Farewell to the VJ Gang

Met up with the VJ gang at parkway today, probably going to be a while before I'm at parkway. We had a crappy new year's eve set lunch, which came with a main course of steak which could bounce on the floor if you dropped it.

Next, we visited our usual haunt at level 10 Parkway Builders to engage in the favourite past time of children who never grow up. As John shows, class is permanent. HA-HA.

Dinner was spent at Roxy Square with our favourite Ban Mian auntie. It reminded me how quickly time passes, as it's been 6 years since we first ate from them. Really getting old man. As usual, Kee Sian went Kee Siao playing hold 'em, but I think he still afforded the bus ride home. :P

45 minutes to 2009, guess it's time to start making a couple of new year resolutions.

US Visa Approved! Luggage Bought!

Went to the US embassy this morning to settle my Visa. Suprisingly, the staff were extremely efficient and professional. However, the following items in my bag were detained at the security counter.

1) A stapler
2) A computer mouse
3) A camera
4) A handphone.

But overall, it was a quick and efficient process!

Next, I went to get my luggage. I walked Tangs, Lucky Plaza, John Littles, Isetan and Metro... And finally decided on this baby from Tangs!


Confirmed my flight for the 8th, then received news from Merrill that I got selected to attend Superday... which had to fall on the 8th of all days.

Scrambling to see what I can do now.. urgh!

Applying for a Visa

Applying for an American Visa, is one major pain. These are the checklist requirements they need.

1) Cashier's Order of SGD$183.40.
2) Proof of payment of SEVIS fee. (Some really random and expensive fee)
3) Appointment Confirmation Letter
4) All Passports for the last 10 years.
5) DS 156, DS 157, and DS 158 forms, all completed and signed.
6) DS 2019 form
7) A passport size photograph
8) Proof of Finance

What more, the application time is at a random 10.45 in the morning because the embassy only serves US citizens in the afternoon. (WOW). In addition, the appointment letter is 3 pages long with stuff such as

a) Please do not bring large bags.
b) Food and cell phones are not permitted inside the building.
c) Only the primary applicant is allowed in the building.
d) There will be no parking at the embassy.
e) A whole list of photograph requirements.

And last but not least..."Please do not arrive early as you will not be allowed to queue up prior to your scheduled appointment time. Your appointment time is when you will be allowed to queue up to begin the application process".

Wow wouldn't you be excited to travel through airport security...

Preparations for Exchange (1)

The clock heading towards exchange keeps ticking, and each day I'm crossing out days before the 8th of January.

Spent the whole of yesterday shopping for clothes in Vivocity but I didn't find much. Only a shirt and a pullover!

Today I bought a huge pile of toiletries from Watsons which should last me for the 4 months that I will be in LA.

Also bought a new sweater, which was pretty nice!! Seems like the expenditure has started even before the flight!

Happy holidays everybody!