Haggling! Argggh!!

Have you ever had to haggle for a meal? Sure.. it wasn't the first time but the experience I had last night will be embedded in me for life I think.. have you ever seen a crab that cost over 200 SGD? Last night was my first and surely hopefully my last (unless I'm with a big group of friends or I got some serious cash in my wallet). I was pretty astounded at the cost of this big cahuna! Never in my life did I think of a number like that!!! Lucky we were able to haggle it down a bit but I am still depressed..

I must admit though that I had erred not to question the price range when I first saw the big guy and I did indulge myself for eating it all. I am at fault for not stepping up to the plate and accepting the damage. However, the area I was in was famous for being a tourist trap and outrageous prices. Another mistake that I did not take into account at the moment.

Several lessons have been learned.
1) Don't go to this area if not ready to haggle.
2) Don't bring an out of town guest to a tourist trap..
3) Ask and confirm before you do!
4) Set a budget before hand and STICK to it!!!
5) Bring a camera for such a memorable experience...

What happened to my free time?

The week has passed by pretty quickly or so it seems. Lately a lot of activities and events are occuring in my life and it's just kinda causing this snowballing effect. Not a bad thing at all cause it's a hella lot better than sitting around scratching my butt! The trade off though is I am always dam busy!

I remember when I was a kid I would always constantly thinking about what I can do this afternoon or this weekend to kill time. The simple answer I always came to was just find a video game to play and see if that would suck up all my time. Otherewise, just sleep or ride by bicycle to the mall/comic shop.

It is interesting how that has all changed...I would think we all have had the same experience in a similar way...

The Chopping Block

Whenever I take on a new challenge and declare to others of doing so, the chopping block just seems to pop out of nowhere. Most of the time I have no fear for a declaration as it is something easy like travel plans but when it is something of bigger scale such as being related to work or business planning...wow does the fear kick in and the stress picks up a notch.

Lots of people are peering over your shoulder and monitoring your progress.. failure (appears) not an option! Yet growth only comes from failure they say? So what is it gonna be?

I gotta remind myself though that I am the driver of this. If I didn't want this opporuntinty to begin with then why did I take it up!!!!! So why get stressed and create this illusion of fear?!

Out the window I say and take on the challenge like the bull I was when I said 'Yes' to the opportunity!

Procrastination

What am I waiting for?! Jump out of bed and bam! DO IT! Why do I need to sleep two more minutes, which may very well end up being an hour more! This isn't like me? BE SPONTANEOUS!

It all starts with my morning and the way I like it, is by doing something healthy. It sounds sweet to me but like everyone knows, maintaining a fit life is not easy. So what is it that drives me? I know that in the long run or big picture that doing so I will be healthier and live longer (so I'd think) but looking to the long term effect, that isn't the full driver. Rather like a dog, I need a treat afterwards. It can be simple as getting to eat that new ceral or breakfast item I bought the other day that I realllly like or getting more time to read the news/sift the internet.

The faster I get my running down, the faster I get my reward. It is simple but it works pretty well for me!

Obsession

The problem with finding something interesting is that I get completely absorbed into the matter. All focus is placed on that, really. I harness all my energy and thought power into understanding and figuring out so I can be master, usually without realizing this course. Granted that I can still do other things but my brain is always running in the background for this one thing that has caught my attention, which I want to turn back to as soon as possible.

Do I need to give so much focus? ^_^v

Raise and Shine!

Ahhh!!! 7:45am!! The last time I looked at my clock it was 6am! I was going to go for a run but my body told me..just a few more minutes... and then..it was time to get ready for work without a run or going to the gym. My stomach is getting a bit flabby... woe is me!

All in all it was a good weekend. Very productive. All objectivites completed. I had maximized it. I am satisifed. Looking to this week.. just be grateful and enjoy everyday.. one step at a time.

Chores

Yesterday was a break away from the routines. It was really pleasant to get some fresh air and do some walking in nature. Bukit Timah has the biggest hill in Singapore, around 150m, but I must say..not much of a challenge.. however, I did manage to break a sweat!!!

Getting to the top of the hill, we found there was not much to see as we were surrounded by trees. Mt Faber, the hill in my backyard, is by far much better and I am glad it is where it is! It has a great view with almost the same climb challenge.

Monkeys run freely in Singapore and though they are wild and uncontrolled.. they seem to be so as we could walk right up to them without any attack. However, Mayako and I will keep to our guard as you should always expect the unexpected or else...

As for today, it is chore time. Laundry, food shopping, cooking, homework, travel planning, and etc. will be done. Will I be able to break away and do something different though? We shall see...