Mirror, mirror on the wall
Which is the greatest phone of them all?
The W760i, W980, G900 or C905?
These are all Sony Ericsson (SE) phones as I only buy this brand or the Samsung brand.
However, none of these above mentioned phones have all the functions that I want. It either lacks one or the other and it is a hard choice to make. Although my first take was to buy the W760i but I think it does not have video call!! Not that I use it often but I would like to have it just in case. :P
Then I read the review for G900 on cnet and users were complaining that the battery life was real bad and that there s no HSDPA.
Plus, I really, really want a slide phone and the W980 isn't one!!!
Sigh! Choices, choices. Anyway, I will have to wait for my colleague to buy a new one in November. My contract actually only ends in January and I have the intention of changing my mobile phone service provider from the red one to the green one. I will wait until then to decide.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Choosing the right set of mahjong
I have long wanted to buy a set of mahjong for my Finnish friend. He has a mini set, but I felt that he should have a real one, so that his big hands will not be so uncomfortable.
The thought of wanting to buy did not really coincide with the action, as my knowledge of where to buy it, is limited. I only knew that City Plaza has 2 shops selling it and there is a push cart stall at Marine Parade Promenade that sells it.
When I have decided to buy a set from City Plaza, my dad chided me for going there. He felt that Chinatown would have cheaper sets. On second confirmation with one of my cousins, it was conferred that there were more choices at People's Park.
What a day to go down as there was road closure from 2pm onwards for the lighting up of the roads for Mid Autumn Festival. Had to take a bus down but also had to walk on many diverted roads. Could not even walk across via the bridge.
When we finally reached our destination, I lifted my head to see where we could find a mahjong shop. There, right next to the escalator, on Level 2, was one. It was a wholesale centre. We went there.
We saw what we wanted but the price was not quite right and the lady boss did not really want to reduce the price anyway. We told her we would be back. I was at a lost. I did not know where else to go and my dad suggested we walked back to the other side of the road. I pulled a really long face. I was not ready to walk back there at all. It was a long tedious walk with too many people.
Just as was exasperatingly turning round and round Level 1, looking for a shopping directory, I saw this mahjong shop behind us. We walked in, the lady was friendly but not pushy. After showing us the several sizes of mahjong and me telling her what colour I was looking for, she took out what I wanted.
It was one size smaller than the one I saw before at Level 2, but when compared to similar sizes seen at Level 2, the set was still cheaper. We bargained a little more and got the set at a satisfactory price. My dad was also on the verge of buying a foldable mahjong table. She was willing to throw in the dampening mat at a preferential price.
However, my dad remembered that we did not drive down to town and decided not to buy the table...yet. Good choice as the mahjong set itself was rather heavy already.
The lady was very nice and she knew what was customer service and he concept of repeat business. She told us to come back to her when we decide that we wanted to buy the table. This lady must be called Irene as the shop was called Irene Engraving Services and Mahjong Shop.
Oh! Why did I wait so long to go buy the mahjong and not ask my dad to buy for me instead? I am a little weird in the sense that I feel that the FEEL is very important. I cannot just buy ANY mahjong set but I must look at it and like it, and have a good feel about it. I must also feel that the person playing it will love it. If not, there is no point buying it.
Well, I am glad I went down to get this set myself. I really love the colour and how it looks a bit jelly. I will take some pics and upload it as soon as possible.
The thought of wanting to buy did not really coincide with the action, as my knowledge of where to buy it, is limited. I only knew that City Plaza has 2 shops selling it and there is a push cart stall at Marine Parade Promenade that sells it.
When I have decided to buy a set from City Plaza, my dad chided me for going there. He felt that Chinatown would have cheaper sets. On second confirmation with one of my cousins, it was conferred that there were more choices at People's Park.
What a day to go down as there was road closure from 2pm onwards for the lighting up of the roads for Mid Autumn Festival. Had to take a bus down but also had to walk on many diverted roads. Could not even walk across via the bridge.
When we finally reached our destination, I lifted my head to see where we could find a mahjong shop. There, right next to the escalator, on Level 2, was one. It was a wholesale centre. We went there.
We saw what we wanted but the price was not quite right and the lady boss did not really want to reduce the price anyway. We told her we would be back. I was at a lost. I did not know where else to go and my dad suggested we walked back to the other side of the road. I pulled a really long face. I was not ready to walk back there at all. It was a long tedious walk with too many people.
Just as was exasperatingly turning round and round Level 1, looking for a shopping directory, I saw this mahjong shop behind us. We walked in, the lady was friendly but not pushy. After showing us the several sizes of mahjong and me telling her what colour I was looking for, she took out what I wanted.
It was one size smaller than the one I saw before at Level 2, but when compared to similar sizes seen at Level 2, the set was still cheaper. We bargained a little more and got the set at a satisfactory price. My dad was also on the verge of buying a foldable mahjong table. She was willing to throw in the dampening mat at a preferential price.
However, my dad remembered that we did not drive down to town and decided not to buy the table...yet. Good choice as the mahjong set itself was rather heavy already.
The lady was very nice and she knew what was customer service and he concept of repeat business. She told us to come back to her when we decide that we wanted to buy the table. This lady must be called Irene as the shop was called Irene Engraving Services and Mahjong Shop.
Oh! Why did I wait so long to go buy the mahjong and not ask my dad to buy for me instead? I am a little weird in the sense that I feel that the FEEL is very important. I cannot just buy ANY mahjong set but I must look at it and like it, and have a good feel about it. I must also feel that the person playing it will love it. If not, there is no point buying it.
Well, I am glad I went down to get this set myself. I really love the colour and how it looks a bit jelly. I will take some pics and upload it as soon as possible.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
A lazy Saturday
This would just be an ordinary post, about another ordinary Saturday.
I went down to pay the 'down payment' for my school fees and then went to eat brunch at Makarios at the National Library Building (Level 3).
It has a nice quiet environment. Very quiet. We were the only ones there. Well, it was after all 11 am. It was just ordinary spaghetti carbonara, but the ham was good ham. I could taste it. Not too salty and just the right amount of fat.
However, I would recommend that one should go there more for it's coffee and chicken pie as they are more reasonably priced and the pastry is much better than the cafe at level one. The plat principal (main course in french)costs are very french; on the expensive end. It is very nice but I will only eat there again when I am feeling very rich or when I really feel like pampering myself.
Went to Vivo after that. Spent an hour or so at Page One choosing my 2009 diary/calendar/organiser. Haha! Hopefully this sort of enthusiasm will last me throughout my two years of study.
I went down to pay the 'down payment' for my school fees and then went to eat brunch at Makarios at the National Library Building (Level 3).
It has a nice quiet environment. Very quiet. We were the only ones there. Well, it was after all 11 am. It was just ordinary spaghetti carbonara, but the ham was good ham. I could taste it. Not too salty and just the right amount of fat.
However, I would recommend that one should go there more for it's coffee and chicken pie as they are more reasonably priced and the pastry is much better than the cafe at level one. The plat principal (main course in french)costs are very french; on the expensive end. It is very nice but I will only eat there again when I am feeling very rich or when I really feel like pampering myself.
Went to Vivo after that. Spent an hour or so at Page One choosing my 2009 diary/calendar/organiser. Haha! Hopefully this sort of enthusiasm will last me throughout my two years of study.
What a day!
Yesterday was actually quite a bad day for me. The public bus that was supposed to bring me to work broke down three quarters of the way. Had to take a cab to work. Even though it was not too far away, it cost me the whole of ten bucks due to the peak hour charges.
It did not help that there was a major jam along the same road where my bus broke down. I later found out, from the comfort of my cab that another public bus of a red and white kind had met with a terrible accident. The whole front panel had come off and there was even a police car there to inspect.
In the evening, I waited for a good 15 minutes before the bus came to bring me to the nearest MRT. I was already running late. I guess I had forgotten to factor in waiting time. Then, on my way to Raffles Place, the MRT stopped for much longer than usual at one of the station stops. Made me even later. My cousin was already waiting but luckily, my aunt and the rest of the party have not appeared. They were even later.
It's ok though, for we had a whale of a time and I got to see nephew Rayee! I managed to stop his crying (for a while) as we were trying o train him to change his feedings from 3-hourly to 4-hourly feeds. I think Rayee and I are off to a good start. Hee!
A reasonable dinner was rounded off with very delicious desserts from Ricciotti rushed and bought by my eldest cousin. They sell their desserts at half price after a certain time. We were nearby there and they went to queue up. They were lucky to be first in line as they managed to buy up the last panna cotta, which was oh so delicious!! Next best thing would be their tiramisu, even though my aunt would beg to differ. She thinks that is the best out of all the sweets.
Hmm...all these sweets leave sweet memories and cancels out the bad stuff that happened throughout the day.
It did not help that there was a major jam along the same road where my bus broke down. I later found out, from the comfort of my cab that another public bus of a red and white kind had met with a terrible accident. The whole front panel had come off and there was even a police car there to inspect.
In the evening, I waited for a good 15 minutes before the bus came to bring me to the nearest MRT. I was already running late. I guess I had forgotten to factor in waiting time. Then, on my way to Raffles Place, the MRT stopped for much longer than usual at one of the station stops. Made me even later. My cousin was already waiting but luckily, my aunt and the rest of the party have not appeared. They were even later.
It's ok though, for we had a whale of a time and I got to see nephew Rayee! I managed to stop his crying (for a while) as we were trying o train him to change his feedings from 3-hourly to 4-hourly feeds. I think Rayee and I are off to a good start. Hee!
A reasonable dinner was rounded off with very delicious desserts from Ricciotti rushed and bought by my eldest cousin. They sell their desserts at half price after a certain time. We were nearby there and they went to queue up. They were lucky to be first in line as they managed to buy up the last panna cotta, which was oh so delicious!! Next best thing would be their tiramisu, even though my aunt would beg to differ. She thinks that is the best out of all the sweets.
Hmm...all these sweets leave sweet memories and cancels out the bad stuff that happened throughout the day.
My teacher's day pressies
The first and last pics are the same stuff but from different angle. It is my favourite gift next to a Precious Moments mug that one of my colleagues gave me. It looks good enough to EAT!!
The middle pic is the works! Don't know whether it is because it's the first time I am getting all these but looking at them makes me feel very touched and makes my work that more meaningful. That also means that I have got a greater responsibility to ensure that these kids learn while they are under my care! Hee, but I enjoy my worrk.
Touched...by little angels
Just celebrated Teacher's Day at work today (Friday, 29th August). I never used to think much of these celebrations, thinking that it is another way that business people make more money out of us, the consumers.
I totally soaked in the buying teachers a present fever this year. I saw children running around, demanding their mums buy a certain necklace, because her teacher likes that, and only that type of necklace (spoilt brat). There were kids going around shopping malls shouting at the top of their voices, "Tomorrow is teacher's day, tomorrow is teacher's day... ."
I myself was cracking my head, thinking of what to buy with limited budget. After all, my earning power is no longer like before. While I want to make my gift look good enough, I had to think about my pocket too. There was going to a gifts exchange and we were ordering home deliveries. We had already chosen satay, otak-otak, sushi, chicken from a certain famous Colonel and Indian food such as butter chicken, kitchen korma and stuff like that. Yum!
I am touched. Touched that these little hearts go all out to give us something, even if it is just a small token. Even though it may be their parents' ideas. Touched too, for as we exchange gifts amongst one another, there is this sense of belonging, closeness and happiness. Touched too, that for one day every year, we would get to celebrate OUR day.
However, there were two gifts that were most priceless and valuable to me today (Friday, OK?). It was when I hugged one of the older kids and he whispered, "I love your stories." and when, as I brought one of the kids for toilet break and was helping her with the wearing of her clothes, she whispered very softly but sweetly into my ear, "I love you". I wanted to hug her and cry there and then for it was so endearing.
The boy who told me he loves my stories can be very disobedient and does not like doing work and this little girl who told me she loves me is one of those who cannot stop talking and jumping around. Yet, I love them all. They are so poignant honest and real that no matter how naughty they may be, one cannot help but love them all.
I totally soaked in the buying teachers a present fever this year. I saw children running around, demanding their mums buy a certain necklace, because her teacher likes that, and only that type of necklace (spoilt brat). There were kids going around shopping malls shouting at the top of their voices, "Tomorrow is teacher's day, tomorrow is teacher's day... ."
I myself was cracking my head, thinking of what to buy with limited budget. After all, my earning power is no longer like before. While I want to make my gift look good enough, I had to think about my pocket too. There was going to a gifts exchange and we were ordering home deliveries. We had already chosen satay, otak-otak, sushi, chicken from a certain famous Colonel and Indian food such as butter chicken, kitchen korma and stuff like that. Yum!
I am touched. Touched that these little hearts go all out to give us something, even if it is just a small token. Even though it may be their parents' ideas. Touched too, for as we exchange gifts amongst one another, there is this sense of belonging, closeness and happiness. Touched too, that for one day every year, we would get to celebrate OUR day.
However, there were two gifts that were most priceless and valuable to me today (Friday, OK?). It was when I hugged one of the older kids and he whispered, "I love your stories." and when, as I brought one of the kids for toilet break and was helping her with the wearing of her clothes, she whispered very softly but sweetly into my ear, "I love you". I wanted to hug her and cry there and then for it was so endearing.
The boy who told me he loves my stories can be very disobedient and does not like doing work and this little girl who told me she loves me is one of those who cannot stop talking and jumping around. Yet, I love them all. They are so poignant honest and real that no matter how naughty they may be, one cannot help but love them all.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
DON"T TOUCH!!!!
Had a real bad quarrel with mum two days ago. She had helped me buy the EXPEDIT shelf from IKEA, for which I am thankful.
She had also very kindly temporarily moved my ex-shelving to her room. She also very kindly replicated how I put my stuff in my room. For that I was thankful.
Two days later though. I found that all the shelves and stuff in her room had disappeared!!!!
I panicked. Then I went into hysteria mode. There were letters. Free tickets and stuff that were important. Then there were those stuff that I have not packed onto the new shelves, that appeared on it. I hate that. Anyway, that was how I found out that my things had been moved.
I went into my room, saw stuff that were on my new shelves and went into my mum's room to find that the old shelves were gone. I admit that I am not the neatest person in the world, but I can find my stuff. With the order of things messed up, I was on the verge of a total nervous breakdown.
I had originally wanted to categorise and pack my stuff over the coming weekend, but now, I was at a lost.
This is not the first time that mum has 'meddled' with my stuff and it is also not the first time we quarrelled, but I think it is by far the worse of all quarrels.
The worst part is that she hears but she does not listen. I asked her why she went to touch and move my things and she went around telling my dad that I said she "threw" away my things.
No point arguing though coz in the end, I might have two persons pointing accusing fingers and screaming down at me at the same time (mum + dad).
What did I do?? I just locked myself in my own room and screamed my head off and bawled loudly. Kind of like what my kids do. Except, I never could fathom why they can bawl and scream like that until two nights ago. It must be a great relief to be able to do that.
I am not proud of what I did but I guess this was a chance for me to experience what my kids feel, first hand. After that, you get real exhausted and you sleep like a baby.
Sigh...the day that all these squabbles and all this touching of my stuff will stop, is the day that I have the ability to move out of the house (which is like never, from the looks of it).
Oh yes, a speaker at this talk once said to accept your child's abilities. It does not mean that you are a fast-paced person, that your child is expected to be one. Let them learn and grow at their own pace. Wish my mum would let me do that (do things at my own pace that is. Not that I have much to grow except for sideways). I almost also remember to let my kids do that too.
She had also very kindly temporarily moved my ex-shelving to her room. She also very kindly replicated how I put my stuff in my room. For that I was thankful.
Two days later though. I found that all the shelves and stuff in her room had disappeared!!!!
I panicked. Then I went into hysteria mode. There were letters. Free tickets and stuff that were important. Then there were those stuff that I have not packed onto the new shelves, that appeared on it. I hate that. Anyway, that was how I found out that my things had been moved.
I went into my room, saw stuff that were on my new shelves and went into my mum's room to find that the old shelves were gone. I admit that I am not the neatest person in the world, but I can find my stuff. With the order of things messed up, I was on the verge of a total nervous breakdown.
I had originally wanted to categorise and pack my stuff over the coming weekend, but now, I was at a lost.
This is not the first time that mum has 'meddled' with my stuff and it is also not the first time we quarrelled, but I think it is by far the worse of all quarrels.
The worst part is that she hears but she does not listen. I asked her why she went to touch and move my things and she went around telling my dad that I said she "threw" away my things.
No point arguing though coz in the end, I might have two persons pointing accusing fingers and screaming down at me at the same time (mum + dad).
What did I do?? I just locked myself in my own room and screamed my head off and bawled loudly. Kind of like what my kids do. Except, I never could fathom why they can bawl and scream like that until two nights ago. It must be a great relief to be able to do that.
I am not proud of what I did but I guess this was a chance for me to experience what my kids feel, first hand. After that, you get real exhausted and you sleep like a baby.
Sigh...the day that all these squabbles and all this touching of my stuff will stop, is the day that I have the ability to move out of the house (which is like never, from the looks of it).
Oh yes, a speaker at this talk once said to accept your child's abilities. It does not mean that you are a fast-paced person, that your child is expected to be one. Let them learn and grow at their own pace. Wish my mum would let me do that (do things at my own pace that is. Not that I have much to grow except for sideways). I almost also remember to let my kids do that too.
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