Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friendster Horoscope- 30 June, 2007The Bottom Line:
Your healthy ambitions are getting healthier by the day -- the sky is the limit!
In Detail:Your healthy ambitions are getting even healthier today, and you might find yourself thinking about doing things that you never would have dreamed of a couple of years ago. But before you tackle that next wonderful goal, you need to concentrate on finishing some things up today. Check those last few items off your list, and you will be immediately rewarded. Right now you have to prove to yourself (and to everyone else) that you can follow through with things.
I like the feeling described. Feels good. Haha.. wonder what I'll be rewarded with...
Friday, June 29, 2007
I always celebrate my Chinese New Year at my great grandmother's house at Kluang. Her house is very different from my grandmother's house which was featured some time earlier. Want to know how it looks like? Refer to below...
This is the famous Kluang Station. The roti bakar there is superb. So good that someone bought the name over to KL and made a replica of the train station's outlook and the menu. Haha...
It's a very small station, but many Chinese. Besides taking trains, we can reach
Kluang by buses which can be taken from
Johor Bahru Bus Interchange. It's better to have own transport in
Kluang as those who don't have will either sit the old buses or take '
ba wong chei'. Their buses are really antique and
ba wong chei means it's not a taxi, but instead, it's just people who are offering to ferry you around the town. A fee is
negotiated at the beginning of each ride.
There you go.. my great grandmother's house! She has a very big porch cum garage. What we normally do is to transfer the dining table to the porch every new year. Used for not only dining purposes, but also gambling!
Haha...
A swing attacked by the kids and the elderly. Good for relaxation.
From the main gate into the house.
The garage which can house 3 cars.
My mum like to pose next to the flowers and take snap shots.
The living room. Pardon me for shaking.
Another angle of the living room. That's my
Tai Poh aka great grandmother. We will normally shift all the furniture into the dining room and sleep in the hall. Much more cooling!
The kitchen where my
grand aunties and grand uncles does all the cooking, sometimes as early as 4am in the morning! His speciality-
Nasi Bryani! Yum!
The second room where we normally store our bags and clear our shopping. We used to sleep in another room, but I forgot to take pics of that room. Sorry! That room has a raised wooden platform. It's really high, so high that you can store a table underneath.
The dining room
From the kitchen onlooking to the dining room
The Porch. We used to have a dog called Lucky. But he passed away 1 year ago. Sad. It's one big dog which I was not afraid of.
This is the backroom next to the kitchen.
Look at this switch! Not sure if you guys have come into contact with such a switch before.. it's ancient!
Alright then, that's all for now! Hope you've learnt more about this little town called
Kluang!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
As per requested by Miss Winnifred and Ms Layshan, I have deleted my post on our steamboat. Shall replace it with the below pictures instead. For those who have no idea where we are, we were at Marina Square. Many thanks to Winnie whom learnt about the UOB discount at Spaggadies (Is that how you spell that restaurant?) and for arranging the meet-up!
Our next gathering, probably an outing to the zoo when huixian is back?
I'm into the second week of my new found job. Still attending classroom classes. Really tons to learn. It has given me a better insight into my job and the industry though, which I believe it is a good thing. So even if I leave my present job in future and want to continue advancing in this line, I believe I have better standings. And what's the big news?! I just found out that I'm the first female officer hired externally. The present ones are all just recently promoted internally. I'm making history!!! I can't believe it! Haha... At least I made a mark in the company/industry.. haha... it's something to be proud of yeah? Pioneer leh...
BUT... there is always a dark side to everything. I am on a 3 year contract now. Which means that there is no job security. I've also recently found out that the company is on sale now, that means I will no longer be expecting the big fat 6 months bonus!!! It was something I was looking forward to, very much. Cos' if in any case I want to break my bond, I can use my bonus to pay the penalty. That is if I've secured another job in the management line in this sector. Frankly speaking, this company/job is a stepping stone for me to venture further ahead. My plan is to gather some basic operating knowledge first before I move on to management. In this industry, a degree is needed for filling in of positions. A diploma is nothing. Hence, I decided to grab the opportunity though there were many clauses and uncertainty involved such as shift work and the much lower pay I'm fetching now. Also, it was supposed to be only a 2 year, but it's now extended to 3 years. So you see how much I'm losing out on? But, looking on the bright side, the long term prospects are good. I believe it will benefit me.
On the other hand, remember I once posted about wanting to go overseas for a year to work and experience the culture in another country like Taiwan or Australia?
China Airlines called me. I previously applied for the position of sales & marketing. Therefore, was greatly anticipating for them to arrange an interview. But they only called me something like a month later! By that time, I was already going to sign the contract with my present company. And they called me in the morning, disturbing my sleep, making me unfocused. I simply just rejected the interview. The moment I hang my phone, i regretted. Part of me rejected the interview was because of the above mentioned, whereas the other was it has been so long already. And lastly, I did not know that China Airlines belong to Taiwan. Otherwise I would have went ahead to give it a try. Who knows I can request for a transfer?! Then even better, go there for work purpose. Accommodation all provided! Arrr... guess it's just not fated for me. Nvm, I shall work towards that goal. (And I only found out that China Airlines belonged to Taiwan from my present company. See the foundation laid out?)
Then a few days after I started work, the management of Changi Airport called me to invite me to an interview!!!! Blahhhh.... all these should have came earlier. But guess what?! I went ahead to accept the interview because it's an office hour job (which allows me to have adequate rest and time to study) and that it's a management post. Now waiting to see whether I'll be scheduled for a second interview. I was very honest with them, about my present job and all, so the ball is at their court. If I don't hear from them, I will just continue with my present job till about 2 years, then I will break the bond and move on. I'm not getting younger. I still want to get a degree and try living in Taiwan. So much to try, so little time. And while working with my present company, I am on shift work which means it's very hard for me to find time to study. Hai... what to do...
But let's just say I get accepted, it's yet another challenge for me. That means I have to persuade my current company to let me go without the need to compensate them. If they insist that I do, I will just have to give up the other job opportunity.
Many people may think that I'm indecisive, and do not know what I want to achieve. But they are wrong! I know myself. Though I can be fickle-minded at times, but ultimately, I know what I want. It's just that time and opportunity does not always wait for you or is given to you whenever you want them. We're always racing against time and luck. I have given up hope talking to these people, so I shall just concentrate on what I want to achieve in life.
All in all, I believe my decision to stick to the travel and leisure industry is correct. Look at all the interviews offer I have from this industry. (I only applied for these positions in this industry, except for SIA though. Got rejected because I did not have a degree.) Can you not believe in fate? I cannot. And only time will tell everything. (Right Reg?)
Stick to your own principals, values and beliefs. With determination and courage, I believe you will excel to be an excellent man, leading a fulfilling life.
Friday, June 22, 2007
I finally started work last Friday at Changi Airport!!! (Shall not mention the company as we're strictly instructed not to or otherwise, we will be charged!)
It is a totally new experience for me. Every thing, every body, every place, every bit. I still cannot believe that I actually signed the bond. And mind you, it's 3 years! How long can that be, how short can that be... Many terms n conditions attached too! I'm not too sure whether I'll like the job or the people here as yet. Jobwise I think I'm still adapting, many trainings to undergo and a year of OJTs and probation. As for people, so far so good, but not sure about those I'm going to work with. There are too many people in this company, too many departments, too many faces. But I can say that it'll be exciting, and how long will this feeling last, I'm not too sure. But I definately hope it will turn out well for me. And with the experience, I hope to venture further into the airline/airport industry. It's something which I know I can advance a career in, something of my interest. Wish me luck peeps!
Oh, and I've got my uniform. Goodness, the jacket is real big for me! And after so many years of not wearing one, I felt so uneasy wearing it to work for the first time today! Yeez!!!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Miss Lim!!!
You've really got me thinking! Thanks ar!!! Haha.. Well, you've got your wish.. here goes:
Two names you go by:1. Joanne
2. Li Hua (Only my family can call me Li Hua)
Two things you are wearing right now:1. Yellow T-shirt
2. Green shorts
Two things you would want (or have) in a relationship:1. Mutual Trust
2. Respect
Two of your favorite things to do:1. Watch ou xiang ju(s) and variety shows
2. Eat
Two things you want very badly at the moment:1. To get rid of my sore throat
2. Cash
Two pets you had/have:None.. never had pets
Two things you did last night:1. Had dinner at Teahouse @ China Square (yumyum)
2. Watched 'Wang Zi bian Qing Wa'
Two things you ate today:1. Pork
2. Udon
Two people you last talked to:1. Dear
2. Li Rong
Two things you’re doing tomorrow:1. Sign my bond
2. Meet up with my sec sch buddies
Two longest car rides:1. To Malaysia
2. From Malaysia to Singapore (Car ride sia.. limited places...)
Two favorite holidays:1. Chinese New Year
2. My B'day! Haha...
Two favorite beverages:1. Passion Green Tea
2. Ice Lemon Tea
Four things About ME!Things you may not have known about me:1. I have to have at least one of my pillows to smell to sleep every night.
2. I ceographed 'concerts' for my sisters to perform in front of my family when I was in Primary School.
3. I don't like to bathe early in the morning.
4. I still have a liking for dancing.
Four jobs I have had in my life:1. Deputy Brand Manager at Voxy Nails
2. Events Marketing Executive at Sentosa
3. Telemarketeer at Starhub
4. Marcom Officer at ITX Solutions
Four places I have lived:1. Farrer Road
2. Bedok
3. Whampoa
4. Tampines
Four of my favorite foods:1. Mcdonald's french fries
2. Hot and Sour Soup
3. Chilli Crab
4. Rum & Rasin Ice Cream
Four places I’d rather be right now:1. Dreamland
2. Taiwan
3. Australia
4. In the Cinemas
The following people have no excuse to not update their blog with this meme:1. Celine
2. Regina
3. Eugene
4. Shufen
5. Reina
Thursday, June 07, 2007
This is a song which I want to dedicate to all my friends out there. Ignore the MTV, listen to the lyrics. I love you guys! ~ 因為有你 by Mgirls~
When I turned 21 last year, a question suddenly surfaced.
Why do people organize birthday parties for themselves?
Is it because:
1) They want attention? They want people to know that it's their birthday so that they can receive presents and feel like a princess?
2) They want to share the joy of being born into this world, get their blessings and wishes?
3) They want to show their gratitude to their loved ones whom have been showering them with care and concern all year round?
4) For fun? So that he/she will be able to see all her loved ones at one place, one time?
What other reasons are there?
I used to organize parties for myself too. Once in Primary 5 or 6 (can't really remember which year), another time in Sec 1, and when I was 20. It stopped there. And I think I will not self-organize parties anymore unless there's really a special reason. Like I strike toto or something! haha... dream on yeah...
People normally celebrate their 21st bday on a very high profile, but mine last year was just a trip to Thailand with my dear. Weird huh? And on my actual day, he fell sick which meant that I still have to take care of him. It was something different for me. Celebrating my b'day in a different country. Memorable. I will never forget.
Some other birthdays which I will never forget would be when I was in Sec 3 or 4 (also can't really remember which year it was) where my SC buddies celebrated my 'sista' and my bday at East Coast. That was a sweet surprise. Following that was when I was 18, had 3-4 bday cakes that year. Next was during my last year of Poly. My class celebrated my bday for me in school. Haha.. another surprise treat after lessons. I think that's about it. Haha...
I have to admit that I love surprises. Especially more so when I'm the one planning and executing. Haha... *evil grins*... I like to see those smiles on the bday kid, or the one who has been tricked. Even though they have being fooled, but it's because we love them, we want them to be happy, that's why we even took the effort and time to surprise them. It warms the heart. This kind of satisfaction is indescribable. I will still continue to surprise my friends if I have the ability and time to.
On the other hand, I seldom get surprises. And to be frank, those few birthdays which I was being surprised, I partially knew that I'll be fooled. Haha.. it's rather obvious actually. Haha... pardon me. Try harder! But I seriously feel that it's when you get such surprises or when people message you on your birthday that you truly know who your true friends are. In fact, they don't even need to celebrate your birthday with you. Just a message on your day will do. Don't you think so?
Oh well.. this year will be another quiet one for me.. cos' my plan to go overseas is ruined!!! Have to stay in S'pore to work!!! Never mind, I'll self-entertain.. like what I've being doing yearly.. haha...
Good day to all!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Remember I used to go back to my grandparents' house every school vacation? I still remember some friends asking me how it looks like.. is it a kampong.. haha.. I went back in April this year and finally took some pictures.
This is my granny's precious kitchen. Actually, she doesn't like to cook, but because of us, she does. Really appreciate it. Her speciality would of course be those spicy dishes and sweet chicken! Yummy!
This is my grandfather's Toyota mini car. Very old already. He used to have a Mercedes too. It's at my Uncle's place now. I used to help him to wash his cars last time. It was an enjoyment. Now we cannot even get the car started!
This is part of the living room. It's rather big. Can put up a stage there. When I was small, we used to hold mini 'concerts' in the living room. Really hilarious! Now.. no more. Sometimes I really wonder where our courage came from! Haha...
The other side of the living room. We will normally play hula-hoops, skipping rope, or ride our motorcar around the living room. It's big enough. Also, all the masak masak.. haha.. those were the days...
The dining room. All of us have our own personal seats. Mine is the one nearest to the mandarin orange plant. Against the cupboards.
It's a 2-storey terrace house. My granny loves living in a 2-storey house. Come to think of it, my grandfather is really amazing. From being poor to broke, he worked hard, saved, and can buy 2 houses, 2 cars, and bring up 4 kids. He was the sole breadwinner. Salutes!
One of the guest room. See the big full length mirror? My favourite! Haha...
Another guest room. There was once which my sis and I slept at this room. I remember we were crazy about James & the Giant Peach during that stage. So when we could not sleep, my sister will tell me the story and retaliate the whole script! The result of having nothing to do! Haha.. *my granny like to rearrange furnitures. So many furnitures you see now, have being rearranged.
Erm... laundry area? Haha..
The master bedroom. We all sleep in this room because it's the only room that has aircon. Even when my uncle, auntie and my cousins come over, we will all squeeze and sleep in this room. Very cozy and fun actually.. haha!
The house is not that small. There are actually many other rooms, like backyard, restroom, second living room, 3 toilets etc... but didn't take photos of them. See if I have the time to upload of myself when I was smaller...
I miss those days when holidaying in M'sia. No worries. No pressure. No stress. Just like a princess. Haha...
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Friday, June 01, 2007
Below is an email exchanged with one of my sec sch buddy.... she managed to sparked a nerve somewhere in me to write such a long narration of my personal thoughts... haha... she studies pyschology.. may be that's why.. gal.. u have the power! haha.. Thought i'll post it here so i don't have to repeat myself again n again.. n so that u guys can know me better... the mysterious me... revealing here... haha... think u know me well, think twice... haha... Here goes:No worries girl... i'm more than glad to have friends who cares about my well-being... tt is one thing i'm really proud of...
Actually, alot of things happened and changed after sec sch days... esp after poly... it's when i have to start taking responsibility for my hsehold expenses.. like my house loan, internet n phone bills etc... the burden i'm carrying is enough to suffocate me.. but i'm hanging on.. tho at times i'll get really tired n would want to 'escape' from reality. That will normally last for a couple of days, at most till one week, when i've fully regained my energy, then start battling again. So i really enjoy meeting you girls. Allows me to forget about all the problems which i need to deal with. It's encouraging and heartwarming.. really...
Actually, this hse loan problem starting last year. When finally, HDB wouldn't let my mum defer payment anymore. $1500! My goodness! That is like my salary after CPF deduction. And I would never offer to sacrifice all of my pay just to fund the loan. That would lose meaning in me working. I know, some pple think tt's it's filial piety, that looking at my family's situation, i should step out to help. but i beg to differ. cos i noe no matter how much i help, who will truly appreciate me? even now when i fork out half of my pay to help, i still get nagged n complains and grumbles. so no point. i better save for rainy days. i'm not tt generous afterall. haha... but i've been a good girl.. giving my aunties n uncles ang paos when it's CNY.. kinda proud doing tt every yr.. haha.. at least it shows i appreciate their help since young right? haha... *thick skin joanne here praising herself*... haha...
Anyway, then when we had to start paying $1500 every mth, my mother wanted us to move to whampoa, to my uncle's place, so that she can rent out the bedok apt to fund the loan. But i objected. First of all, i really hate whampoa. i used to live there. din like it. Secondly, i'm sick n tired of moving. i've got so adapted to living in bedok... it's like... what?! i'm back to this kinda lifestyle again? u know... the same feeling i've got from pri 4 to6.. moving from one place to another.. not having a home u can call it yours.. it's frustrating... that day at the airport, i was sharing with winnie n reina abt this. that no matter what i'm not moving out. but 2 days later, my mum called for a family meeting. saying that she really cannot afford to fork out anymore money. so we're left with no choice but to move. i raised all questions, doubts, suggestions.. but none seemed to work. i give up. i gave in. i'm tired. exhausted.. really.. i've got no more energy... i've alr got to deal with getting a suitable job, all the expenses.. n what's more this. i've also got to be my sisters' pillar of support.. what else.. really exhausted.. so i told them, we'll move. so there... the story behind this whole issue..
You know, even with the job thing. I'm so disappointed. It's like.. my mum n granny.. does not understand y i want to resign even without finding another job first. I tried to adapt, to compromise. but i really dread going to work every morning. i find no motivation. no determination. lost the meaning of working. i see no future. so i want to leave. really to my limits alr. but they do not understand. they choose to think tt i'm not thinking abt the family, tt i'll have no money to give them.. to support myself.. they have omitted to think abt me n my feelings... yes, some others might still say tt based on my family situation, i should stay put. but i've thought so much for my family, i feel that it's really enough. u noe, if i could, i would have straight away accepted the job offer which carries a lower pay but of my interest...it's really something i like.. but cos of the low starting salary which my mum didn't favour.. i gave it up... now i'm like... regretting it? i also duno if i'm regretting.. but i'm young, i should have just went for it. who knows what i might end up doing? but what's the point of talking abt it now.... i can only hope for the best.. now.. i'm going to take a gamble cos i believe there's prospect.. still, i'm not confident if i'll be offered the job in the end because of my medical records.. just praying hard... i guess i'm beginning to escape from reality.. cos when pple ask me abt jobs.. i'll be so reluctant to talk abt it.. try to brush them off.. start to feel irritated.. i noe they are concerned.. but u noe.. it gets to my nerves at times.. sorry if i've offended anyone.. but yeah... i would like to be honest with u.. afterall, u're my trusted friends...
Back to moving out, i'm still deciding if i should move with my family to whampoa or go stay with jason. he lives in tampines, so if i'm working at the airport, it's very convenient for me. but i'm not sure if tt's the right move. cos i dun wan to be in debt to him n his family.. or make it seem like it's definite we'll be together for life.. many things are unpredictable.. i duno.. i still have a few more mths to tik.. till sep/oct.. still thinking...
My sisters do not go bk to msia now.. all trying to work part time to earn extra cash for themselves, which i'm glad. my granny is in spore now.. will be going to US to visit my uncle soon.. so we're all trying to sort out our stuff n pack for the move.. hai..
See how life have changed for me? It's really dramatic.. i should go write n produce dramas.. but at times, i'm glad i get to experience these events, make me learn more n grow up. taste and savour the sweetness n bitterness of life. but too much isnt a gd thing.. makes me pissed off when i see pple who does not know how to appreciate life, the pple ard them n luxuries... really pissed me off... pardon me.. but if i could, i'll give them a peace of my mind.. haha... then again, i do not want to spoil our friendship, so i chose to keep quiet. haha..
Oh well... what a long reply.. haha.. i finally told someone all my thoughts. i've told a couple of friends before, but could not bring myself to narrate the whole story. Afterall, not many can understand what i'm feeling or have been through. Thanks girl for being my 'listening ear'... really appreciate it... sorry for taking up ya time n boring you... how i wish u were here to join us for steamboat on sat.. haii... nvm, let's org another one when u're back! Anticipating!
Love ya loadz gal!
Am I the girl whom you thought I am? Understand me better now?
