Upgrading Schedule

My home will be undergoing 10 days of upgrading works as part of the Home Improvement Programme.

The works will include two toilets, rubbish chute, pipe (which we have decided not to do), grille and lifts (which we don't need as we are on lift-landing floor).

The schedule has just been sent to us, starting on the National Day week:

Day 1

- Protection to unit flooring & fixture. Hacking of spalling concrete (if any)

- Dismantle any obstruction, fixtures & fittings in common and MBR toilet.

- Hacking to common toilet and MBR toilet.

- Grinding of ceiling paint and wall paint to common toilet & MBR toilet (if any).

- Installation of temporary wc/bathroom to unit at the end of day.

Day 2

- Repair of spalling concrete to unit (patching).

- Replace sanitary pipr to kitchen, common toilet & MBR toilet.

- Grout infill to sanitary pipe opening.

Day 3

- Repair of spalling concrete to unit if any (skimming). Upgrade of electrical sub-main.

- Provide wall peg for bedding to common toilet and MBR toilet and MBR toilet wall.

- Replace refuse chute hopper.

- Form chamfering to wall & pipe surrounding at kit floor trap area, common toilet and MBR toilet.

- Apply non-shrink grout to kit floor trap area, common toilet & MBR toilet to level the floor.

- Skimming to common toilet and MBR toilet ceiling.

Day 4

- Apply 2 coats of waterproofing membrane to kitchen floor trap area, common toilet floor & MBR toilet floor.

- Apply non-shrink grout to kitchen pipe area, common toilet & MBR toilet.

Day 5

- Water test to kitchen floor trap area, common toilet abd MBR toilet floor.

- Floor screeding to common toilet and MBR toilet.

- Installation of new entrance gate.

Day 6

- Provide bedding to common toilet and MBR toilet and wall tiling.

- Replace louvered vent to common and MBR toilet.

Day 7

- Wall tiling to common toilet and MBR toilet.

Day 8

- Floor tiling to common toilet and MBR toilet.

- Reinstatement works to kitchen pipe surrounding.

Day 9

- Installation of sanitary fittings & grab bar to common toilet and MBR toilet.

- Installation of PVC bi-fold door to common toilet and MBR toilet.

- Reinstatement of electrical works & other fixtures to common & MBR toilet.

Day 10

- 2nd water test to common toilet and MBR toilet.

- Inspection to unit and defects rectification works.

- Painting, touch up and reinstatement works to common and MBR toilets.

- Cleaning up of unit. Handing over of unit to resident.

----------------------------PHEW--------------------------------------

In any case, MBR should be Master Bed Room. :)

Geez, now we are planning how to schedule ourselves to go 'jagar' during those 10 days.

9.26pm

God help me....

I am scared. I want to go home. I don't want to stay here and I don't want to come here everyday. I am looking forward to home!!!

I don't want to climb up. Let me down, let me down!

God, I just want to go home...

9.42pm

My new sign

Special Recycle Bins

Saw this at the Changi Airport yesterday. From left: for plastic bottles, for drink cans, for papers. Cute hor?

9.17pm

Help Charmaine in her fight against Cancer!‏

Through Radio1003, I first know about this little four-year old Charmaine, who is suffering from 4th stage neuroblasta (cancer) on 13 Feb 09.

Charmaine has 10 to 20% chance of living if she seeks local treatment and 40 to 50% chance if she gets treatment in New York. She needs a huge sum for cancer treatment in New York. The initial deposit comes up to SGD500,000!

Nuffnanger is currently activating a donation drive for little Charmaine and it is hoped that you will do some bit to help little Charmaine in her fight against the 'monster'! We pray that little Charmaine wins her fight and let's do our little bit to help little Charmaine and her mother, Cynthia through this trying ordeal.

Please refer to http://www.nuffnang.com.sg/forcharmaine for more information.

The fundraising campaign will run from 23rd July to 24th September 2009.

6.00am

Naughty cat trying to be sneaky!

I have here my very first video (right at the bottom) of naughty cat trying to be funny. It was trying to disturb the one that was sleeping away. But it just didn't want to give up. It sniffing and licking the other's tail and finally decided to give it a little bite! It simply ignored me so I took my time to observe and capture it on my mobile. Hahahaha....it's so funny!

New Movie: G-Force

Not that I have watched the movie but I was at the new Ilumo shopping centre at Bugis this afternoon and came across the promo. Very cute pics...

Are these hammies? They are so cute - the way they are being portrayed. Hahahaha...

There is this super long escalator that leads you up from 1st floor to 3rd or 4th floor. Wah-lah, it's fun! But there is only the upriding escalator. But you go down floor by floor. :(

2.46pm

Nice Friday outing

Another Friday rendezvous with colleagues after a week's work. This time to Jumbo at Riverwalk. I joined only for Part 1. As for Part 2, I wonder where they went. :)

Extending your enjoyable time

I realise that I can 'extend' my non-working day (while on leave or MC, etc) if I refrain from turning on the computer. Playing games, surfing the net really makes the day fly by. Terrible. 3 or 4 hours can just pass you by just like that.

These two days, I told myself to stop playing computer games and do other things. So I ended up reading book, magazine, nap, listen to radio, go out for a walk, do some errands, etc...and wow, it seems the days pass more slowly! Of course this is ideal if I want to enjoy the day thoroughly.

Wonder if this is all true. If there's another chance, I will do a test again. :)

:( But it's coming to an end. SHIT!

5.49pm

Need Rest

Was on MC yesterday, and today also. My doctor seldom give me two days MC straight. I felt giddy and body ache yesterday morning while on way to work so I decided to go home. In fact, early in the morning when I woke up, I had this very strong feeling yet indecisiveness (quite contradicting, I know) that maybe I shouldn't be going to work.

So at the doctor's, told him what I had. After examining me, he said I had low blood pressure and also gastric flu. Said I needed rest more than anything else. Guess that's why he gave me two days?

Anyway, at first I was very uncomfortable about the two days cos I really have lots to do at work (or that's what I thought?)! But after a while, I decided - heck with the work. I told myself to stop thinking about work and don't even attempt to log in to check office emails. Just rest and relax! So that was what I did yesterday and will also do today. I didn't turn on my PC yesterday, in fact.

I was trying to sleep while I can, went out jalan with dad, bought magazine to read. Ah....I think I need three months of such R&R after being so damn hectic at work for the past 14 months (god knows how I survive it and how I will continue to survive). OK SO MUCH ABOUT WORK FOR NOW.

So, today's another heck care, just relac day. Do what I want to make myself happy and comfortable (though my tummy isn't too comfy).

There's gonna be eclipse tomorrow but Singapore is not too affected, I heard. Channel U's gonna have live broadcast from 8am to 11am. Think I should record it.

Ooops, the sky seem to be turning dark now.

Mmmm, gonna buy 4D later. Got a combi number from me and dad - 4992! Over the weekend, me and hubby combi strike. $40! But I am hoping for pal Irene's luck leh! Hor??

Ok, back to rest now. :)

9.19am

This cat is 'cool'!

I was walking out of the bus interchange at AMK Hub, towards the AMK central this morning when I saw a cat sitting at the window ledge of a second floor shophouse, scratching away. It was so funny and cute. I almost wanted to call out to the cat but decide against it, for fear the cat may just jump down. Hahaha, well it may well be smarter than me!

I decided to take a pic of it. For the few minutes I was standing and watching it downstairs, it simply did not bother itself with me. Kept scratching away. Cool cat. I like it!

10.20am

Love this choc!

Been eyeing this Ferraro dark choc for a long time. Cost $2.50 for this tube of 4! Expensive wor. Last weekend, saw a promo at NTUC for $1.95. No more waiting. I immediately grabbed one and paid for it. Oooh, it's nice. I love it. Smooth and more importantly, not nuts inside to disrupt the smooth flow.

Gosh, got some more promo will grab some more!

9.33pm

Care to try this?

What a way to entertainment oneself. Free and challenging. I still can't do it!

Have a relaxing weekend!

And breathe in the fresh air... Hibernate all you want, remember what you want to, forget what you don't want to remember. Leave the troublesome thoughts to some trash house.

Do we really have to be this way?

I have made this observations for a very very long time since I was very very young. I wonder if I am too sensitive or there is really problem.

Singaporeans (I shan't say all, but enough from people around me to make me realise we have a problem) seem to like to grumble and complain about everything under the sun....not only to fellow Singaporeans, but to even foreigners when they meet them here or in the foreign land. I really feel upset and ashame whenever this happen around me.

Not that they are in a mutual discussions about things they are not happy about in their respective societies. They are always a one-way 'attack' with us leading the conversation. It can always start with the simplest things like weather, food, and after that it goes on to policies, behaviours and government. I seriously don't hear our counterparts commenting a single bit about their own societies (or if there are, very minor and short ones, and that's it). But we just have to keep on scolding, grumbling, complaining about ours.

Do we really need to do that?

What's really wrong with our weather? It's always hot, it's always cold, the sun makes us ill, the rain makes us ill, it's always unpredictable, the interchange of hot and cold makes us ill.

What's so unbearable with our food? They taste lousy, they don't taste as good as the good old days, there are too much preservatives, the ingredients are lacking.

What's wrong with our society? People like to complain, people are selfish, people are inconsiderate.

What's wrong with our government? They want money for everything, they make our lives hard, they make decisions without consulting people, they bully the oppositions, they give you benefits at election times.

So, what's so good about EVERYTHING in the other places? Aren't there any good things here? Why are we initiating our own Singapore bashing with non-Singaporeans? If it is so unbearable here, why don't then find a place where everything is so good and go there? Leave this damn place and you can bash however you like?

I am not saying things are perfect here. There are things I dislike here too. But to have to bring your grouses to every foreigner friend or relative everytime you meet one.....? Sigh. That's downright disgrace.

How much are we really different from the Chee Soon Juan and Francis Seow (I think), who travel to places like US, UK, etc and attacking Singapore from a foreign land? The only difference is that theirs are broadcasted. Ours travel underground and through the grapevine (informal source) but no doubt, as harmful and shameful! It's really very ugly.

Yes, we may not be living in a perfect society. We may not be happy with lots of things and policies. But I don't think we need to bring these grouses to EVERYONE from EVERYWHERE EVERYTIME! RIGHT?

Or maybe I am missing something all this time.

8.28pm

Kuala Lumpur Trip (3 - 5 July 2009)

It was just a short trip but I thought it was pretty enjoyable. This was planned at least a month ago. Well, I have not tried a budget airline so I took this opportunity to try it out since KL is just 45 minutes away by plane. Off we go via Tigers!


At the Budget Terminal (Singapore Changi Airport) on 3 Jul 09 afternoon:



The only two modes of public transport to the budget terminal - free shuttle from Terminal 2 and taxis. That's all! Budget Terminal is a one storey terminal with one 'set' of toilets at the lobby, one MacDonald outlet, one 'ma-ma' shop and one cafe selling sandwiches and what not. Real budget look. But well, decent.




Coincidentally, there was an event going on. Seemed to be the launch of a new budget airline, called Firefly. It's a Malaysian budget airline that flies to Malacca, Subang, Ipoh and a few other places. Anyway, heard from hubby that it's propeller run plane (er....sounds a little scary though). Check out the website and you will see what I mean.



Was surprised Firefly even gave out momentos in this launching function to everybody. We were so lucky. It's a booklet with assorted sticky notepads and labels. Very nice wor. We even asked for another booklet each at another booth. Hehehehe... What a good start to our holiday.

Early for our flights, so we hang around after checking in - surfing net, eating, taking pics. Glad it wasn't too crowded.

This was our Tiger! Yep, we took this Tiger to KL. It really functions like a feeder bus. It touched down, passengers got down, luggages cleared, then the next lot of luggages were moved and then we moved it, and off it flew off again.

Anxiously waiting for boarding to start off our vacation! Surprising it still wasn't too crowded even as we were very close to boarding time. Why ah? But the flight was full. Mmmm....

The budget stewardess. I was thinking - how lucky of them. The attire is so casual and comfortable compared to their SQ counterparts.

Off we go...on our feet to the plane via the stairs.

This wasn't our plane lah. While climbing up the stairs I saw this nice thing up there so decided to snap it. If not for the slow camera reaction, I would have captured a bigger image.

See you, folks. Am getting into the plane to the land of ......whatever!

Our Hotel:

Ta-da! We have reached the land of .....whatever! And of course, the most exciting is always - checking into the hotel! That's when the mood of holiday really set in - for me, at least. What's a holiday without a hotel?

Hotel Pearl International. This is not in the heart of the city but there are some shopping and eatery places around the hotel. Anyway, we chose this hotel because it is near to our relatives' place. So basically, more for convenience. But then, it's still not a bad choice.



Ta-da! Our room (1638, if you are keen)! We booked a family suite actually meant for hubby, me and mum-in-law. But mum-in-law wasn't feeling well so she did not join in this trip. My bro- and sis-in-law and nephew are in another room (2006, if you are also keen).

Setting is the same as other rooms, just that the room size is bigger in view of the 'larger' capacity. Nice?

Early sunrise. That's a nice view. Would be nicer if THAT building was not there.

This was the view from our room too.

Activities in KL (mainly mouth activities featured here):

I hadn't really snap a lot of other shots, except for food.

Dinner on 3 Jul: Nice coffeeshop food. Nothing beats the variety offered in the local coffeeshops. Nic enjoying and full concentrating on his food.

Guess what's this? Looks like the toasted bread? It's not! It's toasted taupok with the rojak stuff (but the cucumber was actually shredded ones). Couldn't believe the taupok was so crispy! NICE!

Well, the cat was there so naturally, I tried to be friendly with it lor. It was very cute. We fed it, and it kept asking for more. Don't eat too much rubbish, kitty. Bad for health.

Supper on 3 Jul: Ok, we went back to the same coffeeshop we had dinner. Because I couldn't get rid of the craving for the nasi lemak I saw during dinnertime even after we had a round of shopping. So everybody sat down for a supper tea/coffee and my nasi lemak.

The feeling's really good to sit and relax with a cup of tea. Our hotel was just next to this coffeeshop. Wah, shiok combi.

My only comrade in the nasi lemak gobbling. Hey folks, I wasn't HUNGRY nor GREEDY. I just wanted to try the nasi lemak!

Accompanied with a cup of teh. Woo lala...I was in wonderland...

Breakfast on 4 Jul: We were brought to another nice place for breakfast. Again lots of variety. Choose what you want.

Here's our entourage! Cool right? They are the aunt, cousins, nieces, nephews in KL. Some of whom I have met, some have not.

Fishball noodle, prawn noodle and century egg porridge. Yes, one of them is prawn noodles! The one that looks like laksa or mee siam (to Singaporeans) is the prawn noodles.

Yong Tau Foo and Chee Cheong Fun. Well, these are the food we see in Singapore too. But then, different place, different style, different tastes. And I tell you, with a vacation mood, everything seemed to taste very good.

Cheerios everyone!

Lunch on 4 Jul: Here's the lunch group. Guess what we have for lunch?

Still waiting for our food...

Ta-da! Claypot Curry Fishhead! It's very tasty but as usual, I prefer the vege that comes with the fish. I am not a very fish person. Just a curry gravy on my rice with the vege is enough to make me a saint!

Dinner on 4 Jul: Dinner at home (another cousin's place). They cooked their own kampong chicken. Hmmm, nice home cooked food.

(After dinner, the guys stayed home to drink while the ladies, actually only 4 of us, went out to explore a karaoke. Oh my, it's open lounge, meaning you have to sing on stage one! Wait add in my pic once I have it.)

Late Night Celebration

We had a simple birthday celebration in our hotel room for the two men who birthdays fall on 4 Jul. We had earlier bought five mini cakes from a cakeshop and kept them in the fridge.

After the dinner, drinking session, karaoke, it was about 10-ish when we were back to hotel. But well, we sang birthday song anyway. Happy birthday, guys. May you be all happy and healthy for many many many years to come. :)


Hubby and my last day in KL:

We were leaving KL today and were setting off to airport at 10am. My bro- and sis-in-law leaving the next day. All of us came down for breakfast at 9am. Back to the same coffeeshop we had dinner on our first day.

I wasn't sure whether this was laksa or curry chicken noodle. I remembered ordering laksa. But it seemed like the curry chicken mee we have in Singapore. Lots of taupok which I don't really appreciate. So while I enjoyed the noodle, the taupok were settled by others.

Chee Cheong Fun with curry, I think. I didn't ask.

Char Kuay Teow in the morning wor. Funny though.

All for the fun and company. Thanks to our cousins and all in KL who had taken care of us very well and who had made our trip very enjoyable. See ya again.

Adieus - That's all folks!

Till our next trip...Cheers...