Ka-La-OK! Hoi! Hoi!
Ive been dragged to a couple of KTV's here in Vietnam and well its difficult to describe the horrors I face... So here's a sample
The song selection they have...Oi! Unbelivable! EVERY Boyband imaginable! Luckily I had the oldies to keep me going...Well anyways most KTV's are like that... They look like night clubs and brothels...with their red lamps and flashing fairy lights....
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Friday, July 14, 2006
It's Raining....Man....
Vietnam never ceases to amaze me... It simply unbelivable how things manage to function in utter chaos...
Last night I was invited to a friend's house for dinner and well it started to drizzle, then it began to rain, then it started to pour... then a thunderstorm...then a hurricane... In a matter of 15 minutes... roads began to flood and it was amazing that people (myself included) would still continue to ride in the knee deep water... I mean I was already wet and so it didnt bother me and for once Hanoi's air was fresh, the traffic was good and the weather was cool... Wow Wee!
Well the afternoon was scorching and it was so bad no one would expect the weather to change so drastically but it did... and well during dinner a familar smell began making its way into the living room (the living room is simply next to the flooded alley...one could dive in for a swim) and before long I remembered it to be the smell of rat's urine... Ahh what a wonderful way to spend the evening...
Vietnam never ceases to amaze me... It simply unbelivable how things manage to function in utter chaos...
Last night I was invited to a friend's house for dinner and well it started to drizzle, then it began to rain, then it started to pour... then a thunderstorm...then a hurricane... In a matter of 15 minutes... roads began to flood and it was amazing that people (myself included) would still continue to ride in the knee deep water... I mean I was already wet and so it didnt bother me and for once Hanoi's air was fresh, the traffic was good and the weather was cool... Wow Wee!
Well the afternoon was scorching and it was so bad no one would expect the weather to change so drastically but it did... and well during dinner a familar smell began making its way into the living room (the living room is simply next to the flooded alley...one could dive in for a swim) and before long I remembered it to be the smell of rat's urine... Ahh what a wonderful way to spend the evening...
Monday, July 10, 2006
Monday, July 03, 2006
Ngia Guay (Country Bumpkin)
Bloody useless vietnamese riders.... I met my first accident today..the break peddle got twisted all the way back and i escaped with a couple of bumps and scratches....Thank God
I was riding along the rode and then this guy made a u-turn and instead of moving off he stayed put.... imagine this...his bike was perpendicular to mine...which idiot would stop in the middle of the street like that.....idiot.....
Flat Liner
Oh and here's me and my bike just 2 days before the accident... I just turned the corner with my friend Mary, and there was a flat coz the patch job came off... But lo and behold a man was there with and pump and inner tube was there to help me change the entire thing...it cost S$4 quite cheap but what was nicer was that as we were leaving he kept blessing Mary and I....then Mary asked if he was a believer and he said he was....Wow it was just God's timing for everything....Thank God that it happened when Mary was around coz I still dont speak a word of vietnamese.... and that it happened at that exact corner this man was on...
Bloody useless vietnamese riders.... I met my first accident today..the break peddle got twisted all the way back and i escaped with a couple of bumps and scratches....Thank God
I was riding along the rode and then this guy made a u-turn and instead of moving off he stayed put.... imagine this...his bike was perpendicular to mine...which idiot would stop in the middle of the street like that.....idiot.....
Flat Liner
Oh and here's me and my bike just 2 days before the accident... I just turned the corner with my friend Mary, and there was a flat coz the patch job came off... But lo and behold a man was there with and pump and inner tube was there to help me change the entire thing...it cost S$4 quite cheap but what was nicer was that as we were leaving he kept blessing Mary and I....then Mary asked if he was a believer and he said he was....Wow it was just God's timing for everything....Thank God that it happened when Mary was around coz I still dont speak a word of vietnamese.... and that it happened at that exact corner this man was on...
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Piss Off!
(the words in italics are quotes from an article regarding Singapore's efforts on training toilet cleaners)
Don't get me wrong, I am not slamming the fact that we are sending toilet cleaners for training. I mean it's a good thing that we are providing more opportunities for our cleaners to 'advance' themselves in their careers *hint of sarcasm*… But I mean come on… Why can't we just provide them with more pay? Why can't we educate our citizens to be considerate for others? Why can't we teach our people to piss? I mean if the excuse is that the urinals and toilet bowls are too small then just stand closer to them…Its not as if something will jump out and bite your 'wee wee' off…
Forgive my ignorance…the fact that we have a restroom association.....scares me, but getting information off their website has given me a greater appreciation for them…http://www.toilet.org.sg *they have a pretty swanky website*
Singapore's toilet cleanliness is lagging behind Japanese standards by 15 years, and the Singapore Restroom Association, Workforce Development Agency and National Trades Union Congress hopes to change that by getting toilet cleaners to go professional.
I suppose the solution to the problem doesn’t simply lie on training the cleaners to clean the toilets, but it should be alson on keeping the toilets clean (on the part of the user). I know of a friend who competed in a piss competition… This involves the competitors to stand at the urinals and when the 'race' starts, they will move away from the urinal to see who can piss the furthest. Hey when you do things like that… piss is bound to get everywhere… idiots…
Going Professional!
Cleaners must identify urine crystals hidden in hard to reach places and learn how to get rid of it using different chemicals and equipment.
(the words in italics are quotes from an article regarding Singapore's efforts on training toilet cleaners)
Don't get me wrong, I am not slamming the fact that we are sending toilet cleaners for training. I mean it's a good thing that we are providing more opportunities for our cleaners to 'advance' themselves in their careers *hint of sarcasm*… But I mean come on… Why can't we just provide them with more pay? Why can't we educate our citizens to be considerate for others? Why can't we teach our people to piss? I mean if the excuse is that the urinals and toilet bowls are too small then just stand closer to them…Its not as if something will jump out and bite your 'wee wee' off…
Forgive my ignorance…the fact that we have a restroom association.....scares me, but getting information off their website has given me a greater appreciation for them…http://www.toilet.org.sg *they have a pretty swanky website*
Singapore's toilet cleanliness is lagging behind Japanese standards by 15 years, and the Singapore Restroom Association, Workforce Development Agency and National Trades Union Congress hopes to change that by getting toilet cleaners to go professional.
I suppose the solution to the problem doesn’t simply lie on training the cleaners to clean the toilets, but it should be alson on keeping the toilets clean (on the part of the user). I know of a friend who competed in a piss competition… This involves the competitors to stand at the urinals and when the 'race' starts, they will move away from the urinal to see who can piss the furthest. Hey when you do things like that… piss is bound to get everywhere… idiots…
Going Professional!
Cleaners must identify urine crystals hidden in hard to reach places and learn how to get rid of it using different chemicals and equipment.
Cleaner A : I say, this indeed is an interesting specimen.
Cleaner B : Yes, yes I do so agree, the crystallisation process of this particular person's urine is indeed spectacular.
Cleaner A : Oh I cannot agree more, the molecular structure is fairly complex and is a fine specimen indeed.
Don't feel that way...even though thats how things are
"Most Singaporeans look down on cleaners, but I think after I attend this course, I will appreciate myself and will be proud a cleaner," said S.C., a Restroom Specialist.
Yeah I suppose Singaporeans aren't the nicest bunch of people around but I doubt that attending courses will allow you to appreciate yourself or be proud as a cleaner... Our people need to be reminded about our humble beginning and how this country was built... The rich didn't build it, the poor did... and hey honestly if I was given a stupid title like 'restroom specialist' crap... I'll flip! Giving people 'nicer' sounding job titles simply avoids the main issue to uplifting their spirits. Anyone would feel good about themselves if they are treated with care and respect...
The pot knows that it's as black as the kettle
Currently, the public does not like the state of toilets that they have, but they are not vocal. In the future, we need to be like the Japanese, who's demand for toilet cleanliness is very, very high. The increase in demand will drive the owner of the building to put their act together, and then these cleaners are there to fit the demand," said Jack Sim, founder of the Singapore Restroom Association, World Toilet College.
The public doesn't like the state of the toilets and won't say anything about it because they were the one who made it that way...duh....Oh and I gotta get me one of those toilet degrees from the World Toilet College...
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
The Birds and the Bees
A couple of weeks ago I brought kids to the Botanic Gardens... It was pretty crappy!, only a couple of trees and flowers... nothing like the ones we have in Singapore. It was more like a park...but then again our parks prob have a better array of flora and fauna.
But the kids were really great and it was interesting to see soldiers in CV falling in along the footpaths. Oh and they laid their bare arms (the kind that shoot bullets ya) on the ground and it was pretty scary to see. I wanted to take a picture but I was afraid that they may just start letting off rounds at us...
But the highlight of the excursion was the fishermen fishing at the pond...hurhurhur its just so interesting that they would just walk into the pond, put up nets and start catching fish... these dudes were prob hired by the govt to do so but still it was an interesting sight. They had set up the nets in a rectangular formation and divided themselves into 3 groups. One of the large fish, one for the small fish and one to scoop out the dead fish (quite a pathetic job, but at least he seemed pretty relaxed about it) and there was an old lady on the bank collecting the Ikan Bilis which the 'dead fish man' threw onto the grass.
Back in the 60's...
Hanoi's a pretty place, and would prob be the same as Singapore back in the 60's or 70's. But everything is just moving so quickly and there's a disparity between the technology and the people's mindset.
Buildings are being demolished, skyscrapers are coming up, changing the peaceful skyline that we would love to have in Singapore.
A couple of weeks ago I brought kids to the Botanic Gardens... It was pretty crappy!, only a couple of trees and flowers... nothing like the ones we have in Singapore. It was more like a park...but then again our parks prob have a better array of flora and fauna.
But the kids were really great and it was interesting to see soldiers in CV falling in along the footpaths. Oh and they laid their bare arms (the kind that shoot bullets ya) on the ground and it was pretty scary to see. I wanted to take a picture but I was afraid that they may just start letting off rounds at us...
But the highlight of the excursion was the fishermen fishing at the pond...hurhurhur its just so interesting that they would just walk into the pond, put up nets and start catching fish... these dudes were prob hired by the govt to do so but still it was an interesting sight. They had set up the nets in a rectangular formation and divided themselves into 3 groups. One of the large fish, one for the small fish and one to scoop out the dead fish (quite a pathetic job, but at least he seemed pretty relaxed about it) and there was an old lady on the bank collecting the Ikan Bilis which the 'dead fish man' threw onto the grass.
Back in the 60's...
Hanoi's a pretty place, and would prob be the same as Singapore back in the 60's or 70's. But everything is just moving so quickly and there's a disparity between the technology and the people's mindset.
Buildings are being demolished, skyscrapers are coming up, changing the peaceful skyline that we would love to have in Singapore.
Friday, May 26, 2006
One down one to go
My housemate Stanley received news on monday that they were gonna send him to Ho Chi Min City, and it was difficult for him as he had to adapt to a new enviroment. I can totally understand, but he'll prob. like it over there as its WAAAAAY more mordern then Hanoi.
Hanoi Oi!
Here in Vietnam, to call to someone you must go 'Toby Oi' its pretty similar to how we would go ' Oi! Toby Ah!' And its not a harsh 'Oi! what the hell are you doing?!'
I've gotten use to the Xe Om (motorbike taxis) and its a pretty quick way to get around but its not as cheap as one would expect, a ride could cost between SGD$1 - SGD$5, well at least its cheaper then the cab. Its pretty liberating to ride around without the helmet with the wind blowing in your hair with the dust and exhaust getting into your lungs, one can get a high simply from breathing the freshly produced fumes. Oh and since the speed which they travel's slow too, bike accidents are rarely fatal and when they are, its usually for really stupid reasons like some young teen hell rider trying to reach 60km/h when everyones doing 20-30km/h.
So Xe May (motorbikes) are essential for the Vietnamese as their livelyhoods depend on it. From transporting goods, to carrying 3-4 passengers. I recently saw a man transporting 5 live pigs on this motorbike, the pigs looked sedated but were also tied up... so imagine this, one on each side, two on the back and one where his feet would have to be.
The people also make out on their motorbikes, the couple would just park by the lake and tongue wrestle. This could take up to 20 minutes and during this time they would not speprate their faces from each other...talk about a kissing contest...it seems that all the Vietnamese are acrobats training for it.
However to me the most sought after skill would be the 'nap 'n ride', after lunch, it is usual for the people to take an hour's nap, the most amazing form of acrobatics would be when the riders rest their feet on the handles and sleep on the seat with their arms crossed. They would be motionless and if you walk close enough, you can hear them snore.
I ll try to add the photos soon!
Friends! Singaporeans! Countrymen! lend me your ears!
Ive been meeting up with many Singaporean here in Vietnam, however Ive always been the youngest in the crowd...wait... well at least Im older then their kids (usually abt 2-6yrs). Everyone's in their 30's & 40's, and everyone's really surprised that I'm here on my own teaching.
My housemate Stanley received news on monday that they were gonna send him to Ho Chi Min City, and it was difficult for him as he had to adapt to a new enviroment. I can totally understand, but he'll prob. like it over there as its WAAAAAY more mordern then Hanoi.
Hanoi Oi!
Here in Vietnam, to call to someone you must go 'Toby Oi' its pretty similar to how we would go ' Oi! Toby Ah!' And its not a harsh 'Oi! what the hell are you doing?!'
I've gotten use to the Xe Om (motorbike taxis) and its a pretty quick way to get around but its not as cheap as one would expect, a ride could cost between SGD$1 - SGD$5, well at least its cheaper then the cab. Its pretty liberating to ride around without the helmet with the wind blowing in your hair with the dust and exhaust getting into your lungs, one can get a high simply from breathing the freshly produced fumes. Oh and since the speed which they travel's slow too, bike accidents are rarely fatal and when they are, its usually for really stupid reasons like some young teen hell rider trying to reach 60km/h when everyones doing 20-30km/h.
So Xe May (motorbikes) are essential for the Vietnamese as their livelyhoods depend on it. From transporting goods, to carrying 3-4 passengers. I recently saw a man transporting 5 live pigs on this motorbike, the pigs looked sedated but were also tied up... so imagine this, one on each side, two on the back and one where his feet would have to be.
The people also make out on their motorbikes, the couple would just park by the lake and tongue wrestle. This could take up to 20 minutes and during this time they would not speprate their faces from each other...talk about a kissing contest...it seems that all the Vietnamese are acrobats training for it.
However to me the most sought after skill would be the 'nap 'n ride', after lunch, it is usual for the people to take an hour's nap, the most amazing form of acrobatics would be when the riders rest their feet on the handles and sleep on the seat with their arms crossed. They would be motionless and if you walk close enough, you can hear them snore.
I ll try to add the photos soon!
Friends! Singaporeans! Countrymen! lend me your ears!
Ive been meeting up with many Singaporean here in Vietnam, however Ive always been the youngest in the crowd...wait... well at least Im older then their kids (usually abt 2-6yrs). Everyone's in their 30's & 40's, and everyone's really surprised that I'm here on my own teaching.
Thus far the people have tried to help me settle in, but well im doing fine on my own and things are pretty good except for the bosses who have made things...challenging for me...*sob sob* can die ah!!!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
AAAHHH! FINALLY!!!
Well it's been a really really really long time since I've been able to update my blog. It has been insanely hectic the last couple of weeks and its only now that I can take a short breather before I start again.
Ever since Ive returned from China, Ive been bogged down with projects, teaching, examinations, marking and reports. My colleagues were surprised that I could actually do that much work (simply because culturally, the Vietnamese don't work this hard or much. Believe me it's not because they're lazy, it's just that the culture here is to not work more then what you're paid to do)
I told them that the work's not difficult, however the load is very heavy and tedious, to make things worse the deadlines are always so tight (that’s because im always informed about them at the last minute…it’s a Vietnamese thing).
Well at least the exams and markings are over, and the kids are on a 2 week summer holiday, before they start their intensive holiday program (which I'm in-charge of) and that leaves me with time to build on the curriculum and work on the Singapore tour. Urg!
And So How Have Things Been?
I'm immersing myself in Vietnamese culture, quite pleasant. The people aren't exactly polite (especially service staff, they're quite a bunch of arses) but the friends ive made here are totally nice.
Ive met up with Thanh from last year's visit and he brought me down to meet his friend who owns a café-bar near the lake. He's asking me for advice on his business and Ive got a couple of ideas for them. Its great coz I have an outlet for creativity and hey theres no obligation involved. So this sunday we're gonna try a couple of recipes for coffee, its gonna be great.
Ka Fae Sua Dac (Kar Fay Su'ur Dac)
This is an iced honey-rich coffee with condensed milk. It’s the only thing I can order correctly in Vietnam and there's a café that I go to near my work place that makes it the way I like it. Full bodied mildly sweet with a lingering scent of the Arabica bean.
Coffee was introduced as a cash crop in Vietnam, however it's reputation has apparently not taken off. Perhaps its because of the overwhelming supply of coffee from south America and other parts of the world. But hey, that only means that this wonderful product can only be found here in Vietnam! Woo Hoo!
Well it's been a really really really long time since I've been able to update my blog. It has been insanely hectic the last couple of weeks and its only now that I can take a short breather before I start again.
Ever since Ive returned from China, Ive been bogged down with projects, teaching, examinations, marking and reports. My colleagues were surprised that I could actually do that much work (simply because culturally, the Vietnamese don't work this hard or much. Believe me it's not because they're lazy, it's just that the culture here is to not work more then what you're paid to do)
I told them that the work's not difficult, however the load is very heavy and tedious, to make things worse the deadlines are always so tight (that’s because im always informed about them at the last minute…it’s a Vietnamese thing).
Well at least the exams and markings are over, and the kids are on a 2 week summer holiday, before they start their intensive holiday program (which I'm in-charge of) and that leaves me with time to build on the curriculum and work on the Singapore tour. Urg!
And So How Have Things Been?
I'm immersing myself in Vietnamese culture, quite pleasant. The people aren't exactly polite (especially service staff, they're quite a bunch of arses) but the friends ive made here are totally nice.
Ive met up with Thanh from last year's visit and he brought me down to meet his friend who owns a café-bar near the lake. He's asking me for advice on his business and Ive got a couple of ideas for them. Its great coz I have an outlet for creativity and hey theres no obligation involved. So this sunday we're gonna try a couple of recipes for coffee, its gonna be great.
Ka Fae Sua Dac (Kar Fay Su'ur Dac)
This is an iced honey-rich coffee with condensed milk. It’s the only thing I can order correctly in Vietnam and there's a café that I go to near my work place that makes it the way I like it. Full bodied mildly sweet with a lingering scent of the Arabica bean.
Coffee was introduced as a cash crop in Vietnam, however it's reputation has apparently not taken off. Perhaps its because of the overwhelming supply of coffee from south America and other parts of the world. But hey, that only means that this wonderful product can only be found here in Vietnam! Woo Hoo!
Friday, May 05, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Beef Beer Stew
Now here's a really 'Man' dish. It takes a while to prepare but its really worth it ...If you do get down to preparing it do make large quantities of it otherwise its not worth the trouble...its a pretty labour intensive piece of work but WOO HOO is it good....
Beef is really cheap here in Vietnam...I just bought 1kg of beef for about $10...WOO HOO!!! so anyways...no measurements are required just add enough of what you like...
Marinate the beef overnight and use a light beer..preferably bottled...dont use tiger, or any stouts...anchor was good but a light beer is always the best...I used Bia Ha Noi..a local beer..light and sweet it was really good....
cut up onions into little bits and marinate with the beef (also cut up into nice big chunks), use enough beer to cover the meat, add soya sauce and a tsp of sugar....
the following day fry the pieces of beef over a high flame until they turn brown...the inside doesnt need to be cooked....boil the beer and onion mixture then add the beef...
Gross foamy things will so appear...just skim it off as you see it...its the residue from the beer and beef's blood.
Bring heat down and boil for about an hour, then add tomatoes and carrots....another hour later, add the potatoes...use yellow or red skinned ones....not the white one...coz if u cook them for too long they will turn powdery.... add tomato paste to thicken the mixture and cook for 45 mins to an hour.
Season the stew with pepper and salt only at the end...
Mood Music
Lifehouse is a really good band and here's a clip featuring a song called 'Spin'
Now here's a really 'Man' dish. It takes a while to prepare but its really worth it ...If you do get down to preparing it do make large quantities of it otherwise its not worth the trouble...its a pretty labour intensive piece of work but WOO HOO is it good....
Beef is really cheap here in Vietnam...I just bought 1kg of beef for about $10...WOO HOO!!! so anyways...no measurements are required just add enough of what you like...
Marinate the beef overnight and use a light beer..preferably bottled...dont use tiger, or any stouts...anchor was good but a light beer is always the best...I used Bia Ha Noi..a local beer..light and sweet it was really good....
cut up onions into little bits and marinate with the beef (also cut up into nice big chunks), use enough beer to cover the meat, add soya sauce and a tsp of sugar....
the following day fry the pieces of beef over a high flame until they turn brown...the inside doesnt need to be cooked....boil the beer and onion mixture then add the beef...
Gross foamy things will so appear...just skim it off as you see it...its the residue from the beer and beef's blood.
Bring heat down and boil for about an hour, then add tomatoes and carrots....another hour later, add the potatoes...use yellow or red skinned ones....not the white one...coz if u cook them for too long they will turn powdery.... add tomato paste to thicken the mixture and cook for 45 mins to an hour.
Season the stew with pepper and salt only at the end...
Mood Music
Lifehouse is a really good band and here's a clip featuring a song called 'Spin'
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Budget Terminal Illness
Well I had chosen to take Tigerair to Hanoi as it was the cheapest means of getting there. But since March, Tigerair now runs its operations in the *deng deng deng* BUDGET TERMINAL!!!
I was appalled at the initial idea for the budget terminal..I mean WHY??? Whats wrong with T1&T2.. Why do you have to segragate the Budgeters (budget airline patrons) from the normal ones? Why do you put them in what seems like a warehouse? Why isn't there aircon (well there was air conditioning...but for the longest time I had the impression that there wouldnt be) WHY? WHY? WHY?
So my grandad drove me to the terminal and well when I arrived in the Merc, the people sitting outside Han's kept pointing and whispering to themselves....It was pretty obvious that they were talking about the 'rich' kid who was taking a budget flight...I could just imagine their conversation..
Man: Wah! this budget terminal not bad hor? Got Han's somemore..I wonder when Airasia is moving over?
Woman: Yah Lor! So nice right just like a warehouse! and so cheap somemore! Wah I tell you ar! I bought my tickets to vietnam at $8 leh!
Man: Wah so cheap ar? But got tax right! Aiyo stupid tax..luckliy got budget terminal otherwise must pay more hor..I cannot imagining paying another extra $10 just to take the plane from T1 or T2... $10 leh..can buy cirgrettes...
Woman: Yah lor, yah lor! ay! what brand you smoke ah?
Man: The cheapest one lor...Pan Mall...although cigerettes are bad for me but with the savings from the $10, I have enough left over to go see a doctor.
Woman: Yah lor, yah lor! Good hor, lucklily got budget terminal
At that moment Toby pulls up and arrives in his grandad's Merc
Man: Wah Lao eh! look at that! wah got money to drive merc but no money to fly SQ hor...
Woman: Aiyoh Yah lor..So rich still come to budget terminal...So buay pai seh
Man: Yah yah...stupid rich people..dont they know budget terninal is only for people like us?
Anyways... So it was nice to be sent off...
Well I had chosen to take Tigerair to Hanoi as it was the cheapest means of getting there. But since March, Tigerair now runs its operations in the *deng deng deng* BUDGET TERMINAL!!!
I was appalled at the initial idea for the budget terminal..I mean WHY??? Whats wrong with T1&T2.. Why do you have to segragate the Budgeters (budget airline patrons) from the normal ones? Why do you put them in what seems like a warehouse? Why isn't there aircon (well there was air conditioning...but for the longest time I had the impression that there wouldnt be) WHY? WHY? WHY?
So my grandad drove me to the terminal and well when I arrived in the Merc, the people sitting outside Han's kept pointing and whispering to themselves....It was pretty obvious that they were talking about the 'rich' kid who was taking a budget flight...I could just imagine their conversation..
Man: Wah! this budget terminal not bad hor? Got Han's somemore..I wonder when Airasia is moving over?
Woman: Yah Lor! So nice right just like a warehouse! and so cheap somemore! Wah I tell you ar! I bought my tickets to vietnam at $8 leh!
Man: Wah so cheap ar? But got tax right! Aiyo stupid tax..luckliy got budget terminal otherwise must pay more hor..I cannot imagining paying another extra $10 just to take the plane from T1 or T2... $10 leh..can buy cirgrettes...
Woman: Yah lor, yah lor! ay! what brand you smoke ah?
Man: The cheapest one lor...Pan Mall...although cigerettes are bad for me but with the savings from the $10, I have enough left over to go see a doctor.
Woman: Yah lor, yah lor! Good hor, lucklily got budget terminal
At that moment Toby pulls up and arrives in his grandad's Merc
Man: Wah Lao eh! look at that! wah got money to drive merc but no money to fly SQ hor...
Woman: Aiyoh Yah lor..So rich still come to budget terminal...So buay pai seh
Man: Yah yah...stupid rich people..dont they know budget terninal is only for people like us?
Anyways... So it was nice to be sent off...
My new home
It was a pleasent flight except that the stewardess had a constant frown on her face. The upon leaving the immigration, Stanley was there with a sign to pick me up (wah so glam..first time leh) and we were off to my new place...Ciputra International City
Yes It was very much a city by itself....It was HUGE! and I lived in their apartments, it's a condo and I live next to the clubhouse...So i had a room to myself and yeah Stanley is also my housemate... It was utterly impressive..I was initially hoping to be staying in a 5 storey shophouse (the type the vietnamese live in) where I can go to the roof and look at the cityscape in the morning and evenings...But well a fully furnished condo with an attached toilet will do too....Oh and theres a good kitchen too!!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Well I'm almost ready!
I've pretty much tried to meet up with everyone possible, and well last night FM and I had dinner at Lerk Thai (wasn't very good but have to lie to myself, because FM had already warned me)...Anyways I have just past my 25th Birthday and I kept really low key cause it was a pretty shitty period (whats new) in my life and I just wanted to have a quite dinner with my closest friends. During the dinner FM suddenly popped a black envelope into my hand and said 'Happy Birthday'
I totally crumbled, I mean I didnt want to make it a big deal and didnt want any presents either...FM however went and got me a voucher from ZARA! I REALLY LOVE ZARA, just that their clothes arent actually affordable. But well this was something I really wanted (not needed yah), so last night we decided to go get me something from there...
I originally wanted a jacket but the damn thing cost $500...well so i decided to settle on a beautiful tie...Woo Hoo! it took a while but the 2 of us managed to agree upon a gold tie...after much disagreement may I add...
I've pretty much tried to meet up with everyone possible, and well last night FM and I had dinner at Lerk Thai (wasn't very good but have to lie to myself, because FM had already warned me)...Anyways I have just past my 25th Birthday and I kept really low key cause it was a pretty shitty period (whats new) in my life and I just wanted to have a quite dinner with my closest friends. During the dinner FM suddenly popped a black envelope into my hand and said 'Happy Birthday'
I totally crumbled, I mean I didnt want to make it a big deal and didnt want any presents either...FM however went and got me a voucher from ZARA! I REALLY LOVE ZARA, just that their clothes arent actually affordable. But well this was something I really wanted (not needed yah), so last night we decided to go get me something from there...
I originally wanted a jacket but the damn thing cost $500...well so i decided to settle on a beautiful tie...Woo Hoo! it took a while but the 2 of us managed to agree upon a gold tie...after much disagreement may I add...
Corrine Bailey Rae
With her first very limited edition EP 'Like A Star' entering the UK Top 40 in November 2005 and the first single proper 'Put Your Records On' becoming a Europe-wide smash, the world is at her feet. Added to that a mountain of incredible press articles singing her many praises, magazine front covers, topping the BBC poll of Sound Of 2006’, sold-out tour dates and the kind of radio and TV play that established artists can only dream of, there seems to be no stopping Corinne. The release of her debut album at the end of February 2006 will cement the fact that here is a brand new superstar, one whose voice will be heard for many years to come.
(info taken off http://www.corinnebaileyrae.net/)
She'll pretty chill and this is something I really like...heres the live version of her song 'put your records on' Enjoy!!!
Levure Seche de Boulanger: Dry Baker's Yeast
I would usually make bread and roll them out into discs and freeze them. They are pretty useful for BBQ's I mean aren't you tired of the usual loaf of bread bought at the supermarket? This is a pretty impressive feat if you manage to pull it off, grill the bread discs after you have BBQ'd for a while so that there's some oil on the grill.
(oh and I got this recipie off the back of the yeast packet muahahaha)
- 250g Plain Flour
- 1 sachet yeast (11g)
- 1tsp salt
- 6tsp sugar
- 7tsp milk
- 2 eggs
- 50g butter
(all ingredients are to be at room temp)
mix everything together (butter add gradually) and knead until you get a smooth dough...takes a while and some strength...add flour/milk if necessary
Pappadums & Honey
After the BBQ I started packing things back into the cupboards and cripes I forgot to cook the Pappadums and make the crysentemun (cant speel ok) honey drink...Man they totally slipped my mind....
I would usually make bread and roll them out into discs and freeze them. They are pretty useful for BBQ's I mean aren't you tired of the usual loaf of bread bought at the supermarket? This is a pretty impressive feat if you manage to pull it off, grill the bread discs after you have BBQ'd for a while so that there's some oil on the grill.
(oh and I got this recipie off the back of the yeast packet muahahaha)
- 250g Plain Flour
- 1 sachet yeast (11g)
- 1tsp salt
- 6tsp sugar
- 7tsp milk
- 2 eggs
- 50g butter
(all ingredients are to be at room temp)
mix everything together (butter add gradually) and knead until you get a smooth dough...takes a while and some strength...add flour/milk if necessary
Pappadums & Honey
After the BBQ I started packing things back into the cupboards and cripes I forgot to cook the Pappadums and make the crysentemun (cant speel ok) honey drink...Man they totally slipped my mind....
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Chicks & Ducks & All my Choir Buddies (to tune of 'The surrey with the fringe on top')
Tonight we had a gathering for some really good friends from the Choir, and well we had a really good time chatting and eating...Hiyah...Really sad to say goodbye leh... But it has been great knowing all of you over the past 2 years. Thanks for providing me with the essentials and don't worry I won't change the 'peach' shirt... You guys really did put effort into picking it out... And thanks Shu Hui...I will use your providence wisely :)
So when it comes to BBQs I usually can single handedly perpare and cook everything...however an area I usually neglect is the fire starting and Joey was giving me a lesson on Arson 101... Ok so just to review what we had for dinner...
- Chicken Wings
- Chicken Breast Fillet
- Grilled Egg Plants
- Garlic Bread
- Garlic pasta with sundried tomato sauce (from the bottle)
- Grilled Veges
- Potato Salad
- Duck with Hua Jiao and Black Pepper
- Dory
- Whole Tuna
- Salad
- Nam Prik Phao (the chili I made)
Hmm..come to think of it..we did have ALOT of food
Ok I shall share about the 4 most popular dishes, the marinade for the wings, garlic butter, potato salad and the chili
Wings
The chicken wings.. well has a really sad story behind it and I only make on occasions when I have friends over...I ll never make it for my own consumption... My grandfather used to fry chicken wings for me and my brother whenever we visited him on the weekends and it was the most memoriable thing about him because he would always take time to prepare it and it was something he cooked solely for my Brother and I...When he died...I remembered saying to myself that I would never have him cook it for me again...So whenever I prepare the marinade, I remember him. He put all his heart into it and I do the same for my friends..so there you go guys...I know it was a little salty but it was something done whole-heartedly...
There's no fixed quantity to the ingredients, however it is important to remember that 'balance' is the key word to it. Don't let any ingredient overpower the marinade, however for this marinade ginger has to have a greater role... I shall leave out 3 ingredients and well keep it secret...because I will personally duplicate it for friends, but this one works pretty well too
- Soya Sauce
- Black Sauce (this acts as a colouring agent, and shows how well marinated the chicken is...its probably has little effect on the taste)
- Young Ginger Juice
- White Pepper
- Hua Tiao Jiu
- Sesame Oil
- 5 spice
- cornstarch (this tenderises the meat however if you add too much it was give the meat a floury texture)
salt
- Pince of salt and sugar
Simple right...but its ultra delicious....
Potato Salad
Use only the following ingredients
- Red skinned young potatoes (nothing else should be used)
- "Best" mayonaise
- toasted blackpepper (read about this in the 'garlic butter' write-up)
- lemon juice
- olive oil
- salt
whats important here is the texture...The potatoes are cooked and MUST be cooled before making the salad... they must be cut into small pieces...I cut a potato in half, then sliced it lon its breadth about 7-8 slices, and I cut it in half and then slice it 4-5 times lengthwise. Honestly it may be troublesome but it makes a difference... ok first put the Mayo, pepper, salt and juice together and mix well, add the potatos one at a time mixing well after each new potato is added (this ensures an even distribution), just after the mixture stiffens...drizzle olive oil and mix it...it should be smooth...
Prik
Prik is thai for chili... this is actually a thai style roasted chili paste.. I didnt have any fish sauce however soya sauce is a good substitute.
- Oil for frying
- 3 parts Chopped garlic
- 3 parts Chopped shallots
- 3 parts roughly chopped Dried thai (birds eye) red chilies
- 1 part belahchan
- 1/2 - 1 part fish sauce/soya sauce
- 1/2 part sugar
first follow the order it is important
- fry garlic and shallots till golden brown (like the crispy shallots on porriage)
- Clean up the oil..leftover residue will burn and affect the chili
- fry the chili till golden brown
- pound everything with belahchan till it becomes a paste...use leftover oil to work it into the paste
- fry everything over a low flame with sauce and sugar until a ring of oil forms around the chili...its done....remember to use back the same oil from the garlic and shallots to fry chili..this helps to harmonise the flavours
Garlic Butter
the easiest of the lot..
- toast black peppercorns till the pan smokes and a sweet aroma comes out from the peppers...use only the round corns...crushed or powdered pepper can never work...
- Ground pepper with garlic and a pince of salt...
- Beat mixture into a cake of soft butter (SCS Butter only)
thats it... I believe everyone can vouch that these are tried..tested.. and have been given the stamp of approval... Don't panic Adeline...at least you know how to make the garlic butter now woo hoo!!!
Tonight we had a gathering for some really good friends from the Choir, and well we had a really good time chatting and eating...Hiyah...Really sad to say goodbye leh... But it has been great knowing all of you over the past 2 years. Thanks for providing me with the essentials and don't worry I won't change the 'peach' shirt... You guys really did put effort into picking it out... And thanks Shu Hui...I will use your providence wisely :)
So when it comes to BBQs I usually can single handedly perpare and cook everything...however an area I usually neglect is the fire starting and Joey was giving me a lesson on Arson 101... Ok so just to review what we had for dinner...
- Chicken Wings
- Chicken Breast Fillet
- Grilled Egg Plants
- Garlic Bread
- Garlic pasta with sundried tomato sauce (from the bottle)
- Grilled Veges
- Potato Salad
- Duck with Hua Jiao and Black Pepper
- Dory
- Whole Tuna
- Salad
- Nam Prik Phao (the chili I made)
Hmm..come to think of it..we did have ALOT of food
Ok I shall share about the 4 most popular dishes, the marinade for the wings, garlic butter, potato salad and the chili
Wings
The chicken wings.. well has a really sad story behind it and I only make on occasions when I have friends over...I ll never make it for my own consumption... My grandfather used to fry chicken wings for me and my brother whenever we visited him on the weekends and it was the most memoriable thing about him because he would always take time to prepare it and it was something he cooked solely for my Brother and I...When he died...I remembered saying to myself that I would never have him cook it for me again...So whenever I prepare the marinade, I remember him. He put all his heart into it and I do the same for my friends..so there you go guys...I know it was a little salty but it was something done whole-heartedly...
There's no fixed quantity to the ingredients, however it is important to remember that 'balance' is the key word to it. Don't let any ingredient overpower the marinade, however for this marinade ginger has to have a greater role... I shall leave out 3 ingredients and well keep it secret...because I will personally duplicate it for friends, but this one works pretty well too
- Soya Sauce
- Black Sauce (this acts as a colouring agent, and shows how well marinated the chicken is...its probably has little effect on the taste)
- Young Ginger Juice
- White Pepper
- Hua Tiao Jiu
- Sesame Oil
- 5 spice
- cornstarch (this tenderises the meat however if you add too much it was give the meat a floury texture)
salt
- Pince of salt and sugar
Simple right...but its ultra delicious....
Potato Salad
Use only the following ingredients
- Red skinned young potatoes (nothing else should be used)
- "Best" mayonaise
- toasted blackpepper (read about this in the 'garlic butter' write-up)
- lemon juice
- olive oil
- salt
whats important here is the texture...The potatoes are cooked and MUST be cooled before making the salad... they must be cut into small pieces...I cut a potato in half, then sliced it lon its breadth about 7-8 slices, and I cut it in half and then slice it 4-5 times lengthwise. Honestly it may be troublesome but it makes a difference... ok first put the Mayo, pepper, salt and juice together and mix well, add the potatos one at a time mixing well after each new potato is added (this ensures an even distribution), just after the mixture stiffens...drizzle olive oil and mix it...it should be smooth...
Prik
Prik is thai for chili... this is actually a thai style roasted chili paste.. I didnt have any fish sauce however soya sauce is a good substitute.
- Oil for frying
- 3 parts Chopped garlic
- 3 parts Chopped shallots
- 3 parts roughly chopped Dried thai (birds eye) red chilies
- 1 part belahchan
- 1/2 - 1 part fish sauce/soya sauce
- 1/2 part sugar
first follow the order it is important
- fry garlic and shallots till golden brown (like the crispy shallots on porriage)
- Clean up the oil..leftover residue will burn and affect the chili
- fry the chili till golden brown
- pound everything with belahchan till it becomes a paste...use leftover oil to work it into the paste
- fry everything over a low flame with sauce and sugar until a ring of oil forms around the chili...its done....remember to use back the same oil from the garlic and shallots to fry chili..this helps to harmonise the flavours
Garlic Butter
the easiest of the lot..
- toast black peppercorns till the pan smokes and a sweet aroma comes out from the peppers...use only the round corns...crushed or powdered pepper can never work...
- Ground pepper with garlic and a pince of salt...
- Beat mixture into a cake of soft butter (SCS Butter only)
thats it... I believe everyone can vouch that these are tried..tested.. and have been given the stamp of approval... Don't panic Adeline...at least you know how to make the garlic butter now woo hoo!!!
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Gross-a-ree shopping!!!
The day started at Parkway's Giant Hypermart as the boys wanted me to cook a dinner for them. So its been a while since Ive seen the boys and well they've all grown quite a bit (quite a bit of an idiot actually) and so there was Wei Tat, Sherwin, Shawn, Jackson and James.. Ee Chen came later but its was nice to see them all after such a long time...
So I spent an hour educating them about fruits and vegatables. Man these boys were hopeless (guys I know youre reading this)... I pointed at a round eggplant (auburgine) and the first thing Sherwin said was... 'Oh I know what that is' I raised an eyebrow..surprised and impressed that Sherwin knew what and auburgine was... 'It is the purple thing in the Chicken Fan-Tastic Burger' he replied gleefully... ... ...Just kill me...
Boys! As much as you would like to live in your own little world... They do not put auburgines in hamburgers... Neither is Yam a Water Chestnut...and Neither is Water Chestnut a Chestnut... and neither is Dang Chye related Dang Hoon... *sigh*... Oh and I had Shawn go get a Wong Bok(long chinese cabbage)..He replied...'Who's Wong Bok?'...Wah can die! Then ask them to get young ginger, and before they went I told them that there were 4 types of ginger on sale..Blue Ginger, Yellow Ginger, Old Ginger and Young Ginger... 'Eh Got sign right? got sign right...'
Serves 7
It didnt end there.. In the kitchen I asked the boys to slice shallots...Shawn replied 'Oh I heard of a shallot before...' I mean who has never heard of a shallot? Even I, this Shang4 Deng3 Ren2 (upper class person *chey..*) also know what a shallot is...wah liew....These fellas probably have never helped their mothers at all.. But it was fun having 7 people crammed up in a tiny kitchen and we managed to cook the following dishes...Rice Pot Chicken Rice, Steamed Wong Bok layered with minced pork, Calamari Flowers seasoned with Hua Jiao and Cinnamon, Thai Style Ikan Bilis, Special Centuary Egg Tofu and Kiam Huer (salted fish)...Everything went down really well and it was delicious...however the boys cannot hold their liquor...not a sip...*sigh* they became utterly stupid after tiny sips of Southern Comfort...
The Bed
So after a shot of whiskey, Sherwin was how do I put this...DRUNK! *unbelivable* So the boys decided to take advantage of the situation and strip him on my bed...Things were going well till Jackson jumped on the bed and it broke... Dented right in the centre the boys tried to comfort me by saying that at least now I have a more comfortable sleeping posture...what the hell...bunch of idiots...
My Ah Ma wants you guys to come over and dump the bed frame into the bulky refuse area, you guys have no choice...If you don't move it I will tell your parents....muahahahaha
But I have seen these boys since they were little idiotic 13 year olds, now they are full-fledged 17 year old idiots... So i suppose another idiotic stunt like that is to be expected...sigh...
The day started at Parkway's Giant Hypermart as the boys wanted me to cook a dinner for them. So its been a while since Ive seen the boys and well they've all grown quite a bit (quite a bit of an idiot actually) and so there was Wei Tat, Sherwin, Shawn, Jackson and James.. Ee Chen came later but its was nice to see them all after such a long time...
So I spent an hour educating them about fruits and vegatables. Man these boys were hopeless (guys I know youre reading this)... I pointed at a round eggplant (auburgine) and the first thing Sherwin said was... 'Oh I know what that is' I raised an eyebrow..surprised and impressed that Sherwin knew what and auburgine was... 'It is the purple thing in the Chicken Fan-Tastic Burger' he replied gleefully... ... ...Just kill me...
Boys! As much as you would like to live in your own little world... They do not put auburgines in hamburgers... Neither is Yam a Water Chestnut...and Neither is Water Chestnut a Chestnut... and neither is Dang Chye related Dang Hoon... *sigh*... Oh and I had Shawn go get a Wong Bok(long chinese cabbage)..He replied...'Who's Wong Bok?'...Wah can die! Then ask them to get young ginger, and before they went I told them that there were 4 types of ginger on sale..Blue Ginger, Yellow Ginger, Old Ginger and Young Ginger... 'Eh Got sign right? got sign right...'
Serves 7
It didnt end there.. In the kitchen I asked the boys to slice shallots...Shawn replied 'Oh I heard of a shallot before...' I mean who has never heard of a shallot? Even I, this Shang4 Deng3 Ren2 (upper class person *chey..*) also know what a shallot is...wah liew....These fellas probably have never helped their mothers at all.. But it was fun having 7 people crammed up in a tiny kitchen and we managed to cook the following dishes...Rice Pot Chicken Rice, Steamed Wong Bok layered with minced pork, Calamari Flowers seasoned with Hua Jiao and Cinnamon, Thai Style Ikan Bilis, Special Centuary Egg Tofu and Kiam Huer (salted fish)...Everything went down really well and it was delicious...however the boys cannot hold their liquor...not a sip...*sigh* they became utterly stupid after tiny sips of Southern Comfort...
The Bed
So after a shot of whiskey, Sherwin was how do I put this...DRUNK! *unbelivable* So the boys decided to take advantage of the situation and strip him on my bed...Things were going well till Jackson jumped on the bed and it broke... Dented right in the centre the boys tried to comfort me by saying that at least now I have a more comfortable sleeping posture...what the hell...bunch of idiots...
My Ah Ma wants you guys to come over and dump the bed frame into the bulky refuse area, you guys have no choice...If you don't move it I will tell your parents....muahahahaha
But I have seen these boys since they were little idiotic 13 year olds, now they are full-fledged 17 year old idiots... So i suppose another idiotic stunt like that is to be expected...sigh...
Saturday, April 01, 2006
The 13 Demons
Reading XiaXue's blog about mahjong was quite funny, the person refered to as 'Tim' is actually my brother. But what was more apalling was a comment which was made on the matter.. ive copied it and here it is
liews.. tim also quite dumb to throw the bird when you ting pai already lor.. should have throw all those cards in the begining already. but congrats and good luck in future mahjong games .. hehe..Kai 03.28.06 - 12:17 pm #
Now this Kai person is a total idiot... I mean the 1 & 9 tiles are not useful nearing the end of a mahjong game.. but what the hell type of comment was that? I mean calling my brother dumb is well.. .. .. acceptable.. .. But it seems that in every mahjong game which Kai plays, his kaki's always await the final tile for the '13 demons' and thus throwing the 'one swallow' tile was risky. Wow!!! all hail the Mahjong gods!!!
This other person had something to say to Kai, much more pleasent but I couldnt give a damn to hold my words back for an idiot like Kai
for those who say why xiaxue can win wif 14 tiles in a 13 yao... please go n ask those people around u who knows mahjong... 13 yao is not u win wif 13 cards... all winning tiles are 14.. >_<> it's not dumb throwing bird when xiaxue ting bai also.. maybe bird was thrown b4 and xiaxue cant win it coz she dun have the other tiles for 13 yao?? *shake head*go xiaxue go~Gene 03.28.06 - 9:13 pm #
Well apparently after getting the 13 demons, XiaXue didnt take any money from my brother or their friends. She had apparently already won $50 and my brother lost $10 (I think)...Well gambling is a vice and dont ever think you can get rich from it... it may work for someone else but live your life honestly and humbly...and work hard for the things you need
Reading XiaXue's blog about mahjong was quite funny, the person refered to as 'Tim' is actually my brother. But what was more apalling was a comment which was made on the matter.. ive copied it and here it is
liews.. tim also quite dumb to throw the bird when you ting pai already lor.. should have throw all those cards in the begining already. but congrats and good luck in future mahjong games .. hehe..Kai 03.28.06 - 12:17 pm #
Now this Kai person is a total idiot... I mean the 1 & 9 tiles are not useful nearing the end of a mahjong game.. but what the hell type of comment was that? I mean calling my brother dumb is well.. .. .. acceptable.. .. But it seems that in every mahjong game which Kai plays, his kaki's always await the final tile for the '13 demons' and thus throwing the 'one swallow' tile was risky. Wow!!! all hail the Mahjong gods!!!
This other person had something to say to Kai, much more pleasent but I couldnt give a damn to hold my words back for an idiot like Kai
for those who say why xiaxue can win wif 14 tiles in a 13 yao... please go n ask those people around u who knows mahjong... 13 yao is not u win wif 13 cards... all winning tiles are 14.. >_<> it's not dumb throwing bird when xiaxue ting bai also.. maybe bird was thrown b4 and xiaxue cant win it coz she dun have the other tiles for 13 yao?? *shake head*go xiaxue go~Gene 03.28.06 - 9:13 pm #
Well apparently after getting the 13 demons, XiaXue didnt take any money from my brother or their friends. She had apparently already won $50 and my brother lost $10 (I think)...Well gambling is a vice and dont ever think you can get rich from it... it may work for someone else but live your life honestly and humbly...and work hard for the things you need
Thursday, March 30, 2006
The Job (Interview)
Notice how many horror movies have single word titles like The Eye, The Ring, The Maid, The Fog, The Grudge, The Dorm, (and horror of all horrors) The Wig. I now have the priviliage of sharing with you a horror movie called the *deng deng deng!* (mind you its the heart thumping 'deng deng deng' sound) The Job (Interview).
The things you would read on the back of the DVD cover
The Job (interview) the first of a three part horror movie franchise. The Job (interview) is a prequel to The Job (contractual terms), and The Job (the firing). The Job movies follows the epic and tragic story of Tobias, very handsome young man (Played by the multi-talented, award winning Toby) who stumbles upon a job advert for a teaching position in Vietnam. Eagerly motivated by the chance to start on a clean slate after his horrible life experiences in Singapore, Tobias takes up the job offer.
The Story
The movie begins with Tobias working at his father's restaurant. However being the heir of his father's empire, Tobias is met with great jealously from his evil and insecure stepmother. She plots and finally after months of intense brainwashing, finally convinces Tobias' father that Tobias is totally screwed up, ambitious, selfish, useless and disobedient. This led to Tobias' firing and his 'job hunting'
Being scarred by the fact that his father had chosen his wife over his own son, Tobias continues to hold fast to his faith and searches the internet for work. This is when he stumbles on the advert for a teacher position in Vietnam. A few days after his application, he gets news and is called in for an interview.
After the interview, an offer of USD$1050 was offered but it seemed too little for Tobias and he asks for another offer. Several days later (and a pathetic begging email later) he gets a second interview with the Director. Being estactic about the chance to redeem himself Tobias has no idea what's instore for him during the 2nd INTERVIEW!!!!!
At the 2nd interview Tobias meets the director and thats when the spine chilling tale begins...*deng deng deng* The Director is a very eloquent young woman, and Tobias knew that his own eloquency was of no value when used upon (shudder)...THE DIRECTOR!!!... The interview began with the Director lashing at Tobias about his original rejection letter and 'begging' letter which followed. The lashing and the humble explaination took up a good 20mins of the hour long interview.
Tobias was throughly exhausted at the experience and knew his end had come. For once he felt helpless for he was always able to reason his way out of difficult situations but the array of arrows kept piercing him through and through. However the plot changes just as Tobias was about to breathe his last, a glimmer of hope came when the Director made a comment about how the Singaporeans would look Vietnamese. Tobias replied by saying that it was not true and that Singaporean would stick out easily due to their 'robust' figures...(he then looks at his own body)
Laughter filled the room, YES! his fat joke about himself broke the intense atmosphere which was about the overwhelm him. He was saved. The interview then was ressurected and now Tobias has hope for his move to Vietnam.
Some words in closing
This was the most difficult interview I have ever been through, and things didn't look good. However a prayer always helps to keep me focused on why I'm taking up this job in the first place. Im not sure about you..but Ive always kept true to my beliefs and would never lie during an interivew. It hasn't landed me with many jobs, but those who hire me they know that I am as such and will be responsible to them, for I am responsible to myself and I am always very happy working at these places.
Notice how many horror movies have single word titles like The Eye, The Ring, The Maid, The Fog, The Grudge, The Dorm, (and horror of all horrors) The Wig. I now have the priviliage of sharing with you a horror movie called the *deng deng deng!* (mind you its the heart thumping 'deng deng deng' sound) The Job (Interview).
The things you would read on the back of the DVD cover
The Job (interview) the first of a three part horror movie franchise. The Job (interview) is a prequel to The Job (contractual terms), and The Job (the firing). The Job movies follows the epic and tragic story of Tobias, very handsome young man (Played by the multi-talented, award winning Toby) who stumbles upon a job advert for a teaching position in Vietnam. Eagerly motivated by the chance to start on a clean slate after his horrible life experiences in Singapore, Tobias takes up the job offer.
The Story
The movie begins with Tobias working at his father's restaurant. However being the heir of his father's empire, Tobias is met with great jealously from his evil and insecure stepmother. She plots and finally after months of intense brainwashing, finally convinces Tobias' father that Tobias is totally screwed up, ambitious, selfish, useless and disobedient. This led to Tobias' firing and his 'job hunting'
Being scarred by the fact that his father had chosen his wife over his own son, Tobias continues to hold fast to his faith and searches the internet for work. This is when he stumbles on the advert for a teacher position in Vietnam. A few days after his application, he gets news and is called in for an interview.
After the interview, an offer of USD$1050 was offered but it seemed too little for Tobias and he asks for another offer. Several days later (and a pathetic begging email later) he gets a second interview with the Director. Being estactic about the chance to redeem himself Tobias has no idea what's instore for him during the 2nd INTERVIEW!!!!!
At the 2nd interview Tobias meets the director and thats when the spine chilling tale begins...*deng deng deng* The Director is a very eloquent young woman, and Tobias knew that his own eloquency was of no value when used upon (shudder)...THE DIRECTOR!!!... The interview began with the Director lashing at Tobias about his original rejection letter and 'begging' letter which followed. The lashing and the humble explaination took up a good 20mins of the hour long interview.
Tobias was throughly exhausted at the experience and knew his end had come. For once he felt helpless for he was always able to reason his way out of difficult situations but the array of arrows kept piercing him through and through. However the plot changes just as Tobias was about to breathe his last, a glimmer of hope came when the Director made a comment about how the Singaporeans would look Vietnamese. Tobias replied by saying that it was not true and that Singaporean would stick out easily due to their 'robust' figures...(he then looks at his own body)
Laughter filled the room, YES! his fat joke about himself broke the intense atmosphere which was about the overwhelm him. He was saved. The interview then was ressurected and now Tobias has hope for his move to Vietnam.
Some words in closing
This was the most difficult interview I have ever been through, and things didn't look good. However a prayer always helps to keep me focused on why I'm taking up this job in the first place. Im not sure about you..but Ive always kept true to my beliefs and would never lie during an interivew. It hasn't landed me with many jobs, but those who hire me they know that I am as such and will be responsible to them, for I am responsible to myself and I am always very happy working at these places.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
OK! Do me a favour!
I just want to know who actually reads my blog. One reason I don't blog often is because it seems that no one reads it, but from conversations with my friends apparently they do and it is surprising sometimes... so just click on the 'comments' link and put down your name, thanks guys!
I just want to know who actually reads my blog. One reason I don't blog often is because it seems that no one reads it, but from conversations with my friends apparently they do and it is surprising sometimes... so just click on the 'comments' link and put down your name, thanks guys!
Another Sleepless Night
It seems that I've had a couple of sleepless nights this week. I keep thinking about Vietnam and whether its possible to salvage the opportunity Ive turned down...
I'm not one who does things solely for its monetary value, but the USD$1,100 offer to teach seemed little and .. i dont know.. Im not sure whether I can help support my mom with that amount.
Ive been searching for reasons to take up the job offer, although I have many reasons why I should NOT take it up from the people around me. One thing for certain is that I want to go, and im not sure if thats reason enough...
Perhaps a good thing about writing is that I can straighten out my thoughts and it dawned upon me that I've never gave a damn about the things people have said about me and the way I live my life. I used to live by Proverbs 3:5-6 and somehow it's been faded into the background of everything thats happened. From my father's rejection to my last cent, its being in the pits again... To trust the Lord with all my heart... seems easy enough and yet I can't do it.
Reflecting upon everything that has happened, things in my life have gone downhill. It all started back when I was 19... After being threatened by my dad with a knife and the constant verbal abuse, I left home... My mom almost died from meliodosis, living off each week with a loaf of bread, having no money, the politics with my hateful classmates, the period of depression, the arguements with my step-mother, being fired by my dad, being jobless for the past 6 weeks, and I'm now in the pits again with my final $50... It seems that there's no end to the troubles
But it all started when I was 19. This was when I became a Christian... and I must say at times I wish I could just die, but I've never reached that point to actually do it. And its true that the Lord will not test me beyond what I can bear. I have grown spiritually and it is Christ who preserves me. This is hope, many are searching for it, and many have believed that they found it.
There are many ways for man to find hope, but theres has only been one way in which hope has found man. In our journey of hope we have gained wisdom, but to me, wisdom is the knowledge of truth. Wisdom through the knowledge of what is not true will lead one away from hope, the truth will set us free.
It seems that I've had a couple of sleepless nights this week. I keep thinking about Vietnam and whether its possible to salvage the opportunity Ive turned down...
I'm not one who does things solely for its monetary value, but the USD$1,100 offer to teach seemed little and .. i dont know.. Im not sure whether I can help support my mom with that amount.
Ive been searching for reasons to take up the job offer, although I have many reasons why I should NOT take it up from the people around me. One thing for certain is that I want to go, and im not sure if thats reason enough...
Perhaps a good thing about writing is that I can straighten out my thoughts and it dawned upon me that I've never gave a damn about the things people have said about me and the way I live my life. I used to live by Proverbs 3:5-6 and somehow it's been faded into the background of everything thats happened. From my father's rejection to my last cent, its being in the pits again... To trust the Lord with all my heart... seems easy enough and yet I can't do it.
Reflecting upon everything that has happened, things in my life have gone downhill. It all started back when I was 19... After being threatened by my dad with a knife and the constant verbal abuse, I left home... My mom almost died from meliodosis, living off each week with a loaf of bread, having no money, the politics with my hateful classmates, the period of depression, the arguements with my step-mother, being fired by my dad, being jobless for the past 6 weeks, and I'm now in the pits again with my final $50... It seems that there's no end to the troubles
But it all started when I was 19. This was when I became a Christian... and I must say at times I wish I could just die, but I've never reached that point to actually do it. And its true that the Lord will not test me beyond what I can bear. I have grown spiritually and it is Christ who preserves me. This is hope, many are searching for it, and many have believed that they found it.
There are many ways for man to find hope, but theres has only been one way in which hope has found man. In our journey of hope we have gained wisdom, but to me, wisdom is the knowledge of truth. Wisdom through the knowledge of what is not true will lead one away from hope, the truth will set us free.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Dang-nabbit-ingrateful-young'n
Its been a while since I've taken the bus or train during the afternoon congestion period. Usually the bus would be full of students coming home from school. There was an incident where this kid kept shoving and pushing me... sigh I'm not too sure how to describe this but could you remember smelling ...'dusty and musty' from a day's school activities? It's pretty normal but oh man this kid stunk...
Stink Boy
Ever notice how on a scorching hot day you could see the heat rising off the roads... Well i saw something rising off this kid's head and it ain't heat... but thinking back IT IS pretty interesting to able to see 'stink waves'...But it aint pretty, I being 5"11 was towering over this kid and 'stink waves' like 'heat' travel upwards....
Anyways this kid was very rude... and stinky... and musty...and dusty... and oily...yes VERY OILY... And so, as Jason and I were approaching our stop, this kid kept trying to squeeze his way to the door (well I was next to the door) and damnit the bus was crowded...this kid couldn't wait a couple of seconds for the bus to come to a stop...
He then said to me 'Ooi excuse me ah, I want to get off'
I then turned to him (blocking his way) and snapped 'I'm getting off too! So just wait!'
He was surprised! Piece of crud!
Keeping the seats warm: Just for you!
So that was the journey to lunch, on the way back to Jason's place, the bus was packed again and well it was sickening to see that most of the seats were occupied by students. There were a couple of grannys holding their grandkids standing along the aisle but no one gave up their seats to them.
The sight was irksome, if I had a seat I would give it up... whats wrong with these kids?
But what am I saying? How could I be so myopic about the entire situation? Alas a revelation has been presented to me... These kids were doing a public service, protecting the old and weak from the harmful effects of anally transmitted Piles...
I suppose these kids knew that the (bacteria infested) moisture given off from an infected person's anus would possibily be absorbed into the upholstery of the bus seats. And so they have selflessly exposed themselves to Piles to protect the elderly as they sit tirelessly on the precariously moving bus.
The power of positive thinking ROCKS!
The situation looks bleak
The same thing happened on MRT today, it totally sucks that the younger one's arent considerate at all...There were like 8 boys from Anderson, hogging seats when it was obvious that someone else needed it. I mean its ok to take a seat but would it (physically) hurt, to let an elder or pregnant lady have your seat when the situation calls for it?
But then again
When I commute late at night... on the last bus or train... There will be Ah Ma's and Ah Gong's still roaming about.. What the hell?
Its been a while since I've taken the bus or train during the afternoon congestion period. Usually the bus would be full of students coming home from school. There was an incident where this kid kept shoving and pushing me... sigh I'm not too sure how to describe this but could you remember smelling ...'dusty and musty' from a day's school activities? It's pretty normal but oh man this kid stunk...
Stink Boy
Ever notice how on a scorching hot day you could see the heat rising off the roads... Well i saw something rising off this kid's head and it ain't heat... but thinking back IT IS pretty interesting to able to see 'stink waves'...But it aint pretty, I being 5"11 was towering over this kid and 'stink waves' like 'heat' travel upwards....
Anyways this kid was very rude... and stinky... and musty...and dusty... and oily...yes VERY OILY... And so, as Jason and I were approaching our stop, this kid kept trying to squeeze his way to the door (well I was next to the door) and damnit the bus was crowded...this kid couldn't wait a couple of seconds for the bus to come to a stop...
He then said to me 'Ooi excuse me ah, I want to get off'
I then turned to him (blocking his way) and snapped 'I'm getting off too! So just wait!'
He was surprised! Piece of crud!
Keeping the seats warm: Just for you!
So that was the journey to lunch, on the way back to Jason's place, the bus was packed again and well it was sickening to see that most of the seats were occupied by students. There were a couple of grannys holding their grandkids standing along the aisle but no one gave up their seats to them.
The sight was irksome, if I had a seat I would give it up... whats wrong with these kids?
But what am I saying? How could I be so myopic about the entire situation? Alas a revelation has been presented to me... These kids were doing a public service, protecting the old and weak from the harmful effects of anally transmitted Piles...
I suppose these kids knew that the (bacteria infested) moisture given off from an infected person's anus would possibily be absorbed into the upholstery of the bus seats. And so they have selflessly exposed themselves to Piles to protect the elderly as they sit tirelessly on the precariously moving bus.
The power of positive thinking ROCKS!
The situation looks bleak
The same thing happened on MRT today, it totally sucks that the younger one's arent considerate at all...There were like 8 boys from Anderson, hogging seats when it was obvious that someone else needed it. I mean its ok to take a seat but would it (physically) hurt, to let an elder or pregnant lady have your seat when the situation calls for it?
But then again
When I commute late at night... on the last bus or train... There will be Ah Ma's and Ah Gong's still roaming about.. What the hell?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)