I just learnt from my friends that one would need to re-register their NRIC when one reaches 30 - applicable to all Singapore IC holders who have reached 30 years of age on or after 1 Jan 2002 and who have not been issued with a replacement IC within the last 10 years before hitting age 30. Anyway, I've emailed to ICA to request for deferment till I return and they have consented.
For those who are younger than me or hitting it soon ;), you might like to check out this website for more info:
Re-registration of NRIC
I don't remember if I had changed my ic before cos I thought I had lost mine once? Only remembered that the photo on the ID card is the maid-lookalike photo taken when I was in P6 ;p
Strange, Uncle Tan didn't have to do that thou, either that he could have forgotten since it's like 7 years ago hehe ;p
Thursday, 29 May 2008
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
Birthday in Rapperswil
Weather forecast had indicated a 20% chance of precipitation on Sat, so we decided to go somewhere nearby - Rapperswil, one of Switzerland's most beautiful leisure resorts. It reminds me a little of the Mediterranean beach, with yachts, boats and restaurants by the lake.
Bought the scarf from H&M at CHF 9.90 and sunglass at Clockhouse at CHF 8. Cheap cheap ;p
As I've lost the nose bridge of his sunglass which can never be found or even be purchased cos it was an 'antique' model which shops now don't carry, decided to get him another pair at H&M without him trying...cos it's like only $9.90 ;p
The water is so clear underneath the railway tracks.
We went for a walk at the wooden bridge, one of the 'must see' icon here which is about 840m long and leads across the lake from Rapperswil to Hurden. It was rebuilt in 2001.
I love this pic. Taken with a panoramic view.
I suppose these will be all rented out in summer time for the kids and adults to slide into the lake. Cute huh :)
On our way, we saw a procession going on. Seems that there's some costume party going on where guests would arrive here on a cruise ship in their traditional costumes and having lunch at one of the hotels here. So fun :)
Happen to see these 2 guys playing chess on an open ground nearby, and they have willingly posed for us :) Ms Wong, Ms Koh, Ms Teo.......
We went to one of the restaurants here, San Marco, for pizza. This time, Uncle Tan ordered a normal sized pizza which turned out to be huge...but we still prefered the one at Molino at Winterthur as the crust is thinner and crispier and staff are friendlier. I was told by my friends of their bad experiences with the branch at Stauffacher. The waiter would give that kind of look when you order a pizza to share. Another unhappy incident was my neighbour, Noeline, who went out there to have lunch with her German class classmates. There were 10 of them and out of which, 8 ordered a meal as the other 2 had to leave in 10 mins time. The waiter insisted the 2 of them to order something instead of only drinks, claiming that he would not make any $ if he were to allow them to take up the seats during lunch hours. Oh well, every time I pass by that place, it wasn't That crowded. So ended up 2 of their friends had to sit at a cafe nearby. Despite one of the classmates telling the waiter that he could lose more business this way, the fella still insisted on his claim. So must remember the customers are not kings here.
Here we are at the old town after lunch for a walk. It's not a big place though there are small interesting shops around.
The castle of the Counts of Rapperswil, which dates back to the late 12th century, is the emblem of Rapperswil which offers the view of Rapperswil, Jona and Lake Zurich.
There's also the Polish Museum up there which exists since 1975. We paid CHF 5 to take a look and Uncle Tan felt a bit cheated as he thought there was a tower which he could climb up to have a better view but it was just the exhibits which provides an insight into the history of Poland's contribution to Western European culture and ya we did some climbing up as we view the exhibits ;> I personally thought they have quite an extensive collection and we also have the opportunity to view some nice paintings. It's open daily from 1pm to 5pm from Apr to Oct and Sat and Sun from 1pm to 5pm in Nov, Dec and Mar.
I was just awed by this painting here. You can see how detailed this picture was. It seemed as if you are in the picture and you could feel the breeze blowing gently as you see the skirts of the peasants, the trees and the grasses swaying. You could tell that it's evening time through the different tones and shades of the clouds as the sun's rays fall on them. As I looked closer, their expressions and even their hands are so well drawn and defined. The path they are taking has so much texture, and looked like real mud paths.
It must take a very observant and patient artist to do this.
I was drawn to this guy's soulful blue eyes. Quite a pretty man I thought.
The Lindenhof, which is linked to the castle, offers a panoramic view from Santis over the Glaner Alps across to the Zurich uplands. There's also a deer enclosure which is reminiscent of the legends about the town's origins.
It was a pity we couldn't see the roses blooming in the rose gardens. Apparently they will start to bloom in June all the way to Sept. Thou it was strange that I find other roses blooming elsewhere on the walls of the houses and castle.
An old wooden house which we passed by, gosh I wonder if there are termites growing in there...
To go to Rapperswil, you could take either train S5 or S7 from the main train station. The journey takes about 40 mins.
We came back to Zurich centre and went to Uncle Tan's office. Could only show his company's 'pantry' area where they can have tea breaks. Only Ms Wong and Ms Teo managed to view the office which has a zen decor. Quite a nice place with open concept and full windows, less claustrophobic. And high-tech table lamps too as they'll turn on when they sense any motion nearby.
Coffee and tea are free for this machine here whereas you need to pay if you're using the other coffee machine for latte, cappuccino etc. I like their sparkling water there which fortunately is free ;) A pity that now the staff also need to pay for the snacks via the vending machines. So Google still better huh ;p
Bought the scarf from H&M at CHF 9.90 and sunglass at Clockhouse at CHF 8. Cheap cheap ;p
As I've lost the nose bridge of his sunglass which can never be found or even be purchased cos it was an 'antique' model which shops now don't carry, decided to get him another pair at H&M without him trying...cos it's like only $9.90 ;p
The water is so clear underneath the railway tracks.
We went for a walk at the wooden bridge, one of the 'must see' icon here which is about 840m long and leads across the lake from Rapperswil to Hurden. It was rebuilt in 2001.
I love this pic. Taken with a panoramic view.
I suppose these will be all rented out in summer time for the kids and adults to slide into the lake. Cute huh :)
On our way, we saw a procession going on. Seems that there's some costume party going on where guests would arrive here on a cruise ship in their traditional costumes and having lunch at one of the hotels here. So fun :)
Happen to see these 2 guys playing chess on an open ground nearby, and they have willingly posed for us :) Ms Wong, Ms Koh, Ms Teo.......
We went to one of the restaurants here, San Marco, for pizza. This time, Uncle Tan ordered a normal sized pizza which turned out to be huge...but we still prefered the one at Molino at Winterthur as the crust is thinner and crispier and staff are friendlier. I was told by my friends of their bad experiences with the branch at Stauffacher. The waiter would give that kind of look when you order a pizza to share. Another unhappy incident was my neighbour, Noeline, who went out there to have lunch with her German class classmates. There were 10 of them and out of which, 8 ordered a meal as the other 2 had to leave in 10 mins time. The waiter insisted the 2 of them to order something instead of only drinks, claiming that he would not make any $ if he were to allow them to take up the seats during lunch hours. Oh well, every time I pass by that place, it wasn't That crowded. So ended up 2 of their friends had to sit at a cafe nearby. Despite one of the classmates telling the waiter that he could lose more business this way, the fella still insisted on his claim. So must remember the customers are not kings here.
Here we are at the old town after lunch for a walk. It's not a big place though there are small interesting shops around.
The castle of the Counts of Rapperswil, which dates back to the late 12th century, is the emblem of Rapperswil which offers the view of Rapperswil, Jona and Lake Zurich.
There's also the Polish Museum up there which exists since 1975. We paid CHF 5 to take a look and Uncle Tan felt a bit cheated as he thought there was a tower which he could climb up to have a better view but it was just the exhibits which provides an insight into the history of Poland's contribution to Western European culture and ya we did some climbing up as we view the exhibits ;> I personally thought they have quite an extensive collection and we also have the opportunity to view some nice paintings. It's open daily from 1pm to 5pm from Apr to Oct and Sat and Sun from 1pm to 5pm in Nov, Dec and Mar.
I was just awed by this painting here. You can see how detailed this picture was. It seemed as if you are in the picture and you could feel the breeze blowing gently as you see the skirts of the peasants, the trees and the grasses swaying. You could tell that it's evening time through the different tones and shades of the clouds as the sun's rays fall on them. As I looked closer, their expressions and even their hands are so well drawn and defined. The path they are taking has so much texture, and looked like real mud paths.It must take a very observant and patient artist to do this.
I was drawn to this guy's soulful blue eyes. Quite a pretty man I thought.
The Lindenhof, which is linked to the castle, offers a panoramic view from Santis over the Glaner Alps across to the Zurich uplands. There's also a deer enclosure which is reminiscent of the legends about the town's origins.
It was a pity we couldn't see the roses blooming in the rose gardens. Apparently they will start to bloom in June all the way to Sept. Thou it was strange that I find other roses blooming elsewhere on the walls of the houses and castle.
The only rose that bloomed.
An old wooden house which we passed by, gosh I wonder if there are termites growing in there...To go to Rapperswil, you could take either train S5 or S7 from the main train station. The journey takes about 40 mins.
We came back to Zurich centre and went to Uncle Tan's office. Could only show his company's 'pantry' area where they can have tea breaks. Only Ms Wong and Ms Teo managed to view the office which has a zen decor. Quite a nice place with open concept and full windows, less claustrophobic. And high-tech table lamps too as they'll turn on when they sense any motion nearby.
Coffee and tea are free for this machine here whereas you need to pay if you're using the other coffee machine for latte, cappuccino etc. I like their sparkling water there which fortunately is free ;) A pity that now the staff also need to pay for the snacks via the vending machines. So Google still better huh ;p
Monday, 26 May 2008
Thoughts from a new 30-year old
30, an age that I was looking forward to when I was young. Cos it's the time when one's metabolic rate would slow down, and the time when I most probably will get fat without the need to stuff myself with food ;p Plus it's an age where I picture myself having a cuppa with friends, having a more stable life and career and able to appreciate life more. So I guess I wasn't too freakish about going to 30 albeit there were moments of disbelief that 'Hey I'm already 30!'. But I always find some solace knowing that someone is much older than me...hehe...poor Uncle Tan ;p
As the chinese saying goes '三十而立' (to be able to establish oneself at 30). Looking back, well, I wouldn't say I've achieved a lot. Perhaps compared to some of my peers, I may not have an established career or have achieved something great in life or engaged in some meaningful missions etc. But I guess I'm contented with who I am, what I have and am willing to share with others what I have. I wouldn't say my life is a smooth-sailing one but compared to the less fortunate, it wasn't a really rough ride for me. I don't have to worry about the basic necessities in life although I do worry a lot about other things since I'm a natural worrier. Of course there were the tough times where life can get pretty unbearable. My toughest moments I suppose was during my JC days and early adulthood, where a lot of adjustments had to be made and expectations (of others and myself) to be managed. I wonder from time to time, would I be where I am today if those events didn't happen? Would I appreciate my family and friends as much as I do today? Would I live life differently?
Career wise, it was sort of...unconventional? Unlike the older generation, I didn't have the intention to stay with a company for too long. I guess graduating during the time of recession has an impact on my perspective of work life. I guess most of my friends in my cohort and the younger generation shared the same view that there is more to just work life. Somehow, my family eventually got used to my 'occupation' type. The turning point came when I made a move out from my 2nd job which had changed the course of my career path. Not what I had expected, yet I count my blessings to have met nice bosses and colleagues where for some, friendships had blossomed. I believe somehow fate and perhaps, some divine intervention, had led me to this path.
Secondary school life has had a deep impact on me and this was the time where I had my fondest memories. Somehow, I joined the school's most popular and most 'torturous' ECA - netball, and that was where I met my good friends, which to-date, we still share the special friendships with most of them being mummies already. And I'll always remember that moment where my friend, Shuh, extended her hand asking me to join netball while we were sitting at the porch one day. I supposed she didn't know what we were in for - monstrous training under the most feared teacher, Mrs Cecil Tan :p But I'm glad we did and it's a strange feeling that thou we feared her, we also respected and admired her. Come to think of it, her scoldings were rather humourous and classic like 'your brains are under your feet' ;p I remember having to prepare a script before talking to her :D We had lots of 'attitude' talks with our coaches in Sec 1 and 2 and with our coachees when we became coaches in Sec 3 and 4. And I didn't realise that I had been such a strict and demanding coach ;p
It was the passion, that vigour and spirit that I miss and treasure. Imagine reaching school at 6.30am to book the court, changing outside the classroom in the dark to our PE attire and jogging 13 rounds round the netball and basketball court to warm up. We were so crazy about the game that we even played in the rain and using brooms and newspapers to dry the court after a heavy shower so that we could continue playing. I used to even play and eat at the same time, with the food in my pocket whenever the ball comes. Now if you ask me to jog for 5 mins, I see stars. Ask me to stay in the sun for an hour, I'll get a bad headache...
Gosh, why am I reminiscing the past? Is this part of becoming 30? But I guess some of you too had shared these special moments with me and perhaps as you read, you get to re-live the past sweet, funny or even the not-so-good moments too. I hope another 30 years down the road, I will remember most of the good moments and less of the bad ones.
Ok, I know some of you are curious how I celebrated my 30th birthday. It's a simple one cos I dun like elaborate celebrations as I'd be stressed ;p and I'm the sort who likes to receive cards with words and a simple meal with family :)
The day before, Uncle Tan bought me a bouquet of flowers which are really tall.
And a pot of flowers too. Now I have 4 pots of plants to look after.
Left to right:
Mint, spring onion, garlic, yellow flower plant (latest addition)
As you can see, my onion plant is almost going...
Uncle Tan accidentally told Ernest about his plan...&
they actually bought a cake and a box of chocolates to celebrate with me the night before. So sweet of them :) And sooo paisay for me...
For that few moments, I felt as if we were going through the wedding dinner motion of cake cutting and photo taking ;> I felt a bit awkward...but it was a pleasant surprise :)
The strawberry cake tasted good. It's light and moist at the same time. I suppose the pastries here can never go too wrong.
The gifts Uncle Tan had for me. Truffles from Sprungli, which can only last till June cos no preservatives are added.
And a hazelnut chocolate cake from Sprungli as well. It's rich yet not too jer-lard. Even the choc chips at the side tasted good.
And the present that he had hidden which I gave up trying to locate after combing a few places. Too busy trying to catch my korean dramas lah hehe ;p
We saw this on one of the ads on TV and thought it was rather amazing. Didn't know exactly what it was for since the ad is in German but seeing the model using this stick to roll around her eye area, we guessed that it must be used to reduce lines or puffiness or dark rings or something like that. It's quite fun to use and it contains caffeine which is supposed to 'wake your eyes' up in the morning. The roller is made of steel and so when you roll it underneath your eyes, it also massages your eyes at the same time as it gives a cooling sensation. After that, gently dab your eyes to ensure the gel gets absorbed. Not sure if this is found in SG but it you are interested to buy, can let me know :) Don't know the exact price since it's a gift but managed to find out that it cost around CHF 2o something. Managed to find this ad in English, check it out :) The power of advertising hehe ;p
Let's see whether 30 would be a magical number for me. So adieu to the 20s, and welcome to the 30s where it's usually associated with words like 'auntie' (which I was already used to being addressed by that in my 20s :) ), mid-life crisis, bulgy tummy, longer 'railway tracks' on the face, more lethargy...oh well, these are just the little things in life that make you learn to appreciate certain things more :)
As the chinese saying goes '三十而立' (to be able to establish oneself at 30). Looking back, well, I wouldn't say I've achieved a lot. Perhaps compared to some of my peers, I may not have an established career or have achieved something great in life or engaged in some meaningful missions etc. But I guess I'm contented with who I am, what I have and am willing to share with others what I have. I wouldn't say my life is a smooth-sailing one but compared to the less fortunate, it wasn't a really rough ride for me. I don't have to worry about the basic necessities in life although I do worry a lot about other things since I'm a natural worrier. Of course there were the tough times where life can get pretty unbearable. My toughest moments I suppose was during my JC days and early adulthood, where a lot of adjustments had to be made and expectations (of others and myself) to be managed. I wonder from time to time, would I be where I am today if those events didn't happen? Would I appreciate my family and friends as much as I do today? Would I live life differently?
Career wise, it was sort of...unconventional? Unlike the older generation, I didn't have the intention to stay with a company for too long. I guess graduating during the time of recession has an impact on my perspective of work life. I guess most of my friends in my cohort and the younger generation shared the same view that there is more to just work life. Somehow, my family eventually got used to my 'occupation' type. The turning point came when I made a move out from my 2nd job which had changed the course of my career path. Not what I had expected, yet I count my blessings to have met nice bosses and colleagues where for some, friendships had blossomed. I believe somehow fate and perhaps, some divine intervention, had led me to this path.
Secondary school life has had a deep impact on me and this was the time where I had my fondest memories. Somehow, I joined the school's most popular and most 'torturous' ECA - netball, and that was where I met my good friends, which to-date, we still share the special friendships with most of them being mummies already. And I'll always remember that moment where my friend, Shuh, extended her hand asking me to join netball while we were sitting at the porch one day. I supposed she didn't know what we were in for - monstrous training under the most feared teacher, Mrs Cecil Tan :p But I'm glad we did and it's a strange feeling that thou we feared her, we also respected and admired her. Come to think of it, her scoldings were rather humourous and classic like 'your brains are under your feet' ;p I remember having to prepare a script before talking to her :D We had lots of 'attitude' talks with our coaches in Sec 1 and 2 and with our coachees when we became coaches in Sec 3 and 4. And I didn't realise that I had been such a strict and demanding coach ;p
It was the passion, that vigour and spirit that I miss and treasure. Imagine reaching school at 6.30am to book the court, changing outside the classroom in the dark to our PE attire and jogging 13 rounds round the netball and basketball court to warm up. We were so crazy about the game that we even played in the rain and using brooms and newspapers to dry the court after a heavy shower so that we could continue playing. I used to even play and eat at the same time, with the food in my pocket whenever the ball comes. Now if you ask me to jog for 5 mins, I see stars. Ask me to stay in the sun for an hour, I'll get a bad headache...
Gosh, why am I reminiscing the past? Is this part of becoming 30? But I guess some of you too had shared these special moments with me and perhaps as you read, you get to re-live the past sweet, funny or even the not-so-good moments too. I hope another 30 years down the road, I will remember most of the good moments and less of the bad ones.
Ok, I know some of you are curious how I celebrated my 30th birthday. It's a simple one cos I dun like elaborate celebrations as I'd be stressed ;p and I'm the sort who likes to receive cards with words and a simple meal with family :)
The day before, Uncle Tan bought me a bouquet of flowers which are really tall.
And a pot of flowers too. Now I have 4 pots of plants to look after.
Left to right:
Mint, spring onion, garlic, yellow flower plant (latest addition)
As you can see, my onion plant is almost going...
Uncle Tan accidentally told Ernest about his plan...&
they actually bought a cake and a box of chocolates to celebrate with me the night before. So sweet of them :) And sooo paisay for me...
For that few moments, I felt as if we were going through the wedding dinner motion of cake cutting and photo taking ;> I felt a bit awkward...but it was a pleasant surprise :)The strawberry cake tasted good. It's light and moist at the same time. I suppose the pastries here can never go too wrong.
The gifts Uncle Tan had for me. Truffles from Sprungli, which can only last till June cos no preservatives are added.
And a hazelnut chocolate cake from Sprungli as well. It's rich yet not too jer-lard. Even the choc chips at the side tasted good.
And the present that he had hidden which I gave up trying to locate after combing a few places. Too busy trying to catch my korean dramas lah hehe ;p
We saw this on one of the ads on TV and thought it was rather amazing. Didn't know exactly what it was for since the ad is in German but seeing the model using this stick to roll around her eye area, we guessed that it must be used to reduce lines or puffiness or dark rings or something like that. It's quite fun to use and it contains caffeine which is supposed to 'wake your eyes' up in the morning. The roller is made of steel and so when you roll it underneath your eyes, it also massages your eyes at the same time as it gives a cooling sensation. After that, gently dab your eyes to ensure the gel gets absorbed. Not sure if this is found in SG but it you are interested to buy, can let me know :) Don't know the exact price since it's a gift but managed to find out that it cost around CHF 2o something. Managed to find this ad in English, check it out :) The power of advertising hehe ;p
Let's see whether 30 would be a magical number for me. So adieu to the 20s, and welcome to the 30s where it's usually associated with words like 'auntie' (which I was already used to being addressed by that in my 20s :) ), mid-life crisis, bulgy tummy, longer 'railway tracks' on the face, more lethargy...oh well, these are just the little things in life that make you learn to appreciate certain things more :)
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