Both the old cat and I did not bother too much about car insurance until Thursday when Lake View came back to inform us of the insurance rates. The cheapest was AIG, priced at $1,852.72, followed by China Insurance at $1,888.08. Manz, and I had thought that it would cost around $1,500... We hurriedly did some reseach on the Internet and found some other companies. I asked Lake View to help us check out the insurance rates for Liberty and EQ. Somehow, I was under the impression that the dealer was supposed to settle everything. Well, apparently not, because Joyce (the lady from LV who was in-charged of insurance application) told me that they do not sell motor insurance for Liberty and EQ, but she can help me to check out the rates anyway.
That got me thinking... wouldn't it be better if I source for the insurance by myself? The rates would probably be cheaper since there will be no commission cost added into the price. Impatient me could not wait. I did some quick research and called MSIG on Thursday evening to request for a quotation. I read reviews online and it seems that this company has quite a number of positive reviews. That night, both of us stayed glued to the Internet, checking out car forums for reviews on motor insurance companies.
The next morning, I called MSIG to chase for the quotation. Wow, it only costs $1,460.43!!!!!! That is at least $400 cheaper than AIG and China Insurance!! Barely 5 mins later, our dealer, G, called us and asked if we decide to source for motor insurance by ourselves. I said yes. He then told me that I have to bring along the motor insurance certificate the next day, else I cannot collect the vehicle! Liew!!!! I didn't know that!!!
I called MSIG again and asked the person to email me the application form. I forwarded it to the old cat and asked him to quickly fill it up. The next half hour was spent answering phone calls from the dealer and the old cat. I quickly applied for urgent half day leave and rushed down to Shenton Way to the MSIG office. Phew, I finally got it settled and got the certificate! Feeling happy and relieved that its finally settled, I went home.
At 4.45pm, the dealer called me again, this time asking me if the certificate has his company name stated there. Liew!! Don't have! He said nevermind, I can still collect the car on Saturday, but I have to get MSIG to include that in somewhere on the cert and have it endorsed with the company stamp. Since MSIG closes at 5.30pm, there was still a bit of time. I called MSIG immediately and requested that they do the amendment on the same day and email it to me so that I can have it printed out. Phew, finally had it settled by 5.15pm! Yay! I am so happy that we have gotten a better insurance deal and I can finally collect my car!
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
STA Evaluation
The car was sent for STA evaluation yesterday and it is certified Grade A! Haha, we must thank The EL for helping us select this car. Honestly, if it were graded as B, which is also considered as not bad, I think I would want to reconsider our choice. I'm so happy that luck is on our side! And I was in such a good mood that I had problem sleeping last night! Yay, we will be collecting the car this Saturday afternoon. This Saturday will be a busy day. I have yoga in the morning, then rush home for my appt with our GE insurance agent, then wait for The EL to knock off after 3pm to collect the car together. This Saturday will also mark the last time I am ever borrowing Mum's car (yay!). No choice since I have yoga in the morning. I hope she doesn't play me out, lol.
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
We bought a car
I spent most of yesterday smsing back and forth between The EL (aka father) and 2 car dealers, while at the same time skyping the old cat about price. The EL and old cat are determined to get the best price, so I was caught in the middle. We were liaising the price for a silver and dark green Nissan Sunny. The silver Sunny is in very good condition, only need to do alignment and wheel balancing. The dark green is also good, but the silver is better lah. I personally prefer the silver cos I don't really like dark green, but it is more expensive. But in the evening, The EL gave me the green light to buy the silver one!
Although the silver one is more expensive, the 4 tyres are very good, whereas for the dark green, the 4 tyres need to be replaced and even though the dealer promised to replace 4 tyres for us free-of-charge, he cannot guarantee to give us good ones. The EL said if the replacement is not good (e.g. those that cost $60 each), there is a high possibility the tyre will burst when it hits a curb. Liew dangerous, better not. Then later I have to spend another $400 (avg to good ones cost about $100 each) to replace the tyres. So... if thats the case, since the silver costs only $400 more... might as well get it!
So the guy came down to our place last night to show us the documents and we paid the deposit. The EL and Mdm Yik came too, to help us check the documents, lol. So nice of them. Today, we will send the car for STA inspection. Actually we can collect it on Wednesday, but the old cat cannot take leave, haiz, so we have to wait till Saturday. Yay I will be able to drive to work from next Monday onwards! Thanks Old Cat!!!!
Although the silver one is more expensive, the 4 tyres are very good, whereas for the dark green, the 4 tyres need to be replaced and even though the dealer promised to replace 4 tyres for us free-of-charge, he cannot guarantee to give us good ones. The EL said if the replacement is not good (e.g. those that cost $60 each), there is a high possibility the tyre will burst when it hits a curb. Liew dangerous, better not. Then later I have to spend another $400 (avg to good ones cost about $100 each) to replace the tyres. So... if thats the case, since the silver costs only $400 more... might as well get it!
So the guy came down to our place last night to show us the documents and we paid the deposit. The EL and Mdm Yik came too, to help us check the documents, lol. So nice of them. Today, we will send the car for STA inspection. Actually we can collect it on Wednesday, but the old cat cannot take leave, haiz, so we have to wait till Saturday. Yay I will be able to drive to work from next Monday onwards! Thanks Old Cat!!!!
First time shopping for a car
I have always liked driving. Even as a kid, I used to play Daytona whenever I went to arcades. The time has come when I decided that I have enough of the inconvenience of not having a freaking car. I managed to psycho the old cat to get an OPC car, then after much consideration, we decided to get a normal everyday use car instead.
We will be getting a 2nd hand car for now, cos wanna change to a new car only in 2014. We have initially agreed to purchase a car only end of next year since want to carry out Plan B. So what prompted this sudden decision to bring forward the plan? Correction. We are only bringing forward the plan to buy a car, not Plan B, lol.
1. Even though The EL has 2 cars, I have to share with Mdm Yik, and our schedule clashes more often than not. I am tired of compromising.
2. The journey to Hotberry is tedious. It is 3 hours to and fro and I hate going there cos of that. I usually will not go when the car is not available. Getting a car will make things easier though... I still don't like to go.
3. I am sick of cabbing and I hate watching the meter jumping every few seconds. Cabbing on rainy days is a chore. More often than not, calling for cabs doesn't work.
4. I am tired of going to far places without a freaking car. Its a waste of time.
5. If we get an OPC, how am I going to get to work when I am expecting (in future)? I have to take cab (no way am I going to queue under the hot sun for the shuttle bus), and cab fare a month amounts up to $500 at least. If I am going to pay that amount on cab fare, I might as well buy a normal everyday use car?
So I gathered up my guts and told the EL about our plan. We want him to come along when we go car shopping since he is the expert in this area. Boy, he is really good!
Yesterday after church, together with The EL and Mdm Yik, we went car shopping at Ubi. We are very impressed with The EL. All he did was to open the car's bonnet and one look at the interior, he could point out at least 5 points about the car (e.g. this one good, that one not good) and the salesman cannot even deny! Mind you, its just ONE LOOK.
After that one look, he proceeded to dismantle certain parts to check the engine, and pointed out more points. He went around inspecting the cars, pointing out really minor flaws that we couldn't even see. He pressed hard down on the boot to test the spring, checked this, checked that, also don't know how he check. And then he bargained for the price. We decided to keep our mouths shut. Let the king of bargaining do the work. For parts that need to be replaced, he could even calculate out the individual parts to the salesman and get him to give further discount plus fix those parts for free.
The interesting thing is, just by testing the car, he was able to tell what kind of person the car owner was. E.g. The owner has no passion for cars, only needs a car for driving and thats it. Blah blah blah. Amazing!
We were very impressed!
Anyway, we are now in the negotiating process for 2 cars, both Nissan Sunnys. Not very fuel efficient, but the engine and parts are good. It is within our budget for now too. Hopefully we can get this car thing over and done with soon. I will be able to drive to work, no longer need to suffer air pollution in the morning!
We will be getting a 2nd hand car for now, cos wanna change to a new car only in 2014. We have initially agreed to purchase a car only end of next year since want to carry out Plan B. So what prompted this sudden decision to bring forward the plan? Correction. We are only bringing forward the plan to buy a car, not Plan B, lol.
1. Even though The EL has 2 cars, I have to share with Mdm Yik, and our schedule clashes more often than not. I am tired of compromising.
2. The journey to Hotberry is tedious. It is 3 hours to and fro and I hate going there cos of that. I usually will not go when the car is not available. Getting a car will make things easier though... I still don't like to go.
3. I am sick of cabbing and I hate watching the meter jumping every few seconds. Cabbing on rainy days is a chore. More often than not, calling for cabs doesn't work.
4. I am tired of going to far places without a freaking car. Its a waste of time.
5. If we get an OPC, how am I going to get to work when I am expecting (in future)? I have to take cab (no way am I going to queue under the hot sun for the shuttle bus), and cab fare a month amounts up to $500 at least. If I am going to pay that amount on cab fare, I might as well buy a normal everyday use car?
So I gathered up my guts and told the EL about our plan. We want him to come along when we go car shopping since he is the expert in this area. Boy, he is really good!
Yesterday after church, together with The EL and Mdm Yik, we went car shopping at Ubi. We are very impressed with The EL. All he did was to open the car's bonnet and one look at the interior, he could point out at least 5 points about the car (e.g. this one good, that one not good) and the salesman cannot even deny! Mind you, its just ONE LOOK.
After that one look, he proceeded to dismantle certain parts to check the engine, and pointed out more points. He went around inspecting the cars, pointing out really minor flaws that we couldn't even see. He pressed hard down on the boot to test the spring, checked this, checked that, also don't know how he check. And then he bargained for the price. We decided to keep our mouths shut. Let the king of bargaining do the work. For parts that need to be replaced, he could even calculate out the individual parts to the salesman and get him to give further discount plus fix those parts for free.
The interesting thing is, just by testing the car, he was able to tell what kind of person the car owner was. E.g. The owner has no passion for cars, only needs a car for driving and thats it. Blah blah blah. Amazing!
We were very impressed!
Anyway, we are now in the negotiating process for 2 cars, both Nissan Sunnys. Not very fuel efficient, but the engine and parts are good. It is within our budget for now too. Hopefully we can get this car thing over and done with soon. I will be able to drive to work, no longer need to suffer air pollution in the morning!
Monday, 23 March 2009
Home Living
The first week of Kitty's reservist training has gone by and I have survived pretty well haha. Kitty had Wednesday evening off as well. I met up with LYY on Tuesday evening and went for yoga on Thursday with Eve. On Friday, I went for Cardiolatino and.... skipped Jazz cos Kitty told me he would be booking out that night.
I have been thinking about getting the Osim uPapa for quite some time, but have never really got down to finding out more about the product. Since Kitty promised to get me one, I decided its time to take action and make good of his word. I thus went to Osim to try out the uPapa and yes, I like it, but the massage feature is not based on the traditional kind of kneading. More of pounding, lol. I decided to check out OTO, and was happy they have 2 types of back massagers - Power Back Plus and E-Bliss. The Power Back Plus is something like the uPapa, while the E-Bliss is based on traditional kneading massage. Haha, so I dragged the old cat to the OTO outlet after Cardiolatino and he bought it for me! Yay! No more backaches!
The purchase came with 2 free gifts too, the Neck Snuggler and Sweet Spot!
Since the old cat was so nice, I decided to be nice too. :)
I prepared dinner.
Stir Fried Beef with Spring Onions and Ginger:
Liver with Spring Onions and Ginger:
Sweet and Sour Pork:
Egg Tofu with Shimeiji Mushrooms:
I have been thinking about getting the Osim uPapa for quite some time, but have never really got down to finding out more about the product. Since Kitty promised to get me one, I decided its time to take action and make good of his word. I thus went to Osim to try out the uPapa and yes, I like it, but the massage feature is not based on the traditional kind of kneading. More of pounding, lol. I decided to check out OTO, and was happy they have 2 types of back massagers - Power Back Plus and E-Bliss. The Power Back Plus is something like the uPapa, while the E-Bliss is based on traditional kneading massage. Haha, so I dragged the old cat to the OTO outlet after Cardiolatino and he bought it for me! Yay! No more backaches!
The purchase came with 2 free gifts too, the Neck Snuggler and Sweet Spot!
Since the old cat was so nice, I decided to be nice too. :)
I prepared dinner.
Stir Fried Beef with Spring Onions and Ginger:
Liver with Spring Onions and Ginger:
Sweet and Sour Pork:
Egg Tofu with Shimeiji Mushrooms:
Woke up on Sunday feeling shitty with all the bodyaches and the old cat forced a thermometer into my mouth. Ok, I got a fever. I was literally glued to the bed until the old cat forced me to see a doctor at Jurong Point. I hate it whenever I am diagnosed with gastric flu. It really makes one feel like shit. Its like "want to die yet cannot die", lol. I was a whiny patient, and every "meeee" brings the old cat immediately to the bedside. Couldn't eat much. At night, the old cat fed me some milo from a teaspoon and some grapes. 20 mins later, I threw up everything. I wonder how a few teaspoons of milo can result in a whole bagful of errr... puke. Old cat had to change the bedsheets since a bit kana the quilt cover, yucks. Since I was in such a pathetic state, he called his CO and requested to book in on Monday morning instead of Sunday night. Poor thing had to clear up the mess I created. I had intended to try out making chawanmushi since I already bought the ingredients on Friday night, but since I was sick... the old cat did it on my behalf haha! Surprisingly it turned out quite well! Poor old cat, by the time he finished clearing up everything, it was almost midnight, and he had to wash the dishes and pack his camp stuff. Think it was close to 2am by the time he got to bed? Poor thing had to get up so freaking early (5am) to return to camp too!
The old cat went for his IPPT during his reservist. Everyone had to go through the IPPT together. Surprisingly, he passed and got $100! According to him, he was 4 secs short of getting silver! I told him to try again before his window closes, aim for $200, wahahahahhaa!
Do you believe in eating according to your blood type? "According to Dr. Peter DÁdamo, author of Eat Right For Your Type, a chemical reaction occurs between your blood and the foods you eat. This reaction is part of your genetic inheritance. This reaction is caused by a factor called Lectins. Lectins, abundant and diverse proteins found in foods, have agglutinating properties that affect your blood. So when you eat a food containing protein lectins that are incompatible with your blood type antigen, the lectins target an organ or bodily system and begin to agglutinate blood cells in that area." Anyway, according to both the old cat and my blood type, olive oil is supposed to be very good for us while canola oil is not. As such, I dumped the bottle of canola cooking oil and bought a bottle of Bertolli Extra Light Olive Oil for my cooking, haha! Cheers to a healthier liftstyle!
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Not A Good Day
22 Mar 09 - Today hasn't been the best of days. Her Royal Majesty is down with gastric flu, and has alternated between feeling dizzy and nauseous throughout the day.
She started the morning with a mysterious queasiness in her stomach, which progressed to body aches, a slight fever, and an inclination to vomit. As she lay tossing and turning, I decided that she was in no shape to attend worship services today.
I then went online and found out that there was a clinic at Jurong Point that was open today. We made our way there, and found the waiting room almost fully packed. This was a doctor with rare business acumen, having had the sense to operate when all the rest of the competing clinics were closed. The doctor was bald, and dressed in a polo tshirt with jeans. Dress Down Sunday I suppose.
Back home, Her Royal Majesty lay in a semi-comatose state while I fed her with porridge and tried to ensure that she was as comfortable as possible. She swallowed her pills and finally managed to go to sleep at about 5pm.
Two hours later, Her Royal Majesty decided that her plans for chawamushi would proceed as planned. Except that I, the publicly acknowledged culinary idiot, would be the one cooking it. Undeterred, she duly pointed me to the recipe, which was reasonably straightforward.
Fortunately, the steps were very much fool proof, and the results were still acceptable:
Her Royal Majesty was still suffering from a lack of appetite and called for some grapes and Milo for her dinner. Even then, she could only finish half of the portion that I gave her.
I then tucked her into bed, and fed her her medication. She responded by throwing up the entire contents of what she had consumed during the day. I was extremely thankful that I had prepared a fairly large plastic bag just in case this happened.
On the brighter side, Her Royal Majesty felt slightly better after barfing, and was strong enough to take her shower. I helped her to bed again. This time round, she slept soundly.
Take care my dear, I will check on you again. Even though I may be running around in the forests of Lim Chu Kang.
Miss you.
She started the morning with a mysterious queasiness in her stomach, which progressed to body aches, a slight fever, and an inclination to vomit. As she lay tossing and turning, I decided that she was in no shape to attend worship services today.
I then went online and found out that there was a clinic at Jurong Point that was open today. We made our way there, and found the waiting room almost fully packed. This was a doctor with rare business acumen, having had the sense to operate when all the rest of the competing clinics were closed. The doctor was bald, and dressed in a polo tshirt with jeans. Dress Down Sunday I suppose.
Back home, Her Royal Majesty lay in a semi-comatose state while I fed her with porridge and tried to ensure that she was as comfortable as possible. She swallowed her pills and finally managed to go to sleep at about 5pm.
Two hours later, Her Royal Majesty decided that her plans for chawamushi would proceed as planned. Except that I, the publicly acknowledged culinary idiot, would be the one cooking it. Undeterred, she duly pointed me to the recipe, which was reasonably straightforward.
Fortunately, the steps were very much fool proof, and the results were still acceptable:
Her Royal Majesty was still suffering from a lack of appetite and called for some grapes and Milo for her dinner. Even then, she could only finish half of the portion that I gave her.
I then tucked her into bed, and fed her her medication. She responded by throwing up the entire contents of what she had consumed during the day. I was extremely thankful that I had prepared a fairly large plastic bag just in case this happened.
On the brighter side, Her Royal Majesty felt slightly better after barfing, and was strong enough to take her shower. I helped her to bed again. This time round, she slept soundly.
Take care my dear, I will check on you again. Even though I may be running around in the forests of Lim Chu Kang.
Miss you.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Protection for our dining table at last
There is this love-hate relationship we face with our dining table. As much as we love our dining table cos its beautiful and looks cool, it is freaking good at attracting dust and within 2 hours after cleaning it, you can see fine specks of dust on it. And cos it is black, you can see the layer of dust lagi more clearly! Thats not the worse thing. As it has a glass table top, it gets scratched easily. Now already kana one scratch. Very heartpain cos this stupid table is one of pricier piece of furniture in the house apart from the sofa.
At first, we bought place mats to put on the table to minimise dust visibility and scratches. However, the whole thing looks ugly. The table looks best without anything but a centerpiece like this:
We have sourced high and low for transparent table covers but couldn't find anything suitable. I was actually wondering if they sell screen protectors in large sizes, lol.
Everytime we have guests, I worry whether our table will get scratched by accident, not to mention Kitty has to polish it with the glass cleaner cos our guests never fail to leave some memories of their prescence behind - hand and/or fingerprints. Because of the same reason, we always put newspapers over the tabletop whenever we dine there (very seldom though). Use already just throw, haha. In fact, since Chinese New Year, the newspapers have been placed on the tabletop permanently. It looks UGLY with a capital U!
I finally got sick of seeing our beautiful table being covered up and suggested to Kitty the next best alternative to screen protectors - book cover. Wahahahahaha! We went to Popular to shop for those transparent book covers and were pleasantly surprised to see that they sell "Table Top Covering" too! They look exactly the same as book covers except they are thicker.
Now our table looks like this:
Ok, still not nice, but better than newspapers right???? Plus, its easier to clean (just wipe with a damp cloth) and can prevent scratches!
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