Goodbye LKY

Today the nation mourns for a loss. A big loss for us Singaporeans. Our founding father, Lee Kuan Yew has passed on after more than a month of hospitalization.

"Singapore has lost her father today. Singaporeans have also lost our founding forefather. We are all feeling lost and terribly upset."

It definitely hurts much more than the first time when the fake rumour went around. Because we all know it's real. The first thing I saw on my Facebook feeds this morning, everyone was sharing about his passing. I don't know Mr Lee personally nor have I even met him, yet he felt like a grandfather (one I never had). Tears just trickled down my face as I read the news.

Even though many of us moan about the current lifestyle in Singapore, many would rather to have it this way than living in our neighbouring countries. The reason why everyone flocks here is because Singapore is doing so well. From a land of swamps to what we are today, MM Lee has done it for all of us. He brought us the roof over our heads, that water supply we constantly have to struggle with our lack of natural resources, and the international ties we enjoy together with many other countries...

When I was a child, there wasn't even MRT. Today we have MRT, LRT and it keeps on expanding to bring all of Singapore connected. From the developing country we were, we are now flourishing. Mr Lee is the man behind all these. As many also complain about the lack of freedom of speech, the strict policies and a singular ruling government, we must also remember because of these solid foundations we built on, we have managed to become the modern city we are today. But we must also keep thriving to make constant improvements in this country, to carry on that legacy he has left behind. It doesn't have to remain as what it is, it has to improvise... and now the baton has been passed on! We need to make it a better Singapore!

2011 Recap

A number of things I am thankful for...

1. A business trip with my first business class flight
2. I visited London
3. I visited London, in winter
4. I got rid of friends whom are not worthwhile, but the true ones have returned
5. I participated in charity fund-raising doing what I really enjoy, gift-wrapping
6. I survived an accident during my travel to Chiang Mai (probably not my first time, but always got lucky)
7. I got close to elephants, and I fell in love with them
8. My first trip with my elder sister went quite smoothly despite our clashing personalities
9. First of our FAB 4 got hitched, and I was the maid of honour, my speech was amazing I was told (^.^)
10. FAB 4 finally reunited for the first time in years, at the wedding
11. I attended a proper cooking class, making Thai cuisine (of course, in Thailand)
12. I started joining my friends for weekly Trivia night and was amazed how much I didn't know out there
13. Nail painting became my therapeutic hobby
14. I ran my first marathon for charity
15. Joy returned to Singapore and we always have fun hanging out
16. I picked up a new sports, spinning
17. My team at work is great so far (though I have realised otherwise about some people)
18. I have overcame the fear of carrying a month old baby :)
19. I bought my first Marc by Marc Jacobs tote.
20. I reconnected with my primary school friends, people I knew when I was about 10
21. I also caught up with my secondary school friends and teacher
22. I have adopted HTC, and missing my BB
23. Everyone at home is still healthy, alive and kicking.
24. I enjoyed Malacca so much I went twice this year
25. My dear Toshiba lappy is still going strong, about 4+ years old now

And there are probably many more that I left out... but I am thankful I survived 2011. It wasn't bad, but not the best. I hope that all things will be even better in the new year.

Welcome 2012!

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 ;)

Au revoir

Just as my world was about to fall down, someone came just in time to help support the weight! I appreciate times like these when GOD really sends someone, to tell me that it's still worth waiting for and don't give up. Even if it's a stranger, or someone I barely know, someone thousands of miles away... but I feel it. He meant what he said and it was honest... it reached me deep inside. Thanks Guillaume - thank you for your existence and thank you for proving what I believe in exists.

Danke schoen

Thank you all - those whom have sent me some luck in one way or the other. God bless ya too!

New man?

Thank you NTUC Income for the compensation of my lost phone! It's a percentage of the price I paid for 2 years back, but hey, it's better than nothing! Even trading it in now won't get much value. At least, now I have a "Buy a new phone" fund.

I haven't had my eye on any phone yet... pretty sad! I do see something I like but not the kind that I'm dying to have it. I'm using my "ancient" but favourite phone (a black SGH-A400 Egèo) I got almost 7-8 years back. No colors. Pixels. Melody ring tones. But yes I still love it despite it being a little physically handicapped.

Big thank you to end 2006

Here's the namelist to thank the important people< in my life, people whom have made my bad day a better one... or once shared good time with me... Like the Star Awards, now I'm going to express my appreciation to the following peeps: (please note: there is no order based on favouritism)

1. Members of Fab 4 (now Fab 5), namely Syndy, Angela, Joy (and Adeline) for being there ALL THE TIME. Well, most of the time actually, especially when I most needed help, when I was most depressed and vulnerable. I can't say enough THANK YOU for making my life a special one with your existence. All the secrets sharing, gossiping, partying (Syndy), days in London (Angela), listening to my troubles (Joy)... I look forward to the next reunion with an older wiser prettier "each of us"!! We girls rock!

2. My family, namely, my mum, dad and my 2 precious sisters. I know you care even when you don't say it, and I know you're there even when I'm thousands of miles away. I LOVE U even when I can't spell it through my lips, and you know that.

3. Alex, the one and only online friend whom is my real friend. No matter how much we argue and debate, you're always there to listen, to advise, to cheer me up and to make me think you're always right (mmmm, but I know sometimes I'm right!!). Watching Brokeback (what a bad choice I made), cooking a "chinese" dinner (when I'm the chinese one, haha) and sharing the "Coupling" DVD to make me laugh away my sadness! Even it was only one night's company, it meant a lot, thank you my friend for being there and being my travel partner - hope more trips to come next!

4. The Rabbit, the once-so-good-ex-boyfriend. Thanks for leaving, thanks for letting me go, thanks for the wonderful months we been together and once being so close to me. You made my days in Europe much more special, my stay in London much more brighter. You made me stronger than before and now an optimistic little potato!

5. Glyn, the crazy man whom brought me on my first visit to a British farm. You brought snowflakes into my life, each time we met, it snowed. And I used to believe you brought me happiness (along with the snow). You did, for the mere 2 days we spent in England, thank you so much (even if you're not reading)!

6. Wensiong, the papa whom always remember my special date (birthday). Thank you for being a very fun papa whom would dig $2 coins with me from the "stupid" toy machines, who is as into travels/backpacking as me, who always gets more and more mamas for me & Angela. I'm glad someone shared the same thoughts after those travels, life isn't that hard, we just need to be happy, isn't it?

7. The S.T.O.M.P team & ex-SPH colleagues, namely Clare, Jeffrey, Waisum, Mas, Peter... whom we shared a wonderful bond during the initial phase of the project, and the others for being my night shift dinner kakis. Clare, kudos for always jio-ing me to the drinking sessions! I had so much fun at Oktoberfest and was so glad I found you guys as my party companions!

8. Huiwen, my ex-W.S.G mate. It is funny we never worked together but one casual conversation led to this friendship. Always so entertaining, open and witty, I hope we are going to catch up soon once you SQUEEZE out some time from your busy work schedule.

9. Nellie, the London 'granny' whom put me up for a week. A train journey up to York, by chance or by fate, has brought you into my life and helped me in many ways. But fate has been playing a trick or two, we didn't manage to catch up the first time you were here, I hope I can take you out to a nice dinner soon.

10. Old friends, namely Danny, Lezann, Xiuling and Eileen (and the old PRSS boys whom have finished their uni/NS). I'm glad to have found some of you back again, and it never felt like strangers when we meet again (amazing huh). More gossips and more life stories to share...

11. Riyaad, my first S.A friend in London whom had left back home much earlier than me, though we started our working holiday the same year. You never failed to make me laugh, you're a great company to have really (if you visit, I promise to be your tour guide). Remember the movie under the stars with me and Angela, we were so cold we had to hug together!

12. Richard & family & ex-colleagues from E.M.I, especially Colin, Sanjay... I remember those muffins at tea-break, and Colin, you always buy me one! Chocolate-banana! And sometimes I remember to buy you back when you're away for meetings. Also, the little boys at Richard's, every time I see them, they are growing... and I'm getting older! Oh no!

13. Ex-housemates in London, namely Angela, Priska, Jessie, Franci, Shiva (the kitty)... I miss the nights watching DVD/TV on bed, drinking wine & chatting in kitchen and cooking together, or even going out for festival!

14. Dragonboat team, like Vanessa, Vicky... whom has since brought a lot of fun and beer into my lifestyle, gossshhh. A happy bunch of people, and I'm happy to hang out with.

15. Dirty, my long time icq friend. Thanks for being so dirty... hahaha, I mean for sharing and listening to old boring Rabbit stories, but now yeah, we have more others to share.

16. Shengliang, my Taiwanese friend from German class in BS, Germany. The good old times when you invited me over to dine with your chinese friends, where we practised german over msn, and sneaking over during class break to chat. I also miss the cute pink-cheeks mongolian Baorui and the other chinese guy from mainland (forgot his name!).

17. Anson, Qiqi, Kelly... whom are Syndy's friends and now also sorta mine. LOL. Thank you Anson for hosting in Italy, and the girls for the all time "shake-ass" clubbing.

18. Tommy!!! Oh geezzz, how can I forget about you?? My precious cutie whom sleeps with me (almost) every night for over 2 years... that's how old he is. My sweet little love. I love you to death, especially smelling your nose.

That's about it, not too sure if I missed out anyone. But hey, you know you're my friend and that always means something to me, that's enough!!

Horrible friday

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

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

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

HIM

I didn't realize when I started going around about God. HIM.

Maybe from the day I owned the new King James version bible, I have accepted its existence. No, I don't go to churches on a regular basis. Yet it doesn't give me a reason not to believe HE is in my life. Or well, a guardian angel in my life.

I had the roughest patch last year, so many things happened, and I changed. It made me worse for months, and there were the terrible months of low self-esteem and aimless direction I was heading. Things started to pick up on the later half of the year...

I see in new light what were the things I was engaging in, HE didn't make me regret doing them. HE allows me to change for the better, and from then I know everything that happened has a reason.

I build up my independence slowly. I have better self-confidence, am more enduring, have good resistance to temptation, be appreciative of people around me, possess the awareness of not hurting/leading on someone nice to me and the ability to handle myself emotionally (and mentally, and of cos physically)... most importantly, I have a goal. A dream.

To achieve this dream, all that has happened in recent or past have been making me stronger, it has shaped me into what I am today. Thank YOU, god. I hope I come back a much wiser person!

Thank U mister

Everyday in my life, I like to thank one person in my life for making my day worthwhile, for making me look forward to the next 24 hours. It's a way I do away with my life I guess. Be it my mum, my sister, my dad, my dear friend or someone I fancy.

For that moment or even for that day, I feel special. I know I live for them. I know I matter to them. If everyone else can understand how this feels like, it makes us better appreciate people around us.

Friday
Thank you 'Heng', I'm grateful to all these time you've been remembering me & willingly to be there for me in future.

Saturday
Thank you BS, you're always here reading my blog. And for that sms you sent almost immediately.

Sunday
Thank you Paul, you've made my life seems more fruitful with someone like you making time for me.

Thank you readers :)

Merci

Thank you BS for reminding me all over again about AMELIE, I'll put the dvd to good keeping. Heh, even though its fake, kekeke...