Spend Within Your Means

I am in awe to learn how much my brother has saved.

He is a fixed income earner and yet he can save more than 100K.

This is quite unbelievable!

Had a small talk with him and I really opened my eyes wide in astonishment.

He doesn't drink or smoke. He doesn't spur on food.

He finds out information on which bank has the highest interest rate, he deals with blue chips, bonds and stocks...

He eats and works at the same time and he is very healthy.

His hobbies are making money and upgrading his car. He just bought a mercedes recently.

He said that he could save up even more if he didn't spend on holiday tours and branded bags for his wife. (eyes popping)

I put across this question to him.

"You are a fixed income earner and it is really amazing to know that you save so much every month."

No doubt he earns half as much as a Financial manager(based on someone whom I know) , he is the highest paid member in my family, still I don't understand how he could still save up so much.

Of course he won't tell me too much and he isn't obliged to anyway.

Oh yes, his bonuses which he claimed are FAT... cos he is a high flyer.

I won't be like him and can't be like him as there are so many differences in other areas.

I have to be realistic and set attainable goals.

Every individual is different and we set our priorities differently.

The book says [Save up 10% of your salary].

The bank consultant says [Save up 20% of your salary].

Whatsoever, the most important thing is "Spend within your means".

Pillows

My mum barged into my room late last night looking for pillows that she could use it.

What about her own pillow?

She filled in too much cotton that made it too high and hard for her to sleep on.

She complained of headache and a stiff neck.

I let her have my pillow.

Tossed and turned in my sleep... Mum's pillow is really not comfy at all.

Told her in the morning and she said that she would take out some more cotton from her pillow...

I want to sleep better tonight...Need to wake up quite early tomorrow...Sighzzz..

Anyone knows where to get comfy pillows?

Past Blog Entries

I was reading some of my past blog entries, a year ago.

Some memories are good to remember and some I would give it a miss.

I am glad that some friends still stand by me and also glad to get to know some.

I happened to read my past entry about Christmas.

FM and I went cycling in 2009.

MK, FM and I went swimming in 2010. We had Macdonalds after that and had a nice time together.

In the evening, MK went to SL Christmas Party while both of us were invited to Aunt Carol's Christmas party.

Had a great time.

MK, maybe we can go for a cycle next time?

Cakes From Glace

Remember I blogged about my birthday cake last month?

The creamy strawberry cake was from Glace too.

I went to Chartis to pay my car insurance and road tax and along the way, I dropped by Glace at Icon, Gopeng Street.

I went to get these cakes, Tiramisu Green Tea and Banana Chocolate respectively.

The verdict is...the strawberry cake is still the best among the three.

Amazingly, the cake isn't that expensive for such a delicately made Japanese pastry.

MK, the fruit tart that we ate at Vivo was nice but expensive.

FM, once again cakes from Glace are still more delicious than your "Totally" chocolate which lasted 1 week in the fridge...

Not trying to be mean...hahahaha

Swimming

I am learning how to swim.

MK, FM and ML taught me some swimming tips.

Doc said that swimming is a good form of exercise.

I hate to bake under the sun as it will tan my face and skin and I like being fair.

I need to exercise and yet I worry about the sun.

I found a covered swimming pool at Sengkang Swimming Complex.

It has nice facilities and I have been there a few times and I really enjoyed my swim there.

FM has been telling me how great it is. She also shared with me how fun Bukit Batok Civil Club swimming pool too. Each time we go to Sengkang, she would bring it up and tell me how fun it is.

I would love to go to the one in Bukit Batok and FM is happy after each swim.. She loves sports and she said that she felt great after each swim though it could be tiring.

So what if there isn't a covered swim pool at Bukit Batok...you can't hope for the best of both worlds...I am quite prepared because I bought sunscreen lotion and I use all times before swim...Maybe we shall go one day if there is an opportunity.

The first swimming experience, I felt tingling burnt sensation and I walked back with my swimsuit beneath my shirt and pants...dripping well...

Now I learnt better...I don't go home with my wet swimwear anymore...LOL

朋友重质不重量

I recently bought a very nice software in Challenger, a software that makes cards, banners, signs etc.

I used to play with them many many years ago and then I stopped using it completely cos I was so busy with work and opera.

I was at Nex Challenger when I saw this software and decided to buy it since Christmas was approaching.

My first project was to create Christmas Cards...

I experimented with my 1st Christmas card and decided to give it to MK.

My 1st Christmas card wasn't that well-made as the ink seemed to be fading...I don't know why...However it would be such a waste to dump it away and I believe MK isn't that wasteful type...She is quite a thrifty person..

Next I made Birthday cards for Ailian and Nancy. I met up with Ailian and her Hub for a steamboat belated Birthday dinner.

AL, FM and I celebrated our belated birthdays by eating steamboat. We exchanged gifts.. Nancy wanted to come but she had lessons that night so she didn't make it to the dinner.

I was so touched when AL gave me 3 types of gifts namely from the Batam trip, Birthday and Christmas... It is the thoughts that count!

When I was down seeing something that I wasn't supposed to see or know, she assures me that I am always her friend and she likes me as a good friend.

AL, I know I am too sensitive and I need time to overcome it. It might be quite hard initially but I believe I will learn to take it and leave it behind me. ;)

I made Christmas cards for ML, CM , FM and a Mr S.

I sent the card to Mr S. He is a very nice person and I always remember his kindness towards me when I was in such a bad shape. His encouraging words and acts really tide me across my difficulties in life. I still owe him a KOI...LOL

CM is a serious person but she helped me in one way or another.. At least she made me see the importance to save when I was really really trying to make ends meet.

Her words were [Save at least a $50 and never too late to start saving.]

I met up with her at Kovan last week and I gave her the Christmas card.

I remember giving out Christmas cards to KHers..cos we met up before Christmas in KH last year...But I don't get to see them this time, I don't get to see some other friends too due to one reason or other.

Bought an expensive software and only made less than 10 cards...seem underused, isn't it?

Initially I felt at a loss and a little sad... I told FM that I have so few friends.

She told me that it doesn't matter even if I have few friends but as long as they are true good friends, I should be contented and happy.

Her words comforted me and I felt so much better after that.

朋友重质不重量

It is so so true!

Butterfly Lovers Sung Differently

This is sung in Mandarin by Yueju artistes.

However I prefer Huang Hui's version than Zhao Zhigang's.



I still find Huang Hui more attractive. LOL