Chess Gal

Year 2011

2012-01-25T03:03:00.000+08:00

Haven’t been blogging for a long long time. I guessed, there aren’t many people who actually reads my blog, rather this blog captures all the past moments and my future aspiration.

Let's see, what happened in year 2011

- Broke up with my bf of 4 years. It was heart breaking and I always wonder if I would regret in future but what's done is done, it was a wonderful 4 years. No regrets as he brought out the best in me and I am who I am cause of him. However, knowing my competitive nature and go-getter, I need to get out the comfy and chilling zone. I need a guy who would push and spur me further. He was my best friend and it was the hardest decision ever.

Then: The funny guy

- Met an investor friend, turned business partner and lover. We are so similar in so many ways. Both are equally bad at housework, bad at roads/directions, hate durians, love business and investment. We can talk hours on property investment and our usual date revolves around meeting business partners, attending seminar or property launches. Our weekends are usually packed. In a way, I am glad I met him. He redefines the focus of my life, the only guy who always tries to challenge me, but still lose nevertheless. :D

Now: The serious guy

- Started Alpha Marketing Singapore

- Ventured into event management (Mini scale private function)

- Cousin Sam and best buddies Chan & Kamz got married

- Volunteered in a few charitable organisation, Rotaract and Junior Achivement

Merce Fund Raising Campaign @ Orchard Road

- Appeared on Singapore Business Times, Malaysia News Straits Times, Singapore Channel News AsiaOne and Ho Chin Soon book 5.

- Went to see Mickey Mouse and Stanley Ho

- Bought a car in Singapore on my own.

- Added 2 more props into my portfolio.

Well, I guessed, thats pretty much about it for year 2011.

As for 2012, I am looking forward to a greater year ahead! Hopefully could add one Singapore property to my portfolio and I am done for the year.

Happy CNY ppl.

Featured in Malaysia New Straits Times Property

2011-07-23T12:45:00.000+08:00

Patrick of Patchay.Com and myself were interviewed by Nicholas Leong from NST Property few weeks back. It was a casual chit chat rather than a serious interview.

The content are more or less repetitive of my Business Times feature, but any publicity is good for business.

There is another developer launch coming up, price is relatively affordable. Please go to AlphaMarketingSg.com for updates on the deals. You can also sign up as member to get access to the articles.

Inefficiency

2011-07-03T15:37:00.000+08:00

After 2 weeks, I am still featured on AsiaOne.com. ;)

I went back to KL yesterday (reached Kajang at 2am), thanks to the coach's delay (NICE owned by Plusliner Sdn Bhd - suppose to depart at 7.15pm but bus only arrived at 8.30pm) and horrendous jam at the causeway! It is pure common sense that Friday night has the most traffic that commutes between Singapore and Malaysia, yet our dear Immigration Department thinks one lane of immigration clerance is enough to cater for the masses of migration!

The traffic was very smooth from the bus terminal to Singapore immigration, but once we reached JB soil, I can see dozen buses ahead of mine! And the implementation of biometric scanning for foreigner adds to the anguish of travellers.

Sometimes I cannot comprehend why on earth we have idiots sitting at the driver's seat (as in governing our country).

Implementation of unnecessary system at untimely hour! It took me 3 precious hours just to cross the border!

On surface, the government of Malaysia seems to be welcoming Singaporean but I have no freaking idea, why did they introduce biometric scanning! Besides, system breakdown in Malaysia is a norm, Why can't they just CHOP, CHOP like every other country? The hassle of this would be detrimental to the development of Iskandar Malaysia. Iskandar Malaysia cannot take off without foreign money pouring in, in particularly Singaporean money.

Malaysia Government loves to come out with new unnecessary project and initiative that cost a bomb but adds NO VALUE to the Raykat, it is very apparent it is a stance to suck out more taxpayer's money. No country is perfect and free from corruption but can YOU please implement something that at least benefits the Rakyat like a

1) MRT vs 100 storey warisan merdeka.
2) Scholarship to those in need vs 1.8m Facebook project
3) Increase civil servant salary (so that they don't corrupt) vs 1Msia email project.

I don't mind corruption if things are done properly, but the crappy thing about Malaysia government is that, they award projects to Tom, Dick and Harry with a bt or bte at the back, blow the budget and yet deliver shoddy work. If you want to protect your bumiputeras, I do not mind, at least train them to deliver better quality and service.

And please, can you start work on the bullet train between Singapore and Malaysia already? I don't care who gets the tender, just make sure they get it done properly and don't cut corners.

Thank you for your defense

2011-06-28T11:39:00.003+08:00

Good to know you are always there to support me in good and bad times. And good luck in being a landlord and getting a girl friend :D

Channelnewasia forum

Have been rather upset after my feature was being scrutinised and critised in a few Singapore forum recently, I do not blame the forumers for they do not know me well enough. But he defended me on the forum. I guessed noone could ever understand me as well as he did. He witnessed first hand how I cried every night missing my family and stressing at work, my anxiety in buying my first property, my sleepness night when my unit untenanted for 2 months and all my ups and downs at work.

Instead of smearing the name of your ex, isn't it great that your ex comes to your defend when you are defenseless? I believe in karma, what comes around goes around. Once again, a big thank you!

Why invest in Malaysia?

2011-06-26T23:16:00.001+08:00

Ever since my feature was out, forumers have been debating if Malaysia is a better bet as compared to Singapore real estate? With all due respect, I think if I have the cash, I would invest in Singapore as compared to Malaysia. As land is scarce in Singapore, there will always be demand for reasonable price property. But due to constant Singapore Government intervention, the rich gets richer while the middle class stays put. So, the only way to get out from that category is by investing elsewhere. I am not going to debate why property is better than shares, cause I failed at shares. I did invest in shares for a brief moment but I can never understand why it went up on certain days and drop the next minute. It was beyond my control. I broke even in my shares trading.

Now, why Malaysia?

1. Strong Singapore currency.

Having a strong currency is an advantage as we (Singapore earners) can easily secure a nice condo in a prime area at half the price. But then again, the shortcoming would be further depreciation of RM against SGD, making the conversion no longer attractive. Unless you have some local business in Malaysia to offset against your income. Else enter into a hedge, again not feasible when your cash flow is minimal.

2. Proximity.

Would you invest in Indonesia? Thailand? Vietnam? Or even US? If you don’t see yourself investing in such country, so apart from Singapore, where else can you invest? Malaysia is just a ride/fly away. Besides that, let us analyse the potential country to invest internationally. Starting from the west to east.

- United States
Plenty of foreclosure, time to load up the property, but massive subprime debt, distance a problem, no leverage avenue for foreigners.

- Canada
No data

- Europe
Same as United Stated

- Africa
No data

- Middle East
Dare to invest in Middle East? Not me.

- China/Hong Kong
Overheating prices, worst than Singapore, dare to go in now? Currency control measure, currency fluctuation, language barrier (for me, I can’t read Chinese), not familiar with local legislation.

- Thailand/Vietnam/Indonesia/Philippine/ Myanmar
Underdeveloped countries, politic instability, chances of currency control is even higher, they have yet to get their fundamentals right where the basic infrastructure and human needs are yet to be met. The gap between the rich and poor is too wide.

- Malaysia
Government a bit screw up, but still acceptable. ETP plans, upcoming MRT line within Greater KL, possible high speed train from KL to Singapore. Once this high speed train is made possible, connectivity makes easy. Similar to Hong Kong MTR that connects to Shenzhen, bringing vast business opportunity between both country. Singapore can only grow at a certain extent due to its size, it’s economy has to expand beyond its own backyard. The tipping point for Iskandar Johor, KL and Singapore is the high speed train, then we will be known as a Mega Region as popularised by Mr Ho Chin Soon.

3. Population growth
While Malaysia is hit with high percentage of brain drain, we still have locals from the remaining 11 states to fill in the vacancy in KL. At the moment, the population of people in KL itself is 7.2million (quoted from Tim Murphy, Buying Asia), which equals the population of whole Singapore.

So, where would you invest now apart from Singapore?

Singapore Business Times 20 June 2011

2011-06-20T21:47:00.003+08:00

I recently got featured on Singapore Business Times 20 June 2011 in the Starting Young forum sponsored by Citibank. Oh, I have also started a real estate book distribution in Singapore. The authors that I am representing currently are Ho Chin Soon, Milan Doshi and Juanita Chin.

Check this out
http://www.alphamarketingsg.com/

Here are the write up!

Accountant Melissa Low tells LESTER HIO she eyes mainly properties with positive cash flow

MELISSA Low's firm belief in investment lies not in monetary terms, but in investing in herself.

To this end, the 26-year-old accountant takes the time and effort to attend investment seminars and to pore over books and research before deciding what to invest in.

Her passion for investment lies in real estate and to date, she has three properties in Malaysia to her name, with one rented out at a 7 per cent yield while the other two are still under construction.

Besides her main passion for real estate, Ms Low has also diversified into an online and book distribution business, where she sells books concerning real estate. http://www.alphamarketingsg.com/

Q: How did you handle money when growing up?

A: I was very prudent with money. Since young, I had been financially independent. My venture into business started when I was as young as six years old, when my neighbours and I would organise house parties and charge an entrance fee to other neighbourhood friends. In school, I would organise games and events where again I would charge a fee for participation.

Q: What sort of financial planning have you embarked on?

A: I've placed 60 per cent of my assets in real estate. I also have a few insurance policies in Singapore and Malaysia. I also invest regularly in unit trusts, which so far have been giving me a 30 per cent return because I invested in commodity-linked unit trusts during the financial crisis.

Q: Do you spend more or save more?

A: It depends on certain months. When I buy property, I will certainly spend more, but I consider that as an investment rather than pure liability spending. I only shop when necessary or when there are bargains.

Q: Do you use credit cards?

A: Yes. Having credit cards can be good for loan application if you pay your bills on time. The Central Credit Reference Information System or Credit Bureau Singapore keeps track of your credit record, which can be helpful when you apply for a loan, as a clean record can help you secure one much more easily.

Q: What got you interested in investing?

A: I was influenced by my dad, who is an entrepreneur himself. I was taught to be independent and work hard for what I want in life. When I joined the corporate world, I realised I was living paycheque to paycheque, and having an investment plan assures me of a side income as well as a way out of the rat race, as I have control of my finances.

Q: When and how did you get started investing?

A: I first invested in a bubble tea business when I was 23, which folded after six months. I then decided to earn passive income instead, and hence I started to actively search for real estate properties in Malaysia.

Q: What do you currently invest in?

A: Real estate is my main investment. I also invest in my own business, Alpha Marketing, which sells and distributes real estate books and research articles online.

Q: What is your investment strategy?

A: My objective is to buy properties with positive cash flow. At the moment, I only have one property in KL with a yield of 7 per cent and two under construction, one of which will be ready next year, and the third one due four years later.

Due to the new cap of 70 per cent margin of financing for third properties onwards, my investment activities has slowed down tremendously.

Secondly, I buy properties in prime locations and target the middle to higher income tenants, as I do not want the hassle of dealing with problematic tenants due to the distance as I am currently working in Singapore.

Q: How would you describe your risk appetite?

A: Prudent. I do my homework before putting my money down. I buy properties for yields and am not much of a speculator.

Q: What has your best investment been so far?

A: An office lot in the city centre of KL. I bought it for RM700 (S$284) psf, the project beside the office was launching at RM1.2k, that is already a gross RM500 psf gain.

Q: What has your worst investment been so far?

A: Most probably my bubble tea business at Wisma Causeway, KL. It was mismanaged and not quite optimised despite it being located strategically. It was also a hassle to manage as I was in Singapore. Long distance management is not suitable for a retail business.

Q: Any tips to share from experience in investing?

A: Do a lot of research and mingle with the right crowd. Networking is important.

Invest in financial education, attend seminars and set an objective when you invest.

Before you start parting with your hard earned money, set aside a few hundred dollars to be educated, be it through books or seminars. Take action only after you think you are ready.

In terms of real estate, look for undervalued, distressed and fire sale properties.

Q: What are your long-term investment goals?

A: To have five properties giving me positive cash flow before I turn 30.

Q: If you were a millionaire, where would you put your money?

A: I would invest in real estate and would like to set up hotels. It will be killing two birds with one stone, as I like businesses and real estate. Owning a hotel would be good.

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I know there are a lot critics out there questioning how did I do it, owning 3 properties in short one year.

First and foremost, I do not inherit any riches from my parents, infact I am funding my youngest sister's education to a private university in Malaysia. My capital purely derives from my salary as an accountant in an MNC, if you must know, I work in IKEA Singapore. Before that I was an auditor in KPMG Singapore.

My bubble tea business only cost me about S$2k to set up, if you convert into RM, thats about RM5k, how did I do it? Magic. Being an accountant, I know my numbers. My business was just breaking even when I close it down. Was thinking to revived it but again distance is an issue.

How did I managed to afford 3 properties?
1. I earn in S$, thats 2.4 times for you :) Don't blame me, blame the currency.
2. I don't go for long holidays, the further I have been to is Hong Kong, and even that is sponsored :D.
3. I bought undervalued property (not very much undervalued but still below market).
4. My dad's a contractor, so I save a lot in renovation as he only charges me for the material and labour :D (ES Interior - 012-3983903 ask for Mr Kingston Low)
5. I have got the guts to sign on the dotted line. I dont have much liquid cash in all honesty, you can rob me but there is no money in my bank account.

Cheers :D

Palazio Mayland

2011-03-20T19:43:00.001+08:00

My dream came true early!
Palazio Mayland, Johor Bahru - Studio 484sf, Under construction.

Show unit 484sf

Construction until 9th floor.

TOP: July 2012

Moving on

2011-02-22T18:06:00.001+08:00

Alec and I broke up the week after CNY, it was my call. It was not easy, he was part of my life for the past 4 years, day in and day out, he was always there for me. But somehow or rather, the feeling has faded, he loved me too much that I took him for granted, dictate how we should move forward. I was the captain of the relationship, I didnt want us to be an ordinary couple, I was trying to change him. He did change for my sake, but still I am not satisfied. I am selfish, self-centered. My parents gave me a long lecture when they found out.

Alec has great bond with my family and my extended family that is. Marriage was just a formality, we were married in their eyes. I am always in Alec's priority list, he places me above all things, his work, his time, himself.

Alec,
I am sorry for breaking up your heart, I know you were planning to propose next year, but I can't be giving you fake promises when I know I am not ready to marry you.

It might be the stupidiest decision I have ever made but what's done is done.

Summer Suites @ Jalan Sultan Ismail

2011-01-19T00:05:00.002+08:00

Okay, no time to update. Here, a picture of what Alec and I have bought this month. Summer Suites at Jalan Sultan Ismail. Will blog more when I have got the time.

Summary of Q4-2010

2010-12-24T17:13:00.001+08:00

As the year is coming to its glorious end, I shall recapped what I have managed to achieved this year. First and foremost as I have proudly declared over and over again on my blog is my very first major purchase. VK!

The very first time I wrote multiple cheques with 5 digits on it (downpayment, legal fee, renovation & furnishings), the very first time I screw my lawyer upside down and came to realised that lawyer afterall isnt that smart, not even if they speak the best Queen's English nor they sat for the toughest exams around. And, a lot investors too concurred with my findings, sigh, pathetic. Most importantly, the very first time being a landlord =D.

Aside from investment, I have left audit and joined my client, Ikea (yes, yes, meatball) for a finance role. I still remember 2 years ago, I was sent to audit ikea temporarily, it wasnt even in my portfolio. My then client (turned colleagues) were very nice and friendly, documents were given promptly and the environment was really good. Nice workstation, nice culture and I jokingly asked if they are looking for people for any role. Promptly after the engagement ended, I requested to be on the ikea audit permanently, and I have to keep reminding my manager to book me on her job. Well, and two years later, they have a vacancy and asked if I would love to join them, I was hesistant at first due to conflict of interest but got the green light from my audit partner to go after a grace period.

Networking wise, I have made lotsa investors friend from PMC and on facebook. It is great to have so many generous investors who dont mind to give you a few pointers on investment. But there are also the stingy ones that keep asking but refused to share their focus area and a few noobies that ask ridiculous question which is easily found online. I usually ignore those ppl, not that I am snobbish but clearly, you have no idea what you are getting into without enough research, how could you be a property investor when you don't know the different between freehold and leasehold?

Relationship wise, what relationship? I am free as an eagle! :P (I am so going to be murdered ;D). The other day, mum just told me so and so is getting married and so and so gave birth while I was busy surfing the net, and the obvious reply would be 'Oh, okay' right. The next thing you've guessed it, she asked me when is my turn. I turned around and looked at her, nonchantly I said, after I have 5 properties. Of course, she called me crazy for being so materialistic and demanding! But I further explained that, I am going to buy 5 properties myself on my own! (Indirectly saying that I don't need a man, aside from cleaning and companionship ;D).

I guessed that pretty sums up my whole year apart from the day to day 9-5pm usual stuff.

And for my new year's resolution! Hmm... I would need to shed a few kilos to fit in that dress of mine, try to jog at least twice a week to prepare for my expedition to climb mount kinabalu again. ( I climbed up 5 years ago without much preparation, think I didnt do well hence the second round). To learn as much as possible from my bosses so I could do better in my work, read up on commercial properties and perhaps JV with other investors to buy into commercial. Be more dilligent in keeping my face wrinkles free! (I can see fine lines around my eyes!) and improve my salsa dancing!

P/S: I am still attached to the guy I met online 4 years ago in case you got the wrong idea, but I always welcome new proposals as I need to QC my current companion to match against the market benchmark :D

Merry Christmas everyone!

Landlording

2010-12-15T22:44:00.001+08:00

Yours trully is now a landlord =D.

Finally it is up and ready

2010-11-25T22:31:00.003+08:00

So much of delay and issues cropped up during my purchase and finally, Yes Finally I am ready to be a landlord... LANDLORD ;P A 25 years old landlord. A property to be called my own, using my own hard earn money! And Yes I am so proud of myself, I have never asked my parents to loan me any money for my purchase nor renovation, I paid every bit of it from my savings. (Okay la, my dad did the maintenance for me, but I paid for the materials and his boys and curtains sponsored by my mum - need to give credit a bit)

The following taken by my agent Roy, my banker, my property agent and my great mentor. :D

So far there are some rental offers but slightly too low, so shall wait for a while before the right tenant comes into the picture. Now please congratulate me!

Property Bug

2010-11-15T23:05:00.001+08:00

Cousin: We are going New York for honeymoon!
Alec: Oh cool!
Me: *Pointing to the advert in the newspaper* "US$35,000 US house for sale" Oh US properties is sooo cheap!
Alec: -_-, YOU WANT THEM TO BUY A HOUSE IN US FOR YOU????
Me: *Grinning*

Happy Late Late Halloween! This year, I'm a talkative mime :D

Oh, since I can't get hold of properties in US, well another in the bag...

Gonna furnish this babe nicely, small little studio. (Oh that's me in the picture, negotiating with the agent, while Alec snapping the pictures away)

AND AND

My VK is FINALLY OUT FOR LEASE!

I need to buy more furnishings! Sigh, too little time in KL to shop!

For lease, Vista Kiara, Mont Kiara

3 rooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 carparks RM2,600.

Please call my agent Roy 012-2169026

Random

2010-07-02T00:19:00.000+08:00

My blog is molding... here, something for you to feast on... my new coloured hair...

Keep moving forward

2010-05-27T00:16:00.004+08:00

I am moving forward. As the day draws closer, the excitement of leaving audit dawns on me. I bade farewell to one of my client today, giving them a firm hand shake and a wide smile while they congratulate and wished me luck in my new venture. It is funny that at times I hate dragging my sorry a$$ to work early in the morning to only be back middle of the night, but yet sometimes I enjoy what I am doing.

Audit was never my choice of career, and I went in out of desperation (and peer pressure!). I sufferred nevertheless but it was a great learning experience. So much tears were shed and lost sleep over review points and deadlines, but I guessed those are parts and parcels of audit. Despite my roller coaster ride, I can safely say that audit was a great learning point. I carry myself proudly being an auditor, especially a senior of an audit engagement. But the baton has to be passed on to those who deserve to lead.

I shall miss audit, but I am looking forward to far greater challenges ahead of me!

Where am I heading to? Haha.. to a happy land :D

Vista Kiara - Mont Kiara

2010-05-11T12:50:00.001+08:00

Waiting for my S&P and this babe here will be officially mine :)

Mission Accomplished! - Mont Kiara

2010-04-07T20:01:00.001+08:00

Summary of Q1-2010

2010-03-21T23:39:00.000+08:00

As usual, I have been very busy with work. Am still doing the same thing, leading the same engagement and working in the same company. But I did improve a lot on other things over these couple of months. I start going to church every sunday, pick up golf again (and signed up with a coach as well), go gym at least once a week, continue with my property search, start playing stocks (pray that I wont get burnt!) and been meeting a lot of great people online (real estate, stock investors etc) who are so keen to share their knowledge with me. I guess this is a good sign of a great year.

Will be heading back to Kajang this coming Thursday to view a few properties, after a thorough research, I have narrowed down to 2 areas, Bukit Jalil - Vista Komanwel and Mont Kiara - Vista Kiara. MK will be my later target, perhaps end of this year, unless a good auction deal comes along. I just hope the deal goes well this time!

Now & Then

2010-02-01T21:25:00.001+08:00

Then

Constant I love you, oh how muchie I miss you and things like that...

Now.

Seated few seats away with the all times 'friendly' sign.

That, my friend is called being in 'love'.

Job

2010-01-30T09:43:00.000+08:00

I haven't been posting very often these couple of months cause I was so occupied by work, studies and investment. Supposed to be bidding for an auction property at Vista Komanwel last few weels, Alec and I have already pooled our money together. But sadly the auction was off a day before, perhaps luck wasn't on our side.

I have been reading a lot of property investment book too, Milan Doshi's, Renesial Leong's, RDPD Investment Property and Eric Cheng's. Guess I have shifted my focus from F&B business to property investment. Haha, yes, Melissa sure has a lot of ambitions!

And I almost resign as well! But after spoken to alot of my managers and peers, I have decided to stay and reject the offer which seems to be more attractive for an entry level position. The thought of starting all over again from the bottom of the corporate ladder sounds daunting. So I shall stay here for a while, leading a pack of auditors until the point I can no longer lead :P.

Dior Make Over

2009-12-04T22:24:00.002+08:00

Just for fun :P

Yuyen & Jimmy's Wedding Highlights

2009-12-04T19:43:00.001+08:00

Last year, I posted how Yuyen's bf proposed to her, and on 10 October 2009, she finally tied the knot. The wedding was very well planned, despite no fancy wedding singer or band but there wasnt a moment of boredom during the 3 hours reception.

We were entertained by photo montage from their younger days, best wishes from friends afar and speeches from both best man and bride of honour. One of the best wedding reception I have ever attended. Should start planning for mine too :P

Church Wedding Video of Jimmy & Yu Yen from Lighthouse on Vimeo.

Resignation

2009-11-06T00:15:00.004+08:00

Receiving farewell emails and attending farewell dinners are like celebration of some sort in audit. Instead of feeling sad of departure of yet another fellow colleague/friend, we (the remaining ones) seem to be congratulating them for taking the plunge. While the word 'Resign' is discreetly used in every organisation, but guess in audit, almost everyone uses it at least once in their career. It acts as a encouragement, to spur us to finish it once and for all (then resign) or a word of defeat, to just give up and quit.

And out of 10 who calls it quit, 8 would make good their words.

Here are the pictures when I first joined.

(Taken in Krabi, Thailand 2007)

And what's left in my department.

(Taken at Zouk, KPMG Halloween Party, Oct 2009)

(One person in this picture has already resigned)

(Taken at Spanish Restaurant, Oct 2009)

(Three people in this picture has resigned as well)

And the peak is here again....

Halloween

2009-11-03T19:49:00.000+08:00

A Bat

A Cat?

I WANT!

2009-10-16T00:14:00.001+08:00

I want a break from work,
I want to further my studies,
I want to continue my piano lesson,
I want to improve my golf swing,
I want to do business,
I want to have more time to understand FRS
I want to have 8 hours of sleep every night
I want to do facial as and when I like
I want Alec to earn more than me so I can stay at home and do all the above!

More Than Just Melissa

2009-10-04T16:45:00.002+08:00

The second round of IDRINK outdoor event was a great success. The crowd loves the drink, and one of the customers who happened to own a cafe asked if I supply the banner and all the ingredients! He loves my design and offer to buy my concept (He thought that I own this franchise!).

Mr Geh (Director of Sunway Lagoon Club and HR) even offered me a position in Sunway Group because he admired my entrepreneurial spirit and dedication! He insisted that I submit my resume and will pull some strings to get me in. I do have thoughts of it, but coming back to Malaysia is not part of my plan unless they offer me double of what I am earning now, slim chance though.

Plus, the only thing I know is AUDIT and doubt I am qualified enough to manage a full set of account. Nevertheless, it is great to know that people do see more than just Melissa.

Bye bye curls

2009-09-23T21:33:00.000+08:00

To be honest, I kind of like my curls, BUT, I cant stand maintaining it! So, after 3 months of wearing my long curly hair (which cost me S$450 btw), I've decided that I need a major change!

So, I chopped off my curly hair and rebonded the roots.

So yeah, I look pathetic!

Gosh, I look so Cina from China!

Snowy

2009-09-13T16:21:00.001+08:00

My little doggie back in Kajang.

Sunway Flea Market

2009-09-13T16:00:00.003+08:00

Are you looking for opportunity to expand your current online business into retail?

I have an avenue for you!

Sunway Flea Market!

Date: Every first Sunday of the Month starting from 6th Sept 09.
Time: 10am to 7pm
Venue: Sunway Lagoon Club House

Package: RM100 per day (One day only), RM80 (3 days), RM60 (6 days)
Inclusive of One Table 5'x2', One Chair, One commercial fan (to be shared ), Half Canopy (Around Swimming Pool area).
Extra: RM10 for electrical point per day.

I am one of the vendor there, and sold out within 6 hours!

(Oh yeah, I look very haggard in this picture, only had 4 hours of sleep the night before).

Email me for more info
chess_gal@hotmail.com

Old Videos

2009-08-28T00:21:00.001+08:00

Was browsing through my entries and saw this video, not too long ago but damn, I am so freaking proud of my sister!

This video was taken a year back on her sweet sixteen birthday.

Don't you wish your sister is as hot as mine?

Bloggie under Construction

2009-08-27T11:20:00.000+08:00

Okay, I know the blog looks retarted now, am fiddling away with all the complicated HTML codes. Will add in the comment and navigation function soon enough, once I get an idea what are the source code!

D-Day

2009-08-17T19:03:00.003+08:00

Two months back, I was at the pinnacle of my life (or So I think), setting up my very first retail beverage stall 4 days before my ACCA exam and got promoted.

The excitement of being my own boss and getting promoted were too overwhelming that I didn't bother about my coming exam. I do admit that I did not put in much effort in my revision. Basically, what I did 4 days before exam was just scanning through the past exam papers and just went for it.

When the day finally came, I wasn't even afraid for I know, I have definitely flunk that paper. Ten minutes into it, my hypotheses was proven. In fact, the urge of leaving the hall was to strong that I only started writing down my answers after 30 minutes, contemplating to leave or not to leave. I was thinking, how can I give up without fighting, that is so not Melissa, so I went on scribble things on that exam script.

Two months later, a bombshell was dropped. My landlord force us to leave by end of September cause my partner who is an _____ delayed the rental and refused to pay the utilities bill. I was left perplexed. Not only did I lost my investment, I've wasted my energy and my precious TIME!

Time that I could have spent on studying. Money that I could have spent on my family and energy that I could have invested in my career.

He was all along a pest, but I carry on cause I needed a person to oversee the operation when I am in Singapore. A lot contacts, suppliers and networks alike, warned me of the trouble that he might bring. Well, thankfully the partnership only last for 4 months.

I will not mention his name nor where he is from, but that taught me a lesson.

"Actuarists are not that smart after all"

I scrambled to look at other retail spaces but it was too expensive and after a thorough budgeting, the new place would cost me RM30k just to set up. Staff cost, rental and ingredients that runs in thousands of ringgit per month. Plus, I cant find passionate ppl that I can trust to run the show for me, so it came back to square one. Close down.

It was disheartening, but I overcame it. Perhaps it wasn't my time yet to be my own boss. Plus the return is seriously very low. 6 months of profit is just like my one month's pay in Singapore or maybe a fraction of it.

But I am not letting go my dream yet, I still have plans for it, but in smaller scale.

Today another bombshell dropped.

I'VE PASSED THAT FREAKING PAPER!

And I shed a tear of joy, I have never been so happy getting a C in my life!

Hammies!

2009-08-15T12:08:00.005+08:00

I know someday I will have children or adopted children in the future, hence to ensure that i get sufficient training per se... I got hamsters for starters.

I don;t really have names for them cause firstly, I cant differenciate both of them. Among the names considered were Michelle and Madeline.. hahaha.. my two sisters.

The ARE NOT having sex!... Just happened to be like that when I snap the picture. Btw, both are females.

Total cost: S$200 plus.

Oh... my F1 Singapore pass has just arrived! Cant wait to get there!

Felix Dennis

2009-07-28T22:27:00.003+08:00

He is a self-made millionaire, poet and author for 'How to get rich', sounds cheessy i know but seriously a good read. I read it religiously every night and gosh, it is as if the book was written just for me!

Every single thing that he wrote in that book is exactly what I am encountering now.

Close friends, relatives, parents and lovers might be the source of your downfall if you let them to step on your dream, doubt your vision and belittle your ambition.

I will not let that to happen to me, Never! I will NEVER think like a poor nor will I die poor. Provided that I don't die prematurely in accidents or murdered by greedy business partner.

New Logo

2009-07-20T13:50:00.003+08:00

One month ago.......

One and a half month later.....
Step by Step.... and I will be there....

--------------------------------------------------------

Just now I went out for a business discussion and a round of golf with my ex-colleague (driving range only nia). He was involved in a lot of business venture before joining audit (to kill time, i presume). So he showed me sooo many SOP (Some real franchise... read Mc ....) for all the other businesses that he did and wow, I am IMPRESSED how a REAL franchise is run.

Now am having second thoughts of my plan in Singapore. Too much capital involved and too risky and the return may not justify my time and capital. ROI is too marginal.

Then I came back home and keep on talking about business with Alec.

He was annoyed, initially I thought he was angry cause i went out with a male friend.

BUT, he wasnt.

He was annoyed cause I have been talking business with him for the past 2 weekends. (>.<)

Good Staff

2009-07-13T18:46:00.001+08:00

Rule number one of doing business, hire competent and good staff.

Thankfully I only have 1 staff under me who is very competent of course, so not ranting on my own staff but rather on others.

Yesterday, I approach a small and medium size outlet and asked if they wholesale/supply certain products to me on a long-term basis. I am very sure they do cause gut feelings told me so and being a retail outlet, generally they are more than happy to do long term business because there is where the money is.

But this supervisor aunty whom I spoke to, gave me a blank and unapproving look. Seriously if you are the owner of the place, you would have welcomed me with open arms and say YES We do, though sometimes they don't. Anyways, she firmly said they don't, so I demand for the boss's number cause I know she is trying to minimise her responsibilities. More orders, more work for her.

Then this morning, another supplier replied me via email and said, they only supply to events but not to retails on a daily basis. I was erm..., you do delivery, but you only do one off, where your sales will only be worth one day of sales rather than everyday sales. And she doesn't even provide me with solution or alternative.

For a typical business owner, you would have suggested other ways, like supplying for alternate days or come up with some arrange for both parties. Or at least have the courtesy to apologised for not able to help.

So, rule number one, always, always hire staff who can perform despite having to pay them more.

P/S: I realised Msian suppliers are more accommodating and would try their best to close the deal, very different with Singapore based companies.

Sponsor a kid to swim

2009-07-11T00:53:00.005+08:00

Not everyone in life is as lucky as you and I. Yes, You! who are reading this online in an air-conditioner room with music blasting at the background.

I count myself lucky cause I grew up in a wonderful environment with a supportive family who has guided and brought me up well.

Secondly, I was privileged enough to get a full scholarship/sponsorship from The Star for my education at Nilai International University College, a sponsorship that has totally changed my life.

For that, I have always look for opportunity to contribute back to the society. However, due to my 'business/entrepreneurial/money-minded' nature, I always fill my empty slots for 'money making time' so, naturally it became hard for me to be physically there for charitable work cause I have work, business and studies to take care of. (Not an excuse I know but, seriously try to be in my shoe for one day and You will know how it is like).

Thanks to EJ for taking an initiative to organise a 'Swim for a Charity', (in which I've added the agenda of 'Sponsor a kid to swim' instead, Yes EJ, I must take ownership of my idea :P).

We are still in the midst of looking for charitable organisation to donate to and perhaps a trip down to the orphanage to let them taste MY DRINKZ bubble tea! Hey not a publicity stunt okay, though I do admit, there is a little to it :P.

Here are the details.

Charitable Organisation: Still looking. (PJ Area, any organisation in mind?)

Pool: Pelangi Utama Block A,B,C Swimming Pool, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya,

Map:

Instructor/Host: EJ - 0163533555

Email: yeapej@yahoo.com

Fee/Donation: RM30 for 2 hours of class.
(You can sponsor a kid to swim or learn swimming yourself! )

Campaign period: 1 Aug to 30 Aug 2009.

Target Collection: RM1,500

Who can join?: Beginner, Intermediate and Advance Swimmer (age 4 to 60 years old).

Book your time in facebook!
Facebook:

So, do your part in making this happen!

P/S: You are also welcome to sponsor swim wear/goggle for the kids you are sponsoring. All in the name of charity.

Step by Step

2009-06-20T22:12:00.004+08:00

You know, since I started with my little take away counter, I have been receiving mix reactions from families, friends and online contacts. Mostly congratulate me but also a handful that criticise the start up was too small, too insignificant and if they were in my shoe, they would have gone all out, play big.

Well, there is whole lot of reasons why I did not go all out.

1. I am still employed full time, in Singapore (KL - Singapore, see the distance?) AND my job requires SUBSTANTIAL time and attention hence small start up only takes up 30% of my time and attention. AND I am still studying for my professional paper.

2. Why don't i just quit my job then you ask? Cause I have no whatsoever financial backing, the capital was purely from my savings. I come from a middle class family where the only way to tertiary education is by way of scholarship, so if you don't work hard enough then too bad. SO, while my business is running, I still have got to work to fund it. And NO, I WILL NEVER ask my family to extent whatsoever finances cause if to die, I want to die alone.

3. I am very risk averse (to a certain extent), since I have no knowledge of F&B business, I can only learn from the job. Hence baby steps are great starting point.

4. A lot of ppl like to boast about their dream but waiting for the right time with the right capital to start (a big start-up with lotsa $$$). well, then carry on dreaming, everyone can dream so dream on for the big one to come.

5. I always believe in small steps, baby steps. I started my online blog shop due to love for the brand and well, I can proudly say that it raked up to S$6k of sales in a month (of course with very very minimal margin). No much I know but hey, I have done it, have you?

6. I still love my job, I know the word ‘love’ sounded very very wrong but I still have a lot of things to learn in my line of work. Plus, I just got promoted and my pay is pretty decent to let go.

7. Michelle’s still in Uni, Madeline is going into Uni next year, being the eldest, I have to care for their welfare, so I cannot risk my stable income. Plus, I want the best for both of my sisters without having them to worry about finances back home.

8. Touch wood, if it fails, I still have opportunity to rise again, rather than risking my whole life savings and confidence. You guys surely know Melissa’s level of confidence.

Soooo, that concludes the reason why I started micro level, but if anyone of you are keen to try your hand in F&B but lack of capital, I am looking for partners to expand my company. :)

My Drinkz Bubble Tea

2009-06-01T23:28:00.006+08:00

I have been so busy lately that I entirely forgotten about my blog, well, as above, you could have guessed what has been keeping me occupied. And of course with my ACCA exam in 7 days time, I am doomed!!!!

Yup, latest venture, F&B. It was a roller coaster ride, from the very beginning, strong resistant from parents and a partner who has entirely different view from me, dont ask me who is my partner but definitely not Alec. Anyways, I dont wish to dwell further on the partnership. Trust me it was full of dramas.

Today was the first day and honestly there were several hiccups, I forgot to add sugar into one of the customer's drink (My mistake) and the drinks were slightly too sweet.

Reason why it was successful today mainly due to contacts and relatives, so pray there will be repeat customers. Managed to hit my target today but there are still more rooms for improvement, among feedbacks were too slow, too sweet and less varieties.

Wish me well people, and of course plenty of luck. I dont usually rely on luck, but later realised after reading a book, luck is the result of opportunity plus hard work. So Good Luck Melissa!

Accusation

2009-04-30T21:37:00.005+08:00

A declaration of fault or blame against another

Dear God,

Help us to love the truth, which is your nature.

Help us to remember we're not to "bear false witness against our neighbour".

When we sin, please forgive us, and deter us from sins like this.

When we're victims of this, please show us your presence intimately,

so we can go on until our names are cleared.

In the end, please heal the scars of all victims of life altering accusations that were false.

Amen.

Source

Proud

2009-04-26T01:12:00.004+08:00

Wanted to publish this for a long long time but just too lazy to upload the articles, finally found an online version so just copy and paste.

Yes, am a very proud person, but hey, do you get such title everyday? So, I think flaunting once in a while is not entirely wrong :P

Full version here .

P/S: Just wanna put more pressure on my two sisters :P. Madeline, belajar la...SPM coming nih...

Mel

2009-04-21T00:15:00.003+08:00

Who says auditors have no life?

Prove that auditors can drink and work at the same time....

My latest creation, Beef Omellete.

Look, I have a dimple :)

The end of yet another random post.....

F1 - Singapore

2009-04-21T00:10:00.002+08:00

Yay!

Managed to get it online!

Eeee Haaa...

Alec is soooo going to love me!!

Vacancy

2009-04-12T16:40:00.002+08:00

Part-Timer Needed

Location: Wisma Cosway, Jalan Raja Chulan, KL
Time: 11am to 3pm
Period: Monday to Friday (Close on Public Holiday)
Rate: RM10 per hour
Job Scope: Serve & Make Drinks
Start work on 2nd May 2009

No experience nor qualification needed.
Willing to commit within that 4 hours.
Honest and willing to learn.
Prefer students/SPM leavers.

Interested parties pls contact me:
chess_gal@hotmail.com to arrange for a phone interview.

F1-Singapore

2009-04-10T22:41:00.002+08:00

Yes, I am going!!!

Provided that I get the tickets tomorrow....

Went to the Singtel F1 roadshow at Wisma Atria just now but gosh was turned down for tickets, apparently the tickets are only for singtel user. Wanted to try to ask ppl on the streets, but decided to against it... *shy*

So, gotta wait until tomorrow if any of my friends willing to get the tickes for me or until 20 april when the line is open to public.

I really really wanna get the tickets!!

Not for myself of course, but for the idiot who secretly stalk my blog, looking for updates.... :P

Wonder Kid

2009-03-28T21:49:00.000+08:00

Earth Hour?

2009-03-28T20:54:00.004+08:00

As am typing this entry, I am suppose to off all electricy and observe the Earth Hour day, I did turn off my living room light so I think that counts but seriously can turning off electricity for just 60 mins save the earth?

First and foremost, electricity in Msia is generated from Hydro-electric so in essence, hydroelectric is a renewable source of energy. Any polution to the environment? Erm, apart from the de-forestation during the construction of the dam, i think no. Or maybe the heat/smoke emission from certain electrical appliances like air-conditioner, okay so CFC is erosing the ozone layer, I agree but switching off lights at night is just sortta like a publicity stunt. I dont know but I think so. But since Singapore power supply generated from gas, so probably Singapore should indeed switch off the light to save but anyway, thats not my point.

My point is that the awareness should be something realistic but not just a one-off event as if some celebration of sort. For long, I have alw observed how ladies are killing millions of tree in the ladies. Once they get off the sink, they head right to the tissue dispenser and start pulling sheets and sheets of tissue just to wipe their hands. The amount of tissue that they took probably can have themselves wrapped up like a mummy. It is not as if they would use every sheet but crumple it up and only the first two sheets are used.

Secondly, in the cubicle, okay perhaps I was too bored so my hearing tends to be sharper and I can hear the lady next door did the same thing, this time more tissue i think cause i can easily guess from the time she start pulling it until i'm done with my business, she is still pulling the tissue from the roller.

Then comes water, my office's ladies had this faulty tap where, once you press it, you cant get it back up (in fact you can, but not many ppl know the right technique). So the water would keep on flowing for the whole bloody day and noone gives a damn until i highlight it to the cleaner. This happened thrice when I pass by the ladies.

So if all of us do a little part by being more tactful in using public amenities, i bet we can save whole a lot of trees and water.

P/S: Perhaps I can suggest to my firm to put up a sign "only take what you need" on the tissue dispenser.

Cable TV

2009-03-28T20:28:00.002+08:00

Now i have both starhub cable tv and mio cable tv.

-

150 over channels to watch... I am soo spoilt for choice!!!

Slowly liking my curls

2009-03-26T14:59:00.006+08:00

Specky

Camwhore 1

Camwhore 2

It has been a month since I last step into the gym and yesterday I weight myself, expecting it to go up to 50kg but it didn't. It stopped at 48kg :D.

Oh when can I get to 45kg again?

The heaviest I went was 51kg, back in college when I was still with my first ex who was also slightly overweight. I stuffed myself silly so that we look compatible.

After we broke up, I started exercising excessively and I went down to 44kg in a month. I think I had a mild aneroxic back then cause I would feel hungry but when I see food, I feel like throwing out. Then it hit me, the doctor said I had low blood pressure and was denied twice for a blood donation for being underweight.

I cut down on my exercise and my weight went up to 45-47kg.

Now am at 48kg... Sigh my BMI is currently at 19.2 :(. Do the maths if you want to know how petite (Short) I am :P.

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-03-26T11:48:00.002+08:00

It is written.

Things you cant live without

2009-03-25T23:25:00.010+08:00

Fragrance: Yves Saint Laurent - Elle (Love this fragrance) & Calvin Klein - Summer Eternity (Got it as a gift but don't really fancy the smell, too pungent).

Body Lotion: Body Shop - Strawberry Puree Lotion

Straight to Curl

2009-03-23T12:57:00.004+08:00

I dun have natural straight hair neither do i have natural curl. But i have been wearing my hair long and straight for way tooooo long and finally decided to curl it once and for all...

The straight hair days....

Did my hair at the Illusion Hair at Ang Mo Kio

(Just back from class as you can see I have my ACCA book there)

Ceramic Curl, Dye and treatment = S$250!!!!! Freaking expensive~ guess this would be the first and the last time am curling my hair... honestly, not really that nice :(

(OMG I LOOK SOOO HAGGARD HERE!!)

Big 4

2009-03-18T00:15:00.001+08:00

Got this over the net, damn hilarious!

Are Big 4 nothing more than a modernized form of indentured servants?

I think so.

Over the past month, I've had the pleasure of sitting on a floor full of accounting employees and consultants. Some of them internal, but most are from PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and KPMG. For some reason, my employer hires all of them. In massive quantities. They literally have 15-30 of them stuffed in what used to be conference rooms.

Here's what I've witnessed thus far:

1) 90% of them are chicks under 24.

2) 60% of them are hot.
The two items above help paint the picture but are not purposeful to my argument.

3) 100% of them eat lunch together, in the office. While working.

4) 0.2% of them are the lucky souls that got to leave the office to go pick up lunch for their 30-50 coworkers. This practice allows the Big 4 employers to fully utilize their staff. They would prefer that no one ever leave the office, but for brief moments, they will allow select employees to exit the building. Upon release, these employees must only leave to quickly pickup food and return promptly.

5) 100% of them appear to live at work. When I arrive to work at 8am, they begin filtering in. Morning seems to be the only portion of the day with any flexibility. Some of them appear to have the same clothes on as the previous day and I'm fairly certain many of them shower in the corporate gym locker room. Their hair is always wet, like Kate on the television show Lost. Which happens to be a show they've never seen, because they work late into the night. To tell you the truth, I have no idea when these people leave. The latest I've ever stayed at work was 6:30 (sickening). When I did leave at 6:30, I saw two frat boys returning from their 10 minute release with a gigantic box of Chili's To-Go. Apparently dinner has the same routine as lunch. So I know they are at the building until at least 8, and I know they have time to hit the bars because some of them smell of Virginia Slims and Mojitos. Best guess is 11pm.

It is based on these observations that I started to wonder if they are a new breed of indentured servants. The definition of indentured servant is: a form of debt bondage worker. The laborer is under contract of an employer for usually three to seven years, in exchange for their transportation, food, drink, clothing, lodging and other necessities. Unlike a slave, an indentured servant is required to work only for a limited term specified in a signed contract.
Big 4 employees are not necessarily under contract, but there is an invisible contract keeping most of them employed for far too long. Normal human beings would not agree to working 70-115 hours per week, but they see the carrot dangling. They see the Partner pulling down huge figures and sitting in meetings where other executives do nothing but pretend to be busy, shake hands, and exchange millions of dollars.

In regards to their pay, it looks good on paper. They might be flaunting the fact that they make "big bucks" compared to their friends, but most of them haven't considered how much they make per hour. Consider the fact that the majority of them make $45 - 100k and work an average of 60 hours per week (over the course of a year, 100 during busy season) and you've got yourself a job paying $15 - $34 per hour. And that may even be an overstated figure. Not chump change for some, and by no means am I attempting to offend those who make less. But I know for a fact that roofers made $15 an hour in 2001 and they don't treat their employees like servants. I know this because many of them smoked massive amounts of pot during lunch and also enjoyed wearing their wife's undergarments (but that's neither here nor there).

However, there are a fortunate group of people who escaped from the Big 4 Truman Show. They call themselves "alumni". Many of them have been kind enough to provide definitions of what each of the Big 4 companies mean to them via UrbanDictionary.com:

Deloitte definitions:

1. "A modern form of prostitution where eager, young minds sign on with the most reputable "practice" (pimp) in hopes of success and fortune but end up being sold to the highest bidder while partaking only a minimal share of the profits. "Partners" (pimps) are noted for reprimanding personnel that do not perform every and all requests of the client (john).

2. "The last form of slavery in the US. This is where many young people begin careers and work 115 hours a week until they either quit or die from exhaustion. Former Deloitte employees often have scarred backs from the whip marks."

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Definitions:

1. "A big 4 accounting firm which hires bright young college graduates and converts them into arrogant, stuck up, lifeless souls who are proud of the fact that they are working eighty hour weeks, despite being paid at an hourly rate lower than the average McDonalds toilet cleaner."

2. "An environment/hell, in which the term 'work-life balance' is used to convince bright, young professionals to accept jobs. Once on the other side, it becomes apprent very fast that it doesn't exist, but the majority of employees stay, because the partners continue to say they are "working" to improve 'work-life balance'."

3. "PwC - People Working Constantly"

Ernst & Young Definitions

1. Essentially a pyramid rip-off scheme Amway would be proud of, the accounting firm Ernst & Young (aka EY) stands as a shining example of why people are willing to accept communism as alternative to a market society. The EY meat grinder is powered by recent college graduates looking for a door into upper-middle management. At the top of the food chain sit the partners and senior managers who glut themselves on the labors of their staffers. Typically, the best staffers are quickly offered more palatable positions at other companies, while others grow tired of the abuse and leave. The unimpressive few that remain are eventually made partners only because they lack the emotional maturity to handle a leadership position in any other industry...

2. A stepping stone to bigger and better things. It doesn't matter where you go afterwards, because it can't get any worse.

KPMG Definitions

[Apparently KPMG employees are the least creative of the bunch because they just repeated what the other companies said.]

These are the words of abused people. They need our help. It's time to put a stop to the unfair work practices and join my Facebook Group Big 4 Accounting Chicks are Hot, Don't Abuse Them.

More Random stuff

2009-03-16T00:11:00.002+08:00

Meet snowy, the smelly dog.... he is a 7 years old virgin...

Miss you snowy!!!!

The place I go to when I lunch alone, on looking the Singapore River with a Fille O Fish Burger and a copy of Today newspaper.

Ahh.. relaxing lunch break before the rat race starts again...

Random stuff

2009-03-16T00:01:00.006+08:00

A gift from Jakarta....

A box of chocolate...

A box of erotic chocolate....

Thanks!

>.<

A gift

2009-03-15T23:29:00.005+08:00

Remember the surprise Alec gave me on my birthday?

So yeah, there was a story behind it...

As you probably aware, I sell Coach bags on http://www.chessgalsalelist.blogspot.com/. But now I outsourced it to Alec cause I simply do not have time to do it anymore and trust me, it is pretty exhausting dealing with customers and suppliers (aka friends in US). And so, he knows how to get me Coach bags at discounted prices.

I have been eyeing this bag for a while but I've wanted the bigger ones.

I did not in anyway hinted that I wanted this bag cause I simply do have too many coach bags (well i am not sick of it though). So, when he showed me this bag online, I just nodded oh.. Nice, I like this bag. Period. Full stop.

Alec being a nice bf he is, order it right away but sadly, the berry colour that I like, sold out in retail stores.

Usually our letters and parcels are sent to Alec's uncles place, considering the fact that we don't have a permanent residence and to save us the trouble of having to change our mailing address if we were to move again. Alec uncle sent a sms to him, asking him to collect the parcel, and coincidently i read the message, so I asked, what parcel was that? He quickly said it was an order from his brother for his gf.

I did not bother to enquire much, but after 1 week, he still hasnt collect the parcel and I kept reminding him to collect it. So, he put up a show and brought me to his uncle place, pretending to collect the parcel while i waited at the foot of the flat.

He came down and said Uncle lost the postman slip (to collect the parcel from the post office). At that point, I still havent sense anything but kept pestering him to collect from the post office as am afraid the parcel will be sent back to US.

Alec, on the other hand, thought I knew the parcel was for me and thought i purposely tried to burst his bubble, but in actual fact i was as blur as sotong.

Then on the eve of my birthday, he surprised me with the gift and well, of course i was over the moon! He is pretty tight on cash and yet he splurge so much on the girl he loves!

Thanks honey, regardless of what you bought for me, I wont get you that Tag Heuer watch!

Pursuit of Happyness

2009-03-14T01:02:00.004+08:00

I love rags-to-riches movies! Been watching this movie thrice and am so fascinated by it that i took a step further to google Chris Gardner... what I read in Wiki was even shocking!

Source:

Chris Gardner was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Chris did not have any positive male role models, since his absent father, Thomas Turner, was living in Louisiana and his stepfather, Freddie Triplett, was a violent man who physically abused him and his mother regularly. Despite her unhappy marriage, Gardner's mother, Bettye Jean Triplett, was a source of inspiration and strength. She encouraged Gardner to believe in himself and sowed the seeds of self-reliance in him. Gardner quotes her as saying, "You can only depend on yourself. The cavalry ain't coming." Gardner was Bettye Jean's second child. He had three sisters: Ophelia (the eldest half-sister from a previous union), Sharon, and Kim (his younger half-sisters from Bettye Jean's marriage to Freddie Triplett).

Freddie Triplett's violent outbursts often left Bettye Jean beaten and nearly fatally injured. Those rages left Gardner and his three sisters constantly afraid. Bettye Jean was imprisoned when Triplett reported her to the authorities for working while collecting welfare. As a result, her children were raised in foster care during her incarceration. They were put into foster homes once again when Gardner's mother re-entered incarceration for attempting to burn down the house with Triplett inside. From those experiences, Gardner determined that alcoholism, domestic abuse, child abuse, illiteracy, fear, and powerlessness were all things he wanted to avoid in the future.

Despite his horrible childhood, he turned out to be just fine, but hungrier and thirstier for success. Now this is what I call a survivor.

I always believe perseverance pays. Leave a legacy behind a friend of mine told me, indeed I will. We only have this one life, one chance so make it worth!

P/S: Madeline YOU BETTER GET BACK TO YOUR BOOK! YOU BETTER SCORE MORE THAN 8AS in the SPM!!

Annoyed

2009-03-09T01:39:00.002+08:00

Being in Singapore for close to 2 years, I have pretty much accustomed myself to the way Singaporean behaves, a sudden change to how idiotic and pariah some Malaysian behave in public can seriously drive the nuts out of my head.

My maternal grandfather came over to stay with my parents over the weekend and since I am hardly at home to accompany him, I treated my family to a movie outing at Cheras Selatan. The movie was Kung Fu Chef, I know, I know the title itself sounds so so pathetic but I have to choose a simple Chinese Movie so my grandpa can actually enjoy it, plus, Kung Fu is always a hit with the older people.

The movie was as expected, boring, but what annoyed me was the family sitting behind us! The father was practically mockering the whole bloody script and laughed as if he owned the cinema. He was at the same time, kicking my sister's seat. If she have told me much earlier, I could have given him a good sounding.

I shesshed and stared at him a few times but heck, this kind of people just cant keep their voice down. At the end, we just ignored them.... not worth spoiling a happy occassion with this kind of pariah people.

Anyway, Snowy is soooo cute! Mum just trimmed his hair and he looks so thin! Lucky is less aggressive this time, the tumor on his paw is looking slightly better, dont think we can get him to a vet, I bet he would kill the vet before they can even remove the tumor.

Tomorrow was suppose to be my day off, but I still have to call the client wayback in Singapore for some discussion... Hmm.. roaming charges....wonder can I get a reimbursement? Oh NVM... I have plenty of credit anyway...

Anyway Alec is getting slimmer and I bet his six packs is coming soon! And gosh, I think he is getting handsome too!! Hahaha... the best among my ex-bfs :P.

Smart - Checked
Looks - DOuble checked
Height - Checked
Weight - Checked
Sense of DIrection - Tripple checked
Sense of Humor - Average
Ambitious - needs improvement
Cleanliness - Checked
Housework/Cooking - DOuble Checked
Ability to play chess - needs improvement
Money in the bank - needs tremendous improvement :P

I need a rest now... goodnight....

Exhausted

2009-03-06T00:37:00.002+08:00

I so need a break!

A short little break to re-energise myself....

Flying back home this Saturday.. I miss home!

P/S: Bringing my work home as well.... >.<

Mel 1 - Wil 0

2009-03-01T22:42:00.000+08:00

Hehehehehehehehhe....

I still have my Chessy touch!

Sister's Wish

2009-03-01T19:36:00.000+08:00

Try not to blow my own trumpet.. see My sister's blog. Very Kam Tung....

Sob Sob...

I love cooking!

2009-02-28T14:30:00.000+08:00

Yes, you heard it right, Melissa found pleasure in cooking apart from Chess, Golf, Work and Coach.

Am cooking Fried Chicken (Alec loves this and begged me for the recipe!) and Garlic Prawn (Just maybe, my first try with prawns) later for dinner, then head down to AMK Hub for a movie. I love my Saturday! A Saturday when I only have to work half day at home!

Oh Gosh, sooo excited nyerr....

Update: Alec tak nak (refused) help me with the prawn peeling so opted to ikan batang instead... yes... stick fish...

Tao's Restaurant

2009-02-28T14:22:00.000+08:00

Looking for a fancy restaurant to treat your girlfriend but minus the fancy price? Head down to the Tao's Restaurant at Paradiz Centre.

Went there for my Birthday and the food is soooo goood and very affordable! 4 thumbs up!

The camera died after a few pictures and am soo lazy to upload the pictures onto photobucket so, go there for yourself to experience the nice ambience, excellent service and delicious food.

Value for money and excellent service! Trust me you won't regret!

1 Selegie Road, Paradiz Centre, #B1-19, Singapore 188306
For reservations, please call 6339 8858

My bf is crazy!

2009-02-24T22:04:00.000+08:00

Alec's company hasnt been doing very well and his paycheque has been badly affected, hence in order not to add salt to injury and disappoint myself, I bought myself a coach wristlet (For CNY) and a skinny (For my birthday) as consolations.

I even warned Alec not to splurge a cent for Christmas, Valentines and my birthday. Okay, maybe cause i didnt buy him any cause guy's presents are so freaking expensive and i cant buy him tie nor cufflink since he hardly uses those. But he is not a man of my word, He bought me a beautiful pink Citizen watch (he knows i adore pink very much) for Christmas...

(Image blurry thanks to my camera phone but this babe here is seriously pretty, almost all my colleague said so)

And now he bought me yet another COACH BAG!!! I have been eyeing this bag for a long time but since i have too many bags, I decided not to spoilt myself this year. so i just bought two, dua, liang keh coach accessories to last me till end of the year.

It is a long story how Alec tried to conceal this present from me since he knows his gf is a smart auditor and would probe and probe when she senses any irregularities or suspicious action cause he wanted this to be a surprise (i alw burst his bubble cause he is simply a lousy actor). So I shall keep that for another day.

Now wish me a Happy Birthday!

Don't jeles okay? I know i am one hell of a lucky girl....

Turning 24

2009-02-24T10:50:00.000+08:00

In two more days I can legally categorized myself as being mid-20s. Okay, maybe 24 is still a year away from 25 but it is still within that range.

So, let me see what I have done for the past 24 years?

1. Graduated with a degree.
2. Still doing my ACCA (3 more papers baby!)
3. Bought a SLK (Small Little Kancil) with my OWN money, note the capital, means that your parents do not contribute a cent, on another note, my dad paid the deposit but that’s all :P.
4. Got employed by one of the Big Four (Funny that Big Four sound so ridiculously big and hard to enter when I was in college, but hey, most of my college-mates are in Big Four now).
5. Gone through four cycle of relationships, and only one devil that dare to dump me, Jarod, I hate you! You owe me lunch and dinner! I am coming back in March make sure your ass time is free by then!
6. Met accident once, okay cannot reveal much but basically noone was hurt but my dad’s wallet and his car.
7. Becoming more mature?
8. Improved sense of dressing, oh this I have to admit, thanks to my stylist Alec Soong.
9. Becoming more self conscious and 50% increase in self confident? Okay maybe I have been overly confident all this while but not a bad thing right?
10. Sudden love for sushi, I hate sushi before I met Alec, but somehow that a**h*** convinced me and drugged me with sushi. Now I need to get at least a monthly fix of sushi or Jap’s food.
11. I still hate durian and pork.
12. I am soon to be a Singapore PR.
13. And a lot of achievements along the way, you seriously don’t want to know, you will feel so inferior :P.

What I want to achieve in future?
1. To own a house (okay not a house per-se but a HDB flat in Singapore), I know the price it is ridiculously high that I can buy a bungalow in Msia but my rental now is not cheap either).
2. Stay in audit for as long as possible, pray that no trouble maker along the way. (Take out my shoe and 'Ta Siew Yan')
3. Finish up my ACCA and few years later maybe proceed to ICAEW, just Maybe.
4. Masters maybe? But am going to do a full time on this one.
5. Get married at 30. Sorry Alec, non-negotiable, unless you strike toto tomorrow.

I think that is all for now, OMG am soo hungry now….. Alec food plsssss……

Tagged by Maddie

2009-02-21T11:50:00.000+08:00

Been tagged by my sister, Maddie.

001. Real Name: Melissa Low
002. Nickname(s): Mel, Chessy, Chessgal
003. Age: 24
004. Zodiac Sign: Pisces
005. Male or Female: Female
006. Elementary: Holy Family Kindergarten
007. Middle School: SK Jln Semenyih 2
008. High School: Smk Jalan Bukit
009. College School: Nilai International
Hair colour: Black
011. Long or Short: Long..
012. Loud or Quiet: Loud
013. Sweats or Jeans: Jeans
014. Phone or Camera: phone
015. Health Freak: Love to gym... when i am free
016. Drink or Smoke: Neither
017. Do you have a crush on someone: Am sadly attached, can i still have a crush on other ppl?
018. Eat or Drink: Eat
019. Piercings: Ears
020. Tattoos: Maybe fake ones...
021. Social or Anti- Social : Social
022. First piercing: Ear.
023. First relationship : a soon to be doctor, glad he made it.
024. First Best Friend: Chythia
025. First Award: A gold medal when I was 5, sports event.
026. First Kiss : disgusting....
027. First Pet: Doggie, my faithful dog.
028. First Big Vacation: No money, no time
029. First Love at first sight : Not so naive
030. First Big Birthday: When I was 16
049. Eating: just had maggi and kinder bueno
050. Drinking: plain water
051. Excitement level : low
052. I'm about to: study FRS 39 & FRS 32
053. Listening to: Watching Ella enchanted while typing this.
054. Plan for today: study then gym later
055. Waiting for: noone
056. Energy Level: Full
057. Thinking of someone: No
058. Want kids? yes, big round eye with sharp sharp nose.. I want pretty kids!
059. Want to get married? when i am 30
060. Careers in mind? Auditor for life.. hahhaha Partner?? too ambitious? Time will tell.
068. Lips or Eyes?: Eyes
069. Romantic or Funny?: Funny
070. Shorter or Taller? Taller...
071. Protective or Caring? Caring
072. Romantic or Spontaneous? Spontaneous
073. Nice Stomach or Nice Arms?Nice Stomach .. i so need to work out.
074. Sensitive or Loud?: Loud Loud Loud
075. Hook-up or Relationship? Hook-up but tooooo bad am soooo attached! Alec pls dump me can can can?? hahhahaha
076. Trouble Maker or Hesitant? Trouble maker
080. Lost glasses or contacts: glasses...
081. Ran away from home: No way
082. Held a gun/knife for self defence: No need, i;ve got brown belt
083. Killed somebody: Not yet
084. Broken someone's heart: Plenty, where do i start?
085. Been arrested: Not yet
087. Cried when someone died: Yes! a friend, my maternal grandma, Rest in peace Poh Poh.
089. Yourself: Confident, highly motivated, ambitious and hardworking :P
090. Miracles: Believe in hardwork
091. Love at first sight: again?
092. Heaven: Yes
.093. Santa Claus: is actually Nicholas Claus, a toy maker.
094. Tooth Fairy: thank her for my crooked teeth that i need to wear braces for a year and now crooked again.
095. Kiss in the first date: yes, alec did that... without my permission... could have sue him for that.
097. Is there 1 person you want to be with right now? more than one can?? hahha
098. Are you seriously happy with where you're in life now? Happy with my job and family, not happy with Alec.. hahhah
099. Do you believe in God? Yes, i say grace before meal.
100. Post as 100 truths and tag 10 people: sorry, i wont tag

Passed

2009-02-16T22:42:00.000+08:00

Yay!

Passed!

One down, three to go!

Happy Valentines!

2009-02-14T12:05:00.001+08:00

Finally Alec has gotten the hint!!!

He sent flowers to my office rather than home!

After being him for 2 freaking long years, he has finally done something right!

I lost count of number of times he sent me chocolates and flowers but being the attention seeker, i need ppl to aknowledge it! Call me show-off... whatever!

But hello... I've got lilies for V-day! Urself???

Have a wonderful Valentines' Day...

Golf

2009-02-03T03:00:00.000+08:00

Gotta improve on my swing! Gosh... Golf is pretty addictive, hope I dont have to work this weekend so I can go golfing!

Alone

2009-01-31T15:33:00.000+08:00

Sad?

Hell No! Hahaha...

Alec has been away for a week and initially I thought I would miss him terribly (Imagine doing my own laundry, cooking and going home alone).

But wait a minute, 3 days being home alone, I actually treasure the freedom and space in the house.

I can sleep peacefully at 11pm, wake up on time, wash lesser clothes, make my own bed, come back to a cleaner room and noone to nag at me while i work late.

Wow... hahhahah

Alec is so going to murder me.

Okay la, I still miss You!

Miss your maggi goreng.

Anyways, I trully enjoyed my CNY this year, though a little too bit rush, but it is all worthwhile.

The three Kingston's Angel

The soon to be auditor/accountant and the real auditor :P

The Lows

My Family

Cousin Sisters

Priority

2009-01-23T21:33:00.000+08:00

What is your priority in life?

Try ask Alec what is my priority in life and I can almost 100% guarantee you he would say

"Work!"

Why? I'll give you a few reasons to substantiate his answer.

1. He treated me to a paid holiday to Macau but we have to call it off last minute cause I have to work. (Flight tickets paid)

2. He celebrated his birthday alone cause I have to work (past midnight).

3. He has to stay back alone during CNY in KL whereas I fly back on the third day of CNY cause I have to work.

4. I missed my grandpa's 80th birthday bash at KLCC cause I have to work.

5. He has to do all the housework himself cause I have to work.

6. He has stay up late at night to fetch me cause I have to work.

7. He has to wait 30 mins all the time cause I have to work.

Am I a workaholic?

No, I am just being realistic about my priority.

My Second Home

2009-01-19T00:38:00.000+08:00

My parents and sister havent got the chance to see my new room, so this post is for them and for all the BUSY KAYPOH ppl, friends or strangers that read my blog.

P/S: Kamz, I know you read my blog miles away from Mongolia... :P.

Workout corner - skiing machine, exercise ball, holla hoop, golf set, dumb bell.

This set is not mine, belongs to my housemate, mine is in the store room, under utilised though the driving range is just 10 mins from my house -_-, lazy ppl a lot of excuses.

Kitchen

Living room

Now step into my humble room...

I know the bed's headrest looks ugly..

My study/working table

The casual/entertainment desk

I love my curtain!

The little corner where we put all the clothes, mags or newspaper.

The corner where i keep my thrash

The view from my house.

Shopaholic

2009-01-18T23:52:00.000+08:00

I grew up in a medium class family where my parents hardly pamper us with branded stuff, my very first Coach bag was a gift from my uncle and from that moment, I was introduced into the world of high-end bags and seriously, they are highly addictive.

Being in Singapore for just 1.5 years, my collection grew from ONE Coach bag, to three coach bags, one Coach wristlet, one burberry wristlet, one blue label burberry reversible tote, guess wallets (okay la, this not so atas, gave to mum subsequently cause dont like to use long wallet)and now am aiming to get a gucci wristlet.

OMG, before I came to this city of lion, I used to think who the hell would spend so much on bags! Never I know that I would become one.

Apart from branded bags, am also infected by the highly contagious habit of impulsive shopping. I USED to save a lot during my college time, a damn cheapskate girl but crap, now I used more than I save! My first year of working in KL, i spent RM12k on my plastic card!! crap, once I came here, I cut off my card immediately for I know I will keep using it!

And guess what, I bought these yesterday.... just for fun (Okay la.. Alec's sharing with me but I havent pay him back hahahah)...

played with it yesterday and this morning... kinda ichy... result?? hmm let me re-measure my waist one month later.

Building a foundation

2009-01-13T23:27:00.000+08:00

What made of a solid building?

A good foundation!

What made of a successful person?

A good upbringing, a passion and a thirst for success!

My class has just started, now, it is back to juggling work, studies, family and my precious relationship.

Draining me everyday and even weekends are not spared! But i am not complaining, I am building a foundation, a good foundation that requires the correct material, the right people and a focus mind.

Wont be updating anytime soon, peak's hitting everyone and with CNY around the corner.. this is gonna be a roller goster ride!

Happy Birthday Alec!

2009-01-09T00:00:00.000+08:00

As above.

Happy 27th Birthday!

P/S: You are getting older!

A New Year

2009-01-01T15:56:00.000+08:00

Singapore is such a great place to be in!

Why so?

Cause people here are just so honest and kind!

Last night, Alec parked his bike opposite Cineplex and since we were pretty late for our dinner appointment with Lee Yen, both of us never bother to see if we left anything on the bike.

The buffet spread at Sakura International was okay, considering the fact the price was just $32 per pax including tax. Though I did expect more of a variety.

After the sumptuous dinner, Sandy called and asked us to meet her in City Hall. Since it was already past 10, Alec has got to change his parking ticket.

Alec dig his pocket, not there, deeper, nope, not there, another pocket, NOT THERE. Then a suddenly we realised that, CRAP! we've lost the bike's key!

Frantically, we looked around the restaurant, the pathway, around the bike even asking some of the policemen around.

No Luck.

It was New Year's eve and tomorrow's a holiday, how on earth can we get a locksmith?

I was very pissed at Alec at that point, my Christmas eve was spoilt due to system breakdown at the airport now this nonsense came up.

I know it was no fault of his but Melissa is a meanie bitch when someone screws her plan. Since, nothing can be done, we went ahead to see fireworks at esplanade, but my anger was nonetheless still boiling.

After the fireworks, I really had no mood to party and we went back to Orchard to check on the bike, hoping a miracle would happen.

And guess what? It did!

Some GOOD SAMARITAN actually found the key and clipped it around the handle.

Such joy! I thought it was a bad omen to have lost something to welcome the new year but guessed the bad luck was in 2008 and 2009 saved the day!

To whoever you are,

A BIG THANK YOU!

You have just saved a relationship :P.

P/S: I have a share in that bike too, hence was anxious and worried.

P/S/S: Both of this ladies are my best buddies.

Sandy in formal, Me & Lee Yen in casual

Stranded

2008-12-28T19:58:00.000+08:00

This year, instead of attending Christmas Eve Midnight Mass like I always do, I spent it at the airport

My freaking flight was delayed for 2 hours due to system breakdown.

And now, am also stranded at the airport, typing this entry... why? Cause my damned flight is delayed Again!!

Department's Drinkout

2008-12-20T13:30:00.001+08:00

Half a bottle of Heneikken, 2 glasses of white wine, 2 glasses of champagne, 2 glasses vokha, and what do you get?

A drunk Melissa.

----------------------------------------------------

Yesterday I have attended the department's Christmas Party at Boulevard, Red Dot Building.

The theme for the night was Masquerade Night.

--------------------------------------------------------

Before the party.....in office

Suppose to wear this hideous mask but a bird told me not to, "Get a decent mask!"

Thankfully my super nice senior has got an extra mask, so I got this instead

My fellow teammates at Hong Leong Finance audit.

Then the night finally arrived!

Fellow colleagues!

My best bitching partner, Sandy... too bad Lee Yen has gone Brunei... sob sob...miss u girl!

Lobster whisky! I thought it was pumpkin soup, but turns out to be some minced lobster dipped in whisky. Fantastic combo!

Okay, not really in a mood to blog... still pretty dizzy from last night's drinking... wanna see more pictures? Head down to my facebook!

Merry Christmas ppl!

Fate?

2008-12-11T04:58:00.000+08:00

Do you have supportive friends, families or colleague that brings out the best in you? Sometimes at certain point in life, we are so inspired to make an impact in the world, be it in career, society or life. But things don’t run smoothly because of circumstances and exacerbated with lack of support, the inspiration just gone done the drain.

Since young, I have managed to show a certain degree of curiosity and motivation which I believe may bring me to greater heights in life, but sadly such has not worked to my advantage. I thought I knew what I wanted in life but when I come to my senses, I realized the drive behind me was just pure talk without much substance.

I have always wanted to achieve something in life, something extraordinary or just for the sake of showing off that I am different! But that something is still a mystery to me.

One of my desires in life is to provide the best for my family, shouldering some of the burden and be a role model but in the end, the burden sometimes too overwhelming and cause of that, my personal goals were not achieved.

I never blame fate; in fact, I was told that fate is a lousy excuse used by people who doesn’t bother to do anything with their life, which I found it to be very true. Certain people work hard all their life, but yet they are still at the bottom of the organization and they said they are fated to be as such. Excuses? Perhaps yes, Perhaps not.

I am fated to bear responsibility of the family, fated to be born into a medium working class family where money doesn’t come by easily, fated to be the eldest daughter. No, those are not fate but facts, I am the steward of my own destiny thus I take control of my directions.

Gosh, what am I talking? Don’t bother if you don’t understand, I am not answerable to you but to myself.

Miracle

2008-12-07T18:44:00.000+08:00

Read this blog as suggested by Kenny Sia,

"there are only two ways to live your life, one is as if nothing is a miracle, and the other is as though everything is a miracle".

Albert Einstein

Powerful Quote.

I shall live my life as though everything is a miracle.

"Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death".

James F. Byrnes.

Will you grab the opportunity when it comes knocking on your door? To leave your comfort zone and take the road less travelled?

Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood,
and I--I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

Dissapointed

2008-12-04T02:05:00.000+08:00

Just when you have everything in place, a plan, a formula to success, a burning desire, capital and support but

everything gone with a single answer,

"Sorry, we don't sublet half of the shop"

and the line went dead....

My heart dropped, my world almost collapsed *Metaphorically* and the desire to be an entrepreneur is gone with the wind...

Life is not a bed of roses, without failure, you cannot taste success.

Okay maybe it is not even a failure to start with since i haven't even started it. I can still pursue but now i need bigger capital and be bolder.

When the time is right and when I have executed it, I shall tell you what I am into. Small and insignificant business but if it pays the bill, it is still a business.

God, I know you are testing my endurance, strength and will. I shall persist and handle it differently for I know there are obstacles ahead of me. Thank you for the test, for I know life is not easy and I need time to grow up. Amen.

P/S: Bless my parents who are going Macau/Hong Kong tomorrow. Amen.

7 Days

2008-12-03T13:04:00.000+08:00

Seven more days, I shall kiss my P3 paper goodbye and hello freedom.... for a just month >.< before January kicks in and start yet another round of hectic adventure of studying, working and spending times with love ones.

These few days I have been thinking of setting up a business, a real conventional kind of business, brick and mortar not online. My online blog is running okay, with an average of sales of one bag but since everyone is picking up the trend and given the low barrier of entry, orders are pretty slow.

I slept at 4.30am this morning, no, not cause i was studying but I was too engrossed in the planning of my new business. Yesterday, i called up the suppliers and made appointments with some people who are already in the business. My budgetting is almost done but am sorting out the location. Got a few agent's contact but am hoping to sublet a small portion of the shop rather a whole shop by myself.

As i was preparing my business case, I thank Mr Marty Windle!, my P3 lecturer, somehow all the business model that i've learned suddenly makes sense! Hahhaha

I've talked to Alec about this, and he supported my decision but he sure doubts if this fire in me will keep on burning. One thing though, I wont be here to oversee the business. But if this really worked, then I have less one burden off my shoulder. I sure pray it does cause I would be investing my life savings in this, a risk that I must take or risk not taking it.

If I failed *touched wood* I still have plenty of time to rise again.

God, give me the strength and wisdom to tackle this, you have been there all this while, guiding me to the right path, now give me the strength to be brave and confident in what I see a future for my family. Amen!

Marriage??

2008-11-29T23:54:00.000+08:00

Got a shock of my life when my sister told me that one of my student has married. (I used to be a part-time tutor).

The most unbelievable thing is that, she was one of my brightest student but subsequently dropped out from school when she was 16 years old.

I taught her for 2 years, when she was still 13/14 years old. But I stopped tutoring her when my classes clashed with her timetable.

Sigh, wonder what would it be, if I continue to tutor her, am pretty sure she wont fall into the wrong crowd. She was like a sister to me.

This student of mine is a very pretty girl and it is not surprisingly that guys constantly try to court her. She does her homework diligently and did very well for her science subject. If my memory doesn't failed me, she even topped her class the first year I taught her.

Not sure what's got into her to take such drastic move to stop schooling but such a pity to have abandoned her education when she has so much in herself. I remembered when I was offered scholarships from UTAR & Nilai International, I wasn't quiet sure which to choose, and showed her some pictures for comparison. Obviously she chose Nilai, (Who wont? Given the resort-feeling kind of place)

Well, all i can say is just "Congratulation and great years ahead with your love ones".

P/S: She is not pregnant and she is 18 this year.

Why is everyone getting married in 2008??
1. My cousin sister - Lai Kuan
2. My ex-colleague - Syaridah
3. My colleague - Danny
4. My manager - Sarina
5. My ex-student - Xxx
6. My friend - Yu Yen (Soon to be :))
7. Myself - 2015

Have been busy

2008-11-18T18:54:00.000+08:00

Yes, I have been busy with work and studies.

Been religiously studying after work for at least 1.5 hours. Not much I know but at least am doing it.

Oh gosh exam in 3 weeks time and Alec keep assuring me, still got 3 weeks la! -_-!! Cant blame him, he studied like 3 days before the finals.

I still have 48 questions to practise and 100 more pages to read.

And an audit file due Thursday morning...

iba iba andele!

Can I have this dance?

2008-11-17T22:13:00.000+08:00

Can I Have This Dance Lyrics

[Gabriella]
Take my hand, take a breath
Pull me close and take one step
Keep your eyes locked on mine,
And let the music be your guide.

[Troy, Gabriella]
Won't you promise me (now won't you promise me, that you'll never forget)
We'll keep dancing (to keep dancing) wherever we go next

(chorus)
It's like catching lightning the chances of finding someone like you
It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do
And with every step together, we just keep on getting better
So can I have this dance (can I have this dance)
Can I have this dance

[Troy]
Take my hand, I'll take the lead
And every turn will be safe with me
Don't be afraid, afraid to fall
You know I'll catch you through it all

[Troy, Gabriella]
And you can't keep us apart (even a thousand miles, can't keep us apart)
'Cause my heart is (cause my heart is) wherever you are

(chorus)
It's like catching lightning the chances of finding someone like you
It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do
And with every step together, we just keep on getting better
So can I have this dance (can I have this dance)
Can I have this dance

[Gabriella And Troy]
Oh no mountains too high enough, oceans too wide
'Cause together or not, our dance won't stop
Let it rain, let it pour
What we have is worth fighting for
You know I believe, that we were meant to be

(chorus)
It's like catching lightning the chances of finding someone like you (like you)
It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do (way we do)
And with every step together, we just keep on getting better
So can I have this dance (can I have this dance)
Can I have this dance

Can I have this dance
Can I have this dance

Owww...... so sweet, too bad Alec cant dance...-_-!

I. Almost. Died.

2008-11-13T20:37:00.000+08:00

Alec got his bike today, and he asked me to wait for him in Bishan.

I almost died cause I was so excited to meet him that I practically forgot my basic road crossing rule

"Look left, Look Right then left again",

instead, I just

"Look at Alec, Look at the Bike, Look at Alec again".

So as I was crossing the road ... suddenly i heard a loud honk behind me, as i turned around the car hit me, a little la, not painful, in fact I didnt really feel it. Macam tak kena jer.

I apologized profusely, thankfully the driver was okay with it.

So, there you go, my close encounter with death today...

My Bf Part 2

2008-11-08T19:30:00.000+08:00

Alec Soong With His Ganas Tatoo]

Don't mess with me or else Alec Soong come kaneh u!

My Bf

2008-11-06T22:19:00.000+08:00

Do you have a bf who sacrifices an opportunity to further his career to greater heights with a lot perks & $$ offered when you just say "Don't leave me alone?"cause his new career will required intensive travelling and a long period away from each other.

Do you have a bf who nurse you to health when you are sick for 3 weeks, preparing meals, soup and medicine for you at 3 o'clock in the morning, not for a day or two but for 3 freaking weeks. At the same time, had to endure your annoying cough that last for 2 minutes at any point of time when he is in a deep deep slumber.

Do you have a bf who purposely travelled all the way from Serangoon to Raffles Place to get you this wonderful bonquet of chocolates then travelled back to Bishan just to surprise you.

Do you have a bf who has just sent you home from KL to Kajang in the afternoon, then surprises you again by knocking at your door at night (travelling from Kepong to Kajang) cause you said you were hungry and wanted to eat supper but lazy wanna drive out to eat. Not once or twice but a number of times, now I dare not Dare him to come down to Kajang anymore, cause he makes good of his promises.

Do you have a bf who forgo his love for durian cause you cant stand the smell?

Do you have a bf who asked his mum not to cook pork or chicken drumstick/wings cause you only eat chicken breast meat?

Do you have a bf who puts you first, ahead of everything else and by a ring of a bell, he comes right to you to attend your whatever nonsense.

Do you have such a bf?

I do. :)

A Proposal

2008-11-06T21:39:00.000+08:00

Friday 31st of October 2008 started out an extremely tense n stressful day, as it was the day of my final CPA exam after 2.5 trying years. Jim had his own stresses as well.

That very afternoon at 12pm when i was on my way out for the exam, Jim msged me and said "dear, can you take a cab to the botanical gardens after your exam. There's a flower festival there and its supposedly very nice".

Me, being a rather suspicious creature, started getting suspicious. So i replied him to say "Hmm i'm getting suspicious." Then he replied and said "Since its ur last exam, i wana make u feel relieved and relaxed. And since u complain i hardly take u out (which is true hehe) and there's a flower show, thought we can check it out".

So i didn't think much of it. And anyway, i was busy thinking abt my immediate exam.

So after the exam, i took a cab and called him to ask where he was. He said he was already there, saving seats for the flower show. So i got there and called him. He said "i can't get up frm my seat, otherwise we would lose our seats". So he asked me to get a map frm the reception and get to "palm valley".

Well, my directions aren't particularly good so i took pretty long to get anywhere near "palm valley". So Jim called me to ask where i was and eventually guided me to where he was waiting. At the bottom of the slope of Palm Valley.

When I found him, he said that he got someone to reserve our seats so he could find me. So we walked up the slope (it was a wide open field) and he kept talking on how it was really hot but ppl were saying that this flower show was really something. So as we walked n talked, we approached little white flowers on the grass which spelled my initials "YY".

I was shocked and said "errr....what is this??" "Where's the festival?" And he kinda just ignored what i said and we kept walking. As we kept walking, i saw more flowers in pink spelling the word "WILL".

Then further up, "YOU" ........... "MARRY".......... "ME".........."JJ" (His initials). The words were all made up of different coloured artifical roses. He later told me he bought 150 of them.

Then he asked me to turn ard, with my back facing him. He asked me to close me eyes so i did. then he handed me a bouquet of red and white roses. Then he asked me turn ard facing him. Then he took out a small ring box and he opened it and said "This is for you".

I was stunned that the box inside had the brand imprinted on it "King Fatt Jewellery" (Something like that, can't memba the name specifically). And the ring looked like a 1 dollar mood ring with white spots ard it. Rather ugly and a cheapo chinaman brand!! (Trust his humour hey) :)

Then finally, he took out the "real" ring and went down on one knee and proposed. So i said "yes" and he put the pretty diamond ring on my finger :)

THE END.

Congratulation Yu Yen!!!!

Halloween

2008-11-01T13:14:00.001+08:00

It is such a contrast between the East and the West.

The seventh Lunar month is such an inauspicious month that the Chinese avoid getting married, buying or moving house and staying out late during this particular period to fend off any unwanted spirits following them.

While the West parties all night long and even dresses in ghostly attire to freak each other out.

The decision to attend the Halloween party yesterday was an impromptu ones. EJ came down for the weekend and so we thought of going clubbing together. And not wanting to be under dressed, Alec and I hurried away to do our last minute Halloween costume shopping.

Actually to freak people out, all I need is just a baggy shirt, a messy hair and NOT PUT ANY MAKE UP ON, am sure I will win the scariest costume.

So here are my step by step to create my halloween look.

My trusted dolly eye contact lense. To make the big eye effect/

My make-upless face and messy hair, I know, Ugly.
one eye with the dolly eye contact lense and the other without. See the difference?

Now both eyes with the contact lense. Sparkling **

Next clip up the fringe.

Put on some toner to minimise the pores. I have super huge pores.. -_-

Then liquid eyeliner, I love missha eye liner. Easy to remove and put on.

Fake eyelashes, a must for typical chinese like me who has super short eyelashes.

Almost there.

Concealer, to conceal the ernormous pores and blemishes.

Almost there.

Unclip my fringe

Now put on my mask...

hahaha.. nola.. not going like this....

Put on my costume...

Princess Athena - The Greek Goddess of WISDOM... MUAHAHHAHAHA

Okay.. ready to partay!

Wait, I need a date.....

Mr Beast

But after I kissed him, he turns to this

Leng Chai sial...

The crowd at St James.

EJ came very much later with his cousin Willy, who is also happened to be my company's Manager. Shessh... have to behave myself liow...

EJ, ALEC, ME & WILLY

Then I damn bohliao nominate myself for the scariest costume when I looked like the harmless ghost on earth hahahha....

But too bad.. kalah sial.. hahhaha... no scary enough :P

My stupid catwalk... and the damn funny MC.

After the night

Mentally Challenged

2008-10-28T22:11:00.000+08:00

Today I saw a mentally challenged kid on the bus on my way home. He looks normal, no visible sign that he was mentally incapable and probably in his teens. The thing that draws the crowd's attention was that he keeps clapping and being overly excited once the bus moves. He was laughing and smiling from ears to ears as the bus speeds up.

Perhaps he was happy looking at moving vehicles, moving objects and people on the streets.

Perhaps he wasnt allowed to go out very often hence the excitement.

When it was his turn to alight, his elder brother dashed out just like that, the kid realising his brother had gotten down, frantically ran down the bus to catch up with his brother.

How could an elder brother just leave his incapable brother behind? I just don't get it.

If you cant take care of your brother, don't bring him out.

If you cant be a good leader, dont bloody lead.

I hate bad leaders, just like how I hate Msian 'Gahmen' Leaders.

Bubble Tea

2008-10-21T17:12:00.001+08:00

I have just moved (again). After months of searching for the perfect home (or room), finally I have found one! Strategically located in Bishan, just a few stops away from Junction 8, plenty of buses to J8, wet market, convenient shops, salon, ATM machines, bakeries, food court and last but not least, my favorite BUBBLE TEA stall.

Bubble tea is still a craze here maybe because it is relatively affordable compared to Malaysia, a dollar to dollar comparison, $1.50 to RM3.00. When bubble tea was first introduced in Malaysia many years back, it was priced at around RM2.50 to RM3.00 for premium mixed. My sisters love bubble tea and usually after our tae-kwon-do training, I would treat them to bubble tea. That time I was just 14 years old, and I can’t afford to buy two cups of bubble tea so the three of us would share one cup of bubble tea.

Then after the little treat, they have to wait outside the Yamaha school while I attend my piano class. Michelle was just 11 years old, while Madeline was 7 years old. Sometimes, they do get restless but since both my parents were working, I have no choice but to care and bring them along for my activities. Then after my piano class, the three of us would walk to the bus stop to wait for bus and after alighting we have to walk about 1.5km under the scorching sun or heavy downpour. If my mum was to come back early, then I would bring them to the Kajang Library to wait for her.

Looking back, this is how my parent trained me to become the eldest daughter, a role model to my sisters. My parents gave me full authority over my sisters and my sisters were frightened of me than of my parents. Thankfully over the years, my tough love seems to produce results. Michelle developed from a slow learner to be one of the top girl in her college, Madeline, on the other hand, still lazy as usual but has developed great charisma and leadership skill by spearheading her cheerleader team, being a dance instructor for her dance school and the selected as the Youth representative for our Church.

Ah…. so much for a cup of bubble tea. Hahaha…

Pretty Surprises

2008-10-21T14:16:00.000+08:00

Few days back Alec and I had a slight misunderstanding, so I gave him the silence treatment to torture him. Everyone knows that I can’t shut up even for a while, so Alec realized that I won’t give in despite apologized profusely finally resort to sending flowers to me.

Oh, not flowers per se, but this:

And I forced him to do squats in public.

(I’m sorreee)

Now, how can I not forgive him?

Betrayal

2008-10-20T01:08:00.000+08:00

Trust can take years to build, but only a second to break.

Irreplaceable

To the left
To the left
To the left

To the left
Mmmm to the left,
to the left
Everything you own in the box to the left
In the closet, that's my stuff
Yes, if I bought it, baby, please don't touch (don't touch)
And keep talking that mess, thats fine
Could you walk and talk, at the same time?

And it's my name thats on that jag
So go move your bags, let me call you a cab
Standing in the front yard, telling me
How I'm such a fool, talking 'boutHow I'll never ever find a man like you

You got me twisted
You must not know 'bout me
You must not know 'bout me
I could have another you in a minute
Matter fact, he'll be here in a minute (baby)
You must not know 'bout me
You must not know 'bout meI can have another you by tomorrow
So don't you ever for a second get to thinkin'You're irreplaceable

So go ahead and get gone
Call up that chick, and see if shes home
Oops I bet you thought, that I didn't know
What did you think I was putting you out for?
Because you was untrue
Rolling her around in the car that I bought you
Baby, drop them keys
Hurry up, before your taxi leaves
Standing in the front yard, telling meHow I'm such a fool, talking 'bout
How I'll never ever find a man like you

You got me twisted
You must not know 'bout me
You must not know 'bout me
I could have another you in a minute
Matter fact, he'll be here in a minute (baby)You must not know 'bout me
You must not know 'bout me
I can have another you by tomorrow
So don't you ever for a second get to thinkin'You're irreplaceable (irreplaceable)
So since I'm not your everything (irreplaceable)

How about I'll be nothing (nothing)? Nothing at all to you (nothing, nothing)
Baby I won't shed a tear for you (I won't shed a tear for you)
I won't lose a wink of sleep (a wink of sleep)
'Cause the truth of the matter is (truth is)Replacing you is so easy

To the left, to the left.
To the left, to the left.
MmmmmTo the left, to the left.
Everything you own in the box to the left
To the left, to the left.

Don't you ever for a second get to thinking
You're irreplaceable
You must not know 'bout me
You must not know 'bout me

I Can have another you in a minute
Matter fact, he'll be here in a minute (baby)

You must not know 'bout me
You must not know 'bout me
I can have another you by tomorrow
So don't you ever for a second get to thinkin

'You must not know 'bout me (baby)
You must not know 'bout me
I could have another you in a minute
Matter fact, he'll be here in a minute
You can pack all your bags we're finished (you must not know 'bout me)

'Cause you made your bed now lay in it (you must not know 'bout me)
I could have another you by tomorrow
Don't you ever for a second get to thinkin

'You're irreplaceable

Feedbacks

2008-10-17T18:03:00.000+08:00

Just got a few feedbacks from my colleague and friends.

1. You look different these couple of weeks
Yes, cause I just rebonded my hair and added a few dress to my collection.

2. Your friendster/facebook/msn picture damn hiau! (Slutty).
Hahaha, having that nerdy look for the past 22 years, I think it is time to shed that nerdiness in me.

3. Are like changing your career path to become a model.
I wish!!!!! If I have the look, the height and the confidence, I wont be a Corporate slave by now. Those potraits are just for safekeeping, plus I got it for free. You know Melissa cant reject free stuff.

Btw, Alec has been requesting me to audition for some freelance modelling job,

I think Alec needs to have his eyes checked.

4. When are you resigning from Audit?
Not yet my dear. I love audit, having to profess my love for audit don’t make me a technically sound auditor. I am still learning.

5. Hardly see you on MSN nowadays, busy?
Yeah quite busy, left my laptop in office most of the nights.

Any more feedbacks?

I'm coming home!

2008-10-12T22:49:00.000+08:00

Yesh people,

I am coming home on 25 October.

Please make your reservation to meet me asap as the slots are filling up real quickly.

Hahahah....

NFB PPL, I DEMAND ALL OF U TO COME OUT ON 25 OCT TO HAVE SUPPER WITH ME!!

I will be around Damansara on 25 Oct and Kajang on 26 Oct.

Don't say I didnt tell you guys in advance!

Reservation is on a first come first basis.

I miss Mama's cooking... I want to eat Mean Fan Cha Guo. I want to pinch Snowy's cheek. I want to nag at Daddy and listen silly jokes from my sisters. I want to buat bising at home.

I miss the bisingness back at home minus the barking of Snowy n Lucky.

I miss Kajang Town.

Why is my nick name Chess Gal?

2008-10-12T02:47:00.001+08:00

I get this all the time, from forums to chat rooms and to new friends that I meet.

Why is my nick name and email is named as such. Truth is, well, you could have easily guessed it. I was a Chess fan when I was younger or maybe not too young, 14 years old?.

My bunch of classmates were Chess addicts, Jui Kenn, Nazmi & Paul were my then Si-Fus. They would bring along chess sets to play during recess or just at any point in time when teachers are called for 'Mesyuarat' or just MIA.

The three of them trained me on the fundamentals of Chess AND that's all, honestly! Especially Jui Kenn who is sooo selfish to share his strategies with me and refused to teach me despite I offered to be his GF!!! Hahahah.. then I bought a few Chess books to learn on my own. Those books are not cheap, RM60 for one, the cheapest that I've found.

I guess, the books served me pretty well. I won my very first individual tournament on my very first attempt. My team mates and the three sifus who also won their respective individual event were dumb-folded. Melissa??? Noone even know who I was that year. I was a newbie in this arena.

In the first game, I was paired to play against a Convent Kajang girl, her name was Cindy Foo. Convent Kajang team was one of the favourites, and Cindy was the prior year top three girls. My team mates were pretty new and one by one they were slaughtered by the Convent girls. I was the only one left battling on the first table (First table is like the best player table). Seeing my team mates being beaten senselessly, being the Captain, I cannot let them down. I played my very best and checkmated her in a damn stylo manner. Her King was forced to the corner of the board and my double rook checkmated her defenseless King.

I performed really well that year, won 4 games, drew one and lost my final game to the champion. Was also selected to play at the State level, trained with Siti Zulaikha (The National Women Masters in Msia) and met a lot of great players.

But guessed I ran out of luck in the following years. I still win medals in each tournament nevertheless but it was team event, no longer individual. (Cause I trained my teammates ;P). Winning as a team was better, no one gets left behind but sadly, I no longer play at the State level.

Ah... those were the days. Oh yeah, I played for my college too and won twice at the IMU-MAPCU Chess Tournament. That tournament not only was my last in college (few days before graduation) but was also the medal that gave me the edge to be choosen as the Valedictorian, apart from my ahem CGPA 4.0. (Alec is so going to kill me for keeping bragging on my CGPA).

Oh yeah my nick name. Since my first tournament, I signed off as Chess Lissa on my scoresheet. Scoresheet is piece of paper where we note down our move and once the game is over, both players sign off, keep the carbon copy and pass the originals to the Arbitor. The copy is for players to analyse where they went wrong or right.

My email address was Chess_Lissa@hotmail.com that time until it got spammed with junk mails so bad that I decided to open a new email account. So I name is Chess_Gal.

Singapore Motorshow

2008-10-05T00:50:00.000+08:00

Just back from the Singapore Motorshow.

And guess what, I was in one of the stuntman's car for a spin, not one but several spins!!

Ohmygawh,... such an adrenaline rush! The moment the driver starts drifting, or sort of drifting, where he speed up then jammed brake... my heart almost fell out..

I have never been in a sports car before, the sportiest car was my mum's V6 Perdana and my %$#$!!@ ex-bf's Audi. But they have never drove like this before (obviously).

I have recorded a few video of the stunts performed, will upload it later cause my lappie just got reformatted and I dun have the programme to run the videos now.

There were obviously a lot of pretty chicks around and Alec cant help but keep snapping pictures of the 'cun' (pretty in malay) babes away, leaving his dear companion aside despite dressing like a peacock.

Then there was a simulation cycling competition, Alec being a bicycle freak when he was younger decided to give it a try, curiousity gets the better of me, so, I also signed up for the competition despite am wearing a super tiny micro mini skirt.

AT the end, Alec won the men cycling event for 1.5km in 2 mins 33 seconds, whereas I won the ladies event for 1.5km in 3 mins 25 seconds. Not too bad for newbies like me who doesnt even know how does the bicycle gears work.

Sadly the prize won was only t-shirts, caps and bottles, but the pride of being crowned the champion... Priceless.. hahahha...

Will upload more pictures later... need to get some beauty sleep now...

The Ugly Me

2008-10-01T21:16:00.000+08:00

Went for a facial today, as usual i look terribly ugly now with all the red marks all over my face

... ugly pictures ahead.. you have been warned....

The very tu-lan face.....

I've told my facialist to be gentle on my face, but she keeps insisting, no pain no gain... gosh.. that 2 hours was like burning in hell... she squeeze and squeeze all the white head, black head and whatever head on my face... she even said my face surface is as rough as sand paper -_- wtf, if i have smooth skin, i wont even sign up a package with u!

How can I go to work tomorrow??

Perhaps, I can go like this??

To sweeten up my entry, here are some of my not so ugly pictures....

Singapore F1 Night Race

2008-09-28T23:23:00.000+08:00

The very much rave about event has finally come to a close. It was also my very first F1 experience

at Home.

In front of a TV.

On channel 5.

Thanks to Mr Smarty who never fails to entertain my non-stop interviewing session like..

Where is Hamilton from?
(Britain)

Who is Massa?
(A Ferrari driver who gained the first grid position at the finals)

Why is Najima not representing Honda?
(No idea)

What is a safety car?
(A car that comes out during accidents to stop the race and slows down drivers while the clearing the track)

How many times can the racer stop at the Pit Stop?
(As many as they wish)

Who is currently leading?
(Hamilton)

Which country is Renault from?
(France)

Is Ferrari an Italy or Spain team?
(...Alec laughed his lungs out and said SIngapore, see I knew it was Singapore, the symbolic red colour and I am suspecting it must be owned by Singtel too!!! otherwise why bother to sponsor when you have no racer participating???)

(After googling... it is Italy)

Is US competing?
(No, FI is not a sport to them, going into credit crunch is..)

Why is Malaysia team not competiting??
(Cause Alec is in Singapore, they cant get a competent driver like him)

Why is F1 so popular?
(Cause it brings tourism to the participating countries)

See, Alec is such a smartalek!

After watching cars and cars going round the circuit, I must said that I enjoyed watching crashes and dramas than pure driving.

The tracks in Singapore is pretty narrow hence overtaking is pretty tough and dangerous. So it all boils down to your starting position and maintaining that position until the end.

Massa was the favourite of the crowd, securing a comfortable first grid position and he was doing pretty well, until the first crash happened.

Nelson Piquet (Renault) crashed into the barrier during the 15-16 laps, Massa lead the cars into the pit box.

That is when all the drama starts my friend. Massa obtained a green light to move on, but sadly the fuel hose was still attached and he drove it away without noticing it until a bit too late.

Precious time were wasted, I guessed he has lost about 20-25 seconds as his fellow team came running to his aid to pull out the fuel hose. Every second counts, so that left him with a dissapointing last position. On top of that, he was penalised 10 seconds for hazard driving at the pit area.

Poor Ferrari mechanic tripped over the fuel hose as Massa speed away. Such a drama on my first F1 race!

Then Nelson, who crashed out earlier, went to the spectator to throw his gloves to the crowd, but his bad luck didnt end at the track. Strong wind blew his gloves down to the river.

Wait a minute, should he be fined for littering??? It was caught on the national TV!

Massa suffered similar fate, he had a small crashed at a corner but managed to regain his position to go on. But Force India team, Adrian Sutil, crashed at the same corner and there were fire coming out from his engine (small fire only... cheh).

Massa then passed on his bad luck to his fellow team mate, Raikonen. The last crucial four laps, where he was fifth, crashed out giving Ferrari no points in the first Singapore night race.

At the end, Alonso, who started with a 14th position topped the race.

That's all for now, reporting live from the comfy room at Ang Mo Kio :P