24.11.10
Day 3
Everyday I have been in touch with my team up in Aberdeen. Today one of them told me there was a mini snow storm in the morning after he got in to work, I was envious. But I didn't think they liked the snow much as it caused so much trouble to commute to work. Suddenly I wanted to be there too! I thought they were more jealous of the weather we're having here, but I'm snow deprived... especially when it's going to be Christmas soon. Still crossing my fingers for a trip to see the team in near future :)
23.11.10
Good morning, teacher!
My first day of school was stuffed with spicy Thai food, filled with coffee, relaxing with restricted internet surfing and a good exercise for my mouth, hands and feet. I work in this cool shophouse, sitting right under the attic, tucked away in a cosy corner. To get up there I have to climb our spiral stairs. I got to meet everyone in the office to say hello and hope they remember my name than me trying to recall theirs. I met my UK team during a video conference, it was a weird experience to get introduced this way, but I will get used to a lot of video conferencing. I will even get my namecards soon, my second professional namecard afterall. Very proud of it! My boss is great, colleagues are easy-going and the environment is pleasant, can't ask for more really! So what should I wear tomorrow? :)
22.11.10
It's gonna be a good good day!
Tomorrow (or actually later today) is my first day of school... (just as BS would describe it). Well, it should be bedtime now but I guess I need to blog about the excitement before it's gone!
I have done tonnes of preparation, yet I still think it's not enough. I was trying out the clothes and then I realised I haven't had a pair of shoes that would go with anything and everything! I need new pants and skirts, and I didn't manage to get those recently except quite a couple of new tops. I have some from many years back (which are likely to go to donation bins), and some recently that aren't very appropriate. I dug out clothes that I kept, some for ages, and ironed enough to last me at least 2 weeks! I took out the notebook which I bought months ago, and I knew it would come in handy one day, tomorrow is that day. I also got myself a silk shirt from British India the other day after the 1st interview and promised to wear it on the first day of my new job. I bought myself a Christmas Starbucks tumbler and am very eager to have it on my desk soon!
I am very curious how things will go tomorrow. But somehow I have a good feeling that this time round this is going to be a good journey. You know the phrase "Better late than never!" and this is exactly how I feel. I gotta admit I am a late bloomer, everything better comes late for me... Like how crappy my English was, and now it is a world difference, not the best but it's a world apart. And to think that I could top the Scrabble competition at my ex-company competition, no one believed my English was really bad. The same goes for the men I have met, the horrible ones that I blindly believed were the best, and I am so glad I see things differently now. I am very certain now, which are the ones to avoid and what are the types I do want to keep by my side :)
On the side note...
Goodbye Sneakers.
Today I also donated a pair of sneakers I bought from London many years back, still in excellent condition, but I bought it on impulse and it turned out to be too tight. Running Lab at Tampines One is actually collecting them for The Salvation Army, in return they will give you a S$50 voucher for purchase of running shoes (the promotion is till end of November). I didn't want the voucher as I don't need any running shoes, but it feels good to know the shoes will be put to good use at least. So if you have any old running shoes/sneakers you want to throw, you know where to go now!
I have done tonnes of preparation, yet I still think it's not enough. I was trying out the clothes and then I realised I haven't had a pair of shoes that would go with anything and everything! I need new pants and skirts, and I didn't manage to get those recently except quite a couple of new tops. I have some from many years back (which are likely to go to donation bins), and some recently that aren't very appropriate. I dug out clothes that I kept, some for ages, and ironed enough to last me at least 2 weeks! I took out the notebook which I bought months ago, and I knew it would come in handy one day, tomorrow is that day. I also got myself a silk shirt from British India the other day after the 1st interview and promised to wear it on the first day of my new job. I bought myself a Christmas Starbucks tumbler and am very eager to have it on my desk soon!
I am very curious how things will go tomorrow. But somehow I have a good feeling that this time round this is going to be a good journey. You know the phrase "Better late than never!" and this is exactly how I feel. I gotta admit I am a late bloomer, everything better comes late for me... Like how crappy my English was, and now it is a world difference, not the best but it's a world apart. And to think that I could top the Scrabble competition at my ex-company competition, no one believed my English was really bad. The same goes for the men I have met, the horrible ones that I blindly believed were the best, and I am so glad I see things differently now. I am very certain now, which are the ones to avoid and what are the types I do want to keep by my side :)
On the side note...
Goodbye Sneakers.
Today I also donated a pair of sneakers I bought from London many years back, still in excellent condition, but I bought it on impulse and it turned out to be too tight. Running Lab at Tampines One is actually collecting them for The Salvation Army, in return they will give you a S$50 voucher for purchase of running shoes (the promotion is till end of November). I didn't want the voucher as I don't need any running shoes, but it feels good to know the shoes will be put to good use at least. So if you have any old running shoes/sneakers you want to throw, you know where to go now!
19.11.10
Counting down
The mood is settling in. Thankfully.
I have gotten used to the idea I need to wake up about 7ish, need to leave the house 8ish. I have thought about the clothes I need to iron, the bags I want to take, the things I want to bring and slowly fill up my desk. It sounds crazy but I am actually getting excited. I'm thinking about the wine drinking Fridays, I'm looking forward to meeting new colleagues. I'm also thankful to have friends working around the corner and already suggesting me places for lunches, YEAY, and more lunch buddies. I haven't thought about the peak hour madness in the morning, I also haven't thought about how a deskbound job will again encourage weight gain, I haven't thought about how busy I will get. But I am sure things will fall into places.
Tomorrow is the last weekday where I have my freedom! Freedom, I miss you... but till we meet again :)
I have gotten used to the idea I need to wake up about 7ish, need to leave the house 8ish. I have thought about the clothes I need to iron, the bags I want to take, the things I want to bring and slowly fill up my desk. It sounds crazy but I am actually getting excited. I'm thinking about the wine drinking Fridays, I'm looking forward to meeting new colleagues. I'm also thankful to have friends working around the corner and already suggesting me places for lunches, YEAY, and more lunch buddies. I haven't thought about the peak hour madness in the morning, I also haven't thought about how a deskbound job will again encourage weight gain, I haven't thought about how busy I will get. But I am sure things will fall into places.
Tomorrow is the last weekday where I have my freedom! Freedom, I miss you... but till we meet again :)
15.11.10
Craving for cakes II
After another round of cakes from Rive Gauche pâtisserie, it is time to retire from them. I have to say I'm not impressed by the Mont Blanc, at least the Cherry Pistachio is a more exquisite flavour. I only ate half of each of them, the rest finished by the sister and parents. Somehow I can safely say for the coming 2 weeks, I'm going to stop spending on them. Great way to cut down some unwanted calories as well as saving my pocket for something else better :)
Anyway, I was looking for reviews online when I realised a Mont Blanc from them costed S$4.50 in January 2010, and in November it's already S$7! A 36% increase!!! Gosh! So where's the promotion now ya thinking? And this was how it looked like, which is so much prettier than the one they're having now. Here's what it looks like today...
My sister even threw away the chestnut on top! Oh well! It was a little too sweet and creamy and I don't enjoy too much spongecake in my cakes. I guess I'm more a mousse person. Overall, it's just a very average tasting cake, just as bad as how it looks. I somehow prefer its former look, and having read good review about their Mont Blanc, I decided to give it a go... Unfortunately, not impressed at all!
Pistachio Cherry sounds awesome from its name, and I have to say both flavours seem to blend well together. The sour cherry mousse was quite to my liking, but the top layer of pistachio was disappointingly savourless. It could be a lot better... and how about adding on some dark chocolate mousse?? I think that idea will be great, LOL.
So say goodbye to Rive Gauche cakes! I shall save my stomach for better ones.
By the way, my mum got these surprisingly super delightful fruit tarts from the neighbourhood bakery. I have to say they make indeed a lovely treat! She bought 2 some weeks ago and I had them all to myself, very greedy I know, but it shows how good they are! I told her about it and this weekend she got 4 back! Don't worry, I'm not going to eat them all up, this time I'm sharing :D
Best of all, they are cheap!!! I can't believe cheap things can taste so good but you gotta believe it, there are gems. Most neighbourhood bakeries only do mediocre stuff but I guess there can be exceptions! Here's the yummy tart, with crispy buttery crust, fresh cream and freshly cut fruits covered with a layer of jelly.
Anyway, I was looking for reviews online when I realised a Mont Blanc from them costed S$4.50 in January 2010, and in November it's already S$7! A 36% increase!!! Gosh! So where's the promotion now ya thinking? And this was how it looked like, which is so much prettier than the one they're having now. Here's what it looks like today...
My sister even threw away the chestnut on top! Oh well! It was a little too sweet and creamy and I don't enjoy too much spongecake in my cakes. I guess I'm more a mousse person. Overall, it's just a very average tasting cake, just as bad as how it looks. I somehow prefer its former look, and having read good review about their Mont Blanc, I decided to give it a go... Unfortunately, not impressed at all!
Pistachio Cherry sounds awesome from its name, and I have to say both flavours seem to blend well together. The sour cherry mousse was quite to my liking, but the top layer of pistachio was disappointingly savourless. It could be a lot better... and how about adding on some dark chocolate mousse?? I think that idea will be great, LOL.
So say goodbye to Rive Gauche cakes! I shall save my stomach for better ones.
By the way, my mum got these surprisingly super delightful fruit tarts from the neighbourhood bakery. I have to say they make indeed a lovely treat! She bought 2 some weeks ago and I had them all to myself, very greedy I know, but it shows how good they are! I told her about it and this weekend she got 4 back! Don't worry, I'm not going to eat them all up, this time I'm sharing :D
Best of all, they are cheap!!! I can't believe cheap things can taste so good but you gotta believe it, there are gems. Most neighbourhood bakeries only do mediocre stuff but I guess there can be exceptions! Here's the yummy tart, with crispy buttery crust, fresh cream and freshly cut fruits covered with a layer of jelly.
13.11.10
Cleo-sitting
Cleo is the name of the kitty, a fat pampered beautiful French cat. Here's a picture of her. Actually she isn't really fat (in my standard), I'm quite lenient on this ;) She has very fierce eyes and she loves to play.
Anyway, the story is this French couple was going away for 2 weeks and I decided to be nice and help babysit Cleo for a week. Not paid, just in case you are wondering. Many of my friends would ask,"How do you find such lobang?", assuming it's a job! Well, I guess we can always do people a favour? And at times in need, it will be returned.
I have lived with a cat before but it wasn't mine. It was my housemate's back in London, and we didn't share a room, so I would only see Shiva (a male black playboy cat) around the house, especially in the kitchen. I barely interacted with him as he was always out on his hunt ;) Bad kitty. There was a couple of times too back in Germany where Flo's mum had a gray cat that looks like the older version of Mocha (Joy's cat). So this is really a new experience for me to be with one, to feed her, clean her litter and play with her. These chores are easy but cats are unpredictable animals, almost like me. Independent, unpredictable, playful at times...
It was very hard to know what Cleo was thinking. When I wanted to play with her, she ignored me. When I was in the house, she didn't need the attention most of the time. But when I was about to leave the house, she would hate me for leaving and wanted to scratch me. She sure is spoilt! When I returned, she would dash out of the door refusing to come back in, nothing would lure her back except on her own accord. Sometimes when she craved my attention, she would either do it affectionately like brushing her tail against me or do silly things like climbing the fence in the balcony or walking on the ledge at the corridor (not protected), the later really freaked me out. I know cats can jump from great heights but not from the 34th storey!!! My heart nearly dropped but I reckon she was only craving for attention, she wouldn't do such silly things as she has lived there for over a year... She's 7 years old - should be sensible enough, no? LOL.
Some days she was really hard to handle. I came back one evening to realise she left her poo (1 tiny drop) on the carpet and the rest in her litter. She did it intentionally. I felt like giving her backside a little spank! It was her way of showing that she was not happy to be left alone that day. A lot of times I think she couldn't understand me too, so I taught myself some French phrases and spoke to her in French, and she became more obedient suddenly. Strange but I think she understood.
Anyway to conclude, I hate keeping animals in a confined space, it's like a prison. I enjoyed having her around but I did not fancy the idea of keeping a cat in a flat all the time, her fur was everywhere and she looked bored a lot of the times! I wonder if keeping her indoor too long has made her gone mad. If only I have a house with a nice garden, it will be ideal to have one. I still like cats, but right now, I don't think it is possible until I have a conducive environment for any pet. Who knows, I might have a dog instead? ;)
Anyway, the story is this French couple was going away for 2 weeks and I decided to be nice and help babysit Cleo for a week. Not paid, just in case you are wondering. Many of my friends would ask,"How do you find such lobang?", assuming it's a job! Well, I guess we can always do people a favour? And at times in need, it will be returned.
I have lived with a cat before but it wasn't mine. It was my housemate's back in London, and we didn't share a room, so I would only see Shiva (a male black playboy cat) around the house, especially in the kitchen. I barely interacted with him as he was always out on his hunt ;) Bad kitty. There was a couple of times too back in Germany where Flo's mum had a gray cat that looks like the older version of Mocha (Joy's cat). So this is really a new experience for me to be with one, to feed her, clean her litter and play with her. These chores are easy but cats are unpredictable animals, almost like me. Independent, unpredictable, playful at times...
It was very hard to know what Cleo was thinking. When I wanted to play with her, she ignored me. When I was in the house, she didn't need the attention most of the time. But when I was about to leave the house, she would hate me for leaving and wanted to scratch me. She sure is spoilt! When I returned, she would dash out of the door refusing to come back in, nothing would lure her back except on her own accord. Sometimes when she craved my attention, she would either do it affectionately like brushing her tail against me or do silly things like climbing the fence in the balcony or walking on the ledge at the corridor (not protected), the later really freaked me out. I know cats can jump from great heights but not from the 34th storey!!! My heart nearly dropped but I reckon she was only craving for attention, she wouldn't do such silly things as she has lived there for over a year... She's 7 years old - should be sensible enough, no? LOL.
Some days she was really hard to handle. I came back one evening to realise she left her poo (1 tiny drop) on the carpet and the rest in her litter. She did it intentionally. I felt like giving her backside a little spank! It was her way of showing that she was not happy to be left alone that day. A lot of times I think she couldn't understand me too, so I taught myself some French phrases and spoke to her in French, and she became more obedient suddenly. Strange but I think she understood.
Anyway to conclude, I hate keeping animals in a confined space, it's like a prison. I enjoyed having her around but I did not fancy the idea of keeping a cat in a flat all the time, her fur was everywhere and she looked bored a lot of the times! I wonder if keeping her indoor too long has made her gone mad. If only I have a house with a nice garden, it will be ideal to have one. I still like cats, but right now, I don't think it is possible until I have a conducive environment for any pet. Who knows, I might have a dog instead? ;)
12.11.10
Signing my life away
I'm freaking out. Happy but nervous. What an irony?
Somehow, a permanent job hasn't happened for some years and by right I should be happy about it. There's so much more to look forward to and also to better benefits than being a contract staff. But the contracts allowed me to regain freedom and my spontaneous travelling, that is something I am going to miss. But I'm sure travelling when I have a permanent job won't be any lesser as I have now a very good number of annual leave :) I was told I might have chances to travel for work - Wow, something I didn't expect but great, I won't say "NO" till I'm at the age where I'm sick of it. At least, not for a long time!
Things I do look forward to are actually very simple... I miss having my own desk and one I can decorate it as if I'm staying for a long time. I can bring my own mug, slippers, jacket and stick funny notes on my desk! This hasn't happened for a long time, in my last job, I worked in a meeting room for most time, I only got a desk for 3 days??? There was no sense of belonging, no form of security. It's contradicting, I dread being tied down but I do enjoy the fact that I belong somewhere! This now feels like I'm getting married to my job... very scary. What a complicated mind I have...
I look forward to new colleagues and new experiences. I never reject these in my life, they are exciting moments! I have a feeling that my "boss" is someone quite easy to work with too and hope my instincts these days are accurate! He's scottish and apparently very nice from the 3 times I have met him. Also, the team in the UK, I hope we will have a good working chemistry!
For now, I guess I better shop for some proper working clothes as the environment is different from the last few places I was in.
**Still feeling the butterflies in my stomach!!!**
Somehow, a permanent job hasn't happened for some years and by right I should be happy about it. There's so much more to look forward to and also to better benefits than being a contract staff. But the contracts allowed me to regain freedom and my spontaneous travelling, that is something I am going to miss. But I'm sure travelling when I have a permanent job won't be any lesser as I have now a very good number of annual leave :) I was told I might have chances to travel for work - Wow, something I didn't expect but great, I won't say "NO" till I'm at the age where I'm sick of it. At least, not for a long time!
Things I do look forward to are actually very simple... I miss having my own desk and one I can decorate it as if I'm staying for a long time. I can bring my own mug, slippers, jacket and stick funny notes on my desk! This hasn't happened for a long time, in my last job, I worked in a meeting room for most time, I only got a desk for 3 days??? There was no sense of belonging, no form of security. It's contradicting, I dread being tied down but I do enjoy the fact that I belong somewhere! This now feels like I'm getting married to my job... very scary. What a complicated mind I have...
I look forward to new colleagues and new experiences. I never reject these in my life, they are exciting moments! I have a feeling that my "boss" is someone quite easy to work with too and hope my instincts these days are accurate! He's scottish and apparently very nice from the 3 times I have met him. Also, the team in the UK, I hope we will have a good working chemistry!
For now, I guess I better shop for some proper working clothes as the environment is different from the last few places I was in.
**Still feeling the butterflies in my stomach!!!**
Say hello to a new start!
Strangely, money can't buy my happiness. I should have expected it as I always tell others the same.
I am really excited about the coming future, with a good company and seemingly nice line manager whom I'll be reporting to. But at the same time, I have my fears. Though I know I'm going to get used to it real soon, I'm just like that. My life is constantly evolving, sometimes so much that I am wary of what's coming next. But I'm prepared and I'll be fine. You know, everyone has some "emo" moments.
Things usually come when you least expect it. Just like my previous job, I was called up to the interview the very last minute, and I wasn't even keen in the job when I first heard of it. But after the interview, I changed my mind and very luckily too, I was selected. I remember I was cat-sitting (Oh yes, this reminds me I haven't got those pictures up and blog about this!) when I got the call, the interview was a few hours later and I had nothing proper to wear except for a pretty pleasant blouse with leggings. I swore they stared at my leggings when I went in, but the interviewers were already informed. Besides my leggings, the interview went pretty well and then I was shortlisted for a second one with a guy flown down from UK. It was stressful, packed with many tough questions and I managed to get through most with a bit of a laugh... There was also a test on my knowledge on HTML and CSS. Thank God I did read up the night before!
So to keep the story short, yes, after 4 months of happening activities, time is up. I have done so much in the past 4 months that it didn't feel like I was in between jobs. So many films watched, so many writings done, so many friends met, 2 holidays, cat-sitting trial-and-error, swam more than I ever did in the past year, so many cakes eaten... very eventful. But it is time to refill my little hole in my pocket ;)
I am really excited about the coming future, with a good company and seemingly nice line manager whom I'll be reporting to. But at the same time, I have my fears. Though I know I'm going to get used to it real soon, I'm just like that. My life is constantly evolving, sometimes so much that I am wary of what's coming next. But I'm prepared and I'll be fine. You know, everyone has some "emo" moments.
Things usually come when you least expect it. Just like my previous job, I was called up to the interview the very last minute, and I wasn't even keen in the job when I first heard of it. But after the interview, I changed my mind and very luckily too, I was selected. I remember I was cat-sitting (Oh yes, this reminds me I haven't got those pictures up and blog about this!) when I got the call, the interview was a few hours later and I had nothing proper to wear except for a pretty pleasant blouse with leggings. I swore they stared at my leggings when I went in, but the interviewers were already informed. Besides my leggings, the interview went pretty well and then I was shortlisted for a second one with a guy flown down from UK. It was stressful, packed with many tough questions and I managed to get through most with a bit of a laugh... There was also a test on my knowledge on HTML and CSS. Thank God I did read up the night before!
So to keep the story short, yes, after 4 months of happening activities, time is up. I have done so much in the past 4 months that it didn't feel like I was in between jobs. So many films watched, so many writings done, so many friends met, 2 holidays, cat-sitting trial-and-error, swam more than I ever did in the past year, so many cakes eaten... very eventful. But it is time to refill my little hole in my pocket ;)
9.11.10
Phew!
Indeed, the day has gotten better :) Everything has started to move slowly... Patience, patience, patience.
Reviving Tuesday
And I did finish the sequel.
And Never Stop Dancing - 30 More True Things You Need to Know Now by Gordon Livingston.
I prefer the first book, but not it is less interesting, but this one actually touches on more complexity of human nature. He made this book sounds a lot like some sort of self-help or self-therapy than the first. I find more humour in this than the previous though, and like to quote you some of them, including some that do make some sense!
"... It might be the fault of our mothers. Either they loved us so much that no other adult can match them or they didn't love us enough so we're still children looking for that unconditional approval few spouses are willing to provide."
"... OK, that's called a mistake. One of the rules of life is that, in general, we have to pay for our mistakes. What you're feeling at the moment is your payment."
"... The marital wreckage that flows from infidelity, the unwillingness to give another person the affection we would like to receive from them, the general disparity between what we say and what we do, all contribute predictably to the demise of our closest relationships."
"...it is much more difficult to create and preserve than it is to destroy. Any eighteen-year-old can be trained in a few weeks to shoot people and blow things up efficiently. It takes a little longer to train those in the business of saving life."
"And yet, pleasure is not the absence of pain, nor is health the absence of disease. It is what we do and who we are with that makes us happy."
"... Because our desires are so powerful for what we cannot have - wealth, beauty, and unlimited happiness - we find it difficult to think logically about how to achieve the more prosaic but longer-lasting satisfactions that are available to us."
And Never Stop Dancing - 30 More True Things You Need to Know Now by Gordon Livingston.
I prefer the first book, but not it is less interesting, but this one actually touches on more complexity of human nature. He made this book sounds a lot like some sort of self-help or self-therapy than the first. I find more humour in this than the previous though, and like to quote you some of them, including some that do make some sense!
"... It might be the fault of our mothers. Either they loved us so much that no other adult can match them or they didn't love us enough so we're still children looking for that unconditional approval few spouses are willing to provide."
"... OK, that's called a mistake. One of the rules of life is that, in general, we have to pay for our mistakes. What you're feeling at the moment is your payment."
"... The marital wreckage that flows from infidelity, the unwillingness to give another person the affection we would like to receive from them, the general disparity between what we say and what we do, all contribute predictably to the demise of our closest relationships."
"...it is much more difficult to create and preserve than it is to destroy. Any eighteen-year-old can be trained in a few weeks to shoot people and blow things up efficiently. It takes a little longer to train those in the business of saving life."
"And yet, pleasure is not the absence of pain, nor is health the absence of disease. It is what we do and who we are with that makes us happy."
"... Because our desires are so powerful for what we cannot have - wealth, beauty, and unlimited happiness - we find it difficult to think logically about how to achieve the more prosaic but longer-lasting satisfactions that are available to us."
8.11.10
Running low
Everything is stagnant. I dislike this feeling.
Can someone so restless like me get used to it? I guess not.
It's irritating. Anyone that says anything without going through their brain now annoys me too. I have ran out of patience. Like a stretched rubber band reaching its maximum stretch, go on and it will snap. I don't think you'll enjoy it when I snap. So it is best I just stay away from some human interaction and I will be fine tomorrow. It's just one of the days I get really frustrated with things happening around me. I think my stress therapy is eating fruits. I looked out of the window this morning and saw the cleaning workers clearing the chutes. It's a dirty job most people deem but they looked like they enjoyed what they did and they were doing a thorough job. We have to respect professions like these, the dirty jobs most of us are not doing are the reasons behind our clean living environment. It seems ridiculous that I get all bothered by things out of my control, I guess I need a rest. Tomorrow shall be a better start!
Can someone so restless like me get used to it? I guess not.
It's irritating. Anyone that says anything without going through their brain now annoys me too. I have ran out of patience. Like a stretched rubber band reaching its maximum stretch, go on and it will snap. I don't think you'll enjoy it when I snap. So it is best I just stay away from some human interaction and I will be fine tomorrow. It's just one of the days I get really frustrated with things happening around me. I think my stress therapy is eating fruits. I looked out of the window this morning and saw the cleaning workers clearing the chutes. It's a dirty job most people deem but they looked like they enjoyed what they did and they were doing a thorough job. We have to respect professions like these, the dirty jobs most of us are not doing are the reasons behind our clean living environment. It seems ridiculous that I get all bothered by things out of my control, I guess I need a rest. Tomorrow shall be a better start!
Wie schade!
I have been wanting to watch this film from 2006 - The Lives of Others or known as Das Leben der Anderen in German. Unfortunately, I am unable to find the DVD or borrow from anyone. It was on television but I always missed parts of it... Guess I have no fate with it :( One day, just one fine day, I will finish the whole movie!
The Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was on Ch5 earlier, and ended at 11pm. So I was just fiddling around with the remote at about 1130pm before I switched to Okto! Schade! I had a bad feeling that it was the movie I have been dying to watch after hearing the first few words in German. Immediately, I looked up the schedule and yes, The Lives of Others was on. Almost wanted to kill myself!!! Why did I not know this earlier, I would have skipped Harry Potter (which I have watched before). It was the last 40 minutes, and I recall the last time I caught it on telly, I only managed to watch the ending too. I remember the fatal accident and the very witty ending which he said, "No, it's for me." --> refering to the book written for him. I hope the next time, I will be able to watch the whole film!
**heart-broken**
The Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was on Ch5 earlier, and ended at 11pm. So I was just fiddling around with the remote at about 1130pm before I switched to Okto! Schade! I had a bad feeling that it was the movie I have been dying to watch after hearing the first few words in German. Immediately, I looked up the schedule and yes, The Lives of Others was on. Almost wanted to kill myself!!! Why did I not know this earlier, I would have skipped Harry Potter (which I have watched before). It was the last 40 minutes, and I recall the last time I caught it on telly, I only managed to watch the ending too. I remember the fatal accident and the very witty ending which he said, "No, it's for me." --> refering to the book written for him. I hope the next time, I will be able to watch the whole film!
**heart-broken**
7.11.10
Craving for cakes I
Thanks to Tampines 1 and their awesome deals. This is also partly why I seldom like to go to town when I can get most things nearby ;)
So this time, let me show you the pictures first. These are from Rive Gauche pâtisserie, one of the celebrated brands around this area.
Anyway, there was a 1-for-1 Tuesday (applicable for same items only), and I happened to be out that morning and got lucky again, because they were sold out by 4pm the week before. I decided to get a few things home. There were too many choices and also a big risk of expanding waistline, so I would save more for next Tuesday ;) The promotion is ending 4th week November though.
After much hesitation, I settled for Napoleon, which looked really delicious by the look of it! It was as good as it looked, the cream and custard were so fresh, yet not too sweet... ARGH! Writing about it now really makes me hungry!!! The puff pastry was thin and crispy. The strawberry slices were a bit sour but complemented the rest very well. I really enjoyed it even though it didn't stay on my plate long enough ;) My parents like it but thought it is overpriced for cakes (at its original price), but good stuff are worth paying for... and I got a good deal nonetheless!
The Omelette was catchy in the display, which was why I got them. The name is very vague, but it actually contains fresh cream and banana in it. I thought,"Oh, why not have a try!" I have to admit I am not a fan of fresh cream and so it didn't appeal much to me, I like banana though. Dad loves the fresh cream, and the thin skin around it (I couldn't tell what it was made of) but this sure reminds me of the durian puff from Emicakes. Oh yum!
So this time, let me show you the pictures first. These are from Rive Gauche pâtisserie, one of the celebrated brands around this area.
 |
| Napoleon or better known as Mille-feuille |
 |
| Omelette |
Anyway, there was a 1-for-1 Tuesday (applicable for same items only), and I happened to be out that morning and got lucky again, because they were sold out by 4pm the week before. I decided to get a few things home. There were too many choices and also a big risk of expanding waistline, so I would save more for next Tuesday ;) The promotion is ending 4th week November though.
After much hesitation, I settled for Napoleon, which looked really delicious by the look of it! It was as good as it looked, the cream and custard were so fresh, yet not too sweet... ARGH! Writing about it now really makes me hungry!!! The puff pastry was thin and crispy. The strawberry slices were a bit sour but complemented the rest very well. I really enjoyed it even though it didn't stay on my plate long enough ;) My parents like it but thought it is overpriced for cakes (at its original price), but good stuff are worth paying for... and I got a good deal nonetheless!
The Omelette was catchy in the display, which was why I got them. The name is very vague, but it actually contains fresh cream and banana in it. I thought,"Oh, why not have a try!" I have to admit I am not a fan of fresh cream and so it didn't appeal much to me, I like banana though. Dad loves the fresh cream, and the thin skin around it (I couldn't tell what it was made of) but this sure reminds me of the durian puff from Emicakes. Oh yum!
6.11.10
Buy a friend
I'm talking to my friend at the moment and this joke came up...
After that, I realised it is quite funny, pay for pal = paypal. So random.
S says:
hmm.. no friends
i have to buy some friends..
Me says:
ya
paypal
lol
S says:
hahhaa
hmm.. no friends
i have to buy some friends..
Me says:
ya
paypal
lol
S says:
hahhaa
After that, I realised it is quite funny, pay for pal = paypal. So random.
A lucky find
The other day I happened to be in Kinokuniya, I thought I'd have a look at the magazines. Just then, I happened to see a last copy of beautymap (Nov 2010), a beauty magazine (or they called themselves "monthly beauty report") which was introduced fairly recent. I remember the first few issues, one almost just like a pamphlet, but they always come with very good gift with purchase (what many of us termed "gwp").
I decided to get it, since it was my luck ;) The staff told me a customer was searching frantically for this but this last copy was well hidden behind other fashion magazines and I happened to find it. It came with a Stila eye shadow but the color was a mystery till I opened it. But it's a tiny piece, but it's the full retail size, at 2.6g for USD18. Look here for the swatches, I got illimani, a pretty matte chocolate brown. The branch at Ngee Ann city was giving away the lip gloss but it was snatched up within hours it was out last Thursday.
Here's how it looks like:
I have to say it's very alluring, even though tiny and packed in a very dull packaging. I reckon it will go quite well with my banana yellow eye shadow or even the beige or green.
I got in the mail today, a surprise. Someone mailed me a copy of beautymap (Oct 2010)! It is outdated but I am surprised why I received a copy, I didn't subscribe it. I don't remember, maybe I did give my details somewhere or took part in something?! Whatever it is, thank you :)
I decided to get it, since it was my luck ;) The staff told me a customer was searching frantically for this but this last copy was well hidden behind other fashion magazines and I happened to find it. It came with a Stila eye shadow but the color was a mystery till I opened it. But it's a tiny piece, but it's the full retail size, at 2.6g for USD18. Look here for the swatches, I got illimani, a pretty matte chocolate brown. The branch at Ngee Ann city was giving away the lip gloss but it was snatched up within hours it was out last Thursday.
Here's how it looks like:
I have to say it's very alluring, even though tiny and packed in a very dull packaging. I reckon it will go quite well with my banana yellow eye shadow or even the beige or green.
I got in the mail today, a surprise. Someone mailed me a copy of beautymap (Oct 2010)! It is outdated but I am surprised why I received a copy, I didn't subscribe it. I don't remember, maybe I did give my details somewhere or took part in something?! Whatever it is, thank you :)
Sick planes
Qantas' A380s seem to be sick. Here's the 2nd incident that the plane had to return to Singapore just after takeoff. Lcukily there was no casualities for both incidents.
3 years ago, I met a friend whom was sent here to check on Rolls-Royce engines, it was the time when A380s were newly introduced and the first fleet of A380s were for Singapore Airlines. Now I hear that they need to investigate this issue on Qantas A380s and it might take a year. Who knows, maybe my friend will be back to work on it? Or maybe not. Just a random thought!
3 years ago, I met a friend whom was sent here to check on Rolls-Royce engines, it was the time when A380s were newly introduced and the first fleet of A380s were for Singapore Airlines. Now I hear that they need to investigate this issue on Qantas A380s and it might take a year. Who knows, maybe my friend will be back to work on it? Or maybe not. Just a random thought!
5.11.10
TGIF
It's a rainy Friday afternoon. The sounds of thunder, followed by a steady downpour, but very soon I believe it will be all bright and cloudless again.
I got a few films from my ex-colleague who kindly "thumbed" them to me. The quality of this one was pretty bad, but got through it, it seemed like a pretty amusing one but the lagging didn't allow me to see most parts. ARGH. The film is She's Out of My League, about an average joe meeting a girl he would have never thought of. Then I just finished The Prince and me on TV, a relatively old film by now. I found the two pretty similar, about meeting someone they reckon are too good for them, and having too different backgrounds. But like in most movies, love will conquer all and then *plays a romantic love song* and tadah happy endings! Okay, it's bad to watch too many romantic movies for a dreamy person like me ;)
The rain is gradually stopping. It is time to read my book and then hook up friend for dinner.... Enjoy the lovely long weekend everyone. I foresee mine with lots of reading to be done ;)
p.s: Happy Deepavali to the indians in Singapore...!
I got a few films from my ex-colleague who kindly "thumbed" them to me. The quality of this one was pretty bad, but got through it, it seemed like a pretty amusing one but the lagging didn't allow me to see most parts. ARGH. The film is She's Out of My League, about an average joe meeting a girl he would have never thought of. Then I just finished The Prince and me on TV, a relatively old film by now. I found the two pretty similar, about meeting someone they reckon are too good for them, and having too different backgrounds. But like in most movies, love will conquer all and then *plays a romantic love song* and tadah happy endings! Okay, it's bad to watch too many romantic movies for a dreamy person like me ;)
The rain is gradually stopping. It is time to read my book and then hook up friend for dinner.... Enjoy the lovely long weekend everyone. I foresee mine with lots of reading to be done ;)
p.s: Happy Deepavali to the indians in Singapore...!
4.11.10
Gute nacht Mittwoch
I ended my fruitful day with a movie and it is now almost bedtime. I just finished The Karate Kid, casting Jackie Chan and Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith.
Jaden played 12-year-old Dre with attitude and whom got bullied at school because of his feelings for a Chinese classmate, Meiying. The review on IMDb isn't impressive, in fact, people don't like it because there is an older and better movie and maybe the casts too. I haven't seen it that way but recently I don't like to judge things by comparisons. Sometimes I prefer to look at something afresh, take things in a new perspective. I do like how Mr Han (Jackie Chan) built the bond with the kid and how the kid made him proud. The friendship between Dre and the girl was pretty innocent and sweet too. Overall, I think it was not a bad bedtime movie, happy ending works for a good night sleep :)
Not sure how I should rate this, maybe a 3.5/5...
Jaden played 12-year-old Dre with attitude and whom got bullied at school because of his feelings for a Chinese classmate, Meiying. The review on IMDb isn't impressive, in fact, people don't like it because there is an older and better movie and maybe the casts too. I haven't seen it that way but recently I don't like to judge things by comparisons. Sometimes I prefer to look at something afresh, take things in a new perspective. I do like how Mr Han (Jackie Chan) built the bond with the kid and how the kid made him proud. The friendship between Dre and the girl was pretty innocent and sweet too. Overall, I think it was not a bad bedtime movie, happy ending works for a good night sleep :)
Not sure how I should rate this, maybe a 3.5/5...
2.11.10
Love your face
We might not be borned the prettiest of them all, but still we gotta love ourselves!
I heart Origins because of the smell... but at the same time Elizabeth Arden works for me but I always prefer Origins' citrous smell over the "plastic" smell. During a recent visit to town, I chanced upon this awesome deal for the White Tea set at S$100 (the set is worth over S$200). Being an indecisive person, I decided against the idea to buy since I got a travel set recently from Taiwan at about S$46 (retailing at S$60 in Singapore). But over the weekend, I gave it a serious consideration and decided to go for it since such necessities usually deplete fast over the next couple of months. To my dismay, it was sold out (within a week!) at the Robinsons I was at, and I had to call to reserve one of the last few sets at another. The promotion is not available at other Origins counters, only the ones in Robinsons. Phew! A very happy buy!
Something I really dislike about shopping for skincare products in Singapore is they ARE super stingy with samples, even when you're a regular customer of the brand! I recall getting a travel set in Taipei and asked if they would have complimentary sample for their new range of Origins Zero Oil, and she didn't hesitate a moment to give them to me with a SMILE. In Singapore, they usually give you the unbelievable excuse,"Oh, we don't have sample for these!" But if you spend over S$150 or S$200, suddenly they reappear and come free. What kind of service attitude?!? No wonder there are rumours of how bad the service attitude in Singapore is... I also remember the same for Elizabeth Arden, and when I wrote in to complain one of their products, they immediately offer me samples (though it was a decision from the Hong Kong branch), the Singapore side was the usual, being the miser. Geez, what's wrong with letting your customers try your new range of products before deciding to buy? They obviously can take some measures to ensure no one abuses it. No? Like before marrying a man, you have to try it out first - same theory!
I heart Origins because of the smell... but at the same time Elizabeth Arden works for me but I always prefer Origins' citrous smell over the "plastic" smell. During a recent visit to town, I chanced upon this awesome deal for the White Tea set at S$100 (the set is worth over S$200). Being an indecisive person, I decided against the idea to buy since I got a travel set recently from Taiwan at about S$46 (retailing at S$60 in Singapore). But over the weekend, I gave it a serious consideration and decided to go for it since such necessities usually deplete fast over the next couple of months. To my dismay, it was sold out (within a week!) at the Robinsons I was at, and I had to call to reserve one of the last few sets at another. The promotion is not available at other Origins counters, only the ones in Robinsons. Phew! A very happy buy!
DIY Mix & Match travel set from Taiwan
Origins pouch, mimosa moisturiser (anti-aging), cleansing milk (rejuvenating), white tea gentle dermabrasion (anti-oxidant), sachets of Zero Oil range.
White Tea X'mas set from Singapore
White Tea lotion, moisturiser, cleanser, firming moisturiser for eyes, UV face protector and skin guardian (like serum) - all of which are anti-oxidant.
Murderer at home
My iron at home is dead, thanks to the lovely sister whom always kills things accidentally with her poor product knowledge! It is barely a few months old!! I threw the last one away which we all loved because it was risking short-circuit due to the broken cord. How am I going to iron my shirt for my interview? Sucks.
1.11.10
Pamper your body
One of my favourite scrubs, not that I have many. Some tend to clog the pores and I don't really like it. I had the peppermint foot scrub from The Bodyshop which did quite a good job and left my feet clean and fragrant. This body scrub is something I got from Bali in Indonesia quite some time ago, it was from the supermarket! I love going to supermarket when I travel and buy what the locals use. Why buy Dove or something that I have here, right?
It contains two of my favourite things - Olive & Avocado. If you ask me why? I can't explain, but I got the avocado mask from LUSH before and then I fell in love with anything that has avocado as an ingredient. Olive seems to be increasingly popular these day, DHC from Japan also focuses on the usage of olive oil in their products. I quite like their idea, shall give it a try one of these days.
It contains two of my favourite things - Olive & Avocado. If you ask me why? I can't explain, but I got the avocado mask from LUSH before and then I fell in love with anything that has avocado as an ingredient. Olive seems to be increasingly popular these day, DHC from Japan also focuses on the usage of olive oil in their products. I quite like their idea, shall give it a try one of these days.
Hmmmm....
On one of the days where you feel like a lazy breakfast, try this :) Don't be greedy and add too much water, maybe 70% full, and it will work out a thick sweet porridge nicely.
Be a yogi
It was our first time doing Yoga by the Sea which was their second time running in Singapore. My sister signed up and then psycho (which means influenced in our local slang) the rest of us to do so. I thought it was more of a girly event but turned out quite a couple of men were there too. Even the instructors, half of them were male. It was S$5 to register for the mass yoga sessions, it came with a goodie bag and a basic mat for early birds. The goodie bag was impressive, there were a packet of Ribena, lozenges, Panaflex plasters, moisturising lotion and a couple of useful stuff.
There were also workshops but you had to pay for those separately. We only did the mass yoga events. We did one full session (lazed a bit when one instructor went too fast and almost half of crowd just stopped following). The other instructors would go around correcting us but I think they got tired of it after the first 30 minutes. LOL. I saw many first-timers, and most of them or even me wouldn't be able to do some postures correctly. Even though I did bikram yoga and pilates before, without a mirror, I feel a little handicapped. The second session was later and by then, most people had left for dinner. I wasn't in the mood for the second one; my sister and cousin whom arrived late continued while the rest of us went to satisfy our stomach :)
There were also workshops but you had to pay for those separately. We only did the mass yoga events. We did one full session (lazed a bit when one instructor went too fast and almost half of crowd just stopped following). The other instructors would go around correcting us but I think they got tired of it after the first 30 minutes. LOL. I saw many first-timers, and most of them or even me wouldn't be able to do some postures correctly. Even though I did bikram yoga and pilates before, without a mirror, I feel a little handicapped. The second session was later and by then, most people had left for dinner. I wasn't in the mood for the second one; my sister and cousin whom arrived late continued while the rest of us went to satisfy our stomach :)
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