Dotty December

Today's the last day of December; 2022 will end in about three and a half hours.  Work has been crazy busy as usual.  I wish I can do less work so that I have more time to think.  I've been wanting to explore how to use App Sheets and be able to create my own apps.  But I just haven't got the chance to do so just yet, even yesterday night I was still submitting tickets for new user ID creations. 

Work Never Ends - Galaxy Note 9

But the good things that have happened so far, I got 30% of the 13th month bonus (which alleviates the pain of returning Klook's sign-on bonus and paying off my notice period).  And I also finally got to enjoy a short break to Batam, my first leave in 3 months.  

My First "Overseas" Trip Since Feb 2020 - RX100 Mk3

On a more sombre note, Linc finally got posted to New Town Secondary School.  At least that gives closure to his horrible PSLE journey.  I couldn't help but felt disappointed when I went to the school to collect his text books and uniform.  But I guess, there's a lesson for him to learn.  As my JC principal Mrs. Belinda Charles once said, "we are where we are for a reason".  I hope Lincoln will find his reasons to be there soon.

The highlight of December is surely my Batam Trip.  It's my first real holiday since Feb 2020.  I really looked forward to it as that was my 1st break too this year.  I needed the break badly as work was really overwhelming and made me felt burned out.

Onboard Horizon Fast Ferry - RX100 Mk3

As the rooms in the hotel were all fully booked, we stayed in my father's shophouse in Harbour Bay complex.  We arrived at around late afternoon in Batam, had a quick dinner at Grand Batam Mall, followed by a massage trip to Reborn in Batam City Square.

Our Zippy Ride in Batam - Galaxy Note 9

Satisfied My Pempek Craving At Last - Galaxy Note 9

Waiting For Massage - RX100 Mk3

We finished quite late at almost 11 and just slept the moment we returned to my father's shophouse.  

On the following day, we woke up at around 9 in the morning.  It was a very good almost 9 hour sleep which I haven't had in a very long time.  

The first order of the day was to visit the bank as I had to exchange my old ATM card for a new one, so that I can withdraw cash. 

Waiting For My Turn At The Bank - Galaxy Note 9

After we settled the card matter, we went for breakfast in one of my favourite noodle haunts: Bakmie Harum.  The cook and her husband still remember us, even after all this while.  

First Noodle Meal in Batam - Galaxy Note 9

After that, we went to the hotel where I met the new staff and got a briefing of the new operating situation.  Of all staff, only 3 original members remain.  The other 37 are all new.  After talking with them, Linc and I explored Harbour Bay's newly opened seaside area called "The Promenade" while Lindsay and the missus were at a hair salon. 

Exploring The Promenade - Galaxy Note 9

A Passenger Ferry Anchored Near The Promenade - RX100 Mk3   

The area is really very nice, especially at night when the lightings come alive place accompanied with live music performances.   

The Promenade at Night - Galaxy Note 9

After the missus and Lindsay were done, we brought the kids to a cat cafe where they had a good time playing with the cats.  These cats were more active than the ones in Bugis.

He's The Boss Cat - Galaxy Note 9

Kids So Excited - Galaxy Note 9

Lindsay With The Cats - Galaxy Note 9

Linc Too - Galaxy Note 9

Friendly Cat - RX100 Mk3

Moustached Cat - RX100 Mk3

1st Floor Cafe Area - RX100 Mk3

Cute Murals - RX100 Mk3

Good Cat Friends - RX100 Mk3

We went to Grand Batam Mall again for dinner and for the kids to play in the arcade before finally calling it a day.

On the next day we went to a new complex called Nagoya Thamrin City.  Oh how I wish that were mine for real.  Unfortunately I just share the same surname with the complex.

New Playground in Nagoya - Galaxy Note 9

Where We Had Our Breakfast - Galaxy Note 9

We had a simple breakfast before Lindsay and I dropped by a cafe nearby.  The coffee was just average at best although the cafe has nice vibes.

Waiting For Our Iced Mocha - Galaxy Note 9

Just Lindsay - RX100 Mk3

Pretty Looking Cafe - RX100 Mk3

We spent the afternoon just exploring around and finally returned to Grand Batam again, this time for pancakes as requested by Lindsay.

Waiting For Pancakes - RX100 Mk3

The following day, we returned to Singapore.  And the return trip was not without any drama itself.  Our ferry was delayed by a good 75 minutes.  We were supposed to arrive in Singapore at 8:30 p.m. but ended up arriving at 10:15 p.m.  

On the next day, I was still on leave, but that day was used to settle the kids' school matters.  On Wednesday, I was back at work in an almost empty office. 

2nd Last Day of Work - Galaxy Note 9

Anyway, 2022 is coming to an end.  I really hope 2023 will be a much kinder year to me.  

Here's a closing shot for this entry: 

Just Batam Harbour Hotel - RX100 Mk3

~ Photos Taken With Samsung Galaxy Note 9 & Sony RX100 Mk3 ~