I realise that I worry alot.
But if you think about it, being able to worry means you have got something to treasure.
Non?
I have much to be thankful for.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
South East Asia
Myanmar is really opening itself up to the rest of the world. It's latest 8year tax break to all foreign companies policy seems like it will trigger an avalanche of FDI in there.
Indonesia has changed alot and if you've been on the ground as often as I did, you'd know that there is only one direction the country's gonna head and that is up.
Thailand is still in recovery mode after the flooding and political turmoil from last year. Still alot of potential if they can get their act together.
Vietnam is still coming up strong and there is still an abundance of potential for growth there as they vie with China for a slice of the low-cost manufacturing pie.
All these bode well for the region in the years ahead.
Indonesia has changed alot and if you've been on the ground as often as I did, you'd know that there is only one direction the country's gonna head and that is up.
Thailand is still in recovery mode after the flooding and political turmoil from last year. Still alot of potential if they can get their act together.
Vietnam is still coming up strong and there is still an abundance of potential for growth there as they vie with China for a slice of the low-cost manufacturing pie.
All these bode well for the region in the years ahead.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Liverpool 2 Manchester United 1
Some reactions.
1. There is no shame in losing valiantly. Overall we played a pretty good game although we lost the two goals to individual errors. We can't say we deserved to lose, and Liverpool got lucky somewhat.
2. De Gea was responsible for the first goal and several other crummy errors. He really should remain as second choice this season.
3. Park Ji Sung's goal was great and I thought we'd have sewn up the game from there.
4. We have Scholes and Giggs running the 5-man midfield which worked wonders, but somehow everyone could tell they weren't going to last past the 70min mark. That Giggs was still on the field on 90min was IMHO a tactical error.
5. Speaking of tactics, Dalglish got his substitutions right this time. Once the 'Pool subs came on and Scholes came off, we were on the back foot thereafter.
6. As much as I like Welbeck, he wasn't very effective this game. Hernandez and Berbatov should have replaced him in the later stages.
7. Evra had a tough game being booed each time he touched the ball. Plus he was culpable for the 2nd goal. But all that considered, he still had a pretty good game.
8. Tony V is still on fire at the moment. Just unlucky. Had he got that goal early on instead of hitting the post, things might have turned out different.
9. Special mention to Smalling, Evans and Rafael. They all had a good game and could hardly fault their performance tonight,
10. All in all it's only the FA Cup 4th Round, we honestly could do without so many games given the injuries we have got. Better to focus on bringing back number20 and the Europa Cup. I don't feel that lousy after the game after all.
GGMU!!!
1. There is no shame in losing valiantly. Overall we played a pretty good game although we lost the two goals to individual errors. We can't say we deserved to lose, and Liverpool got lucky somewhat.
2. De Gea was responsible for the first goal and several other crummy errors. He really should remain as second choice this season.
3. Park Ji Sung's goal was great and I thought we'd have sewn up the game from there.
4. We have Scholes and Giggs running the 5-man midfield which worked wonders, but somehow everyone could tell they weren't going to last past the 70min mark. That Giggs was still on the field on 90min was IMHO a tactical error.
5. Speaking of tactics, Dalglish got his substitutions right this time. Once the 'Pool subs came on and Scholes came off, we were on the back foot thereafter.
6. As much as I like Welbeck, he wasn't very effective this game. Hernandez and Berbatov should have replaced him in the later stages.
7. Evra had a tough game being booed each time he touched the ball. Plus he was culpable for the 2nd goal. But all that considered, he still had a pretty good game.
8. Tony V is still on fire at the moment. Just unlucky. Had he got that goal early on instead of hitting the post, things might have turned out different.
9. Special mention to Smalling, Evans and Rafael. They all had a good game and could hardly fault their performance tonight,
10. All in all it's only the FA Cup 4th Round, we honestly could do without so many games given the injuries we have got. Better to focus on bringing back number20 and the Europa Cup. I don't feel that lousy after the game after all.
GGMU!!!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
CNY Visiting 2012
This year, things are different.
No more, "You've grown taller", "Are you working or still studying?", "Got girlfriend?", "When getting married?" and "When having kids?".
None of that anymore.
These questions have finally stopped.
In fact, none of the aunties talk to me anymore. Why? Because there is nothing to make small talk of anymore.
What a relief.
Instead the tables have turned, the attention has diverted. Either to your kid/s or the aunties themselves. Aunties finally open up about themselves once they've run out of things to ask you.
It must be a good thing finally coming full circle.
Feels damn shiok.
No more, "You've grown taller", "Are you working or still studying?", "Got girlfriend?", "When getting married?" and "When having kids?".
None of that anymore.
These questions have finally stopped.
In fact, none of the aunties talk to me anymore. Why? Because there is nothing to make small talk of anymore.
What a relief.
Instead the tables have turned, the attention has diverted. Either to your kid/s or the aunties themselves. Aunties finally open up about themselves once they've run out of things to ask you.
It must be a good thing finally coming full circle.
Feels damn shiok.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Happy 龙年！
Here's wishing everyone good health, wealth and prosperity in the year of the water dragon!
在这水龙年，祝大家大吉大利！
在这水龙年，祝大家大吉大利！
Monday, January 23, 2012
Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2
1. Very cagey affair but we still deserved to win it.
2. Losing Phil Jones early was quite a bummer, especially losing him to a simple rolled ankle.
3. Valencia was my MOTM today. Did well at the right flank, scored one and assisting another.
4. Nani was owning Djourou on the left side but the guy just keeps making the worst decisions in the final third! Can't wait for Ashley Youg to come back.
5. Giggsy was rolling back the years playing the whole game and dictating the midfield tempo.
6. Welbeck and Smalling were massive as well. Great to see them playing so assuredly. Smalling is the next Vidic!
7. Rooney was crap for the 3rd successive game. The guy can't get past a tree or dustbin right now.
8. Lindegaard played good enough to keep de Gea out for the next game. Not that many saves to make, but calm with collecting crosses and distributed pretty well.
9. Pity there was no room for Chicharito and Berbatov. Time to rest Rooney, he's not giving it his all at the moment.
10. All in all a tough match that was fought well and 3 points taken in the bag. Next few games will be the toughest for us.
GGMU!!!
2. Losing Phil Jones early was quite a bummer, especially losing him to a simple rolled ankle.
3. Valencia was my MOTM today. Did well at the right flank, scored one and assisting another.
4. Nani was owning Djourou on the left side but the guy just keeps making the worst decisions in the final third! Can't wait for Ashley Youg to come back.
5. Giggsy was rolling back the years playing the whole game and dictating the midfield tempo.
6. Welbeck and Smalling were massive as well. Great to see them playing so assuredly. Smalling is the next Vidic!
7. Rooney was crap for the 3rd successive game. The guy can't get past a tree or dustbin right now.
8. Lindegaard played good enough to keep de Gea out for the next game. Not that many saves to make, but calm with collecting crosses and distributed pretty well.
9. Pity there was no room for Chicharito and Berbatov. Time to rest Rooney, he's not giving it his all at the moment.
10. All in all a tough match that was fought well and 3 points taken in the bag. Next few games will be the toughest for us.
GGMU!!!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
7 Cans Of Carlsberg
With the father-in-law at last night's reunion dinner.
This CNY is really shaping up quite well.
Huat ah!!!
This CNY is really shaping up quite well.
Huat ah!!!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
CNY 2012
Is starting!
This year we got it over the weekend and first day of CNY is on Monday!
Shiok!
The lo hei has begun!
The gambling has begun!
The good food has begun!
This year really feels alot more festive than the last few years.
Last night we had a southern beer trail. Awesome dinner at Lau Pa Sat. Was my first time up at LeVel 33 at MBFC Tower 1. Then lost money pooling money at the MBS casino :( haha. Was tons of fun nonetheless!
Just need to watch the high cholesterol intake this period.
Hoping for more fun ahead over the next few days!!!
Huat ah!!!
This year we got it over the weekend and first day of CNY is on Monday!
Shiok!
The lo hei has begun!
The gambling has begun!
The good food has begun!
This year really feels alot more festive than the last few years.
Last night we had a southern beer trail. Awesome dinner at Lau Pa Sat. Was my first time up at LeVel 33 at MBFC Tower 1. Then lost money pooling money at the MBS casino :( haha. Was tons of fun nonetheless!
Just need to watch the high cholesterol intake this period.
Hoping for more fun ahead over the next few days!!!
Huat ah!!!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Garuda
Sucks balls.
Fly to Jakarta, flight delayed.
Come back, flight also delayed.
Food tastes like plastic.
Seats are small and narrow like a budget carrier.
New inflight entertainment system doesn't show the movies they advertise.
Hopefully that's my last time with Garuda.
Upgraded experience my ass.
Fly to Jakarta, flight delayed.
Come back, flight also delayed.
Food tastes like plastic.
Seats are small and narrow like a budget carrier.
New inflight entertainment system doesn't show the movies they advertise.
Hopefully that's my last time with Garuda.
Upgraded experience my ass.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Snuggle Bug
Just could not resist.
My son now owns his own car as well.
Next stop, his own playhouse!
My son now owns his own car as well.
Next stop, his own playhouse!
Monday, January 09, 2012
5th Gym Session Of The Season
Wah!
Not bad right?!
I went for a full BodyCombat class ok?
Dun pray pray.
Topped it off with a salad lunch even!
So proud of myself.
Not bad right?!
I went for a full BodyCombat class ok?
Dun pray pray.
Topped it off with a salad lunch even!
So proud of myself.
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Why Park Ji Sung Should Not Start For United
Manchester United leading 3-0 against Manchester City at half-time as I'm blogging this.
Now don't get me wrong, I love Park Ji Sung. I love his lung-bursting runs, his work rate and skill. In fact, if you asked me who in the current squad I love best, He's probably top two.
Now, here's the problem.
The last two league games we started with him, we lost AND let in 3 goals each.
How'd that happen if he's so good?
Unfortunately, I think his work rate is his own downfall. There is a reason why his nickname is three-lung Park. The guy basically runs the most in every game out of the whole the team. So what happens when you're playing in the same side? You'd expect him to run for the balls you ought to be running for right? And that's exactly what happened, the whole team just went into lazy mode and let Park do all the running.
Sad but true.
His role may be more suited as an impact substitute.
Like Berbatov.
Now don't get me wrong, I love Park Ji Sung. I love his lung-bursting runs, his work rate and skill. In fact, if you asked me who in the current squad I love best, He's probably top two.
Now, here's the problem.
The last two league games we started with him, we lost AND let in 3 goals each.
How'd that happen if he's so good?
Unfortunately, I think his work rate is his own downfall. There is a reason why his nickname is three-lung Park. The guy basically runs the most in every game out of the whole the team. So what happens when you're playing in the same side? You'd expect him to run for the balls you ought to be running for right? And that's exactly what happened, the whole team just went into lazy mode and let Park do all the running.
Sad but true.
His role may be more suited as an impact substitute.
Like Berbatov.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
A Tribute To Nanny
My mom's childhood nanny passed away yesterday.
She was going on 86.
Nanny started working for my grandma in Ipoh when she was in her late teens. She was from China and really was one of those ma jie permanent helpers or house servants who dedicated their lives serving a single family. And the reason she came so far to do all this was the hope of providing a better life for her family back home, through the repatriation of funds, working even till her dying days.
She helped my grandma bring up my mom and her seven other siblings, right from birth. She cared for them, grew with them and guided each of them along life's journey. Slowly, each one of my mom's siblings got married and moved out of the family home. When there wasn't much for her to do thereafter, she went on to take care of my mom's second sister's family, and helped raise her three kids, the same way she raised their mother. Along the way, she still afforded to shower her love, care and concern upon the entire extended family as it grew another generation.
I remember how she used to take care of us kids when we were young and I travelled up to Malaysia to spend the holidays with my cousins. With all the sacrifices she had made in her life, she also became a part of the family.
I feel sad to hear of her passing, and hence this post is dedicated in her memory.
Ah Por, may you rest in peace.
She was going on 86.
Nanny started working for my grandma in Ipoh when she was in her late teens. She was from China and really was one of those ma jie permanent helpers or house servants who dedicated their lives serving a single family. And the reason she came so far to do all this was the hope of providing a better life for her family back home, through the repatriation of funds, working even till her dying days.
She helped my grandma bring up my mom and her seven other siblings, right from birth. She cared for them, grew with them and guided each of them along life's journey. Slowly, each one of my mom's siblings got married and moved out of the family home. When there wasn't much for her to do thereafter, she went on to take care of my mom's second sister's family, and helped raise her three kids, the same way she raised their mother. Along the way, she still afforded to shower her love, care and concern upon the entire extended family as it grew another generation.
I remember how she used to take care of us kids when we were young and I travelled up to Malaysia to spend the holidays with my cousins. With all the sacrifices she had made in her life, she also became a part of the family.
I feel sad to hear of her passing, and hence this post is dedicated in her memory.
Ah Por, may you rest in peace.
Friday, January 06, 2012
Looking Forward
With 2011 behind me, I am looking forward.
2012 looks to be full of challenges, but I somehow feel cautiously optimistic about the year ahead. There really is alot that I am honestly looking forward to.
I hope it will be an exciting, fulfilling and rewarding year ahead.
Let's look ahead with optimism and positivity.
Huat ah!!!
2012 looks to be full of challenges, but I somehow feel cautiously optimistic about the year ahead. There really is alot that I am honestly looking forward to.
I hope it will be an exciting, fulfilling and rewarding year ahead.
Let's look ahead with optimism and positivity.
Huat ah!!!
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Resolutions 2012
And here are my resolutions for 2012:
1) Eat more healthily
This means less red meat, less seafood, less eggs, less alcohol. More vegetables, fruits and cereal. Cholesterol levels should be more controlled if I can keep my diet in check.
2) Exercise more
In a similar bid to reduce my cholesterol levels, I will have to try and exercise at least twice a week. This will probably now be comprised of one weekend football session and one weekday night jog. Anything more is a bonus.
3) Double savings
2012 is the year I save much more than I spend!!! I hope this can be achieved.
4) Spend more time with family
Family time is the best time in the world! Must do more to bond with family.
5) Spend more time with friends
Must spend more effort contacting and catching up with old friends. Opportunities these days are somehat few and far between, so must really make a greater effort to meet up with whoever who doesn't mind meeting up with me.
6) Trade with more discipline
I realise that I have very poor discipline when it comes to trading. Everytime I evaluate my trades, it has an outcome along the lines of my view being correct most of the time, but I end up losing money because of ill discipline. By sticking to a more structured approach, maybe I can make more money than I lose.
1) Eat more healthily
This means less red meat, less seafood, less eggs, less alcohol. More vegetables, fruits and cereal. Cholesterol levels should be more controlled if I can keep my diet in check.
2) Exercise more
In a similar bid to reduce my cholesterol levels, I will have to try and exercise at least twice a week. This will probably now be comprised of one weekend football session and one weekday night jog. Anything more is a bonus.
3) Double savings
2012 is the year I save much more than I spend!!! I hope this can be achieved.
4) Spend more time with family
Family time is the best time in the world! Must do more to bond with family.
5) Spend more time with friends
Must spend more effort contacting and catching up with old friends. Opportunities these days are somehat few and far between, so must really make a greater effort to meet up with whoever who doesn't mind meeting up with me.
6) Trade with more discipline
I realise that I have very poor discipline when it comes to trading. Everytime I evaluate my trades, it has an outcome along the lines of my view being correct most of the time, but I end up losing money because of ill discipline. By sticking to a more structured approach, maybe I can make more money than I lose.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Hello 2012, Good Riddance 2011!
Ok, I've been bugged to get this done.
Here's a review of the resolutions of 2011. It hasn't been a fantastic year for me honestly, so I'm hoping for a better year ahead. All things being equal, it wasn't a terrible year, but yet it didn't feel like it was all that good either. Bring on the Dragon!!!
Here's last year's review.
And here's this year's review.
#1 Exercise at least twice a week FAIL
Big failure, this one. If you've been following my blog, I've only chalked up four gym sessions all season, and I'm struggling to make it for weekend soccer once a month even. To make matters worse, my cholesterol levels are through the roof. It can't get any worse, really. So this must improve.
#2 Double my total 2010 savings FAIL
This, perhaps was the biggest contributor to why I thought my 2011 was crap. From an investment perspective, I not only didn't add to my savings, but it dropped significantly too. Very disappointed, but without going into details, I'm hoping things pick up in 2012.
#3 Achieve overall >20% ROI FAIL
This is a non-starter when you look at #2. Not worth a mention at all.
#4 Watch son grow up PASS
I'm not sure how to tangibly measure this, but I assume that when I decided on this resolution, it was more about time management and going out less. For that I think I've passed. More importantly, I've seen myself mature over the year making the various sacrifices for my family. And it's all been worthwhile.
#5 Continue nurturing existing friendship circle PASS
This one I think I have also achieved. I think I've had more meet ups, gatherings and catch ups than in 2010. Hopefully this continues to improve. Good friends and bonds are, after all, pretty difficult to foster once we are above a certain age.
A very happy 2012 to everyone!
Resolutions for 2012 coming up next!
Here's a review of the resolutions of 2011. It hasn't been a fantastic year for me honestly, so I'm hoping for a better year ahead. All things being equal, it wasn't a terrible year, but yet it didn't feel like it was all that good either. Bring on the Dragon!!!
Here's last year's review.
And here's this year's review.
#1 Exercise at least twice a week FAIL
Big failure, this one. If you've been following my blog, I've only chalked up four gym sessions all season, and I'm struggling to make it for weekend soccer once a month even. To make matters worse, my cholesterol levels are through the roof. It can't get any worse, really. So this must improve.
#2 Double my total 2010 savings FAIL
This, perhaps was the biggest contributor to why I thought my 2011 was crap. From an investment perspective, I not only didn't add to my savings, but it dropped significantly too. Very disappointed, but without going into details, I'm hoping things pick up in 2012.
#3 Achieve overall >20% ROI FAIL
This is a non-starter when you look at #2. Not worth a mention at all.
#4 Watch son grow up PASS
I'm not sure how to tangibly measure this, but I assume that when I decided on this resolution, it was more about time management and going out less. For that I think I've passed. More importantly, I've seen myself mature over the year making the various sacrifices for my family. And it's all been worthwhile.
#5 Continue nurturing existing friendship circle PASS
This one I think I have also achieved. I think I've had more meet ups, gatherings and catch ups than in 2010. Hopefully this continues to improve. Good friends and bonds are, after all, pretty difficult to foster once we are above a certain age.
A very happy 2012 to everyone!
Resolutions for 2012 coming up next!