house visiting

Quite pointless, in terms of “ang bao returns”, it I keep visiting the same people again and again. That’s preceisely what has been happening. All the same aunties and uncles. Just at different houses. Good to keep so much in touch during the holiday season, if not after that no one ever has time to keep in touch.

Went to my auntie’s place at Leedon Heights to visit. This time was a small crowd. Only my one other family came by besides us. It was a small chit chat session which somehow another got shifted to “comments” on their mother and father (i.e. my grandparents). They pointed out a few of my grandparents very bad traits and I totally agreed. Too bad its so hard for them to change. However, according to my uncle, they still take feedback wuite well, if you say it politely. Then they will try to check themselves. As for my mum, I honestly hope that she will not turn into a replica of my grandmother’s mentality. As it is, its already 85% there. So, with only 15% left I think there is still a faint glimmer of hope.

Just a point to note:
Do sons and daughters eventually grow tired of their parents? It seems my mum also can’t handle them lately, therefore, she tries not to go down to their place that often. Though she will still visit on a regular basis, but not to the extent that she go down every other day as she intially did a few years back. My smallest uncle have recently took on the task of “looking out” for them. Every weekend, he fetches them to his place to stay over. He brings them to church, brings them out to meet their friends, etc. He says its good that they go out and meet more people then they would appreciate things in life much more.

One of the bad point of my grandmother which my uncle pointed out was the fact that for everything that she does/eat/see/etc, she would have to point out something bad about it. My uncle said he got alittle fed up with that and had to tell both my grandparents that it was totally not a good habit. He said that this was very bad influence of their young grand daughters (3 of them in fact). He said that it would make them grow up with a very negative view of the world. Quite agree! One incident of note he mentioned – He brought them to eat the soon kueh at redhill which was supposed to be the very famous and tasty one, but all she could say was that it was too expensive, and not as good as the other place where she got it cheaper. Hmm … Morale of the story, before you make a negative comment, think again. The world is already in such a state of negativity. My mum is quite like that too. I too have to admit that I am a little like that.

Yups! I admit to being too critical about things. Too particular about nitty gritty. So, I shall change that about me.

Which now brings me to a very interesting incident this afternoon.

After my auntie’s place, I went over to Ang Mo Kio Interchange (via 165 from Farrer Rd.) Reached the interchange, but it looks quite different from before and I had never walked to the bus interchange before. So, I had no idea which way to go. Had to call minquan to ask where I was. Then had to call fionna too just to confirm. Ended up not reaching the bus interchange and simply waited for the bus at the mrt. I boarded the bus and they (minquan, fionna and kc) were on it. I sat down and said hi. Then they laughed. Apparently, they had made a bet and minquan had bet that the first thing I would do when I sit down was complain about the entire ordeal of not finding the interchange. I did not! hahaha! Sorry to disappoint!

I’m not saying that I have totally stop being grumpy, but I hope that I will be changing for the better.

After all, what’s a new year for!?

I finally finished my CS3230 – Algo assignment and therefore I am taking a break typing the blog. Still have to revise a little because of the Quiz on Thursday which is like 5% of the grade (not too sure how much is that in terms of As or Bs, but I guess it matters, right?).

and now I come to the “main” highlight of today. The visit to TM’s place (at Ang Mo Kio). It was a nice house, very unique, cos’ it is the only building there of its design. It has the view of the Pierce Reservoir (Xi Hu or See Hu). Good to see familiar faces, in Singapore moreover. These friends were made in Shanghai and they had came back to Singapore for CNY. It was indeed good to see them again. (Guess, it is a small world after all!)

Finally, to everyone who begins classes tmr, to everyone who begins work tmr, work hard! No choice, right?

auntie uncle auntie uncle

That’s the extent of my knowledge of my extended family. Beyond the 6 uncles and aunties that I regularly keep in touch, all other aunties and uncles remain anonymous. They are only seen on average once a year which usually happens to be on Chine Lunar New Year. They have almost no name and are known to us “younger generation” only as Uncles and Aunties. Forgive my indifference, but due to tha lack of continual contact, its simply impossible to be able to call you buy a first name. Whatever the case, I wish you all the best in everything too. This goes out to all the cousins that I have that I might not know. Such a sorry state, right? I guess this is what happens in a global and capitalize environment.

My mum invited my “closer” aunties and uncles to our place today for lunch. She cooked Bee Hoon and fried loads of spring rolls and “gold ingots” (or just dumpling!). Of course, I question the rationale behind creating extra work for yourself when you are already so busy with your own work. I figured that for once in a year, my mum wanted the house to be crowded, rowdy and full of energy. It might just bring with it renewed luck and prosperity. Hope its true! Hence, I spent the greater half of the day preparing, cooking and entertaining. Quite tired from the late nights I have been having these few days. (Slept at 4 am again the night before!)

After the lunch cookout, I finally had time ard 4 + to sit down and get some part of my STATs assignment done. Lucky still got part of wednesday to do it!

Dinner was at Jack’s Place, a treat from my uncle and auntie BC, with wanyi auntie and family too. Food was not too bad. I did realized, however, that the service quality in Singapore isn’t too great either! Well …

After dinner, ended up at my auntie’s place which was back at Tiong Bahru and stayed till late cos’ my mother was eating again and watching her “wu xia” TV serial. I guessed, you don’t have that much time to just sit around and laze …

Anyhow, thanks to my uncle, I got an idea of how to go about rearranging my room. Will do a “mock up” or trial with some minor shifting before I actually invest in the tables and cupboards. That should take a couple of weeks. But, I’m glad that its kind of settled. Yea!

Final Note for this entry:
TO the people who are entertained by my blog entries because of the content, I hope you continue to be entertained no matter what content I put up or may put up. CheerS! haha!

mahjong

Besides wishing well wishes to my relatives at my grand mother’s place, I ended up playing Mahjong the entire day. I totally did not study whatever I intended to study. Played a few rounds with my grand mother and my brother, so it was a newbie game. Then after which had a few bouts with my uncle and my cousin, both expert in the field! Felt so stressed playing with them. Fortunately, at the end of the day, I only lost $3 … phew! lucky got win once or twice big big to win some cash back. If not totally go bankrupt like the night before where I bao tai … and lost so much money … in fact I went bankrupt!

towards the end of the game I was almost falling asleep, cos I was so tired from the whole day of niceties … and the sleeping at 5 am the night before. Was chit chatting via webcam with renhao, cheewei and the shanghai gang. Had a good chat and hope you all have fun on your trip.

tmr my mum invited my aunties and uncle to our place, so going to be busy once again trying to prepare food for everyone. TIRED! … and so not helping with my study schedule. Actually during such festive season, also where got mood to study, hor!?

Anyway, I think I finally figured out what I want to do after I graduate … at least for the first few years lah … I think talking to people is good. Since while telling people about the plan I can rationalize it better and they can possibly give me some feedback. More on that in future posts. Tonight is not a night for formalities or for seriousness … after all … its still part of the Lunar New Year!

So, to everynoe out there again … Heart think things success! (“,)

people mountain people sea

I’m saying this in Singapore!

Just got back from a trip to Chinatown. My mum wanted to go. My auntie wanted to go. Hence, myself and cousin had to go to Chinatown to get Pussy Willows, Small Orange trees, Mandarin Oranges and some other stuff! It was packed. There was just so many people walking around. Most of them I presume just wanted to be in the mood of CNY. Not buying anything in particular, mostly looking to see if there are any bargains to be had. Therefore, the entire place was packed and jammed.

I kept reminding myself that I was in Singapore. “Don’t Push!” At one point, I must admit that I did started to get a little irritated and pushed a couple of people. After all, it was that packed and they were all pushing each other anyway. That’s Chinese New Year for you!

I’m totally sensitive to the weather here. Every morning I sniff and sniff and sneeze and sneeze. My mum told me its sinus problems, something my brother had when he first returned form the US as well. My brother told me its hay fever. Something he had when he initally came back. Whatever it is, I hope it gets over soon. The sniffing is a major pain in the arse (or to be more precise, pain in the nose!)

Mahjong at my grandmother’s place. I am so jialat lah … so lousy at the game, lost to my uncle and my cousin (younger than me somemore). Went bankrupt even with $20 to start with. Highest I paid out was some $12.80 for some bao something that my uncle had lah … die die … need more training liao! (“,)

oh yes … Happy New Year!
新年快乐！祝大家事事顺利、心想事成、吉祥如意、身体健康、天天快乐！
Have a great year ahead, everyone!

Chinese New Year Cooking

I have diced, chopped, peeled, cut and grind … onions (big and small), carrots, mushrooms, chicken, water chestnut. My eyes teared alittle with the small onions. My back ached alittle while chopping. My fingers hurt alittle while cutting.

So, is this really all worth is!? Hmm … my mum is way too traditional … (also a bit too inflexible) in her thinking. Sometimes also get irritated by her … first is that she dun ever listen to what I say and then she keeps repeating her question. So, I give in and say,” Do you actually want an answer, cos’ I have been repeating the answer to you for the past 3 times.” … and the question comes again … faints!!! Then there are those occasions (which are quite frequent I might add) when she absolutely believes that she is right. No matter what else is said or done, she is right. In such situations, I totally shut up and stay silent until aboslutely necessary. Not that she realizes that she wasn’t right in the first place, but at least it helps me to keep my cool. (I am toooo hot tempered for my own good!!!)

Please don’t get me wrong. I am still very very nice to my mum. I will do almost everything for her, so long as she tries to treat me like a grown person and not some stupid child or an unthinking “thing”. So, Happy Lunar New Year, mum!!!

Shopping Centres in Singapore

The first thing I noticed was that alot of the malls in Singapore are managed by CapitaLand. They are good!

The next thing is that I am already bored with the malls after being back less than 2 weeks. The concept is great, but the shops are no longer fascinating. They are just shops selling stuff that I deem expensive, non fashionable, or just boring. Sure there are the occasional interesting shops, but then they usually cost a bomb! From Orchard’s Taka, Wisma, Heeren, Centre Point, to Plaza Sing, to Suntec, to Bugis …. hmm … is there more to offer?! (ok, haven’t been to the west – jurong point or the east – tampines mall yet, but won’t they all be similar?!)

So, is it just me or is the shops in Singapore really not as interesting as those in China. Somehow or another, I think shopping in China has greater variety. Greater chance of it being value for money and also greater chance that its actually in fashion right at that season.

Enough complain. Singapore is still special in alot of ways. They have the best malls in asia. (China’s malls are still bad in comparison, China is only interesting cos of their street markets, wholesalers) and these malls, allow bored Singaporeans to roam the streets while they have nothing better to do at home or when they feel like they rather do nothing than study at home or do nothing at home. hmm …

Cheers! to Singapore Shopping Malls!

National Library @ Bugis

This library takes over the original one at City Hall. On first look, it resembles a hospital. It is definitely anything but a library. Maybe, that was the idea. The building has about 15 levels. However, only 11 levels are opened to the public. The highest that one can go is the 11th floor, where the view is rather good. There are tables for people to study, work or do research. The view overlooks other sky scrapers that heavy litter the Singapore skyscape.

Each section was broad and comprehensive. I believe the books are extensive any any kind of research materials can be found at the library. In fact, I think there are more books there than anyone could possibly need in his entire lifetime. Wireless is available too, however, you need a service provider which you have to sign up yourself. That’s definitely a negative point.

On exhibition was also the Zheng He story. Rather interesting displays, which are of much better quality that those in China. Interesting about Zheng He: He might have been the one who founded America. Its a theory proposed by some historians. Go read about it if you are interested. (The book: 1421)

In conclusion, the cosy brick library as been replaced by this modern state of the art facility. Its not something bad, though we moarn the loss of the old unique building. This library is definitely a world class library. Go there and do your research. Stop being lazy and doing only online research. Google can only serve up sooooo much!

霍元甲

Here is my take on the show:

The show was set in 1900s China in Tianjin. Its about a guy named Huo Yuan Jia. This chap grew up in a martial arts family. His father was a martial arts teacher, but did not allow Yuan Jia to learn the art. Like other cases of “tasting the forbidden” fruit, yuan jia decided to learn the art anyhow by peeking at his father practise.

and so, the story continues … the legacy of the Huo Martial Arts family carried on with Yuan Jia who became a tad too powerful for his own good. He was a little obsessed with being number 1 in Tianjin to the extent that he was challenging everyone around. Eventually, he challenge some othe BIG Shot named Mr. Chin and got Mr. Chin dead. Mr. Chin’s god son was so pissed he went to kill Yuan Jia’s mother and his daugther. Now, the problem with revenge is what goes around comes around. So, after Mr. Huo found out about the murder, he came looking for Mr. Chin’s god son who prompty cut his throat right after he said his goodbyes to his god mother and said that he was responsible for it all. Hmm … then why start it in the first place!

So, with nothing else that Mr. Huo can salvage at that place, he ended up roaming the world, or just China. Ending up in some village some place which grows rice and has beautiful scenery. He stayed with this nice blind girl and her granny and they treat him real well. He assimilated into the village culture, but one fine day, conscience pricks and he decided that it was time to return home to pay respect to his gone-ed parents.

He returns and finds a lot of change. The westerners has come and they were looking down on the Chinese. What happened thereafter was that he went about defeating westerners in the “ring” as a form of Chinese pride. His long lost friend Jinsuo sold his restaurant and started the Jingwu Martial Arts Federation and its apparently famous all over the world.

The finale was a bout with Mr. Huo and a Japanese. The Japanese let Mr. Huo win. (“,) China would definitely win! Its interesting the portrayal of Japan and her relationship with China in the show. Civil yet with underlying menace. Deceit yet with honour. Its a strange entanglement!

and so, I liked the show, not because it is Jet’s last MArtial Arts show, but because I finally watched a Martial Arts show which wasn’t just about fighting or about stupid plots of good overcomes evil, but its was about the human self. How we cannot let vengence take over us. How we learn a martial arts not to hurt others but to help other who are in need. We need a change in the worldly perception! Its high time they stupid mineless fighting. Fight, but with a cause, and make sure that cause is a damn good one!

and so … 4.5/5 stars.

水土不服

That’s what I keep telling everyone when they here me sniff or sneeze. I’m sure that is just an excuse. The real reason must be the studying! Haha! I’m sure its also the lack of hydration. I figured that I don’t hydrate enough on a daily basis because in school, I keep having to go places and therefore makes it a real hassle to sit and drink. In the office, I sit around, drink tea or coffee or water the whole day, and its like a perfectly normal routine. Ok, next habit to cultivate of the day – drink more water.

Finally met up with my HYP Professor. He seems like a friendly guy. Open and rather forward in his thinking. Though I must say that he has alot of white hair probably from all that thinking. I will be assisting a company to develop a software for a scheduling system. Now, the specs of the system is rather simple for a decent enough computer science graduate from SoC. However, being “special” as I am, I fear that I might not have the necessary qualitifications to handle the job. Nonetheless, since I am already in this (shit or whatever terminology that can be used) I shall persevere and make the best use of it. Maybe I might get some really useful industry knowledge of this. (“,)

Snack at Essential Brew. Finally went back to that place after a year away. Enwen aka Evan … you look tired! Don’t work sooo hard, yar! See ya soon again!

Dinner at X.O. Bee Hoon place at Holland V. Edwin Koh is back … so we met up – mc, F, SH, EK and I … and we happened to bump (or bonged) into Bong as well who was there with another group of friends. All crap breaks loose as usual! BUT, it was fun crapping all over again. Cheers to more crapping sessions!

Its almost the Lunar New Year Holidays! I think its going to be a damn busy semester. Everyone in school, all nodding their head in agreement! haha! No matter, only way out is to charge on ahead! All the best to everyone!

BOX NO. 2

Arrived this afternoon, after I had it redelivered to my place. It was a bit broken at the side, now I worry about my last box which I did not bind with the tape. Hope it arrives back in good condition. This box was a bit heavy so, maybe it got a little dented on the way!

Finally got my laser printer. Its a Samsung SCX4100. Actually, I did not take too long to decide. Talked about it with choonkee on Tuesday morning and decided to get it today, because I had enough of waiting forever to get my notes printed out and still have ink seeping through paper and making reading notes a chore. Laser printer create crisp notes, with defined words. Moreover, printing notes now take less than a minute! Its a joy! Believe me. Normal laser jets go as little as S$179 (heard choonkee got his at a school bazaar a while back for only S$110). Use it to believe it!

My room is an utter mess. Books are strewn all over the place. If my mum wasn’t so busy at work, I think she would have nagged at me. But then again, since my mum is herself rather messy in her room, I doubt she would nag at me for my temporary mess. I have no more shelf area or cabinets free to place anything else. I am seriously in a bad state. I need to think of how to get efficient storage into my room ASAP!

Had dinner twice so far at Adams Road. I used to think that Adams Road food market was so far from my house, but after coming back from Shanghai, I think it ain’t that far at all. In fact, I think its nearer than when I had to walk from Da Jia Yuan to 88 restaurant (especially worst when its hot during summer and cold during winter). Food at Adams’ is good, though a little on the pricey side, but I guess, that is the best variety of food that I can get in my vicinity. So, no complains!