End of 2011 | Beginning of 2012

To be honest, 2011 has been a slightly poorer year as compared to the last, largely due to work reasons. It has been an entirely different year for me mainly because of my job role change. My life as a jet-setter-wannabe has also reduced for the exact same reasons.

Nevertheless, this year has been filled with milestones as well as unforgettable occasions worth mentioning once again as well as to celebrate this happiness to once again remind myself, how contented I should be and feel. For this post, I'm doing to do up a little review of the happenings throughout this year that has significantly affected me one way or another.


January

First Anniversary: Life has never taste that sweeter with this special day as I celebrate this special date with my special someone at a special place as well. That marks a wonderful celebration of love with my special girl!

Where Happiness Means The World: We deeply feel this Club Med slogan with our heart as we enjoyed ourselves away in this unique and romantic Club Med Experience away @ Bali. Wine, food, sleep, relax and enjoy..nothing else! 

Shopping Spree @ Land of Smiles: I remembered how we walked miles and spent hours just to shop, and the number of loots we have, is simply too way overboard to mention here. Just imagine - I'm having a shopping queen as girlfriend mind you!

High Blood Pressure: A seemingly bad start to the year as I was hit with High Blood Pressure. Got me worrying for awhile before my health was back on track once again, after some care. Went for medical checkup as well to see where I stand on the health chart. To put it simply, time to control my diet.

Pulau Ubin: I can't remember the last time I visited this small little island and definitely, I saw a different side of this beautiful island which greatly exceeded my expectations, much thanks to the fun and nonsense of MR, as usual.

February

Year of Rabbit: As usual, other than the CNY goodies that's coming out, Chinese New Year is just as boring, with or without the girl, it's all the same. And even my only cousins' outing (it's a once in a year affair) is ruined this very year. I'm definitely hoping for the year of Dragon to be better. Will it?

Sweet Valentine: We both decided that Valentine's Day are overrated and too commercialised, therefore, we kept it a simple affair. Afterall, everyday can be Valentine's day with such a wonder Valentine like you.

NATAS: Nightmare. My last NATAS as a Travel Consultant, and definitely not as gutted as before already. Each NATAS makes me ponder when's my last. Oh gosh, that's how dreadful it is! Because it always made me so tired, drained and shagged.

Segar Vale: Applied for our first BTO, decided that it was rush. Thankfully, our number sucks.

March

Vivacious Sydney: It was a business and pleasure trip to me. My first time to Australia and it made me want to go there again already. Beautiful scenery, yummy food, pretty girls and majestic architecture. Oh man, bring me back there now!

April

Work Transition: Marketing, something I've always wanted to do and this transition from Travel Consultant to Marketing got me happy for a while, and really, it's just a while because the reality and truth is harsher that what I perceived prior. Oh gosh!

May

 General Elections: Workers' Party vivid supporter apparently. Our dates this month turned uniquely as we give chase to all the 'performances' that Workers' Party give. It's the battle against the Whites as social media proved efficient in this historical moment. And of course, I'm looking forward to moving 'Towards a First World Parliament', without the driver. LOL

Universal Studios Singapore: It was nothing but pure fun. The feeling of being tourists yet again brings us back to happiness. And yes, we challenged the killer roller coaster - Battleship Galactica.

June

Club Med Phuket: The previous Club Med experience was so exciting that we went back to the Club Med Family in just less than half a year later and once again, it was food, fun, chill and rain (but that didn't stop us from enjoying, at all).

July

 Happy '18th' Birthday Sweets: Our first Staycation and definitely an awesome way to celebrate her birthday with love, sweetness and happiness. Ahhh! Lifeee...what a luxury!

Segar Palmview: 2nd attempt at it and we prayed and prayed...

July Rice Babies: The July Babies reunited and it was helluva fun. Play, eat, drinks, laugh and of course, nonsense. What else do you expect?

August

 Nightmare in a Different Light: What could be worse than NATAS, seriously? It's just that this time, it's Marketing. Print Ads, Radio Ad, Booth Design, SMS Blast. You name it, I've done it. And of course, it's a SUCCESS!

September

 The Search is ON!: And so, NATAS proved too much for me, or rather, too little in another aspect. My search for a new goal, new life, new target, new meaning begins....but to no avail.

 Gastronomy Begins: It's a whole new level of eating, redefined. We found food that reminds me when I was a kid, and we of course, are like a kids. Finally, Chicken Rice Balls...Ahhhh!

October

Selling Yourself: Isn't Interviews about selling yourself? I feel like a gigolo. "Hey there, I have two eyes, one nose, one mouth...I wore Jeans and Size M underwear. Oh, did I mention I study Marketing?" Therefore, till now, I'm still stuck with NATAS 2012. DAMN!

Westlife Gravity Tour: Finally, the first time I hear them and watch them sing 'Live', and just days later, they announce their disbandment. DUH! Nevertheless, the only boy band that 'watch' me grow..

That's it!: So, we got it, signed on it (felt like signing on marriage certs) and just recently, paid partially for it too. Speak about commitments. Scary yet exciting. 

Sweet '16':One of the best birthday with all my loved ones celebrating for me, getting my favourite gifts, yet another staycation. Blissful and Loved!

November

 TGFG (Thank God For Games): Really, November was hard to come by but thankfully, PS3 and computer games were there to get me by. Even though to some, the games are expensive, it's definitely worth it for me. Phew.

December

Holiday Together, Finally: At least, we are travelling TOGETHER as a family again. It was fun-filled with nice food and really spectacular views. Most importantly, we bonded. Oh, how I love holidays...

Xmas, Seasons of Giving ($$): Really, the season of giving. I conclude that the ROI of Xmas is bad, so next year, I shall change my strategy, eh wait! Girl hasn't give me my Xmas present. Ok, I'll take back my words. Till next year!!!

As the year come to a close, it dawned on me that this year hasn't been the most fruitful year, but at the same time, friendships and love remained strong and that's very important. So long as everyone is healthy, happy and contented, to me, the year can end with me feeling happy as a whole.

But an end is another's beginning. There goes my resolution for year 2012. Five main resolutions!

1. Cook More

To learn to cook more dishes and be more pro at it. Despite my passion, I have failed to master any dishes. It's high time I act on it, learn on it and master it. Someday, a signature dish will appear. And it will be 2012!

2. Cut Down Weight / Control Diet

I know what's in my body, what's my body needs and what my body needs to get rid off. To put it simply, eat healthier, more exercise and eat less. Oh gosh, has it ever happen before? Yes, in 2012!

3. Be More Patient

Being impatience seems to be getting over me at times. Sometimes, I thought it was gone. Sometimes, it just happened unknowingly. Sometimes, I couldn't controlled it. But then again, I realized it's all excuses. So in 2012, expect a more gracious and patient me, I hope!

4. Read more, Discover more, Explore more = Learn more!

I have not spread my personal time well enough this year. As a result, I'm losing out on practical, factual, general and even fictional knowledge. Life isn't just about work, love and enjoying, it's a learning process and in 2012, I'm going to do just that, through the web, newspaper, traveling, conversing with people or even simply just imagine!

5. Save, save, SAVE!!

The time has definitely come for the need to save even more. As commitments piled up, as deadline is drawing near, as inflation goes up, as living expenses increase and YET, salary remains stagnant (well almost), plans still has to go ahead. Therefore, I ought to be more disciplined and save MORE - for the better of the future. 

I am confident I am able to hit bulleyes on each and every single resolution and all it takes is just for me to move towards that direction. Whatever it is, it's for the good of me, and my loved ones eventually. I do hope for a good 2012 and deep inside me, secretly, I do hope 2012 is not the end of the world because I haven't cook enough, haven't love enough, haven't learn enough and haven't fulfil my dreams. Let's hope for an awesome 2012!

Ways to Get Over Your Hangover

Marmite

One reason many of us feel so bad the morning after a drinking session is because alcohol depletes your system of essential nutrients, including B vitamins. A lack of B vitamins can cause anxiety and depression, so try munching on Marmite - a rich source of the vitamin B complex - to lift your mood. As an added benefit, Marmite has a high sodium content which can help replace the salts lost through drinking alcohol. Try the savoury spread on toast for an added fix of carbs.

Watermelon

Not only does alcohol deplete your body of nutrients, it can also lead to low blood sugar levels, which may leave you feeling weak and shaky. To counteract this, try snacking on watermelon, which is not only high in fructose but is also water-rich to boost hydration. On top of this, watermelon is high in many essential nutrients, including vitamin C, B-vitamins and magnesium.

Ginger

If too much alcohol has you feeling queasy, ginger is the perfect food to help settle your stomach and relieve nausea. While you may not feel much like chewing on the food in its original form, you could try adding some grated ginger to hot water for a ginger tea, blending into a fresh fruit or vegetable juice, or snacking on ginger biscuits for a stomach-soothing treat.

Eggs

Scrambled, fried or boiled, eggs are a popular hangover breakfast, and the good news is they are a great choice for beating the nastiest of hangovers. Firstly, eggs are extremely rich in protein, which helps raise mood-boosting serotonin levels as well as helping to reduce nausea. Furthermore, eggs are rich in an amino acid called cystine, which helps fight against the alcohol-induced toxins that contribute to your hangover.

Bananas

Bananas are packed with potassium and magnesium, two of the minerals often depleted in our bodies when alcohol is consumed. A lack of potassium in the body can lead to nausea, weakness and tiredness, so stocking up on bananas can help reduce these classic hangover symptoms. As an added bonus, bananas are natural antacids so great for reducing stomach acid, and are good for providing a boost of energy if you have a busy day ahead.

Soup

One of the most important steps for beating a hangover is getting your body rehydrated, and this can be done through what you eat as much as what you drink. To up your fluids and sodium levels and get a shot of nutrients all at once, try some health-boosting vegetable or miso soup. As an added benefit, soup is easy on the stomach so good if you're feeling a bit queasy.

Oats

Due to the diuretic effects of alcohol, the body loses many essential minerals and vitamins during a heavy drinking session. Luckily, oats can provide you with many of these nutrients, including B vitamins (good for the liver and mood) and essential minerals magnesium, calcium and iron. On top of this, oats can help neutralise acidity levels in the body, cleanse the liver, absorb toxins and slowly raise blood sugar levels, making a bowl of porridge the perfect hangover breakfast.

Fruit juice

If you're feeling a bit queasy at the thought of food, then this is the cure for you. While it's great to line your stomach with food if you can, to replace lost vitamins, raise blood sugar levels and rehydrate your body, you can't do much better than a glass of fresh juice. Not only is juice good for immediate relief, the fructose will also help speed up the removal of alcohol from your blood.

Sardines

If you're craving something savoury, sardines on toast could be the perfect morning-after breakfast. A major cause of hangovers is an imbalance of electrolytes, and sardines are rich in many of these vital minerals, including sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium. In addition to this, sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for protecting the liver as well as lifting the mood.

Coconut water

Many hangover sufferers swear by sports drinks as a way to hydrate the body and help rebalance electrolytes. However, sports drinks are often carbonated, which can irritate the stomach, and packed with refined sugars. For a natural alternative to sports drinks, try sipping on some coconut water, which contains essential electrolytes (including calcium, potassium and magnesium) to boost hydration, and is also soothing for the stomach.

Man VS WOW!

Looking at these hot babes, the only reaction Man like us would go will be a common reaction 'WOW'. How many times do you get your guy sitting next to a darn hot girl and his eyeballs will simply not swayed to that very side, highly unlikely I must say.

No doubt, a famous perception, out of 10 guys, 9 of them would be 好色 to a varying extent and the last one standing will be one who appreciate 'balls and meatstick'. LOL. I've done my fair share of ogling but in a decent manner I proudly claim. There's a thin line of a man wanting to see versus a woman wanting to flaunt. I dare say, there are indeed out there, girls who dressed themselves up just to attract undivided attention from the public, not in a bizarre manner but in a tempting yet seductress way. Some might think, I have the figure and why not let people get 'WOWED' over my assets. But what they don't know is that MAN, being MAN, are not viewing their assets the way it should be.

I've seen how downright lecherous MAN can get. One particular incident got me real 'impressed'. It all happened in the MRT. Sitting right at the side with her eyes mildly closed was this young student with her files clasped between her hands. No way would you be able to see what behind those files, unless you were sitting right beside her, which is perfectly what a guy did. Shortly, this guy turned into a wolf. His persistent ogling got the attention of the young girl. Without doubt, she turned away. Surprisingly, this wolf started to push himself a little forward so as to get a more 'decent' view of what he's trying to see. Disturbed, the girl appeared irritated and standing right leaning with her back on the transparent glass panel. Just when you thought all is going to end, you guessed it. His eyes were on her butt this time round. Of course, feeling insecure, the girl periodically turned her head to ensure she's safe. No way and I suppose she hit her brim and she alighted the next stop talking passed the panel where this wolf still refuse to let his eyes off as he shamelessly turned his head and followed her path through till she's completely out of his sight. One word, pathetic.

More often than not, I feel amused whenever I see a girl dressed smokingly hot. Because at the back of my mind, I was thinking how safe would this girl be. If we did review the rapes and molest cases that has happened, it's of no wonder that those victims who are the girls involved, are usually dressed smokingly hot. Enter a nightclub and that's even better. You get free touches from unknown hands and there's literally nothing you can do about it, especially if it's crowded.

Yes, I know Singapore is hot, but it doesn't mean you have to wear less to feel the cool. It's all about dressing up to look presentable, not dressing up to 'kill' because you'll never know who's going to get killed eventually. And guys, for goodness sake, your eyes are meant to see, not peep or stare. If there's even a chance you get such opportunity, appreciate your eyesight and not abuse it. Because behind that eye, lies a brain filled with either good or evil intentions.

I don't look up to those ladies who dress to flaunt needlessly and definitely, I despise those guys who stare at the ladies assets desperately as if they could easily eat them up with one bite. For me, I often asked myself, is this how I want my wife or even daughter to be looked at in future and because of them, I held restraints and I confidently say, we need to know where we stand. For even myself, I will gladly advice my girlfriend/wife/daughter to dress appropriately and not let those wolf get their chances.

And for those who commit molest or rape because of that, to hell you go.