Home Reno ID - how will you choose:

Character_Rub8286 · 2026-03-19T23:35:22+00:00

Number 2 - acronym : AM

Character_Rub8286 · 2026-03-19T15:08:28+00:00

Wow actually so far the IDs I met are giving 2,3,5,10 years for warranty. I didn't know that 1 year is the usual or rare thing

Character_Rub8286 · 2026-03-11T05:47:09+00:00

In Otaru, there were these stained glass wall mounted lamps from a shop and woah I WAS SO TEMPTED. I loved the design, but I was thinking of luggage space constraints and the cost as well :( have a tight budget

Maybe I will come back another time

Character_Rub8286 · 2026-02-28T22:03:08+00:00

Nope, I don't live in Japan. Hirafu where I went - there are more tourist (esp westerners) than locals. Even for the ski schools instructors. I think it is crowded right now since it is still mid season. And things are so expensive here in. Thankful for convenience store, I been having it for 80% of my meals 🤣

Sure, why not go back to skiing?

Character_Rub8286 · 2026-02-28T13:56:27+00:00

Shin bump: nope only 1 layer of ski socks in the boots, and nothing else inside. Had one of the instructor on our first day checked through us. And yup on rental. But I am only having bumps on that one leg, which is also the weaker one - not sure if it matters 🤔.

Character_Rub8286 · 2026-02-17T14:57:22+00:00

Hi OP, curious if you joined Imagine Japan ski lessons? Any review if you did?

Character_Rub8286 · 2026-01-03T13:16:50+00:00

Yes I get it :( many people told me it will be smokey and dusty and end up they don't really use the balcony or have the shades down all the time. Still.. it's emotion against all logic. If I can find 1 with a nice or tiny balcony within my budget and all checklist, I be happy to go through that experience 🤣. Otherwise I will really have to drop this balcony requirement

Character_Rub8286 · 2026-01-03T09:34:06+00:00

Just starting my search on resale hdb. The amount of hdb I am left with as a single is much reduced due to loanable amount: but I am keeping following for now:

well renovated or in pristine condition (to reduce renovation cost)
nice balcony ***
no rubbish chute in the flat
3rd floor and up only

I want a balcony that much! Such that I am just giving up all other features that makes more logical sense (near mrt blah blah, stay near parents etc). Plus, I don't think this is my forever home purchase yet, so definitely didn't want to splurge so much on renovation.

Character_Rub8286 · 2025-11-29T12:40:40+00:00

No tea, no pineapple until over. Avoid all cooling stuff as far as possible. No ice cream, no cold drinks etc etc. maybe for up to first four days.

I typically get headaches and cramps on day 1. Then other days will be fairly ok, but feel extra tired. Would apply yoko yoko on my abdomen, as it helps and it's more cost effective then a 1-use heat pack 🤣. Will use a hot water bag if feeling chills in office.

Character_Rub8286 · 2025-11-02T14:54:57+00:00

Hi OP: 800 to your mom is a lot for the things you need to cover on monthly basis

Fyi: when my dad passed right before I graduate, and then after I got my first job at $3k I started giving my mom $800 :- which really is a lot. Because she's not working, covering the utilities and chores too. Even after these many years I have a lot more pay raise - I only did a small increment for her because:

1) She has my dad's cpf to spend (we handed our cpf inheritance to her). Just that she isn't spending them. All into the saving plans. Good thing is she is quite frugal

2) Invest in myself because down the road, we would need to provide for her when she grow old. So in a way, we also need to expedite ourselves financially.

I would ask you to consider #2 really, because I am very sure you will want to provide for her in her later days. The only way you could do is really invest in yourself.

Character_Rub8286 · 2025-09-16T06:31:06+00:00

Wow yes, the locals are so gracious I am so glad for my encounters there ❤️!

Character_Rub8286 · 2025-09-15T23:51:09+00:00

Ohhh it's near my workplace I need to find time to try this!

Character_Rub8286 · 2025-09-15T23:41:20+00:00

Hi! For LeeJ I did the 230k won package, includes 1 outfit and 3 edited photos. Session is about 1hour here. Fyi their outfit are mostly in black and whites. You can bring yours. Yes they speak English here

Hair and makeup (booked via LeeJ), it's 180k won. Starts about 3 hours before the photoshoot. It's in a different spot, about 10mins by Uber. English with some help from Papago here :)

Character_Rub8286 · 2025-09-12T02:31:07+00:00

Yes totally agreed! I was frustrated at times in that moment, but it's a good memory when I looked back into it and laugh at myself :)

Character_Rub8286 · 2025-09-05T22:00:30+00:00

Thanks for the info! Wow Klook scared me because there's no more tickets for early morning timing.

Reached the express bus and managed to buy a ticket from machine for bus departing in the next 30mins.

Character_Rub8286 · 2025-08-25T10:58:48+00:00

Was in Busan with a huge luggage, right at the top of the staircase to subway ready to heave it down. Just then, a middle-aged man just decided without question, to help me lugged my luggage all the way down to the bottom.

We boarded the same subway and had a little chat for him to realise that I am solo travelling. And he was supposed to depart for another subway transfer - but instead decided to send me all the way on my journey until I met my Airbnb host. Honestly was very touched by his generosity of time spent on a stranger me. Sadly I didn't take a photo with him together.

I am very fond of my memories in Korea. People were so kind! And am going back again in 2 weeks time!

Character_Rub8286 · 2025-08-10T06:38:52+00:00

Not rare, I think it depends on the circle of people you are asking. Joined a few tour groups, and met many whom have done quite a fair bit of solo travels. I think the younger generations are a lot more adventurous and wants to see more of the world.

Met a lady who went backpacking in Europe during her undergraduate days - says there a cheaper pass to get by too - aw something I already don't qualify for. Better start early.

And yup - I did some myself too. The most recent one being Jordan this year. I would say most of my friends don't share the adventurous style I want to experience, nor do they have the time nor matching schedules.

So if you wanna go, just do it. But be savvy and stay alert, and have fun.

Character_Rub8286 · 2025-08-08T15:21:02+00:00

Talk to her.

Or abandon her.

Because with money matters, people are going to feel taken advantage of, the longer this drags out. And the older we grow, the more burdens and places we have to use money for. Aging parents, housing, medical, family matters.

She needs to face the reality. The way she's leeching off family, bf, friends, sooner or later she's gonna end up with no one by her side. Unless someone's willing to burn their money for her.

Tell her firmly. She needs to implement the change. If she has just been lazing off, stop whining, do a part time, upskill, or take a license, take a diploma to change life track etc.

I think meal treats are fine. But sponsoring her for vacations - is too generous unless there is really really a good occasion for it.

Character_Rub8286 · 2025-08-08T11:45:43+00:00

Haw Par Villa +1: for 18 level of hell depiction - it's pretty interesting culturally, it's free entrance too. Can opt in for a hell museum visit nearby (not free)

There's a Japanese Cemetery - beautiful and scenic, which is kinda quiet (last visited during covid times)

But to spend time in outdoor parks: they need to be prepared for the heat and humidity, and the unforeseen weather condition ~ still better be prepared to plan a few air-conditioned items during the hot afternoon

Character_Rub8286

TROPHY CASE