i'm not o-fucking-kay

London's Diary

2010-09-24T13:12:00.001+08:00

8 Sep, Wednesday

Train disruptions everywhere... Bummer!

12pm Leicester Square - first stop tkts for Phantom of the Opera tickets. Bought 1st row, I must have been mad. 54.75 pounds ticket sold for 48 pounds!

We walked from Leicester Square to Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Street to Bond Street!!! So much walking. Longchamp bag that costs S$184 is only 47 pounds over here, what a big difference!

The husband bought me a Prada wallet (135 pounds)! Wheeeee... It was after going to boutique after boutique - Bottega, LV, Gucci, Hermes etc before we finally found the design I like! Then, we walked back to Haymarket, had a quick dinner at a pasta place near Her Majesty's Theatre followed by Phantom of the Opera! Love, love, love the musical so much! I still cry at the end of it... The husband didn't fall asleep!!!

Came out, went HMV - they don't help you check stocks from other stores, before going back to apartment with only one purchase.

9 Sep, Thursday

10.30am En route to Westminster

Over here, the train lights flickered like in those horror movies & the train sometimes come to a full stop and no one bothered or panicked!

Big Ben, House of Parliament then breakfast at Zen Cafe, County Hall by the river. Weird rice - as in it's hard and dry. I had a baked potato which was huge!

Then we decided to go to the London Aquarium. The husband said Underwater World in Singapore is much better. The sharks are huge though! When we came out, it started to rain heavily for 15 min but then it suddenly stops! (While it was raining, the tuck shop outside London Aquarium tried to sell their disposable ponchos at 2 for 5 pounds.) Bright sun follows as we continued on foot towards Tate Modern 3pm & Shakespeare' Globe tour at 4.30pm. Didn't get to see the exhibition as it was already closed after our tour. Damn!

After which we crossed the Millenium Bridge to see the amazing St Paul's Cathedral, walked down the street & crossed back at Blackbriars Bridge for the London Eye at sunset! Along the way, there were street performers - Charlie Chaplin & Elvis impersonators among others.

10 Sep, Friday

Started off with changing of guards at Buckingham Palace. Super crowded! Didn't see much though. The centre of the square is a good place to watch the marching in but since the main changing of guards is inside the palace's gates (and it went on for half an hour), the best place to stand is by the gates. But you have to be as early as 10am to get a place there. Wanted to go for the palace's exhibition afterwards but the queue was too long. Went for lunch at 12pm, tried again to go in to no avail then walked over to Dover Street for Dover Street Market - Commes des Garcons where we bought the same t-shirt (66 pounds compared to S$210 in Singapore) & I bought a pair of sneakers. Turns out it's just after Old Bond Street where we went wallet-shopping 2 days ago!

3pm En route Camden Town - a buzzing town full of markets, tattoo parlours, punk shops, etc. Very different from the London we've seen so far. Bought 2 t-shirts from the market (15 pounds for 2) & a pair of jeans from All Saints (65 pounds).

6pm Trafalgar Square then National Gallery at 6.30pm till closing time at 9pm. After which, I get neck pain, back pain and dry eyes from staring at the paintings for too long! There were Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Leornado Da Vinci, Monet, Michaelangelo & so many others that I find it hard to finish in 2.5 hours!!! When we came out, there was a group of Jews singing outside at the square and groups of strangers joined in to sing and dance in circle with them.

11 Sep, Saturday

Left Paddington around 8am & en route to Kings Lynn on the 8.45am First Capital Connect train via Cambridge. The platform number was not shown till the last minute & we promptly rushed there. A few minutes after we sat down, the train started pulling out of the station. Close call!!!

Over here, you can eat & drink on the train so we bought & ate our breakfast on the way. There's even toilets on the train.

Passed Hitchin at 9am. After that, the train stops at Cambridge at 9.30am before continuing its way. Waterbeach at 9.40am, Ely at 9.50am, Littleport at 9.57am, Downham Market at 10.05am, Watlington at 10.12am. I couldn't sleep, kept gazing out the window marvelling at the English countryside passing by. I told myself that we must make it a point to come back again, but this time it's to the countryside instead.

We alighted the train to see June, Myles & baby Millie standing at the platform waiting for us! What a surprise! By the way, the train stations have no gantry or anything so anyone can just walk in and board the trains. It's only when the journey started that the conductor started to walk around to check your ticket. So old school!

We walked around Kings Lynn's town centre, went to lunch at Nando's (we're in love with Piri-piri chicken!), Castle Rising (my words will not do justice to it) followed by Hunstanton Beach around 5pm. Went Fishers for their authentic fish & chips and scampi! The British loves their scampi!!!

We left on the 7.35pm train to London. Baby Millie was tired but couldn't sleep due to all the excitement, so we didn't want to bother them any longer. June kept trying to convince us to stay for the night & tried to entice us with day trip to Stamford! (It was then that we realised the return tickets is 23 pounds per pax compared to 27.70 pounds for one-way. Damn!!! Wasted the one- way tickets! Grrrr... That's 55.40 pounds for both of us which is S$116.06!!!)

12 Sep, Sunday

11am left apartment & make our way to Liverpool Street Station for Old Spitalfields Market.

Train disruptions everywhere due to upgrading works! It gets a bit frustrating at times. Now I'm appreciating Singapore's train network efficiency! But the British has more train manners - they stand at one side on the escalators & they let people alight the train before boarding.

Breakfast at Market House Cafe followed by Old Spitalfields Market at 1pm then Petticoat Lane Market at 2pm. The interesting thing about Old Spitalfields is that there's no similar stalls there. Everyone sells different and unique products, some of their own designs while Petticoat Lane is like our local 'pasar malam' & full of foreigners.

3pm En route Tower Hill station for Tower of London. Took the 3.30pm guided tour with the Yeo-man. Followed by Crown Jewel exhibition & Royal Armouries exhibition. Left at 5.30pm when it closes. Almost all the museums and places of interest in London close around this time.

Got to Berwick Street for Foot Locker at 6.40pm but it was already closed! Then we decided to go Fifteen by Jamie Oliver at Old Street Station for dinner. Turns out we couldn't find the restaurant without proper address. Damn! So we headed back to Paddington for dinner instead... :(

We decided on beer and bar food. Love the calamaris!!! We shared a table with a local (he was from Ireland) but only started chatting with him after sitting with him for at least half an hour. In the end, we chatted till 10 plus. We only left because the husband didn't bring a jacket out and was already shivering uncontrollably!

13 Sep, Monday

Overslept for 1.5 hours & left our apartment at 10.30am! (Supposed to wake up at 7.30am.) Had breakfast nearby at a place called Lite Bite. Another English breakfast.

Reached Westminster Station around 12pm, had a walk around Parliament Square. There was a group of protesters outside, protesting against Britain's participation in the Afghanistan war. Then we walked over to Westminster Abbey and went into St Margaret's Church. The main abbey has an entrance fee of 15 pounds, so we decided not to go in since it has the 'No photography' policy anyway.

Walked back to Westminster Pier & bought tickets for the 1pm boat to Greenwich. Even though it was a non-stop service to Greenwich, they brought us down River Thames till Tower Bridge & introduced us all the attractions and landmarks. Then they turn around for Greenwich. Reached Greenwich Pier around 2pm and walked up to the Royal Observatory behind Old Naval College. The famous Cutty Sark is under conservation works and will only be completed around 2012! We took pics at the Prime Meridian Line, saw the 14-foot long telescope among others.

Finally went down the hill around 4pm, munching on bacon roll on the way and drinking hot coffee in the cold weather. Super shiok!!!

Came back on the 4.30pm boat & went to Leicester Square for Les Miserables tickets (36 pounds for the 59 pounds tickets!) at tkts. Then walked to Foot Patrol & afterwards HMV where I bought 4 CDs at 3 pounds each! Then 7pm dinner at Samurai Sushi (yucks!!! yucks!!! yucks!!! It's worse than the fast food sushi in Singapore) near Queen's Theatre.

7.30pm - time for Les Miserables! After years of hearing about it, I finally get to watch it onstage. There are parts that we don't understand coz of the accent & the words being sang too fast but it was fantastic! I cried when Fantine & Cosette sang... So touching... It's truly remarkable to hear the songs being sang live and acted out with such sincerity!

After the show, we walked back to Leicester Square Station & took the train back to Paddington.

14 Sep, Tuesday

Slept in & only left apartment at 12pm for Baker Street where Sherlock Holmes lives! First stop - Nando's for lunch! I was craving for it after the first encounter at Kings Lynn!!!

After that, we went to the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Went into the museum on my own while the husband waited outside. Nothing fantastic, just to see what Sherlock Holmes & Dr Watson's place would look like if they really existed. There was an old man playing the part of Dr Watson sitting at the second floor who asked people if they wanted to take pics together with him.

After that, we went to The Natural History Museum at 3.30pm till closing time, 5.30pm. You could stay there the whole day, if you could afford the time! Then we walked down the road to Harrods & walked around till 8pm before making our way back. We were ignored at LV & Bvlgari's counters, which was infuriating!

Had Indian food for dinner. None of their dishes is spicy at all! Disappointed!!!

15 Sep, Wednesday

7.30am Tour pickup outside Hilton Paddington 8.30am Change bus at coach station & left for our tour. Very full bus, 43 pax. I thought the website said small group?!

10.35-11.20am Stonehenge, Wiltshire County. As we left, we went by Salisbury Plain where majority of the land is owned by the army. There were tanks crossing area everywhere and the guide pointed out a village from afar which was bought over by the army in 1943 for combat training during the Cold War. The army remodeled it to look like a German village!

Reached Bath at 12.30pm, walked around the city centre, went into the Bath Abbey, drank the spa water for 50 pence each (yucks!) but didn't go into the Roman Bath as we were pressed for time plus the entrance is 11 pounds each! Got back to the bus on time at 1.50pm but turns out 6 persons were late so we ended up waiting for them for 15 minutes...

Raced through Cotsworld around 2.50pm. Accrding to the guide, Prince Charles & Camilla live here. Anyway, the tour guide mumbles almost throughout the journey, can hardly hear him clearly from behind while the bus driver drives like a racer or something so it's hard to take photos! Sigh...

Reached Stratford-upon-Avon at 4pm, had a quick meal & went into Shakespeare Birthplace at 4.30pm. We had champagne & strawberry scones while an actor & actress re-enacted a scene from one of Shakespeare's play.

And we were on our way back at 5.30pm... Reached London around 7.30pm, passed by Olympic Village on the way and saw Wembley Stadium from afar. MUSE!!! Sigh!

Alighted at Marble Arch (the start of Oxford Street) & went straight into Selfridges. The husband is estastic that it's opened till 9pm. There goes our plan to watch Resident Evil 3D! Lol!

We ended up staying at Selfridges till closing then tried HMV but it was closed. Then outside Bond Street Station, we found a pub with free wi-fi and ordered a drink but it turns out we couldn't join the network. Duh! There's hardly any free wi-fi in London, which is disappointing!

16 Sep, Thursday

Left our apartment at 10.30am & went to extend half day for our apartment before making our way to Liverpool Station for 1948, a large Nike shop.

Had breakfast at a little deli called Toto then spent the next 45 minutes looking for 1948/Batemans Row to no avail. The people at Foot Patrol who gave us the address & directions already told us that it's hard to find but we really didn't expect it to be so hard! We combed every nooks & crooks along Curtain Road (Batemans Row is supposed to be one of the side street along Curtain Road) to no avail!!! In the end, we gave up & made our way to Bond Street instead.

Spent an hour plus at HMV! In total, we spent 228 pounds there... The blu-rays are super cheap and so many albums for sale! Cannot help ourselves. Went to New Bond Street, Old Bond Street, Berwick Street & the nooks and crannies between them. The husband bought me an LV pouch (170 pounds). Wheeeeee!!! The whole time we were in London, he kept trying to convince me to pick a Bottega handbag but I just don't think they suit me... And I don't need one.

Had dinner at Angus Steak House then tried to take a cab back but all the cabs are full. Oxford Circus Station was closed so we had to walk back to Bond Street Station. Got back to apartment at 6.30pm & thank goodness our bags are still in our room! Was worried it might get thrown out coz we were late to check out!!!

Walked to Paddington Heathrow Express Station & got there at 7.30pm. The traveling time from Paddington to Heathrow Airport is around 15-20 minutes only. Pretty fast! If you take the tube, it takes 45 minutes and you've got to change a few times, depending on where you're staying!

Global Yellow Pages Media, the leading multi-platform media search and advertising solutions company, helping buyers make informed purchases anywhere, anytime.

This email message and any accompanying attachments may contain confidential and privileged information that is intended solely for the recipient(s) addressed above. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete this message. Views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except where the sender expressly, and with authority, states them to be the views of Global Yellow Pages Limited . While reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure that this communication has not been tampered with, Global Yellow Pages Limited is not responsible for any changes made to the contents of or any attachments to this message without its consent

Parallel universe

2010-07-26T20:17:00.000+08:00

Have you ever considered the idea of a parallel universe before? One
that exists concurrently with the one we're living in right now but
different because it's derived from the different choices we made daily?

Jaz and I were watching Fringe when we were presented with the idea.
It is not a new theory, in fact it was the basis of the movie Sliding
Doors from many years ago. The main character's choice of getting into
a train and not making it created 2 separate realities for her. But in
the movie, these 2 realities converge in the end.

What if everyone of us has a parallel universe for our lives that
never converge thus we never knew it exists? But we are unconsciously
aware of it somehow? Maybe that's why some of us experienced deja vu -
the familiar feeling of having been somewhere before even though we
have never been or some events that we are sure has happened even
though it hasn't. It is at the same time fascinating yet terrifying!

If that is the case, does my parallel reality/universe exist where I
never met Jaz, never get rescued by her, never get the courage to
leave bastard and thus still living like a ghost under his thumbs? Is
that why I still constantly feel an unexplained fear and terror
whenever he came to mind or how he'll suddenly pop into my mind even
if I never think of him anymore?

Scary, it is...

Sent from my iPhone

No regrets

2010-07-23T13:39:00.002+08:00

If you're wondering what was the song you kept hearing in the movie Inception, it's my favourite song "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" sang by Edith Piaf.

SLASH Live in Singapore, 02 August @ Fort Canning

2010-07-21T22:51:00.002+08:00

SLASH's setlist
1. Ghost Play Video
2. Mean Bone (Slash's Snakepit cover) Play Video
3. Nightrain (Guns N' Roses cover) Play Video
4. Rocket Queen (Guns N' Roses cover) Play Video
5. Back From Cali Play Video
6. Sucker Train Blues (Velvet Revolver cover) Play Video
7. Civil War (Guns N' Roses cover) Play Video
8. Dirty Little Thing (Velvet Revolver cover) Play Video
9. By The Sword Play Video
10. Nothing To Say Play Video
11. Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns N' Roses cover) Play Video
12. Rise Today (Alter Bridge cover) Play Video
13. Slither (Velvet Revolver cover) Play Video

Encore:
14. Paradise City (Guns N' Roses cover)

Ting's birthday weekend

2010-07-21T05:15:00.008+08:00

Ting's birthday weekend started with paintball war @ TAG Paintball, Turf City.

Followed by drinking & 'sabo' session @ Acid Bar.

And ended up @ Zouk! (Ok, I don't know the 2 gals beside me!)

Never had so much fun in a long time!

Do I?

2010-07-17T02:56:00.003+08:00

Do I give up the security of my backup plan (am supposed to start work on Monday at Marshall Cavendish) for the uncertainties of 2 other jobs that I'm interested in (interviewed & waiting for reply)?

Fate always dealt me with a cruel hand. When I've finally resigned to fate & decided to go back to face the inferno, that's when other opportunies come up.

I'm tired of fighting against fate. Things never go my way!

Well, how many of us get the chance to do something we really enjoy anyway? 1 in a million? Those born with a silver spoon in their mouth? Well, that's definitely not me then. Should I just give up then?

Another sleepless night...

Hey Philip!

2010-07-17T02:40:00.005+08:00

It's amazing how you still come to my blog despite my inactivity for almost 2 years. And I'm amazed by your continuing dedication to your blog. It has grown so much since the last time I visited!

Congratulation on your 2nd wedding anniversary & your MBA!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Damn, I didn't even have the stamina to finish my MSc. =(

And I promise to keep in touch this time round. =)

Insomnia

2010-07-16T03:56:00.002+08:00

I can't sleep, stressed out trying to make a decision. So, I decided to come back in and browse through this old blog.

Reading back some of the posts I've made over the years make me realised that:
1. I've grown a lot since that gal who started this blog 5 years ago. (But the ghost of that ex-bf still chases me sometimes.)
2. I was excessively nonsensical pretty often.
3. I rambled too much!

I feel kind of silly, even embarrassed by my blog but still unwilling to delete it. It has sentiment value and is a constant reminder on how much I've grown & changed over the years. And most of all, my dear faithful friends (if any of you still visit), I'm always ready to laugh at myself!

Does anyone still read my blog?

2009-05-07T11:08:00.000+08:00

Halo? *echo*

Anyone? *echo*

May he rests in peace

2009-04-16T22:14:00.000+08:00

Last Wed's night, an old uncle jumped off my block and fell thru the roof of the shelter downstairs with a loud crash. I just came out of the shower when I heard the sound. Initially, I thought something fell down at the construction site opposite. My landlord came out of his room and went out to the corridor to investigated. I followed him out of curiosity.

What greeted us was a big hole on the roof of the shelter downstairs. We speculated. My landlord guessed that it was a person (we couldn't see because the shelter has postboxes at its sides thus blocking our view of its floor unless we go downstairs) while I guessed and hoped it was some object. We always have loan sharks writing on our walls and couples quarreling loudly, so I was kind of hoping it was one of these people throwing down things.

Anyway, we didn't dare to go downstairs to find out. There were 2 girls sitting nearby the shelter and they looked fine so I thought it really wasn't a person but some object. While I was letting out a sigh of relief inside, I saw blood trickles out the side of the shelter into the drain... Oh no, no no no no!

We continued to stood at our corridor and looked down at the drama slowly unfolding downstairs. It took a while before someone else came along and called the police. All the while, the 2 girls just sat there not moving. Not being able to contain his curiousity, our neighbour's son ran downstairs and came back shortly with an affirmation that it was a person lying downstairs.

The police and civil defence came promptly but the uncle was already dead. Just before they arrived at the scene, the 2 girls left and nobody stop them. I wanted to shout down and ask them to stay to give testimony to the police but couldn't bring myself to do so. I wanted to run downstairs to stop them from leaving but I was too scared. What if the uncle was pushed down and they saw or heard something that might indicate that? We will never know now.

We continued watching a while more then headed back into our flat. We didn't see nor hear any relatives all the time we were watching outside.

More than an hour later, the fiance and I went outside to take a peek again. This time, we heard some women crying tragically. I felt relieved that at least his family members have been found and notified. At least he was not alone.

The following few nights after the incident, I started dreaming weird stuffs and of death. They said 'If you think too much in the day, you'll dream of it at night' and I agree wholeheartedly. I hope the dreams go away soon because they are starting to stress me out.

Now, whenever I take the lift to go downstairs (the shelter is right in front of the lift), I will try not to look at the spot where he died and walk away quickly.

This is not my first encounter with someone falling to their death (read HERE) but I think because it is so close to home, it creeps me out. Now that his 7th day is over (Chinese believes that the soul comes back for a final goodbye/visit on their 7th day of passing), I hope I will be able to move on soon.

What 'makes my day'!

2009-04-15T22:56:00.002+08:00

Met a cab driver uncle who missed every single traffic light by a mere second or two. The journey from my home to office in the morning usually takes about 10 minutes or less and costs $9 but this morning, this cab driver managed to drag the journey to 20 minutes and more than $1 over the usual cost.

It was so infuriating when I've made it clear to him that I was rushing for time. Instead of hurrying up, he slowed down... ... ... ... ...!!! At every single traffic light, when every other cars are accelerating, he slows down significantly. What makes my blood boil was that he slowed down way before the traffic light and even though there was plenty of time to 'crawl' past, he slowed down further until the light turns orange. So, there I was, helplessly watching every other cars whizzed past us.

Imagine the frustration, late and meeting a ridiculous uncle. Really 'makes my day'!

I'm going to live until 79!

2009-04-08T00:29:00.000+08:00

Or so it says from this website's quiz: http://www.huoguan.com/survey/lifetest.do?username=1306780799#myspace.cn

您将于公元2057年03月27日去世！
您距离死亡还有： 47年 7月 29日 14时 31分 38秒
火罐网提醒您：青春美好，请珍惜时间！

It's kinda fun, so go try it out just for a laugh. Maybe I should write this down somewhere so that I will be able to verify this if I really live to 79. =)

I have Simian crease on both palms

2009-02-18T22:14:00.000+08:00

Chinese supersition:
My relatives used to tell me I'm going to die young, at childbirth. But I have never consulted any Chinese fortune tellers or palm readers because I do not want to believe it.

Now I'm kinda curious as I grew older. Anyone can recommend any good fortune tellers or palm readers? Also, I googled and found some interesting articles.

Medical: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003290.htm

Considerations
Strong lines (called palmar flexion creases) appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The palm normally has three of these creases. But sometimes, the horizontal creases join together to form a single one.

Palmar creases develop while the baby is growing in the womb, usually by the 12th week of gestation.

A single palmar crease appears in approximately 1 out of 30 people. Males are twice as likely as females to have this condition. Some palmar creases indicate problems with development and are associated with disorders like Down syndrome.

Causes
A single palmar crease is often a normal finding. However, it may also be associated with:
Down syndrome
Aarskog syndrome
Cohen syndrome
Fetal alcohol syndrome
Trisomy 13
Rubella syndrome
Turner syndrome
Klinefelter syndrome
Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Gonadal dysgenesis
Cri du chat syndrome

Western palm reading/interpretation: http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/the-simian-crease-430681.html.

What exactly is a Simian line?
This is when you have only 2 major lines on your hand instead of three. Instead of having a heart line and a headline you have only one line. This means that the energy of the heart (feelings) and the head (thoughts) are fused.

Why is it called a Simian crease?
Because apes also only have two lines on their hands.

The Simian crease is the most medically researched marker
on hands because it is the most noticeable. A very high percentage of Down's
syndrome children have this marker. But this doesn't mean everyone with this
marker has Down's. Quite the opposite! Many highly intelligent, highly evolved
people have this marker.

The Simian line is a powerful gift marker. If you have this marker in your hand, know that you are blessed with tremendous powers that other people don't have.

If you have a double Simian then you are a very rare bird indeed. Your talents are multiplied. But, the penalty for not using your gift is also multiplied. (Normally this marker is just on one hand).

The more conscious you are, the more likely you are to be in the positive side of this marker.

What are my gifts?
Know that you are blessed with gifts of extremism, intensity and stamina. This is a tremendous gift. Hone it!

How?
Get very clear about what you want because you have been given far more power than others to achieve your goals. When you want something you want it with your heart and mind.

Be conscious rather than unconscious about your gift and its shadow side (feeling misunderstood).

The more conscious you are, the more you can turn this gift into a positive resource rather than a handicap.

Make sure you have a worthy project or career upon which you can focus your intensity or you'll start lighting fires in all the wrong places.

Your hurdles:
Other people
can't keep up. Be more tolerant and understanding of this. Try not to judge
others for not keeping up with you.

You always do a lot more than others. Same as above; be gentle on others for not having your gift. You will always do more because you can do more. Love this about yourself but also learn to manage your energy and set clear boundaries so that you don't burn out.

Your energy is either on or off. All or nothing. People around you might see you as inflexible and may not support you as a result. Seek their support through mutual respect of each other's needs. Try to be conscious of when you are taking an extreme view.

Feeling and being misunderstood (the black box syndrome). Communication in both directions tend to get scrambled. Ask for feedback, double check communication if you think people have misunderstood you.

Typical examples:
Your intensity comes across as anger or frustration.

People give their opinion and you hear it as criticism.

You may come across as cold and aloof when you think you are being considerate.

Always ask you listener, 'What did you hear me say?' or 'Could you please tell me what you just heard me say?'

We got our rings!

2009-02-13T00:13:00.004+08:00

Yesterday we went down to Cartier after receiving a call from them. Our rings have arrived and we are to try and confirm our sizes before sending for engravings which we did. Then surprisingly, I received another call from them today to inform that the rings are back from engravings and ready to be collected! (It was supposed to take a week or so.)

Love them! Love them! Love them!

Random 25

2009-02-09T19:19:00.001+08:00

I was tagged on Facebook by Daphne to write 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about myself. Kinda fun, so here goes:

1. Eldest in my family yet I used to be bullied by my younger sister and have never won a single fight with her.

2. Tends to let my imagination runs wild. Expert daydreamer!

3. I am a klutz. I used to break plates and bowls, trip and fall when I was young and now still walk into furniture, people or pillars all the time!

4. My favourite past time is sleeping. Zzzzzzzz! Do not call me before 3pm on weekends or I will scream at you!

5. I have always aspired to be a singer but I do not posses the voice nor the looks for it. Too bad!6. I do not need alcohol or illegal drugs to get high – MUSIC is my drug of choice.7. A wannabe rock chick – always have and always will!8. My favourite bands are Muse, Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, Three Days Grace and Fort Minor. I never get sick of their music.

9. A newly converted Queen’s fan. Wished I was at Wembley Stadium in 1986.

10. A total sucker for vampires. Especially Anne Rice’s version.

11. Also a movie junkie who loves a wide genre of movies from blockbusters to arthouse to foreign films.

12. Loves musical and plays. My favourite person right now is Daphne who gives me free tickets~ And favourite city right now is London where the original production of The Phantom of the Opera is.

13. My favourite piece of art is Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

14. I will spend all my savings on traveling – without a second thought.

15. Never good at saving money, so don’t even think of borrowing from me.

16. My kryptonite is good food. It explains my ballooning figure in recent years.

17. I care for the heart more than the looks.

18. I can smell hypocrites from a mile away.19. My best friend of 24 years, Tracy was in the same class with me from primary one till ‘A’ level, except for secondary two. And out of the many universities in Malaysia, we were allocated to the same one. This is called ‘Fate’!

20. I took a Master of Science course from the Engineering Faculty at NUS in 2004. Passed my first semester then decided to pull out. Yes, I am fickle.

21. I am the champion birthday organiser at my workplace – or so my colleagues said.

22. A free and unofficial Malay-English translator at work too.

23. Am addicted to Solitaire on-off.

24. Insecure, complicated and weird. Do not try to understand me.

25. Mostly an Atheist. Do not preach me!

Anyone willing to offer to be tagged?

Choose Love. Not Abuse.

2009-02-06T23:00:00.000+08:00

A friend from the SG Brides forum pointed me to this direction, Choose Love. Not Abuse. We were chatting about abusive relationship on the forum the other day and I was alarmed to read that a lot of us have gone thru some kind of abusive relationship before. Be it emotional, psychological, physical or controlling behaviour... it seems that there's a rising trend and everyone can be a victim. Not only the women but the men too.

So, please help spread the word around to help create awareness. Point them who fall victims to such relationship to the right direction of PAVE, Centre for Promoting Alternatives to Violence. Or you can help by donating and volunteering to them.

It is difficult but not impossible, to stomp out family violence. Let us all pray that no one we love and care will ever fall prey into one.

"For The Cubicle Workers of The World"

2009-02-03T20:18:00.003+08:00

A colleague showed me this website, Listen To A Movie. Interesting, but seriously, do we really want to listen to the full audio of a movie? Imagine listening to a quiet movie like No Country For Old Men, you'll fall asleep instead. =p

Sometimes I get so mad at some people that I feel like strangling them to death

2009-01-28T15:19:00.000+08:00

Yes, I am a murderous b*tch at sometimes!

Some people are so narrow-minded and materialistic that they cannot see past their own ignorance.

Since young, they’ve been spreading rumours about my dad. Telling my sis and I, two young children at that time, that our papa is a womaniser and spend his nights drinking away in the company of prostitutes.

Then they said he pawned all my mum’s jewellery to pay for his drinking and womanising.

But none of that were true, as we started to realise as we grow older. We are lucky that we did not grow up to be ignorant fools like them.

After my ‘O’ level, they told me to give up hope of going to university because my papa is too poor to pay.

They also mocked at me when they heard about my ‘O’ level results (which was purposely lowered because we had to lie so that their daughter will not get scolded/reprimanded for doing worse than me).

Then they spread rumours that I led their daughter astray.

Then this Chinese New Year, they were appalled that we are not holding wedding banquet for my wedding and asked is it because we are too poor to do so (which just shows how ignorant they can be because the angpows almost always break even or exceeded the banquet costs).

They were also taken aback that I am earning as much as her daughters.

After we left, they even snubbed the fiancé, commenting that he’s poor and doesn’t have paper qualifications et cetera, et cetera and et cetera.

I am appalled, offended and utterly disgusted. I get so mad thinking about it sometimes that I feel like screaming bloody murder at them!!!

Phew! Now I feel better after venting my frustrations. God bless them.

HAPPY 31ST BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

2009-01-22T01:29:00.002+08:00

Celebration started as early at 11 Jan @ Kiki's place where she ordered Pizza Hut and Delifrance delivery as a birthday treat to Hamster (whose birthday is 2 days earlier than mine) and I. In return, we bought a Tigger soft toy for Kiki's eldest daughter, Wen Yan who shares the same birthday as me.

On work front:

Combined celebration @ work, 14 Jan

Last Saturday, Sandie brought me out for birthday dinner at Bistro One Zero Three, 103 Pasir Panjang Road which has such great food! But the highlight of that day was the walk on the Southern Ridges (here's the map) before the dinner together with YP and Sandie.

We started our walk at Henderson Waves, passing by Hilltop Walk and then, Forest Walk before stopping at the Alexander Arch. It took us slightly more than an hour, what with Sandie and I kept stopping to take pics. Next Sat, we are going back again and this time, we are planning to start from the Marang Trail at Vivo City, go through our previous route and finally stopping at Hort Park. It's a very cool idea, connecting these scenic greenery with a series of bridges. I likey!

Then last Sunday, May and Lee Lee (together with their respective spouse) celebrated my birthday with me. We had dinner at Lao Beijing at Tiong Bahru Plaza, but not before some shopping. We shopped enough to qualify for chances at their CNY Spin the Wheel and although I had only 1 chance, I won their $50 voucher (which was promptly used to offset our dinner).

This is the first time (ever since I started work) that I never take leave on my birthday. I always think that no one should work on their birthday. =p But I got to conserve my leave this year for my Australian vacation and later on, honeymoon at Maldives plus the numerous wedding errands. *sigh*

So, no fancy celebration for me this year. Instead, I will be having dinner with my bestest friend, Trace tonight. Simple is a bliss too. =)

p/s. Thanks to Sandie, Daphne and Ting who have all offered to celebrate with me tonight. Love you gals! =*

An update on work front

2009-01-20T20:51:00.000+08:00

Just realised that I have never update anything on work front after the post about my contract ending in August 08. Well, my contract has been extended until January 2010. Which is such good news esp after the economy crisis happening right now. 2009 is a scary year and it is only January! I am nervous...

Right now, I am busy learning Adobe FrameMaker and XML. Come March, we will be super busy but like what I have been repeating to everyone, "More work is better than no work!".

So peeps, stay optimistic and don't grumble when you are weighed down with work ya. =p

p/s. Read this funny post at Kenny Sia's: http://www.kennysia.com/archives/2009/01/singapore-engri.php

50 steps towards a great marriage

2009-01-18T22:13:00.001+08:00

Someone sent me this list below. I find it rather useful as a reminder to everyone not to take our partner for granted. I guess in our busy life, we tend to forget to show our appreciation to the person who sleeps right next to you. Over the next few months or so, I'm going to try to complete all the steps/tasks below. =)

1. Start each day with a kiss. #Check
2. Wear your wedding ring at all times.
3. Date once a week. #Check
4. Accept differences. #Check
5. Be polite.
6. Be gentle.
7. Give gifts. #Check
8. Smile often. #Check
9. Touch. #Check
10. Talk about dreams.
11. Select a song that can be "our song".
12. Give back rubs.
13. Laugh together. #Check
14. Send a card for no reason.
15. Do what the other person wants before he or she asks.
16. Listen. #Check
17. Encourage. #Check
18. Do it his or her way. #Check
19. Know his or her needs.
20. Fix the other person's breakfast.
21. Compliment twice a day.
22. Call during the day. #Check
23. Slow down.
24. Hold hands.
25. Cuddle.
26. Ask for each other's opinion. #Check
27. Show respect.
28. Welcome the other person home. #Check
29. Look your best. #Check
30. Wink at each other.
31. Celebrate birthdays in a big way. #Check
32. Apologize. #Check
33. Forgive. #Check
34. Set up a romantic getaway.
35. Ask, "What can I do to make you happier?".
36. Be positive.
37. Be kind.
38. Be vulnerable.
39. Respond quickly to the other person's request. #Check
40. Talk about your love. #Check
41. Reminisce about your favorite times together. #Check
42. Treat each other's friends and relatives with courtesy. #Check
43. Send flowers every Valentine's day and anniversary. #Check
44. Admit when wrong. #Check
45. Be sensitive to each other's sexual desires.
46. Pray for each other daily.
47. Watch sunsets together.
48. Say "I love you" frequently.
49. End the day with a hug.
50. Seek outside help when needed.

Words of wisdom

2009-01-14T19:42:00.000+08:00

A colleague forwarded me this:

Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
* Always read stuff that will make you look good, if you die in the middle of it.
* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply be kind to others.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can't dance well, just get up and dance.
* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* Birthdays are good for you, the more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

I know I've been absent for far too long...

2008-11-16T20:08:00.001+08:00

Anyone interested to view my Japan's photos? They are here:

2008 10 03 Shinjuku
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45411&l=257f0&id=614955818

2008 10 04 Akihabara & Ueno
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45412&l=875d1&id=614955818

2008 10 05 Harajuku & Shibuya
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45414&l=62493&id=614955818

2008 10 06 Asakusa & Ginza
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45416&l=a5e0a&id=614955818

2008 10 07 Disneysea - Part 1
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45418&l=c04fd&id=614955818

2008 10 07 Disneysea - Part 2
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45422&l=7f053&id=614955818

2008 10 08 Ghibli Museum, Odaiba & Tokyo Tower
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45424&l=01a11&id=614955818

2008 10 09 Fuji-san & Hakone - Part 1
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45426&l=bc854&id=614955818

2008 10 09 Fuji-san & Hakone - Part 2
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45429&l=3489f&id=614955818

2008 10 10 Hakone - Part 1
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45433&l=0e531&id=614955818

2008 10 10 Hakone - Part 2
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45435&l=ee9e8&id=614955818

2008 10 11 till 12 Last 2 days in Tokyo
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45436&l=df140&id=614955818

These are only one-third of the total photos we took. It would have been much more, if not for the fact that I was having runny nose, coughs and sore throats most of the time there.

And also, there's the good news that can be clearly portrayed by this photo:

Counting down the days...

2008-09-22T20:44:00.000+08:00

The Black Parade is Dead! Live CD & DVD Limited Edition Package

2008-07-08T01:10:00.004+08:00

Now come one come all to this tragic affair
Wipe off that makeup, what's in is despair
So throw on the black dress, mix in with the lot
You might wake up and notice you're someone you're not

If you look in the mirror and don't like what you see
You can find out firsthand what it's like to be me
So gather 'round piggies and kiss this goodbye
I'd encourage your smiles I'll expect you won't cry

I woke up early on Sat to collect my package from the post office - a big sacrifice to me.
This costs me US$74.13 but I feel that it's worth it.

The wooden coffin box

The Certificate of Death numbered 3,456 of 10,000 - it wasn't so limited after all =(

The mask that I got, 1 out of the 5 designed by the members of the band.
I got the nicest one, in my opinion... Lucky~

Back of the mask - if only they added at the back which band member designed this mask...
Mine was designed by Mikey Way, btw...

The Black Parade is Dead!Live CD & DVD

Love the artworks on the discs

March in summary

2008-06-25T00:03:00.007+08:00

March was the month the bf and I tried to start our swimming lessons to no avail. Week after week, either the swimming instructor falls sick or the bf falls sick. Are we destined to be unable to swim confidently for the rest of our lives?

Our plan was to learn swimming then get our scuba diving licenses. If we are not confident in swimming or familiar with water, how are we supposed to dive and not panic when underwater?

Yes, I have aquaphobia. I panicked when underwater. Even snorkeling scares me even though I loved it. During our recent trip to Phuket, I was flailing madly the moment I jumped into the water (even though I have life jacket on and was floating). As a result, I swallowed much saltwater on that half-day tour. My aquaphobia was caused by a certain ex-classmate who tried to drown me when we had our school excursion to the local swimming pool nearly 20 years ago. Now I’m scarred for life…

On the other hand…

-> Trace, Chris and I went for an ex-classmate, Fei Lin’s wedding dinner at Traders Hotel on the 1st. It was the first time Trace fetched us in her new car and we almost lost our way when we left the dinner for Dempsey afterwards. It was nice catching up with some of our old classmates. Most of them are either married, have children or planning to get married this year. I don’t really feel the pressure, but still I can’t help lamenting that I am not young anymore…

-> May invited Lee Lee, me and her colleagues to her house for steamboat lunch on the 2nd. She had plenty of leftovers from CNY and wanted to clear them. I still feel embarrassed to see Gabriel after they teased me that I took a lot of his photos during May’s ROM back in August last year… *sigh* Doesn’t anyone realise that I am an aesthetic person?! So, I couldn’t help myself as I’m inclined towards the beautiful.

-> Met up with Kiki and Hamster for dinner at Jack’s Place on the 5th. It was Hamster’s and my very belated birthday treat from Kiki. We have been good friends since getting to know each other back in 2001 while working together as editors. Kiki was the first person who talked to me and asked me out for lunch on my first day, while Hamster was someone that I lovingly bullied when she joined some months later. This is one of my first friendships forged in Singapore.

-> Went back to hometown to do my part as a Malaysian by voting on the general election on the 8th. Papa and I even stayed up to watch the results being announced on tv. I really appreciate these times I spent with my papa. As I grow older, I learned to appreciate him even more. He’s the best papa in the world and I’m proud to be his daughter!

-> Celebrated the bf’s birthday on the weekend of the15th. Started the ‘celebration’ on Friday night when I got Chris, Wai Keong and Patrick to wait for us at Dubliner for drinks. The bf and I had dinner at Xin Hai Shan beforehand.

I had initially planned an island trip but the bf didn’t feel like going (since we had just got back from Phuket at that time) and so we ended up doing nothing much. He said he’s not keen to celebrate his birthday coz he never really celebrated since young. So, on the day of his birthday, I brought him for high tea at Rose Verandah, Shangri-la Hotel while dinner was at Kazbar, Far East Square. Yes, it was food and more food and we are such gluttons. Oh ya, we even went on a ride on the newly-opened Singapore Flyer! (It was boring...)

Our fav chicken wings & lamb chops @ Kazbar

The next day, he spent the whole day playing his PSP. *sigh* Then on Sunday, I treated him to spa and jacuzzi at Spa Elements, The Cathay. We had dinner at Newton that night. And that ends the bf’s birthday weekend.

-> Went back to hometown again on the 29th for tomb sweeping. Every year, my dad, sis and I, armed with gardening tools, will take a trip to the cemetery to pay our yearly visit to my mum. We normally spend at least 2 hours there - with my papa and I pulling out grasses and ploughing the mound behind my mum's tomb while my sis sweeps the tomb (literally). It was a lot of hard work. I do not have any memories of my 3 years with my mum and I do not know what my parents were like back then. My aunties do not really talk much about it while my papa hardly says a word of it. All I know is that they were match-made and my papa wanted a boy (out pops two girls instead). Oh, and that I was singing and hopping around during my mum’s funeral. I was such an insolent child!

After hours of hard labour, we went for a 'feast'!
-> I came back to Singapore on the early bus on the 30th. Daphne invited me to watch ‘We Will Rock You’ with her. It was free and I was very interested, so why not?!!! We had dinner together with 3 of her colleagues. One of them was DJ Yasmin from Gold 90.5 FM. She’s pretty and very charming in person.

Food
Jack’s Place @ Bras Basah
Xin Hai Shan @ Tiong Bahru
Rose Verandah @ Shangri-la Hotel
Kazbar @ Far East Square
Wasabi Tei @ Far East Plaza (Level 5)

Movies
10,000 B.C.**
Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone*****
The Spiderwick Chronicles****
Vantage Point**
Step Up 2***

And that ends my March's summary. April, May and June on the way... =)

p/s. I watched ‘Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone’ twice. Once with the bf who valiantly ‘sacrifices’ himself as he doesn’t watch anime (nor foreign movies nor arthouses). The other time, I watched it alone and the guys (hardly any females watched it and mostly to accompany their men) couldn’t help staring at me. *sigh*

Here’s something I wrote about the movie on a forum (I’m posting it here as a note to myself):
“Rebuild of Evangelion: You Are (Not) Alone was shown in Singapore recently. The first movie consists of stories from Episodes 1-6 from the TV series.The movie is more or less the same as the TV series but the graphics and sound were better and they added much more details to the scenes. For example, in the TV series, the 5th Angel was only shown as a blue cube. But in the movie, the 5th Angel changes to different forms when it is attacking.

Other differences between the Rebuild of Evangelion 1.0 and the TV series - Shinji was brought by Misato to see Adam as she explains how she and others at the NERV headquarter are risking their lives too when Shinji goes out to battle. She referred to Adam as Lilltih. This was different from the TV series. Also, Kaoru, the final Angel appears at the end of the movie. He seemed to be at some moon-like planet and has just risen from a coffin, talking to one of the SEELE members.”

Back on job hunting...

2008-06-05T19:26:00.001+08:00

After 3 years, I'm back on the hunt...

My project is ending, my contract is ending and I'll be jobless on 01 Aug.

Wish me luck, people!

This world is full of weird people…

2008-06-03T13:55:00.000+08:00

This morning, I was waiting for a cab (late for work, as usual). There were 3 teenagers at the curbside where I always wait. They didn't look nor talk to each other.

Naturally, I assumed that they were waiting for a cab too and since they were there first, I should get the second cab. When a cab finally approaches, they didn't make a move to flag it down or anything.

Since I was in a hurry, you can imagine my anxiety. So I asked the boy nearest to me, 'Hi excuse me. Are you waiting for a cab?'. To my surprise, he didn't reply me nor acknowledge my presence. Macam I became invisible or something... I was totally puzzled by then.

Then out of a sudden, he and his friend raised their hands to flag down the cab - which was very near us by that time, then got in and left me scratching my head at the curbside in front of my block...

Busta Rhymes' "We Made It" Feat. Linkin Park

2008-04-30T02:00:00.002+08:00

The new Busta Rhymes single, "We Made It," featuring Linkin Park is now available for download on iTunes! Click HERE to purchase.

The "We Made It" video is also premiering now on Yahoo! and all day today on BET! Click here to watch the video now.

Dropped your mobile phone or iPod in water? Rush to the kitchen

2008-04-17T22:51:00.000+08:00

Oh little Melody~

2008-04-09T23:28:00.003+08:00

Melody So has her own blog!
http://mymelodyso.blogspot.com/

I posted her pics that her dad sent me back in 2007 HERE. She has come a long way since then. So bright and pretty.

Her dad also just sent me the pic from their wedding back in May 2006. How time flies, he told me. I couldn't agree more. Really, time is cruel and waits for no man.

Behind: Bride and bridegroom
Front: Dennis, Sheau Wei, mememe and Juli

The Seed - A short film directed by Joe Hahn of Linkin Park

2008-04-04T00:53:00.000+08:00

Click here to buy and watch Joe Hahn's short film, "The Seed," starring Will Yun Lee, available on iTunes now. The short also features 4 original music compositions by Joe Hahn as well as the song "There They Go" by Fort Minor. Also, watch the trailer for "The Seed" at myspace.com/TheSeedMovie and add it as a MySpace friend.

Sonnet 60

2008-04-03T00:25:00.002+08:00

Sometimes I lament how time flies by so quickly,
I am already 30 yet I feel that my life has only just begun...

There are so many I’ve not experienced,
There are so many I’ve not done...

And so I regret all the wrong turns I’ve made,
Yet I knew there’s no way to turn back time.

SONNET 60
Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore,
So do our minutes hasten to their end;
Each changing place with that which goes before,
In sequent toil all forwards do contend.
Nativity, once in the main of light,
Crawls to maturity, wherewith being crown'd,
Crooked elipses 'gainst his glory fight,
And Time that gave doth now his gift confound.
Time doth transfix the flourish set on youth
And delves the parallels in beauty's brow,
Feeds on the rarities of nature's truth,
And nothing stands but for his scythe to mow:
And yet to times in hope my verse shall stand,
Praising thy worth, despite his cruel hand.

I am a newly converted Freddie Mercury's worshipper

2008-04-01T00:47:00.000+08:00

Dappy invited me to watch 'We Will Rock You' on Sunday night. She got free tickets from her company and I happily obliged. I was so excited!

The musical is really a rock concert masquerading as a musical. The plot was thin and predictable, they even have an encore! But the music, the jokes, MiG Ayesa, Annie Crummer, the lightings, the stage designs etc were rockingly good! We enjoyed ourselves tremendously.

I am now stuck on Youtube, listening to the original songs sung by the legendary Freddie Mercury. Watching and listening to him singing live would have been such an experience! My heart bleeds that he's no longer alive. Such a big loss to the music world. *sigh*

My current favourites:

Bohemian Rhapsody

Love Of My Life

Get your tickets to 'We Will Rock You' at Sistic now! 'We Will Rock You' is showing at Esplanade Theatre till 27 April 2008. So hurry!

Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2007

2008-03-27T20:21:00.000+08:00

Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2007 is an index measuring the level of press freedom in 169 countries throughout the world published by Reporters Without Borders.

The results for ASEAN countries are:
Cambodia - 85th
Indonesia - 100th
Malaysia - 124th
Philippines - 128th
Thailand - 135th
Singapore - 141st
Laos - 161st
Vietnam - 162nd
(Brunei and Myanmar are not in the list though.)

Source: Reporters Without Borders

Batu Pahat is my home <3

2008-03-12T01:32:00.000+08:00

Read the article on nstonline, "If there’s one place that I would never leave, it is Batu Pahat.".

Found a travel guide on Batu Pahat on Virtual Tourist and this Wikipedia page too. Interesting~~~

Heart pounding! Throat thickening! Absolutely can't swallow!

2008-03-10T12:51:00.006+08:00

Thank you Cathay Organisation for bringing in the movie.

Thank you, thank you soooo sooooooo much!

I thought that I have no hope of catching this movie until its Code 1 DVD is released (if there's ever a plan to do that).

I love Cathay and I pledge my loyalty to it!!!

Evangelion 1.0: You Are Not Alone will be premiering in Singapore on 13 March 2008, which is this Thursday. I am very excited now and really "Heart pounding! Throat thickening! Absolutely can't swallow".

More on Wikipedia
More on Grey Line

January and February in summary

2008-03-06T20:35:00.005+08:00

Hi blog and friends who read my blog,

I know I’ve been lazy. But it’s hard to maintain my postings when I have so much going on lately (actually it’s just an excuse, I know)… I’ve been slammed for not updating for such a long period. =p I used to wonder if anyone comes by my blog at all, but turns out some of you actually do.

So what’s been happening to me since January? Let’s see.

JANUARY
I’ve finally converted my Malaysian license (after passing the Basic Theory Test at first attempt in Nov last year) to Singaporean license on the 12th. Should I buy a motorbike? I’m excited, but everyone else around me is not…

The Christmas present I bought for the bf finally arrived on the 14th. It was a Code 1 DVD collection of The Godfather I, II and III.

My birthday trip to Bangkok and Phuket from the 18th to 24th… We had a blast of a time and it was one of my best vacation ever (all meticulously planned by me! LMAO). But both of us caught food poisoning on the last day, though nothing serious but I was so worried that I’ll get stopped at customs trying to ‘sneak’ into Singapore with high fever. =p Anyway, the pics are HERE.

I got an early V’s day present on the 25th. A Head Porter sling bag (it’s listed as ‘bean shoulder bag’ on the website) from its’ Monogram Black Beauty series. *sweet* I fell in love with it on first sight.

That weekend was spent pulling out my dreadlocks from Bangkok. More pain, pain and pain for me after the 4-hour torture in Bangkok to get the dreadlocks done. The pulling out part was as excruciating… But still, I loved the dreadlocks and still miss it every now and then. If not for my sensitive scalp, I would have loved to kept it on longer.

Food
Brasserie Wolf @ The Pier
Sakae Teppanyaki @ Cineleisure Orchard
Gyu-Kaku @ UE Square

Movies
The Darjeeling Limited****
Michael Clayton****
Eastern Promises****
Cloverfield***
Aliens vs Predator 2*
Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford***

FEBRUARY
Celebrated Lee Lee’s (my ex-housemate) birthday at Sakae Teppanyaki @ PS on the 1st. (She and May bought me V for Vendetta special edition DVD for my birthday. Love it! *muaks muaks muaks* I’ve re-watched it twice so far.) May and I bought Lee Lee her fav perfume while she treated us dinner. May and I ‘tan dio’ because we brought our partners along. *LMAO* Time really flies. I’ve known them for 4 years now and though we don’t live together anymore, the bond is still as great.

Chinese New Year fell on the 8th. As usual, I was back at my hometown together with the bf, parasite Chris and jiejie Christine. My meimei came to JB together with her Superman, to fetch us back home on the eve. So, the 4 ladies have to squeeze like sardine at the back of my meimei’s Kenari. There were traffic jams everywhere and it took us twice as long to get home from JB. My butts were sore by the time we reached. We went straight for reunion dinner at a restaurant. My family, the bf's family and Superman's family - all 11 of us had a nice and happy dinner together. Apart from that, it was yet another uneventful and boring CNY.

The bf shaved all his hair off on the 11th. He’s a skinhead now!

V’s day passed by quietly. The bf and I were both at work and didn’t even go for a movie after the bf knocks off. Trace and I bought a bouquet of flowers for Chris to cheer her up and sent it to her office. Trace got proposed to by her bf of 9 years. I was so happy I almost cried!

I organised a farewell dinner for Juli, my ex-coursemate on the 16th. She’s leaving for Jakarta for good, on the pretext of a new job but the truth is, she’s getting married to her bf who has gone back to Jakarta for family business. We were supposed to go Chijmes but Chingay makes it difficult for those who drive, so we ended up at White Dog Café @ Vivo City. It was nice catching up with the rest. I bought an Elmo soft toy for Juli as farewell gift coz she loved the one that I got for my birthday. Goodbye Juli, I miss you already!

The bf and I found a BANDAI EVA 00 Prototype model kit at Takashimaya on the 22nd whilst shopping for new swimwear. He promptly bought it for me without thinking. Love it but feel helpless as to how to start assembling it. (It’s intense for a model kit goondu like me, ok? *arghhh*) Anyway, we are starting swimming lessons in March and very excited about it.

My boss, Deanna organised a gathering for potluck dinner at her new condo on the 23rd. It was supposed to be a CNY celebration but as everyone can only make it after CNY, we had to forget about ‘lao yusheng’. We ordered nasi lemak from the famous stall at Adam Road and I had 2 helpings!!! Love the sambal. It was the gathering of babies that night too. The mothers – Deanna, Ning, Lina and Eileen brought their babies along.

On the 25th, the bf bought us new pillows from Robinsons’. Now I don’t get a kink after a night’s sleep anymore. *bliss* He also fetched me out for lunch at Army Market, which is something rare coz he usually doesn't leave house till late evening on his off days.

Watched ‘Dim Sum Dollies: The History Of Singapore’ with Yatie and Helen on the 26th. Had a great time, we laughed and laughed until we were out of breath. But have to take it with a pinch of salt, especially when they are taking a dig at Malaysians.

I am 46.1 kg as of the 27th! (*tssk* But my fat percentage is still the same…)

The bf and I went to the Limited Edition x New Balance sneakers launch at Limited Edition Vault @ Heeren on the 29th. The sneakers came in a metal box with combination lock. Cool! There were food and free flow of beer too.

Food
Sakae Teppanyaki @ Cineleisure Orchard
White Dog Café @ Vivo City
Crystal Jade @ Ngee Ann City

Movies
American Gangster****
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street****
Kung Fu Dunk*
CJ7**
Jumper**
Feast For Love**
Kite Runner*****
L: Change The World**
No Country For Old Men****
There Will Be Blood****

That’s about it. This ended up a super-long post instead of a short summary as it was initially intended. *opps*

Phantom of the Opera once more

2008-03-05T00:58:00.000+08:00

Found some gems on YouTube today:

Phantom of the Opera
- Sarah Brightman & Michael Crawford, live at the 1988 Tony Awards

Phantom of the Opera
- Sarah Brightman & Antonio Banderas, a decent attempt by Antonio Banderas

Phantom of the Opera
- Sarah Brightman & Steve Harley, very old school version with silly costumes and Steve Harley totally butchered the Phantom's part

Phantom of the Opera/Music of the Night
- Phantom with a beard *erm*

All I Ask of You
- Emmy Rossum & Patrick Wilson, Patrick Wilson sang much better here than in the movie

Phantom of the Opera
- in Mandarin, gives me the chill

Music of the Night
- Will Ferrell on Late Night with David Letterman

We're back!

2008-01-26T19:36:00.000+08:00

2008 is going to be a smashing year

2008-01-17T00:19:00.000+08:00

It is only the 3rd week of 2008, but already, I'm trying desperately to find time and kakis (coz the bf and even my parasite cousin don't like to watch chem movies *chuckles*) to watch all the good movies showing in theatres this month.

~~Darjeeling Limited~~
My Blueberry Nights
The Valley Of Elah
~~Michael Clayton~~
~~Eastern Promises~~ (I saw Viggo Mortensen's bits!)
Atonement
American Gangster
3:10 To Yuma
Cloverfield
Love In The Time Of Cholera
The Assassionation Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
The Mist
The Savages

And those are only what's being shown now. According to Yahoo! Movies Singapore, we can expect these movies at the end of Jan too.

The Diving Bell And The Butterfly Effect (French)
Shattered
The Kite Runner (Die-die must watch! Love the book.)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (My fav actor, Johnny Depp singing! *swoon*)
Gone Baby Gone

I feel out of breath already...

Birthday celebration for the Jan babies

2008-01-16T23:00:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday to us!!!

Happy Belated Birthday, Eileen!

Happy Birthday, Lina on 17 Jan!

Happy Birthday, Mr Or on 17 Jan!

And Happy Birthday to me!

2 more days...

2008-01-16T00:48:00.000+08:00

I'm moving, I'm coming
Can you hear what I hear
It's calling you my dear, out of reach
(Take me to my beach)
I can hear it calling you
I'm coming, not drowning
Swimming closer to you

It's been awhile, aye?!

2008-01-10T00:10:00.000+08:00

My heart breaks every time someone that I treated as a friend, betrayed or did something nasty to me. Or simply, doesn’t treat me as much a friend as I treated him/her.

No matter how many times I suffered from it, no matter how many times I told myself to be careful next time, I would continue to embrace and open my heart every time someone I feel worthy comes along.

So every time I get heartbroken, over and over and over again, a vicious cycle that never ends.

Should I be dispirited? Should I be cold? Should I be heartless? Life would be so meaningless… Humans are always dealt these challenges. How do we choose which side to be on? Where do we find the balance?

Lately I’ve been feeling my age catching up. It’s probably due to my impending 30th birthday or probably my inner biological clock is ticking way too furiously away… I would never know, would I?

But I could really feel the difference nowadays. Lower metabolism, lower resistance to diseases, lower brain cells count but higher aging and higher retention of fats. LOL

And the fact that I’m ranting away now even though I have no agenda or whatsoever, says something too, isn’t it? I’m starting to get demented…

Time to learn something new!

Happy New Year 2008 everybody \(-_-)/

The Pillowman

2008-01-08T00:30:00.000+08:00

“THE PILLOWMAN
Presented by SRT Mainstage
9 - 25 Nov 2007
DBS Arts Centre - Home of SRT

Olivier Award for 'Best New Play' (2004)
Tony Award nominee for 'Best Play' (2005)
"a spellbinding stunner of a play... which dazzles with a brightness now largely absent from Broadway."
New York Times

First staged in London and New York three years ago, this critically acclaimed play makes an exciting debut in Singapore under the direction of Tracie Pang ('Best Director' nominee - Life! Theatre Awards 2007) and stars a compelling cast of actors - Adrian Pang ('‘Best Actor' - Life! Theatre Awards 2007), Daniel Jenkins ('Best Supporting Actor' - Life! Theatre Awards 2007), Michael Corbidge ('Best Actor' nominee - Life! Theatre Awards 2007) and Shane Mardjuki ('Best Ensemble' nominee - Life! Theatre Awards 2007).

The Pillowman, written by celebrated Irish dramatist Martin McDonagh, marries comedy and psychological drama. Set in an unnamed totalitarian state, Katurian - a fiction writer of gruesome fairy tales – has been dragged in by the police for interrogation about crimes committed in his community. They bear an uncanny resemblance to his books. As the police inspectors perform their good cop/bad cop routines to get to the bottom of the case, the audience will be led into the darkly funny and brutal world of the writer's, and perhaps even their own imaginations.”

- SRT

Yatie and I went to watch The Pillowman at the Singapore Repertory Theatre on 16 Nov 07. I was recommended the play by another colleague, Mun Loon. When I told Yatie about it on Wed, 7 Nov, we tried to get the tickets online but were disappointed by the seats we were allocated. As the next day was the Deepavali holiday, Yatie and I agreed to wait till Friday when we are able to go to Sistic together to pick better seats.

We were lucky we waited because on Friday, we received an email from our company offering The Pillowman tickets at special price and with pre-show cocktail and post-show ‘Meet the Cast’ session included. You see, our company organises movies and outings for its members and when there are unsold tickets, we, the staffs get to purchase the tickets at very good price and package. ;-) Yes, I am lucky that way.

‘The Pillowman’ is a dark, twisted little story with little stories within its story that really leaves an impression on me even till now.

After watching the play, I have newfound respect for Adrian Pang who played Inspector Tupolski. He exuded such confidence and ease onstage, very unlike the Adrian Pang I knew from TV (especially Johnny from Maggi & Me). For Shane Mardjuki, I felt that he overdid it a little. As for the two actors playing the Katurian brothers, I have only praises and good words for them.

I especially love the music in the play, produced and played by Darren Ng, who recently released an album, ‘HI.A.TUS’ under the moniker of SonicBrat. He is a very talented man in my opinion and I really admire his talent.

The Pillowman theme song:

Here are some of Darren’s websites:
Multiply
Freewebs
Blogger
Twango

Tweety's

2008-01-02T11:32:00.000+08:00

My coll, Lina is busy picking out a birthday cake for her son's 1st birthday. We were looking thru Bengawan Solo's Disney and Looney Tunes cakes brochure and I pointed out a cake with Tweety on it. Her first reaction was, 'Tweety is a gal'. I argued that Tweety is a boy and did a search on Wikipedia.

"Despite the widespread speculation that he was female, Tweety is and has always been a male character, something that he often has confirmed in The Sylvester and Tweety Mysteries."

- Wikipedia

There you have it. Tweety is a boy!!! Hahaha...

Btw, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008!

Hope your NYE's countdown was fun.

May the new year brings you joy, luck, health and wealth!

Home pc is 'dead', thus no updates for a while. Sorry... =p

Pics from mini getaway @ Copthorne King's Hotel

2007-12-31T00:09:00.000+08:00

Mini getaway at Copthorne King's Hotel

It's my very belated birthday present from Trace!!! It was brief, but fun and we promised each other to make this a yearly ritual. ;-)

Linkin Park Live in Singapore - TOMORROW!

2007-11-12T21:04:00.000+08:00

Here's the final list of us going together.

Since everyone has different timing and we are not sure how's the crowd and queue will be like this time, try to go as early as possible.

01. Elyse (+2) - 3 or 4pm
02. Jaz - follow Elyse
03. Daphne (+2) - 3 or 4pm
04. Ting Ting (+2) - 3 or 4 pm
05. Alan Voon - follow Elyse
06. Grey - follow Elyse
07. Chi Anh
08. Julian (+1) - 3 or 4pm
09. Farhan - after 5pm
10. Hendry (+1) - 3 or 4pm
11. Mona - follow Elyse
12. Syafiq
13. Ziqing
14. Melissa - late
15. Yiling - late
16. Wilkie
17. Saha - early morning!

Total 25 peeps as of now.

Since most of us are going in the afternoon time, we should be able to queue together.

Those who are going later, give me or any of those going early a buzz when you get there.

SEE YOU!!!
And wear your LPU t-shirt, people!

My EVAs called to me...

2007-11-11T00:56:00.001+08:00

Saturday morning - There I was, sleeping away a massive hangover when out of a sudden, I heard pounding on the doors and jumped up from my groggy dream. On instinct, I ran out of my bedroom and raced to the front door. When I opened the door, there he was, the man in red polo tee, holding a big box.

I was exhilarated. My Evangelions are finally here. All the way from the United States. They are as promised, in mint condition and not missing any single pieces. All 6 Revoltech EVAs still unopened in their respective boxes, the Platinum edition of the TV series in Code 1 DVDs and the additional movie DVDs of the alternate ending.

I am in pure heaven. Please be patience while I hide away from the real world and enjoy my favourite anime once again.

I also joined a gym... with my 2 best friends

2007-11-07T23:20:00.000+08:00

I gained 7 kg this year.
I need to lose 3.9 kg of fat.
*sigh*

Linkin Park, here I come!

2007-11-07T22:59:00.001+08:00

We have a new mattress... finally!

2007-10-19T22:52:00.000+08:00

The bf finally got down to buying a new mattress to replace the old one.
We were literally sleeping on metal coils for the longest time.
The new mattress is such a great relief!!!
My back is aching less now.

HAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
I love our new mattress.
Thank you, new mattress.

Sandie & my object of affection

2007-09-26T23:41:00.000+08:00

Matthew Gray Gubler from 'Criminal Minds'
Isn't he just so cute?

Pics from Thomas & May's ROM

2007-09-24T19:38:00.000+08:00

Since I've not posted for a month now, here are some pics from May's ROM in July.

The happy couple with the happy friend

Click on the pic to see enlarged image

Sonnet 56

2007-08-23T00:47:00.000+08:00

Sweet love, renew thy force; be it not said
Thy edge should blunter be than appetite,
Which but to-day by feeding is allayed,
To-morrow sharpened in his former might:
So, love, be thou, although to-day thou fill
Thy hungry eyes, even till they wink with fulness,
To-morrow see again, and do not kill
The spirit of love, with a perpetual dulness.
Let this sad interim like the ocean be
Which parts the shore, where two contracted new
Come daily to the banks, that when they see
Return of love, more blest may be the view;
As call it winter, which being full of care,
Makes summer's welcome, thrice more wished, more rare.

Commentary from Shakespeare's Sonnets:
"Perhaps the poet now takes stock and finds that as the weeks elapse the intensity of his love wanes. He meditates that it is not so with hunger, which renews itself with each passing day. 'Why cannot love be the same', he reasons. He urges himself, and the beloved friend also, to keep alive the spirit of love. Let them consider this time of separation as an interlude which divides lovers on different shores, making their reunion even more joyful. Or let it be as the starving winter which is alleviated at last by summer's return, a return which is all the more desired and precious because of the hardships of winter which have been endured."

Typhoon lashes Hong Kong

2007-08-11T18:51:00.000+08:00

HONG KONG : A typhoon lashed Hong Kong Friday forcing the closure of the stock market and leaving the streets deserted, as the Pabuk storm changed direction and headed back towards the city.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued a level eight storm signal at 2:30 pm (0630 GMT), advising members of the public to return home immediately and closed all of the city's schools.

The rest of the news here.

Please let the weather be nice and cool when I go in 2 weeks' time! Please, please, please?!!!

Just saw the news. The situation seems quite bad, thousands trapped at Central MTR station trying to get a ride home safely and people dashing across the road trying to squeeze into buses... *gosh*

Malaysian student in trouble for YouTube rap

2007-08-09T14:27:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian authorities are investigating the YouTube video of a student rapping to the national anthem using allegedly seditious lyrics, the Straits Times reported on Wednesday citing officials.

Nearly half a million people have already watched the six-minute video by Namewee, a 24-year-old Malaysian student at Taiwan's Ming Chuan University, a log on the popular video sharing site showed.

In the intro to the video, which shows a Malaysian flag in the background, Namewee dedicates the song to "all Malaysians, specially the government".

Read the rest of the news here.

In response, he has put up this new video 'Help Name Wee - The Song of Getting Caught' (literally translated).

Name Wee first became famous from his Muar Chinese rap and then Kawanku. They are quite funny actually, if we all just have a little bit more humour and the ability to laugh at ourselves.

Muar Chinese

Kawanku

Duck Race 2007

2007-08-06T00:30:00.000+08:00

The SCS Great Singapore Duck Race is back with a very important mission to raise funds for charity and bring on some wholesome family fun for the community.

Organized by Festival Square Circle, the SCS Great Singapore Duck Race 2007 will be the 7th time that the Duck Race is being held at the Singapore River. Powered by the tidal flow of the river, this event might be the swan song for the Duck Race before the Singapore River becomes a reservoir.

Read the rest of the press release HERE.

For full list of Adoption Centers, please click HERE.

p/s. The actual race will be held on 9 September 2007, 12.30pm at Singapore River.

Pics from my 29th birthday bash

2007-08-02T00:49:00.000+08:00

Yayaya, it took me ages but all the pics are finally up at Shutterfly @ elyseang.shutterfly.com plus a video at YouTube.

*** *** ***

Special thanks to the 3 unofficial photographers that day, Chris, Jaz & Elaine who painstakingly took so many pics. Love you, peeps!

Thanks to Trace & Chris for decorating the chalet on the sly so as to give me a big surprise.

Thanks to May, Thomas & Lee Lee for paying for the chalet rental as my birthday present.

Thanks to Sista for being my drebar and coolie that day.

Thanks to Jaz & family for preparing all the BBQ food plus Trace, Chris & Jiejie for paying for them.

Thanks to Jaz & Yusri for being my consultant & drebar to get all the miscellanous items from Carrefour days before.

Thanks to Yas, SC & Serene for the divinely sinful chocolate birthday cake.

Thanks to Syafiq for putting up magic show to entertain the guests.

Thanks to Elaine for travelling all the way to Tampines to pickup the Fig & Olive's canapes.

Thanks to the bf for buzzing around helping this & that.

Thanks to Trace for doing most of the cleaning & packing up the next day.

Thanks to everyone who has selflessly helped to make the party a big success!

Last but not least, thanks to everyone who came and make the party a blast! And giving me such nice presents too.

p/s. Also thanks to those of you who threw the water balloons and the whole styrofoam boxful of water at me!
*** *** ***
Now, time to plan my 30th birthday bash!!! *LMAO*

Joking la...

I'm planning a quiet getaway for my 30th birthday. I'll probably need a long vacation or something coz it's a huge thing, turning 30... I'm beginning to get cold feet already. *hiak hiak hiak*

Related post: I had the most wonderful birthday party!

Heroes in Singapore

2007-08-01T00:35:00.000+08:00

Click on the pic to read more.

Prayer Before Birth (Louis MacNeice -1944)

2007-07-31T21:23:00.000+08:00

I am not yet born; O hear me.
Let not the bloodsucking bat or the rat or the stoat or the
club-footed ghoul come near me.

I am not yet born, console me.
I fear that the human race may with tall walls wall me,
with strong drugs dope me, with wise lies lure me,
on black racks rack me, in blood-baths roll me.

I am not yet born; provide me
With water to dandle me, grass to grow for me, trees to talk
to me, sky to sing to me, birds and a white light
in the back of my mind to guide me.

I am not yet born; forgive me
For the sins that in me the world shall commit, my words
when they speak me, my thoughts when they think me,
my treason engendered by traitors beyond me,
my life when they murder by means of my
hands, my death when they live me.

I am not yet born; rehearse me
In the parts I must play and the cues I must take when
old men lecture me, bureaucrats hector me, mountains
frown at me, lovers laugh at me, the white
waves call me to folly and the desert calls
me to doom and the beggar refuses
my gift and my children curse me.

I am not yet born; O hear me,
Let not the man who is beast or who thinks he is God
come near me.

I am not yet born; O fill me
With strength against those who would freeze my
humanity, would dragoon me into a lethal automaton,
would make me a cog in a machine, a thing with
one face, a thing, and against all those
who would dissipate my entirety, would
blow me like thistledown hither and
thither or hither and thither
like water held in the
hands would spill me.

Let them not make me a stone and let them not spill me.
Otherwise kill me.

Movies in August

2007-07-31T08:40:00.000+08:00

New movies opening in August. (Information taken from Yahoo! Movies Singapore.) Not much to look forward to, except for The Bourne Ultimatum.

Opening 02 August
Disturbia
The Dead Girl - I want to watch this!
Perfect Stranger - Very bad review from 8 Days, so I'm torned.
Skinwalkers
Diva
Cashback - I want to watch this!
Becoming Royston
Underdog - I want to watch this!
Flash Point
Delta Farce

Opening 06 August
Ghost

Opening 08 August
The Secret - Maybe and maybe not

Opening 09 August
Rush Hour 3 - The bf would want to watch this movie.
881
Hostel: Part II - Very lame movie. Trust me, I've watched it on DVD.
The Piano Tuner Of Earthquakes
Me Myself

Opening 16 August
The Bourne Ultimatum - MUST WATCH!
License To Wed
Brave Story - I want to watch this!
Sumolah
Poltergay
Blood Brothers

Opening 23 August
Hot Rod
Hairspray - Interesting...

Opening 30August
The Last Legion
Ratatouille - I want to watch this!
One Missed Call
The Abandoned
1408
Savage Grace

Movie junkie's ranting

2007-07-30T20:00:00.000+08:00

At this time last year, I've watched 32 movies (out of which, 3 were won thru some contests or another) at the cinemas.

So I'm proud to announce that, as of this time this year, i.e. now, I've watched 37 movies (including of watching Transformers twice) at the cinemas.

That's an average of 1.2333 movies each week compared to the 1.0667 last year. And that's a 15.6 percent increase from last year's figure.

*These numbers do not include the movies I've watched on DVD.

And compared to last year, there were more good movies this year. The down side is, I haven't watched any 'prize' movies this year. The bf did win tix to Confession of Pain and I won tix to Number 23 but they are those that fall into the 'No Free Lists' category, so we couldn't bother to put them to use.

Anyway, why am I babbling about all these suddenly? I don't know for sure either... I'm in one of my random state of mind again. Before I started to sound delirious, here's my list of movies I've watched so far this year (also repeated at my sidebar). And the movies I've managed to rate at Flixster.

January
Confession of Pain***
One Last Dance***
Apocalypto****
Fur***
Babel***

February
The Illusionist****
Miss Potter****
Ghost Rider***
The Protégé**

March
Hannibal Rising***
Primeval*
300****
Letters From Iwo Jima**
Breaking & Entering****
Music & Lyrics**
Pathfinder**
Shooter***

April
The Reaping**
Sunshine***
Smoking Aces**
Fracture****
Breach***

May
Hills Have Eyes 2*
Spiderman 3****
Bridge to Terabithia*
Next**
Pirates of the Caribbean 3****

June
Shrek 3**
Ocean’s 13*****
Zodiac***
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time***
Fantastic 4: The Rise of the Silver Surfer****
Transformers*****

July
Die Hard 4.0**
Transformers***** (Yes, I watched it twice!)
Harry Potter : The Order of the Phoenix****
The Simpsons Movie****

Spider pig

2007-07-23T19:45:00.000+08:00

We saw 'The Simpsons Movie' trailer a few weeks ago and the bf has been singing "Spider pig, spider pig..." ever since. When I received The Simpsons Movie newsletter last Tuesday, I went to its online shop and found this.

Homer & The Piggy Action Figure Set

I bought it on a whim and sent it to the bf's work address. The website says international delivery takes 4 - 6 weeks so what a surprise I got when I received the email for the FedEx tracking and found out that the package has left US on Saturday and is expected to reach Singapore today.

True enough, it reached the bf this afternoon and gave him a nice surprise. *heehee* He called me immediately and told me he was dumbfounded when he received the package. *hiak hiak* Anyway, I'm glad it reached today since the bf has been feeling down the past 2 days. Hope this will be a nice cheer-me-up for him.

Belated congratulations to Yas and SC!

2007-07-23T14:22:00.000+08:00

From left: David, Lina & baby Matthew - the Setiawan's family; Yas & SC - the Chan's family; Elyse & Steven - the yet-to-be Peh's family *LMAO*

Presenting... Melody So!

2007-07-22T22:45:00.000+08:00

She's such an angel... So cute, so pretty! *going gaagaa* Her dad is my ex-coursemate from NUS, Kenneth.

Memorable quotes from The Holiday

2007-07-20T00:55:00.000+08:00

Arthur Abbott: Say a man and a woman both need something to sleep in and both go to the same men's pajama department. The man says to the salesman, "I just need bottoms." and the woman says, "I just need a top.". They look at each other and that's the 'meet cute'.

*** *** *** ***

Arthur Abbott: Iris, in the movies, we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason, you're behaving like the best friend.

*** *** *** ***

Iris: "Because you're hoping you're wrong. And every time she does something that tells you she's no good, you ignore it. And every time she comes through and suprises you, she wins you over, and you lose that argument with yourself, that she's not for you."
Miles: "Exactly, and on top of that there's the old standby, I can't believe a girl like that would actually be with a guy like me."

*** *** *** ***

Iris: "I understand feeling as small and as insignificant as humanly possible. And how it can actually ache in places you didn't know you had inside you. And it doesn't matter how many new haircuts you get, or gyms you join, or how many glasses of chardonnay you drink with your girlfriends... you still go to bed every night going over every detail and wonder what you did wrong or how you could have misunderstood. And how in the hell for that brief moment you could think that you were that happy. And sometimes you can even convince yourself that he'll see the light and show up at your door. And after all that, however long all that may be, you'll go somewhere new. And you'll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again. And little pieces of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, those years of your life that you wasted, that will eventually begin to fade."

*** *** *** ***

Iris: "Shush. You broke my heart. And you acted like somehow it was my fault, my misunderstanding, and I was too in love with you to ever be mad at you, so I just punished myself! For years! But you waltzing in here on my lovely Christmas holiday, and telling me that you don't want to lose me whilst you're about to get MARRIED, somehow newly entitles me to say, it's over. This - This twisted, toxic THING between us, is finally finished! I'm miraculously done being in love with you! Ha! I've got a life to start living."

Is it time for a change?

2007-07-20T00:32:00.000+08:00

Ian McKellen Takes Activism, with Theatre, to Singapore
"I have been looking for a gay bar (in Singapore) if there is such a thing... so that's what I have been looking for." Click HERE to watch the interview on Channel NewsAsia.

Repressed Singapore Tells Ian McKellen: Don't Get Naked
"I got a rather fetching pair of underpants ... they say on the back, 'Hello Singapore."

Which Neon Genesis Evangelion character are you?

2007-07-19T19:21:00.000+08:00

Which Neon Genesis Evangelion character are you?

Thomas & May's ROM

2007-07-06T00:24:00.000+08:00

This coming Sunday is Thomas & May's big day. So exciting! And I can't wait...

Look what I've bought for the bride, wrist corsages for her jie meis. A matching ring pillow is on the way too, going to collect on Saturday's morning. I also found her a cheap freelance MUA (stands for 'makeup artist') and decorator. Maybe I should consider wedding planner as my next career move! *LMAO*

I love you, May!!! *sob sob sob* I think I'm gonna cry at her wedding... It's almost like marrying off my own daughter!

Why wedding bands are worn on the fourth finger?

2007-07-06T00:08:00.000+08:00

Why should the wedding ring be worn on the fourth finger? There is a beautiful and convincing explanation given by the Chinese. It is said that:

Thumb represents your Parents;
Second (Index) finger represents your Siblings;
Middle finger represents Yourself;
Fourth (Ring) finger represents your Life Partner;
Last (Little) finger represents your Children.

Firstly, open your palms (face to face), bend the middle fingers and hold them together - back to back. Then, hold your remaining three fingers and the thumb - tip to tip too. Refer to pic below.

Now, try to open your thumbs (representing parents). They will open, because your parents are not destined to be with you forever and will leave you sooner or later.

Then, close up your thumbs and try to open your second fingers (representing siblings). They will also open, because your brothers and sisters will have their own families and will soon lead their own separate lives.

Now close up your second fingers and try to open your little fingers (representing children). They will open too, because your children will get married one day and settle down on their own.
Finally, close up your little fingers and try to open up your fourth fingers (representing your spouse). Can they be opened?

You will be surprised to find that you will not be able to do that. It is explained that husband and wife are meant to stick together - through thick and thin - for the rest of their life.

*awww* How romantic, right?

Busy August days

2007-06-12T01:05:00.000+08:00

August is going to be a busy month for me. OMG! But they're all exciting stuffs.

1st weekend, 3 - 5th
Baybeats 2007
My fav annual free music festival in Singapore! The only one actually...

2nd weekend, 11 - 12th
Batu Pahat
Monthly home visits, unless something else doesn't crop up

3rd weekend, 19th
The King & I
Yatie and I bought our tickets way back in April. Yes, we are kiasu! But I get 15% with my visa platinum and I get to pre-order, so why not?!!! We got row J, 10th row from the stage. It pays to be a kiasu, you know?

4th weekend, 25 - 27th
Company trip to Hong Kong
Twice in a year. LOL. It's a free trip this time, and I got some HK$1k+ leftover from last month's trip, so I guess there's no reason why I shouldn't go right? Right? Right? Right? LMAO

***

I'm so tired lately. There seems to be not enough time everyday! Work, freelance work and social activities are swallowing me alive... Truth is, I think working and freelancing are the ones at fault. My social life has become almost dead until last week and this week. Friends have been complaining about my long silence. And my aqua aerobics class has ended and I haven't sign up for any new classes. ;-(

Anyway, last week Chee Sum & Luan Siang came over from KL for the Great Singapore Sale. It was so great to see them again. And baby Hayley has become so adorable (they didn't bring her, only lots of her photos). We spent 3 days shopping around. It was tiring but fun. I miss them already.

Then on Sunday, I went to Elaine's birthday party at Sentosa. As usual, there were food and lotsa booze with this 'gang'. Elaine was made to drink Flaming Lamborghini and Waterfall, apart from all sorts of shots. The bf arranged off day so that he could go with me. In fact, the bf has been taking off days during weekends to accompany me. ;-D

This week I've gotta go rekki bride-to-be, May's new home and do some planning for her ROM's decorations, celebrate Jiejie and Sista's belated birthday with the gang and also go home for Father's Day (the bf is going back with me too *wheeeee*).

Get me some Redbull, anyone?

Best Letter of the Week

2007-06-11T20:52:00.000+08:00

I won 8 Days' Best Letter of the Week!!!

It's as if I'm dreaming. I got the mag on my way home as usual and somehow it occurs to me to flip to the 'Mail' section. And there it was, my letter signed using my pseudonym. LMFAO! I got myself a Marc Ecko bracelet watch, ok? Don't play play hor!

Phantom of the Opera again

2007-06-11T20:32:00.000+08:00

Let me indulge once more... The sounds and sights are still fresh on my mind even now. One day I'll watch it at Her Majesty's Theatre in London (I swear!) but for now, I'll just make do and relish the songs from the London cast CD.

The Music of the Night

Nighttime sharpens
heightens each sensation.
Darkness stirs and
wakes imagination.
Silently the senses
abandon their defences.

Slowly, gently,
night unfurls its splendour.
Grasp it, sense it,
tremulous and tender.
Turn your face away
from the garish light of day
turn your thoughts away
from cold, unfeeling light
and listen to
the music of the night.

Close your eyes
and surrender to your
darkest dreams.
Purge your thoughts
of the life
you knew before.
Close your eyes
let your spirit
start to soar.
And you'll live
as you've never
lived before.

Softly, deftly,
music shall surround you.
Feel it, hear it,
closing in around you.
Open up your mind
let your fantasies unwind
in this darkness which
you know you cannot fight -
the darkness of
the music of the night.

Let your mind
start a journey through a
strange new world.
Leave all thoughts
of the world
you knew before.
Let your soul
take you where you
long to be.
Only then
can you belong
to me.

Floating, falling,
sweet intoxication.
Touch me, trust me,
savour each sensation.
Let the dream begin
let your darker side give in
to the power of the music that I write -
the power of the music of the night.

You alone can make my song take flight -
help me make the music of the night.

A beautiful Saturday

2007-06-06T01:36:00.000+08:00

Sometime last week, I asked the bf to make an effort to make me happy. He was baffled. So I asked him to start with cleaning the fan for me.

Last Saturday, he did that but he didn’t make me happy…
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
He made me laugh hilariously instead coz he did more than just clean the fan, he broke it while trying to screw the blades back on.

So we ended up scouring 3 Best Denki stores for the perfect new fan. I guess we’re fan-unlucky or just downright picky coz in the end, we couldn’t find anything we like and ended up (at closing time) with a very plain and basic fan that doesn’t give out much ‘wind’.

We love the Best Denki at Vivo City, but there are so many ‘Temporary Out Of Stock’ signs around. Generally, the staff there are nicer and friendlier. We hated the Best Denki at Takashimaya – the staffs tend to be snotty. We don’t enjoy shopping at the Best Denki at Great World City either – the staffs tend to be rude (with a few exceptions, coz I encountered some nice ones there).

*****
Saturday was also Sandie (ex-coll) and Ancilla’s (coll) ‘big’ day. They had a bellydancing performance at Plaza Singapura!!! The bf and I went to watch them and be their unofficial photographer. (I don’t think I can post the pics here, lest I became another headline news, “Female blogger murdered for posting her colls' explicit pics!”.) LMFAO

Anyway, I can only watch them in awe as they shimmied, twisted and turned on stage. I went to a trial class before and my body is stiff like a robot’s. Don’t think I have the talent for bellydancing… ;-(

Bravo to Sandie and Ancilla for being so brave and such a good sport!

*****
Saturday was also the day where the bf and I get to spend some quality time together. It’s been a while. We’ve been going the motion of our individual’s life and it gets awfully routine sometimes. But last Saturday, I can really ‘feel’ him around, body and soul. *chuckle*

It was a day of adventures! We walked, starting from Forum SC to Pacific Plaza to Isetan Scotts (where we had lunch @ Pepper Lunch^) to Plaza Singapura (where we watched bellydancing and went to our 1st Best Denki of the day) to Raffles City. Then we took a bus to Great World City (to our 2nd Best Denki and my favourite McCafe’s Hot Chocolate). Finally, we took a cab *phew* to Vivo City (to our last Best Denki of the day and a new fan). When we got home, we were both sticky… and probably smelly! LOL

The night ended with no movie coz the tickets for Zodiac was soldout, which was quite a disappointment. Wanted to kick myself for not dropping at Cineleisure to get it in the afternoon. So we watched The Last King of Scotland on DVD instead and the night ended with us sharing a glass of Choya, my favourite alcoholic drink.

^The bf has been hearing that name a lot lately, me being obsessed with it after a new stall opened at Funan FC. So when he finally got to eat it last Saturday, his first comment was “Now I know what Pepper Lunch is the next time you mention it again.”!

*****
Lastly, it's been 3 weeks since we came back from Hong Kong but I still haven't finished uploading the pics nor did any writeups. Everytime friends asked me how was it, I could only say 'ok'. LMAO! I will persevere to complete my little 'task' this weekend.

Hong Kong! Hong Kong! Hong Kong!

2007-05-17T00:57:00.000+08:00

The Phantom of the Opera is here... inside my mind!

2007-04-13T02:46:00.000+08:00

In sleep he sang to me,
In dreams he came . . .
That voice which calls to me
And speaks my name . . .
And do I dream again?
For now I find
The Phantom of the Opera is there -
Inside my mind . . .

Link

End of the summer holiday

2007-04-07T21:49:00.000+08:00

For the past 2 years, life has been like going thru one wild ride after another. Sometimes good, sometimes bad but all rewarding.

I had a change of job, change of environment, change of boyfriend, change of lifestyle, change of perceptions, change of personalities... almost a change of everything.

Looking back, it was as if I have not lived before until 2 years ago! I've finally known what my life has been missing and all the things that could be (and might be). I could live a better, happier life without the shadows and confines from the past.

Slowly I've gained confidence that I never thought I had. And it is all thanks to my supportive family, friends and loved ones. Now I've settled into a lifestyle that I'm comfortable with and I'm contented with what I have so far.

Maybe some of you, my friends, may feel that I'm distancing myself because I don't go clubbing as much now (like I did when I first started 2 years ago), but rest assured that it is not so. It is just that, clubbing has never been 'in my blood' like it is for you all. It is just something that I do during the time when I was still searching for myself and also something that I do when I want to forget myself. It was nice, but I don't have the kind of stamina that you all possessed when it comes to clubbing.

But I don't mind clubbing once in a while, just don't expect me to do it weekly and don't be disappointed just because I wouldn't go everytime you asked. ;-)

Be happy for me... because for the first time in my life, I know what I want and I'm truly happy...

singing songs that make you slit your wrists

2007-04-02T02:48:00.000+08:00

To those of you who actually read my other blog,
Head down to elyselovesmusic.blogspot.com for the latest updates. Sorry for the lack of updates lately... ;-p

Lord (and Lady) of The Rings...

2007-03-22T01:22:00.000+08:00

We started with this. We bought it together as our couple's ring back in 2005. We were shopping in KL when he suggested getting a ring together. We 'trekked' in and out of all the nice boutiques at KLCC before we decided on this one. (That was the 1st time I went inside such boutiques.)

Tiffany 1837™ ring

Then on our 1st anniversary in 2006, he bought us this. As time goes by, we realised that it's too chunky for normal wear and scratches easily. In the end, he stopped wearing it as his finger tends to get blisters from it. But I'm still devoted.

Montblanc Profile Wish ring

And last night, he presented me with this. *tadaa* It's for me for this year's Valentine's day. He ordered it more than a month ago but only got it yesterday. *heehee* He resolved to fill my 10 fingers with rings! That was a joke he made not a long time ago. I think he's going to make good of that joke, and he's getting there! *lmao*

Tiffany Atlas® ring

Missing In Action,The Boyfriend's 28th Birthday& A Short Getaway to Angsana Bintan

2007-03-19T21:43:00.000+08:00

It's been a while... Work has been demanding, that even after work I just 'passed out' at home. Only once in a while do I get out. Sigh! Working adults have such pathetic life.

Last Thursday was the boyfriend, Gigi's 28th birthday (yes, he's 1 year younger than me). *drumrolls* I treated him to a 2D1N stay at Angsana Resort & Spa at Bintan, Indonesia. Booked through BRF Holidays, it was smooth and hassle-free. It was quite a last minute decision, since I've not been myself for the past few weeks. It was only the week before that I suddenly get the inspiration to treat both of us to a short getaway trip. I think we both needed that.

Anyway, it took me only a few days to decide on Bintan, browse on a few forums, look through a few tour agency's pricelist and finally, decided on which resort/hotel to choose. Ida from BRF was very helpful with advices and answering of my numerous queries. She even arranged for the hotel to prepare a birthday cake for the birthday boy.

And so we packed our bags (on the night before our departure which is rare as I'm the kind of person who pack way ahead) and embark on a relaxing and convenient getaway.

We arrived at Angsana to be greeted by our hostess, Dehvi. She led us to the cafe, got the waiter to serves us drinks before proceeding to do our check-in. After that, she showed us our room where a 'Happy Birthday' message was painstakingly lined up from leaves decorated with hibiscus on our bed and also a birthday cake were waiting for us. The birthday boy was so surprised (and later on, while we were on our way to the beach, a younger waiter wished him 'Happy Birthday') by the arrangements.

After Dehvi left, we unpacked, relaxed a bit before proceeding to the beach. We took some pictures, posing ourselves silly then head towards to 'play' in the salty water.

After the beach, we went to the resort's pool and before we knew it, it was already evening. So, we went back to our room to wash up before deciding on which restaurant to have our dinner.

In the end, we went to Tree Tops at Banyan Tree Resorts next door. We sat outside, dining in open air under tall trees and the starry sky while all the while, the sea breeze from South China Sea embraces us.

After a very full dinner, we went back to our room and celebrate with a bottle of his favourite red wine and the birthday cake provided by the resort. The night ended with us watching 'Hellboy' on cable TV.

Next day, we woke up to buffet breakfast where I nursed a headache (hangover due to finishing half a bottle of very 'potent' red wine all by myself after birthday boy fell asleep) while trying to enjoy the breakfast's spread.

After breakfast, we were invited to go on a tour around the resort (inclusive of Banyan Tree's golf course) which was actually a sales pitch for Laguna Club. Laguna Club has a very comprehensive holiday package which is really tempting but at S$13,600 as joining fee, it was too much for us to afford. At the end of the tour, we were given a complimentary 3D2N free stay at Angsana, Bintan or Allamanda, Phuket. I was very delighted and chose Angsana without much thinking. It would be nice to go back again.

Though pricey compared to the other resorts/hotels at Bintan Resorts, we didn't regret our choice as we really had an enjoyable and wonderful time (though short) there. The staffs are friendly, approachable and ever ready to help and the place was clean and has a nice view. I would definitely go back again and again...

Fear

2007-03-19T21:16:00.000+08:00

Fear etched since childhood will always be there, keeping you company through adulthood till you're 6 feet under... Mine? Fear of the paranormal, or more specifically, ghosts.

My elders believed in using fear to deter the children from doing certain things, to teach us the right ways. They believed in fear education. And so I grew up in this atmosphere, an atmosphere where ghosts and all things supernatural are constantly mentioned to make us children listen. One of my most vivid childhood's memories is of the nights I laid awake imagining the poster ladies on the wall are alive and watching me!

So, it's no surprise that even now that I'm all grown-up, I am still scared and disturbed by it. I see no ghost movies (except in certain rare occasions, under certain reasons), I hear no ghost stories and I speak no-thing related to ghosts. And it's no wonder too that after watching the original Japanese version of 'The Ring' (worst decision in my life), I couldn't sleep alone for a whole week (I was chased out of my housemates' room, if not, I would have continued sleeping in their room) and couldn't look at the empty TV screens or PC monitors without having fear that Sadako would crawl out of it anytime! Ah, the wonder of fears and how a rich imagination can help make it so real!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!

2007-02-16T09:33:00.000+08:00

Have a wonderful Chinese New Year, everyone!!!

May the year of Pig brings health, wealth, happiness and peace to you and family.

I had the most wonderful birthday party!

2007-02-08T00:52:00.000+08:00

Finally got all the photos from my birthday party. I will post the whole lot up asap, hopefully before CNY. *hiak hiak* Related post: Presents

Birthday gal with Trace & Chris

They decorated the chalet behind my back! But it was such a sweet surprise and even sweeter of them to sacrifice a few nights of sleep to do the photos collage, posters and such.

Birthday gal with the boyfriend
He took 3 days' leave to accompany me on my long birthday weekend.

Birthday gal with ex-coursemates from NUS

Front: Juli, Xin Huan
Back: Juli's bf, Dennis, Kenneth

Birthday gal with ex-colleagues

Lawyer-to-be Serene, Tai-tai-to-be Yasmine & Pastor-to-be SC

Birthday gal with ex-housemates

We clicked right away. (*tssk* That's Thomas, May's boyfriend.)

Birthday gal with fellow LPers

Mr SMU Farhan, aspiring writer Dappy , future Kendo expert Ting & Magician Syafiq! Thanks Syafiq for putting up a successful magic show for my party.

Birthday gal with Ray, Elaine & Jiejie

We're all somehow related in blood.

Birthday gal with Rick, Chris, Trace, Patrick, Jiejie & Elvin

Birthday gal with pretty gals & the odd guy in the middle (Brian)

Birthday gal with Jaz, Yuri & Henry
One is my darling Jaz, one is my darling's cousin & one is my hometown mate.

Birthday gal with 2 funny guys
In red tee is Chris' bf and in white tee is Jaz's bf. How can I not invite them?

It's here again...

2007-02-04T18:09:00.000+08:00

'Chun feng' (spring wind) is howling outside.
Chinese New Year is fast approaching...

I'll get over it in the end...

2007-02-01T01:43:00.000+08:00

I Think God Can Explain
- Splender

There's a lot of things I understand
And there's a lot of things that
I don't want to know
But you're the only face I recognise
It's so damn sweet of you
To look me in the eyes

It's alright, I'm O.K.
I think God can explain
I believe I'm the same
I get carried away
It's alright, I'm O.K.
I think God can explain
I'm relieved, I'm relaxed
I'll get over it yet

The scent of vasoline
In the summertime
The feel of an ice cube
Melting over time
The world seems bigger
Than both of us
Yet it seems so small
When I begin to cry

It's alright, I'm O.K.
I think God can explain
I believe I'm the same
I get carried away
It's alright, I'm O.K.
I think God can explain
I'm relieved, I'm relaxed
I'll get over in the end

Eye on Malaysia

2007-01-30T20:35:00.000+08:00

Click on the image above to view a larger image.
Courtesy of Alan Voon. (alanvoon.fotopages.com)

Ferris wheel... Ferris wheel... Ferris wheel...
I want to go, I want to go, who wants to bring me?

Read more about it here:
Official website
The Star Online
Giant Rides
Wikipedia

On another note, check out Five Years Pending Knife promotional video for their song 'Yesterday' on Youtube here.

Am I delusional?

2007-01-30T19:59:00.000+08:00

So there are no fairy tales, nor happily ever after, after all?

Was it just some poetic idealism? All of it my own wishful thinking?

Someone told me that relationship is just like career. The longer you are in it, the more you see of its ugly side and the more sick of it you get. When a new opportunity comes along, most people just jump at it. But if you have a contract, i.e. marriage, then you will work harder to resolve your unhappiness and try to make the most of it.

Is that really so? Will I do the same thing one fine day when I really can’t ‘tahan’ Gigi anymore? I know I did it once to someone almost a decade ago. It is something that I regretted up till this day. I see one of my girlfriends did it not long ago, and to no good results as well.

I never managed to get rid of the guilt. I guess I never forgive myself too. Maybe I’m just too rigid, too much self-righteousness, too much reproach towards myself…

At times like this, this song starts playing in my head. Am I getting old? Getting too melancholic for my own good? Oh wait! I AM getting old, almost reaching 30. *chuckle*

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Suddenly, I'm not half to man I used to be,
There's a shadow hanging over me.
Oh, yesterday came suddenly.

Why she had to go I don't know she wouldn't say.
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday.

Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play.
Now I need a place to hide away.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

So where do I go from here now?

p/s. 2007 seems like a self-reflecting year for me eh? I seem to be doing that a lot since the year starts. What the hell is going on? Maybe I just need to see a shrink. Maybe I need Prozac? One thing I've known all along though, I've always been eccentric no matter how hard I try to hide it behind my sunny front.

No more fairy tales?

2007-01-29T01:30:00.001+08:00

The weekend had been bad in a way… though I spent a very nice Sunday (today) alone with my book and really enjoyed the quiet time. Saturday was nice too, that is, until things went wrong.

If you all remembered, I believe in happily ever after and have been pursuing it for the longest time. But now, well, the fact shows that even the most solid relationship can wither in one night…

Of the three of us best friends, of our relationships, the 8-year old and most solid relationship has been shaken up not so long ago. It was salvaged after they had a break from each other. Though it isn’t exactly happily ever after yet, and though things are still shaky but at least they’ve found the root of their problem and are willing to work on it.

The 5-year old relationship was thought to be the stronger among the three afterwards. (After all, my own relationship is still a budding one-year old and slightly more. How to be compared to the others?) They have this understanding and rapport with each other that gives me hope and I feel heartened to hear them declare ‘We love each other too much to break this up’ (and that sort of declarations) all the time… Yes, there were issues but they were never enough to really dent the relationship. But now? Gosh! They are all gone after one night...

And I wept for its demise, literally. None of you really know how hard it hit me, right? None of you expected my fierce reactions. I was after all, a bystander. It was after all, not my business. But I care, because though it was not happening to me, it was happening to somebody I really cared about. And not only did it shake the very foundation of my belief (and hope for happily ever after); it shake the very foundation of our decade-old friendship, the image of the person we thought we knew and understood… Maybe things just happened too fast and we couldn’t comprehend it. Maybe time will heal it all. We will wait and see.

So for now, I wept for the frivolousness of it all. How can modern relationships be so fragile? Why can’t we have the same kind of loyalty and patience our ancestors based their marriages upon? Why must it always be ‘Me, me, me!’ nowadays? Why do we kept pursuing the material world and forgot the one thing that matters the most?

Last but not least, what should I believe from now on?

p/s. I just want to add this quickly. We will be behind you all the time despite the fact that we don't support your decision. Just take care of yourself and be careful.

I am not stupid!

2007-01-25T01:51:00.000+08:00

I am not dumb. I have an IQ test score of 152 (not official though). *hehe* But I’ve always suppressed myself, guess it’s my own fault people think I am just another goofball not to be taken seriously. An incident from childhood etched in my memory could be the cause. There was this once in early primary school when one of my aunts was teaching her daughter some new words from a textbook. Trying to prove myself worthy, not being showy or anything, I read out the words and was met by distaste and a declaration from the aunt that she’ll never teach me anything again…

I have always acted dumb since then. It gets me through everyday life smoother, easier. But I’m torn at times, who can blame me? I am an Aquarian after all. I have split personalities. One side is loud, vivacious and outgoing while the other is quiet, slightly autistic and even unfriendly. I am in constant conflict with myself…

And when I ‘ti ti ta tu’, as my best friends used to describe my speech incapability, it’s because I have at least 4 different things/issues running through my mind at the same time. My brain works faster than my mouth, that’s a fact. By the time I finished speaking a sentence, my brain would have gone through the whole story. *sigh*

Should I up my game now? Or should I continue to shuffle through life as I always did? I just hate the ‘judging the book by its cover’ perspective adopted by the general public. Please, do not ever judge a book by its cover. You never know what you get under the surface. I remember a supervisor once said during my job assessment a few years back. He said that he came to realise that I am actually a very clever person and I should start letting it show instead of acting all goofy etc. But I didn’t want to be caught in the constant politics in the office, and I rather go under the radar!

Maybe it’s really time I change my outlook of it all. Maybe I should make this my 2007 resolution, to up my game and to be taken seriously from now on. Beware people, here comes a new ME! Va va vroommmmm… *lmao* I know I would lose steam at the end of this post, so what the heck!

Why I am ‘saying’ all this now? Maybe it’s because I feel vexed at work. Enough said. And the ‘teh si’ I had just now is making me sleepless.

It’s past bedtime. Must make myself sleep.

So, good night and good luck, sweet dreamers…

Presents!!!

2007-01-23T01:52:00.000+08:00

My birthday presents!

Thank you everyone for 'giving face' and went to my birthday party. And thanks for all the nice presents. I'll upload the rest of the photos (after I get it from Chris, Jaz and Elaine) and post the write-up soon. I hope you all had a great time, I certainly did!

I heart iPod Video!

2007-01-11T01:57:00.000+08:00

Luv my new toy, new toy, new toy, the 80gb iPod Video! It's my X'Mas pressie from Gigi... *heehee* I am now busy playing with it every night.

On another note, I just want to complain that the iPod is not very user-friendly. Compared to Creative, it's more of a hassle to use the iPod. But for me in this case, I guess beauty comes first... so I chose it. Well, others have been using it without complains, so who am I to complain?

New year, new look!

2007-01-11T01:11:00.000+08:00

It doesn't look as nice as it looks in the pic now. Basically, I get both positive and negative responses to my new look. One called me 'Bukit Ho Swee auntie' and one said I look like a xiao long nu. Some said it's very nice while some said they just need time getting used to it. Me? I'm still trying to figure out my feelings towards this new hairdo. *chuckle*

Should I straighten it back? Or should I stick it out? Anyone?

Mr Or

2007-01-11T00:22:00.000+08:00

Sandie and I have to constantly remind ourselves that 'He's our boss!', due to our constant banter and digging at him... With a boss so nice and *cough*cute*cough*, how not to?

Wishlist hiak hiak

2007-01-05T19:57:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas

Happy New Year!!!

It's a bit late, but better late than never. It's been a while since I last updated. And I am ashamed that this post has to be my birthday wishlist... *lmao*

Sista, after more than 1 month, I've finally done up a list... sort of. I really don't know what I want, but these are some stuffs that I'm going to get for myself anyway. *grin*

For One More Day : A Novel - Mitch Albom
http://www.bordersstores.com/search/title_detail.jsp?id=55992479&srchTerms=mitch+albom&mediaType=1&srchType=Author

The Witching Hour (Lives of the Mayfair Witches Series) – Anne Rice
http://www.bordersstores.com/search/title_detail.jsp?id=2612204&srchTerms=anne+rice&mediaType=1&srchType=Author
*I want in paperback can? I don’t want hard cover copy, can?

Muse: Hullabaloo Live at Le Zenith, Paris DVD

My Chemical Romance : The Black Parade Limited Edition album
http://www.amazon.ca/Black-Parade-Ltd-Chemical-Romance/dp/B000I2J5UG/sr=1-3/qid=1167365725/ref=sr_1_3/702-3473534-6526401?ie=UTF8&s=music

The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy - Special Extended DVD Edition http://www.bordersstores.com/search/title_detail.jsp?id=54665887&srchTerms=lord+of+the+rings&mediaType=3&srchType=Keyword

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth/The End of Evangelion
http://www.bordersstores.com/search/title_detail.jsp?id=55073072&srchTerms=neon+genesis+&mediaType=3&srchType=Keyword

Neon Genesis Evangelion Perfect Collection
http://www.bordersstores.com/search/title_detail.jsp?id=53121077&srchTerms=neon+genesis+&mediaType=3&srchType=Keyword

Paul Smith Floral perfume or RALPH by Ralph Lauren EDT spray (Gave to me by my colleagues! *hehe*)

Watch

Actually, the thing that I wanted most is not something money can buy. It’s the unconditional love from all of you and I think I’ve already received that. So I am more than contented.

So I'm going to end this embarassing post and erm... HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND~

The Story of Slimderella

2006-12-21T19:58:00.000+08:00

150 Things You Have Done or Not Done

2006-12-15T11:56:00.000+08:00

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day…
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country…
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them…
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice…
80. Gotten a tattoo…
81. Rafted the Rio Grande River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a radio show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

And I hope I get to do No. 5, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 46, 54, 61, 79, 81, 101, 114 & 121 before I die... =)

Music Festivals in 2007

2006-12-07T00:32:00.000+08:00

Australia's Good Vibrations Festival will be on Singapore's shore this 19th February 2007 (2nd day of CNY).

Baybeats 2007's auditions are open for registration

Happy Birthday, Sandie!

2006-12-07T00:01:00.000+08:00

Thank you for all your help, and the support you've been giving me.

Without you, life in office would have been less fun for me!

Elvin attempted to show his gentle side...

2006-12-04T00:29:00.000+08:00

Taken on 18th Nov 2006 (Juice 8th Anniversary Party).
Accessories & pictures courtesy of Christie aka SiaoHua.