Two.:.Four.:.Six

Moving on to February

2012-02-11T12:21:00.000+08:00

this is my 567th post - just something random.
i've been sick the entire week - fever on Mon, sore throat on Tues, runny nose on Wed, super blocked nose on Thur, cough + blocked nose on Fri and today, I'm still unwell....
and guess what? I worked throughout the week. Am I hardworking or what?
i should be well when Mon comes :)
going for my overdue haircut later and can't quite decide what i want to do with those boring locks.
i'll end up looking the same anyway.
never thought i would be so happy saying this - Feb is finally a travel-free month!
the new place is coming together and i'm simply too excited.
just short of the few items and we are almost complete.
march, will you arrive sooner?

have a great weekend everyone!

I did it!

2012-01-28T10:21:00.000+08:00

I was told last month that I may get a promotion sooner than I thought and as much as I was really excited, I wasn't quite ready to celebrate. You know, nothing's quite for sure most of the time.

Our payday falls on the 27th of each month and everyone was waiting anxiously for not just the pay cheque but more of the bonus. Each year, we will receive a letter telling us how much our bonuses and increment are. So I knew the moment of truth would be here by 27th. And I waited quite patiently the past few days, at times wondering if I would really get my promotion now and other times, brushing off the idea so as to avoid major disappointment.

We had an event yesterday morning and I thought I saw the letters lying on my boss' desk. I checked her face - not much clue. And then I got busy at the event. When we were back in the office, I wanted to see her first but was told to be the second one. I thought maybe that's a sign of good news.

True enough, it was good news.

The promotion hasn't quite sank in but I've been feeling happy mostly of course.
This is just the beginning and I'm confident I will do even better and climb much higher!
After all, I think I'm probably the only one so far to have 2 promotions within 3 years odd in the company. Pat on back.
Much credits go to my boss and mentor for without her guidance, I wouldn't be where I am today.

New namecards on the way and for once, I can say I finally fufilled one of my goals - to be a manager before I turn 30 :)

The dragon is approaching!

2012-01-22T09:11:00.000+08:00

And I've yet to prepare the ang pows! Some bad habits never change...

What do you like about Chinese New Year?
For the younger me, it was wearing the gold accessories on the eve, having new clothes. collecting ang pows, the soft drinks, goodies, visiting great grandma and having dinner at the staircase with all other cousins.

Years later, things changed.
I no longer find gold fashionable.
I don't need a reason for new clothes.
(In fact sometime during those puberty years, it was a chore to shop because my age and body were not matching and there were some years I was fatter!)
I, of course have stopped collecting ang pows.
I don't even like soft drinks that much and pineapple tarts no longer excite me as much as before.
Great grandma passed away when I was 15 and we stopped visiting my mum's aunts.
Dinner is only at the dining table, silly.

I missed those fun, carefree days.
But I still enjoy the CNY today.
Playing cards, mahjong, visiting with everyone wearing new and pretty clothes, giving angpows - yes, I imagine the kids/younger cousins waiting anxiously for this period because it's perhaps their only source of 'income' once a year and I feel happy doing that; and the festive mood - most people seem happier I think.

So there, embrace and enjoy the season meant just for the Chinese - be proud of your roots and celebrate it!

May the year of dragon bring much luck, prosperity, good health and happiness to all!
And like my husband always says.... HUAT AH!

Someone better?

2012-01-21T17:03:00.000+08:00

How do you define love?
What in a partner do you see to consider him or her as the right one?
How did you first fall in love?
How do you stay in love?

I wish nothing but the best for you.
What if you are the best that is ever going to be?

I will find someone better than you.
What if this someone doesn't exist?

To be in love is more than just hugs and kisses.
Each couple has a different formula to make it work or break.
And everyone has a right to love and to be loved.

Why do some people cheat?
Why do some fall out of love?
Why do some love the 'wrong' ones?
Why do some fall in love so easily?
A lot of whys but who can answer these?

I think I've said before... people around me are in all sort of relationship.
There's one who obviously still feels a little something for the 10-year old ex but can't find the heart to forgive and forget the arguments.
There's another one who decided to come out of the closet.
There's one who is hanging on just because...

I'm not you.
I may not know how broken you are but isn't it not worth fixing anymore?
Find your happiness - be truly happy, not "I can get by just the way it is..." because you deserve it.

Siem Reap-ed 5 to 8 Jan

2012-01-21T15:21:00.001+08:00

Lotus Resort & Spa, where I spent 3 nights at.
January was a peak period so a lot of hotels were fully booked. Lotus not no exception but the strange thing, you don't see people around. I guess most were out sight-seeing.
I didn't do much on my first day because of the heat and I wasn't adventurous enough to venture on my own.
I spent my first day checking out the restaurants that we were to visit, buying souvenirs for our guests and back at the hotel checking emails, eating fries, watching HBO and sleeping.

I got a free upgrade to their suite perhaps because I booked 18 rooms in total. It was too big for my liking but I slept like a baby on my first night ironically. Woke up to the phone ringing only to realise it was the TV. Yes, I leave the TV on when I sleep in hotel rooms alone.

I have no weekend wear, no proper shoes for such trip. So I bought the outfit a day before the trip at Springfield's sale. It's so comfortable I don't even care if I'm too old for it. Ha. I don't think I am la. Anyway, was running around like a crazy woman that day because of the flights delay. Singapore group was supposed to arrive first but they faced a 2hr delay. A miscommunication caused me to be late to pick up the Malaysia group and I stupidedly volunteered to pick up the Thailand guest without having lunch while the (ir)responsible one happily tucked into her first meal. The Philippines guests were late too.... I made a total of 3 trips to and fro the airport that day. After picking up the Thailand guest, it was Artisans d'Angkor, a centre that makes and sells handicraft, silk, etc.

Dinner was at Square 24 - a restaurant that reminds me of Dempsey. Nice food and nice ambience.

It was shopping at night market after dinner and a few of us were stuck at just one stall for about an hour digging for tee shirts. I bought 10, lost one and each is only US$1.70! So freaking cheap they put Bangkok to shame.

My first tuk tuk ride in Siem Reap. Initially I was very hesistant because my very first ride in Bangkok wasn't that great. I was so wrong. It's so much better in Siem Reap. And every ride is US$1 - how do you even bargain like that? FYI, there's no bus, train or taxi in Siem Reap. Everyone either drives, cycles or takes the tuk tuk. Our hotel is at a good spot - 10, 15mins to almost everywhere.

Day 2 was time to get down to some serious work. I was rather nervous about my presentation because I've not done it for a while plus the audiences were different. It was worth losing an hour of sleep the night before to do some quick rehearsals because I think it went well eventually. Can't say the same for my partner....
Overall the workshop was good. Everyone shared so much that we overrun for 2hrs! All other plans were affected in the end and we only managed to visit Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Old Market that day.

The magnificent Angkor Wat.
Honestly, like all other tourist spots/wonders, I think it's overrated.

The Ta Prohm impressed me more. How amazing is that? Trees growing from a temple?
It's also the place where Angelina Jolie shot Tomb Raiders.

It was more shopping at the Old Market after that and because we were running late, we went for dinner in our rather sweaty selves. There, we had a quick dinner, lucky draw and rushed off for the much awaited massage!

The massage was so good! By the time we reached the hotel, it was almost 1am and we had to leave the hotel at 630 the next morning for Angkor Wat sunrise tour.

With 4hrs of sleep, 10 of us made it for sunrise.

Then it was a tour to Bayon temple, the only Buddhist temple left in Siem Reap.

And we headed back to Artisans' and Old Market thereafter.
Shopping is never enough although everywhere you go, it's just tee shirts and scarves.
I managed to buy two scarves on the last day and generally, everyone was happy with their purchases.

I like Siem Reap and would like to return with Mr. Grumpy one day.
It's very easy to get around and things are quite cheap - US$1 for a ride and US$1.70 for a tee?!.
For convenience sake, we used dollars. The people are very friendly and polite and you feel quite safe too.
Just be prepared for the kids trying to sell things to you. Once you are seen dishing out that dollar, others will give chase.
I was chased by 2 kids for a good 5 to 10mins because I gave a dollar to their competitor.

Anyway, here's my little update about Siem Reap.
I want a proper personal holiday!!

2012 so far

2012-01-15T04:57:00.000+08:00

Back from Siem Reap, had a wonderful time, more on that later.
Off to Philippines (again) end of the month.
Back from a friend's 30th birthday celebration. Oops, realised I'm bidding my 20s farewell soon.
Have not KTV-ed for the longest time but it brought back good and bad memories.
5am now, off to bed.
Note to self, I'm 20 with a lot of plus, no longer sweet 18.
It's another long day tomorrow I think.
Good night.

2012 is here!

2012-01-02T00:13:00.000+08:00

How was your first day of the new year?
We had ourselves at KJ's place followed by dinner with his family.
End of the world or not, I believe this is gonna be a great year.
And as the clock strikes 12, we are TWO!

Matching outfit on the first day of 2012.

So corny right but we love being silly at times :)

Two Zero One One

2011-12-31T20:13:00.001+08:00

It's been very much about work this year.
I've clocked in more hours than I ever had, had several firsts and accomplished a lot more.
To be honest, I think this is the best year since I joined 3 years ago.
And I'm going to take a walk down memory lane now :)

January

Our first marketing retreat and my first trip to Penang.

The Chendul was superb!

February

Went for an interview at HBO but wasn't selected :(

My first work trip to Hong Kong!

After a 20 years hiatus, I finally returned.

And again at the end of February with Mr. Grumpy and the Yaps.

Spent four days in HK, met HS for dinner & shopping on the first night and she was off for her charity work.

Returned again end Feb. At Sai Kung for JH's birthday celebration.

It was also then that I had my first mini bus ride.

March

Second visit to the Philippines and who would have thought it would become my most frequent country in the months to come?

First work trip to Jakarta.

Went with an open mind and got an unexpected upgrade to the Presidential Suite at the already very nice hotel!

Too bad it was only a night stay. The suite is so big we had trouble finding the switches.

First time doing training the anchor way.

There were commercial breaks, producers telling you which camera to look at and live call-ins - it was an interesting experience and I would miss it now that I'm no longer taking care of the Indonesia market.

Celebrated bro's 25th - first to Helix, followed by MBS - I finally stepped in; and ended with his favourite buffet.

April

A month of celebrations.

My grandma's birthday.

A dinner hosted by my dad.

And a cousin's birthday.

May

The family came together again for another surprise birthday celebration for an aunt & uncle.

Although we have done this before for two other aunts, we still succeeded and the birthday girl & boy were so surprised & happy!

General election.

I casted my second vote.

Never thought politics will interest me but this election, we see a different scene in Singapore.

Very happy that the deserving opposition party won & I hope Singaporeans will really be more united and be clearer what they want as a nation.

I've seen people making silly complaints and blaming everything on the PAP but really? Do you hear yourself before you speak?

Voting for the opposition is not merely opposing for the sake of it.

It's about getting an extra voice in the Parliament, to let PAP be more mindful before they act.

I guess this GE made everyone look forward to the next so we shall see.

I was one of the thousands at the Serangoon stadium for Workers' Party's rally!

My then boss left.

And it was down to 3 marketing girls in the team.

Challenging was an understatement but the pain & effort were paid off at the end of the day.

Organised two laser tag (electronic paintball) events in Singapore and one in Malaysia.

Looks like the kind of game I would participate and I would love to try it one day.

Went back to Ho Chi Minh although I said I would rather not return. But HCM was more like a transit, our main objective is to visit Phu Quoc Island.

It was a last minute trip which Ling and I planned a week before and I looped in my colleague as well. I think us traveling together surprised our then boss a little.

It was a good, relaxing and fun trip except than the propellor plane ride.

We bummed around by the pool for 2 whole days and no regrets in spending more for the resort. It was a wise choice made.

NO more such rides for me pls.

June

On the first day of June, our dear nephew, Coen, arrived.

Mr. Grumpy lost his job :(

Seeing him that sad hurt me too but there wasn't much I could do.

Thankfully he found another job shortly.

No more great car rides but no more crazy boss for him too so give me the latter anytime!

Made my second trip to Jakarta on my birthday's eve and encountered by far, the worst turbulence! I thought I would die a day short of my 28th. Yes, I tend to be a little dramatic at times but since then, I developed a phobia for flying, yet have been flying every month since.

Such is life... Where's the old me who look forward to the plane rides? Boo hoo.

After a frightful and tired day in Jakarta, I came home past midnight expecting some simple surprise. I received something much bigger than I've expected - an iPad 2 :)

It's one of the best gifts ever, the perfect companion for the long train rides.

We also went to take a last look at the Tanjong Pagar KTM station before it closed.

It was crowded and aren't we all like that? Rushing to have a bit of something only when we know we are going to lose it.

July

Mabel joined us again.

It was a joy working with her.

My first live shooting event in KL.

Held a real gun and fired 3 shots for the first time too.

I've always loved shooting games and would imagine I would be a good markswoman if I do go through proper training, haha.

August

Our first golf event.

Was completely clueless about the sport and was roped in quite last minutely to take care of the publicity and communications bit.

Record breaking of working past 11pm the day before the event.

Very proud of ourselves for making it a successful one.

September

Second trip of the year to Philippines.

Secured our first barter deal with a local cinema which apparently seems to be a big deal because no other channel has. Ha, maybe it's my charm?

After Philippines, it was Kuala Lumpur.

That should be my last work trip since I do not take care of Malaysia market now.

Mabel left us again.

Good times came to an end too early.

October

Korea trip sponsored by Mr. Grumpy.

Didn't fall in love with it and still hoping for Japan!

We got the keys to our first home!

You may get lucky with those numbers like my father in-law.

November

A week after Korea, it was our second family trip and my third to Hong Kong sponsored by dad. We also went to Macau for the first time and didn't enjoy it much. Weather was disappointing and the big hooha over the return flights was one of the main highlights - big mistake made by me but am very thankful for having HS, our saviour there.

And the next day after Hong Kong was my third trip of the year to Philippines.

27 Nov, the beautiful wedding.

The Lims joined the married club.

Both of you will be in love forever, blissful marriage :)

Thank you speech by the couple.

Super love my look that day.

Spent $55 on makeup and hairdo, bought the dress the day before, shoes from HK and was so in love with the entire look. Makeup does wonder, really.

Didn't do a good job in emceeing, blame it on the lack of conversing in Mandarin, damn!

It was nevertheless, a very beautiful wedding.

December

Fourth trip of the year to Philippines, with the US team!

Turned out to be a good one and a great opportunity to shine.

Renovation started and so did the furniture shopping.

2011 for me sounds very work centric but I'm glad I've found time for my personal life.

The trips to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Korea were nothing compared to Europe but good enough. I did 3 trips to HK, 3 to KL and 4 to Manila this year. I'm still keeping the record of flying at least once a month and I hope soon, I'll get enough miles to fly to somewhere I like - Florence, Japan or the States! Ha, I know, dream on....

I'm flying again the first week of 2012 for our second marketing retreat to Cambodia.

Kinda looking forward because it's going to be my first visit. I just hope all turn out well.

And by March, the renovation of our new home should be completed and that's one of the most exciting things in our lives currently!

2011 has been challenging at work but I'm grateful for the opportunities given.

I think I've grown faster in such a dynamic environment and I hope I'll reach 'there' soon.

Let's kick some asses in 2012 and have a great year ahead!

Such a pity

2011-12-29T23:03:00.000+08:00

That I don't blog as much this year.
And I've friends who stopped just like that one fine day.
How can you just stop writing?
I know, it's easy to give up because one's too busy, there's nothing interesting to write about, there's facebook, twitter, yadah yadah... and as much as I, too use the above as excuses, I still enjoy blogging. Not for others but purely an interest to pen down my thoughts.

I look at all my entries once in a while and I can still remember those moments that made me cry real hard and laugh to my fullest; while some made me smile at my silliness.
I see myself grow over the years through this little virtual space of mine and to the few who are still following, thank you.

More about the new place

2011-12-29T15:51:00.000+08:00

Water and electricity were up yesterday and hacking of the kitchen wall starts today.
The floors and main door were covered up, toilet bowls and sinks removed and it looks all ready for the renovation!
After loitering at the empty new place for an hour or so, we cabbed down to Courts at Tampines for our mattress purchase. Cab fare was only $5+ - cheap thrill.
Another hour spent on lunch at Ikea and 2hrs finding the 'perfect' mattress (perfection comes with a hefty price!), we were left with not much time for the last task of the day.
So instead of finding the lightings, I suggested to eat.
Off we went to Chinatown's popular Korean restaurant, which Mr. Grumpy didn't really like.
But along the way, I confirmed the traveling time to work for me is only 25mins - another cheap thrill.
Until Old School is gone that is. I guess it's just my luck - I've never stayed at anywhere near office.
Anyway as we stepped out of the restaurant, we saw a man running across the small street and passerbys and people working at the coffee shop and the beauty shop started to gather.
We walked a little further down and a little beside me mumbled something like, "this kind of bag..."
I was carrying my huge ass LV bag and I thought it has gotta be another Chinese lady talking about it.
Until she told me to be careful of my bag because a lady having dinner at the coffee shop just got her handbag, which was placed beside her on the chair, robbed!
Shortly after, the man whom I saw running came back. He had helped to give chase but obviously failed. The passerbys also told us the lady who was robbed, chased in her high heels. But what are the chances?

So pls, take care of your belongings. You have a part to play when things go missing or stolen. Which is why I seldom leave my bag on the chair beside me and when I do, I pull the chair really close to me so that it's not that easy for people to snatch. Don't take Singapore's safety for granted. Like the posters always say, low crime doesn't mean no crime.

I hope the lady managed to get her bag back... be safe this festive season.

It's Christmas again

2011-12-24T12:25:00.000+08:00

For the past 3 Christmases, I've not been at work.
The first to prepare for our solemnisation.
The second the wedding.
The third because I had to clear my leave.
While I thought this year would be different and I was starting to get a little depressed with so much work on hand and people saying their greetings on their last day of work in 2011, I was told I have to clear 4 days of leave by next week!
It's partly my fault for not keeping track but I'm pretty sure the admin side made some mistakes along the way too.
So here I am, on my 'holiday', totally unprepared.
But I'm glad I managed to utter see you next year after all.

I guess the difference would be while the past years I was busy preparing for happy personal events, this year would be including lots of work.
Work + house reno = no joke.
So I kowtow to those who made it for work + wedding + honeymoon + house reno.
I'm counting down to the events at work and of course to the completion of our nest.
To be honest, fussing over the new place keeps me saint at times.
Cos I know it's gonna be worth it at the end of the day.
And work, is just work.... I'm just saying - it's easier said than done.
I don't know when the workaholic in me appeared but it sure is becoming a prominent figure.
Which.I.Don't.Like.

Anyway, I've gotten some really sweet, thoughtful and expensive gifts this year so to all my Santas, thank you.
May you have a blessed Christmas!
We are off to buy furniture....

A rather crazy Saturday

2011-12-18T09:35:00.000+08:00

It started to pour when we left for Plaza Sing to check out the sound systems.
We waited more than half an hour for a cab.
We couldn't take the train because we weren't sure if it's working plus we were running a little late.
We had to skip Plaza Sing because we would be late for the free movie sponsored by Mr. Grumpy's company - Mission Impossible 4 which btw, is good!.
We took another half an hour or so to reach Lido, stuck in traffic with Sultan of Johor along the way.
He was in the Range Rover and we joked that perhaps he was rushing to the movie too since it was organised by them.
We had to alight about 100m from Lido because the queue in was horrible.
The taxi uncle was apologetic but kept saying that it's better to walk since it had stopped raining.
After talking just a few metres, it poured!
And we ran.
I don't run. But I had no choice.
And so we reached Lido more than an hour later, unglam with the 'wet look'.
Luckily the movie was good.

After which we met up with the designer to check out sinks, taps, mixers, lights and furniture.
Who would have thought that this sink should go with this tap and there are so many to choose from.
But we were pretty efficient.
2hrs of window shopping and we managed to pick out quite a number of items.
We are piecing together bits & pieces and it's definitely getting more exciting.

What an eventful Saturday.
Round 2 of window + Christmas shopping later.

Tis the season to be happy

2011-12-17T09:50:00.000+08:00

Until yesterday that is.
Most people are going on leave and we are stuck with loads of work.
It's my choice to not go on leave but the amount of work is just depressing.
Where is the finishing line?
It's near but getting there is just....

It's 'we' day today and work day tomorrow and the weeks that follow.
What festive season?
I want more 24hrs!

Into December

2011-12-03T10:40:00.000+08:00

You know it's that time of the year when you sit down and look at what happened in the past year.
Ok, maybe you don't.
I do and I was trying to think hard...
What have I done?
Feels like a lot yet not much.
Oh well, when it's time for that post, I guess everything will come back.
Going to sign the contract with ID later and finally going back to check for defects.

Have a good weekend :)

Wedding of the year

2011-11-28T12:12:00.000+08:00

27 November 2011 was a beautiful day with overflowing love.
The love from the couple to each other, from their parents', family and friends.
Even those miles away and those who are no longer with us.
Tear ducts were put to the tests (and failed of course).
Question of who's next was especially painful.
But all in all, it was a beautiful wedding.
You will have a blissful marriage :)

Was in love with the $55 make up & hairdo!
Anita (her shop's at Dhoby Ghaut Exchange) is a genius.
My eyes have never been that big and I woke up this morning with much disappointment that I'm back to reality. But at least I know it's true that make up does wonder.
So thank god we, the not blessed with natural beauty ladies, can still be blessed in one way or another.
Love the dress & earrings bought on the wedding's eve too - yes, I'm still that last minute person or in Mr. Grumpy's words, fickle-minded - and not forgetting those shoes bought in HK.
I think all of us looked really good and till the next celebration, may we all be healthy, happy and live in harmony :)

Wedding of the year

2011-11-26T11:20:00.000+08:00

My younger-than-me-by-3-days dearest cousin is getting married tomorrow!
Am so happy for her and them.
Now, I just need to brush up on my Mandarin and not screw up at their dinner tomorrow.
Quite a number of last minute errands to run today....

Have a good weekend everyone.

18 November

2011-11-18T23:49:00.000+08:00

Another year has passed.
No one knows what the years ahead will be but I'm thankful for the support given so far.

Thankful

2011-11-17T22:35:00.000+08:00

I should be in Naga (an island in Philippines) for an event now.
I'm so glad I'm not.
Especially when I saw them complaining on FB, calls & sms that it's no fun there.

One more work trip in Dec and I'm done for 2011!
Never have I been this thankful to NOT travel, ha.

Hong Kong again

2011-11-12T10:09:00.000+08:00

After a 20 years hiatus, I returned to Hong Kong for the third time this year.
Four days were packed with activities and as much as it was tiring, especially for me since I just came back from Seoul and work is as usual, rather crazy; I think we have enjoyed myself much!

We have conquered quite a bit for a four days trip.

Day 1 - lunch/apple store at IFC/The Peak

Day 2 - Avenue of Stars/Macau

Day 3 - Big Buddha/Shopping at Tsuen Wan & Kwai Fong/Dinner at Mongkok/Late night shopping & supprt at Mongkok (again) with HS

Day 4 - Dim sum breakfast/heart attack/home sweet home

Taking the mini bus. My second, their first.

At the Peak.

At Macau which we didn't enjoy much. Don't mean to brag but you'll know what I mean if you've been to Venice.

Crazy girl dragged me to Mongkok for shopping at 10plus! Can you imagine? Mall closes at 12mn on a Saturday - me like it. But I wasn't feeling well and was dragged to Tsui Wah instead. Ended the night at 2ish in the morning. Great catching up though.

And Hong Kong, I'll be back soon :)

And so, the drama was such:

Booked the air tickets late on a particular night in June. Was having problems with the SQ website then and I think I went through the process probably three times or more. Received the confirmation email eventually and let it sit on my mailbox till the day before departure.

On the last (intended) day of our trip over breakfast, HS asked if we wanted her to help us check-in online. I didn't want to since I don't have such a habit but decided to go with it - thank god I did! She uttered something like "check-in can only be 48hours prior departure..." and joked about me not making a booking. I laughed at her for being ridiculous and checked my document again. I read Tues 8 Nov!!! I almost fainted....

She called HK's SQ office, no one picked up. I called SIN's SQ office instead and a sweet lady attended to me rather quickly. She said flights for the day were fully booked! And I had to fly off the next day. Then she said the next day's morning flight (805am) is available so I asked her to confirm us on that and change my Manila flight to a later one. So we heaved a sign of relief and happily planned for the extended day. Went to the hotel to extend one night for one room (which they said it's non-refundable) while my brother and I planned to pack to move over to HS' apartment. Over at her apartment, I hurried to check my email about the changes. Our flight back is 8 Nov still! I almost fainted again....

Called the lady again and it took me more than 15mins to reach her. Meanwhile her colleague said 7 Nov's (which is the next day that we were supposed to depart) flights are all fully booked, even business class. FML, seriously. When I finally reached the lady, she realised she made a mistake and she kept saying "oh shit". Yes, that's the last thing I wanted to hear.

Anyway, she got the dates mixed up and took 6 Nov as 7 and 7 Nov as 8. We made it back on the 6 Nov, 320pm flight eventually. Went back to the hotel to 'beg' for a refund and thankfully they allowed us to do so. So it was a morning of highs & super lows but I was glad to be back on the intended day because doing back to back trips is no joke.

Seoul in October

2011-10-29T21:37:00.000+08:00

Last year this time, we were having our honeymoon in Europe and I've not stopped missing the places we went ever since :(

This October, we went to somewhere nearer - Seoul.

Took the Cathay offer and in the 2hrs transit in Hong Kong, we couldn't not eat the food.

Although we have had dinner during the flight and it was almost 11pm, nothing could stop us.

2hrs transit is easy peasy, especially in an airport that has much to eat and see.

After embarking on another 3hrs plus journey, we reached Seoul at 545am their time (they are 1hr ahead of us).

Bus 6015 that would take us to Ibis Myeong Dong's doorstep.

First bus only arrived at 6am and it took us about an hour to reach.

I was snoozing in the bus after not sleeping much in the plane.

Pro of arriving early - maximise time spent in the country

Con - hotel room is almost never available

Got a shock when they told me our room would only be ready at 2pm!

I wasn't dressed for the weather, not made up and shops were not even opened, boo hoo.

Felt better when the check in counter told us our room would be ready at 11am instead.

And so we slept at the lobby - very unglam I know - till about 9am to go to the cafe beside the hotel which opens at 8am (I think).

First meal in Seoul - sweet potato & peanut toasts.

Not cheap at all!

We were done at about 10am and I decided to try asking for the room.

And we got it :)

Napped for a while and I chased Mr. Grumpy out because I didn't believe in wasting time sleeping.

Walked around Myeong Dong and happened to walk to Nandaemun Market.

Only managed to get 3 tops at a mall that looks like Platinum Mall, Bangkok but prices many times more.

Chanced upon this lady selling egg sandwiches and decided to ignore the language barrier to order it.

Wise choice made!

Was a little disappointed how little shopping I did and by then, we were both pretty tired from the lack of sleep. The sky getting darker much earlier didn't help too - makes you feel like it's really late.

Decided to look for dinner and randomly walked into one of the restaurants.

His bbq beef.

My seafood pancake & rice cake (not in pic).

This is Myeong Dong, just beside our hotel. These look like roadside or what we call pasam malam stalls but the prices not at all. The cheapest item usually costs at least S$10+.

Then we found this potato chips. I thought it looks like what I had in Phil and was a little disappointed it didn't taste as nice. Mr. Grumpy loved it still. This row cost us S$2+.

After what seemed like quite a long day, we decided we were done for the day and recharged for the next day's tours to Dongdaemun and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Breakfast - dan dan aka egg egg

Very yummy.

Walked further down and we ate again.

Egg sandwich - yes, we ate eggs everyday!

I don't know why, I tend to go to the 'wrong' places that people highly recommend.

Everyone says there are lots to buy there yet I found nothing!

And then we moved on to the palace.

And the museum - trying to be more cultured.

The signature against the wall shot :)

And we chanced upon Seoul's 'Istana'. Funny, we saw a group of tourists with 2 monks, bowing in front of it.

Since I didn't shop at all at Dongdaemun (and I must), we went on to Hongdae, a place my sis in law recommended and we both loved it.

It's something like Holland Village and the people there are all so young, hip and good looking.

I felt ugly!

The strange thing is the Koreans there spoke to me in Korean.

Can't they see my flat nose and far from perfect features?

I think it's probably my complexion or they were just trying their luck since they wouldn't know English anyway. I met a few who, once I told them I don't understand Korean, shrugged and walked away. They weren't rude, just not trying, ha.

I was so happy when I finally found a pair of pants and a dress at Hongdae, considering they were selling mostly winter wear.

Mr. Grumpy's patience is limited so being the nice wife I am, I have to know when to stop. At least for a while.

Dinner at a place that claims their noodles are better than pasta but it's nothing like what they said.

Not that it's not delicious but I think they bragged too much on the signboards. Either that, we were just suckers for advertisements.

Mr. Grumpy surrendered after dinner and left me to shop for about an hour while he drank at a pub.

When I combed almost the entire area and learnt that I would not have bought anything more, we left for the hotel.

Not feeling very full from dinner, we bought more junk food....

The star biscuit is really sweet, made of caramel I think. We wanted to buy the one with a heart shape but the lady seller offered Mr. Grumpy the 'star'. I think he secretly thought he's a star.

Back at the hotel, I was complaining about the lack of shopping on Facebook and his cousin was making a few recommendations.

Thanks to her, we found some new places.

Don't know if it's the late night facebooking or the lack of sleep accumulated from the previous nights, we woke up at 12pm local time on day 3!

Wanted to have breakfast (or rather lunch) at this porridge restaurant but it was under renovation.

Went to this instead and continued to go back for the next 2 days.

I'm not a porridge fan but I liked it. The omelette was damn good too.

He and his soju.

And our first stop - the National Museum of Korea, which is somewhat similar to the National Palace Museum we went on Day 2.

After which, we headed to War Memorial and wasn't able to spend enough time cos we were chased out at 5pm.

Not giving up on my shopping, I dragged us to Itaewon which is full of tourists (mainly non Asians), some drunkards and rowdy people. Didn't like it much but managed to get a vintage dress at a decent price. Because the place made me feel kinda unsafe, we decided to head back to Myeong Dong for dinner.

We stopped by the mall at Myeong Dong and I swept 7 dresses in just one shop. He dragged me out right after I paid and I know better than to stay any longer. I would have done more damages to my pocket.

Finally went for dinner - his big sized spicy pork cutlet and my fish cutlet with udon.

Followed by dessert :)

Day 4 started with porridge at the same place again.

And it was training for 30mins to Lotte World thereafter.

Entrance fee is about S$30 per person and because I was too scared to take any rides, I felt it's a complete waste of my money. Unlike USS, there aren't a lot of photo opportunities so I would say go if you are taking the rides. Otherwise, save the money.

It was also on day 4 that it started to get chilly and rainy.

By night time, it was freezing and I was doing some last minute shopping, trying hard not to miss out anyone.

More masks.

And then Mr. Grumpy discovered this lane where there are lots of eateries but I found more shopping instead, ha.

Like I said, I really when to stop so I had to pacify him a little with food.

Last dnner in Seoul - pan fried seafood which is really spicy.

But yummy!

Poseur with his coffee.

Last day in Seoul started with kimchi fried rice, done on the spot at your table at the porridge place.

And omelette again :)

And then it was time to bid farewell.

It was freezing by then (at least for me) but I saw girls in mini skirts and men in just a shirt. How do these people do it I really wonder? And no, they are not fat.

If you ask me what I think about Seoul, I would say it's alright but I don't think I would return. Things are expensive and being a shopaholic (kinda) who perhaps went at the wrong time, it didn't quite work for me. Ok, to be fair, I managed to buy 20pcs of clothes so I guess it's more of the prices - I'm a cheapo shopper.

If you are worried about the language and people pushing you, fret not. There are lots of Chinese working there and the train stations have very clear signs in English. It's very easy to get around by trains and I've only been pushed once, by an old lady who had a lot of space to walk yet chose to push me. I uttered 'stupid woman' very loudly after she did that but you don't have to do what I did.

So, it's fine to go free & easy in Seoul and who knows, you may get lucky or are smarter than me to find good bargains :)

Schedules

2011-10-20T09:58:00.000+08:00

20 to 25 Oct - us to Seoul
28 Oct - collection of our KEYS!
31 Oct to 2/3 Nov - Mr. Grumpy off to Bangkok for work
3 Nov to 6 Nov - me to Hong Kong with family
7 Nov to 9 Nov - me to Manila for work
16 to 18 Nov - me to this island in Phil for work again (TBC but 99% happening)

Seriously, how do the flight attendants do it?
When did work get so crazy?
All being said, the holidays are still a great booster.
And collection of our keys tops it all! :)
Life is busy but happy, if you let it be.

Laters.

Stuck

2011-10-15T20:05:00.000+08:00

Thick or normal jacket?
Boots or not?
Long sleeves or normal tops?
Which bag?
Argh...

And the worst thing is, I have not worked on the itinerary!
All I can think of is the shopping...

I'm also determined to make the travel-at-least-once-a-month regime stay because although October is finally a work trip free month, I have the Seoul trip.
And right after Hong Kong with the family, it's Manila again.
Let me have the energy.

Misses and gains

2011-10-09T14:57:00.001+08:00

Desperation.
Calls for desperate measures.
The heart rules the head.
Decision made hastily.

Almost a year ago, your decision ruined a part of everyone.
Today, everything's over.
After so much drama, pain and tears, has it been worth it?
You are not the only heart-broken one after all.
If you weren't that impulsive, perhaps everyone can still live blissfully, in ignorance.

At times, we really need to slow down and ponder hard if this certain decision of ours will hurt someone deeply. Cos some pain never goes, and 'time will heal' doesn't quite apply.
Some doings are irreversible cos there's no such thing as 'if only I could turn back time'.
If you think just at that moment, I'm happy so this is what I'm going to do, think again.
Yes, life is too short for regrets but it is too short to hurt too many people too.

There are some things that are simply not meant for the moment. They are supposed to last longer and more often than not, impulsive decisions leave deep scars in people.
So be responsible, be matured, be thoughtful.
Be happy for the right reason.
Because it's not just always about you.

Get these right

2011-10-08T10:30:00.000+08:00

Loss vs LostI lost my phone.
It's her loss that she left you.

Patience vs Patient
Thank you for your patience.
He's very patient.

I see people writing thank you for your PATIENT (I'm no doctor, do not have any patient), and sorry for your lost....

These are not difficult words so pls write and speak correctly.
And it's goVERment, not govment.
Respect the language.

Ok la, not say my Engrish very powerful....

October is here!

2011-10-01T10:17:00.000+08:00

Happy children's day!Happy birthday lai choo jie jie!

Less than 3 weeks to Seoul!
Happy happy!

What's your job like?

2011-09-25T11:54:00.000+08:00

I just passed my 3rd year in the company beginning of the month and that, being the longest I've stayed with a company, means something to me.
I'm not saying I'm 100% in love with my job - I'm difficult to please but that's just another story, but I love it enough to put in the extra hours and my best.
Sure, there are pains, uncertainties and crap but which job doesn't?
Ultimately, it's the people you work with and the passion you either have or don't for what you are doing.

People, ie. colleagues, because well, truth is you face them more than anyone else.
Passion. Without it, I don't know how you can survive. Maybe you can because of the money but I believe you'll eventually throw in the towel.
And in my case, nope, I'm not well-paid. Yet I still choke up to a few thousand dollars of claims - latest record: S$6800+! Sigh, no time to do my claims....

Anyway, I'm writing these because of a comment made by my colleague recently.
She said quite bluntly she doesn't want to do what I'm doing because she didn't think it will do any good to her career.
WRONG!
I'm gonna take this a little personally because it's rather insulting to have someone tell you whatever you've been doing for the past 2 years odd is kinda useless. Yes, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion but her comment is invalid because she has NEVER done what I'm doing. If you have not eaten fried chicken, how can you say it's not nice? Just because someone has told you so? Or because you look at it and decides it's not tasty? Which is fine but you don't tell someone who loves fried chicken that it's not nice when you have never tried it isn't it?

I don't blame her for making that comment actually.
I had a similar misconception too when I first started.
An ex manager once shared with me her experience - that my function is too niched and it may not work well for me if I decide to switch to another industry.
That conversation stuck with me but I seized the opportunity anyway because I had a good mentor then (still do). And whether the function is good/useful, I trusted that I would be placed at a good place and that they wouldn't waste my ahem talent. Quite quickly, I figured out how to make the best out of what I was doing and with that mentality, I never looked back.
Today, I prove that I was right.

I've been travelling (although only Asia), meeting lots of people, running campaigns on a regional level and basically learning so many things everyday. I got my promotion in between and my portfolio has recently expanded.
Now, do you think these are 'useless' for my career?
I'm afraid you don't know what you are missing :)
But of course, you are entitled to your opinions and I'm sure you have plans for yourself so no bad blood and whatnot, just MY personal opinion here.

You will know only when you have tried.

Craziness persists

2011-09-24T12:03:00.000+08:00

Thinking that better days are ahead after one major campaign is naive.
There's never the end, never quite better days (at least for now) but always the pressurizing deadlines and sometimes the problems that are not needed.
So what?
Yesterday after all the madness, discussion, and meeting, I suddenly felt like I was crumbling.
Like I was about to give up, to be defeated.
Damn, I never quite feel so given how I function most of the time.
And so I packed up and left, refusing to send those emails.
And as I was walking down to the train station, the frustration was overwhelming.
I surprised myself, really.

And now, after bitching about it, excuse me while I go send those few important emails....
Such is life and work.

%^&%*&*(&()*)(()#*

How things change

2011-09-18T15:27:00.000+08:00

We really do not know at times.

A couple I know who is supposed to get married in two months time, called off the wedding and the last I heard, the guy saw the girl making out with the new guy at our event!
They have been together for as long as we work with them, which is 3 years odd and being one of my few friends in KL, I feel sorry for both of them.

Sorry for what has happened, that the guy is in so much pain and that the girl may misses a good catch. It may seem quite obvious whose side we are on but I don't want to judge too much because after all, we are just outsiders. And I've only heard mostly from the guy so far.
Well, when it comes to the matters of the heart, who are we to judge right? Each of us loves for a different reason.

I'm just disappointed that one's love is so fragile at times.
Times like this, I'm glad Mr. Grumpy and I had our second chance.
Oh well, as cliched as it sounds, if it's not meant to be, it's just not meant to be.

I hope the guy moves on soon enough and the girl is making the right choice because ultimately, we want to see our friends happy isn't it?

Next month onwards

2011-09-10T09:42:00.000+08:00

1. Our first love nest will be completed anytime from Oct to Dec this year! Can't wait to start on the renovation, to see its completion and finally move in! But first, which theme should we go with?

2. Korea trip next month. How lucky can we get? Mr Grumpy has a trip the day before and now he has to try his best to come back earlier on the day we are leaving for Korea. No, he MUST come back earlier!

3. Hong Kong trip (again) after Korea's. And there's a surprise within :)

The second time

2011-09-01T22:14:00.000+08:00

I know I have my quick temper and pissy face to blame.I'm used to the judgement but really? From you and now?
Who are you to judge?
Who are you to say what has to be done?
It doesn't pay to be real yet I don't want to change just because of the few words you said.
Seriously, who do you think you are?
I may not be the best but I know I will always be better because I care!

We made history indeed

2011-08-28T11:15:00.000+08:00

Make history with us.
This is our tagline and indeed, we were successful on 26 August.
We first learned about the event months ago and I was pulled in at the very last minute to be the publicist - a fancy name I gave myself :)
It didn't start off well and it wasn't easy because I'm completely clueless about golf!
How many are there in a flight? What's tee off? How do you know your handicap? Etc....
These were the questions I had and answers I was given were with some rolled eyes initially but with much patience eventually.

When publicity started - on-air spot went live, print ad went out, I thought my job was done.
Hell no! Numbers were short and with only a few weeks to the event, we panicked a little.
I even asked a consumer to help with publicity and to my surprise, he gladly helped and roped in more people. It really doesn't hurt to ask.
We started to see numbers and sold 67 slots.
And guess what? The guys who came from the sports channel have organised many golf events yet never sold any tickets because they were too chicken to do it!
And here we are, mostly golf idiots, sold 67 slots in less than a month!
Am I proud or what?

And on the day itself, for the first time, I saw everyone turn up for the event, punctually!
Golfers are such disciplined people who take their game seriously. I really like that.
How I wish all events are such.
When everyone came to us and told us it was a great event and expressed their thanks, the late nights, pain, frustration and whatnot were all gone.
I even got a little emotional when they were tearing down the place.

Kuduos to Sharon who organised and ran the on-ground event well.
Thanks to the interns, temp and colleagues who helped out.
Thanks to the ad sales guys who helped much too and who at times, pressurised us with their demands. These have helped us pushed ourselves.
Thanks to Hazel's trust and guidance.
We did ourselves proud!
Look out for HISTORY (channel), we are just gonna get bigger and better!

And this, is just one of the reasons why I love my job :)

是我们一厢情愿吗？

2011-08-21T01:13:00.000+08:00

对不起，如果这是你的选择，我无法接受。
真的是越想就越难过和生气。
不是不支持你，可是你的理由就是让我有种被出卖和抛弃的感觉。
“不要理会别人说什么，只在乎自己要什么。我的决定只证明我有信心去接受另一个挑战。”
这句话说是没错可是对我们来说也未免太无情和自私了吧？
如果这不是你要的，当初就不应该答应不是吗？
我们不是同事，不是别人，是朋友。
就因为如此，这样做不会伤害我们的友情吗？
我想可能又是我们在一厢情愿了吧。。。。

Work Woes

2011-08-20T14:57:00.000+08:00

Was having one of the best weeks at work (it's been a while) until a deadline that was missed ruined it all. It's true, one mistake can easily erase whatever you have done and I can't forgive myself for letting that slip. Yet, there's nothing I can do but to move on and continue to work on other things.

The golf event. A first for us.
A sincere thank you made it all worth it, really.
And at times, it is that easy to make someone feel good.

The barter deal. A first for me.
It's not a lot of money but I think I deserve a pat on my back.

The complaint from my intern. Definitely not a first that someone bitch about me.
Did some reflection but I'm sorry. This is me - I don't tolerate nonsense when it comes to work.
I. just. want. to. get. work. done. Period.

The bum in the team. Worse than ever.
Threw it to your supervisor to clear the shit while you were happily snacking away, as if it's none of your business.
And soon, the intern can help you with your work. What's left for you?!

The uncertainty.
Well, to think that we have just began to take baby steps to form a stronger team and this has to happen now. What can we say? We'll know soon I guess.

All in all, I thank the angels I've met at work in the last week.
Even if it was a small favour, I'm grateful.
Let there be more angels.

those bloody emotions

2011-08-14T00:22:00.000+08:00

And sometimes the words just aren't enough.
So what do we do? Continue hoping, praying and waiting...

We hope for the ones who are unwell to be well.
We hope for the ones who seem to be on the wrong path to find the right ones.
We hope for the best.

I used to wonder what this scenario will be like.
I guess I'd never know....
Regardless, thanks for thinking I'm the best.
Likewise, you're the best to me :)

Damn those bloody emotions!

Good to know

2011-08-09T01:51:00.000+08:00

고기 없음 - no meat

얼마? - how much

더 싼 - cheaper

I've been joking about getting a new nose when I'm there since it's as easy as ordering a take-out but I don't think I have the guts and the man will allow me to.

Some site says autumn is the best time to visit Seoul and I'm excited already :)

1 year later

2011-08-07T14:40:00.000+08:00

Just realised it's slightly more than a year since I got my promotion.
Can't say I'm good at what I'm doing but I do think I've improved and of course need to continue to in some areas.
An ex-colleague is back with us and it's fun to have her back.
The laugh till we teared moments... let's hope all good things... last :)

Come October (the Europe trip anniversary), we are going to Seoul!
Quite impromptuly booked our tickets a while ago.
I'm still disappointed Tokyo didn't materialise but I just can't bear the nagging, concerns and possible consequences so it's not meant to be for now.
We'll meet one day - a dream I had since I was 7?

Am going to get back to work.
Off to Manila after National Day.....

Out with brother

2011-07-31T18:38:00.000+08:00

We look alike, don't we?

Something small for ourselves :)

We had wanted to go to Bishan but didn't think there's much to do so we went Orchard instead. It's been a while since Mr. Grumpy dislikes going to crowded town.

Was thinking hard what I wanted for my super belated birthday treat and thought of the Korean restaurant in Chinatown... So off we went.

Kimchi pancake

Seafood steamboat - yummy!

Rice cake before & after - barely touched because we over ordered!
After dinner, it was reminiscing at OG. I had a great time thanks to my brother. More to come :)

Partner

2011-07-24T21:21:00.000+08:00

What kind of partner do you have?What kind of partner do you want?

If you want to attempt answering the second question, don't bother.
Because most of the time, you don't get what you want.
And the funny thing with humans is, even if we do get what we want, we are just not contented.
Well, at least for most of us.

And some people simply have expectations that are so high that makes me wonder, do you have a mirror to look at yourself first?
I mean, let's be realistic.
If you are not that pretty, don't expect a prince charming. What are the odds?
You think men are kinder when it comes to exterior beauty? Nay...
Who doesn't want a rich husband? Again, ask yourself if you want to spend your life fishing for me and end up being cheated on or worse, spend your whole life searching for one yet end up with none.

I think it's not easy for the singles to find someone nowadays.
Expectations aside, where do people meet people?
Clubs? Too sleazy perhaps...
Friend's friend? Probably rarely available since they are either attached or married.
Online/speed dating? Too embarassing or competitive.
I don't get it and feel helpless when I want to offer solutions to my single friends.
I can only tell them, when 'the one' is meant to be here, he/she will be.

Anyway, back to my partner...
He's... I'll tell you the next time.

Have a good week ahead. It's the last of July.

A few lines

2011-07-23T17:32:00.000+08:00

Am very glad aunt is fine.
Thank you buddha for hearing our prayers.

My brother can't graduate yet.
But hey, doesn't mean you are not.

KL next week.
Let it be a successful event.

Japan or not?
Still hoping...ha

Korea then?
Shopping awaits!

We'll see.
August's approaching :)

All about him

2011-07-17T11:42:00.000+08:00

We finally watched Transformers 3 and shopped for his work wear.
Damage done: close to S$900

I blame it on the hormones!

2011-07-11T22:51:00.000+08:00

I'm much happier today :)
First the October plan - just can't stop thinking about it!
Then the good news at work - no, not for me but still.
And then the excited updates from Mr. Grumpy about his new job.
Everything seem to be in place now and I really believe this is a good beginning for us.
Bring it on, the remaining of 2011!

Expectations

2011-07-09T19:36:00.000+08:00

I always tell myself to have less of that such that I will minimise the chances of disappointment.But who am I kidding really? Myself of course.
Because I still care, I still mind and I still, expect.
It's the WTF moments like these that I just... said a loud WTF and then let it be.
Is this the best way? No. But what then?

Perhaps it's the hormones, I can't seem to find anything happy to talk about this week.
Kinda feel I was picked on several times because I couldn't live up to expectations.
See, expectations form a two-way thing and although they make you want to do better, most of the time they make you feel like crap.

I even broke down a little while watching "Ah Di" because Keqin's sister said she isn't a good sister by not noticing her brother is sick and suicidal....
Yes, it stung right at that moment.
Because I expect myself to be a good sister yet I think I've failed somehow.

I want to do well at work but I know my limits and I've never claimed I'm good enough so why...?

Even the taiqi group of some grumpy senior citizens didn't want my Saturday to be better.
No one wanted to claim their terrority so what's with the accussations?
Who are you to tell me what's courtesy?
What to do, just need to deal with such people at times.

Enough about my ranting... it's just one more day to Monday, my crashed Entourage and piles of work...

Well...

2011-07-05T22:43:00.000+08:00

People change and we just have to deal with it.
I'm just not who you think I am.

From June to July

2011-07-03T10:20:00.000+08:00

Much has happened in that one month and I'm glad we are where we are today.
Early June, Mr Grumpy was told he's going to lose his job.
The magazine which he has been writing for the past 7 odd years and has been in the industry for the longest time would cease production with immediate effect (the June issue).
He was almost completing the July issue so you could imagine his pain.

I guess we were kinda expecting this day to come, especially with the industry getting increasingly competitive and the company is somewhat is not making money.
But when reality hits, whatever you have expected or were prepared for, somehow don't matter that much. One still gets emotional especially our fellow Cancerian.

Then again, life moves on.
No matter how much time, effort, passion, blood and sweat you have put in, when it's time to let go, you just have to.

Sad and bad news aside, thanks to some angels around him and of course his own blessings, experience, expertise and a little of my help, haha, he found a new job!
I believe that when a door closes, another opened door awaits.
You just have to look around with an open mind.

This is a new beginning for Mr Grumpy and as he turned 38 yesterday, I wish this is a beginning of everything good for him just because he deserves it.

Thank YOU for wishing him well and keeping him in your prayers.

Well, I guess we don't get to sit in those cool cars as often... we shall buy one! haha

Unhappy shite

2011-06-26T10:11:00.000+08:00

I saw popo yesterday n realised she has aged a lot.
My mum said it's cos she's not happy.
But why?

There are so many things to make one unhappy but don't we forget e happy times alright?

Happy birthday ah bu! - should have posted on 11 June

2011-06-26T10:03:00.001+08:00

My mum is 53 today.
And I spent 7hrs of the day working at the laptop.
We had a simple early celebration yesterday and I was late, because of work again.
But the sense of satisfaction I get upon completing it is priceless.
Yet, this is only the beginning.
I have a few thousands dollars of claims that I have not submitted.
There are more uncompleted work these days and 'tomorrow' is never enough to clear them.
KL next week and Jarkata on my birthday's eve.

Speaking of birthday, I have nothing in mind to buy myself this year.
I don't need another bag.
I thought of selling the Mulberry.
And maybe the Kate Spades now.

Happy 28th to me!

2011-06-24T09:38:00.000+08:00

Was a little emo the past few days and didn't think much of my birthday although I kept bugging Mr. Grumpy for a plan. I guess it's work and the trip to Jakarta on my birthday's eve and it didn't help to experience my worst turbulence so far!

Well, I do have a birthday card from HS who's in HK and two birthday lunch treats so far and a celebration this Sunday but I thought that's pretty much it. After all, it's already the 28th....

Was hoping there would be a surprise cake, at least from Mac since the flight delayed and I reached home past 12mn.
I walked in, scanned through, nothing.
A little disappointed and grumpy and I went ahead to get ready for my shower.

Because my wardrobe door is a little translucent I saw a Surprise Note tagged to a bag sitting on my clothes. Silly him didn't realise that my home clothes are in the bottom drawer so the translucent door saved him.
I immediately opened my wardrobe and saw a Singtel thingy on top of the bag.
I thought he bought me an iPhone until i saw the bag.
OMG! It's an iPad2.
A totally sweet surprise.

And I hope one of these years, it would be a Hermes sitting inside my wardrobe :)
Thanks dear.

Celebrate life

2011-06-20T22:27:00.000+08:00

Life is so fragile.
A family friend's dad passed away suddenly a few days ago.
And I thought it's heart attack or something.
Nothing.
He just didn't wake up.
Imagine talking/seeing/sleeping beside someone the day before and the next day he/she is gone.
Just like that.
How sad can that be?
I can't even imagine.

Have you had words that were unspoken to someone dear?
Do you have things that will be done 'tomorrow' or 'one day' just not 'today'?
Life is such...

Celebrating my 28th year this Friday and I'm really thankful for everything that has happened in my life so far.
Had my 1st birthday cake yesterday, thanks to my SIL.
Received my 1st birthday card today, thanks to HS.
More to come :)

Hi there

2011-06-19T16:27:00.000+08:00

It's been 2 years.
Hope you are well somewhere out there.

Current stage

2011-06-18T16:27:00.000+08:00

Work.
Continue working on weekends.
Work.

2nd family trip

2011-06-08T23:46:00.003+08:00

Tickets and hotel booked.
HK here I come again!

Travels

2011-06-05T13:45:00.000+08:00

Have been at least once a month still since last Oct.
Thanks to personal trip in May.
Let's see how long it stretches :)
Jakarta & KL in a few weeks time and maybe it will stop next month onwards.

Last week of May & first week of June

2011-06-04T19:13:00.000+08:00

A week without the boss was trying but we (not everyone of course) did our best I think.
Mistakes were made and we learned from there.
'Taking care' of the team is tiring especially when there are people who are, well, incompetent.
It boils down to having the right attitude I believe and it's that arrogance and the I-know-it-all mindset perhaps that stops one from putting in effort to work as a team, to even work well as an individual.
I've tried to maintain my peace but time and time again, someone is just testing my limits.
I really have no time to babysit and to have someone messes up my workflow.
Let's fix this asap shall we?

On the first day of June - OMG! It's already June!, our dear nephew finally arrived!
We were the first (other than his parents) to greet him and he's a smart little chap.
Eyes were wide opened and didn't look like he just arrived an hour ago.
May you grow to be healthy and brought up the way your parents want you to be :)

And then I ended the week with the cuties.
The kids surprised me by playing the let's-see-who-moves-first game.
That was an attempt to calm them down and to enjoy silence for a while and it worked.
Just for that little while, ha.
We even played Twister, a game I have always wanted to play and they had my first.
Gor gor really has grown up and it just proves me right in believing he's a special child who will shine in a unique way.
Mei Mei is another cutie who melts your heart anytime. She's like a 5 year old trapped in a 15's body.
And I surprised myself by being quite a good bedtime story teller.
A short evening but quality time spent.

Being surrounded by newborn and kids, I know the question will pop.
Maybe next year? We'll see :)

My working life chapter 0.1

2011-05-31T22:36:00.000+08:00

A sms conversation...

Me: XX can't send emails. Pls check if it's has anything to do with space on server cos another colleague could.

No reply.
Tried to call him and the line was engaged.
After a while...

He: Saw her email... Checking...

Me: Don't call her cos it's ex! -- I was merely passing the message

He: Then how? She can claim from company later right? It's the settings or her computer... Need to test out...

Me: Text la! -- if not what? Write a letter?!

What's next is classic....

He: Then it will prob take the whole night. I try....

Wow!!! Texting someone to solve a seemingly easy problem will take a WHOLE NIGHT!!!

Me: Whole night??? That's very efficient!

Me: Pls email her instead.

At this point, he was calling me persistently and I simply refused to answer.
Then he continued to throw me questions.

He: Do you know if she's using Entourage or Outlook? -- hello?? Do I look like I'm beside her or if I'm still the messenger??

Not letting go after I ignored him, he went...

He: Email her liao -- very bad Eng, cc you

CC-ed me FOR FUCK??!!

I was merely passing the message and now roped in to help solve a problem which I have no solutions for? I don't understand how such a simple situation can be handled in such a way.
And just when I thought I can deal with him better, he had to do one thing after the other to piss me off! How long more do I need to suffer?
ARGH ttm!

Friends

2011-05-29T19:33:00.000+08:00

I believe most of us have valued friendship more so than kinship at one point of our lives.

But I also believe that as one grows older, one would agree more to the saying -

blood is thicker than water.

Maybe not but still...

Yes, most of the time, there are no or maybe I should say less strings attached

when friendship is involved.

Less expectations and less conflict cos you don't have to live with each other.

But is it also because of that that some people does not treasure friendship as much as some of us do?

Seriously, how hard is it to spend that few hours in a year to catch up with old friends?

It wasn't easy for the one to coordinate/organise, to make sure everyone's schedules fit so pls, at least give that person some credits will ya?

Why do I feel like I'm the only trying here?

It's not like I'm hard up for friends, ha.

I'm the married one so if anyone is 'busy', it should be me, no?

Oh well, different priorities I guess.

Anyway, the meet-up was great on Friday.

Although it was down to three from five.

And it only took 3 hours. Out of our 365 x 24hrs.

We have not changed much and precisely so why some chose to not turn up...

Till the next, I look forward to hearing wedding bells from you two soon!

Back from Saigon

2011-05-28T10:43:00.000+08:00

Ho Chi Minh otherwise known as Saigon is NOT the capital of Vietnam.

Hanoi is. And I think a lot of people got them mixed up.

I've not been to the capital but a lot of people told me it's worse than HCM so I don't think I'm ready anytime soon.

This was a impromptu trip, planned 2 weeks before.

Quite a number of firsts this trip...

First backpack trip. I didn't think I could pull it off but I did. Pat on shoulder.

Actually it's because we were going the budget way and didn't want to pay for check-in luggage, ha. Plus it doesn't make sense to bring a trolley luggage to a resort, no?

First time travelling with a colleague.

First flight experience with Vietnam Airlines and its propeller plane freaked the hell out of me. Luckily the flight from Phu Quoc to HCM was much better.

First time staying (and paid for) in a huge-ass sea-view bungalow at a luxurious resort - Chen Sea Resort.

First time to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam's biggest island.

About the island:

With a size similar to Singapore's, its population of 100+ thousands reminds us once again how sardine-packed Singapore is now. And you still want more foreign talents/workers?

A postcard worthy photo?

In and by the pool the whole day!

Night market.

Supposed to be the most happening place at the island but give me our pasam malam anytime!

Beautiful sunset.

First time to a Hard Rock cafe.

Our itinerary was simple - to do nothing and just relax.

And I think we did well :)

Day 1:

Ling picked us up from the airport and we went for coffee at her favourite mall.

Dumped our bags with her and off we went to hunt for massage place.

We walked for hours before settling for manicure & pedicure instead because cheapo me didn't want to pay too much for massage and I don't like thai massage.

Kinda felt molested at the shop cos the girls were full of praises for my skin, hands and legs and kept touching me. But I earned myself a free massage while waiting for Sharon to be done.

I think I was the luckier one as she received bad service and her nail polish chipped almost immediately (partly cos she's very rough la, haha)

By the time we were done and back to the mall for Ling, it was 8pm Sing time and we were famised.

Wanted to go for mushroom hot pot but the shop with fairly good business suddenly closed down!

Ling said it's a common scene although it was only a week ago when she last saw the shop.

We settled for Korean food at her neighbourhood eventually and enjoyed one of the best pancake I have tasted and a big hotpot of dumplings.

Back to Ling's apartment and it's indeed nicer than the previous.

Ended the night at 2am Sing time teaching Sharon "dai di" and having some good laughs with her constant "pass".

Day 2:

HCM to Phu Quoc

The flight experience gave me a bad start for the day but the resort turned it around totally.

It was one of the best decisions I've made - to book ourselves in that resort.

Not cheap though, about S$300 per night but totally money well spent!

Only complaint is the insects.

Went to the pool after settling down and had enough of touring the room and snapping pictures.

After a couple of hours at the pool, we decided to settle for dinner at their so-called famous night market and boy was I disappointed.

Half of the market is occupied by food stalls, the other half made up of stalls selling toys, pearl, tee shirts and slippers.

Dinner was good and cheap although the locals know zero English and confused our order with two Korean girls'. All went well until the dog came and scared my travelling partners away.

We asked the cab driver to bring us to their one and only mini mart to stock up on snacks and finally back to the resort.

You can imagine how little we could do at the island...

And I was the first to crash that night.

Day 3:

We decided staying at the resort is better so we had brunch and then to explore the place.

The resort has a small private beach, not the best on the island but decent enough.

It was monsoon season for them so we didn't even go near the sea.

After that it was nothing but the pool.

And that's how 3 of us had our tan/sunburn.

Ironically, Ling who didn't intend to get any, got it the worst.

Went back to the resort's restaurant for dinner and that pretty much summed up our second day and last night at Phu Quoc.

Day 4:

It was supposed to be a mahjong day with the Ling's Singapore friends.

Yes, we flew miles to play mahjong.

But first to Hard Rock cafe for lunch then Ben Tanh.

By the time mahjong and dinner ended, our energy level was minimal.

Since it was a Sunday night and a school and work day for most of them (about 20 people), the day ended quite early.

Not before we had a few more rounds of dai di and Sharon's passing....

Day 5:

Lunch at the Korean restaurant again because the pancake was simply too irresistible and finally back to Singapore.

It was a good trip and till the next family trip, it's all about work!

Madness at work still and this is just the beginning....

Have a good well-rested weekend everyone.

HCM again

2011-05-18T22:09:00.000+08:00

I ought to slap myself for saying I'll not return. At least not so soon.
But I'm going to HCM and Phu Quoc Island.
Let there be sun!

Also, I've started using sun block today.
Like finally.

In week and a nutshell

2011-05-14T10:35:00.000+08:00

Soon-to-be ex-boss resigned instead and her last day is on Monday.
I think it's a relief to everyone except for her pet. No more back-up so let's see what's he truly capable of.

She needs a break and we clearly need one, from her.
And the past week had us mostly clearing shit, rushing for the campaign that she has sat on it for a while, working late, stepping up for a bigger role and responsibility and ultimately believing that we can do it, it's worthwhile doing what we are doing.

I feel the stress and am aware of the challenges and obstacles but I will bear in mind what YYBJ said, that perhaps this is my other door... :) I will do my best to prove myself!

______________________________________________

Was hoping to end my Friday night with a little catch up over dinner, some drinks and even mahjong but Friday the 13th worked its magic for me.

To you,

while I may seem like the insensitive, not understanding, not accepting, conversative, judgemental and petty one, I am not.
And I'm not even being defensive here.

Perhaps you have forgotten how we always make a joke out of everything, out of one another and out of ourselves.
Perhaps I failed to realise that although you laughed along or laughed it off, you actually mind.
Perhaps you are the conscious one so no matter what we say, do or react, you would take it as we are judging or disapproving your actions.
Perhaps I used the wrong word. Of course you are normal.
And perhaps I really don't understand and I will tell you why.

Because it seems to me you don't know what you are into or know what you want yet acting like we are the unsure ones. Try to see if I can accept it and I'm actually fine, you said. What are you trying to prove? That you're right? I think you have admitted that you don't really know what you want, so what is it that you want us to accept may I ask?

Why be so defensive and questioned if your decision has changed you or affected me?
My dear, as much as you're my friend, it doesn't affect me at all.
Simply because it's your life and I have no say in how you want to lead yours.
Are you doubting yourself thus you threw that at me?

I wanted to laugh and my heart ached a little when you said that because you have no freaking idea what I'm going through.
So pls, stop making a big deal out of it. Things can be simple if you want them to.
Stop trying to get people's acceptance or approval if you yourself have not even accepted you.
Stop blaming your uncertainties on others. You just have to decide for yourself.

And if you want to stop sharing things with me because you think I cannot handle it, fine by me too because I can't explain to you how and why I can. I just can't say much.

I don't know if this is going to affect (not me but) our friendship but I really wish you all the best.

_____________________________________________

Need to pack for Ho Chi Minh & Phu Quoc island.
Much needed break.

Have a good weekend everyone.

War at work

2011-05-09T00:09:00.000+08:00

I see a battle coming.

And in case you blame it on the election that has sparked off our urge to oppose you, just like how you blamed it on feng shui when two of your very capable managers decided to leave; or how you would always blame on anything or anyone when shit happens, IT IS NOT.

I read this from an article, that today we are not voting for the opposition but simply an alternative.

But I asked myself what alternative do we have today in the company when you, behave just like the men in white and there's no WP, NSP, SDP, SPP, RP or SDA?

Why is it that I've made it loud and clear not once but several times that I'm not happy with the way you distribute work and it still happens the way I do not want? Why is it that you can insist that I shouldn't say "I don't want" - do I not have any rights as an employee? What happen to "talk to me" and "I hear you" when you can't deal with the truth? To be fair to you, yes, you were hearing. Just not listening.

What happened to the happy days in 2009?
The days we were fighting together as a team, sharing joy and tears.
Why am I feeling so suffocated these days and not enjoying work as much as I did?
Why do I feel like a hypocrite when I go to you these days asking for the so-called advices?
How did you make a job that I truly love more and more unbearable?

Now here's the truth.
Is it difficult to talk to you?
Yes, because you don't listen.

Why are we drifting away from you?
For the record, NO ONE instigated us to do anything.
We didn't drift away from you, it's YOU who never care enough in the first place.
You hardly ask us how's our weekends and sometimes you seem to be too busy to even ask "how are you" when we return from medical leaves. If you leave earlier than us, you would sneak off without a goodbye which although not a big deal, really makes us scratch heads.
You don't remember the team's birthdays and when I was kind enough to remind you, you chose to do nothing. On the last day of an intern whom you don't favour, you wished him Happy Birthday instead! Last Christmas, you brought the team out with 10 over people from the company and sat at the other table instead. Isn't times like that, even if it's just that few times a year the best time to bond with your team? And do you remember there was once I was telling you about my mum's operation? I can never forget how your eyes drifted away and weren't paying attention to what I was saying...

How does the above show your interest to be part of the group? And how have we drifted away from you when we were not even close in the first place? I do not understand.

Today, it frustrates me greatly that you're acting like a bully, to someone who is better than you in all ways, whom you choose to see as a threat instead of appreciating her. It's pathetic. How you would rather refuse a gem than to deal with your insecurity and incompetence, like a leader should.

It's sad you can't do big things like a big person.
But I'm not about to lose this battle.
For if there's one thing we learnt from this GE, it's that no one can take away your power that's meant to be and that even the underdogs are not completely defeated.
I shall be the opposition, or rather the alternative for myself.

GE 2011

2011-04-30T12:12:00.000+08:00

This election sees the involvement of more people, particularly the younger generation, whether they can vote or not, partly thanks to social media.It's a powerful tool that helps one another pass the message, messages that were previously not heard through the local media.

It's good that more people are sitting up to listen and see for themselves what's happening around us, what's in store for their future, for our future.
Whether one is following the news because 'monkey see monkey do' or is geneuinely concern about the campaign, the message is out there. That we want to be heard, that perhaps if we entrust our future in the opposition parties, we can change.

Yes, we don't doubt the capabilities of the PAP and deny the efforts they have put in.
But if today, the opposition parties are given the same amount of resources and space to do what they believe in, will they pare in comparison? I don't think so.

Monopoly is bad.
As consumers, we should know that.
As a citizen, it's even worse.

The atmosphere at the rallies were fantastic. Listen for yourself and you'll know what makes sense.
Sadly, I'm in AMK GRC and I can't root for the party I want. And I'm sure I'm not alone.
I looked around the thousands of people yesterday and there is no lack of supporters waving the blue flags, decked in blue.
But, how many of these supporters can eventually vote for them?
The true figure is disturbing.

Like what they said, this whole voting system is unfair to begin with. Yet, they are not giving up and choose to fight on. Is it really for the sake of just opposing? Did they not make sense about the mistakes - the flood, escape of Mas Selamat; PAP made and how they were not apologetic enough and did not do a great job in making amendments?

Is it comforting for those who have to slog for years to pay off housing loans, who have paid or will pay a high price for their flats, to hear that 'public housings are affordable'? I don't remember 20 or 30 years to pay off loans equate affordability.

Is Ms Kate Spade right to say local education is cheap? If it's really so, why were my parents always so unhappy to see my tuition fees. Doesn't everyone love a cheap bargain?

Of course, it doesn't bother me at all if I'm rich today.
What's a HDB flat? My house is big enough to hold a rally, ha.
What's rising public transport fees? I just bought another flashy car and am only concerned I can't do justice to the powerful engine of the car because of the jams I'm constantly in.
What's cheap local education? My kids are going to Oxford or Harvard if they are smart enough. If they are not, they are going overseas anyway.
That's what my money are for. To spend lavishly. In many ways since almost nothing is cheap in Singapore today.

Sadly, I'm not that rich girl.
I queued for a $292,000 4-rm flat at Punggol because I COULD NOT AFFORD the $600,000 Duxton 5-rm flat. Yes, I was lucky to get one but a lot of friends are paying more and some, have not even got one. And to me, the sum I'm going to pay requires 20 to 30 years of my committment to a job. I'm a slave for my own roof.

Like many others, I'm also the one who needs to sqeeuze in the crowded trains everyday to get to work because I cannot afford a car and cab rides are taking a toll on my bank account. Worse, they are always not in sight when you need them. But SMRT is right, if I can wait or am willing to sqeeuze, I will be able to board one, never mind I have to stand for 45mins, be wary of men who are too close for my comfort and one day, be upset with people not giving up their seats for me when I'm pregnant or old. But it's not their fault. It's mine. That I cannot afford my own transport.

I was at the public hospital a few months ago and saw how my mum worry about the fees my brother would chalk up. Mind you, he was in class C ward. From a family with 3 working adults, that was a problem to us, so imagine what it's like for the poorer ones. And don't get me started on how disgusted I was by the quality of service simply because we were paying less. Again, it's our fault for not being rich enough to go to a private hospital or higher class ward.

And so what that I'm facing these problems like many others?
I'm in a GRC so strong that no matter who I vote for, the outcome is the same.

So I ask you, those who have a better choice, to vote wisely.
Give those an avenue to speak up for us, to show the other side what a democratic society really means and to for once, put your actions to words and not just sit there and complain all day long but on May 7, alas, put a cross beside PAP.

Do you really want an upgrade which you have to fork out money from your own pockets?
Do you believe that you will face trouble if one day you need help from the government? If this is true, it makes them no different from the hooligans.

May 7 is going to be exciting and historical.
May it changes our history and our fate!

Celebrating life & birth

2011-04-23T12:57:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, we celebrated her 7.2 decades of life.

Never mind that she didn't want her husband to be close, they looked happy.

Everyone was urging my grandpa to kiss her but we also knew what would get him into if he really did it. My grandpa is a wise old man so he just flashed his signature smile - the one which you can't see his eyes. My ah gong is a cute one. And my mum will be like that too because of the resemblance, ha. I just hope she will inherit that smile too, the one from the heart because it's been a while...

It was a good day spent at the Angs. Although it was warm and everyone was feeling sticky!

We ate a lot and the reality test came about when uncle brought the weighing scales out. OMG! Some said it adds 3kgs to their actual weight. Mine? About 1kg but kinda made sense cos I really ate a lot and non-stop. And the champion? The 15 years old boy at 97kg!

Well, let's just say most of us are not small (literally). Most of us have certain "weightage" and we are loud, haha - a true blue Cantonese family. But it's such characteristics that define the drama, the joy, the tears, the bond and most importantly, a family. All of us have been a lot over the years. We have fought, made up (the aunties finally talked yesterday!), split, lost a few dear ones, gained new members and shared so much....

I believe a family keeps you grounded and one should never forget your roots.

I love mine.

And I hope they are proud of their 6 children, 10 grand children, 2 great grand children (alright, and still counting), the grand children in-laws because each and everyone shines in one way or another.

And when they come together, it's one big happy family :)

Heart not big enough?

2011-04-22T10:14:00.000+08:00

Maybe I don't have a big (enough) heart.Thus I can't forgive that easily.
Thus I bitch all the time.

I know we are given tough situations and people to deal with from time to time so as to test our patience, ability to handle these so-called problems and at the end of time, boils down to the word 'karma'.

And I'm angry at myself for losing it most of the time. Like how I strongly dislike the guy in the team and let it affect me everyday. I even find breathing beside him intolerable! And a colleague told me the other day I should be the gracious one...

Then I wonder, am I letting this person bring the ugly side out of me? Will I accumulate lots of bad karma from behaving such? How can I let someone I dislike so much and so insignificant be part of my life? I need to change.... and treat him like invisible man, no, boy.

It was good before he came.
But I doubt he'll leave before me or us.
Damn!
Life is such...

And I wonder

2011-04-16T15:43:00.000+08:00

Kinda threw myself out there but have received no news, no response, no updates.
Stuck in something that is making me increasingly irritated and unhappy.
And I wonder, if this is it.
If somewhere out there is probably worse than this.
To do or not to do?
I really wonder.

Boo Hoo

2011-04-12T21:26:00.002+08:00

I didn't get it :(
The consolation is all the travelling can be quite a killer and I doubt I can manage.
Well, I believe there are better things out there for me.
I'll keep trying....

Work trips

2011-04-09T22:41:00.000+08:00

I believe most of us have craved for them at one point.
Until we have them that is.
I wouldn't say travelling is a big part of my job but perhaps I've been doing back to back trips and that I'm getting older, work trips aren't as cool as I thought after all.
Or maybe it's the places I get to go.
The furthest is Taiwan and I've yet to venture there, ha.
Hong Kong took me two years and it's by luck that I finally get to go.

And when you live in a city that is considered one of the safest in the world, you tend to worry a little everywhere you go.

The taxi drivers.
I've had a taxi driver who dozed off while driving me to the airport in KL.
I've lost my ways countless times with them too.
I always worry if each ride gets me to my destination safely.

The people.
Some people (not naming countries) just give you the unsettling feeling.

Hotels.
Are they safe? Accessible? Clean? Are the pillows too soft or too hard? Do they have hair dryers? - very important for me. Nice shampoo & shower gel? - except for KL where I stay at The Hilton, I tend to bring my own.
And also, you have to deal with sleeping alone.

More work.
It's not a leisure trip and you know your objective is to meet as many people as possible so back to back meetings are expected. After a day of hard work, you still have to check emails and probably don't get to sleep much before you are up for yet another busy day.

Of course, I've learnt to inject some fun in all work trips as much as possible.
The one or two hours spent at the malls.
Having a good meal.
Enjoying a movie or two and plane meals if I go somewhere further than KL.
And at the end of the day, remind myself how much I wanted these work trips and appreciate I have the opportunities.

Off to KL on Monday :)

Should have hibernated at home today

2011-04-08T22:20:00.000+08:00

So I won't get upset at work for being tasked to do something that really, shouldn't be my fucking job!
Upset again when I came home to find my slippers worn without my permission. Yet again.
Even more upset when someone dear lied to me. I cannot believe that after what have happened, you are still unwilling to share....

I was so tired from the Manila trip.
Why did I still go to work and let all these ruin my Friday?

Trips, mainly for work

2011-04-05T22:41:00.000+08:00

Just realised I've been taking the plane at least once a month since last October.

Oct & Nov - Europe (personal of course)

Dec - KL

Jan - Penang & HK

Feb - HK (personal)

Mar - Jakarta

Apr - Manila & KL

Day two in Manila and it frustrates me a lot that I can't have a proper conversation with Mr. Grumpy.
Even MSN doesn't work for us or rather me.
The network is really cranky here.
All calls I receive are 0888888888888.
Auspicious number you may think but there's no way I can screen the incoming calls.
I had 2 calls from Prudential and UOB respectively already!

Am glad we are in this hotel which is right next to the atas mall!
Haha, I didn't shop much la, in case you wonder.

I would like to think the sales trainings went well.
Two more to go and it's another long day tomorrow.

Good night people.

甜死了

2011-04-04T15:26:00.000+08:00

On 2nd April 2011

2011-04-03T15:08:00.000+08:00

I chopped off my hair to about somewhere below shoulder.
Not in love with it but am gonna embrace it.
If not what right? It takes time to grow.

I went to Suntec's Que Sera and tried 5 pieces but bought 2 because 1 is not nice, according to the man and 2 are too loose.
Love the shop because it's probably the only one where medium is too big for me.
I got into a XS dress at one point and would have bought it if I need not sit or eat or breathe too hard when wearing it.
What are the odds right?

Now, I have a bursting wardrobe (ha, since when I don't?) and a new corner where I dump all the new buys yet still wonder what to wear on most days. And worse, at times, have 'nothing to wear'.
I know I'm not alone...

April is gonna be good and fun I hope.
Mon to Thurs in Phil.
Next Mon & Tues in KL.
17th the dinner and birthday celebration.
22nd another birthday celebration.
30th hosting dinner for the very first time!
Pretty much something to look forward to each week.

How's your April like?

Being 25

2011-04-03T10:24:00.001+08:00

Do you remember yours?
Mid-twenties. A neither here nor there age.

And on his 25th, I particularly feel something more...
Sometimes, I wish you're still 5, ha. Although we fought a lot then.

Things were so much simpler then.
We fought over silly things, made up and the cycle repeated again.
I wish those days never stopped when I was older, when I thought friends are cooler.
I wish I had done more...

We had a great afternoon on 31 March.
Walking under the hot sun, eating, walking to get more food and cabbing home during the crazy peak and ERP hours.

3rd day into your 25th, I wish you well in all aspects of your life and remember, I'm always here no matter what :)
And no, I no longer think my friends are cooler or well, more important.
Nothing beats you guys and you.

XOXO.

Mum or me?

2011-03-28T23:11:00.000+08:00

He: If my mum and you fall into the water at the same time, I will save my mum first. Because after saving her, I would jump back into the water and die with you.

(Like I'd buy that.)

Me: No, your mum is still more important than me then because why would you let me die in the first place?

Friends

2011-03-27T15:41:00.000+08:00

I used to call everyone I know, in one way or another, a friend.

Until someone pointed out the difference between a school mate and friend, an acquaintance and friend.

I didn't think it was necessary to draw a line that clear and also, it's too much of a hassle to explain who, where and how you met this person at times.

But over the years, I've came to realise the need to do so - to give justice to a real friend, to not loosely define someone as friend.

Like "we are still friends" after a breakup.

Yes, we may not turn bitter and resort to killing each other but to remain as friends?

The let's meet up for coffee, movies and whatnot kind of friendship?

Not impossible but difficult.

Which is why some best friends think twice before falling in love.

And because a breakup may means not caring enough, the friendship probably doesn't mean much either.

It's just a typical PRish statement that most people use.

The other day, a secondary school classmate (I almost wanted to use the word friend, again, but we barely know each other!) called to arrange for lunch.

He started the conversation introducing his new job - financial planner and of course, his motive of meeting up was pretty obvious.

As much as I didn't want to meet up, I said yes. I am ironic ok?

But as soon as I hung up, I was thinking of ways to reject him.

And damn it, what can be better than being honest?

We barely know each other, we have never kept in touch and after 14 years, he wants to meet up?

Perhaps he thought we are friends...

Strange...

2011-03-26T09:53:00.002+08:00

My blog got deleted.
But it's fine now and I don't know what has happened.
Oh well...

Love Stories

2011-03-20T11:22:00.000+08:00

I'm sure everyone has heard many.

There are the really sweet ones, the romantic ones, the first-whom-last-till-the-end ones, the not so blissful ones...

Just by looking at my family, I can name you, let me see, at least 10 different ones.

Cannot start with mine cos use 1 hand to count is more than enough and also not that happening.

Cannot be too detailed too cos didn't seek permission so here are some....

1) their courtship started when one was 11, and the other 15 (I think) and the story continued since then. What were you doing when you are 11? I was a nerdy kid, trying to be a good student, prefect, librarian and science club member.

2) not lacking of suitors, she only had her first serious relationship in her late twenties with the young man who was secretly in love when they were still in school. Who would have thought that getting in touch again years later would turn into a long-distance relationship then marriage? Both are happily residing miles away pursuing their American dreams.

3) the I-want-to-get-married-at-18-years-old chio bu & the yandao kia. Today, they are the parents of 3 beautiful daughters and 2 ultra-cute grandchildren.

4) my paternal grandpa has been living with his 2nd wife but in recent years, dumped her cos she turned senile and he got really sick. He is now back at my grandma's under her care. I doubt any woman our generation can tolerate such nonsense.

5) my maternal grandparents don't live together cos they can't get along but she still cooks for him and he still cares a lot for her.

6) remember the story about my uncle who cheated yet accused my aunt? They are fine now and seem very happy together.

7) both my uncles (dad's brothers) have mistresses. One even left the family to be with the other woman. I heard the other one was dumped recently. Both have 3 kids and Malaysian wives. Wow, is this brotherhood or what?

These are all different stories and I'm not even sure if love still exists in some.

What triggered me to pen this entry is the troubled lovers around us recently.

I have a friend whose other half is confusing her because he refuses to speak his mind.

Ray has a friend whose other half is not very likeable and is always acting like she doesn't care about the relationship in front of everyone.

And we've been playing counsellors to these two respectively.

I have two more stories that I'd rather not share here.

So you see, love can be so sweet yet so torturing.

And no one can prepare you for the better or worse.

It's hearing these stories that make me appreciate Mr. Grumpy and what we have, more.

Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely not gloating or being selfish.

It's just that we have had our fair share of sweetness and torturous moments and having lost and gained it all really made us grow up and see love in a different perspective.

Yes, some people gotta learn it the hard and dramatic way.

They have to lose someone, to cry buckets, to feel the heartache and finally know what they are missing.

We are the lucky ones but we also believe in fate.

So, I really wish those around us well and may they find their ones soon.

Of course, you don't have to focus on just the boy-girl love because family & friends love are just as, if not more important.

I Love My Husband

2011-03-20T11:21:00.002+08:00

Raymond Yeo is the best!

-- I didn't post this.

Japan

2011-03-20T11:21:00.001+08:00

It was a dramatic one as we seen JAPAN first badly destroyed by mother nature, then threatened by a much serious issue because of what the disaster has caused.

Japan, such a developed and technology-savvy country, one which is many's dream holiday destination, is now in such a state.

Who would have expected?

No one can be spared and isn't it time we do something to protect the Earth?

Do people still care as long as they're not affected. Yet.?

When can we see the good old Japan?

All the best to you...

Yum Seng

2011-03-11T19:32:00.002+08:00

Yesterday's wedding dinner reminded me how much I miss mine.
Strange, I didn't even do much to make it memorable, ha.
You see, I've gotta be the laziest and least busy bride around.

And I let the not-so-fantastic moments pass so that the day can be as simple as it can be yet beautiful, at least to the both of us.

We've got a gorgeous car thanks to Audi yet the ugliest flowers that do no justice to it.
My hand bouquet was not exactly the one I saw from their catalogue.
My plan of going down earlier to meet and greet and more importantly take lots of pictures with the guests didn't materialise because the make up artist was late and she strongly believed I didn't have to go down earlier. Who's the bride you may ask.
I had a huge pimple near my flat nose which tonnes of make up couldn't cover it.
Shit happened to some of my guests literally as the toilets' flushing systems decided to go crazy.
We even had a tiff before the dinner.

But I let that all pass...
Because I'm not putting up a great show for people.
It's not anther event at work that cannot go wrong.
It's an important affair of our lives and what really matters at the end of the day?
That we are happy and that the marriage works, not that the wedding was perfect.

I love wedding dinners.
Because I get to dress up, share the joy of the couple, look forward to the food particularly ee fu noodles and at times, get to meet people whom I've not met for a while.
And I'm really looking forward to the one in Nov.
Happy planning :)

That purple dress

2011-03-11T14:45:00.002+08:00

Has been through 3 weddings with me.
At less than S$200 after a discount, it's the most expensive dress in my wardrobe.
I'm kinda cheap when it comes to clothes although I love buying them.

Anyway, it was bought for my dearest cousin's wedding where I was the emcee 3 years ago.
It was next worn at the wedding of my good friend of more than 20years (and still counting of course) 2 years ago.
It's a little too glamorous to be worn on normal days so to make better use of it, I decided to wear it for my colleague's wedding yesterday.

Alas, it slipped right down to my waist after I put it on because the boobies couldn't hold the tube dress.
In my defense, the dress was a little loose when I bought it 3 years ago.
Just that, over the years, I lost a little more and well, somewhere has shrunk!

Had a little panic attack but thanks to my mother in-law's wonderful hands, the dress was revived!
Now, I wonder if I'll wear it the fourth time....

That's the thing about dresses meant for weddings or special occasions.

Hong Kong Revisited

2011-03-05T12:03:00.014+08:00

24 - 27 February 2011.
The Yaps + The Yeos visited The Ching.

640am Jetstar flight that departed on time had us reached HK at 10ish.
Took a while for our respective yellow & grey bag to be out on the belt and by the time we checked in, we were famished.

Settled our first meal in HK at a typical cafe.

.......

Parted our ways after lunch and first stop for us was toy shop at Wan Chai.

I pictured it as a big factory outlet. It's just a shop in a mall and the toy cars weren't very cheap.

Left the place empty-handed and with too much time on hand, we went Tsiu Wah at Central for my favourite bun.

And left at 3ish for The Peak.

Look at the queue.

It went a little crazy when we were told to move up and perceived as cutting queue.

Two HKgers had a little arguement but everything was fine eventually when one party apologised.

We decided to go the touristy way and visited Madame Tussaud's.

OMG!!! I would have stopped breathing if it came alive...

Once upon a time...

Kinda once upon a time too....

This was particularly memorable because I had a 8R shot of this taken more than 10 years ago when SX and I went to the museum in Singapore.

After the tour, on our way up to the Sky Terrace.

Up again after 20 years...

Rich people

Korean stars visited but no idea who these heavily made up pretty boys are.

Waited 2hrs for the sun to set...

And this is why HK is beautiful and captivating...

Wrapped up the day with dinner at the famous restaurant - Yung Kee.

*****

Day 2 was solely on our own as the Yaps went over to Macau.

We started our day with breakfast at the traditional cafe beside the hotel and it was good!

After breakfast was almost an hour train ride to Tung Chung (near Disneyland) for Lantau Island.

Cable car ride would be faster to reach the top but guess what?

We spent an hour queuing....

And challenged ourselves with a ride in the crystal cabin.

It was lunch time when we reached and we decided to snack on desserts instead.

We were so in love with the durian pancake. Only to realise from HS we have this dessert shop at Vivo.

Him acting cool/Khoo.

Wishing tree.

FYI, this outfit was totally not suitable.

It was freaking warm!

160 steps we heard.

Stayed for a while at the top because we had a movie to catch.

Managed to try the local snacks before we left.

We got the window seats!

At Citygate Outlet to watch I Love Hong Kong.
Entire theater with only 5 patrons! Me like :)

Citygate is disappointing...

Only purchase that cheered me up.

Arranged an impromptu dinner with HS and to get JH's extra present.

Got lost at Harbour City, ha and settled for dinner pretty late.

Love that the vegetables are so green and fresh.

When in HK, goose is a must.

Very fattening though.

Yummy carrot cake recommended by HS.

That's not all for 3 of us.

Mr. Grumpy ordered a curry rice and HS and I shared a huge plate of noodles.

When will we learn not to over order?
We were so full that we had to forgo drinks or desserts.

And the night decided to get chilly when I had left the jacket in the room...

Nice.

*****

26 Feb - JH's birthday.

Surprised her with 2 mini delicious cakes.
5 peeps in a tiny room is quite a challenge and with a long day ahead, celebration was over in less than an hour.

First stop, dim sum at Central.

Second stop, century egg.

Third stop, H&M.

Fourth stop, Mong Kok for more shopping!

Fifth stop, the cafe full of character.

Sixth stop, back to hotel to dump our loot.

Seventh stop, Sai Kung for seafood.

Our first mini bus experience.

Last but not least, desserts and oranges at HS' apartment.

Hope you had a memorable birthday celebration :)

*****

On our last day, we headed to Avenue of Stars in the morning.

It was packed with lots of inconsiderate tourists/foreigners - people who walked over the hand prints when you were trying to take a picture, people who hogged the statues to have their photos taken like 101 times! Very frustrating and hence I didn't quite appreciate the place. Anyway it's more of a been there done that experience.

Then, like all other trips, there's always a time to say goodbye.

I love HK. I really do.

And I will return.

Not in 20 years time for sure :)

And so

2011-03-01T20:43:00.003+08:00

I wasn't down with a flu or just tired.

I was running a fever.

It was tough sitting through lunch yesterday and I had to excuse myself to leave earlier.

2 days leave + 2 days medical leave + 2 days in Jakarta means piled up work when I return to office on Friday.

Good in a way since I've been complaining I've nothing much to do...

We'll see.

Back and off

2011-02-28T08:26:00.002+08:00

Am back from HK.
Mr Grumpy got a crowd-shock and is not quite ready to enter the island anytime soon unless we are going to Disneyland.
Not like he's into cute stuff too.

It was a good trip afterall.
Did a little shopping, ate a lot! and the most disappointing thing of all has gotta be the weather.
It's barely cold except for one of the nights when I didn't bring my jacket.
See, things like that always happen.

Anyway, will update with pictures soon :)

Feel very tired this morning and I have a meeting at 10am and lunch after.
One more day at work before we jet off to Jakarta for 2 days.

I hope I'm not coming down with a flu but am merely tired....

Thank goodness I still get excited

2011-02-24T02:54:00.002+08:00

I used to have insomnia whenever I'm excited over something eg. first day of school - this stopped after I realised well, school isn't that exciting.

To me, sleep is an avenue of escape.
Why? Because some people can't (sleep) when they are upset, angry and whatnot.
But when I am feeling so, I sleep.
So when I lack of it, it's either I'm excited or I'm mahjonging, ha. The more hip term years ago would be partying but that's history.
And thus insomnia or lack of sleep is usually a good thing for me.

My life is bland now.
I've been trying to inject some fun, excitement and differences but have not been quite successful.
Just 2 days ago, I was rethinking the idea of getting a Masters.
And then getting braces, Invisalign to be exact.
Don't get me wrong, these are not impulsive thoughts.
But HY said I'm just bored and should just consider being a mum.

I know I will be one day, maybe soon.
But I'm just waiting for the flat to be here and it's happening soon.
Beside, what difference does a year or even two really make?

I've not achieved much.
And I don't want to look back in regrets years later or even blame the child for 'ruining' my plans or chances.
Alright, it's not like I have big plans but something along the line you know?

I'm not motivated at work.
There are loads to do this year but somehow, I'm just not as keen as before.
Is it because there's nothing worth fighting for and there's no need to prove myself?

Or ultimately, everything boils down to me not being genuinely happy ever since...
I'm not blaming anyone.
But no one really talks about it anymore and sometimes, I wish I can.
And when we do talk about it in a matter-of-factly manner, it hurts.
Because we are trying our best to be rational while suppressing our feelings.

Perhaps this is why I want changes right now. Changes that I can make them happen.
To divert my attention, to give me new hope, to make me smile again.
For a start, I'm trying to change myself - to be less involved, less bossy and to stop thinking that everyone needs me.

Perhaps I'm just too free... so till I figure out what changes work for me, I shall enjoy the next 4 days in HK :)
This is what I'm excited about and thank goodness for that.

hello there

2011-02-19T15:58:00.003+08:00

So CNY has came and gone and how was yours?
Thanks to the generous few (parents, in-law, cousin, aunt), we managed to pocket some ang pows.

The past week was dull until I received a call on Fri.

Am keeping my fingers crossed!

Last night was a 6hrs mahjong session and it only got me $14 richer. It was fun still...

Next week will be back to where we 买东西，吃东西 and I've just packed my suitcase mentally.

I know, Mr. Grumpy can never understand why it's such a big deal to me but I'd rather pack more than less and match everything accordingly. Dressing up does make you feel better don't you think?

It's Jakarta after HK and I'm kinda doing the back-to-back trips again with a 2 days gap in between. My first time there so hopefully everything's good.

Dinner with family later and the weekend will be over sooner than we thought.

Enjoy it!

Rabbit Year 2011

2011-02-13T18:33:00.006+08:00

Everyone says the rabbit year is a good one.
And it doesn't seem so for some of us.
But we should still be positive isn't it?

Had my first lo hei before CNY during a lunch which I shouldn't go but was asked to for some reasons.

CNY's eve.
Brought dollie along for reunion dinner at my mum's.
We had reunion lunch with Ray's family at a restaurant in Jurong and dinner with my family at my mum's.
We ate a lot!
Although it seems quieter this year, it was nice to see everyone rushing home from work for reunion meals.

We are lucky to have this as the CNY ride.
Any car is fine because travelling from West to everywhere else is no joke.

My auspicious dress for Day 1.

S$20+ from KL

Didn't take any pictures at my grandma's so at my mum's that is.

The Chins visiting, every year without fail :)

Hot mama's dress from KL too.

S$15!

The boys are decked in checkers coincidentally :)

My favourite dress for Day 2.

S$20+ from KL

Dad's birthday celebration at the Ang's.

And a mini advanced celebration for Kelvin.
Poor him is away for work on his birthday.

Day 3.

S$40 ish on-sale top from Topshop, Penang.

Only to realise it's S$39 in Singapore!

Day 3 was a gambling day.
First to Dan's place, then home for our 'open house' and then me to Ling's friend's place for mahjong.

I only had 1 serious mahjong session. Not enough!!!

Day 4

Top from KL again.

Lunch at West Mall.

Then to his friend's S$2.8m apartment.

Relaxing at the balcony wondering why are some people so rich and if it will ever be our turn, ha.

I never quite pray for wealth because I'm not born rich and never really know how it feels like to be so. Of course, I'm sure it's good but to me, it's not my priority. I mean some people live to make it big. I, on the other hand, am contented to be the little, not so ambitious figure in a small corner of the world who will be happy if she has the money to shop, buy a few new bags once a while, sees the world as much as she wants to, be comfortable in her little new nest and get her own car when the COE decides to be less crazy....

And above all, just wants her family to be healthy and happy.

I must continue to have faith, that no matter how difficult and tiring it is, I and we will pull through.

How?

2011-02-11T23:24:00.002+08:00

Perhaps I care too much and I should learn to let go.
Perhaps I need to know that letting go doesn't mean not caring totally.
It's just....
How?
I've been doing this for the longest time and I don't know how not to care as much.
Have I been too involved?

I'm so tired.
Who says the rabbit year works for the piglets?
At least not this week for me.

I am

2011-02-07T22:58:00.002+08:00

the pillar in the family at times, holding everyone together.
the princess in the family at times, enjoying the best.
the elder sister.
the eldest, the daughter.

but I am only such and there are things that I may not be capable of handling at times.
I am only such and sometimes I may fall.
And till I really fall, I can only take one step at a time and deal what comes my way.

Pretending

2011-02-06T20:48:00.002+08:00

Someone asked me the question just now and I struggled a little before giving the answer.
An answer probably only I will know the real, hidden meaning.
Of course, I can pretend to have an answer as such, no hidden agenda but do I want to?
No, because I know the truth.

Sometimes I look at them and think to myself, they are all I will ever have and yet they are not exactly mine to begin with.
It's painful.
But I know it's more so for you and you.

I'm sorry if these sound too emo during the festive season.
But at times like this, I really wish things are different...

Chu er

2011-02-04T10:29:00.001+08:00

Has always been my favourite day.
It's like all other gatherings except everyone is dressed nicely :)
Plus, today's my dad's birthday.

Happy birthday lao pa!

HK - 18 to 22 Jan

2011-02-03T08:59:00.009+08:00

Hong Kong.
The last time I was there, I was only 8.
I remember...
It was raining most of the time and my lips cracked like mad.

One of the female tour guides gave me her lip balm.

The male tour guide is quite good looking.

We went Ocean Park and couldn't play because of the rain.
We took picture with the Ah Sir (policemen) and I burnt my socks while trying to dry it by placing it on the lamp.
I bought some bicycle keychains for myself and close friends at "women street".
I've been talking about revisiting for the past 20years and only got to materialise it by booking ourselves tickets last year.
And then the work trip happened :)

I had to suppress my excitement and not behave like a village girl landing on HK for the first time.

Train from Airport to HK island.

Checking into Excelsoir. Got upgraded to the excutive room.

And had a view like this!
It was cold at night though.

Immediately switched on the TV and found one of my favourite TVB drama on reruns.
Watched while working and before I knew it, 2hrs was gone.

All ready to meet Huishan at Central.

I didn't know what to expect of the weather and I figured this will do the trick.

Just recycling the Europe trip clothes.

Bought myself new boots - cheap and good! Apparently, it covers more of your legs and does keep them warmer.

Actually as an Asian country, the same temperature is more manageable than that of Europe.

On the 30th floor.

This is Tsim Sai Tsui (I might have spelt it wrongly) and where HS is staying.

I took this because of Rolex, it's for my dad since I can't afford one for him :)

On the way for dinner.

This is the BEST dish I had in HK!

Wanton Mee, noodles not so tasty.

Shopping time!

The bag of loot that costs less than S$200!

We walked past this ice-cream van and I thought the music from it was my phone ringing.

My personal must-have!
Because HS was leaving for Thai the next day, we only that few hours to catch up.

We stayed out till 12mn and mann, HK doesn't sleep.

The train station was still packed and the streets filled with people.
I got lost a little beacuse there are a lot of exits but managed to find the hotel eventually.

I was still excited (like a kid) and only went to bed at 2ish in the morning...

Work began on the next day.

I thought this outfit is kinda weird but my work attires aren't meant for the cold so this is the best I can do.
First presentation went well although there were some hiccups.

And it was lunch after.

A very unique dish.

View of the hotel from the restaurant.

We stayed at the restaurant till 3pm and set off for the next 2 presentations.

This is their "lion hill". Managed to snap this from the cab.

The cab driver was very informative, acting like a tour guide and kept asking me to visit the park where TVB films a lot of palace of sort dramas.

Anyway, both presentations went well and I was so relieved I survived both since it's the first time I presented in Cantonese.

We went our separate ways after the presentation and I cabbed back to the hotel to look for food. Settled for Agnes b cafe - a tasty sandwich + a sucky hot choc and was too tired to stay up...

I love this outfit!

Had a meeting in the morning then lunch (pictures of food in bb).

And then HIFF press conference in the afternoon.

This is Zhang Ai Jia.

And then it was another 2hrs of meeting... before I headed back to hotel to move to HS' apartment.

I made a mistake by battling the after-work crowd at the station.

Thankfully for my size, I wasn't crushed to death or something.

On my own again and settled for Aijisen.

This is HUGE portion.

I really don't like eating alone especially in a crowded and vibrant city.
I had wanted to go back to the cafe HS brought me on day 1 but I couldn't find it.

No fun walking around alone so I headed back after dinner and watched TV.

Day 4 - free & easy in the morning until a 4pm meeting at Central.

This is her apartment.

Smaller than I thought but fantastic location and a decent size based on HK's standard.

I walked to the pier.

Took an obligatory tourist shot.
Back to the mall to shop!

Lunch on my own again.

And then to Central for the meeting.

Finally to Taikoo Place for supposedly some drinks but ended up with yoghurt.

Dinner on my own again.

And I obviously ordered too much.

I didn't quite like the eating and shopping on my own plus I'm returning soon so I booked myself an earlier return flight.

This again at the airport. OMG, I can have it everyday!

Last purchase before I boarded the plane.

Overall, it was a great trip.

I met very nice cab drivers and friendly sales girls - perhaps of my LV since HKgers look at how you dress and are rather particular about images.

More importantly, I proved that I could handle presentations in Cantonese!

See you again HK :)

Huat ah!

2011-02-02T23:04:00.003+08:00

I like that everyone on the road are rushing home or somewhere for reunion dinner/lunch.
But do drive safely.
This morning, a Mazda drove right into the barrier and caused a lot of us a 30mins jam.
On a morning when traffic's supposed to be a breeze.

Anyway, I didn't manage to get my nails done professionally.
I wanted to do red to match the clothes but couldn't handle the nail polish.
I changed to brown instead, ha.

Wherever you are, may Rabbit year brings you great health, wealth and happiness :)

Last minute shit

2011-01-29T09:39:00.002+08:00

Packing/spring-clean? Unchecked.
His new shoes & bottoms? Unchecked.
New notes? Unchecked.
Haircut? Unchecked for him and not gonna be checked for me.

I can understand why some people don't like CNY.
Because it seems there are so much to be done.
But it can be fun isn't it?
A valid reason to shop and for those who don't do that often, a time to stock up.

No motivation at work and I hope it's just a phase.
For the sake of money (not that I'm highly paid) and that amount of interest left, I will continue...
Cleared all my debts (finally!), gave enough (hopefully) to those who deserve it and I'm seeing some figures in the bank again.
Even got myself 2 new bags.
Life is good.

HK sale is great.
2 bags, 1 polo tee, 1 wallet from DKNY cost only less than S$120!

Next thing to look forward to?
Our new nest.
It's said to be ready by August this year!
And I can only pray it's true.

Shopping for Mr. Grumpy later.

What's next?

2011-01-23T20:15:00.002+08:00

CNY is approaching and I've long bought my clothes, all ready to welcome it.

It was relatively easy compared to more than a decade ago when my size and my actual age are a mismatch and nothing seemed to fit - I hated shopping then.

Alas, how things have changed since.

I don't know about you but I've always loved this festive season because it's truly meant for us Chinese to celebrate it. Now, I just need to head to the bank to get new notes.

So, after the madness at work and the travelling, I'm finally back to my big project and ideas are flowing in. Sadly, because I'm still the very last minute person that I've always been plus some other unforseen factors, the timeline needs to be adjusted. But trust me, I deliver when I want to and today it will be :) Stay tuned alright?

We are going to have another happy occasion to look forward to and I'm really very happy for you! Heartiest congratulations once again. Both of you deserve each other so enjoy the journey to happily ever after.

I had a beautiful dream yesterday, only to realise it's nothing but a dream when I woke up of course. If only one day, this dream comes true...

Anyway, hope your weekend was great and the week ahead better.

Day 4 in HK - short update

2011-01-21T23:29:00.002+08:00

Burnt a bigger hole in pocket.
Enough said.
Home sweet home tomorrow :)

Day 3 in HK - short update

2011-01-20T21:52:00.002+08:00

2hrs meeting.
Lunch.
Press conference - saw Zhang Ai Jia & Yang Fan and some very fierce journalists.
Another 2hrs meeting.
HMV to check out a promotion.
Hotel to TST via train.
Madness at station.
Tried to find the cafe HS brought me to on Tues but got lost.
Walked around for another hour before settling for Ajisen.
So duh right... Aijisen in HK.
And back at HS' apartment now...
Laters.

Day 2 in HK - short update

2011-01-19T22:19:00.003+08:00

Presentations went better than expected.

And tomorrow I'm moving from Causeway Bay to TST.

Very tired today because this sleepless city influenced me to go to bed at 2am yesterday.

I doubt I can do so today... early day tomorrow and a rather packed one.

Good night.

It's getting cold...

I miss my Xiao Pang.

Jet setting again

2011-01-18T17:17:00.002+08:00

Last Thursday to Sunday was in Penang and I can't say enough how glad I am that the event turned out better than expected except for some hiccups.

Penang was a first for me and all the hype about their good food has once again, disappointed me greatly. Most of the food we had taste better in Singapore.

Alright, I'm not starting the which-food-originate-from-where argument but I'm very well, I choose to believe, selective when it comes to food. I don't care where it is from as long as it's good.

As much as it was fun, it was a tiring trip.

I had my workout of the year - a 90mins trek at Jerejak Island, a very painful massage, tried Asam Laksa, Chendol and Char Kway Teow in an hour and got a little sick with food, Chinese hawker food to be exact.

But meeting and making new friends made the trip worthwhile!

And now, I'm FINALLY in Hong Kong for work.

Thanks to Hazel who couldn't bear to leave her children for so many days, I finally reunited with HK. And yes, I'm supposed to come here next month. And my mum wants a family here so that would make it 3 trips this year. It's payback time!

I've been stuck in my hotel room working for the past 2hrs and it's time I head out to explore HK and to meet HS. Let's hope it's not too cold.

Laters....

2nd weekend of 2011

2011-01-09T21:16:00.002+08:00

I have a big project on the way and it's definitely giving my 2011 something worth looking forward to. Until then, wish me luck and do show your support :)

Saturday was well-spent.
4hrs of meeting.
A birthday celebration at a lousy Jap restaurant at Central, followed by 7hrs of mahjong!
Again, I forgot I'm no longer 18 and it takes a while to recover the lack of sleep.
Was the biggest winner that night but spent it all on cab.
Well, it's not really the money but the fun of pong-ing, chi-ing and hu-ing of course.

Needless to say, I spent most of today snoozing and a couple of hours at NUH.
Ray's nephew was hospitalised after vommitting for 4 days and no medicine or jabs could help.
Speedy recovery ya!
Feeling recharged for the busy week ahead - hope I don't say it too soon.
Next few days are packed with meetings and the usual workload and then it's Penang.
Not exactly looking forward but one should always be positive.

My mum has been very bitter lately and I don't blame her.
But I just want to say... you can't expect everyone to be like you just because you are so.
I'm not expecting you to be fine or the same but there's only so much people around you can do.
It's simply unfair to channel the negative vibes to me because really, I'm not the one who has caused all these. And I may be wrong but at times I feel pressurised to be one you are pinning hopes on, to fulfill whatever you didn't/couldn't, to be the one you can still teach/control.
Take yesterday for instance, you are probably unhappy he's going out a lot these days and you actually reprimanded me for staying out late, leaving my husband at home. And what was more shocking was you didn't like that I was bringing my girlfriends back just for a little while!
Totally didn't see that coming... Come on, I'm 28 this year, married and my husband goes out with his friends and leaves me at home too. Plus, you know my friends.
So what were all that? Are you serious in trying to 'discipline' me now?
I really don't know.
I can empathise. I can tolerate.
But I cannot accept being 'punished' for someone else's 'mistake'.

She wants another family trip this year and as much as I want to be as enthusiastic as she or they are, I don't know if I can handle it.
But I guess I will because I need to. For everyone.

I was losing hope for a while but from my mum, I see that I can't.
Life is only as beautiful as you make it to be so I want to be in control!

What's your goal this year?

About us being one

2011-01-06T22:36:00.002+08:00

I just thought of something and feel a strong need to put it down to remind myself how ugly and bitchy human can be.

To those who questioned if I was pregnant when I first shared my decision to get hitched with you, bite your freaking tongue now and slap yourself for having a foul mouth!

Just because you have talked, have been talking and/or have been showing the obvious that you will get hitched doesn't mean I don't have such a plan.

I don't need to prove to anyone but I'm telling you, yes YOU who have judged, I'm happy now.
This is mean but at least I wasn't a fat/fleshy/chubby bride... roll eyes...

New Year?

2011-01-06T20:25:00.002+08:00

I don't know why it doesn't feel new to me at all.
Instead, it simply feels like it's an extension of last.

I also don't know why I've been feeling emo lately.
Like just going through the momentum of life.
Maybe it's the PMS.
Maybe it's the workload.
Maybe it's...
As much as I thought I'm not so noble to be affected that much, I guess I am.

I don't understand why you always say you wish you can turn back time and change everything.
What is it that you want to change?
What is it that you can only change then but not now?
If it can be changed then, can't it now?

Suddenly I don't seem to care about a lot of things.
You want to compete? Go ahead.
You want to be a copycat? Be my guest/cat.
You want to be biased? Just be la.
You want to act like you're the busiest? Continue acting lo.

Do you know I've stopped shopping for a month or so? (other than the 2 dresses I bought in KL)
Do you know I've stopped taking cab?
Yet, I'm feeling good.
Not happy good but just simple and peaceful good.

Is this a phase or it's just the new-before-I-hit-30-me?

We are ONE!

2011-01-02T21:31:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year and Happy 1st wedding anniversary to us :)
We went back to Amara for lunch and can't help but wonder where did the past 365 days go to.
Of course, we did a lot of things in between.
He drove many different cars including one of his dream cars.
He watched the World Cup LIVE.
I would also like to think he has had a better life at work and it's going to be better!
I think we have grown together as a couple and although we had our fights from time to time (who doesn't?), he makes me laugh a lot.
Even though I always say he's the luckier one, I'm glad to have you in my life, XIAO PANG!
Yes, he eats a lot and it's showing.
Thank you everyone who were there a year ago to celebrate our joy but pls don't chase me for baby Yeo.... Not yet ok?
To many years ahead :)