The Winter Beast is running around my house!

For those who don't know yet, SNOW LEOPARD IS HERE!! and Its running smoothly, and VERY quickly. Its amazing. After launching word for the first time. Subsequent launches takes less than 1 second!

I've graduated lor!

I've graduated lor!

And just like that, all my 16 years of education has come to an end. Uni life was amazing and I think it passed a little too quickly. While I must say that I enjoyed all my education thus far, nothing beats CS. Note that I really hate NTU, the organic university - with all its minions and administration, and ancient communications department, and even more ancient powers that be.

Life in CS is nothing short of quirky. Like the dear valedictorian, Kang Li, said, we are far too noisy. And amongst us are a kaleidoscope of different talents, from him, the amazing photojournalist who has won champion in international competitions, to "models", to album selling singers, to videographers, to activists like myself, and the list goes on. Through a strange passion (or law reject if you are ling or jingli), life brought all of us together in this strange orphaned course - Communication Studies. It might not apply to all, but for me, its been a very inspiring journey. Professors have opened our minds, and broadened our thinking. Its hard to sit through the course and be narrow minded. Its hard to not be a critical thinker, gone are the days where we just simply believe everything people say, or read.

As this chapter of my life closes, I have no idea what lies ahead of me. Some of my friends have, most unexpectedly, gone on to do things I would never imagine they would do. Lynette, the "spoilt" one has gone to Ghana to work for an NGO. This is the women who, for the life her, cannot walk up the slope to canteen B and has to pull my bag to drag her up, and yet is the fastest 2.4km runner in the tennis team. This same woman backpacked SEA with all of 5 t-shirts and shorts.

A tiny part inside of me wonders what is this whole point of working. What is the value of work? It is part of this consumer-capitalistic culture that I loathe. I want to do something of value, something that makes things better, not in terms of money. The things money can't buy. I wanted to teach because I can teach future generations of people, I want to be a counsellor, because I want to help.

As of now, I know what material things in life I want to achieve, but suddenly, I am not sure what else I personally want to achieve. Maybe after 2 years, I might just runaway to another country and do something that I really want to do. Teach some poor impoverished children in a developing country? Run to Melbourne and be a counsellor? Start a cafe collective in Singapore? Something that helps the world be better.

Sydney

A lovely cafe @ Glebe

Photo: Shanna

Squeeze a dollar from your latte

taken from http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/07/budget-tips.asp

[Note: People who know me, knows that I am mostly a frugal person and only occasionally do I indulge in some little pampering and luxury. This probably comes from good parenting, as such I am never in debt, and there's enough to go around. As I am about to step into the workforce, and needing to take on the financial responsibility for myself and my family, I think this article will help me alot, and perhaps for all those reading. Like I always ask people who want to buy that something, do you need or want it? And is there a better alternative? Of course if you say that you absolutely need that $100 t-shirt, you should really re-look at your priorities.]

When many people think of budgeting or saving money, they think of making major changes like cutting out vacations, downgrading the car, or moving to a smaller house. But budgeting doesn't necessarily have to involve a great deal of sacrifice or hassle. Paying more attention to the little expenses you incur every day on food, transportation and entertainment can help you stick to your budget with enough money left over to pay down your debt, enjoy a trip to Hawaii, or just live a little more comfortably. (Budgeting doesn't have to be all pain and no gain. To learn more, read Enjoy Life Now And Still Save For Later and Top 5 Budgeting Questions Answered.)

Food
Food can be a major expense for busy people who purchase a lot of meals away from home. If you added up the cost of all those lunches out, you might be shocked to find that you're spending $200 a month or more on meals that wouldn't cost more than $50 a month if you brought them from home.

Let's take a look at a few food-money traps you're likely to encounter on a daily basis and how to avoid them.

• Reduce coffee costs - It's tempting to hit the coffee shop every morning, but the cost really adds up, especially if you're purchasing premium drinks like lattes. Strike a balance between saving money and treating yourself by reducing your weekly visits to the coffee shop from five to two, or ordering regular coffee and adding the milk yourself for free. Better yet, buy a coffee maker for your desk at work if it's your hatred of the office coffee that compels you to search out the premium blends. Even a fancy coffee maker will quickly pay for itself if you're currently spending $4 a day on lattes (that's $80 or more per month!).
  
  
• Eat breakfast and create a food stash - Breakfast is usually the least expensive meal of the day, and you might not spend as much money on lunch and dinner if you don't starve yourself all morning. For the times you do get hungry, keep snacks with you in the car, in your purse or briefcase, and in your desk at work. You'll save both money and calories if you eat a granola bar instead of buying a muffin. Don't forget to take advantage of any freebies provided by your office.
  
  
• Do it yourself - Rather than opening up your wallet, it's cheaper to make your own energy bars, yogurt parfaits, muffins, or whatever you habitually hand over money for. Also, don't buy bottled water. Carry your own re-usable bottle instead. The tap water in North America is perfectly safe to drink.
  
  
• Save on lunch - Bringing your own lunch is a highly effective way to reduce spending, whether it's making a sandwich, bringing leftovers from last night's dinner, or heating up a can of chili. If your office doesn't have a communal fridge, consider getting your own mini-fridge. While this item may cost $80 new at the store, it will quickly pay for itself if it gets you to bring leftovers from home instead of spending $10 on restaurant lunches every day.
  
  If brown-bagging isn't your bag, "lunchpooling" can be another way to save money on workday lunches. Get together with a small group of co-workers and agree to each provide lunch one day per week. One person orders a pizza on Monday, and the next person buys a couple of foot long subs for Tuesday, etc. By selecting the right lunch choices, you'll save money by taking advantage of economies of scale.
  
  
• Cook dinner - Cook ahead for the week during the weekend when you have the time. Make a large batch of food and freeze part of it. Don't hit the restaurant, pick up the phone, or visit the prepared food section of the grocery store every night. If you have to eat out, choose an inexpensive restaurant with generous portions so that you can get two or three meals for your money. Always take home restaurant leftovers.

Transportation
Driving a car to work every day costs more than just the price of gas - it also causes wear and tear on your vehicle (decreasing its value and increasing your maintenance and repair expenses) and increases your odds of being involved in an accident. Use these tips to make getting to work more cost-effective.

• Carpool - You don't have to work in the same office as someone to catch a ride to work with him or her. Search out people on Craigslist who live and work in the same neighborhoods you do and have the same work hours. In addition to removing the stress of driving a few times a week, carpooling may even directly reduce your commute time by taking advantage of a carpool lane on the freeway.
  
  
• Avoid peak commuting hours - Adjusting your commute to avoid rush hour not only gives you more free time; it also improves your gas mileage as you spend less time idling. Traffic may be much lighter just 15 or 30 minutes before the time you normally leave. Removing a long, stressful drive from your day can improve your energy level and your mood.
  
  
• Take the bus - Even if it takes a little longer and you have to sit next to a stranger, you might find that being able to ignore the traffic and read a book makes sacrificing the privacy of your own vehicle worth it. A monthly bus pass is usually cheaper than a month's worth of gas.
  
  
• Don't buy premium gas - Ignore the hype about premium gas unless the manufacturer of your vehicle specifically recommends a higher octane fuel. (For added insight and tips, see Getting A Grip On The High Cost Of Gas.)
  
  
• Maintain your vehicle - Many major repairs and unexpected breakdowns can be avoided if you change your oil regularly and have the car thoroughly checked out once or twice a year. You can also buy anOBD-II reader to read your car's computer, which can save you a trip to the mechanic when your check engine light comes on.

Entertainment
At the end of a hard day's work, we all want nothing more than a few hours of relaxation and fun. How you choose to spend this time can have a major impact on your finances.

• Stay home - The No.1 way to save money during your free time is to stay home. You're already paying for the place you live, so why not enjoy it? Avoiding malls, bars, clubs, movie theaters and restaurants will put you ahead of the game (as long as you don't fill that time with online shopping). This isn't to say that you should never go out, just that it's good to enjoy these pleasure in moderation. If you just have to get out of the house, run errands that are already factored into your budget, such as grocery shopping, or take advantage of free activities like hiking, visiting your neighborhood pool, or going to the library.
  
  
• Trade major luxuries for affordable luxuries - If you feel like treating yourself to something special, keep it reasonable. Buying yourself some gourmet chocolate at the grocery store won't set you back nearly as much as going out for a gourmet dinner, but it might be all the pick-me-up you need. (To learn how to stretch your spending dollars even further, read Five Money-Saving Shopping Tips.)
  
  
• Save on internet costs - If you live in an apartment or condo, look into sharing wireless internet with your neighbors. If you already have a land line and a cell phone, you can get dial-up internet without worrying about tying up the line. Today's dial-up is considerably faster than it used to be. If your online needs are minimal or you can accomplish what you need to during your lunch break at work, consider going without home internet altogether.
  
  
• Only buy as much TV as you watch - Downgrade your cable package, or give up cable altogether and pay to watch individual TV shows from download sites such as Netflix or iTunes. Some networks let you watch recent shows for free online. You might also find that the cable company will suddenly offer you a better rate, at least for a few months, when you call to cancel. (For more on how conspicuous consumption can destroy your finances, see Stop Keeping Up With The Joneses - They're Broke.)
  
  
• Be wary of bundled services - Don't assume that package deals that bundle your phone, internet and cable TV together are the best deal. It often pays to price-out the individual services from the different providers. Bundles also put you at greater risk of being unable to communicate in an outage.

Conclusion
Sticking to a budget doesn't have to be painful - it can actually be enjoyable when it helps you achieve your goals. You work hard for your money, so why let it slip away from you in ways that are easily controlled? While we can't always predict or prepare for the major expenses in our lives, we can choose how much money to spend on work lunches or television. Taking charge of the small, recurring costs can have a surprisingly large effect on your finances.

For more budgeting tips and tricks, read Save Money The Scottish Way and Get Your Budget In Fighting Shape.

by Amy Fontinelle, (Contact Author | Biography)

Amy Fontinelle is a freelance writer and editor with clients located across the United States and in Canada. She has written over 300 published articles and blog posts for a variety of national and local publications and websites on topics including travel, restaurants, food and drink, fitness, budgeting, credit management, real estate, investing and historic preservation. Her articles have been featured on the homepage of Yahoo! and on Yahoo! Finance, Yahoo! HotJobs, several local news websites and Forbes.com.

You can read more of Amy's personal finance articles at Two Pennies Earned, her own personal finance website, and at PF Advice, one of the web's leading personal finance blogs.

I was pleasantly surprised

So at work today, I happen to be chatting with my boss before I left, and her little girl (a primary one girl) was beside her. As we were talking she asked her little girl if she wants to say bye bye to me as I was leaving to go home. The little girl knowing that I was from Singapore (and she spent the first 5 years of her life in Singapore) asked if I was going home to Singapore. So boss and I were laughing at her silliness and boss explained to her that no, I was going home to my place in Melbourne, where I stayed with my partner J.

Those were almost her exact words.

I was pleasantly surprised because while I know that boss is Australian, and she has been more than loving to me about me, I didn't expect her to say that. Despite knowing that her 2nd daughter's godparents are her best gay friend and his partner, I was still mildly shocked. I think suffice to say, this is a HUGE difference between the more loving people I have come into contact with in Singapore.

Of course its an easy generalization, but over here in Australian, you can even feel it in the air how they try to accept everyone. Honestly if I was an Australian, I would hate Asians too, if only you can see the number of Asians here! Just yesterday, a group of Asians allegedly murdered an Australian here, because the deceased tried to break up a fight. I have to say that they do better than Singaporeans in terms of treating foreigners (remember how we are like to foreigners - c.f PRC, South Asians). Besides accepting Asians, they are also very accepting of gay people. From 1st July 2009, they will recognize same sex couples living together and allow them the same benefits as different sex couples.

Its not only in the policies, in their everyday language too. Just that day on my friend's KT note, I was having a short conversation with his friend on how Australians do not assume that you have a girlfriend just because you are a guy. They use the word partner, and significant other.

Things are changing rapidly in Singapore, and watching the video of PinkDot brought more than a few stream of tears to my eyes. For the first time, I saw my peers, my friends, gay and straight coming together without fear to say its ok for us to love another person (I can go on a lengthy discussion to pre-empt the dissenters on how this does not apply to bestiality or necrophilia but that is not the point of this note). I saw how much love there was in the air, how there was no hate, no anger, no discrimination, just love. Its may sound cheesy and cliched, but there is really so little of it going around these days.

And its not only during events like these that messages of love are spread. Like I tell all my friends, I try my best to eradicate homophobia at the grassroots level. Day to day I live my life to the best and let people know that being gay makes no difference, my friends all love me for who I am, my employers see me for what I can do and contribute. I fondly remember how a dear old friend of mine, Jeremiah, stood for gay people when people in his camp started gay bashing. How many of you my dear friends has done that? If you had, thank you.

I have no doubt in my mind that my boss's little girl will grow up to love all her friends regardless on what label might be attached to them.

pinkdot.sg!

Why the AWARE saga is all of our concern

If you’ve been keeping up with my post at the AWARE facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=69919939869) you would know that I have always been urging restraint for everyone. I’ve no less than many times, told people to NOT write to DBS and ask them to fire Josie Lau, because I feel that it is not right to do so, and it’ll backfire. Also her joining AWARE while breaching all staff’s code of conduct, does not warrant a sacking, and what DBS does to her, its purely their internal arrangement and we should not interfere.

However as you might have also noticed, they have been getting increasing brazen and I’ve also stop urging restraint, and I admit that at times, it gets just the slightest bit emotional, sometimes tongue in cheek but you get the drift. This is in no small part to the monumental damage these woman have done and can/will continue to do to AWARE and Singapore and it is all our concern as Singaporeans.

As Siming as rightly pointed out in his note which I’ve shared on my profile, freedom of religion in Singapore necessitates freedom FROM religion especially in non religious, secular institution. It is only in this situation can we have no infringement of anybody (read the note here http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=69919939869)

What truly shocks me and scares me is how brazen Church of Our Saviour at Margaret Drive (as opposed at Ms Thio Patio) have become. The series of events where first they stormed AWARE’s election (with the email now circulating on STOMP), then subsequently denying it, even claiming to have barely known each other. THEN firing members of the old guard, exclude the previous president and totally ignore her advise. THEN going on a CNA interview vehemently objecting to be on the same show as anyone from the old guard. THEN firing centre manager Ms Lee and changing the locks to the premise, THEN suddenly in an about turn Thio steps up and claimed that she was behind it. All these leaves a very sour aftertaste.

And their agenda is now out in the open, they want to dictate sex education in Singapore, it is all about homosexuality for them. Further to their dictum of women being subjugated to their husband, and that the man is the head of the household, how can we ever believe in them. They’ve also removed the “all-inclusive” line in AWARE’s constitution.

This is dangerous for Singapore because as I’ve pointed out, they’re want to do this because they want to remove homosexuals from Singapore. They’ve said during the press conference that they’re concerned that homosexual is a neutral word instead of being negative, and they’ve claimed that we are mentally abused and come from abusive family. I RESENT THAT. My family has been nothing but loving to me being gay. Where would this new face of Christian fundamentals stop? How far will they go to push their Christian agenda? No homosexual, no abortion, what’s next for secular Singapore?

I wonder what they would do if a conservative muslim group decides that the new AWARE has lost its focus by promoting woman working outside and be independent, and decides to storm the new AWARE as well? Because if we do not protect Singapore’s NGO from religious fanatics, that could very well happen, because everyone thinks that they’re right. We cannot allow these woman to overrun AWARE. If they feel that woman needs more values then as per what they’ve been doing, preach that in their religious institution, please keep your religious values to your institution.

We need to save AWARE, and protect other NGO’s from a similar fate. I urge all of you to write to important people whom might be able to help the cause. Because the future of Singapore should they be successful is beyond my imagination.

Please sign the petition here, and join the group linked above (http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/gender-equality-for-all.html)

OMG!!! CUTE TEES

isn't this t-shirt just DAMN CUTE!!!!!!! omg i <3 bug bunny

happiness comes in the little things

like seeing you on my computer screen while i am doing work, and hearing you disturb me (okok, entertaining) me with your singing...

=)

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Should i try the scruffy look??




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I can't believe that I am going to see the boy in just a few weeks time! It might even be earlier than expected so YAY, we'll see how it turns out.

It's still quite unbelievable that all my 16 years of education will be ending soon. It was quite an uninspiring end, without fanfare. But when the fact dawned on me, it was quite an emo moment. No more seeing my beloved gang in school, sitting by the benches and just talk and bitch. Thank goodness for that fyp day, where in a kismet, we all just gathered there are started to live the good old days. Pity Ms Cheong was NOT AROUND!!! if not it would be complete... ok there's also ling kai who wasn't there.

And now I'm reading and thinking, again the punishment for lazy boys like me who decides to not keep up with the reading during school term is a lot of readings to do at the end of the semester. Jem can spank me!!

Ok now back to my books.

The Beautiful Imperfection

I've been saying that I want to blog a long post, but I never really got down to it because school life has gotten the better of me. But tonight, I saw a video clip (above) that really moved me and makes me want to share my thoughts. (You can watch this on my posted links)

Essentially the clip is about a woman who describes her late husband and his imperfections, and it struck a chord in me. Many times I have told and ask people, who are in relationships and are in one of the usual tiffs, if this is something they can live with. Because to me, there is no such thing as the perfect person, there is no such thing as the right person. The most important thing is to make your partner the right one. Which is why I ask if this is something they can live with.

Everyone will have their imperfections, will have difference in opinions, will have difference in character, there are no 2 person out there in perfect synergy (not even twins) where they agree to every single detail. The key to a perfect relationship is to learn to live with all this imperfections and to love it.

Sometimes there is no middle ground, sometimes you just have to give in and tolerate it, because for all you know there are many things that your partner is putting up with and giving in as well.

I can be a very patience person but there are times when I get high strung and lose it quite abruptly and quite suddenly. It is times like when I know how someone tolerates my nonsense and puts up with me scolding unnecessarily. Of course I put up with quite a fair share myself, but that's how it is, and that's how it works.

We have to learn be tolerant, to be patient, and at the end of the day know that for every complain, every flaw, every imperfection, there's something that they do that makes you smile, the brightens up your day, that tugs at your heart. It could be that simple smile, that comforting snore (yes j-en), the puppy eyes. And learning and knowing that "its the imperfections that make them perfect"

There's really the secret to it all.

Earth Hour 2009 - The Big Picture - Boston.com

Earth Hour 2009 - The Big Picture - Boston.com

Posted using ShareThis

song of the moment

Taylor Swift |MTV Music

Quite a nice song.. sorta describes how a certain someone and i met, in a more fairytale setting.

I actually like to read long blog entries

Which is why I love to read Ms Alexis' long posting. While I do want to sincerely type longer and put up more pics, the will to blog just seems to elude me, and I wonder why Ms Alexis can do so. Only to realize that while she's chilling at home on a Saturday, I am sitting here reading so that I can attempt to finish some background review for an assignment which is due next week.

Having said that, instead of sitting here and typing a ridiculously long entry is a big no no, which I shall not do. Why did I not do my readings and stuff earlier? Because I have been procrastinating. Not that I wasn't doing anything; I was sitting in the lab for 4 hours a day making sure everything is alright with my participants. Adding in preparation and travel time, it makes for a good 5 hours plus just being in school over a recess week which I could have otherwise been more productive.

Anyway, so while being in the lab I suddenly realized that my second pair of Havs broke. My other pair broke about 3 months back I think. This pair is a much older pair that has seen me running around FOC with my lovely juniors, and many other torture, so it giving way 4 years later is a pretty good deal. The other pair however, has barely accompanied me to anything more tormenting than the school pavement and the tarmac outside my house.

Ok I promise I would go a good long post with pictures after I get through next week.

I foresee sleepless nights ahead

Crazy lar me

I can't believe that I'm actually missing him till i'm tearing. I can be looking at him and still miss him. Crazy lar.

The next 10 weeks will be tough. With FYP due, assignments, projects, and lastly exams. 2 big papers no less, and one more fluffier one. How will I survive? We all do lar, its just how tough the process is.

I want to see him in person like now!! and give him one good cuddle.

LDR is no joke lar...

ARGH!!!!

=(

When I'm stressed up

a few things happen. Usually I'll get a very bad tummy, which includes horrific diarrhea like this morning when I thought I was peeing from my ass (HAHAHAH, gross i know). Also there used to be a few occasions when I would bad a super bad tummy ache. People close to me will also know that aside from somatic symptoms, I would also be a bit flustered (or you know they call it mang zang). So all that happened this morning, except for the tummy ache.

Reason for stress, FYP, heavy-ass midterms, freelance and I just missed a pop-quiz. But yes aside from that things are still going good. We've a few more participants (everyone counts), things are moving, but I've got a bit more to do.

J's really adorable and sweet and cute today, well everyday lar, but yar. And I got my tickets booked and confirmed already!! I'm sooooooooo excited about heading down, gosh.. I really can't wait nor contain my excitement!!!!!!

This is when it gets real busy

but its kinda good because FYP has finally started!!! Our experiments are running and everything appears to be going alright. We need more participants so we'll see how that turns out. Hopefully with a reduced sample, we can still catch some good effects, possibly some gender stuff too.

things are going great. I'm watching J fall asleep, and to me that has gotta be the best thing in the world. To be the last person one sees before falling asleep and to be the person to wake up to, is really the sweetest. J's in the US though, and that's gonna make communication slightly tougher, because the time difference is greater, and this two weeks is also my experiment weeks, so that makes my hours in school ridiculous plus a heavy midterms... but we'll pull through, we always pull through

met up with D and Ah Yee for dinner and coffee last night after a looong day in the lab, but it was totally worth it for all the laughters and long overdue catch up. Nothing scheduled for the next 2 weeks though, I'm going to be a hermit!!

in other news, I'm going to head down under!!!! =p

xoxo, S

You know you're republican when...

You're a pro-lifer, but support the death penalty.

You believe global warming and tobacco's link to cancer are junk science, but creationism should be taught in schools. 

You think trade with Cuba is wrong because the country is Communist, but trade with China and Vietnam is vital to a spirit of international harmony.

You don't let your kids watch Sesame Street because you accuse Bert and Ernie of "sexual deviance".

You argue that you need 300 handguns, in case a bear ever attacks your home.

You've ever referred to someone as "my (insert racial or ethnic minority here) friend".

You believe every man, woman, child and fetus should be armed to the teeth with AK-47's, hand grenades, handguns, and any other weapon imaginable.

You actually believe that people own AK-47's for "hunting purposes".

You think the words feminist and lesbian are synonyms.

You believe the hole in the ozone layer to be a myth created by crazy liberals.

You're for prayer in schools, as long as you don't pray to Allah or Buddha.

You think God hates homosexuality, but loves the death penalty.

You think all artists are gay.

You ever based an argument on the phrase, "Well, tradition dictates..."

You think Bush deserves the title "leader of the free world".

No one likes FYP

Really, I don't think anyone actually likes FYP. Its like this constant irritant that you can't get rid off for a year. And as always it can get better if it actually starts earlier and on time, but for some reasons that can't be controlled everyone has to rush it at the end, knowing that this will happen.

And then there are some massive time spent on a course which I have already done to death but I needed to fulfill my course requirements, so I HAD to take a course which wasted a lot of my precious time, which also meant a very bad previous semester for me!!! (which included getting my LOWEST SCORE ON RECORD!!! A FREAKING B-)

Waking up at 5 a.m. was unexpected though, because I thought a certain lazy someone wanted to be up by 8 a.m.. So i drifted in and out of consciousness till the certain someone awoke, and it was quite a nice feeling......

Too happy to sleep?

So its 6am here, and I am awake after only having like what 4 hours plus of sleep because I tried to fall asleep but i can't.

Too happy to sleep bah.

"Those 3 words are said too much, they're not enough"