Mum bonding session in New Zealand

Singapore to Christchurch and Oomaru 05/06/15 (Day 1 & 2)

I met my mum around 6pm in T3 Changi Airport. We caught up for a bit in the airport and started our tour together to New Zealand.  

The journey to New Zealand is about 10 hours, which is surprisingly longer than I thought.

 It has been a while since I last took full service airlines, I constantly remind myself to drop the plastic bottle in my bag to the bin as they serve water in the cabin. On top of that, I also have to tell myself not to fill up my own departure card/landing card which my tour guide have filled up everything for me while just leaving the empty space for me to sign.  

We landed Christchurch around 8am in the morning; the weather in Christchurch is absolutely freezing. Everyone started to reach for the jumper/jacket the moment we landed Chrischurch.

We started our land tour in Christchurch, went to see the Main Church which was almost 90% damaged by the Earth Quake in 2011. Christchurch seems to be still in after quake recovery process. It was rather saddening to see multiple collapsed buildings in the city, to a certain extent frightening. After a brief city tour and lunch, we left Christchurch for Oamaru, which is a small town on east coast line of New Zealand’s South Island. Along the journey, we have seen Moeraki Boulders, rounded stones on the shore, naturally formed and also Blue Penguin, which is the smallest penguin in the world.

Day 3 ( Ooamaru- Dunedin-Te Anau)

We went to the oldest known Scottish town, Dunedin.

At night, we went to Te Anau, which is a town in the Southland region of the South Island of New Zealand, Lake Te Anau is also known as the largest lake in South Island.  

Day 4 (Te Aanau-Milford Sound-Queenstown)

Milford Sound is basically one of the major highlights of the entire tour, we went to the national park of Milford sound, took a cruise around Milford Sound. Very scenic place, basically you got snow mountain, gigantic waterfalls and crystal clear lake. The weather is freezing, especially when the chilly wind

After our cruise in Milford sound, we then head towards Queenstown, a resort town famous for its first bungee jump invented, skiing during winter and all the extreme sports you can think of. 

However, by the time we reached Queenstown that day is about 7pm, we took cable car up the hill and dined in one of the most luxurious restaurants in Queenstown, Strastosfare which is overlooking the entire Queesntown.

We also toured around the city area at night and went to the mini casino in Queenstown. Typical Chinese.

Day 5 (Queenstown-Mount Cook)
In the morning, after our hotel breakfast, we toured around Queenstown and took a few photos of the beautiful mountains, lake and some wildlife. The whole town is just simple, quiet and very slow pace. I somehow felt that the people here take longer breath than other places.

We then continued our journey towards North to Mountain Cook. I guess about half way, we stopped by at a King Salmon Farm. (Wairepor Arm). We bought a pack of fresh King Salmon and It was there that I had the best King Salmon in my life that I can remember. Without wasting any time, we continued our journey to Mount Cook. And I must say, the bus journey to Mount Cook is definitely not for the faint-hearted. The strong wind is literally pushing our 20 seater bus sideways, the bus was swaying left and right the whole time. it feels like driving on ice. We were so grateful that we are able to reach our hotel in Mt Cook. I guess this Mount Cook bus journey is also part of New Zealand's unique experience. 

Day 6 (Mount Cook-Tekapo-Christchurch)

While we were having our breakfast, we were told that our helicopter ride to fly around Mt Cook was cancelled due to bad weather. For one instance, I felt butterflies in my stomach.  

I wasn’t given too many options neither after hearing the news. Very quickly, I am on the bus and we left Mount Cook slightly earlier to Pukaki Lake and Tekapo Lake, both famous for its distinctive blue Glacier Water.

 We reached Lake Pukaki first, the largest of three roughly parallel alpine lakes running north south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie basin on New Zealand’s South Island.

After Pukaki Lake, we then move towards Lake Tekapo, which is the 2^nd largest lake in the South Island. I remember the tour guide mentioned that this lake is not famous for its size, but famous for its distinctive blue glacier water which is truly stunning. We had our lunch there, shop around the town. We also went to see the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Inside the church features an altar window that frames stunning views of the lake and mountains. I managed to take a photo inside the church after obtaining approval from a lady taking care of the small little church.

From Lake Tekapo, we then continued our journey back to Christchurch.

Day 8 (Christchurch –Singapore) 

In the morning, after we checked out the hotel, we rushed to the airport, bid farewell to our tour guide Mr Jack, checked in and boarded our plane back to Singapore.

This concludes my New Zealand trip 2015 with my mum.

May 2015 wrap up and also forward planning.

This post will be a brief wrap up for my May 2015.

1. Health
1. Resumed my training, did a quick body test- Lost 4 kilos over 8 months period from last year. From 85.6kg to 81.6kg. Thanks to my Personal Trainer Mr Domz. Sadly he is going to leave soon. 
2. Just recently I found my self eating lean at home. I guess this is my main reason why I am not losing weight previously. Will be eating more complex carbs. 
3. I have been doing push up on a daily basis for 15 times a day. 
4. Start to prepare food/salad at home and bring to work. Breast meat, carrot, sweet potato, green lettuce and some feta cheese.  
5. Started to take health supplement from NUSKIN. Testing their product and hopefully can assist with the weight losing part. I am pushing hard for my wedding photoshoot soon in July. 

2. Myself
1. Australia will be postponed at the moment. Although I got strong support from my parents to go Australia. However, I would want to stay near my family at the moment. 
2. I have set a budget for insurance, if you can see from the previous post, it would park under MISC. 
3. Listened to radio and talk show when I am on mrt/bus. 
4. Book of the month- 7 habits of highly effective people. . 
5. To be a member of TUCCS by end of May. 
6. Register for a course to study with BCA/IES
7. Attended ABC Cooking studio class in Takashimaya. Learned how to bake cinnamon roll and also ham roll from scratch.  
8. Applied my EPF. 
9. Applied my Singapore PR and is waiting for result at the moment. 
10. Would like to obtain a driving license. 
3. Finance/Investment

1. I have contacted a few buyers' agent in KK, to assist me to source for good property deals. It is important to keep updated with market in Sabah
2. Attended the tax review by SMAT with Chai Ann
3. Sold majority of my stocks and commodities. Waiting for the big wave. 

4. Relationship

1. Caught up with Chai ann, Serene, CCY, Lisa, Charles, Victor. Will be meeting Joann and Aunty Michelle. I am also trying to set up a dinner time with them on Monday. 
2. Got my diamond ring, it was beautiful. 
3. Sent diamond ring to Jann paul for setting which was recommended by Victor. I also bought a pair of wedding band from them too. Service was good. 
4. I signed up a photography session with aisle bridal which was recommended by Angela.
5. Drafting a proposal plan with jenny. Will be doing it after 27. Probably on the 28 of June that weekend. Time is running out. 
5. Family

1. Call my family at least once every week. 
2. Will be meeting my mum next week and we will be flying together to New Zealand. Some good mother and son catch up time. 
6. Business

1. Will be capturing some ideas from dad, and would like to pitch some to him so that he could consider doing it. 
2. I am very grateful that the internet marketing had worked well and we did have a good start. 
3. Need to study more and understand more about how to bring more sales in. 
7. Travel

1.  I have got my leave approved for my coming New Zealand trip by my superior.Will be visiting a few places. Christchurch, Oomaru, Dunedin, Te Anau, Millford Sound, Queenstown and Mt Cook. 
2. July I will be doing my photoshooting for my wedding which is coming soon in 2016 March. 
3. August I will be flying to Hong Kong for the Ang Pau giving session. 

Building habits for 2015

There are a few things which I would like to push to happen this year.

1. Delegate
2. Break down my goals
3. Prioritize
4. Simplify my life
5. Make self assessment of time on a monthly basis. Identify time wasting activities. 
6. Catch up on time
7. Create a ritual/habit
8. Plan my day
9. Keep myself motivated
10. Have razor sharp focus

Budget Review

My current budget

Save/Mortgage   35%
Living Expenses  35%
Rent                   14%
Travel                 5%
Tel                      5%
Misc                   5%

Total                   100%

Monthly Progress Update for March & April 2015

1. Health
1. Resume my gym session. Now I am targeting to have at least one training with my personal trainer at week. 
2. Found a new place to eat in which is healthy and lean. 
3. Push up 15 times daily
4. My target weight 81kg. Current weight 82.7. I got 1.7 kilo to shed until June. I notice my eating habit. 

2. Myself
1. After working out the figures with family and relatives. Going to Australia seems like a plan need to be postponed. 
2. After going to and fro and listening to products of the insurance. I will need to work out on my personal budget to buy the protection before end of June 2015. For May I will have to think of a way and squeeze the insurance premium from my expenses. 
3. Downloaded apps and podcast.  listening to ted talk, LBC, Motley Fools radio
4. My 2nd time using redmart. Very convenient and save time. I had one issue with them is that when I returned the taufu to the driver as it was frozen. They returned my the credit in redmart instead of cash. 
5.  Jim Rogers: Adventure Capitalist- Gave the book to my lovely brother who is starting to invest also. 
6. The deal with Desmond did not work out. The up side is that we did meet up. 
7. To be a member of TUCCS by end of May. 
8. Register for a course to study with BCA/IES
9. Book of the month- Speak with Power and Confidence by Patrick Collins. I will spend at least 30 min a day when I am on night shift. 
10. Found the four critical things in my life: Knowledge, Family, Wealth, Health. 
11. I have not used google calendar for awhile for planning my stuff. So now going back to google calendar for planning stuff and meet up. 
3. Finance/Investment

1. I have contacted a few buyers' agent in KK, to assist me to source for good property deals. It is important to keep updated with market in Sabah
2. Been thinking to buy a small property in Malaysia and learn how to climb the property ladders. 
3. Attended jim roger seminar with Jenny and Victor in April.
4. Registered myself for a seminar about Australia Tax Review in May 13
5. Sold majority of my stocks holding and held on commodities.

4. Relationship

1. I must spend on average at least 30min a day with Jenny. 
2. Will call home once a week. 
3. Spent time with Hong Kong Friends and Friends in Perth. 
4. Met up with CK and Ronald. CK stopped by in Singapore before leaving for Melbourne while Ronald is also stopped by Singapore going back to KK after his 6 months working holiday in New Zealand. 
5. Met Jenny's family and got her approval for wedding this year. Bought a diamond from Blue nile and sent it to Hong Kong to have no tax.  From May onward, we will be looking for venue and also guest list stuff. Which I will not put into details here. 
5. Family

1. Met my Parents in March, when I was back for Mok's wedding. 
2. Call them at least once a week to catch up.  Building up this habit. 
3. Met them again in April while they are here in Singapore to see me. Singapore is definitely a different place when they are around. 
6. Business

1. Continue to bring in sales for Summit Coating. People from oil and gas do source for paint online. I will be sourcing for a marketing guy in KK to boost sales. 
7. Travel

1. Planning my trip to New Zealand this coming June. 

Parents visit to Singapore Weekend 5th April 2015

Hah! My parents are here in Singapore last weekend, between Easter Friday and also Easter Sunday.

Day 1,

They reached T1 around 1650, but only managed to check out from T1 around one hour later. Which was later than what we had anticipated. I brought them to V hotel as usual.

Brought them to Bugis for the Fish noodles 

Day 2

I was working, so just managed to join them for dinner only. We had our dinner at beng hiang

Day 3

It was easter sunday, I brought them to have late lunch at East ocean. They kinda like although they didn't eat much. I then brought them up to Marina Bay tower to have a quick view of the tower. Dinner was at Paradise Dynasty. 

Day 4

I was on night shift, had breakfast at suntech city toast box, walked around sun tech and also millennial walk,.Went to airport around 1500 hrs and they left around 1640hrs. 

Miss them dearly.

Mok Wedding weekend 7/3/2015 @ Kota Kinabalu

Day 1. Jenny and I took a taxi to Changi Terminal 3 at 10am in the morning on 7/3/2015... We knew that this time round will be a short trip back to KK. Basically just to attend the wedding, meet my parents, catch up with some old friends and relax.

We took a new airlines called Malindo air, which is a combination of malaysia and also indonesian airlines. There were ample leg space for typical Asian like me. They got entertainment screen, light snacks and a bottle of water provided. The down side is that we have to transit at Kuala Lumpur in order for us to get to Kota Kinabalu.

After about 5 hours of journey, we reached there around 3pm. My mum was waiting for me at the arrival gate in KKIA, We greeted our parents, took the car and drive off to our hotel. After getting refreshed we then travelled to Shangrilla's hotel. We reached there around 5pm sharp.

Met a group of old friends, secondary friends mostly, mok, mok's family generally. Feels like home just that a lot of us are now older.

So there are a few ushers on the spot, free flow of food and drinks. We then being ushered to rows of seat where Mok and her Husband will exchange vows. The sun is starting to set behind them, which makes the entire scene cinematic. Without further delay, they then exchanged vows and kissed by the beach in front of all of us.

We then had photo sessions with Mok and her newly wed Husband, Jin Chiao.

After that, we proceeded to the dinner place, drop my hong bao to mok's relatives and proceeded to our respective table, started our meal, dance with our old friends and of course drink with my old mates!

After the wedding dinner, I left the place and joined my parents for a round of herbal Tea at Foh Sang.

After our herbal tea session, we then retire to our room at promenade and have a good rest.

Day 2- On our 2nd day in KK, we had breakfast at Kuo Min, Fish paste and roasted pork. After our breakfast, we drove to the jetty and took a short boat ride to Sapi Island.

The water is crystal clear and the weather is just nice. I had a good nap there.

On my way back to KK jetty, I lost my S5 and also my mum's sim card in it. I guess it was either dropped into the sea or being stolen by someone.

After the incident, I went back to hotel to get rest and joined my family for dinner at supertanker.

Day 3. 
Had breakfast at tung fong Inanam, we had lao shu pan for breakfast, which I did not expect. After that, we went to visit a property at UCA.

The place is nice but the owner refuse to give us some discount on the selling price. So the waiting game begins.

After our property visit, we then picked up my parents from the office and went straight back to KK airport. We then left KK with heavy hearts.

End of February 2015 Review

A quick wrap up for February 2015 and also some critical points to look forward.

  

1. Health
1. As I just started my night shift after my break, I now could have more time to go to the gym in the late afternoon, just before I have a meal with Jenny. 
2. Eat two meals a day, one in 7pm and the 2nd meal is 12 midnight. Not healthy, but that is what it takes to work night shift. 
3. I could take more sleeping hours now, around 8 hours a day, which I am grateful
4. My target weight 81kg. Current weight 84kg
5. Complete my personal training by End of May 2015

2. Myself
1. Just got back from Australia, feeling recharged and motivated to work and save harder for my preparation to migrate to Australia. 
2. Been sourcing for Insurance recently. Been seeing Jonathan quite frequently and bought a medical insurance from him. 
3. Been listening to podcast
4. Started to do some shopping online. 
5. Started to look for another source of income. Maybe a part time in the future. 
6. I must have 60k cash in savings by end of this year. 
7. Book of the month: Jim Rogers: Adventure Capitalist
3. Finance/Investment

1. To start monitor loans in Philippines. Jenny will be meeting another agent this coming Saturday. 
2. I have contacted a few buyers' agent in KK, to assist me to source for good property deals. It is important to keep updated with market in Sabah
3. Been thinking to buy a small property in Malaysia and learn how to climb the property ladders. 

4. Relationship

1. Wedding plan
1. I have got a ball park figure in my head.
2. I spend less time with Jenny now, due to my night shift. On a typical night shift, I can only see her around 2 hours per day. 
3. Spent time with Hong Kong Friends and Friends in Perth. 
4. Met Caren, Kevin and Amos in Perth. Caught up with them about life in Perth. We had dinner together. I also met Edward and also Emily. Seems like they are settling well there. 
5. Family

1. I must say my parents had a great time in Perth. Although it was just 5 days. But it was just nice for them. They really enjoyed the trip very much. 
2. My dad is undergoing chiropractic treatment. Mum mentioned about her special spray water. Shaun had just joined a share trading course. 
6. Business

1. I bought a computer!! Finally, a dell mini desktop for my dad website thing.  
2. Before my trip Australia I managed to referred 30k sales to my dad's business. Although it wasn't a big amount. But it is sufficient to motivate me to put more effort on it. 
7. Travel

1. Planning my trip back to KK and also another family trip in April. 

Week ended 22.2.15

Chinese new year week. 

Jenny and I flew to Perth Australia. I am bringing her to Perth as her birthday and also valentine trip. Of course , my parents will be joining us halfway which is On 18.2.2015.

We reached perth on the 14.2.15. Kevin, Amos and Caren fetched us from the airport and we went straight to caren 's  place.

Day 1  14.2
Catchup with them while waiting for caren 's home cooked dinner. We stayed in caren's place for a few days while wondering perth city.

Day 2. 15.2.15
Caren brought us to meet ed and Emily for breakfast. We then riverside drive to see giants walking along the street.

After that we went to fremantle little creatures a micro brewery famous for its brewed bright ale. After fremantle, we went out for a dinner at a Vietnamese cuisine. Ed paid for all of us.

Day 3- 16.2.15
we went to take our rent car with gps, to reduce unnecessary friction.  We had bad experience without gps in US. So this time, I would rather pay slightly more to buy some harmony and peace along the trip. After getting our car, we drive to a sand dunes and pinnacles. Pinnacles is awesome and mind blowing, it is like a mini canyon. Both of us enjoyed the drive.  After pinnacles, we drove to yanchep national park before we drove back to Perth city for dinner.
Dinner was a Belgium pub.

Day-4 17.2.15
We had a light breakfast in the car and drove to Taylor at swan valley for breakfast. Initially we wanted to catch the farm show at 10am. However,  we decided to have a relaxing morning in swan valley and we decided to catch the later show around 1pm.

After our breakfast at Taylor's , we drove to some vine yard, cheese barrel, honey house.

We then drove to caversham wildlife around 1230 hrs.  Walk around the zoo, and had fun with some of the lamb, sheep and goat in the zoo. The farm show was interesting. I think is worth visiting.

After the farm show, we wonder around swan valley and decided to do some grocery shopping for my parents. After our grocery we then went back home for a rest while waiting for caren coming back from work. She brought us to an Italian dinner and bought us a meal. We were rather tipsy and we chatted at her place till midnight.

Day 5- 18.2.2015
We were checking out from caren's place. We did some housekeeping and laundry before we drove to Hillarys for early brunch. The Quay is beautiful and we had a great fish and chips in one of the restaraunts there. We also had a chance to see all the beautiful houses in Hillarys. Caren was booking a place for us for chinese new year dinner with my parents.

Before 1pm, we quickly drove down the perth city to fetch my parents from the airport. I was over the moon when I saw them coming out from the terminal. I hugged them tightly the moment I met them.

I also met some other kk friends in the airport. Kong hui yee is one of them.

After fetching my parents, I brought them to do some light shopping then drove them up north to Scarborough beach. We had a drink at dome which is behind the hotel and had a quick stroll along the beach while catching up.

We quickly drove around the area  checking some beautiful homes and drove back to Perth city to check in to Mont Claire apartment. After checking in around 7pm. We then drove to our dinner place with caren and Amos. 

The setting of the dinner is very crowded, it is a malaysian chinese cuisine with a lot of malaysian in it. My dad met his friend in the restaurant too. We had a great time.

Day 6
We drove down south to margaret river and had a quick late lunch at Morries. The meal was descent. After our lunch, we then drove all the way down to leeuwin lighthouse. We took the tour and went up the light house. It was a long walk up. The tour was so so, but the sceneries up there was amazing and not to forget the strong wind from the southern ocean. The light house is located between southern ocean and Indian ocean. Very similar to Cape Town. 

After the strong wind and the beautiful sceneries. We drove back to margaret river resort and checked in. We then went back to the town and bought some groceries for dinner. We cooked at home.

Day 7-20.2.2015
After our breakfast, we drove to the nearest beach and look at the surfers on the beach showing off. The waves were rather strong and had a few tiers which was unique.  After watching them we then drove to lakes cave. We overshot lakes cave and reached the tall trees area which we find very interesting. We stopped by and took some pictures of it. We then drive back to lakes cave which is about 60m below the road level. The cave tour is enjoyable and very informative.

After that, we went to vineyard, noughat factory and chocolate factory. Then drive north to busselton jetty, which is 1840m long. The jetty is that long because they wanted to be able to accommodate bigger ship that time. We had fish and chips there which was the best fish and chips I have ever had. After our light meal, we drove down the perth and checked in to verandah apartment. A fairly new apartment in northbridge which is very near to fringe world festival. After checking in, we walked to the festival for a quick meal and then went back our apartment to rest. 

Day 8- 21.2.2015
We had breakfast with caren in the morning, The breakfast was great, and as usual I always overeat when I am with my parents. They always give me half their portion.

After our breakfast, Caren dropped us at the jetty and we boarded on the yatch on 11 30 hrs.  During the ride, there was a training conducted by the Australian navy which tried to board our yacht while we were crusing. They were practising for a few times while my dad and I were taking pictures of them.

When we reach fremantle, we walked to the cappuccino strip and had our lunch at kailis'. The fish and chips were so so. We then wonder around fremantle like a tourist bought some souvenirs. After that, we had our early dinner at an Italian restaurant at cappuccino strip. The pizza was awesome and it was less than $50 for 4. After our scrumptious meal we then walked a little while around Fremantle and headed to the train station. We boarded the train and headed back to City West. Upon reaching city West,  we walked back to our apartment, took a rest and drove to kings park. We then drove to crown hotel for the casino. The casino is crowded with people and a lot of Australian chicks.

After our casino trip, we went back to our apartment and jenny made us supper. We were all hungry.. After our supper we retired to our own room.

Day 9- 22.2.15
We had breakfast together with caren and amos at dragon palace. After our breakfast, we went to our final shopping.We then drove my parents to the airport and bid farewell to them. After sending them back, we drove to kings park and we had picnic there. The view is stunning and the weather is just nice.

After our picnic, we drove back to the airport, returned our car and took our flight back to Singapore around 7pm. We reached Singapore around 0010hrs.

This is my family trip for 2015. It was truly an amazing trip with my family and I am looking forward for more in the future. 

 

Weekended 09.02.15

As usual, 6 days work week.

After work, went to Raffles hotel for a one night stay. We were offered Cathay Suite with a personal butler.Raffles is trying to recreate a positive experience for us and to rebuild their trust. We had simple dinner and chatted for a while. Somehow the hotel managed to create some sort of environment where we can just sit back comfortably and chat for long hours. 

On Sunday morning, we were given complimentary breakfast, joining the high society for breakfast truly opened both our eyes clearly. Basically, the restaurant is filled with people with a lot of taste. I was almost stunned and felt out of place for a second. People in the restaurant looked so calm and relaxed at all times. They are all well dressed up and speak in the best English I could have hear in the entire Singapore. At that particular moment, I don't feel like I am in 2015, it feels like I am back to 1800. It manages to brought us back to time. It was truly an interesting experience. 

After our Raffles experience, the extravaganza feeling wear off the moment we stepped out of the hotel and into the MRT station, where it was crowded with people. We took mrt back home, left our luggages, did some home chores and went to join our Hong Konger pore pore group Chinese New Year Dinner in NTU Alumni. The dinner cost about 70 ++ per person, as it was Raymond's birthday too. So we all treated him as well. 

It was the first time we managed to chat with Kelvin and Julia, both from UK but born in Hong Kong. It is truly amazing to be able to clicked with them as our thoughts are fitted one after another. There are so many similarities between us and we managed to discussed things further more. It was truly a night filled with laughter. 

Next week, will be my family trip to Australia, Perth.

Looking forward to it now. :)  

Weekended 1.2.15

Last week, jenny went to Philippines for business trip. So I have arranged a stream of activities for myself. Especially catching up with my friends, investing group and most importantly my aunt.

So for last week Tuesday, I catch up with Teo, Charles, how wei yang and alvin at wisma atria. It was an impromptu one.

On Wednesday, I met up with Anthony and also Jonathan. We shared about life and catch up while discussing about amway and also insurance with Jonathan. High chance I will be buying insurance from Jonathan. After our talk, I continued with Anthony until midnight near my place with a few rounds of beer. 

Thursday I went to value investing college with Chai ann which is organized by Sean Seah and some of their partners. The best thing is basically the two beer sessions before and after our seminar. We shared about some property investing and how we have been doing at work and also in life.

On Friday, I called my aunt and set a dinner with her at a famous Korean food at Concorde hotel. I enjoyed my meal with her and it is good for me to catch up with her once a while. We discussed about new job. And she told me about her landlady. She then brought me to an espresso branch in takashimaya for a free coffee.. We stood in front of the posh counter and enjoyed our free coffee while chatting. It was truly a great experience to have a relative around in Singapore. 

Saturday, after work, I went to victor's place for a meal. For, then,me,victor and his wife. We are all secondary school mates and grew up together in the same town... We had so much to share and catchup. The week before for went to malacca to meet a guy.  Basically a group of them send for to meet a decent guy in his mid thirties in malacca. Foh is planning to go back Malaysia for good as she felt that her parents are getting older soon and her younger brother is not around with them.

Sunday morning, we went to invest carnival registered with vector vest and then went to a musical play at mbs called cats with crystelle and also Angela.  Crystelle is Jenny's superior and she is from France while Angela is a hongkonger whom is leaving Singapore for good to Australia. After our play, we walked to mbs and had our late meal at satay by the bay. 

I have met up with many of my important friends this week and gained a few kilos.

Week ended 25/1

19.1 Went to ViOS after work and follow up with a trade the day after.

23.1 Had dinner with Tina and his boyfriend. They are both doctors and were both very humble. We shared about our life in Singapore and they shared theirs as a couple in hongkong and UK. We met in Marche Somerset and they liked the place very much. They were very surprise to see me speak fluent Cantonese also.  It was very fruitful to understand more about life in Hong Kong. They were asking jenny to go back Hong Kong.

Tina is doing her PHD in Cambridge in Medicine and is fully sponsored by Hong Kong while her boyfriend is pratising in Hong Kong. Tina is planning to go back to HK immediately after she got her PHD in medicine.

25.1 Catch up meal with my KK friends in crystal jade palace at Taka. The receptionist missed out my booking, I negotiated with her politely and was given a huge room immediately. We were planning for another gathering after cny. Looking forward to it.

Plan and booked my trip in Perth with caren and also jenny. The accommodation there is very expensive. Decided to squeeze one night with my parents at Caren's place. Thanks to caren for offering a place for us to stay. I guess I saved up a lot of money there.

I am going to start my night shift soon.

Mr Tea and my weekly wrap up.

I met an interesting person at work recently. He is Mr tea. He is my colleague in my company and is working in singapore construction industry for almost 7 years.

He is a knowledgeable person with the industry and is rather smart in his field. He did research from top to bottom and also side way.  He collect all the information from mom, linked in, gebiz, ies, developer,  bca, lta before he secure a job or even to apply for an interview. This guy is very familiar with his work and planning for his future. 

He showed me his cpf account around 100k and some of his bonus he has received from his previous employer for a hdb project. 

He also brought me to singapore pool and bought my first soccer betting in singapore. Although I am not a big fan of betting but I guess it is important to keep a topic with him. Some more I get to enjoy a good meal for my lunch in mbs.

As for my week, it was a long one. I have been working from 8 am to 9pm on a daily basis as I am handling my first task on site. Even on my Saturday. 

After work around 9pm, i get jenny to dress up and join me at marina bay station.  We then walked to mbfc and went up to level 33 for a quick drink and some light bite to catch up for the week. It has been a tough week for us as I have been working late everyday.

On Sunday morning, woke up and did my laundry and ironing. I then prepared some light breakfast before we left our place for dimsum with yuyen at East ocean. The companion was good and it was almost 6 months since we last catch up in bugis thai food.

There were some interesting topic brought up to the table, work, proposal, getting married, having a child and things like that.

We chatted for about 3 hours before we then left the place to shop around in orchard, attend a Japanese property seminar in Carlton hotel and world press photo exhibition at raffles hotel.

We then had some snack in MOS burger at city hall for share and then went back to novena for a proper meal.

After our meal, we went back home and swam in our small pool for about 30 mins before we call it a day.

It was a tiring yet interesting week.

Hopefully next week will be less demanding. 

2014 review

Just to wrap up my 2014. 

Extracted my depacted wisdom tooth

Travelled to a few places: Japan,US,Melacca,Penang,Bangkok, Hong Kong x2,kk x3.

Attended a few property seminar.

Invested properties in overseas.

Changed job. 

Joined gym personal trainer. I believe investing in experience and knowledge.

Moved in together with jenny.

Set long term goal and vision with Miss J.  😊

Brought jenny back to kk.

Maintained a close relationship with my parents and brother. Went back 3 times for a year and called them more often on a weekly basis. 

Assisted in my parents business.  Set up an website.

Assisted my brother into stock market.

Planned and booked a trip for my family to Australia. 

Hit my target return around November. It was a good year for my investment.  However not because of my skill but because it was a bull market. Still got a lot to learn in the future. 

Jenny and I tackled some challenging issues this year.  Raffles incident, property research, investment, travel planning,  goal setting and execution. 

Xmas 2014

Miss J left singapore for hong kong on Christmas eve morning and I went to a full day work that day.
After work,  I then went to bernard's  place. I met a few new friends karmen (whom is a guy),  su may  and shinq lei. They are friends' of Bernard Hu.

After saying hellos in his condo. We then went up to the attic where the bbq  pit is.

Karmen started the fire and we then started to chill and wind down. Had a few cans of beer which Bernard bought for us

After a while,  we got anthony and ccy over followed by jianyang  and ken. By then our xmas dinner becomes a full fledge engineering gathering.

It was indeed an awesome night. We went back home about 2 am in the morning.

Although I will be spending me-time on Christmas day but I am very grateful with what I had for my Christmas in 2014.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Short kk trip

I went back kk for a short break and also a quick catch up with my family. Managed to do a few things before leaving kk.

■check the wedding venue
■reopen my may bank account and Internet banking
■fix my wisdom tooth
■update my passport
■have dinners with families
■to bring jenny around kk city,  kundasang, properties and also island in.
■to introduce my childhood playgrounds to jenny.

There are a few things to take note in this trip.

Pre plan my trip and allow buffer in between.
Book in advance for all the major activities.
Bring bugs repellent and sun block while in sabah.
People are happy when they receive presents.
Sometimes even our closest family may overlooked our needs or feelings. Communicate consistently with them.
Focus on our goal and be result orientated. No excuses,  when shit happens, people will find thousands of excuses to get their self out. We are here to make it happen.
Family issues are not as straight forward. We must be clear with our path and where family direction is heading.look 5 years in advance.  In the event that the direction is incorrect. Highlight immediately.
If you are running out of time to deliver good result, please ensure the stakeholders are aware of these. Delivering poor result due to poor time management will not be tolerated. People will perceive you as a person with no qualities.

Changing Job-a major transition. December Goals

Just a quick wrap up with my November from my To do list on November. 

  

1. Health
1. Due to Miss J Skin Irritation, we swim less in our pool. We went to Zumba on Sunday, training session on weekdays. We also mentioned to have all our gym session on weekdays, so that we got more time for ourselves on weekends.
2. We cook more often at home, and eat out less often nowadays. We only eat out when there is a social event or friends from far here. 
3. Went for a badminton session organised by CCY.
4. I need to cut down my protein intake. 

2. Myself
1. Decided to proceed with my PR application. 
2. I tendered my resignation letter in Boustead Project, this will mark an end in my 3 years work in Boustead Projects. It is a great company to work with, especially we got good bosses. 
3. I will be starting my new job with a Japanese Company Tai Sei around 15/12/2014. Start looking forward to it. 
4. We settled our 5 years plan. There are some key details to be listed down and to hang on it.
5. We also need to work on the timeline of getting married and also having kids
6. Book of the Month- Jim Rogers- Street smarts. 
3. Finance/Investment

1. To start monitor properties in Mandaluyong, rental market, bank loans, interest rates and tenures. Miss J will be flying over to Philippines mid-December to see some of the places in Mandaluyong Philippines. At least to get a feel of the area, and who we will be renting to.
2. To start monitoring oil related companies, due to huge drop in oil prices
3. To start monitoring properties in Southbank, Melbourne Australia. Low capital gain, but consistent rental yield. 
4. I have met a relationship manager in Standard Chartered who stayed in Southbank when she was studying in Melbourne. I had a long chat with her about the places and how she thinks about the place. She mentioned that people prefer to live further away from school/university as a place in Southbank is a just nice distance away from Melbourne University.
3. Career

1. Spend 5 minutes to write down to a do list for every day, and priorities them. 
2. I am changing job for better prospect 
4. Relationship

1. Wedding plan
1. Prepare a budget sheet for wedding by end of 2014
2. Work out the timing also. 
3. Planning for a ceremony in Hong Kong. 
4. Constantly discuss with Jenny about the wedding ceremony in Hong Kong.
5. Family

1. To discuss more about moving to somewhere else. So far we got Singapore and Australia on the list. I guess we have already make up our mind to go Australia already. :) 
2. We also discussed about property investment together and also how the business will be handed over soon. 
3. Planning for another trip back to KK to bond with my family and do catch up with some of the outstanding items in KK. I have already drafted a long list to settle before I start my long hours work with a Japanese company on 15/12/2014. 
6. Business

1. To search for Dell laptop at around $249 by end of October. Postponed to end of 2014, as a Christmas Present
2. Went for a meet up session with Anthony and also Bernard Hu
7. Travel

1. I have got parents air-ticket sorted out. This coming New year, we will be going to Perth. As this will be a direct flight from Kota Kinabalu and will be easier for them.
2. We have also started a travel fund together. So both of us will be contributing to the travel fund together.