What's on TV? (incl. poll results)

My most recent poll was inspired by my need to get my cable/internet figured out and set-up. Results of my question "Which are/would be your favorite channel??" were 3 for Nat Geo WILD, another 3 (or maybe the same 3) like FX. Someone out there enjoys the All Sports Network and we've got another who selected 'other'. I really wish I could put a fill in the blank, but can't figure that one out yet. No one wants BBC News or the Hallmark channel in their list of options. :)

There are two main companies in Singapore from whom to select internet and TV services. Internet service is probably the same, but one has cable and another has internet TV. I wasn't convinced on the internet TV as it seemed to be strictly pay per view, which I can get on my iTunes and actually have current seasons/episodes. So, I went with the cable company. Set it up last Saturday. You get three "themes" to choose from on my basic plan, so I got news (CNN, BBC and several others), education (Discovery, Nat Geo and the other various offshoots) and lastly lifestyle, which gives me FX, E!, Bio Channel, etc.

My internet is also up and running, however I don't get my wireless router until next week (it's free, so I'm willing to wait!). In the meantime, the computer sits next to the TV since the cord isn't very long. Thankfully my Skype headset has a long cord and I can sit on the couch and still talk to everyone.

I also have DVR now! Not having cable back in Peoria, this is new for me (I realize I'm behind the rest of the world). I'm forgetting I have it though. Something comes up and I should just hit pause, but I don't. I still wait for commercials to run to the kitchen/bathroom/wherever. The last couple of days I've made a point to start recording series, movies etc. when I see them advertised during commercials. Slowly getting the hang of it :).

Thankfully, it seems there's A LOT of repeat programming - which means I'm less likely to become a Singaporean couch potato! It's a dangerous line I'm walking, I know :).

My new Apt: The Tour part 1

156 Prince Charles Crescent

#14-19 Tanglin View

Singapore 159015

Welcome to my new home!! That's me on the left behind the iron gate. I'm in the corner with no one on either side, which is nice. Not much noise from above or below either. Have not yet met the neighbors. The gate is nice because on breezy days, I could have it shut but keep my door open to air out the house.

The lovely doves make it so peaceful, no? I've got a doorbell to the left and you are suppose to leave your shoes out on your doorstep (see neighbor's doorway below). I don't really like leaving shoes out though. So usually they come off and then are carried in with me. I went for a walk/run this morning, so I decided to let these air out first before coming inside :).

The standard door lock is a dead bolt and can open with a key or card. Yep, like a hotel, I have a key card that is suppose to lock and unlock my door. I tend to prefer the old fashioned key and use that on a regular basis.

Here is my neighbor's doorway, which looks a bit more authentic. We'll see if mine grows at all :)

Once inside, I've got a little hallway with a giant mirror as one wall. I guess I'm totally vain, but I love big mirrors, so I liked this feature :). Check myself out one more time before heading out the door! The phone on the wall is from the security gate. It's a gated area with security guards out front. Once the visitors are in, they have to buzz me from downstairs to get into the building. It calls my phone and with a tap of a button they are in!

I also receive the local free paper on my doorstep every morning. I have started the habit to get up and read it along with breakfast. It is totally out of character, but I'm trying to be more of a morning person. More to come on this as we discuss my adventures on the buses :).

Have a good weekend!!

And the Winner Is.....

Unfortunately, I couldn't wait for everyone to weigh-in and had only about a day to choose. The poll results were 4 votes for #1 at the Emerald Gardens, 1 vote for #2 Tanglin View and 2 votes for #3 Harbour Lights.

No one cared for #4, however this was my favorite, if only it had an extra bedroom. My bus this morning stopped there and picked a few people up. There are some good-looking expats living there that I'm going to miss out on ;).

#3 Harbour Lights was nice, but the tenants were still living there (but saying they could quickly move out) and they were taking all their furniture with them. Decorating the place from scratch might be fun if I had someone to go with, but finding friends is still on my to-do list ;).

The overwhelming favorite #1 Emerald Garden was too close to work for me. There are so many people all over, all the time, that sometimes I need a breather. Living on top of everything, I didn't think I'd get my breather. I also wanted to make myself get out and have to go places. Living right there, I would be back and forth from the office and don't know that it would be good for my work-life balance. :) Today, while I waited for my bus home out on the street between work and #1, the loud construction drilling, clanging and what-not helped me feel good about my choice!

We are left with #2 who is the winner!! I decided this very shortly after my original post and once the poll results started to come in, I was second guessing myself. But come move-in day, it was great! Ultimately some of the factors included: not claustrophobic, easy transport to work (PwC office and client sites), nice pool area, lots of greenery/trees and suitable furnishings.

The owners came on Saturday to "see" me. They said hi, checked me out and took off, leaving the realtors to finish paperwork, hand over keys, etc. Glad to know I passed the test!

I will begin to introduce the new apartment room by room in the coming posts. There is something unique and different in each one.

Have a great week everyone!!