It's Official...

It's official...
It's New Year's Eve!..
So how did 2008 go for you?..
Time to take stock and look forward to 2009..

But keep these wise words attributed to Albert Einstein in mind:

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Have a great 2009...

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Do things differently.. Expect better!

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday!!!

Not like my mum will ever read this.. But Happy Birthday I'd like to wish her!...

We went for a family dinner at the Jap place above.
Ala-carte buffet dinner. Many selections available.
Frankly, the food is nothing to shout about.
But hey.. The company is the most important thing isn't it..
The best description about the place?
"Value-for-money"


That's the birthday "gal".. With the birthday gift she's proudly displaying.. A bag from Charles and Keith..
Has given up trying to give her Ang Pao..
She will reject or return to me eventually.. Always insisting that makan can already..

So together with Baby Mich.. I arranged for us to go earlier before my Sis and brother-in-law join us for dinner..
To do a little shopping..
Jewellery?.. Aiya.. Mai lah (don't want).. Already have what..
Watch?.. Aiya.. Mian lah (don't need).. The exisiting one change battery can already..

Only after much persuasion and coaxing that she finally decide to choose a bag..
All the while worrying about how much it will cost me..
And only choosing one that she think is reasonably priced..

That's my mum..
And perhaps that's where I get most of any easy-going and good nature personality that I may have from..

And that's why.. Whoever has her as mother-in-law..
is soooooo LUCKY!! haha...

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Great Health above all else...

Enlighten Me.. Please...

Sometime I scratch my head and wonder..
Am I remembering it wrongly?..
Or are most people remembering it wrongly.. like I am...

When public transport fares increased..
The price of oil was the reason given..
Oil price goes up >> Oil is needed for fuel and basically everything else>> And so fares went up... or so we were told...
Understand?
Orrhhhh.... Ok ok.. Understood.. Understandable lah.. got link mah.. ok ok...

Hmm.. THEN...
Prices of oil started dropping...
*we tapped our feet and waited*...
and dropping...
*we continued tapping our feet and waiting*....
And finally the golden question..
"Eh.. Excuse me ah.. Oil price went up.. fares increased rite.. that one after explanation, I understood.. Now oil price came down already.. How come no reductions ah?"

Orrhh.. Don't be mistaken.. Oil price got no direct link to fares one.. We link to many other things.. like wages lah.. inflation lah.. Also hor.. Many costs involved in running a company.. Everybody also know one mah.. Oil is just a small part leh.. Still got manpower costs leh.. Still got rentals leh.. Shareholders invest also need returns on their money right..

Orrrhhhhh.....

Either the message has been misintepreted somewhere.. or the message has been lost in there somewhere..
Maybe better PR campaign is needed so people can have a better and clearer picture?..
Anybody can help me solve the mystery?

Coz now that inflation and wages probably will start to fall in the coming months... SURELY the fares have to fall rite?..
*Tapping feet and waiting*

Not that I'm taking the public transport a lot..
but then again.. the same goes for petrol companies!

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Convince me once more...

What it means to be a Leader

It's wonderful to write a book,

Or paint an amber sky.

You give the world those deathless things

That never fad, that never die.

But more wonderful it is to build a life,

And play the leader's part.

You fan the hopes, you build the dreams

That lie in every agent's heart.

And when they win, through stress and strain,

More wonderful it is to thee,

Those effective Leaders who can say,

"They came, they stayed, they succeeded.

Why? Because they followed me."

-- Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Read this and trying to keep this in mind...

Legal Loan Sharks on the Loose..

Received a call from CitiBank about a week back..
It started off innocently enough..
I received a call..
The person on the other line introduced herself..
Being in sales myself, I was nice and polite.. Didn't hang up on her like most people would haha..

Then came the usual, oh as you are a valued client blah blah.. We would like to extend our offer of blah blah blah..
Which is basically some credit transfer for lower interest rate..

After informing her that it is not necessary as I do not have any loan outstanding, I was prepared to hang up the phone politely..
Then she made another "offer".. Oh we have credit lines that you can get at a attractive interest rate of blah blah..
Again, being polite, I told her.. Oh that's not necessary as I do not intend to get a loan or extra credit..

Then.. I think she stepped over the line when she said.. Oh Sir.. Why is that so?.. Maybe there's a dream holiday destination that you would like to go to? Or maybe you would like to start a business?..

How many people got tempted by that?.. And how many people are suffering because of the great "offer"?..
Many people out there not planning their finances well are already suffering due to overspending and bad money management.. That could be due to ignorance or irresponsible spending..

But for a bank.. to suggest you borrow money to go on your dream holiday and stuff like that.. That to me is just so wrong..

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Credit for you Sir?

Avenue Q

Watched Avenue Q over the weekend with Mich.
Must say I enjoyed it.
Think I just like some brainless fun haha..
Like their tagline says.. Kids stay at home and watch Sesame Street..
Like Sesame Street, there are puppets.. And like Sesame Street..
Basically that's where the similarity ends! haha..

Lessons Learnt:
1) Do not procrastinate! - Kept procrastinating and had to book higher category tickets as there were not many good seats left..
2) Internet is FOR PORN!

Don't want to talk too much about the play as there may be people who are still waiting to catch it..
It's worth the money if you ask me =).. And I do not say that often haha..

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Purpose?

Quote of the Day

"As strong as my legs are,
it is my mind that has made me into a champion."

- Michael Johnson

The power of the Mind..

-- Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Mind Power..

Words of Wisdom

Words of Wisdom from a Married Man during coffee talk...

Women hope to change the Men they Marry..
Which Men often DON'T..
Men hope the Women they Marry WON'T change..
Which Women often DO

--Ginseng Tonic Maker--

Not so Sunny Anymore..

Sunshine Empire.. Not so sunny anymore?!
http://www.tnp.sg/news/story/0,4136,179195,00.html?

The only reason such "schemes" (to put it overly nicely!) can work all boils down to 1 word... GREED!

If anybody can promise you astronomical returns.. with no risks.. and no effort....

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE/MONEY!!

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Wealth accumulation is meant to be boring!

La Belle Couture

Though this has been fixed and confirmed.. Didn't find the time to update..
So yup.. The Bridal Package has been signed and deposit paid..

La Belle Couture (http://www.labellecouture.com.sg/labelle/labelle.html)

After checking out a few places at a roadshow.. And comparing the packages.. And Mich checking out the forums in case got any horror stories about them..
We've decided to go fo La Belle..
Their pics look good..
The package that they gave us was also value-for-money (which is what I always look for in anything)...
NOTHING is cheap nowadays...

Now just hope everything goes smoothly as agreed..
Would really hate to be taken for a ride if they try to "chu pattern" after hearing some horror stories..

But they better not piss me off or they'll have no end hahaha...
They better check with World of Sports.. haha..

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- *Cheese*

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Whoever says Money is NOT important...


.... obviously......



Hasn't start planning for marriage!...

-- Ginseng Tonic Maker -- $_$

Interestin Sight 4

Another interesting sight in Amsterdam (which explains why Amsterdam is so much more fun than Paris!)...
This shot is taken at one of their "coffeeshop".. Not the kopitiams that we are all so used to..
It actually is like a cafe.. or pub.. selling drinks...
Just like in Singapore.. No smoking is allowed.. Must be due to health reasons for its citizens that the Dutch government banned smoking
.....er wait.....
No TOBACCO smoking is allowed.. but smoking of GRASS.. is perfectly fine!...
As the note reads..
Smoking is Allowed. Tobacco is Not.
Where's the logic in that?!

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Be clear on the coffeeshops that we have here when a dutch visits!

Interesting Sight 3

I know I can be overly observant and notice the weirdest thing..

But this toilet bowl really caught my attention in Amsterdam..

The toilet bowl is designed this way..

Hmm.. If it's a big business...

Won't the "essence" released from our digestive system accumulate?

Are are you supposed to be facing the wall?..

Hmm....

--Ginseng Tonic Maker--

Interesting Sight 2

That's me with 2 guys...
With.. Hmm.. "interesting" fashion sense...
Well, it was in Amsterdam..
So nothing's too strange I guess..
At a pub very very near our hotel...
*HAPPENING*!!!

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Free world!

Interesting Sight

That's the loo you are looking out..

With toilet priced at 50 cents euro.. They sure were a popular choice..

coz it's free!..

Out in the open (though covered)... In amsterdam...

"Shoot" against a wall built inside..

And it goes straight to the..... RIVER/CANAL/BIG DRAIN or whatever you call it..

No big business though haha..

Good luck to anybody who falls into the river on a drunken stupor..

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Bladder control...

Jet Lag

Only heard of the term in the past, didn't think it would affect people much..
Guess I was wrong.. As I never had the chance to take such long flights and experience major time difference...

Coming back to S'pore.. With the long flight and time difference,
it wrecked havoc on my bio clock..
First day back.. I woke up automatically at 230am and couldn't get back to sleep til i dozed off again after 6am coz i was bored to death lying in bed!

Oh well.. It should be fine in no time..

Pics will be up soon when I have the time =)

-- Ginseng Tonic Maker -- Ginseng for energy!

Counting Down..

Flying off to Paris in another 2 days!..
Sooooooo exciting...
The only worry is of coz the flight..
What to do during the super long flight..
Read a book?
Study for another module of my ChFC?
Borrow PSP?
Or just sleep?! haha..

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Eiffel Tower.. Here I come...

I'm finally IN...

I'm finally IN..
After such a long time..
To overcome the inertia..
When my colleague with 2 sons started to create hers..
It pushed me into action...
Being left with no choice...

I'm the one they categorize in your marketing text as..
the LATE ADOPTER..

Finally on Facebook..
So add me if I haven't add you..
Still figuring things out..
It's soooooooooooooo confusing with so many applications...

-- Ginseng Tonic Maker -- Better late than never..

The Commitment..

The "advance booking" has been made! haha..

It's a FIRST!

Watched my first Ballet performance..
All thanks to SERENE!

It was in celebration of Singapore Dance Theatre's 20th Anniversary.. Where Serene is working at now as a marketing exec..

Luckily it was a lot more enjoyable than I thought it will be.. Haha..
Some segments were actually very entertaining..
And some of the leg work on show.. Gosh.. Are their legs on remote control?!..
It was amazing!..
No wonder their calf muscles look like they can break anything in their way!

Up next.. Ballet under the Stars 25-27 July..
Any takers?..
Not sure if I will enjoy the show then.. But I'll sure enjoy good company with maybe a picnic basket and red wine? haha..

--Ginseng Tonic Maker--

Butt Naked!!

Butt Naked Woman is back in town..
Catch her before she catches a cold!...

http://weblog.xanga.com/buttnakedwoman/

Phuket Getaway

Some pics from the Phuket Trip..
Great getaway just to relax..
I could do with more days and more such trips =)

More pics to be uploaded when we develop the pics from our snorkeling trip!

Conversation of the Week..

...*Handphone rings*...

Me (in shock): Hello?
Him: Eh Ben.. Where are you?
Me (still in shock): Eh.. did you call the right person?
Him: Ya Lah.. Ben right.. Where are you?
Me (STILL in disbelief): Are you sure you got the right Ben?
Him: Aiyo.. Ya.. Where are you..
Me: Oh.. and the coversation continues...

That's what happens when a friend goes MIA for too long..
When I saw his name on the caller ID..
I just assumed that he called the wrong person!!..
That's a reminder for all fo us..
Keeping in touch takes effort.. So make the effort!..

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Wrong Number!

Phuket.. Here we come...

Kata Palm Resort

That is where we will be staying in another 12 days..
Looks really good!
Mich suggested (insisted/die-die want/get-at-all-cost) we upgrade to the Pool Access Deluxe room..
So that's where we will be.. Haha..
And if it looks as good as it does in the pictures.. It will be worth the extra cost..

Pool View

Pool Access!

Wanna go for a swim?

Just jump off the balcony

.

Mich checked online that Kata palm is rated #53 of 288 hotels in phuket.

Not bad

Some pictures of the pool access room

I can't wait to be there!

PS: Partially plagiarized from Mich's blog hehe..

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Too many holidays?.. That's the beauty of this industry.. Come join me!!

Quote of the Day

Sharing by one of my colleague during meeting.. Found it interesting.. Something that we should all keep in mind...

"Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny."

So control your thoughts.. and you can control you destiny!!..
Positive thoughts only..
Law of attraction!!!....

--Ginsent Tonic Maker-- All things good!

Accuracy of Death

Watched Accuracy of Death over the long weekend..
Starring Takeshi Kaneshiro..

The official Synopsis:

Masaya Kakei directs Kaneshiro in a movie adaptation of Kotaro Isaka’s novel, where the actor plays a Grim Reaper (the best looking one ever, we’d say) who appears seven days before someone who is about to die an unexpected death. He will spend this week with them before deciding whether they will die or not. If the messenger of death really looked this good, we are predicting girls wouldn’t mind dying so much.

Synopsis (My version): Just need 4 key words.. They are the NIU TOU MA LIAN

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Short and Sweet.. Keeping it simple....

Lesson of the Day

The measure of a great leader..
Is his ability to bring out the best in people..

-- Ginseng Tonic Maker--

Leadership..

"A man who wants to lead the orchestra,
Must turn his back on the crowd"
- Jame Crook

Personal Glory.. The last thing on my mind..

--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- Moving on with ChFC04 (skipping 3 for the moment)..

ChFC Module 2...

My gosh.. It's coming way too fast..
Thought I just passed the 1st paper not too long ago after all the boo-boo..

Well.. Life is all about learning.. And the thing I learnt from my Module 1 was.. NOT to book the next exam early in the morning haha.. So tomorrow it's going to be a afternoon paper..

Managed to BROWSE through the textbook once.. Hopefully that's going to be enough..
*Fingers Crossed*..

Now it's all about putting the Law of Attraction to the test Haha..

YEAH.. I PASSED!!!.. YEAH.. I PASSED.. yeah.. i passed.. yeah.. i passed.. yeah.. i passed.. yeah.. i passed..

-- Ginseng Tonic Maker -- Life-long learning?!

Sydney Pics

Note to Self

When you clearly envision the outcome of victory

Engrave it upon your heart

And are firmly convinced that you will attain it

Your brain makes every effort to realize

the mental image you have created

And then through you unceasing efforts

That victory is finally made a reality

-Ginseng Tonic Maker- Take note.. Take note..

Thank You!!

Had a great time in Sydney..
Great place to relax..

Thanks to the following pple:

Kenneth and girlfriend..
Jill and husband..

for taking time out to meet us for dinner.. Sydney ain't like Singapore.. To meet up for dinner takes effort with the travelling and arrangement.. Thanks!..

Special Mention and Thanks to CINDY!!!

Really appreciate putting us up at your place.. It's a great location.. Love the beach!!...
Also for taking the time out to bring us around and drive us around.. and letting us mess up your place!..

See you soon when you are back...

More pics to be uploaded soon.. Once i get them from my baby..

Many events have taken place since the last post.. I'll try to find time to blog abt them.. or at least upload the pics...

D&D.. Awards Dinner.. HCM.. Sydney..

-- Ginseng Tonic Maker -- Now I just need to chase people for the pics...

Pamper yourself.. or others around you!

Looking to pamper yourself or others around you?
Now you have another great place to shop..

Clothings.. Accessories.. And all things nice!..

Check them out...

http://weblog.xanga.com/buttnakedwoman/


--Ginseng Tonic Maker-- No.. it's not a porn site!

What a Saturday..

What drama..
My baby dropped me a call on Sat at 830am wanting to wish me good luck for my Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) Module 1 exams at 9am thinking I would be on my way..

And good luck it was.. coz she WOKE me up!..

Manged to rush there and finish the exams..
And I passed!! =)

Your financial needs are taken care of (or can be taken care of) by a qualified person with *ahem* AFC designation..
So call now!! Haha..
You are/will be in good hands..

As busy as can be.. But maybe I should just go ahead and finish the whole course..
It's all about Time Management...
with Sales.. Recruitment.. Training.. Meeting.. Mentoring.. Gym.. Dating.. etc.. etc.. and now.. Self-Study and Exams...
Make it .. VERY GOOD Time Mangement..

Hmm.. Decisions.. Decisions..

-- Ginseng Tonic Master -- Superman in training..

The Brain Never Stops...

So much going on..
Exciting times for sure..

Sales..
Recruitment..
Training..

And.. Exams tmorrow.. Module 1 of ChFC..

Gosh.. Time flies..

-- Ginseng Tonic Maker -- Active Mind!

Shanghai Pics.. Way overdue..

It's time to celebrate!...

Some of the best gifts in life are free..
It's paradoxical that it costs nothing..
Yet at the same time.. it's so priceless...
And today.. I received one..

Hand-made with love.. So touched!...Not sure I can afford the fats though haha...

-- Ginseng Tonic Maker -- Sorry baby.. But my schedule is just crazy lately..

Out of Spore Again..

Been so busy lately...
So the annual planning retreat came at about just the right time for me to take a breather...

Will be out of Spore for 3 days..

Hopefully will get more time to do some blogging and posting up of pics..

-- Ginseng Tonic Maker -- ZZZzzZzzzzzZ

Shanghai!

Will be in Shanghai in no time..
One more day..
Looking forward to it.. Coz it's winter time..
And most importantly.. it's

FREE!!

But first I need to pack.. and change currency..
and finish up the paperwork..
and place the advert.. and... and... and.. and...

Yup I need the holiday!!

-- Ginseng Tonic Maker -- More time with my baby...

Happy New Year!

Been a while since I blogged..
It's a bit overdue..
But Happy New Year anyway...

Happy New Year!...

2008 is going to be exciting!..

Not sure if it's the age.. or the industry I'm in..
Or because I'm so focused on my goal..

Time seems to fly soooooooo fast..

-- Ginseng Tonic Maker -- See you here.. same time next year...