Our Little Steps...

On favours

2011-12-05T19:26:00.001+08:00

Realised sometimes people just seem to take you for granted, more interestingly these are the people whom you always doubt their personality.

Yet even though you are not so close to them, they ask favours from you, when my mood is good enough to even do the extra mile for them, they ask for even more with not even a Thank You.

Many times, I feel my kindness gets bitten. And too often, these people proves they don't deserve that second chance.

And why again am I giving a second chance to these people who have stepped on me before?

Duck Confit @ Medz

2011-11-09T17:11:00.003+08:00

Ever since we came back from Prague a year ago, where we had THAT duck confit that was sooo good we have to order a 2nd serving, we have been an the endless haunt for decent duck confit in SGP.

Which is very weird as I don't like to eat duck (only exception: Dian Xiao Er's herbal duck) cos I don't fancy that gamely taste and tough meat. And since Prague isn't that near for me to fulfill my crave.. my eyes lit up whenever I read about a good duck confit.

And especially one that is not on some fine-dining menu. Tadah!

Raved in 8 days, this crispy-on- the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside sexy leg is found at Medz, basement of the almost quiet Orchard central. Accompanied by some rocket leaves and mashed potato.. It comes with an even sexier price tag: Less than $10!!

25% disc for POSB/DBS cards! Ahhhh how to resist!?

I must have eaten at least 4 times since it opened.. Go go if you like one too :)

MBS Staycation

2011-11-04T14:14:00.000+08:00

And so... we just had to see THAT infinity pool that seems to overtake the Merlion as Singapore's official attraction and we were crazy enough to burn some cash for it.. :p

And so.. the room.

We booked the Deluxe room.. if I am not wrong this is the cheapest room available.

"Cheap" comes at $400/night.

Only slight wow factor was upon entering the room, slot in the room key into the power supply and the curtains automatically draws to the side.. in a loud mechanic sound that almost make it seem like a grandeur curtain raising. :p

Bathroom is decent.. but NO bathtub!?

No nice toiletries unlike Regent (Loccitane) and others..

A nice working desk by the window.

Ok at least some decent teas like TWG and not "Lipton" or "Dilmah"

The "view" from the room.

Or is it even appropriate to call it a view? Well u pay peanuts you get monkeys.

So much for the cheapest room.

Hubby's little surprise for me!

Have always wanted to watch but for some reason of another I always missed it.

Sneaked a photo at the end! Yeah I know I am not supposed to..

it was sooo good I cannot resist not taking a photo to remember!

The performance was magical! With Tchaikovsky’s glorious music, exhilarating new choreography from leading ice director Tony Mercer, performed by award winning Imperial Ice Stars, there were soo many times the crowd broke out in applause and I felt goosebumps!

SO beautiful I tink I want to watch it again :)

OK, a quick change into the swimgear and off to the infinity pool!

So crowded... so many kids were running around and splashing water and crossing everybody's path.

I don't feel any tinge of peace even when perched so high up.

It was extremely difficult to wait for the correct moment for a shot like this and we NG many many times cos there'll always be some kids splashing water around.

The Jacuzzi.. too small for comfort. Felt like a side pool of water for me to wash my leg.

And so.. the secret behind the infinity pool.

I had heard people who say they don't dare to walk til the end maybe cos they are afraid they'll topple over? Haha. Fret not! Beyond the "end" there are railings and railings to make sure u gotta be deliberately climbing over hurdles before you become deadmeat.

Watching the bustling Raffles Place area where I work.. from another perspective.

Nice place to see sunset :)

Outside MBS at night

Crowd waiting patiently for the nightly 13mins water+lights display "Wonder Full"
8PM, 9:30PM and 11PM

Some fire, some lights, some images and a corny message about saving water..

we thought it's really nothing much.

And then there is the mass release of a lot of bubbles!

Glistening in rainbow colours under the white laser lights... now this is at least worth some minutes.. looks almost romantic :)

The big whirlpool that we managed to see empty and water-less when MBS just opened.

I recalled alot of people were tossing coins into the "well" as if it is a wishing well! LOL

Our favorite art piece at OdeToArt. Particularly like the pieces in this art gallery.

Especially the fat boy series :)

Walking back the corridor leading to the rooms...

The reception which kinda like the walls of a kindergarten. Check in is slow, I was served by a new trainee from China. He struggled with speaking English and he had to check with his supervisor on almost every step. My check in took 25mins even when I had already prepaid it :(

Worth the money? Absolutely NOT!
I wouldn't pay to stay there again.. service is far from first class, room is nothing to shout about, there is virtually NO view from the room and $400 a night doesn't even give u a complimentary breakfast.

Happy Bishan'ian!

2011-10-31T00:02:00.000+08:00

Life looks much prettier with the completion of the Circle Line :)

When we were in US, I rmbr myself getting excited and looking forward to the opening of the remaining stations of the Circle Line, for it will make me only 5 stops to Holland V!! The place that had been sooo near me, just a $5 cab ride away yet hard to reach via other public transport!

And best, I am no longer so farrrrrr away from Clementi area! I recall when FIL was warded 2 wks in NUH, taking the free shuttle from Buona Vista was a bi*ch.

1 stop to AMK (Hub), 2 stops to Serangoon (Nex), 3 stops to Novena (Novena Square), 5 stops to Orchard/ Holland V, 9 stops to my mum's (Mountbatten).. 17mins flat via train to Raffles (office) ..all direct rides....

I need serious coaxing to buy a car, which doesn't quite make sense for me especially that the traffic jam on CTE to Raffles Place is alwayssss mad, not forgetting the tons of ERP and the crazy $4/hr parking at Republic Plaza!!! N i can never reach office in less than 20mins.. so why bother?

I can do with abit of sardine packing.. but not much actually too.. since I start work at 10am :D

Plus... you get free flowers for taking the train at Bishan MRT!! Hehe!
Sweet gesture from Far East Flora to celebrate opening of Circle Line last Monday! No more Monday Blues!! ^^

End of Reno. YAY!!

2011-10-22T18:02:00.003+08:00

*sweeps off dust on shoulders*

Yay!! Finally the renovations are done! Our house is finally fully renovated! I still think it is crazy that Sept 2011 marks the 3 years we bought our love nest. And we celebrated by giving it a new kitchen, which is the 3rd reno we are doing. And so means.... we have renovated our place in Sept 09, Sept 10 and now Sept 11 !!

Major Happy! Well afterall it was me who decided in 2009 that ok, well.. I can't cook.. so why bother to do up the kitchen. The pitfall of having a huge kitchen also means that it costs a bomb to renovate it! The measurements of the cupboards are double that of our colleague's, my friend's, my sis'. DANG!

Anyway after the pockets bleeded (and still bleeding)... my precious (not that it is THAT expensive but it took me years!!) vodka and alcohol collection has their own bar shelf now!!

During the process, we realised it seems especially hard to choose colours for the kitchen. Unlike living room, bedrooms.. you can have light colours, white etc.. you'll be worrying of cleaning up a white kitchen.

But not much colours seems to suit a nice clean kitchen. For me, the very popular black-red kitchen doesn't quite work for me. Cos it isn't too hard to imagine.. most appliances are white.. so it will just sit there look ugly in the kitchen.

In the end.. me and hubby wrote down the colour combi we each like and compared.

:) It wasn't hard to guess... we've selected the exact same colours again.

Eeeks! Why we so similiar and predictable one!! LOL

I tried going behind the fridge, squeezing myself into corners, using a wide angle camera.. but still can't get the whole place in. -_-"

I love my new white+grey kitchen and my beautiful white marble top!

Yippie! I think.... after spending a bomb.. my food will taste nicer now rite??? ^^

Green Pumpkin - My fave bakery!

2011-10-22T17:38:00.000+08:00

It was by chance that I stumbled upon this japanese bakery tucked in a far end of Serangoon Nex Mall.

Why green pumpkin? Because, to the Japanese, pumpkins are green on the outside and yellow on the inside. Nothing much like the orangey fella we associate closely with Halloween and the ghouls. :)

Green pumpkin emphasises on freshness in their bakes, so according to them, no addictives nor preservatives are used. Me likey! ^^

Me & my friends were craving to take out some cakes after a good meal next door at Kabe no Ana.. off to a friend's bachelor pad for a MJ session! :)

The cakes looked damn good in the cooler!

And YES! They taste good!!

Sakura - Luscious butter cream with an aroma of cherry blossom! Velvety smooth! Caramelised walnuts adds an interesting texture and flavour.

Pumpkin Mont Blanc - This gotta be my favourite!! I'm sure we are pretty used to seeing chestnut Mont Blanc.. but pumpkim mont blanc? Soo sweet.. so smooth.. the texture of the finely grated pumpkin is simply awesome!!!

Chocolate Mousse - A very simple name but an understated luxury. Rich and smooth thick layer of chocolate envelopes a bun of soft mousse that melts in your mouth. Never know what is melt in your mouth? Try this!!

My hp chose to die out on me and all I'me left with is the lousy camera on the iPad 2. I was just too irritated by the camera quality to take more pics. In total 4 of us bought 8 slices of cake for that night. Such gluttons! Haha. And.. we finished everything!!! Also tried Yuzu Cream cheese, which unlike its name, it was very light and refreshing.

All were excellent. Highly recommended. A note of caution though, as with most Japanese cakes.. Green Pumpkin's cakes can be slightly too sweet for some. But if u r having that sweet tooth, it's heaven.

Price: About $7 average/slice.

***

And on a separate few occasions.. I went back specially to buy the buns.

Couldn't resist buying the green tea and yuzu ones every single time! Tooo pretty!!
And there is something about the dough.. not sure if it is because of the absence of preservatives, but it just feel so springy to the bite.. and somehow, it just doesn't sticks to your teeth.

Funny thing was, after buying the 3rd time, I've yet to taste any of them. Cos they always get snapped up and finished by my family before I get to see them again! Which is good, a little pricy but I get smiles and satisfaction in return :)

Once in a while, Green Pumpkin dishes out new & limited edition flavours with the festive occasion.

Buns pricing : $1.40-$2.20 for most.

Location:

GREEN PUMPKIN JAPANESE BAKERY
23 Serangoon Central
#B1-80 nex
Singapore 556083
Tel: 66347437
GREEN PUMPKIN JAPANESE BAKERY CAFÉ
23 Serangoon Central
#B1-K1 nex
Singapore 556083
Tel: 66347990

Yeeeeehaa! I Am Back!!

2011-10-05T11:58:00.002+08:00

As reluctant as I can be.. Truth hurts..

Yes end of the once-a-year 3 weeks long vacation. :(

Tonnes to settle now, mainly about the renovation Phase 3!

Yes we are indeed renovating our house the 3rd time since we moved in on Sept 2009!

I have loads of pictures to sort and many many food reviews coming up..

And since I noted the increase in traffic from overseas.. I'll commence doing food reviews for oversea establishments soon too!

Oohh I can't tell u how much I love the food in Seoul! Much more den shopping there!

But ohh did I tell u we went CRAZY over the top with our 1.5day shopping in USA?
The above pic is from the 0.5th day!

And I tink I brought back another 5kg of excess baggage on my tummy... :( :(

RamenPlay.. Just Play, don't be serious.

2011-08-03T17:01:00.002+08:00

Tried their Sanpou ramen previously (ard Nov when it just opened at J8) but was not wowed. Since that was supposed to be their best ramen, i never returned.

While i agree that the small slice of pork cheek was soft and melt-in-your-mouth, i din like the noodles and the soup, which i felt is even more impt in a bowl of ramen.

Since i had been sick for a few days now n craving only for soupy foods n an insatiable appetite for ramen, decided to try them again.

Ordered a Tebasaki Ramen and a green salad.

The ramen came before the salad. Which made me slightly pissed. Appetizers are called appetizers for a reason.

Waited abt 3mins, my salad finally arrived looking pretty and fresh.

I like the bit of ebiko placed on the egg yolk and the light Japanese sauce gently giving some omph to the crispy fresh lettuce. A-third into the salad, there are no more sauce and the greens started to taste too raw.

So, i pulled the bowl of awaiting ramen twds me. Which, had become slightly cold by now.

I dived into the soup first, as usual to taste the soup at its best.

I let out a sigh, and worked through the rest in the bowl in a "i knew it" mood.

The soup tasted "instant" unlike most other tonkutsu soups that boasts of character after being brewed for hours.

RamenPlay provides condiments for u to spice up your ramen. And i understand why it is sooo necessary.

It tasted almost bland, and i really don't like the noodles. The acidic taste was strong, noodles not firm to the bite.

The garlic chips were unlike those at Ajisen which are crispy n aromatic. These although looks pretty in its golden colour, stucks into your teeth n not crispy at all!

The braised chicken wing was nice, just like those my mom makes. The onsen tamago was the saving grace, with the yolk molten n lovely.

While i like the decor and peaceful ambience, it is not sufficient to make me return.

Overall rating: 3.5/10

Damage: $12 per pax

Sent from my Samsung S2

Canele Patiserrie

2011-07-27T01:22:00.000+08:00

Been having a sweet tooth recently, which is very rare for me. As both Hubby & me are appetizer, salad & main course people, we seldom make it through to desserts. Plus I'm usually scared of sweet stuffs and chocolates. But very recently having tasted some really nice cakes, I've been looking forward to desserts after meal, and choosing to skip appetizers or even main course for it.

Which is no good. Considering I'm trying to lose weight!

Was at UE Square with friends after dinner and had the sweet tooth again. Wanted to visit The Patisserie but they were closed. To our surprise, they are actually closed on Fri-Sun & weekends! Wow business must be so good that they skip peak periods totally!

Then we went to Robertson Quay in search of desserts and found Canele amongst a few others.

Canele's row of beautiful cakes at Raffles City always make me feel hungry whenever I pass them, but I usually can't finish 1 whole slice of cake and I like variety, but on the other hand, I don't want to waste food. And weirdly enough I've been there on 2 occasions and on both, I drank soup and coffee. Both was good but I really wanted to try their famous cakes & macarons. So I thought this is the best chance for me to try more items since there is 6 of us! :)

Fleur De Sel Caramels Macaron

Despite seeing macaroons gazillion times, this is the 1st time I'm eating one!

Always thought they look highly-rated & over-priced.

So, I ordered 1. A sea-salt caramel one which is my fave ice-cream flavour.

I first thought of a "lao-hong" biscuit when my teeth sank in. I ain't sure how else to describe the texture. While the sandwiched tasted slightly chewy but nicely sweet like how caramel should be, I ain't sure if I'll eat this again.

Gateau Chocolat
Every chocolate lovers' dream. Layers of luscious triple choc topped with thin dark chocolate pc.

Tiramisu
so light so smooth so delightful!
U can taste the brandy in it yet its not overpowering! Awesome!

L' amour
I love this so much! Raspberry swirls on velvety smooth vanilla bean ice cream topped with rose meringue that melts on your tongue,
perfect match in heaven!!!

Affogato

My friend localised it by describing it as "Kopi-O float

I thought it was rather appropriate! :)

Sweet food tastes even more sweet when catching up with old friends.. :)

I'll be back for more!

New Toy: Samsung Galaxy S2

2011-07-27T01:06:00.001+08:00

Kinda belated post.. got my hands on this baby about 3 weeks ago.
1 week after the official launch and finally after waiting 3months for it to be launched in SG.

And it was all thanks to Dom who helped me reserve set under priority booking. :)
Despite tracking its launch in Asia almost every other day, never mind that new news already become old news, I keep reading them over and over again just to make sure I don't miss out any info. Yet, I was late by 2 days to catch it at the official release.

And it was gone. ALL GONE! It was mentioned that it was all sold out half a day upon its release.

I painfully put myself in the waiting list and thanks to uber sweet Dom, I din even have to ask him to do anything for me. When he heard that I was on the waitlist, he did magic for me! And viola!

I'm totally loving it!!

I've almost stopped bringing out camera with me these-a-days.. the picture quality is fab,
and I love how customisable the phone is!

Alot of people asked me why I got this phone and not iPhone4. Well, when I asked them back, "why should I get an iPhone?" most of them could not answer and comment the usual stuffs like "Cos everybody also using, than we can play the games and share files easier!"

Here I am, someone who used MacBook wayyyy before most of my friends did, owning an iPad 2 as well.. I call myself an Apple fan too. But, I do not buy blindly nor buy something just cos most other people are using it or what some friends said "make it all a set!"

I do my research, I understand my own needs and wants and I decide.
For the fact it is lighter, it is slimmer, it is faster, superb display, I get true multi-tasking with many different applications running in the background, I never need to worry abt losing my contacts if I lose my phone, and the sheer ease of customising the interface of it, the tactile response on the keyboard, I have chosen this as these suits my own needs.

For those who thinks Apple is the most advanced for everything, I'll encourage u to research abit more :) Apps wise, I have no problem so far, whatever popular games my friends are playing, Android has it too.

Maybe iPhone 5 will be better, maybe then there'll be a S3. I'm not dishing out all iPhones here, I won't even say I'll never buy any iPhones but for now, this is my choice. :)

Quoting famous tech forum Engadget:

"For a handset with such a broad range of standout features and specs, the Galaxy S2 is remarkably easy to summarize. It's the best Android smartphone yet, but more importantly, it might well be the best smartphone,"

To date, I already have 4 friends who switched from iPhone3GS/4 to S2 after playing with my phone.

Read about it here
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/182934/20110719/apple-iphone-5-iphone5-samsung-galaxy-s2-mobile-technology-google-smartphones-ios-5-icloud.htm
http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxys2/html/feature.html

Ding Tea from TW is here!

2011-07-25T00:08:00.003+08:00

Bubble tea lovers, you may like this.
Friends who have tried says it is as good, if not better than KOI! :)

Free UPSIZE from now til Aug 15, 2011. Just flash this e-flyer.
#01-39 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road.

Bye Let's Sweets, Hello Kazokutei

2011-07-23T01:20:00.010+08:00

"Let's Sweets" at J8 has closed, kinda expected but sooner than expected.
I tink they were only around for a month? Or maybe lesser.

Ate it once on the very 2nd day they opened at Bugis Junction.
Though touted to specialise in desserts, I find them very mediocre.

Sure the colourful little cups of jelly & cakes look pretty through the big glass shelves, but that is exactly where the good ends. Their mains are almost negligible both in variety and in taste. The only item I went back for seconds? Curry. But will you go back just for the curry at $30 a pop?

The 60mins grace for you to finish your food is a joke. Near $30 per pax after tax for a lunch buffet, I wouldn't call that any budget eating, and being made to rush through my food with the small digital alarm clock ticking down to the mins & secs I have left for my meal, this is not where you'll want to be with friends. For every minute is precious, I don't think you wan to chat much.

Needless to say, when Let's Sweets took over the premise of Sony, I wasn't any bit excited. Sure, they have since increased the grace period to 90mins, but I still don't like to be restricted and constantly reminded of my time I have left. I can understand such antics to be pulled by a very popular restaurant that is always full and making sure more patrons has a chance to dine there. But.... Let's Sweets is far from being popular & crowded. On 2 occasions I passed by during lunch & dinner, the restaurant was only at most one-third full.

And with food of that standard... you better think twice of chasing your customers away.

Business must be bad, as the company "Japan Foods Holdings" decided re-renovate the place and serve something else instead.

Presenting the new....

Kazokutei Udon @ Bishan Junction 8

Saw posters that looked inviting.. for I've always love new food and Jap food... I knew it won't take long before I try them out..

I've always been a noodle person. "Famous udon from Osaka" sounds good, and a see-thru counter for its chef to dish out freshly made udon from scratch, extra brownie points!

But there wasn't any chef "performing" when we were there..

Upon stepping in, the uniforms of the staff, the condiments & pictures in menu scream "Ajisen"!!
Don't get me wrong, nothing against Ajisen even though most of the brands under "Japan Foods Holdings" fail in my food-clopedia, I remain loyal fans of Ajisen(cheap and good noodles, though I won't call it authentic ramen) & Fruits Paradise (oh i love their nutty caramel tart!)
But i just thought it'll be refreshing to have different uniforms to differentiate the brand.

There was a lunch promo going on.. $11.90 for a udon & mini salmon don.
We topped up $2 to change the plainer-looking udon to the Nabeyaki (with beaten eggs in sweet broth)
While the udon (smooth, firm & chewy) and soup was good (flavourful & sweet),
it was small in portion (don't be deceived by the shallow pot!).

The salmon don was disappointing.
Instead of having the salmon, tamago & cucumber in the usual nicely-cubed way, it looked more like they were leftovers from some sushi counter and anyhow-diced in all sorts of shapes & sizes.
Totally beyond the usual Japanese standards of food presentations.

Then we had the Wagyu Shabu Shabu.

Frankly, I wasn't expecting much from the "wagyu" cos I won't believe at $20 I can taste some heavenly wagyu.. so I must set the record straight, I wasn't pinning any expectations at any darn-good beef...
& I was surprised... maybe shocked will be a better word.

Hubby took the first bite.. and warned me about it. The beef was the worst I've ever eaten! Though thinly-sliced, the meat was tough and rubbery! Hubby and I love beef and we've eaten beef in all sorts of cuts, ways and price. And this is the worst ever, EVER! Even MacD's $2 cheeseburger is way way better den this! I have no freaking idea beef can ever taste this bad!

The small serving of udon served dry on the side was alittle hard, I left it in the shabu shabu (which was plain like hell, even with the vegetables in it) to soften it and the texture become better.
But I felt like I was eating plain noodles boiled in plain water.

The vegetables lacks crunch, doesn't taste fresh and looks dirty, I must add.

Only saving grace was the 2 pcs of tori kaarage which was juicy and tender, with a nice tinge of ginger and lemon taste that was comfortingly nice.

I had to dip everything else in the nutty tasting shabu shabu sauce cos EVERYTHING is so bland :(

Hubby noticed I had trouble eating my food and commented "Not nice than stop eating it.."
And is after being very hungry to be having my lunch at 3pm and having repeatedly exclaiming "I can eat a cow!" in the car on our way there.

And so, this was the leftover.
Despite alot of the stock probably got evaporated by the lighted solid fuel under the pot, the pot still is pretty full. The "wagyu" beef is inside too.

Can't wait for the next change.

Overall rating: 3/10
Food: Not recommended. Stick to the udon if you need to.
Service: Not satisfactory too as all the staff seems new, have difficulty explaining items on the menu and slow in taking orders. We were seated near the drinks dispenser and 4 staffs were making a din about one of the drinks not being gas-sy.. and trying to "repair" the paper cartons with all cupboards opened in full view of us. (Just 1m away from us in fact) And 1 staff replied "This one I think spoilt. Maybe keep too long already."
I was thankful I ordered green tea.
Damage: $36 for 2.

Closing down of Nature Republic, Singapore

2011-06-27T23:53:00.002+08:00

Wanted to get a nail polish at J8 today and saw Nature Republic having a 50% storewide sale.

For some reasons, I've always preferred Nature Republic (NR) to The Face Shop's products. One of their best selling nail colour in a shade of taupe is my fave color. Often draw compliments from strangers on the beautiful nude colour.

Am a fan of their Star Prism Eyeshadows too. Affordable and fine, nice colours that blend well with my skin.

So being a fan, naturally I'll be attracted to a banner with words that'll grab u like a magnet

"50% STOREWIDE SALE"

Upon walking in, I noticed that aside from only nail polish in 2 colours, lipgloss in 2 shades, lipbalms in 2 flavors, some 15 eyeshadows colours and 2 different type of skincare kit... the whole shop is empty!

I peeked at the poster again, as the mood of the store seemingly look like a "Moving sale". And I saw it read "Clearance sale!"

So i tried to grab some of the eyeshadow colours, 50% disc so its like $5 for the star prism range. So cheap! But I was not able to find much of anything that I'll usually wear, so I pick 1 up and proceeded to the cashier.

"Miss, you want to take another one? It'll be free"

"You mean the sale 50% actually buy 1 get 1 free ah.. not buy 1 at 50% oh.."

"No, its 50% all items and further buy 1 get 1 free."

"Huh so u mean like 1 take 2 eyeshadow at $5?"

"Yes"

I was shocked. Isit it like a 75% off then? Then I asked the girl if they are shifting out, since they kept away so many of their goods. And she replied "Ah no, all our stocks are already here. Everything sold out already, all the other stores closed already. Bishan is the last one to close."

So sad.

Why? Their products are cheap & good, and now there is the Korean fever, they should be doing well. Well i guess, that is why retail business is no easy feat. Cheap & good is no longer the essence of a successful business.

Looking interesting pebbled in the star-shapped case

Is actually a subtle light blue with fine glitter.

Brightens my tired eyes everytime!

Nature Republic, I'll see you in Korea. Til then, adiós !!

Finally, affordable permanent hair removal!

2011-06-23T18:10:00.002+08:00

I guess most girls, like me are tired of waxing & shaving everyday yet we have to do it unless you wanna scare people off with a bushy armpit when you hold the handlebars in train or bus? Or hairy legs that look like black stocking? Or a bushy and very visible underlip that make you manly? :p

We have long heard about IPL treatments which uses laser to permanently stop hairgrowth. But most people relate IPL with Pain + Expensive.

I signed up an IPL package for lower leg with Beyond Beauty at around $3k about 5 years back, only to realise that my super sensitive skin gets itchy with red spots after treatment. Had no choice but luckily I can convert my package to facials instead, which I am quite satisfied with Beyond Beauty. I could still rmbr during the IPL treatment, I have to mentally brace myself everytime the therapist sent a shot (or shock) to my legs. It wasn't that painful, but a split-second pierce with a flash of bright white light, does make me tense up.

So I had been epilating all these years. Yes it's painful, but it's fast yet keeps me hairfree for days.
Even the sound of my epilator makes Hubby crinch & comment almost every single time
"Ouch, it sounds so painful. Geez.. the things woman do."

Hello? Would you like a hairy wife instead?

4 months ago, Regina Hair Specialist (from Japan) opened a new branch at Junction 8, I chanced upon it when I was buying my then-fave GongCha. A big attractive banner with the words "$128 unlimited sessions of KPL underarm" attracted me like bees to honey.

"$128 for unlimited sessions? Is it too good to be true? Must be hardsell other products to addon etc.."

Being a spa, facial & massage fanatic, I'm all too familiar to the many marketing antics so many salons are practising nowadays. But still, I was attracted enough to go in to ask more about it.

The consultant who attended to me was a sweet Japanese girl, her English was fluent (with a Jap accent) and aside from asking me to fill up a 2 page checklist on my skin condition, she went straight into explaining the promo package which I enquired about. Short & sweet, I signed up on the spot.

What is KPL? Is it the same as IPL?
Extracted from their website www.regina.sg

In short, it works just like IPL. Permanent hair removal.

I have gone for 3 sessions so far. It is almost painless, except for that very slight (almost negligible) electric pulse, I'm sure no one will say it's painful at all.

The salon decor is minimalistic in white, treatment room is a just bed and a cupboard for your to put your clothes and belongings.

You are not allowed to tweeze or epilate once you sign up for the treatment, you can only shave so as to not damage the roots. I've noticed that immediately after the 1st treatment, the regrowth has been much slower and my pits also look smoother and whiter. I did not develop any rashes or itch like the previous round of IPL at Beyond.

The best part, they really practise what they preach - No hardselling at Regina.
Not once during when I signed up for the package and the 3 sessions I went.

I'm really happy with their service, appointment making is a breeze and so far I'm happy with the effects.

In fact, I'm happy enough to just sign up the $98 unlimited sessions package for upperlip hair removal (Promo with ANZ or UOB cards) today. :p Maybe its reverse psychology, with the absence of hardselling and always having therapists asking me to top up for this and that, I find myself looking out for Regina's promos so that I won't miss any good ones out :)

Regina is located at:
Hitachi Towers
The Central
Junction 8
Suntec City
www.regina.sg

**Get a complimentary session of hair removal (a range of body part you can choose from - upperlip, underarm, knees, inner thigh, arms and more options!) when you sign up any package and quote referred by Florence J8000048! :)

De Classic Golden Spoon

2011-06-19T18:57:00.010+08:00

Happy Fathers' Day to all fathers!

Did a table reservation at De Classic Golden Spoon pretty late, only yesterday noon and was surprised that they are not full yet. Even better was, they did not have that compulsory set menu which they had during Mothers' Day, so we could do ala carte and order all the highly raved dishes.

Nestled inside a quiet lane along Seng Poh Road, it was easy to miss this, unless you know what you are looking for. Even with the unit number, we missed and had to U-turn and search again.

We reached at 1pm, restaurant was about 60% full, but all empty tables had that "Reserved" tag on it. True enough, it filled up pretty soon. The restaurant seats both in airconditioned & non-aircon(outside) so remember to make your reservation early if you want to sit indoors.

Specialty: Crab Meat Vermicelli
This is indeed worth all the raves.
The vermicelli soaked up all the goodness of the braised broth, the crab
was meaty and succulent and sweet. Really really good.
We all agreed we can have just the sauce and the vermicelli for a meal! Everyone ended up scooping up the leftover sauce and drizzle over their plain rice!

Tofu with cereal & pumpkin sauce.

Another nice dish, tofu was silky smooth and the sauce amazing.
Pumpkin sauce & cereal made dish reminds you of
cereal and butter crabs!

Had wanted to order the pan fried codfish but the waiter suggested I choose "steamed" as he said their codfish is very fresh today. He recommended steamed, topped with fried garlic and chai-por.
Turned out very nice!
The cod was indeed very fresh, portion was big to fill everyone! I always have to end up fighting with others over codfish in restaurants cos the portion is always so stingy, but not here!

French beans with sambal
Crunchy, but abit too oily & spicy to satisfy everyone at the table. But still nice.

Coffee Spare Ribs

Probably the only dish I was disappointed about. The ribs was cooked soft to the bone. The meat just slided off the bone easily BUT it was bland. The sauce coated the outsides of the meat but when you bite into the flesh, it tasted imbalanced. The sauce was nothing to rave about too.
What a waste, they should have marinated it better.

Dad's favourite Deer Meat with ginger & Spring Onion.

A must order dish for Daddy whenever it's his bday or fathers' day. Meat tender, but I think it is so average in terms of taste.

Chilled Lemon Grass Jelly with Longans
Was expecting the black grass jelly in pudding form, but was surprised and disappointed to see
it looked more like lemon flavour agar-agar. Tasted very normal, like something I could easily done better.

Or-Nee with corn
I knew I'll regret about the grass jelly when I saw the Or-nee. And I was totally right.
It was so smooth, sweet with just the right tinge of saltiness and the corn was very sweet!
I'm usually not a or-nee fan, I skip desserts when weddings serve this up.
N here I am, loving this! Not too sweet, so creamy & nice!

Overall Rating: 8/10.
Food: Fresh, most dishes executed well. Will definitedly return again.
Service: Thoughtful and attentive. Plates were changed after crab dish, tea refilled promptly even on a full house.
Damage: $210 for 6 pax - $35/pax

De Classic Golden Spoon
62 Seng Poh Lane
6536 2218

It's here, Finally!

2011-05-23T23:28:00.001+08:00

I promise to keep you peeps updated whats in and out in my life.. esp what flew past the past months.
especially now that I have a new toy in my arms that keeps me connected everywhere i go!

Now i can blog on the train, on the bed and even in the toilet!! Muahaha!

Thank You Hubby!! :)

This is a very very belated Anniversary present as I chose to wait out on the iPad and await painfully for the iPad2. Yes, the front facing camera for Facetime is very very important to me, since this is prolly going to replace my MacBook when i travel, need to make sure I can skype Hubby at least! :D

Hello Again!

2011-05-23T22:52:00.003+08:00

yes i know i went MIA for awhile.. but i'm back!! With loads to update!

But first.. let me share with you a joke that hubby just shared with me, he heard this at a course for engineers today.

---------------
1 day, an engineer walked along the streets of Fairytale Street..
He walked, walked, walked..
Suddenly, he heard a voice
"Hello, if you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess."
He looked down, and saw a frog.
Picked it up and put into his pocket.
And, he began walking again. Walk, walk, walk..
The frog got irritated and reminded
"Hello, if you kiss me, I'll turn into a princess & do whatever you want me to."
The engineer smiled at the frog, and continued walking. Walk, walk, walk
The frog got really frustrated now and said
"Hello, I've told you, if you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess, do whatever you want,
and stay by your side and be your girlfriend forever!"
The engineer smiled and said
"Well, I'm an engineer. I don't know what to do with a girlfriend but a talking frog sounds cool."

---------

Haha! It was a joke with a hint of sarcasm as engineers are usually boring lovers. LOL.

So i laughed and digged at hubby..
"Haha! Thats why you looked for a gf for so damn long!"
And he replied
"Haha thats why I only let you be a gf for very short time, and made you my wife! Cos i dunno what to do with you!!"

-_-"

Heng or sway

2011-02-16T12:52:00.003+08:00

When we visited Europe, the exchange rate was at 2.32..

when we came back, we were too busy to change back our 2k euros back to SGD.

And within 2 weeks.. it rollercoastered down to 1.8 and then 1.7..

When we went US, the exchange rate is pretty favourable at around 1.42..

when we came back... it went down steadily to a 1.27..

When i'm dying to go bangkok.. there were riots everywhere.. there is no way Hubby would allow me to go even though I pretty much couldn't care less if it is safe to travel.

And now when I'm planning for what could be our last long trip in a long long time...

Political unrest hits Egypt!

WTF!

Hubby asked me to think of alternatives.. but nothing much interests me now. I scrolled up and down the destination in the SIA website... my eyes just seems fixated at "Cairo" and "Johannesburg".

Am just praying now.. after the stepping down announcement.. Egypt can recover asap.

And it won't be like Bangkok.. red shirt, yellow shirt and soon maybe a new blue shirt will come out.

2WW

2011-01-26T11:14:00.001+08:00

nope, this post is not about World War II.. but 2WW for ladies who know.. :)

1st time everrr, i was counting dates and i totally agree it is agonising...

still counting...

Fully booked for the year

2011-01-06T19:18:00.003+08:00

It's only Jan and my holiday plans are fully booked for the year! Utter sadness!

Intend to work like a horse this year and so I'm allowing myself no more than 3 trips.

I just come to realise since Dec 2009, we been travelling EVERY 3 months! I tink that made me lazy and fat and enjoying life abit too much. Yeah I mean it, enjoying life is good.. but i tink I'm too young to be sitting around enjoying, I shld get my brains working harder.

For now, there is the 11day Taiwan trip, 4day Bangkok and 3wk Egypt(and pending extension for South Africa)

Very very tempted by the Aussie trip my colleagues are asking me to join.. but its gonna be a 14days at least.. sad.. so I've decided a "NO". Never been to Aussie and I realli wanna visit with a bunch of friends. Should be very fun yah?

And then now there is the Krabi trip, which I have to say no to again :(

Stay firm! Want more trips? Hit your goals first!!!!!

I'm gonna Bang some Cock!

2011-01-02T16:57:00.001+08:00

haha! Rude not? Hubby taught me one!
Bangkok? Bang Cock! LOL

OKieee pardon me being HIGH.. I am superrr high cos I am finally going Bangkok with Bibi!!
Our first trip together to the Land of Smiles, where I used to "report attendance" every single year for 7 years consecutively! But somehow after we got together, he is often worried about the security and social unrest there, so, I have not been to bangkok for 3 LONG YEARS!

And within mins again.. ackhem, thanks to deal.com.sg, I bought the trip almost instantly I saw it! Wahahaha!

Well, i have 1 whole year to decide the dates I wanna travel.. Aside from Country T and Country E which we are planning for.. a 4D3N bangkok trip should be relatively easy to squeeze in yah? :D

And hubz say even if he last min cannot find time, he's confident I shld be able to find a kaki who'll be willing to go in place of him ^_^

By the time u see this, the deal may prolly be over.. but here it is, if u r still lucky to book it..
http://www.deal.com.sg/referral/7777fa47

Only $188 for 4D3N Bangkok, Air Ticket & 4 star Accomodations inclusive! Ooh-La-La .. !!

Bye 2010

2010-12-31T18:51:00.003+08:00

Been very busy with trips, weddings and parties lately. Social butterfly is prolly my designation for Nov-Dec.

I'll catch up on the following events once i can! :)

- trip to USA

- trip to canada

- trip to japan

- cruise trip with in-laws

- phuket getaway

- my 30th bday!!

How am I spending NYE this year? It's been awhile before I spend NYE in sgp, I will prolly be in Krabi if not for my dear cousin's ROM tmr. She has long ago blocked my leave and ordered me to stay in sgp for her garden party ROM. My closest cousin, whom i watched her grew up, one who's very close to my family. So how can i not be there? :)

Remembering 2010, it had been a great year. Aside from losing weight, (ackem, yeah failed again, whats new. haha!) we achieved most of our goals that we had set at the start of the year.

- Most memorable thing being we visited USA together, the place Hubz has been talking about as long as we been together. It was alot alot of fun.

- also visited Japan, thus completing the Top 3 dream destinations I declared since young (in order of preference, Paris, USA, Japan)

- we had family trips to Redang, Cruise trip to KL, Phuket.

- bought a new car, Baby's fave Mazda

- we both got promoted at work. I achieved my career goal for the year!

- renovated our place and persuaded my inlaws to come and stay with us.

- yet in the midst of all spendings and expenditures, we managed grew our savings to achieve and exceed the targeted sum we had aimed to accumulate for the year. which we really were very happy about.

- I finally took a step to see a TCM about my health in Dec, and now taking regular medications :p

For 2011, I'll be contented enough if it is as a great a year like 2010, but I'll be even more glad if it's be a better and blessed year and our priorities be fulfilled.

Making myself healthy and happy for Plan B will be my top most priority :) I've travelled enough, I've seen enough within a short period of time. Hubby found time amongst his very tight schedules at work to bring me to my own dreams and we have spent a fair bit on our yearly travels. Here's time to make little sacrifaces for realising Hubby's dreams.

No more setting of resolutions, goal setting is the way to go :)

I am a living irony

2010-12-07T15:29:00.000+08:00

I'm really all psyched up to plan for a African tour next yr.. to Egypt and South Africa.
The last 2 destinations in my dream list. Which happens to be Hubby's Top dream destination.

But the dilemma now is.. what if I get preggie?

Egypt definitedly is not an ideal place for pregnant woman to be at, as the stomach upsets amongst tourists are like infamous. I dun tink i want to climb up a camel with a big belly too.

So, the choice is, why not wait after I give birth. But, c'mon let's be realistic. How many parents out there get to travel 2-3wks with a toddler, even if u can have someone to look after the kid.. will u bear to leave him/her for 3 wks?

So I reckon, for parents with kids, either u go somewhere near/child friendly/ u just have to wait til your kid becomes like 18yrs old before u can go lomantic with your hubby to some exotic faraway place.

How How How? :(

Best time to visit Africa is from Nov-March, so if I am looking at Nov 2011... that means I have to KIV baby plans for another year. Which i don't want too. :(

But its too rush to be planning for the coming Dec-Mar, furthermore we are already going away this sat and also in April liao. I wouldn't want too many holidays to be jam packed and disrupt my work.

BOOHOOHOO!!

Online shopping makes u broke!

2010-10-31T21:33:00.004+08:00

Thanks to Jolynn for introducing a superb webby on her attractive deal to bintan..

I found myself poorer by $3000 within 2hrs.

We are going to KL/Phuket!! :D

First time to Phuket for me, first cruise trip with hubby! And we are bringing the family!! :)

Check this website out! The deals are really superb!

Please click this link and register yourself, that will shower me with a $6 referral fee and help recoup abit of the pocket damage. Thank you so much!! LOL!

http://www.deal.com.sg/referral/7777fa47

New same old house.

2010-10-24T20:31:00.000+08:00

After weeks of buzz, today is finally the day we leap into a major change in our lives we've decided to embark. :)

Am sure things will be looking greater now on.

AHHHHH in BIGGGG sigh of relief. Finally, 1 major project down.

Barely 3 wks back from US, done so much. Hopefully not on, i got more time to breathe :)

Shall tell u more about this BIG project soon :).

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I miss US already.. :(

DC and Vegas is fun fun fun!! :D

Before enjoyment, comes stress

2010-09-07T01:56:00.002+08:00

Aside from counting back to our preparations to our wedding, there has not been a busier time than this.

Flying to US on this Sat, I have yet to choose places I wan to visit as well as plan out the itinerary.
It is definitedly a destination in my dream list and I am very looking forward to it.

But before I could fast forward to Sat, there are so many things on hand NOW! Driving me nuts!

Firstly, there is work.
Being in a sales environment, I have to be accountable for meeting my targets and of cos holding up to expectations so that I can go for a holiday in peace and not worrying that my targets are abandoned while i'm away. Then next, 2 sides of the coin, I am having streams of meetings with clients, events and seminars, which of cos makes my bank acc smiling. But then again, I am kept so busy I could hardly breathe.

And, I have just been recommended for promotion. SO there are the tests I need to go thru, and the meetings with the management. Phew! Talk about holding expectations, and there comes higher expectations!

Secondly, house renovation Phrase 2.
Well since that we'll be away for some time, this may be the best time to get the house re-renovated for anticipated future needs. The only room that stays untouched is our bedroom, which we had already done up the prev time and we are still very satisfied with it. The 2 guests rooms and the living room will be re-renovated. Best part is, we merely met up with the ID 2wks ago.

Laminates, floor tiles , designs, paint color.. OMG! We have so much yet to finish finalising!

And then worst, all the travel stuffs, barang barang and displays in the entertainment room, we have to pack it up to get ready for reno! Can u imagine packing fragile items?? :(

Thirdly, Mooncake festival.
I make it a point to hand deliver mooncakes to my preferred clients for the festival. I have no time to go for tasting esp when most booths only started today. I had just placed an order with Pan Pac today, collecting on Wed. And so that means I have to finish the delivery within 2 days!! Faint.

Fourthly, Hubby is uber busy too!
As such, I had to double as his secretary to make sure his many appts and stuffs I can't help him with. And cos Hubby is busy, and we have lots to settle with the designer, I have to accomodate his schedule.
Unlike me, I can schedule to meet my clients after my trip, his work requires him to complete before he leaves. The difference between employed and self-employed :)

Lastly, errands of any kind!
Making sure food and grooming supplies for Rooney (our little Papillon) are well stocked while we are away. Buying new bedsheets and quilts, IKEA stuffs, transferring the seasoned parking coupon to my inlaws as we'll be passing them the car. And talking abt this, why must HDB make the process so tedious!? Grrrrr..
Change USD for the trip, apply for ESTA, travel insurance.. ahhhhh!!!

An example of how my ultra busy tight schedule has made me?
A super duper decisive & swift shopper! I bought 2 TVs and 1 projector TV within 1hr at the COMEX! Amazing? Yes, absolutely!!!

The list is JUST NON EXHAUSTIVE!!! HELP ME......

Hair! Impromptu!

2010-08-23T23:44:00.001+08:00

Today was another rewarding day at work. High spirits from morning and I achieved the goal I had set to achieve before my US trip.

Pluckered up enuf courage or maybe it is the adrenaline rush from all those happy spirits and words of congrats from fellow colleagues that made me finally decided "Aiya just go for it la! Worse come worse cut my hair short again!"

Recall that freak perm incident that scarred me since 5yrs ago? That left my almost-waist-length hair fried like hay and I had no choice but to decide to snip it all off up til my ear lobes?

I have always like to try different hairstyles and I have always loved waves and curls. Sometimes when I can afford the time, I'll curl my hair with the curling tong but as much as I wish, I really will like to have a new look for work every morning. I appreciate my naturally straight hair, but I was just too bored with it.

So there, I just called Toni&Guys here and then, fix the next avail slot, asked for a snr stylist and I sent myself there! I know there are alot of other salons that'll do it at a fraction of the price, but I just dun wish to take the gamble.

I'm glad I did what I did.. for i couldn't have loved my hair better! Finally for 29yrs, a perm job that is successful and what I asked for! Hubby loved it for he felt it made me look more sophisticated and sexy (heh heh)

The whole process took 4hrs. Cut, Perm & Treatment.

I loved how from the start right til the end, I have a dedicated stylist serving me and only me. Even the hairwash! I hate it when one stylist cut, den another wash and blow, den I'm asked to wait for the stylist to come back & check. But at Toni&Guys Essensuals, I have Celine (Snr Stylist) who attended me thru out, checking every now and then making sure that my hair is adapting well to the chemicals, always making sure I have enuf magazines to read and my beverages topped up and changed to my requests.

I love the advices she gave and the effect she did to my fringe. N of cos how meticulous she is. I love how the whole outlook turned out - feminine, sassy with a touch of subtle glam. Instead of worrying that a perm will make me look older, Hubby said it brightens me up!

Yippie!!! I have happy hair now! I am Happy! *_*

Mum's going to Cambodia

2010-08-13T12:49:00.002+08:00

I done up 5D4N Cambodia research for mum in 1 day! HAHAHA mad happy at myself.

Mum and dad are going pak-tor on her birthday, dad chose the destination and i selected the dates to coincide on mum's birthday. Lidat i can help my dad save money. Muahaha!

I always tink of Cambodia as a 3rd world country, with not much things that will fascinate me, but I'm quite shocked that a Cambodia trip is not as cheap as I thought. I had imagined the costs of a BKK trip, but it was more of a Taiwan trip price. But still, the attractions dun really appeal to me, though hubby says it is a unique place. And they use USD there!!

Anyway, gotta make sure we gather with my parents again this month, else we will not see each other for a month liao.

Sis and me is leaving on the same day, though diff destination. I'll be back on the day Mum departs for Cambodia. So it will only be mid Oct we'll meet again.

1 mth!

2010-08-11T09:44:00.002+08:00

Yippie! It is exactly 1 month to USA!!!

Though we just cme back from M'sia over the long weekend, it felt like we haven travelled for sooooooo long!!

Been very busy with work recently, which is a good sign of cos, earning more moolah so that I can go away in peace :)

It is weird cos in July I had this sixth sense that told me I have to complete all the bookings and planning for the trip cos Aug I need to concentrate working. Never mind that my appointments with clients for Aug doesn't look packed ahead yet. But anyway knowing myself, I have to complete the trip bookings asap so that I'll not get distracted easily.

I'm glad I did. Never felt better in fact! Long trip is coming, yet both me and hubby can relax abt the trip and not feel anxious for not booking this or that. And i guess it was a blessing in disguise that I have been sick for 2 weeks in July, so I was home-ridden and that gave me time in front of my lappie doing personal stuffs.

And things are pretty rosy at work, another personal best achieved. :)

Focus is KEY!

Joke of the Day

2010-07-20T22:19:00.003+08:00

While hubby was having his usual gaming hour, I asked him

"What is the difference between 'complete' and finish' "

He pondered for awhile and replied with a duper sweet smile..

"With you my life is complete, not finished".

I laughed out loud and told him

"With you, my life is complete.

With me, you are finished!"

HAHAHAHAHA

Treasure Every Single Day

2010-07-15T18:54:00.000+08:00

As human, many times we take things for granted. Even subconciously.

Our friends, our family and our loved ones.

Almost every week, there'll be a day or 2 that I just feel like telling Hubby I love him. And thank him for being there in my life.

Have you ever wonder, when was the last time u tell someone how dear they are to you, and have you ever think they could just one day no longer be there?

Even every married couple should be thankful for each other, it does not mean when they chose each other, get married, and everything is just it.

Every relationship requires efforts to maintain and bring it to higher heights. It should not be life circumstances that bring you further.

When asked "Why did you get married?" It is sad to hear "Oh it was a shotgun" or "Oh cos we needed to get the keys to the flat" or "Aiya already 27 already, still not married den old maid liao" or "Oh cos he has to go overseas for work" or "alamak already paktor 10yrs liao, dun get married, do what?"

Is it really a societal pressure for everyone to get married or have kids? I doubt so, because it can be evidently seen that more people are choosing to remain single nowadays. I have also seen many brave single mums who bring up the kids singlehandedly.

Now the question is, why get married if the person cannot give u happiness? why choose him if he cannot be your best friend? why are you getting married due to external factors?"

Personally, I do not understand why people get married if they do not intend to have kids. Does the status change to Mrs simply make u feel more secure? Personally, i see nothing wrong to co-habitting if I choose not to have kids. Stay under one roof, eat, shit, tok everything together.

I'm asking these cos I'm alarmed and affected by separation and divorce stories around me.

While I would say they are more brave then most people who simply choose to complain about their lives or turn a blind eye that their spouse is simply not what they'll really want as a dream life partner. Or worst, like a good friend who do not dare to voice a divorce even when he gambled away their house, hits her, cheats on her barely 1yr into the marriage. All cos he threatens to commit suicide if she leaves and she really believes he'll do that so she's scared.

Of cos, the dream guy you fantasize about.. the guy with a hot bod, charming smile, sparkling eyes, caring and funny demeanor.. may be worlds apart with whom you wake up to every morning. But i'm sure couples who has experienced "she/he is the one" feeling will know.. somehow.. even if the guy in front of you looks like Mr Bean or Steven Lim, he had given you the feeling that you want no one else but him. The confidence that you are going to give up the forest for that single tree.

A friend got married 2 months ago, she had the most perfect proposal I've ever seen. The most beautiful, the most creative, the most romantic and the most heartwarming. I could rmbr the proposal so clearly. I was so happy for her cos I could rmbr so vividly how hard she cried few years ago when her ex bf cheated on her. I was so happy that she found someone who loves her so much. They have been together for 3yrs when he proposed and they share the same hobbies and interests. Her wedding was also very beautiful and romantic. And now god knows what happened.. they are filing for separation and she is devastated.

Now, if a guy who did so much to win her heart could fail a marriage, what about the many guys out there who can't even be bothered to do a proper proposal? Dun get me wrong, I am definitedly not saying guys who dun propose are bad guys. My dad din propose to my mum either. LOL.

But what I meant is, seriously, anyone can do anything and everything to fail a marriage. Even the guy whom u thought is perfect. Shouldn't we be grateful for every single day our partner is there for us?

The Past

2010-07-14T13:23:00.004+08:00

Saw this FB status my friend posted up awhile ago. Within a short time, handful of her friends replied they experienced the same thing too. While I thought that I had long forgotten unpleasant incidents and recalls the people who matters alot to me today are the same who were there to give a lending hand on my wedding, this status seemed to wipe off the dust and made me recall stuffs from yesterdays. The uncontrollable feeling of my fingers wanting to reach out to the keyboard and type "Me too". But my mind wanted to tell her "Be glad enuf if they don't care. Then to create troubles."

But I decided I shall reserve my comments. Then to make her worry unnecessarily :)

Every bride deserves the best. But only those who have went through it all will think likewise.

Shocker

2010-07-06T14:49:00.000+08:00

I always hear from friends the shock when their parents add them in facebook.

Well, I dun tink my parents will ever join the bandwagon.. but i just had an unexpected surprise..
I'll say even more surprised den if my parents get into FB.

My EX-BF's MUM added me in FB!! An ex-bf that is way....... back in history, my 1st bf that is.

Ok la, its a pleasant surprise. Its nice to catch up after losing contact for like 10yrs?

I'm glad that she remembers me, esp when I recall she din used to like me cos I was still ah-lian'ish back then and her son was like a good boy and she doesn't want me to be a bad influence to her son. :p

But what, did she search for me or what? My profile is private and she recognise me from that small profile pic? LOL

Anyway, anyhow its good to know I created an impression somehow, and she still rmbrs me and would like to connect after so long. Or maybe, she din dislike me as much as I thought back then. :-)

Holidays!!

2010-07-02T15:31:00.004+08:00

Yeah! After a mth of deliberating on dates and schedules and budgeting..

Tickets for 3 routes booked today! Yay Yay Yay! Just 1 more routing and i'm done!

Lotsa work to book the hotels next. I am very very particular and auntie abt the hotels I stay. Must be convenient, good reviews, got breakfast, WIFI is a must, got free parking(since we'll be renting car for this trip), and MUST be cheap. (ok la cheap is too extreme, where got so cheap so good one? Haha.. reasonably priced ba.)

We are going away for Baby's birthday and our 2yrs anniversary! And being the good and considerate wife *cough cough*, I declared it will be for my advance birthday pressie too! :D

Yes we totally failed at holding ourselves back and stick to our plans that we made after the long Europe trip - No long holidays for 2010, and no trips out of Asia. Hubby is the one! He is the one who dangled the "US carrot" in front of me and started all these!! :p

So much for the "recuperating" of funds from the super Europe holiday and new car. Come back eat grass liao! Thank god we had already set aside baby funds in investments, else it may be tempting to touch it too! LOL!!

I PROMISE... next yr will be Asia year!! Or maybe Asia years for the next 3-5yrs? With only 2 countries left on my dream list, I guess I can wait til our kids grow up!! :) And plus, I really miss Thailand and I really want to bring Hubby to Taiwan. That is like that only country I've been to n he hasn't, so I am like damn happy and proud to show him around. Haha! :)

Nw i got ample reasons to stop shopping at GSS.. time to save more moolah!

USA..

Canada..

Japan...

Here I come!!!!

I miss Thailand

2010-06-30T17:19:00.003+08:00

Helping my sis plan n book her trip to Hatyai. .

I miss that place!! Brings back many memories of me back in biking days.. exploring beyond Singapore, Msia and Thailand on 2-wheelers... a journey of endurance and determination.

If not for the friends in biking world, I dun tink I would have visited Hatyai before. While some ppl say it is no where compared to Bangkok, I beg to differ. There, i shop and eat til i drop too. Many times, I feel its the company that matters.

Sure, it may not have the ATAS shopping centres like MBK and Platinum Mall, but I can also shop and eat with one-third of the budget in HY. For a short and cheap getaway, it does its magic.

With my magic fingers, i got air tickets and 4 days accomodation for 2 persons at a mere $340 all inclusive.

It was suppose to be a surprise birthday trip i planned for hubby, with my sis n bro-in-law surprising him at the airport. Trip of 4 of us, how nice.

But due to Hubby's schedule clash, we have to pull ourselves out of the trip and so my surprise for him became a surprise for me lor! The dates just clashed so nicely, so the same day!

For now, I am happily planning Sis' trip and looking fwd to her pictures and loots bk from HY!

Sidetrack abit... I've helped quite a few friends & relatives plan for their trips this year, and Baby is proud enough of my work and accomplishment (in savings big bucks) in F&E travel planning that he is urging me to consider doing it professionally. Guess he also noticed I really enjoy doing all the research and work for F&E trips.

Charge consultation fees based on the amt I save for the client as compare to tour agency, tailor F&E itinerary for couples/families according to their preferences, who does not like travelling with tour groups and who has no time planning...

Sis, maybe i shld start with yours.. as special introductory offer, all the plan for a bag of Durian chips from HY :D

Emotional Roller coaster

2010-06-24T22:34:00.000+08:00

This may well be the longest 4 days I've ever felt in my life.

Alot to scream and yell about but its not about time to say it here. Cos i dunno who is reading this space as yet.

But I have a feeling that it will be soon...

Anything that makes me unhappy in front of my hubby, family and loved ones.. deserves to be sacrifaced.

Lets see.. how long more I can fight with the demon.

The 5 languages of Love

2010-06-17T01:29:00.003+08:00

I feel loved when...

The Five Love Languages

My Primary Love Language is Quality Time

My Detailed Results:
Quality Time:	9
Physical Touch:	8
Acts of Service:	6
Words of Affirmation:	4
Receiving Gifts:	3

About this quiz

Unhappiness in relationships is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. It can be helpful to know what language you speak and what language those around you speak.
Tag 3 people so they can find out what their love language is.

Take the Quiz!
Check out the Book

I recalled sometime last year my colleagues were talking about this topic and were making a guess what my love language will be. It was predicted unanimously amongst them that it would be "Acts of Service" as they felt I enjoy making things myself to make my hubby and close friends happy - e.g learn cooking, bake cakes for his bday, bake cookies for friends on christmas, plan surprises, do handicrafts etc...

That was what they told me they tink I am, even though I wondered hard what could I really be. Somehow I din feel that is what describes me best. I like to give gifts to the ppl I love, but I dun feel receiving gifts was what makes me happiest. Somehow I really wanted to know but I just forgot to search about the topic again.. til I saw it on Shermeen's blog.

"Oh man! This is the one I looking for!" Thanks babe!!

According to a series of characteristics, it ranks "Quality Time" highest for me.

I had earlier guess it might be a tie between "touch" and "time" for me and well, I was almost right :)

To some, they may not be able to describe themselves well (like me) but by classifying your emotions and likes, we can always have an expert to show us the light. It is impt to know yourself so that u can express urself better and u have a clear mind what you want, what you need.

Of cos, nothing could be better if your partner knows your love language.

Rmbr, Man are from Mars and women are from Venus.. but things could be simpler if we all know each one better.

I value quality time spent together, regardless how long or short it may be. I enjoy doing things i like together with my loved ones. Wherever I dream of going, I want to go with him. I like it when he listens attentively when I'm telling him something. I love how he always hold my hand when we are out. I especially loves it when he suddenly plants a kiss on my forehead or my cheeks or the surprise creep up and hugs me from behind.

But I tink he is not as much a "touch" person as I'll like him to be. Bearing in mind "sticky" or "touchy feely" is not what i desire huh.. SuperGlue or Cuttlefishes are never my type.

Hubby.. are you reading this? Can i ask for more free things and lesser gifts. Ok? :p

Come to tink of it.. "quality time and touch" this could be the reason why I cannot tolerate guys who are ultra sticky

What will your love language be? :)

Redang Bagus!!

2010-06-14T22:25:00.002+08:00

For the 1st time, I'm motivated to blog about my trip. Haha!
I muz admit Paulineda's words at the chatbox makes me a little guilty that all these yrs blogging, I've failed to blog abt my trips. LOL! Talk about creating memories footprints here! LOL

And worse, it is all trips to my dream destinations at the top of my wishlist! OK.. hope this will start the ball rolling.. :p

Redang Island, Malaysia.

Trip Summary:
4 stars for the beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters and wonderful fun with 15 pax of my in-laws. And not forgetting the whole trip itinerary was planned by my uncle-in-law so we just have to pay and enjoy! Such a hassle free trip, just pack my bags 3hrs before the trip. Haha!
1 star deducted for the long journey we have to take to get there. Coach 8hrs and Ferry 1hr. And also for the dismaying stay at Redang Holiday Resort Villa.

Road trip on Five Stars in their Executive Coach was great with onboard entertainment and very comfy full-reclinable seats with leg rest. They provide few stops along the way if u like to grab a hot drink or some local delights or just wanna get off the bus and stretch yourself. But for a comfy seat like that.. I am quite happy staying up here :)

We arrived at Merang Jetty after a 8hr bus ride, had a hot drink and waited for the rest to arrive from Trengganu. They had set off earlier and spent a day in Trengganu.

It was an hr ride on the boat across the choppy waters. But we had fun chatting, joking and laughing away. We had a battle of bubble gum and i'm the clear winner! I can "clurk" the gum loudly and blow the biggest and tautest bubbles consecutively! This is something I learnt from my mum! LOL.. and hubby keep complaining why he married an Ah Lian.

Redang Holiday (the resort we stayed in Redang) was dismaying for poor quality in food, service, snorkelling experience and the room has very basic amenities. There is aircon but no there isn't even a wardrobe for hanging clothes. They provide hangers and we have to hang on the clothesline outside. Bearing in mind we snorkel or swim twice a day, we really need to dry the swim wear unless u intend to bring 6 sets of swimwear, or if u dun mind re-wearing dripping wet swimwear. We do not feel safe hanging our clothes outside as on few occasions, either we couldn't find our clothes or someone STOLE our hangers and left our clothes on the clothesline.

Meals (Breakfast, lunch, tea time and dinner) were provided and there is always a long beeline for the food which is just so-so in quality. Getting a seat is a pain and even worse when there are 15 of us.

The experience remains me of incamp training back at OBS days. LOL.

As a newbie who has never snorkeled before, they provide little or no help in coaching at all. We saw many ppl paying to rent the equipment, only to realise upon reaching the open sea that no one is there to teach them anything. Expectations were not managed well and as a result, about half the boat remained onboard while the rest frolick and enjoyed the view underwaters. I heard from my in-laws that their prev trip to Tioman was nothing like that, nor did friends who stayed at other resorts in Redang experienced the same thing. Every day and every snorkel trip, the boat was at least 1hr late and it was really a waste of our time as we had to be properly geared, baking ourselves in the sun not knowing how long we have to wait.

Thankfully I have baby and sis-in-law to guide me, but I must admit I was a ganjiong spider on water when i first went into the water. I suddenly just forgot all I know about threading water nor basic swim strokes. Nonetheless, as this was my maiden snorkel trip, I had lots of fun a even though that location din had much fishes. LOL.

We went to 4 different locations in all, with the best experience at the Marine Park which is a conserved area.

The water was very very clear and u can see the corals and fishes even when u are on the boat. Walk barely 4m out in the waters, u'll be overwhelmed by fishes swimming around you.

So many fishes that I freaked out a few times when I was taking pics under-water. I realised everytime I paused my actions for 5secs or more, curious fishes will swim in swarms towards me. They must be curious about this alien that is not moving. Drowned and becoming their food, maybe? haha.

I swear I got bitten by fishes when I wasn't moving. And I freaked out and choked big time when I saw a herd of this swordfish-looking things swimming towards me!

A tip: DO NOT wear contact lens when snorkeling as the saltish sea water will sting alot! Sis-in-law's lens got washed out when water entered her goggles. Lucky for me, hard lens dun get washed out like that, but it is also very irritating cos i cannot rub my eyes even though it stings painfully. Also, bring some bread if u can, to feed and lure the fishes towards u. But i was told no feeding allowed at the Marine Park, fine RM30,000!! But i see many locals doing that still!

Walked to the other end of the beach where the famous 夏日默默茶 was filmed.

We also realised that this part of the beach is much more crowded den our side and at our end, the beach looks more beautiful and clean. So maybe that was a consolation for choosing that resort. :)

Another Tip: Buy what you need before arriving at Redang island as there is no shops u can buy foods and snacks except for this small store with little variety beside More More Tea Inn.

Complains about amenities aside, it was really a very fun trip with my in-laws. All of them, old or young are very sporting and fun. All the laughter and enjoyable made up for all the things I could complain about. Hubby's cousins grew closer to me during the trip and we went for our little excursions while the adults were MJ-ing away :)

I look forward to the next trip with them! And since it is an annual affair and I love planning trips and it seems I have my fans liao.., Baby and sis-in-law has volunteered my services to plan for the next one!

They said "我们相信你!!" Haha.. before then, I shall plan one for the family on my side. :)

Lonely no more!

2010-06-14T18:39:00.001+08:00

YAY.. hubby is back from his business trip to xxx (classified) haha!
It was definitedly the most shiong send off and most restraining pick up I've gone thru though i've done that quite numerous times.

Send Off:
I had to be baby's PA at the airport and run errands for him while he takes charge of clearance of the super VIPs (identity cannot be disclosed, i can only say its an important figure probably we all know.) We were at the airport 3hrs before departure making sure all is well, the airport customs, security etc is briefed. It was an interesting experience though, to be part of baby's mega event (but what i helped is very little la hehe) and see him very differently. The loving and gentle and funny man I'm so closed to becomes the ultra no-nonsence and respectable figure in split seconds right in front of me. I have to agree 男人认真的时候最帅!! :p

I have to sit like 10m away from him even though I was helping him run errands, so most of the time, my eyes were fixed on him. At times, I felt as if I had followed someone I 暗恋 to the airport. LOL!!

Pick Up:
I'm always used to greeting Baby with a kiss whenever we meet, but this time, I have to restrain myself and just sit aside even when he arrived while he finishes any last instructions to his man.

Then after waiting and waiting... I can now run towards him and kiss him as if I just saw him. Haha!

And the not very surprised-surprise ..

Baby gets me an addition to my Absolute Vodka collection ;)

My latest Absolut Tropics.Collection is 99% completed again :)

I was totally not expecting any gifts from his trip at all cos I know he'll be soooo busy thru out the trip and so surprise surprise when he whips out another pressie!

He said he just felt he has to get me something, something for his Bibi.. but as he din had the time to sight-see at all, he got me something from the inflight Kris-shop.. and he recalls the prev trip I told him how good Loccitane prdts are but I can't bear to spend so much on toiletries (I've always choosen to be a Crabtree & Evelyn fan instead cos of budget constraints ;p) .. so he got me this!

6 tubes of L'Occitane handcream!!!

2 tubes each of Cherry Blossom, Rose and the Original Formula.

Travel exclusive so i tink not for sale at stores?

I went gaga over them..

That is before I started whining abt how expensive they were. LOL

I now have officially 2 yrs supply of handcreams. I still have 8 tubes of Crabtree! LOL!!

Getting away for a Getaway!!

2010-06-04T23:12:00.000+08:00

Less den 24hrs for my first trip with my in laws that I've been looking fwd to!

As it couldn't have been more coincidental, the annual inaugural Asian Investment Conference will be opening tomorrow at Suntec and again, Walton has been invited as the only 1 of 2 alternative investment to participate. How could I miss out on such a big event?! I heard there are already 60000 members registered!

So I decided to take a coach over to Terangganu myself tmr night after my event to meet the rest, whom will be departing tmr morning.

Sweet hubby has of cos, chose to wait for me and go over together. :)

Even if that means I need to top up for the additional coach tickets which we had already initially paid up, and I will miss out a day's activities in Teranganu which was included in our package deal, I still decided to attend the conference.

That is how much I am looking forward to tmr ;)

My first trip to Redang, which I loved from all the pics my friends showed me from their trips,
My first trip with my in-laws,
and finally a holiday again!

We may have been holiday-ing almost every 2-3 mths recently, but i just love every single min out with baby ^_^

I'm excited!!

Pests!

2010-05-18T00:24:00.000+08:00

Again and again, pests are buzzing around..
acting and commenting as if they know me so well, when those who really know, mock at them after the pests finished buzzing.

"I know what u are thinking....."
"I know you will......"
"See, I knew you will....."

自做聪明.

Especially if they can't even handle/understand their wife/gf well, and they describe themselves as caring and understanding and sensitive.

If you can't judge well, jolly well don't pass your comment to another person.

Statements that are not true are called GOSSIPS. Or even SLANDER!

There is always a reason why we choose our own friends. Don't try too hard!

Relax, and its yours.

2010-05-09T11:58:00.004+08:00

Wanted to get a set of "Essence of Beauty" makeup brush from US after hearing much raves about it.

Saw online sprees on CVS that will set me back about $25, decent price but 2-3 wks wait.

Went ebay and saw auctions going on for the same set of brushes. Went into a bidding frenzy cos another bidder just kept increasing my every bid from US$0.99. Told myself I'll stop at US$7.00 as the shipping costs me another US$7. I sticked to my price, stopped. Just nice hubby was ready to go out and so I was about to leave the site. Saw a couple of other auctions, bidded for fun at the starting bid at US$0.99 at another auction that is ending in 19hrs for the same brush set. And left the site.

Received an email today, about a second offer cos I lost the auction at US$7.20. I was thinking to myself, damn! Just 20cents more only. Yes they have offered me the set at US$7.20 too but its just the shiok-ness of winning the bid against another competitive bidder. hehe.

SO I logged on Ebay wanting to buy the set.. den another email came in.

I WON the other auction with my starting bid of US$0.99!!

Sometimes, trying too hard doesn't get you anywhere.

Clash of the Titans!

2010-05-07T13:43:00.002+08:00

Right at the start of the year, I planned ahead for 2 trips - June & Sept.

Tickets bought and paid, that is.

And so coincidently, out of the whole year got 365 days,

2 separate events must clash EXACTLY on the same start dates as the 2 trips.

And worse of all, the events that clash are events I want to go to as well!

Hate to make choices like this. If only I can put them on a weighing scale and weigh them simply!

marriAGE

2010-04-25T23:44:00.000+08:00

Now that I am turning 30... i'm really thinking if holding back the Plan B had been a wise choice or selfish choice I made for the sake for more 二人世界.

I shrug at the thought that I'll at least be 60years old when I can expect my first grandchild. And it is almost impossible to be a great-grandmother if I pass away at 82 (national cease age average).

Have you ever thought about it seriously..
Say you have your first child when u r 30,
its probably 20 more yrs down the road for them to be financially independant.
Meaning, if your plan is to retire at 55 (can u even imagine doing that job u r doing for another 25yrs!?)
u need to have accumulated sufficient funds to get ready for retirement in 5 years time.
And those parents who need to send their children for further education may find themselves still financing the loan for a few more years.

Is that the reason why more and more Singaporeans are not able to retire by 55?
Cos more ppl are giving birth later?
Or cos cost of living is too high, thus people are getting married later when their finances are more stable?
Or the lack of financial literacy?

Why is it people rather complain and whine that they do not have enough, than to do something about it.
I'm totally glad that there are now more schools and courses established to educate kids on
financial literacy and financial freedom. Its good to start young.

Then again, it is mostly the financial savvy who are enrolling their kids into these courses.
Rich gets richer, poor remains poor.

Sad, but true.

Almost there..

2010-04-22T11:34:00.004+08:00

Almost bought myself another car til the deal got delayed all the way from Jan til Apr..

as expected now that COE is up, the asking price went up!!

So back, went the money into the bank. Cos though exceeded my budget by few thousands only,

i'm not willing to stretch my budget cos I have other more impt things to plan for.

And yeah yeah yeah, I just bought a pc of Texas-Austin land for my future baby!! Everything smooth as planned, I should have a comfortable 6-digit for him/her when he/she turns 21 ;)

N we can retire happily and go travelling again.. ;D

Maybe going US this Sept.. keeps fingers crossed....

Blessed

2010-04-20T15:58:00.000+08:00

Emo moments...

Sometimes when i am alone.. i can't help but tink & feel how blessed I am to have a hubby who loves me so much and good friends who cares.

A short lunch with my one of my bestie that sent her posting happy status updates in her FB "so happy finally met my darling Flo!!" warms my heart so much. Short, simple, but i felt loved.

SMS and FB shouts from another bestie that she miss me in exclamation. Even when the last time I met her was 2 days ago.

Calls from friends when they are feeling very happy or down. I feel glad i crossed their minds as someone they can open and talk to.

Friends who bring back gifts for me when they are back from their travels when I did not even ask them to help me get anything.

Friends who shower me with little gifts of thoughts when there is no occasion, just a casual meetup.

Colleague who wrote me a "Thank You" card on his promotion.

Colleagues who showered me with concern when I went down on hospitalisation leave in March.

In laws who takes real good care of me and my health.

A hubby whom I want to return home to regardless if I'm happy or sad.

Even when I felt depressed by any 1 single incident, I am able to pick myself cos I know there are so much people who cares and want me to be happy.

I can't make everyone to like me but I can choose whom I want to love and remain friends forever..

A wonderful Sunday

2010-04-06T00:27:00.001+08:00

I guess everyone loves surprises, and I'm no exception.

It was just another Sunday, no particular reason and

Hubby just suddenly decided to whip up a dinner for me.

As much as I appreciate all the times he bring me to nice places for a romantic meal,

a meal cooked by him will beat everything hands down.

Though I've yet to see him cook anything for his family,

or cook often, I must say I've been impressed by his steaks!

He is very particular about his steaks and we both are very anal about the done-ness of our meats.

He makes awesome medium-rare steaks!

The way we like it!

Of cos it may not be as good as Morton's or Outback's,

but it warms my heart and fills me with love.

^_^

Grilled Ribeye & Striploin with Red Wine sauce ;)

Hmmm....

2010-03-20T01:31:00.002+08:00

busy busy busy...

where to for our 10th country in our 2yrs dating?? Excited!!! ;D

OMG i cannot believe i am travelling this much, baby is spoiling me!!!!!

He's anticipating a busy period again, so him being him, always so sweet to squeeze time to go for some good time before he buries his head in work.

I wish i can balance my work and play as well as him!!

About Me

2010-02-21T18:27:00.000+08:00

Seldom bother to do the FB quizes but quite a few of my friends commented this is like super accurate so decided to see how well I know myself.

Quite interesting to see how the way you behave on the questions has an answer to your own character. I must say mine is very accurate too and fits what I tink of my own characters.

Go do it! ;)

Dear Florence Chong, below are your Personality Tests result:

Who is your true self: You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

Your view on yourself:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :You are down-to-earth

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :People like you because you are so straightforward

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both si

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :You like serious

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :Smart

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :Determined people

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :You don't judge a book by its cover

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :So good-looking people aren't necessarily your style

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether y

The seriousness of your love:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :You are very serious about relationships

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :Aren't interested in wasting time with people you don't really like

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :If you meet the right person

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :You will fall deeply

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :Beautifully in love

Your views on education:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :Education is very important in life

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :You want to study hard

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :Learn as much as you can

The right job for you:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :You have plenty of dream jobs but have little chance of doing any of t

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :You need to choose something

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :Go for it to be happy

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :Achieve success

How do you view success:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :Nothing will stop you from trying

What are you most afraid of:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :You are afraid of having no one to rely on in times of trouble

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :You don't ever want to be unable to take care of yourself

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ :Independence is important to you

V Day

2010-02-17T03:26:00.000+08:00

Wasn't expecting any V day surprise especially as it is on CNY first day which we'll be very busy as usual.

Then Baby revealed that he made a dinner booking at our fave restaurant where we had our first date. (if u read Xiaxue's blog, this is her fave restaurant which she keeps it a secret. I know cos i could recognise from her pics!!)

Seriously, i was pleasantly surprised but I was not really very excited about it cos firstly that means we'll have to leave my grandma's place earlier and secondly and most imptly, i really do not enjoy Valentines' day set menus.

True enough after much probing, Baby confessed that it'll be a 8 course set menu and choice of 3 main courses, setting him back a $300+ sum.

No way for me! No way that i'll have to eat my way thru pre-planned dishes decided by someone else and pay that kinda amount. And to me, a romantic dinner is not very romantic if the whole restaurant is filled with couples all celebrating the same occasion. And you MUST take their set menu and no ala carte available that day. How can? I have my fave dishes there!

So i made the poor sad and dejected hubby cancel the reservation and eat my fave dish from grandma - curry beehoon!! ;p

Every year since young, i look forward to going to ah ma's hse to eat her curry beehoon, i won't say that it taste superb, there are alot more better ones i tasted out there, but eating hers always make me feel at home, part of the family and many nostalgic memories. So i save my stomach for that every CNY first day.

So that's my V day this year, nothing much, but happily with hubby and many others ;)

I got Baby exactly the same wallet as the one he got pickpocketed in europe. (was my first gift to him ever!) and 5 sets of cufflinks! few months ago he said he needed cufflinks and i got him 5! haha!

Me? I picked my own pressie. A Philips 10in1 hairstyling kit just nice for CNY!! ;)

Was really considering a perm but decided against it in the end. Tink i have more options with my naturally straight hair. really scared of getting dry hair that need lots of time for care and maintenance!!

That aside, as much as i do not enjoy CNY and had thoughts of going for a short trip, i realised that CNY this year was much fun with close friends and relatives! I din get to hit my bed any earlier than 3am the past 4 days! So much activities and I'm glad we are in singapore to spend CNY even though we couldn't do much visiting!

Yayness!

2010-02-12T16:24:00.000+08:00

Baby just reached home and told me that he's getting a promotion!!

What great news to welcome the new year!! ;)

Keep the good news coming in!! Hurray!!! ;D

Greetings!!

2010-02-12T16:10:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year & Happy Valentines' Day everyone!!

Due to Ah gong's demise, we cannot doing the normal CNY house visiting, so please pardon us if we cannot join you at your home. But you guys are still welcome to our place!

The party is still on, as like every year! ;p

Drink, drank, drunk!

MJ, Black Jack, Texas Holdem, bring them on!!! ;p

恭喜发财，发大财!!

Phew!

2010-02-03T01:36:00.000+08:00

Too many big ticket purchases for the past few mths!

Europe trip, new car and now what could be the most exp household appliance (exclude aircon la) we've bought!

Sold on the spot, superb features! I tink it is really fate that baby's order for the irobot did not went thru cos his fren came bk from US earlier den expected. If we have bought that, we definitedly wun be considering the "Rainbow" anymore! But that also mean since we r not having any robot in the hse, we still need the maid ;(

See the dust floating in the water?

That is barely 15mins on "purifier" mode in my walk-in wardrobe!!

I am ashamed of what the sales lady showed me of the dust and dirt she sucked up after some light touches! And i really freaked out when she demo-ed on our bed and pillows.

I really think everybody should get this!

We were mainly sold by the purifier function and the cleaning of mattress and pillows.

I got weak lungs and ultra sensitive nose and Hubby felt it'll really do us good especially if we have a kid in future, we definitedly wun wan the kid to breathe in all the dust we saw.

Now we can vacuum, clean the carpet, service the aircon, purify the air (with aromatheraphy too!), debug the mattress and pillows, wet scrub the floors and many many things by ourselves! Hubby had half of sunday of fun going "oohhh wahhhh fwahhh Shit Hot!!"

LOL

Damage? Slightly over $3k.

I'm even more surprised that many people i know is already using it!!!

******

Went to Epi Centre wheelock today to get my lappie fixed.

Was thrilled that now Orchard MRT links to wheelock thru ION.

I finally caved in to trying out the soft fluffy roll that attract me and Jo when we went shopping.

I still rmbred we both stood there, wondering why this Japanese treat is so ex, den the gal at the counter gave us a small sample, we both couldn't help stop blinking our eyes.. quite nice lor! So soft, so smooth, totally not like a cake or swiss roll!

But.. $18 for a swiss roll the size of my hand seems too ex..

we thought for very long... finally plucker up enuff buying signals within ourselves,

"Sorry mdm, Caramel is all sold out."

Na beh.

But today, I brought home one.

Something within me tells me that something good is coming our way,

and worth a little treat ;)

But i really dunno wat is coming la.. maybe it's just another excuse i created ;p

Awesome Apple iPad

2010-01-28T12:03:00.000+08:00

Totally fell in love with the latest Apple iPad! Perfect size for reading ebooks, see pictures, play iphone apps while on the travel! Gotta wait sometime before it hit Singapore stores though... Think I got the perfect gift for someone....

See the cheeky grin in my eyes? :p

Ooh la la!!

Hello 2010!!

2010-01-21T10:48:00.003+08:00

Hello everyone!! I'm finally back here! Hehe, Smack my lazy butt! ;p

Well, we've actually been back for 2 weeks now, and it has been a really really busy 2 weeks. Baby's already got tied and all tangled with work stuffs again and I'm still getting a bit slow to catch the momentum at work, but good news kept coming and hoisting me up busking high.. hahaha!

Firstly, a belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!! I'm still writing the wrong dates with 09 in 'em, it is not easy cos we left in 09 and back in 2010! As baby's dad said, we went away for 1 year! haha.

Istanbul, Turkey

Cologne, Germany

Prague, Czech Republic

Barcelona, Spain

Madrid, Spain

Athens, Greece

Santorini, Greece

We had an awesome honeymoon in Europe, where we visited Turkey, Germany, Czech, Spain and Greece. This trip will mark total 9 countries we've travelled together, in barely 2 years. I know how thankful I am for all these especially the time Baby took away from work, and everything effort to make the trip possible. I am also very glad for the career path i took, else how many employers out there will allow a 1 month annual leave.

Of cos also his wonderful bosses for granting his leave during a peak period, my boss for his understanding that I'm going away despite i'm nearing my promotion, wonderful colleagues who helped me out whenever needed, in laws who came over to help us tidy the place, clear the mails and awesome Kelvin who offered to help us take care of our dear hamsters!

The weather has been so gracious to us as I get to see snow where i want, when I wan and never did the snow storm in Spain as reported in the news hit us nor the strikes in Europe!

It is the suaku me, first time seeing snow. And it has always been my wish that the first time i see snow, it must be with the person I'll marry. I always believe to see the most pretty and magical things with someone i'll see and touch forever ;D

And of cos, my first Ski trip. I can finally understand why Baby loves ski-ing so much and invested in his own ski equipment when he was living in California back then. It is so thrilling fun! I fell like 1000 times and my height phobia din helped much. I just kept choosing to fall simply cos i was scared i'll zoom down straight! More on it a later time ;) But soon when i got the hang of it, we just went up and down gazillion times cos I was having sooo much much fun gliding down the snow slopes! We wished we had stayed at the ski resort 1 more day.

Before the trip, I was always checking out weather.com where and when is it snowing, if snow will arrive at the city we are in. I wanted to catch falling snow and not snow that is already on the ground. And I really thank god that snow came when it was most beautiful and I got to see all the pretty sights in their "original" colours and not everything just a white and grey picture. By the 3rd time i saw snow, I was wishing it'll stop, cos i dun wan things to become all white and the floors so slippery that I cannot walk naturally. And it did stop ;)

Will post up more pics soon, if time allows ;)

Alright lets see what happened these 2 weeks after we are back. So much so much events, we hardly have time for ourselves. But, it is nice to be surrounded and warmed, now that we are back ;)

Our new Baby
Day 1 on getting back to sgp, it was a trip to the showroom. For me, a car is just a car and I dun have any wants or preferences, aside that I dun like it white, feels ok to sit in & I wan a roomy boot (for shopping la! hehe)

Baby initially shortlisted Nissan Latio Premium for its fuel efficiency but still ended up getting killed by his dream curves. We were looking at the Latio for few hrs but all it took was 20mins to test drive his curvy dream (which he was thinking aiya test drive only, no need pay money) and that was all it takes to make his usually "practical over asthetic" brain died. Never mind that he know it is quite thirsty, I nodded my head when he asked if I liked it. And he was all beems.. he has bought a car he loves.

Our new 小灰

And nope, i've yet to drive it cos I freaking dunno how to park it !! The Rio is still my better buddy for now cos its so much more compact and low, and I could park it on 1 attempt liao. Then again.. I never liked driving.
Muahahaha.. ;p

Work
2009 is over, the charts are out and it's official..
I got the Top Consultant, 2009 (Singapore)
Our team of 5 got the Top Team, 2009 (Singapore)
Our team of 5 got the coveted Elite team, 2009 Walton Asia

Boss will bring us for a short relaxing trip treat over this weekend for spa and massages, go-kart, water sports, seafood & lots of lobsterssssss and golfing. He has booked a villa at a golf resort and Baby is invited too :) He gave us the 3 options of Bintan, Batam & JB and the majority voted for JB cos seldom got chance to go!? Oh my god lor, i was so wishing to go Bintan or even Batam instead, cos I can go Msia anytime lor! My team mates must be a fortunate lot to always travel further and now prefer a nearer place to relax. But nonetheless, we have every faith that boss will lavish on us whenever possible. Hahaha. Gonna count the lobsters we'll kill!! ;D Just back and going for another trip soon! Yippie! Hehe.

Family
Attended Cousin Melody's wedding, may the couple live happily ever after!
She challenged me on who's going to get pregnant first!! haha

Cousin Chris announces he is also getting married!! Yeah!! No more singles soon!!
Cousin-in-law Fiona has given birth to a healthy and cute baby Olivia!!
Cousin-in-law Hua is pregnant after 4 long years of trying! So happy for her!!

And I've finally fixed the date to bring the family (in laws included) on a short trip in Feb. ;)

Friends
Attended Viv's birthday lunch at Aston Cathay. Great fun with the gang, but food sucks, service sucks even more. Aston is really going down the drain, it is sad.

BBQ party with colleagues and ex colleagues at Chio's uber big place to celebrate a greater 2010 at work for everyone! Very fun and the bunch makes really really good bbq beef steaks!! Made my specialty topshells for the gang ;)

Happy events aside, our dear ah gong (grandfather-in-law) passed away at age 82 last thurs. Baby's family has always been closely knitted and it is indeed a sad moment for all. But ah gong is a baptised Christian and the daily service at the wake taught us that he has gone home to eternity, a place where he no longer will be sick nor suffer from anymore pain. We stayed overnight and kept ourselves awake at the wake every night of the funeral. As a result of spending much time at the funeral, I realised that I had also grew to become much closer to baby's relatives and we could chat so freely now. I mastered kungfu coffee from baby's aunt whom he always raves about the coffee she makes. It started with a dare from baby who challenged that if i master it, he'll love me 3x more.
Of cos i'll do it, even if without the dare ;)

The cousins having lots of fun with my lappie's PhotoBooth at the funeral ;)

Cheeky teens who just love chatting and sniffing out the photos in my mac.

If you had noticed, there is NO weekend we do not have any event.
We had to give J's wedding and C's birthday party a miss during the 5 day funeral for Ah Gong. And yes, it also means we have to miss CNY celebrations and the joy of giving angbaos.

It is now only mid Jan and we are just barely back from our long holiday.. but already, there are lotsa marked dates in our calendars!!

Jan 22-24 - Retreat at Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort
Feb 6 - D&D @ Marina Mandarin
Feb 7 - Olivia's Baby Shower til 5pm, followed by Reunion Dinner Part 1 at 6pm
Feb 13 - Reunion Dinner Part 2
Feb 14 - CNY House visiting for family only.
Feb 20 - Batam 1 Day Trip
Jun 5-8 - Redang Trip

and more surprises coming up ;)

And in just barely the 1st week, we missed singapore food so much that we ate almost everything!! Foods that we dun even often eat! And yes we really do appreciate local food prices! $5 a meal is now possible! haha!! Curry fish head and sambal kangkong was the first dish we ate when we are back. SO in need of chilli fix!!

Til den.. i'm sooo looking fwd to the wkend after this, cos it is our first free weekend!! I wanna go paktor with baby and we haven watch AVATAR!! nor have i packed the clothes in the mountain of laundry. why is there no clothes folding machine!?!? And the maid is busier den us, still cannot start work. ARGHHHH!!!

Why rain is better den snow.

2009-12-06T22:49:00.005+08:00

Winter holiday is ex.

So are the preparations! Lotsa stuffs & clothes to buy n now, add ons for our new toy.

Lens filters, camera bag, cleaning kit, a better travel tripod. Thank god we are not willing to splurge on lens yet.

The 2 kit lens are still sufficient for us now.

Down jacket, inner longs johns, high necks, scarves, leather gloves, ski gloves,

wool socks, ear muffs, wool cap, leather boots...

When u r counting down to an almost 1 month winter trip, u need to double everything above in quantity. And I am already heading Nie's advice to wash some clothes in the hotel to recycle the clothes to save luggage space and $$$.

Even when baby is a seasoned traveller and it's my second winter trip to Europe, the shopping list is still long. Cos I lost my leather boots when moving house, and i borrowed a trenchcoat from my friend from my previous trip. Decided I should get my own now. And I wouldn't want all my photos to turn out with me wearing the same coat everyday, but i think i'm abit stupid to buy 2 different black coats. I tink it'll still look the same in the pics :p

$299 exactly of winter clothings from UniQlo @ 313 Somerset. Mostly Baby's.

Don't underestimate what many $19.90 or $9.90 can accumulate up to.

Sidenote, Baby really loves UniQlo stuffs! I'm so happy to see him shop so happily. haha!

In addition to all that Korean imports i did online, all the clothes, the new luggages, camera gadgets..

$1k overspent.

Shiong... Sibei SHIONG.

Come back eat grass liao. =S

I told Baby, we must make the most out of these stuffs, to make it more wu-hua,

we must go for more winter trips, den maximise the use n worth of them.

He said "Wait long long!!"

I'll wait. Winter comes once a year :p

Winter Loots!!

2009-12-03T23:28:00.060+08:00

My package from Gmarket Korea arrived via SQ! They have awesome delivery and in fact it only took 2 days to reach sgp. They use EMS so u can track the location of the package every now and then. But as I ordered items from several vendors, it took about 5 days before all reach the collection point.

I'll definitedly order from them again esp now I have friends n cousins all wanting to order too! but when i'm back :)

They got the color of one of my stuffs wrong but i'm not too anal abt it as it is still quite chio and plus i dun have the time to ask them for an exchange liao :)

Here's sharing the items as I'll really encourage anyone to buy from them! The winter wear really saved me a great deal and they have so much more designs den sgp!

**Argh i dun like the new blogger layout.. i can't align my pics and caption 'em properly!!**

Like opening presents.. happy like kid!

Sweaters for godsons

Very gd quality long johns for winter! 1 set of top n pants only cost S$25!

Long sleeves for layering

Below:

Warm fluffy scarves S$8 each

S$60 padded jacket with rabbit fur trim

S$50 wool trenchcoat same as the S$219 in WinterTime!

Pretty earmuffs u can't find in sgp :) S$16

Long cotton i use for layering S$6 each!!

Slow & painful week

2009-12-01T12:29:00.004+08:00

This will be a long post abt friendship and betrayal. Do not continue to read if this is a topic that makes you uneasy.

I have been sick a full week now. And I m still sick. It's been very long I've been this sick and I really need to get well soon. 3rd visit to the doc and I'm taking more den 10 medicine now daily. Crazy.

Were there times when u are sick and you felt so warm to be swarmed by ppl who care and r concerned all over u?

Maybe it's cos when u r down and at ur weakest, any small gesture of concern will touch u deeply.

Baby took leave to send me to the clinic, cooked for me, tapped me to sleep, prepare my medicine blah blah.... and poor him, I chose to be sick on his planned surprise trip for my birthday. He has been so busy at work yet took time to bring me on a short trip, yet I was just hitting the resort bed ever so often. Thermometer by the side of the bed, making sure my fever is not escalating.

It is heartwrenching to watch him trying to tap me and watch me fall asleep but he was so tired himself. Many times, he dozed off, only to suddenly wake up startled by himself and continue tapping me to sleep. And he repeats the dozing off and startling himself repeatedly. I just couldn't slp as my fever was making my bones sore & hurt.

My darlings who had planned meetups with me before I leave for the long trip had to accomodate my new (sick)diet and often send me smses to check if i'm ok and send me hme when we r out. They did wanted to postpone the meetups til i get well but I'm just so eager to meet them.

A simple shoutout in FB brought some sweet messages from friends.

Yet, just 2 days before I fell sick, I came upon the most shocking news I refused to believe.

Someone whom I used to call endearingly my closest childhood fren cursed me to die painfully.

Although she did not mention my name, but it was all too obvious from all her antics leading up to a post in her blog, dedicated to curse me!

Nov 13, I posted a post with a small section evoked by her shoutouts in FB quite awhile back that I was alerted by friends that it seems to be directed at me. Due to the uncanny coincidence that the shoutouts seem to coincide with my posts or shoutouts of happy times with Baby or of things Baby bought me. I did not accuse her of anything in the post, I wrote in a manner I hoped if it was truly directed at me, she'll sort out her thoughts that things are not as negative as she thinks.

Barely 2hrs of my post, she posted a new shoutout that says "did I even mention the person? if u reacted to it means u r that sort of person.... and means u r admitting you are really doing it to the people around"

I saw the shoutout and I updated my post about my assertion n disappointment that it was truly her aiming at me as she was reacting a hoo-ha over it. At that moment, I was really tired of these kind of "communication" with her. For 1 yr, she has ignored my SMSes & calls on my attempts to revive the friendship and find out what did I do that she resents so much. It is not my choice to not talk things out with her. But again and again, she choose to announce to the world what she wants me to hear.

After my post was updated, she deleted away her shoutout right away. As if now understanding how she had gave herself away and now just delete and act as if she reacted nothing. I rmbred she subscribes to my blog and get instant updates thru mail. Prolly that is why every chain reaction is so instant from my posting time.

And on Nov 16, she posted this in her blog. I've always read her blog cos I care! I care as a friend, I hope that things are going on well for her as I am no longer sharing her woes with her. I care cos we no longer have those kopi and ktv sessions that we chat til cows come home.

I swear if I had other evil motives, den yes I deserve to die! But what did I do to deserve this??

This is the person whom I treated as my close friend and included in my wedding entourage for the biggest day of my life. I had asked her and she was happy to be part of it. As all of the rest in my entourage already know each other, I made special notice to them to take care of her and not let her feel left out. When all the sisters had planned to wear red, a single comment from her that she can't find red dresses for her size easily, was all it took for all the sisters to change to black. Whatever she volunteers to do as her expertise, they let her have her way. She wanted to do the decorations and the music compilation. Nvr mind that J had already volunteered to do these. I trusted that she could do a better job as she was in arts, and since she volunteered, I'm happy. I was careful not to overload anyone with excess work for our day as we have more den enuf helpers.

The night before the 11th our ROM day, she SMSed saying that she is very ill and taken to hospital where she needs to be operated, as such she cannot do the decorations. Refused to let me visit her but said that she already bought everything but somehow I cannot go to her office to pick it up.. Did not think much abt it. My darling was upset but wanted to make sure my ROM will still be very memorable, secretly & frantically went to find a wedding decorator to decorate the entire place at the very last min.

Approaching the 24th of our dinner, I was concerned and asked many times if she could still do the music cd and decorations for my dinner as I was worried she may be unwell. She assured me many times yes she is ok and it is done. I nvr got it and J had to do it at the last min. On morning on the day itself, I called her to ask if she's got the glitter poppers I wanted. The glitter poppers is something I always dreamed for my wedding and it was important to me. I had called as we had time before check in and were heading to buy stuffs and we can buy it if she hadn't. She even told me she bought 2 dozens. Later at 5pm when we were already at the hotel, she suddenly smsed to say she haven buy and cannot find.

I was upset as she could have told me earlier and we'll have gotten it. Why did she lied that she already bought it and not give us the chance to get it ourselves? But it was too late den as we r preparing for the dinner. I told her exactly so but I also told her, its ok, cannot get den nvm mind liao, just come early, dun fuss over finding it. As she was the in-charge for the decorations for the dinner, my helpers were waiting & couldn't start without her instructions.

Then at almost 6pm, she sent me a long and hurting SMS that she is not coming and says that we dun appreciate her at all and complained everything from the black dress that she cannot find to the annual leaves that she feel she has wasted. I begged her to tell me wats wrong and tried to explain but more hurtful words were thrown at me. I even told her if she doesn't want to help out, nvm jus come to enjoy the dinner.

I was crying from her hurtful words while doing my makeup. I was very thankful my darling was there with me to pass it thru as baby was then trying to co-ordinate the decor as well as to find someone to fill in the sudden absent wedding recep as well as to rehearsal for the sword-bearers.

The day after the dinner, I was still hurt by what she has done. Why did she twice want to do something but did not deliver. It is my big day. N not forgetting the bad things that she said abt Baby to MY OWN wedding helpers and also let out the secret to me that Baby is planning a surprise during the dinner. Luckily I stopped her from telling me more else she'll blurted out everything.

But at the same time, I found sense in what Baby told me and we agreed that the wedding dinner is over, but that does not mean I cannot help & continue the friendship we've had for 20yrs.

So yes, after all she had done & I sorted out my thoughts, I called and sms her, wanting to understand what happen and told her her friendship is important to me. I received an sms in return that says she is terribly ill and in the operating theatre. I replied back asking for the hospital &ward info as I really wan to visit her.
No replies came back.

The next day I can't stop thinking about it and worried for her and suddenly I recalled I have her workplace no and surely her colleagues will know her hospitalisation info? I called,

and I was told she is out-for-lunch. I was devastated. She had to lie to this extent of cursing herself to be seriously ill & needed to be operated? I couldn't believe it, was she also lying when she also said she was warded during the 11th?

Barely few days later, I saw photos of her attending her friend's wedding. She looked very well. More well den me.

I nvr gave up trying to talk to her and also invited her to my hse-warming which she gave another lie that she is having hse warming aso on the same day but later which she posted on her blog, it was actually a week after. And many other events which I can nvr finish listing...

There has nvr been a day I did not hope she come to her senses soon and we'll be good friends again. It is 1 yr now that she has rejected to talk to me.

I am not trying to act like an angel like you said and neither do I need to please everyone around me. But it matters to me what you are tinking and feeling cos I had regarded u as my good friend. That is why I was desperately trying to contact u and want to clear things up! If u truly understand me, u shld have known how impt my good friends are to me. I had been trying to please you even when I did not know what wrong did I do to make you do such hurtful things to me.

The thing is, what have I done to you and did I not try to talk to you about things? How does my death makes u happy? It is only you who thinks I shouldn't exist. Why must you misunderstand so much things, refuse to let others understand what you are thinking and put the blame so simply across to everyone.

U tell me bad things abt everyone who seems to be happily married or has a good job, I've heard u complaining abt EVERYONE we know and now its me. When will you be truly happy? Why do you even need to act like you care when you have so much to complain abt the person?

Kylie Chan, from this moment, there will be no more u in me. Yes I know u already declared I'm out in ur blog, without my name but very obviously. Now I'm ending it FOR U with more simplicity and directly. Now you don't need to cook up more lies for not turning up for our gatherings as you are sick or busy preparing for the closing down of your retail shop. U don't need to avoid me too cos honest people have nothing to hide and u is u, me is me. I had not state ur name earlier as I couldn't be sure of what's happening. I refuse to believe all these you have done is real and intentional. Now I AM. U have already chose to end this friendship the day you decided to do all those nasty things on my wedding day and it was me me & ME who had been forgiving & forgiving all the lies that unfold and hope you'll one day tell me why u did all that and tell me that "Sorry" that you never once did. And u owe an apology to my hubby too cos saying those nasty things about him. All these, doesn't cure but would have told me that it was all unintentional.

I'm sure i was misunderstood but I did not ask for you to understand me. I was the one who has been making effort to understand u. I have alot of questions I want to know but I know NOTHING matters now cos you have never been your true real self and i do not really know the inside u and neither do you understand me to comment anything about me from this day on.

Everyday when I am sick, I can't help but rmbr there is someone out there who hopes I'll be dead. Why did i get so sick? Issit cos someone very evil is cursing me or was it cos I was haunted til sick by those evil words?

While I was sick, my period was late. Everyday of being sick and popping pills is also everyday of wondering if I'm preggie and if the baby is getting overdosed on my medication.

Last Thurs, my colleagues had planned to celebrate my birthday at Clarke Quay but my grand uncle suddenly passed away. Coupled with many other emotions n restraints, I did not turn up at the party.

2 days ago when I was already 7 days late, I developed serious cramps and heavy bleeding.

It is either that I was so sick that it was 7 days late and giving me hell now, or it could be a miscarr that I dun wan to tink of.

If these news makes u smile, you dun belong to this world.

Even the law sentences manslaughter criminals to life imprisonment. Here is one human whom I used to call friend cursing me to die.

I believe only a truly evil person will curse and I really do believe in Karma.

As I m finishing off this post, I m drying the tears streaming down my cheeks and preparing to make christmas cookies and off to the doc later.

Simple homebaked cookies, my first attempt at cookies, for my dear friends, friends who cares and loves me. Friends whom I wan to send my early Christmas wishes even if I am not around. Hope they'll like my little surprises.

Y am I even crying over such a person, i should be happy. Happy that I'm blessed with only real friends and the evil ones had identified themself.

I live for the people who loves me. People who tell me in the face when I am wrong.

I will be strong. I m loved and appreciated.

1st Year Anniversary

2009-11-25T14:31:00.004+08:00

11.11.09

Happy 1st Year anniversary to US!

How time flies, its been 1 yr we made the vow and 2 yrs of being together. Without doubts, these has been the happiest moments of my life. On this day, I recall how I am blessed to have met Baby, how blessed to have his love, how blessed we are that our family loves us and how blessed we are to have really good friends who went all out to help us with our wedding preparations and even moving into our new nest.

I feel that I am very blessed with really fabulous in-laws. We get along really well, and in fact I am spending more time with them den my own parents now. Maybe cos I love the way how close-knitted his family is. Quite often, they actually rent buses when the entire family goes for a picnic! Recently they even brought all the kids to the goat farm. Not that I dun appreciate my family, I do and I'm trying to bring them out on excursions now too :) Just that I'm really fortunate to have great in-laws. Many little things that always warms my heart like after dinner, they always have fruits. I dun like grapes with seeds, and sometimes Baby's mum buy grapes that happens to have seeds in them. She will take the effort to slice them into half, remove the seeds den pass me the plate of seedless grapes. This is how sweet she is. And in turn, their family values brought up their children to be great people too.

My friends often joked how could such a eligible man like Baby be single all his life? It puzzles me too. Even my family initially refuse to believe, til they saw how workaholic he was. Maybe this is destiny, that he is born to just love me, and me only forever :) But he still loves to joke, saying how cruel life is, to be tortured by me ;p

There'll be no words enough for me to ever thank Baby enough for being part of my life. One day he just walks into my life, sweeps me off my feet and everything was a new life for me. Baby is a person who reads alot and shares alot to everyone around. I learnt alot from him, especially about mindset and grew to appreciate more things in life. As an individual, I can't change how others behave but I can change how I want to react. Tic for tac is not the way things get around, neither is getting angry or curse n swear. Exhausting your energy on someone who has mindset problems does no good for yourself either. If he/she is brought up in such a manner, it is their misfortune. With the new simple "rules" in life, I found myself a happier person just spending time with people who are my real friends, people who care. Happiness is to be shared with whom who cares.

With that, probably explains why many friends have commented my blog always sound so happy and I seem to be a much happier person then before.

I am, I truly am. And I hope I can inflict this "happy virus" to everyone around me :)

Celebrations

On this day, Baby took leave from work. Everytime he takes leave, I really appreciate it very much as I know how his work will pile up after his leave, and everytime he needs to OT til late so that he wun be disturbed during his leave. Even if it is just a 1 day leave, he rarely has an entire peaceful day. But I really do appreciate alot.

We caught a night movie the day before, its been awhile we watched a movie.

I choose the movie as I was in for silly laughs ;p

We watched My Girlfriend is an Agent.

Quite funny though I wun say its a must watch. I love shows like this, like the famous 我的野蛮女友. So that I can turn around, look at him and say.. wah u heng ar.. I not as bad rite? Hahaha!

The next day I made breakfast for him!

The usual brekkie stuffs, just a little more effort to make it look nicer. hehe

Then we were off for a massage! We are huge fans of this place, Baby likes to bring guests from abroad here when they visit and we have also bought my darlings and our wedding helpers here before :)

90mins of oil Thai Massage. Sorry not much photos as we are indecently dressed. ;p

I love how my body feels after every session. I love deep tissue massages, not the swedish gentle kind.

Then we checked into The Regent for our anniversary stay! We can check in from 2pm but we only reached there around 6pm! Check in so for what right, do what there sia?

Our Four Seasons Executive Suite.

If you are wondering why is it called Four Seasons, that is because Regent is under the Four Seasons group. Which was why when I approached Four Seasons for our wedding banquet, they referred us to Regent as their ballroom was not big enough to cater to the tables we wanted. Regent was their "Business" hotel so typically will have bigger function rooms. I wonder if that is why their better restaurants are all at Regent?

I love the special feeling of the place when we walk in the lobby.. the so-familiar surroundings and the beautiful images that springs back when I close my eyes.. The beautiful black and red decor we tailored for, the menu that we personally selected with the Director and head Chef, the surprise 2nd march in alone with my gorgeous sisters lavishing red petals on me and Baby is there playing the piano....... so beautiful :)

Out for Dinner :)

The amounts of beef we eat is really scary. I think more than we eat chicken probably. Just give Baby beef and he'll be a happy man. haha!!

I've never tried Outback before and Baby nvr been to the Singapore outlet, and I happen to have a $20 voucher for it (ya la not alot but thats just another excuse to eat beef again, u see?)

Baby's 12oz Ribeye & my 8oz Victorian cut.

Asked for medium rare and we got it perfect. Typical service how a steak place should be, they'll come to your table after your first bites to check if the steak is done to your liking. We underestimate the portion and couldn't finish everything. Baby initially kept the menu cos he wanted desserts. After stuffing my main course, I told him he can have the desserts himself! LOL.

My Baby :)

Breakfast the next morning at Basilico

I'll never ever splurge $76 on a breakfast! Luxuries courtesy of the hotel, luckily!

It was a really good spread anyway, well good enough for lunch/dinner in my opinion as there are meat selection and lots of warm foods. In fact I was pleasantly wow-ed and I'm considering maybe, buffet dinner there on the next occasion? Imagine breakfast so power liao, the dinner might be a feast fit for a king!! I'm not joking by saying the breakfast is better then most hotel's lunch buffets!

Sorry that I can only make u imagine the food and salivate cos the restaurant wasn't very full and the people there mostly had this APEC badge hanging on their necks, all clad in suits. Only me and baby in shorts n slippers, i din want to go ard take pic and attract wrong attention. Wait ppl think all Singaporeans unglam like me how?

Cannot ma, our government spent so much to bring APEC to SGP one leh. ^_^

After breakfast....

I began to pack our stuffs to checkout while Baby continued to work on his work stuff. He had woke up very early to continue his work and after breakfast, he had to continue it. I think RSAF is very lucky to have such a committed worker!

We did agree that we'll not splurge on gifts on each other and the Canon 500D was meant to be a shared gift for each other to mark our anniversary. To capture more memories and more exciting events in life to come, get it? :) But, that is not before he already got me something.....

something that actually I had received months ago, when he got back from Milan...

something I had wanted to keep til today before using it..

but couldn't resist on a few occasions....

something that if you were observant enough, the gold chain intertwined with leather has unmistakably gave away itself in a few pictures....

My first Chanel :)

I decided to take a CocoChanel-isque pose with the beloved bag.

And probably the end of my quest of bags. Love the classic look to bits!! Though the one with the silver hardware looks more trendy n easier to maintain, I chose classic over trendy. Isn't Chanel all about classic looks that last forever? I can hand this down to my future daughter or daughter-in-law right? But provided I can learn to be not so chor-lor and handle it with more care. I've been "imprinting" marks all over this buttery leather.. arghhh!!!

Isn't Baby smart? I said no more LV and I also said a Chanel classic double flap will end my forever quest for bags. So now it is, before any more damage be done to acquire more bags!

I'm a happy little Mrs Chua :)

Let me let out a little secret only for u dearies...

Project B has officially started on this day ;p

With all things on track and stable, we've decided to bring forward the plans for Proj B. 1 yr of 二人世界 has been well appreciated and we are confident with a little bundle of joy will make us even happier and our lives even more complete. We aso believe with the support of our families, our other plans eg travel will not be much affected and our lives will only be more meaningful :)

And please, before u think that we are frantically having sex everyday to try to make a baby, we are not la! We are just letting nature takes its course, what is fated will come someday when it wants to :)

Baby, thank you for being so kind and understanding, for agreeing to let me put off Proj B plans til now. Thank you for every min and sec of being loved by you. You fought off my past beliefs and showed me that I deserved to be loved this much and treated this way. You are the best husband I could ever ask for!!!!

Pop the question again now, or 50 years later, i know i'll still say I DO. :)

Of cos, i dun mind another ring if u do ask again ;p

***** I LOVE YOU *****

Happy Happy!!

2009-11-23T17:33:00.004+08:00

lalalala... actualli nothing to post (other den tonnes of updates n pictures)..

every monday marks another week to strike off for nearing to our holiday!! Heee.... 2 more weeks!!

HAPPYYYYYYY LA!! ;p

ya i noe i'm damn bo liao.. but this is my blog, and i just can't contain my excitement.. keke :)

n i got lots of meetups coming up before I leave. So happy to be blessed with sweet sweet buddies! :)

This must stop..

2009-11-19T00:08:00.002+08:00

I just placed order for 17 items from Korea! Mostly winter wear and some clothes for my godsons :)

I am super pleased with myself.. I found a trenchcoat that is exactly the same as the $219 one I saw at WinterTime... for only S$50 include shipping! Hahaha... I've learnt from experience.. don't buy winter wear in singapore cos it's super marked up!

I'm so happy with my finds and baby is again encouraging me to set up my own business, since I love sourcing and research and he's confident in my retailing skills. Hmmm maybe, but not yet. Maybe after project B?

J has approached me for a partnership for a new business 2yrs down the road too, maybe it'll be just time for review. But i feel going into business with friends can be a touchy subject, but still, no harm to keep an open mind :)

For now... waiting patiently for my loots to arrive in 7-10 business days :)

Shoot ME!!!

2009-11-14T16:45:00.002+08:00

I'm trying my best to post updates before I forget anything.. like you know, it sure ain't easy for u to recall wat u did 1 mth ago and wat was your feelings then. As such, I wan to make sure my memories are jotted down before I forget any!

As the date draws nearer... I'm gonna disappear from here for at least a month ;)

I'll do a "Loots" post then an "Events" post next :)

Okay... what pocket damage have I done the past month? I swear I did try my best not to splurge okay! But with Baby cooing me saying its right to reward myself after a splendid performance at work in Sept, everything tagged "Buy me!" seems to have another tag that says "U deserve it!"

Woman... can just get so happy over shopping. I dunno why either!

I got the Top Consultant award both in my division & in my company and Sept came as the big Bang in my career this far. For the first time in my life, the 5-figure paycheck did not start with a "1" in front :) It was a big time boom in our company as we sold out a US$8million project barely in 3 days. And with the speed that it was going, I din had the chance to meet up my clients but to call them thru the phone and drop them emails for reservations. I was very pleased to know how much my clients trust in me and my recommendations, and in return, I'm totally delighted to secure all their placements. There were more then 1000 clients in the waitlist when it closed.

I set aside majority of the paycheck into our Project B funds (baby planning la!) and also as I told Baby before I started my new career, I aim to save up enough to bring him for a holiday. Most of our trips so far has been paid by Baby and it is my motivation to be able to bring him on 1 instead!

With that... we are doing an extension for our holiday.. and for the 1st time, announcing we are going to..

Turkey Prague Germany Spain Greece

As with most honeymoons, there will be 1 leg which will be totally relaxing and romantic. We'll be staying at a villa on top of the mountain in Santorini :) We are really looking forward to that as we've heard sooo much about how Santorini has the most beautiful sunsets in the world. I spent really a long time finding the perfect villa with awesome view yet not bank breaking.

The rest of the holiday will be mostly touristy as we aim to cover as much attractions as possible. That will make a temporary stop to visiting Europe for the time being as our wish list would have been pretty much covered by them. I am really really looking fwd to our holiday!! Baby been really busy recently and I tink he totally deserves a break! In fact his work is especially hectic as he's trying to finish his work for Dec so that he can go on leave w/o guilt or stress. I could still rmbr how exactly this period last yr, he was so busy with work right after our wedding.

I wanted 1 single case that is sufficient for each of us during the trip and I'm anal that it must be a 4-wheel drive. None of my current luggages are, and with experience from our previous Europe trip, I know how Baby always insists to help me with my luggages but the difficult to maneuver 2-wheels doesn't make wheeling the weight a breeze. And I tot a 4-wheel will be a good investment for Baby's work trips too since he always has to bring so much heavy stuffs.

Bought these 2 29"4-wheel drive luggages at Robinson. I hunted alot of places for a big, light-weight -wheel drive that is reasonably priced. In the process learnt that even within 4-wheel drives, there are diff wheel mechanics involved. This brand was recommended by an ex-Samsonite staff citing that they use the same materials for the case, but Roncato provides 10yrs parts & labour warranty, whereas for Samsonite only covers labour. Very light weight yet sturdy... and cheaper den Samsonite!!! I like!

A new satin red case for my MacBook! I finally got something to protect my Mac after feeling guilty seeing how my colleague take good care of his Mac, protecting this and that. I love the compliments I've been getting on it, alot! The red is so BOOMZ !! And the satiny touch... oohhhh....

Blackberry Curve back into my palms! I can't stop missing my BB Curve after I needed to let go of it due to SH network issues. My contract finally ended, I jumped onto Singtel but ALAS! ST dun offer the new BB Javelin Curve! The smallest and lightest BB! They have the BB Bold but I dun like the shape and feel of it in my palms. Even though the added 3G function and small price diff is not enticing to me cos I almost nvr use the 3G function at all. WIFI is more impt to me. Thankfully my dearest darling help me got it at staff price and save me from much agony. So many ppl has been trying to convince me to get the iPhone but I'm really not quite a gadget queen, I dun play games and to me being able to type fast and reply my sms and a good organizer function is the most impt. I tried the iphone for replying msgs, though it can have the Qwerty keypad option, but I ain't loving the touchpad which is not quite sensitive and I'll say troublesome for my nails. I'm not saying its not a good phone, for just that the functions dun appeal to me. I know baby will love the iphone for the applications, but too bad he cannot have anything with camera. Haa!

Baby secretly set the 1st reminder on my calendar and sent a sweet smile on my face during lunch :)

2 Hammies! Meet Chief & Twinkle :)

Baby and I always wanted a pet, especially Baby always really wanted a dog and a cat. But I was really concerned if we have the time and commitment for it. So while shopping one day, these 2 Roborovski hamsters caught our eye and we made them our own. The hamsters only cost $23 each but the home we got for them, organic food, vitamins set us back more than 10x what we paid for the hamsters. While, if we decided to bring them up, we ought to give them our very best rite? The 1st house we got them lasted barely 1 day, then we decided they deserve a much bigger house. Their owners love big space, we shouldn't let them compromise on small cages too rite? Afterall they are such active animals.

Tadah! My Aibi Elliptical Cross Trainer :) A new addition to my home gym.

My back problems has been worsening and I was told to lay off all high-impact sports. I've been seeing chiropractors and chinese physicians but the pain keeps coming back. Must be too much heels and bad falls previously. So there goes my fave badminton sessions with baby. But I've been putting on too much weight to lay off all sports totally. The rainy season is here and I'm stuck indoor most of the time. And since I noticed that I'm always attracted to the cross trainer at the gym and this is low-impact, Baby supported me fully to get this :)

Finally a DSLR! I've been wanting to get a DSLR since last yr. Been researching, asking myself if I need it, asking myself if I'll make the most out of it. Finally decided, yes, we wan a Canon 500D. Both baby and me are definitedly getting tired from our compact cameras and since we are expecting our honeymoon to come up and also, maybe our future baby, we wan to be able to capture quality shots. Just look at all the pics in this post and it's so easy to point out which is the only 1 pic taken from the DSLR. Although admittedly I'm the one who is yearning for the camera more, but I'm glad baby is so supportive for my hobby. I'm just glad we share the same interests. And the video it is able to capture in HD format, is an added bonus. I guess a DSLR is just every photo enthusiast's dream. The manual focus, the weight in your hands, the stability and capabilities. But i guess this is just the start to more expenses to come as we slowly explore the different lens.. which are the real killer!

Meanwhile both of us are really having fun learning how to make the most out of the camera's awesome capabilities!

Colleague "Hey, I got pass for Adidas sale, you got things to buy?"

Me "Ok, I'll go see see."

My main mission was to buy a pair for Baby but I got distracted and bought 2 for myself. Adidas is so hard to resist!!! Then as we are heading back to office from the sale, the Charles & Keith sale attracted me! But I only got 1 pair! Well done! :D

I broke my self-imposed curfew to Baby again for not buying anymore shoes and my storeroom needs an overhaul again before it hits the 3 digits again. How can I ever have a shoe cabinet?

Thank god, I'm a Charles & Keith, Mondo shoes girl.. not Louboutin or Malono Blahnik. Or should I say I looovveee killer heels but my elephant calves look hideous in them, so I shouldn't damage the shoes. I always tink long legs like Ting and Queenie makes any pair of $20 heels look like a $200 Aldo! Super envy! Maybe its a blessing in disguise that my legs are this ugly :(

Thinking back.. the small section I read in 8 days was quite true.. or was it a self-fulfilling prophecy?

I'm sure you'll agree with me that these are all well-spent necessities rite?

Well.... at least.. I din buy myself a bag.

*** Updated***

Ok.. Baby reminded me that I did buy a bag from BHG for work. Which I flaunted to him so proudly "See, its $25 only!" And which now I'm not using cos I complained that the design is flawed as it dropped all my stuffs out. :(

The funny thing was, when I showed Baby the bag, he says it is not ME.

And my colleague said the same thing! So much for my cheap buys......

Baby's 30th Birthday

2009-11-13T17:02:00.003+08:00

Baby's BIG 3! Sept 11, 2009

Terrorists bombed WTC for his birthday leh, how can I do something easily forgotten right?!

No la I dun harm or kill, neither do I have money to buy explosives ;p

Since a few months ago, I've decided to bake my first cake for baby's 30th birthday. But I was really in a delimma to do it or not. Fear of failure! 1st cake means 1st attempt too, what if I fail? Got so lucky 1st try succeed one? If botched means have to scramble out to buy a cake lei!

Soon with my gradually improving cooking skills, I decided to HIONG ah! I had to buy a lot of stuffs cos I do not have any cake baking materials at all. From flour to baking tin!

I wanted to have the cake at midnight into Baby's bday so started messing my kitchen upside down from noon. For a beginner like me who follow the recipe step by step, it is no surprise that the kitchen soon gets dusted by star dust everywhere. ( ackhem.. ok.. i meant flour)

I remember in the recipe that everyone commented they wish they added more rum/coffee liquer in the cake, so when I was making it, I made sure I drench every stick of ladyfinger soaked to the core. For ur info, I used up HALF a bottle of my Baileys (thanks for Jo for helping me buy from the airport!)

I never thought dusting the cocoa powder requires some skill. Mine was pretty uneven.

I was totally alien to cream so I din dare to attempt writing with it. I wanted to use M&Ms (inspired by xuefen on her beautiful cake) to make out words but couldn't find the mini M&Ms, so dropped the idea too. I scouted ard for numeral candles and was so happy that I found them! Felt so blessed for everything smooth so far!

The final masterpiece that I carefully put in the fridge to surprise him!

A picture you din see in FB :) Baby says cannot put in FB! HAHA!

He had his mask on when he went to the fridge for his daily Yakult and I caught it au natural.

Hee!!

The cake sure ain't perfect, it was too wet to keep its shape after I remove the baking tin. Prolly due to overuse of Baileys for the cake causing it to be too heavy to stand. But nonetheless Baby is happy and Baby's parents came over to eat it and they love it! Even his bro has asked me to bake it again! I'm so proud of my cake la! :)

The Birthday Treat

I chose Forlino at Fullerton for his birthday treat. Really had a hard time deciding between Les Amis, IL Lido, Iggy's, Forlino and few others. Thus mainly relied on reviews and the restaurant's website and menu. Baby loves beef and needless to say everyone knows how good wagyu beef is. But wagyu beef cheek is what ultimately attracted me to settle for Forlino.

Just imagine, 1 cow only got 2 cheeks, how more exotic can this be than typical wagyu beef?

The path to the restaurant was at a quiet private corner at fullerton. The long path leads you to the end of the building offering splendid views of the Marina area. From the entrance to the dining area took maybe a 3mins walk. Talk about exquisite decor.

Birthday boy craves for lychee martini and I had Bellini champagne cocktail.

We ordered a 7 course Menu each which took a full 2hrs to be presented.

Warm foccacia - We were served a plate each but I only took 1 slice as I wan to keep my stomach empty for the rest to come :)

Amuse Bouche - really nice harmony of zest to cleanse your palate to prepare for the gastronomy thats waiting to happen next. Salmon and roe wun go wrong for us :)

Wild Mushrooms with Robbiola Cheese Fondue and Cornmeal - This is sooo sooo sooo smooth n good!

Tagliolini with Clams & Chilli - The pasta was really well done, soaked with clam broth, flavourful yet not dripping wet.

These 2 dishes set our expectations up high for the main course.

Wagyu Beef Cheek with Herb Mashed Potatoes - The meat was slow cooked to perfection, it just melts in your mouth! The stew drenched onto the creamy mashed potatoes makes everything just slither down your throat. Baby says this is orgasmic!

Molten Lava Chocolate Cake with Banana Gelato and Rum Sauce - Warm luscious chocolate oozing out. But I find it average, wun rave much about it. But its a interesting blend with banana gelato and the mint sauce drizzled.

Petit Fours - How come Petit Fours comes in 6? I dunno but we were quite full to finish this. The chcolate balls were very nice though we were really too full to appreciate anything heavy.

Tea - A warm hot tea finishes off a wonderful meal perfectly. Stirring little storms in the teacup, chatting the afternoon away on a weekday where the rest of the world is working hard. :)

I like the thoughtfulness of the staff, like how I reserved a table for 2, but the table is actually big enough for 4, but the table is angled such a way that both guests will be facing the nice view of the Marina area. You know how most restaurants are stingy about their table seatings.. table for 2 means table big enough for just 2.

The restaurant was full by the way when we visited, though it was lunch but fine dining, I'm amazed how much ppl can afford a 2.5hrs lunch break during a weekday. DO make a reservation if you plan to visit as I tink they can seat about 50 pax only. Tables are well spaced out so don't worry that elbow will hit the guest at the next table :)

Food was great, definitedly worth the Top 50 restaurants award with 3 Chef Hats. Service was also impeccable, they put this stool just next to you for you to rest your hangbags on. This must be designed by someone who owns a Birkin, Chanel etc!

Unlike most fine dining restaurants where all the cutlery is laid side by side on the table and you pick them slowly inwards into the meal, Forlino serves you every dish with a new set of accompanying cutlery. This might be good for ppl who always dunno which knife or fork to use!

At $176 for a lunch menu, this can be something you may want to splurge on special occasions. But like some of the patrons there who looked like having they are the regulars there eating their typical Raffles Place lunch, I can't afford to. Ha!

I screamed when we exited out from the Fullerton carpark. It cost us $18 for 2hrs of parking there!! I shld have chosen to have dinner there instead, cos menu is the same price, but you can claim complimentary carpark ticket!

Took a stroll along the Marina appreciating the nice view on a weekday noon. Loves moments like this Baby, always.

I still owe Baby a birthday pressie that he can't decide on. I wanted something practical, something he needs or want. But he thought for many weeks now.. he says he dun have any wants! So.. I'm still owing him the pressie til now... At least I'm decided on mine... who says woman are indecisive huh?? =D

For the dearest person to me, everything is worth in return for a smile on your face.

Happy Birthday Baby!

Why blog?

2009-11-13T12:02:00.008+08:00

Sorry for the long overdued updates in my blog and thank you for still constantly coming back to this little space of mine. :)

The past weeks has been very eventful and busy and I admit there has been many times I'm tempted to just upload the pictures into facebook, especially when my Mac has a clever easy function to upload direct to FB and photo uploading in Blogger is so much more troublesome.

But I've been constantly reminding myself why I kept a blog in the first place. To keep memories that I can keep referring back when time has passed, when I'm old, a journal my kids can read like my own diary. And of cos, times that I'll like to share with my friends like you, who cares about my life regardless how happy or sad times have been. I, for instance enjoy reading my friends' blogs, its a way of staying connected even though without the meetups and I feel happy and sad with them thru their blogs. It is amazing how we may not have met for years but yet there is no awkardness when we do finally meet up.

For friends who have been following since my previous blog where I shared much tears, I'm sure you guys have been very happy for me since my life took a turn for the better and see the total different me today.

FB has been a huge phenomenon for everyone to share pictures and thoughts but I still prefer somethings more private, more personal. You know, like how sometimes we have to accept friend requests due to politically correct reasons, but these are ppl you won't want to share your personal life with. For personal reasons, I never like my colleagues wherever I may be working, to know I keep a blog. Call me weird but I just dun really like ppl whom I see so often at work know what I do after work, cos dats like trailing me 24x7! Of cos I can always lock my blog and grant special permissions, but I tink thankfully maybe cos I dun publish my blog add freely, there are no pests lurking here yet :) I understand that not everyone who reads my blog has a blog themselves, and thus if I lock it, I may not be able to give access to my close friends even if I wish to.

Friendster had come and go and I dunno if FB is here to stay. I wun wan my memories to be all over the place and I am certain my blog here will still be my priority when it comes to my thoughts and special events not meant for everyone.

I tink there are many weird ppl ard too, for many of us, we share freely on wat makes us happy. Be it a simple meal with our loved ones, or a bag we bought that we've been eyeing on so long, or things that make u glee like kids see toys.. this will be my own blogosphere I share my emotions, wat I'm happy about, wat I wan to rmbr. I always believe that friends are ppl who are happy for you when you are happy and not those who gets jealous with what you have and thinks you are showing off.

Isn't it just a thin line between envy and jealous? I have never thought my friends are showing off when they talk abt their latest holiday or the diamonds their bf bought her, I only go "wa... so sweet" in my mind cos I envy her and I'm happy for her.

Having said that, if you are one of those who emits negative thoughts, I suggest that you dun step into my blog. Cos I'm surrounded by so many sweet ppl and happy happenings, you may constantly feel I'm showing off again.

Ok.. this is the once in a blue moon EMO post.. evoked by

1. someone asking "Why do you want to tell the world what is happening to you"

-- well, I'm not that private a person, I love to share what I'm feeling and I love to share others' too. Though at a controlled access, this is better den writing a diary as I welcome comments from close friends. And I love inserting pictures! If I really want to tell the world something, I can just type it out in FB in full view of others. Over here is where ppl come in if they are keen in my life's happening. Could be friends or enemies who wan to see if I'm still alive? ;p

2. someone who remarked "show offs need to be shot"

-- It has been really many years I last heard this word "show off" used by anyone. I read that what determines if the person is "showing off" or "sharing her happiness" is well, determined by your own thinking. If your mindset is negative, you become jealous and starts to feel that others are being a "show off". Otherwise, you'll be happy together with your friend as your positive energy will transmit into feeling happy for them. That was a random public remark that threw me into thoughts just when I was reading the book "Life Lessons". I din know who it was targetted at but friends have cited a uncanny coincidence to the time of my posts. I din know for sure but I was sensitive to it esp after hearing what could be possible. I needed to know who are my real friends and ppl who care and when I'm happy, who do I share it with. I wouldn't want to be happily jumping around like a kid got a lollipop happily licking the sweet while someone is thinking otherwise of me.

**updated**

Maybe now I really do know. As a rebuttal has just happened again right after this post. As usual it is only the guilty ppl who'll always use the same old trick of "I never say its u, how u know its u?" I should have trusted my friends' opinions earlier to avoid being stabbed AGAIN.

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I guess my stupidity and naiveness killed me. Or maybe I should feel blessed that I have discovered something earlier before it does me more damage.

my heart stopped for a sec or 2

2009-11-07T13:37:00.002+08:00

baby's not in town again, this time for a classified mission which I dunno where he'll be. All i know is he's working with the Navy for this project. For ppl who know me well will have already know that baby often handles classified projects as such he seldom tells me about his work. What he tells me, i will listen, what he doesn't say, I won't ask. But anyway.. this is not wat I wanted to say..

I received a call day before yesterday..

Guy (not baby): Hi, can I speak to Mrs Chua?

Me: Yes, I am.. you are?

Guy: (speaking real slowly n serious tone) I am calling from the Navy.... it is regarding your husband Major Chua.... something happened.........

my heart stopped and sank. my mind froze and i found myself anxiously hoping the guy will talk faster. Yet on the other hand fearful what I'm going to hear

It felt like a 1min halt before he continued his sentence but I guess its probably only a sec or 2.

Guy: There are some delays and he has asked for me to inform you that he won't be back until..... (which made it a day delay only la!)

Phew~ I really feel like scolding the guy upside down la! Can't he talk faster and the feeling is really horrible and I wish I'll have this kinda feeling again...

So feel like seeing my baby immediately after the phone call. Argh.. if the guy is calling from the control tower making calls for everyone in the mission who's delayed, I certainly hope he's not using the exact same words to tok to everyone!! It is so scarily misleading!

I miss my blog!!

2009-10-14T00:33:00.005+08:00

Hello my friends, sorry for the long wait for my blog updates, even baby is complaining that I'm not updating my blog! I promise, will have a "as-updated-as-possible post" this week! =)

Baby's bday, tonnes of weddings, parties, holiday plans & work! I wished I have 72hrs per day!

Meanwhile...

Rejoice for me!! =)

Yes.... the busy-ness is all well worth it =)

Check back soon for a photo flood!!! =D

Miss ya all!!

Counting down to wedding marathon!

2009-09-18T02:23:00.002+08:00

I've been sooooo busy!! Baby's bday, weddings, birthday parties and work!! I'm happily entangled with work and this month, I'm anticipating my biggest paycheck ever =D Just nice for our holiday and plans for next yr! =)

I can't help it but felt I'm so blessed ever since I met Baby. When I tink back of my life back in StarHub days, those were like I'm stuck in a deep trench with thick hardened shit covered above me. I felt negative abt life, abt the work there and everyone ard me. I dragged myself to work everyday to slog for the pay. But life really changed so much after I left there, with things getting much better n better after I joined my prev company, promotion, den meeting Baby..... everything was like a dream I nvr even dare to dream. I'm really happy for whatever that has come or is coming. And I still believe it is Baby who brought all these blessings to me and helped shape me to a better person I am today. Yes, I sound like I've just fallen in love but tis is how I feel constantly with him =)

***

Comex

Saw this in a mag just before the Comex.. I got shocked by its accuracy.

To all my Saggi friends, is this true for u also??

Cos on my list is a DSLR, Aibi Elliptical Cross Trainer and mobile phone!! I showed Baby this "it says high tech purchases ARE APPROPRIATE!!" =D

Nonetheless I told myself i must tie my hands up before we make any splurge or impulse purchases. I've got so much to plan for and I know Baby always approve me to get ANYTHING for myself. So if I can't stop myself, nobody will stop me.

I am so proud of myself when we walked out of Comex not buying anything for myself!! We were there to help Baby's fren get the ASUS EEE and baby was really trying to convince me I NEED a netbook so that I dun have to lug a heavy lappie (the MacBook looks light but its not really v light lor..)to work. Especially now that my back is having serious problems and he's making sure I dun carry heavy stuffs or wear heels for too long.

So imagine Baby and the promoter (who is obviously happy we are considering 2 sets instead of 1) both saying good good good, cheap cheap cheap and I STOOD FIRM and say no!!

Damn proud of myself can? Althou I quite like the metallic maroon ASUS Seashell. But I was tinking althou cheap but its really not a "Need" plus we didn't even do any homework for any netbook purchase. I dun wan to regret for splurging on impulse buy, furthermore, Baby prolly needs a new lappie to replace his old Dell (dat is hanging so often) more den me.

I was ready to buy a DSLR at the Comex even thou I know the prices for cameras are nvr excellent there. I was happy enuf with the new D3000 from Nikon but later we convinced ourselves that the D5000 is better for our needs. Den I decided to pay Canon a visit and relook at the D450, den I got drawn to the D500.. so.... I got frustrated and gave up. Yes again! I just couldn't decide and I decided to just go hme, and make the decision when I'm at peace. w/o the crowd there creating this "BUY BUY BUY" mood. I'll like just an entry level DSLR to play but I'm worried if i may outgrown it soon, fickle so fickle!

Took a break at TCC for coffee while I flip thru the brochures to decide.. but the always good TCC coffee let me relax so much that I dun feel like going up to squeeze with the mad crowd again. So, we went Carrefour for shopping and then to Chomp Pang for my fave Nasi Lemak!! Was craving for it after the horrid meal at Punggol Nasi lemak. Will show pics another time.

***

28th Aug 2009

NATAS, KTV & Manhatten Fish

On the Friday 2 wks ago, Baby took half a day off to spend time together. He's been v busy before and after his Hawaii trip and decided to take a breather. This is something I really admire and appreciate of him- to be very focused n devoted to his responsibilities at work, undertaking every project like a perfectionist just like how a virgo is known for. Yet always need no reminder of work-life balance. I've never need to ask him to spend more time with me nor throw tantrums for attention-catching moments.

I just know he'll spend time with me when he can. =) Yes, I am a very happy wife =D

He had originally suggested to go to the NATAS fair to sniff out any good deals there may be for a short trip in Nov or maybe see if there is a good package for our Europe F&E. But before we left the hse, i flipped thru the papers and saw that there is no package for the combi of countries we've planned to visit. It was either Spain+Portugal or Greece+Turkey or Czech+Germany. I guess few ppl are as crazy as us to go all over the place ba?

Den checked packages for Bangkok and Taipei as Baby wanted to do a short trip in Nov for our anniversary, but I was halfhearted as Baby's leave is not approved yet as he may be tied with projects, I din wan to risk cancellation charges. So ended up I told Baby I'm missing Malacca and I'll like to just take a wkend trip to Malacca/KL, so decided, self drive up in Nov =) Checked SIA website for Europe ticket fares, looks good, but lazy to book immed as I can't wait to spend the wkday afternoon out with Baby!

I told Baby about the $10 KTV club (thanks to Clement. *wink*) as he loves KTV but we haven went to one since last yr. The noon session is from 2-7pm and by the time we dingdingdongdong, it was 4pm when we headed there. =x But baby says nvm la we r not professional singers, our vocals shldn't last dat long..

Was in the mood for yellow and so decided to bring my new Coach from Hawaii for a walk!

But i dirtied it and Baby accuse me saying I deliberate cos I dun like it!! I'm innocent lor! I tink Coach dun like me =(

Then, I made a mistake about the address.. it is NS Home Team Club and I mistook for Safra.. bring baby 环岛追追追!! Haha!

It is $10/pax but minimum 3 pax, so we actualli paid $15/pax which is still a good deal =)

The "sharks fin soup" is nice if u dun take it as sharks fin soup. HAHA! I mean its still quite flavourful n drinkable la! We just drank hot honey thru out, which is free flow!

Both of us gets hyper n stand on the couch when we sing. N hor, before u tink of jioing me to go KTV hor.. I mus say first.. I dun like KTV. I dun like to sing. Full stop. I only enjoy the company =)

After the KTV, we decided to have our dinner at Manhatten Fish Market (yes again! we seem to clock attendance at Manhatten every 2 mths =p) And.. I suddenly felt like taking MRT with him... and he say dun mind lor! So, instead of eating at J8's Manhatten, we took the train to Clarke Quay (cos he wanted to try the Circle line too) and ate at Central's Manhatten instead, Hehe bo liao or not? But I like it leh.. feels like schooling time go paktor take train =D

But the stupid thing is when we headed back to bishan to park our car back at our place (and to change clothes) , kenna charge ERP at CTE twice lor... so that was quite an expensive train ride =(

Yah we are so boring, EVERYTIME order exactly the 4 same stuffs at Manhatten one! So everytime we are seated, we are ready to order. Hee! We sat outside at the section overlooking Riverside n the reverse bungee. It was a nice dinner with a view although it was the same old food =) It was more romantic, less noisy.

After the heavy cheesy and creamy dinner, I jio baby to walk to City Hall mrt. So the poor lad had to give in to me while I act touristy getting fascinated by sights along the way. U know, sometimes we miss many beautiful sights cos we drive past so fast, taking everything for granted.

See, I bet u nvr noticed this near Funan! There were like 20 of these lined up in a question mark shape! And each of them has got different interesting trivias to entice ur mind! =)

Upon reaching home, I logged on the SIA webby to book our tickets.. to my horror!! Within 8hrs, the price of a single ticket went up more den $300!!! I was so angry, so sad and fuming with myself why did i delay such a simple task. Baby tried to comfort me and say $300 for a whole day of fun time together is worth it, cos money can earn, time cannot. It made me felt better yet worse cos he's so sweet and I failed my task =(

But well, yes! I've got 2 legs of the trip booked.. still got 4 legs!

less den 3mths to our dream holidays ... =)

I love my days out with Baby. Anywhere, everywhere ^_^

***

Pics for Baby's 30th birthday up next. =)

And hor i seriously tink I may nvr have time to post my Europe/Macau/China pictures! Cos I really have so much pictures n events coming up next! =S

And hor, this Sat, both Baby and myself are invited to be the emcee for a wedding dinner. We are flattered and delighted! It'll be a nice experience for both of us =) Hope we have fun!