Life For Rent

Some of you may know while the others won’t but in Dec last year I packed myself into a hotel room somewhere for 3 nights while I was preparing for a major exam. Yes thankfully I got through that although I haven’t applied for certification yet. Year end maybe.

I have been listening to the cd again quite a fair bit these nights. In particular, one track stands out as my favorite. Now, the hotel has this CD in every room and it is there for obvious raunchy reasons I reckon. Very good love making music if you ask me! That’s not what kept me occupied for 4 days though. I studied, very hard, really I did! Now I did find myself putting this track on repeat then and today I am back to it again.I love the beats, the rhythm (look, no vowels!) the vocals, the tune, the whole thing. It is a personal favorite, so much so when I checked out I asked if I could buy a copy of their in-house compilation and true enough I could. So I got it.

It takes me back to those days. A lot of memories indeed. It is just not the studying but the entire experience. It was also during that period that I got to meet someone

Sensual stuff. If you’d like to take a listen to it, just click on the play button on the right of the page, and take an intimate trip down memory lane with me.

Sweet.

After a 2 month hiatus, I am proud to say that I have settled down pretty much where I’ve been working on for the past half a year. I am mostly pleased with how it looks like now and I’ve done a couple rounds of house invites with friends and family.

Since the day the workers moved in and revamped the entire apartment to what it is today, there’s always been something lacking. I couldn’t figure what it is and I’ve always thought maybe when I have moved in, and sunk into the new apartment it will all complete. I have been mulling over what it is and after 3 weeks of pondering and being in this dream-come-true apartment, I have come to realise what the missing part is. I have also realised, that this missing part will never be filled. Not in this apartment anyways. It is nothing physical, or imaginary. It is something however that no one can change, or fill the gap. Not me, not anyone. I have also come to realise a little more about myself. That is, I’m someone who’s strongly for the notion that only those who have sowed the seeds, qualify to enjoy the fruits.  A team spirit is fostered and nurtured when seeds are sowed together. Regardless of success or failure, it was a team effort and the result isn’t as important as the spirit that moved as one. Obviously, I am more emotional and sensitive that many can imagine, yet it is something that virtually no one has been able to grasp. Not that I needed anyone to anyway.

The journeys I have walked this year have brought me to many places in life. As I sit by and watch the world go on I’ve always pondered the what-ifs. What if I take a photo of someone who’s conscious of his or her eyebags and dark circles and make a joke out of it? Maybe I’ll do it on someone who’s conscious over his or her teeth. Maybe it is just me and my self-consciousness. Perhaps I should capture people’s insecurities, and make fun of it at the same time and see, if it is just me and if it is really that funny and amusing after all?

I was looking through my digicam and really, it has been eons since I last used it. I was also tagged by colleagues in the past on my facebook and it reminded me how much has changed in just 5-6 short years. To be fair, the same number of years can make someone literally unrecognizable. The same 5 years also took people away from us permanently. A stark reminder that mankind is of no match to time. The only way out, is to be friends with time.

Here are a few pictures that I have taken today. While I aint no perfect host, I hope everyone enjoyed their stay.

I raided Tangs yesterday and got away with plenty of good buys. Clothes aside, I got pillows, bed sheets, towels and a giant fat bolster that I’m sure it will be the favorite of almost everyone, but sorry I can’t share! Head down to Tangs for that giant bolster, it is $79 with a mere 10% discount but it was too nice for me to resist.

It is mighty exciting! Platforms have been built, and almost everything is already in place. Pictures (before and after) will be posted here, but will be protected and only those with the password can enter. Sorry, gotta screen through who sees it. I will be posting it up on facebook too, for a restricted list.

This posting talks about something I have been thinking about for the past 2 days.  As someone working in the information security realm, physical security is part of what we do too. That means, protecting my premises with a home security system. That said, before money is dumped in, a risk assessment (RA) needs to be done. After all, one MUST measure the risk (likelyhood) of an intruder, and potential loss.

So I did an RA of my own new crib, using a method known as Qualitative Analysis.

It identifies the risk, measures the likelyhood of it occurring, potential loss if the risk comes into fruition, and the cost of the countermeasure. The aim of the study is, should the countermeasure be put in place.

Here is a very simple example. Say you earn 30k a year. You decided to get insurance to protect your earnings (known as risk transfer). Would you spend 50k to protect 30k of earnings? Of course not! How bout 20k? Probably not. How bout 1k? Quite likely. If the cost of the countermeasure exceeds the potential loss, why even bother? It is a no brainer.

In my place, I have identified some risks of breakins:

- Main door (Very low risk)

- Living room window (Low risk)

- Kitchen (Low risk)

- Masterbed room (Medium risk, due to the structure of the exterior)

So the highest risk rating is medium.

Now it is time to measure the potential loss. I don’t keep very expensive stuff. Maybe some petty cash, couple TVs, laptops, that is about it. How likely is someone gonna cart TVs out of the window (if they broke in from the window, they can’t get out from the maindoor as it is padlocked and will take a lot of effort. It is not impossible though)? So if someone broke in, stole TVs and laptops, those are the only valuable items. The trick here is, how do you measure the net worth of the laptop? The cost of the hardware is negligible. Thousand bucks or so. It is the information that is stored on it that may cost a lot. Your identity. The thief has all the time to break into your passwords (if your laptop is not encrypted). The thief is likely to be able to access your email, MSN, face book etc. How many of you use the same passwords on multiple websites and applications. How many of you change your password REGULARLY? I highly doubt people do the latter. The potential loss based on that one laptop, can run real high.

Singapore is a relatively safe country, but low crime does not imply no crime. I do not work for the CIA or handle top secret info. There is no incentive for high tech robbers to come into my place. The odds are, if any at all, it will be petty thieves.

So let’s look at the countermeasures.

- Hom security (standalone) which includes motion sensors, magnetic contacts etc. This will cost around $800 but they literally last for a long time. That said, this is like keeping a dog, that doesn’t bark. If there is an intrusion how will I be notified? Sure the alarm will ring, the thief will run away and the whole neighbourhood will bear with the alarm till I get back?

- Home security hooked to a monitoring centre manned by humans. This will usually be a 3 year contract, and hardware is supplied free. Monitoring cost is estimated between 40-50 bucks a month, for at least 3 years. Do the math and you get a figure of just under 2k over 3 years.

So, what shall I do? Is it a go or no go? From a business point of view, probably not. However it is a home, where a peace of mind can be invaluable. The jury’s still out.

So if one does not install the countermeasure, what are the controls in place? Windows lock (sliding windows are terrible at proper security), locking up laptops when the premises is vacated. I do not have grills installed on my windows but when the windows are closed no one can tell if there are grills or not. So if a thief does not know if there is a grill (which makes entry a tad harder and longer
) he may decide to simply go for an easier target. By keeping the windows closed, this is called Security through Obscurity.

It is not possible to have windows always closed of course.

I have yet to make my decision. It is interesting to note, I have colleagues who have had a breakin. In a condo compound. On a high floor (mine is second story which elevates the risk). Do people only execute a countermeasure after the risk has been exploited? Funny isn’t it?

So there. If the potential loss is relatively low, the cost of countermeasure has to be adjusted alongside.

That’s Risk Assessment 101 for you. The very simple way of looking at things. Perhaps you can pick up a thing or two. What I do at work, is very much different.

My little research shows that while there is such thing as subluxation and there is evidence that spinal manipulation (when done correctly and by a qualified practitioner) can be useful for neck and back pains, there is no evidence to show it can cure symptoms such as allergies or sinus (for cervical region subluxation). This is important because some chiropractors may market their services as an indefinite way to treat and maintain one’s spinal misalignment. Treating is one thing, but is there a need for continuous care? Maybe not. I will refer this to my doctor who hopefully can shed more light into the misalignment of the spine and its effects on one’s health and well-being.

I did a visit to the unit as well as to collect my mail today. Decided to take a peek at how things look like. The hacking is done and I see the kitchen wall tiles going up already. The bathroom also has the wall titles up and the walls to be built have been constructed. My 2 areas of concerns remain. The balcony area and the tight space within the vanity area. I shall discuss this with those IDs who did not reply my sms earlier this weekend with regards to my email sent to them on the restrictions HDB has on platforms. grrr.

I haven’t been in a nice mood this whole entire weekend and I aint quite sure why. Very empty and all but my dear was with me and I feel blessed indeed.

A lookaround trip at IMM saw me visiting the bakmie stall at level 3. Noodles originating from indonesia was springy and flavorful. Try it!

There are loads of big things happening at work, with my pushing forward some of the plans that we have stalled for a bit. I seem to have a possible career opportunity but let’s see how it goes. Will head to dinner to talk about what I do at work and see if indeed I get the chance to spearhead things at this new place.

Meantime I’m listening to the tracks which I got to know from my stay at Scarlet Hotel. My favorite remains to be ‘Stars’ by Dubstar. It isn’t bosa nova kind but very mood inducing I must say. Something that’s vert apt for me right now. I have put music into the memories I have back at Scarlet and I look forward to heading back there again somehow perhaps. It was primarily a study retreat but it was there that I was given the chance to know someone who’s really great and I yearn to walk this journey with this person as my life long partner.

I probably will never need to hold another study retreat elsewhere after I have my own little pad.

Once that is out of the way, it is time for me to aim for my next challenge. I need things to move in a slightly different direction and with the right opportunity, I will be prepared to leave my comfort zone a little.Regardless, I’d like a future with my dear and that somehow we will always walk together. Through thick and thin. Through heat and chill. Through joy and sadness.

Sorry I have been away. Work has been busy and the house has been keeping my feet moving pretty much.

I can’t even remember where I left off previously but let’s summarise from today and backwards.

Was at Suntec’s audiohouse sale. Plenty of LED tv and stuff but despite walking around Toshiba and Samsung’s sets, nothing caught my eye. No hourly special interest me enough.  So I did what I would normally do. Walk. BUT not before I checked out the aircon section. Within 10 minutes I have settled and purchased an LG system 4 instead of a new mitsubishi set (which looked absolutely hideous that I know my mei mei will scold me for sure). You see, rach is not with me today but my darling did

So aircon done. I decided to head to best denki cause thanks to the Great Deals and LivingInSingapore info-filled emails and facebook fan pages (they do a great job in informing the best deals around and what’s happening everyday), I found out Best Denki is doing their 25 years anniversary celebration. So I trooped down to Plaza Singapura and as I parked my vehicle and walked into the building, it was right smack in front of me. Best Denki! It is hard to describe but you see, I had my parking lot just beside the stairs into the building and Best Denki was right there. I had a very good vibe that I will see what I like… it was calling out ‘Come to me… come to me..!’

I headed straight for the fridge section cause I know the prices extremely well and wanted to know how good a deal I will get. The SAME fridge that I wanted to buy for under 1000 bucks but is always listed 1388 everywhere, was going for 899 as a display set. ARRRRGH. I could have waited and I would have gotten what I want. Sigh. But never mind, I know how the benchmark the yellow sticker prices come with and headed straight to the TV section. I was determined to ‘dollar average’ to pick up a bargain or two to even things out.

There were many interesting prices tagged onto TV. I wanted a 32 inch for my room and a 46/47 for the living room. LCD.  I don’t bother looking at plasma cause I don’t want one and LEDs are too expensive although they dazzle me with the colours. I only wanted either Samsung LG or Toshiba brands. You see, I am very particular not only on the panel itself but the general look of the TV set. It has to be of a certain look. Want me to explain to you? Come over when I do a house warming and ask me about it! I’ll explain then.

I bought a Samsung 32 inch for my room, at the price I am confortable with and locked it in. Didn’t come with wall mount unfortunately. I had to hunt for my living room set and that’s where I had quite a dilemma. 42 inches were going at very good rates. But I wanted 46. It is quite hard to find a 46 at a good price… I could find 40s and 42s between 799-999 but just not a 46 at the right prices

I did however, ended up with the set that I want. I won’t say what brand it is. Swing by my house warming! Price wise, original $6999, sale at $4399, I bought it at $2999.

That’s all for today!

Last week I was at the mega IT show at Expo and I got my washer and fridge. Aircon prices and TV sets didn’t interest me much. Rather, they didn’t call out to me… I look out for things hanging there that calls out to me, ‘buy me… buy me!’ kinda thing. Sounds silly? Sure is. It is one of the ways I decide on stuff. What I can say is, the most glittery gold may not necessarily attract my attention.

My credit card looks seriously worn out now I swear!

Let’s take a look at the renovation side. I am not sure if I spoke bout it but we did go around and did our lighting and curtain and fixture shopping. All that is left is my shower head and oven, and my sofa set. The hacking was done and completed this past week within 3 days (as stipulated). Next week will see the carpentry work in the kitchen go up. I will be heading out with my IDs tomorrow for the last bit of shopping and to discuss on the minor details. Finally, I am able to downstream from the big picture to the small lil details. This means the entire process has gone to the next stage. Mei mei was saying how fast indeed this whole thing is going. Back in October last year we went around looking for a place. This year from end Feb till now, just seeing how everything comes together… it just feels soooo.. yesterday. Time passes very quickly indeed! By early May everything will be done. I have arranged the aircon guys to do the piping on one day, while delivery for all my appliances will be set on May 15th. I rather just spend my day there and have everyone deliver stuff over on the same day. The fridge, TVs, washer and the sofa (to be purchased) will all be done on the same day.

I have to pen off for now. Stick around as I describe more on what we are up to. Setting up a new first home, is no easy feat. However my motto in this is “do it once, do it right’.

Till the next update! Have a good weekend!

I have truly been ill beyond ill. The latest bout of sinusitis took a lot out of me even though it doesn’t show probably. No one knows how much I had to pant, how hard it is for me to control my voice and tone so that I don’t get into a coughing fit, how scared I am to cough cause my head is pounding every minute and it is just purely tiring to do so especially when being darn ill.

You know, I don’t know shit when it comes to interior designs which is why I hired one in the first place. mei mei aint no expert herself but what she has done was to offer suggestions, regardless of whether I like it or not. She sticks with me every inch of the way and while she does have a vested interest cause she is staying in the same unit ultimately, it is just funny how the whole thing goes and why loads of people always get the wrong idea with me and her. If she had her own place I know she’d want a place thought of together with her partner too. The way I feel right now is, it is me and her in OUR shag pad, with our other halfs as vsitors. Granted, her partner doesn’t have much bearing on decisions cause he would be a visitor at most, but why doesn’t someone see that I am trying to build a home of sorts with the person in mind too. It isn’t about ‘it is my house so I have the final say anyway’ but it is the process of building my first home. My first home. Does anyone have any idea, how many exes of mine have begged literally, to set up my own place knowing I am always open to suggestions cause it isn’t just about me, but it was about us.

Even though mei mei is with me every inch of the way as she has always been, I felt alone. Very alone. The way we sit, the way we talk, the way we discuss and bargain with people, no one will ever think we aint a married couple. I don’t take issue with that per se, but I felt alone. It actually hurts sometimes, but I have been too ill to think about it much of late where even my sense of smell and taste are numb to the core.

I wish I could walk down this path of building my first home together (knowing we will probably never ever have one of our own, be it by choice or by circumstances) but that remains as a fat wish. I’ll get used to walking this journey alone with mei mei.

If there is ONE thing, ONE thing that I know what I want in this whole house building, it is not for the someone to brain storm for me. It is to walk with me. I don’t know anything about what I want in the whole process (you can ask rach mei mei) but the one thing I know I want, I know it is not what I can get. Many a times this whole process wears me down so much cause when I look at designs I look at it not only based on what I like, what my wallet can offer, but also how feasible and how the other would like. Down to the details of the storage area. By taking the latter out of the equation perhaps, it will be a lot easier.

I have not had appetite the entire day, feeling worse than yesterday cause I couldn’t sleep the entire night (and I don’t quite know why either) but I am gonna down some chocolate as food for the night before popping my antibiotics down.

PS – I am not even gonna do the guestroom to the best of my ability. I was smsing during the day and talking to rach bout what she said bout leasing the room out to him. Heck.  Even the housemate’s boyfriend asked for computer table so that he can play games while he is over. I don’t even hear of what mine would like and fancy. An extra power point for another laptop so that cables don’t need to run all over the place? Perhaps a suggestion on the type of lighting? Or maybe, a color theme on what’s comfortable to his eyes? Nil. These are things I think about when I look at stuff too, knowing he will probably go ‘I am fine with anything’ cause he is used to this run down room or that run down place. Does it make any sense, that this is not a rented room, or house? That this, for ONCE, is a home to be? I’ve been wondering why I don’t seem to gather any interest at all from him. That just cause one may have zero possible output or suggestions to make and that I am in good hands anyway, imply that it will not be time put into productive use? The only conclusion is, while Rach is thoroughly unhappy where she is and is dying to head out and while I am not utterly miserable per se but still want my own pad, perhaps he just likes where he is, who he is with, status quo. That’s all I can conclude.

Why do I even bother so much. We’ll just stay in separate districts and let everything DIE a natural DEATH eventually. So much for thinking for two. pui! This whole thinking for two thing is probably something said by fricking day-dreamers.