His "Oma und Opa"

As Christmas is approaching... (lol, okay I know Halloween is still not over), I begin to miss his "Oma und Opa". Though I have a living grandma, but it is just so different from having both grandparents still around. (Funny, how come "parent" has a plural form with "s" but grandparent doesn't in the dictionary??) I love the handmade Vollmann's cakes - the sweet almond pastry, the cheesecake, the fruit tart, the creamy cake... I can't care less about gaining weight when I see them - I just have to eat!! The last two christmas, I remember well that I was always fatter than usual, thanks to all the goodies. I wish I can open a cake cafe with the oma's recipe!! Even though they can't utter much in english, but I always feel so welcome in their home, in their company. I look at their wrinkled face, gray hair and still could see so much love in them. I miss them :(((((( I wonder if they will still remember that little Singaporean trixy - me...


p/s: Surprisingly, I didn't get as much aching as I expected.. hoooray! And actually D is still using his old no., so I managed to send him his blessings. All is cool :))

New things, strange things, weird things...

Michael's blog seems to have vanished... one day mine will too, or maybe I'll give it a new name or totally start a fresh new blog. But right now, I'm still happy reading my good old memories...

The newspaper reported a case of sudden death, the boy was only 16 and was healthy. Why do someone so healthy and young died all of a sudden, and it was horrible because that day was his birthday. A birthday song by his family failed to wake him up, I felt so sad for them. It always always always reminds me that I must live my life happier so one day even if I do leave suddenly, I have done a lot that I wanted...

On Friday, mum had a precious day off due to the Hari Raya earlier, so we decided to go Kusu island. It was like an annual event when we were younger and I wasn't around the last couple of years. Dad, mum, me and little sister. It wasn't hazy or too hot, but still warm and humid. I didn't like the Marina south pier as it was far too inconvenient. We had to take cabs because my parents couldn't walk long with their weak legs. It was a short nice trip since we haven't had any proper family outing for a long time, even though the things you see at Kusu is always the same... but this time I fed an old tortoise with my apple ;)

After that, I decided to bring them to Vivo City - Singapore's new largest shopping mall. It's our virgin trip so all of us quite like the idea to go and take a look despite my parents do not fancy shopping at all. Friday, nonetheless, was still super crowded... even looking for seats in the foodcourt took a while. I like some of the small boutiques where they do have unique and affordable dresses... and lot of new brands. It's like an all-in-one heaven for shopping (orchard road + cityhall), call it a paradise! Anyway the most exciting thing is that one of my favourite brands in UK is opening here - River Island but I bet it's going to be soooo.... expensive!! :(

Today I had my first training at my new found activity... it was tiring, I know I have to build up those stamina I had when we played volleyball at Sentosa some years back. It was fun, I liked being on or near the water again... I was usually seasick but doesn't seem like anymore, the ferry to Kusu was fine as well. I used up a lot of strength earlier and I am expecting my whole body to ache later on or perhaps tomorrow. So far, my arms and legs just feel a bit overused, other than that, the pain hasn't come ;)

D is getting married. Wow, what a news and its from the new team mates. I knew him in 2001 but ever since we have lost touch. I wonder if I should congratulate him, I think I should but what is his number?? LOL. I think I shouldn't get his number from my new found mates... I can always send him the wishes when I do see him.

Out of nowhere, it rains...

It hasn't rained for a while... and it just did today. The haze situation is improving and I hope it doesn't come back any sooner. I miss that fresher air and not walking amidst the island of mist/fog. The second last of Fab 4 has since left, yet I have been feeling indifferent. I miss her laughter and sometimes her screaming into my ear (on the phone) but I'm sure I'll see her again soon - maybe next year. But hey I spoke to her on MSN Voice. The only one left in Singapore, me (like Joy the last time), but strangely I'm not feeling too lonely, but quite so comfortable in my own space. I'm not feeling particularly inspired to write today, so I'll just do my normal rambling or even rumblings (realized this is more towards dissatisfaction). 3 days ago, my sister woke up on the wrong side of the bed and blew her top, almost like insanity. She reminded me of the time my mum lost her cool, they are too similar... But all is over, and the following day she tried to make peace.

My little sister has the radio on too often, so and something caught my ears. It is said that "A study/research or a survey has showed that blue-eyed men married to partners whom are not blue-eyed are more likely to cheat", my sister blamed it on their recessive genes. They do want to have blue-eyed babies, don't they? Aha, anyway do you believe it? Girls with blue-eyed partners, beware... However, I think if a man wants to cheat, no matter what nationality, what eye color, what race, what age he is... he will. Enough, when will I be taking the plane again?

That long awaited book

Finally... finally... finally... my Jamie Oliver's book collection has got a kick-start!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to Border's once-in-a-blue-moon 30% "one book per transaction" discount. And now I've got the one I most wanted!! I've read his latest one on Italy but my favourite one still has to be "taaaaaaaaaaaaaadaa" (sound effect)

Inside this book, I feel that Jamie has added a very personal touch. Besides lots of "yummmmmmmilicious" recipes, there are lovely kids-style illustrations... photos of kids, his family, friends or people in his life. Oh, he has a mushroom soup recipe (I love mushrooms, doncha too mushieloom)!!

Luv it!!

Join the dragon!

Today an ang moh woman said I look more like a Filipino than a Chinese... not sure if I should take that as a compliment but whatever... it's not the first time someone questions me about my Chinese ethnicity! Try google and actually the findings are not so bad lah! But I'm impressed, she must have stayed in Singapore long enough to already able to distinguish Asian faces and nationalities. The others opt to ask for my nationality first before trying to decipher further... one asked if I am Malay and the other disagreed. It's amusing when I let other debate about what race I am, very interesting... lol.

My new sports interest has an exciting beginning today. That bad habit of mine of not being punctual today has in turn became a blessing in disguise. I ran into a friend, got acquainted with other teams as well... before finally meeting up with "my team" and having a beer treat together. The British team seems to remember me as the girl in green. Mmm...

Want a bigger picture?

Oktoberfest collage by my artistic colleague... aha, I guess I didn't even have that mood to get it up so nicely as long as I did get most of the pictures up to you guys to have a glimpse! And that was done the night after I was back from the hours of dancing and drinking... Okay, but hey, cheerio to hers... I like it!

In case you're wondering... yes these are my pictures (the same ones on my Oktoberfest post) ;)

1981 is the year?

Look, Singapore is celebrating 25 years of technology!! Count down, it's back to 1981 - as old as me!! Well, the IDA and others have done up a brillant, lovely, colorful and interactive exhibition at the Expo - don't miss it! Yes, even with free talks and seminars! Free admission till today (Sunday)

Over 500ml and not wasted ;)

Seriously, my beer belly is growing, expanding, errr..protruding??... after this one night at the Oktoberfest. My normal limit of 1/2 a pint is long forgotten, I had a 500ml mug to myself, and yet I'm still sober (not even red). My god, it's Erdinger!! Later on, my ex-colleague bought on a new challenge, a huge 3L glass of Erdinger (err.. well its shared by numerous - several people sitting around us too... ewww... :S).

Oktoberfest in Singapore, no one is going to expect much but hey, it's way beyond expectation. I guess it's not only the food and beer, it is the CROWD. And really, tonight I have had the most fun out of so many months... Dancing on the bench, on the wet table, with strangers, forming a line running through the dining hall or group line dancing, taking pictures with those specially dressed... :)))) One problem, that is my legs are aching so much, I guess I haven't been dancing enough for quite a while, hahaa. Fortunately the recent haircut has took off some weight off me, I can jump and swing without feeling a load on my head. Plus, the german food is not bad (of course, the beer and food couldn't compare with Germany's but they were good enough!), portion is a little small, but it's 3-course and lot of drinking after that... so that explains it!

What more, despite the haze being back again on this lucky night, we have an indoor "tent" with air-con! Perfect!

Thank you SPH for giving me such spontaneous ex-colleagues... thank you guys too for such a crazy nightout (even though I don't think they have this URL nor read my blog :p)... Fabulous's the word. Even though I didn't even get a chance to practise some german or understand the live band's (such a strong accent, even when they count 1, 2, 3... Prost... I was thinking err... is that their dialect??!), but... I still loved it. Oktoberfest 2007 in Singapore or anywhere else in the world? Sure!!

Tenth of tenth (it's the date)

Tonight the sky at 730pm seemed so much darker than other nights... I wonder if it was the haze playing tricks on my eyes again. The haze was here, gone and now back - what a nice treat for me to hit highest of 150 on my birthday... highest in 9 years, what a record. Now the date has somewhat a significance, ahah...

Anyway, finally another day into town... after a night of less than 4 hours of sleep. I tried to get to bed at midnight but was wide awake for 3 more hours, such a torture! No, it's not insomnia, it's just that my body clock is still on my previous job's working hours - night shift. And it didn't make things better with mum throwing up all night (due to gastric flu), what a luck! Poor mum, and poor us... the rest whom ended up catching only a few hours of sleep. I was quite worried... at the same time, quite sad all of a sudden recalling all the bad memories (must be time of the night). My elder sister slept like a log though.

Oh, I was about to mention today's activity in town... I went to Adobe InDesign seminar which was a lot better than I have expected. However, due to my lack of rest, I couldn't help dozing off or listening with nothing going into my ears at some point! Tim Cole is so cool in person and very amusing... (Got me thinking about being an Evangelist too!)

After that, I made up my mind for that long awaited haircut that I have been considering... I decided to take the risk, I walked up the second time to the salon and got seated. I didn't want to give a damn how it would turn out as I've had the same long hair (pretty much the same hairstyle for years... well my friends say it suits me well but you know, for women: new hairstyle = new start. And so... why not! It turned out, ermmm how should I say... quite okay, they blew it dry and straight. I look like someone else, more suited for an office woman in a suit! Anyway, I love it the way it was... curl or wavy and not straight and flat. So I shall do it my own style... My sisters said I look like "me" when I was 10!! It won't be long before it grows long again...

my mini gallery (for the first time around)

Hello guys... for those whom like to take a peep at how I celebrate the mid-autmn... here's a picture (look, my neighbours are doing my way too!! And don't worry, we are careful, won't cause a fire...). Oh by the way, I'm too engrossed with the mooncake eating that I didn't even remember to snap a picture!

A sinful dessert I just had... Marshmallow brownie topped with vanilla (plus nuts) ice cream. I swear I won't have another one for months... It has satisfied my sweet tooth and will be for a long long time. Gosh!!

A picture taken on my birthday by my friend with a polaroid! Color adjusted... mmmm the color seems to be fading after the film isn't used for a long time.

I've officially reached the age where I should start using anti-aging products!

Thanks to my lovely girl-mate for making this possible... I felt touched. For years and years, I have had a couple of surprises. But the best one is always done with such sincerity that makes me swelling up with tears. FAB 4 is left with 2 and soon only 1 here in Singapore. Everyone is everywhere! I celebrated my birthday with Syndy, just supposedly a decent dinner and maybe a drink (which didn't come true).

But hey, it was a great time. Not only have we got the Tiramisu cake ON THE HOUSE, the jukebox was playing the BIRTHDAY SONG, the service crews were singing me the birthday song, everyone else in the restaurant stared in wonder and clapped for me... as the waiter put down the cake lit with a candle right in front of me, I was speechless... blushing... in fact I almost cried in joy!

(Actually it felt a bit similiar to the time when I left my previous job and people do the singing, only that it wasn't this emotional... I wonder if I've a soft spot for people singing for me!!)

This is one of my best birthday celebration in recent years...


p.s: I didn't wish for anything when I blew the candle...
p.p.s: Something I'm very pleased about is getting praises quite often these few days when I practise my german with the native speakers. Not that it makes my ego bigger... but I feel more motivated to keep it going... to keep on learning, using and hopefully speaking... danke, danke!!

Celebrate with me lah!

Copyright belongs to The Kedou Kids Pod

There comes my Singlish again - see??

Anyway this year, due to the double "7th month" in our chinese calendar, the Mid-Autumn festival (or the Singaporeans like to call it the "Lantern or Mooncake festival" is delayed till a day before my birthday. So everyone seems to be celebrating it with me!

I love a lot of our chinese festivals, especially when it meant that food is accompanying them. Like the Chinese new year & "Ba Kua" (barbequed meat), Dragon boat with rice dumpling, Mid-Autumn with mooncakes and Winter Solstice festival with "tang yuan" (glutinous rice flour balls). Okay, back to our topic before I get further and further (when it comes to food... oh no...).

Thank you my friends for the early greetings... some of whom I did not expect from. Not a lot of people know of my birthday and especially me being another woman whom rather not reveal my age unless required! Low profile birthday, lol, in fact I didn't hold celebration most of the time... only when I was much younger, my parents would buy me a cake and do a small party at my grandma's. All the kids like me would be excited over it...

BS, thanks for the book (maybe it will come in handy in my next travel trip;)); thanks to my sisters for forking out/chipping in for the things I like (yes, that was how Tommy came about 2 years ago - my sister mailed it to London!); thanks to my girlies too!

For now, I shall sign off wishing everyone a happy time during this lantern/ mooncake/ Mid-Autumn festival!! Tip: Drink some chinese tea (especially green tea) to get off the excessive oil!! Sigh, time to get fat, lit lanterns, burn candles... and light up my corridor!!

Yea, don't remind me, I know I'm another year older... tomorrow!!


P/S: Singapore Pools is also celebrating with its $5 million prize money for Mid-Autumn's TOTO tonight!! :))))

Alas...

Reading BS's blog (Boonsiong, in case there's more BS, lol), it makes me realise one thing! THAT IS - my mum is not the only one screaming! Haha. Sorry, it wasn't meant to be a joke, but yes I truly feel this is so normal in our cultures. Parents yelling and screaming! I hope not to become one. Anyway BS I haven't read your entries for a long time, since you took down your old blog, this one has too much Chinese for me to handle!!

These days I have been believing too much into astrology. I read the paper daily and always take into account what it says about "Libra" on the second last page of LIFE. Now, who is that someone I haven't met that it mentions today... I'm very curious!

With most friends not big fans of beer... I tried my luck asking my ex-colleagues if anyone was keen to join me at Singapore's Oktoberfest event. Surprisingly, all these people are so spontaneous, such a bunch of joy! 8 of us will be going for that 3 course German dinner and Erdinger beer.. awww... thanks!

Angela rang on Sunday and we spoke for over an hour despite the very bad connection! I think we should Skype (yeah, now I've installed)... It was a long chat but it never felt like its duration; so much to update, so much to gossip and share that it seems like the clock has already stopped there. I'm looking forward to spend Christmas together (in Singapore's summer and not London's bitter coldness)!!

Some nights ago, I dreamt again... of the person I now so dislike. I hate him, more than anything else in the world. I wonder why was I still helping him in the dream, like I always dreamt of, again and again. Why was I so happy in the dream with him!

October is...

Someone reminded me I'll be turning 25 soon, yet I'm still in denial. I lost track of the time, the dates, the days... Is it Monday? Sunday? Thursday? Is it still September??? Unfortunately it's not.

Things have been slow... Who said good things are worth waiting? Whom also said the best are kept for the last??? I want to believe, however for an impatient person like me this task is so difficult. What will I end up doing, where? Errm, I think I'm going to be brain-dead if I keep on thinking...

I recently bought a new set of Tarots, only to be called wasteful by a friend of mine. Yeah, we all have our collectibles/toys I guess... I was attracted to them because of how beautifully they are crafted or so called painted! They are such wonderful illustrations, vibrant colors with tints of gold - yes, indeed gold. I guess two should be enough for now, they are expensive so... not again!

My mum was screaming last week, in fact she was in such a foul mood it took her some days to get back to her happy self. I didn't provoke her but she wasn't speaking to any of us, and didn't cook at all. I was fine, actually sorted myself out pretty quick but not for poor dad. I bought her favorite mooncakes, so are they mine too. The yam paste with crispy skin, oh no, I'm getting hungry thinking of it!

I attended one of STOMP's rock concert at Orchard library. I was actually there to support an ex-colleague's band - Roulette. It was better than I expected but it ended quite harsh with a teenage girl giving criticizing remarks to the artist. Not very polite at all. I think we should all respect arts and performance as they are. Anyway, it was a great time meeting the old colleagues...

Ich bin müde, ich soll im bed gehen... (p/s: Ich muss auch Geld sparen...)