Slaughter's house life - Part 1

Yeap.. Like my previous post had mentioned.. I've left my job officially. After working non-stop for 2 1/2 years, the sudden slow of my pace seems out of place all of sudden.. LOL. I guess I'm so used to slog hard at work. Now I've so much free time in hand.. I'm becomibg abit restless!

These 2 1/2 years, besides working really hard.. I also had gained many valuable experiences in this company. One of the most valuable thing I've gained is that I've know many good friends in this company. I'm lucky to have very good colleagues in our department. They had give me the extra reasons to stay in this company for so long! =)

Of course, I had also my many ''1st times'' in this company. My company had brought me to drink at Lola club for my 1st time (and I got drunk). This is really the 1st time I had alcoholic drinks! That was way back in my poly internship. I also had my worst drunken experience on my 21st birthday. And not forgetting I've got my 1st diving trip with my company too! =)


Phuket
Company's annual trip
13 July 2006 -15 July 2006
Scuba Diving Course

I had my 1st diving trip in Phuket. I still remember clearly how bad was the sea as we went in the period of the monsoon season! Gosh, I had my worst puking experience in the boat! I had almost everything in my stomach puked. 5 times to record. Wahaha! Too bad I had not taken any pictures on this dive.

O.. and it's a super crash course by the way. Within a day, we had our theory and pool lesson learnt. And the next day we had our open water dive. Therefore, this was not a complete ''Open water Dive Certification''. It was only 1/2 a cert, called "Scuba Diver Cert''. This was a beginner cert which would need a professional diver's companion for all dives. 3 open water dives in total (if I didn't remember wrongly).




The sea was not really friendly for diving. We can only dive in an area behind an island. So that the currents will not be as bad, as most of it would be blocked.


Lunch by the sea..


We were at the red light district area in Phuket (can't remember the place name). I've only remembered the pubs in Thailand were really far far more happening there! Haha.. A bit sleazy though. There are many beautiful ladies lurking on the streets. Just beware that many of them are actually ''she-male-s''. Yeap.. if you are a guy walking along there, just be prepared to be approaced by these ladies! Hee.. I saw my boss being approached for a ''massage''. =p

I still remember this were the only trip where I've really bought nothing. All I did was only diving.. as I had no other time for other stuffs.. *Phew.. too rushed!



Marina Square KBox
02 July 2007

Once in a while we would have ID team dinner gathering. Usually after that we would went to chill or sing KBOX. Hehe..








Bangkok
ID's team Trip
01 April 2007 - 04 April 2007

This was my 2nd time to Bangkok. Well this time round unlike the 1st time when I was in Bangkok, where I went frantically shopping with my friends.. This was more like a sightseeing trip for me.

We also had a sub-office stationed in Bangkok. And we stayed in the company's apartment, which is just located one storey above our Bangkok's office.

It was really a nice and spacious apartment.. well if it's minus the ''haunted'' part, it would had been perfect.


The communal / dining area overlooking to the living area. There's also a mini bar and a open kitchen at the side.


3 big rooms with king size bed and 2 small rooms with twin bed. This was one of the 3rooms. Bedroom overlooking to a open concept bath/shower area. Nice right?






We were at the Chatuchak weekend market. The place was really too crowded and hot for me!

And also the famous Grey Hound Cafe located at the 2nd floor, Emporium Shopping Center. It's a very hip restaurant. The food was yummy-licious too! Well, it's not cheap though. *Shrugs.. who cares when it's on the company's tab! Haha..

Hmm.. I was scratching my head when I tried to recall this nice pub name. It was a very nicely done up pub in Bangkok. I recall that it was pretty famous, with models and celebrities frequenting this place. It was pretty small though.. but I love the interior.. The mood and ambience was nicely done up.

I remember that I bought all T-shirts and pants to bangkok for this trip knowing the humid weather there. And to realise in shock that I've nothing appropriate to wear to the pub! Fear to be chase out, I've took my newly purchased dress. LOL. Lucky..

Anyway, although it might be a short trip. But it was kind of an eye opener as my colleague had recommended a lot of nice shops and places to shop around. Well, I guess this is what will happen in a ID's trip. >> Job Hazzard!


02 June 2007 - 03 June 2007
East Coast Chalet
Celebrating Wee Boon's BD


The hardcore majong group


It's BBQ time!




The 'FA CAI' majong tile cake... when..




... the majong king was smashed by the majong tile cake. LOL. Hillarious!








15 June 2007
Pat's Farewell Dinner
The Line @ Shangri-la Hotel

Well, this is Pat's last day at work. She had teach all of us a great deal of stuffs. However, we are still happy for her, as she is moving on to a better place.
And The Line Buffet was so Yummy. But the price was kinda too expensive that I would not have spent for a dinner. I think for a buffet dinner, it's around 60 bucks?




We had a drink at Shangri-la lobby after our dinner.

Phew.. That's it for now.. I've only posted a little photos of all the above events. It was really too much to be posted. I'll still have more posts on this.

Xuan's Sydrome 101

If you had tried to contact me enough, you would have noticed that I'm difficult to reach at times! =p Before you start cursing and scolding me at the other end of the phone, you might want to know the reasons. Unless you are under Xuan's hate list, or ''do not answer'' in my phonebook records, the missed call or missed message is mostly missed unintentionally. Sorry, it's just the Xuan's sydrome 101!

Below are the reasons (ranked):

1. My phone's batt is flat
2. I leave my phone at home
3. I didn't hear my phone's ringing (either it's in my bag, or somewhere hidden under my bedsheets!)
4. I've forgotten about the presence of my phone
5. I'm in a meeting / busy
6. I'm sleeping
7. Worst.. I've LOST my phone >.<''

LOL. These are really not lame excuses that I gave. Serious, my sydrome have been getting worst nowadays.. my lousy phone always died on me or it's always at home! So you might only be seeing my replies at wee hours.. =p

Nowadays, people tend to grow more and more attached to the phone. Many friends that I knew can't do without phone for a minute... For my case, I always felt detached from technologies, including PHONES!

I know it is weird. But for some reasons, I can happily go without phones for a few days. Longest record, without phone for a week plus when I'm at overseas. And hey, I don't feel a slightlest discomfort or insecure!

I think as much conveniece phone had provided us.. we had all grew to be over independant to it.

For example, we would meet a friend at a certain location without fixing a specified time. We'd always say.. ''When I reached, I'd give you a call.'' Try recalling the times when we had no handphones. We'd fixed a specified time and location to meet friends. And we fear to be late! Cause we might not be able to find your friend if he or she walks away.

We texted each other so much, when actually many misunderstandings or miscommunications happens over SMSes.

We are constantly stalked by phone. Just because you become so convenietly contactable, we'd receive work related calls even when it's after office hours, during weekends or worst, during our holidays!

Argh! That would really cross my line!

All these resulted in my allergies to handphone. I'd had remembered to bring my wallet, I-touch and keys everyday, but just not my phone! Hmm.. I really don't know why!

After so much complaints, now you might start to figure as much why I always didn't reply your message or calls. I'm not saying that it is a valid reason because I'm still trying to change! And I know it's really fustrating to not be able to contact someone.. especially in times of emergency. I bet I've been curse by many for this reason!

But before I can really come to terms with my phone, I think I'd still be facing the ''LOVE HATE'' relationship with it for sometimes. =p

Please bear with me for that.. =)

><''

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counting down

Heh. I've took a day ''MC'' yesterday. Basically I've spent the 1st half of the day on my bed sleeping. I've only woke up at 3.30pm. Gosh.. I'm becoming a pig! Haha.. I think this is the aftermath of working till 5am on a presentation on the previous day.

Anyway.. I'm already happily counting down on the days left! Alas, but I've yet to find time to do any handover. Currently, I've 5 projects at hand. Guess this saturday is going to be burnt again. I've too many things that are left unfiled. How to pass on my work at this state??

The last lap is usually the most difficult to complete. The destination is just ahead within sight, yet it seems so far to reach!

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Condolences

Tradegy often happens at the most unexpected times and this is when one is reminded of the vulnerability of life.

Sometimes words of consolement are better left unsaid, cause even if tried, it'd not have help in easing any pain. Perhaps this is the time when you'd find me becoming really speechless and helpless.

I really do not know what to do or say to help. But please be strong. We'd always be here if you need any help. =)

Take care, my friend.

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The classic movie

Alright, I know many is going to laugh at this post. Yes, I know.. this is an very old movie.. and how could I have only catch it recently! Man, where have I been?? !

This movie was so good that I can't help but to post this movie review here.

It's a very classic movie by Tom Hanks (1994), Forrest Gump. A movie that won Academy Award Nominations: 13, including Best Picture, Best Actor--Tom Hanks, and Best Director. Academy Awards: 6, including Best Picture, Director, Actor and Adapted Screenplay.

Whoever who had watched this movie before would have agree that it's another excellent performace from Tom Hanks. No high tech gimmicks, no special effects, no astonishing sceneries, no big exciting events popping out.. it's just a plain biography of Forrest Gump. In fact 3/4 of the movie just shows him sitting at the bus stop bench narrating his whole life to strangers!

Who would have expected a slow wit character like Forrest Gump would bring so much enlightenment to people around him. Well, of course to me also. =)

Below are the few lines in the movies which I love! You would have understand better if you watched this movie before.


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Forrest Gump: My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

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Mrs. Gump: You have to do the best with what God gave you.
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Forrest Gump: Mama says they was magic shoes. They could take me anywhere.
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Forrest Gump: Mama always said, dying was a part of life.
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Forrest Gump: Now you wouldn't believe me if I told you, but I could run like the wind blows. From that day on, if I was ever going somewhere, I was running!
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Forrest Gump: Sometimes, I guess there's just not enough rocks.

(When Jenny is throwing rocks at her old house to vent her anger.)
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Forrest Gump: When I got tired, I slept. When I got hungry, I ate. When I had to go, you know, I went.
Elderly Southern Woman on Park Bench: And so, you just ran?
Forrest Gump: Yeah.
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Forrest Gump: My Mama always said you've got to put the past behind you before you can move on.
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Jenny Curran: Were you scared in Vietnam?
Forrest Gump: Yes. Well, I-I don't know. Sometimes it would stop raining long enough for the stars to come out... and then it was nice. It was like just before the sun goes to bed down on the bayou. There was always a million sparkles on the water... like that mountain lake. It was so clear, Jenny, it looked like there were two skies one on top of the other. And then in the desert, when the sun comes up, I couldn't tell where heaven stopped and the earth began. It's so beautiful.
Jenny Curran: I wish I could've been there with you.
Forrest Gump: You were.
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Forrest Gump: Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them.
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Forrest Gump: What's my destiny, Mama?
Mrs. Gump: You're gonna have to figure that out for yourself.
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Forrest Gump: I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze. But I, I think maybe it's both.
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Forrest Gump: That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run. So I ran to the end of the road. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd run to the end of town. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd just run across Greenbow County. And I figured, since I run this far, maybe I'd just run across the great state of Alabama. And that's what I did. I ran clear across Alabama. For no particular reason I just kept on going. I ran clear to the ocean. And when I got there, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well turn around, just keep on going. When I got to another ocean, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well just turn back, keep right on going.
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Mrs. Gump: What's normal anyways?
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Jenny Curran: Do you ever dream, Forrest, about who you're gonna be?
Forrest Gump: Who I'm gonna be?
Jenny Curran: Yeah.
Forrest Gump: Aren't-aren't I going to be me?
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I guess different people will interperate the above lines differently. Perhaps, your interpretations will also change as time passes.

O yah, please go and catch this movie if you hadn't. It's too great a movie to be missed. My DVD is always available for loans..=)

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jogging

Hey ya friends!

How have ya sunday be?? Well, I decided to moved my lazy butt, change into my sports attire, strapped into my sports shoes.. and headed to the nearest park. =)

It's been a few weeks since I've done any excercise. In contrary of what many people would have thought, I'm really sucks at many exercises! Jogging, skipping and cycling are most probably the exercise that I'd done most frequently. ><''

In particular, jogging.. It has always a mood lifter for me. I remember the 1st time in life when I felt really down. That is when I've got my PSLE results. It's really far below my expectations..*gasp! First time in life I felt so dissapointed at myself.. I remember crying in school toilet, feeling terribly lost of what to do and where to go. And when I was finally home, the 1st thing that comes into my mind is to go jogging!

Well, it really really helps a lot. I remember after running, all the urge to cry is gone. I guess I was really too tired to shed any more tears then. Also, by doing the monotonous movement, I realise it helps to clear a confuse mind alot.. =)It somehow helps to sort out many thoughts.

So ever since when I was feeling down or confused, I'd have gone jogging. Instead of wasting time and energy to cry, jogging is definately a good way to burn your energy away! I've figured that trasfering tears to perspire is definaltely a healtier way out!

Just in case you all are wondering if there's something that is bothering me right now.. No la! Nowadays jogging is more like keeping an healthy regime. Just that I've always failed to keep up on a regular basis! LOL.

I shall make an agreement with my butt soon.. No more couch potato, and forsake a bit of my DVS's time to exercise. =p

Oh by the way, the result of not exercising for a long time is definately accompanied by a ''full course'' body ache. For a day or two, I won't be able to laugh out loud, squat or move in fast movements!

Ouch!

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Food hunt

04.04.08

Hog's Breath Cafe @ Chijmes

Lunch break

** photos added 7 april 08

I had just discovered a good hangout for lunch! If you guys happen to wander at cityhall area during lunch hour, please drop by to Hog's Breath Cafe @ Chijmes for lunch.

We were on our way to Brash Basah (four face buddha) food centre for lunch, when we walked past the cafe and saw the lunch set meal promotion. The set meal ranges from $9++ to 20++. Every order of the main includes a soup of the day and a dessert. I'd say it's pretty much a good deal.

Furthermore, all 3 items were good! They were served at good propotion and the dish were all nicely done up. Not forgetting that the waitress that served us was really friendly and chirpy..

We were sitting at the outdoor seats. If you had been to Chijmes during the night time, you'd had know that the outdoor seats are usually quite packed during dinner hours. However during the day was more like a dead town, oh well, if you put it nicely, it's quite a relaxing place. =p

With the occassional breeze under the tree shade, quiet environment, and the sound of the fountain.. we were all happily chatting and eating when we suddenly realised how time flies! We actually took an 2 hour lunch break! Gosh.. -_-''

I guess this is the ''ORD-ing'' sydrome.

Well, we took some photos..

The delicious seafood soup for the starter.

I've ordered the Grilled Sirloin Steak set , medium @ 18 bucks. Doesn't it looks yummy?

The Pan-fried dory fish set with honey mustard sauce @ 12 bucks.

The all time favorite Fish & chips @ 12 bucks.

I don't usually fancy sweet desert. However this brownie was served in a small propotion, topped with chocolate syrup and a scoop of vanila ice cream. The outer crust of the brownie was slightly crunchy. Not too sweet. I like it. =)

Haha, I shall get yvonne to endorse if I ever opened any restaurant. Look at her and you'd know how great the food is.

Well, so now.. beside loving Insomia from Chijmes, I've found another great place.. =) Will dropped by there for lunch again.

*P.S The price of the dinner served there was slightly on the steep side. The lunch is most probably a much better deal.

Untraceable

03.04.08
The Cathay
Movie ''Untraceable''


I have already catched the above movie on the 1st screening day with Zhong Liang, "'Untraceable'' starring Diane Lane. Well, I saw the trailer previously, I had wanted to watch it ever since. It seems like my favourite ''police and thief'' types of movies, where it's all about wits and plotting.. A battle between a brave mother and smart criminal.

Who knows.. I started to regret halfway through the movie!Actually, I wasn't too off the the movie's plot just that I didn't expect the psychotic part of the movie! Argh.. I hated psychotic movies!

When the screen shows how the victim dies slowly and torturously, I was literally wincing at the painful sight. OMG. It's so not my kind of movie and yet I'm the one who initiated to watched the movie! -__-''

I think my exaggerated reactions kind of frighten the poor Zhong Liang who is sitting besides me. LOL.

Well, to be fair.. the plot of the movie was generally interesting. So if you are after this kind of thriller movie, you might like it. =)

By the way, if you happen to be at The Cathay next time for dinner, please do not try the japanese restaurant there (situated at the basement). The food tastes really bad. Totally not worth trying at all!

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Marathon

Phew.. I just hada marathon. Nope, not the running marathon. I'm also not so lucky to have a movie marathon.. (how I wished!).

Unfortunately is a job marathon.. ><'' Worked on a sunday afternoon till dawn, at 2am. Headed back home, change and took a nap.. and before I knew it..Tada! The alarm rings and I woke up at 4am to get changed for work AGAIN. I was still hoping that I could rush out the drawings and get the drawings issued on a Monday noon. Who knows the changes are far more tedious than what I've expected....

....in the end...

...yes, another late night till 3.30am yesterday! But at least I get to issued the drawings to hongkong.. At least 1 thing off my plate.. Yawn. But now I'm feeling so freaking tired and sleepy! I need my bed.

It just concluded that tendering of resignation doesn't lighten my work load at all. In fact, it's still very much the same! Hmm.. but everytime when I thought of that.. how glad I am that I've already resigned. If not I'd not know when will this kind of life lasted till.

Counting down.. How I wished 24.04.08 will be here soon! However, for now.. I'm still stuck with the endless resposibilities to meet deadlines after deadlines.

Less than a month to go, yet 2 more deadlines to meet.

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