Goodbye 2010

It's the end of another year. Time always flies, doesn't it?

Looking back, so much have happened the past 12 months; I am thankful I am still alive and jumping and everyone at home is still well and we're looking forward to the new year. There's so much coming for me in January - close friend's wedding in Sabah, training in Scotland, seeing friends in London... What a great busy start and I hope all things will fall into places thereafter. I better find some time to do some spring cleaning before I get lots of loots back from UK :D It'll be Chinese New Year 2 days after I get back and I hope I can fit into the cheongsam top I bought for the occasion by then... LOL. No overeating in UK please!

So, actually I am writing this to give thanks to things that have happened this year, the good and bad... and no, I'm not setting new year resolutions. I guess my aim every year is the same, simple, to live happy, for me and for everyone I love.

Here's the thank you list (in no order of occurrence):

♥ Thank you ♥

I made many new friends and maybe 1 enemy @ SingTel.

I won Photoshop CS5 @ the Adobe Launch.

I won worth S$300 tickets to Riverdance.

I survived a bike crash in Taiwan.

I survived a maniac climbing onto my bed in the middle of the night in Taiwan.

I had a short and sweet time meeting someone new.

I realised some people are just not worth any time of our life, so get on with it!

I have a wonderful boss and apparently an exciting job.

I found long lost friends on Facebook.

I realised my obsession for DOMO.

I cut my fringe, enjoyed the bangs for a short while (looked young all over again, now I'm missing it).

I did pilates again.

I lived with a cat.
I travelled alone again after 5 years, the last in 2005.

I saw a friend I missed in Ho Chi Minh.

I travelled for the 1st time with my lil sis.

I bought my 1st Kate Spade this year and then got a 2nd.

I found my flip phone and it's Samsung.

My Blackberry has been good the past 1 year.

My Toshiba baby has survived me 3 years and still going strong.

My parents ♥ me. My friends ♥ me. I ♥ them.

I am happy.

p.s: I'll add more tonight if I think of more ;)

Now I am deprived...

Public holidays! I want more, I want more!!

Singapore, can you be a wee bit more generous??

Counting the number of public hoildays the people of Republic China get, the rest of us just want to bang our heads on the wall... Don't we all suddenly wish we live and work there? Make a guess?

31 freaking days in 2011!!!!!!!!

And that doesn't include their annual leave!??

I probably get the same days (31) after I add up my annual leave and Singapore's public holidays. Singapore is not the worst to be honest, we are on par with a lot of other countries that average about 10-11 days of public hoildays. But China, Tokyo and Hong Kong are obviously leading the numbers with 31, 18 and 17... Okay, now I'm envious (maybe not so much of Tokyo and Hong Kong as they work a hell lot!!). But from what I know, Japanese companies are not very generous with their annual leave, so that is perhaps fair with 18 days of additional holidays. So I guess this is why we see Chinese tourists everywhere when we go on our holidays, hahaha.

Perhaps you like to know how the 31 days come about? They have 3 consective days off for almost everything, from New Year's day to Labour Day to Dragon Boat and Mid Autumn Festival. Gosh, seriously, 3 days for a festival, we celebrate them in Singapore too, not as if we get any for them!! Then they get a week each for Lunar New Year and their National Day, they seriously love their culture and nation! We need that in Singapore too!

♥ Mum & Dad ♥

Sweet sweet love.

I feel the love. Mum made "yam" cake, it's like carrot cake (though it's not made from carrot but "yam" cake is made from yam). It's one of our favourite food she cooked, and so I am having that for lunch! I missed dinner last night as I caught up with a friend, mum cooked Mee Sua, also my favourite. Actually, practically everything she cooks are like my favourites, hahaha, except for certain things which are my sisters' and not mine. I told her I missed the Mee Sua and she said she can cook for me again tonight. Awww... so sweet.

I have been looking high and low for a watch, the type that looks solid and formal enough for work. Yesterday, I saw Dad's watch on the table, it looks pretty nice and its face isn't not too big for my wrist. I asked him if he would give it to me, without much hesitation, he said okay and asked how big is my wrist so he could adjust it. I don't know if it's his favourite watch as he has a couple, one of which we gifted to him 2-3 years back. I went home last night and he has already adjusted it for me, now it's my "office" watch. How sweet is that!

A lot of times, we thought family isn't an important part of our life. Years ago, I really had that thinking, especially when I was abroad and found it a hassle to call back home. I guess a lot of my friends still do now, some might, some might not. Some of my friends are happily living overseas, perhaps still like me in the past, we couldn't understand the parents' yearning as they didn't verbally express it. We dreaded coming home for good. But after quite a few years of it myself, I have adapted to living with my parents once again. Our relationship is better than the past somehow, I guess I have also grown wiser with the things I have been through. I speak to them, talk about their concerns, get them involved in my life and let them know what's happening... I used to think some things are better said to friends, but in fact, parents can be your friends too.

I have friends whom keep a distance from their parents. I guess it's different for everyone. For some, there's communication breakdown, for others, it might be some personal reasons. But there is one thing for sure, they love us, and I think there is no measurement for it! Even though they might be sometimes a little biased and like your sister or brother more, but at the end of the day, they are the ones who are willingly to make sacrifices for us. They are the ones whom will never push you away or say "No" to provide you a place of comfort and shelter when you need it most. They might not say it or show it, but they do care.

Frohe Weihnachten!

It's the time of the year again!  

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

A festive season filled with many wonderful memories of the past... This year, it's a rather quiet one; in the past years, I spent it at dinner with friends or held a mini party at home with the sisters. But both sisters are away, so I decided to take my parents out for a meal. (As one gets older, sometimes priorities do take a shift!) Just 3 of us at a nice Chinese restaurant named PUTIEN, they seemed to enjoy it as mum was still going on about the fried duck wrapped with yam on the phone. So here's some pictures to share our joy :)

Apparently this brand derives its roots from Putian, a town in the Fujian province of China. It began as a small restaurant in Singapore and has since expanded to 7 outlets, and needless to say, the prices have also increased tremendously. I have heard many good stories about the food and so I thought I shall take the parents there. It's my first time too!

The dishes are tasty and suit my parents' tradtitional tastebuds well, though the prices are a little on the steep side. That "Deep Fried Duck with Yam" costed $15.90, the yam portion was more than the meat! Not that we mind since mum and I love yam! Those "Homemade Beancurd" were smooth and silky, we really enjoyed them. We also got "Seaweed Soup with Wonton" (forgot to name that in the picture, it's in the centre), it was quite appetising and a perfect starter. Dad has to have rice at his meal times or he would go jelly on his knees, so we ordered the only rice item, the "Seafood Fried Rice" and it was quite the standard one like everywhere else. I like the idea of "Mee Sua" (also named "妈祖面线" in Chinese, what a nice name!) since I read a review that it was quite good, so we ordered it too. It came with seafood and wasn't the usual Mee Sua mum loved to cook at home. It came last, all of us were pretty stuffed by then, but it was so delectable that we finished it all. There was no room for dessert though I really would love to have one... haha.

All in all, it was a pleasant dinner! It will be a bonus if they have some cards' promotion, then we will go there more often ;) They only take reservations for big crowd, but I rang up earlier to put my name just in case there's going to be a queue, and it did turn out there was a waiting list. Fortunately, they managed to give us a table fast enough as the old people have little patience.

Let it snow, let it snow...

But let me go over, let me go over too...

The sight of Europe covered in white is so beautiful, but unfortunately not at all advantageous for the commuters. With flights cancelled and delayed for days, and the airports transformed into campsites, it doesn't sound at all exciting. Trains broke down, people trapped. Road blocked and cars abandoned. I hope my friend is able to fly back in two weeks' time without any hassle and I am able to make my trip there in a month's time! Snow, how can I not love you and hate you at the same time?

Be your own Santa this Christmas!

Christmas is a few days away... and suddenly my days are packed with lunch appointments. Out of nowhere. I can't meet most of the people I like to see, and so it shall continue into the new year. Today I tried to accomodate meeting two persons but didn't quite work out well, with only the lunch hour to spare.

The boss will be away but he has took the team to an early Christmas lunch filled with thin crusty pizzas. Boss called himself a pizza-monster, and he had 9 slices! Wooohoo. I had 5, came up 3rd in my team of 6, felt very guilty afterwards. It didn't help when he surprised us with adorable Santa and Snowman cupcakes. There's continous supply of chocolates and treats in the office from our business associates - the boss always brings them up for us.

Giving makes one feel very good, doncha think? Like the past years, I would pack small bags of chocolates, sweets and cookies to give away. I also gifted my new lunch buddy at work a small gift, it wasn't an exchange... Today I met my primary school friend for lunch and passed her a small gift too. She sure was surprised. I think surprises are always nice! I have got my surprises too! Thanks Ah man for making the way down to my office with a little red box, and when I opened it, I was delighted - it's packed with DOMO kun stuff! There's also a Santa in the office, making way to everyone's desks distributing little tiny bags, each with Ovalteenies, a chupa chupa & marshmallow. I don't know him, and I don't think he knows everyone, but I guess it's the season of giving... you know.

If you also feel like doing some good, why not contribute to Ronald McDonald House Charities by getting one of these McHappy Day bears for S$3! I just bought one over lunch, my 2nd McDonald's meal this month, I feel quite disgusted, LOL. Actually, it's not too bad since I quite like the fish fillet... so to lessen my own guilt, I got salt-free fries and diet-coke :) Hah. The first time I had lunch there, I saw Grimace, the purple bear, so I told myself I shall visit when they sell Ronald McDonald (which starts today!). I missed the Hamburlger which is also very adorable. The money also helps one of my good friends' daughter whom is benefitting from the charity, she was staying at the Ronald McDonald House when her daughter was undergoing clinical trial in New York. By the way, you don't have to eat there to buy this bear, you can just walk in and make a meal-free purchase.

Not sure where this picture source is from, guess I will copyright this to McDonald's.

Hello lucky days!

Someone just talked to me in German, I managed to make it out even though it was pretty quick the way he spoke. The strange thing is he isn't even German, he heard from my boss I could speak some, and so tested it out. Woah. I was obviously more stunned than anything and didn't reply him in German. It seems like boss and him are pretty good friends!

I am one lucky woman. Yes, I'll be heading to Aberdeen shortly for work via London, so I get to see Angela in London for the first time in 5 years! I can't wait to see her new place and am thankful she's more than happy to put me up! I can't wait to spend time together, to see London all over again like a tourist. It is also my first time on Business Class (And it's SQ!!! On my return, I actually would be on the new A380!!), I feel like I'm dreaming. Someone, wake me up! Everything is going on smoothly at work... since ages.. after a couple of jobs working with "shitty" people or great people with boring jobs, finally I found it. Good stuff are worth waiting for, and this is so true.

My boss is my guardian angel. It has been over 3 weeks and everything's perfect. He doesn't rush me into picking things up, he's more than happy to answer my questions, he's always bringing up chocolates gifted to him for us, he's very accomodating and made it possible for me to see my friends during my trip to UK, he's also super sweet to his wife... and everyone in the company like him. I have heard this from more than one person, and they are from all other departments. As I'm still on probation, I am surprised I am even allowed to go for overseas training, and even have days off during the period. Whoever says Tiger year is lucky for Roosters, my luck is only starting now... But I seriously don't believe in such horoscope forecast. I think I have been through enough "shit" to come to a point I can enjoy life a little. Thankfully.

A friend told me how envious she was. I can only say, open yourself to all the chances possible and you never know what might just come :)

Hopefully this will last for a while :)

Randomness XVI

A mixed of emotions.

One of my best friends is expecting a baby, hurray!

A guy I was romantically linked to in the past just broke up with his long-termed girlfriend, not that I am happy about it as I always thought they look great together... We might catch up again when I'm in UK for work (which is quite likely to come true). Not sure if that's a good idea!

A friend's wife is recovering from cervical cancer. I chanced upon her blog and her entries really made me feel that the world is so cruel sometimes. But she's such a strong and optimistic woman, even though she will not be able to have kids anymore, she still thinks of herself as lucky compared to the many worse off.

My sister is having fun in Hong Kong... and so will the other one next week! When's my turn?

My mummy is feeling low, and sometimes we just don't know what to say to her anymore... She's such a mule.

I have forgotten what it is like to miss someone... but I'm reminded again what it is like to look forward to seeing someone. How weird is this?

遇见怪脾的人 (16) - I hate pushing aunties

Today I made a rude remark to an auntie who was pushing behind me to dash to catch the train heading to Expo. (I was also boarding the same train, the train was there waiting, so why so kiasu!) She turned back to look at me and I almost wanted to show her my middle finger!

Giving

A week before, I dragged a few bags of things to be donated to the company charity event. The stuff collected would be tagged at discounted prices and be sold to the staff. The money then goes to 3 needy organisations.

I gave some clothes, books, neglected things left at home... and even a German language kit which I have no use for. It happened last Wednesday where the charity sale began. It was weird to see your donation on sale and at the same time I was buying some others' donations. I got some brand new scarves and pouch, which will make great Christmas gifts! What more, the money is going to a good cause :)


It's the season of giving. Even on the online game I'm playing I feel like playing Santa. I held an event thrice to give away extra furnitures to other players. You would be surprised how greedy some people can get even when you're being kind to them. They make demands, complain about the freebie, want more or pretend they haven't got it... Christ's sake, it's only a game and there are already such people, can you imagine the reality!? Guess some people just think they deserve something when someone gives it to them - do they even understand gratitude?

Riverdancing

Didn't I say good karma will be repaid?

Yay, I won a pair of A-reserve tickets to Riverdance. This year is the only year I seem to have won lucky draws! Remember the last time I won Photoshop CS 5 Extended at the Adobe launch... this is the 2nd time I win something worth quite a bit of money. Maybe there are a few smaller things in between... but yes, I have been quite fortunate ;)

Riverdance derived from Ireland with the first performance dating back to 1994. During those days, the tickets were sold out for weeks! A musical tapping into ancient Celtic mythology and Irish history, tells the story of the evolution of the traditional Irish stepdancing. Riverdance started out as a 7-minutes interval act for Eurovision Song Contest held in Dublin.

So it was on Tuesday night. I had quite a high expectation of it but it didn't turn out very well. In fact, the last dance Dunas which my ex-colleague took a bunch of us to, was so much better. Especially the Flamenco performance, it's nothing compared to Dunas which has totally took my breath away by surprise since I'm not really a fan of it. There was a lot of singing, stunning violin performance, a lot of good synchronised tap dancing but the solo performance was not impressive at all... The lead female was mediocre, but the male at least charmed us (the audience) with his X-factor ;) In fact, I would not pay the most expensive priced tickets to watch this performance. Like I told friends whom wanted to catch the performance, get a cheaper ticket sitting up on the balcony, it would do a good justice to the price ;)

The theatre at Marina Bay Sands was disappointing, the stage was small and the screen was only half the size, how spectacular it will be if it was a full size screen on the background! I still prefer Esplanade's!

Check out the Riverdance blog for more information, they're here till 12 December.

p.s: I just read that the female lead has only trained for the role for 2 years, probably explains a lot! Maybe it will get better in future! Let's hope so!

Freebies Movies

Thanks to the free tickets, I caught Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows (1) and Rapunzel in the cinema :)

Harry Potter was pretty slow and boring in the beginning of the 2.5 hours, and I actually dozed off!! Somehow, I managed to keep myself awake and it did get more exciting towards the end, especially how Harry was saved from the freezing waters. I'm not a big fan and I did not read any of the books, so I don't really have expectations to be met. It was cool and now I hope to see the last episode and finish the whole series (not that I remember the last few, LOL).

Rapunzel by Disney is lovely, it's as romantic as any animated film can get... One of my friends even swore to watch a 2nd time. I didn't really know the storyline till the movie, not one of my childhood storybook! It was about Rapunzel's hair which possessed magical power after her mum (the queen) drank the holy water from the magical plant. The evil woman whom had kept the plant to herself managed to trace them down and stole the baby after realising the hair would lose its magical power when snipped. She locked her up in the tower for 18 years and posed off as her mother, so she would have her all to herself to keep her youth. Watch it to see how the romance blossomed between Rapunzel and a thief who stole her crown... The most touching moment was them on the boat setting off sky lanterns in the middle of a lake, with all the flying sky lanterns in the background. I so want to go and light up a sky lantern myself now!!!


On the side note, I managed to watch Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind casting Jim Carrey some weeks ago. Seriously, it didn't sound like a Jim Carrey show, LOL, I was expecting someone much older, wiser and less comical. But it was a fascinating movie nonetheless, how bizarre it is to have the option to erase part of one's memory! To have an ex-boyfriend totally removed in your life, that's a pretty clean cut and easy way out, isn't it? ;) It probably will save a lot of heartache and wasted time grieving. Not sure if that's really a good thing, then it might get abused. It was interesting to watch how Joel (Jim Carrey) tried to escape from the erasing in his own mind... and it slowly revealed how he met Clementine (Kate Winslet) again after he was previously erased from her memory. Is that called fate? So somehow they still get to meet all over again... An awesome film :)

Shoes are the worst invention!

I hate shoes. I want to be barefooted. Why does the world make everyone wear shoes???? Who did? I just wish the ground is a piece of grassland with soft white sand and clear blue water on the other end, if life is only that simple :)

No Monday blues

And I deleted him away on my MSN. Best. ;)

I don't need more distractions in my life at the moment.

It's the Dinner & Dance coming Friday and I haven't got a single idea who to go as, I don't fancy any of the characters, can I just be me in super bright colors? I supposed. I served wine again last Friday, it's something the newbies have to do and to get to know people. My partner didn't like it but I actually don't mind it at all, I like any chance of moving around instead of sitting in front of the computer the whole day. What more, I also get to serve the cuties! Nothing to complain!

My boss is a very observant man. He noticed every single thing I do have on my table or whatever that I brought... Maybe it's an asset for his wife. LOL. He noticed my Advent Calendar recently, and an abandoned bear handphone decoration which I found in my drawer, so I took it out to hang it somewhere. Now I better carefully choose what I bring there ;)  My table is already decorated as if I've been there for some time, when I am actually only 2 weeks new! I also just received my business cards and have given 4 away! So come meet me to get one :)

T-Days

(Tues) Mid week of second week, I'm very sick of shoes hunting. A pair of comfortable black heels is like a hidden treasure, never can be found. I should just go back to my flats. Two days without Scottish accent is draining my energy rapidly. I don't know why. I prefer English accent but somehow the Scottish is replacing it well. It makes me laugh, speeds up my day. Things have been going on well, slow and admittedly boring at times, except for the weather which is dampening everything including my mood. I caught up with a long lost schoolmate, we haven't met for 17 years! Can you imagine it? But we already had 2 lunches and oh it sure brings back memories, not that I remember much. She used to be quite a loud and snobbish 12-year-old but certainly not anymore!

(Thurs) I'm getting edgy today, quite irritated by broken promises, snail-like progress and the rain getting into my shoes. For the past nights, someone I haven't talked to for years was online. Someone whom rarely was on msn was on for few consecutive nights. But I didn't speak to him, strangely I wasn't tempted to. I just wondered why. Talking to a few people in the company is inspiring, most people are nice, however some do show their quirks after a while. Yesterday, I received a surprise (a box of sun biscuits) from a friend in Taiwan, she made my day :) She got a mutual friend to bring it home for me. Aww, I'm so touched. Not many will give without expecting something in return. Unfortunately, there are already some in my life, they always want to gain something in return. I have to say I was too but in the recent years I have been trying to give in the acts of kindness, also to reap good karma. I can assure you it's being returned most times but in different forms :)

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 :)

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? :)

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!

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 :)

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.

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? ;)

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!!!**

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 ;)

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."

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!

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**

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.

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!

Buy a friend

I'm talking to my friend at the moment and this joke came up...

S says:
 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 :)

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!

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...!

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...

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 :)

Contemplative Wednesday

The reading mood has came back... I finished another book today.

Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart - 30 True Things You Need to Know Now by Gordon Livingston.

I enjoy it, because I could see things and hear stories from a psychiatrist's point of view. In some of the chapters, he really woke me up with the things he said, he might not be right all the time but lots of it do make sense. I reckon some of my friends should really read this book. LOL. The musings about life can be quite an entertainment to read, if not thought-provoking.

There are too much things that I can really quote from the book, so I am skipping this. However, here's one I'd still like to share:

"It is our fallibility and uncertainty that make us human. Our constant challenge is not to seek perfection in ourselves and others, but to find ways to be happy in an imperfect world."

I have another of his sequel to continue tomorrow if my reading mood still persists ;)

Inspirational Monday

This morning, I lazed in bed and started reading this book I got from the library. It's titled Dear Sebastian about a father's last wish to publish a book with collection of inspirational letters to his son. Jordan, Sebastian's dad, died at age 35 with terminal cancer. At 35, a prime time where most people are enjoying their lives, taking life for granted and complaining about so many minor things... Jordan had only one wish, he wanted his son to grow up to be an amazing person when he's not around anymore to guide him. Thus he set up this project and wrote to writers, politicians, artists, sports stars, musicians, businessmen, journalists and many others to ask them to share their thoughts on finding happiness, success and peace in life. Sadly, before he could write his own letter to his son, he passed away, his mother then continued to help make this dream come true.

My afterthoughts...

Unfortunately, we can't tell people how to live their lives. Everyone has to make their own destiny, good or bad. I read in part of the book that everyone has their conscience and we know all the time if something is wrong or right, but it is really up to that individual if you want to make it right. I also recall this sentence that says,"If you've nothing good to say about someone, say nothing." Why do people have to be mean when they have a choice not to be? It also tells us not to bear grudges as the person carrying the burden is the one who bears it. I see some new things in life that I didn't seem to notice before, this is the thing I love about such inspirational books.

I also like to share some quotes found in the book:

"Learn to tell knowledge from wisdom - seek people with wisdom, remember that the world is full of the knowledgeable blind."
"... every person is deserving of respect, ... from the lowliest to the greatest."
"Try to turn every negative into the biggest positive, because the people you meet on the way up may very well become the people you will meet on the way down."
"Don't go looking for a massive improvement in everything you do - learn to delight in small things, because, one day, they will all become the big things you were looking so impatiently for."
"One of the most difficult things in life is recognising how to evaluate yourself, because, at the end of the day, knowing the good and bad in yourself is more important than the opinions of others...You can never validate yourself through the eyes of others - only through your own... We all like to be praised, but we should not seek it."
"If it's going to be, it's up to me."
"Dream and dream big, but remember it's in the following of the dream where the success lies. Let achieving your dream be a bonus."
"It was great for you to ride your first winner but don't forget you are only as big today as you were yesterday -- Don't forget where you came from and don't get carried away."

Life is a test

Today life has a way of toying around with me, or perhaps testing me and decide if it will reward me good karma thereafter?

We were having a late lunch today and someone accidentally left their wallet behind, just right beside us. I handed it to the restaurant manager as the girl was out of sight and I couldn't recognise her. To be honest, I have never picked up anyone's wallet before.

Then it was the mass yoga event at East Coast. After the first session, we returned for the second. There on the ground I spotted a DOMO pouch, if you know me, yes I'm a DOMO fan. So I went up and picked it up, and was surprised to see there was an ipod (itouch) inside! The owner must have accidentally left it there. I took it with me and wondered what to do with it, there wasn't information on it. I bet the owner would be very anxious when he discovered it was missing. Then I decided to hold on to it and see if someone came back for it or to hand it over to the event's organiser. I was tempted to keep it but guilt overpowered me, I just couldn't... I wonder how some people could pick up others' phone or precious belonging and treat it as their own without guilt! Do they even have conscience? But years ago during a holiday, I found an old phone on the street in London, it was a crap phone and I took it and gave it to my sister who then didn't have a phone. Ever since, I never really kept anything else that wasn't mine. Maybe it was bad karma as I lost my phone last year and never gotten it back.

Anyway, true enough, we saw a couple came back searching for something and even enquiring the people around. I suspected it might belong to them, so I went up to the guy and asked if he lost something and what was it. Sure enough, he said he lost an itouch, and I handed it to him telling him that I found it earlier. He was very grateful and even shook my hand. At that moment, I felt appreciated and I hope there are more honest people around in Singapore.

Ewwww

I was reading online and somehow got to the Sarong Party Girl blog and found an article on Finnish men, and I just thought I would read it and see if it is true.

Quoted from her blog:
"An outgoing Finnish man would be considered introverted anywhere else in the world. I have met talkative Finns, it's when they've had several cases of beer and I have gotten used to the general lack of conversation."

"A Finn will not hit on you, even when he is really drunk, and even then he might not do so. So if at the end of the date, you would want something more, you have to make it obvious. You know how all French men assume you would sleep with them if you go out on a date? Finns are the exact opposite. The only time he will hit on you is when you are in his bedroom. And even then."

I don't think so!!! Or the ones I met in Taiwan are a different breed. Well, one was really talkative and would go on and on and on, while the other one who tried in get on my bed was super quiet and seemed introvert. 

Quoted from her blog:
"All men are easy when they are drunk enough not to be self-conscious, and the Finns will drink till they are boderline comatose so they can approach a girl."

But I think she got this right, they drank a lot and probably would only have courage after they got really drunk. This is so FREAKY.

Anyhow, I am still keeping my distance from them!!

Are you "kidding"?

GV's birthday treat kinda sucks, 1-for-1 movie deal is only for those not on free listing, so it already means you can't watch 70% of the films they are showing. What kind of treat is it really?? Oh well, better than nothing yay? So out of all the action packed films going on that are not on the list, I found a light-hearted romantic comedy, The Switch. It doesn't seem like the best but it was the best out of the limited choices.

So anyhow, I watched it and it was not bad for a relaxing afternoon. I specially like the involvement of the kid Sebastian and Wally's friend, Leonard (played by Jeff Goldblum), they made the show so funny. I'm not a big fan of Jennifer Aniston but I do like Jason Bateman which I saw him first in Juno. He oozes manly charm ;) The show is about Kassie (played by Jennifer Aniston) being a 40-year-old single woman who wanted to have a kid, and so she was on a look out for sperm donor. It turned out that her best friend Wally (played by Jason Bateman) was against the idea and in his drunken stupor he switched the content of the container (you know what) with that of his own. And thus the title, The Switch.

My verdict: 3.5/5


After the movie, it really got me thinking... I'm sure in reality, some people are doing it and even men will be finding surrogate mums to have kids. I decided to try this idea on some people I know that are of or over the ideal marriageable age. So one of them actually believed that I wanted to do this, LOL. His reply, though in a joking manner, was "So when do you want the xxxxx?" Then another one,"Oh and on the subject of xxxxx donation... how come you never ask me? I might want to donate too you know." But not before he said this,"You are not unwanted... just undiscovered. Just like the bluest diamond in the world." So sweet that it would melt my heart (not melted by him literally) but you know... It's very amusing but well, I mean why not, if I really want kids and at a certain age, no one really suitable comes along? This is an option, right?

Au revoir Saigon

The last day, we weren't up to anything. We had gotten bored of things to do in Saigon, especially when one wasn't keen to revisit the tragic history. Dark clouds were gathering during breakfast time, and the rain kept us in till noon and we went to have a look at the beautiful architecture of Majestic hotel. Very classic, very grand.

TT was too kind, he took us around everyday! I hope he didn't feel obliged because he really didn't have to! On the last day, he introduced us to a Vietnamese restaurant outside district 1 for lunch and it was heaven. I swear, the best springrolls ever! I love fruit shakes and there I had two! TT is a very sweet guy. He remembered my sister's name, and never failed to interact with her so she wouldn't feel bored or shy. He would offer us the BBQ food before he even had any. He would show us how to eat the local food and wrapped the first one for us. I don't remember anyone else of recent whom would do such simple acts genuinely...

After food, we ran out of ideas on what to do. We wanted to bowl, but when we saw the arcade instead, we ended up playing a few games! I tried my luck on the toy catching machine to get the "fat little Shaun the sheep" but after umpteen tries, we gave up!!! Then it was back to Sheraton's rooftop bar for happy hour, 1 for 1 cocktail before departing for the airport. We ordered a really horrible drink that reminded me of medicine I had when I was young, pink and bitter. BRRRRRrrrrrrr. Knowing that TT is a poker addict, I offered him the game on my phone and sure enough he was enjoying it a lot! LOL. Sheraton's rooftop bar is the best as it on the 23rd floor and offers a good view compared to the rest of the bars, never exceeding 9 storeys. Then it was time to say goodbye :(

TT said he will visit Singapore. And then it's our turn to be the guide :)

Roaming in Saigon III

The following day, I brought the sister around to see the things she wanted to see. Everyone back home was more concerned for her, as I am the independent traveller and they think I might abandon her, LOL. So I had to take her everywhere I went and of course make sure she saw what she wanted to in Ho Chi Minh. It was also the first time we travelled together and fortunately there wasn't much friction, though at times she would show an attitude and refused to eat at meal times. Then I would make her order food else she would go hungry at night and everyone else will blame me after!

Friday was easy. We went to Notre Dame, my favourite Post Office where I mailed a postcard to myself, and the infamous City Hall for photos. We did a little shopping in one of the malls, not that we had any choices being in the area surrounded with them, and got some stuff from a Korean brand we never saw in Singapore. After that, we met TT for lunch and he took us to one of his regular lunch places. It was a little stall by the street, where they would set up the table and stools. Cold white noodles, two plates of leaves, glasses of iced tea and bowls of (grilled) BBQ pork in green papaya soup. They looked simple and so often the simplest things are the best! It's my sister's favourite meal in Saigon. Well for me, I love everything from the Vietnamese BBQ, this to the food we had later on. All the authentic local food I adore :)

After the meal, TT walked us to this new Saigon Square for some shopping, I had been to the old one during the last trip. They sell trendier clothes than Ben Thanh, often at a price you would not have to bargain too much, fake branded goods and souvenirs. Shopping in Vietnam isn't fantastic really, not a good place for it! We went to another big mall TT wanted to show us and argggggggghhh I found Singaporean brands in there, it was like just being in Singapore. My sandals fell apart but I didn't want to buy a Singaporean brand shoes in Vietnam, so we decided to sit down at an ice cream cafe before heading back to the hotel.

I left the sister in the hotel enjoying cable TV while TT took me on a ride in search of the kite I wanted to buy. He told me there would be people flying in an open space and stalls would be selling the kites. But I had no fate with it, no one was flying and selling on that fateful day!! The last time I was on his bike was 3 years ago, and it was barely 3 minutes ride to get back to my hotel. We were riding for an hour or so and I think my bum was getting numb :( But I witnessed a beautiful sunset, and the flooded roads of southern Vietnam and the horror of being on a motorbike in Vietnam. I don't think any foreigner will be able to ride it the way the locals do, they rode so close to each other and cutting each other's lane very often, but yet still so safely and would slow down for pesdestrians. It is just insane.

I felt very bad for a fruitless kite trip and making TT used up all his fuel despite him assuring me it was a fun ride. He then headed off to meet his friend while I took the sister to see the Ben Thanh night market where we shopped and had so-so dinner. There wasn't much to buy, and so we headed back and found a gem on the way back. A local bookstore! Sister got a French book and I found some fanciful stationery :) It started to rain and our plan to visit the rooftop bar at Majestic was cancelled. So it was just cable TV, and a nice warm bath for me :)

I don't need another mum

I am really beginning to get annoyed by my friend. She rang me up, screaming into my ears, asking me what time I woke up! Hello, I have an alarm, or even better a real mum. I don't need someone to report to on what time I slept, what time I woke up, what I am doing later, what I am doing tomorrow or the day after... Can some people please respect privacy and personal space?!! I don't want a friend who expects me to give in to her requests all the time, who wants me to say "YES", and wants my free time to be spent with her! I have plenty of better things to do and yes I don't mind sharing some with her but don't expect my lifestyle to be like hers (tai-tai). She has all the time in the world now and best of all is spending on her future husband's money! But I don't, I am not a tai-tai! I wish she sees it, can she stop living in her own world and trying putting her feet in someone's shoes????

Birthday in Saigon II

As the saying goes, "it can only get better"... and it sure did.

So we were meeting TT, my Vietnamese friend, for dinner (check out the previous Saigon journal on how we met). I didn't realise he could still recognise me after 3 years and with a different hairstyle as we have only met once! I am so glad that internet exists! We have been in touch for 3 years, even talked about travelling together to Taiwan but he couldn't get a cheap ticket and so it didn't work out. He also talked about coming to Singapore but I guess I saw him there before he could come over.

TT agreed to take me to my favourite place for Vietnamese BBQ even though he hadn't stepped in there for 2 years since a bad experience 2 years ago. But he was impressed this time, service was prompt even when it was really crowded and the food was good. I hope it will change his mind after this ;) It was lovely, I had wild boar, deer, squid, fresh prawns that still moved, lotus rice and many more... It was his treat too!

We then proceeded to his bar for cocktails, the place where we first met by accident. It was still the cosy little bar with great prices and drinks! Nightlife in Saigon is much more happening than in Singapore... I was told the Vietnamese would have dinner till 10pm and then the drinking would start after. So we went to a place with amazing live bands that sang in English. The crowds were all sitting quietly listening to the music, unlike in Singapore, people would be dancing on the dancefloor.

After that, it was our first rooftop bar visit at Caravelle, our neighbouring hotel. The prices are insane, but well, these places are for tourists! I decided to go for a port since everything else was just as pricey! It was about midnight when we finished and we decided to head back, but TT wasn't ready. I think he would love to party more, but we were a bit exhausted from the drama today, and I would see him the next day too! We bought him the drink to thank him for being such an awesome companion for the night :)

The stay at Sheraton was okay, the room was comfortable and roomy. I just wish I had more pillows!! We had a pool view, and it helped and I could check it out before going down for my swim! I didn't like the shower facility so much as the shower head was fixed, so I made myself baths instead! It felt more like a business hotel though and there wasn't free internet included which is a shock for a 5 stars hotel! I read that even the cheaper hotels nearby have them.

Nightmare in Saigon I

Be a millionaire in Saigon, again.

The exchange rate apparently has gotten better than 3 years ago, from S$1 = 10,000 VND to 13,000 VND (in Singapore) or even 14,900 VND (in Vietnam)!!! But for sure, everything do cost a lot more now. I suggest to change minimum here and do the rest over there, easily in the malls or hotel reception :)

We took the afternoon flight by Jetstar and arrived past 2pm. As I was aware that going by meter would be cheaper, I went up to the security and asked for a taxi. Unknowingly, we got lured into one driven by a touting driver. Damnit, why didn't I realise it when the meter was already starting at 328,000 VND instead of 10,000 VND and he even locked the doors before we entered and after. I must really be alert the next time in other countries!!

During the first few minutes, he tried to make a conversation with his very bad English. As soon as we got out of the airport, he had to pay maybe 5,000 VND on exit, he asked me for 300,000 VND. I was stunned, I saw the ticket prices for leaving the airport and it was nothing near 300,000 VND, after some argument, he said 100,000 VND and then 10,000 VND which he said by mistake I believed. I passed him 20,000 VND if it was 10,000 VND as it was more reasonable but he changed his mind and said it was 100,000 VND. I told him it was too much and I would call my friend in Vietnam to check. He heard me talking on the phone, got anxious and decided to get his accomplice to ring up to convince me that I had to pay 300,000 VND. My friend assured me it was nothing more than 150,000 VND (maximum) to get to the hotel.

I was getting desperate. Believe it or not, I was so pissed too that I even wanted to escape from the car when it stopped but we were locked in! There wasn't any taxi hotline or taxi no. labelled in his car and I was on the verge of thinking I could hit him with my luggage at the last resort! LOL. I know, all my violent tendency was about to emerge at that desperation. Fortunately, I saw a no. on a sticker right in front of the front seat, we were at the back... and my eyesight didn't fail me! I managed to text my friend the no. as well as a no. on the sticker on the back window (which is their car identity no. I believe) and he rang up the taxi company. At one point, I even threatened to call up the police once we got to the hotel, and fortunately he never drove us to anywhere else! Just before we were nearing the hotel, he got a call (I believe from the complaint my friend has lodged). A few metres away from the hotel, he suddenly reset the meter to 100,000 VND and then once the doorman opened the door, he jumped out and complained that we wouldn't pay him! ASSHOLE! I told the doorman calmly that this idiot tried to charge me 300,000 VND for getting out of airport and over 400,000 VND on the meter. I believe I'm not the first to have met touting taxi drivers, so the doorman said it would be around 150,000 VND usually and I just gave him that. That asshole was trying to cover his ass, it left me very pissed for sure... but not for long after I had a swim :)

Personally, I don't recommend you doing what I did to the driver as I do admit it was a bit rash and might even ended up with very bad consequences if the driver had worse intentions. But calling up my friend and spotting the hotline certainly saved my day, thank God for that!

Post Saigon thoughts

I'm feeling tired but yet I can't get to bed. Is it always like this after a trip? Everyday for the past 3 days, I had alcohol... Cocktail, port & beer. Maybe it's a withdrawal symptom!

Saigon has changed drastically since I last visited and somehow I don't like it as much anymore. Too many malls have sprouted in the city and it just loses its real identity... It doesn't feel like it's Ho Chi Minh, it feels like it's Singapore-wannabe. The sight of branded stores just turned me off. I really like it for the authentic local eateries, handicraft shops or even cheongsam tailor. But not seeing Coach, Gucci, Milano, Fendi everywhere in a developing country... They are almost empty, I don't see anyone coming to Vietnam to buy these stuff really. I'm so glad it was all so different 3 years ago, but I'm also so glad this time I have a local to show me around - definitely makes a lot of difference!

I'll write a short trip journal once I finish sorting those pictures :) I'm still trying to count sheeps...

3 sets of bikinis and what else?

The news about the flood in central Vietnam freaked my parents out... As usual, I had to convince them it is not the place I am heading to! "Vietnam is pretty big, you know!"

Unlike my last visit 3 years back, this time I am adopting a different approach to enjoy Ho Chi Minh. Everything was on budget, from the local bus that I took from the airport to the budget family hotel... and all the street food. My sister wants to enjoy, she didn't even want to witness the reminders of the tragic Vietnamese history... I don't mind not seeing them again, as I already did, so I guess this time I will see different things in another light. From a luxurious hotel stay, rooftop bars' visits, a lot of swimming in the pool and maybe enjoying good food, especially that Vietnamese BBQ I miss very much, these will all be in the plan! As it's only 3 days 2 nights, I don't think we will spend a lot of money considering there won't much to buy from there (and the fact that we won't have checked in baggage allowance)!

Now I'm starting to look forward to it! It's time to ponder about what to bring! See you guys on Sunday!

p.s: Oh yes, oh yes, I need to stock up on my chewing gum!!!

A bundle of friends

I can't believe one of my friends is a sugarmama to a younger man, sigh, this is what loneliness can do to a vulnerable soul. I also can't help but wonder why one of my close friends can have a change of attitude within 2 weeks, one moment hot, one moment cold... or shall I call it "Women"? Another friend surprised me by telling me I have met my match of erratic behaviour after hearing my stories, true or no, mmmmmm.... Why do some friends need to talk every single time they're online on MSN, do they not run out of things to say? I don't know, but I'm not a big fan of it especially when I have more important things to do! Why do friends sometimes ask silly questions or say things deliberately to diminish others - are they still called friends? My BFF has this annoying bossy attitude when you talk to her online, grumpy and whiny! Then she becomes a total different person when we hang out in real life! Weird, just like the things she said sometimes, say it this way and do it another way.

Humans are fascinating, isn't it?

For the ladies only ;)

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Also you can try out their personality quiz! I got my results, and apparently "1% of people who have taken this test are Artsy as well", so isn't it a bit WOW? 1%???

Randomness XV

I never worked so hard on my weekend, and I am surprised at my self-discipline! So I'm treating myself mango pudding later :)

Recounting my last weeks...

The fourth week of September. A week of illness, an interview, attending a social media forum, random adventure of Taiwanese food, snapping beautiful lanterns along Clarke Quay, missing out my favourite mooncakes and F1 madness in Singapore. Eventful... and ended off with a chilled weekend.

The last week of September was tumultuous and peaceful, like a roller-coaster ride. My laptop adapter was faulty and would risk a short circuit, so finally made a trip to Toshiba Data Dynamics (man, this place is remote!!!) to see if I could get another. I was quoted double the price of what I eventually bought in Sim Lim Square. I never like to enter Sim Lim but there was not much of a choice. It's on occasions like these I get to see places I never been before in Singapore! Ha, how optimistic is that! I was that close to Infineon building and I thought it would be a really cool place to work! But it's along PIE, not the best place to get to via public transport! I visited a place where I will house-sit for free because there's a cat to feed. My family never like having a cat but I adore them, so it's a chance I can try living with one. An evening at the French Film Festival Opening with a cocktail party and another up at the latest rooftop bar, 1-Altitude. Then it was only work for weekend!

Brrrrrrrrrrrr... Spider Solitaire seems to be my stress relief these days.

Yum (02) - Mushy pork belly

It's another day I did grocery shopping with mum, and it's beginning to show that she doesn't want to be the decision-maker anymore. She would constantly ask what I would like to eat, and I would choose and she would just whip up dishes with them. It wasn't nice all the time especially when it was experimental.

I spotted shark fillet today and thought it was interesting, so I got those. Mum decided to fry them with a soupy base with ginger, tomatoes and 酸菜 (pickled cabbage resembling sauerkraut), it was not fascinating, I think there is a better way to cook it, well will try it next time!

She also did the pork belly with pickled cabbage, she was in a rush to go to a mahjong session with her friends, so that's her lazy way out. I told her I wanted to try something with the mushrooms, so I made my own dish :)

I call it "Mushy pork belly", there's no photo as I have already almost finished them, ooopss! I can't say for you but I quite like it, probably because I would eat anything with mushrooms!


Mushy pork belly =  Fry strips of pork belly with sliced shiitake mushrooms, add in tiny bit of Lee Kum Kee chicken marinade.

We mourn for our loss

2nd October - Singapore lost one of the greatest women, Mrs Lee Kuan Yew. She dies at age 89. I am sure most of us (citizens and residents of Singapore and perhaps many others) are saddened by the sudden news. My condolences to Mr Lee and his family.

282m above the ground

This birthday I will be away... I spent one in London and one in Germany years ago away from home but I still received so much love through the mail. I am very fortunate to be able to spend the recent ones with my close friends and family. Nothing means more than sharing the special day with the special people.

So we explored 1-Altitude last night, even after reading so many bad reviews about their service. I spoke to two friends whom also seem to agree with the reviews. Maybe they do it to the men only?? LOL. I'm not sure but it went okay for me, I got my drinks without much fuss and the bartender was prompt and attentive. We even found seats in that "very limited seatings" rooftop. The view was awesome but I think my knees would turn jelly if I could look down between the planks! I can't tell if this or New Asia Bar is higher but the rumour is this is the tallest! A shame I didn't bring my camera but I'm sure I will return another time if there's another occasion to celebrate :)

It was a pity they didn't have much going on up there, and with the limited seats, many people left shortly after a quick drink. Perhaps that's the plan?! No seats, so they can have as many people on top as possible... and with majority of them left standing, no one would stay long enough. Clever plan! Oh yes, I was on Indonesia network on my mobile as well, how nice! It seemed like M1 is not getting enough coverage higher off the ground!! To M1: Do something!!

I prefer New Asia Bar for the comfort but they seem to have implemented a much higher cover charge at S$25 these days, 1-Altitude didn't use to charge a cover too but they do now. It's S$15 for the first drink and still quite reasonable, and when it starts to increase then I will think twice about going.

It was a nice chill-out place, but we got bored and decided to head elsewhere for dessert. We had the yummy Taiwanese shaved ice (I miss them lots!!) along Liang Seah Street... a place more happening than Clarke Quay these days! I love places that offer hungry people food late into the night, how considerate ;)

It's a little early to celebrate my birthday, as the Germans said it's not auspicious to. But Singaporeans are just a bit kiasu, aren't we? Anyway, I never really thought of it as a celebration but it was nice to spend some time together with the people I like :) Thank you peeps.

Ho Chi Minh, I am coming~