Way #120 How I Destress: Walk around aimlessly (Well, not really...)

Have been really busy like almost every single day. I think I am practically working everyday from Monday to Sunday, though Saturday's just the morning part that I'm usually occupied for tuition.

However busy I seem, I like the flexibility of my job. At least I'm doing work mostly at home, and meeting clients on other times. I don't really like the travelling part though, having to go to different remote areas or industrial parks of Singapore to meet my clients in their offices. Then again, I guess it is good training for me, and I get to know more new routes around Singapore!

Just today, I was supposed to have two appointments. However, one of the clients postponed the appointment. So guess what? I end up doing some eating and shopping at IMM and Jurong Point. Hahaha. Well, not really shopping. But just going to the usual places I always go - Gramophone and Harris. Lunch - what else? Subway of course! Convenient and healthy. Ha!

Oh ya, by the way, I am not a fan of junk food. In case you need to know about me. Occasional Mac or Long John's definitely ok. (Ok, I kinda like Long John's.. Oops!)

Yeah, I guess I am really an advocate of eating healthily, though I am not a fervent health-food eater. But as much as possible, I go for food less oily, less spicy, yet more nutritious! Haha. For example, I like eating at Soup Spoon's. Love the soups there. So yummy. And no, I am not a fan of potato chips and junk snacks, although I might just grab some when I see my sisters eating. The thing is, I almost never buy potato chips.

So just yesterday, I was shopping at NTUC extra. Haha. Shopping! OKIE~~~! Yep. I love shopping for food. I bought wholemeal bread, peanut butter, plain yoghurt, some multi-grain cereal with raisins, Meiji strawberry and chocolate milk, mayo tuna snack with crackers, etc.

Do you notice something common in the food items I bought? They are definitely healthier food choices. HAHAHA. =D

So yeah, back to what I did today. Went looking around some laptops at Best Denki @ IMM and Harvey Norman @ Jurong Point. Argh. A HP laptop I wanted to buy at Harvey Norman got sold out already. Well, but never mind, I saw another ASUS laptop at half the price. And I think it is a reasonably good and well-designed laptop. Definitely portable, lighter, and almost half the price of the previous one I eyed for! $798!

Think I should seriously get a laptop soon. Really need it quite desperately for my work. And I kinda like the idea of carrying my laptop around when I am out, chilling out at some cafe, checking out some work stuff and whatever, sipping on that lovely tea latte or something. Haha. My sister commented that I could possibly be the only one around who has not got a laptop at my age. Lol. But honestly, I did not see any use for it previously what. I was pretty contented having a decent 22 inch desktop. Heh. But now, boh bian la. Have to buy! ><

So after browsing around, I went to Harris and think I spent a good one hour or so looking at books. And it was having a 20% discount for minimum 2 books' purchase. I ended up buying a Men's Health magazine and two other novels. Both by authors that I like. Chuck Palahniuk's - Pygmy and Christopher Moore - Fool.

Did I mention that I have been in the reading mood lately? Haha. Been actively checking on book reviews on http://www.goodreads.com

So yeah, no matter how busy I am, I would definitely want to find some time to do what I want, be it just walking around aimlessly. Sometimes, it can be some sort of relaxation!

After that, headed to school.

Ok. More appointments await tomorrow.

Moolah Matters

Ok. I had initially wanted to post pictures of the phuket trip here but has been too busy every day.

Or rather, I am too pre-occupied by current events in my life. Or maybe, I am just too impatient to load the photos one by one here. Having said that, I have uploaded a whole collection of photos of the trip in my facebook. So ya, in case you want to take a look. Haha.

I have been trying to make sense of my life. Like I know I am real busy with all the work+tuition+study combination. Yet, I am still trying squeeze in time to go out every now and then, plan for some holiday trips, and at the same time, trying to save up.

Since I haven't been saving previously, it is like I need to put in more effort if I want to build my financial's nest. Previously, if you are still studying full-time, you can save like $50 a month? But at my age now, with completely no savings previously, you ought to save like $500 a month to make up for it all!

So yeah. It is tough. Especially when there are still things you NEED to buy, or WANT to buy. Haha. Let me see, the Phuket trip costs me nearly $800. And now, I am thinking of buying a laptop. That will be another $1K plus. Though I don't see a real need in getting a laptop, I cannot deny that it will work wonders for my work, since I pretty much need to do presentations to my clients. And yes, adding a laptop will be a good professional image boost, I hope.

So ya, my saving plan/plan to save just kicked off near the start of this year actually. And although I still try to opt for ways to save (e.g. discount vouchers, debit card priviledges), I am still pretty 'fluid' with my finance. If I think it is worthwhile to buy something, I might just buy it. Considering it that I want it very much, or if dearie wants it, or likes it. In short, I guess I am someone who is fairly willing to part with some money to get neccessities or luxuries - if they are worth it.

Having said that, this means I need to work doubly hard to earn more so I could save more and afford to spend more.

And mind you. I don't spend lavishly. I still weigh pros and cons every now and then.

But then, my theory is, money needs to flow out for more money to flow in. Hahaha.

But let's not get so meticulous over money matters. In any case,

钱财是身外物--生不带来，死不带去。

So yes, do save, but don't be stingy. Be kind to yourself, and your loved ones. :)

Our Picture-Perfect Phuket Getaway!

Prologue

I am back from Phuket! I enjoyed the 4D/3N trip immensely. Ah. The beaches, sand, sea, breeze... They are just beautiful!

Well, it must be the first time that I actually went overseas for a short getaway trip like this. And I am proud to say that I paid every single cent out of my own pocket. Yep. So, it felt very satisfying.

The first two days of the trip were very well spent as we headed directly to the beach on the first day! Yep, went to Patong Beach, and I think it looked more like a beach than Siloso's. A very large stretch of beach peppered with beachy umbrella stands and tourists. Oh, and did I mention there were a noticeable number of Caucasian women who just bared their top! Gosh! It was quite "eye-opening". Don't think I can post any of that pic here. Hahaha.

I loved the second day the most as we signed on for an island tour and got to travel to many different islands. All in one speedboat! We went to Phi Phi Island, Maya Bay, Monkey Beach and Khai Island. Did some snorkeling for the first time and it was such a great experience. I even jumped down from the speedboat at a height. The corals, and mountains were seriously pictureque and breathtaking. So good to be able to immerse in the splendour of nature.





I prefer Phuket to Bangkok, for sure. So yeah, looking forward to future trips.

Now, this is just the start of a series of beautiful pictures, and our adventure at Phuket. Let the beauty unfold, soon... :)

To be cont'd...

I Like Saturdays Without Work And Worries :)


Finally, the weekend's here! Oh well, it has been a while since I felt so 'carefree' during a Saturday like this. And you know why? This is because I have finished all school assignments thus far, and hence, one burden eliminated! Besides, yesterday was Good Friday. So had a longer weekend holiday. Hoho.

Two days ago, on April Fool's night, got some free tickets to go attend a concert at Raffles Jubilee Hall at Raffles Hotel. Went there with dearie. Met up with Yvonne as well. It was a mini singing concert put up by a particular hall group from NUS. Luckily we got the tickets for free. The whole performance was rather amateur and flawed. But then again, some random entertainment for that night. Took some pics of course. Gotta make use of the time there wisely right... haha.

Went to Plasma KTV pub @ Selegie yesterday with dearie, peng and his friends. Quite a cosy little ktv pub. Not as sleazy for a ktv pub. BUT... we only got to sing a few songs in a span of four hours plus! The singing queue was damn long. In the end, we played some poker card games and just sat there to chit chat, though not much. So ya, quite a wasted trip there. But at least, got to know a new chilling place, though I doubt I would visit it soon again.

Today, decided to head down to VivoCity impromptu. I guess it's a Saturday and I did not want to waste the day slacking away at home. Though sometimes just slacking away can be some form of relaxation. But no! Not for today. It was a day for some retail therapy - again! Haha.

I visited my favourite soup restaurant - The Soup Spoon. Redeemed a free grande bowl of soup and canned drink cos I finished collecting enough "stamps" for a previous loyalty card. Wah, totally worth it. That's what I called a free lunch. Heh heh heh.

After that, we walked around, just doing some random window shopping, and trying out some clothes. Hence, I stopped by one of my favourite shops - River Island.

Saw this colorful checkered top. And I liked it a lot! A bit classic+street style. But guess what? It costs a hefty $89!! Gosh. I didn't buy it in the end though I really wanted to. Oh well, never mind.

After some shopping, we stopped by this new Hongkong cafe called Kim Gary Hongkong Restaurant if I'm not wrong. The food there was great! We had cheese baked rice, and ordered this pickled mayo fries which were absolutely delicious! Would definitely head back to try out more food next time.

After some shopping, I bought a singlet top from Cotton On while dearie bought a few as well.

Gee. Retail therapy works best on a carefree weekend, where you don't have to worry about anything else.

Alright, let's see. Been a "picturesque" weekend huh!

Next week, work on Monday and Tuesdays. More meetups with new clients. Have to finish up with some proposals as well.

Wednesday to Saturday - I'll be relaxing on the white sandy beaches of Phuket, watching the magnificient sunset each day, sipping some ice-cold lemonade. Oh, and not to mention relaxing at the swimming pool, scuba diving, and so much more.

For that - CHIONG AH! =P

Once a Recruit, Never a Recruit! (Gotta grow up, toughen up!)

Was at West Coast Park last night...

Saw this troop of soldiers(recruits, I presume) doing route march around the park, "Lerp, your lerp, your lerp right!" Wah. Brought back fond memories of those BMT days in Tekong. Anyway, this bunch of soldiers were already 'better off' in a sense, getting to do route marches on mainland Singapore! It's like within the visibility of the civilians, HDB housing, and even in front of MacDonald's! They were singing "Old MacDonald's had a farm, yee yah yee yah oh..." when they passed Mac. Cheesy, but that's just how they would entertain themselves.

Wah, to think of it, those route marches at Tekong were definitely memorable. The ultimate 24km route march especially. Gosh. I didn't even bother to sing much during the march. I remember that while marching, my mind was thinking of a lot of things. It was as if I were walking through many reflections that happened in my life. Incredible. But, extremely emotional. Somemore, with the exhaustion. Physical+emotional taxing. Then again, they were very good trainings and experiences.

Yeah, I admit I used to be quite emotional back in NS days. Especially the initial BMT days too. Cos it was quite a drastic change from civilian life. But I appreciated what I learnt and went through back then. Looking at the current batch of recruits, they seriously are getting better treatment. Tekong now is like 'chalet' to them. I heard the food there now is GOOD.

Somehow, I feel that when NS life is better in terms of better standards of accommodation, food, and even training methods, some 'raw' moments of the training-to-be-tough process are compromised in the process.

That was why even though I did dread going through field camps back then, I know that all these were meant to keep me stronger and tougher - physically and mentally. So, I prep myself to welcome all the training. And I made it.

Maybe you wouldn't believe it, but I really do treasure those NS days. Even up till now, I'll occassionally reminisce those fun and laughter, soil and sorrow we went through back then.

A pity I didn't sign on right? I will NEVER sign on. Haha. Some things should only be experienced once.

And once is enough to leave an impact on you for the rest of your life...

Forward looking!

Finally done with all school assignments for now. Gosh. Can't believe I am so CAPABLE of juggling so many things at once: school, tuition, work!

And I am very happy to note that I have closed two deals! Yay. Since I started work in mid-January, finally see some results. Although those two are are not very big deals, at least it is some kind of achievement! And definitely, I now have more motivation to spur forward! ^^

My princess bun is already back from BKK. So happy to have her back, to feel her close beside me once again. :)

Went Raffles Hotel to watch some concert put up by NUS students. Found the whole performance rather amateur, but somewhat entertaining. Well, luckily the tix were for free. If not, I wouldn't even have considered paying to watch it. Seriously.

Tomorrow there's two more appointments. Gosh. New leads influx now! Am busy trying to complete some proposals in the meantime. Hope those proposals I sent out could translate into good moolah! Heh.

Work hard for now. A trip to look forward next week! And that is a trip to Phuket with dearie, qiaoyu and luther. Yayness! =D