Yes, I have done it! I weighed in at 65.1 kg today after my exercise on the track. I did a fast walk covering 4.38 km, totalling 8,768 steps and burning 196 kcal., as indicated in my pedometer. I actually weighed in at 65.6 kg on 21st May, and 65.8 kg on 23rd May. 2007.
As I wrote in my post of 1 February - 'You have put on too much weight', and my subsequent post of 14 February - 'I've lost 2 kg.', it has taken me 4 months to reach this goal. Maybe I should go out to celebrate this by indulging myself to all the sinful grub like 'char kwey tiao', murtabak, 'kway chap', durian, birani, curry puff, mutton curry, nasi lemak..........! Ha,ha! And put back what I took out? No way. It has been a hard struggle. I will now maintain my weight and go into moderation mode. For the record, I lost 5 kg. in 4 months. My surgeon told me that if I can control my diet and weight, I can control some of my illness e.g. hypertension, diabetes (which I do not have.).
Many of my friends have commented on my weight loss (especially the ladies!). How did I do it? By cutting down on my carbohydrates and sugar and snacking (my biggest weakness). Eating small portion of rice or noodles, and cutting out white bread certainly helped. I have been eating wholemeal or multi grain bread and limiting myself to two slices per serving. I do not take refined sugar but brown sugar for my coffee (half teaspoon) just to kill the bitterness.
I have also gone off completely without caffeine and drink only decaf coffee and tea. They taste very bland. But I found a decaf coffee powder which still gives me the espresso aroma though bland in taste. I have given up on decaf tea and now take green tea, which in its non-fermented state, is decaf already. I cannot take Milo, cola or chocolate (a favourite of mine). So drinking out is always a problem. Now most upmarket cafe also serve decaf, so no problems. But in the market, kopitiam is a problem. My choice is now limited to chrysanthemum, barley but not packet or canned drinks due to the high sugar content. Fresh fruit juices would be good, although they cost more, and the vendors tend to pack too much ice inside. Having a drink with friends can sometimes be a problem.
It took me some time to adjust to this new routine. I now feel very much lighter without the bloated feeling, and my clothes are loose with my trousers hanging down my waist. Unfortunately I get hunger pangs. I attribute this to reduced bulk in the rice and noodles. I also noticed that it does not take much to fill me up. Probably my stomach has shrunk. I found out that almond is good for the heart and it improves on the HDL and lowers the LDL. Moreover eating them does not result in weight gain. So to cut my hanger pangs, I now reach for a small handful of almond for chewing. Just a small handful and I am satisfied. I also chew on a small packet of wild blueberries every morning. This was recommended to me by a friend and they are supposed to be good for my glaucoma, eye sight and blood circulation.
On my last eye check at SNEC, my glaucoma has stabilised. But I had to change my spectacles, which cost me $590 for a pair of new progressive and two reading glasses. That made me see stars! My right eye deteriorated and I had to correct my near sightedness. Now my new spectacles are better and I can see clearer.
Till then....
Monday, May 28, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Viewing Properties
Ever since the launch of the en bloc sale in my estate, there has been incessant talk in the market and just about everywhere. "There goes a millionaire!", seems to be the biggest joke.
For the last few weekends, I have been out with my son and sometimes with my son-in-law, looking at properties. It has been very interesting and informative gathering information and market intelligence on the properties market. My son-in-law is also in the midst of looking for a property, around the same time period as myself.
Still early yet before the closing of the tender, nevertheless I find it educational seeing what is available, so that when the time comes for me to actually choose and buy, I would have a good picture of my options. Many of my friends have come to ask me what is available.
Some new condominiums are really like pigeon lofts. Square box partitioned into the various rooms. Some featured a glass wall separating the master bedroom and the bath cum toilet. For a newly married couple, it could be disastrous because one morning, seeing his lovely wife taking a shower, the young man could forget there is a glass wall. Newspaper headline would read, 'Young husband seriously injured trying to jump through glass wall.'
Last Sunday, I viewed an upmarket apartment, beautifully set up with a spacious master bedroom with a balcony view. With marble and state of the art finishing, it was luxury from the moment you entered the main door. Featuring a dry and a hidden wet kitchen inside, wine coolers show off the gastronomy and expensive taste of the owner. Starting at $3m, this will pale against another development costing $16m. The sky is the limit!
Back down to earth, I saw some interesting three storey townhouses costing from $980,000 to $1.4m. These are nice houses which I am eyeing when my time comes. I told my son to take the third storey, as he will be with me when we move. Hopefully, I can find one.
I viewed a very nice condominium close by, which is tenanted with a Caucasian family paying $4,800 rental. It was very well built with plenty of plants and felt like a resort with pool and gymnasium. Priced within my budget at $1.3m, I am not ready to take it as yet.
There were some penthouses that I saw which impressed me somewhat. The master bedroom was spacious with walk-in wardrobe and nice bathroom upstairs. Downstairs, there was a junior master bedroom with similar features. Perhaps the owner will keep his wife upstairs and his mistress downstairs. With a nice wooden staircase, the owner will make a quick dash forward or a slow drag back! The bugger will probably have a heart attack mid floor.
Show houses are very deceiving. They remove the doors and put in glass and mirrors to make it look spacious. So you must use your imagination and visualise what it will really look like. You have to ask questions and put yourself inside the place.
Because of my church activities, I will need to stay not too far away so that I can still return to church by public transport. That would have to be my biggest consideration. In the meantime, I will continue to look around and hope when I make my choice, it will be what I want.
Till then....
For the last few weekends, I have been out with my son and sometimes with my son-in-law, looking at properties. It has been very interesting and informative gathering information and market intelligence on the properties market. My son-in-law is also in the midst of looking for a property, around the same time period as myself.
Still early yet before the closing of the tender, nevertheless I find it educational seeing what is available, so that when the time comes for me to actually choose and buy, I would have a good picture of my options. Many of my friends have come to ask me what is available.
Some new condominiums are really like pigeon lofts. Square box partitioned into the various rooms. Some featured a glass wall separating the master bedroom and the bath cum toilet. For a newly married couple, it could be disastrous because one morning, seeing his lovely wife taking a shower, the young man could forget there is a glass wall. Newspaper headline would read, 'Young husband seriously injured trying to jump through glass wall.'
Last Sunday, I viewed an upmarket apartment, beautifully set up with a spacious master bedroom with a balcony view. With marble and state of the art finishing, it was luxury from the moment you entered the main door. Featuring a dry and a hidden wet kitchen inside, wine coolers show off the gastronomy and expensive taste of the owner. Starting at $3m, this will pale against another development costing $16m. The sky is the limit!
Back down to earth, I saw some interesting three storey townhouses costing from $980,000 to $1.4m. These are nice houses which I am eyeing when my time comes. I told my son to take the third storey, as he will be with me when we move. Hopefully, I can find one.
I viewed a very nice condominium close by, which is tenanted with a Caucasian family paying $4,800 rental. It was very well built with plenty of plants and felt like a resort with pool and gymnasium. Priced within my budget at $1.3m, I am not ready to take it as yet.
There were some penthouses that I saw which impressed me somewhat. The master bedroom was spacious with walk-in wardrobe and nice bathroom upstairs. Downstairs, there was a junior master bedroom with similar features. Perhaps the owner will keep his wife upstairs and his mistress downstairs. With a nice wooden staircase, the owner will make a quick dash forward or a slow drag back! The bugger will probably have a heart attack mid floor.
Show houses are very deceiving. They remove the doors and put in glass and mirrors to make it look spacious. So you must use your imagination and visualise what it will really look like. You have to ask questions and put yourself inside the place.
Because of my church activities, I will need to stay not too far away so that I can still return to church by public transport. That would have to be my biggest consideration. In the meantime, I will continue to look around and hope when I make my choice, it will be what I want.
Till then....
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
En bloc update 1
It is finally launched today 15 May, 2007. Asking for $1.5 billion, it is the biggest in Singapore. Hopefully, it will go smoothly and we will reap from it.
According to the new timeline, the tender will end by 27 June, 2007. Award of tender to the successful bidder by July. EGM by August. Submission to Strata Title Board for approval by December. Legal completion and receipt of 90 - 95% of gross proceed by March, 2008. Delivery of vacant possession by Sept/Nov. 2008.
That means this will be our last Christmas and Chinese New Year 2008 here.
Last Sunday, my son painstakingly, printed maps of this area and joined them up into a large map of the outlying areas showing potential residential sites that we may consider buying. Armed with this and my newly acquired en bloc notebook, we set out with the wife to recce the area. We saw two show flats - The Regency and Garden Vista. The Regency was not impressive. Rather small. Garden Vista was not that bad, but the 4 roomer price was high. Unfortunately there were no penthouses. Driving around, we saw many built-up projects and also many new developments being constructed.
We stopped by a very beautiful condominuim, Duchess Crest, which my son had a friend staying in. Unfortunately he was not home. Looking from the outside, it was very impressive and gave the feeling of tranquility with the decor and plants. Driving around, we saw many developments hidden from the main roads. Along Queensway, we saw Viz in Holland, still under constructions.
When I got home, I went on the internet to check out some of the sites. I found 17 owners from Duchess Crest, putting up their apartments and CDO for sale. There was one being offered for $950,000, at ground floor with a small garden. Most of these are tenanted with rentals. These are also 99 year leasehold. This morning, when I read the newspaper, I was very surprised to find Duchess Crest is also offered for en bloc sale. How ironical!
The Viz has been sold out with the exception of a few studio apartments. The apartments are being offered at $1.4 to 1.5 million. The Penthouse is a whopping $2.8 to 3.0. These are all Freehold. Speculators have jumped in on the bandwagon.
According to the new timeline, the tender will end by 27 June, 2007. Award of tender to the successful bidder by July. EGM by August. Submission to Strata Title Board for approval by December. Legal completion and receipt of 90 - 95% of gross proceed by March, 2008. Delivery of vacant possession by Sept/Nov. 2008.
That means this will be our last Christmas and Chinese New Year 2008 here.
Last Sunday, my son painstakingly, printed maps of this area and joined them up into a large map of the outlying areas showing potential residential sites that we may consider buying. Armed with this and my newly acquired en bloc notebook, we set out with the wife to recce the area. We saw two show flats - The Regency and Garden Vista. The Regency was not impressive. Rather small. Garden Vista was not that bad, but the 4 roomer price was high. Unfortunately there were no penthouses. Driving around, we saw many built-up projects and also many new developments being constructed.
We stopped by a very beautiful condominuim, Duchess Crest, which my son had a friend staying in. Unfortunately he was not home. Looking from the outside, it was very impressive and gave the feeling of tranquility with the decor and plants. Driving around, we saw many developments hidden from the main roads. Along Queensway, we saw Viz in Holland, still under constructions.
When I got home, I went on the internet to check out some of the sites. I found 17 owners from Duchess Crest, putting up their apartments and CDO for sale. There was one being offered for $950,000, at ground floor with a small garden. Most of these are tenanted with rentals. These are also 99 year leasehold. This morning, when I read the newspaper, I was very surprised to find Duchess Crest is also offered for en bloc sale. How ironical!
The Viz has been sold out with the exception of a few studio apartments. The apartments are being offered at $1.4 to 1.5 million. The Penthouse is a whopping $2.8 to 3.0. These are all Freehold. Speculators have jumped in on the bandwagon.
With so many en bloc owners chasing after what is available, this will drive the prices up. I hope when my time comes to buy my replacement home, I can find something I like. One of my criteria is to be able to return to my church for daily and weekend 0700 Mass, using public transport. However, when I browsed through the property sales list online, there are many to choose from, but geographical location plays an important factor.
Till then....
Saturday, May 12, 2007
'Timmy ' the African Grey Parrot
'Timmy ', the African Grey parrot is gone! A bad day indeed. Like losing a family member.
It was Friday afternoon, 11th May, 2007, with the three grandchildren at home, when their grandmother decided to take them downstairs for a romp. I was seated by the PC reading, when one of the children asked, "Where is Timmy?". When everyone started to search for Timmy, I became alarmed and went out to see, hoping they will find Timmy among the flower pots. They then took the lift down to continue the search.
I checked through all the flower pots and the lift landing and decided to walk all the way down five floors hoping I will find Timmy. Unsuccessful, I walked back and continued three floors up to check all the lift landings. Still no sign of Timmy!
Timmy, the African Grey parrot, cannot fly because I had clipped his flight feathers. Moreover, he was reared as a chick and was caged without the experience of free flying. Flapping his wings, he could only fly downwards and not upwards. So it would be easier for him to go down the stairs rather than up. Moments before his disappearance, I had heard the neighbour talking to Timmy, and Timmy responding with his loud whistling. Timmy had been talking and whistling loudly that afternoon. Periodically, I would check on him if he remained silent, just to make sure that he was alright.
A few days ago, I checked on Timmy and saw that his chain had snapped. Not seeing him around, I raised the alarm with the wife. I went down the lift to check the grounds. Not finding Timmy, I took the lift up and met my wife in the lift, who told me that Timmy was found near the flower pot. False alarm.
But this time is for real. I did not like the idea of leaving the bird outside at the lift landing for the whole day because he becomes vulnerable to harm and theft. Unfortunately, my wife did not agree and left everything to chance. I hate to say this, but I had predicted that something like this would happen to the bird, and sure enough it has happened.
Timmy was given to my wife by a Caucasian lady about two years ago, because her son had no time for the bird. Timmy was about five years old then. I was given custody of Timmy and had spent quite some money on him, buying a new cage and a parrot stand including the services of a parrot trainer, to learn how to cope with the bird. I even joined MOPA (pronounced 'mopair'), a local parrot lovers club, and had hopes of taking Timmy out for 'parrots fellowship'. Unfortunately, Timmy bites and gave me some very nasty bites. Due to my medications, I bleed easily and rather excessively. It was also very painful. Despite my patience and care, Timmy remained very hostile to me. Finally I gave up and told my wife to take over the stupid bird.
Timmy latched on to my wife, like a son. He did not bite her and the two got along very well. They even engaged in responding to each other by calling each other names. My wife would call 'Timmy!' and the bird would respond with 'Por Por!' like the grandchildren do. I used to tell my friends that I had two parrots at home. Timmy had a very wide vocabulary, inheritated from his previous Caucasian owner, who spoke good English. Since the time spent with us, Timmy had picked up more words from the grandchildren and the family including 'ka-koong'!
Years ago, I had a Mollucas Cockatoo who spoke Hokkien. A beautiful large white bird with safront crest. It was very noisy and aggressive. It bit my wife and I had to give it up. I had this ambition of owning a talking parrot ever since.
Alas, Timmy is now gone! Although we could not get along, I enjoyed his talking, whistling and clicking. He imitated every thing from the kitchen to the toilet and the surrounding noises. He even sounded like someone urinating and farting.
As I write this posting on a Satuday afternoon, all is quiet at home without the darn bird. I am missing him and I know my wife is too. We had another quiet search downstairs when we got back from church, but still no sign of Timmy. I had put up a notice of his loss but had no phone call from anyone so far. He could have been stolen or startled somewhere disorientating himself. He would have sqwarked very loudly but we did not hear him. The only way to keep him quiet, was to throw a cloth over him, and bundle him away keeping him covered completely. Whatever happened, I only hope that Timmy did not suffer for it. Good bye Timmy!
It was Friday afternoon, 11th May, 2007, with the three grandchildren at home, when their grandmother decided to take them downstairs for a romp. I was seated by the PC reading, when one of the children asked, "Where is Timmy?". When everyone started to search for Timmy, I became alarmed and went out to see, hoping they will find Timmy among the flower pots. They then took the lift down to continue the search.
I checked through all the flower pots and the lift landing and decided to walk all the way down five floors hoping I will find Timmy. Unsuccessful, I walked back and continued three floors up to check all the lift landings. Still no sign of Timmy!
Timmy, the African Grey parrot, cannot fly because I had clipped his flight feathers. Moreover, he was reared as a chick and was caged without the experience of free flying. Flapping his wings, he could only fly downwards and not upwards. So it would be easier for him to go down the stairs rather than up. Moments before his disappearance, I had heard the neighbour talking to Timmy, and Timmy responding with his loud whistling. Timmy had been talking and whistling loudly that afternoon. Periodically, I would check on him if he remained silent, just to make sure that he was alright.
A few days ago, I checked on Timmy and saw that his chain had snapped. Not seeing him around, I raised the alarm with the wife. I went down the lift to check the grounds. Not finding Timmy, I took the lift up and met my wife in the lift, who told me that Timmy was found near the flower pot. False alarm.
But this time is for real. I did not like the idea of leaving the bird outside at the lift landing for the whole day because he becomes vulnerable to harm and theft. Unfortunately, my wife did not agree and left everything to chance. I hate to say this, but I had predicted that something like this would happen to the bird, and sure enough it has happened.
Timmy was given to my wife by a Caucasian lady about two years ago, because her son had no time for the bird. Timmy was about five years old then. I was given custody of Timmy and had spent quite some money on him, buying a new cage and a parrot stand including the services of a parrot trainer, to learn how to cope with the bird. I even joined MOPA (pronounced 'mopair'), a local parrot lovers club, and had hopes of taking Timmy out for 'parrots fellowship'. Unfortunately, Timmy bites and gave me some very nasty bites. Due to my medications, I bleed easily and rather excessively. It was also very painful. Despite my patience and care, Timmy remained very hostile to me. Finally I gave up and told my wife to take over the stupid bird.
Timmy latched on to my wife, like a son. He did not bite her and the two got along very well. They even engaged in responding to each other by calling each other names. My wife would call 'Timmy!' and the bird would respond with 'Por Por!' like the grandchildren do. I used to tell my friends that I had two parrots at home. Timmy had a very wide vocabulary, inheritated from his previous Caucasian owner, who spoke good English. Since the time spent with us, Timmy had picked up more words from the grandchildren and the family including 'ka-koong'!
Years ago, I had a Mollucas Cockatoo who spoke Hokkien. A beautiful large white bird with safront crest. It was very noisy and aggressive. It bit my wife and I had to give it up. I had this ambition of owning a talking parrot ever since.
Alas, Timmy is now gone! Although we could not get along, I enjoyed his talking, whistling and clicking. He imitated every thing from the kitchen to the toilet and the surrounding noises. He even sounded like someone urinating and farting.
As I write this posting on a Satuday afternoon, all is quiet at home without the darn bird. I am missing him and I know my wife is too. We had another quiet search downstairs when we got back from church, but still no sign of Timmy. I had put up a notice of his loss but had no phone call from anyone so far. He could have been stolen or startled somewhere disorientating himself. He would have sqwarked very loudly but we did not hear him. The only way to keep him quiet, was to throw a cloth over him, and bundle him away keeping him covered completely. Whatever happened, I only hope that Timmy did not suffer for it. Good bye Timmy!
Till then....
Thursday, May 3, 2007
En bloc
'En bloc!' The term now people come to hate, fear, or rejoice. My apartment is now the subject of an en bloc sale. On 2 May, 2007, 80% consensus vote by the owners was officially submitted to the Strata Titles Board for approval to proceed with the public tender.
This process will probably take three months, by the end of which, the successful developer/s will be known. The tender award will be 4Q, and partial payment received by end 2007, if everything goes smoothly. The following 12 months rent free period, will allow the owners to look for replacement premises, and to finally vacate.
This is going to be the biggest en bloc sale in Singapore. With an area of 838,486 sq. ft. on prime land, and a plot ratio of 2.8, it will require 1 or most likely 2 big developers to develop the land, which according to the Master Plan, is slated for residential use. Owned by URA, it is 99 year leasehold, and is allowed up to 36 storeys build up towering over the neighbourhood which will only be allowed up to 12 storeys. Hopefully, some of the cash rich big developers will come in with 1.2 billion to develop the area.
My family are the pioneers, having lived here since they built the place, 30 years ago. The location is very good, district 10, near the market, the bus stop and the church. My children grew up here, and went through three dogs, Jumbo, Bingo and Tash. (Tash has been 'en bloc' to Sembawang!) So there are fond memories of this place. I like the location but not that of the neighbourhood. I do have some good friends here, but some of the new people who moved in leave much to be desired. The en bloc sale has certainly showed the ugly side of many people here.
Originally, I was not agreeable to the en bloc sale, fearing manipulations by some unscrupulous characters in the committee. As the sale proposal got underway, the en bloc agent gave an impressive presentation displaying good sense and professionalism, backed by an impressive track record. I began to see the positive side of the exercise and when decision time came round, I made my decision to go ahead.
My apartment cost me $65,000, when I bought it in the 70's. A princely figure at that time. The flooring, terrazzo and parquet, cost me $5,000. Developed by the defunct Housing & Urban Development Corporation (HUDC), the apartment was very slipshod. We were the guinea pigs of HUDC, a government company which was eventually absorbed by the HDB. We were the first phase of apartments built for the middle income group. My carpenter complained to me that the walls were bulging in the middle, making it difficult to install built-in cupboards. I was officially handed over my apartment by HUDC on 26th July, 1977. This would make it 30 years old this July.
I almost emptied my bank account paying by instalments. For the first year, I was very worried when I was left with just $300 in my account every month. I struggled through, cutting out all frills and spending until the following year, when the situation improved slowly. I had to cut out treats for the children and there were no eating out.
When I moved in, I could not afford the renovations. I varnished the parquet floor alone, over one weekend, and ended up with a severe back pain. I painted the walls alone and the furnishings were very spartan. Fortunately when I moved the family in, it was comfortable and for the first time, I owned my own property. That satisfaction overcame the financial difficulties.
When I eventually move out, I will leave with a very mixed feeling, and a heavy heart. Scrapping bottom to pay for the apartment and bringing up my children in it through the years, I will leave behind much memories. I had looked forward to the MRT under constructions, but when this is ready, I would not be around here. However, I hope that I will have convenient access here again from wherever I will move to, to continue with my services to the church.
I will no doubt, post updates in this blog on the progress of the en bloc sale.
Till then...
This process will probably take three months, by the end of which, the successful developer/s will be known. The tender award will be 4Q, and partial payment received by end 2007, if everything goes smoothly. The following 12 months rent free period, will allow the owners to look for replacement premises, and to finally vacate.
This is going to be the biggest en bloc sale in Singapore. With an area of 838,486 sq. ft. on prime land, and a plot ratio of 2.8, it will require 1 or most likely 2 big developers to develop the land, which according to the Master Plan, is slated for residential use. Owned by URA, it is 99 year leasehold, and is allowed up to 36 storeys build up towering over the neighbourhood which will only be allowed up to 12 storeys. Hopefully, some of the cash rich big developers will come in with 1.2 billion to develop the area.
My family are the pioneers, having lived here since they built the place, 30 years ago. The location is very good, district 10, near the market, the bus stop and the church. My children grew up here, and went through three dogs, Jumbo, Bingo and Tash. (Tash has been 'en bloc' to Sembawang!) So there are fond memories of this place. I like the location but not that of the neighbourhood. I do have some good friends here, but some of the new people who moved in leave much to be desired. The en bloc sale has certainly showed the ugly side of many people here.
Originally, I was not agreeable to the en bloc sale, fearing manipulations by some unscrupulous characters in the committee. As the sale proposal got underway, the en bloc agent gave an impressive presentation displaying good sense and professionalism, backed by an impressive track record. I began to see the positive side of the exercise and when decision time came round, I made my decision to go ahead.
My apartment cost me $65,000, when I bought it in the 70's. A princely figure at that time. The flooring, terrazzo and parquet, cost me $5,000. Developed by the defunct Housing & Urban Development Corporation (HUDC), the apartment was very slipshod. We were the guinea pigs of HUDC, a government company which was eventually absorbed by the HDB. We were the first phase of apartments built for the middle income group. My carpenter complained to me that the walls were bulging in the middle, making it difficult to install built-in cupboards. I was officially handed over my apartment by HUDC on 26th July, 1977. This would make it 30 years old this July.
I almost emptied my bank account paying by instalments. For the first year, I was very worried when I was left with just $300 in my account every month. I struggled through, cutting out all frills and spending until the following year, when the situation improved slowly. I had to cut out treats for the children and there were no eating out.
When I moved in, I could not afford the renovations. I varnished the parquet floor alone, over one weekend, and ended up with a severe back pain. I painted the walls alone and the furnishings were very spartan. Fortunately when I moved the family in, it was comfortable and for the first time, I owned my own property. That satisfaction overcame the financial difficulties.
When I eventually move out, I will leave with a very mixed feeling, and a heavy heart. Scrapping bottom to pay for the apartment and bringing up my children in it through the years, I will leave behind much memories. I had looked forward to the MRT under constructions, but when this is ready, I would not be around here. However, I hope that I will have convenient access here again from wherever I will move to, to continue with my services to the church.
I will no doubt, post updates in this blog on the progress of the en bloc sale.
Till then...
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