Mission 2

Officially declared jobless as of now. No more weekend overtime! I need to leave the job in order to leave the country. So case two closed. Phew!!

I'm not too concerned about the money issue, it costs me more if I stay here longer anyway. That means I'm leaving for Germany earlier than I've expected. Good or bad?! Part of me is excited for the new change, another part a little hesitating...

A few more missions to go, and I'm bidding my farewell to good old London!

Mission 1

Return flight re-routed from London to Frankfurt, mission completed. Case closed. Yippee!

I was having serious doubts about changing my flight home. It's a big decision since I can hardly turn back and say,"Hey London I'm coming back." London doesn't welcome me anymore in cold winter once I fly out of England. I'm not too keen about spending winter in London having no job, missing loved one faraway and get into depression state in the gloomy city. For once, I'm sick of the routine life! For another, I need to see more outside UK. And probably, yes, snow! I'm afraid of the unforeseen future in Germany. I fear that things will not work out, then I've to either get out of Germany and re-route the flight again or just fly my ass back (Singapore) earlier. No, I don't want to come home yet. I've not had enough of this freedom, this satisfaction, this carefree lifestyle. Best, I've my own room, own tv, own space...

More missions to be carried out in order to see the D-day (Departure day) coming nearer and nearer and...

Look at the money £££

I'm a workaholic, just for yesterday, today and the rest of the week. Yes, boy, including my weekend! As long as money is coming in, I need to work my ass off for this October, so I get paid soon. Yeah!!!

Just because I'm spending again, spent £15 today on shopping, oh plus another £4 on food. *slap the hand*

Sick, sick sick of work

Can I not work!! After graduating from school, I've been working near 3 years. During school, I was always working during vacation!!! Now I'm so sick of work, work work... I need a break. Sightsee. Play. Go around. I've a phobia of stepping into the office and sitting in front of a small monitor all day long. Now it even puts me off playing games on my laptop after I get home. I want to throw the damned monitor away... even if I work I want to do one related to food. Yes, food, food food.

Surviving autumn

My housemates were surprised I was cooking in the kitchen last night, actually not about the fact that I cook. But about how I could stand a dirty kitchen with everything practically in half-working condition. Ha ha. I can't possibly eat out all the time, especially the last week when I did not work much - no good food from the office restaurant. I had to resort to buying cheap sandwiches and do some simple pasta! Last night, I found some herbs marinated potatoes... so why not? It doesn't take that much effort. I'm more taken aback by the fact that the girl who commented about the kitchen has been living there for nearly a year and she didn't cook?! Oh my oh my, how did she survive...

Like I said, I simply love this small room so much more, a very cosy little haven. Best for hibernating in winter season!!

It's nearly 16-18 degrees now every morning, sun doesn't rise at 6am. I woke up at that hour, searching for some light to convince me that its daylight already. It didn't so I went back to bed and only dragged my ass off at past 8! Ha.

I can't believe I went to Covent Garden 3 times in 2 weeks. I must be insane, I don't love that place. Well, the first time I had a brief walk; I returned again because I realized I didn't explore the whole area; yesterday I went back again to get a birthday card (for my sister). But then I actually know now to walk from Covent Garden to Leicester Sq or Trafalgar Sq... and I should do this more often in other areas!

I spent more money again... at the Jubilee Market in Covent. I can't say what yet, because I bought one as a present, one for myself. Ahah, its lovely. I'll drop a hint, something you play with your fingers and make it come alive :)

I met Noah and Clarisa 1 night ago - my Singaporean friends. It wasn't a long night, yet it was such a good time - some Singlish, Singapore gossip, London gossip... I invited Noah to chill out at my place, my stunning dimly lit room (u can actually asked someone whom visited and not at all a designer, i think he can describe it from another view).

Rabbit Flo flew back to Germany last night, it doesn't seem real to me. Maybe I've gotten used to the distance apart or the time has gone by quicker than I was counting the weeks. Lovely, I woke up yearning so much to be in Germany too. Now work is coming to an end, so time to make some decisions about my flights/travel. I'm not up for another job, or work like a cow during the white christmas! My first white christmas...

Missing out singaporean style

I seem to have lost track of all the hot gossips back in Singapore - the fab4's gossip, who hurt her leg or the eye, who's happily dating, who's lovesick, who's getting hitched/dumped/married, who's crying over this girl/that boy/money/etc, the new fashion trend/boutiques, my dad's new job, my sister's new hairstyle, my little sister's job adventures, rabbit's BBQ farewell... and my mum??

There are so much I wish I could be there to see, witness, attend, celebrate, listen and put my tongue there... Even though I get updates every now and then, I obviously know so much more is happening out there! I guess I've my independent London life here, being over 6000 miles away doesn't help me much, does it??

I miss my mum's curry when I eat the breads here, I try imagining dipping in her lovely hot chicken curry.

I've got a black Mary-Jane now... "enuff said"

don't ask why... maybe its fate... the size was wrong... so i went back.. came back with a black one... pretty happy about it though... stupid, i'm writing broken english!

The old man calls me a...

bargain hunter: I can't blame I only buy during sales... Nice tee under £10. I can't blame I redeem free movie ticket because I bought a 40pences newspaper... I can't blame I buy a £5 bag that costs £15 in sucky branded store. I can't blame the newspaper giving me a free CD.

shopaholic: No, no... I've to defend myself on this. I am not. Of course, not in anyway. I buy with a purpose. I'm more a shopper with an intention.

By the way, the old man is my landlord who stays in the house and gossips about everything :)

Mary Jane Pink Leather

A feminine and sassy dress pump!

The blog title - those are the description of my "glass slippers" on its box. Black/white shoe box with an image of a dog, strings through it to make it hold like a paper bag. If you want to take a look at it online, click here. I can't help saying all the shoes from this brand are beautifully created - they have a theme. Check out Irregular Choice on internet (e.g. Zappo or even ebay), and you see its variety - did I see "free shipping" when you order (I must say I'm not sure where it applies to, might be USA only).

The black version (not with pink flowers but purple). Oh yes, this was initially the one I saw and thought I wanted to get... till I tried the pink one on! Groovy, I can't help liking it so much more. Anyway thinking about the cost, I reckon black is too common, I need a refreshing one for such a price! And I just spotted this online (but not in the store), click here. Pretty too eh?


p/s: I must say I'm not a shopping queen!!! My landlord says I'm one as he saw me buying a couple of things this week. He must see my girl friends back home before he says that eh!! Heheh, time to keep the card in the wallet! Woo..

It feels like a nail in the foot

I'm having backache (not the waist area but below that shoulder)... It's really putting me off everything I do! What's wrong with me today - something is wrong! Am I down in luck, or is it a bad day? Bad Friday and certainly I hope not a bad start to my weekend. I'm feeling unaccomplished at work because basically now I turn up for a couple of hours and no work has come. I'm supposed to still do some graphics which I'm waiting for pictures to be sent to me. They don't come, no work done, that leaves me very undone. Grrrr.....r..rr..

I don't want to admit this, but on a bad day, I'm usually a very impulsive shopper (I mentioned this before, didn't I?). Submissive to buying, submissive to sales, submissive to anything pretty... In fact, I've already spent £20+ shopping. I've to curb that habit - shopping with bad mood. It is very bad, can be very bad, and is very destructive - not to mention only to that wallet but also mentally menacing.

I found this skirt (finally) but not too sure whether its the one I'll like (for long), I'm searching high and low for a layered, soft, flaring skirt... Now I just happily settled for one half that price and not at all what I've described above. It's flaring for one, but otherwise fine and pretty enough to go with my black stockings. I'm planning shoes-shopping for the weekend, and actually it is plastering to the mind when you know you just want to get something. I'm soo..... impatient. I hate shopping but I want to get it over fast, I must make sure I stop once I've found that glass slippers!!

In the house

I thought I shall write one on my flatshare again. Asha (a polish student) is leaving for Poland this afternoon, somewhat I'm slow to accept the fact that we will have someone new again. Michele (a Czech girl) is in another room but I seldom see her as much. I'll be moving into Asha's room this weekend, inorder to save me £20 per week! Its a room about 1/3 the size of mine now. Small and compact, I reckon its enough as I get out of the house daily. Another polish girl moved in last night, I met her this morning. Her name is Isabella. With a boyish haircut, blonde hair, and much taller, I can't believe she can share a room with the owner. She has a single bed set up at the corner of the old man's room. My room will soon be advertised and we will probably have a new girl soon. I wish she's someone I can hang around with :)

Have it brainless

I felt so inadequate at the Company's Quiz night yesterday. We were in a team of 8, 100 Qs to answer. Arts history, current affairs, films, sports, general knowledge, retro music, 20th century, song names... Out of 100, I only knew the answers to a minor 1-2!! That's really bad! My team scores 75/100 in the end. But I feel shitty - even now. I realized there is so much more about this damned universe I'm not aware of!!! One unfair bit about the whole quiz was it was mainly focused on London, Europe or New York (even the music category), and I know shit about it.

Londoner chick

I can't blame the fact that my contract job is ending soon, my first paycheck has encouraged more time for shopping (yah, budget shopping!), and having a bus pass makes me go around more of London! I want to save enough for my travel in Europe for coming spring and/or summer. Saving up from the cheap rent, cheap shopping, cheap transport, cheap food... I'm trying to live cheap in expensive city. Not so easy! And yes, if it means free to see a STAR in town, I'll be rushing down. Not for everyone though, I am lucky to say Jamie and Ewan are a rare catch for me - enough. I've seen Ronan at concert in Singapore. Maybe next on the list, Prince William for me.. he he he.

I'm mastering the art of survival in London - I can teach you how when any of you want to get here. Fortunate I should say I've met people whom have shared different parts of London with me; I went to a 2nd hand market held in some school compound on a Saturday afternoon (God's sake, I don't know what is it called!!). £3 for a winter coat - real! But I didn't get it, can't imagine how I can pack that in my luggage yet. But I'll return again to check out good bargains. Afterall I don't need one in Singapore, so 2nd hand works fine for me... unless I've extra £££ for a brand new one. Very tempting!!

I've been searching high and low for a perfect pair of glass slippers... Ah, I want to get a pair of shoes - a promise with my first salary! And a pretty skirt to go with it. First of all, I'm getting that shoes so I can wear my new stockings (its 5 socks now!!); in order to see that stockings, you need to wear something shorter of course; so now I end up having to buy a skirt too. Now I don't have a bag to go along - but I don't want to buy!!! Mmmm, I shouldn't be so fashion-conscious, but its REAL hard not to be here. Everything looks good - coats, shoes, dresses, stockings, sweaters, blouse, lingerie, scarfs, even gloves... I also love the books - I can't stress enough but its amazing! "Fuck"


I'm listing the things I bought for myself over here (not food, I can't remember them):

£ Hip Sharp GX 15 mobile phone
£ German-english dictionary (bargain!)
£ Stockings x 4 (1 black fish-net, 2 black patterned, 1 beige hold-up)
£ Love socks
£ Recycled-drink-packets bag
£ Black cool business jacket
£ Slightly over sized girlish dress (picked at the 2nd hand market)
£ Beads covered beautiful notebook
£ A box of jumbo color pencils (for my notebook if you wonder)


Shoes and skirt coming up!! Maybe a snow globe too, miniature if I've to bring home. I have always wanted to get a big pretty one, it isn't for kids, is it!! I'm fascinated by them. If you haven't got an idea what that is, look here for an example.

I'm enjoying London (alone even), see.

Ewan McGregor... Aaaaa

Ok, now this is my idol... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAh

I saw him yes, again at another book signing. 'Long Way Round' - A book written about a trip taken by him and Charley Boorman. How often can you bump into an actor; I'm not an avid reader of his new title, but I've been watching him since I first saw him in Star Wars as Obiwan! Another lunch time adventure, yeah, sounds very interesting and fulfilling eh! Frankly, this is exhausting... Take a 40mins bus, get to Waterstone's, wait for Star's arrival, goggled at him for 1 hr, take another 40mins bus back, then figure out whats for lunch!

Fucked again this time. I brought my camera but NO PHOTOGRAPHY is allowed! Fuck... fuck fuck... I didn't manage to sneak a picture of him as he was blocked by many guarding staffs and a hulky bodyguard.

Charley is a red faced man, not sure who he is, but I assume a good friend of Ewan. Whatever! Ewan McGregor is absolutely gorgeous - no lies!!! He appears much smaller than he did on films. He looks like he's slightly over 6ft in movies. But in real person, he's perfectly like every other normal man, ok, wonder why I use the word "perfectly"!! Yahhh, dream man :)

Cheezz... I can't stand myself, I'm beginning to behave like how Angela is obsessed by JJ, maybe spare me the screaming and getting upset without photograph part. I was slightly disappointed I didn't have a picture, so I stayed throughout the one hour session to have enough of my eyes on him! Ha ha, so there I'm a happy girl now. Absolutely charming...

There were people sneakily snapping pictures of him, but no I did not want sneaky and random shots of my idol. If I want a photo of him, I make sure its perfectly what I want to capture! So there it goes, perfectionist at work. There was a smaller crowd compared to Jamie Oliver's the previous day, but you could hear japanese girls shrieking and giggling over him, korean girls blushing with his handshake and few blondes just as excited to hang around!

p.s: Where are you, my rabbit... vermiss dich!

Jamie Oliver - The naked chef

Heh, I'm proud to say I've met Jamie Oliver in real life! Whoaa... Put it this way, I've seen him yesterday for his book signing at Waterstones (Oxford St). His latest cookbook was hot selling at £16.99, and the queue was horrendously long - imaging it circling around all the shelves at the basement of the store. I did think of getting one, after one look at his devoted fans, I decided against the idea. I had made the trip during my extended lunch hour (its 2.5hrs!!) so I couldn't possibly spend the whole afternoon there. He was fashionably late for half an hour - big stars always do this, don't they! But he wasn't a let down at all, he was posing with that big grin for his fans and media. Damned one thing, I forgot my digital camera. I had to resort to the low-quality camera phone, can't say how glad I've bought this now.

Anyhow, I'm not a Jamie Oliver fan, I'm more excited to meet "famous" people in London for once since I'm here. I do watch his shows though and I thought my lil sister loved him (maybe I'm wrong)!

Horrible friday

The house. Fridge with a spoilt freezer, has a door that might fall apart anytime. Bathroom with only bath and no shower, includes a flush that still works but got stuck this morning - can't stop flushing! The house is falling apart, is it not, I reckon it needs some good renovation. I secretly wish that the owner is going to say,"Look, this is not working, that is not working. I don't know how I am allowing you girls to stay here..." I'm still thinking of the ending phrase, should he chase us out or should we stay there at a discounted rent! Hah, what do you think? I've such a restless mind making up all this crap... ooo... sometimes I thank God for that, keeps my mind occupied!

On my way to work, walking across Thames river (taking a stroll to two bus-stops ahead), I spotted him. A familiar face. Then again, I can't be sure at all, been 19 months since I last met him. 5 metres away, I was there thinking,"Oh god, is that Alex??" I was nervous but there was a possibility I have mistaken; I walked past looking down. He didn't look up either, just kept walking with something in his head! I turned around... No, I still can't be sure! Afterall, so many head shaven british does look alike. Then again, the last I known of him - he was living in the south too.

THANK U my new mate, Riyaad!! Great evening, great dinner, great company for my birthday in London, I couldn't have asked for more. Its a shame my friend here is heading out of London for work, one mate less whom can crash Camden Market again with me. Visit me sometimes eh!

High soaring

... flying swiftly like a swallow

I called home for 8 minutes. All seem to be fine and a lot more cheery than when I first left, I feel relieved. I asked my dad for a red packet (he always gives me one on my birthday every year), he said he forgot to mail it. So I get double next year ;) As usual, they're dying for my return - the usual "Don't wait till january, come back when you don't have a job or don't have enough to survive". I understand the worries of my parents but somehow I'm enjoying the distance from home. The 6000 over miles is making them accepting me, and bringing us closer at the same time. I love and miss home... I know I'll return one day, so let me fly with my own wings for a while till I'm tired... When I can no longer fly, I'll be back!


It reminds me now of my favourite song I used to sing in school:

DONNA DONNA

On a wagon bound for market
There's a calf with a mournful eye
High above him there's a swallow
Winging swiftly through the sky
How the winds are laughing,
They laugh with all their might
Laugh and laugh the whole day through
And half the summer's night
Donna, Donna, Donna, Donna
Donna Donna Donna Don
Donna Donna Donna Donna
Donna Donna Donna Don
'Stop complaining' said the farmer
'Who told you a calf to be
Why don't you have wings to fly with
like the swallow, so proud and free?'
How the winds are laughing...
Calves are easily bound and slaughtered
Never know the reason why
But whoever treasures freedom
Like the swallow, has learned to fly
How the winds are laughing...

Extended birthday celebration

I'm celebrating throughout the whole 31 hours of 7 October. 24 hours of UK time plus 7 hours ahead yesterday of Singapore time. Who can have such a long birthday, ok, unless you are Singaporean in US, I'll let you win...

Three mails from Singapore. Sweet.

1. The biggest box. Its from my sister and cousin (and behalf of my mum, dad & lil sister). This one is such a pleasant surprise as I did not expect her to know exactly what I like. The first time I ever had my eyes on those toys, I never think I'll have them. Reason being I have enough "furry" animals on my bed... pig, penguin, dog, small winnie pooh, etc back home in Singapore. The second thing that fascinates me is they are made in Germany German branded. I just hope I can have the whole range of collection one day!! The appeal about this toy is its fur - so soft that it doesn't feel like a normal stuff toy. Amazing, you can be sure of this. And so... guess what I've received. A GIRAFFE!!! I actually set my eyes on the tiger... lovely strips. And there's one more, might be a leopard if I'm not wrong. There it goes, my collection will start...

Let me share another cute thing about these animals, they have a belly button/navel... awww. Now he is sleeping with me!!

2. The smaller box - from my Rabbit-florian. Two mini-CDs of songs, I'm wondering why you chose them (if you happen to read this!)... A tiny piggy that doesn't look like you, but still it will hang there on my bag. Banana-choco pocky, like a replicate of that banana coated chocolates I gave you. The loveliest of all, a handwritten letter, I love letters!!

3. A bubble-wrap protected package. Signed off by the remaining Fab3, BS and Peilin, nice to know I'm not forgotten.. he he he. A very pretty red handmade "weird size" photo frame (and photos of the farewell - thanks for that) with two glow-in-the-dark sheeps. Bonus: lot of tissues!! Very much appreciated, angela and girls and "pa"...

Handy tissues to come along, Angela. I was actually spending an hour or two on my bed going through everything last night, it was emotional somehow. For the first time in near two months, I cried for the genuine thoughts from everyone back home. Yes, I miss all of you too!!

Enough of the presents and emotional speech... I know all of you are wondering how I will spend the birthday here. Surprise, I'm not into clubbing (ya, like you know), I only do that with my close friends. Shops are closing 7-8pm, no self-pampering shopping too. Another crucial point, I haven't get my first salary. So... Okay, ahh, I've been making a big round to the actual answer.. I was going to spend it at home, in my room watching some TV. Sad, huh! Fortunately no! A friend of mine (south african) decided he can help me by spending it with me, just a simple dinner - not sure whereabout. I'm supposed to pick the place, I've no idea about good food here :S Whatever it is, this is going to be a different birthday ultimately...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MYSELF, I HATE TO BE 23!! BUT I'M PROUD TO BE NOW.

note: listings are made according to package size and not order of preference!!
p.s: Angela, is it colorful enough??

It's not our fault, it's you - androgen!!

Useful information for those prone to "naughty hormones"... ok, I mean red, big, ugly acnes!! I came across this article on MSN, and I'd like to share with you - if you are/were also a victim of these horrible monsters. Read more...

quack quackkk II

"quack quack quack"

Did you hear it again?? Yes, lovely duck for lunch again. I'll never say "NO" to a roast duck meal ever in London. I turned them down in Singapore because I was sick of chicken, pork and duck. Maybe another thing I wouldn't reject here is rice - white, yellow, fried or whatever. All right, let me tell you what's on my menu today: Roast Duck Leg with Dauphinoise Potato & Cabbage.

Can you resist that?

Maybe you can, but I'm too desperate for duck meat... Creamy melty cheesy potato was getting me down a bit, but crispy duck is just fantastic! It was too much for a lunch, 150% portion of what I normally have. No dinner again, or maybe just soup with brown bread roll.

Friend. Book. Food.

Mr. Bobby. I had a friend whom came over to London and we hooked up for a drink and dinner last evening. Such a nice feeling when you see someone you knew/know! He's a British working in Singapore; I'm Singaporean working in London. Somehow it sounds amusing...

Another thing that drives me mad in London is books!! I can never find so many books on ARTS back home. Fine arts, animation, graphic design, photography, sculptures, icons, multimedia, photography, erotica; anything you name it - you find it! I wish I can own a library here, I want to stock up a huge collection only if I can bring them home. Or well, I don't know how I can carry them along... Air freight??

I'm a sucker for sweet things since I came over. I wasn't much of one in Singapore. But here the Maltesers and Haribo got my sweet tooth started... argghh. I just "spanked" my hands from getting two packets of Haribo earlier (just because they are 2 for £1.50, I should still look after my TEETH right!).

Smell them...

Something fishy about the feet...

I just can't stop shopping for socks over here. Big, daring bold colors. Cute. Girlish. Lacy. Hold-ups. Tights. Fish-net. Flowery. Novelty. Knee length. Ankle. Black. Silky. Toe-less. Warmer. Nylon. Cotton. They just got me hooked; I'm not crazy about clothes (Zara, Mango, Next, Kookai, Dorothy Perkins, Warehouse, Topshop, Karen Miller, Monsoon, Urban Outfitters, etc...), I just don't care about those. But socks.... I don't stop looking...

3 pairs now and counting...!!

Brit's thumbs up

I've said so many disappointing things about London, I reckon it's fair enough to mention a few good things!!!

(1) First and foremost, there isn't an annual income limit to own a credit card. Yeah!!! So make sure you can afford one if you want one here, its free but not recommended to apply for one just for the sake of owning one. Actually I don't need one, I wanted to have a Visa (in case for emergency) because all my cards are Master Card debit. But then they gave me another Master Card :( Visa Platinum only for future upgrading, but whatever.

(2) You can get a decent Italian meal for £5, at least they are really Italian!! Many wide choices of food, e.g. the chef in my office restaurant plans a weekly menu ranging from Italian, Spanish, English, to whatever else. Well, you get all variety in Singapore too I have to admit, best for Asian food. But London's a good mix for European food! Besides cheap yogurt, many kinds of chocolates, and cheap pizza (for oven but good enough), best is I can get my Haribo gummy. Fruits are not cheap but reasonable!

(3) Cosmopolitan city

(4) Most/all public toilets are free to enter and supply toilet roll (no 10 cents entry or 20 cents for toilet paper)

(5) Seasonal weather, I seem to like it!


Wait till I find more...

Man can cook III

The answer: if you'd like men that can cook - go for Koreans. Asian men with single eyelids. Men you drool over watching Korean drama. As good-looking as you can get. Seriously, I mean they do cook. I reckon a lot more than men back home or even in London. That's a hearsay from the people I met. But you'll find out when you meet some...

I'm a vivid food lover. So I need to date men who can cook... Not Koreans for me when I have already grabbed one whom can do the job. *wink* So u better do some lecker food, I'm waiting!! And wait, I'm brushing up my skills - I just need a kitchen to practice.

Arghh... time to pay another week's rent tomorrow - money seems to go fast but doesn't come fast!