Killiney road for dinner

After a bout of (heavy) shopping at OG, our retail appetite satisfied by new bed sheet, quilt cover, shoes, convertible bagpack, interesting adventure on "Japanese" demo floor mat, well... almost, I wanted to take mom to my favorite Indonesian food place at Killiney Road, yep Warung M. Nasir. I have known the place since they had the place at showflat of the Sail, long time back, when MS first moved to OMB. I took a Jap fren there once, and she liked the atmosphere. Warung is Indonesia/Malaysian. It normally refes to a small, informal, eating place, where atmosphere is kampung, simple, and natural.

But we walked shooting past the place (again - since it is rather poorly lighted), and mom spotted a sign in Chinese that says Rice Roll and Porridge. I am delighted to find a new eating place to try. And the place is simple, lined with newspaper clippings about the place and Durian Cheong Fan. Hmm Durian and Cheong Fan - which means soft Rice Flour cake that is normally served warm with plenty of sweet light sauce and sesame seeds. We finally settled to ordering Durian's hallmark, and we were not dissappointed. Throughout the way, we observed that the popular dish was ordered by many, and another hot favorite is the Porridge.

Durian Cheong Fan:

Chilling out at Spinelli

The story of cutout birthday voucher. "How do I use this?" at Spinelli.

The chosen dessert "Apple Crumble", Lemon Yuzu Tea cake on promo, at XL Latte (can't remember the term for Spinelli's off top of my head.)

The Apple Crumble is my fave. It has warm generous apple bits, and crispy sweet outer shell. Yuzu tea cake is too sweet for my taste, although the sponge is tasty (not too crumby dry, nor too buttery, just nice). And I always dig on sugar coating.

I realize that Orchard Central has many nice spots for really good study or reading... as evidenced by the opinions of many groups and individuals cramming at BK, Quizons, Tully's, EWF, Coffee Bean, just to name a few. I really liked the vibe of the OC' now. It used to be too pretentious for my nice, now it has cooled down a little bit.

Saturday's adventure

Today I went out with mom for some adventure in Orchard. Actually it's because she wanted to check out some "designer bag sale" at *SCAPE, and I needed to collect my race kit for Nike 5KM Goddess run next Saturday.

The designer sale turned out to be dissappointing. It's at 5th level of Scape, but with sparely populated collections (of past seasons, many of the bags look familiar from my few years' ago trip to US Outlets...) and pretty expensive compared to US vs the value of the collection. The Coach bags pricing ranges from $250+ to $400. There are some Kate Spade's, Gucci, and Prada - each less than 15 bags for sure.

Anyway, so Orchard Central was a lovely place for photo shooting.

Here's some result playing with shutter speed:

 Manual, 1/320 4.5f ISO400, Evaluative metering 20mm

Royal Wedding buzz

This past Friday had been abuzz with the Royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, now both are crown royal. I read some news about their banquet last night, and become interested to know more about "biscuit cake". Here is one of good one from the net.

http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/royal-wedding-chocolate-biscuit-cake/

Just a few days ago I wrote that I was not into the royal wedding hoopla.

Scratch that.

I took one look at this ultra decadent chocolate delight and changed my mind. The chocolate biscuit cake is the “chosen” groom’s cake for tomorrow’s royal wedding — chosen by the Prince himself. It’s not an aristocratic cake; rather a childhood favorite of the Prince’s which can be whipped up in no time. And the best part? No baking required!

Our Trip Itinerary Final review

So this trip was planned in haste but turned out okay.

Monday Apr 18:

5am wake up. Singapore - Johore Bahru (JB) Larkin terminal, Malaysia.

7am Bus JB - KL. Having a break in KL, visit Pasar Seni Chinatown & early night sleep.

Tue Apr 19:

6am flight KL-Siem Reap. Arrived 8.30am in Cambodia.

10 am early lunch in Old Market Psaar Chaa & Start out temple tour.

South Gate photo ops, Bayon, Baphuon (under reno), Phimenakas, Terrace of the Elephant and Terrace of Leper King. All in Angkor Thom complex. Then proceeded to smaller temples. Watch sunset at Phnom Bakheng.

7pm Dinner at Apsara Show and buffet of local and international foodfare.

Holiday Calls

Yesterday when I woke up, post-holiday at 745am. I started by checking my work inbox. Fortunately there was no emergencies but there was a big sweeping company-wide in regards to our review system and compensation. It will take me after I get back to understand the changes fully, but I see good things from my first look. I couldn't resist checking the company external blogspot and was interested and amazed to note how negative the reactions were. What is the limit to human's greed, no, I think it was more people are generally blinded to see only things that they wished to see. That colored objectivity even from some of the smartest people on the planet.

In this company, I have learned, experienced, grew so much. I continuously feel privileged to work with people so smart, so passionate, so politically-savvy. It is indescribable. But I can understand the sentiment.

I Just had a most disturbing dream. About something that I dread to happen again. It was about a group of us went to a conference in Australia. And suddenly I said something cynical to B to the extent "don't open your shirt and show your bikini". But my more-friendly colleague looked at me in dismay as if I am doing something suicidal to my career, and quickly pulled me away to leave the two of them on a yacht. Then we trekked in a maze of hotel hallway towards a multi-tiered area with 3 open hotel rooms, and started to sing and jumped up and down in madness.

Crazy dream.

I woke up feeling so sad, and felt a bit of relieved since the thing that made me sad was only a dream.

Angkor Wat Apr 20

Sunrise waking up @5am to catch Angkor Wat.

AE mode: 1/1600 3.5f ISO 400 18mm @7am.

AE mode: 1/100 3.5f ISO 400 18mm @ 6.47am.

Many people were already there!

Ta Phrom Apr 19

Flash off mode: 1/100 6.3f 21mm ISO100.

Ta Prohm has a feel of the forgotten temple. It was one of most interesting jungle temple in the Angkor Archeological Park. Here is the temple made famous by Tomb Rider movie. And the twisted roots of Banyan and Kapok trees made a bizarre combination with the relic of carved walls and ancient Khmer arts.

AE mode 1/100 3.5f ISO400 20mm

And something for human touch - this little girl swinging at tree branches just outside of Ta Phrom complex.

Read more about Ta Phrom at Wikipedia article.

Angkor Thom Apr 19

Fiery guards at South Gate of the great Angkor Thom complex

Contemplative Buddhist monk quietly at Bayon

The robed Buddha statue and incenses lighted by reverent Buddhist followers

@ Bayon at the Centre of Angkor Thom Complex

KL Chinatown

After numerous visit, here is the view of KL Chinatown (nearest RapidKL : Pasar Seni) captured:

The famous soya bean

Roasted Chestnut. Notice the fake LV bags on display :)

Petaling Street @ afternoon

We went over to Lenas at Bugis Junction for lunch + high tea. There is a little known promo (not appearing on the menu) with main course meals (12-3pm) and FOC salad or soup bar. The salad bar were almost gone when we got there. But we were pretty happy with the look our main course turned out.

The service was slow and not so prompt. The menu was confusing that we took time and some investigations with the waitress to figure out the system. It turns out that you pick a main course, and get a choice of a sauce - unless specified.

My bowl from the salad bar. Grilled Tomato and Toasted Bread on top! Mashed potato with some mushroom gravy.


Main course 1: Chicken Breast with Pesto sauce.

Neighbourhood

Today, I am wandering around my neighbourhood looking for nice shots. Anything to shoot at.

Here are some results:

Nearby at Hong Lim Complex, a fruits stall next to Barcook Bakery was selling the "King of Fruits" and "Queen of Fruits". Both fruits are thought to be originated from Indonesia.

Durian, is a famous fruit in Southeast Asia region with its infamous foul yet loved smell and creamy centre. It is called the King of Fruit by locals here. It's kind of acquired smell, I have encountered people who loved it lots, or hated it a lot. Very extreme reactions. I for one love it. Especially those with sweet yellow creamy texture, and just chilled out of refrigerator.

Next is Mangosteen or "Manggis" in local language. I always thought it's word association with Mango is funny. Mangosteen, Mango. "Manggis" and "Mangga" for the two corresponding words in Bahasa Indonesia/Malay. Mangosteen is considered the "Queen of fruits" here. In fact there is a pub in Vivo called "The Queen and Mangosteen Gourmet Pub". Mangosteen has shiny dark purplish husk, with 4-5 digits of leaves at the head of the fruit. The flesh is beautiful white soft center, with a large seed. You kind of suck the juicy rather than eating the flesh. It has no smell, which makes a quiet comparison to the smelly Durian.

So a fruit stall with the King and Queen, ladies and gentlemen. It is also thought that it may be poisonous to eat both of these fruits at the same time. I don't know exact scientific reason why, but it may be good to just follow the local advice, afterall, both originated from same place. And the local must have developed local custom after some trial and error, right.

Pursuit of Happiness

Today I got a note from a colleague who is leaving my company. He is someone I respected alot because he is genuinely interested in people - invested his time to coach and improve. He is also someone who could see different point of view which I think is a rare and admirable quality of the leader.

He also reached out as he wanted to get a trusted point of view on areas of improvements - at least 3 points. Let me share what I said:

1. Time and investment in people - balance that.

2. Know the right people and gut to trust.

3. Communication style - share when needed esp if people gap is too big.

The discussion inevitable turns into discussion about his past experience, and reason of his resignation. I asked him why he resigned. He shared his observations from reading "Prisoners of Our Thoughts : Viktor Frankl's Principles of Discovering Meaning in Life and Work".

Beside's link to the Amazon site.

My Practice Shoot

Today I was so excited after getting my SLR.

Here is the first try.

Going straight from Chinatown Point, I went along exploring the South Bridge Road before heading to Maxwell for Rojak.

On my way, I passes Masjid Jamae - that is Jamae Mosque.

I passed by the gated - and took two quick snaps.

First image here on the left: has closer depth of field vs the picture at the bottom where the AF auto focus produces different effect.

However, both images are indicated from my Canon tool has having same ISO, aperture, and shutter speed... 1/10 4.0 ISO3200 Evaluative metering. Focal length 28mm. Why the different in focus?

Jakarta ABG Chat

I just finished chatting with my brother. He updated me that the trend of youngsters in Jakarta. One: BB or blackberry - the tool of trade for those young, connected, and cool. Two: DSLR - or the big camera with longer the better lens to shoot or just to pose behind the lens, not in front. Three: Gym - a place to see and to be seen.

Jargon: ABG - Anak Baru Gede - or literal translation "Kid who just grew up"

Random shoot - bday rose:

AE mode: 1/15 5.0 ISO800 35mm.

Buying my First SLR

The Search of my First SLR Camera

Finally... I have decided on my first-ever SLR. Canon EOS 600D. With kit 18-55IS II. Bought screen protector etc at this 4th floor shop at Funan.

Camera is charging and I can't wait to start the adventure.

Top 3 reasons why photography is perfect hobby for me:

1. I am forgetful. Photography is perfect to capture that fleeting moment.

2. Even now, I found that I pay more attention to little things happening in life.

3. For my artistic and sense of creation that I've been craving for a while.

A picture afterall is worth a thousand words.

Resources:

Read review here:

http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/cameras/Canon_600D.html

Excellent review from DPreview:

600D vs 60D...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos600d/

And the lens IS that comes with the kit http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/canon_18-55_3p5-5p6_is_c16

600D - Announced in Feb 2011.

And Canon pages - http://www.canon.com.sg/personal/products/dslrs/eos/eos-600dkit-efs-18-55-is-ii

2XU RUN

My Run Today

My first run today carried 2XU and Pocari Sweat branding title.

http://www.2xucompressionrun.com.sg/

I did this for two small reasons and one big reason. 12KM is my first stretch target beyond the usual 10KM run, and that I love to try the compression Calf Guard. And it is on my brother's birthday - he loves running so we signed up together.

2XU (pronounced two-times-U) main products are claimed to be high-performance running/athlete for races and triathlons. They signed up offered runners with 2nd category of registration that comes with a pair of Calf Guard at $70, than $60 fee for just the race. I thought it is a good deal to try new runner's gadget :)

The Calf Guard comes as a pair. It is shaped like long socks with open ends at the ankles section. I tried twice when training on the treadmill. It holds very tightly the shape of the calf - actually the calves look very shapely and slim with that - it seemed to pull my lower legs together. My legs felt less sore than usual despite the heavy training.

Here is the official description:

2XU Calf Guard targeting the calf muscle - a major driver in venous return from your lower body, calf guards can be worn during competition or used simply as a recovery tool. With similar benefits to compression tights but in a smaller package, calf guards improve circulation and protect against leg fatigue and muscle soreness. Essential training and recovery tool for people who need extra support through their calf region.

Taxations

Today I received a Grantor Letter from my Stock Services company. As part of my work I am eligible to certain stock grant or participations. Previously I filed

So, it seems that under US Tax (or other countries for that matter) is rather complicated and complex. Esp that according to various website of various online tax advisories. Because I am nonresident Alien (funny how this word is used), I am subjected to Withholding Tax. Witholding Tax is a pool of fund that Financial Services companies or employers are obligated to withhold a portion of your cash if you are a non-resident (ie located outside the jurisdiction of that country) to ensure you pay fully your tax obligations.

So from various searches, it looks like I am subjected to 30% withholding tax for my dividend gains. That is standard rate, that may be reduced if you reside in a country that has Tax Treaty with US. Singapore is not (a search in Singapore Tax Authorities http://iras.gov.sg) resulted in a "limited Tax Treaty" that was last updated in 1988. So 30% it is.

Good to know.

Resources:

http://iras.gov.sg - SG Tax website

http://irs.gov - USA Tax website

Redundancies Recently two of my closest people were impacted by departments being dissolved post M&A consolidations. Painful, sudden, and demoralizing. There is nothing worse than having lost the purpose and being in limbo. I guess this is a good period to genureflect the meaning of life and how much time spent on career, etc. Career is not everything...

Late Bloomer

That is the theme going through my mind at the moment.

One of interesting aspect about travelling is solo-travelling.

As one who grew up in a developing country where travelling alone by yourself as a single female is considered one of unsafe notion of travelling, I feel liberated after living in Singapore as an independent, free, single woman in a 1st world country.

When now is time for me to decide a place to go, I want to go somewhere as a solo-traveller. And hopefully a liberating experience that reminds me of the joy of living. I have been to Rome, Madrid, Paris, Barcelona, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok with companion, and sometimes a group.

I am ready to travel by myself again. To my dismay, majority of websites listing places that are faraway, and more suitable for female caucasian rather than general female who is a citizen of the world. Like me!

I vow to write a suitable article for travel for someone like me. First I must go off to a fine place to showcase a safe and interesting location. I am thinking of starting off someone small, nearby, and not too exotic.

Bieler's Soup

I have a new cooking recipe. Read this from a book on 7-day energy surge. In a nutshell, this made a super-easy healthy tasting soup....

1kg of zuchini

half kg of green bean (i used french beans)

english parsley

Method:

Clean the veggies thoroughly.

Prepare a pot of water, bring to boil.

Add zuchini and beans, cook until tender (about 5-8 mins). Add parsley last.

Blend the veggies in blender or food processor until you get consistency of soup.

Now you have cups of bieler's broth. Best enjoyed warm and fresh.

Tips:

• Do not throw away water you boil veggies in. Use these in process of blending - they are full of vits.
• Do not overcook - my beans were yellow in my first try :(
• Add parsley last as it is more easily cooked.
• You can apportion the veggies for #people you serve it. Recipe above prepares about 8 cups, so cut half if you want 4 cups and so on. It is best when it is freshly cooked.

I am bummed. I decided to can my original plan to go to a detox (not for drug rehabilitation but those sort of spa-like healthy living) for bday holiday. Reason: I am hearing my mom's advice (yes I am embarrassingly guilty on the hold she still had on my life). Anyway I figured I am healthy enough without needing a weeklong colon cleansing plus fasting.

So I am in serious need of alternative activity to occupy my time. Something that is less sad.

I would like to create something. That satisfy my desire and need for creation.

I stroke off painting (too messy and lonely). Golf (I am not social enough and I hate the pomposity associated for it, for now). And decided to settle for Photography. It is something that I had been interested in for a long time. I think I had a knack for it. many of my friends are pursuing that as hobby. Plus I love exploring new places and have bad memories. So all very good reasons that this is the right hobby.

Now I am setting off to learn more about this new pursuit.

So first:
Equipment. I'm researching the bet on the good semi SLR or SLR. I think though it is going to be either Canon or Nikon.

One of saddest progress of my exercise "regime". It looks closer to adhoc spurs of gym-ing than regime actually.

After 1 full week of skipping my jogging, and 2 full weeks from my last body pump session (I have excuse of that multi-million deal we are negotiating in UK!), my arms felt flabby, my muffin handles are showing off left right and front, I am DOOMED.

Today: 4.5KM total - 35mins with 15 mins rest between 2 and 2.2. 2XU run 7 days away!