I used to ... but now ... I ...

I used to scrutinize source code (HTML / PHP / Java / C#) but now I scrutinize time-line, SOW and deliverables.

I used to question application architecture design and implementation but now I challenge the processes and resource allocation.

I used to spend nights thinking about how to improve an application in terms of its performance, scalability and user experience but now I burn hours looking at how to streamline project life-cycle.

I used to visit websites such as java.sun.com, php.net, msdn.microsoft.com, apache.org but now I visit pmhut.com, adage.com, facebook.com and sgcarmart.com.sg

I used to 'chiong' discos, pubs and bars but now I would rather sit down at a cafe and enjoy a nice cup of hot vanilla latte and a piece of apple crumble.

I used to be a warm-hearted chap who's always willing to reach out and lend a helping hand to those in need but now I fear the implications of being helpful and the troubles that may follow.

Change - It happens.  Be it for better or for worse, there's no running away and there's no turning back.  You gotta own it and make the best out of it.

Boxing Day

Brunch @ Hatched

This morning, Ah Bui Bui and I met up with Gerald and Edalene for an "eggy" brunch at the Hatched

This restaurant is located at Evans Lodge - 26 Evans Road, directly opposite the School of Physical Education.

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It is also proudly known as egg-inspired all day breakfast restaurant because all the dishes in the menu are centered around eggs and that breakfast items on the menu is available all day. In other words, you basically can choose to have your breakfast at 3pm in the afternoon.


Ah Bui Bui and I ordered "Get Hitched". The bacon and sunny-side-up were superb. The juices were freshly squeezed. Last but not least, they don't impose GST nor service charge. I am quite sure we will go back there again very soon.

We did a simple gift exchange. No expensive gifts but I reckon it's the thoughts that really matter.

It's been a really long time since we were out on a double date. If I did not recall wrongly, the last time we went out together, we ended up at Selegie having Tow-Huay :)

Shopping @ Orchard 313

Afternoon, we ventured to Orchard 313 to do some shopping. Or rather it is for Ah Bui Bui to do her shopping. The mall was really crowded. At one point, I became very uncomfortable because I have people bumping into me from every direction. Not only was I worried about safety but also my personal belonging. Such crowded places are good venues for pickpockets to ply their trade.

New Record for FC

For the first time, baby lancer managed to clock a FC rating of 11.79 km/litre. This is after having the engine oil changed from mineral to fully-synthetic - Shell Helix Ultra. Nice!

Merry Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas Folks!

It's a sunny Christmas morning. Everything looks so lovely. I love Christmas!

It's been so long since Ah Bui Bui and I get the chance to sit down and enjoy Big Breakfast and Hot-Cakes with Sausage together. Really treasure such moments.



So, what are your plans for today?

Next Servicing Coming Up

The car manual recommends the following servicing window:

• 1000 KM
• 5000 KM
• 10,000 KM
• 15,000 KM
• 20,000 KM
• 30,000 KM

However, the service centre has advised that the best thing to do is to send the car for servicing every 3 months.

My next servicing is coming up on 10 Dec, Thursday. Some of the things to get the mechanic to look into include:

• Replace engine oil to Shell Helix Ultra (Fully Synthetic)
• Tighten the hand-brake
• Touch up on the paint-work

Sighz. It's true. It ain't that difficult to buy a car. However, owning one does mean a challenge to the pocket.

It's been a year

How time flies!

Oh yeah... How darn true! I can't further agree with on that. In a way, it's a good thing because it makes me realize I actually survived a one-year stint in OO! How amazing! On the other hand, it's not so good a thing because as I look ahead, I see uncertainties ahead that are potentially going to change the course of my destiny.

Sometimes, I will ponder over the ancient saying - "Why fret over something which you've got no control over?" To a certainly degree, yes, I totally agree we can't control the outcome on many things that are happening around us. Yet, on the other hand, I believe we can control how we choose to react to these expected / unexpected outcomes.

Life is not a bed of roses. You want something, you've gotta work damn damn hard for it. I believe we all agree on this. However, we also cannot deny the fact that we don't always get to point where we wanted to be at no matter how much hard work we put in and how much time we spend. This can be frustrating. No doubt! But, then again, it's at this point you make a choice - you choose how you want to manage this - you choose how you want to resolve this - you become the outcome of your choice.

Life's too short ... Yet, you've several choices that you can decide and eventually make... Come on! We are all blessed because at present, we still do have a choice.

I don't know what's coming up next. But, I know soon, I have to choose ... and I've been fore-warned - don't choose wrongly! There's absolutely NO turning back.

Fuel Efficiency

I've been trying very hard to understand why the car's fuel efficiency has been fluctuating so drastically.



Could it be due to the mineral engine oil that I am using? Or was it a result of me being a heavy-footer? Could it also have been because of the make of the engine?

I always thought that Japanese-made cars are very energy and fuel efficient and it shouldn't be too tough reaching an average of 12 KM/L. But, I might be wrong.

And I need to find out why.

Bye P-Plates

Goodness! How time flies! It's been exactly a year since I passed my Class 3. I could still vividly remember that moment when the tester congratulated me "Congrats, you passed lah." I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. I finally got my driving license to be out on the road behind the 4 wheels.

All in all, I did four car rentals. Three of which were made locally and the last one was in New Zealand during the honeymoon. I never forget my maiden ride from Turf City back to Strathmore Avenue. It was my very first time out on the road! There ain't any driving instructor beside me. I was all alone in the car - going at 70km/h along Bukit Timah Road.

Today, I bid adieu to the pair of P-Plates. Moving forward, it means I've to be even more conscious of my driving habits (and not be a road hazard) as other drivers will probably not longer be so "on-guard" when they come near me. I must be extra careful, alert and remain calm at all times. Yet, of course, I still do believe that sometimes luck matters.

I aim to achieve a5-year good and clean record so that hopefully I get to enjoy greater percentage of NCD to offset my car insurance premium. Pray Pray - Everything, everywhere, every moment - all "shun shun"

Back on Blog

Recently, I encountered several setbacks at work. It was frustrating. I felt discouraged. However, I guessed that's life work. It's probably designed to be as such. Hence, I've been constantly reminding myself - learn to let go and don't be too hard on myself. The Joker will probably say "Why so serious?"

Yes, I know I have gone "missing" for quite a while. No, I wasn't away for holidays nor business trips. I happened to be called upon by the gahmen to serve my country. That explained why I haven't been blogging. Moreover, there' really nothing to blog about when it comes to NS.

Can't write further ... mental blocked ... Hope I'll do better in the next post ...

Well Done! Good Report Card

非一般的成绩单

今天对我来说是个相当特别的日子. 经过将近一年来的努力与辛劳, 所有的好与坏都在这一天有个终结.

其实, 我心里头是有一点紧张和焦虑的. 因为我并不知道自己是否真的达到客户所要求的那个水平. 与此同时, 我也并不晓得自己是否真的得到客户对本身实力的肯定.

下午, 上司从会议室走了出来回到了办公室, 与我分享了客户的回应 --- 在那一瞬间, 我有了答案. 我清楚知道 - YES! 我做到了!

我坚信人生就有如波涛, 有起有落. 去年是我大起大落的一年. 在事业上翻了个根梪, 摔了一交, 几乎全军覆没. 幸好在最后一刻, 否极泰来, 遇到贵人, 才扭转了乾坤, 从低潮中走了出来.

2009 果真是比较顺心如意的一年. 越过了我所谓的防火墙, 得到了上司的信赖与肯定, 也得到了同事之间的信任与关怀. 我不需多说, 我已走出了阴埋.

在接下来的日子里, 我相信这段旅程会开始慢慢的难走起来. 因为眼前所见, 耳边所闻的一切, 让我感到惶恐. 不过, 这也是让我脱胎换骨, 精益求精的的唯一途径. 饭要一口一口吃, 路得一步一步走. 人生没有捷径. 我要走下去!