Happy Ending

Today is the last day of 2007 and it sort of ended well for me.

Was having lunch with colleagues today and bumped into someone very close to my heart! It was really unexpected! I have always hope to meet that someone and it's like a prayer being answered! Really brightened up the day!

Take care, my dear friend! Wishing you good health, lots of wealth and heaps of love for 2008!

--------- Sawbear Travel ---------

Mixed Feeling.

Last night, I got to know 2 of my dear friends have agreed to go 'separate ways'. Though this news did not come to me as a surprise, it still saddened to know about it. This couple has been very close to me and I am really sad that they have decided to end the relationship. Having said that, I was glad to see that they are willing to settle this matter finally. Much as I do not wish to see they break up, I also do not wish to see them unhappy in the relationship. I certainly hope they can each move on in their lives and not forgetting the special bond they had with each other. I hope they could continue to be best of friends, supporting each other.

Most of all, I want them to know that they are very dear to me and I will continue to be there for both for them.

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Pot Luck

Having pot luck something this afternoon.... Too late for lunch and too early for dinner... High Tea! That's it! Hahahahaha!

Ex colleagues catching for gathering..... at Pauline's place. Still have no idea what to bring.... will decide there and then.... hahahahaha!

Will be having gift exchange...... and presents for everyone......


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Thank you.

Had a very long chat on msn with a dear friend.....1st time..... Glad to be able to do that. Talked about many things, cracked a lot of silly jokes...

Thank you......


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Small World

Was chatting on msn with a new friend from Malaysia. During the chat, realised that I probably know his brother and also his friends in Malacca! Really a small world!

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Boxing Day

Had lunch with the good friend from Malaysia. Glad that he could make it. Hope you enjoyed the lunch and also my company!

caught up with old friends for dinner - Wong, Tony, Gerald, Albert and Jerry. Some of them would be travelling to overseas for the countdown! Some of us would be left here...... Well, it will be a great countdown! Hahahahahaha! Safe and enjoyable trip, my friends!


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Family Christmas Dinner

Went to 2nd brother's home. Pot Luck Dinner. Braised Pork with bun.

Every year we complain that there' s a lot of food left... so this year, we cut down.... and then when we put all the food on the table, we worried that there's not enough! Hahahaha! Thankfully, there's enough with some leftover!

We had curry, fried chicken wing, special jade noodle, fried bee hoon, braised pork with bun, some kuehs, vege, chipolata, ...... quite a spread!

Also celebrated my mum's birthday. Had a birthday cake for her!

Then it was time to give out presents! Gifts for nieces n nephews, my sisters-in-law, my mum and the maids. Of course, also got presents from my sisters-in-law! Then, it was gift exchange. Mark did not bring and so had to take out S$50! Threw dice and the gift was some containers. I was thinking of buying those containers earlier! Wow, no need to buy anymore!

Had a wonderful evening with the family!

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Christmas

It's Christmas Day!

To some, it's a happy holiday; to others, it a time to be thankful and forgiving.

Having family dinner tonight. Pot luck dinner. I will be cooking braised pork with bun. Yes, I am keeping my fingers crossed! Hahahahaha! There will be gift exchange and also presents for all my nieces and nephews. To me..it's the most expensive time of the year. What to do! It's Christmas!


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Move on, my friend...

A dear friend has a relationship problem and I am concerned.

A relationship is a commitment between 2 people. If it has become a one way relationship, then it may not be worth maintaining it. I always believe that the more you love someone, the more you need to learn to let go. If you truly loves a person, you would want that person to be happy. If that person is not happy, where's the love?

If you want to possess that person, is there love anymore? Yes, it may be sad to let go of someone you love. But, being together is not bringing happiness to both, why force it?

You may have put in a lot of sacrifices in the relationship. If that person cannot appreciates the effort, is there a point to continue? Why continue in a relationship where both has to put up with each other and there's no happiness?

Grow up and move on! If that person cannot appreciate the relationship and the sacrifices you made, that person is not worthy of your love (no matter how much you love that person). Cherish the love in your heart and move on. I am sure there will be someone out there who will appreciate the commitment you put into a relationship.

Of course, the decision is yours to make. You know what is right. Please move on! It's better for you, for that person and also for people (like me!) who are concerned for you!

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Problem...

Few days ago, my boss called us in to attend a feedback session from someone who booked a tour from us. The customer was a close friend of his and also a colleague (high level) from another business unit.

She went to Australia with her family and the trip was not 'smooth'. 1st, she checked in to an apartment and found that there was no porter service. They had to lug the bags to the rooms. Also, she found out that there was no daily service, If she needs, she will have to pay. She was pretty upset. Well, she put up at that apartment for few days.

When she moved to another city, the apartment she stayed was terrible (she claimed). Since it was only 1 night, she put up with it. Then, the worst come.... they missed a morning transfer to an island and the next transfer was 7 hours later! She was fuming mad! She insisted she was at the meeting place early but the transfer missed them. The transfer company claimed that they will looking for them and they were not there! We did a good recovery by getting our agent to dispatch a vehicle to drive her around till the afternoon transfer and on the island, they were very well treated.

What went wrong?

Well...to me...if she has communicated her request properly to the staff, she would not have problem with her apartments. She assumed all apartments were serviced apartments. I have done apartments for many years and no one complained.
The missed transfer was unfortunate. It is not really anyone's fault. The transfer company cannot wait too long because they have other customers on board and they have a ferry to catch. Nobody knows how they could be missed but at least a recovery was done (at extra cost to us).

The funny thing was the reservation and the operations did not go through me... and I do not handle complaint. But, I was asked to look into this! Well, at least it was all sorted out!


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Friend from Malaysia

Went to meet up with a friend, a good friend, who arrived from Malaysia. Though it was just a brief chat, was glad to see him again! The last few trips to Malaysia did not have time to meet.

Certainly hope to catch up before he leaves. Have fixed a date to meet up, though. Will see how it goes. Bought him a Christmas present. Hope he like it.

---------- Sawbear Travel ------------

Resolutions for 2008

Usually before the new year begins, I would sit down and look back at what I have achieved and tell myself what needed to be done and improved and then set my resolutions for the new year.

When I looked back, I realised that 2007 has been a dramatic year for me! Met someone who has a great impact on my life and also a career change after so many years!

I have always been a blessed person and I thank God for that! Though I also have my fair share of 'misfortunes', they are nothing compare to what others are having.

2008 will be a very challenging year as far as my job is concerned and I am going head on to face the challenges.

What are my resolutions for 2008? Well.........

Have you made your resolution for 2008?

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Christmas Wishes

Christmas is just around the corner.... have you made your list of wishes yet?

For some of us, it's nothing special.... what about you?


-------- Sawbear Travel -------

Donut

A friend loves donut, especially Coco loco. But, we do not have this in Singapore yet! J.CO is very popular is KL and there's many outlets in Indonesia! KK seems to be a better brand of donuts than J.CO but they are both not found here! The good news is .....J.CO will be opening an outlet in Singapore.....

Read online on comments about the donut shops in Singapore.... Not very good comments! Hahahahaha!

Well, I am not a donut person...too sweet for me...

-------- Sawbear Travel --------

Looking Forward

A good friend would be coming here this weekend for holiday. Certainly hope to be able to catch up for meal. He would probably have a busy schedule but hope to be able to fit in....... need to take queue number to give someone a treat....hahahaha!





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Baby's Full Month

Attended Johnson's baby's full month lunch today... The venue was at CSC at Bukit Batok Central but I went to CDANS at Bukit Gombak!

Thought it was a buffet lunch but turned out to be 7 - 8 course Chinese lunch! So much to eat!

Johnson is from China...but is now a Singapore Citizen. He used to stay in the same block as me. We became very close friends and I often meet up with him and his wife, Lauren. Since they moved to Bukit Gombak, we hardly meet up ..... Still, we do keep in touch with each other.

Glad to see him and his family again!

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Etihad Airways

Went to airport today....to understand the catering operations of Etihad and to see the aircraft. Wasted a lot of time changing security pass. The tour was interesting. Got to see how the food was being prepared. Had the opportunity to taste business class food - well..the verdict is.... remind me NEVER to take Etihad's Business Class! Hahahahaha!

The aircraft tour was good. The business class seats were good...economy class was not bad as well.

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Back from Cruise

(Messy room)

Back from cruise!

Went on board the Rhapsody of the Seas on Monday. The weather was bad...heavy downpour. Though the check in was at The Cruise Terminal , WTC, we were ferried to Pasir Panjang Cargo Terminal because the ship was too huge and cannot berth at WTC.

Though the check in started at about 12 noon, the ship started sailing only after 8pm! Check in was rather slow and room were not ready. Went to the Windjammer Restaurant for lunch.... which was OK.

The cabin was OK... had a deluxe stateroom with a window.... Room was larger than the one at Virgo (SC). Rather cosy.

Gathered for a tour of the ship and then we had the muster drill which was compulsory for everyone.

Dinner was at the main dining room and we had the 1st seating at 6pm. Dinner was set menu (so so) and then there was entertainment show at 8pm. Duty free shopping and casino started later. Strange that athe shops only opened from 10pm to 12midnight....many would be asleep by then, if they are not at the casino! There were also karaoke and disco...

We arrived Port Klang about 8am. Had to attend a Product Presentation on Royal Caribbean Cruises. Many travel agents from all over Asia were invited on board the cruise. The Malaysian agents came to Singapore to board the cruise to Malaysia and back to Singapore and then catch the coach back to Malaysia! Crazy, right???!!!!!!

Took the shore excursion (US$30) ... went to KL city. .. about 1 hour from Port Klang. Had a few hours to look around. Visited Pavilion, a huge shopping Mall opp Starhill. There's Food Republic in the basement....roaring business!

Arrive this morning into Singapore. Clearance was rather messy.... and took a long while before some of us managed to get off the ship.

Overall experience.... may not really be suitable for the local market.... cannot imagine taking the same kind of breakfast every morning.... A friend went on the Alaska / Europe cruise with (RCCL) and she said it was really enjoyable..very different from this.

3D2N could still be OK... but drinks on board were not cheap..in US$ and some activities were not free....Pilate's classes, spa, massage, etc....

Really have to be affordable to go on board...... not for me YET! Hahahaha!

------------ Sawbear Travel --------------

Rhapsody of the Seas

Going on a cruise today, on board the Royal Caribbean Cruise - Rhapsody of the Seas! It's a 3D2N trip, sailing to Port Klang and back. Mind you..it's not a holiday...

Will tell you more when I get back.....

------- Sawbear Travel ---------

Desserts...

Cooked Japanese jellies and baked kiwifruit muffins for my family. It has been a while since I last made the effort. Had to refer to my recipe book.....how much flour.....oil.....milk..... wow...it has been THAT LONG!!!!!! Hahahahaha!

------- Sawbear Travel ------

Busy Morning...

Just finished computing the package prices for the other set of HKG rates. Hope I do not confuse my colleagues selling the packages... Same hotel but different selling prices for different promotion but flying on the same carrier! Confused???!!!!!! Hahahahahaha!

Also finished with the promotion for the web, finally!Had to get approval on the layout from the suppliers...kept changing ...driving my IT guy crazy! Hahahahaha! Everything is fine now and on track...

Going on the cruise - Rhapsody of the Seas on Monday for 2 nights...

------- sawbear Travel -------

Busy Day...

Really busy today...... Spent most of the time tabulating the rate for Hong Kong. This is one country where there are many different rates due to the many trade fair/exhibitions throughout the whole year!

After finally finished with all the rates, the Hong Kong operator told me that there's another set of rates for another promotion coming in!!!!!! Gosh! Really driving me crazy!


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Chain Mail / SMS

Have been receiving chain mails and sms from friends......

I do not believe in this stuff and I do not pass it around or send back to the person who sent to me. No offence....

------ Sawbear Travel ------

Otanjyobi Omedeto......

It's Francis' and Toyoda's Birthday! Happy Birthday, guys!

Francis is a dear friend I met around 1984 - 6 (getting old..cannot really remember!) at a youth exchange programme (ROTARACT) where he was the translator for the group from Japan. He hosted me when I visited Japan in 1987 and since then till today, I have visited and stayed with him and his wife, Keiko., manytimes! They run a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown, Yokohama.

Toyoda is a good friend and I have known him almost the same time as Francis! Toyoda was also a member of ROTARACT (Osaka). His father, Dr Toyoda, was very good to me. My last few trips to Osaka, I managed to meet up with Toyoda and some other friends. Though we hardly keep in touch, I still remember him and the fun days we had during those exchange programmes!

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Really Grateful 1......

Saw the E-tickets on my table..... my ops lady stayed back to issue all the tickets for me. She has to ensure no one would be issuing any ticket before she could do any issuance as all her tickets have to be in running numbers. So grateful to her.... must buy her lunch....


-------- Sawbear Travel -------------

Really Grateful....

I really have to be Grateful....I am! Hahahahaha!

Was talking to my colleagues about the fuel increase and realised that the increase for Taipei was about S$80 w.e.f tomorrow and I have a group leaving at the end of the month! If I issue the tickets today, I would save the customer S$80 per person! Then, I had problem with the issuance as it's already end of the day and the airline may not have anyone to assist. Tried calling many people but no one answered the call. Finally, another colleague from another department managed to talk to 1 sales person who agreed to assist! It's really unbelievable! I was told that usually it's not possible! Wow!

Moral of the story : be nice to your colleagues... you may need the their help one day! Hahahahaha!

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Last Month of the Year....

Time really flies! It's already December, the last month of the year! This is my 5th month in the Company! Still under probation! Hahahahaha!

There's a lot of projects coming up.... a lot to handle within the next few months...

----------- Sawbear Travel ---------------

Still Got It....

My brother and family came back from the Japan Trip. My niece enjoyed herself very much! They visited Disneyland, Universal Studio, SanrioLand, Hakone, aquarium. etc... It's a great relief for me! Why? Well, I planned the trip and my last trip to Japan was in 2002! A lot of the information given to my brother was from the Internet!

Happy to know that still got it in me....not the knowledge...but the know-how...


--------- Sawbear Travel ---------

Birthday Season.....

1st of December is another important day! 2 friends' birthday!

Happy Birthday, Franco! A good friend from Hong Kong.... met him in Hong Kong in 1999. I remember once he brought me to buy the Garfield mooncake at Kimberley Road...brought back a lot of mooncakes that trip...not for myself though..

Happy Birthday, Alvin! A dear friend since .... hmm... I cannot remember when.... hahahahaha! Once a blue moon we will catch up though..... a dear friend...close to heart! Always!


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