digital camera. It may be tough, but I think I can better understand the value of money in this manner... .

Earning money is hard, but spending it is definitely easier.

I have uploaded some pictures of my new pair of shoes for your viewing pleasure....

Bonus Time!!!

Its that time of the year again! Yes, that time of the year where employees will get an additional sum of money in their bank account.

This is called Bonus!

I am no exception. In fact, I have just received an additional one month's pay last friday.... .

As you might wonder, how am I going to fully utilise it? Well, I will be dividing a portion of it to:

1) My parents
2) Spend (normal expenses)
3) Buy something to reward myself
4) Save

I am planning to go shopping later during the day (during lunchtime). I will either be planning to buy a pair of Nike shoes or a watch.... .

Its approximately 15 minutes away from my shopping trip and I can't wait for it !!!

I have made a promise to myself to come back to office with a brand new item..... .

Please watch this space for more details. =)

Locked Out.....

Have you ever been locked out of your house or some other places? Is it a very terrible feeling? The feeling of helplessness, panic and frustration all surrounding you at the same time?

Well, I have experienced this feeling yesterday and it was really very traumatic. I am being locked out of my office, with all my valuables inside.

The incident happened when I decided to visit the washroom. My office did not normally close until 7 in the evening and I have left my bag at my desk, thinking that my colleagues will still be around. It was 6 PM at that time... .

What a short trip to the washroom turned out to be a nightmare, as the door to my office was locked and with my bag still inside. When I came out from the washroom and on my way back to my office, I realised that I could not enter at all! I thought to myself :" Maybe my colleagues are just playing a trick on me." I knocked on the door a few times, anticipating them to open. After a good 10 minutes of knocking, there was no response. It was at that moment when fear strikes me. Oh No! They have all gone home! What am I going to do?

I did what everyone will do when they are locked outside -- try to prise open the door. I summoned all my strength and try to force open the door. No luck. I don't think using brute force on this door will do..... .

I then headed down to the security counter to ask for assistance. After explaining the whole situation to the security officer on duty, sorry is the only word that came out from his mouth. The security office do not have spare keys to the offices located inside the building. What kind of service is this security guard offering? What if someone has locked himself / herself in the office to do some silly things like attempting suicide? Are they going to wait for something bad to happen in order to take action?

As it was quite late and nothing has been done to solve my problem, I am getting quite frustrated by the minute. After verbally lashing out at the security officer, I then went up to look for alternative help by going to a office located at the sixth floor. This office normally closes at around 8 PM as the staff always have to work overtime. I asked for help and got a list of numbers for me to call... .

I started calling the numbers on the list and received no response at all. Their phones were either switched off or they did not picked up the call. I feel that I am slowly losing my head and hope...... .

Before I plan my next course of action, I told myself: "Wilson, its either you continue to lose your cool and do something silly, or you can remain calm and to solve this issue at hand." Taking a breather and in deep thought, I finally decided that the next action which I am going to do will be the last resort. Its either I get my bag out of the office or without it.... .

Using the computer, I type in the name TOH Choon Hin and ran a database search for the contact number of this person. Mr Toh is my office colleague and I am rather sure that he has the keys to the office. The computer system displays the contact numbers of Mr Toh. Thank god! I picked up the phone and called him for help. After much explanation, Mr Toh agreed to come back to the office just to open the office door for me. He also told me that I will have to wait for an hour as he is somewhere else.... .

While waiting for my saviour to appear, I still have the mood to go to the shopping mall to do some shopping. I went to the music store, purchased Jay Chou's latest album and rushed back to office straightaway.

Finally, Mr Toh turned up and opened the door for me. I apologised profusely to him for the inconvenience caused and went back home with my bag. I am so glad that this rather unfortunate thing has ended... .

What have I learnt from this episode? I can state we shall not assume that things will go according to plan. Prepare for the unexpected is what I will always have in mind...... .

As of today, I will not leave my bag in the office after 6 PM....... .

Big Boyz Toyz -- Part 2

Here are the remaining pictures taken during the Big Boyz Toyz exhibition held in Singapore Expo Hall 5 during 30th November to 3rd December......

Big Boyz Toyz -- Part 1

Attended the Big Boyz Toyz exhibition show held at the Singapore Expo hall 5 last friday.

This event was a disappointment, as there was not much variety on display as compared to the Singapore Motorshow 2006 held 2 weeks ago.

I spent less than 1 hour in the exhibition hall with a feeling of regret, as I have spent quite a considerable amount of time travelling to this place. I would rather prefer to spend the travelling time watching a movie or getting some rest.

Admission to the event is free, but an entrance fee of $5 is applicable for special events like archery, bikini fashion shows and women's mud wrestling. In another way, the event organisers are indirectly telling us that in order to see girls in skimpy outfits getting down and dirty in a pool of mud or models wearing the skimpiest of outfits doing the catwalk, event goers would have to pay some money for "special privileges".

I choose not to enter the special feature area, as I think there is nothing special at all to justify the entrance fee. Mud wrestling? Bikini fashion shows? Archery events? I think all of these are just gimmicks to entice people to part with their money in which we can see plenty of them for free on the television screens these days....

Thank god there is another exhibition being held at the same time and venue. Sitex 2006 was much more interesting and informative, as it deals with electronic gadgets like laptops, desktops, digital cameras and IT stuff. I had a great time learning more about the IT stuff, especially on the part where I can edit pictures with a certain program known as the photoshop editor.

In order not to make this trip to be a wasted one, I have taken some pictures. Hope you will like it.....

(Lastly, if you ask me whether will I be there for the same exhibition next year, I can only comment that the format of this show needs to be reviewed thoroughly in order to attract me or other people to attend....)

Fiery Red Ferrari......

Why is Doraemon doing there at the show?

Slick speedboat on display.......

Long Time No Run......

Went for a jog on a saturday afternoon around my neighbourhood after an absence of 2 months due to the haze, rainy weather and some personal commitments. I actually got a "souvenoir" after the 5 kilometres run in the form of a cut left hand.

How did it exactly happened? I shall tell you later.... .

First of all, the run was smooth for me, although I have not exercised for a long time prior to that. I have proceeded it with caution, so as not to strain myself. I feel that I have to do something about the shape of my body (still presentable, as I am the slim and lean type) due to the constant diet of fast food, deep fried oily and unhealthy meals. I also did not mentioned that with lack of sufficient sleep, the chances of me piling on weight are very high. With the christmas period fast approaching, not exercising at this moment will be very hard for me in the later stages of the festive season... .

Started the run at a slow jogging pace (its like walking) so as to get the momentum coming. After that, I graduated into moderate jogging as I have felt comfortable with myself. In just under 10 minutes of my exercise, I had a minor accident.

The pavement which I was running at that time was having some construction works. In order for me to continue, I have to do a "stunt", just like what James Bond did in his latest movie, Casino Royale. Well, what James Bond did is harder than what I was planning to do and I have failed miserably in doing that.

The "stunt" actually requires me to jump over a wide but not deep drain. I think I have overestimated myself at that time, thinking that I could have crossed it without any effort. I was very wrong! I have forgotten to consider fatigue (inadequate sleep) and state of the mind (cannot think properly at that time of exercise) while I was in the process of jumping.The result of my failed "stunt" are cuts and scratches on my left hand as I tried to break my fall. I did that as my right leg landed in the drain and was still trying to cross over it with one leg. As the drain was slippery to begin with, I slipped and used my left hand to support myself so as to prevent me from falling backwards. As a result, I grazed my hand due to the sharp edges of the concrete drain.

As of today, the wounds have not fully healed yet, but I have learnt a lesson. The lesson to be learnt is to be alert at all times and to anticipate situations earlier so as to give myself time to react and to deal with it appropriately.

Erika Sawajiri -- A Litre Of Tears

I have not seen such a very meaningful drama series for a long time. Finally, there is one Japanese drama serial by the name of A litre of tears to look forward to. I think that the female lead, Erika Sawajiri has done an extremely good job at protraying the character Aya, who has been stricken with an incurable disease known as Spinocerebellar Degeneration, in which the nerve cells of areas necessary for the human body to move and to balance - including the cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord - transforms and eventually disappears. In spite of all this, Aya lived life to the fullest till her death at age 25.

This show is based on a true story and is well received in a lot of countries outside Japan. I am glad that I have the chance to catch it in my country and to learn something about Aya's approach towards life when faced with the fact that she may have problems carrying on with her normal routines in life due to her illness.

In addition, Aya's courage, positive outlook, strong determination and her will not to let this illness affect her are something in which we can learn and to imitate from.

In conclusion, this drama series is something in which we will have a different opinion of life after watching it.

(pictures are taken off from the television screen during the first episode of the serial...)






Profile of Erika Sawajiri:

Erika is half-japanese, having a Japanese father (death of illness) and an Algerian-French mother and is the youngest child of three brothers and sisters. Her father died of cancer when she was in her third year at junior high school and her second eldest brother died of a car accident when she was in first year at high school. Her father was the owner of racehorses, and owned sixteen race horses including Edonokoban (エドノコバン) etc. Her mother manages the Mediterranean restaurant now; Sawajiri sometimes helps with it. Her specialty is horseback riding. She has been riding from childhood. Her name is derived from the flower’s name. (Ericaceae’s Erica) The opportunity which she entered the entertainment world was because she wanted to see Namie Amuro. It’s said that she has a frank character in contrast with her girlish appearance.