Had a mini-green outing today at Vivocity consisting of a lunch and Simpson's movie outing. We had lunch at a Italian restaurant called Modesto's and I recommended going to that place to try out although I had never eaten there before. Known that place through hungrygowhere.com and read that the rating is quite good for the restaurant and fortunately the pizza and the pasta came out rather delicious. We shared a total of one appertizer, 2 pizzas and 2 pasta between 7 of us and the only stunning dish was the pizza with ricola and so the presentation was like a pizza covered with leaves, and the leaves taste bitter especially with the after taste and we sort of ordered it because it has the longest name on the menu. Modesto's is having a promotion for UOB credit card holders with a one-to-one promo for pizza and pasta and Demong just happen to have a UOB sup card so it was a whole deal of discount and each of us only paid $11 for a decent meal. Demong shared his Melbourne pics with us in Modesto's as well till 3 plus and we shopped a bit before proceeding on to watch Simpson's.
Simpson's is a really hilarious movie which can send the audience laughing throughout the one and a half hour of the show and definitely one of the movies worth watching. If you have seen the thriller for the movie you would have noticed the spider pig song portion and in the movie the pig is really cute. Interesting lyrics for the song too:
spider pig, spider pig.
does whatever a spider pig does.
can he swing from a web?
no he can't, he's a pig
look out, he is the spider pig!
Shall not say anymore about the movie to avoid any spoilers, just be sure to catch this movie if you have time.
Went to K-Lunch today @ Cine with Eugene, Weixiang, Chelsea and Peiling from my sports camp group. Was quite an enjoyable Kbox session and definitely the first time I see people get so high without any influence of alcohol. Towards the end of the session everyone is singing while standing up on the chairs, singing all the rock and high songs and shouting with all the might. Continued singing till 2 plus and after that we actually went to took neoprints. Quite unbelievable that we are still taking neoprints at this age but since some of us so enthusiastic about it no harm playing once again. Had great fun posing for the shots and left the decoration to the girls. Nice shots in the end.
After which left the group to meet up with Wilson, SM and ZX for the cycling trip. Originally planned to meet them at 3pm but at 3plus I was still at Cineleisure area and was 1.5 hrs late and reached Marine Cove at around 4.30pm. Before that had already asked them to cycle without me first so did not feel that bad. However just as I was about to rent the bike it began to rain cats and dogs so have no choice but to wait in the shelter and stone and play my handphone games for around half an hour before the rain reduced to a drizzle and rent a bike and met up with them at Kallang Mac. Slowly cycled back to East Coast and went to the food centre and had a sumptuous dinner of stingray, satay and more. Returned the bicycles and that marks the end of the mini cycling trip.
Just completed my FTB camp yesterday, woke up at 1130 this morning but still very tired and suffering from bodyaches. Overall the past 6 days of camp were very enjoyable for me and made quite a number of friends there as well and hopefully we can all keep in contact and have more outings together after the camp.
Starting off with the sports camp, it's a camp which I never regret going despite the fact that I need to pay $45 bucks for it. Achieved my objective of trying out the many sports which I never tried before and my group is really funky and enthusiastic people which made this camp so memorable for me. Had Amazing Race on the first day where we went all around the island to try out new sports and find clues. Went Sentosa (again) to play touch rugby and tried out the Luge ride for the first time though it was not as fast as I expected. Proceeded to Kallang to try out dragon boating and softball and later some martial arts back in school then archery in Potong Pasir and finallly watch an S-league match at Yishun Stadium between Tampines Rovers and Korean Super Reds. The S-league match was particularly happening during the second half after we were asked to predict the first team to score, total goals, number of yellow cards and number of red cards during half time. It's the first time I've seen such a big group cheering when the referee issued a yellow card to a player. Went back to campus and had supper till 2plus before the day ended. Next day was sports clinics where we were introduced to handball, ultimate frisby and floorball. Floorball was one of the sports which I wanted to try out during the sports camp but as it was the last activity I tried during the 2nd day I was too shag to play properly and my legs are turning jelly during the game. In the night it was games followed by drinking night. Drank beer and wine while playing games at Ice Cold Beer within the campus and many people got high. Left when it closed at 1am but our group went back to our room to continue drinking the dry gin which Eugene brought in. Played more games and had a little confession of pain game called 'I had never...' and continued drinking till around 2plus again before some of us went to sleep. Who would have thought of drinking during a sports camp. Last day was a telematch before the prize presentation and the end of the sports camp. Later on some of us in the group went for dinner at the buffet steamboat at Thompson Road to have a good meal and we chatted till around 11pm before dispersing.
Woke up early next day and went for the Freshman Team Building Camp. Found that it will actually be held at East Coast OBS campus so no aircon room to sleep in and no warm water for shower but it wasn't important as after all it's a camp. Started off with one or two ice-breaker games and started off with the camp proper. Surprisingly started with goal settings and expectations of the camp. That part really bores me off with all the politically correct answers and due to the fatigue I'm suffering from I wasn't really able to think properly then but guess it sorts of simulates the lecture style in SMU. Carried on with some team building activities and all the activities had to start with a planning stage and end off with debrief. The activity which I enjoyed during the day was the tunneling activity where we had to crawl in the dark to find stuff and I enjoyed the part where we frantically looked for the exit when we realised that we are running out of time and only then I finally woke up. Carried with some less tiring night activities and that was the end of day 1. Day 2 was a continuation of the team building game but with higher difficulties and the highlight of the day was the rafting activity where we built a raft with barrels and pipes. Was glad that I still remembered the lashings which I learnt during the NPCC days and the dragon boat basics I learnt during the sports camp proves useful as well. Went back to the shore shag and sandy but it was a fun activity. After which my energy level went almost flat and was dozing off for parts of the camp. Ended the day with the campfire where all of us put up a skit and cheers and ended with a mini disco session. Last day was a telematch similar to that in the sports camp. Ended the camp with a mini closing and through the peer feedback many people found me quite and not let loose enough. Guess that was true as I felt I was giving the sian (shag) face throughout the camp and trying hard to fight the z-monster so therefore did not talk much but I believe we will still have more chance to know each other better through the outings and interaction in school.
Just came back from SMU sports camp, totally shagged out and lack of sleep and tomorrow will be the start of my SMU Freshman Team Building camp. It seems like I'll never get my much desired sleep at least till next Monday and I'm supposed to wake up at 6.45am tomorrow which is like less than 6hrs later. Quite a number of important events happened for the past week so I decided I'll have to sacrifice a little of my sleep to update this blog.
15th July
This marks the last day of my 7+ mth stint in StarHub. Finally after waiting for so long and numerous extension of the 'contract' I'm leaving StarHub for good. Glen and Roger on off that day so there was no one to kill time with me in the office and I end up e-mailing Lewis to chat since it's his last day as well. Finished off 30 cases and in the late afternoon cleared my cases, signed my clearance, sent out my farewell e-mails and it's the end. Felt a bit emo on that day actually as afterall it's the place where I spent my last 7mths in, talking to numerous of stupid customers in 3 different departments. It's also the place where I met many good friends especially those in the legendary team 100. I'm quite fortunate to be working in such a good environment in my very first job and throughout this 7mths I've definitely gain a lot both monetarily and non-monetarily.
So after the last day it's time to celebrate. Had a combined farewell celebration for Lewis, Bin, David, Gary, Peini and me cum Huimin's birthday at Vil'age @ Heeren. Had a proper dinner and we are finally seeing the new Greenies attending Greenies outings, though quite a lot of pple ps-ed that day. Presented Huimin with a photo album which Bin, Demong and me made in my house the day before as a team 100 birthday present for her.
After the dinner, some of us proceeded on to Party World @ Cuppage for a karaoke session. It was quite an entertaining karaoke session as most of us were quite enthusiastic about it. It was also the session with the most number of english songs sung among all the karaoke sessions I've ever attended. Sang all the way till around 3am before going back home.
July 16/17
It was an exclusive Sentosa outing for the StarHub retirees. Met up at around noon before proceeding down to Siloso beach to enjoy the sand, sun and sea. The Sun was scorching that day and it was a good opportunity for me to tan up a bit before going to sports camp the next day. Therefore we the guys started off with playing beach volleyball. Started off barefooted on the main court and felt that the sand was too hot so put on our sandals and later on played in the shade as the weather was too hot as well. Meanwhile the girls went shopping for beach wears and they can really shop for a long long time even in Sentosa. Played frisbee, soft ball and some card games before the girls joined back and we sent to play sea monkey together. Played some card games David recommended and taught us how to play and the loser will need to do a forfeit. Lewis lost and we were supposed to throw him into the water but in the end we decided to sabo David first and threw him into the sea. Lewis did not manage to escape as well as we bury him in the sand and help him enlarge his boobs and had a mini photo shooting session. It was already evening by then so the remaining few of us went to Sushi Tei for our dinner after washing up.
17/07/2007 2.07am - a time I would always remember as one of my happiest moments in my life.
Had a mini celebration with callback team at the pantry. It was a combined celebration for Joyce's farewell, William's birthday as well as Roger, Glen and my farewell. Log out for one hour to enjoy and get paid for it, that's what I really like about callback team. Had Oishi pizzas for dinner and was quite amazed by the unique flavours like the Wasabi pizza. After which I was given a card and a Renoma card holder as a farewell present. How nice of callback team. It's not hard to realise that I'm finally going to leave StarHub for good, after a long 7months of fun and work. Can't wait for 15th to come but I'm sure I'll miss my payslip soon after that.
The Callback Team
Oishi Pizza
In the night had a random 'Hao Chi De Dong Xi' outing with Gary, William, Roger, Demong and Bin at Chomp Chomp. Nice food like stingrays, satays, chicken wings and kuay teow filled the table. Gary got into the mode to drink (or drown his sorrow) and bought tiger beer for us. Alcohol can really come out of nowhere and I got a little red as usual. Chat till near midnight and went to an ice cream bar nearby by the name of ice3 (pronounced as ice-cube) for deserts. Tried the cookies n' irish cream which is cookies and cream ice-cream plus Baileys (more alcohol). Quite a good match and the first time having ice-cream and alcohol together. It was quite a conducive place for chilling out so chatted all the way till 1plus in the morning until the shop about to close before leaving.
@ Chomp Chomp
Went to SMU to complete my matriculation in the morning. Not as crowded as I thought it will be but I supposed most have went to matriculate in the earlier 2 days already. It was quite a breeze through the first few stations of admin and payment. Until when I went to the orientation camps booth it got slightly more crowded. Was informed that for the freshman orientation only run 1 and 2 are available, since run 1 is this week and I'm still working therefore no choice have to choose run 2 which is next week. Too bad cannot join Ziyou, Derrick and the rest for run 3 but fortunately Lewis is in run 2 too and hope that can see more familiar faces on the day itself. Went to the Bondue Business Camp booth next and Run 2 is full and I tried my luck and put my name in the long waiting list but seems like I will not be able to make it for the Business Camp. Not contented with joining only one uni camp, I decided to go for the Sports Camp. Afterall I intend to join floorbal in SMU so no harm going and go there can try some of the sports I wanted to try like archery and the guy who introduced the Sports Camp to me told me that current it is overloaded with girls. There's no more reason for me to wait but somehow I feel like those in the booth are thinking that I do not look like those who will join sports camp and do not play sports at all but who cares about them.
After that went to PS to eat while waiting for Lewis to go for his break so that I can sneak in his birthday present. Fortunately met Gary and Co. so no need to eat my lunch all by myself. Went to office to collect signature for Lewis's birthday card then began the manufacturing process at Bin's desk as though I was double banking her. It was tough punching through the PVC with the one-hole punch and quite painful and shag. So in the end spent about 2 hours plus just to punch the holes but after looking at the finished product realised that it was all worth the effort. Wrapped it and presented to Lewis and he seems to be a bit touched by it though he was suaned by the Jimmy Neutron picture on the card.
The Producers
The Presentation
Met up with Demong and Bin morning at Orchard to prepare for our oncoming projects. Went for all those shops that I'll never step into if not for Bin's introduction. All the different type of materials that I used to look for but do not know where to look for in the past when I needed them. However seems like I've lost touch of art for too long a period of time that even being exposed to so much art material I do not have any inspirations to do any art projects. Therefore we just left it for Bin to make all the decisions.
Stripes United
After lunch Bin went to meet her friend so me and Demong continued to shop for our own stuffs. Went to Taka to buy birthday present for Zong Xiang and got him a Renoma wallet, only to realise later in the afternoon that his sister already bought him a new wallet. After that went to Heeren to shop as Demong wanted to buy surf shorts for the Sentosa trip. In the end I bought myself a new pink shirt from RE, increasing my current shirt tally to 3.
In the evening met up with ZX, SM and Wilson for ZX's birthday treat at Billy Bombers @ The Cathay. I tried the lamb shank for the first time and it was quite delicious and the portion is just nice and not too filling. After the dinner went to watch Die Hard 4.0 at PS. A very action-packed movie indeed as Bruce Wills seems indestructible as he engaged enemies holding all sorts of weapons and in all sort of vehicles and aircrafts.
Me and 'Boss' of the day
The Lamp Shank
I always make it a point to ensure that my off days are well spent and today is no exception. Around 1pm met Bin in Yishun to go Chong Pang to buy toto as planned, since there's a special mid-year 5mil draw this Friday. It's the famous Chong Pang booth where people strike toto so frequently but fortunately the queue was not that long as those shown in the news. Taught Bin the mechanics of toto from scratch and we invested $3 each. It was not hard to differentiate a noob toto player and a seasoned toto player by looking at us. Upon leaving the booth, I folded the ticket and kept in my wallet while Bin held the ticket and smiled at it all the way while walking from Chong Pang to Yishun MRT as though it is already a winning ticket.
Went to AMK Hub for a while before proceeding down to Kovan to meet Wilson, ZX and SM for badminton session. As usually we tried all permutations for doubles and we saw a distinct pattern again this time but this time I shall not mention names. Think the weather was exceptionally hot this time round and we were much more tired compared to the previous game. I almost wanted to sleep when we went to Mac to replenish the lost fats and carbo during the badminton game.
Walked down to the bowling alley to check out the package and it was $170 for the ball, shoe and bag package. Maybe I will go and get the package next week ba. It's time to get serious in the things I do and not just for recre purpose only and I enjoy to save $1 each time I go bowling from the shoe rental. Shall persuade SM and ZX to buy the package as well so that we can turn pro together and maybe can get discount some more.
Spent another fun-filled week with more celebrations. It was Natasha's farewell on Friday and we had a farewell steamboat dinner at Marina Bay. Ate and chat till the restaurant off the lights and we have to depend on the light from Marc's handphone torch to continue eating. After dinner some of us still felt too early to go home and therefore continued to go back to the HK cafe at Marina square for extended chatting session. Got a hard time getting cabs at Marina Bay and finally got no choice but to book cabs to get to Marina Square. Had a long long chat but sadly the topic still revolves on work and only till around 4.30am then we finally decided to go home.
Farewells after farewells and I'm glad that the next farewell will finally be mine. Had already worked for 7months in StarHub and seen so many people come and go and guess it's finally time I should go. Tendered my resignation already so there's no turning back and no extension finally. Wonder what I should do during my farewell..
Yesterday was Wenwei's 21st birthday and she had a celebration at the PA chalet. Seen many familiar faces again and to my surprise Ziqin was there! If I did not remember wrongly it was the first NP outing he ever attended, maybe it's a sign I should buy toto tomorrow. Miracles do happen at time. So after food we tried to play games but there was just too many of us to play games so we decided to plan for our overseas trip. So many possibilities thought of: Taiwan, Kukup, Bangkok, Batam... but no concrete plans yet. Really hope that we can go overseas together before school starts.
