After Action Review

I'm back to work. It's the 3rd day of Chinese New Year.

It was a great start i must say. Came in and close 2 orders. Got my commission (Yes, they did not give it to be before CNY). However, it felt as well too.

Wanted to do my car servicing today, but the guy is closed till Friday. So nothing for now.
Tired, tired, tired is how i am feeling now.

Here's the breakdown:

Day -2
* Spring Cleaning from 9.30am till 7pm
* Wash my car.

Day -1
* More Spring Cleaning from 9.30am till 1pm
* Vacum my car
* Reunion Dinner (Part 1 - My side) @ 3pm - 4.30pm
* Through washing of the floor
* Reunion Dinner (Part 2 - Wife's Side) @ 6pm - 9.30pm
* Prayer preparation at home @ 10.30pm
* Home prayer starts @ 11.20pm
* Leaves home for Chinese Temple @ 11.30pm
* End Temple session @ 12.30am (New year lohhh)
* Go back to Mrs Neo's House to pick up her hp @ 1am (My first ang bao from Sister in Law. Heehee)

Day 1
* Visited 6 families
* Had lunch @ Subway (Leisure Park) - With a quick nap at the sofa seat that was too comfortable
* Dinner @ Mrs Neo's place

Day 2
* All my sisters came back to my house from 9.30am till 4.45pm.
* Left for Mrs Neo's Auntie house for dinner till 9pm

Day 3 (Today)
* Work and eat snake day.

It's the end of the Chinese New Year break. Well of course it last more then that.
However, it signify the start of my working year 2009. My target figure is reset in Feb, there's no holiday till April and i have to start saving again for my long trip at the end of the year again.

I'll take this week to warm up my engine i guess.

Gong Xi Fa Cai to me.

$13.60

Finally got to trim my eyebrow after all the says.

First thing is that i don't know where to go to to do the trimming.
Also considering to "Wan Mian", which is using the threads, two threads to extract the hairs on the eye region. I thought that might be fun. Or just simply do it the traditional pluck it out method.

But with all the spring cleaning and stuffs, it was really a really really last minute item.
And it was Mrs Neo who booked the appointment for me.

Yes... Have to make appointment somemore leh.
It's at Jean Yip Hub @ Tampinese Mall.

The lady, Kelly, had fingers that worked so well with the pincer, it was like rapid fire, with very little pain. I however, still think that my previous expereince was better and the previous lady did a much better job.

It was however still neat and tidy, the way i like it. Not too thin (I like thick eyebrow) and nicely shaped.

As usual, they tried to sell me a package for eyebrow trimming. Omg. Eyebrow trimming also got package!? Anyway i shun away paid $13.60 and left happy.

The year of the "OX" here i come!

Ask me la...

During the 15 days of Chinese New Year, it's a taboo to have a haircut and thus it's common for Chinese to have their hair trimmed before the day itself.

Not an exception, i went over to Kimage @ Funan to have our haircut.
Sharing the same stylist, Mrs Neo got her hair washed first and sat in front of a big hair dryer set for 30mins. I was next at the hairwash and the stylist worked on me first while Mrs Neo gets her hair dried in a perm.

Mr Neo: Keep my fringe ok, and trim the other side really short, the side with the fringe keep very very long.
Stylist: Hmm would'nt that look funny?
Mr Neo: No, i like it. That actor also does it that way. Looks fine. A new look.
Stylist: Who?
Mr Neo: I forgot his name, ask Mrs Neo

--
*Stylist walks over*
--

Stylist: Which actor is your hubby talking about?
Mrs Neo: Ohh that "blah blah"
Stylist: Ohh (Fetch styling book), like this?
Mrs Neo: (Takes over book) No no.. more of like this
Stylist: But i think he would look better with this (Flips book)
Mrs Neo: (Points) How about this?
*Discuss, discuss*
Stylist: Ok also, but need to thin alot and do layer
Mrs Neo: Ok, cut like that.

--
*Stylist walks back*
--

Stylist: Ohh i know what you want already. I cut here, thin there... "blah blah". Ok?
Mr Neo: Yeah sure.

*Ponder* How come you don't ask me one? Haha...

Best foot forward

A must buy in our list of Chinese New Year stuffs will always include a pair of new shoes.
Today, finally we brought them.

Both pairs cost around $60 and i think Mrs Neo got quite a pretty pair. It has very nice details too. For myself, i got a regular dark brown shoes to replace my worn pair to go with my jeans.

Tomorrow is a half day work for me and there's time for some last minute shopping and maybe stock up on some New Year goodies.

Another break is coming up. But after this will have to wait till April before there's any holidays.

Bling Bling

Suddenly feel inspired to drive an Audi.
Looks very nice when you blink it. I think i should start a business and customise anything for people, or should i say, bling anything for people.

Backed with the shine and glitter of Swaroski crystals. Should earn me quite a bit right?

Thomson Medical Centre

Sitting down at the gynae's desk.

She explains the procedure and what she hopes to see.
A waterbag, in the correct position.
We nodded our head and i must say. Even with the 2 test, we felt "empty". We need the gynae to tell us the answer and today was the day.

The scanning went ahead. 1min later, i hear her say through the this curtain.

Gynae: "Yes, i see the waterbag. It's in the womb, Congratulations Mrs Neo, you are at stage one"

I bursted out saying "I wanna see, i wanan see!"

And of course she showed me. A waterbag, 5mm in size. For a year, we tried and finally, i saw the screen and a little circle on it seems like a miracle.

Admist the happiness and celebrations, we sat back at the gynae's desk and went back to discussion which was really getting tough.

Gynae: "It's stage 1 now, you are pregnant. But you have to wait till there's a heartbeat and a yolk in the waterbag, before it's a confirmed pregnancy."
Mr Neo: "But at this stage, how many % confirmation on pregnancy?"
Gynae: "50%"
Gynae: "It's 5weeks old now, you'll have to come back 2 weeks later to check. Behave pregnant now and don't worry."
Mr Neo: "Ohh.."

Well that's easy to say. We were so worried. Tensed. Any word possible to describe the feeling i would not hesitate to use.

And it's a 14days long wait for the next test.

Crumpler - Industry Disgrace (Review)

I finally put it to the test, the Crumpler SLR Strap.

Officially with only brown left on the shelves in Singapore, the black series all ran out of stock, not to mention the camo version. I got the brown anyhow. I do not fancy the camo verson due to its' bright green and i don't mind a strange color in the mix.

Paid $25 for it.

Going to Chinatown yesterday, i armed myself with it and side sling it for a good 3hours.
Why not neck sling? Well the cushion is quite broad. Somehow like a bag strap's size. So it's really good if you like to side sling.

However, after 3hours, my shoulder started to ache again...
Everything was right. But it still ache lor.

So i conclude.. It's the sheer weight of the camera.
The strap helps of course, if i am on the normal strap, maybe after an hour it would already start to hurt.

Rating: 7 / 10

The Confirmation

Well, we just had to make sure.

And since we got the "Predictor" yesterday (Which is my recommendation, due to it's design which allows you to keep the kit for memory purposes), we really want to make sure it was not a dream last night.

I went to get "Clearblues".

Both brands boast of close to the doctor's result.

We tried it. Now a clear line across the Control window and a clear cross sign across the Test window (They use a cross for positve results - be sure to read instructions. Different brands display results differently).

It's confirmed. I asked Mrs Neo to call the gynae for appoinment the next working day.

Predictor

The first step.

We always wonder how the pregnancy test kit would response and how long it takes to read.
How accurate it was and how clear the results was.

I must say we have our fair share of dissapointing moments, waiting up to 10mins staring at the test kits and test results, comparing it to the product box, arguing if the faint line states a pregnancy.

---
However, after a long suspicious, i finally suggested we get the kit to test, once again. I still remember telling Mrs Neo.

Mr Neo: "Ok, you do the test, don't shake it ok. Just leave it flat on the floor. I'll take it, put it back into the box and like the instructions says, we'll leave it for 10mins before reading the results."

Being so excited, we yearn to see the result, i got a feeling this is it, but it's not the first time i have this feeling, so it was just intense everytime we test for pregnancy.

It was just 3mins later that Mrs Neo can't take it anymore and asked me to pull the kit out of the box, which i did.

A strong, obvious purple line across the "C" (Control) window and another one across the "T" (Test) window.

I was dumbfounded. I can remember the feeling.

I was over the moon, but i can just manage a smile.

Mrs Neo: "I'm pregnant!"







Her words were like those engraved on stone, going into my mind, strong and impactful, her expression and joy i would not forget.
We stared at the kit and matched the results "n" times.

Seriously, i felt my life was complete. I have a happy family, a stable job, now a pregnancy.

How can i put it into words so that i can recall it 30years later?
I think i was overjoyed. I hugged her and i realised, all of a sudden, i love her even more all of a sudden. That spilt second deepens our relationship comparable to 5years of courtship.

Heehee. Simply Amazing.

To Buy List

To buy urgently:

1 x Levis (For CNY 1st Day)
1 x Brown Leather Shoes (To go with the jeans)
2 x Pants (For CNY 3rd Day - 1st Day of work)
1 x Shirt (For CNY 3rd Day - 1st Day of work)
1 x Polo Tee (For CNY 2nd Day)
1 x Tie (For CNY 3rd Day - 1st Day of work)
3 x (Pairs) Socks (For everyday)

-

What i brought :

3 x Shirts (For after CNY 3rd Day to work)
2 x Boxers (For some days)

Busted

Recently with the Chinese New Year coming and after just reciving my bonus and a portion of my incentive, i've been thinking of what to get to pamper myself.

Although... by right my D90 is already my advanced gift.
Well i thought one more thing would not be too much to spend and i decided to discuss it with Mrs Neo.

---

Mr Neo: Darling, i am thinking of getting a new strap for my camera, cas the one that came with it really is bad.
Mrs Neo: Oh, ok lor, if it's better, why not?

Mr Neo: But i was thinking, if i invest a bit more, i can do something for my car instead.
Mrs Neo: Like what?
Mr Neo: Actually i would like to install the strobe light which i have been eyeing for a long time.
Mrs Neo: It's on the exterior?
Mr Neo: Yeah, i intend to fix it on the front bumper.
Mrs Neo: But it's illegal, you dont' take risk one, end up u will not switch it on.

Mr Neo: Hmm true, i will scared police catch me
Mrs Neo: Ya...

Mr Neo: How about i top it up and upgrade my sound system?
Mrs Neo: No need la, you wun blast it also what, you will worry that you cannot hear people honk you.
Mr Neo: Ohh.. ya hor.

Mr Neo: How about i install the V-lip?
Mrs Neo: What's it for?
Mr Neo: Makes the car lower. No use. Looks only
Mrs Neo: Then for what, i think your current bodykit looks cool.
Mr Neo: Oh really?
---

So end up never buy anything.

Concrete Evidence

Finally, it's up and running top gear "i hope".

Piling works for some blocks are done, although mine's not up yet. But it's a good start.
From what i foresee, the next block that will be constructed will be my block!

Yippie! Time really pass. It's s 2007 project. Although it's the start of 2009 only, but as we watch it stack higher and higher, i believe the day we move in will be sooner then i can imagine.

Time to start saving some cold hard cash.

2008? 2009?

I've been tearing the wrong tab for my coupons since the start of the year.

Today, i decided to solve the problem for $30 worth of coupons. Well, they should be used up in a month. So i should remember by then. Hopefully.

How smart!

First day of work in 2009

It's back to work, waking up at 8.30am.

I am so, so, unwilling to drag myself to work. But i was glad today started well.
I got the first entry into project serial listing and 3th on orders. Usually i make sure i am 1st on both. However, as i did not work on the 2nd Jan 2009, my customer service entered the first 2 orders for the year.

Another year of hard work awaits me.
I can't wait for End of Jan to come, where increments comes. Heehee.
This is what i have been waiting for the past 6months.

Stuggle to go or stay will come to an end soon. The results will unfold.
Gota wait and see.

The MGM Grand - Macau

I felt like a King. I paid the price of course, but it was money well paid.

Hotel: The MGM Grand Hotel, Macau
Star: 5
Feels like: 6

Pros:
The hotel pays attention to ever minor details. So much so that you felt so pampered as if you were the Price of a Kingdom. Arriving at the Taipa Ferry Terminal, i walked towards 2 guys holding the MGM Grand signage. Without me speaking, one of them stepped forward and asked "Sir, you have a stay with MGM?" i nodded my head and he took over my luggage with such smooth actions, that felt so right.

We were lead to a bus which will lead us to the hotel. I did not see my luggage after i step off the bus as someone took it away. However i felt assured that it was in good hands. Another lady led me into the reception, i was in my berms and still they did not mind how i was dressed. Well i must say i do look nice still. Heehee.

The luggage arrive at our room 2 mins after we stepped in, the room itself was sooo soooooo grand that i could have just stayed there and not leave the hotel. Everything was class. The see thru wash room allows you to watch the TV while in the tub or just lie back in warm water and gaze out over the luxurious queen size bed, over to the night scene outside.

The casino in the hotel was also amazing. This hotel is one of the newest hotel in the area. Opposite it is the Wynn Hotel, which is 20% less impressive the the MGM Grand. The MGM is seperated into 3 sectors of floors, the Bronze (we are staying here), the silver and the gold. The higher the Level, the sweeter the rooms get.

I cannot imagine how the Gold Floor looks like as i was simply blown away by out Bronze floor.

And on our way back to the Airport, we opted to take the hotels' transport.
They staff told us that we should "Travel in style" back to the airport. Haha we did just that. Of course we paid i guess 3 times more then a regular taxi ride.

Cons:
The price.
However, you would expect this type of price for this type of service and facilties.

I rate this hotel a definte 9.2 out of 10.
A must go, must stay hotel. Stay in the hotel and simply enjoy the facilities it has to offer.
I assure you will feel relaxed and happy.

Royal Park Hotel - Hong Kong

In the heart of the shops and food, 1min walk from Mongkok East MTR Station and 6mins away from the Main Mongkok station.

If you wish to define hotel, this hotel would do the job.


Hotel: Royal Park Hotel
Star: 4
Feels like: 4


Pros:
We were upgraded to a executive room upon check in and they took in our request for a high floor, non-smoking, double bed room.

As mentioned, it's really near to the MTR stations with a shopping centre just beside the hotel.
The many streets, Ladies Streets, Goldfish Streets are all within walking distance

They even called to tell us that they did not managed to make up our room as we had the Do Not Disturb light lit when we left the room.


Cons:
I took 5mins to check in, 25mins to wait for my key while standing in queue, again.
The staff at the executive floor did not greet me. Did not even smile at me. How rude.
The service was bad. The room, i must say was spacious, however not nicely organised.

And worst of all, when Mrs Neo was waiting for me during check in, the staff kept asking her to move aside from where she's standing saying that she's blocking the way. How could they ask her to move aside!? We are the guest in the hotel, we paid our fare.

This service was uncalled for.

Unless extremely required, i do not think i will visit this hotel a second time.
I rate the hotel a 7 out of 10 for it's overall apperance. 3 out of 10 for service.
Total 5 out of 10.

Hong Kong / Macau - Year 2008

Well, i'm back in Singapore.

Arrived on the 31st December 2008. Spending new year here in Singapore.
Departing from the hotel in Macau, the decoration there was superb. A night of crazy party awaits while we depart and say bye bye to the hotel and our holiday.

Arriving in Macau on the 27th December 2008, Mrs Neo & myself headed straight to the ferry terminal for the ferry to Hong Kong. I was so glad that i have my motion sickness pills with me!
The vomit symphony was all over the ferry with people vomitting here and there.

Well in HongKong it was all about walking, more walking and extreme walking regime.
We did not take a single cab ride. I was telling Mrs Neo that we should have never gotten the Octopus Card - Singapore Version of EZ Link card. So since we had it, we took the MTR like crazy and walked a hell lot.

The Peak, Madame Tussone, some streets that we covered, was much of a joy, however, the highlight, DisneyLand was a dissapointment. Maybe the Japan one we covered was so "hypnotising" and the Hong Kong one was just simply too regular. We could take pictures with Cinderella & Snow White in a queue that was less then 5minutes.

Space mountain ride was like 15minutes compared to the Japan's 3hour queue.
Some rides like Toy Story, we played 3 times.

If my memory did not fail me, we walked the park a total of 5 rounds, brought all the collectors coins (which cost me around $80 just for those coins.. aiyoh Mrs Neo... waste money neh..). All these we had no time to do in the other theme park we visited before.

Well, i guess it's a good place to be, if you have childrens and do not really wish to have much crowd. If it's the wow factor, then you may consider it as a warm up or just skipping it all.

I must say the breakfast in HongKong was a huge selection. It's a bit pricy i must say. Around $6 - $8 for Set breakfast. In Singapore you can get it for like $3?

Macau on the other hand is a land of the riches. It gave me the feeling that if you have the money, you could have anything and do anything. Which is really true. We did the SkywalkX on Macau Tower, 61Floor above ground, out in the open for S$100+. You could do the bungee if you dare... in temperture of 16degree which felt like 10degree.

The hotel there was GREAT! The MGM Grand is really GRAND! And i simply love it. After i arrived at the ferry terminal in Macau from HongKong, i did not have a chance to carry my luggage. Wah seh.. really leh. You pay the price, you get the service that's top notch. The staff in the hotel seems to read my mind, i would just walk forward to them and they know what i want before i even open my mouth. Thumbs up!

On the other hand, the "island" of Taipa seems like a well kept village, where there was only 2 shopping streets less then 100m long each. However, famous food like the Pork Chop Bun that only starts selling at 3pm, creating a queue of around 200m kept the town alive. Dead centre in this "island" is the new Vientian. Something i do not fancy. Its' like Takashimaya. Really nothing much to shout about.

We lost S$12 on the jackpot though. Heehee.

CNY Eve

I trim my eyebrow liao.
Heehee. Finally got it done, after many attempts due to the tons of spring cleaning to be done.

$13.60 @ Jean Yip Hub.
Ask me sign package somemore. Hai... This people, everything also must ask clients to sign package.

Still happy about it though!