Restful sunday

It was a drizzling Sunday, woke up about 9am, had some home made breakfast and went to Zumba at California Fitness. Which would be my first session with Miss J, had loads of fun. At least, able to dance around with a room full of energetic people.

After our gym session, we went to have dim sum at Kopitiam, and went back home to take a nap.

I did some laundry, clean my room and sharpen my mind with some Anthony Robbins videos and  TED talks.

It is now Mid May already, seems like a long month to go. This is due to project has come to a peak period, and most of my time had been spent at work.

Rest is for us to take a longer journey.

Matters for May

There are a few things I need to get it done in May.

• Do a quick research into SMRT stock. Current Price 1.28
• Do a quick research into Breadtalk SP. Current Price 1.45
• Build my own methodology for analysing stock and put into writing So that I could analyse stock more consistently and also efficiently. 
• Build a spreadsheet for properties or do any research into software about properties apps. So that I can start monitoring properties in Kota Kinabalu, Mekati City and also Singapore. Compare their Revenues. 
• Follow up with the website for Summit with my younger brother. 
• Keep in touch with Family. Will give them a call more often, and talk more with them for at least twice a week. 
• Arrange a gathering with the money grows on tree group in mid June 15/6
• Eat less carbohydrate for dinner, no more economical rice. Work out more for May. 
• Research into Migrating to New Zealand. 

Exhausting Sunday

Woke up at 8, went for a quick dimsum at Kopitiam and then went to Gym for about one and a half hours with Jenny. After gym, I then went to see Charles at Bugis for a quick lunch and also a cup of coffee. We discussed about family matters, pros and cons of living in Singapore and also Malaysia and some of the critical decisions in life to be made.

After that, I took a long journey to Ikea at Tampines, queue up for their meatballs, met up with Jenny to buy some of the stuff for our home. reached home at 1030 and knock out at 11.

It was rather an exhausting Sunday.

Catching up with Serene, Jonathan, Kenny, Doreen and Angela

It was the first week of Sunday, I bought a bouquet of flower with an online shop for my mother in Kota Kinabalu. The flower would be delivered to the office in KK on this coming Thursday. After buying it, I then went out to Dhoby Ghaut to meet up with Jonathan and Serene.

We had a wonderful catchup talked about life, critical decisions, relationships and money making methods.

I still remember we had our meal at Nam nam and moved to coffee bean for dessert. Serene bought us a piece of cake which three of us shared.

The best moments were often spent over a cup of coffee. It was rather a quality bonding session.

After that, I then went back home, dressed up and went back to promenade to meet up with Kenny, boyfriend of Angela, whom is about 40 something. He taught me about properties, shares and also the hotel business. We also discussed about good food in Singapore. I rather enjoy the 1 and half hours one on one with Kenny. Learned many life experience from him. We should have more time of these in order for us to learn more in life. That is for sure.

After our afternoon tea, we then join Doreen, Chinese from Tahiti, works in Arup and also Angela, Jenny's friend. for Pizza at Suntec City. It was rather a short and sweet catching up session. We had a lot of laughters and joy over our dinner.

Kenny sent us home after the meal, grateful. :)

Love it.

21KM Run for tomorrow 350

After my long awaiting 21km run, it was here yesterday.

I woke up at 4am, prepared and took a cab heading to FI pit building. The starting point of the 21km run. Despite sleeping at 12 midnight and woke up at 4am. I don't feel tired. Probably I am rather too excited. This would be my first 21 km run.

upon reaching F1 pit building, I could see a lot of people there preparing themselves for the run. It was rather crowded. After waited for a while, the moment before we are about to start running, There goes an announcement by the organiser saying that there is a category one rain and lightning at Nicole Highway, and is heading towards us.  I found a place for myself at a tent and waited there with all my gears on. Waiting for the next announcement with is due at 15 minutes time. Although I feel agitated, however, looking at the heavy rain out side. I somehow felt good that the organiser didn't let us run. If we would have started to run, I would have become all wet. just a few minutes after the run started.

We all waited for another 15 minutes and the next announcement was that the organiser decided to call off the 21km run. However, the organiser will distribute all the entitlement to us. I immediately texted Chai Ann that the organiser had decided to cancel the 21km run due to weather conditions, they even sent us a text.

Chai ann reached about 630 and I joined her and her colleagues for the 10km run instead. Since I have already travelled so far, might as well just run for fun with them. there was this surprise guest this time, Sinyee is joining us too, she brought us some bananas too.

After a quick chat, the race started at 7am. I ran for about one and a half hours. While fast walked with Chai ann at the beginning of the race. I guess, the cancellation of my 21km made this 10km run more like a social run now. After completed the 10km run, we then took some pictures with our medals and also my finisher Tshirt. We then went to Macdonalds in Raffles city for Breakfast with Chai ann's friends.

They got William, Nana, Bonnie, Sin Yee, Chai ann, carlo and some new friends joining us for breakfast.

After our breakfast, I then went back novena to wait for Miss J at the Gym as she was attending the Zumba Class. It looks rather fun. While I was waiting for her, I surfed the net, lift some weight and etc. I guess in between, I was rather amused to just look into the classroom. They were all very motivated and really enjoying themselves while doing zumba. I would probably consider to join them one day.

After our gym session, we then went back home and had some light bites. I had shower and a short nap.

We then walked to the flower supplier at thomson road, bought some flowers home and Jenny started to cut some.

While Jenny was cutting flowers, I was preparing ourselves mushroom spaghetti,

Did laundry, read some news, drink a few cups of tea and then went to bed.

It was rather another relaxing Sunday, despite my work is at my peak. This would be my ideal Sunday.

Happy man!

Easter weekend 2014 in Malacca

Early Friday, we packed our luggage and headed to key point, a place where our bus to Malacca departs, we took a taxi around 8 o clock and reach Keypoint around 830. We then had typical Singapore breakfast there, Kaya toast, eggs and tea. Which I have been having and is partly one of the reason of my weight gaining recently. After our  breakfast, we set off from Keypoint around 930. Upon departure only I knew we reached keypoint an hour earlier. I should check the departure time next time as Miss J always want extra time before departure. 

After a long journey on bus, we reached Malacca around 5pm, we had a quick meal at Macdonalds and head to Hatten Hotel via taxi. The taxi ride cost us about RM20.00. After reaching Hatten hotel, we were being ushered to a premium lounge. At that point of time, I am in a puzzled state, didn't know what I have signed up. We got light refreshment while we checked in. It wasn't great but at least I feel pampered. 

After checking in, we start our journey to Jonker Street, a Chinese night market, where stalls stretches for Kilometres. It was a pleasant night. We had peranakan at Eleven Cafe, and some beer before we call it a night. 

Day Two, we woke up around 9++ and went to the sky lounge for breakfast, the buffet was rather localised. We got nasi lemak, dim sum and some english breakfast. It was awkward, or I would put it a waste of calories intake in Malacca, as there are so many beautiful delicacy which we could try later on. Without any hesitant, we then proceed with a day Tour in Malacca, we started off with the river cruise to understand more about the culture. We then had a coffee by the river, which was rather relaxing. 

We also went to a chicken rice shop for lunch, the drumstick was good but rather expensive. We then found out the place was a rip off for tourist. 

After that, we went to one of the antiques shops in jonker street, we were shown a few pieces of porcelain from at least 100 hundreds years ago. We learned abit more about the history of Malacca and how porcelain would end up in Malacca. We then got ourselves tickets to one of the Museums in Jonker street, we learned more about Baba Nyonya. It seems that the information I was given when I was young was rather misleading. It would be best to learn it ourselves. 

After that, due to the hot weather, we decided to go Geographer Cafe for a quick Sip, I had lime Juice, while Miss J had Espirit Passion. She also mentioned that "I likes my drinks and my boyfriend", I was rather happy to hear that. 

After a short learning session at the museum, we then walked towards Jonker street 88, where is famous for its Kahwin Laksa and also Ice Cendols, it was around 4pm and the queue was shorter. In fact, there wasn't any queue at all. We managed to just walked in, grab ourselves a good sit, and laksa almost instantaneous. Miss J liked the Laksa, while I enjoyed the Chendols. I am glad to see Miss J enjoying herself in one of the small town in Malaysia. Somehow, I could imagine one day we could just spend days here. 

After briefly filled ourselves with Laksa at Jonker street 88, we then moved to Nancy, which reopens at 430pm. When we reached around 425pm, it has a long queue already. We were lucky to be able to go in at the first round. We ordered Duck, Pork and also top hat. It was awesome. Definitely worth going back the second round, Bernard did recommend this place to me. 

After Nancy's Kitchen, we then stroll around Jonker street and head back to Parkson for a quick shopping. We went to Mahkota parade and did our shopping for our new place. Things are relatively cheaper in Melaka. No wonder Singaporean like to come Malaysia. 

After that, we then went back to Hotel, showered, made ourselves some tea, read some books and discuss about plans for the future. It was rather like a heart to heart talk, and also some review of our own character for the past and how to do it better in the future. I am glad that we started of something together and got a common objective now. 

After cups of tea, long chat and a few chapters, I then call it a night. 

Day 3: This will be our last day in Malacca, woke up around 8 o clock and packed our stuff, we then went for the unworthy breakfast as it is free just to fill up our stomach. After our breakfast, we then went back to our room and prepare for our journey back to Singapore. Upon checking out, we then go to the nearest shopping mall to do our final purchase. E.g. Chewing gums, body lotion etc. 

We hopped on our bus around 230pm and reached Singapore Lavender Station around 730pm. 

It was a pleasant trip and looking forward to another one soon. 

Throwback

My mum mentioned about coming to Singapore in May for a quick trip to see his beloved son. I was so excited and immediately offered all the expenses covered so that I could spend more time with her.

As usual, over the phone we discussed about family matters, her work, her life and how she spent her free time. We also mentioned about future plans and how we should start planning already. It seems that she has a lot to do nowadays. She also mentioned about her health too. I guess she should take a good break befo

It is rather enjoyable to catch up with parents once in awhile. Some how, they understand my situation, listen to my brag and give me advice. I Learn new things, new gossip of the week, things that are happening in Kota Kinabalu. Speaking over the phone with her, had let me envisage images from KK over my head. Although I am still at work and it was pitch dark and while the conversation with my mum took place. I do feel that I was back in KK for a little while, contemplating things I can do, and things I can't do there, how my life would be. 

Although it wasn't solid, I am sure it would definitely be a slower pace. I would have more time doing things I like and want in life. I might not earn more, achieve more, learn more than what I did in Singapore, but I would definitely be happier, at least parents are around me.

Social Sunday 13/4/2014

I started my Sunday before 8, probably that is the time I normally get up for work. For this Sunday, it was a day which I host a gathering for some of our secondary school mates in East ocean. 

Before heading for our brunch at Ngee Ann city Tower A, East ocean, I took a cab to Lucky Plaza. There are a lot of domestic helpers from Philippines remitting money back to their country. Putting myself in a queue with over 99 % of them are female domestic helpers, I feel overwhelmed and somehow blend in. 

After settling some issue there, I then walked towards Ngee Ann city which is opposite lucky plaza. We were running late, it was about 1126 when were still opposite Ngee Ann. However, despite arriving there on time. I somehow is the first one to reach the restaurant, I then quickly register myself with the lady at the counter and started calling my friends. 

For this occasion, instead of just 12, we got more people than what I have booked for. We got Teo, Joann, Foh, Joy, Aik Pin, Kally, Lun, Read, How Wei Yang, Joseph, Karen, Shannon, Zoey, Jenny and I. A total of about 15 of us. There is some minor communication breakdown at the beginning but things are sorted very quickly and we are much more settled within minutes. 

After our meal, we went to walk around Ngee Ann, get a birthday present for Noah and a dozen of Crispy Kreme. I always feel excited to buy fatty food in bulk. They just make me feel awesome. 

After getting both, we then went to east coat park, pit 33 near carpark D2. The weather was good, windy and not sunny at all. When I was approaching the pit, I saw balloons tied on the tables and kids wandering around the tables and food on the tables. Said hello to Damien and Doreen, father of Noah and passed them the food and also present to Noah. We then meet a few more new friends and chat around. We ended our party around 630. and we then decided to have a meal with Angela's Parents and Suzie's Family in Imperial treasure at Great world City. 

Despite feeling exhausted at the end of the day, I am feeling happy to be able to meet up with new friends and catch up with some good old friends. 

How I survived my day with just a one way trip to work

It started of when I was approaching my gym place without the membership card, I smiled with the lady at the desk, said hello with confident and walked pass the counter. I feel good, I then tried to try my luck with the towel collection. Although I didn't manage to get the towel smoothly, I then have to talk to the lady behind the desk that there is no towel card at the counter. After a short while, she then passed me the towel.

After my gym session, I then took out my MRT card and tapped on it, I notice that my card had about 3.30 cents. The trip cost me about SGD 1.44. So my cash card left about SGD 2

 It wasn't a comfortable feeling for not having any money or cash card with me. But I guess these will be the feeling I will be going through when there will be a recession and that is the whole exercise is about. Learning how to be lean.

I have got all my breakfast and lunch included at work. So no money spent at work.

At the end of the day, in aljunied MRT station, I walked to the counter and told the lady that I have lost my wallet, she asked me my name and let me pass.

By the time I reached home, I got a wonderful banana rolls waiting for me as my dinner.


End of Day.


Total spending for the day, SGD 1.44

Thoughts worth taken

After having a good chat with Victor last night, I looked back at my goal for last year, I have concluded that there are a few things which I would like to pursue for the rest of life. The good things about making goals and achieving them are we could also identify things we like and things we don't after we took actions towards our goals. I always emphasize this to people around us. Without dreams and actions, we are just as good as salted fish. 

Why I need to list them down, this is to constantly remind me of things I have done and what I would like to achieve in the next 5-10 years. I understand there might be quite a few of goals or mini goals in my blog, I believe we are constantly growing and changing in taste. I have achieved some and I have also dropped some. Somehow, some goals are easy to achieve and some are just not worth doing it, and some are not worth maintaining it. E.g. Having a glass window facing upwards from my bedroom is not my goal any more. This is due to the constant noise from the rain after experiencing it myself. 

My To do lists are ever changing and goals too. 

So my first questions to my self for this Saturday is to talk about things I enjoy doing:

1. Badminton with good friends. 
2. Invest in stock market
3. Invest in rental properties
4. Invest in simple business
5. Invest time with good friends
6. Invest time in good books
7. Invest time with good mentor. 

End of march- Review

It wasn't long after I started to have a plan for small goal for March, now I  would like to review things that I have done for the past one month. It was really an interesting one, and the more I monitor my progress, the more things I found I am lacking. Perhaps, the thinking process and critical thinking are both lacking in me. Before I start reviewing this month, I would like to list down things I had written down last month.

1. Got my April holiday up to Melaka 
2. Understand more about affiliate marketing. I started up a website for my dad. Here is the website which is still under construction, but do feel free to wonder round http://summitkinabalu.com/
3. Re-read 4 hours work week. 
4. Know more about properties in Mekati, attended property guru road show in orchard hotel, and managed to speak to a pinoy who also bought an unit in Greenfield twin oak place, a future ready home near mekati. I also managed to met 
5. Moved to a new place in chancery lane. 

I guess, before the start of April, I would also like to list down things I would like to do for the coming Month. 

1. Catch up with Cedric this coming Friday 4/4/2014
2. Gathering with Nottingham mates on 5/4/2014
3. To date Jenny in Amara hotel on the 6/4/2014
4. Going to Doreen's son for his first birthday 13/4/2014
5. Dimsum with secondary mates on 13/4/2014
6. Going to Melaka this coming 18/4/2014
7. Will be doing a 21 km run on 27/4/2014

What are the small goals which I would like to achieve this coming April 2014. 

1. Change my diet- Eat less carbohydrates, no more soda, half the portion during dinner. 
2. Put at least 1k a  month
3. Plan for a trip to Kinabalu this coming 13/5/2014 with jenny 
4. Trip to Philippines this coming July 2014
5. No more food after 8pm
6. No canned drink
7. No fast food
8. Plan my finance for the coming years, from property, engagement ring, children expenses, family expenses. It would be a great challenge for me this year.
9. Set up a common goal with Miss J. This would be a priority this month. 

Key word for 2014-Automated Income

Automated income is the key word for 2014.

I re read book by Tim Ferris, the 4 hour work week, it was fascinating. In fact, I guess to some extent, this the methodology he did it is somehow duplicable.

Implementation is key.
How could I execute it perfectly over the course of my life would involved every single actions I take today. The motive is not about earning hell loads of money, but to create a simple source of automated income. This could somehow free up my time and allows me to do things I enjoy the most.

I will need to define things that are most crucial to me, and spend most of my resources on it, generating passive income is the one. What are my plans and also actions for 2014 would be crucial for my future.

So I have got my share position in placed, all I need to do now is to go into property, and prepare a simple online business. This would be a strategy of mine to achieve automated source of income by the age of 35. So cutting all this crap, let's see some of the actions that are on going.

• Started website for Summit kinabalu
• Liaise with Gary mason for Spitting image art
• Invested in stock market and options
• Properties hunting
• Start monitoring simple businesses in KK

I will break down all of these actions into smaller ones when I have got time and will explain every single journey I took for automated income. 

Chicken and Egg

So Saturday has been half day training with the company about our operation team.

Some of the actions I have done for the past few days.

I have created a website for dad's shop, a linkedIn account etc, and relisted item on ebay.

Apart from that, I have shifted my gym routine to more weight lifting instead of just running, on top of that, I start to swim at least 3 times a week, which was suppose to be every night due to the hazy conditions recently.

On top of that, I have proof read Miss J"s CV and cover letter as well..


I also sent a letter to my dad's project coordinator to get more resources about our companies latest policy and drafted on excel what information are crucial for the website together with miss J.

This will be an interesting journey. :)

I am trying to break the chicken and egg cycle, for some occasion, it is crucial for us to jump into it and take action first.

Action of the day

I signed up with hostgator.

One small step for me into internet business, glad that I have made it after struggling with starting the first step.

So what is next,

Download wordpress and start getting some free theme.


 I am so excited. :)

Leveraging

Yesterday I had a quick chat with friends about CEO in corporate world nowadays.

They use their limited time, knowledge, experience and network, to leverage on other people's time, knowledge, experience and network. PERIOD.

Simple as that.

Moving in together by end of March 2014

So, miss J and I have finally found a place to move in, it is a small room at Novena neighbourhood.
 It is one of the cheaper ones we could find which fits into both our budget.

House hunting wasn't easy for us, I guess Miss went through at least 15 units already before we managed to find a suitable ones.

There are a lot of variables to consider when a couple decided to move in to a place together. I guess so far, it wasn't a pleasant experience for me. However, on the bright side, these would be the leanest manner to see if she would be the right one. As we would spend more time together in the future and learn a lot more things about ourselves as a couple.

By the end of March, we will be living together as a couple, seeing each other every single day and survive in this concrete jungle.

As an engineer, I always like to list down things to consider when we co-habit.

• My relationship is going to change- This is inevitable, I will be seeing her more often and things are not as exciting as before
• Sex life will change- That is definitely for sure. No question ask
• House chore - This is probably one of the issue that we need to discuss before moving in together as a couple
• Finance- A lot of things are tied down together as a couple already. We need to have a shared fund. How do we share or split our expenses.
• Is our lifestyle compatible? 
• How do we deal with our conflicts?
• Do we still have our personal life?

I always take this as a life changing event, this action would alter the entire course of my life. It could probably be the largest decision I have made this year. 

1st week of March

It is amazing how quickly time flies, just like that I have passed another week, so a quick recap on things I have done last week.

I went to Suzie's place for pictionary and awesome dinner. We had baked fired rice, charsiew, popcorn and some serious fun. Hanging out with them at home is just awesome. Our next meeting shall be on 13/4/2014.

I went to swimming for at least 20 laps a session on a 20m pool on a daily basis. I have also booked my holiday which is to Melaka for our good Friday, I also understand more about affiliate marketing.

On top of that, we found a place to stay in Novena, it is a landed property and is a room for two. I am looking forward to move in. The landlord, Roger Lim, owns a few landed properties in Singapore. It was a good chat with him on that night, and it is awesome to have someone who has become a millionaire through properties. He drove the smallest car, and dress the simplest shirt ever. One of his properties could fetch SGD 25k rental per month, as he is a humble person. I feel honoured to be able to live in one of his properties and learn a little bit more about him.

As on Sunday, when I have got a strong fever and also diarrhoea, Miss J took care of me, she brought me to my favourite place, Kopitiam for dimsum and take care of my body temperature. I feel blessed to have someone take care of me when I am weak. However, time shall not be waste, and while I am on my cooling pad on my forehead, I was doing research on properties in Mekati city with Mau on Sunday, and met another property agent called Brendon Er on Monday immediately after Mau explained to me that this might be a good investment potential.

As for this coming week, I can foresee it will be another awesome ahead, I am joining a bunch of good friends for a night yachting on 14/3/2014. I am looking forward towards it now. That would be the highlight of my weekend. On top of that, I have got another internet marketing talk to attend on this coming Wednesday and another investment seminar to attend on Thursday.


Last but not least, I will be going to a property road show in MBS convention ballroom on saturday and a beautiful lunch with Miss J on Sunday.

Looking forward towards it now.

Mini goals or to do list for March 2014

I would like to list down a few things for March 2014.

Basically just one week after a start of March, things I have done, invested in companies and left it untouched. I am sleeping well market has got a lot of noise. That is the most difficult part.

I contacted with Affordable art fair and also liaise with them regarding setting up a booth for Gary. 

I attended a few seminars including, affiliate marketing, meet the masters: Thomas Andrew president of Ogilvy and also lean startup circle. I even joined as a member too.

I also revived my ebay account , and would be sourcing for more things to sell. Looking excited on this part. 

So what is next?

By end of this month, things I would want to achieve would be: 

1. Lose 3 kilos of fat- By cutting down on my meal and gym more often. I need to prepare for my 21km run in April. Swim 30 minutes a day until 22/3/2014 and gym at least 45 minutes a day from Monday to Friday, and 2 hours training session with Miss J at the end of the week at gym. Spinning and body combat class. 
2. Prepare my holiday in April- Probably to go back KK with Miss J. 
3. Go for a night yatch with good friends- This is probably for a friend's (Miss S) party around 14/3/2014
4. I am thinking to be able to understand more about affiliate marketing, whether if is still the mainstream or has been outdated. I would need to spend at least 2 hours on reading topics related to it every week. 
5. Think about what to do for april while swimming at night
6. Read annual report 2012 for Ping An by End of this March
7. Re read 4 hours work week by end of this month and take action. 
8. Know more about properties in Philippines,
9. Study more about Makati city over the weekends. Spend at least 2 hours on it. 
10. Apply for Singapore PR, this is important by next week. Spend two hours in the morning of both first two weeks of March for this. 
11. Attend a property seminar by end of this Month. 

Failures

A brief summary of my failures in life. There are all very very precious to me. 

• 2003-2004:I failed to pass my A-level exam, I retake A-level when I was 18, it took me additional half year for it.
• 2010: I failed to be the champion playing for mix double in Malaysia Nottingham games while I am in Nottingham. It was the closest I could get to my tournament life. It was devastating. 
• 2010: I couldn't get a job after I graduated from University of Nottingham. 
• 2011: I went into depression, a year which I couldn't cope after hunting for job in London. I lost 15 kilos in total. I was working more than 60 hours a week. 
• 2013: I failed at my closest social entrepreneurship Startup with a bunch of good friends. Pet Rangers

• 2014: I wonder what would it be. 

Compromised

After my trip from Japan, I found myself have been compromised on a few occasions, I shall describe briefly below, these are things which I would like to record it down for future references. 

I lost 10 days of membership, I renewed my membership for another year, and the guy who signed me up cancelled my previous membership and restarted a new one for me. Making me to lose around 10 days of membership for the transition. 

Just because I was soft, I let him to do so, and bear the consequences myself. although this had e little cost implications on me, but being short changed is not one would fancy. 

Moreover miss J whom was beside me, was trying hard to fight for the 10 days membership for me while I gave it away.After the incident, I am curious if I am really too soft standing on my own ground. 

I lost a good deal for renting a place because I gave people time to consider about renting to a couple. I should have offered options to her and kill the deal immediately. That was a deal of a life time. I would probably have to pay double the amount of rent for not able to secure the house for another 12 months. 

I lost my holiday for good Friday, as I did not booked my holiday immediately after my boss gave me a green light for the holiday. I was trying to be nice to let my boss have time to consider whether it is ok for me to go for holiday. I found people would put themselves first in front of everything. Set the rules myself and stick to it firmly. 

What I have learned from all these is that when we ourselves compromise our own standards, people compromise my requirements, time, standards and also my own life.