Watching the Neighbors Walk By

Finally managed to get a full weekend unlike other weekends where I'll spend a day in the office doing overtime. Felt great. So what's the first thing I did. I went to run some errands in the morning and ended the morning with my regular latte and a copy of the Straits Times. It was so packed inside the cafe that I sat outside facing the junction of Tampines Green and Tampines Park, my neighborhood.

Sitting at Starbucks alfresco is the best place to people-watch. My top favorite is at The old outdoor Parkway and Tampines. You'll see all sorts of life.

So sitting down overlooking the junction, I realized that there are lot of people living in my neighborhood. Duh! Fine maybe 25% of them are from other neighborhoods, making use of the plenty of white lots of the Tampines Green carpark or alighting passengers from the bus stop at Tampines Park. But amazing that majority are good looking and not The Phillips or non-SG.

I'm truly impressed, I'm living in a "Good Looking" neighborhood. LOL... It's either they look good or they dressed well. Could it be that's it's a neighborhood status because we're living across Tampines Mall, Century Square or Tampines 1. No wonder my siblings dressed up whenever we go out to Tampines Mall, which we considered our void-deck Mama shop.

And true enough, my neighbors dressed according to the Eastern/Western Singaporean classification. LOL... It's just an observation I had with my SB partners on differentiating people from different locations in Singapore. Go figure, majority of a certain area has proper dress code; matching colors and shoes, another may have all the brands but no dressing coordination. Even for some who don't even bother what they wear or what brand they owned, they dressed acceptably.

Well, it's just my observation. You should try it some time. Take an alone time and observe the world walks by. It's kind of a stress relieving activity.

Ja Matta!

You Are What Starbucks Beverage You Consume

I was intrigued by how a friend read out my personality by reading from our chat conversations. I felt that most are true but some prediction are not. Maybe it's just that we don't perceived ourselves to that behavior without noticing that very action. So I started reading books on reading personality through actions or behaviors. But I need an outlet to test my findings.

And that is where I found Starbucks. I've been with the company for a total of 8 years and served different kind of customers and drinks. And it seems like only Starbucks are open and freely encouraging customization to your drinks. Hence I found my outlet of test from all the experiences that I served before.

Based on the standard recipe for different sizes, the content of the drink will depict the personality. I can't conclude the implication of hot or iced drinks except to depend that on the weather profile. So I'll leave that out.

Let's start by an example of a friend who enjoys a grande 1/4 soy Americano. An Americano will depict that the person is unique or different because of the non-dairy content(most espresso beverages are served with milk). That will also conclude that the person is missing out something in life, even with an added milk. As for the content of soy milk, the person is either cautious or a hint of sophistication.

Moving on to another that takes a Quad Venti Caramel Machiato. You are quite a complex or glamorous person to be enjoying a Caramel Machiato. But you will be deemed a poser if you are to stir the beverage because you would be no different that a Caramel/Vanilla Latte. To top it off with additional espresso shots, you are trying to proof something or to achieve a goal, generally applying both. Logically adding espresso shot is to increase the caffeine consumption to continue working hard to work overtime or to stay awake to study, alas achieving an end goal. But the intensity also states the suffering that one gone through or currently going through.

I've met a customer who had Soy Green Tea Latte. She has that certain kind of sophistication in her and she is quite culturally inclined. She is a teacher and well liked by her approach in teaching. She is quite attached culturally in the sense of arts or relationship with others.

So how about drinking Frappuccinos? You are either a kid or generally safe. I'll bet that your initial first Starbucks beverage is a Frappuccino because it is the safest. You are not daring enough to venture out of comfort zone. There are many flavors to a Frappuccino that will depict the different personality but you are generally safe, not even daring if it is your regular drink.

And what about myself? What is my regular Starbucks Beverage? My drink is a Tall 4pump Vanilla Low Fat Latte. Another typical drink, a trend follower and an added pump of flavor that I yearn for more in what I have or life. By changing to Low Fat, it breaks the common bond by creating a different density i.e. more relax or easy going but probably be hurt or used by others (The remaining 2% fat).

So you are who you are by your regular Starbucks beverage. Each customization; from additional shot, the type of milk preferred,the number of syrup pumps and even the option of adding whipped cream will depict the type of person you are. Maybe, I'll write the significance of the recipe on my next entry, when I have the time. For now,

Ja Matta...

The Topic Continues

My cousin just got back from his job training in California for 7 months. Lucky him. From all his facebook updates and posts, it seems like he's having a ball of a time. That includes his shopping and toys escapades. I did asked him to get me just one thing, which did cost a lot but I would love to get it because it's not found locally.

Ghostbuster II giftset

And on top of that, he gave away some of his California possesions such as his TMNT Technodrome Scout vehicles and some loose yet complete Transformers: Rise of the Fallen short on space myself. Though he did mentioned if I'm able to sell them off, he would like some of the proceeds to cover back the expenses. I guess it's best that I'll pass him 75% of the earnings.

Anyway, it has been ages since we last met. We don't normally meet even for Hari Raya because either one of us will be working, and we no longer have an elderly to gather all the cousins since our grandmother passed away many years back. The only time we get to meet is during cousins wedding.

And that's where the topic began. Out of the four cousins of the same age (we used to call ourselves Ninja Turtles), the second eldest got married 1-2years back. The youngest is planning to get married in November this year, leaving his brother, the third turtle and myself in the bachelorhood. Though my third turtle cousin is already in an open relation and by looks of it, he is happy with it. Hence left me in the singlehood.

I'm happy with what I have right now. I would still love to get married and have kids. But I don't feel it's time. I have yet to achieve my dreams, to explore and experience New York City. That was the promise I made with my mum. Once I conquered New York, she can bring in all the suitors. Apparently there are two in line, one from mum and the other from dad.

And now, with the new employment benefits where the company will sponsor their employees to continue study without a bond, my mum persuaded me to continue study. That became my 2011 resolution, hence marriage will be delayed further.

But it seems like the second turtle spoilt the market. He got married during his undergrad years and both husband and wife are happily married. They are now in Japan for an exchange program where the wife took 3 months leave to accompany him and cook for him (He grew skinnier in just a month period). How sweet. So if he can do it, why not me? But my mum is still supportive. She believe in chasing the dream. She already have two grandkids, so I'm not badly pressured. Now I just have to settle with all the aunties. I'm so gonna get it.

There are about 3 relatives getting married this year. The question will never end.

TGIF not really

THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!!!

But it didn't really end well. I had a great time at work because it's Friday. Meaning, last day of the week and a shorter hour because I'm out for 2 hours for Friday prayers. Awesome! I was looking forward to end the day because I had plans.

BUT IT'S NOT HAPPENING!!!

Like last week on New Year eve, I had 6 plans. 6 PLANS!!! First 2 didn't happen, so proceeded to the third option which was bringing my cousin from Malaysia out around Singapore and go for the Marina Bay Countdown. But he didn't turn up at home and made other plans with my other cousins without any courtesy of informing me. I HAD 3 OTHER FREAKING PLANS AWAITING BUT NO!!! HE HAS TO MAKE PLANS WITH OTHERS. So I got lazy and didn't go for any other plans. TGIF not really.

And a week passed, original plan was an invitation by a friend to catch a theater production, The Rocky Horror Show. I've been yearning to go for a theater works but am not keen in Rocky Horror. I didn't really like the movie to begin with. And my god brother will kill me because he's dying to catch that show. Hence being a nice god brother, I gave my seat up to him.

And so I made other plans, to catch a movie with the Bulas. Days passed and nothing from them. So I didn't bother. So I ended up at Starbucks reading a book. And when I thought of coming home for dinner, my family was about to go out after dinner.

WHAT!!! THEY HAD DINNER WITHOUT ME!!!

Bummer. And now, here I am, typing this letters into words into sentences into paragraphs into a blog.

Ja Matta!!!

Christmas

It's Christmas, and the family is celebrating it for the second time. This time to let the kids(nephew, niece and cousins (whom never quite celebrated to know the significances)) experience what Christmas is like, culturally and not religiously. It's great that Singapore is culturally diverse but still conservative in some other ways. Coming from a Muslim family, it's great that my family opened up to other celebrations. We did celebrate Chinese New Year while my late grandmother was still around(it doesn't really feel like a true CNY celebration but we made it a point to visit her), Christmas once before and I do occasional Deepavali at Kavitha's(my friend) place. Thecelebrations are just meant for a family gathering since it's a holiday. We'll feast and do exchanges whenever possible.

I've been with Starbucks for 8 years and gotten myself influenced by the Christmas celebration. Christmas period meant high sales, SB open house, great gifts and bonus. On top of that, it's shopping galore. All shops will be having sale. Even for a Muslim country like Malaysia, they have to incorporate Malaysia Year End Sale during Christmas because it's the highest revenue period, period.

Since it's Ilyas and Yanni's first Christmas, we're trying to go all out for them. We got a mini Christmas tree, presents and even a Christmas Turkey.

Check out the Our Little Family Dinner on Christmas Day.

And since I've been giving presents for past couple of years, I still do have to give again this year. At least I got my returns too...

Check it out...

I got my Christmas wish this year.
It came as it is, not wrap. Soooo not Christmas-y

They just know I LOVED the brand.
Not wrapped but boxed.
Still not Christmas-y enough.

A little something from my sister
And it's wrapped, now it fell like Christmas

 And what I gave,

Seems like a bit too much from Porter

So yeah. It's great celebrating other celebrations. Do it with an open heart and understand the implications of the holidays. It's a great exposure. Hopefully, the kids had a great time.

Ja Matta

New Work Environment

You guys must have encountered me posting about getting a new career throughout all my blogs but I have yet to mention what it's like. For viewers discretion, I will not include the name of the company but I will announced that I am rightfully hired in an aviation company dealing with aircraft engine overhaul. My true dream of flying may not be achieved but I'm happy with what I have for now. And I will elaborate why.

Firstly, I have been unemployed for coming 2.5 months. My numerous attempts for Cadet Pilot, Air Traffic Controller and Cabin Crew have been a dismay. Hence I chose the last resort, accepting the recommendation to work in the company my sister is working at. Apparently, it's not just my sister. Within the same company, I have my aunt, uncle, brother-in-law, secondary school classmate and even my poly classmate working in different departments. So it became an easily cosy working environment where you'll know people. though I'm still getting a hang in knowing who's who because my jobscope requires communicating with many parties.

So, what is my jobscope like? I am a Planning Assistant, in Vendor Control. Basically, my task is to overlook the progress of the engine parts that the company sends out to repair. The engine overhaul has a certain timeline to meet, so the external repairs has to be back on time. I have to liase with many departments to get the job rolling. For the jobs consolation, it's the most critical department. Without the parts coming back, engine assembly will be put on hold hence loosing a lot of money. And I do mean A LOT OF MONEY. So the jobscope can be quite demanding and pressurising.

Another part of the company that I like is the support to continue study. Upon 1 year of service in the company, they will sponsor the employees to continue to study in FULL WITHOUT ANY BOND ATTACHED. I am currently working office hours and I am SOOOO planning to take up my degree next year.

Though on the hind note, the job is quite demanding. And I did went through some inconvenience even before and during my first week.

Once after the interview, I was told that I'm hired by my sister's supervisor and was told to wait for the letter and probably start by first of December. No letter came by that day and the team was already looking for me. I check with the HR and they mentioned that they have not finalized the position but I'm rightfully hired. Later that week, the HR called and informed me of my pay range and I'm appointed as an executive but still in consideration and would be able to start the following Wednesday. On the following Monday, the HR called me again and informed me that they will not be able to offer the executive position but the position that I applied for. Their reason being that they do not want to create an uproar within the department because there have been people experienced to be promoted to that position. I'm actually cool with it and I will make my way up, just like how I did with Starbucks.

Another part of the inconvenience is that there is no proper training provided except the companies orientation. As an ACTA certified trainer and assessor, I did not received the type of training that I hoped. I was told to 'DIVE' into the role. That kind of shocked me. I have to learn how others had learnt. For the first week, I've been buddied with someone and literally be her shadow because she has tons of work to be completed. Only by the forth day, she came and sit down to go thru the necessary details. Given the opportunity to do overtime over the weekend, my boss happily picked me to do. I was really wondering what I would do on that Saturday with no one around but I managed to get the details of the required task. I was happy that I managed to complete the task, alone in the office. I was initially locked out since I don't have the keys to the office. Lucky the execs have a meeting to attend, so they opened the office.

Well, that is an overview of my new work and how it's been from the begining to end of week one. I may just vent my feelings here in the near future, or maybe I will not. Let's see.

Ja Matta

KINECT-ing

Ok, I told myself not to blog about games. Since I posted something about my collection in the earlier post, I could include my current hobby. It's not a new hobby, just something I'm doing more these days.

My latest console is my Xbox 360, on top of my old Xbox, Playstation, PC and Wii. Furthermore it's free!!! from my re-contract with Singnet. And the latest addition to my Xbox is the new Kinect, which was an early Christmas gift from a friend. My Christmas wish came true. I do have great friends.

I was wondering whether to get Kinect since it first announced. The whole body controller gimmick is truly interesting. I have Wii but the control movements are limited by the controller. There are a lot of add-ons to Wii to achieve the whole experience. As for Kinect, it's seems like just 1 add on for a whole body experience.



For $229, the Kinect comes with a game, Kinect Adventures.

The complementary game to Kinect purchase

Kinect Adventures is quite a boring game to play alone. But it'll be a laugh to play with others. A good game I would recommend for Kinect is Your Shape: Fitness Evolved. Ok it's not really a game, more like a program. It's a great workout program with a personal trainer and guides you with the different training requirements. You can even choose the type of concentration and be informed of your posture correction. But most of the workouts are in standing position because of the sensors. But if you can work out the sweat and be informed of the amount of calories lost is just awesome.

A great workout program. Not really a game

The only common problem I have with Kinect is that it requires a huge space to operate. You need to stay 2 meters away from the terminal. My Xbox360 is in my room and I still requires more space. My room is arranged in a very spacious manner I might add but with the limited space, I can only managed a 1 player gaming.

I would still recommend getting a Kinect if you need a full body workout. Even if it's a boring game, you can still work out the sweat. I personally love it. Next on the list is the Dance Central.

Ja Matta