BER-GER: I am a GER called ah-BER

Best Time to Visit Da Nang

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:47:00 +0000

Another travel reminder for myself.

June,July,Aug. Promotion season and sunny at the same time.

June,July,Aug is not my idea of the best time to be in DaNanag. It is really hot and sticky. As you can see by the chart of data below the best and the time I always go is MAR - MAY, I am out of there before the end of May each year. This last year I was swimming and have a great time in March at China Beach which is just down the street for the Furama Resort in Da Nang. Average DaNang Tepatures Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug 77 80 84 86 85 85 Average DaNang Rainfall in Inchs: Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug 1 1 3 3 4 4 Humidity Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug 90 87 82 80 80 82

Best time for hot sunny days is april to end of aug. Hardly any rain at all .

Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:03:00 +0000

I want to go Bali. Supposedly rains everyday either in the AM or PM based on feedback from someone who just returned on 21-Jan 2012. She was advised to go in Jun-Aug which is their summer. Then I had another friend who went there in Jan/Feb last year and it was fine. Probably will pass Bali this time round to go Cebu? But just a reminder for myself when for the later part of the year:

The beautiful tropical island has two seasons: The dry season from April until September and the wet season is between October and March. The temperature is very pleasant all year round between 25 and 35 degree Celsius.

Travel Tips - Currency Convertor

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:56:00 +0000

Found this really useful site which enables you to print a pocket size table of the exchange rate between the country you are visitng and your home country.
Definintely beneficial to the shopaholics.

http://www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates

Ops! I Did It Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 01:12:00 +0000

It happened again last evening.
The damage this time round is well, a hundred plus dollars....
True sign of a shopaholic - I cannot remember how much I spent exactly & neither can I remember what I have bought exactly.

I thought I should document the items I have bought.
And on a good day, I should take a picture of myself wearing those clothes and put side by side for comparison.

And today, on a Sunday, I choose to wear:

Pictures courtesy of Love Bonito - Abstract Jersey Maxi Skirt

People who know me well will know I seldom wear skirts.
Well, this is more forgiving as it is a looong skirt...
But I am not going to wear it as a looong skirt.
I will wear it as a tube top:

Picture courtesy of Love Bonito

Getting A Kick & Drying Hair Beside the Wall

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 10:43:00 +0000

Now, isn't it great to be back?
2 posts in a day.
Getting a kick out of it...

Double up as my mobile notebook that I can access anywhere, anytime.

Picture courtesy of relitespecialty.com (i may become their customer soon)

One of the things to research on...
Wall-mounted hair dryers!

I rarely used a hair-dryer at home.
The last few times, if I remembered right, mummy cornered me at my desk while I was reading or on the computer while she blew dry my hair for me.

Interestingly, I ALWAYS use the hair dryer at least once when I am travelling and staying in a decent hotel room with a wall-mounted hairdryer.
Isn't it marvellous how hassle-free it is?
Just pluck it out of its holder that is mounted to the wall and off you go!
If your hands get tired before the hair is dry, just dump it back in the holder and erm off you go again...
Still not dry enough and you badly need to sleep?
Well, go to the wall and pluck the handpiece out of its holder again!

Lovely!

Always thought I should haveone of these at home so that I no longer sleep with wet hair and risk going crazy (tou-feng), that is if I am not already tou-feng! Hahaha!

But why is it rarely seen in our common HDB flats? Hmmm...

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 08:28:00 +0000

Random surfing of the internet brought me to an article about blogging on the usnews.com site.
-----------------------------------------------------

Blog it.

Writing a blog will make you smarter (hence, more employable) because you’ll be doing all sorts of researching, reading, and thinking. A blog provides a showcase for said researching, reading, and thinking. You may also make some helpful contacts in the blogosphere.

----------------------------------------------------

So there you go.
I, the Ber-Ger, is BACK!

Home Renovation - Perspective is ready!

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 08:09:00 +0000

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that we are finally doing something for our house.

It's really a very very budget project to make my little 3.5 room HDB flat to look as unlike as a flat as possible....
Below are some pictures from the ID, but there really isn't much here cos we are buying most things off the rack and not engaging their services.

Common Toilet
(Yes, this is the toilet you will be using if you come to visit me. Door shd be tempered glass swing door. Doing away with the feature black metallic tiles at the rain shower . Just keep it a plain white toilet... Maybe a few mosaics....)

Kitchen
Cement screed walls with black tiles. Cabinet is likely to be off the racks from ikea. Simple simple small kitchen as there is unlikely to be much use for it??? Moi has no time to wash and cook.

Kitchen
Another view of the kitchen which shows the bright mosaic tiles. Still choosing between orange, red or green.

This has got to be my favourite part of the house for now. Very unique design. Pebble wash lining the entrance to the MBR toilet. The whole room will be converted to a walk-in wardrobe, by the way. Half of the wall will be hacked and basin has been shifted out to make the bathroom bigger, or at least appear bigger?

Organise-freak

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 11:16:00 +0000

I have a bit of an obsession with getting organised.
My other half would know... Yet, my room is in a big mess... cos I am a bit of a hoarder as well.

I wonder if I am the only one who is appealed to get one of these...
Several plastic bags that can be held together with velcro and costing $32/set.
Islapak Handbag Organiser

Now this would be extremely useful to me as I would like to change my bag more often w/o having to re-pack it each time....
To buy or not to buy....

I think I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:43:00 +0000

These days, I am getting wounded and bruised more easily. Then I scar very badly... With dark scars that are raised.
Thought I might be diabetic. Last medical checkup without even fasting was fine. So diabetes is out. Then I thought, maybe it is just a sign of growing old, that skin is not healing as fast as before. Sigh.......
Then I thought... might I have gotten AIDS from clearing the instruments which have been used on one of my patients.... Though that is higly unlikely.
It's amazing how far-fetched ones' imagination becomes when dealing with the unknown...

THEN! I read about the Ehlers Danlos Syndrome .

And yes.. I do have a certain degree of joint laxity. I am also flat feet. And I used to sprain my left ankle once a year. Poor healing with raised scars described to be similar to "cigarette paper" and bruising easily.
All signs seem to be pointing that way....

Or am I just growing old?

Aim PULL! Bang Shatter Whiff of Gunpowder

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:24:00 +0000

Know how in my previous post, I mentioned that hopefully I don't have too many items on my To Do List 2009?
Well.. Too bad!
Here I am at Singapore Gun Club!

Live life to the fullest! That's the way it should be... C'est La Vie!

One Down, One More to Go. Hope No More to Come.

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 07:51:00 +0000

Fantastic! The new year got off to a good start. I have completed the PPCDL course and is awaiting the theory test, following which (if I pass) can proceed on to the practical test. Driving in the sea is really not that difficult, given the wide expanse of the open sea. It is the berthing (or parking) that is difficult. Was really screwed up during the practice session as the wind was incontrollable and the NSouth Wind at this time of the year does not help at all. My boat will bang into the berth most times... All I can say is, "Luckily not my boat."
Being one of the only 2 gals in the class, a lot of eyes on me. Si beh stressed. And most of them has some experience boating illegally before since all around SG, you will be able to drive a boat w/o license.

It seemed so long ago that I first heard this song. It still sounds as beautiful as ever.
Somehow, this song just makes me wanna go... "Haiz............................................."
Doesn't it make you feel old?

Speaking of old, Yib is one of the first to celebrate his bday every year. This year marks the 28th b'day. He has a sweet gf who went through all the effort to plan a surprise bday party for him.

My poor guy doesn't have such luck. In fact, he was just complaining that I am snapping at him more often these days.

Last few weeks have been extremely busy. Didn't see my guy for 3 weeks. First it was my PPCDL course and then it was the trip to Myanmar. Phew! Finally able to enjoy the long weekend these few days. Was so tired the day before, I almost fell asleep at the wheels and swerved my car... No harm to my car nor myself. But I think I did give the white BMW behind me a good scare.

Speaking of driving, wonder when I can afford to change car.. Hee...
My lancer serving me well lah... My heart still skips a beat whenever I spot it in the carpark after being away from it for awhile. But.... it is still my ultimate dream to be able to drive a cabriolet, my hair flowing in the wind. Though hard is the truth, my hair is most likely to be whipping my face, if not stuck to my perspiring forehead. Haa!

Life is easier to get by, if you have something to look forward to. For now, it is to get a cabrio, to be able to drive down Fairways Dr to Mimolette or Saddle Club for a brunch with the galloping horses, hopefully before they decide to poo-poo for the day. Hee...

Alrighty! Better get down to work. Gotta clear all the junk before 12 mn today else I will be stuck with the junk till Tue! Hahaha! Amber over and out!

TO DO LIST 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 11:41:00 +0000

Wanted to come in and write my new year resolutions.
Then I read what I wrote previously.
Crap.
That is such a distant memory now.
The new MD has called for a meeting and assured us that company will function as usual. He has yet to have the time to go through the the local business to bring about major changes to the company. But I say, it is only a matter of time when he is going to implement certain things and step on some toes.

Don't think too much for now....

Life is too short.
I amazed how days go by and there are always new learnings and experiences...

So... for now... Let's all try to enjoy life to the fullest.

THINGS TO DO IN 2009

PPDCL - By Mar '09
PADI - By Jun '09

Well.. pretty achievable for now. List is still quite short.
I will add on to it.
Hmmm... I think I should put it on my sidebar instead so everyone can see my progress.

New Job Wanted

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 06:42:00 +0000

For once, I thought that my job is not too crappy.... Well, it is still crappy for the odd people (who are forever in a foul mood) that we need to deal with, but there is enough good things happening to make up for it.
Then this has to happen... Close source in the office has leaked info regarding the impending departure of our MD, and that SG office is likely to merge with MAL. Our warehouse will be sub-contracted to a third party. I am pretty sure someone is going to lose their job. (I am assuming and hoping none of my colleagues is reading this... :P)
Never have I expected the medical industry to be susceptible to the economic meltdown.
I have analysed the situation. My position in the company is not secure. I heard they are paid $-to-$ salary but in ringgit. Try to beat that, operating cost will be cut by half if they replace all the local personnel with their own.
Secondly, I am one of the 2 senior exec in the co. who are paid slightly higher than the rest of the execs. Therefore, best person to get rid of in order to cut cost.
Will they bother to retain me? Unlikely, because I have only 1 year's experience in the industyr and probably not as valuable as the really senior mngmts for industry info.
Now, even if they were to retain the existing staff, I would think twice about staying on after the merger. My last trip to the MAL office did not leave me with a good impression. The office environment seemed cold and unfriendly. The people working there did not seem happy. Furthermore, with any change of management, they will be eager to bring down cost and increase profit. Cost cutting all abounds and target will be high...
I hope there will be a good retrenchment package....
I am considering going into early retirement for the coming year....

Get Over It

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:33:00 +0000

Several incidents cumulated over the last few weeks, and I just have this sudden urge to say...........

GET OVER IT!

Your (Stupid) Guide to Renovation Cost-Cutting

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:28:00 +0000

Couldn't help it. How many of us has a good idea of what we want our house to look like, but are restrained by the cost of replicating the idea.

Amongst the things that have crossed my mind:

Cement screed the floor = Eliminate cost of tiles
Hack down as many walls as possible (without comprimising structural stability) so that there are less walls to plaster and paint.
Hack down as many walls as possible so that it will be airy and bright = Cut down on electrical bills arising from cooling the house with air-conditioner/fan and lighting up the house.

As smart as I think I am....

Renovation Headache

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:27:00 +0000

$$$

Letter to Renovators

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:05:00 +0000

Mood: Frustrated

To: All Shortlisted Contractors & Desingers

Dear PCKs,

Please stop trying to force your standard ideas of a HDB flat onto me!

Thanks & Best regards
Ah-Ber

It's All About the Location

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:39:00 +0000

I simply love the location of the new flat!

Type in my new address on google map...
*Tinkers on the keypads on my lappie*.... and "ENTER"....
Woila!
Hmmm... Maybe not so good....

Now, if I just zoom out a bit more....
Shift the map to the left and up.....
Now for the real Woila!

I become neighbours with the rich and famous in District 9!
There! At the right hand corner is Orchard/Grange Road/Tanglin... See?!
(I am the red ballon at the opposite corner, on the left hand side.)

View Larger Map

My New House. It's a Penthouse!

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:34:00 +0000

For those of you who have heard about my house search.. Yes! I finally found one a few months ago. It is in West Coast. No, it isn't as far as it sounds - it is not on the opposite end of your favourite East Coast Park. It is actually rather near Clementi Central. My poor Eugene will have to trod his way there daily to catch the MRT to his workplace... Well, he is considering getting a bike again. But I am very against it, as I have driven to Tuas on several occassions to fetch him from work and found it to be a very intensive cardiac workout.

Now for some pictures of my lovely house:

NOT!!!!

No, this isn't my house. If for that moment, you believed what I said, I thank you. Unfortunately I am unable to afford anything like that...

Not to worry, Eugene has officially appointed me to be the Designer for the house, to create a peaceful cove for the both of us at a cost of............. SGD20,000.

I have relinquished the position. Better let him try to juice the contractor/designer than to juice me...

I have not taken any pictures of the flat per se. Simply because there is nothing in the house. It has been empty for a year.

One of the things that drawn me to the house is the magnificent view it has. But fate has it that a 24-storey condo is going to be built right next to my block. It no longer matters if . I lost half of the million-dollar-view.

Here is the view to the left of my kitchen. You can actually see the cranes at Pasir Panjang if I am not wrong. I can't wait for the condo to TOP man! #$@%$%^%$&!!!!

Here is the view to the right of my kitchen. Actually if I stretch my head out a bit more, you can see a lake or sorts there...

And this is from the living room. If you can stretch a bit more, yes we see the construction site again... and then there is the Clementi Stadium and West Coast Recreation Centre. If I throw a stone hard enough, it might just land on the tracks there.

Lastly, my favourite view that scored it for me. It is Bt Timah Hills in the background.

Reeeeaaaallllllllllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:44:00 +0000

Conspiracy Theory

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 06:07:00 +0000

I suspect that they are deliberately planting rain seeds to make it rain everyday to force him out of his hideout.
Why has it been raining almost everyday at this time of the year?!

While they were at it, they probably tried to somehow lower the temperature in Singapore. It was freezing in the office. I do hope he is not hiding in any office buildings in SG, cos then he will really be drove out of hiding. Everyone is wrapped up in extra cardigan/jacket/scarf.

Wet, cold and hungry... Ultimate combination...

Try to Beat This

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:51:00 +0000

That day my MD told me, "Your hair looks very dry."
Dumbstruck. Nothing better to say?
Now I am so obsessed over my hair. To think I had already chopped off the dry ends before new year.
Must be the swim that I had during CNY... Pool was empty as usual during the festive season.
And this has got to be the most expensive swim in my whole life. S$31.20 including the entry to the pool.

ExxonMobil posts record 40.6-bln-dlr profit in 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 09:12:00 +0000

ExxonMobil posts record 40.6-bln-dlr profit in 2007
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20080201/tts-us-company-oil-earnings-exxonmobil-972e412.html

40.6 billion = 40.6 million x 1000 -------------- (a)
40.6 million = 40.6 x 1000 x 1000 ------------- (b)

Substituting (b) in (a);
40.6 billion = (40.6 x 1000 x 1000) x 1000
= (406 x 100 x 1000) x 1000
= (40600 x 1000) x 1000
= (40600000) x 1000
= 40600000000

Took me 5 minutes to figure this out. And I am not sure if I got it right...
I am sure if it's anything, I might have left out one or two zeroes.
And while I am at it, I figured they can easily pay for about 1 million clones of me to work for a year. Now... how can I get into the oil industry?

Possible Hobbies 2008 ver. 1

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:37:00 +0000

Now now... I am quite sure I have a guitar stashed somewhere in the storeroom...

noreply@blogger.com (Notamamashop Owner) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 11:16:00 +0000

Finally picked up my car almost a mth after the accident....

SOOOO HAPPPPIII! Even though both cars are almost the same and just as new as each other, my own car still feels much more comfy.

Well, that is not after paying $100 for a stupid minor scratch on the bumper that came out of nowhere. On top of a rental fee of $1,700. #%^%^&*&&(*&($%%$@#$#!#@!#!@@!#!@$%^

Total repair is estimated to be $15,000. Had to pay excess of $500.

I am so broke....

After that, I happily drove my car around... and before I know it, I spotted a light scratch on the left side of my car body!?
Must have been one of the flying rocks lah.... KNN! CBB!!! 1234567!!!