朽木百哉のブォグ

Dinner with dearie and her family in view of her brother's in 3 days' time; back to Teck Chye Terrrace where all the famous Chinese cuisine are at; this time, it's not crowded like the last time we went with her extended family.

The food is still well done except for the overcooked long beans; not too much time spent and certainly not the bloated feeling we had yesterday for buffet dinner.

Car was parked at Yio Chu Kang Stadium so a slow walk along Lim Tua Tow Road, along with the story her dad shared about vehicle registration no betting many years back, something that made that road famous in the olden days.

Those private houses along the road are pretty old, and should cost no more than $100,000 when it was built. Of course, those days, the value of each dollar is much stronger compared to today's.

We had a dinner at The Straits Cafe, Hotel Rendevous, which was a treat from dearie. The buffet there looks something different compared to many hotels' buffet deals.

Weather had been a little rainy as we parked along Selegie conserved shophouses.

There was a spead - from cooked local delights to sashimi, oyster...the list goes on. We had some pita bread with kebab, sea bass, oysters, several servings of sashimi and some salads. We didn't go for those we can eat everyday in coffeeshops since we don't come here often.

The dinner had completed with puddings, durian pengnets (we had 6 in all), fondue, fruits and ice creams. However, later on, dearie had exceeded her eating capacity and delivered 4 "flushes" of mouthful, "mango fondue". I guess that was her limit, and what people say about buffets, "eat till you vomit" had been displayed live.

I had maintained my composure and we took a slow walk back to make our way home.

I took a bus and alighted in this estate, which resembles Tampines St 71 area where an ex colleague Hazel resides. The buildings somehow look totally different in paintwork and design, and I saw Hazel; conversed with her and told her that it's the first time I've been to this place and she briefly told me directions of getting around; where to take a bus etc.

Awhile later I saw myself at some health centre where people get to do aromatheraphy, ear waxing, massage etc; this is a neighbourhood setting and after the massage session, I was given my invoice that I didn't notice much about what was written and left.

In another scene, I was walking with Kent and Norizan along the pavement outside Springfield Secondary, and Norizan spotted something about me and said "no good, the Specthra says it all" Kent had also agreed and that somehow kept me baffled...what the hell is that?

The following, I was at a place which appeared to be my old 5RM apartment in Bedok North's main hall, and I asked my grandparents what this is all about. I had this device which looks like an ordinary mirror, except it's ring-shaped, like a mini CD-R, when viewing above my head, I saw a being, which resembles a deteriorated Hobbit, Smigel from LOTR, but later on, it became a jumble of words and symbols and most of the time, looks like a kite-shaped shadow. The "being" will become either big and thin like a pancake, or simply small and concentrated. So my grandma look at the invoice that I got from the "health centre" and I saw a sentence "+ light"; so she explained that this Specthra's embryo is attached to the person and "hatches" after contacting "yang". Given it's nature, it can only be seen with the special mirror I have...

Oh my...is this some kind of paranormal "pet" that will be following me? Seems like it has given Norizan and Kent a certain disturbance.

Later on when I lay in my bed, I was talking to my "pet", Kai, which I can only hear his voice, and when I look in the Ring Mirror, I could see he somehow represents Smigel, he also explained in similar context about why the Specthra existed around me. He is a small built-being, and jumped onto the red AIG Assist cushioni when I "summoned" him. I told him to look after my room while I'm away; this time, he has turned visible in the physical form after I look at him through the Ring MIrror a 2nd time.

Kai is like my "paranormal advisor" while Specthra is somehow spiritually attached to me via a string, that freaked Norizan and Kent out somehow.

Time to get up. 7:15am; when I woke up, I saw the exact same setting as where I last spoke to Kai.

It was supposed to be a "covert op" I was making my way through this air duct and later stumbled on a beach gathering - which the beach look like an indoor manmade type, where I saw my ITE classmates, Irda, Aisah and a few of them. Somehow it linked back to the scheduled gathering we all have planned on Facebook and it had came true.

Fast forward to the end of the gathering and I saw Aisah walking towards the traffic light - this time the place resembled the jogging path I took towards Bedok Reservoir but somehow she didn't notice me.

Next scene showed me walking from an unknown place and exiting the 1st level of Suntec Tower 2, near the carpark exit which lead towards Nicole Highway. I boarded a bus and was talking to a lady who was on her way back to JB; there was a casual conversation exchanged and she told me that she had to catch a direct bus (showing me a bus ticket in Bahasa Melayu). She asked what am I doing here at this hour and I replied I was on leave and didn't drive today, so took a public transport.

Next scene showed an advanced National Vault looting which a set up was done with a gate, multiple tubes and soon, I could see currency notes being sucked through the main chamber, and in sub chambers, honeycomb like devices started to swell with gold, and in precious stone clustered on stick-like gadgets like malt-candy. That had to be something out of this world that I had not even seen before.

Before I knew it, I was swimming through this "river", that was lined with gold dust as the "beach" and on top, was a deck where many people were - Hollywood celebrities to be exact, as the setting was like a high tea where everyone was laughing and mingling around. I was accompanied by a lady who resembled Nicole Kidman, and she walked out of the "river", still covered with the gold dust, with me follow suit. I saw Arnold Schwarzenegger who was not too occupied and decided to walk up to talk to him. He's friendly and we started off with a power grip handshake - man I still can't beat him on that! I chatted with him about the bodybuilding books he wrote and he shared with me about his bodybuilding life...

Before I knew it all, it was a dream - someone who I had always wanted to meet seemed to have been done upclose and personal.

Feverless after a complete 2 day course of medication and back to my workout regime in the evening. Completely done, except for the run which can only be done after that cold is fully purged from my system.

Finally reached dearie's place after an early set out.

Learnt from Lena that she will be moving to be a teacher at childcare centre; guess the stress level at the current workplace is beyond a manageable level for many...so another handful, and probably more to go.

Demoralising? A sign of review for the management, or simply just another season of mass exodus?

The weekend's coming to an end, and so is my Liberation approaching by another week...

Finally feeling better after a deep sleep the previous day. For once, the symptoms of fever could not be suppressed with my own chakara.

I guess the lack of medication for such and on top of the lack of rest, this is one of the "adverse effect". Fortunately, with my regeneration rate, such "downtime" come and go fast; so I'll back on perfect track soon.

Midweek and had already learnt of another 2 who are leaving, so if my estimates are not wrong, there's a shrinkage of 30% at this place. Wonder what's their reason for leaving, is it in any line identical to mine?

The battle had somewhat been overbowled as I felt worst after lunch; was hoping to stay on to help Lawrence till end of the day, but medication for cold doesn't seem to be working.

Doc had found that I also have a sore throat on top of fever and I had to rest at home; that's the best bet. A gust of wind will send me to a sneezing frenzy, so tonight will be a fan-less night; just rest without any wind after medication though no drowsy formulae were prescribed.

Hope to see myself well soon, so I can resume life as per normal, especially my exercise regime.

The first day of Week 2 of ORD mood although not a full week completed yet; reduced output of my call reduction. The rule of toilet tag has been taken off my mind as it is totally absurd rule of the universe.

Not to bad for a Monday but I could still feel the intensity of a typical Monday, as there were a few calls that are still quite challenging.

I'm glad the day is over now and have fetched dearie home from her class. That Sengkang molester is still at large so it's better to stay on guard.

Just noticed a development of the rear deltoids from the workout that had been done over the weeks; with the notice I'm serving now, more time had been alleviated, allowing me to do a more comprehensive workout without "going through the motion" and deriving maximum benefit from the sessions.

Indoor activity for a quiet Sunday afternoon as I discovered the clothes that had already been washed before I got home with Serene; weather loks a little unfavourable for drying clothes but I'm glad that the rain didn't turn into a torrental rain.

Spent sometime watching Ju-On 2 and Tomb Raider while going through some photos that I am processing.

Evening was done with an ad-hoc dinner at home, mum's home cooked and managed to get back to dearie's place to get her dad's dinner. It's really a little inconvenient for him to get dinner considering the size of the truck he's driving for his business.

The first weekend after I gave the notice...but wished the weekend will be longer.

First day after the Armageddon, which I had been able to enjoy the weekend with dearie. No more coming back on Saturdays to complete the weekend, which were endless weekends in the past.

A little more peace had come back to me after knowing what lies ahead of me is something good.

We had been invited to Serene's cousin's place at Parc Emily, which is located behind Selegie, near the conserved places. It was her uncle's birthday.

The place was well perched at the end of Mt Emily, and learnt that the apartment costs $1.3m. Her cousin's husband is a frequent flyer and works overseas; so now I had finally saw him in person...the place is really beautiful and can only be accessed via access cards from lift to common area.

Her husband is really well-mannered person, and most of the cooking were done by them while we all sit in the function room, which is air conditioned. Her younger brohter, Weide was also there and we had a few casual chats. I had opportunities to snap a few shots of the event and all shall be processed after getting adequate rest.

Over at the pit towards clearing up, learnt from Weide that Paul, Serene's cousin's hubby, flies every Monday and leads a team of consultants as they help companies with implication of certain procedures; once a project is done, they will move out. Fortunately, this doesn't require him to be outstationed on an extended basis...and for his age, as a Masters holder, certainly is, a rare GEM.

His personality certainly left me a lasting impression; well mannered, well qualified and being a SNAG makes him the perfect husband for a woman.

Baby Amanda, Weide's daughter, was the centre of attraction as dearie commented she's not just cute, but extra ordinarily cute (超級可愛); fortunately she doesn't fret when seeing people around. Managed to get several shots of her while she's being adored by everyone around us.

The event was unforgettable; though not a huge group, a warmness had been shared among us.

The resignation notice has been sent and accepted. Effects of the Aramageddon had taken place as Joyceline, Lengleng and Jonathan had asked why I decided to leave; after Katrina knew about my exit move.

I could sense that I'm cherished when they talked to me, but I guess management think otherwise; so I have declined the perm counteroffer that was put upfront.

A rainy afternoon at lunch, but within, was a an 'inner glow' that had shone within. No doubt those emotions can be felt, but I have to move on for my personal growth.

The afterblast effect will movw southwards from where I am seated.


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Looking back through the message correspondence with an old friend in FB, he had popped me the question as in when will it be my turn to father a child, I had replied to him on my plans to enhance my education and moving on in what I do for a living.

Time has just taken a shun-po, as that message was towards end of Jan 2010. It's coming to the end of the year now, and I see myself moving towards a new light.

Thank God for the faith that I had been keeping with Him, as I spent countless times seeking for the way out of where I am now. The offer is taken, and soon I'll be out of this "pithole" - the Sunken Colony.

Come to think of it, lots of refining had been done before I could be where I had steered towards; what lies ahead remain unclear physically, but in the mind, I know that a great exposure is given.

It's indeed an evening of countless thoughts.

I have signed the letter and when tomorrow comes, it will be a farewell notice to my current workplace.

There will be a poem that will be published "in due course" when the right time comes....

What hazy weather today; it had been worst than tomorrow; considering the PSI level, it is not a good choice to go and run in the park, no doubt it may appear less hazy in the evening - that's because lower lighting in the sky causes minimal reflection of the haziness when light tries to pass through them.

Anyhow, the day had ended well and so far, things had went according to my plan. Was a little irritated when I was told that I should be answering the workforce manager's call when I was handling a technical case on my end...I had the feeling this was "raised" to; on the well meant sake of my TL, I shan't argue on the matter and let it rest. When they need our help, they would go "all the hell out" to get us, but when it's the other way round, things can be very passive on their end.

My time spent with them; these soon-to-be 3 years, is on example. The 'sin' of not gesturing quality workers will see it's "fruits of labour" in time to come.

Mass exodus.

A good evening awaits me as I'll be doing my own dinner.

It's another of resting beyond 1am.

Successful completion of the workout; right on schedule as I had been alternating between weights training and running.

Tomorrow will be the continuation when I complete the run in succession after tonight's rest; but suddenly had the thought of doing a sunrise shot at Bedok Reservoir later in the morning.

Our plans for the weekend gettaway to Genting had to be done quickly as the accommodation vs the T&C of Worldcard is pretty unclear.

An obvious sign of under manpowered day judging from the call volume; obviously the morale had been shaken when there was an inflation of workload, minusing the inflation of pay...something which seemed to be "for the better", as I can foresee, will NOT get any better if they don't resolve the root of the problem which had been going on for the past few years since I joined. Wonder if those idiots up there know how to manage work like my Jedi Master by artificialising the "inflation".

What made the calls more challenging are numbskulls who refused to listen to factual explanations and threatened to write to the press, saying our service is not good...these are what I call the emotional / mental abusers. At times, I feel that we're like bottom feeders; shrimps in an aquarium where they only get to feed on what drops to the bottom, when placed in this context, are the bad things which are "bestowed" upon us, without the recognition like those who are up there.

Anyhow, an even brighter news is that I will soon be able to depart this place for good...more news to be up.

Another past 1am night but the evening had been well spent with a run of min 5km, all the way from my home and around Bedok Reservoir. There has been recent improvements, such as a platform made into the reservoir where park goers get to enjoy the view.

For a long time I had not done such a fulfilling run; infact I should incorporate this as hard as I would keep myself discplined for my weights training that had recently underwent some revised moves. Nevertheless I will need heavier weights since those dumbbells that had been with me for the past 13 years, had served me well but are unable to upgrade on the weight plates.

The 3 hit combo today - a series of 3 bad callers will soon be something which I will be hearing no more, as what I will be dealing with in time to come, will be of something different and definitely, challenges will be coming and I will face them bravely.

Dearie's in dreamland already and so it is for me soon.

It had been a pretty gruelling Monday - from the glance across the floor; at least 9 people are not here for work, causing a surge in the call volume to an unmanageable level - at the rate it goes, more and more people will be starting to leave, for good.

A confirmation of the opportunity had been done, so what lies next would be to be penned before I declare an ORD mood while lying below covers at work. It's going to be an unexpected surprise for many, especially those who are close to me.

Over the weekend, I had been thinking: I would rather work at something that adds value without my life being enslaved to it...the hours I'm contributing now ultimately doesn't add value to my portfolio - that's why I made this decision.

It finally time for me to take the next step forward, and out of this "hellpit".

Another week that has come to an end.

The previous day's trip to JB was a good one; despite being massively being on foot and the hassle in transiting via the immigration centres.

A final confirmation needs to be done for our Genting trip as nothing has been heard since the confirmation via SMS has been sent for Worldcard.

We all can have a good rest tonight as the next full battle week awaits for us ahead.

We decided to go for a walk at JB this morning; thus not bringing my wheels in as journey via bus is much easier. It's only around 11am and the journey to JB is pretty packed; guess not just locals; Malaysians who work here go back home weekly or the like. Grabbed a Big Breakfast Deluxe at Causeway Point before we moved in. We caught a sight of the park which we

City Square is much bigger than the local malls, so we managed to eat at Sushi King before moving around. The main mission was to look for dearie's favourite Pooh, which was rumoured to be found at Action City. However, it's not the same that also carries the exact smell which she likes...oh well, since we're here, let's go for a walk around.

It had been known that JB is not safe for locals, which might occur in broad daylights, so I decided not to bring A500 along, no doubt there are old buildings for me to snap which are near City Square. It's still safer to go in numbers if we're moving around a foreign land.

Dinner had been done in Causeway Point's foodcourt; fried hokkien mee are quite tasty and didn't take long to wait...the journey to JB was not physically gruelling but we both had a good lower body "workout" as we trodded up and down the mall several times.

Walking outside the pavement which resembled Temple Street, I saw Ruisheng and he was buying something from me; as I handed him the change, we chatted casually and I asked if he's working today, and he told me he is ill - from his husky voice, it's clear that he has a bad throat.

I was with a group of people who look like triads, only thing is they have unique attires which resembled cosplayers. One of them had a long sword, which resembles a rapier; and I was telling my mum that one slap of the blade on the skin cuts.

As we climbed up the stairs of an old building, I noticed that the rapier is actually shorter than usual; the hilt and handle makes people think that it's a full length sword which is actually not. The rapier wielder has yellow hair which was combed down and carried the aura of Wu Jing, a famous kung fu actor.

As the gang leader moves ahead, he showed me alot of secret doors in the building and told me that these are unknown to the leader. A scene that came forth showed that the leader caught a victim and wanted "Wu Jing" to show his worth by cutting the victim's finger off; "Wu Jing" suggested to burn it and went to get something, which he had suspected that I took some "contingency blueprints" from a hidden cabinet on the top row of the secret chamber at the stairway. He went to a room and took some formula which he was supposed to conduct the fire event with his own finger too.

Strangely he turned into a woman who looked like those magician assistant.

8:45am RTHK must have been disconnected as I hear no more broadcast.

45mins of lunch; another usual day with the "discounted" lunch hour that applies only to staff but management gets to enjoy their full hour of lunch.

Just shared with Jamie about some recent happenings and she could tell also it's a management issue. The new onboard manager is also "useless", if I may use that word. Nothing has been done to improve the call management and improving the skills of weaker staff.

It's almost 3 years and I'm still an underpaid worker; 2nd grade "worktizen". The year end is approaching and I foresee that I will be seeing those people happily showing off their new expensive gadgets they can buy with their FAT bonuses, discussing about whether the bonus is more or less compared to the past years. They should be content with what they have and no need to discuss about more or less. Hello, I have none here ok...

The OT season will continue as I move forward towards my own objectives.

Awakening to another battle day ahead, I wonder when I can leave this place and move on to something more specialised.

Been doing alot of reading on photography lately as it's the most pursued pasttime since I started out 5 months ago...the learning will be continuous and on a long term basis. I have to strike a balance of time spent with dearie and on my macbook too, no doubt I have a solid interest in this hobby; a self reminder that I must not forget.

Pitstop tomorrow as I will be accompanying mum to for her medical appointment at SGH; pray that all will be fine and good for her...

Another sms scam:

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Penghantar:
COCA COLA




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Today's event had not been too bad as I went for my photoshoot after sending dearie to school - on a Sunday, it had to be quite a dreadful feeling for having to wake up early on a day where she can catch more rest.

Weather's especially hot today that I had thorough perspiration from the sun after doing my shots near her school. The afternoon sun had proved really sleepy when dearie came over to my place after her class, while I worked on my photos and having auntie and uncle who came over to see my sister during her course of recovery. She's much better now, can talk more comfortably but still having to refrain from eating hard bodied food till she's fully recovered a couple of weeks' time.

There's still quite a handful to do for our flat application on the document session that need to submit. A little physically tired; most likely is due to the sun but had been freshened after the bath and dinner.

I had decided not to go for the paintball match as the sensation I awoke with was like a jetlag from the previous day, that was due to lack of rest.

Anyhow, I had decided to make my way to Arab street for some unfinished shots before keeping dearie company. Fortunately for her, she doesn't have lessons today but it's still important to catch an early rest, considering she has to wake up early tomorrow for classes.

If I had gone for that paintball match, which is on the other side of the island, imagine how much time I would've wasted on travelling all the way back...why not I do something I like and at the same time, having make use of my time well?

At least I had done myself the good deed to make the day well spent.

Finally, the Friday cometh and that marks the end of a busy week.

Serene had been telling me some unpleasant things she encountered with her superior, that had already caused many to leave since her onboarding. I guess nothing more for me to comment since she's already like that before she moved over to her department.
I guess the best way out for anyone is to either transfer department, or give onself "a raise".

With the current outlook, employers on the major seem to still be quite stringent on the offer of perm positions, so the best bet is to stay put till there's a reasonable offer as a perm. No point moving on if the so-called better offer is contract and having to suffer a financial loss eventually...but that's just my personal opinion.

It's nice to see that dearie's family enjoyed the kueys I got from a delivery, that was made to our office.

Finally got the documents needed to submit to HDB from our HR; so now we can proceed to submit them to HDB.

So far, nothing heard from the opportunity exploration but I have to keep my cool...continuing to keep fingers crossed while life goes on...

A short, less than 20 min slumber brought additional recovery to my mind from the lack of rest the previous day. It had brought me to a place which I had looked forward to be alone - surround by nature; lush greenery that resembled Punggol Sixteen.

Since mum's not cooking today, I'll be embarking on an evening shoot after work; so turbo on once it hits 5. Hope to get something before the sky darkens.

Sis's jaws have reduced in swelling and will be going for a checkup this afternoon. Hope that all's ok for her and she looks well in her recovery progression; something that I'm happy for, and soon, she will be able to resume regular solid food intake. 2 more weeks for her to be on liquid diet.

The weekend had been busy and yesterday especially anxious prior to selecting our flat.

The beginning of another battle week after seeing the sunshine on TPE while making my way back home, to get ready for work. Workout shall be postponed till this evening after work. I had already missed 2 workouts last week which is a really bad thing on my regime.

Just some preparations and I'll be on my way to work.


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11am and the sun is shining bright against the windowsill when I awoken; I must have been tired from all the activities recently for my change of course navigation. Had caught the balance of The Legend is Born: Ip Man till 3am last night.

This evening, we're going to have buffet dinner at Suki Group at Punggol; from the map, the place is pretty near the sea and it should be a beautiful spot for dining. It's dearie's aunt, Pu-yi's birthday and we're all going to eat there.

Time to get ready for the weekend's events. Gonna be a short, yet eventful weekend before returning to the battlefield on Monday.

The afternoon's stress is finally over after the 2nd meetup. Had spoken to the PO and so far things look positive.

Suddenly could feel a fatigue in the mind for something which I had prepared internally for this afternoon had not gone to waste. I had talked to Wan about it and he had given me some sound advise.

Finally got my lunch done towards dinner time and now waiting for dearie after her work. Sis is now at one of the toughest phases of her recovery; jaws are swollen at the maximum so she won't be able to speak till it gets better after sometime. Thanks to my aunt who had been there to keep her company since last night and helped her grate the antibiotics into fine grains.

Although it's a Friday, it had appeared more tiring than usual as more mind power are exerted in the day. The coffee taken was a momental anxiety suppressant; nevertheless; helped somehow.

I look forward to an enjoyable weekend with dearie, and the imporatant day on Sunday.

The previous evening was unusually long as I had kept sis and aunt company in the hall upon return from work.

Sunday will the big day for dearie and I on flat selection at HDB hub. All's ready so I should be good to go, except for some documentations to be fixed.

Another weekend coming ahead.

Seems unusal that my runny nose came bak shortly after a 99% recovery last Fri. Could it be due to lack of rest? Now a sore throat had become its accomplice.



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