Our stories for the PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE - Max & Yvonne

2011-01-03T13:56:00.001+08:00

2010-12-27T00:24:00.001+08:00

2010-10-19T00:35:00.000+08:00

When life goes smooth, I abandon this space.

But, This is the space where i always drop by whenever i feel down, emotional and stress. Maybe, I am not known in this space, or maybe i am assuming this is just another deserted blog which has no visitors except myself.

I am putting in effort to write a post, which means somewhere, somehow, somewhat has gone wrong. To be more precise, it is about to go wrong.

I hope this is a false alarm, but the feeling of lost control is getting stronger.

Counting down to another episode.

Time for implementation of contingency plan. I have to make the plan works as soon as possible.

2010-09-07T19:52:00.000+08:00

It will be good when you and team members think alike.

My question, what if you and your team members are no longer think alike? does it mean, it is about the time to come to an end?

Attn: Mrs Ee

2010-05-23T23:14:00.002+08:00

I hope you can put in more effort in 'home affairs'. I unable to recall when was your last contribution to our 'home affairs'?

I don;t know how to bring my message across to you effectively. my objective is very simple, i just want you to understand and 'manage' home affairs once in a while.

Shall i keep myself silence? or shall i push you a little bit harder?

2010-05-23T10:15:00.002+08:00

It is so difficult to understand someone. Sometimes, it makes think whether i am the right person for you.

I never thought 'food' can be a topic for argument.

I am not a choosy person when come to food, I eat whatever being serve to me. I need food for survival. Food is the most basic need since existence of our kind, isn't it?

After a statement you've made, i realized, we viewed food differently (actually, more...). I don't wish to elaborate on your comment, you knew it.

I am really not happy about.

2010-03-24T16:07:00.002+08:00

It is a challenge to express my feelings to a third party, especially my loved one.

There is a topic, which me and loved one should avoid. The topic is like a mine, it explode once we step on it. Today, the mine exploded!

Have i done something wrong? Maybe, i am not sure. Has she done something wrong? I do not know the answer either.

All right, i will leave your life to you; leave our daughter's life to you.

2010-03-20T13:24:00.002+08:00

Love your loved one while you can.

Good bye 2009

2009-12-31T11:45:00.002+08:00

Good bye 2009 in another 12 hours, approximately.

Year 2010, could be another excited year for me with lots of new ventures. I hope year 2010 will be an excited year to you too~~

I wish everyone a happy new year 2010.

Summary for year 2009

2009-12-08T23:48:00.005+08:00

Time flies, year 2009 will be gone forever in another 22 days. I have been telling people about my bad command of English language since day one, yet I still struggling to keep my blog 'alive'. What a joke!!!

Writing a yearly summary is challenging for me. I have a hard time to recall what i have achieved since beginning of the year. the worse is to put them into words...phew.... Anyway, I'll do my best.

For Family
Le Er is 1 year old plus a few wekks now, she brings lots of of fun and laughter to the family. Spending time with her is the best leisure activity.

For work
In year 2009 ( till 09 Dec 09), I woke up from dreams. Dreams do not feed my family and I. One must realize his strength and weaknesses before pursue his dreams. failure for doing so will result in tragedy. Sometime, living without a dream can be a better choice of life.

I work as a salesman for the same company for the past almost 5 years. I guess it is the time for changing of working environment or maybe at least change of job scope... However, i will cling on to my current job for the moment.

In summary, year 2009 is a peaceful year for my family and me as compare to year 2008. I hope for a more excitement year 2010.

Le Er IS getting naughty

2009-10-26T22:39:00.003+08:00

Le Er is one year old by 31 Oct 2009.

Last weekends, we celebrated her birthday in advance with grandparents in Kluang. Next week, we will be leaving for KL, celebrating Le Er's birthday In KL, together with grandparents again ( Mummy's parents).

Now, she seems to understand what we are talking about, she wants to join us for the topic and share her opinion, somehow, we are unable understand what she is trying to say. But, we believe, one day we will.

She used to quite a nice baby, went to sleep every night at around 10pm. Thing changed! we ( daddy, mummy, grandpa and grandma ) have no idea how to make her sleep on time. We are still figuring out her 'new habits'. It is a tiring process, but FUN. : )

We love her.

The Kiasu people

2009-10-15T01:24:00.002+08:00

Recently, I have been traveling frequently, just want to sound off a few bad habits i see in flight and after checked out

In flight
1. I do not understand the reason why some passagers can never switch off their electronic devices before take and landing. I think this is something so common even a person who never take a plan would know.

2. When the flight landed, seat belt sign still on, people already start unbuckle seat belt and take their luggages from the overhead compartment. What it this man??

3. while waiting checked in luggages at the belt, people tends to stand as close as to the belt. isn;t easier to identify their luggages if they stand distance away from the belt? I guess, they will rather stand on belt 9if this is allow) and make themselves look like a moving shushi in sakea sushi. I wonder what is in their mind.

Wake up lah....

2009-10-12T22:16:00.004+08:00

It is just something i never like, but it is happening in my office - office politics. The episode in my office is something like the Chinese princes fighting each other for the Emperor title.

I am getting sick of it. Ultimately, I will be more than happy as long as I get paid at the end of every month. However, there is no way to be neutral in such game. I am one of the spy in enemy camp, yet, I SHOULD turn against my alliances but at the same time not belongs to member of enemy.

No one knows who stands a better chance, except the Emperor.

2009-10-02T09:47:00.002+08:00

I met up with a friend days ago. We keep eaah other update by sharing information such as our current job, the company, .... and financial status.

She got a shock when I told her my salary. Not that i am getting a damn high pay, in fact, she think ( actually that;s the fact) i am underpaid. I have nothing much to talk about the effort vs return because the world can be fair but never equal.

Now, i try not to think about my salary during work and even after work. Judging my pay and the work i do, makes me feel like an idiot, a cheap labor...

I am constantly looking for opportunity, i want to get out from here.

2009-10-02T00:28:00.003+08:00

I will not say our life is good, but at least it is getting better. We are no longer busy checking the balance in our account at the end of every month and we are able pamper ourselves once a while.

Our total household income unchanged, but we watch our expenses. in short, like those professionals always say- control.

We are glad as we've really done a good job in controlling our expenses. It is a tough task, especially when temptation to spend kicks in.

the fundamental - control , control and control.

Le Er - coming 10 months old

2009-08-16T23:32:00.003+08:00

A baby to a toddle. It is amazing. I had gone through the stage. But, it is entirely different experience now.

In the past - With the guidance by my parents, I learn and I figured out the way to stand and walk steadily.

Now - I am guiding Le Er so she could figure the way to stand and walk steadily one day.

To my parents (honestly, my parents neither surf Internet nor understanding English language), I truly understand the time and efforts both of you spent on me now.

2009-08-16T23:15:00.002+08:00

I respect the people who say 'life isn't a routine'. I was once said the identical sentence.

Anyway, that does not matter to me at this moment. I would like get things settle and pray hard time gets better at least for the next few years.

Something about financial. What is financial freedom? Google it, you will lots of explanations and people brag about how they achieve their financial freedom. However, to me, at this stage, financial freedom = zero debt. Don't you agree??

HACKS

2009-07-13T13:54:00.003+08:00

I think I've found something interesting to blog. HACKS - The sweets.

I have been eating hacks since my younger days till now. Honestly, I had forgotten about HACKS until my colleague gave me a HACKS a moment ago.

I unwrapped it and put the 'regular sweet' into my mouth. I wonder is the HACKS still the same HACKS I used to eat 20 odd years ago? Is the HACKS company still belongs to founder or had sold to a big organization and resell over and over again?

I did a Google search. No article specifically mentions about HACKS sweet except this. Glad to know it is still belongs to the founder (Barkath group).

There isn't much changes to the taste of the sweet; the wrapper; the variety of flavor. I do not understand how can it sustain it business and maintain profitable, probably .

Le Er fall sick

2009-07-10T21:47:00.004+08:00

Le Er is 8 and half months old. It is the time to grow her first tooth.

2nd July 09
Le Er is having Fever + flu. Brought her to family doctor. Doc prescribe flu syrup and antibiotic for Le Er.

3rd - 5th Jul 09
Le Er's body temperature fluctuation between 36.5 - 38.5 degrees Celsius.

6th Jul 09
Mummy brought Le Er to family doc again. This time doc prescribed with more medication.

10th Jul 09
Brought Le Er to family doc again. Her body temperature shoot up to 39 degree Celsius!

10th Jul 09 22:00hrs
Le Er body temperature back to normal. What a relief! The tooth still hiding underneath the gum!

Random

2009-07-06T21:24:00.002+08:00

Somehow the last update was at Mar 2009. Time flies, now mid of year 2009. Le Er coming 9 months old.
XXX
Am still leading the monotonous life, wake up in the morning, go work, dream about my dream after work and sleep, standard procedure of my life.
XXX
Company is restructuring, I guess this should be the final move. All will come to an end after this - the merger of 2 divisions. No one know what will happen next. For sure, i will not in my best mode to perform before eveything settle down.
XXX
at the cross road...

Another $S15K top up??!!

2009-03-23T17:47:00.002+08:00

I simply could not believe there are at least another three more years before the full settlement of my car and scrap value are even.

I have driven it for almost 4 years. If i chose to scrap it now, i need to top up additional $S15K++ to balance the sheet.

Ohhhhhhh...

Random

2009-03-15T03:22:00.002+08:00

Life is unpredictable, no one knows what will happen the next minutes.

Death, disability, illnesses. the least hassle - DEATH! The rest, create a chain of problems.

Well, eveybody knows it, but only a few manage to achieve it - keep yourself debt free.

What is debt free? My definition of debt free is simple - you are allowed to spend 100% of what you earn from now, no monthly installment, and no need to worry about your retirement.

argh....... the mind running wild.

I am a monkey!

2009-03-11T00:00:00.003+08:00

I though i was satisfied with what I have been paid all this while. Today, to be exact, this afternoon, I finally realized, confirmed, plus chop, plus stamp, I am the cheap cheap multitasking general worker in the company.

To make it more 'psychical' to you,
Imagine a monkey with western suit and pretend to be human! It gives 'WOW' effect.
When I exchange name card with my business partner, 'WOW' effect

The monkey is paid with peanuts after all the hard works
I am paid with peanut (singular) after all the tasks i have achieve.

To all the sales industry experts out there, What is the justifiable amount to pay a salesman who contribution SGD1,950,000 sales per annum? I seek for advise.

My mode (mood) "Start-> shut down -> (the background is fading)"

Random

2009-03-02T11:42:00.001+08:00

Sometime, it is better to be contented with what you have.

End of CNY...

2009-02-10T13:02:00.004+08:00

Chinese New Year has ended. This year we have our little princess, Le Er celebrating CNY with us. She is now 3 months 10 days. She is naughty and talkative. Her voice veryyy loud. Huh... My lovely daughter, daddy and mummy love you very much.
There was so many things happen on this Chinese New Year, happy and unhappy. I have taken a long break on this CNY, but still not manage to meet my friends. I just manage to meet few friends. Hope to see you again, my friends.
I have to back to work tomorrow. Ended my break. Time flies so fast. But I did not fully utilizes my break. Even if I have plan for my break, does not means I can do it.
Erase, erase, erase... Erase all the unhappy things... Start a brand new day with happy, happy and happy days...

Looking forward for our 3rd anniversary. 3 years and we have Le Er with us in the 3rd year.
Wish my dearest hubby, good in health, doing well in his career, and have a happy family with Le Er and me.
Wish Le Er good in health, be good girl, listen to daddy and mummy and 'kuai kuai le le' as we name her as Qi Le.
Wish all my family member good in health and all the best in year 2009.

HAPPY 2009...

OX year

2009-01-31T20:03:00.001+08:00

Celebration of lunar new year is the only long break I have in a year.
Releasing all the stresses and recharge psychical and mental batteries.
Sometime, ridiculous incidents happen during the break. Those incidents should not be mentioned here.
'Ox' year, with global economy crisis; with greater responsibilities; with higher self-set targets will be a challenging year.
31 Jan 2009, the final day for my break. *Preparing to press the RESET button at 00:00 hrs*
1 Feb 2009, a new head start.

Insomia

2009-01-17T01:27:00.003+08:00

What a baby does when he/she can't fall in sleep?

It is Le Er's habit to rub her face when she is sleepless.

Seeing her rubbing her face is amusing.

Luckily, there wasn't any sand paper in her hands, else, her face should be flat by now.

* 2 months 15 days - she is talkative.*

Hold tight

2008-12-30T23:48:00.002+08:00

28th Dec 2008. While feeding Le Er...

lost

2008-12-23T02:28:00.003+08:00

Things are getting a little bit out of hand.

Job, pru, business and home. Seems like i do not have much time leave for myself everyday.

Can't afford to have any holiday at the moment as Le Er is still too young to travel with us (except balik kampung [back to hometown])

I get to know myself better after several times of self-observation. The Conclusion >
sleepless = Problem

I had been taught not to run away from problem when i was in Primary 3. Since then, my problems all run away from me .Now, I have a problem, people call it 'sleepless'. Okay, I will face it fearlessly, I want confront 'sleepless' by staying awake whole night long until it runs away from me.

Okay, time to confront 'sleepless'.

See ya~

Doing something crazy

2008-12-16T22:19:00.004+08:00

am doing something crazy. Shifting my desk + printers + cupboard + laptops from living rooms to the guest' room, i named it the reversed 'L' room. Yes, i am converting the reversed 'L' room to a study/ working/ computer room. Doing my works in the living room indeed distracting, okay, you may want to say i am lack of self discipline. Go ahead. I am fine with that.

Why am i blogging? I am testing the wireless connection in the reversed 'L' room. Now it shows the wireless connection is perfect in this room. Therefore, entry ends.

Why named it reversed 'L' room? use your imagination. Thank you.

Blank

2008-12-15T21:44:00.000+08:00

Deadline: 18th dec2008
It hasn’t completed.
My mind
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Warp up for year 2008

2008-12-13T09:28:00.003+08:00

It is end of year 2008, I should be released from my duty by now; hibernate and prepare myself for year 2009. But, it is not. I am still busy visiting customers and strategy planning for year 2009. Does it mean I have greater responsibilities; or… I do not have an absolute answer for this. All I know, year 2009 will be a tough year for everyone.

Although it is only mid of Dec 2008, but I would like sum up the 'big things' happened in my life in year 2008

Arrival Baby Le Er - I would like to express my gratitude to my dearest wife - Yvonne. Ten months of pregnancy; the pain when deliver baby Le Er - I know and I appreciate.
Promoted to Sales Manager
A house in Malaysia
A HDB flat in Singapore
Certified Financial Consultant

These are the big thing happened in Year 2008. Of course, they bring me joys and kind of self achievement to me as well. Also, that means greater responsibilities from year 2009 onwards. Paying monthly installment, increase in fix and variable costs, greater fear in retrenchment, maintain healthy cash flow and building reservoir of good will be my day in day out matters. Well, although more monitory related matter from year 2009 onwards, but my family will still be my primary focus.

There isn't much self- planning in year 2009, there is only one ‘personal project’ so far- improve my writing skills. Every entry is a challenge to me, I find it is difficult myself freely in words, but should be an excuse for me to stop writing. I want to do better in year 2009.

update

2008-12-09T16:32:00.003+08:00

I am not disappeared. Just busy with running errands. A quick update for what had happened for past few days.

5th Dec 08
Preparation for Le Er's baby shower and my SG house warming. Cleaning dusk and hiding all not presentable stuffs that lying around in my house, so my house will be clean and tidy on the occasion. Changing diaper for Le Er is part of the job. : )

6th Dec 08
Le Er's baby shower and housing warming. Started at 12pm; the last guest left at 9.30pm.

A short appreciation note to all my guests.
Thanks for coming for Le Er's baby shower and our house warming. We appreciate your presence, gifts and all the best wishes to us.

We might not be a good host, but we hope you did enjoy the simple food served and felt at home. We wish all of you best luck in coming years.

7th Dec 2008
Woke up at 4.oo a.m. Drove to beach road, park my car near to my office. Walked to Esplande.

RACE STARTED AT 6.30a.m.

Ya, I ran Singapore HALF marathon. Completed 21.2km. at 9.30a.m. Disappointed as I the time to finish 21.2km is longer as compare to year 2007. Also, IT IS TIME FOR ME TO CUT WEIGHT. I look like a balloon in my running attire.

1.30pm. departed from SG to KL. Bro, i supposed to meet you for kopi. Sorry about that, well own you one time. To be fair, you may add interest on it. muahaha...

8th Dec 2008
1.30pm. departed from KL to SG. I reached the Rm10.80 toll at 6p.m. and only managed to reached at 9.30. Yes, I stucked in second link for bloody THREE hours. Luckily, i was to tired to get agitate, else...

Went to bed at 10.30.

Now, i am officially HOME ALONE till 16th Dec 2008.

Life with Le Er

2008-12-01T01:15:00.002+08:00

Life with Le Er is so amazing...
1. We communicate more. All topics are related to Le Er.
2. Our world seems to be isolated. We are in fantasy.
3. Lots of 'shits' thing to cover. Real shits man~ change diapers.
4. In term of job, we get train in taking care infant. I may think of switching line to be a full time nanny if i am fired.
5. We learn what people name it as 'long term horizon'.
6. Less sleeping time.
7. Better coordination skills.
8.This could be a little but hash, but it is true. Spring cleaning for my 'friends list'. Thrown quite a numbers of old friends.
9. We learn to take things easy. She cry; she scream; she can't sleep, take it easy man! still long way to go.
10. I know my parents no more...

Saving interest vs Inflation

2008-11-26T08:32:00.001+08:00

I am constantly working on to produce something that benefit to my readers.

In my previous post about 'how much your money worth', I explained the relationship between savings interest VS inflation. I don't think I do well in explaining my argument in words. And therefore, I decided to transfer my words into figures. I hope my readers could benefit more.

I've made a few assumptions, purely for easy illustration purpose,
1. Savings account interest remain constant @ 1%/year for 25 years ( bank don't give such high interest right? for easy illustration la)
2. Inflation remains @ 3%/year for 25 years ( Again, inflation should be more than that right?Again, for the ease of illustration la.)
3. This could be a super duper simple illustration. Therefore, all variables are not considered.

Okay, here goes the chart (in jpeg)

So, I have done my part by showing a simple illustration. Now, it is your part to do something with your $.

To be continued...

JS

2008-11-24T11:09:00.005+08:00

Does anyone still remember the drink that was always appeared during traditional Chinese wedding dinner? Carbonated drink, tastes like Fido-dido drink added with lemon, children famous (pre-entry level to bear).

Do you get the answer?

Ya, Jolly Shandy! By Calsberg Malaysia.

I saw Jolly Shandy (JS) bus ads this morning. Few questions came into my mind.

1. What is JS market positioning?
Could it be?
- It prepares your kids for bear;

- Alcoholic drinks that never make kids mabuk (drunk);

- Make your baby sleep better at night ( but I think no parents in their right mind will feed their babies with Jolly Shandy, right?)

- Drinks for kids who want to act like an adult?!

2. JS target audience?
- I learn this “Jolly Shandy is the perfect drink for today's young and trendy who live a lifestyle by the adage 'Refreshingly Different” from its website. Tell me, what are the chances young and trendy who live a lifestyle will hold a can of JS during party time? Maybe tea -break? Maybe lunch time? Maybe…

- To me, JS is for kids.

3. If I were their sales/marketing/fello in charge of the business, how can I change JS?
- Identify new market segment/ target audience
o Yuppies (especially females)

- Re-position its market positioning
o ‘Stylish, Safe and Fun’ beverage at night spots
o SAFE - Do researches on how many cans of JS can make a driver fail traffic police ‘blow test’. I believe you definitely need more to achieve that; FUN - the recipe to make a drinks taste unique by mixing with other juices/alcoholic drinks in the market. STYLE – Drinking a can of JS is a stylish choice, not kiddo.

- Advertising
o Get a stylish logo.
o Cut all advertisement on TV, radio, newspaper, bus, car, bicycle…
o Sponsorship for sports events. Not those ball games ( Soccer, tennis, golf); but sea sports (wind surfing, sailing, power boating and etc). Reason: A little of alcohol make you feel relax but it will not make you lose control; Match the image -> Stylish, Safe and Fun.

That’s all. Of course, there are more things to do if you zoom in. But time to work…

Disclaimer: This is 100% my personal opinions. It may not applicable piratically/ commercially.

Something brief about business... real brief

2008-11-20T14:43:00.000+08:00

What kind of distribution channel will you chose if you are a manufacturer?
My humble opinions on direct approach and distribute through distributor.

Distribution channel - Direct
Advantages
1. Better control over pricing and delivery time.
2. Ensure quality after sales support ( in term of technical).
3. Aware of market movement - Price, technology, demand.
4. Direct feedback from end-user.
5. Fast response to customer inquiries.

Disadvantages
1. Single product. Some customers prefer 'one-stop service'.
2. Limited market penetration - manufacturer tend to forgo 'small' customers.
3. Different cultural - example, manufacturer may not entertain 'special arrangement', especially MNC.

Distribution channel - Distributor
Advantages
1. Distributor represent principle to provide one stop service.
2. Market penetration - Let the local deal with local.

Disadvantages
1. Information/ feedback from end-users are filtered, somehow.
2. Conflict of interest - Occur when 2 distributors compete in a same battle field.
3. Almost 'ZERO' relationship between end-users and manufacture, therefore, low brand loyalty.
4. Company revenue depends on third party.
5. Less market awareness - technology, demand and pricing.

Distraction. There should be points. Please feel free to share you views..

F..K

2008-11-19T14:53:00.000+08:00

Something interesting to share. The first English i learn - FUCK. Vulgar word??? well, here is the answer...

Group of...

2008-11-18T12:07:00.000+08:00

We have the following groups:
- Group of Six ( G6 - Year 1975)
-Group of Seven (G7 - Year 1976)
- Group of Eight (G8)
- Group of Twenty (G20 - Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors)
- G8 +5I am still studying what's the groups do. Information from Wikipedia

MOTORPAY

2008-11-17T13:39:00.001+08:00

Since started driving in years back, I always find topping up cash card and make sure there is always sufficient value for me drive thru ERP gantries is a big hassle. I always hope some smart guy can invent something... um... like GIRO ERP system, GIRO Automatic cash card top up.

Really, some smart guys really invented something like i said.

MOTORPAY.

Pay ERP gantries and charge to your credit card. Yeah yeah! no top-up cash card to ERP gantries anymore. No more fines for insufficient funds in cash card when drive thru an operating ERP gantry. So cool~~ Hold on, there is always a 'BUT' after all praises.

Yes, the service is not FOC. there is a monthly subscription fee of S$1.50 ( for DBS credit card holder) from 31 Jan 09.

At the end, I chose to top up my cash card regularly.

Quiz me

2008-11-16T13:42:00.001+08:00

Everyone has something to share when the financial planning topic is mentioned.

You should grow your money by bla bla bla, a b c method and so on. Everybody seems to be an expert in financial planning. sure?!

Take Quiz me from to test your financial knowledge.

This is my score. What about yours?

update

2008-11-14T23:50:00.004+08:00

I am a father since 31 Oct 2008. I do not much experience to share as I only officially be a father for.... less than a month. No major changes in my life, except i need to fall in sleep a few times every night. I am still adopting the new sleeping style.

Job - Nothing much to share about as i always work on half a day basic since 31 Oct 2008. That's bad, but luckily i have two very understanding bosses. Thanks Roy and CG.

X X X
Met YC and Amy last night (Ya, I was in KL from Wed - Fri), thanks YC for the psychological booster. I shall keep it up! and UP and UP!!!

X X X
year 2009 a tough year ahead! However, when it reaches it bottom, it has no way to go but goes up. Be optimistic.

Le Er..

2008-11-01T23:25:00.003+08:00

Sorry, i simply want to ZZZzzz

Delay...

2008-10-29T15:17:00.003+08:00

Estimated arrival date: 29 Oct 2008.
Today is 29 Oct 2008, yet no signal for her arrival.

Le Er, the first lesson daddy and mummy will teach you when you are here - be punctual.

haahaa~~

SG HOME

2008-10-19T23:12:00.003+08:00

Our Current home. The living + Dining area.

Open house soon...

agar - agar end of Nov 2008 - beginning Dec 2008.

Stay tune.

I bought a...

2008-10-16T00:52:00.000+08:00

Disclaimer: This is not a birthday present wish-list.

has been thinking to get a new phone for long long time.

Hunt hunt, search search, look look, see see... finally, i thin this is the most ideal for me...

LG VIEWTY
I know, i know this is not the latest model, but i simply like it. Can?

I like:
- The 5 m pixel camera phone with macro mode. No photocopy of IC anymore with the present of LG VIEWTY.
- Touch screen. Um... touch screen is the trend, right?
- $$$, affordable, $200++ with 2 years contract.

I don't like:
- Scheduler. I don't like the input method for scheduler application. How should i put it... um... like the conventional handphone, three alphabets + one number squeeze in one button.

after a deep thought, i bought a...

TOSHIBA 29" FLAT SCREEN TV. Okay... not plama, not LCD.. is TV at SGD250 + freebie -> microwave oven

You may ask, what is the link between LG viewty and a 2nd toshiba 29" flat screen TV + freebie.

Both costs the same-> SGD250.00

what about LG VIEWTY?

Well, next round.

HAppy birthday to me...Theng and Hong

2008-10-15T23:13:00.003+08:00

Stars of October (left to right)
Theng, ME and C.Hong

Thanks pals for the celebration:
Johnson, Teck Eng, Eng's girlfriend, Tai Siang, Shufa ( the photographer), Wan and My dearest wife - Yvonne Lai.

Kaoz... Next year (year 2009) i will celebrate my 30th Birthday. I can't believe it~

Update
I've found one more Oct star. She is non other *drum roll*

MS Jasmine Chia

My secondary school junior. they way we keep in touch is little bit unique. We neither SMS/ call each other nor email. The bridge that keep us in touch --> the blog. : )

Anyway, Wish you happy 21++ birthday.

PS: Apologize for 'stealing' the pic from your blog. Please do not sue me.

To Le Er

2008-10-07T01:20:00.003+08:00

Dear Le Er,

Daddy will be on business tomorrow and be back home by Thursday night. I will be traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Yes. it is your mummy hometown. Daddy promise will bring you there to visit your grandpa, grandma (your mummy's mum and dad) and your aunty Sara, Uncle Samson, Uncle Wilson when you are ready and steady. Okie?

Honestly, daddy really hesitate to travel this time round. Reason is very simply, I worry you naughty girl may pop out anytime time from now. So, be good girl, don't bully your mummy when daddy is not around. Grandma (daddy's mother) will be here to keep your mummy company, of course she will be keeping an eye on you as well. Grandma will know how to deal with you if you decide to sudden pop out. Grandma is great!

Ok ok, it is late now, daddy wants to sleep already.

Daddy will miss you, mummy and grandma.

Muacks,

Daddy.

HaPpY BiRtHdAy!!!

2008-09-25T18:40:00.011+08:00

This year will be the last year celebrating my birthday with my dearest lou gong. Next year will be celebrating my birthday with my dearest lou gong and my lovely Le er. How to celebrate this precious moments??? Le er bigger and bigger already, due soon... waiting...
We had dinner together today, we chat a lot, I'm the queen today. Lou gong listen to me well today... hahaha... Thanks my dearest lou gong for taking good care of me, I know now is a tough time for you. You have been working very hard, I know you can do it and we will have a happy and wonderful life together with out family.

Take good care of yourself ya... you are very important for me and Le er... Muacks...

XXX

My dearest family members, thanks for all the birthday wishes. Thanks my mum and dad for taking good care of me, loves me, gave me education and a lot more happy days... Thanks my lovely sister n brothers for being supportive, loves me, and care of me. Here wish all of you a healthy, wealthy and happy forever. Miss you all much... My sweety cousin sister, thanks for your birthday wishes...

XXX

Once I reached office this morning, I received a really surprise gift from my payroll and HR colleagues. A delicious home made glutinous rice and ‘sao tou’ from my dearest Michelle jie jie. A metro voucher and a birthday card from Michelle, Sharon, Evelyn, Linda, Fion, Nicole, Mandy, Jolin, Chloe, Deon, Maggie and Elaine. Thank you very much for the arrangement and celebration.

XXX

Wishing all of you have a wonderful and happy life forever. The most important is stay healthy forever with your loves one...

update

2008-09-24T11:09:00.002+08:00

Shifted into 'our home' one week plus. Still fitting ourselves (maybe I am the only one) into the new environment. Fighting cockroaches is still ongoing, seems like we are winning the war. Thanks to my pest team from Malaysia ( my mum and aunt).

XXX

Finally, all furniture are in place. Except for a TV/LCD. We may only manage to get one in coming Nov, the earliest. temporary got to bear with the tiny 14" Sony TV, more than 10 years old, imported from Taman delima2, Kluang, Johor, Malaysia.

XXX

Catch up with old pals last week when i was back in Kluang. 2 rounds of drinking session. Almost drunk.
Tat and Mindy, both of you indeed good drinkers. Don't want to drink with you guys anymore. *quick quick run*

XXX

Le Er is getting more active in her mummy's tummy. Will she look more like mummy or daddy? most important, she must be healthy. Patiently waiting for her.

XXX

Fall sick on 23 Sep. !@#$%^&*()

XXX

We have numbers of re-engineering products from China, we had fake eggs from china one/ two years ago. Now we have toxic milk products from China. What's next?

Cockroaches

2008-09-11T10:25:00.003+08:00

My life is surrounded by cockroaches.

At home...

Just shifted in to our flat few days a go, simply has too many cockroaches. We killed total not less than 50 cockroaches since the day before we shifted in till this morning. trust me, i am not exaggerating. The fark up ex- occupants of the flat.

In office...

Cockroach appear on my desk this morning, i killed it.

Printing half way, printer jammed. Opened the front cover, took out the cartridge, shit! another cockroach in the cartridge compartment.

Cockroaches are driving me crazy!

I swear i will find the base and destroy it. both home and office.

About Job, again?!

2008-09-03T09:42:00.002+08:00

I've been blog about my job quite often recently, sad to say non of these entries are positive. Seriously, is it a signal asking me to move on? Ya, i think so.

When?
Soon.

How soon?
Very soon.

Exact time?
Year 2009.

I personally find that it is important for management to identify their fellow workers talents, then nourish the talents with knowledge and skills and finally be the strength that can help company / business to grow.

I think my boss fail to do that.

I won a price

2008-08-28T12:06:00.002+08:00

Phone buzz while i was doing my works. An SMS from Petronas -

Congratulation!!! Your SimCard get $7000 from PETRONAS. For more information please call PETRONAS centre +6281339662456. www.petronas.com

Obviously, it is a scam la.

I will spend a few minutes to think about it, if the SMS is from SPC.

Haa....

* anyone keen to call PETRONAS centre?

Last 23 days

2008-08-09T01:20:00.003+08:00

Anyone had watched L: Change the world? I watched it just before I jot down this message. If you had watched Death note I & II, you should know L only left with 23 more days to live after the Kiro's case was closed.

L: Change the world – Basically shows what L had done during his last 23 days life. I am not sure what do you think about the movie. No doubt, It is a good show to me.

A question being asked to myself at the end of the show.

What will I do during my last 23 days in the world?
.
.
.
.
My answer: I took everyday granted. Waking up in the morning is a norm and had never though of such question. Well, I am re-evaluating my lifestyle.

Quote:

Everyday is a gift, live everyday to the fullness.

Don't you agree?

How much your money worth?

2008-08-07T10:09:00.003+08:00

I was surfing the savings account interest page for a few banks, this is what I’ve gotten. The interest rate has increased. But, does it really sufficient to hedge the inflation rate? Let's take a look at the interest first.

Savings account interest

DBS Saving Plus/ CDA and POSB Passbook (06 Aug 2008)

First $3000 - 0.2500%

Next $47,000 – 0.2750%

Next $50,000 – 0.3750%

Remaining balance above $100,000 – 0.4750%

OCBC Passbook savings / Basic banking account rate / statement savings

First $10,000 – 0.25%

Form $10,001 to $50,000 – 0.27%

From $50,001 to $250,000 – 0.38%

UOB Passbook savings

First $3000 - 0.2500%

Next $47,000 – 0.2750%

Next $50,000 – 0.3750%

Remaining balance above $100,000 – 0.4750%

Average increment of consumer price index is about 0.74% since 1998 – 2007 ( source: www.singstat.gov.sg). Assume that the interest rate for savings account constant at 0.25% for the past 10 years ( in fact, it was much lesser), the money that you park in a bank depreciate averagely at 0.69% per year.

Example:

In year 1998, you parked $100 in a bank, the value depreciate 0.69% yearly for 10 years and worth only $93.1 in today value. Isn’t it frightening?

In year 2008, the inflation raised to a record high, 6.6% in January 2008. In this case, your money park in the bank will further depreciate 6.35%, translate into value it only worth $87.18 now.

How you though of doing something? Or just leave it as it is?

nomad

2008-07-29T16:45:00.003+08:00

I came across the word 'nomad' sometime ago, I've done a online search, Wikipedia gives me this. I am not sure whether i understand the term correctly. Anyway, just give it a try to link to this entry...

Some time back in 1997, I took a step out from my hometown, ventured across the courseway, settle in unknown concrete jungle as a nomad. Honestly, this is nothing spectacular, I believe you may had similar experience some time back.

Okay, let's get back to the topic.

Since then, i was hoping around within the foreign land for survival. I find most of places in this land familiar to me as i was hoping to a new nest every now and then. Let me recall, which parts of the jungle which i had shifted my nest (Yes, it is far too expensive to live a cave here ).

1. Tanjung Pagar
2. Ang Mo Kio - Shifted within Ang Mo Kia for 3 times or maybe more?!
3. Woodlands/ Admiralty - shifted Woodlands/ Admiralty for 5 times!!!
4. Bishan
5. Clementi
6. Jurong
7. Tiong Bahru

Being a nomad, i have the freedom to chose where do i want to shift my nest from time to time. But, no sense of belongings. I have to always think about when am i shifting again? Where am I going this time? and the most tedious one, increase in expenditure each time i hop one point to another.

Being a nomad is fun initially, but it makes you feel sick when you see people around you are settling down. Maybe not to you, but I am. I ever wondering, when will the cycle stop. I didn't any answer.

About 2 years back, a major event of my life took place. All the 'I' turned to 'WE' since then.

We think; We plan; We action.

Today, we proudly announce to you, We are confirmed stripping off the title of nomad in 2 months time as we are finally settling down in one location.

Hope you could feel our happiness as well...

Our 1st Home

2008-07-22T23:58:00.007+08:00

After so many years of hard work, we've gotten our 1st home. Today, 23 Jul 2008 ( lunar calendar: the 21st day of sixth month) we 'officially enter the house'. Sorry, i am not able to elaborate in details due to my poor command of language. in short, it is kind of Chinese superstitious thing.

Some pictures for your viewing pleasure,

the living room

The lighting at living room

The dinning area + lighting

the kitchen. How do you find the cabinet?

Going to 2nd floor
The entrance to master bedroom...

The master bedroom.

The two more rooms

and.. do i need to say more?

Ya i know, it is empty... do you want to have a look at my wish list? haa...

100,000km

2008-07-22T23:40:00.003+08:00

Has been complain too much for the past few posts. Let's have a celebration here...

Sorry, 1 more km to go...

Celebrate the 100,000km millage for my Kia Rio.

Just would like to thank you for serving me for the past three years without taking much MC or annual leave. I understand sometime i push you to your limit, it is for your own good. You will not what you are if i did not do that to you.

You should feel proud of yourself, there are only a few which can reach 100,000km nowadays and you are one of them.

Nevertheless, you are considered old by the standard here, but no worries, i shall bring to reliable clinic whenever is needed. Of course, i still hope you to serve me, at least a few years before you tender your resignation.

Happy 100,000km millage to you~~~

2008-07-17T08:49:00.002+08:00

I think it is common for bosses making decision without discussing with subordinate, i do not against this kind of cultural. Somehow, i totally don't feel comfortable if he does this in front of customer, especially when customer is taken care by the subordinate who attend the meeting with him.

The worse is, it happened to me during our last day meeting with customer.

I though i could stay in current job without grievance. Too bad, it just different now.

Equation

2008-07-14T09:10:00.002+08:00

[Morning X (Singapore + (7 Days a week – (Saturday+ Sunday))) + Rainy] ^{all Expressway} = Terrible Traffic condition

Terrible Traffic Condition + (Red + Kia Rio +manual 1.5L + 15 inch steel rims) = Bloody frustrated driver

Bloody frustrated driver = ME

Flat out on ground? Never!

2008-07-10T12:31:00.004+08:00

I was reading The Business Times, an article title - World govts can bring down oil prices: MM Lee. MM Lee said at this year's Nomura Asia Equity Forum, in a dialogue session:

'This time when the US goes down, we will be down, but we will pick ourselves up again - not at the same pace as when the US was up, but not flat out on the ground as before.'

It inspired me and i would like to alter it to benefits myself or maybe to you as well.

When people fail to acknowledge my existence, I feel down, but i will pick up myself again - at a faster pace than anyone expected and never flat out on ground.

I hope you feel the same.

First Time

2008-07-07T21:39:00.003+08:00

This is the very first i have my high record in facebook. Feel shoik!!! Muahahaha....

High score record for all facebook this week neh... Dun play play~~~

insomnia

2008-07-02T00:20:00.002+08:00

I know, you may laugh at me when you see the timing for insomnia. Wasn't still damn bloody early? Please bear in mind, I am leading a healthy life style ( like real) so must sleep early.

00.00 - sitting on my bed. MSN online - Check who is online, quite a number of contacts but hardly get find a common to start conversation, well minimize MSN, continue internet surfing. Click on firefox shortcut, new brower pop up, type one of the local famous URL... loading... well, someone is scolding someone again. Um.. what a joke.

00.20 - Thinking, when was the last time i update our blog? Anyway, this could be the best time to blog, Kill two birds by one stone - Keep my blog updated + kill time.

00.28 - Again, thinking. Thinking of doing something 'boh liao' (meaningless). What about a summary about myself from 1979 till 2008? This could be a good idea! but, it take too much time and long recalling process. The bio-HDD may not work well at this moment. Maybe some other time.

... Continue surfing net, to be exact - facebook-ing...

00.56 - Played MindJolt game - DESKTOP DEFENSE TOWER from facebook, fun! Out of sudden... Network disconnected. What else can i do other than wait?

01.00 - reconnected to network, 'Signal strength: No Signal'. Who care, it still connect to internet anyway.

01.01 - Network disconnected again...

01.02 - it back, and i continue my game

01.32 - ok.. bye by...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Career Crisis

2008-06-23T20:52:00.002+08:00

A friend of mine shared with me about career crisis some time ago. He mentioned all people who are in work force will face career crisis sooner or later. Usually, career crisis appear in 3 years and 2 years interval, the very first appear when you serve 3 years in the same company, then 5 years, 7 years and 10 years.

I did not believe what he said initially. However, i changed my perception after review my profile. I quited my first after three years, it was back in year 2004. Then, I've found and reported to my current job in June 2005, counting from then, it is exactly three year since the 1st day i reported work.

Time to change job again? I don't think so, I am very sure i love my current job, especially i have a very understanding superior(s). Also, i would like to express my gratitude him (them) to allow me to fill in my current position. I would not be who i am today if without him (them).

But, something frustrate me as i stay longer in this industry, the business has turned into a defensive business instead of growing.

1. Technology - The current processes are being replace by more advance technology. The more efficient and more economical processes and machine replace the existing. Imagine this, we are still trying to convince people to ride on a bicycle when he can ride on a motorcycle.

2. Competition - As the demand is getting lesser, more competitors appear, especially those 'no frills' suppliers from low labor cost countries. As a European company, we emphasize on product innovation, reliability and quality verses 'No frills' suppliers who emphasize on low costs and finally 'costs' has the final say.

3. Relocation of plants- the countries i am taking care are considered developed countries. The labor costs in my territories are considered relatively high. Labor intensive businesses are shifting out gradually to somewhere beyond my reach.

The figures already turn RED, yet I have no idea to resuscitate it.

Capturing competitors' accounts could be a good idea but watch out the back!

New Role

2008-06-16T00:28:00.002+08:00

After all the efforts, finally i am qualify to sit for straight five full days training. But, I will split the training into two session: 3+2. 3 days in June, 2 days in July then two for tests and finally present you my new role in this society.

Another 1 and half month...

2008-06-14T20:07:00.002+08:00

Staying in Singapore during weekends is miserable.

1. We do not watch TV programs, to be exact, we are not able to.
2. We are not shopping type of person. We only appear in shopping mall when we need to replenish our necessities. Even then, we always try hard to minimize the inventory as we do not own any space to keep them.
3. We do not do cooking at home because we do not own a kitchen.
5. Like the majority, we live in HDB, but we are confined in 500cm X 275cm space.

I am getting impatience.

Having an alternative?!

2008-06-02T08:33:00.004+08:00

I was listening to radio while drove to work this morning. The topic was about costs/energy saving was discussed on-air. Some of MNCs like HP and Google encourage their workers to take public transports to works, car pool, offer transport to workers, tele-conferencing to reduce the frequency of flying and more... There are just thousands of ways to reduce costs/ energy consumption during this petroleum soaring period.

Actually, i have been thinking to have a motorcycle as an alternative mode of transportation for myself since weeks ago. I think below would be the benefits if i adopt the new mode of transportation.

Benefits:
- Less petrol consume
- Maintenances costs are low
- Cheap road tax
- Cheap Insurance
- Increase mobility

But, I am EXPOSED while on the road!

Of course, I will consider this option seriously before making a decision.

2008-06-02T00:43:00.003+08:00

The very first experience of feeling kicking/punching/elbowing from BB. feel excited.

We feel relief as we know the little one is doing well.

Can't wait to see him/her.

X X X
Managed to catch up with some old mates, glad to know everyone is doing well. Anyway, hard work and perseverance are the keys.

Wish you all the best! Pals. I shall work harder too.

Bored at work

2008-05-13T11:42:00.004+08:00

I am getting a little bit bored at work.

I have been doing what i am doing for the past almost three years. Pre-sales, sales, after sales. Answering the same old questions by same old customers, why your product can't meet pour requirement; your product is too expensive; your company have logistic issue... bla bla bla. Questioning internal department the same old question Why shipment delay, when is the next availability date. Stress by management for some uncontrollable issues. Doesn't it sound boring? Anyway, these are the issues face by almost all sales personal, i am just one of them.

Sales industries should be dynamic; challenging; responsive; competitive. I am no longer feeling all these. I need a breakthrough; i need more responsibilities; i want to expand my job scopes.

Switching to a new environment could be a good option. Any other suggestion?

Light ahead

2008-05-12T16:22:00.002+08:00

Just when we though all our efforts are gone and we have restart the cycle hunting cycle again, my agent called and update us with a good news and bad news.

The good news, we are able signed the Option to purchase paper. Purchase price remain the same as what we had agreed earlier. So long the current owner settle their mess before the first appointment, we are safe. If everything goes on smoothly, we will shift in by Sep 08.

The bad news, the current evaluation report is expired. We need re-do the evaluation report. There is tendency the new evaluation amount lower than the expired one. Which means, we have to pay more cash up-front. However, looking at current market trend, the changes of lower evaluation is quite slim. Anyway, we will pray for it ( what else can we do at this point other than praying?)

I had enough of roller coaster ride. Hopefully, everything sun sun (smoothly) this round.

Disappointment

2008-05-09T11:45:00.002+08:00

Just when we though everything is settled, and planning for the next step. it stuck up again.

Well, maybe it simply not good enough for us and God does not allow us to have it.

We are not sure whether can a good deal again. We will try.

Okay, let the ball roll again. I believe we will get a better one.

Brilliant!!!

2008-05-05T09:07:00.003+08:00

I read this from businesstimes.com.sg this morning.

Malaysia yesterday said that it was considering using its chip-based national identity card to prevent visitors from Singapore and Thailand from buying cheap subsidised fuel meant for locals.

I am truly understand the purpose of implementing this system. They simply do not want foreign cars fill with locals petrol. But, the system can never achieve the objective. Reasons are:

We have locals who drive a foreign car?

Also, We have locals ladies who married a foreigners who drive a foreign car.

So, what is the proposal solution?

My mind

2008-04-30T17:01:00.002+08:00

I am still wondering... Seriously.

No longer local

2008-04-20T23:51:00.003+08:00

It was almost 10p.m. on Sunday night, we had a break at one of the food house in Johor Bahru before we head back to home. As usual, there are variety of choices, Clay pot chicken rice, ikan bakar, poppia, traditional Chinese desserts, fruit juice, satay, mixed rice, porridge and etc. The well-known local food.

At the end, we ordered poppia, the stall owner confirmed our order in a weird mandarin accent. We did not care, so long our food will be served.

We took a sit. WAH PIANG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was shocked! all the food stalls are run by... non-local. Where are the local who used to run the food stalls? Say me ridiculous, but i just feel the food should be prepare by local.

We have 'OEM' VCD/DVD; we have 'look-so-real' branded goods and now we have 'Uniquely taste' local food.

I just want some 'local prepared food'.

X X X

Our 'Local Food' stalls are run by non-local

Our local run 'local food restaurant' in foreign land

The final

2008-04-18T16:41:00.003+08:00

Tonight, will the last time i use a PASSPORT MALAYSIA to cross the causeway/ 2nd link. I will return my PASSPORT MALAYSIA as well as Malaysia Identification card to Malaysia Embassy by coming Monday.

I declare myself as Malaysian for the past 28 years, it gonna be different after April 2008. You may want to assault me as a betrayer, by all means, please go ahead. I don't care.

If you ask me how i feel, it is a mix feeling

Psychologically: frankly, i am still not use to telling people i am a Singaporean. I need times to adjust myself... mentally.

Psychically: I have been living in Singapore for 11 years, basically, there is no problem for me to embed into this country.

I want to tell you i am proud to be a Malaysian till 21 April 2008.

Queue number

2008-04-14T09:07:00.004+08:00

If anyone would ask me what i want at this me moment?

Ans: A queue number

There are still a number of wants, but, all start with the queue number.
Counting down to 21 April 2008...

Space

2008-04-08T21:18:00.001+08:00

Sometimes, I am wondering, which portion is belongs to me?

Seems like I own ZERO.

Disorganize ME

2008-04-08T11:33:00.003+08:00

Things going very wrong on me.

Too many targets to achieve,

Yet, too little... (not time la)

DETERMINATION

So, how can i fill in more DETERMINATION to myself?

umm...

um....

DESIRES!!!

Desire to be ... (see, stuck again)

* 12 Apr 2008, sitting for a test. Die die must Pass this time.

Should i say more?!

2008-03-31T14:03:00.002+08:00

Should i say more?

The new HTML code on the right shows thousand words.

Counting down.

More update coming...

2008-03-28T22:09:00.002+08:00

Do you realize you are controlling its development?
Do you realize you are the sole supplier for all the sources for it ?

Whether it grows well or stuck up somewhere, it is depends on the sources your supply to it.

It is nothing wrong to be choosy. But, situation has changed. Something that does not suit your taste consists sources require by its.

You know what i am talking about.

Random

2008-03-27T15:51:00.002+08:00

I called a number given by HDB general helpdesk for the few times, simply could not get through.

I called a few numbers show on hospital homepage for hours, simply could not get through.

Why show all number on website since no one answer?

Service excellent does not include answer phone call or what??

最浪漫的事 - The most Romantic tale

2008-02-20T17:41:00.006+08:00

To my dearest wife - Yvonne.

背靠着背坐在地毯上
Sitting back to back on a rug
听听音乐聊聊愿望
listens to the music and dream of our fantasy
你希望我越来越温柔
You wish I will be more gentle
我希望你放我在心上
I wish I will be always in your heart

你说想送我个浪漫的梦想
You would like to devote me a romantic wish,
谢谢我带你找到天堂
to thank me leading you the fortunes and happiness
哪怕用一辈子才能完成
Even it needs lifetime to accomplish
只要我讲你就记住不忘
You will remember once being told

我能想到最浪漫的事
All I wish
就是和你一起慢慢变老
is growing old with you
一路上收藏点点滴滴的欢笑
Accumulate all the tales in our life
留到以后坐着摇椅慢慢聊
be the sweetest memories when we grow old

我能想到最浪漫的事
All I wish
就是和你一起慢慢变老
is growing old with you
直到我们老的哪儿也去不了
Until the day we are really old
你还依然把我当成手心里的宝
You will still cherish me as ever

Song title: 最浪漫的事
Singer: 赵咏华
Translated by: Max Ee

PS: Pardon my language if any part of the translation sounds funny to you. : )

Happy Belated Valentine

2008-02-16T10:09:00.003+08:00

Happy Belated valentine to everyone. Also, Happy 2nd marriage anniversary to Yv and Me.

This was what i did for the 1st year marriage anniversary. A simple celebration with a bunch of roses as present. A bit impractical, especially when i have to pay more for the same bunch of roses which cost only about 50% on non valentine days.

Year 2008, we decided to share our efforts to make something which does not cost so much initially, able to keep for 1 year, 5 years, 10 years or even more years...

Make a guess~

Come on~~ We are not making a baby!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Okay.It is a photo album.

We proudly present our 1st mayv album...

See what we have for the album: an alvum, color papers, glue, color pencils and of course the photos la.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Cut and paste
.
.
.
.
.

Finally..

Looks plain and still lots of empty pages. It does not matter, We will fill spaces with our colorful future.

Testimony of our love.

Random

2008-01-28T11:43:00.000+08:00

I was driving home with Yv and 3 of my friends after a Justin's wedding dinner. It was the most fantastic wedding dinner ( other than my own wedding dinner) i ever had so far. However, this entry is not talking about the dinner.

The topic we discussed was -> the service quality in our region.

If you even visit western countries, I believe you will find there is huge different in their service quality as compared to ours. Allow me to quote you some examples:

- Waiter/waitress take very long time to clean the table for next customers. I personally feel they should not even allow customers to go to the table before they clean it. Bones, left over food, used tissues, do you still have appetite to eat?

- It takes too long to be served. When you dine in a restaurant during non peak hour, you may realize most of the waiters/waitress are 'floating' here and there your table. But, they just refuse to go to your table and serve you, as though you have no money to pay for the meal. At the end, you have to scan around until someone who is so unfortunate to have eye contact with you, he/she then realize you are actually sitting somewhere in the restaurant.

- Ordering. Some of the waiters/waitress do not even know what is available in their restaurant. The worst, sometime the waiter/waitress come back to you 15 minutes after you placed you orders and tell you the food you ordered is not available. I thought as the front-line, they should be well informed? NVM, when you ask what is available, they tell you refer to menu again.

- and lots of funny incidents...

I am wondering what are the reasons that cause all these unpleasant experiences. is it because usually people who are in this industry are not well trained? or they do not take pride to their profession because the society perceive this is not reputation profession and therefore, they do not have the motivation to perform?

My two cents of thought:
Regardless what job you are doing. Take pride to you profession. The society need you, else the job vacant will be created at the beginning.

1st Post for 2008

2008-01-24T09:04:00.000+08:00

The is definitely a 'too late' post for year 2008.

Year 2008, I am keeping my resolution personal instead of posting in my blog. It gonna be lots of tasks to be completed.

My boss left, i got a new roll to play. It is challenging, sometime it may turn into stresses. I am still learning to adopt myself to new roll.

There is still no positive response from authority on the application i made last September. Things can't move further without the approval. Stuck!

Market stumble beginning of the year. No one knows what will happen next. Get prepare for the worst.

2007 Christmas Celebration

2007-12-25T23:07:00.000+08:00

Really 'Tulan' the internet connection failed me. I have to to re-type all over again...

2007 Christmas Celebration at Pui Boon's place at Serangoon Ave 4. A memorable celebration cum gathering to all old pals. Personally, I hope to get more guys in any activity we organize. Else, i will always be the only man leh~~

The introduction for all participants. Okay, I know the person who speaks in this video (Me lah!!!) sounds very 'BENG'. Ok, Will have improvement in next video.

~~Merry Christmas and Happy New to Eveyone~~

The space II

2007-12-19T00:10:00.000+08:00

It was just a misunderstanding for 'the space' entry. After a long discussion with him, I realized they are lots of misunderstanding between me and my old pals.

My sincere apologize to you if I had done wrong to you or there were any misunderstanding previously.

Besides the apology, I also thank you for your free marketing to me as a fuck up person by digging all my fuck up histories during my younger days. Honestly, I really appreciate that. I think the people who know me now will appreciate me more as they know i am a better man by now.

At the same time, I feel bad for you as the listeners may have negative impression on you by spreading others privacy in front of public. Pity you.

I wish you all the best in whatever you do.

The space

2007-12-17T22:31:00.000+08:00

End year mood swing seems to be a cyclic thing to me. I seriously in doubt in this cyclic thingy not only happen to ladies.I remember the last mood swing was about same period of time year 2006. Here it comes again.

So what do i swing about this round?

It is about the space issue. I purposely put it in a confusing manner as the party I will mention in this entry may read my blog occasionally.

1. I totally understand me and my partner has intruded your living. Well, this is definitely not our intention from the beginning. We simply need a space desperately. Frankly, my partner and I are not getting the space for free. Maybe it is just too little as compare with your earnings.

2. My partner and I know you may have gone through some unfortunate incident recently. Well, we 100% understand your feeling we had gone through the stage much earlier than you. Come on! You are still the lucky on as compare to the others, it is unnecessary to behave like a lead in tragedy story.

3.As i mentioned in pt 1, we do not owe you anything. But, you always show the the 'you owe me face' to us, especially to my partner. Frankly, we do not know what had we done wrong or you just do not want us to share your space anymore (maybe you don't even want to at the beginning) Well, you may talk to me directly. Please, please, please, playing tricks is the last thing you should do to us.

No matter how many times i vent my grievances, my partner and I are still in an unfavorable position. After all, you are the still owner of your space. We are nobody but intruder.

It is time for you to fully in-charge of your space.

I would like to clarify this entry does not mean to criticize or vent my anger against you, you and you. If you still suspiciously think you are the person i mentioned in my entry, then you are the one!!!

Shang Hai trip

2007-12-13T23:05:00.000+08:00

I visited Shanghai for the first time in Nov 2007. As what I expected nothing in Shanghai excited me. Boring business trip. To make thing worse, I suffered from diarrhea on the third day in Shanghai. At least this made the whole trip more INTERESTING.

After a week in Shanghai, I would like to use ONE line to conclude my view toward China.

Living in China is expensive!

I understand Shanghai does not represent whole China. But then this is purely my personal point of view. You may disagree.

Next, I would like share with you the BEST meal i had in Shanghai ( to be exact it should be Shu Zhou). So, i visited Shanghai and Shu Zhou. heh

Pork with Vege. Er... I've forgotten the name for this dish.

Soup. Again, i do not remember the name.

Same here...

The China Satay

I promised the owner to post the shop photo. I keep my promise. : )

Bored

2007-12-12T08:36:00.000+08:00

Life is getting a little bit bored nowadays. It could be raining season, year end cum Christmas mood. Anyway i just feel bored.

I went to China for business trip few weeks ago. A bit too lazy to blog it. Maybe someday i may blog about it. Watch out!

Planning to run a business as a contingency plan for my family and me, just in case I am fired. But, it is a damn bloody tough decision to be made, especially when money is concerned.

Any special event coming? I don't think so...

I am...

2007-11-29T08:20:00.000+08:00

I am a Son for my parents
I am a grandson my grandparents
I am a nephew for my uncles and aunties
I am a husband for my wife
I am an elder cousin for my younger cousin
I am a younger cousin for my elder cousin
I am a Friend for my friends
I am an enemy for my enemies
I am an adviser
I am an advice seeker
I am a team player for games
I am a lone ranger for for games
I am a seller for the company i am serving
I am a buyer for others businesses i am dealing
I am a driver for my car
I am a passenger for taxis
I am a speaker when i with friends and family
I am listener when i with friends and family
I am a writer for a blog
I am a reader for many blogs
I am a earner
I am a spender
I am problem solver
I am a trouble maker
I am ...

I am myself

Tragedy in office I

2007-11-07T15:22:00.000+08:00

As mentioned, this is indeed a tragedy in my office, at least me...

It is still not the right time to vent my anger, frustration, unhappiness yet... I am still waiting for the right moment.

There are always two sides - positive and negative for an incident/matter happens. So does the 'tragedy'. Too bad, i only see the negative side at this moment. I need more time to adjust for thinking...

Will reveal the 'TRAGEDY' soon...

gnirutcafunaM rotcudnocimeS deretrahC

2007-11-02T02:19:00.000+08:00

It is 0221hrs when i entering this entry...

Yv just got back 5 minutes before this. I am damn bloody annoy, thanks to her boss. The most idiotic boss i even seen so far in my working adult life...

To the top management of CSML,

I am very thankful to you for giving my wife an golden opportunity to serve one of the most competitive working environmental in Singapore. I always believe CSML has lots of dedicated managers/ head of department who able to lead the company towards its vision. Therefore, I am glad with her new role in CSML.

However, things do not go the direction as I thought. The junior management in CSML ... sucks! The lousy Finance Manager always makes bad decisions and causes whole team suffer. I seriously has no idea how could the manager change the person-in-charge in less than 24 hours from the submission date and expect the person to accomplish the task within 20 hours or maybe less? The person suppose to to the work --> Shake leg!

Anyway, we can't blame the manager for making bad decision as those decision is made purely based on words-of-mouth (WOM), she just listen whatever people said without thinking ma. We should blame the person who convey the sabotage message.

If possible, i suggest CSML's top management send these WOM people for "Speaking the Truth Course" to ensure she is conveying the truth each time they speak. Seal their mouth if they talk nonsenses again!

There shall no action to be taken to the Finance Manager as managers are always right. But, i would prefer if top management could chop-off her ears. This is to prevent her to 'hear' too much and 100% assure she could make decision base on observation in the future.

Lastly, I sincerely hope the top management could look into the competency of your current junior management staffs. It is really pathetic to have such managers in the organization.

Regards,

Max Ee

What to do? Life still goes on... Yv still have to report to work by 8am later!

To Starhub Customer Service Manager

2007-10-30T21:03:00.000+08:00

This is an incident which really annoy and make me frustrated. I really hope I could get some positive responses for whoever and the best from the relevant organization.

Dear Customer Service Manager,

Personally, I have been a loyal customer with Starhub since the 1st day Starhub was established. Even, the company which i am serving now has chosen Starhub as their mobile service provider. All these time, we believe Starhub able to provide the superb mobile service quality as well as the best customer service. But, the incident that happened in Aug 2007 totally changed my perception toward Starhub's customer service quality.

I upgraded my mobile phone in Aug 2007. The phone was delivered to my office while i was away and the payment was made by my colleague's personal credit card. I discovered I was overcharged for the mobile phone.

Without further delay, I quickly feedback to the customer service officer who assist me throughout the entire process. She requested for the credit card number and etc relevant information and proposed to refund the overcharged amount to the credit card.

The proposal was discarded; nobody from Starhub keep me update on this matter; I have written several emails to the customer service, 'it takes times/ longer period to get your refund' was the reply i received. Finally, i received a copy of credit note for the refund after 2 months.

The matter does not end yet. The payment was made by personal credit card (Not by compnay) but the credit noted was issued to company. How could I transfer the credit note to my personal use? I find the arrangement is really unreasonable:

1. The refund should address to the person who made the payment, not company. Moreover, all necessary information provided for the process.
2. A customer service officer should always shows his/her professionalism and responsibility as a customer service. In this case, she did not.
3. What takes it so long ( two months) to get thing done? Yet, the problem does not solve after such long time.

Dear Starhub's Customer service manager, if you are reading this entry, i sincerely hope you could aid me in the matter. I really want this matter to be solved quickly.

Regards,

Max Ee

A night with Monsters

2007-10-29T22:05:00.001+08:00

I had dinner with my polymates last Saturday, for some mates birthday celebration. The venue - Brotzeit, a German beer bar in Vivocity. All i can say about the food... thumb up!!! If you happen to be there... must try their food, personal recommendation - the 9 different sausages plate ( sorry la, I did not write down the name la), and of course, you can't miss out the beersssss when you visit a German restaurant right?!

I did not taste a single sip of the beersssss, I kept beer/wine/liquor belly for the next round...

After the dinner, i suggested to go to my favorite night spot, St James Power Station for some exercise... but then, ended up only Wan, Yv and myself went for the SECOND ROUND...

"Nahbuay!!!" was the 1st word came across my mind when i entered Movida. Seriously, I almost had a heart attack at that moment. Damn bloody hell lots of 'monsters'. Luckily, I did not piss on my jeans. They were celebrating Halloween la.

That was fun! The very 1st time I celebrated Halloween. After a few cups of Johnny Walker, I kept walking (drink Johnny Walker must keep walking... i say one) and manage to snap some photos with those scary monsters...

Strange! Those 'monsters' became cute after i got a bit tipsy, really la... just a bit only la...

ME with er... don't know la... in Bellini Room

Wan, ME and er... don't know what also. But, it seems like a character from a movie right? Can someone enlighten me?

I still don't know what it is... This 'fellow' is double my height...

Yv with the Singer from La Ranura Band from Paraguay . Forget to ask for her name & contact number... wasted~~

The La Ranura's clown .. sad one.
Another 2 more singers from La Ranura Band.

Okay, That's all for now... Hold on! I have balance 2/3 keep walking keeps in Movida... this coming Friday will finish it...

Muahahahahahaha....

响雷声

2007-10-26T15:05:00.000+08:00

Yv and I like to have small talk before we sleep. There was an incident happened months ago. It was so terrible that Yv had waken up in the middle of the night; it was so ridiculous that she was laughing after the incident. We are still laughing over the incident even it happened for months…

Somehow, we were discussing the incident days ago…

ME: Lou poh, Did I snore recently during kao kao g?
Yv: Ya ya, you did… maybe you too tired gua…
ME: Loud ah? Disturb your sleep ma?
Yv: No la, not as loud…
ME: As what?
Yv: the 响雷声 (the thunder sound)…
Yv: You know that night you came so close to my ear… then you started to snore… Your snoring like响雷声 …
ME: ya, I know, I was waken by my snoring as well.. and i saw you laughing...

*both of us burst into laughter*

I still have no idea how ‘loud’ was the响雷声. It only happened once so far…

Have to start work already - No Leave

2007-10-10T22:24:00.000+08:00

Dearest Lou gong,

Let me see how are you during my absent???

1) Our room is tidy
2) you did laundry
3) Home early for sleeping...
4) Eat less or more i do not know, but did not gain weight. ok... good!
5) Miss me or not is a question mark??? Good! did not disturbed me....
6) No any urgent matter...

Now I have to make decision for small matter. For future, you have to do the housework whether I'm in or not. Hehehe... This is an order....

Just it for now. Thanks my dearest lou gong.

Love you...

Love,
Lou poh

I'm back...

2007-10-10T14:37:00.002+08:00

I'm back from Bali, Indonesia. There is really a nice place for holidays, but must remember to bring more $$$. The most expensive thing or the most spend on transportation. Huh... scary man, Do remember must negotiate. Will be going there again with my hubby one day few years later.
I have been to a lot of places there. I was in Bali for 3 days only. Actually the time is not enough, you must stay there for at least 5 days. First of all I would like to thanks my friend, Siew Cheng for all the guidance and caring while I'm there. I was really enjoy the trip. Thank you very much.
Now I start with my journey there. We stayed at Kuta Beach Club for 2 nights, this is a nice hotel. First day we took the full day tour, which cost us USD35. Ok... we don't talk about the $$$. Firstly, we went to Celuk. Celuk is a place to see and buy silver & gold product, eg. necklace, ring, bracelet, and a lot of souvenir. But we didn't bought anythings from there. After that we went to Mas, there is variety of wood carving product. Most of the balinese do wood carving. They practice since they were young age. The next place we went is Kintamani. I like this place most. There is a mountain, but we did not do mountain trekking as the time not allowed. We jsut look from opposite. The weather there is cool and windy, as like in Mount Kinabalu (but of course Mount Kinabalu is nicer).
Next stop we went to Tampaksiring. Most of the balinese will prays and make wishes here. The most important is all the visitor must wear sarong to enter to Tampaksiring, whether for praying or photo taking. We took our dinner at Jimbaran. Here we saw a nice sunset. We see sunset (the egg yolk drop to the sea) while we taking our dinner (recommended for couples). We had mussels, prawns, squids, include rice, vegetables, salad & potatoes. It cost about 250,000 rupiah. The seafood here is not expensice, reasonable price.
2nd day. Today we went to Kuta Beach for a walk and took photo. After that we went for massage (Balinese massage), it cost 75,000 rupiah for 1 hour. It is cheap. At about 2pm, we move to Nusa Dua. We went to the beach, but we swim in the Hotel swimming pools. We play water polo with few Italian. It is fun... Almost forgotten, our room is a romantic room, can see a nice scenery, facing the beach.
The last day we move to another place called Ubud. We took 1 and 1/2 hour transport to reach Ubud from Nusa Dua and the transport was very expensive. Today my last day in Bali. We just walk around Ubud.
That's all for my trip to Bali. This is my longer blog since I started to blog. I enjoy my trip at Bali. Thanks my dearest lou gong to fetch me from the airport middle of the night. Thanks Siew Cheng for arranging a good trip.

My wedding day... a year ago

2007-10-09T10:15:00.000+08:00

I should have done this right after 07 October 2006, a year ago... Anyway, it is still not too late to post it right now... : P

Nevertheless, a big thank you to all the ladies and gentlemen who helped us on our big day... a year ago..

Maxyv on Business

2007-10-07T21:30:00.001+08:00

I got some unique item from oversea. yes, this product has not been sold in local market ( well, it could be people have found there isn't any business opportunity in this item).. anyway, that is not what i want talk about now.

I launched the product at one of the local flee market. I got ZERO business for today. But, it was a fruitful day. I started to 'feel' the market. I will note down what i get today. It serves as a reminder as well as guidelines for business or marketing strategy plan...

*- Marketing tools - Photos, banners or other materials that show where, what, when, why and how consumer can they use the product.

- Marketing tools - Materials show the efficiency of the product; replenish the energy

- Market awareness - Market awareness to the operation principle of the product- low. I believe this could be due to cultural thingy. Actually, the public knows about it, but they just do not practice it.

*- Packaging - the current packing gives consumers a wrong impression that the product can only be used for certain purpose. the KEY failure for the day. I am thinking to repackaging the product to overcome this point.

- Pricing - Is the selling i set today accept by public at such venue? I am in doubt.

*- Future contact - I was asked for my business card, SHIT! I did not equip with business card.. another failure.

*- Channel of sales - After today's experience i feel direct selling is not the right channel of sales at the moment. Maybe I should look into others area, eg, road shows to create market awareness, then creates distributor sales channel.

*- Channel of sales - Is flee market the right venue for such product? The answer is NO,unless the product is well known to the public.

CONCLUSION
There is still a long long long way to go......

ME