Taking a pose during a break on the uphill.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Rash Words
The events recently has taken its toll on Wabe and I feel sad and yet proud of her for such unselfish care and concern for her grandmother.
Perhaps my words earlier was too strong and it did not get published - well too bad for that!
From my past experiences, the true faces of loved ones will come to reveal themselves as the crisis persists .. spiteful words will be hurled... accusing fingers pointed...
It takes great maturity and strength to walk this path correctly and to focus on the act of providing the best for the loved one who lie sick.
Action speaks louder than words - it is easier to rant than to offer a simple act of help.
Tis not the time to lament on the indignities of life unfairness - it is unfair anyway.
We do not shake the dust of our sandals like the apostles of old and leave the village who do not accept them - cursing "Even Sodom will be better than you in the lasy days.." More importantly, we should listen with ears to the real message behind a rebuke - we do not cuss family members with vulgarities ( vipers who caused my grandmother's misery not included:)).
Remember and hope and pray - Wai Por is sick. Keep this in perspective.
Yours truly disgusted,
Sam
Perhaps my words earlier was too strong and it did not get published - well too bad for that!
From my past experiences, the true faces of loved ones will come to reveal themselves as the crisis persists .. spiteful words will be hurled... accusing fingers pointed...
It takes great maturity and strength to walk this path correctly and to focus on the act of providing the best for the loved one who lie sick.
Action speaks louder than words - it is easier to rant than to offer a simple act of help.
Tis not the time to lament on the indignities of life unfairness - it is unfair anyway.
We do not shake the dust of our sandals like the apostles of old and leave the village who do not accept them - cursing "Even Sodom will be better than you in the lasy days.." More importantly, we should listen with ears to the real message behind a rebuke - we do not cuss family members with vulgarities ( vipers who caused my grandmother's misery not included:)).
Remember and hope and pray - Wai Por is sick. Keep this in perspective.
Yours truly disgusted,
Sam
A Better 2007...Hopefully
Told da that I would like to write in his blog today and he wanted me to do that after he is done with his blogging...and god knows, his access was denied (must be due to the earthquake in Taiwan)....and he was not successful in pasting over what he had been writing for the past 15 or 20 minutes. Well, told him that this is just a sign that his blog is not meant to be published then.
Anyway, this is the 2nd time that I am writing and the reason why I am writing, cos it is towards the end of 2006 and I am sincerely hoping for a better 2007. Have been going through a lot mentally lately...starting from the time when Yang appears to have learning disability to grandma not being well physically and then to office work becoming heavier and of cos, with my upcoming Paris trip and Krabi trip where both trips requires me to be very focused and will suck all my available timing...
January is gloomy, I feel...the stress from work and family....
Work - lotsa things uncompleted...and having different bosses with different expectations and half the time caught in between them...is a real pain. But I have wanted very much to show that I can perform and out-perform and am trying very hard to achieve this. Did not want to leave this place with people feeling that I am going off because I CANNOT do it, which will definitely not be the case. My egos does not allow me to have this happening!
Family - Yang's report from the therapists will be out soon and while I can't wait for the reports to be available, I fear when the reports are available. Am fairly sure that I have to start sending him for therapy sessions....
Then comes Grandma's condition. Everytime I bring her for sessions with the doc, my heart aches...she seems to have aged so much that she cannot move like before, she express fear about things like the day surgery, like having to do the various tests to prepare for the day surgery, etc. And as much as I would like to be of help, there is nothing that I can do except bring her there and ferry her home. For this, I thank Da for all his kind acts of helping me with all this driving around...with no complaints.
Seems to be more emotional lately...talk to anyone for a while and I suddenly feel like crying...just like yesterday, quarreled with Da over some small stuff and cried and the crying help...cos I realised that I have not dared to cry openly lately..and the crying help let loose some emotions...
Spoke with the other cousins today whoever is there and all seems to understand and willing to do a part for the family, which is a consolation....and of cos, the next thing is when mum joins the conversation and went on and on and on....about responsibility, about the friends around us who may not be that good, about things that all should have been doing, etc, etc. And frankly, the way she puts it across is not friendly at all...if I were much younger, i would have taken offence, but I know that she is just as frustrated and there is no point pointing fingers at each other over all these happenings. I let her be and sincerely hope that the cousins would not think too much into it...
Mum told me Grandma cried just now...saying she owed me and Sam a lot...and it hurts even more to hear that...she has been very caring towards me all the years and what I can do for her is just so little...if money can buy anything, I would have bought her HEALTH. I know she fears being a burden and does not want for us all to suffer, but there is just so much that I or we can do.
Wanted to try to bring her around as much as I can, and wonder how much more time we can do all these...she looks so tired...she slept much much more than I ever know and she has not much energy and strength like before, every step that she takes, it seems to be so difficult...walking round from one corner to another is no longer a simple chore for her...she worries for everyone at home...and I believe all we can do to help is to let her have less worries.
For once, besides my own religion, I prayed to all gods that can help her...and if you can hear me...please do all you can to make her better.
Anyway, this is the 2nd time that I am writing and the reason why I am writing, cos it is towards the end of 2006 and I am sincerely hoping for a better 2007. Have been going through a lot mentally lately...starting from the time when Yang appears to have learning disability to grandma not being well physically and then to office work becoming heavier and of cos, with my upcoming Paris trip and Krabi trip where both trips requires me to be very focused and will suck all my available timing...
January is gloomy, I feel...the stress from work and family....
Work - lotsa things uncompleted...and having different bosses with different expectations and half the time caught in between them...is a real pain. But I have wanted very much to show that I can perform and out-perform and am trying very hard to achieve this. Did not want to leave this place with people feeling that I am going off because I CANNOT do it, which will definitely not be the case. My egos does not allow me to have this happening!
Family - Yang's report from the therapists will be out soon and while I can't wait for the reports to be available, I fear when the reports are available. Am fairly sure that I have to start sending him for therapy sessions....
Then comes Grandma's condition. Everytime I bring her for sessions with the doc, my heart aches...she seems to have aged so much that she cannot move like before, she express fear about things like the day surgery, like having to do the various tests to prepare for the day surgery, etc. And as much as I would like to be of help, there is nothing that I can do except bring her there and ferry her home. For this, I thank Da for all his kind acts of helping me with all this driving around...with no complaints.
Seems to be more emotional lately...talk to anyone for a while and I suddenly feel like crying...just like yesterday, quarreled with Da over some small stuff and cried and the crying help...cos I realised that I have not dared to cry openly lately..and the crying help let loose some emotions...
Spoke with the other cousins today whoever is there and all seems to understand and willing to do a part for the family, which is a consolation....and of cos, the next thing is when mum joins the conversation and went on and on and on....about responsibility, about the friends around us who may not be that good, about things that all should have been doing, etc, etc. And frankly, the way she puts it across is not friendly at all...if I were much younger, i would have taken offence, but I know that she is just as frustrated and there is no point pointing fingers at each other over all these happenings. I let her be and sincerely hope that the cousins would not think too much into it...
Mum told me Grandma cried just now...saying she owed me and Sam a lot...and it hurts even more to hear that...she has been very caring towards me all the years and what I can do for her is just so little...if money can buy anything, I would have bought her HEALTH. I know she fears being a burden and does not want for us all to suffer, but there is just so much that I or we can do.
Wanted to try to bring her around as much as I can, and wonder how much more time we can do all these...she looks so tired...she slept much much more than I ever know and she has not much energy and strength like before, every step that she takes, it seems to be so difficult...walking round from one corner to another is no longer a simple chore for her...she worries for everyone at home...and I believe all we can do to help is to let her have less worries.
For once, besides my own religion, I prayed to all gods that can help her...and if you can hear me...please do all you can to make her better.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Beijing 2
So anyway, this will be a regular thing...
Next month..might be a Dallas trip to evaluate a data center...that would be steaks and beer galore :) on vendor account of course:) ....heh heh
So until then, have a merry Christmas amigos:)
From Sam, Wabe and Yangkee :)
check out the latest Yangkee!
Next month..might be a Dallas trip to evaluate a data center...that would be steaks and beer galore :) on vendor account of course:) ....heh heh
So until then, have a merry Christmas amigos:)
From Sam, Wabe and Yangkee :)
check out the latest Yangkee!
Beijing
Back from the trip in Beijing.
It was cold but not as cold as I thought - most days I wore only my business coat..but of course my office is like next building from Zhao Long Hotel.
Infrastructure wise - it is so much better than Bangalore and this is the first place I did not see Indian staff in a IT office! Truly my last assignments in Bangalore are hardship cases:)
I had my assistant from Accenture Beijing, Ruan Hang and he is a humble and capable chap and a bunch of Oracle account managers from Hong Kong who were US citizens. So there you have it - a motley crew of chaps working together in an ancient capital of China where Kangxi and Qianlong once ruled. :)
Ruan Hang is the poor chap - always have to make sure our logistics is ok so we brought him out when we are doing business lunches and dinners. Brought him to HardRock Beijing and introduce him to burgers where he smoked a China cigarette and called it capitalist garbage ..the rest of us ROFL for minutes! Chap is from Qing Hua Uni ok...dont pray pray...and one of the Oracle chaps is a PHD in IEEE - I feel so inadequate sometimes :)
Wrapped up on Thursday evening and so went to Forbidden City (Gu Gong) on Friday morning.
The wonder of it - the vastness...you can only ... experience it when you stand in the open court and gaze at the structure...imagine the old officials of old as they make their way up to the imperial court...these were made to impress and intimidate...
Some pictures I took...
It was cold but not as cold as I thought - most days I wore only my business coat..but of course my office is like next building from Zhao Long Hotel.
Infrastructure wise - it is so much better than Bangalore and this is the first place I did not see Indian staff in a IT office! Truly my last assignments in Bangalore are hardship cases:)
I had my assistant from Accenture Beijing, Ruan Hang and he is a humble and capable chap and a bunch of Oracle account managers from Hong Kong who were US citizens. So there you have it - a motley crew of chaps working together in an ancient capital of China where Kangxi and Qianlong once ruled. :)
Ruan Hang is the poor chap - always have to make sure our logistics is ok so we brought him out when we are doing business lunches and dinners. Brought him to HardRock Beijing and introduce him to burgers where he smoked a China cigarette and called it capitalist garbage ..the rest of us ROFL for minutes! Chap is from Qing Hua Uni ok...dont pray pray...and one of the Oracle chaps is a PHD in IEEE - I feel so inadequate sometimes :)
Wrapped up on Thursday evening and so went to Forbidden City (Gu Gong) on Friday morning.
The wonder of it - the vastness...you can only ... experience it when you stand in the open court and gaze at the structure...imagine the old officials of old as they make their way up to the imperial court...these were made to impress and intimidate...
Some pictures I took...
Friday, December 08, 2006
New Post
It's been a while eh.
Well things have picked up quite a bit at work..
The China team has requested me to their architect - so now I am feeling some load:) heh heh well compared to the old work, this is "manageable activity" - after all, I do not need to have to take of sales related activities anymore...I can concentrate fully on the geek stuff - hehe pure hardcore software engineering..I never felt so ALIVE:)
I am amazed that a company like this, being more communciations focussed are ... so imbuded with IT principles..the way of architecture...etc...it is like being in NUS again..
For one, my cuff link shirts is gonna look out of place ..i am going to start look for short sleeved shirts with pockets in front so I can stuff many pens and notes etc hehehe..I need to look the part of the geeky architect and not a business consultant:P
Sam
Well things have picked up quite a bit at work..
The China team has requested me to their architect - so now I am feeling some load:) heh heh well compared to the old work, this is "manageable activity" - after all, I do not need to have to take of sales related activities anymore...I can concentrate fully on the geek stuff - hehe pure hardcore software engineering..I never felt so ALIVE:)
I am amazed that a company like this, being more communciations focussed are ... so imbuded with IT principles..the way of architecture...etc...it is like being in NUS again..
For one, my cuff link shirts is gonna look out of place ..i am going to start look for short sleeved shirts with pockets in front so I can stuff many pens and notes etc hehehe..I need to look the part of the geeky architect and not a business consultant:P
Sam
Saturday, November 25, 2006
New Tires
JC recommended me to Hankook tires...not bad...the place has great games and free coffee and pool table and a lounge!
Got 225/45/18 and a battery. Alignment was done and damn, so many faults....
Finally, the sweet sound of silent tires....grip is quite good compared to Aspect in the rain. :)
FINALLY!
Sam
Got 225/45/18 and a battery. Alignment was done and damn, so many faults....
Finally, the sweet sound of silent tires....grip is quite good compared to Aspect in the rain. :)
FINALLY!
Sam
Thursday, November 23, 2006
$$
Oracle Corporation(Public, NASDAQ:ORCL) - Add to Portfolio - Discuss ORCL | Find more results for ORCL |
| |||
Total Profit per share= 1.66 USD
10,000/18 = 555
Total profit to date = 922 USD = 1383 SGD
All within 1 month.......enuff said :D
Sam
Monday, November 13, 2006
Finland
of all luck..my luggage for stuck at Frankfurt while I am already at Helsinski...luckily the electronic tagging systems works and it will be delivered to hotel later at 9 pm.
It is incredibly cold...and I first saw snow in my 35 year old life...it is very surreal to have breakfast while seeing the flakes gentling flutter down in a big city square..the pavement was lightly cloaked in white...
Whilst enjoying this... I also heard from Wabe that Yang is not doing as well in school... invariably guilt sets in and my being away so far did not help things... I felt so helpless and wanting to go back and support the family. Well, no use lamenting ...we have to take action ..once I am back - we will need to see what is the problem - it's heart warming when a family cuddles to face adversity:)
Hmm...oh yeah ... was surprised to see a Singapore stall in a Finnish mall earlier! BEEF KWAY TIAO, I hollered. The owner was surprised and grinned..."Singapore ar? heh heh... ai harm chio mai?" hhehe damn it is so heart warming to hear local slang in a foreign country..the owner is also thrilled to see fellow countrymen :)
But still, missed Wabe and Yang Kee...can't wait to be back :)
Now watching them via webcam...:)
Sam
It is incredibly cold...and I first saw snow in my 35 year old life...it is very surreal to have breakfast while seeing the flakes gentling flutter down in a big city square..the pavement was lightly cloaked in white...
Whilst enjoying this... I also heard from Wabe that Yang is not doing as well in school... invariably guilt sets in and my being away so far did not help things... I felt so helpless and wanting to go back and support the family. Well, no use lamenting ...we have to take action ..once I am back - we will need to see what is the problem - it's heart warming when a family cuddles to face adversity:)
Hmm...oh yeah ... was surprised to see a Singapore stall in a Finnish mall earlier! BEEF KWAY TIAO, I hollered. The owner was surprised and grinned..."Singapore ar? heh heh... ai harm chio mai?" hhehe damn it is so heart warming to hear local slang in a foreign country..the owner is also thrilled to see fellow countrymen :)
But still, missed Wabe and Yang Kee...can't wait to be back :)
Now watching them via webcam...:)
Sam
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Yang's Performance
It's the morning before I will hop on the plane to Finland later.
Temp check - minus 5 degree max... not as bad as predicted! Got even a few days of 2 and 3 degree!
Last Friday was Yang's performance. Watching the play gave me a bittersweet feeling...while my heart burst with pride as a father when I see my little boy running and dancing on stage...I also realized time indeed has flashed past almost without us knowing..
Children....why do they grow up so fast?:) Such that every action..every word becomes memories quickly...
When I first saw Yang...he was wrapped in a blanket - with eyes wide open looking at me. I just bend over and introduced "Baby..this is Papa..welcome to the family..." The experience is something I will never forget in a hurry.
Right now, my boy still sleeps with us in our bed and likes to bury his hands and feet under our bodies to get warmth. Sometimes, you get irritated when he kicks you repeatedly in the night but..sigh..one day one will look back and gives a million dollars just to replay these childhood days with your children again.
I am glad we have resisted the travelling jobs before during these formative years - truly nothing will compensate these times with your child.
Yesterday, Wabe gave me a "Ping an Fu"..I wore it during the dinner and trip home :) I am very touched by the gesture... sometimes you realized one do not need much to be happy.. happiness comes from contentment and I am blessed with my family :)
Sam
Temp check - minus 5 degree max... not as bad as predicted! Got even a few days of 2 and 3 degree!
Last Friday was Yang's performance. Watching the play gave me a bittersweet feeling...while my heart burst with pride as a father when I see my little boy running and dancing on stage...I also realized time indeed has flashed past almost without us knowing..
Children....why do they grow up so fast?:) Such that every action..every word becomes memories quickly...
When I first saw Yang...he was wrapped in a blanket - with eyes wide open looking at me. I just bend over and introduced "Baby..this is Papa..welcome to the family..." The experience is something I will never forget in a hurry.
Right now, my boy still sleeps with us in our bed and likes to bury his hands and feet under our bodies to get warmth. Sometimes, you get irritated when he kicks you repeatedly in the night but..sigh..one day one will look back and gives a million dollars just to replay these childhood days with your children again.
I am glad we have resisted the travelling jobs before during these formative years - truly nothing will compensate these times with your child.
Yesterday, Wabe gave me a "Ping an Fu"..I wore it during the dinner and trip home :) I am very touched by the gesture... sometimes you realized one do not need much to be happy.. happiness comes from contentment and I am blessed with my family :)
Sam
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Top Joy and meet up and all
Met up Roger, Chun, Che2 and Kwang Meng over Kah Soh at Queen's Town Club. I tried my new Top Joy 5 Iron which I bought at Grand BigWin last week - it is very very good - the same quality as my 7. The new set costs 5800 - that's an amount which I think is quite ridiculous - I spied a 2nd hand one at 850...that might be a choice later.
Still, I am quite satisfied with the strokes - darn thing is ..my driver back got whacked when I swinged the iron - dented! my 400 bucks driver...but luckily only a bit at the back and not the club face.
Dinner was fun CKM got lost and there was a lot of wisecracks going on and stories of our uni days .. of weird professors and skipped lectures and the then MUDD games.
Shared some financial talk - CKM went for Masters in Applied Finance and jumped ship from IT...bloody traitor:P He too advocated paying up house loan early..his will end next year!! I must work harder!!!
Coffee at Red Hill coffee shop and then it was time to go - for some of us...it will be a long time before we will meet again..till next time..
Finland trip is confirmed ...2 trips in Nov ...wow....will update when I come back.
I bought the new Olympus miu 720 - water resistant t0 3 m!! 7.1 !! slick with audio video!! Will use it to record my Finland trip :)
ORCL latest quote:
Oracle Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:ORCL) - Add to Portfolio - Discuss ORCL
18.46
Still above 18...I heard the APAC Business Object management team has left - is this a sign that Oracle will buy up BO as speculated? Should I plunge into the BO shares? Thinking.....
Sam
Still, I am quite satisfied with the strokes - darn thing is ..my driver back got whacked when I swinged the iron - dented! my 400 bucks driver...but luckily only a bit at the back and not the club face.
Dinner was fun CKM got lost and there was a lot of wisecracks going on and stories of our uni days .. of weird professors and skipped lectures and the then MUDD games.
Shared some financial talk - CKM went for Masters in Applied Finance and jumped ship from IT...bloody traitor:P He too advocated paying up house loan early..his will end next year!! I must work harder!!!
Coffee at Red Hill coffee shop and then it was time to go - for some of us...it will be a long time before we will meet again..till next time..
Finland trip is confirmed ...2 trips in Nov ...wow....will update when I come back.
I bought the new Olympus miu 720 - water resistant t0 3 m!! 7.1 !! slick with audio video!! Will use it to record my Finland trip :)
ORCL latest quote:
Oracle Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:ORCL) - Add to Portfolio - Discuss ORCL
18.46
Still above 18...I heard the APAC Business Object management team has left - is this a sign that Oracle will buy up BO as speculated? Should I plunge into the BO shares? Thinking.....
Sam
Monday, October 30, 2006
Ong Saleh Dah Vader Din Din!
Ok, the round starts..
Oracle Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:ORCL) - Add to Portfolio - Discuss ORCL
18.10
10 cents above my expected price...waiting for it to dip...I sold off at 18.26.. give this a 3 year horizon....I believe this baby can rock.
Incidentally, if I had bought USD 10k ORCL shares in 1986, I will be a USD4 millionaire now....man..that's really amazing isn't it.
The China thing is more difficult...when I am in Beijing..I will do more local survey... I will think infrastructure stocks will still do well as the country is big and they are still expanding. If we hit jackpot, this will surely be the fastest ticket to Financial Freedom.
Ok...meantime, let's pray ORCL dip below 18 tonight.
Sam
Oracle Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:ORCL) - Add to Portfolio - Discuss ORCL
18.10
10 cents above my expected price...waiting for it to dip...I sold off at 18.26.. give this a 3 year horizon....I believe this baby can rock.
Incidentally, if I had bought USD 10k ORCL shares in 1986, I will be a USD4 millionaire now....man..that's really amazing isn't it.
The China thing is more difficult...when I am in Beijing..I will do more local survey... I will think infrastructure stocks will still do well as the country is big and they are still expanding. If we hit jackpot, this will surely be the fastest ticket to Financial Freedom.
Ok...meantime, let's pray ORCL dip below 18 tonight.
Sam
Friday, October 27, 2006
Investment
There can only be so much one get reap from mere savings. Even FD just mitigate the inflation rate..as well as safeguard any unforeseen circumstances.
I bought a PaySafe insurance as one of my flexibenefits recently - this will ensures 75% of my last drawn if I suddenly cannot work. This latest safeguard frees up some worries and since we are already well covered in other safe equities like FD and bonds, I think it is time we venture into the "DArK" side :P
Briefly, I analyzed a Orchard studio for rental returns... based on Buffet's Forum advice ..dropped it almost overnight.
For a start, I will use a test sum of USD 10k to invest - and track my returns in this blog from now.
I am a rookie investor and hopefully this exercise will lead to passive income to sustain me and Wabe when we are retired and Yang is working.
For a start, I have decided USD5k to be put into a tech stock for Oracle.
Another USD 5K will be invested in a China company ( currently still researching).
Debt side, the stupid car loan sticks out like a sore thumb - a painful reminder of stupidity extreme in days of yore. The only consolation is we will ride out the stupid remaining years...sigh.
On brighter note, house loan should be cleared in 5 years or less.
Overall, the battle plan looks fine. Wabe will be the sanity check for all of us in case *ME* goes crazy again:)
Here's to financial freedom.
Sam
I bought a PaySafe insurance as one of my flexibenefits recently - this will ensures 75% of my last drawn if I suddenly cannot work. This latest safeguard frees up some worries and since we are already well covered in other safe equities like FD and bonds, I think it is time we venture into the "DArK" side :P
Briefly, I analyzed a Orchard studio for rental returns... based on Buffet's Forum advice ..dropped it almost overnight.
For a start, I will use a test sum of USD 10k to invest - and track my returns in this blog from now.
I am a rookie investor and hopefully this exercise will lead to passive income to sustain me and Wabe when we are retired and Yang is working.
For a start, I have decided USD5k to be put into a tech stock for Oracle.
Another USD 5K will be invested in a China company ( currently still researching).
Debt side, the stupid car loan sticks out like a sore thumb - a painful reminder of stupidity extreme in days of yore. The only consolation is we will ride out the stupid remaining years...sigh.
On brighter note, house loan should be cleared in 5 years or less.
Overall, the battle plan looks fine. Wabe will be the sanity check for all of us in case *ME* goes crazy again:)
Here's to financial freedom.
Sam
Investment
There can only be so much one get reap from mere savings. Even FD just mitigate the inflation rate..as well as safeguard any unforeseen circumstances.
I bought a PaySafe insurance as one of my flexibenefits recently - this will ensures 75% of my last drawn if I suddenly cannot work. This latest safeguard frees up some worries and since we are already well covered in other safe equities like FD and bonds, I think it is time we venture into the "DArK" side :P
Briefly, I analyzed a Orchard studio for rental returns... based on Buffet's Forum advice ..dropped it almost overnight.
For a start, I will use a test sum of USD 10k to invest - and track my returns in this blog from now.
I am a rookie investor and hopefully this exercise will lead to passive income to sustain me and Wabe when we are retired and Yang is working.
For a start, I have decided USD5k to be put into a tech stock for Oracle.
Another USD 5K will be invested in a China company ( currently still researching).
Debt side, the stupid car loan sticks out like a sore thumb - a painful reminder of stupidity extreme in days of yore. The only consolation is we will ride out the stupid remaining years...sigh.
On brighter note, house loan should be cleared in 5 years or less.
Overall, the battle plan looks fine. Wabe will be the sanity check for all of us in case *ME* goes crazy again:)
Here's to financial freedom.
Sam
I bought a PaySafe insurance as one of my flexibenefits recently - this will ensures 75% of my last drawn if I suddenly cannot work. This latest safeguard frees up some worries and since we are already well covered in other safe equities like FD and bonds, I think it is time we venture into the "DArK" side :P
Briefly, I analyzed a Orchard studio for rental returns... based on Buffet's Forum advice ..dropped it almost overnight.
For a start, I will use a test sum of USD 10k to invest - and track my returns in this blog from now.
I am a rookie investor and hopefully this exercise will lead to passive income to sustain me and Wabe when we are retired and Yang is working.
For a start, I have decided USD5k to be put into a tech stock for Oracle.
Another USD 5K will be invested in a China company ( currently still researching).
Debt side, the stupid car loan sticks out like a sore thumb - a painful reminder of stupidity extreme in days of yore. The only consolation is we will ride out the stupid remaining years...sigh.
On brighter note, house loan should be cleared in 5 years or less.
Overall, the battle plan looks fine. Wabe will be the sanity check for all of us in case *ME* goes crazy again:)
Here's to financial freedom.
Sam
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Housing
I was mildly surprised whem my 2nd uncle in law mentioned that he did not make much from his flat - they have bought less like 20 years ago?
Granted prices are still pits now...but then I realized he was talking about opportunity cost!
You lose interest in your CPF when you use it to supplement the housing installments..
Therefore the actual gains ...might not be as hefty as you think.
This is a good lesson.
Despite all the negative images tagged to a thrifty person, I believe this behavior augurs well for the family and I believe and is glad that my 2nd uncle in law family will be the most secured financially moving into the future.
Which then spark off another argument: We will need to enjoy as we do not know when we will die....
I guess this is because we are all in this world for a different purpose.
Why do men of great standing like Dr Tony Tan stood for public service when he could well earn much much more in private? I believe we are all imbued with different values - we have a purpose to fulfill in this world and we are made to ease into the role.
I belong to a segment that believes in the Reward / Effort ratio which Wabe is strongly against. :)
Simply put, any effort I put into a job will need to have a big reward...i.e if Reward value is high and Effort value is low, then Reward/Effort will definitely be high!
Not exactly a very moral guiding principle for life but like I said, we are all born differently.:)
HOWEVER, I think it would be very unwise if I were to not make any disclaimer to this idea. Make no mistake, the Reward/Effort is RELATIVE...it's just a ratio..we are not talking absolute values here...so it is not as if you can reap much for no work coz.... 10000000000/0 has no value (IT's not infinity, smartass).
So hard work is still needed. Then we can talk about Rewards :)
Sam
Granted prices are still pits now...but then I realized he was talking about opportunity cost!
You lose interest in your CPF when you use it to supplement the housing installments..
Therefore the actual gains ...might not be as hefty as you think.
This is a good lesson.
Despite all the negative images tagged to a thrifty person, I believe this behavior augurs well for the family and I believe and is glad that my 2nd uncle in law family will be the most secured financially moving into the future.
Which then spark off another argument: We will need to enjoy as we do not know when we will die....
I guess this is because we are all in this world for a different purpose.
Why do men of great standing like Dr Tony Tan stood for public service when he could well earn much much more in private? I believe we are all imbued with different values - we have a purpose to fulfill in this world and we are made to ease into the role.
I belong to a segment that believes in the Reward / Effort ratio which Wabe is strongly against. :)
Simply put, any effort I put into a job will need to have a big reward...i.e if Reward value is high and Effort value is low, then Reward/Effort will definitely be high!
Not exactly a very moral guiding principle for life but like I said, we are all born differently.:)
HOWEVER, I think it would be very unwise if I were to not make any disclaimer to this idea. Make no mistake, the Reward/Effort is RELATIVE...it's just a ratio..we are not talking absolute values here...so it is not as if you can reap much for no work coz.... 10000000000/0 has no value (IT's not infinity, smartass).
So hard work is still needed. Then we can talk about Rewards :)
Sam
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
New Wheels
I went to meet Justin from Poh Heng. He is as legendary as they claim...very helpful
Traded in my 17 inch and get a new used 18 inch with Federal 595..very noisy as they are performance tyres...will wait till next year then change back to Aspect db.
Damn fierce man the rims..heh heh
Will post more pics next time.
Sam
Traded in my 17 inch and get a new used 18 inch with Federal 595..very noisy as they are performance tyres...will wait till next year then change back to Aspect db.
Damn fierce man the rims..heh heh
Will post more pics next time.
Sam
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Tarot Cards & New Skin
I changed my blogskin today... jesus christ I sound like a teenager...which 35 year old dude still blogs..(please excuse commercials like mrbrown..).
But here you have it... the new non nonsense blogskin.
I read the last few entries and I must say, the standard of my writings had been deplorable recently. I guessed I was too eager to show off my new "toys" etc that ... my thoughts overrunneth my speed of typing (this stupid ergonomic keyboard sucks big time btw...). Anyway I realised that the wit or if there was ever one was missing. I need to refocus man..:)
Went to a tarot card reading today in Maxell House with Zi Lin, Yang, mum-in-law, 5/3 aunties. Heck...I think I did that kinda stuff before..before my then pastor stormed my house to clear my amulets...books etc to burn in church. I remembered telling Lawrence that I can't meet him to play tennis because my pastor was exorcising me.. he was like "What the fuck ..your excuses are getting very kua zhang". I said "My pastor is doing qu mo for me.." He said "Qu ni ma de mo lar..." and hang up. heh heh
But this was indeed the truth - they struck the buddhist amulet I bought from a thai monk for 150 bucks with a hammer and burn it..
On hindsight, I could have sold it off in the bbs (no ebay in those days). They keep pressing my forehead and saying "In the Name of Jesus , get out"..
Actually, for a moment I thought they were talking to me..and tried to get up..then the 2nd priest muttered "Not you , idiot".
I felt very stupid then.
Sigh...I think they were expecting me to ..what you call..ah yes manifest...gutteral voices etc and strength of 10 men etc...they got 3 other guys to standby.
I just asked them after a while.."Finish already or not?"
They did not comprehend as ...perhaps I wasn't too grammatically correct...so I repeated "Are we done with the exorcism?"
They asked me if I felt like coughing..I said i did...I coughed once.
"YES! this is it..they have been expelled with that cough"....intoned the pastor seriously.
I was like.."Ok...so can I go back now?"
Man....very exciting times...I was told some people will vomit green stuff ..actually...from a scientific perspective, I think they had bronchitis and green phlegm..
Anyway, I am glad to be back on my sarcastic self:)
Signing off..
Sam
But here you have it... the new non nonsense blogskin.
I read the last few entries and I must say, the standard of my writings had been deplorable recently. I guessed I was too eager to show off my new "toys" etc that ... my thoughts overrunneth my speed of typing (this stupid ergonomic keyboard sucks big time btw...). Anyway I realised that the wit or if there was ever one was missing. I need to refocus man..:)
Went to a tarot card reading today in Maxell House with Zi Lin, Yang, mum-in-law, 5/3 aunties. Heck...I think I did that kinda stuff before..before my then pastor stormed my house to clear my amulets...books etc to burn in church. I remembered telling Lawrence that I can't meet him to play tennis because my pastor was exorcising me.. he was like "What the fuck ..your excuses are getting very kua zhang". I said "My pastor is doing qu mo for me.." He said "Qu ni ma de mo lar..." and hang up. heh heh
But this was indeed the truth - they struck the buddhist amulet I bought from a thai monk for 150 bucks with a hammer and burn it..
On hindsight, I could have sold it off in the bbs (no ebay in those days). They keep pressing my forehead and saying "In the Name of Jesus , get out"..
Actually, for a moment I thought they were talking to me..and tried to get up..then the 2nd priest muttered "Not you , idiot".
I felt very stupid then.
Sigh...I think they were expecting me to ..what you call..ah yes manifest...gutteral voices etc and strength of 10 men etc...they got 3 other guys to standby.
I just asked them after a while.."Finish already or not?"
They did not comprehend as ...perhaps I wasn't too grammatically correct...so I repeated "Are we done with the exorcism?"
They asked me if I felt like coughing..I said i did...I coughed once.
"YES! this is it..they have been expelled with that cough"....intoned the pastor seriously.
I was like.."Ok...so can I go back now?"
Man....very exciting times...I was told some people will vomit green stuff ..actually...from a scientific perspective, I think they had bronchitis and green phlegm..
Anyway, I am glad to be back on my sarcastic self:)
Signing off..
Sam
Thursday, October 12, 2006
New Job Day
It's been almost a week in my new job. Pretty slow compared to my days in Oracle..
I was told to be "less" on the ball ... don't rock the boat, Tornado...me?...on the ball? Blokes really have it real easy as end users..haha .. no wonder I worked my ass off as a vendor previously.
I keep getting good news... we get several hundreds a day if we travel (!!?) ... they give us thousands each year to buy insurance!?!? this is getting fun man...
I still feel like in a dream.....
God...I need to buy a NEW golf set liao.....heh heh
Sam
PS: If this is a dream, God don't let me wake up!
I was told to be "less" on the ball ... don't rock the boat, Tornado...me?...on the ball? Blokes really have it real easy as end users..haha .. no wonder I worked my ass off as a vendor previously.
I keep getting good news... we get several hundreds a day if we travel (!!?) ... they give us thousands each year to buy insurance!?!? this is getting fun man...
I still feel like in a dream.....
God...I need to buy a NEW golf set liao.....heh heh
Sam
PS: If this is a dream, God don't let me wake up!
Friday, October 06, 2006
Last Day In Oracle
Today is my last day in Oracle.
It's been almost 2 years since I joined as a TAM... strangely I do not feel anything...perhaps our nature of job made us so detached from the company as an entity.. it did not matter to me and thus did not have any emotional impact.
Incidentally, one of Siebel's last remaining VP has resigned today...so hey..I shared in his exit:)
Anyway, the new load of options just got vested TODAY...and I immediately exercised them away ..heh heh...some more pocket money..it's begining to look like the dot com days...
With that, my last assets with Oracle are transacted...I doubt I will come back again... so here's a final farewell...hope the product will grow and thus enhanced my skills value..:P
Sam
It's been almost 2 years since I joined as a TAM... strangely I do not feel anything...perhaps our nature of job made us so detached from the company as an entity.. it did not matter to me and thus did not have any emotional impact.
Incidentally, one of Siebel's last remaining VP has resigned today...so hey..I shared in his exit:)
Anyway, the new load of options just got vested TODAY...and I immediately exercised them away ..heh heh...some more pocket money..it's begining to look like the dot com days...
With that, my last assets with Oracle are transacted...I doubt I will come back again... so here's a final farewell...hope the product will grow and thus enhanced my skills value..:P
Sam
Monday, October 02, 2006
Golf
I managed to finally mastered my 3 woods...
This is one good bargain James Kong gave me... heh heh I think it was 99 bucks for this superb piece of Joy product.I think it cost 400 in its first entry.
And no wonder...the sweet ping of the contact is exhilarating..and the distance...beyond 180...this is simply too good..
I got so worked up..I went to buy a new golf bag...this Mizuno compact bag which weighs only 1.5 kg and looks really good...
I wonder if I have the time to continue this after I start my new work...hopefully..
Yang is sick for the last 2 days but he was still quite energetic ..this is probably a virus and Wabe is still working...this arrangement is not very comfy..sigh...
Hopefully, things will get settled down soon.
Lawrence is just begining to get used to being a father...I think he is scared shitless...heh heh
Come Saturday he was planning a golf trip with me...OMG~!! I think I will wait to see if Jolene kills him or not first..heh heh
Ok time to go..I am looking for a Callaway set ...heh heh..
Hmm... this feeling is very good..when I was young...I always do not have what I want ...no cool toys like Ninetedo..control cars...
Hmm...think I better stick to my thrify mode...as always it is not what you earn but what you save..
Sam
This is one good bargain James Kong gave me... heh heh I think it was 99 bucks for this superb piece of Joy product.I think it cost 400 in its first entry.
And no wonder...the sweet ping of the contact is exhilarating..and the distance...beyond 180...this is simply too good..
I got so worked up..I went to buy a new golf bag...this Mizuno compact bag which weighs only 1.5 kg and looks really good...
I wonder if I have the time to continue this after I start my new work...hopefully..
Yang is sick for the last 2 days but he was still quite energetic ..this is probably a virus and Wabe is still working...this arrangement is not very comfy..sigh...
Hopefully, things will get settled down soon.
Lawrence is just begining to get used to being a father...I think he is scared shitless...heh heh
Come Saturday he was planning a golf trip with me...OMG~!! I think I will wait to see if Jolene kills him or not first..heh heh
Ok time to go..I am looking for a Callaway set ...heh heh..
Hmm... this feeling is very good..when I was young...I always do not have what I want ...no cool toys like Ninetedo..control cars...
Hmm...think I better stick to my thrify mode...as always it is not what you earn but what you save..
Sam
Friday, September 22, 2006
My first watch
I finally did it :) I bought the Omega Seamaster 300M Automatic - it feels so ... complete ..heh heh
And what did you know? Oracle shares shot up 2 dollars in a night!! essentially means my new watch is free! WOO HOO!!
Told you the wonders of money right...WOO HOO!!
Yang got a fever last night and we suspected a viral - Dr Low confirmed it - saying it probably emptied out in the bowel movement...thanks goodness!! Today he feels ok...probably grinning and smirking that he got a off day today...ah well...I can emphatise with that :P
Wabe will be off a few trips soon..pity we cant have a short trip before I start work... well I can probably go for some golf ... hey I just realized with my weight training and static exercise...my 7 iron has leaped to average 130m! that's 30m more!!
And in time, just that day when I was playing in Executive Golf, I was joined by an ang mo and a cocky chinese guy. Keep asking me when I started playing golf...how come carry a Sunday bag ... (I only brought a 3 and 7 iron, pitcher and putter).
When I screwed my firt tee ...he keep gloating with his ang mo fren..."Show us your best shot!"...
I just grinned and asked them how long they have played...since 94...WOw ..you guys must be pros! I said.
The ang mo took shot...the ball ROLLED beautifully......haha
"That's one way of reaching the hole .." I commented grinning.
The chinese guy took his 3 woods...and whacked...not too bad...
I took a 3 iron and whacked pass his shot by 20 feet.
BANZAI!!! lucky shot:P...but I proceed to whack their asses off during the 9 hole.
Hmm....maybe I should go and take my handicap...I might actually have it now!! heh heh
Ok ..time to sign off..
Sam
MORAL of Story: Never underestimate the guy with a 20 dollars Sunday bag and you with the PING and CALLIWAY sets.
And what did you know? Oracle shares shot up 2 dollars in a night!! essentially means my new watch is free! WOO HOO!!
Told you the wonders of money right...WOO HOO!!
Yang got a fever last night and we suspected a viral - Dr Low confirmed it - saying it probably emptied out in the bowel movement...thanks goodness!! Today he feels ok...probably grinning and smirking that he got a off day today...ah well...I can emphatise with that :P
Wabe will be off a few trips soon..pity we cant have a short trip before I start work... well I can probably go for some golf ... hey I just realized with my weight training and static exercise...my 7 iron has leaped to average 130m! that's 30m more!!
And in time, just that day when I was playing in Executive Golf, I was joined by an ang mo and a cocky chinese guy. Keep asking me when I started playing golf...how come carry a Sunday bag ... (I only brought a 3 and 7 iron, pitcher and putter).
When I screwed my firt tee ...he keep gloating with his ang mo fren..."Show us your best shot!"...
I just grinned and asked them how long they have played...since 94...WOw ..you guys must be pros! I said.
The ang mo took shot...the ball ROLLED beautifully......haha
"That's one way of reaching the hole .." I commented grinning.
The chinese guy took his 3 woods...and whacked...not too bad...
I took a 3 iron and whacked pass his shot by 20 feet.
BANZAI!!! lucky shot:P...but I proceed to whack their asses off during the 9 hole.
Hmm....maybe I should go and take my handicap...I might actually have it now!! heh heh
Ok ..time to sign off..
Sam
MORAL of Story: Never underestimate the guy with a 20 dollars Sunday bag and you with the PING and CALLIWAY sets.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
The interest in the car stuff is dwindling...I had a feel of Yak's WRX on Wed...sad to say...I do not think I am suited to the turbo engine....the sudden acceleration is too forceful...can feel the head being jerked backwards... I do not think this is a safe car for normal drivers...
Was speaking to the mechanic..he said the driver of a CRV reverted the turbo after 3 days...said it was too fast...guess this confirms it...not all of us are destined turbo drivers. :(
Since I cannot proceed to the best of breed, might as well give up...but it was a good experience:)
Had a intense workout on Tue...till now can feel the muscles burning still like I am having fever..
Today must rest... for body to recover...
Sam
Was speaking to the mechanic..he said the driver of a CRV reverted the turbo after 3 days...said it was too fast...guess this confirms it...not all of us are destined turbo drivers. :(
Since I cannot proceed to the best of breed, might as well give up...but it was a good experience:)
Had a intense workout on Tue...till now can feel the muscles burning still like I am having fever..
Today must rest... for body to recover...
Sam
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
DAMAGED!
I am in a foul mood....some idiot( may he constipate for 3 days!) has banged into the side of my mean machine...my heart ached to see the dent and paint work...
Oh curse the fool ! Bloody bloody fool...
I mourned the damage by bowing in silence for 15 secs in front of the car.
Thankfully, it still roared to life with the VTEC manner.
Hmm... well MAYBE this is a sign that God wants me to khng my car more?
BUT I just found my RA6's model dont have legal exhaust (#$#$%$#)...
Body kit is expensive...saw the Wald's set...2k plus...Mugen is 3 k plus
Bloody ex...maybe i will just ask the mechanic to hammer back and touch up...hmmm...I can tell people..those are scars from battling the Forrestors?!
Ok ...that's it...I will do just that...pray I dont get tempted tomorrow and add a body kit...Wabe will kill me...
Mr Yak said there is a Blitz turbo...my god...it is too tempting..
Better go sleep.
Sam
Oh curse the fool ! Bloody bloody fool...
I mourned the damage by bowing in silence for 15 secs in front of the car.
Thankfully, it still roared to life with the VTEC manner.
Hmm... well MAYBE this is a sign that God wants me to khng my car more?
BUT I just found my RA6's model dont have legal exhaust (#$#$%$#)...
Body kit is expensive...saw the Wald's set...2k plus...Mugen is 3 k plus
Bloody ex...maybe i will just ask the mechanic to hammer back and touch up...hmmm...I can tell people..those are scars from battling the Forrestors?!
Ok ...that's it...I will do just that...pray I dont get tempted tomorrow and add a body kit...Wabe will kill me...
Mr Yak said there is a Blitz turbo...my god...it is too tempting..
Better go sleep.
Sam
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Saturday, September 09, 2006
New Job
I just deleted what I wrote earlier...gushing about the new job perks and all..
The material gains need to be tempered by humility and compassion still. Never never lose sight of the ability to laugh at oneself and the willingness to give without expectation.
Even the Bible says, "The meek shall inherit the earth."
Funny thing about this "giving" idea.... I found so many times... (it's scary) that when I give (usually on the monetary aspects) to others without any hint of expecting to be repaid (this is very important...normally if I have some hidden agenda, like expecting to be repaid etc...it gets screwed), somehow...just somehow I am rewarded many times over..
Trust me... just make sure you do it out of sincerity - you will be rewarded.
Whether you believe in karma (Cause and Effect) or God or Robert Kiyosaki, they talk about the strange effect of money... release it and it multiply...
I guess at the end of the day.. how many of us are sincere enough to take this up?
Have you ever helped a fellow human being in their hour of need? Even without karma, just seeing the other person comforted and happy by your gesture is reward enough.
Hmm... hey don't get me wrong.. I am not all kindness personified :) If you cut me in my "khnged" car, I will floor the accelerator and race you...heh heh
Talking about that...I haven't decided on the exhaust system...listen to the sweet melody of this beautiful piece...
http://www.magnaflow.com/04sound/04sport.asp
Wit that, I sign off..in the words of the Drift King (God bless his soul) Keiichi Tsuchiya
"You brake and then turn the wheel, step on the clutch, and pull the e-brake. Release the e-brake, go into countersteer mode, then wait. Wait until you know the car is facing the corner exit direction. then you smile and slam on the gas as you exit the corner." - Keiichi Tsuchiya
The material gains need to be tempered by humility and compassion still. Never never lose sight of the ability to laugh at oneself and the willingness to give without expectation.
Even the Bible says, "The meek shall inherit the earth."
Funny thing about this "giving" idea.... I found so many times... (it's scary) that when I give (usually on the monetary aspects) to others without any hint of expecting to be repaid (this is very important...normally if I have some hidden agenda, like expecting to be repaid etc...it gets screwed), somehow...just somehow I am rewarded many times over..
Trust me... just make sure you do it out of sincerity - you will be rewarded.
Whether you believe in karma (Cause and Effect) or God or Robert Kiyosaki, they talk about the strange effect of money... release it and it multiply...
I guess at the end of the day.. how many of us are sincere enough to take this up?
Have you ever helped a fellow human being in their hour of need? Even without karma, just seeing the other person comforted and happy by your gesture is reward enough.
Hmm... hey don't get me wrong.. I am not all kindness personified :) If you cut me in my "khnged" car, I will floor the accelerator and race you...heh heh
Talking about that...I haven't decided on the exhaust system...listen to the sweet melody of this beautiful piece...
http://www.magnaflow.com/04sound/04sport.asp
Wit that, I sign off..in the words of the Drift King (God bless his soul) Keiichi Tsuchiya
"You brake and then turn the wheel, step on the clutch, and pull the e-brake. Release the e-brake, go into countersteer mode, then wait. Wait until you know the car is facing the corner exit direction. then you smile and slam on the gas as you exit the corner." - Keiichi Tsuchiya
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
New Offer
The new offer has arrived - a big....big jump. I could not believe the amount - are they serious?! Truly the income gap will grow bigger.
I had to break it to my boss - they will counter on Friday. Geez I need to play it well....Damn
For now, to hell with the decisions and morality.
Am I too ruthless in my undertaking? But would my boss cut me slack in my work? No..the level of expectation will remain high if not higher - so I need to make my expectation clear too.
One of the war strategy is "To attack as a form of defence"
I merely moved faster. Hell...they are also eyeing the pie...less of mine is more of theirs...
Jesus Christ, what have become of me?
Have I degenerated to one of the pathetic slimeballs I used to despised?
Sigh.
Even my hobbies have turned violent with "Khnging" my car.
Perhaps it is as the Lord has said: "Truly it is harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than it is for a camel to go through the eye of a needle"
Pause.
Hmmm...once I get the best deal this Friday..I will add the Remus exhaust. Muahahaha.
Sam
I had to break it to my boss - they will counter on Friday. Geez I need to play it well....Damn
For now, to hell with the decisions and morality.
Am I too ruthless in my undertaking? But would my boss cut me slack in my work? No..the level of expectation will remain high if not higher - so I need to make my expectation clear too.
One of the war strategy is "To attack as a form of defence"
I merely moved faster. Hell...they are also eyeing the pie...less of mine is more of theirs...
Jesus Christ, what have become of me?
Have I degenerated to one of the pathetic slimeballs I used to despised?
Sigh.
Even my hobbies have turned violent with "Khnging" my car.
Perhaps it is as the Lord has said: "Truly it is harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than it is for a camel to go through the eye of a needle"
Pause.
Hmmm...once I get the best deal this Friday..I will add the Remus exhaust. Muahahaha.
Sam
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Khng My Car
Presenting the new mod Odyssey:
(Part 1 : Notice the Thule roof rack with 2 bicyle hooks)
Saturday, August 26, 2006
New events
Tis been a long while since I last updated this site...now one of the problem is this blogskin which kinda did not have the New Post functionality and I have to go do it from the main Blogspot page.
But I love the Inuyasha pic too much to revert :)
Now where shall I start... my car naturally..:)
Went to Autobacs yesterday ... Yang wanted to buy a horrid silver Robot sticker..want to stick it in the car bonnet... Wabe went one step further..she asked the "Khng Your Car" auntie if they can do a Spiderman logo.. With True "Khng Your Car" attitude..she of coz said No problem...bring your picture..anything also can do...BUT..only mono color.
Hmm..I guess I will not bring them the next time ...otherwise it will end up plastered with Marvel Capcom charactors :)
Asked the morose assistant about the CAI...he wasn't too helpful..basket so went off...
Approaching mum-in-law's place, I got a suddent revelation...there's a old shop next to the bicycle shop I bought one for Yang... looks VERY interesting...
Went in..my god...not a bad place..all kinds of "khng" stuffs:)
Decided on a Silver's Racing Air Power - essentially another inlet to the engine for forced air.
The mechanic was quite a clown... he said in Malaysian accented Chinese "Boss, your VTEC not powerful enough meh?
Then he said, "Be careful when you step on gas ..I will adjust to mid range first ...you see if you like.."
I said "Oh whatever..just do it"
He asked again "VTEC not enough huh?.."
Maybe he was saying MPV do not need this :) Whatever :)
Then decided on Philips Crystal White Lights.
Guy said "LTA approved, Boss..but sometimes they reject leh"
Man, I need to send this guy for sales training :) But at least he is honest :)
Just install lar, I told him.
Spied a Remus Exhaust....but maybe next time :) Wabe and Yang could be too tired.
finally, drove off...WHHOOOSH! If the Hurricane made the pickup smoother...this baby felt powerful...didnt kick in till after 3kplus rev...but damn...
heheh..I will post some pics next..
Signing off
Sam in "I just start to enjoy my fruits of labour" time :)
But I love the Inuyasha pic too much to revert :)
Now where shall I start... my car naturally..:)
Went to Autobacs yesterday ... Yang wanted to buy a horrid silver Robot sticker..want to stick it in the car bonnet... Wabe went one step further..she asked the "Khng Your Car" auntie if they can do a Spiderman logo.. With True "Khng Your Car" attitude..she of coz said No problem...bring your picture..anything also can do...BUT..only mono color.
Hmm..I guess I will not bring them the next time ...otherwise it will end up plastered with Marvel Capcom charactors :)
Asked the morose assistant about the CAI...he wasn't too helpful..basket so went off...
Approaching mum-in-law's place, I got a suddent revelation...there's a old shop next to the bicycle shop I bought one for Yang... looks VERY interesting...
Went in..my god...not a bad place..all kinds of "khng" stuffs:)
Decided on a Silver's Racing Air Power - essentially another inlet to the engine for forced air.
The mechanic was quite a clown... he said in Malaysian accented Chinese "Boss, your VTEC not powerful enough meh?
Then he said, "Be careful when you step on gas ..I will adjust to mid range first ...you see if you like.."
I said "Oh whatever..just do it"
He asked again "VTEC not enough huh?.."
Maybe he was saying MPV do not need this :) Whatever :)
Then decided on Philips Crystal White Lights.
Guy said "LTA approved, Boss..but sometimes they reject leh"
Man, I need to send this guy for sales training :) But at least he is honest :)
Just install lar, I told him.
Spied a Remus Exhaust....but maybe next time :) Wabe and Yang could be too tired.
finally, drove off...WHHOOOSH! If the Hurricane made the pickup smoother...this baby felt powerful...didnt kick in till after 3kplus rev...but damn...
heheh..I will post some pics next..
Signing off
Sam in "I just start to enjoy my fruits of labour" time :)
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Sam at his best
I think I am now operating at peak performance...
I just found I am the top performer in Asia Pacific (if my boss did not BS me..)...and am put on an accelerated path in my current company..Man this is really some news after putting in real effort for the last 1 year plus..AND this come at no discount in quality time with family.:)
And I still have my pending external offer.. perhaps the feng shui is really working :) Thanks Lilian Too! and Wabe for pushing the idea.
And ... after the great bonus this round...I got 2 referral offers in!..haha the money I get for this...several thousands for er..just simply sending email and mobile numbers to HR..haha this got to be the best job man...since this is easy money I will use it to khng my car hehe.
I already spurged on a Thule roof rack and bicycle fix. Looks damn COOL! Mr Yak promised to get me damn cheap air mod and body kit from his usual mechanic..haha he even ventured to lower the car and add a turbo ...I stopped at that...this is anyway still a family car:)
So anyway, now the humble Odyssey have some semblance to a yuppie car...I wouldnt get comments like "Where's ya own car...how come driving ya dad's car?"
Woo HOO!!
Enough of self glorification. I apologise for the cocky strain .. haha I need to give myself a self congratulation!
Here's to higher glory..!
Signing out. :)
Sam
I just found I am the top performer in Asia Pacific (if my boss did not BS me..)...and am put on an accelerated path in my current company..Man this is really some news after putting in real effort for the last 1 year plus..AND this come at no discount in quality time with family.:)
And I still have my pending external offer.. perhaps the feng shui is really working :) Thanks Lilian Too! and Wabe for pushing the idea.
And ... after the great bonus this round...I got 2 referral offers in!..haha the money I get for this...several thousands for er..just simply sending email and mobile numbers to HR..haha this got to be the best job man...since this is easy money I will use it to khng my car hehe.
I already spurged on a Thule roof rack and bicycle fix. Looks damn COOL! Mr Yak promised to get me damn cheap air mod and body kit from his usual mechanic..haha he even ventured to lower the car and add a turbo ...I stopped at that...this is anyway still a family car:)
So anyway, now the humble Odyssey have some semblance to a yuppie car...I wouldnt get comments like "Where's ya own car...how come driving ya dad's car?"
Woo HOO!!
Enough of self glorification. I apologise for the cocky strain .. haha I need to give myself a self congratulation!
Here's to higher glory..!
Signing out. :)
Sam
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Good news
Well, now I am in Sheraton in Bangalore...heck...I will incur 1/2 day charge..but heck...
First thing, PRAISE to the LORD - for He has blessed Wabe with good health! Wabe is healthy! YEAH!
Praise Praise the LORD!
Secondly, I was told my 2nd interview went perfectly....$$ is not an issue wor..
But my current boss took the time to talk to me till past midnight... it will be a tough decision...
Anyway, I also just khng my car...fitted with Hurricane air filter and Denso iridium spark plugs and suddenly my Odyssey outran a Forrestor hehe.
Damn, these performance things work !
I will be spending more on performance that I can be sure :D sans turbo of course
Ok..
time to log off...
Yang didn't want to talk to me on phone because he was playing Lego Star Wars...sigh
First thing, PRAISE to the LORD - for He has blessed Wabe with good health! Wabe is healthy! YEAH!
Praise Praise the LORD!
Secondly, I was told my 2nd interview went perfectly....$$ is not an issue wor..
But my current boss took the time to talk to me till past midnight... it will be a tough decision...
Anyway, I also just khng my car...fitted with Hurricane air filter and Denso iridium spark plugs and suddenly my Odyssey outran a Forrestor hehe.
Damn, these performance things work !
I will be spending more on performance that I can be sure :D sans turbo of course
Ok..
time to log off...
Yang didn't want to talk to me on phone because he was playing Lego Star Wars...sigh
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Wabe's operation
Wabe is going to have her op this week....
And we didn't help any better by irritating her and not helping her out ( me and Yang).
Actually Yang fared much better - he is absolutely sweet when he was so shocked when I told him Mummy is going to hospital next week - he asked in such a spontaneous concerned way "why?? will she will be ok?"
Yang, you are in moments like this, an angel who lights up the starless night, a seedling who broke forth in the first bloom of the season - who bring smiles to us when the going gets really heavy and brings strength to us.
I pray to the Lord, in his mercy will watch Wabe during the operation next week and gives her strength. And also, I pray that Lord, in your compassion, protect and bless her, so she will continue to have good health.
Jesus, I asked this in Your Name - Lord, I asked that You will be the intercessor for the unbelievers - and You will forgive us in the multitudes of times when we knowingly commit sins when we reject Your Name.
You have said the ways of the Most High are not known to men and yet we have tried to explain and refute the Word.
Lord, in your Your Mercy , hear my prayer and extend Your Protection to Wabe for her op.
In this I pray in Your Holy Name, Amen.
Sam
And we didn't help any better by irritating her and not helping her out ( me and Yang).
Actually Yang fared much better - he is absolutely sweet when he was so shocked when I told him Mummy is going to hospital next week - he asked in such a spontaneous concerned way "why?? will she will be ok?"
Yang, you are in moments like this, an angel who lights up the starless night, a seedling who broke forth in the first bloom of the season - who bring smiles to us when the going gets really heavy and brings strength to us.
I pray to the Lord, in his mercy will watch Wabe during the operation next week and gives her strength. And also, I pray that Lord, in your compassion, protect and bless her, so she will continue to have good health.
Jesus, I asked this in Your Name - Lord, I asked that You will be the intercessor for the unbelievers - and You will forgive us in the multitudes of times when we knowingly commit sins when we reject Your Name.
You have said the ways of the Most High are not known to men and yet we have tried to explain and refute the Word.
Lord, in your Your Mercy , hear my prayer and extend Your Protection to Wabe for her op.
In this I pray in Your Holy Name, Amen.
Sam
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Musings
After all the euphoria, it's begining to slow down... the interview went well but I called the headhunter straight after it as I felt I wasn't too ready to move...the push factor is not there...neither is the pull factor very strong...I guess I am not too inclined.
Hey ! I played golf last Sat...Palm Terrace...bloody hell...190 ringgit ...gosh it is EXPENSIVE..
But my drives were very good that day...around 200 plus ...which is not too bad for me :)
Lawrence too played well....so well..he finally bought his 1k plus irons..haha!
BTW, Yang's kinderland is GOOD! He wrote the date in chinese yesterday!! I am impressed:D
VERY PROUD of MY SON...hey that's my SON!
*GRIN*
Good work Yang. One small step for the homework..a giant step for Confidence!
Ok signing off..
Sam
Hey ! I played golf last Sat...Palm Terrace...bloody hell...190 ringgit ...gosh it is EXPENSIVE..
But my drives were very good that day...around 200 plus ...which is not too bad for me :)
Lawrence too played well....so well..he finally bought his 1k plus irons..haha!
BTW, Yang's kinderland is GOOD! He wrote the date in chinese yesterday!! I am impressed:D
VERY PROUD of MY SON...hey that's my SON!
*GRIN*
Good work Yang. One small step for the homework..a giant step for Confidence!
Ok signing off..
Sam
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Interview
Got a call yesterday - hey what do you know... the headhunter told me the prospective company wants to meet me.
Jesus Christ... this time round..I really have no intention to move out..anyway, let's see...I might not fit their needs anyway...will ponder more when it is more firm up..
Hey on the bright side, Yang has enrolled in his new school - Kinderland(?) Really good...I wondered how come I got convinced to let him go PAP in the first place...there is really no comparison when it comes to the myriad syllabus and the field trips etc.
He told of his role play in the Speech and Drama class when he acted as the Father Bear and how he could not stop giggling and his teacher told him Father Bear is supposed to be gruff and grouchy - not the happy chap Yang was protraying to be.
Ah but the youthful exuberance of the young...
When every step is an adventure...every scent a fragance to be savoured... every dream a hope to be realized..
Er the photo has no relevance...I just realised it is not necessary to upload using a third party tool...wonder if the blog has a limit of file uploaded...makes sense then to upload to 3rd party site for hosting - guess this answers my own question..
Sam
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
Headhunted
After so long, I finally have been lured into a serious consideration for a outside opportunity again...
This is a real fix..... this potential offer is much bigger in pay and responsibility...dare I make another jump?
I need to think cool and be rational....but how can I? I keep thinking of the new Saab the new pay can buy ! heh heh
Anyway, I think I might just stay put...the last few adventures outside had taught me that $$ isn't about everything.
But...then again....Saab or the 320 is REALLY tempting...I need to find Wabe to give me a wake up call before I do anything stupid again...
Sam
This is a real fix..... this potential offer is much bigger in pay and responsibility...dare I make another jump?
I need to think cool and be rational....but how can I? I keep thinking of the new Saab the new pay can buy ! heh heh
Anyway, I think I might just stay put...the last few adventures outside had taught me that $$ isn't about everything.
But...then again....Saab or the 320 is REALLY tempting...I need to find Wabe to give me a wake up call before I do anything stupid again...
Sam
Headhunted
After so long, I finally have been lured into a serious consideration for a outside opportunity again...
This is a real fix..... this potential offer is much bigger in pay and responsibility...dare I make another jump?
I need to think cool and be rational....but how can I? I keep thinking of the new Saab the new pay can buy ! heh heh
Anyway, I think I might just stay put...the last few adventures outside had taught me that $$ isn't about everything.
But...then again....Saab or the 320 is REALLY tempting...I need to find Wabe to give me a wake up call before I do anything stupid again...
Sam
This is a real fix..... this potential offer is much bigger in pay and responsibility...dare I make another jump?
I need to think cool and be rational....but how can I? I keep thinking of the new Saab the new pay can buy ! heh heh
Anyway, I think I might just stay put...the last few adventures outside had taught me that $$ isn't about everything.
But...then again....Saab or the 320 is REALLY tempting...I need to find Wabe to give me a wake up call before I do anything stupid again...
Sam
Headhunted
After so long, I finally have been lured into a serious consideration for a outside opportunity again...
This is a real fix..... this potential offer is much bigger in pay and responsibility...dare I make another jump?
I need to think cool and be rational....but how can I? I keep thinking of the new Saab the new pay can buy ! heh heh
Anyway, I think I might just stay put...the last few adventures outside had taught me that $$ isn't about everything.
But...then again....Saab or the 320 is REALLY tempting...I need to find Wabe to give me a wake up call before I do anything stupid again...
Sam
This is a real fix..... this potential offer is much bigger in pay and responsibility...dare I make another jump?
I need to think cool and be rational....but how can I? I keep thinking of the new Saab the new pay can buy ! heh heh
Anyway, I think I might just stay put...the last few adventures outside had taught me that $$ isn't about everything.
But...then again....Saab or the 320 is REALLY tempting...I need to find Wabe to give me a wake up call before I do anything stupid again...
Sam
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Best Of Luck
During the last week, EDB finally went live ... after 1.5 years...this is really unbelieveable. It is finally done...and I hope this is a testimony of the great struggle I had with this account - it bespoke of the titanic efforts I took to bring this relationship around.
Still, when one door closes, another opens...the next target is Tata Sky and I have greater heights built on the account - the potential is greater and I want to make it a stepping stone to greater heights. Perhaps this is what the astrologist said about my opening step to success...funny how this year I have awakened my old ambitions...now I am gunning for bigger rewards.
I realised I have always taken family as an excuse for my laziness..I now think it is possible to be a ideal husband/father and also a great career.
Anyway, today I had the best luck..my specs was a bit bent after I slept on it yesterday night..and I took it to my optician in Orchard ..guess what he has a EXACT pair which he sent back after he discovered a small scratch in my original..so now I have a new pair..heh heh...
Japanese QA never failed to impress me....that was 1000 bucks worth of spec anyway..heh heh
These few days I had MC for 2 days for my wisdom tooth and it was great rest days after the grilling EDB upgrade.
So now signing off...
Sam
Still, when one door closes, another opens...the next target is Tata Sky and I have greater heights built on the account - the potential is greater and I want to make it a stepping stone to greater heights. Perhaps this is what the astrologist said about my opening step to success...funny how this year I have awakened my old ambitions...now I am gunning for bigger rewards.
I realised I have always taken family as an excuse for my laziness..I now think it is possible to be a ideal husband/father and also a great career.
Anyway, today I had the best luck..my specs was a bit bent after I slept on it yesterday night..and I took it to my optician in Orchard ..guess what he has a EXACT pair which he sent back after he discovered a small scratch in my original..so now I have a new pair..heh heh...
Japanese QA never failed to impress me....that was 1000 bucks worth of spec anyway..heh heh
These few days I had MC for 2 days for my wisdom tooth and it was great rest days after the grilling EDB upgrade.
So now signing off...
Sam
Friday, June 16, 2006
PLASMA
Today my plasma TV came :)
God...with the DVD playing King Kong and the Harman Kardon amp with Infinity speakers..soft lights of the standing lamp...the tatami mat..I feel like in a mini cinema...
SUPER SYSTEM!!! HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next ...I gotta get me some HD DVD set and sign up for Starhub HD.
I am so tired after this week offsite meetings..but there was much to learn...I feel really energised!
Today my boss told me the promotion is a done deal...so like ..ok...but he refused to tell me how much is the $$...bloody hell...but this is the first time in a few years that I strived in work and it feels good to feel rewarded.
But I am so tired man..
Signing off....
Sam
God...with the DVD playing King Kong and the Harman Kardon amp with Infinity speakers..soft lights of the standing lamp...the tatami mat..I feel like in a mini cinema...
SUPER SYSTEM!!! HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next ...I gotta get me some HD DVD set and sign up for Starhub HD.
I am so tired after this week offsite meetings..but there was much to learn...I feel really energised!
Today my boss told me the promotion is a done deal...so like ..ok...but he refused to tell me how much is the $$...bloody hell...but this is the first time in a few years that I strived in work and it feels good to feel rewarded.
But I am so tired man..
Signing off....
Sam
Monday, June 12, 2006
JC & Val Wedding
JC & Val got married yesterday.
The last few weeks of frantic preparations have not disappointed - the thing was a big success IMHO :)
Starting with the convoy of Mit Lancers (22!) to the dressing up of everyone...to the dinner and stuff.
I'd rate it a good one :)
Here's wishing them a harmonious marriage!!
So there's that - it seemed only yesterday we first saw Valerie and then during the initial JB trips when we spoken on the wedding, it was like so far away. Goodness and now it is over...time really flies.
Life indeed is a funny thing as Margaret Thatcher once commented to LKY.
So anyway, back to WC...it seems England decided not to be to risky and managed only a 1-0 win over Portugal - bloody hell...I lost 120 for that.
Wait till my new plasma...hey!!! SAY SAY SAY!!!
*Music aka Hard Gay*...ole ole ole!
I almost forgot - I am getting the 42 inch...double HDMI..PC input 10000:1 contrast etc etc Panasonic plasma this Friday :)
so maybe when it comes, I will bet somemore. Maybe on Brazil - I got to buy 2 Brazil shirts for me and Yang..dont think Wabe will be too interested...!
So wait for Friday for the next episode of Sam gets his PLASMA and win World Cup bets :D
Signing off..
Sam
The last few weeks of frantic preparations have not disappointed - the thing was a big success IMHO :)
Starting with the convoy of Mit Lancers (22!) to the dressing up of everyone...to the dinner and stuff.
I'd rate it a good one :)
Here's wishing them a harmonious marriage!!
So there's that - it seemed only yesterday we first saw Valerie and then during the initial JB trips when we spoken on the wedding, it was like so far away. Goodness and now it is over...time really flies.
Life indeed is a funny thing as Margaret Thatcher once commented to LKY.
So anyway, back to WC...it seems England decided not to be to risky and managed only a 1-0 win over Portugal - bloody hell...I lost 120 for that.
Wait till my new plasma...hey!!! SAY SAY SAY!!!
*Music aka Hard Gay*...ole ole ole!
I almost forgot - I am getting the 42 inch...double HDMI..PC input 10000:1 contrast etc etc Panasonic plasma this Friday :)
so maybe when it comes, I will bet somemore. Maybe on Brazil - I got to buy 2 Brazil shirts for me and Yang..dont think Wabe will be too interested...!
So wait for Friday for the next episode of Sam gets his PLASMA and win World Cup bets :D
Signing off..
Sam
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