Draiky Stories: Little Things Count

Discover Singapore's Dogs and Cats Cafés: A Pet Lover's Guide

Are you an animal lover seeking a unique café experience in Singapore? Look no further! Discover the city's top dogs and cats cafés, where you can enjoy delicious treats while surrounded by adorable furry friends.

In the fast-paced urban landscape of Singapore, finding a place to relax and unwind can be challenging, especially for pet lovers who may not have the space or time to care for their own furry companions. Fortunately, dogs and cats cafés provide the perfect solution for those craving the company of pets without the commitment of ownership. These cafés offer a welcoming environment where visitors can interact with friendly dogs and cats while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea.

Meomi Cat Café:

Indulge in a purr-fectly charming experience at Meomi Cat Café, situated at 668 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188801. The café's operating hours may vary, so it's advisable to PM for reservations. Meomi Cat Café welcomes feline enthusiasts of all ages, with a few guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Children must be at least 7 years old with a photo ID (passport/student pass) for age verification, and those below the age of 13 should be accompanied by an adult. Immerse yourself in a world of whiskers and warmth at Meomi Cat Café.

What The Pug Dog Café:

Discover the delightful world of pugs at What The Pug Dog Cafe, located at 80 Haji Lane, Singapore 189271. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Closed on Mondays), this cozy spot offers an exclusive experience for pug enthusiasts. For just $25 per person from Tuesday to Friday, or $28 per person on Saturday and Sunday, guests can enjoy a 45-minute petting session, a complimentary drink, and a memorable polaroid photo. Remember, tickets can only be purchased via this website only, so book your spot today for a paws-itively wonderful time!

The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum:

For those who prefer reptilian companionship, The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum at 81 Lor Chencharu #01-16, Singapore 769198 is a must-visit destination. Home to a diverse array of turtles and tortoises, this unique museum offers an educational and enriching experience for visitors of all ages. Operating daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with the exception of Tuesdays, this museum warmly welcomes guests on all public holidays. However, do note that the last entry is at 5:40 pm.

For Singapore citizens and permanent residents, children aged 3 to 6 years enjoy entry for $6.00, while those aged 7 years and above are charged $10.00. Seniors aged 60 years and above are granted admission at a reduced rate of $6.00. Conversely, non-Singapore citizens and permanent residents encounter slightly higher fees: Children aged 3 to 6 years are required to pay $10.00, while individuals aged 7 years and above are charged $14.00 for entry.

The big benefit of visiting dogs and cats cafés in Singapore is the opportunity to experience the joy and companionship of animals in a relaxing setting. Whether you're a dog person, a cat person, or both, these cafés offer a unique and memorable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. So why wait? Plan your visit to a dogs and cats café today and indulge in the love and affection of furry friends!

Updated on 4 March 2024.

Reflections 2023

In 2023, I successfully tackled the challenge of learning the third piece for my piano exam in 2024. Although not flawless, the process seemed more efficient compared to my previous grade 5 exam. Unlike many, I prefer not to publicly share my New Year resolutions due to the fear of potential embarrassment if I fall short. However, I'm breaking that habit this year to set clear goals for 2024.

My primary objective is to achieve distinction in my grade 6 piano exam. Simultaneously, I aim to generate a monthly income from my online venture while implementing strategies to reduce my overall expenses. Additionally, I aspire to cultivate more confidence and positivity in my personal and professional life.

Reflecting on my travels in 2023, they were all within Malaysia. Highlights included a company trip to Malacca and a 9-day road trip spanning Johore Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Kuantan, Mersing, and Kulai. However, these experiences were marked by health challenges.

My legs and feet swelled, leading to a biopsy that revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Further complications arose, including blurry vision, attributed to dry eyes. Although initial suspicions pointed to rheumatoid arthritis, subsequent expensive blood tests yielded negative results. Despite this, my doctor suggests Sjogren's Syndrome may be the culprit and recommended a mouth biopsy, which I declined. The journey involved weeks of steroid treatment, with occasional setbacks, but overall, I'm on the path to recovery.

In the professional realm, a crisis unfolded in one of my projects at work. Though not my fault, it affected everyone, creating a chaotic atmosphere with agitated bosses and increased workloads.

Meanwhile, my mother faced a health scare with glaucoma, requiring urgent hospitalization. The situation added stress, as I couldn't take leave to care for her. Fortunately, her day surgery went smoothly, but complications arose from eye drops, causing high blood pressure. The ongoing concern prompted further hospital visits.

Amidst these challenges, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey with Keepsake Printable. A critical situation arose when I lost access to my website dashboard after updating plugins, causing panic. Resolving the issue required disabling all plugins and gradually reactivating them, a process that brought my site back to life. During the downtime, thoughts of migrating to Shopify to streamline operations crossed my mind, considering the time-consuming nature of crisis management and coding. As I weigh the pros and cons, the idea of concentrating on product creation and marketing gains appeal, making a platform shift a serious consideration for the future.

As I bid farewell to the rollercoaster that was 2023, I carry with me the lessons learned from the highs of musical achievements, the lows of health struggles, and the resilience discovered in navigating professional and entrepreneurial challenges. Looking ahead to 2024, I face the new year with a determination to conquer my piano exam, meet financial goals, and continue the journey of self-improvement. With each twist and turn, I find solace in the belief that every setback is an opportunity for growth, and every challenge is a stepping stone toward a brighter, more harmonious future. Here's to embracing the melody of possibilities in the upcoming chapters of my journey.

Free Expenses Tracker Excel

Check out my Free Expenses Tracker Excel – a system I've developed and improved over the years to help me keep tabs on my spending. I've tweaked it for a broader audience, and you can easily download and customize it to fit your lifestyle. Even though I don't have a second child or a car, I've included related expenses in the sheet. Also, I had a dream of winning a million dollars in the lottery, but I set the cell limit at $888,888 to keep things neat. I hope you find this Free Expenses Tracker Excel useful for your needs.

The plants arrived

So, I went all out and got myself a bunch of plants, and let me tell you, they're a mixed bag of surprises. First off, we've got this dracaena marginata that's seriously stunning and seriously tall. But here's the kicker – its pot is practically a dumbbell. I'm not kidding, it's so heavy that even a weightlifter would think twice about lifting it.

But hold on, the dracaena isn't the only heavyweight here. These other plants I got aren't exactly small fries either. That $80 delivery fee? Totally worth it, because there's no way me and KJ could have lugged these bad boys home. They're all chilling in these decent-sized ceramic pots, and man, those pots pack a punch – they're heavy-duty.

Okay, so I'm stoked about these plants finally making it to my place, but now comes the tricky part. Turns out, some of them – like the Adenium obesum (Desert rose) and Calamansi – are sun worshippers. And guess what? I don't exactly have a sunny spot to spare, unless I stick them on the air-con ledge. But here's the catch – if mosquitoes start breeding there, I'm the prime suspect, even if it's not my doing!

Now, let's talk about the newcomers in my plant posse:

Alocasia Amazonica: This is the one that kicked off my plant spree. It's picky about light, water, and everything in between. Handling it feels like navigating a botanical minefield. Low to bright indirect light. Do not let the sunlight falls on it, it will get sun burn easily. Water it when the top soil are dry, they do not like to be soggy but prefer to be partially dry out. Love nutrient rich potting soil, give compost. Love humidity. All Araceae are toxic to pets. Can be sensitive to salts, minerals, and chlorine in tap water, let water sit for 24 hours before giving to Alocasia Amazonica, or use distill water.

Adenium obesum (Desert Rose): A sun-craving beauty that doesn't need frequent watering. Patience and precision are my new best friends.

Citrus hinsii, Hong Kong Kumquat: These guys want both water and sun. It's like a daily ritual of getting their hydration and light doses just right.

Dracaena Marginata: The star of the show that made the delivery cost seem worth it. Balancing light levels and soil dampness is now my jam. It prefers a bright or lightly shaded spot but will also tolerate lower light levels but not for too long. It likes moist compost. Let the soil dry in between watering. If the leaves are drooping. Try to water from the bottom of the pot. Use distill water only.

Phalaenopsis Orchid: I've got two of these, and let me tell you, they're divas. High-maintenance and fancy, they demand attention and the art of orchid pampering. Oh my god, I have never take care of Orchid before, I hope they do not die under my care. Damn it, this are high maintenance plants. The leaves needs to be kept dry all the time indoor. Spray water with fertilzer on the roots in the morning, afternoon and evening. roots needs to be dry within mintues. Prefers indirect bright lights.

Aglaomorpha Ferns: These shade lovers are chill with less water – a nice break from the high-maintenance crew.

Gymnocalycium Soglionis Cactus: This cactus is like a sun-shy introvert. Too much sun, and it throws a tantrum. Gotta find its sweet spot.

Ficus Microcarpa: Future tree alert! It needs sunlight, but not the scorching kind. Watering it once a week is the deal. Full Sun, Semi-Shade, prefers almost six hours of sunlight. However, the hottest hours' direct sunlight is not ideal. Indirect sunlight is the best option. Water once per week.

Ponderosa Lemon: Another wannabe tree. It's all about sunlight and water here – they're like its lifelines. Water two to three times weekly.

So, I've got a total of ten pots now, each with its own quirks and demands. It's like a whole neighborhood of green characters, and I'm the mayor trying to keep everyone happy.

I'll be sharing updates on how my plant family is doing as I figure out this whole plant-parenting gig. And if you've got any tips or stories about your own plant escapades, hit me up – I'm all ears. After all, it takes a village to raise a bunch of plants!

Good Friday

So, this Good Friday turned out to be way more eventful and stressful for me than I bargained for, and let me tell you, it's all my own doing. I can't blame anyone else but myself.

It all started innocently enough—I stumbled upon someone giving away free plants. Now, who doesn't love freebies, right? Little did I know, I was signing up for a plant bonanza that would have me questioning my life choices.

I eagerly seized the opportunity without realizing the magnitude of the task at hand. It was only when the generous plant donor mentioned that one of the plants was as tall as him that I almost fainted. Cue panic mode.

Now, the challenge was how to transport these green giants. I looked into using Lalamove for a reasonable $28, but alas, the vehicles were too short for my newfound arboreal friends.

Frantically, I scoured the internet for last-minute solutions. Most delivery companies had already closed shop for the day, and the ones that responded either had no Saturday slots or were asking a whopping $100 for packing and delivery. I mean, come on, I wasn't planning on spending a hundred bucks on free plants.

As I grappled with feeling both stupid and stressed, I vowed to stop buying plants and save money. Irony, however, had other plans. Free plants, it turns out, can be more expensive than the ones you buy.

I couldn't back out of the deal—I had given my word, even if it was to a stranger. The stress levels were rising, and I was now fixated on how to pack these plants without causing harm. My Google search history was a desperate plea for packing tips and creative ways to fit towering plants into compact vehicles.

The struggle continued, with me contemplating spending $28 just to potentially harm a tall plant in front of its current owner. The mental image of him opening his mouth wide, shaking his head, and regretting his decision to gift me those plants haunted me.

Round two with Lalamove brought a taller vehicle, but at the cost of $85.50. The driver wouldn't pack for me, but he agreed to assist in moving the plants from door to door. Fingers crossed, right?

I even shot off emails to a few other delivery companies, hoping for a more budget-friendly option than Lalamove. All the while, I had to get my packing materials game on point, because looking stupid tomorrow was not on my agenda. Spoiler alert: I'm still stressed out.

And then, the realization hit—I have a piano lesson tomorrow, and I haven't practiced. While I'm juggling plant-packing logistics, I'm also trying to figure out how to squeeze in some piano time. Stress level? Through the roof.

To add insult to injury, the weather forecast for tomorrow predicts a thunderstorm. Just what I needed.

Lesson learned, folks. I need to save money, but I also need to be smarter about it. Here's hoping I don't find myself in another plant-related predicament anytime soon. Cheers to stress-free adventures!

Malacca Trip

This trip was primarily for business purposes, so I won't delve into the details of our company-related activities. Once we arrived in Malacca, however, our "non-office" agenda kicked in, spanning from our hotel check-in until dinner time. I had dinner and breakfast with my colleagues, and in this video, I'll outline our itinerary for the first day.

We began by checking into our hotel room at Hatten Hotel Melaka, followed by a brief exploration of the hotel. Later, we enjoyed a dinner buffet within the hotel premises before venturing out to Jonker Street and A Famosa for a short visit. The evening concluded with my colleagues and I having a rooftop drinking session back at the hotel.

On the subsequent day, my morning began at 6:30 am, as I eagerly embarked on a walk to A Famosa and Jonker Street once more. I was determined to witness the daytime splendor of these renowned landmarks. During my leisurely stroll, I passed by Muzium Samudera, where an impressive replica of a giant ship was prominently displayed, adding to the charm of the surroundings. After immersing myself in the sights, I made my way back to the hotel to enjoy a hearty breakfast.

Following breakfast, our group headed to the shopping mall located opposite our hotel, seizing the opportunity for some last-minute shopping. It was a chance to pick up souvenirs or any items of interest before concluding our time in Malacca. Once our shopping escapade was complete, we couldn't resist returning to Jonker Street, marking my third visit in just two days. This time, we indulged in the famous Malacca chicken rice balls, savoring their unique flavors. We also took the opportunity to do some final shopping, ensuring we made the most of our time in this vibrant location.

This office trip was incredibly meaningful to me, despite its short duration, because it marked my first-ever experience of such kind. I had often felt unfortunate when it came to office trips in the past, as either my previous company failed to organize any or faced financial limitations that hindered such endeavors. Consequently, I had resigned myself to the idea that participating in an office trip abroad was beyond my reach.

However, all of that changed when this wonderful opportunity materialized. It reignited my hope and brought immense joy to my heart. Now, I can genuinely say that I am truly happy to have been a part of this office trip. Its significance goes far beyond its brevity, and it has left an indelible mark on me.

Merry Christmas 2022

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Yes, this year I decorated Stinky and Sticky tanks for Christmas again. It was kind of last minute as I was extremely busy toward the end of 2022.

This year, I was planning to buy a tall Christmas tree, but I decided against it. I need to consider the space in my storeroom. I don't mind taking out and putting back the Christmas tree since I've done the same with all my Christmas decorations. However, I am more worried about my expenses this year. Too much money has been spent. Perhaps it is due to the Europe trip and the piano I brought in 2022. In any case, I like the Christmas decorations on their tank. I think I will do it again in 2023.

Europe Day 4: Prague, Czech Republic | Dancing House | Vltava River | Lennon Wall | Charles Bridge | Prague Book Tunnel | Prague Astronomical Clock

We started our day with the free breakfast in our hotel. After that, we walk to the Dancing House where we were planning to go up to the roof to get the city view. The Dancing House in Prague is designed by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry, this iconic building captures attention with its striking and unconventional design. Aptly named for its resemblance to a pair of dancers in mid-motion, the Dancing House's curvaceous forms and dynamic shape defy the traditional architectural norms. most of the floors are functioning as office spaces and Dancing Hotel’s rooms, they are restricted to the general public. Its top-floor restaurant and bar offering breathtaking views of the Vltava River and Prague's enchanting skyline, the Dancing House has become a cherished symbol of Prague's artistic spirit and an essential destination for visitors seeking to be inspired by its captivating beauty.

However, we were too early and we did not want to wait for the bar to be open as we have a lot to do in today's itinary so we left the place.

We cross the river and strolled along the river side. I wanted to climb up the Petřín Gardens but KJ do not want to. We ended up walking along the garden taking photos. We walk to the side of Prague Castle but we did not enter the castle. It started raining and we decided to have a early lunch at U Tří jelínků, Nerudova 206/4, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia. I am glad that I asked how big is the pork knuckle was and decided to buy just 1 portion to share it with KJ. It costed us CZK575.00 (SGD$34.18) and we did not manage to finish it as the portion was big. The pork knuckle was nice although I still prefer the Singapore version of it.

After our lunch, the rain stopped. We then walk over to Lennon Wall where we took lot of pictures. After that we walked to Charles Bridge where we took even more photos. It was here I brought a handmade okarina. I have a soft spot for musical instruments, and if it is small enough for me to bring back to Singapore, I will buy it.

We went to the Main City Library where the Prague Book Tunnel is located. The Prague Book Tunnel is located in the Lesser Town neighborhood, this hidden gem offers a unique and immersive experience for literature enthusiasts. As you enter the tunnel, you are instantly transported into a world of literary wonders. Many tourist will not venture into this library unless you do your homework before coming.

After the library, we went to the Old Town Square where we see horses waiting for tourist. The town square was pretty empty when we were there. I thought it will be filled up with Christmas markets. From here, you can see the famous Prague Astronomical Clock.

The Prague Astronomical Clock, also known as the Prague Orloj, is a remarkable medieval timepiece that graces the southern wall of the Old Town Hall in Prague. Dating back to the 15th century, it is one of the oldest and most famous astronomical clocks in the world. The clock's intricate design is a captivating blend of astronomical and artistic elements, featuring an astronomical dial, a calendar dial, and a procession of mechanical figures that come to life with each striking hour. Tourists and locals gather in front of the clock to witness the hourly spectacle, as the twelve apostles emerge from the clock's doors and statues representing Vanity, Greed, Death, and other vices make their appearances.

We come across a must try classic food snack called trdelnik - it is some sweet, rolled dough that has been cooked rotisserie-style and covered in cinnamon and sugar. It cost us CZK70 (SGD$4.29). I should have eaten this everyday in Prague. I regretted not trying the tiramisu version as I find it very expensive at that time. It cost CZK180 (SGD$11.02), CZK110 (SGD$6.73) more expensive than the original one. I will hunt it down if I got the chance to visit Prague again in future.

Jetlag hit again. The issue is that we wake up too early and we felt tired in the evening. We headed back to our hotel. After resting a while, we went out to this place call PAPRIKA - Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar where I made the mistake of ordering too much again. I have to remind myself that I should ordered for 1 person instead of 2 so that both of us can finish the food. It cost us CZK 480 (SGD$29.38) and I brought the food back to our hotel.

Europe Day 3: Munich to Prague, Czech Republic on Flixbus | Náměstí Míru Christmas Market

We arrived at the Munich central bus station at 8:30 am. The Flixbus tickets, purchased online six days prior to flying to Munich, cost €27.99 per person for the journey from Munich central bus station to Prague Main Railway station. Our Flixbus departed at 9am sharp.

In hindsight, I wished I had selected seats on the upper level right in front of the bus for a better view of the breathtaking scenery along the way.

Upon reaching Prague Main Railway station at 1:50 pm, we made our way to Hotel St George, where I had booked a room for two nights. The total cost was SGD$100.77, with SGD$11.24 to be paid upon arrival at the hotel. By the time we arrived at the hotel, it was already 2:20 pm.

The currency in Czech Republic is the koruna, not the euro. As I do not want to spending time searching for a better exchange rate, I exchanged some euros to koruna at the hotel lobby. For this trip, I wanted to use my credit cards for most of my purchases, as I have got no idea how much will I be spending. If I have exchanged too much cash, I will not be able to exchange the leftover koruna into SGD when I am back in Singapore.

After a brief rest in our hotel room, we set off towards Náměstí Míru, the central square of Vinohrady, which features a park at its center. The square is dominated by the impressive neo-Gothic Cathedral of St. Ludmila, constructed in 1888. We were fortunate to visit during a Christmas market taking place in the square, adding to the festive atmosphere.

For dinner, we indulged in a delicious sausage accompanied by a piece of bread and two types of sauce. We also had fish chips for 120CZK, along with other local treats. Unfortunately, I forgot to capture photos of the remaining food we enjoyed.

As winter cast its dark veil over Prague, the sky grew dim as early as 4:45 pm. Our internal body clocks, maybe influenced by jetlag, kept reminding us that it was late and time for bed. Consequently, we decided to return to our hotel after exploring the Christmas market at Náměstí Míru.

Europe Day 2: Munich, Germany | Marienplatz | Old Town | Neus Rathaus | Endless Staircase

My Europe trip videos were super slow in updating as I am switching over from Openshot to Davinci Resolve and I have to re-learn everything again (excuses).

There was no free transport today, so we would have to walk everywhere to keep this trip within out budget.

My plan was to watch the bells chime and the life-sized figures in Marienplatz at 11am -> walk around the old town -> Englischer Garten -> New Town Hall (Neus Rathaus) -> Endless Staircase -> Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum

It seems that my plans were too ambitious. As we were busy shooting after breakfast at Cafe Marlene, we weren't able to reach Marienplatz at 11am. We missed Englischer Garten as we spent too much time in Saturn, an electronic store. We found vinyl records and CDs and KJ brought a lot of CDs. I am glad that we do not have a turntable at home or I would have brought a lot of vinyl records. Actually, I am not sure if I want a turntable as vinyl records were very expensive in Singapore.

The Christmas market in the Old Town was not officially open when we were there. However, a lot of stalls were already open and there were lots of people.

We reached the Endless Staircase just before the 4:30 pm sunset. Nestled within a discreet office courtyard, Olafur Eliasson's creation stands as an Instagram-worthy gem in Munich. This freely accessible courtyard, adorned with vibrant office buildings, serves as a colorful backdrop to the staircase's artistic allure. The location, Ganghoferstraße 29A, 80339 München, is easily accessible via the Schwanthalerhöhe subway station—simply hop on the U4 or U5 lines and take a brief 100-meter stroll to the KPMG office building. No specific opening hours apply, allowing for a flexible and delightful visit to this captivating spot.

However, by the time we reached the Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum, we still had half an hour until closing time. We decided not to enter at that time.

In the end, our route turns out to be:

Marienplatz -> Old town -> New Town Hall (Neus Rathaus) -> Endless Staircase

In winter, the sun sets at 4:30pm and it's completely dark at 5:30pm. However, my body clock kept telling me that it was already 8 or 9pm, and that I should be heading back to my hotel when the sky got dark. At this point, I'm not sure if jetlag had anything to do with it. On our way back to our hotel, we bought some sandwiches and slept early again.

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