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Monday, 14 September 2009
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Rejoice, for Christ is My Wisdom
Date: 14th Sept 2009
Today's USD Rate: S$1.429
Today's MYR Rate: S$0.4069
Feeling: Elated & Blessed
Examination Day
Today was my day of reckoning. Had to turn up at Suntec before 8.45am for the Electronic Paper. Out of 125 questions, 70% was the passing rate and that meant answering at least 88 questions correctly. Praise the Lord, Christ is my wisdom and I passed the exam. It was a huge relief coz it was stressful and rather demoralising looking at the results from the mock papers that I started to take on Thursday/Friday. Trying to remember everything I read from the textbook was the other obstacle. And not to mention how embarassing it could have been if I had failed and had to go back to the office to face everyone else. *grin* Thank God for His grace that helped me pass. To God be all the glory and praises.
Donut Fix
Had a craving for donuts today, so we went to United Square to get half a dozen and went mini-shopping too. Was rather disappointed that they didn't have the Cheez Donut, so I ordered the Silly-Mon and the Mango. Had to admit that I find Big Apple donuts a lot better now, probably due to slack quality control standards. However, it's the Cheez donut that's leaving me craving coz I have not found a better cheese alternative.
D-Day
Friday was D-Day for me. Had to leave work at 5pm to go someplace. And it was kinda scary and eye opening. Now, I've got to get the work done in the next 8 weeks and keep everything under control. Thank you Jesus for this too.
Satay
Had a plate of good ol' satay from Whampoa for dinner on Friday night too. And I tasted really good beef noodles! Never knew loving like this before. I love beef noodles now. :)
Will write more soon.
Just wanted to document this day and say Thank You Jesus!
Love,
Audrey Inez Sim-Tay
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
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Where has the time gone?
Date: 26-Aug-2009
Today's USD Rate: S$1.445
Today's MYR Rate: S$0.4103
Feeling: Perturbed, but resting in the Grace of my God.
Quiet Day
Finally, I get a quiet day at work. Free from requests, network issues, internet connectivity problems etc. Praise God, it's a good day!! Trying to do my reading for my exam next month - but I think my brain is somewhat blocked. However, I believe that all that I am reading will be "recollected" on the day of my exam. Christ is my wisdom!
Been wondering if I'm over-freaking myself out because of the exam. It is a MCQ exam but I don't want to take it too lightly either. Dilemna huh!!
It's been a while since my last entry and I haven't been writing much lately too, even emails and this is surprisingly unusual for me.
Sims 3
Finally bought my copy of Sims 3 during the National Day weekend. There was a 44% discount with a minimum purchase of $80. I took that and bought MySims too. It's kinda childish and have chugged it aside for now. Maybe later when I need a brainless game... :) Enjoying the game so far, it's a tad different and was lost for a day or two trying to figure out how to complete some tasks and get my couples married!! Would have waited for Christmas to get the game if not for the discount. And this time it's digital copy and I don't have to worry about losing the CD installer. :))) Digital Download is the way to go!
Living the Life I Want
Been feeling a little discouraged and frankly as if the world will be ending soon. Coz there's something hanging over my head right now, something that's going to be an experience but I'm openly hoping that it would be possibly resolved before the deadline. I don't want to "do it/experience it". No thank you! There will not be a next time for this to happen again! However, I have to take responsibility for my "inaction" in this matter. Although I know that I could be over-reacting to the entire situation as well. It may not be as bad as I have been imagining. I'm sure fear has gripped me and paralysed me thus far. Learning to lean hard on His bosom of love and grace and for my miracle, breakthrough, manifestation and provision.
To Jesus be the glory in all that I (have to) do. Lord, I let go of the things that are holding me down, and I allow you to take care of these matters and take care of me. In Jesus' name. Amen!
I've also been feeling that this is not the life that I want and should be living. Asking myself if I'm ready to step up and step out in faith. Get ready for my blessings. I won't deny that I was holding out for a specific job/position, but it currently seems that it's gone up in smoke. However, it will not snuff out my hopes for a better job; a position and an unmerited disgusting salary amount! Thank you Jesus, You are my provider, my unmerited favour that causes me to be at the right place at the right time.
I do have to say that I enjoy my current jobscope and it may well just be what I wanna pursue. God does have good things in store for me and He knows me best. Hallelujah!
Can't quite believe that 2009 is in it's 3Q and that the trip to the US this year is very much fuzzy by now. Time seemed to have accelerated and left me behind. :P
Love,
Audrey Inez Sim-Tay
Sunday, 19 July 2009
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Date: 19 July 2009, Sunday
Today's USD Rate: S$1.4530
Today's MYR Rate: S$0.4087
Feeling: Relaxed
Watching TVB Drama Online
Am watching 法证先锋II right now. Episode 18 of 30! They have only showed ep. 12 on tv right now. Catching up on such shows helps to relieve time stresses from tv so that I can sleep early on weeknights. Great idea huh?! And it's a mandarin version of CSI! Sure beats watching repeats of the week. If only I could watch <Gourmet> in advance too.
Johor Trip
Made a trip to Johor yesterday, after more than a month hiatus due to a) roadshow b) massage c) facial d) Simon's work. Haven't been able to watch <Transformers II> on the big screen yet, will probably have to do it in Singapore before it ends its run. Managed a manicure & pedicure for RM58, haircut for two RM75, shopping at Watson's/Guardian for RM70. As well as lunch at Goh Zha Lang Taiwanese Porridge. Didn't do an elaborate mani & pedi coz a clear coat would be the fastest to dry. Headed for the salon after that to catch Simon & Huiyi doing their haircut and hair treatment. Also managed to try out a new place - car wash and quick wax for RM15!! Hehe... The car looks new now (shiny at least). Next stop, polish and wax RM120.
Big Apple Donuts & Coffee
Found a place in JB where Big Apple Donuts & Coffee is being sold. Will have to go find the place on our next trip. And whilst flipping the magazines at the salon, found out also that Krispy Kreme is available in Kuala Lumpur. Cool! All the spare time during the haircut does work out to be worth something.
Plans for October
Had a spur of the moment thought to go to Bangkok in October, after Paul & Peik heads for Japan. The airfare was 9 cents one way, but the total cost of the airfare is about S$310 and including the hotel about S$700+ which leaves nothing much for shopping and food. Maybe it would be a good idea to drive back up to Malacca or to Kuala Lumpur. Afterall, Simon would be on leave the entire week - but it won't be very nice to take the whole week off from a relative. Got to be professional, ya'noe.
Plus, with guests still in town and coming to town - expenses are bound to rise so it's a better idea to postpone the trip to Bangkok to 2010. Less stress on myself and on our finances.
Tried searching for airfares to KL on Tiger Airways and it turned up a fare of S$180 for the two of us. Maybe it's better to drive up to Malacca and have meals at Bei Zhan again. This I should pray about.
Love,
Audrey Inez Sim-Tay
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
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An Update
Date: 16 June 2009
Today's USD Rate: S$1.46
Feeling: Tired
Two Days after PC Show
Worked over the weekend @ the PC Show 2009. It was quite fun to work with my ex-colleagues, the people whom I am familiar with. Didn't manage to go shopping at all, but not that I would want to coz it's crazy crowded. Looking forward to the next show - Comex. Hopefully will be able to pick up a new camera then.
It's really another thing to work through the weekend and be on one's feet for 9 hours. Thank God for Flexi-Patch, that helps (as much as it can). It's great to be productive instead of slacking.
Expensive Repairs
Have to send the car to the Proton Service Centre to replace a faulty part - out of warranty. Wanted to bring it to a third party workshop, but no one was able to give us the confidence that they know how to do it nor were they able to get the spare parts (or at a reasonable price). So, not being given a choice - we have to fall back on Proton SC. Praying that they do a good job on the repairs. Coz the car was in a worse shape after the checkup done @ Proton the day after the check at Billy Car Care. *grin* Praise the Lord for favour and for His supernatural provisions!
All this happened after the trip back from Malacca, looks like I can't push my car too hard. Got to sayang it more.
Malacca
The trip with Simon's gang of friends was generally fun. Getting to know Bei Zhan was the best thing that happened. The food was great and not very expensive considering the quality of food served. Makota Parade Shopping Centre was okay, we didn't buy much more than our usual. The hotel was quite nice, probably because it's new - Holiday Inn Melaka. Would want to go again because we didn't do much stuff other than the ferris wheel ride - Eye on Malaysia, but at the wrong time and couldn't see much coz it was pitch darkness at night. Wonder where they'd go next year.
New (Temporary) Vocation
Been at my new temp job for 2 weeks so far. Praise God that I am coping well. I should take time to think about what I want to do next, whilst keeping my hands and mind well occupied. I know I am favoured and I thank God for the opportunity for my eyes to be opened to see things that I could not comprehend in my own mind. But facts being facts, this is a temporary job - not sure when I'd be replaced, or when I can be replaced. Lord Jesus, it is all in Your Hand, all in Your time. Give you all the praise and glory! Hallelujah!
Next Holiday
Thinking about going to Bangkok at the end of this year - got to save up for it. Seems like I have alot of things I want to buy... And I mean necessities.
Thank you Jesus for always providing, always blessing, and always loving us.
Love,
Audrey Inez Sim-Tay
Monday, 18 May 2009
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Reflections (aka. Note to Self)
Date: 18th May 2009
Today's USD Exchange Rate: S$1.471
Feeling: Rested
Location: Singapore
On Track
Managed to solve an outstanding issue before its due date, Praise the Lord!! Jesus is my Jehovah Jireh. Amen.
Note to Self
I've realised that it's not just stupid to pay retail prices for things in the US, it's unacceptable!! It's possible to live cheaply in the US, and I don't know why not more people are doing so but I guess more people are doing it. In comparison, it's expensive living in Singapore! It's incredible and unbelievable to think that this is true. We have no coupons to clip over here, the savings we have are miniscule in comparison.
Shopping should always be done at the Outlets, never in the city or at the Mall. With the exception for sales or promotions. I guess I would be more prepared the next time I visit with Simon. At least, I know I should buy whatever catches my fancy and not think too much about it. Woodbury Common Outlet was simply amazing, but so are the two Tangers' Outlets.
I thought I bought alot of stuffs, considering that my bag was overweight by 17lbs and had to pay excess baggage charges. But after clearing the luggage, I am starting to think otherwise. *grin* But I did buy 6 pairs of shoes - 3 for Simon, 3 for me. It was tough shopping on behalf of Simon and I would rather he personally buy it himself.
I got the chance to understand afresh why I don't buy as much clothes for myself as I would like - coz changing out of my clothes 10x in a day is torture! Something I don't think I can learn to enjoy. It's so much easier to buy clothes for babies and toddlers. No changing room required. Hee...
Thank God for friends who enjoy shopping, this trip would be totally dull otherwise. Hope to be as good a host to them when they are here visiting. It was great food that went into my mouth too.
Exchange Rate
The exchange rate fell during the tail end of my stay, however the US dollar rate on the credit card wasn't as favourable as I'd like. Perhaps because I haven't received the bill yet. Thank you Jesus, my Source of blessings and Provider.
Next Trip
Northwest has changed their baggage allowance policy and are only allowing one bag at 50lbs. The second bag would cost US$50. This is horrendous!! Anyhow, I think my next US trip should be to attend a wedding - if everything goes well. That's going to be an additional US$100 charge for the two of us. *sigh*WaMu Free Checking Account
Spent most of my savings and closed my Chase Account, coz I was not able to maintain the minimum balance to avoid service fees of US$12 monthly after all the shopping that I did. In it's place, I opened a free checking account from Washington Mutual. No fees, free checking, but non interest bearing. Which is fine as it means that I don't have to keep a hefty balance in the account, and I can slowly build up the USD reserves here and deposit them when I'm there. No obligations, I like.
Ben & Jerry's, Costco, Stop & Shop
Ate at least 6-10 pints of Ben & Jerry's & Haagen Dazs. I'm satisfied!! Shopping at Costco and Stop & Shop was amazing too. Found vitamin alternatives to GNC which are so much cheaper and probably as effective too. Realised that I've been pouring $$ down the GNC drain for the past couple of years. *sob sob*
Moving On With Life
It's time to focus my energies on my search for a job. But I know that I'm resting in the Lord right now. I know that my miracle is around the corner!
Intense Company
A friend is in town, and spending time with him is an intense activity for me. I swear I probably feel like killing him on a daily basis when he gets to me via his words and frequent change in his plans. It was not this bad four weeks ago, thankfully because I didn't spend this much time with him then. Good thing Simon is also around to help buffer the friendship.
Malacca
Going to Malacca in early June with Simon's friends for the weekend. Yay!!
Love,
Audrey Inez Sim-Tay
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