Breakfast with Tiffany

Modern fairy tales

2009-09-18T01:51:00.001+08:00

Conversation with my 4 years old niece

Me: What are you cooking?
Niece: I'm a princess.
Me: Oh I see.
Niece: I'm a princess so I don't cook. (in a very firm tone)
Niece points to a slightly older boy who was playing with her.
Niece: He's a King.
Boy: ....
Niece: He's a King so he cooks for the princess.
Boy: ?????

hehehehehe! Now who says children aren't smart.

National Day- The Pledge

2009-08-16T01:50:00.009+08:00

Every year, the government tries very hard to drum up the patriotic factor around this period. When I start hearing 'national songs' on the radio, I know it's that time of the already. Somehow though, like Xmas celebrations, I get the impression that it seems to start earlier and earlier each year.

Don't get me wrong, I've got nothing against all these celebrations and I'm rather proud to be a Singaporean but errr... singing patriotic songs and putting on national color clothes like a bit much for me lor.

I did put up the flag on National Day though...at the insistence of my husband...who is not a Singaporean. But more of that later.

This year, the organisers had a brainwave-
Let's say the pledge together...where ever you may be, together with those thousands of people watching the parade. And say it at 8:22pm.

Hubby thought there was a significance to the time. Like maybe that's when MM Lee gave that momentous speech that Singapore was officially on it's own, or when Raffles stepped onto Singapore...anyway, something meaningful. He didn't believe me when I told he it's just to time it with the parade programme. Of course, the funny thing was, the pledge wasn't recited at 8:22pm at the parade. It's not just because my clock on my cable machine says so. The bells were chiming very loudly (signaling 8:22pm) but they were still singing away. Hmmm...maybe next year, if they want to do it properly, they should just give the cue for the bell to chime when the pledge reciting starts. Strange that nobody reported that the pledge did not start at exactly 8:22pm after all the hype.

Another curious fact.

They (ie, the government) want everyone to recite the pledge but hor...how many of us remember it? Let's face facts, most of us left school many light years ago and though I remember snippets of it, I honestly do not remember the whole thing. I'm getting old liao. Or maybe that shows I'm not very patriotic or Singaporean enough.

Oops!

Anyway, my point was, why didn't they print/ post / recite out on radio/ the pledge for all so that those who really, really want to say it, can do so. There are so many media nowadays to do so- post on internet (maybe the P65 blog?) Twitter? Youtube? They can even print it in the newspapers, after all SPH earns huge profit every year, taking out a one page ad to place the pledge shouldn't be too draining on them. Hubby also received an sms from his hp provider reminding him to say the pledge. But hor...how to say it if you don't know it?

I just had a brainwave- they can print out into small flyer and put into the postboxes. Then everyone will sure have a copy of the pledge and will not have the excuse that they don't remember how to say it.

Or is it illegal to print out the pledge? Hmm....

Anyway, one of the reason I noticed so much more about National Day this year is because of my girl. In previous years, there are times when I do not even watch the parade (alright, alright, don't throw stones at me). I have been involved in it before when I was a student and I really, truely appreciate all the efforts put in by the various participants. Really, but......

However this year was a little different- I had my little girl.

I was quite keen for her to get a feel of it..even though she's really more interested in nursery rhymes than the National Anthem at the moment. I guess one feels differently when one has family.

And she being the product of 2 different cultures and 2 different races, I...We want her to experience and appreciate both sides. It was the reason why my husband actually dug out the Singapore flag and asked me to put it up.

Which now leads me to the next question on my...our minds. Yeah, yeah... I very 'cheem' tonight.

Singapore doesn't allow dual passports at the moment...but hubby's country does. If this doesn't change by the time she's 18, she will be forced by the SG government to make a decision. Now I know the government's reasoning was one should make a clear stand so that in times of conflict, one will know what to do.

Besides the fact that this so-call logic doesn't hold any water, it's like asking a child to decide if she wants to be with the father or the mother even though both the parents are happily married and together. She is being forced to accept one and reject the other. With so many inter-marriages nowadays (especially with the government actively encouraging foreign talents here), it's a matter of time before they have to decide on this issue.

Will it be done before she's 18? Well, there's 17 more years to go.

Baby M waving her flag. She likes red. ^^

'Productive' emails

2009-08-07T00:53:00.001+08:00

After not updating my blog for a such a long time, I was wondering what topic I should touch on. The easy one would of course be about 'her' (HRH, my girl), but I think I'd give it a break at the moment. So I thought I'd write something a little more interesting. The following subject may be a little 'R' rated, so read on with your own discretion.

My mailboxes (yes, I have several, as per the norm) are swamped with spam mails nowadays...I'm sure it's the same for everyone. You checked your emails in the morning after one night and they're flooded with all sorts of spam mails.

The spam mails ranged from trying to sell you some super cheap software to some hot-must-buy-now stocks from I-never-heard-before companies to some lunatics thousands of miles away trying to convince you that they would be most willing to share millions of dollars with you, with no or little strings attached. All you have to do is give them some money first. Yeah...right.

But the number one kind of spam mails are those professing to err... make one productive.

No, no, it's not work productivity related but I'm sure the government will be equally be pleased with this kind of productivity.

C'mon...you know what I'm referring to.

Those magical stuff that makes a man 'bigger' and will therefore make your girlfriend/ mistress/ wife happy. The best part of these mails are....they make it out that it's really us women who want it, and that's why the men had to have it. So, really it's not the men's fault.

Hmm.....good marketing tactic right?

The men could justify it by saying ..."but darling...I did it all for you...I did it to make you happy"

Really? I think I'd probably be happier with a 5 carat diamond ring.

To be fair to the men, there are lots of adverts everywhere touting the miracle 'it' for a huge 'bust up', so to speak for the women.

The strange thing is...whereas the adverts to bust up the bust are blatantly in the open for women...it isn't the case for men. And yet...judging by all these spam mails...there must be enough demand. I mean it's like those hundreds of irritating flyers one gets thrusted in face everywhere...it works...that's why they continue doing it. At least I'm assuming that's why I keep getting so many of these spam mails.

Now, I see a business demand here...would one of those beauty palour (that's doing good business servicing women now) open up such a service for men one of these days?

And if they do, I wonder...would men walk in to receive these beauty enhancements?

^^

Food for thought.

Mabel

2009-06-30T01:33:00.001+08:00

It has been almost a year since my last entry. I guess many would have known the reason for my absence. Yes, it's due to the arrival of HRH above.

It has been one huge, fast learning curve, on-the-job training. And there's more to come. For the rest of my life, I will be learning how to be a good mother. The thought itself is scary. Guess best not to think about it too much and just take things as they come. Actually, I don't really have enough time to think too much. I'm racing against time all the time.

Really wish I have 三头六臂 (3 heads and 6 arms).

Of course, winning the lottery would be just as good coz then I won't have to work. haha!

Total bliss

2008-05-06T00:25:00.006+08:00

DH says there are 2 types of holiday.

The first type is where you go to a place and 'see' it. So if you are going to Egypt, then of course you have to see the pyramids or if you are in Paris, then you must visit the Eiffel Tower or if you visit Beijing, then the Great Wall of China should be on the must see list.

Most Singaporeans are very likely to have this type of holiday. I guess with our fast pace living, and the government constantly drumming into us that we must be productive and learn as long as we live...we all feel the need to tick off those 'must see/ must do' places/things when we go on holiday. No doubt, our 'kiasu' nature reinforces this urge as well, otherwise we would feel that we haven't spend the money well.

There is a second type of holiday when you do absolutely nothing. And I mean really nothing...except maybe read or listen to you music on your ipod.

Many people can do this for a day or two but most would think you're mad if you 'do' this continously for 4 to 5 days.

Indeed, if you are on this type of holiday for the first time, it can be rather hard on your system. You may actually have to fight the urge to go into town, visit that famous restaurant, check out that theme park etc.

But believe me, once you have conquered that and tell yourself that chilling out is just as rewarding and refreshing....you will be surprised how quickly time passes.

Eat...sleep...read...eat...chat....sleep....

We don't have to behave like a frenzied rat when we are on holiday.

I'll have a beer please

Spring cleaning spring love

2008-03-01T00:36:00.000+08:00

After so many months, I thought it was time to shake the dust off this blog and start writing again.

And coincidentally, I was also doing some spring cleaning a couple of weeks back...you know...Chinese New Year. Yes, that once a year where you feel compelled to give your house a thorough cleaning, chucking out all the mess that you've accumulated for the past 360 days, though why one should suddenly feel they are junk just 5 days before Chinese New Year after having lived with them in close comfort for the past 360 days before is a puzzle to me.

Back to my story, my aunt was clearing out the cupboards and took out a couple of boxes and dumped them infront of me....telling me in no uncertain terms that I was to go through them and preferably throw them out.

I took a peek....and found that one of them contained the many letters and cards that I've kept since I was young.

If you're around my age, you would remember that once upon a time, people send out cards for all occassions and no occassions. Internet and handphone were non-existent then. Of course, in the last few years, less and less people (me included) send out cards because well....choosing, buying, writing and sending out cards take time....something which we tend to have less of nowadays (though my excuse is that I'm saving the tress ^^). But I must say cards are still special..unless they are cards from your insurance agents.

Anyway, whilst going through the box of cards and letters...I came across a very nice Valentine's Day card. Opening the card, I saw the short message written in it, telling me how it was love at first sight for him, how pretty I was and ended with a wish from him that I would be his valentine. I found a couple more cards from him...all very big, nice and mushy and all probably costing a bomb.

The cards brought a puzzled smile to my face.

A smile because it was nice to remember the days of young - of being wooed and 'chased' and 'desired'.

Puzzled because I have absolutely no recollection who 'Ian' was, which was this said admirer's name.

Now before you start thinking I had a whole army of suitors in my days of young, I assured you I didn't..though I did have a few 'ahem!' admirers (hubby..are you reading this?). But I do remember all the guys I went out with..at least their names anyway...even if I can't really remember their faces now.

But the name 'Ian' drew a blank. Zilch. Zero.

After thinking long and hard, I think I can hazard a guess who he might be, but I'm still not absolutely sure. And yet, he must have made an impact on me or I wouldn't have kept his cards all these years right? So why don't I remember him? And did I even ever go out on a date with him? If it's who I think he was, I think we had a couple of dinners or lunches or teas...

But you know what would be really interesting?

Would he remember me? Maybe not (X.. who? Never heard of her).

Many people talk about their puppy love or first love with mucht nostalgic warmth. But in reality, many do not really remember much about it. The other day, the DJs on this morning show was asking if listeners remembered their firt kiss...and guess what, most could not remember where or when (well, they have a rough time frame but no exact date).

Me? I can't even remember how it felt. Oops.

It's not that all those past relationships weren't important...they were..at that point in my life...from the first time I went out with a guy...to the first time when I fell in love...to the first time a guy broke my heart into a thousand pieces. They were all part of my life and helped to make my life interesting and what I am today BUT I am more happy and concerned about the present and now.

Sometime last year, I met up with a Korean and she told me something rather interesting. For those of you who watch Korean dramas, you would know that they are mostly filled with themes of finding first love or still being in love with the first love or something like that. Very romantic (which of course is a huge reason for it's popularity amongst women, the fact that the leading men are droolicious is a plus point of course). Anyway, I asked her out of curiousity if first love is really that important to the Koreans (since dramas tend to mirror life) and she said yes...and in fact she herself would like to find/ know about her first love. Hmmm...

I told her I have absolutely no desire to find my first love, or my second love...in fact any of my past love. Of course, if any of my past loves had looked like Bae Yong Joon or Takeshi Kaneshiro or Daniel Craig, I would be be dying to find them. But then if any of my past loves looked like any of the 3 above guys above, I would still be hanging on to them now. Wahahaha!

I prefer the present and the future...the past, whether good or bad, are great memories but I don't dwell too much on them. Because the now will become past one day and I want to enjoy it now. The fact that I can't even remember who this great admirer, Ian is, despite keeping his cards all these years is a good case in point.

Should I keep Ian's cards?

Perhaps I will keep just one...just for memories' sake....or until I can solve the mystery of just who this Ian is. ^^

Are you keeping your spring love?

Changing jobs

2007-09-24T14:51:00.000+08:00

Recently, I received an email from an old classmate. In it, she said : "Have been bored > 50% of the time the past 7 years"...so she's quit and going to start a new job soon where she hope the word 'bored' wouldn't be part of her vocab.

2 thoughts came into me mind when I received this...

- Wow! She can quit and just pick up another job at her age? Now I'm not saying she's old (well, she's the same age as me...and I'm NOT OLD). But you read in the newspapers all these stories about 'ex' managers, executives and directors (ok, maybe not directors) who find it hard to get a 'new' job when they hit '40' (which seems to be a magical number...hmm...maybe it is...since the number '4' means die in Chinese). I mean, it's totally, totally demoralising. Doesn't help with all the government hype about 'retraining', reeducation', 're-entering'...and all the 're's you can think. In my university days, a 're' means a resit for an exams...which really isn't too good.

So, of course, most people hang to their job for their dear life. And even if you do get a job offer, you hesitate to take it up because you're not sure if it's worthwhile taking the risk. What if the company shuts down? Or you get retrenched? Or you find out that your new boss is even worse than the previous one? Better to stick with the devil you know right?

Which then leads to another question or problem...however way you look at it.

If the 'oldies' don't move out, then how are the 'newbies' going to move up?

I remember KC complaining to me years ago (when he was about 30) and had just joined a local bank. He reckoned he was never going to be able to move up the ladder becasue they were all occupied by long timers.

Now that he's in the 40's and belong to those old timers...I wonder.... will he moving out? hehe! I must check with him...or if he is reading this...(he did used to, before all the distraction came along)...give me a call and let me know. ^^

- and the 2nd point? She was bored with her previous job.

Now that again...is something quite unusual. Because most people are really probably quite bored with their job. I mean, how many people really want to 七早八早 wake up, compete with about 2 million people on the road, so that you can reach the office in time for endless meetings, answering meaningless questions. Repeat this 5 times a week and even remotely 'ok' jobs become boring. Not many people have really, really 'interesting' jobs anyway. And if they do, they probably don't get paid well...not unless you're Mr Lee Ang or Mr Dennis Foo.

So most of do not quite because a job is boring...Most of us work...so that we can have the means to do interesting stuff.

Even for me, with my flexi hours....I'm frustated at times....

That's why we all dream of winning the lottery big time. (hubby dear, if you're reading this...and I know you do...can you please work a little harder on those winning tickets? Pleazzze?)

Actually, I do want to change job too...well...not so much change job as to expand on what I'm already doing based on my interest.....

I'm seriously exploring the opportunities to do some tie-ups on my kimchiblog or even this blog...so...people....if you people have any ideas or leads...drop me a note hor.

In the meantime, it's back to the reality of selling ad space.....just in case my editor checks out this site and finds me writing when I should be selling.

Arctic Tale

2007-09-07T01:37:00.000+08:00

Artic Tales
Directed by: Adam Ravetch, Sarah Robertson
Narrated by: Queen Latifah

How many of you watched 'March of the Penguins' and was overwhelmed by their spectacular journey through blizzard cold...to find a mate and start a family? The image of the penguins, marching in a single file, bracing themsevles against the antartic wind to protect their young, will probably stay forever in our minds.

The story:
Arctic Tale is a movie by the same people (different directors though) about those who inhabit on the opposite side of the pole- The Arctic.

And the centre of the story is the polar bears...to be specific....one particular polar bear, Nanu and Cela, the walrus. In between, you have a few other characters, like the arctic fox and the seals who inhabit the same place as these two and are dependant on each other for survival.

The story starts off with a mother bear, who is just emerging from her 6 months of hibernation after giving birth to 2 little bear cubs (those 2 bear cibs are really cute!). Normally, polar bear cubs stay with their mother for 3 years...where they will be taught all that is necessary to stay alive in the harsh environment. And each of the baby walrus have an extra guardian (besides their mother), in the form of auntie to protect them. And boy, these lady warulses can be really fierce....even full grown polar bears can find their weight and sharp tusks a little intimidating.

For the next 90 minutes or so, we see how each of these animals try to survive, not just their natural enemies, but also the changing environment due to the warming of the climate. For these animals, the melting of the ice world can be disasterous. When any part of nature is unbalance, their basic survival is affected.

Hence we see the walruses swimming far out to sea, away from their home, to another island when the ice melted too early and could not hold them anymore. We see the polar bears, at the risk of facing starvation, following them and hunting far from their natural habitat. And a couple of times, I did have my heart in my mouth, wondering if Nanu is going to survive this exhuasting trip, for polar bears are not meant to swim for long distances.

It is truely a survival of the fittest. Only in this case, even the the fittest may not survive if there's no food.

Thoughts on movie:
As with any National Geographic documentaries, this is an excellent production. There is no doubt about it. Some of the images are simply spectacular and breathtaking. I take my hat off to the people who braved the cold and harsh weather by patiently capturing scenes that are simply worth a thousand words.

The bear cubs were really, really cute (makes me want to get one) and they have even managed to inject some humour into the movie.

Perhaps that is where the one flaw may lie....

The underlying message is a serious one but the movie is just a little too warm and fuzzy to convey that properly. I like watching cute animals and often the sight of these warm, cuddley animals may be effective in giving that tug-in-the-heart feeling. In this case, perhaps they should have been a little more cruel...so that they can be kind. Plus I find the music a little too distracting as well.

Despite the above, it's still worth a watch.

If only to educate the young ones about the seriousness of climate change and that each and everyone of us can make a difference.

The ice kingdom is being threatened...and it is getting increasingly difficult for these animals to stay alive with the climate change. Their ancient ways of living, hunting and mating are being threatened slowly.

One day, one day...these animals may disappear ...like the dinosaurs. No more cute polar bears.

If you really want to bring a direct benefit by watching the movie, the following activities are being planned:

- The ZOO is holding an outdoor fundraising screening on Saturday, 8th September at 7.30pm in favor of Wildlife Conservation Singapore Fund - Go here for more info.

- Nature Society /Acres is also holding a fundraising screening.
Date: 11th September, Tuesday
Time: 7pm
Venue: GV VivoCity, Hall 5
Go here for more infor.

Incidentally, SPH foundation sponsored the Gala Premiere and S$120,000 to the Zoo for the Polar Bear conservation.

For more information about the movie, go to:
Festive Films
Official site

Arctic Tale opens on 13th September with sneak previews this week. Please support hor...

Facelift

2007-08-29T19:26:00.000+08:00

I've just given a facelift to this blog.

I think it looks nicer, don't you? Apparently, editing of the template is also easier though I've not really explore it. But it warned me before I click on the 'change' button that the layout may be a little 'out' for some posts. I was hesitatting for that couple of seconds before I 'hit' it. hehe!

I've already adjusted some of them but don't have the time to go through all of it yet. So if you spot anything that looks strange, do tell me.

Hmmm...

I must say I like this new look alot. ^^

I'm a WAG

2007-08-24T11:43:00.000+08:00

I just realised that I'ma WAG. No, not a dog. WAG stands for Wives and Girlfriends...to be specific..those wives and girlfriends of the fabulously rich English League football players. These ladies are normally decked out in designer wear, with perfectly manicured hands and look ultra cool even if they have about 3 children in tow. They normally appear at important football matches to support their husbands/ boyfriends. More often than not, they draw much media attention as well. Of course, the most famous WAG would be Victoria Beckham.

Well, I'm a WAG too...only I'm not the wife of an ultra rich Engish soccer player but the wife of a excercise-mad Englishman.

This WAG here doesn't have any designer wear...(unless you count Giordano) and cuts her own nails at home. I think I look pretty cool sometimes- when my hair behaves. But one thing I do have in common with the other WAGS- I appear at the events that my husband participates in. Though I must admit, I normally only go to those important ones too because this husband of mine probably participates in more events than the number of matches that David Beckham plays in.

Last month, before our holiday, he went for the OSIM Triathlon. Of course, it beats me why anyone would want to pay and torture themselves with such grueling sporting events...but looking at the crowd there that day, I guess those 3,900 participants don't agree with me.

These events start really early, so that means leaving the house at about 6.30am in the morning, when I'm barely awake.

It had been raining a couple of days before the event...so the place was really, really, really muddy...

If you want to go to the toilet...you have to queue in the mud. Lovely, isn't it?

Designer wear definitely not suiitable here.

Ok, just in case, you don't know...triathlon consists of 3 segments- swimming, cycling and running. The distance varies depending on the organiser but I think the official Olympic distance is...

Swim- 1,500m
Cycle- 40km
Run- 10km

A triathlon normally starts with the swim. Here's the starting point.

Lots of half naked men. Haha!

And they're off!!!!!

He had to swim 2 laps in the open sea. Unfortunately, the rain that had been threatening the whole morning, started to drizzle. And by the time he came in after the 1st lap, the storm was upon us.

Because of safety reasons, they stopped the other batches from starting and pulled in those that were still swimming. Tim and a few others were already half way through the 2nd lap. Frankly, I was really worried because even those rescue crew were having trouble controlling the boats in the rough sea. I was straining my eyes and crossing my toes and feet at the same time. He actaully told me later that he was swimming well and couldn't understand why they were stopped and pulled in. Humph! So much for my worry!

The rough sea

And then it rained and poured and stormed...for more than an hour.

And yes, I was totally wet...and cold. Can you imagine Victoria Beckham looking like a wet chicken? No? me either. But I wasn't as bad as the participants, who mostly dressed in shorts and t-shirts.

Everyone was frustrated and had to just stand around to wait for the rain to stop. They had to stop the whole event because it got too dangerous even to cycle. And then thankfully, the downpour came to a stop finally. But there just wasn't enough time to restart the whole thing, so the swimming was modifed to a short run and then they could start with the cycling.

They had cycle 4 times round the route. Avtually, I like this the segment the best as most of them looks really cool in their cycling gear and racing down the track. It often seems effortless...at least it does to me.

At the end of the cycling segment

This was followed by the run. I think any participants will tell you that this is the worse part. After all the swimming and cycling, it takes tremendous effort to run that 10km.

As a supporter, I also agree that this is the worse segment...as it's less exciting and by that time, it's also boiling hot. And that's anotehr difference between those famous WAGs and this WAG. They get to sit comfortably in the shade, served with beer and food, whereas I'm either being cooked in the hot sun or drowned in the rain.

BUT...

It does mean that he will be reaching the finishing line any minute and looking out for him, trying to catch him when he crosses over is always one that fills me with joy and anticipation (yes, despite all my grumblings ^^)

And the reward?
another medal...hehe!

Btw, the elites (those professional participants who race for money) start off really early in the morning before everyone else and of course, finish before everyone else too.

The winner for 'Men Elite Open' was Courtney Atkinson, an Australian. He did it in 1h 50m 16s. The 'Women Elite Open's winner was a Japanese. Shizuka Kutsuna did it in 2h 6m 43s. For more infor on the results, you can go here

So does this inspire anyone of you to try it next year?

Hehe!

The true Singapore song and pledge

2007-08-15T02:01:00.000+08:00

The alternative version to Kit Chan's 'There's no place I'd rather be'.

我的家就在这里
This is my home

改编词:周崇庆/萧嘉蕙
原词/曲: 叶良俊

你说要去PARIS 我听成PASIR RIS
You said you want to go Paris, I heard it as Pasair Ris

长城有魅力也很吃力
The Great wall is charming but it's also tiring

要爬上铁塔非常EXPENSIVE
To climb up the Eiffel Tower is very expensive

其实SENTOSA 会更便宜
Actually Sentosa will be cheaper

这是美丽的天地我的家就在这里
This is a beautiful place, this is my home

去到外地我才发现
When I go abroad, I realised

原来这里最干净
It is cleanest here

这里也有PULAU UBIN 要骑脚车也可以
There is Pulau Ubin here and you can ride bicycle

你要很小心别像周崇庆
You have to be careful and don't be like Zhou Zhong Qing

不然少了四颗TEETH
Otherwsie you will loose 4 teeth

这是美丽的天地我的家就在这里
This is a beautiful place, this is my home

从JURONG EAST 到 PASIR RIS
From Jurong East to Pasir Ris

TAXI BUS 和 MRT
Taxi Bus and MRT

这是美食的天地有很多好吃东西
This is a food paradise, there are many delicious food

LAKSA CHAR KWAY TEOW 和那 LOR MEE
Laksa Char Kway Teow and that Lor Mee

不满意有云吞MEE
If not satisfied there's wan ton mee

还有SATAY 和福建MEE…
And satay and Hokkien mee

And the true Singapore pleadge:
I the citizen of Singapore, pledge myself to strike on
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, regardless of
toto, 4-D and big sweep to buy hope and earn extra money
base on quick pick system, 7_12 and big sweep with 4-d bonus
so as to achieve car, cash and condo.

Now who says Singaporeans have no sense of humour.

Happy National Day/ Month everyone. ^^

Chinatown- Singapore

2007-08-03T23:58:00.000+08:00

A big thank you to all my friends who sent me birthday wishes...thanks for remembering...^^

I took the day off last week and went down to Chinatown, a place I normally go only during Chinese New Year. There are quite a few changes and it's more touristy now. At the same time, I must admit that the whole place is alot livelier...

Chinatown Heritage Centre

I've actually passed by this place numerous time but have always given it a miss as I thought it was just another one of those place meant for tourists.

But my good friend, YL, actually recommend it so despite my reservations, we decided to visit it.

Somehow this made me think of the famous TCS drama- 雾锁南洋 (starring 黄文永 & 向云)。

The Chinese Heritage Centre records the history and lives of those who used to live in Chinatown. Most of them would be migrants, who came seeking for a better life. It was actually quite fascinating to read about the hardship and vices of these early migrants. But I think it could have done with a little more actual display. The more interesting sections would be the video clips of interviews with various types of people who used to live or continue to live in Chinatown (including a samsui woman and a hawker) and the recreation of living quarters in the shophouse.

I have these bowls too..^^

The recreation and restoration of the cramped, dark and unhygenic living quarters of a typical shophouse was the highlight of the whole museum. I'm totally amazed (and shock) how 12 to 15 familes could live together in such tiny area. I'm not sure how they survived. But then my grandparennts and their children lived in similar quarters too though my aunt told me that theirs was slightly better and it wasn't in Chinatown.

The musuem shop was so-so. Entrance fees is $10 (which is way too expensive) but if you flash your POSB/ DBS card, you get 50% discount. Not sure if this promotion is permanent though. Here's the website for you to check out- Chinatown Heritage Centre. There are some more information and pictures on the site. Ok lah, I think well worth my time spent there.

We had tea and coffee in this coffeeshop, just opposite the heritage centre and I had a heart attack when I paid for the drinks.

$1.50 per cup!!!!
This is daylight robbery...just because there were lots of tourists sitting in the coffeeshop. This was just your regular tei or kopi, served in your regular kopitiam cups. Of course, to the tourists...$1.50 probably is nothing. I'm definitely not stepping into this coffeeshop again.

Expensive kopitiam

We continued on our journey of Chinatown. I didn't know that the street stalls have become permanent. I thought they were only there during the festive season. So 'sua koo' right? But the stalls are really targted at the tourists lor..nothing very interesting. At least not to a local like me.

Street stalls....beginning to look like 'Ladies Street' in Hong Kong

Hehe! Someone told me that this shop is special....

Toys for the living....

Toys for the dead....

What's Chinatown without dimsum right?

One thing I did like about Chinatown is the restoration of many of the shophouses. The architect is really beautiful.

I Like Holidays ^^

2007-08-02T10:31:00.000+08:00

I like holidays...^^

Bintan, July 07

Old and attractive

2007-07-19T01:07:00.000+08:00

It's that time of the year again when I have to add another candle on my cake, a wrinkle to my face and an inch to my waist. In other words....I am expanding in every which way except financially.

I'm not complaining....life has its sweet moments at all stages...even if you're over 40.

Sometimes, expecially if you are over 40.

Recently, there was a huge furore when a woman, who was deemed err....too 'matured' by a club. She was denied her complimentary drinks coupons given out for Ladies Night.

Naturally, she was furious since the promotional terms did not state any age restrictions. So was I, and from the feedback...so did general public.

Anyway, 2 thoughts came to mind when I read about this.

1) Firstly, if they go by the age criteria (which I think is below 35), the following ladies would be considered too 'old' and hence not a good enough 'bait' to lure the men in. Now, I'm not sure about the people over at that club, but I do believe quite a few of them has been voted as the world's most beautiful people at some point and they are all above 35 years old. Who are they?

Halle Berry, Catherine Zeta Jones, Carol Cheng, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, Uma Thurman, Helen Mirren, Gong Li, Maggie Cheung etc..

You could say that they are artistes and therefore look better...but if the said establishment went by age strictly...none of them would have qualified. Of course, I'm not saying these women need the free drinks coupon or the complimentary entry to the club. They could probably afford to buy drinks for eveyone at the club.

So is age really a big factor in attracting men to these places? I guess only men can answer this question.

But I was thinking, if the club really wanted to attract the men, they could probably have played a football match or maybe one of the Victoria Secret's fashion show. Sure can get them to come in droves.

2) Secondly, it suddenly strike me that clubs never organise a Gentlemen's Night. Strange isn't it?

I'm not sure how to intepret this..

Either:
a) Young ladies are cheapskate and want their free drinks and the men are foolish enough to be lured by the promise of seeing more young, pretty girls on such nights.

b) Women are smarter and refused to fall for such marketing tricks.

But..if...if...there is a Gentlemen's Night, would I really want to go to a place where young boys in their twenties drink themselves silly with the free drinks? C'mon...what kind of thrill would that be? Would that be exciting for me?

Give me men like Colin Firth, Pierece Brosnan, Sean Connery, Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, Tony Leong, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Jacky Cheung, Lee Jung Jae.

They have that charisma and confidence that come with age. Not to mention that I find them incredibly sexy.

Maybe I tend to favour the older men at my age but I think if you check with the young ladies who frequent the clubs, you will probably find them more attracted to older men as well.

Anyway, I believe the older-woman-younger-men relationships are on the rise... judging from the spate Korean dramas with this theme. hehe!

Hey, I suddenly remembered I blogged about older women here last year too.

Hmmm...I still want to have bigger eyes and a better figure.

I'm Back.........I think.....

2007-07-13T20:34:00.000+08:00

Looking at the date of my last post...it's been a month.

This past one month has been quite trying for me as I was embarking on something important. I didn't have the time, energy nor the mood to write. Even though I was tempted to write about this very important event in my life but I felt it was too early. So for now, I'll keep quiet about it though I'm sure I will write about it later.

To those who knows what was going on...thanks for your concern and support. Don't worry---I'm not being called a chilli padi for nothing. I will do it again soon. Just cross your fingers for me.

In the meantime, I'll start to blog here again in the next few days. But if you're impatient, you can always check out my kimchiland blog.

Did I hear some of you say: "Over my dead body?"

hehehe!

Have a good weekend everyone.

What do we want?

2007-06-12T23:01:00.000+08:00

Human beings are contradictory creatures.

When we are busy running around, we longed for peace and rest.

When we are just lazing with nothing to do, we want to be active.

When life is just cruising along sedately, we crave for excitment.

When things are happenning one after another, we wish for moments to catch our breath.

I guess we don't really know what we want, do we?

Or perhaps, it's a case of we want it all?

Singapore- Island-City-State

2007-06-06T23:19:00.000+08:00

Many, many years ago, there was a book called "Singapore-Island-City-State". It's one of the those coffee table book, with nice photos of Singapore and it's people. Think it was published for National Day- you know, one of those feel-good, propaganda book.

As I get older, I tend to feel more and more appreciative of what Singapore has and what it offers. Of course, that is not to say that I agree with all the policies implemented by the powers that be. And there are some issues which I'm really, totally unhappy about (they are getting how much pay rise????). However, the country is relatively stable, most of us do have a job and a roof over our heads (in fact, many have quite a few roofs over their heads, judging from the spate of condominiums on sale recently). Crime rate isn't too bad and things actually work (though some say, they work too well- like clockwork with no room for flexibility).

Many of the expats that I meet have often told me that they like Hong Kong if they are single but once they have families, they prefer Singapore for its stability and safety- 2 key words if you have children.

Of course, things can always be better and hopefully they will become better progressively. But you know, there's no Shangri-la on earth and I think for what we;ve achieved so far, we can give ourselves a little pat on the back...(if there's any government officials reading this... a few more monetary package would be most welcomed. ^^ )

P/S- I do not belong to any PAP group....grassroots or otherwise.

Cross cultural differences?

2007-06-01T17:40:00.000+08:00

Last weekend, the writer of the regular Sunday column, 'Hubby Tubby' in The New Paper was writing about cross cultural marriages. Like me, she had married an 'ang mo'- an Englishman. She was asked if there was any cultural differences (ie, difficulties) in her marriages. It got me thinking....did I ever have any cultural differences with my hubby?

I thought long and hard about it and like her, I honestly can't think of any. What we do have are individual differences. Of course, I can't discount the fact that these individual differences could be due to cultural differences. Afterall, we are who we are because of the way we were brought up. But they are no different from a normal couple from the same race/ culture.

So he prefers proper English tea to the regular 'tei' in the coffeeshop. And I'm not too keen on soup and crackers for lunch. He can't really bring himself to call my father 'dad'. I find it impossible (not to say totally rude) to call his dad by his name. They are not major issues.

What keeps a relationship going, in any relationship, whether is is an inter-racial one or not, is an open mind and an open heart. Plus the ability to know when to shut up and just listen. ^^

However, there is one thing that I've picked up from hubby (as part of the cultural difference), it's saying these four phrases often in our everyday life:

Please
Sorry
Thank you
I love you

Just because he's my husband and we've each other for 10 years does not mean I have to be rude to him.

If I can say 'please' to the hawker when I'm ordering that plate of char kway teow, then all the more I should say 'please' when I ask him to do something for me.

If I can say 'sorry' to a stranger for blocking his way, then all the more I should say 'sorry' when I make him wait for me.

If I can say 'thank you' to my friends, then all the more I should say 'thank you' to the person who's done so much for me.

And as for the 3 words, 'I Love You'. Well...I don't only love him on birthdays, Christmas and Valentine's Day, so why should I limit myself to saying those words only on those occassions?

In this aspect, I do believe that the Westerners are on the whole, better in this. Asians will generally feel that there is no need to say them out loud. We think it's enough to let our actions show if we're grateful or sorry.

Luh Luh wrote about 'expressing gratitude' recently on her blog. The Chinese is normally incapable at expressing gratitude. Actually, I think it's not just the Chinese who are bad at expressing themselves, but Asians in general.

As the Chinese saying goes- 礼多人不怪。(Nobody will mind if you are more polite than usual). But often, we think this phrase only apply to the friends, strangers but not family.

Perhaps if we are a little less reserved.
Perhaps if we start with family first.

The Handphone

2007-05-26T01:20:00.000+08:00

I noticed a strange phenonmenon on 2 occasions very recently....how people behave in a restricted area with strangers. Both involved the 'indispensible' accessory- the handphone.

I attended a briefing yesterday. The room was small and there were about 11 of us. Except for 2 girls who knew each other and were chatting away merrily, the rest of us were strangers to each other. So what happened?

1 of them read a magazine
3 of them just sort if starred into space
The remaining 5 were on their handphones. Now I'm not sure if they were reading /sending smses or just starring blankly into the phone (it's better than starring into space right? At least, you would seemed to be busy and don't have to make eye contact)

Today, in the crowded train, I noticed a similar trend. Though this time, they weren't 'using' their handphone so to speak... Out of my carriage of about 21 people, 7 of the passengers had their headphones. That's about 33%.

I asked hubby:
'What did people used to do before the invention and easy availability of handphone in a room of strangers?'

He said:
'They talked to each other.'

Hmm... it's probably true, isn't it?

So is the handphone making us closer or further apart?

What do you think?

Me? I'm not sure..let me know think about is whilst I listen to the music on my handphone. ^^

Driving hazard

2007-05-19T13:17:00.000+08:00

I heard this news over the radio yesterday..that a 105 years old lady become the oldest driver in the world. She's been driving for over 70 years and she doesn't have a driving license as such thing didn't exist then. They just buy a car and start driving. But she does not have a single accident in her driving record.

Sigh...

And me? I just had my first driving lessons last week and probably became the latest hazard on the circuit.

I'm not sure if I can live to 105 and even if I did, I'm not sure if I can still drive at that age.

Heck...I'm not even sure if I can pass my test.

I'm certain I'm going to have an accident within the circuit whilst I'm learning driving. My driving instructor kept asking me if I was very nervous...which I was.

I mean...all these cars on my left and right...not to mention all those motorcyclists as well. If only they can get out of my way, I wouldn't be so nervous. As it was, I gripped the steering wheel tightly everytime I see a car either on my left or right.

And don't even ask me the number of times I stopped suddenly and threw my instructor off.. He kept saying 'brake slowly, apply the brakes gently'. BUT that's what I did!!!! Well, I thought that's what I was doing, anyway.

And how on earth do you co-ordinate all those movements between the legs, the hands and the eyes???? I'm forty, my refelxes aren't that good anymore...I can only do one thing at a time.

Sheeshh....

Well..I'm having more lessons next week, and the week after that, and the week after that. Actually I'm having lessons for many weeks to come. And I'm convinced that either I or my driving instructor will have a heart attack before the end of my lessons.

Wish me luck people!

Give me the Simple Life

2007-05-11T00:48:00.000+08:00

And on with the continuation of food.

What would you do if you could pay for your food as you wish? No GST, no service charge, no fixed menu price...

And what if this is in a proper restaurant with nice cutlery, nice ambience, and good food?

Would you

1) Pay a little more than usual because you would rather err on generosity?

or

2) Pay as little as possible because this is a rare chance to get cheap food?

I wonder..

The Annalakshmi restaurant has been in operation since 1986 and this always been their mode of payment...Their motto?

'Eat what you like
Give as you feel
We believe in you
and trust you'
In other words, they believe in the goodness of man.

That people will be fair.

Makes quite a statement in today's highly competitive and fast world, doesn't it?

I've been to the restaurant quite a few times. Often, I've observed that people actually do pay a decent amount for their meals. I try to pay the amount that any decent restaurant would charge...I know my friends have done the same thing too. Of course, there are the exceptional few who seems to think it's ok to take advantage of such a situation. But I think it's not very often.

Strange isn't it?

When you leave it up to people, they tend to be more generous.

Imagine if this method of payment was carried out in the rest of the world. All of us would be happier and rich as well.

Consumers pay more than enough to retailers for the products
Retailers pay their suppliers more
Suppliers pay the manufacturers more
Manufacturers pay the workers the right amount of wages

There would be no more poverty in the world.

And because we trust each other to be fair, we would be happier and lead a simpler life too.

Give me the Simple Life

A cottage small is all I'm after,
Not one that's spacious and wide.
A house that rings with joy and laughter
And the ones you love inside.

Some like the high road, I like the low road,
Free from the care and strife.
Sounds corny and seedy, but yes, indeed-y;
Give me the simple life.

In case you would like to try out the food at Annalakshmi restaurant, (which is pretty good) it's at Chinatown Point. You can go to their website here for more information.

Just remember that they trust you.

Uniquely Singaporean- Food

2007-04-30T20:50:00.001+08:00

Hawkers are 'in'. At least, they've been in the news for the last few days.

At the Singapore Day event, which was held in New York last week to connect the overseas Singaporeans, food was an important part of the programme. This despite local artistes like Hossan Leong and Kit Chan entertaining the crowd with our uniquely Singlish. Food always comes first.

But it's not the posh food that Singaporeans crave- it's the simple hawker food that draws us. The chicken rice, the laksa, the carrot cake and the char kway teow.... they unite the Singaporeans- regardless of race, language or religion.

Anyway, according to KF Seetoh, who helped co-ordinated this important event, the first item to sell out was the very, very humble 'chwee kueh'. Not very surprising actually, as even my 'ang mo' husband like it. Actually, he likes the 'chai po' and 'sambal' more than the actual 'chwee kuei'. Hehe! Over at my market here, they cost $1 for 4 pieces...that's about US$0.65.

Just in case you don't know what 'chwee keuh' is, go to this site for a look and a recommendation of the 5 stalls worth sampling.

It has often been lamented that Singapore has no identity to speak of...we are too young and hence there isn't anything to really unite us. Yet, I think many people would agree that food is probably the one identifying factor that connects us all- especially if they are good and cheap.

You only need to look at the number of 'food' tv and radio programmes, the numerous reviews in the various newspapers and magazine to realise just how important this is. And this obsession has resulted in every other stall having won/ featured/ been reviewed in one way or other. These owners proudly ang up the neatly framed newspapers clipping/ awards at their humble stalls. Out of the 3 coffee shops near my place, at least 3 stalls have been in the media.

At this rate, is it any surprising that some of these hawkers are millionaires? In an article in The Sunday Times (29th April), it was reported that some of them earned as much as $100,000 per month. Wow! This attention came about because a few of these hawkers were hauled up by the Inland Revenue dept for not paying enough taxes. I wonder how these officials know these hawkers were under declaring their income. Did they sit by the store and count like the journalists from ST did?

So next time you go to your favourite stall in the kopitiam, don't turn your nose up at the uncle frying the hokkien mee ok. He is probably driving a BMW and has a few Rolex watches stashed away at home.

Hehe!

S$2.4million

2007-04-24T12:51:00.000+08:00

Recently, a couple of overseas friends were in town for a day. We thought it would be fun to go on one of those duck tours. It was quite fun and along the tour I managed to take a photo of this private esate- Tanjong Rhu.

Nice right? I checked up on the prices and found that it could cost as much as S$2.4million. Wow! That's alot of money.....

Curious, I looked through the property prices on the internet.

For the same S$2.4million, you can also get: A private island of your own in New York.
According to the site, the island has deer, wild animals and ginseng. It is also only about 4 hours away from new York City.
More infor, go here

Don't want an island, then how about a nice country house in Devon, England?

This place has 6 bedroom, 3 bathrooms and 3 reception rooms, 3 garages and a nice big garden. There is a nice meandering stream near the summerhouse.
For more infor, go here

England and US too far away, how about something nearer home then, like a villa in Bali.

This villa has its own tennis court, a separate 2 story guest pavillion as well as a guest cottage. With river view, a huge garden and lawn.
For more infor, go here

So now you know what you can buy if you have S$2.4million, which I do not....

25 years

2007-04-17T23:50:00.001+08:00

I've known these girls for more than a quarter of a century. It sounds scary, doesn't it? 25 years.

Those times we shared seems so long ago and yet at the same time, I can remember them as if they were only yesterday.

The strict discipline mistress who could whither us with just a look
The stumpy PE teacher
Having our breaks in the school canteen
Making sure that our uniform was fashionably just above the knee
Going shopping in Orchard Road
Having crushes (on both boys and girls^^)
Cramming for exams
Girls talk

But I don't think we ever talked about future..where we would be..what we would be doing..At 15, we were only concerned with now and tomorrow. The future was too far away.

I shared many happy memories with these group of friends during those carefree days. They are a part of me..of who I am today.

Through these years, we've all had our ups and downs, walking our own paths, getting married, raising children, establishing a career. Some of us have children now who are the same age as we were then when we first met. But we've stayed in contact somehow.

I remember watching this Korean movie- the teacher told the class. It went something like that:
Within the universe, there's this earth that we live in
Within this earth, there's Singapore
Within Korea Singapore, there's this school
Within this school, there's this class

It is truely amazing how in this whole wide universe, total strangers could become classmates and friends.

I had a great time the other night girls but let's not wait too long for the next gathering. I believe it's Nora's turn to host? ^^

Rainbow Connection

2007-04-08T02:04:00.001+08:00

The other week, I heard someone doing a cover version of the song, 'Rainbow Connection' and somehow..it sounded all wrong. There wasn't anything wrong with the singer (who had a rather sweet voice) and the music arrangement...it just lacks that certain something.

Composed by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher and used in the 1979 movie, "The Muppet Movie", I grew up watching The Muppets and Sesame Street as I'm sure many of my peers and those before me did.

I guess subconsciously, it also brought back memories of a simpler life and simpler time. Besides I like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.

Written by Paul Williams and used by Kermit the Frog, of The Muppets, Jim Henson Productions (lyrics credit to this site)

Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that
and someone believed it,
and look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing?
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
the lovers, the dreamers and me.

All of us under its spell,
we know that it's probably magic....

Have you been half asleep
and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
the lovers, the dreamers and me.
La, la la, La, la la la, La Laa, la la, La, La la laaaaaaa

Listening to Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson) sing this song on a banjo, it brings forth and conveys that feeling of the dream and hope that each of us have within us...that certain peace and oasis that we search for in our everyday bustling life.

A truely simple, sweet and touching song.

Enjoy the clip... and may you find your rainbow connection.
(if the clip buffers, just let it run through once and the subsequent viewing will be smooth).

A splashing good time

2007-04-03T08:46:00.000+08:00

In a squeaky clean country like Singapore, most Singaporeans are reluctant to 'get dirty' with nature, and this often extends to their four-legged family members. Quite often I've seen owners walking their dogs dressed in little booties...to prevent them from getting dirty.

So imagine my surprise when I saw this scene from my flat...

The dogs had great fun... ^^

Coincidentally, Yee Lee was also blogging about dogs but her post alot more 'cheam'.

Salut d'amour - Love's Greetings

2007-03-28T01:50:00.000+08:00

I have always said and belive that music is universal. It doesn't matter if the song is in French or Italian or Chinese or that the music is classical or jazz or Indian and you don't have a clue as to waht they are singing.

A good piece of music will be able to speak to your soul.

Last Saturday, I went to the SSO concert and found myself touched by this piece of music.

It's Salut d'amour- Love's Greetings by Edward Elgar.

He had composed the song as a gift for his wife-to-be. It speaks volume of his love and happiness. And if it touches you like it did me, then I guess you have felt the love in this little piece of music.

For more information on the composer and the music, please click here

You can find out more about the version I'm playing now here

Love is like the sun coming out of the clouds and warming your soul.
- Author Unknown -

May your soul be warmed today.

Drinking on the job

2007-03-23T10:03:00.000+08:00

No, I didn't strike the lottery and isn't a millionaire. Which is precisely the reason why I haven't blogged for awhile. Whilst that 2 winners (I think there were 2) are celebrating their windfall, I have to continue working and slogging away.

Which was why I ended up attending 3 functions last night. From 6.30pm last night, I went from a hotel in town to a pub in Shenton Way area to a entertainment spot in Clarke Quay. And I actually see some people at all 3 functions.

There was free flow of drinks.
There was free food.
There was free loud music.
There was plenty of women all dressed up to look at.
There was enough men around (not sure if they was cute as the place was too smokey to see them up close)
There was plenty of seond hand cigerette smoke to inhale as well.

You would have thought that I would be partying the night away especially when it's free flow of drinks...but I was actually dying to get home by the time I got to the last function venue.

What? You say? Why? I was in a 'in and cool' place with all these 'hip' people.

I don't know...at that point in time, I can only think of getting away from the thumping loud music, the smokey air and the energy-draining job of making polite conversation with people that I do not know and back to the comfort of my home. I guess I'm not very hip anymore.

I escaped at about 10pm and came home to a nice hot shower and a bowl of instant noodles.

Instant noodles? What about all the free food?

As it's always the case with such functions, the drinks are more easily available that the food. The hosts are more determind to get the guests drunk than to feed them.

Anyway....

After all the 'working' last night, it's back to more work today....

Thank goodness it's Friday.

Kimchimen & the $10,000,000 dream

2007-03-02T02:28:00.001+08:00

I was queuing up today, buying my ticket to my early retirement. (See posting here), when I heard something familiar.......very familiar.

It was a man's voice. Well, there was nothing very spectacular about the voice BUT 'it' was speaking in Korean!
(For those not aware, most of us who're learning the language prick up our ears whenever we hear the kimchi language. We would listen intently, trying to figure out what they're saying)

I looked up and saw a group of men in front of me. They were also in the queue.

And then one by one, I saw them going up to the counter and saying confidently: "System 7 - 4(sets)", "System 7 - 1(set), System 8 - 1(set)" etc.

Wow! Are these kimchimen also trying their luck for the S$10,000,000 dream tomorrow. I guess if you can't beat them, you might as well join in right? hehe!

Maybe next time when I'm in Kimchiland, I should also try their lottery games. I may more luck overseas. Haha!

And yes, I bought my Toto Hong Bao tickets already. I'm ready to retire early. ^^

Hong Bao Draw

2007-02-26T00:56:00.000+08:00

Have you joined the queue yet?

From Singapore Pools

Happy Chinese New Year!

2007-02-24T00:55:00.000+08:00

The Sunday Times last week had a big segment on nostalgia. Actually, it was the whole life section. Though an interesting read, I was rather surprise at the choice of topic for the first day of Chinese New Year.

Anyway, the headline on the main paper, promoting the article said: “You can't be very young if you remember them.”

Shoot! I know all of them except the Malay singer.

Ok.. I'm officially not very young. Sigh.

Anyway, since they started the ball rolling about nostalgia, I thought I'd do a bit of nostalgia writing about Chinese New Year myself.

Once upon a time, restaurants, coffee shops and almost every shops would shut for CNY. I mean it was really a complete shut down for at least 2 days....for most shops...even longer.

But there would be quite a few makeshift stalls, set up by some very enterprising Malays or Indians. They's be selling mee rubus, mee siam or satay etc. Not only were these stalls popular with their own fellowmen (who were also denied of their food source like the Chinese) but they were also very much welcomed by the Chinese (who were sick of the Chinese festive food after the umpteenth rounds). They're not something the people from the Ministry of Environment would approve but back then, things were a lot less strict. It may be my imagination, but somehow food from these 'temporary' hawkers tasted better too.

Once upon a time, when I was a little girl, I almost always have a new set of pyjamas for CNY. And they would almost always be pink, though there were the occasional yellow or blue. They would be plain, except for maybe the little bit of lace or motif stichings at the pockets. I'm not sure if they're still available now. Grandmother used to buy them either at the wet market or the Chinese Emporium. And I would always wear them on CNY eve. Wearing these new pyjamas marks the start of the CNY.

Nowadays I wear t-shirt and shorts, plus an assortment of 'others'. ^^

Back then, when grandmother was much younger, she would always bake carrot cake (Chinese carrot cake) or yam cake on CNY eve afternoon. We would then have it for breakfast on the 1st day of CNY. It had lots of 'lap cheong', dried prawns and mushrooms. I can the kitchen, the round dining table in the kitchen and the tatse of the fresh yam or carrot cake.

My grandmother is too old to do that now. She's 91 years old this year. So my aunt has taken over the job but it's done after the first few days of CNY because she doesn't have the time. Somehow, though they're still delicious, CNY seems a littles less CNY without the carrot and radish cake on the first day.

I guess, Chinese New Year to a kid..would always seemed magical and wonderful and amazing and great. Alot less headache and many times less tiring.

But hey... enough with reminiscing. It is still CNY, so let's all look forward and be happy. Maybe I'll strike the Hong Bao toto next week. Then I can retire a little earlier. Hahaha!

Happy Chinese New Year everyone.

And Happy Birthday everyone.

今天是初七，是人日。祝大家生日快乐乐。永远幸福。^^

Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T01:49:00.001+08:00

It's the 14th February now - Valentine's Day....

True Love
Anonymous

True love is a sacred flame
That burns eternally,
And none can dim its special glow
Or change its destiny.
True love speaks in tender tones
And hears with gentle ear,
True love gives with open heart
And true love conquers fear.
True love makes no harsh demands
It neither rules nor binds,
And true love holds with gentle hands
The hearts that it entwines.

Despite all the advertisements and hype about flowers, presents and candlelight dinner......they are not the most important things in a relationship.

The test of a true love is how he treats you for the remaining 364 days in the year.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone

Friday nights

2007-02-03T00:15:00.000+08:00

Ahhhh.....it's Friday night... the start of a weekend.

Last week, as I was leaving the office, my new colleagues asked me: "Where are you going (tonight)?" I said I was going home. They were surprised: "But it's Friday night?"

"Yeah, I'm married."

Seriously though, I don't mean this answer to be a negative one.

I enjoy being at home. As I get older, partying and staying out late isn't my idea of fun and relaxation.

Having a glass of wine, watching the TV (preferable good looking men in Korean dramas), dressed in my comfy t-shirt and shorts....now that's my idea of a relaxing weekend.

Hope you all will have a good weekend too. ^^

The year in review - Oct to Dec 2006

2007-02-01T01:24:00.000+08:00

Gosh, it's almost the 1st of February 2007 and I'm still writing my review of 2006. I apologise to all those who had to listen to strains of 'Auld Lang Syne' everyday for the past 3 weeks. Sorry...I was away for about a week and the period before and after a trip are always stressful. I've changed the song, so please don't kill me, ok?

Ok... better wrap this up quickly.

October 2006

I wonder if anyone has ever sit down to count the number of friends they have? Of course, there are friends and there are people you just know.

Why I always look so fat???

I've got to know these 3 girls about 4 years because of that one particular Korean actor. You know who lah. Never did I imagine I would be able to make friends via internet. You keep reading horror stories about people you meet via the internet. It took me a lot of courage to go and meet a roomful of strangers that fateful day in March. I was thinking.. what if they turn out to be a bunch of weirdos? Who in their right mind would meet up strangers because of an actor? Hehe! A weirdo like me.Today, not only do we meet up very often, we also took up a stall at a flea market.

Speaking of flea mart.. that was my virgin try selling at a flea mart. I dreamt of all the extra money I would be making that day. But as they say, you think money fall from the sky is it? So easy to make money meh? Sigh, I only managed to sell 2 pieces. Enough to cover the rental but I don't think I can do this for a livelihood. I'll probably be down on my knees, begging people to buy from me. But how come got so many flea marts and push carts? How do these people make money???

Green restaurants
Organic/ health/ vegetarian food is gaining popularity, particularly organic food. Even NTUC, the local, everyday supermarket sells them now. And that's saying something.

Anyway, because of hubby's vegetarian diet, we are always constantly on the lookout for eating places. The Green Room is an organic, vegetarian cafe (you cannot get any healthier) and is part of the Aramsa -The Garden Spa. It's the first and so far only spa to be located in a park. Quite a novel idea.

Anyway, we decided to check out the cafe and found the food to be quite good. no, serious. Really. It wasn't too expensive either, considering that they were serving organic food. And the environment is very pleasant. I think it will be even prettier at night. Not a bad place to have a meal. Valentine's Day, anyone? Then can take a walk in the park after that. Just remember to bring mosquitoe repellent if you intend to get romantic in the park. Haha!

The Green Room:
Aramsa- The Garden Spa
Bishan Park II
T: 6556 1533

November 2006

Sentosa
It's been ages since I've been to Sentosa. The last time I was there, it was for a camp and I had to help supervise 100 over kids. Hardly the time for relaxing. It's always amazing how you almost never go to the places that's near you. But because of work, I went to Sentosa 3 times last year. It's a record beaker for me.

I don't think there's many changes but with the casino (sorry, Intergrated Resort) being built there soon, I'm sure the changes will come. Universal Studios will be there and not Disneyland, thank goodness! There seems to be a few more beach bars... but somehow the whole place still doesn't have the lazy, carefree feel of Phuket or Langkawii. I did hear that the beach volleyball matches on weekends draw quite a bit of crowd. I don't know, I've never seen one. My weekends are spent trying to clean up the house. Haha!

Anyway, I was helping to organise a dinner event for an overseas company. They wanted a beach venue but wanted it to be a little more formal. The whole event turned out quite well and my client was happy because their clients were happy. Thanks David! And oh... must show you the grand, brand new toilets at Sappahire Hall. This one under lock and key and is only open to the guests attending event at the hall. Must pay extra to use it...Wah!

Arab Street
Arab Street is fascinating. I've never really explored the place until I had to because of work. It still has many of the old shops but it is also intersped with a sprinkling of modern, cool shops and restaurants.

And look, a mama store. There aren't many of these left. I think many of these 'mamas' have packed up and went back to India alraedy. I don't see many of them nowadays. It's totally amazing how a very small mama stall can have almost everything.

December 2006

10km run
For 2 years running (no pun intended), I participated in the 10km run of the Standard Chartered marathon run. Of course, I didn't really volunteer lah...hubby signed up for me. I used to run alot in my younger (way younger) days. But nowadays, I much prefer to do a K drama marathon. haha! Anyway, I went slightly more prepared this year- I had 2 practice runs. Haha!. Must say I'm rather satisfied with my result. At least I'm the last. ^^ Yeeew! I took 1 hr 24 minutes to earn the medal.

For those who've never participated in this before, I really, strongly urge you to try it out at least once. When you see a sea of people, all getting ready to run...the feeling and the atmosphere is totally intoxicating. Many people walk, so there's no worry that you'll be the only one doing so. I heard they had to close the registration early last year due to overwhelming repsonse. So book early if you want to join in.

Neptune Theatre
Neptune Theatre was finally going to shut. It had been around for over 30 years and contrary to popular belief.. it is not well known for the topless dancing but for it's dim sum. Yet, I think most of us only remembered about the topless dancing part. Haha! I think the last time I was there was more than 10 years ago at my company's annual D&D. Remembered the senior management was sitting in front of the stage and lapping it up. Hehe!

Anyway, the building will make way for a grand new building, many times higher. It is after all on prime land. But it is an amazing establishment, not just because the entertainment survived the ultra strict, conservative Singapore government, but that there were actually enough paying audience to keep it going. I know it became a bit of a struggle later but still...it's quite amazing Crasy Horse didn't even last a year. 2 of the ladies at my table held their weddings there at the restaurant. It held much precious memories for them.

And so, a few of us joined many others in celebrating the last dinner at this place. Boy, did we have fun. ^^

2006 ended well with both of us just chilling out at home for a whole week. Ahhhh....

Let's hope 2007 will turn out great. ^^

The year in review - Jul to Sep 2006

2007-01-07T19:15:00.000+08:00

July 2006

July was a very happening month for me.

- 7th wedding anniversary.
- 1st operation
- 40th birthday

In that order.

Marriage may have been made in heaven, but you have to work on it on earth. Ask anyone who's been in a marriage (or a relationship) lone enough and they will tell you that the 'ever after' isn't all about love, fresh air, flowers and candlelight dinners. It consists of laundry, grocery shopping and bills, hardly romantic stuff. But love, romance and memories are found in everyday daily routine.

- when he washes that pair of dirty shoes for me
- when he prepares breakfast for me
- when he holds my hand as we cross the road
- when we watch a video at home on a Saturday night

The Chinese believe that there's an 'invisible' red string that ties a couple together as soon as you are born. Ours must have been one very long string. ^^

My operation....Ahhh.. (read about it here and here). It was quite an experience because I've never been hospitalised before. It was very strange being wheeled in the operating room, knowing that my body was going to cut up. What do people think about just before entering the operating room. I kept remembering all those hospital scenes in the Korean and Hong Kong dramas. They always seemed to have this scene where the guy/ girl holds on to the hands of the guy/ girl who's 'going-to-be- operated'. Me? I only remember feeling very naked whilst twiddling my thumbs as I waited. I think I did have butterflies in my stoach and wondered what would have happened if I have to make a mad dash for the toilet.

So it was with great relief that we were going on a holiday to Phuket (my story here, here, here, here, here, here and here. I could be as fat as I want here and nobody would know.

And whilst in Phuket, I celebrated my Big 40. Yes, yes, I finally reached the number '4'. But I don't feel 40 leh. Seriously though, being 40 is no different form being 30...only a little wiser..a little calmer.

Me definitely not looking my best

August 2006
Both of us have always enjoyed going to WOMAD. It's always a highlight in our calendar. And it's always exhilarating to see the crowd go wild (well, wild by SG standard). For those who enjoy music and performances, you should attend this event. It's wonderful to just chill out under the stars. Music is truely a universal language.

This little eating place in the the westen part of Singapore has been around for about 60 years. In the old colonial days, it used to serve lots of soliders in the various camps around there. Now it's patronised by a mixture of expats, locals and locals who behave like expats. They all come because of the great food great and and the wonderfully relax environment with a capital 'R'. Chubby Hubby has quite a good review here.

Coldbar in Portsdown Road

September 2006
Hubby celebrated his birthday by going to the Ford Factory. And no, it wasn't my suggestion or my birthday present to him. It was just a place he was curious about. I was only partly aware of this place (I know, I know, shame on me not knowing my own country's history). It was where the British governement surrendered to the Japanese army. How was the place? As museum goes, it's could be better. Perhaps in time to come. Still, it was fairly interesting enough.

It does make me think I should perhaps spend a little more time getting to know my own roots and things that are nearer to me. Often places that are far away seemed so much more attractive that we forget that we have just as interesting spots right at our door-step.

I guess you could say the same about the people around us. Sometimes, I think I know more of what's happening to my friends than my own family members.

2007 seems a good time to change this. Don't you think?

The year in review - Apr to Jun 2006

2007-01-02T01:35:00.000+08:00

April 2006

Quarter finals results. Unfortunately, England didn't win the final match.
Saw Rugby 7's at the National Stadium for the 3rd year running. I like rugby. (See my posting here about it. The junior college I went to was 1 of the 3 top JCs in this sport at that time. It was fun to go down and support the team...and there were always many supporters. ^^ I think there was one year when we won the Grand Slam for lower, upper secondary and the junior college titles...the whole school had the next day off.

But this was the last rugby match at the National Stadium. The stadium is going to be torn down (like many buildings in Singapore, all done in the name of development) and rebuild into something grander. It will only reopen in 2010. My generation grew up with the National Stadium. I've been there quite a few times for for various events..somtimes as a spectator..sometimes as a participant. There were a few concerts held there as well. Michael Jackson was one of them. It was quite something to watch him perform live. The National Stadium will now become a memory for many of us and a new generation will grow up with the new one.

For the 1st time in our 20+ years of friendship, the 4 of us went on a chick trip. (Read about it here and here. After much discussion, arguing and planning, we went off to KL for a long weekend. No husbands, no kids. Just 4 women- reminiscing and catching up. Our 1st loves, our crushes, the teachers, our escapades.. we talked late into the night. Part of what I am today is entwined with them...because those days were one of the most memorable part of my life.

May 2006
I've been lucky, I have a few close, good friends. These are them. I've known them since I was 15...and that was a long time ago. C has been living abroad for nearly 10 years now as she too married a Caucasion. The 2 of us have often joked that we should introduce an 'ang mo' (red hair) to YL as well. Unfortuanately hubby does not have the widest circle of friends and C is too far away.

C was back in SG for a much needed break. We told her to come back to SG for good. There's family and friends here and she wouldn't be alone but I don't think she will. She has gotten used to the lifestyle over there. Most impoartantly, her home there holds much memories for her.

I think she's moving on. I'm glad. Who knows, maybe another romance would come her way in the future. I really hope so.

Election time in Singapore. It was a no event for me though...just like all the other elections. My constituency was a walk-over, ie, no opposition party. Sigh... I may just never have a chance to vote. Maybe I should consider moving to another estate.....The result? PAP of course. There was never a doubt. The betting was on how many constituencies the opposition could win.

June 2006
I lost someone in the family in this month.

Though death is a certainty with all of us and it's only a matter of time when it happens...Yet it's still painful when it happens unexpectantly and unnecessarily. When that person has yet to see the world properly..when you think the whole world stretched out before him...if only he grasped it.

The 2 of us had gotten a little closer the few months before his death. It's strange that it should only happen now after all these years but I was really happy about it. And it will always be my regret that we didn't make this happen a little earlier. I guess I thought there would be enough tomorrows to do it.

I wonder what he's doing. I like to believe that he's much happier where he is now...with the people he loved.

The year in review - Jan to Mar 2006

2006-12-31T21:20:00.000+08:00

Yeah... it's time to pop the champagne and don the party hats...

Time say goodbye to the old year and usher in the new.....

In less then 4 hours, it will be 2007.

Where did 2006 go? Didn't I just celebrate it recently? Time doesn't just fly. It zoomed by in a supersonic jetplane.

Is anyone making new year resolutions? I've never really done any New Year resolution. Perhaps because instinctively I know that I wouldn't really follow it through. But losing 2 inches off my ever-increasing waist would be nice.

January 2006
I saw snow for the first time. I was really excited. So much so that I woke up hubby, who was sleeping away soundly. Wonder why we still get excited over such seemingly small things? Perhaps nature has a way of affecting us that we're not even aware of. Isn't this beautiful?
This was part of my FIL's garden, covered in snow.

Rang in the New Year on the Isle of Man. (I just found out that the island is a possession of England. Hmmm... ) After the obligatory round of champagne and well wishes, the whole family was in bed by 12.15am. Very civilised. And yet.. it felt right. It was certainly nice to snuggle up in bed with with hubby, warmed by a few glasses of champagne. I'm either getting old or sentimental...or probably both. Above is photo of my BIL's garden. It's big.

In Scotland for the first time (at least for me), we visited our friend's lovely place by the stream in a small village called Garvald.

It has only a couple of roads and one restaurant/pub/ eating place. The post office opens only ony alternate days I think. And yes, everyone does know everyone.

In Dalrymple, Scotland, we stayed in this lovely 100 years old pub, Kirkton Inn. I feasted on my English breakfast (I wrote about my love for this breakfast here), whereas hubby enjoyed the range of whiskey available there to the fullest.

I was looked upon with much curiosity, though they try to do it as discreetly as possible, unlike Singaporeans, who often gaped at hubby when he ventures into the heartland areas.

Snapped this photo on the beach of Ayr ---->
I read that it gets really crowded during Summer. But on that day in the cold winter, there was only a handful of people out there...mostly walking their dogs.

We (or rather hubby) had to do a lot of driving along what the British call the motorways. I'm always intrigued by the rest stops along these roads. Not only do they provide a welcome break but there always seemed to be so much activities in these stops. They even provide free food and drinks for the travelling pets...but not for the owners though. Hehe!

Instead of flying into the Heathrow airport and spending time in London, we flew to Manchester this time. I like Manchester. Not as buzzing as London perhaps. But that means it was also less stressful. It had a more 'homey' feel.
Salford Quays

One last note before I finish off with Janaury, did you know that Robert Burns was born in Ayr, Scotland? Robert who? Don't know who he is? Perhaps you know this poem?

Red, red rose
O my Luvs's like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June.

No, then perhaps you'll find the song being played on my blog vaguely familiar?

Auld Lang Syne. The song that's played practically everywhere on New Year's Eve. Only that this was the orginal version. If you like this song, you can check out the album here

Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, (Should old aquantaince be forgot)
And never brought to mind? (And never remembered?)
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, (Should old aquantaince be forgot)
And auld lang syne! (For old long ago)

For auld lang syne, my dear (For old long ago, my dear)
For auld lang syne. (For old long ago)
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet, (We will take a cup of kindness yet)
For auld lang syne. (For old long ago)

Lyrics credit: Robert Burn official site

Altogether now......

For auld lang syne, my dear (For old long ago, my dear)
For auld lang syne. (For old long ago)
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet, (We will take a cup of kindness yet)
For auld lang syne.

February
The all important Chinese New Year. I always make it a point to go down to Chinatown. Somehow CNY doesn't seemed like CNY if I don't visit Chinatown and jostle with all the crowd there.

Every year the prices for the BBQ Pork at this particular stall shoot up higher and higher... but the the queue continues to get longer and longer and it starts earlier and earlier. Wonder what time will it start this CNY?

But it is really nicer than the other brands. Yummy!

CNY lunch on the 2nd day is an event I always look forward to. Everyone (including close family friends) comes back for lunch. That means there are about 40 of us cramming inside my grandmother's small flat. It is also introduction time for that girlfriend/ boyfriend..... if it's serious.....
Men on parade...the men in my life...

This year, shortly after CNY, I did one of the craziest thing in my life. I went on a climbing trip. Though I'm not sure I'll do it again, I have no regrets and enjoyed every single minute of it...after it was over and I could sit down and reflect upon it of course. Hehe!

To read about my climb, read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3

March
Hmm... there was no photos...so no major events. What I didn't do anything special?
But as I read my blog.. I realised I had lunch with one of bestest friend. I worked. I went to the gym. I spent time with hubby.

Sometimes it's a joy to be just normal and ordinary. Doing the routine things can be special too... when you're healthy and am surrounded by loved ones.

The biggest joy of travelling

2006-12-19T22:43:00.000+08:00

What are the joys of travelling?

No doubt there are many. That's why we travel.

See new sights
Meet new friends
Taste new food
Discover new customs

What I learn when I'm away in a different country, whether on business or pleasure, short or long...the lessons are invaluable. The joys and pleasure I derived from these visits are immeasurable. I realised just how small I am. The world is infinite. Maybe that's why men have travelled from time infinite.

To quote the Mastercard tagline- "Priceless".

And yet....what is the biggest joy of travelling?

The biggest joy, the best part of any travel is...

coming home

knowing that there's someone waiting for me...

I think that's the best part of travelling.

It's good to be home.

New blog on the block

2006-11-27T09:58:00.000+08:00

Not another blog???

Yes, another one.

But this wil be different as it's meant to showcase the various publications and products that I sell. They are mostly from Korea at the moment...books, magazines, posters etc.

Eventually, who knows, it may be extended to other areas.

I've only just put it up over the weekend, so bear with me whilst I slowly, slowly put up the products on the site.

감사합니다!

My new blog:
Tiffany's Attic

Weekends

2006-11-22T01:03:00.000+08:00

Finally... I have a little breathing space.

I wanted to blog over the weekend but you know what? As usual weekend is busier than weekday.

I know God created the world and everything else in it in 6 days.

But God didn't have a niece's birthday party to go to...
He didn't have to do the laundry...
Nor sort through all the paperwork...

Sigh...

Actually, I wouldn't complain so much if the weekend has 3 days instead of 2 days. I think 3 days would be just nice and a good balance between work and leisure.

See.. you need the first day to do the things that you have to do... like grocery shopping, banking, laundry etc

You need the second day to do the things you want to do... like going for a play, or watching a movie or going to the gym.

And then finally, you need the third and last day to just rest. You know, chill out? Catch up on lost sleep etc. Laze around at home.

By then, I would be ready to go back to work and slough it out for another 4 days. ^^

The above items belong to this little girl below. My little niece. She turned 1 during the weekend. I don't think she knew what was going on and in fact was a little bewilded by all the fuss and the people. But she loved it when we sang Happy Birthday and she got to blow out the single candle, ^^

I was jogging around the park on Sunday morning when I saw this cat, sitting in a small field, watching the crazy world go by. I think her idea of how a Sunday morning should be spent is absolutely correct!

Old Friends

2006-11-02T00:46:00.000+08:00

It was Hari Raya last week. The end of the fasting month for the Muslims. For the last 20 over years, it also provided a time for a group of old friend to meet and catch up Nora's place.

We would all happily eat the spread of food prepared by her mother and talk the whole afternoon away. Sometimes the husbands would come along. But more often than not, after the obligatory first visit, they stay away. Because not only are they clueless about our conversation, they are also rather intimated by the prospect of facing over 10 girls.

The gathering is always very informal. She doesn't send out any formal invitation. It's understood that we're to just turn up somewhere in the afternoon. BUT, this year, she actually sent out invitation via sms. It caught all of us by surprise and was a hot topic of discussion during our gathering. hehe!

I still remember the times we spent together in Biology class. The fun we had in that old fashion lab. Nora, Irene and I were always somewhere at the back and we did fool around abit. I don't think we did a lot of studying but somehow by some miracles, we managed to pass. No doubt due to the fact our teacher was 'fond' of picking on us.

Ahh.. to be 16.

Who cares about study? (Actually we did lah but it's not very cool to say so.)

We did a lot of shopping in Orchard Road.

We ate at MacDonald's (the first MacDonald's opened around then).

There was often some waiting at the school bus stop for a certain number bus at certain time.. because that was when the boys from a certain school nearby would be in it.

Ahh... those were the days.

Over the years, the group of us have grown up... some have found boyfriends, gotten married, gotten divorced, had children. But still, we meet about once a year and catch up. It's good to have friends. ^^

This photo was taken during our prom night when we were 16. It was the first ever prom night for the school and was held in the school grounds. We looked a bit 'biang' hor? But this was more than 20 years ago and we were alot more conservative then. Those of you reading this.. can you recognise yourself? haha! Luckily for me, I think the photo too blur to see me. ^^

Aren't these 2 boys cute? Once upon a time, their mothers were talking about boys. Now they're the mothers of boys. One day soon, these boys will also be looking out for girls.

I Came, I Saw, I (almost) Conquered- part 3

2006-10-27T01:34:00.000+08:00

Sorry for not posting the last few days. Long weekends maketh a person lazy. hehe! Hope eveyrone had a wonderful time recharging the last couple of days.

I Came, I Saw, I (almost) Conquered- part 2

I Came, I Saw, I (almost) Conquered- part 1

The beautiful sunrise which I missed.....

Without me to slow down the pace, hubby amazed the guide and overtook about 70% of the other climbers to reach the summit before surmise. He took pictures of dawn breaking over the mountain for me.....

Descending from the summit. Don't you think it looks very 'futuristic' and 'moon-like'?

We started climbing down after 7am. In daylight, I could see properly how the top of the mountain looks like and what I was doing at 3am in the morning. Laban Rata seemed so, very, very far away.

The thought of a warm breakfast was very, very appealing though. With the help of the guide, we were back to Laban Rata by 9am. The hall was already humming with activites and climbers having a toast with each other. I was still feeling every sore with myself for not pushing myself during the final stretch to reach the summit though hubby kept comforting me.

Anyway, there was no time for self pity because we were setting off an hour later for the descent- which meant at least another 6 hours of walking.

The climb down was rather uneventful except for the fact that hubby was amazed at the way I just kept going, almost non-stop. I told that if I stopped any longer than necessary, I'll never make it down. My jelly legs were really very wobbly by then and every muscle was hurting, some in places that I didn't even know I had muscles in.

But we saw some beautiful flowers along the way, including the second largest pitcher plant.

We finally reached Kinabalu Park's HQ by 4pm where we would be staying for another night. I was wincing with pain with every step I took and "walking" like a crab as someone said. Early night that night.....

The next day, we checked out and went to Poring HotSprings, which is also within Kinabalu Park. This place supposedly has hot sulphur springs that's good for soaking aching legs, and surprise, surprise more walks... hahaha!

We only went to the nearest waterfall, which is a very small one and because of the lack of rain, the waterfall was more like a waterwhimper. Lots of butterflies though.

The canopy walkway was supposed to be the highest in Malaysia but with my wobbly legs, I thought it best not to do it lest I fall off the walkway with my crab walk. Hahaha!

NO MORE long walks!!!

We booked a private room with jacuzzi. The facilities in it were a little err.. lacking. The toilet door was falling off. There was no toilet paper. The floor was a little flooded. There were cobwebs in the ceiling. I shan't go on. BUT, the place was spacious and for RM$20, I supposed we can't complain much.

A last view of KK

We were back by 5pm in KK to spend our last night there.

The next day, we were at a lost as to what to do. Our flight wasn't till 9pm at night and there REALLY isn't anything to do in KK itself. Then we spotted these brochures about island hopping. A day on the beach sounds good to us.

And we did not regret it. The water was crystal clear and you can do snorkelling, with lots of fishes to look at. We were told it was even better in the morning. Still, with 3 islands to choose from, there was plenty of space for everyone.... If anyone of you are thinking of going, I would strongly advise to spend the whole day here and either just hop from island to island or laze on one island.

The last boat back to the mainland was at 5pm, with another 2 hours to go, we decided to chill out and a have a drink at the 5 star resort hotel- Nexus Sutera Harbour..

Ahhh... it was a perfect end to a wonderful, memorable, if aching holiday.. Now, if only there was a hunky, young masseur around.

Would we go back to Sabah again? Yes, for the wild life and nature and diving (hubby's interest). To climb Mt Kinabalu again- probably not...

My only regret, as I've said, was not reaching the summit. I wanted to blame this on my age but there were many others, who were obviously older than me, who made it that I can't use this excuse.

So I think I'll blame it on my physical disadvantage- my short legs!

Hahaha!!

Hubby looking longingly at the mountain. One more time?

Me looking very much like a 'pau' and totally unglam whereas hubby was ultra cool. Sigh.. it's so unfair.

I Came, I Saw, I (almost) Conquered- part 2

2006-10-22T12:38:00.000+08:00

I Came, I Saw, I (almost) Conquered- part 1

This photo was taken about halfway through our climb. You can see that there's less vegetation because of the altitude.

We started to climb at about 9.30am and it nearly killed me within the first kilometre! The steps were as high as my knees! Added to that, my backpack must have weighed at least 7 kg! And because I thought it would be cold (it will get colder higher up in the mountain), I wore my thermal underwear, only to find myself sweating away profusely as I huffed and puffed my way up. Some parts were relatively easy (by this, I mean the ground was fairly flat) and other parts were tougher (when I couldn't find any cracks to put my feet or the steps were really high). During these tough moments, I would tell hubby in my grumpiest voice: "I'm not doing any more mountain climbing!"

But despite my ranting and ravings, the scenery was really, really beautiful, especially when you looked down and beyond and all you see are trees and flowers, and all you hear are the birds and the crickets. I only wished I was fitter and could have enjoyed all these more.

We could see all the other mountains nearby. It was truely a beautiful sight.

I must have irritated the guide no end with my most frequently asked question: "How far more to go?"

Along the way, we met groups who were either going up or coming down. Besides the Caucasians, the Asians were mainly from Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and of course Malaysia. Basically people from countries where mountain/ hill climbing is the norm. Strangely though, there were no handsome young hunks!!! Where were they? I thought I would be able to meet some handsome young men but all those I met were rather elderly, unless you are interested in young teenagers. (Whoops! hubby is going to kill me for this! hehe!)

Laban Rata...one of the only two accomodation at the top. Not your usual resort...

I was never happier when I finally saw Laban Rata, our stop for the night, and if I have the energy, I would have done a little dance. As it was, I could just about drag myself into the hall. By now, it was cold as Laban Rata was 3,353m high. It was about 4.30pm and we've been walking for the last 7 hours. Really all I want to do was to have a cup of tea and a shower.

Well, the tea is not a problem but the shower.... was a slight problem

Because of the dry season, they had run out of water, so they had to pump more water up from down below. So no water till about 7pm and no hot water either. Also, only two bathrooms will be opened, to be shared amongst all the 100 or so guests, both male and female... But the weather was so cold and the water even colder that nobody took their time in the shower. For me, I was out within 10 mins. Ok, I was probably not very clean, but then neither were all the other 90+ people. Nobody is going to bother.

To compensate for the lack of water heater, they had the room heated up and boy, it was really heated up. It was like going from the freezer (after the shower) to the boiling pot (the room). Oh, forgot to say that that they are all dorms (except for 2 VIP rooms which have already been booked). It was 6 people to a room. I've not slept in a dorm for a long, long time. Luckily for us, there was only one other person in our room, which we called the jolly green man, as he was a very big size guy wearing a green t-shirt. Whilst both of us were having a migraine coping with the heat, he had covered himself up completely with a blanket and gone off to bed by 7.30pm. Amazing!

Now that I've done all the complaining, hehe, I can quite safely say that the view up there at Laban Rata is beyond description. Just look at the photo.

Side note 2: we had bought some beer back during our night stay at Kinabalu Park but could not finish them, so we lugged two cans of Tiger (or rather hubby did) up to the mountain and we were determined not to bring them down with us. We must have looked like two alcoholics to the other guests, who were basically having a cup of very safe tea or coffee.

We had our beer after our shower and were in bed by 9pm. We were supposed to set off for the summit at 2.30am, so that means we will have to be up by 1.30am, with about 4 and 1/2 hours of sleep. But it was so hot and stuffy in the room that both of us couldn't really sleep and were up by 1am and went down to the hall for a breath of fresh air. Actually by then, quite a lot of people were already up and about. Considering that there were about 100 of us, sharing 2 bathrooms and 4 toilets, all of us were determined to beat the queue.

By 2.30am, we were all wrapped up in our winter wear and armed with our camera, binoculars, water and a torchlight, we met our guide and set off, together with almost everyone. It would be another 1km to the last control station and from there, 1.7km to the summit. To catch the sunrise, we have to be there by 6am.

It was the hardest part of the whole journey.

Not only was I tired with the 7 hours of hard trekking the day before, I was doing the toughest 1km trek in near pitch darkness. A few gave up along the way. At one part, there was nothing to hold on to except the rope. It was pretty scary when all you have is this little torchlight and you are trying to see where to put your next step, knowing full well that if you missed your step, you would be rolling down the mountain. Ok, before I frighten off everyone, it's actually not so bad when it's daylight but when you are tired, hungry and it's dark... every fear is magnified 100 times.

Me hanging on for my dear life... and I'm not joking...

By 5am, I had reached the last control check point- Sayat Sayat Hut. This was at 3,668.1m and I have been climbing for more than 2 hours. I just couldn't go on anymore. It will probably be one of my few regrets in life...but I told hubby to carry on without me. I'll wait for him at the hut, where there were 3 other girls huddling together.

The hut was really very rundown and it had a musty smell about it. It was also cold but I was too dead tired to care anymore. I fell asleep only to wake up an hour later to find my fingers frozen cold (despite wearing thick gloves). I am definitely not suited to the cold climate!

I could see sunrays shining through the windows. Hurray!!!! Dawn at last! I wonder where hubby was and if he made it to the summit in time....

妹妹

2006-10-19T09:56:00.000+08:00

The woman at the carrot cake stall at 'my' coffeeshop last night made me a very happy person.

When my food was ready, she said: "来，妹妹，你的." *

I haven't been called a 妹妹 for the longest time. Needless to say, I was walking away with a smile on my face. The carrot cake tasted extra delicious.

hahahahahaha!!!!!!

*妹妹- younger sister... a term you use if you don't know that person well and she seems to be younger than you. Like using the term uncle or auntie.

Happy Birthday Julia

2006-10-17T13:25:00.000+08:00

Not sure what she is doing now...

Probably shopping in Myeongdong or having lunch in Gorilla or maybe eating one of those delicious cake in O'sulloc. Whatever it is, I'm sure she is having a great time... eating all my favorite food in Korea. See my post here

Or maybe, she's just sipping coffee in one of those posh cafe in Apgujeong...looking out for good looking actors...

Sigh... I know she already saw one yesterday... This man----->

Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIA! Many, many happy returns!

And for the other pretty girl.... looking forward to seeing a brand new you soon.... ^^

Just in case you ladies want to have some nice cakes and are reading this blog... check out the KNTO site here

The Plaza Hotel sells specially made Sam Soon and Sam Shik cakes.... yummy....

Can't wait to see you girls and catch up on all the news. : )

生日快乐！

생일 축하합니다!

Happy Birthay!

p/s- Could you please either bring back either my main dish or any of my side dishes....*hoping*

I Came, I Saw, I (almost) Conquered- part 1

2006-10-13T09:39:00.000+08:00

I posted this sometime last year, shortly after my 'walking' experience. Whilst going through my emails, I came upon this and decided to post it here, to relive that trip. To those who have read it before, err... maybe you want to read my kimchi blog instead. hehe! ^^

Written on 1st March 2005
Tim and I had a very eventful holiday week (well, it was more eventful for me than for him).

Our interests are quite similar. We both love nature and animals and don't mind going for walks. However, his definition of walk sometimes goes a little further than mine. So when he suggested climbing Mt Kota Kinabalu (which basically, is the highest mountain in SEAsia), I was a little apprehensive. But he assured me, I quote: "No problem, you can do it. Everyone says it's easy!" I have reminded him of this assurance that conned me into going, with every aching opportunity.

We decided to try out one of those budget airline for this trip. We took Air Asia, which was basically ok except for the troublesome fact that you HAVE to travel to Senai airport. We also did not know that it was free seating till we got on the plane and realised that most of the good seats were taken. No wonder everyone was queuing up at the gate earlier! Jetstar and Value Air definitely better but unfortunately, they don't fly to Sabah.

Mt Kinabalu is in Sabah and part of East Malaysia. Compared to Sarawak, Sabah seems less laid back, We covered the national museum and the Bird Sanctuary within one afternoon (frankly speaking, Singapore's Sungei Buloh is much better in terms of birds viewing). The museum is adequate and we spent a very pleasant lunch hour in the park just behind the museum, where they had put up lots of traditional houses. It was a very nice surrounding, except for the Chinese pop music that the guard was blaring away on his radio.

KK is pretty boring but beyond KK, there's lots to do, particularly if you're into nature, adventure or sports. However, the view from our hotel was quite something. And it was a little more happenning along the waterfront..if you are into cafes, food and drinking. View from Hyatt Hotel.

Anyway, after spending 2 rather uneventful nights in KK, we were off to the exciting part of our holiday on Sunday morning. Along the way, we had our first view of Mt Kinabalu. I must say it looks magnificent and rather scarily high.

Mount Kota Kinabalu

We checked into the Kinabalu Park HQ. Kinabalu Park, with Mt Kinabalu within it, is Malaysia's 1st world heritage site. There are beautiful lodgings at the Park's HQ and most climbers will stay for at least a night here before starting off for the climb the next day. The room is spacious, roomy though a little basic. But the views more than made up for it.

Hill Lodge- one of the accomodation at the Park

The park has hundreds of wild orchids, including the world's smallest orchid, as well as numerous pitcher plants and the famous, rare Rafflesia. It has beautiful and vast biodiversity, ranging from the lowland rainforest to the bare granite. The temperature ranges from the normal tropical 30's deg C to the freezing cold of below 0 deg C. There are also many trails that you can wonder on your own (in case you are not crazy enough to attempt the mountain) and we tried out one on our own in the afternoon. Although on hindsight, I should have just stayed put inside our lodgings and enjoy the view as I would be walking ALOT the following 2 days.

The view of the mountain right outside our front door was a sight to behold! At night, the sky was brilliantly clear and you could see all the stars as well as the beautiful moon. Definitely cannot get that kind of view in Singapore. Sigh....

View of the mountain from outside our room
The next morning we were off at about 8.30am. The summit trail starts at the Timpohon Gate, which is 1,829m high. Our guide must have thought I was very fit because he began to walk at a rather fast pace (well, fast for me anyway. Considering that for every step he took, I have to take two steps!)

Oh, before I continue, just a few things to point out.

A) We have to get a guide as well as a permit.

B) We have to carry our own luggage on the 6km trek up the mountain to our next lodging for the night before the final summit. That means no unnecessary stuff like toner, cleanser, cosmetic etc.... But you have to carry the necessary things like warm clothes (temp is below zero on the summit), raincoat (it can rain within minutes), and lots of water! Bottled water costs about 5 times as much up there because they are carried all the way up by the locals who are paid about RM$3 per kilo for food. Some of these porters wear only slippers and they cover 12 km within an afternoon- up and down to Laban Rata, the lodging in the mountain!

C) If you really, really do not want to carry your own barangs- barangs, you can hire a porter to do it for you. Cost RM$7 per kilo. But then why attempt to climb the mountain if you are going to pay someone to carry your things?

Side note: One of the list of things to bring was toilet paper and dear hubby brought along a big, fat, brand, new roll, thinking that we would need it throughout the whole 4 days. Turned out we only need it at Laban Rata. So this very special roll of toilet paper has been to Mt Kinabalu and back. hahaha!

These porter are amazing. They walk up the mountain in shorts and slippers, carrying heavy stuff like water and food for Laban Rata, the only accomodation up in the mountain. Whilst we take about 7 to 8 hours to do this trail, dressed in protective gear, often armed with a walking stick and with many rest stops, these porters take only about slightly more than an hour to do so. Incredible!

How much is that doggie in the.... moon

2006-10-10T01:53:00.000+08:00

Well, I was looking forward to looking at a nice, big,round, clear moon on Friday night and what do I get? A hazy, blurry moon. The $%34#@&^ haze from Indonesia had made everything all hazy. So instead of a nice romantic-filled night, gazing at the moon, it became a let's-light-the-lanterns-now-and-shut-the-the windows quick night.

Well.... I was determind to light my lanterns, which I was really looking forward to... so...

Hubby thought I was overdoing it a bit. Really meh? But it's only four lanterns what? Not many right? Afterall, mid-autumn festival comes only once a year. :p

Actually, I would have loved to light up this lantern which I bought especially. This is the old fashion type that I grew up with. Made of cellophane, it's brightly coloured and came in all sorts of shapes and models. It's still being sold nowadays but not as common anymore. Most parents buy their children the safer version- electric bulbs. Personally, I think having a lantern without candles...just isn't a lantern. Oh... I didn't light this lantern in the end as I noticed that holder was too near the bodyframe. The whole lantern would have gone up in flames if I did.

Not that the other lanterns didn't. Went up in flames that is.

Oh yeah... I almost burned down our balcony as one of the paper lanterns caught fire. It was hubby to the rescue as I was just flapping my arms and going:" ohh... ohh.... fire....fire." Good thing I didn't go: "Ottoke? Ottoke?"

I know, I know, not very helpful and bright right? Luckily, there wasn't much damage. Whew! And that was really the end of the Mid-Autumn festival.

If you want to know more about this festival, you can go to Jos's post. She's written a comprehensive post on this subject. ^^

Sad to say, the haze was just as bad on Saturday...bleah....

Luckily, it cleared on Sunday and we went to the this Dog event organised by the SPCA held at the Bishan Park. hehe! The dogs are so cute.. Well..actually, the owners are just as cute. hehehe!

But I really like this dog.. I'm sure Julia will agree with me. hehehe!

Oh... what's the dog got to do with the moon?

Hubby insists there's no rabbit or moon fairy on the moon... only cheese. You will have to watch Wallace and Gromit- A Grand Day Out to know what I'm talking about.

From the official W&G site:

Btw, the song that I'm playing now is called "月亮代表我的心”(The moon represents my heart) by Teresa Teng. It's a classic that's been sung many times by other singers But just like Moon River, the original version is still the best. Teresa's voice is crystal clear.

For those still eating their mooncakes (and you know who you are), remember, too many round mooncakes maketh a round body.

hehehe!

Chinese Garden and Mid-Autum Festival

2006-10-05T02:33:00.000+08:00

For the past few years, I've been meaning to visit the Chinese Garden during the Mid-autumn or Mooncake festival but just never seemed to get around to doing so. Everytime I look at the photos of the various lanterns on display in the newspaper, I regretted not going. This year, I was determind to do so.

And so on Tuesday night, both hubby and I made a trip out to Jurong to the Chinese Garden to look at the lanterns on display.

It has been years since I went to the Chinese Garden. I think the last time must have been when I was in Primary or Secondary school, during one of those school outings. There just doesn't seemed to be enough of a pull for me to want to travel all the way there. I have very hazy memories of this place..except for the pagoda.

One of the entrance

There are 2 themes this year.... insects (????) and icons of the world. I gotta to admit that some of these 'insects' are pretty cute.

And some of the icons...I don't think I need to say what they are.

Of course, the Chinese icon (The Great Wall, with a flapping dragon and phoenix) is one of the biggest and the most elaborate.... like all things Chinese.

There were various stalls set up... including one from Osim.. offering free massage. Hmmm.... There are the usual stuff.. like sparklers, lights, ice-cream etc being sold. They also had a sort of fun fair going on..mainly for the kids. There weren't really many 'traditional Chinese' stalls. Maybe there are more during the weekend. The one stall that is traditional was this dough figure maker. Cute right?

The one thing that I did remember about the Chinese Garden was the 7 story pagoda. I don't recall this pair of 3-story pagoda. They looked rather pretty though, especially with the reflection in the water. Of course there were lots of people taking photos. A group of teenagers was attempting to try to take a self-timer photo by placing the camera below, with them on the 2nd level!

I was just telling hubby, somehow in my distant memory, the 7-story pagoda seemed larger than it is now. I think it will look really pretty on Friday, with the full moon. We climbed to the top and looked at all the twinkling lights below us. It would have been rather romantic..except that you're sharing this romantic view with about 20 people. That didn't seemed to stop a young couple though, who was quite 'busy'. I'm sure there are lots of dark bushes in the garden below. Must be the moonlight.

It was rather busy for a Tuesday night so I dread to think of the crowd during the weekend. I wish I had a lantern whilst I was there. I saw many in the crowd holding one but just couldn't figure out where they were being sold. Although I must say most of them (especially the children) were holding a football lantern???!!! But really, I guess it was not so strange on hindsight now... as we used to have lanterns like ultraman, hello kitty, boat etc. That's why we loved lanterns then because they came in so many shapes and sizes.

The pond here has lots of koi....all looking rather fat and plump. ^^

I think I would have enjoyed myself better if I could have walked around the place at a much slower pace and also visit the Japanese Garden, which was just next door. As it is, it felt just a tiny, tiny bit of a let-down. And it wasn't cheap either. During this festive season, it's $8 for adults during weekdays and $10 during weekends. Ouch!

One of the last photo before we left.. hehehe! How do you like my warrior? Yes, I was bored.

Just some information on the Chinese Garden:
Built in 1975 and designed by Prof. Yuen-chen Yu, a well-known architect from Taiwan, the Chinese Garden's concept is based on Chinese gardening art. The main characteristic is the integration of splendid architectural features with the natural environment. The Chinese Garden is modelled along the northern Chinese imperial style of architecture and landscaping.

Taken from Asia-Planet.net. They have more information about the garden on their site.

You can see some photos from this site

What are you going to be doing this Friday night?

I'm all prepared already..

I've got my lanterns, my mooncake, my pomelo, my tea....and my hubby... hahaha!

Happy Mooncake festival everyone! ^^

Children's Day

2006-10-02T22:21:00.000+08:00

Did you know that it was Children's Day yesterday? Those with children in the primary school level and below would know. There would have been lots of celebrations in school on Friday and it would have been half day for them.

Anyway, as in every year, the volunteers at SHG- CDAC would plan food and games for the kids. And so on Saturday, 30th September, our kids got to celebrate Children's Day one more time. (See my blog on SHG & CDAC here)

Actually, there were lots of activities going on that day as CDAC had a couple of events on as well. The kids were having a wild time watching and participating in the fun. Naturally, they were alll distracted and it required conjoling, stern warning and bribery to get the kids to even study for that just one hour.

Finally, at 3.40pm, the kids were let off and it was time to party!

The Food Spread

Food for the kids...volunteers not included and... close encounter of the food kind

The Kids
What were they playing?

I discovered that they have a Hello Kitty version of the game UNO..I think I very 'suaku'.

Two of my charges- the boys in red t-shirt and striped t-shirt.

The Games
You know, kids will be kids, whether you are 10 or 13. When we thought of the games, we were alittle hesistant as we weren't sure if the kids would find it interesting. But guess what, they enjoyed themselves immensely. There were different stations and points were awarded for how well they do at the stations.

This proved to be more difficult than we thought for the kids as not many of them could do it. I tried it and managed to knock down the .....box. hahaha! Well, all the cans did fall but no points.
:(

A look of concentration as he attempted to pick up as many marbles as possible. I was quite amazed as most of them were quite adept at this..though they weren't necessarily holding the chopsticks right way.

This was probably one of the easiest game.... mini basketball.

Memory game- you have to match the cards. Obviously some did better than others. Hehe! I like this kind of game and often play it on my PDA.

The kids were supposed to fold their own paper aeroplanes and fly them. This was easier said than done but I think the boys enjoyed it especially. When was the last time you fold a paper aeroplane?

We thought this would be difficult for the kids but they seemed to have no problem as well. Should have asked them put 2 bean bags on their head. hahaha!

Waiting for the results....who won the top prize? That was the one most important question.

And the answer is......... Nicole!

I think his winning points was in the bean bag station where he managed to do 15 times. Nicole is in Primary 6. Rather naughty but I must say quite good looking. Don't know whether he will become more trouble when he goes to Secondary 1 next year. I suspect there will be girls problem...if he doesn't have them already.

The brothers

I really like this photo. The older brother is now in Secondary one. For the past 3 years, he has been been coming to CDAC. This is his 4th year now. And ever since I can remember, he has always been scolded by all of us for being naughty, for being rude, for being a sore looser, for crying easily. And yet, he still comes to the centre on a Saturday afternoon when he could be out with his new friends. I mean, when you are 13, do you really want to hang around younger kids and do work on a Saturday afternoon? But he and some other kids that we've been teaching still come down and seemed to enjoy it too. If nothing else, it keeps them off the street and the danger of mixing with undesirable characters. I guess we must have been doing something right somewhere along the way.

His little brother is in Primary 4 this year and is just as naughty. I've been taking him for the last few months when I waa recalled back to help out. Often, I have to tell him not to behave like a gangster. But boys will be boys and there are often fights and quarrels amongst them. But 10 minutes later, they will be sitting next to each other and be the best of pals. So it's a real test of judgement to decide if you should play mediator when quarrels break out.

But I really like the kids I've been teaching and hope that they will benefit from their brief interaction with me.

The whole gang

Volunteers and children.

Children are always a treasure and it is a joy to watch them enjoying themselves. That's what childhood should be about.

Happy belated Children's Day to all... the young and the young-at-heart.

Libraries

2006-09-30T23:35:00.000+08:00

As I mentioned before, I love books and it was one of the reason that I worked in a bookshop for the first 5 years of my working life. Up till today, I'm still involve in the book industry... most recently by importing books and magazines from Korea. haha!

Anyway, though my family wasn't poor, they certainly weren't rich enough to indulge in my craving to buy a book every other day. Buying a book was a treat. So most of the time, I borrow them from the libraries. Often, it would be the one nearest my place, which was in Toa Payoh. But when I got older, I would sometimes head down to the National Library in Stamford Road. Most of us would remember the red-bricks building in Stamford Road.

That building has since been torn down to make way for the new Singapore Management University. There were efforts to save it as it held much fond memories for most of us. Unfortunately, it didn't work and on 31st March 2004, it was shut down permanently.

The National Library sits in a new site today nearby- spanking new, bigger and with better facilities. Really first rate in terms of facilities. In fact all the new libraries are much better equipped nowadays. It has multi-media galore, bright color seats, and even tucked-away corners for that privacy. You can reserve books and renew them online. You can also return books 24/7 at the drop-off point in the libraries. Very convenient. In other words, a strive to dispel the boring, old, stuffy image of the traditional library and encourage the young to come in.

A end result of all these is that it has often become very noisy in the library. At least, that's the way at the library near my place.

Call me old fashion, but a tiny, tiny, tiny part of me like the libraries of yesterday that I once knew.

The slightly musty smell, the hushed tone, the concentrated, absorbed look as each of us search for treasures amongst the rows and rows of books on the shelves.

There was an air of reverence in the library, as if it is a door to another magical world. And to me, it was.

I still remembered, after a trip to the National Library, armed with books, I would then head to the small food place next to the library. This is not the S-11 that was there in the last few years but an older, small hawker centre with a mish-mash of food stalls. One very popular stall was this ice-kachang stall there. The stall was always teaming with bees but that didn't stop any of us from enjoying the very delicious ice-kachange espeically on a hot day. Come to think of it, the rest of the stalls there weren't any cleaner either. But the place was always full. It's a wonder none of I never got any food poisoning.

And then after a visit to the library, I would make my way to MPH, a major bookshop in a very prominent red and while building just firther down the road. You would think after a visit to the library, I would be sick of seeing more books. But far from it, a visit to MPH was like a visit to wonderland. It was 3 stories high and was crammed full of books, toys and stationries. Even if I couldn't buy anything, it was still a thrill to window shop there.

Sadly, even that MPH is no longer in existence today.

Oh the building is still around as it is gazzetted as a national mounument.

But it is no longer a bookshop.

In the march of time, all things change... I just wished I had taken photos of the these two places as they were then.

Anyway, two days ago, I went to library to borrow 2 books on gardening, hoping to bring some more life to my tiny balcony.

But that is another story. ^^

Enjoy your weekend everyone.

Books

2006-09-29T02:12:00.000+08:00

I love books. I'm one of those who hates to fold pages, cut them up or draw in them, (beyond writing my name on the first page of the book). I try to keep my books in good condition and really, really hate to throw out books...even if they are trashy ones.

I used to read alot when I was younger, unfortunately, I just don't have as much time to do that now. Then, I could bury myself in a book, slumped in a chair and be lost in another world for the rest of the day. It was very easy to entertain me.

As much as I love movies, books are really quite something. Without the moving pictures and the sound, you have to use your imagination to 'view' and 'feel' what the author has written.

Hubby subscribes to this club in the UK called the Folio Club- they published books in hard cover. Not just hard cover... but bound in leather or cloth...you know... the old fashion type.

The type of books that belong to old, wooden shelves, in a nice library, and where you can imagine yourself sitting down in front of a fireplace/ balcony/ garden, with a cup of tea and reading the book. You get what I mean?

As much as I love the books that I read now, it's the books that I read in the past that I have fond memories of...

Mostly alot of Enid Blyton's like the Malory Towers, the Famous Five, the fairy tales etc. The Borrowers, Mary Poppins, Beautrix Potter, Heidi, Chronicles of Narnia, Little Women... they all accompanied me through my childhood years.

Do children read these nowadays? Or is it mainly all those ghost/ monster stories that fascinate them?

One of the series that I liked was the Anne of Green Gables series. It was even filmed into TV series a few times but I still prefer the book.

It's a simple, simple story.

A little orphan girl was mistakenly sent to an elderly couple by mistake, who had actually requested for a little boy...to help them out in the farm.

This sparky little girl never lets anything her down, is always optimistic and adventurous. She is direct but not mean and loves those around her. Naturally, the elderly couple grew attached to her.. and loved her dearly, as she did to them. The rest of the story is really about her stay there on the farm, her adventures as she grows up.

See, it's a very simple story right? In fact, somebody would probably say it's too goody-goody. Thank goodness for such 'goody-goody' books when I was young then.

Even today, it's still good to reach out and read these 'do good, be good and feel good' novels. It's great to escape from the real world for awhile and relieve the age of innocence.

I wonder if anyone will laugh at me if I go out and buy the entire Fanous Five series. Maybe I can pretend that I'm buying them for my nephew....

Isn't the illustration beautiful?

Weekends

2006-09-26T00:32:00.000+08:00

What do you all do during the weekend?

Me? I'm constantly divided between

1) What I have to do... laundry, tidying house, baking, clearing paperwork
2) What I am required to do... volunteer work (I've been recalled due to shortage of volunteers and have been back at CDAC for the past 2 months)
3) What I would like to do.... catching up friends, sleep, eat, read

and

4) What I usually end up doing...which is a mish-mash of no 1 to no 3, depending on how productive or how lazy I feel. Of course, you always never ever end up doing what you have to do or would like to do. So hubby's and my common grouse on Sunday night at 11pm- why can't there be 3 days of weekend instead of just 2 miserable days.

I'm not sure what the other couples do but I've been told that hubby and I lead a very unusal lifestyle as a couple. I think probably the fact that we don't have children and my in-laws aren't around help fuel the kind of lifestyle that we have. Thankfully, even though my family lives just 5 minutes away, they have never expected us to be back during the weekends, fully understanding that as a couple, we need our own quality time together.

So we have time to go to concerts, plays, walks in the parks, visits to the museum, gym (bleah!) etc

Last Saturday, we went to one of our favourite place- the NIGHT SAFARI

Alright, you can stop laughing now. I'm not sure why people seem to think it funny that we both like to go to zoo and the bird park. It was one of my favrouite place when I was young too and I was always very excited when we go on such a school trip. It

Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari in Singapore have both won many acolades for providing as natural an environment as possible for the animals. And it's always a joy to watch them- not behind bars in a cage. Of course, given a choice, we shouldn't even have a zoo but I guess it's impossible for that to happen.

Actually, to truely enjoy the Night Safari, you should really keep quiet and just observe (except when you are watching a animal show of course). This is esepcially so when you go on the tram ride and you really want to observe these animals. Unfortunately, it doesn't normally happen... sigh.... Often, I have to repress my urge to tell to just 'shut-up'

Here kitty, kitty.... I believe this is what they call a Fishing Cat. Isn't it cute? hehe!

Basil- the recycling otter

I've always like the animal shows and isn't Basil adorable? I remembered my Korean guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the animal show when they came down for a holiday last year.

My one complaint? - the limited eateries available and the exorbitant prices that they charge. $4.50 for a cup of lemonade??

Every weekend evening, and especially on Sunday, a few groups of men would be playing Singapore men's favorite past time- football.

Frankly speaking, most of these men don't err.. look very fit. In fact, more often than not, their tummy is hmm.... a little round. And most of them aren't exactly young. Still, they seem to enjoy themselves running around in the field and getting all sweaty and smelly.

I've often wondered, are they glad to be out of the house and just kicking a ball around with thie kakis? Perhaps the wives and girlfriends are just as glad to have some breathing space once a week? hehe!

And no, hubby doesn't play football. ^^ He brews beer instead.

One of the highlight of last weekend- at least for me. A delicious meal with a group of friends. No, they are not just fellow fans anymore, but really friends. Both bb and Jos have blogged about this.

Yes, it was really, really fun that night. I shan't talk about the food much except that I was really, really surprised at how good the satay soup tastes. Both of them have described in depth about the delicious food. I can only say that i felt like a round fishball at the end of the meal. We could hardly move. Jos and me were leaning back in our seats, trying not to make our stomach look too fat and round.

One funny incident. Just as we were about to start eating, bb suddenly shouted "take photo, take photo." And so, there we were, Jos, bb and I clicking away. I guess it came as no surprise that the 3 of us are active bloggers. bb said it's a blogger's symptom. haha! And that's why you see the same photos in all our 3 sites. ^^

Chilli crab

Steamboat

Yes, it was true that we talked about BYJ (hey, we are all BYJ fans), but we also talked about other stuff.. and it was such fun reminiscing about the old dramas and movies. But that's when age truely shows up, when only V and I could remember certain shows. The rest of them looked at us and went: "not our era." Sob! Sob!

Haha! And after this makan session, Jos has started another BLOG. This time it will be all about food. Gosh... looking at the recipes. I'm salivating. Jos.. you going to cook for us? hehe!

In case you want to go try the very delicious steamboat that we've been raving about..

Paradise on Earth
200 Tanjong Katong Road T: 6345 9272

4 more days to the weekend.

Back to normal

2006-09-22T01:03:00.000+08:00

Well... after about a week-and-a-half of shift duties, life has gone back to normal with the arrival of the new maid. Whew! How did our grandparents cope with a large brood, housework and earn a living at the same time?

People always say that's because life was simpler then.

I figured it's because we have made life complicated for ourselves.

A cup of coffee would be just a cup of coffee back then.

You can have 'kopi-o' (coffee without milk) or 'kopi' (coffee). There is only one size.

Now? Step into any of the coffee chain and you are presented with so many choices.

Coffee latte, cuppocino, coffee black, coffee with cream, coffee with milk.

Short, regular, tall...

and the list goes on.

Maybe that's why Korean dramas have become such a hit almost everywhere with its simplistic storylines.

Of course, they are mostly fairytale stories, meant for dreaming and escaping from the world for that few hours. But how boring life would be without the world of make believe.

Anyway, I escaped from my usual life for a short while recently due to the Korean tornado that swept into town on the first week of September. It was truely, really fun.

To read about it, go to my Kimchi blog about Kimchi tornado.

Sorry about this short post...life will definitely be back to normal soon. ^^

Grandma

2006-09-05T00:58:00.000+08:00

I've been helping my grandmother to shower for the last few days as part of my shift duties. We're in between maids at the moment and the new maid will only arrive later this week. In the meantime, my aunties and I are taking turns to go on shift duties.

Don't be mistaken. Grandma, who is a perfectly healthy 90 years old lady, is capable of taking care of herself but she does need that little help.

Like holding the shower head whilst she cleans herself (vigorously too, I must add), helping her to take off and put on her clothes etc.

Standing behind her, seeing her wrinkled body, a strange feeling came over me.

I remember the countless times when she bathed me when I was very young. Grandma is 50 years older than me, so I guess she would have been in her 50's when she appears in my earliest memory.

My grandmother is a very strong woman.

She has to be.

She arrived in Singapore when she was in her early 20's. I don't know much about her hisory, only that she came in search of her husband, my grandfather. Like most early Chinese migrants then, they didn't have much money and had to work hard. Through the Japanese occupation and poverty years, she raised 6 children pretty much alone. You have to be strong to do that.

I remember her temper.. her flashing eyes when she got angry, her loud voice (she still has a very loud voice. I think it runs in the family), her sturdy body. I especially remember the few rare times when I was caned by her.

But I also remember her holding my hand as we crossed the road, buying toys for me at the 'pasar malam', and cooking my favourite food.

Then, grandma to me was a formidable woman. At times, I was even a little afraid of her. But I could always depend on her.

When did it start to be the other way round? When did she start to depend on me instead?

Where once she held my tiny hands in hers and coaxed me to see the doctor, now I hold her hands rough hands in mine when I bring her to the hospital for check-ups.

Where once she bathed me in a little tub, now I help her to shower whilst she sit on a stool in the bathroom.

Where once she would whipped up a few delicious dishes for lunch, now I help to put the food in a plate for her.

Where once she would hide her modesty by closing the door to change, now she couldn't care less that I could see every inch of her wrinkled, naked body.

Where once her word was law, now she listens to me.

In my teens, I used to feel so embarrassed to be seen together with her, wild horses couldn't drag me to go out with her. And yet for the last 15 years or so, I've been on holidays with her almost every year. She's been to Shanghai, Beijing, Su Zhou, Hang Zhou and Hong Kong etc.

When did this relationhip change?

I don't know either.

A person reverts back to childlike behaviour and thinking as one gets older. I guess now, grandma is the 'baby' and I'm the adult.

I'm not sure how grandma feels about this reversal of relationship. If you are a child, and you depend on adults, you don't mind because well, you don't understand and know much. But when you do know and understand, it's a little more difficult, isn't it?

In truth, I feel a little emotional and there is a slight tug in my heart as I write this and remember all those years long ago...which really, wasn't too long ago.

I'm not too sure what that little tug is for and who it is for.

Perhaps at the passage of time.

Perhaps at the the inevitable that will happen one day.

The Circle Game
by Joni Mitchell
Yesterday a child came out to wonder
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar
Fearful when the sky was full of thunder
And tearful at the falling of a star
....................
....................
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
Were captive on the carousel of time
We cant return we can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game

My office life is so exciting

2006-09-01T10:17:00.000+08:00

Working on my own has its perks. Flexi hours, comfortable dressing, no boss to report to, no office politics, no gossips.

Actually, I lie.

I do miss the gossips. I miss hearing them from colleagues, the conspiracy type of human interaction.

In other words, I miss being a kaypoh.

Last night, over dinner, as usual, I would asked: "How was your day?" Now hubby is not a gossip person. But people can't seemed to resist telling him stuff. Maybe because he's so quiet, he looks harmless. So I hear the usual office stories of who's left, who's joined, who's in, who's out etc. Unfortunately (I supposed I should say fortunately) he doesn't say alot... in terms of juicy details.

Sigh...men just don't know how to tell stories.

I wanted to tell him about my day too. So I racked my brain to think of the most exciting thing that happened that day..

1) Someone new has moved downstairs. I know because I saw the empty cartons and the kitchen windows were opened.

2) There was a lizard in the bathroom. It was big, fat one.

My office life is so exciting.

忙与盲

2006-08-31T09:56:00.000+08:00

Woke up to heavy rain this morning. Such a refreshing change from the hot weather for the past few days.

Days like that, I wish I could just curl up with a good book, accompanied by a cup of hot tea and good music...

忙与盲
(Busy and Blind. In chinese, they have the same pronounciation)
Singer" Emial Chou 周华建

曾有一次晚餐和一张床 (once there was a dinner and a bed)
在什么时间地点和那个对象 (when, when and with whom)
我已经遗忘我已经遗忘 (I've already forgotten, I've already forgotten)
生活是肥皂香水眼影唇膏 (living is like soap, perfume, glasses, lipsticks)

许多的电话在响 (phones are ringing)
许多的事要备忘 (alot of things to prepare)
讦多的门与抽屉 (doors and drawers)
开了又关关了又开如此的慌张 (open and shut, shut and open in a hurry)
我来来往往我匆匆忙忙 (to-and-fro, in a hurry)
从一个方向到另一个方向 (I go from one direction to another direction)

忙忙忙忙忙忙 (busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy)
忙是为了自己的理想 (busy because of one's dream)
还是为了不让别人失望 (or so that we will not disappoint the others)
盲盲盲盲盲盲 (blind, blind, blind, blind, blind, blind)
盲的已经没有主张 (blind till I've become indecisive)
盲的已经失去方向 (blind till I've lost of direction)
忙忙忙盲盲盲 (busy, busy, busy, blind, blind, blind)
忙的分不清欢喜和忧伤 (busy till I can't differenciate between happiness and sadness)
忙的没有时间痛哭一场 (busy till there's no time to cry)

To listen to this song, click here

忙是为了自己的理想 (busy because of one's dream)
还是为了不让别人失望 (or so that we will not disappoint the others

希望大家忙是为了自己的理想
I hope everyone is busy because of one's dreams.

Music is a universal language

2006-08-29T09:45:00.000+08:00

It's been a few days since I posted. The few times when I wanted to, I was so tired, I was falling asleep over my laptop.

I thought I'd be able to do it over the weekend when I don't have to work. But as usual, my weekend is even busier than my weekdays....

You know, I have often heard people comment that there's nothing to do in Singapore. I know I do that sometimes too (hey, I'm a Singaporean, so complaining is one of my forte). But if you look around you, there are actually lots of events going on...

Over the weekend, I attended 2 different concerts/events that could not be more opposite in terms of content and environment.

Singapore Symphony Orchestra SSO

The SSO was formed in 1979 and consists of local and foreign musicians. I don't think Singapore has enough of a pool to have a wholly Singaporeans only orchestra.... yet.

Attending the SSO concerts have been a regular thing for us for the past 10 years or so. I was initiated into it by hubby (who was my boyfriend then). It was one of our regular dates. I must admit, I probably would not have thought of attending a classical concert then. But hey we were dating and I was in love.. so anything for him lah.

Over the years though, I've actually come to enjoy the concerts. No, I don't know how to play the piano or the violin or any of the instruments for that matter. Neither am I very 'cultured' as some of my friends suggested.

I don't profess to like all the pieces and indeed, sometimes I go "huh?" at the end of a piece and occassionally I fall asleep too (which can be rather rather embarrassing, as our seats are rather in front and normally in the centre). But generally, they are rather enjoyable and I have discovered that I actually know many of these classical music... more than I imagined.

And when the musicians play well... it touches and moves your heart.. even if you are not musically trained.

The SSO has moved from VCH to the The Esplanade (or the durian as we locals would call it). Since the move, I noticed that the audience has become more well dressed. I don't mean they come in ball gowns or tuxedos but you can tell that they have made an effort to dress up and treat it as a respectable event. I think it's rather nice and makes the night special. Indeed, it's all rather civilised as people sipped their glasses of champagne or wine during the break.

That night's concert was entitled The Fire, The Romance, the Passion.
Royal Fireworks by George Frideric Handel
Oboe Concerto in D major by Richard Strauss
An American in Paris by George Gershwin (who could forget Gene Kelly dancing away?)
Bolero by Maurice Ravel

Just before playing the last piece, I asked hubby, as I sometimes do, if I knew the piece. He said "yes, it's a very well-known piece."

And he was right. It's not only well-known. It's a very lively and beautiful piece. Makes me want to tap my fingers and dance. Click here to listen to the music. (Credit- The MIDI HALL)

Did you enjoy that? I did. It was indeed a very pleasant way to end a night.

World of Music, Arts and Dance WOMAD

If SSO was quiet and civilised then WOMAD, which I attended the following nights were lively, casual and slightly wild.

WOMAD brings together musicians from all over the world- South America, USA, Indonesia, China, South Korea and India to perform.

They are not your usual pop groups and most of the time, I may not have heard of the artistes. It does not mean that they are not well-known. It just means that their music is not played on the local radio stations 24 hours a day.

Like SSO, we have been attending WOMAD at least 8 out of its 9 years here... if not all the 9 years. I didn't need hubby to ask me to come along for this. We were both interested.

Attending WOMAD is like going for a big picnic outing.

Held at the Fort Caning Park, the place has a carnival feel to it. Most people would pack a picnic basket, bring along a mat and generally just chill out under the stars. For the classical concert, infants or toddlers aren't allowed in- which is understandable. But for WOMAD, it's really a family and friends event. Drinks, food, music and family/ friends. What more can you ask?

But if you are asking for more.. than there are always the little stalls selling nick-nacks, palm reading and workshops to attend. In fact, we always felt torn as many events overlap.

What I've always found special about WOMAD is the energy and liveliness amongst the crowd. Who said Singaporeans are not spontaneous? They should come and see how the crowd would be grooving away... including me. And some of these artistes do really play up a storm that gets you on your feet.

Dancing the night away

Have you ever heard Indian, Korean, Australian and African music being played together at the same time? No?

Ahh...I did say music is a universal language didn't I?

One group that I was particularly interested in was Dulsori from Korea (for obvious reasons). Someone has put up a short clip on Dulsori on Youtube. Take note of the short part where a group is playing on 3 big drums. Click here

And here's a photo of this very dynamic group, consisting of mainly young girls.

WOMAD plays around the world in different countries, with different artistes. The next stop is... Korea! But no go, hubby said no, cannot go... :-( Guess I'll just have to wait for WOMAD to come around to Singapore again in August next year.

Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. ~Confucius

Let the music play on..... ^^

The efficient civil service

2006-08-25T10:11:00.000+08:00

The Singapore government has always harped about productivity and efficiency. Of course, at the same time, must also be courteous. The civial service departement especially, is always coming up with new ways to improve and be more productive. On Wednesday, I came into contact with the efficiency of a civil service department which.

I had to renew a license for hubby. This department was located in the super, grand IRAS building - Revenue House.

Finding the place was easy... the rest required a little more work.

The departement was on the 9th floor. There was no reception counter and the door was controlled by security pass. You have to press the bell and then yell into the microphone for the whole office department to hear the purpose of your visit.

As I wasn't too sure if it's the right department, I thought I'd make a call to confirm.

You know, all these recorded phones information is supposed to help you right? But seriously? Most of the time, you just want to stranggle the phone.

"To hear this in English, press 1. To hear this in Chinese, press 2."

And then it's repeated in Chinese.

"Press 1 for xxx, Press 2 for xxx, Press 3 for xxx".

And then you duly press 2

"Press 1 for xxx, Press 2 for xxx, Press 3 for xxx".

You didn't hear anything that seemed to be the right department. So you press a number that you think might be the right one.

"Press 1 for xxx, Press 2 for xxx, or Press 0 to speak to our officer."

You still don't hear anything that seems to be right, so you press 0 to speak to a human being.

"All our officers are engaged at the moment. Your call is important to us. Please hold and we'll get back to you shortly."

This is followed by some Richard Clayderman or Kenny G music over the phone. I'm assuming the music is supposed to calm you down.

After about 1 minute, you hear the "your call is important" message again and so you listen to the very soothing music on for another minute. And then this message comes on.

"I'm sorry all our officers are engaged at the moment and cannot attend to you. Please press 1 to leave a message or you may continue to hold."

You didn't want to wait anymore, so you press '9' to leave a message and is greeted by this:
"I'm sorry the message box is full. Pleaae call again later."

Click.

Ok, ok, the above was not exactly what I went through when I called but it was close enough. You can imagine my frustration then.

Anyway, I finally managed to get into the office, only to find out that the cashier may be closed.

Wait, I didn't tell you about the timing? You see, you can only go down from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.30pm. They must all think we don't need to work and our sole purpose in life is to go down and renew a silly license. I mean, you can't even opt to go down during lunch time!

Sigh..

The officer was kind enough to check to see if the cashier is still opened, so we trooped down to the 7th floor.

Why? Because the cashier is on the 7th floor.

Luckily it still was. I managed to pay and collected my receipt.

And then I had to go back upstairs to the 9th floor again... to collect the license.

I guess there must be some logic behind this arrangement and I'm sure it's probably the best solution, after much deliberation,.

But I'm afraid the reason has escaped me, the normal citizen.

Maybe that's why I've never applied for a job in the government sector. I'll never make a good civil servant.

All the world's a stage

2006-08-23T02:30:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time since I watched a Chinese play.. 真的是好久，好久。

I'm not sure...but I think one of the first Chinese play I watched was probably the play, 我在湖边等你 (I'll wait for you by the lake) by 戏剧盒 (http://www.dramabox.org). Whilst I can't really remember much about the play, I do remember that there was a beautiful song in it.

The theatre scene here had it's infancy when I was in the university..which was a long, long time ago. Theatres or dramas were not as common before then and many of the 'veterans' today were involved in the varsity theatres then. Karen Tan, Daniel Boey (who is today a hugely successful dance choreographer), Ong Soh Chin (who is a very respected senior editor in ST). In fact, The Necessary Stage was formed back then.

I remember the times we often skipped lunch to go to lecture theatre 13 to watch a play. It was always fun to watch somebody you know on stage. Wonder if they still stage plays during lunchtime.

Anyway, thanks to CDAC (hahaha!), I got to watch a Chinese play last Friday night.

Snakes and Lover (再见白蛇传)

Produced by ETCeteras or 海燕等人, it stars Cai Li Lian (蔡礼连) and Shen Wei Jun (沈炜竣).

It's sort of a play-within-a play, love story.

The play, "Madam White Snake" is being restaged one last time. Cai Li Lian (蔡礼连, as White Snake) and Wang Jia Yi (王嘉翊，as Master Xu) are going to get married the next day, after finishing the final night of the play. Shen Wei Jun (沈炜竣, as the abbot 'Fa Hai') has been in love with Xie Pei Shan (谢佩珊, as Green Snake) for 10 years. He has already proposed to her 98 times and has been rejected each time.

Li Lian, Pei Shan and the stage co-oridnator (oops, can't remember hwe name) have been good friends since childhood, with Pei Shan always taking good care of Li Lian.

As the story unfolds, we find out that Pei Shan is pregnant and the father is Jia Yi. Incredibly, it was Pei Shan who seduced him and yet, she doesn't love him... Her heart already belongs to someone else.

Complicated? Not really...

Boy loves girl...girl sort of loves boy...girl loves girl....

Seems everyone is doing a gay theme nowadays with the 'liberation' of the arts scene. Maybe the novelty of doing what was once taboo will wear off later.

Anyway, back to the play.

Perhaps because I did not have any expectation, it actually turned out to be better than expected.

The 3 femaale leads were actually pretty good, especially Pei Shan. The 2 male leads were so-so.... But Wei Jun drew much laughter from the audience, esepcially the children with his 'wooden' performance as Fa Hai.

However, the script was rather loose and many scenes involving the 'extras' were not necessary. Actually, at times I couldn't hear what these 'extras' were saying.

You know it's not easy being stage actor. It's very different from being in a drama or movie.

In plays, there are no re-takes, so if you make a wrong move, you have to think your way out of the tight spot quickly, on your feet. Acting before a live audience means that you get the response and reaction from them immediately. I find that rather nerve wrecking. There are less distractions in terms of sets, costumes and action, so all 'eyes' are on you. You have to ensure that you speak loudly and clearly. And whilst you should act more 'natural' in movies, it is the opposite for plays where every action have to be exeggerated.

And yet it is because of this interaction that I find plays so enjoyable.

Not many movie actors can be stage actors. But, there are quite a few stage actors who are good movie actors. Many actors who want to challenge themselves or want to be seen as credible, serious actors harbour thoughts standing on the stage eventually, someday.

I wonder if BYJ, with his habbit of "one more time" would ever do a stage play. It would be interesting, don't you agree?

For additional information on the story of Madam White Snake, please click here and here

Tired Tiffany

2006-08-18T01:40:00.000+08:00

Am tired for the past 2 nights. Too many late nights...surfing the net and watching TV..... oo many things to do, too little time.

Must really try and sleep early. Ok, a little earlier than my usual 3 in the morning. Getting panda eyes and wrinkles..

Wanted to do a review of the books that I read during my holiday in Phuket but think will do that another day.

Hubby has recommended that I read this..

Hmm... is this his hint to me that I'm rushing around too much? Guess will start on that when I've finished my current one.... which is this:

What's so special about this book? Hehe! It's in Korean with English translation. Hmm... I guess the review will be done over at my Kimchi blog when I've finished reading it.

Why aren't there 36 hours in a day?

Be With Me- Eric Khoo

2006-08-16T03:00:00.000+08:00

I finally caught the movie, "Be Wth Me" directed by our very own Singapore director, Eric Khoo.

"Be With Me" has been showcase in a few international film festivals and seemed to have received substantial rave reviews. And I did like "12 Stories" so I have rather high hopes of this movie.

"Be With Me" deals with love in different aspects through 3 different but linked stories. It is very, very quiet, especially in the first 20 minutes or so, with only one line of dialogue. And yet, far from being bored, I was captivated by the scenes and how they tell the story.. if you watch carefully. Think April Snow... though without any the good looking actors and pretty scenary...

And the music score captured the mood beautifully.

The only snag is, the character that was a link to the 3 stories- Theresa Chan.
Theresa is a real character, who is both blind and deaf. In the movie, she plays herself and the movie is based on her biography and the people that she met over the years.

Unfortunately, her part felt too much like a documentary and did not quite go with the other 3 stories. This is not to say her story is not worth telling. But perhaps it may have been better if it was dealt with separately. And it seems most critics did agree on this.

Still, it was well worth watching and I enjoyed the movie. The following would contain some spoilers to the movie, so be warned...

Meant to be
In this segment, Eric deals with love eternal and the pain of losing it in the twilight years. The movie opens with an elderly couple closing up their provision shop for the night. Somehow I find this scene very strong and moving...despite the fact that not a single one was spoken. In a way, that's how it is with old couples. Words are not needed. And then you see him in the market and subsequently cooking up a storm.....for his wife. Remember the scene in April Snow when In Soo was feeding his wife? In that scene there was no love though he was doing it dutifully and craefully. That was because they did not love each other any more. Here, in this scene, it was different as he lovingly, quitely fed her with the soup that he cooked painstakenly over the charcoal fire.

The old man (played by Chiew Sung Ching) does not say a single word during the whole movie. But you could feel his pain at tthe loss of his wife. He does not open the shop anymore, his wife's bowl and chopsticks is there next to him at mealtimes.

After a lifetime with your partner, what do you do when she leaves you? Because there is a void, an sense of emptiness in your everyday life, rituals and chores...especially the simple thing like food... there is no one to cook for anymore.

So In Love
If the first story was a quiet, plodding pace, then this is the opposite. Surprise, surprise... it is about 2 young girls in love. (Hmmm...the MDA actually passed this through) It is still a silent segment though as the young do not 'talk'. They text messages, they e-mail, they msn. I was not aware about this part as I didn't read the synopsis earlier, so I was quite surprised to find out that "Sam" and "Jackie" were 2 girls. And it was clever at the way it was revealed too.

2 pretty girls, in their teens...having a great time because they have found each other- their 'soulmate'. It is puppy love, yes. But as those of us who have been through this stage...a puppy love brings no less pain than a real love. And when one party loses interest and the relationship ends, it does seemed like the end of the world then.

How did the song go? 'Puppy Love' by Donny Osmond? Something like: "And they call it puppy love.."

Finding Love
Fatty Koh is a fat, sloppy guy. he eats alot. He shuffles and twitches his eye. In short, he's someone who may not be quite right, someone to be wary of.

He is secretly in love with this woman executive in his office.

He is well aware that it would not be possible but still he tries to work up enough courage to talk to her. We see him 'watching' her in the security cameras (he's a security guard), staring at her from her house below and following her from a distant as she goes shopping.

Ok, I'm a little biased here. I find the above slightly creepy actually. I'm not sure I want someone following me at my every move. But I'm sure if the character was played by a handsome Korean actor, I would have been melted at his love for her.

But seriously this guy is a mushy at heart. Because he finally took the step to write her a letter on a flowery paper. We also found out that he doesn't have a great supportive family and was probably even abused as a child. All these are through hints only- no script or dialogue. It is really amazing how words are often unnecessary.

I guess we all often talk way too much and do not listen and observe enough.

Theresa Chan
Theresa is a remarkable woman. Deaf and blind at a young age, she lives alone and takes care of herself very well-- including cooking and cleaning the place. She also learnt to speak English and type as well.

She is truely an inspiration. Unfortunately, her segment doesn't quite gel with the other 3 stories though she is the link in the final end.

And how does it all end? Ahh... there is a twist to it...I shall not reveal it here as I think you should watch the movie yourself. Let's just said that I found the scene when the old man and Theresa finally met really touching.

Here's some reviews and infomation about the movie.

MovieXclusive
TWITCH
Official website

And oh.... food seems to feature alot in this movie. Perhaps because it plays such an important role in our life and amongst Singaporeans. Coindentally, I'm also talking about food in my other kimchi blog. Click here if you want to read about it.

The shampoo lady

2006-08-15T03:16:00.000+08:00

On Sunday, an auntie tried to sell me shampoo

I was in my neighbourhood store. The shelves are very close to each other. The aisle is just enough for 2 person...with their butts almost kissing each other. Any bigger butts, and they would be arrested for being obscene.

And in this very narrow aisle, the shampoo lady worked her sales pitch.

She approached this woman who was looking at the various shampoos on display and stood next to her.

"Your hair very dry. Why don't you try this?" she said.

The woman said nothing and continued looking at the shampoos.

"Your hair very dry! Try this one." she said louder, pointing at a particular shampoo

The woman ignored her and tried to carry on but she was obviously not comfortable with someone shouting into her ear on a Sunday morning about the state of her hair.

"Your hair very dry lah. You should try this." she said in a very determind voice.

By now, everyone in the aisle and probably half the shop was well aware about the condition of this woman's hair. Poor woman. She gave up and walked away from the aisle quickly. Needless to say, she didn't buy the shampoo that was supposedly good for her dry hair.

There was no one left in aisle. I knew I would be next so I tried to make up my mind quickly.

Too late. The shampoo lady saw me.

"Try this one. This one very good. Lots of advertisements. Top in Malaysia."

Huh?

Lots of advertisements = Good shampoo?

Ok, ok, I know it is often the case.. we are lured by advertisements. But err... isn't this a case of being too direct? How is that supposed to convince me that the shampoo is good for me?

Then again, it's not easy selling shampoo in a neighbourhood grocery store. Sometimes though, you don't need shampoo ladies to push the product, you just need the right face on it. Don't believe me? Read about it HERE

I grabbed thhe shampoo that I wanted and almost ran off...before the shampoo lady tells the whole world about my hair.

Whew!

And writing about buying things from the local neighbourhood store, I was reminded of an interview that BYJ did once. He said he couldn't just go downstairs and buy a pack of sweets (or something like that), his assistant has to do it for him. In my opinion, it's really quite easy. He just need to now how to dress. Just do want all the uncles/aunties do on a Sunday morning.

1- No make-up, better still if unshaven
2- Make sure hair is not neatly combed
3- Wear a striped t-shirt in dull colors and a pair of long shorts
4- Wear black sandals
6- Bring along a market trolley

I am sure no one will give him a second look.... unless the shampoo lady catches him.

Last but not least...

2006-08-11T18:20:00.000+08:00

Well, I guess that pretty much concludes my Phuket trip. Sorry if my posts have turned out to be like a holiday resort brochure. Hehe! But I do hope that some of you will visit the place sometime.

Oh before I end off... do you know that the Koreans really, really, realy like Phuket? 진짜! I think half of the guests at my hotel are Koreans. hehe! Of course, I took notice alot more and prick up my ears when I hear Korean. I tried very, very hard to understand what they wree talking about but unfortunately, sigh...
성생님, 미안해요.

And during the diving trip, we met an American with his Korean girlfriend. He commented he realised how strong the 'Korean Wave' was outside of Korea as everywhere he went, everyone seems to be interested in his girlfriend. (Maybe he was disappointed the spotlight wasn't on him?) haha! Me too! Me too! I wanted to try out my borken Korean with his girlfriend but was very shy. I was afraid they would think i was some lunatic ajuma. Anyway, he was asking us about the Hallyu in Singapore and I had to literally stop hubby from telling him that I was involved in a fan club! Gasp! I would have been so embarrassed.

But I did tell him that I was importing in Korean books and magazines as there was a market. But I'm sure he noted the eagerness in my tone and how I pricked up my ears when they started talking about Korean stuff... hehe!

Hmm.... he said there's a market for teaching English in Korea. Perhaps I can persuade hubby to do that and then we can move to Korea.

Wahahahaha!

Ok, ok... one last photo from the trip....

I want to go on a holiday again!

Here, fishy, fishy....

2006-08-10T12:19:00.000+08:00

Well, we had only one more day left, we were leaving the next day. There was only one more thing left to do- diving. Phuket is well known for diving, in case you didn't know.

Not me. I swim as well as a rock. Hubby of course. But I tagged along as well though by then I had developed the worse possible cold and cough. So it wasn't as enjoyable as it should be.

We went to Ko Raya Yai/Noi, which hubby went some years before...when he was free and single (I did quized him about any holiday romance then but he has adamantly denied having had any. Hmm..)

They did 2 dives- one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Again, all drinks and food provided. But simple meals lor. And oh yes, I discovered some basic dos and don'ts on a diving trip:

1) Do not go to the toilet when you are near the diving site, especially if you're going to be doing some 'major' business. Why? Because, it's straight from the toilet into the sea. So imagine if you're a diver beneath the boat and you suddenly see a piece of brown bit floating down... not very nice.

2) No throwing of paper or any none edible stuff down the toilet or anywhere into the sea. And in case you're wondering, there's a basket inside the toilet.

3) If you are going to throw up, do it stern (back) side of the ship. Nobody wants to see what you've eating for breakfast or lunch.

Hehe! Am I making you all lose your apptite? Again, not so bad lah. It's all quite logical.

Actually, you can also snorkle and swim..if you can't dive. But I'm afraid I can't do those either. :(

This dive company is quite good. They have a dive master with each group, which is normally a pair. Now that's another job you can consider if you're free and single and want to travel. Get a dive master's cert and then get a job as a dive master as you travel the world. Many of these diving companies hire freelance help.

Hubby getting ready for his dive. There's this big piece of oxygen tank you have strap to your back and also weights to bring you down. Oh, another piece of information. If you're fat, you will need more weights coz it will be harder for you to sink. Hmm.. wonder how much weights I would have needed.

Each dive takes about 45mns to 60 mins- depending on how good you are,ie. how fast you use up the oxygen. The first dive is always the scariest I would imagine.

Initially I thought I would take a nap whilst he was diving but how to sleep with views like this?

And yet, what made the whole trip memorable for me was this:

These fishes and many others were swimming close to the boat. The water was crystal clear and it seems I could see the bottom of the sea. The joy and thrill I felt when I saw them was unimaginable..I know, I know, they're just fishes but it's really quite something to see a school of fishes swimming so close that you could almost touch them. If I could swim, I would have been down in a second. Oh well. This is a case of if I can't go to the fishes, then the fishes will come to me. hahaha!

Another photo with more fishes.. and no, we didn't have them for dinner. ^^

Nice hor... : )

Suddenly, the cold and cough didn't matter any more.

The Big 4Zero.. finally

2006-08-08T09:20:00.000+08:00

I had a very pleasant surprise when I got back to the hotel room after the island hopping.... ^^

It was a cake, courtesy of the hotel management...

And no, I did not put 40 candles on it. Don't think there's space on the cake. But it was such a nice gesture from them even though the cake wasn't err...very nice. hehe!

That night, we dressed up, booked a cab and had dinner at a very nice and posh restuarant. The Boathouse This restaurant has won many awards and I can only agree with they deserve to win. The food was superb. The service was just right. I only wish I could post a nice photo of the place but unfortunately, the camera doesn't work too well at night. So...don't have.

Yes, yes, I've kept the photo small deliberately coz I look very fat. hehehe!

When I first started this blog at the beginning of this year, the title was THE BIG 4ZERO.

I did not know what to expect when I actually turned 40, afterall it is supposed to be an important milestone. But when I actually reached 40, I hardly thought about it.

There was no sudden enlightenment, no dramatic changes with flashing thunder and lightening. Whatever changes that occured, they did over the years gradually.

And I realised that most things aren't as important as I think they are. At this point, my good friend, Yee Lee would probably have given me some insights or quotes on zen. Me? I've not reached the nirvana stage yet.

But I've seen my fair share of marriages and divorces, births and deaths and had my fair share of heartaches and happiness.

Life can be as simple or complicated as you want it to be or as sad or as happy as you want it to be. If I'm going to be have to live another 40 years, then I would rather expand my energy on things that make me happy...

I think my baby niece has the right idea, don't you think?

And on this note, I would like to wish Singapore a very happy birthday and may it enjoy peace and stability forever.

Happy 41st Birthday, Singapore.

My name is Bond. James Bond

2006-08-05T02:00:00.000+08:00

Special occasions with hubby are normally 'out-of-the ordinary'.
Our first holiday together was in Vietnam. We were climbing hill on an island off Sarawak on Christmas Day some years ago. Our honeymoon was in Cambodia and 2 years ago, I spent my birthday climbing yet another hill in Wales.

Comparatively, my birthday this year was rather mild really. We went island hopping.

Island hopping is a great actitvity to do and it can occupy you for just a day or more.. depending on what you want to do. And the views on these island are just breathtaking. We took up the Phang Nga Bay tour, which is at the northern part of Phuket.

You have to walk out to board the boat... and no.. this is not the boat... (Thank goodness). It's a medium size boat and fairly comfortable. All meals and drinks are provided for on the boat. Hubby's only regret- No beer lah.

Phang Nga Bay is well known for the limestone fomation...just like the Halong Bay in Vietnam and Guilin in China.

As always, when I see the vastness of nature...I realised just how small we humans are....really...

Our first stop was Lawa Island. It's supposed to be a sandy white beach for us to relax and swim. Unfortunately it was rather crowded. You can do some canoeing though which was quite fun...especially when you don't have to do the rowing. hahaha!

And then we visited the James Bond Island. Why is it called the James Bond Island? Because the movie 'The Man with the Golden Gun' was filmed there. We arrive on the island on a sea canoe and was immedtiately struck with the commercialism of it. There were rows and rows of stalls selling touristy stuff. But I guess that's normal. By the way, most of the sellers were Muslims, wearing their tudong. I read later that a good 35% of the residents in this region are Muslims.

Arriving on the island on a sea canoe.......

and inside a cave on the island..... (Below)

Presenting the James Bond Island....

Frankly speaking, I think it would have been a better experience if we had a little more time to explore but I guess that's one of the drawback of joining a tour. Still the view was good and it was quite fun.

This was followed by lunch on board. Yummy...and believe me... sea air does make you hungry so the the food was simply delicious.

After lunch, we visited the highlight of the trip...visiting the 'hong islands' or 'room island'.

You have to depend on the tide to visit these 'hongs'. It has to be high enough to float a sea canoe to go in but low enough for us to go through the 'doors'. At times, we have to lie flat on the sea canoe.

Entering the 'hongs'........

It does get rather crowded at times and this was considered as low season. Can you imagine what it will be like in high season? Nevertheless, it is well worth the trip because you are rewarded with these sights upon entering the 'hongs'.

During low tide, it is completely dry inside the 'hongs' but during high tide..this is what you get.

Our tour guide told us that during the tsunami 2 years ago, he was trapped inside one of these 'hong' for over an hour. He didn't know what happened and couldn't understand why the water kept rising and rising. I supposed in a way, it was lucky for him as he escaped the calamity.

It was really, really, really beautiful inside these 'hongs' and makes you marvel at the wonders of nature.

The tour guide (Alan) and his colleagues were all great and very considerate. I think they're called the James Bond tour or it might be the Sea Cave Canoe, I'm not too sure. He kept telling us to please spread the word to our friends if we find their service good.

Actually, the Thais are very easy-going and proud people. Unlike some of our trips in other countries, we have not encountered pestering, asking for tips or hassling etc (except for the tailors). They are quite happy to work to earn their keeps. So if you really want to help Phuket and its residents who were affected by the tsunami, then go visit the island. Contributing to the economy as a tourist is a much more sensible and sustainble way of helping them back on their feet.

At the end of the trip, we still had a little time left, so the tour guide said we could swim around for awhile... which a few did. Hubby of course, was one of them. How could he miss such an opportunity? If I could swim, I would too because the water was really clear.

Life beyond the beach and the deck chairs

2006-08-04T12:37:00.000+08:00

Now in case all of you think we were just lazing out by the beach the whole week (tempting as it was)...we did make an attempt to 'see' some parts of Phuket.

Our hotel has a sister hotel called Peach Hill on Karon beach. Got free shuttle bus.

The free 'shuttle bus' from the hotel. Of course it wasn't really a bus per se. But this type of vehicle is very common in Phuket, together with the tuk-tuk and the regular taxi. Not very fast but all very colouful.

Peach Hill Hotel had just undergone a renovation but we felt it was too 'hotel-like' for our taste. But I did like their pool bar..

And then on another day, we rented a jeep. Very cheap jeep = 1,000Bht only for a full 24 hours. But the jeep hor...

- had shift gears that groan and groan
- had a hole on the floor. I could see the road as we drove along
- had an air-con that barely works. It fact it was cooler with the windows down

But, it does work. Oh, you can rent motobikes there. Very cheap too but I wouldn't recommend it. Phuket has a high rate of accidents involving motorbikes.

Anyway, on the trusty jeep, we went-a travelling.

Central Karon Village
This was the hotel we would have stayed in if it wasn't full. Very nice and their restaurant The Cliff is very well known- both for the food and the panoramic view of The Andaman Sea.

The entrance to The Cliff
One of the room.

We had a very nice lunch here. (Come to think of it, our own Sentosa Hotel also have a restaurant called The Cliff. Wonder how is it like)

Kathu Waterfall
Phuket has a few waterfalls. We didn't have much time, so we went to the nearest one-Kathu Waterful. Wasn't much of a waterfall though, more like Kathu Tricklefall.

But what made it interesting was the dog that followed us all the way up to the waterfall, waited for us whilst we look-see-look-see and then followed us all the way down again. It was really sweet as he would stop and wait for us to catch up and then sat beneath our seat as we rested up at the waterfall. It even followed hubby to the toilet.... hmmm...

And oh...we almost became this spider's lunch. Kidding.. but it was BIG. I'm not joking. It was one mean looking spider.

The dog, the hubby and the cheap jeep.

Patong Beach
Now in case most of you didn't know...the action is actually at Patong Beach. So we went there for a look and stayed for a full 2 hours, of which 1 hour was spent inside Starbucks. To escape from the heat and the tailors.

What I didn't tell you guys about the famous tailors of Phuket? Well, you can't miss them coz they're everywhere and they make sure you see and hear them.

"Suit sir?" "Shirt?" "Where are you from? You want to make a suit?" "Good day sir, come on in and have a look. I give you very good price."

At the risk of being rude, the only way was to ignore them. BUT we had absolutely no problem from the others...just the tailors.

So the only photo I took of Patong Beach was this. See the many, many motorbikes?

We must be getting old... Ok, ok, we are getting old. We actually had no desire to stay on at Patong Beach to see the night life. Instead, we drove to Laem Phromthep. This is the southernmost point of Phuket. It is popular with the tourists as well as the local Thais for views of the sunset.

Laem Phromthep
After Patong Beach, this seems almost civilized.

Unfortunately, it was cloudy that day so we didn't get a good, glorious sunset. This was the best shot..Still, it's rather peacful, isn't it?

Chilling out.

2006-08-02T18:52:00.000+08:00

Well, after such an exciting start to our holiday, we felt the need to replenish our energy...with breakfast (got no food during the journey) and then we were off.... to bed! Hahaha! Hey, it's a holiday and the beauty of it is that we can sleep as and when we want to, without feeling guilty. Which was pretty much our pattern for the whole week. Wake up- Swim (Hubby, not me)- Breakfast- Nap- Out.

Good right? Remember my blog about Time No Enough? Well, I actually managed to actually do nothing much for a whole week, which was a real pleasure.

But really, that's what most of the tourists do on the beach...
including hubby dearest. Bascially you rent a deck chair for 50Bht (about S$2), buy a bottle of beer (50Bht) and just chill out. You can sit on the deck chairs for the whole day if you like. It was very relaxing, just starring out to the sea, with a drink and book in hand.

Of course, if you get bored, you can always do some people watching. From the young to the old, from Europeans to Asians. In fact, you can even catch a few women's assets which were 'hanging loose and free'. Actually it's something that was explicitly mentioned as a 'No-No' in many of the brochures. Hmmm...

And without fail, every evening, no matter which part of the beach you were at, this scene comes on. Asia's favourite game- Football

And oh... there are lots and lots of dogs around, all having a good time. Not many cats though.

The Dogs of Phuket
Having a drink.
Having fun in the sea.

But this dog really captured our attention...especially its ears. hehe! ^^ Btw, that's it's owners having a snooze in the background. What do they do? Rent out deck chairs. Good job hor? Hubby was tempted to go and ask for an application.

What more can you ask in a job? Sun, sea, fresh air, flexi-hours and a beautiful sunset...

Can you hurry? We've got a plane to catch!

2006-08-01T01:37:00.000+08:00

Well, my holiday got off to an exciting start, I must say. It almost became a holiday that never was..as we nearly missed our plane.

I had gone to bed that night (or morning), expecting my trusty alarm clock (hubby) to wake me up in time. Unfortunately this time, the alarm failed.

Hubby woke me up and said calmly: "It's 5.50am", like it was perfectly normal.

But of course it wasn't. Our flight was at 7.05am!!!!!

Up to today, I still couldn't understand why and how he could have been so calm about it (His reason was that it was no point panicking me). But surely this is major panic time...NO???? But people who know my husband know this this is him. Now me? I would have gone screaming around the house:"Arggghhh!!!!" But therein lies the difference between hubby and me.

Anyway, back to my story.

So, there we were, hurrying as much as we could in record time.

I put on my jeans. %$#@*&^% I forgot about my bloated tummy after my operation and could not zip up my jeans! I grab a pair of pants (making sure it was a drawstring pants) and stuffed everything into my bag. By now, I was looking like a mad woman- no make-up, uncombed hair, mismtached clothes, panicky look.

Made it into the taxi at 6.10am. "Can you hurry Uncle? We've got a plane to catch!"

No way were we going to make it in time. Tried calling all the available Jetstar numbers.

"Our office hours are from 9am to 5.30pm, from Monday to Friday etc....." ARgghhh!!!!! I know that!!! I need to speak to the counter staff. Of course, that most important number was nowhere to be found. After 10 minutes, I gave up.

As we neared the airport, hubby and I got into a slight argument.

Hubby:"You run to the counter and check in."
Me:"I can't run at my present stage. I think you should run to the counter and stop them."
Hubby:"But I can't check in without the lugguage anyway. I think you should go and I'll come with the luggguage."
Me:"But you'll be faster."

It sounds funny now but we were dead serious then.

By some miracle, we reached the airport at 6.30am and managed to get to the counter quickly. Thank goodness for budget airline.. their check-in and boarding time is sooo.... much later than international airline. We couldn't believed it when they actually let us check in!

Still in a dream, we walked towards the boarding gate. Or rather, hubby walked whereas I waddled (as fast as I could).

We got into the boarding gate and then..... waited for the next 10 minutes in a queue to board the plane. Sheesh... I could have waddled a little slower.

Hehe! I shouldn't complain though. We were just so relieved and thoroughly shocked that we didn't missed our plane. I think we remained in shock for the rest of the journey.

After all this drama, it was such a joy to reach our hotel. And these greeted us from our room and the hotel. Sure made up for everything.

From our room

From the lobby

The lobby

Our holiday has started. ^^

Wish I was there

2006-07-31T12:36:00.000+08:00

Wish I was there now..... Sigh.....

Ah- chooo!

Cough! Cough!

Holidays! Sun! Beach! But no bikini....

2006-07-21T02:46:00.000+08:00

I'm supposed to be flying off in 4 hours time and what am I doing? Last minute things as usual. Sigh..

But I console myself that I'll be able to sleep all I want in the next 1 week.

Yup. Am going off om a holiday.

Anniversary cum birthday cum recuperation cum I don't know what.

Who cares as long as I'm going away.

I'll be chilling out here

Looks good right? hehe! I hope so.

But no bikini.

Got scars on my tummy......

Sigh....

Ok people. 'see' you all next week.

Be good.

A very happy Tiffany... ^^

Ode to the Fish

2006-07-19T15:24:00.000+08:00

How do I eat thee, my fish?

Let me count thy ways...

Fish porridge
Fish noodle
Fish bee hoon
Fish mee ta mak
Fish soup
Fish thin bee hoon

Alas, I fear I cannot eat thee anymore as I grew weary of fish at every meal. Though I knowth thoust good for my body but others are calling out for me.

Ice cream, chicken wings, laksa....Oh how I miss them

Goodbye, goodbye, fish.
Parting is such sweet sorrow.

*If any of my literature teachers are reading my blog, I sincerely appologise for the abuse of the beautiful poems that you taught me.

Bed pans and hunger pangs

2006-07-19T01:15:00.000+08:00

Hmm.... basing on the traffic, guess quite a number of you are interested in my little experience. Sorry, couldn't post last night much as I would have like to. I'm still not totally 'normal' as I do tend to feel waeker and more tired than usual. ^^

Anyway, back to my experience.

After I don't know how long, I was being awaken by sentences like: "It's done.", "How do you feel?", "We're going to push you back to your ward." etc. Frankly, I could only remember vaugely what they were saying and all I remembered doing was shaking or nodding my head slowly.

As I was wheeled back to my ward, I saw my aunt. Boy, it sure feels nice to see someone familiar. It was 4pm and she had been waiting for 4 hours... Oops, well that was partly my fault as I was so sure I would be out about 12+. I found out later that my operation that was supposed to be only about 1 hour, took about 2 hours in the end as 'it was more difficult' than expected. Oh dear, I hope there wasn't anther patient waiting for an hour like me.

I was put on the drip as I wasn't allowed to eat or drink. Sigh...

Personally, I find being on the drip more painful than going for the operation. Especially when they have to do what is called 'flushing'.

What's that?

Well, that's when they have to clear the tube of the blood that had clot.

Eg, when the drip runs dry and there's no more glucose water running into my veins, the pressure flows the other way....ie, my blood is being sucked out, upwards. Sounds pretty gross? Well, it's a little less scary than it sounds but yes, a small part of the tube had my blood in ti. So anyway, the blood has to be cleared and are thus vacummed or sucked out.

Let me tell you, that's when I almost cried.. it was so painful. And it happened a few times. My hand still feels bruised where the drip was.

And bed pan.

Gosh.... it's really awkward using this little pan. (wonder why they call it a bed pan and not a urine pan? Of course bed pan sounds better than urine pan. Hmmm....). I only used it twice but each time I had to use it, I felt as if I was going to wet the bed. Plus, it's pretty difficult to do it when the nurse is hovering around, asking: "Are you done?" and lifting the bedsheet to take a look. Most undignified. Utterly no image at all. Sigh... and double sigh...

I managed to speak to my hubby over the phone and mumbled something (can't remember what) and then sent my aunt home. I slept till nearly 7pm when hunger pangs woke me up. Yee Lee was so kind. She insisted on coming over to visit even though I told her not to. She even offered to buy me some food but alas... no food allowed. (I did ask the various nurses a few times, in hope).

And then I had to go toilet again... because of the %43@*&^% drip.

Abd that was pretty much the rountine for the whole night.

Hunger pangs.

Toilet urge.

Followed by occasional 'flushing' of the drip.

Luckily, they sorted out the drip rate later and I didn't have to go toilet so often. Speaking of toilet. You know it's quite a feat to do it whilst on drip? Trying not to get entangled with the tube whilst trying to err... 'drop one's pants'. And trying to draw one's pants up as well. All the little things we take for granted. Maybe the Japanese should invent a little machine that will do it. Hmm... an idea right?

Of course I didn't sleep much lah.

Anyway, hospital life begins very early.

I figured I ought to be able to loose some weight through this?

Take a little nap. Relax

2006-07-17T01:00:00.000+08:00

Q: What is the difference between a spa treatment and an operation.
A: In both instances, you lie near naked on a bed, covered by bedsheet. But you wait to be poked and kneaded in one and wait to be poked and needled in the other.

Which is is which though?

Actually, I'm pretty pleased with myself for having coming up with the above...whilst lying near naked on a bed, covered by a bedsheet and waiting to be poked and needled.

Obviously, it was no spa treatment.

On Wednesday night, I checked into the hospital for what I naively thought would be a minor surgery. (Well, in relative terms, a laparoscpic surgery is minor). I supposed I should have find out more what it entails but I figured I'd get even more frightened that way. So I decided I should leave it to HIM. I packed a small bag as I thought I would be out the next day by lunch time (optimistic right?), went for dinner at my favourite prata shop and then went to get myself admitted.

The whole thing was very surreal.

I don't think I was really frightened but I certainly felt every alone as I watched hubby drive away and I had to take the lift up to the ward by myself. This would be the first time I'm in a hospital...unless of course you count being there when I was a baby nearly 40 years ago.

There was nothing much to do except watch TV and read my magazine. The joke was that I had actually brought my laptop along, thinking I could use the 'spare' time to catch up on some blog reading. The nurse quickly dispelled that idea from my head and hubby had to lug my laptop home.

I eventually fell asleep at about 1.30 in the morning. My surgery was at 8.30am.

Needless to say, I woke up a few times during the night, twice to some PA announcement abotu a code red and a code blue in some ward.

At 6am, the lights were switched on and there was a bustle of activities with the nurses coming in. I was told to take a shower. Bleah.... I hate taking shower in the morning.

And then strangely, the lights were dimmed again and so I went back to bed after my shower....

I was woken again later by lights and noises. Ahhh... seems the hospital is really awakening this time. Nurses came in and out, checking temperature, blood pressure and names. Hospital helpers (?) came in and out, bearing breakfast and medicine. Workers came in and out offering to change the bedsheet and sweep the floor. Teams of interns made their round. Doctors made their round.

That's when my doctor told me that my surgery would be at 10.30am instead of 8.30am.

Sigh.... so much for my plan and hope of going home that day... as I was duly informed that I would only be discharged the next day.

So it was back to bed again. Hey, don't blame me. What can I do when I wasn't allowed to eat or drink? I had been fasting since midnight. Good way to loose weight and catch up on my sleep.

By 10.15am, I kept looking anxiouly at the clock. Surely, they haven't forgotten about me? Maybe they assumed I have already had my surgery. I conptemplated calling one of the nurse to find out but just at that moment, one of them walked towards me and said: "Time to get ready. Change into this and I'll bring you downstairs into the operating theatre."

Well, that was it.

Wearing pretty much nothing except for this flimsy gown that was tied round the back, I sat in the wheelchair and I was wheeled out.

It was most strange. I wanted to tell the nurse that I was very capable of walking on my own and if I could just walk down together with her but thought the better of it.

Once downstairs, I was transferred onto a bed in the 'waiting room', whilst I wait for my turn.

And for the umpteenth time since the night before, my name was verified, drug allergy checked etc. Well, these was normal.

What I did find strange was the question if I had dentures (I found out that this was important as a breathing tube would be inserted into my mouth and they had to be careful not to pull out my dentures or crown. Horrors!)

And if I had any nail polish on (apparently doctors checked to see if you are ok my seeing if the nails have turned blue or are still a healthy pink. Hmmm... interesting).

From the waiting room, I was wheeled out (on the bed of course). Along the way, I passed by some pretty colourful corridors and saw staff having conversation along the corridors. If sitting on a wheelchair was strange, then being wheeled into a operating room, on a bed, whilst conscious of everything was even a stranger sensation.

Finally, I arrived in a small room, but it was not the operating room. It was the room before you enter the operating room.

It was 11.15am.

And there I would lie in wait near naked, twiddling my thumbs under the bedsheet as I waited and waited for the next hour and-a-half. I couldn't get up, so all I could do was stare at the ceiling, look at the walls, check out the doctors and nurses who were coming in and going out and tried to think of something cheerful. It was no use.

Seems the patient before me got rather complicated.

The nurses apologised to me.

The anesthetist apologised.

My doctor apologised.

All I could do was smile sweetly and weekly and mumbled something like 'it's ok'. Which of course, it's not ok but really it's not their fault right? It's nobody's fault. It's just one of those things.

At one point, the anethetist, noticing that I was staring rather blankly at the wall, said: "Take a little nap. Relax."

Right.

I'm sure she meant well. It's meant to be comforting.

But err... Relax????

You know what? Strange as it may seems, I actually did fell asleep.

The white ceiling and walls do get a little monotonous after a while.

Suddenly, I was woken up.

"Ok, it's your turn."

And then I was wheeled into the operating room.

A couple of tubes were hooked onto me (hey, just like hospitl drama). And then a breathing mask was put over my mouth. I was told it's oxygen and to breathe deeply.

I did.

But they bluff me though.

Coz I started smelling some chemical and before I can count one-two-three, I was gone.

Anniversary dinner

2006-07-07T00:34:00.000+08:00

My friend asked me how was my anniversary dinner the other night. I had told her earlier that we had booked a table in a nice restaurant.

'Well, I had Campbell Cream of Mushroom soup at home and he had pizza in the office. He had to work OT last minute and didn't come home till 12.30am'.

So much for planning.

Oh well, there's always another time but I think I'll have a different soup the next time. Campbell soup a little salty.

The oatmeal and the post office man

2006-07-06T01:01:00.000+08:00

In a post office today

PO staff: Where are you sending this parcel to?

Me: The Netherlands.

PO staff: What's inside? You have to declare.

Me: Err... Oatmeal and seaweed (I was a little embarrassed telling him)

PO staff: Don't they have oatmeal in Europe?

Me: Yes, I'm not sure but I guess they are different? They are for my friend and she always buys them here ro bring back there.

PO staff: Hmmm... they are very strict with foodstuff over there especially with milk related products.

Me: She always brings them back, I'm sure it's ok. (frantically thinking- oatmeal has milk in it????)

PO staff: Is it airtight? It's not going to burst right?

Me: I bought it from the supermarket. It's not opened yet and is in it's original packaging (is he afraid that the airplane will be filled with oatmeal?)

PO staff: You sure it's not going to burst? It's not opened?

Me: No, it's not opened and I don't think it will burst. (How would I know? I didn't pack the packet of oatmeal in the factory)

PO staff: Is it dry? It's not wet right?

Me: (Very patiently) No, it's dry. (wet oatmeal? did he think I cook the oatmeal and send it all the way over to the other end of the world?}

PO staff: You sure it's not going to burst right?

At the point, I was about to take back the package and give up sending the food stuff to a very homesick friend for her birthday present.
But he seems to be satisfied finally that I wasn't sending any contanminating bomb exploding oatmeal.

PO staff: Ok, that will be $20 please.

Sigh.. the postage is more expensive than the packet of oatmeal and seaweed.

C, if you are reading this, I hope you appreciate the gruelling I had to go through to send a innocent packet of oatmeal to you.

Come to think of it, why am I sending Nestle (which is a Dutch company I believe)oatmeal to The Netherlands????

After all.... tomorrow is another day

2006-07-05T03:07:00.000+08:00

It has been awhile since I last posted on my blogs.

Guess you all know that I lost someone 2 weeks ago. I must thank everyone who offered me their comfort and support.

What made it so difficult was the suddenes of it. We had just met up recently, at a happy ocassion. He promised to call and update me for he had just started on his new job. I was truly happy for him. He was only 32, just starting on his life's journey.

Perhaps I should have called when he didn't. Perhaps. Would that have changed anything? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

In life, we make our decisions and live the choices we made. I'm not a person who sits down to wonder with the all the 'what ifs', 'perhaps', 'maybe'.

Life is too short already.

Do I miss him? Yes, as Mrs A said.. certain thoughts, certain scenes will bring back the memories. But I believe he is happier where he is now.

But we are all much stronger than we think. Life goes on. Life is still beautiful. There is still much out there, everyday, every minute to bring a smile to my face.

After all.... tomorrow is another day.
Scarlett O'Hara, Gone with the Wind

Good night everyone and sweet dreams.

And I believe Germany has just started their fight with Italy.

Tears in Heaven

2006-06-23T00:19:00.000+08:00

Tonight.. I am reminded again at the fragility of life.

The temporary existence.

The briefness.

The changes brought about by time difference of a second.

And though we are often reminded again and again to treat each day as your last. How often do we actually do so?

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven
Will it be the same
If I saw you in heaven
I must be strong, and carry on
Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

And it's a GOOOOOAAAALLLLL!

2006-06-14T19:22:00.000+08:00

Well, the World Cup fever has started.

I've mentioned previouslythat really football is not my favourite game. Still, it is once in 4 years. And my husband's home team and my favourite team are in it, so I find myself watching and getting excited over certain games.

Besides, it's kind of hard to ignore the whole event if everything, everyone, everywhere centers around it.

It's good opening conversation line... especially with male clients. hahaha!

Seriously though, some of the matches can be exciting. Of course, so far I've only seen 3 matches and can't really compare.

Opening match of Germany against Costa Rica was ok....
England against Paraguay was a bore... good thing England won. ^^
Korea versus Togo was exciting. And I'm glad to say that Korea won too.

Actually, the Korean Wave has also produce another unexpected effect.

Suddenly, some of these women who normally wouldn't really be that interested to watch football matches are discussing about it. Of course, these discussions are limited to games involving the Korean teams. But let's get into technicalities. They are watching football right?

Suddenly, the Korea has many extra supporters. If you think about it... I'm not talking about just the fans of BYJ. What about the fans of Rain? Jang Dong Gun? Kwon Sang Woo? Lee Jun Ki etc?

Suddenly, women are grouping to watch the game together. Just this monrning, a fellow BYJ fan emailed to me to say that her friends had watched the game together last night... cheering for Korea. And they had a good time too. : )

Me? I was cheering for Korea last night too of course. hehe!

Now the problem is.... who am I going to cheer for if these 2 teams meet? I guess I shall only think about it if and when it happens. In the meantime, I'll be alternating between "Swing low, swing chariot, coming for to carry me home" and "대..한민국..." on different nights.

Above photos from http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/

Post note- hey Korean< England and Singapore all have the colour red as part of their national colour. hehe!

Time No Enough

2006-06-13T01:48:00.000+08:00

I was just sitting down over the weekend... after another busy Saturday, lamenting about the lack of time. I wish there was more time... actually, I just wish the weekend was longer. Sunday night is the worse- just ask my husband. hehe!

Anyway, I was just thinking about time, that 24 hours that one has.. where does it all go?

Sleep = 6 hours (if you're like my husband, you need 8 hours and if you're like bb, you need only 4 hours. haha!)

Work = 9 hours (or more for most people)

Travelling time = 2 hours

Dinner = 1.5 hours

Toilet time = 0.5 hours (ok, this is assuming they are all quick ones. ^^)

Miscellaneous = 1 hour (you know- chatting, coffee break, shower, queuing etc)

Total time spent so far = 20 hours

So that leaves us with just 4 hours left... assumning you don't cook, wash-up etc.

4 hours... out of a whole day. Sounds bad isn't it? So what do you do when there's a 1,001 things to do? I know what I do.. I try to be productive and multi-tasks, afterall my Government says we must be productive mah or we will loose out.

So I read the newspaper when I'm in the toilet.
I catch up with my magazines/ Korean lessons in the train/ bus.
I listen to the news on the radio as I have breakfast.
I work on my laptop as I watch TV.

Heck, sometimes I cook/ clear-up laundry and water my plants at the same time whilst listening to my favourite Korean cd.

I want my things done now, this instant. I get impatient if people are in my way when I'm walking. I tear my hair out at as I listen to the "Press 1 for English', 'Press 2 for Chinese' message on the phone. I strummed my fingers on the counter if no cashier appears within 2 seconds.

I mutter to myself that these people are wasting my time.

But really, why all this hurry? Actually I don't know. It seems I must do so because everyone is doing the same thing.

Time No Enough?

But if we are all hurrying somewhere into the future, what is happening to now, the present?

This photo was taken just outside my window one evening. I hadn't even notice because I was busy .... Husband warned me that it would be over in seconds... and I could see that he was right.

I grabbed my camera and just snapped away- I managed to take about 3 photos.

And then it was over as it became pitch dark. It was indeed a fleeting moment.

Perhaps we should all take about sometime off each day to do nothing.

Just to breathe, listen, look, touch and feel the present.

I think it would be a big present to ourselves.

Saving Face

2006-06-11T14:56:00.000+08:00

Watched this movie recently (ok, not that recently.. last month) at the strong recommendation of my best friend. She was raving about it.

Saving Face
A Sony Classic movie
Cast: Joan Chen, Michelle Krusiec, Lynn Chen
Director: Alice Wu
http://www.sonyclassics.com/savingface/

Saving Face is about the Chinese community in America.
It's about contradiction, old and new, duties and expectation and .....love.

Synopsis:
Wil (Michelle) is a young outstanding surgeon in Manhanttan. Wil is pretty and the right age to get married. Wil is also gay. Ma (Wil's mother) is a dutiful, traditional daughter. She is a widow. And she is also pregnant. She refuses to divulge the father's identity. So she is thrown out by grandpa till she becomes 'respectable' by marrying.
So Ma moves into Wil's place and promptly tries to rearrange Wil's life from the curtains to the food. But Will has just met Vivian (Lynn). If developing a relationship is hard, then developing a gay relationship on the quiet with a pregnant mother at home is almost impossible.
The only solution----- marry her mother off

The storyline isn't exactly new. Lee Ang has done something similar in The 'Wedding Banquet'. Of course his movie was from the gay men's point of view whereas 'Saving Face' focuses on the gay women's point of view.
But 'Saving Face' does deliver some surprises of its own.

It has enough laugh lines and touching scenes. The cast is refreshingly young but the acting was by means compromised. I was especially impressed with Joan Chen. Used to seeing her in serious, glamorous role, it was a surprising change to see her as a dowdy, comical, lonely, conservative and yet somewhat brave single woman. I especially like the scenes where she met the various suitors and was thoroughly interrogated by Wil in a reversal of mother-daughter roles.

I guess my little complaint would be that it was just a little too politically correct (though apparently it was deliberately meant to be so by the director).

From Wil's black neighbour, to Wil being a brilliant surgeon, right down to Ma's lover and the ending. Somehow, it lacks the conflict and the reality that exist in 'The Wedding Banquet'.

In 'The Wedding Banquet', there is a hint of sadness and a touch of 无奈, a sense of resignation, especially in the last scene when they were all looking at the wedding photos and as the parents walk away towards the plane to go home. In 'Saving Face', there was the 'happily ever after' fairy-tale end.... Personally I thought the last dance scene, 'as their eyes meet' was a little errr... cliche. Perhaps the director wanted to convey the message that things will be alright in the end... if one believes and tries hard enough. I guess it wouldn't do much harm to be more optimistic in life. : )

Still, it is an enjoyable movie and one that I would recommend.

Btw, Michelle has her own blogspot- http://michellekrusiec.blogspot.com
She looks completely different from her role as Wil in 'Saving Face'. ^^ Much more glamorous.

For other information related to Michelle and the movie, you can visit my friend, HYL's blog at Now & Zen. I think she's made many friends after watching this movie. Right, HYL?

The Camp

2006-06-09T10:55:00.000+08:00

If my 'other' life keeps me busy, then my 'this' life isn't much better.

Just last Saturday, I went for the CDAC's SHG annual camp. What is CDAC and SHG?
CDAC= Chinese Development Assistance Council http://www.cdac.org.sg/
SHG= Supervised Homework Group

For the last 10 years, I have been volunteering at this programme, slowing down only last year. Every Saturday afternoon would find me and other volunteers at the centre, tutoring kids in their Maths and English and then some. A highlight of this programme is the annual camp and when you are 11 or 12 years old, it's defintely something to look forward to. I'm not sure about the volunteers though because they are often stressed out. ^^ But it is a good learning and bonding experience for all involved.

Sleeping arrangement for the children. Now when was the last time you slept in a tent? I've done it a few times, the last time was just a couple of years back when the volunteers had to sleep in tents as well.

Sleeping quarters for the volunteers. No, I didn't stay the night.... hehe! I went home to my own bed.

You paint my face and I'll paint yours. The kids were divided into various groups and this year being the World Cup, they were named after the various countries like England, Brazil etc. I think the kids had alot of fun decorating their faces. : )

Kids, kids everywhere I thought there were only about 100+ children like the previous years but apparently we had the biggest turn out this year- about 200 kids. Can't tell the kids from the volunteers? The young was waering orange t-shirts. The young-at-heart was was wearing re t-shirts. ^^

Flying the flag high! The kids had to decorate their 'own' country's flag, paint their faces and come up with a cheer. Don't play, play ok, got marks one ok.

Hehe, one of the cheering team.

The teams had to go to various stations to win points. It was always a headache to think of games at the various stations but it's worth it when the kids have fun.

First you pour some soapy water down....

Then you make them climb up the slippery sheet barefooted.

Solving boggling mind games. Hot leh!

Many hands make writing hard...hehe!

Water, water everywhere... except where it should belong- in the pail.. Well, filling a pail with leaking plastic bags ain't exactly easy.

Let's try and get our butt act together.

Ahh... to be young and carefree... to play without worries...that is youth!

For the first time, we have a campfire! Is it going to work????

Where are the chicken wings and the marshmellows? ^^ I keep thinking of snoopy and his little birdy friends on their camping trips.

What's a campfire without campfire songs right?Too bad I didn't stay long but they were singing songs like '老鼠爱大米'...very, very different kind of songs from my campfire days. Different gereneration. Definitely.

The kids enjoying themselves.

I didn't stay overnight... but I have in the past quite a few times. When the lights go out.. the volunteers stay on duty... sentry duty. And let me tell you, it's near impossible to get these hyperactive kids to go to sleep. Half the time they would be complaining of the insects or their sleeping partners. The other half would be spent going to the toilets. LOL!

Guess I can't blame them. It is very exciting and adventurous for them. In fact, often, we see a change in their characters after the camp. They grow up a little when they can't choose their food, they have to queue up to shower with lots of other kids, and they have to do what they are told and co-operate with their team members.

But still at the end of the day... this is what it is all about. I think this beautiful photo describes why we volunteer our precious Saturday afternoon. It's something that cannot be measured.

But I got to admit this... I'm really getting too old for such camps. Time for senior citizens like me to retire. : )

My other life

2006-06-06T00:57:00.000+08:00

Gosh, I realised that my last post was more than a week ago. My apologies but my 'other life' has been taking up a bit more of my time than usual.

What 'other life" you said? Well...it's a secret but underneath all this dull appearance and existence, I'm actually someone else.... someone with the superpower to call upon over 500 women from different walks of life.

I am super ajuma Tiffany. hahaha!

Ok, ok, jokes aside.

Ever since I got to know about this Korean actor Bae Yong Joon 4 years ago, I've developed another life that at times seemed unreal. I became very active on the internet.. (though less so nowadays). I made friends from all over the world, some of whom I will probably never meet. It got worse. In 2003, together with a few other 'friends' that I met on the internet, I actually helped to set up a fan club for him.

Over the past few years, as a fan and one of the committee member, I've had some rather interesting experiences.

- True or false 1: I have direct access to BYJ and can 'ask' him to come here. LOL. The number of emails I've received from people 'asking' me to bring him to SG. huh? I got such power meh?
- Fact: I have no more access to BYJ than any of the fans out there. I wish I do though.

- True or false 2: Committee members have more privileges.
- Fact: What privileges? Ok, I do have the managers' contact numbers. But I'm not the only one and I don't go around calling them everyday. They certainly don't tell me more than what is necessary either. BUT many of the fans and members are really sweet and they often give me presents. : ) This is a privilege I am truely appreciative of.

Joon's Family celebrated it's 3rd anniversary at the end of May. When the few of us set up this fan club 3 years ago, we were not sure how long it would last.. or if it would last. We were not going to look beyond one year.

We didn't expect him to come to Singapore. We didn't expect the managers to recognise the fan club because it was well known that BYJ did not encourage fan clubs. We just wanted to do something and hope that he will be aware of the fans in a tiny island country call Singapore.

As much as the club was a show of support for him, it was also for fun.

And we did have fun.

The trip to Korea in 2003 was one fot he best ever and many of us still have fond memories of it. :p

And then, things got a little more serious. I have thought of resigning from the club as a committee member quite a few times. I remembered telling a couple of people that with so much responsibility and work, it was more fun and less stressful to be just a fan.

Thank goodness the situation has gotten more sane now.

At the end of anniversary gathering the other week, I made a quick speech. Unfortunately I was so tired that I didn't think I made any sense at all.

What I really wanted to say was...

A fan club should be a fun thing. You join a fan club to support an actor with other like minded people. You also make friends.

There is nothing in the rules and conditions of a fan club that says you are disloyal if you also support other artistes and join their fan clubs. I am highly amused to note I've had quite a few people coming up to me, telling me apologectically, in guilty tones that they've also joined another fan club.

"SO?"

By all means, join as many as you want to. You don't have to ask for my permission. ^^

By the same token, please don't judge me with that strange look if I tell you I also support other actors. As long as an artiste is good, I will support him or her. And this principle extends to all actors and not just Korean actors.

Of course BYJ remains special. I doubt there will be another actor whom I would be willing to spend as much time and energy on. : ) This is why

At the end if these 4 years as his fan, as much as the support for him is important, I feel that the friends that I've made are just as important. With or without BYJ now, they will always be my friends.

So at the end of this very long winded post, just what am I trying to say?

Chill out. Relax. Enjoy yourself. Support BYJ. Support other actors if you want to. Don't support anyone if you don't want to. Just avoid bad-mouthing other actors and their fans. Though the last point is something that BYJ fans generally do not engage in. ^^

This is not a competition.

Life is too short already.

There are other more important issues.

Like should I eat the cookies and cream ice cream or the green tea ice cream.

You get my drift?

600 grams

2006-05-23T01:05:00.000+08:00

Have all of you watched the funniest drama of 2005- My Name is Kim Sam Soon? No, you should. It's really funny.

Anyway, in the drama, Sam Soon (Kim Sun-ah) is trying very hard to loose weight. She is determind that there should be no 'hanky-panky' with her Sam Shik till she is presentable.

After a very long time (I think it was 4 months?), he asked her how much weight she has lost. "600 grams" said our lovable Sam Soon. About the equivalent of a steak, siad our hero, "Sam Shik".

Well, at least she's lost that 600grams.

I figured that 600grams that she lost has somehow found it's way to me.

See, I've been trying my hardest to loose 600grams for the last few weeks to no avail.

I've gone to the gym a little more regularly (not perfect, but more regularly). I've tried to be a little more careful about what I eat.

Still that 600grams refuses to go away.

I'm not sure why it found my body so fascinating that it should want to stay for so long but I do wish it would find another home.

Sigh....

If I can't loose it, maybe I should just live with it. I've sort of grown quite fond of it actually. I can also finish that tub of ice-cream in the freezer then.

Right?

Idiot-proof

2006-05-20T13:32:00.000+08:00

IT products have become so sophisticated nowadays that they've become idiot-proof. Or so all these companies claim.

Yet, ...the number of times I can't get these idiot-proofed products to start....I wonder... am I 'idioter' than an idiot?

Seriously, who understands all those mumbo-jumbo stuff that only the programmers or IT mad people would understand?

Me? I just want to plug in my laptop/ camera/ printer and just get it up and running. Please don't ask me for questions I can't answer and information that I don't even know where I should be looking for. As far as I'm concerned, idiot-proof should mean just that- click and go.

You know what is even more frustrating?

When you click on the Help and Support icon and it says you have to be connected to get help. But that was the whole point! I was trying to get connected!

So I have to get online to find out why I couldn't get online??????

There's a conspiracy out there.

I'm very certain all these programmers have installed one of those hidden cameras th in the products. They are probably laughing at us as we struggle to set up these products that we've just spent an obscene amount on...swearing and cursing as we resist the temptation to just throw our shiny new toys out of the window.

I'm sure they feel it's payback time for calling them geeks during school days.

Sigh....

My only consolation is that I'm not the only idiot in the house. My husband couldn't solve the problem either.

Return of the Condor Heroes

2006-05-19T03:51:00.000+08:00

Hands up, those of you who remembered the Hong Kong entertainment in the 80's.

Hands and legs up those of you who remembered the hit drama, "Return of the Condor Heros".

I'm not talking about the Louis Khoo version. I'm talking about the definite version by a very young Andy Lau and Idy Chan.

I remembered.

It was like the WLS of today. It had everyone glued to the screen, from my grandmother to my aunties. The songs were hits and we would be playing them day in and day out. In fact we were so hooked that we were watching the last few episodes within one day. We watched the the second last episode till about 2am in the morning and then thought we'd better be sensible and go to bed. We were up a few hours later at 5am to catch the last episode. We couldn't stand the suspense.... including my grandmother. hahaha!

In those days, there was no dvd. We rented tapes from the video shops. These tapes arrive like about a week after the episode is aired on the HK TV. One episode per tape. So if it's 20 episodes, you have 20 tapes. If it's a very popular drama, you have to queue. So sometimes, you watch a drama till ep 15 and then may not get to watch the rest of it till 3 weeks later. I think it's still being done now. Only it's dvd instead of tapes.

Anyway, back to Return of the Condor Heros.

Andy Lau was young then. He still had some puppy fat and had already starred in a few dramas but he wasn't well known. This drama made him a star.

Though he didn't have as much effect on me then as BYJ did now, he did leave a very deep impression on me. He was Yang Guo and together with Idy Chan as the Little Dragon Girl, they were a perfect on screen couple.

Anyway, both he and Idy Chan created quite a storm in the little red dot, Singapore. And thus shortly after the drama ended in HK, both of them came to Singapore to cash in on the popularity.

If I remembered correctly, I think they performed at World Trade Centre and I think I went with SW. I can't really remember. Actually, I couldn't really recall much of the performance either. I did remember our seats weren't too bad, I could actually see them fairly up close. But I'm not sure if I had paid for those expensive tickets. You see, back then, as very poor, struggling students, we would buy the cheapest tickets and then when the lights dimmed and the show was about to start, we would all rushed forward and filled the good seats in the front rows. haha! There was much less control then.

Anyway, don't think the show was very memorable. He hadn't started on his singing career then but I think it was ok. Looking at the photos now, I think some of the dance moves/ poses were quite silly. hehe!

Told you they were silly poses.

Of course back then, we didn't think so lah and enjoyed every minute of it.

Anyway, after the show, my friend suggested that we should go to the back door and wait for him. Initially, I hesitated. I wasn't used to doing such things. But I couldn't resist the temptation and the urgings of my friend. And so we waited outside the back door, together with some fans. Not many. Not like today, where he would probably have a few hundreds of fans waiting. Then, there were maybe about 20 to 30?

And just as I thought this was madness and we should leave. He came out. And this was what happened next:

He was really very young then. So was I.
Though actually in reality, he's not that much older than I am.

Now I wonder if I could auction off this photo.
Maybe I should placed my precious 'BYJ-hugging-me photo' next to it and framed them both up.

What do you all think? ^^

*Postnote: will the person who has my set of Return of the Condor Heroes kindly return it to me? I'd like to watch my Yang Guo again...

Look back with no regrets

2006-05-18T01:18:00.000+08:00

Someone told me she didn't like this kind of 'moral' story. It's very hard to choose and there isn't any right or wrong.

True.

It's kind of depressing, sin't it?

But I wasn't out to make everyone sit down to think about right or wrong. I guess I just want everyone to just think. What actually really captured my interest was the ending......

Judge Deed lifted the injunction. I believe it is a decision that any 'sensible' person would make.

Cut to the scene in the hospital, in Peter's room with a group of nurses and his parents. Peter knows they want to prepare for his operation and that the injunction has been lifted. he tried to pull of all the tubes that are attached to his body. He is struggling and kept saying 'No, no!'

His parents is trying to calm him and his mother keeps telling him to look at her and that it will be alright. Seeing his son's violent reaction, at one point, his father said:'Are you sure we're doing the right thing?' His mother shouted back:'Of course we are!'

Peter died in surgery. he did not wake up from the coma.

I guess you could say he willed himself to die. He did not want to live on terms that are against his beliefs.

- Is what we think that is the best for another person really the best?
- Are you prepared to die for your beliefs?
- Does one person's effort count?
- Have we lived each day as if it's the last?

Will we look back with no regrets?

I think neither Peter nor his parents regret their choices and decisions. I'm certain given the same choices and situation again, the same decisions will be made.

Someone has to take responsibility

2006-05-17T09:38:00.000+08:00

I've often found British detective/ crime dramas much more interesting than American ones. Many will say that they are rather slow. Well, I guess it's not in the English character to go:'Bang, slam, hit, whizz' as they tend to prefer understated emphasis. Slow they may be but they are definitely not boring.

Husband and I have recently became very interested in this particular drama- Judge John Deed, starring Martin Shaw. According to husband, Martin was rather popular in the 70's as he's quite a charmer. I can believe my husband. Martin Shaw has a certain charisma like Sean Connery and BYJ, despite the slightly protruding tummy and grey hair.

There are various stories in each episode but they are all connected or carries the same the same message. And the cases are always thought provoking.

But what's even more interesting is Judge John Deed himself.

He's a senior judge.
He's also a controversial judge, often pushing the limits of the law in his sentencing.
He's also something of a playboy and sometimes I wonder how he managed to rise to that position but I guess as long what he does privately do not affect his judgement, we shouldn't be judging him for hsi private life.

And so every Sunday, 9pm, would find us parked infront of the TV, with pizza and beer on hand. ^^ Last Sunday's story was really quite interesting, perhaps even more so for my vegetarian husbandmfqe

Peter 8I forgot the character's name) is a 15 years and 11 months old boy suffering from a heart disease. He has a rare chance to receive a heart transplant. But Peter is also a vegetarian since he was 2 1/2 years old.

If he receives the heart, he will be on medication for the rest of his life. Medication that has been tested on animals, where they suffered and done in the name of advancing scienec. He feels that animals and man are equal and animals should not be made to suffer so as to save mankind. It is cruel to the animals because they were given no choice in this matter. Even if they were treated humanely during the process of reseach, they still suffered. It is mainly for this reason that he objects to the transplant. He ie a very clear minded, intelligent boy, who reads widely and is capable of making sound decisions.

His parents, especially his mother feels that this belief of his is but a romantism, a fad. As a mother, she cannot bear to watch him die. She loves him dearly and that it is her responsibility to save him. She feels she is doing the best for him as he is incapable of making a decision as a minor (even though he is just weeks away from being regarded as an adult legally).

Without the transplant, he would definitely die very soon in a matter of weeks.
With the transplant, there is still no guarantee he will live but there is a fighting chance.

Peter took out an injunction against the transplant and Judge Deed has to decide if

1) the injunction should be lifted because he is still a minor and the parents' and medical specialists directions should be followed.

or

2) let the injuntion remain so that the boy's wishes can be carried out. He is clearly certain of the consequence of his decision and the grief that it will cause his parents.

There is no right or wrong answer in this matter, only what one 'thinks' is the best for Peter.

If the translpant goes ahead, Peter will be kept alive for the rest of his life with the very things that is so against his core beliefs. He may even hate his parents for clearly forcing him into this situation. However, he may live to be able to do more good for the society.

I will post Judge Deed's decision and the outcome of that decision later. Give it some thought first.

There was this line that Peter mentioned to Judge Deed that was very simple but very hard to follow:

"Somone has to take some responsibility for the actions of the other."

Here's the link to the drama series: http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/crime/judge/

Only love can break a heart, but a shoe sale can come close

2006-05-11T14:02:00.000+08:00

*Only love can break a heart, but a shoe sale can come close*
This is the title of a comic by Cathy Guisewite, who writes a series of comics on this 30+ single woman. Quite funny, some of them and rather reflective at times too.

Shoes and bags are 2 weakness of women when it comes to shopping. Imelda Marco had thousands. I know of friends who bought different colours of the same style of shoes(strangely, never bags though). Husband fails to understand the need for the different types of black shoes- the formal, the informal, the semi-formal, the casual, the hip...

What has this got to do with my chick trip? Well bb was asking for more photos. I'm afraid there aren't many. Don't think many people would want to see the different shoes in the different shoe shops.

Oh wait, I did take a photo of this very interesting bar @ Starhill. Lots of coloured lights and glass. Will check it out the next time I'm there again.

Day 2
Our military strategy- to have a full breakfast and skip lunch. Shall not bore everyone writing about the food. Surface to say we were well armed. ^^

We took a taxi to this mega shopping mall- One Utama, which was about 30 minutes away from KL city centre.

I can only say that it's big. You can spend a whole day there. We went from shop to shop (quite a few shoe shops)and didn't even cover half of the mall. Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on which way you look at it), the shoe shops held no interest for me. I can't buy shoes off the rack and can only customised them. My friends would know why. hehe!

We only stopped for a break when SK needed her coffee fix and SC craved for her ice cream. Well, we were on an indulgent trip.

Just how much did we shop? Ok, now this is an extreme example:
Espirit was having a sale for some of their items- up to 70% off.
We bought enough to qualify for the VIP card (min of RM$300). The VIP package has several vouchers- one of them is a 30% discount voucher.
We used the voucher and qualify for another VIP card.
We used the 2nd voucher too.

Hubby, if you’re reading this, mine was only a small part of the whole purchases. Really! I not bluffing you!

I think the salesgirls were quite glad to see us leave after a couple of hours in the shop.

Now, I had yet to buy anything back for my family. I know, I know, shame on me, right? So I decided to head down to Parkson (a big supermarket) after dinner to get some tidbits. It was the same for the other 3 girls.

So we walked towards Parkson. Determind to at least buy some stuff back, to sort of justify our trip.

We never made it there. Sigh.

Sales items should never be allowed to be displayed in the middle of the atrium to tempt innocent people like us. It’s a crime.

What did I say about shoes?
SK bought a pair of very nice shoes at 90% off.
She's not sure if she will wear it but we all agreed it was a good bargain. Need I say more?

After all the eating and shopping, there was only one thing left to do. That night, we had a good chat till 3 in the morning.

Our school life back then, skipping classes to watch movies, the many teachers we had, the various classmates and what became of them. Who went out with whom. Who dumped whom. Who married whom.
We laughed over our crushes and ex-boyfriends.
Some funny, some not so funny, some lasted for a long time, some were short-lived. Some were beautiful and some were heart breaking.

We talked about the crush I had a crush for this guy for the longest time ever and the dramatic break-up of SK. Our marriages now. What might have been. What could have been. What will be.

It was good to catch up.

Day 3
Our coach was leaving at 3pm in the afternoon so there was only time for a quick shopping spree in the morning for the dvds. Shhh……

We were tired on the way back so we didn’t talk much. In fact, l slept pretty much throughout the journey. Good way to catch up with my sleep. Hehehe!

And so there it is, my chick trip.
Nothing eventful. Nothing exceptional. I think the only thing we regretted was the fact that we didn’t managed to go for our spa treatment. Next time I guess.

My 3 beautiful good friends.

有缘千里来相会 - One will meet across the miles if it's destined to
无缘对面不相识 - One will never meet across the street if not destined to

Life at 17.
Life at 40.
Here’s to life at 60. : )

Why did the chicks cross the border?

2006-05-06T01:30:00.000+08:00

I was going to put this off again until a friend told me this morning that she was so inspired by my "Girls just want to have fun' post that she's going to attempt to do the same thing... AND she's going to put on the blame on me to her husband.

Hmmmm......????

Actually, I think a chick trip once in a while is really good for recharging.

So to provide even more inspiration and support to her, here's an account of my chick trip....

Day 1

As usual, I didn't pack my bag till the night (or rather the morning) of the trip. I was actually agonising over whether to bring along a soft travel bag or a cabin bag. A soft bag will be easier to carry but a cabin bag will have more space for shopping...... Guess which bag I took in the end?

Husband was rolling his eyes and shaking his head as I rush around like a headless chicken trying to do everything at the same time...But he didn't say a word....he was too used to my behaviour the night before a holiday.

We had booked one of those coach package- 1st class coach, with 2 nights stay at a 5 star hotel. Pretty good deal at under $200.

The coach was going to leave early- 7.30am to be precise. It was way too early! So I did what any sensible women would do... I batted my eyelids and smiled very sweetly at husband. He drove me and NT there.

The first class coach

This was the first time I was taking the 1st class coach. I must say I am impressed.

16 seaters, with individual TV screen, videos and games on demand and games and food and drinks provided. Even the driver and the 'cabin steward' wear a suit. But the most important feature of all, of which the transport company has been agrressively promoting as their unique feature:

THE VIBRATING.................. CHAIR!

Now what were you thinking of? Tsk! Tsk! It's actually a massage chair.

Press button 1- it massages your legs
Press button 2- it massages your back
Press button 3- it does your back and legs (I think)
Press button 4- err... can't remember where it massages but some parts of the seat vibrates

After about 10 minutes of all the massaging, I stopped. As one of my friend said later: "It's giving me a headache." Alright, it's really not that bad and I'm sure many people do use it but it's not a winning formula for me.

Now videos on demand. That's something to shout about. I managed to watch "Double Agent" (Korean) and almost all of Quill (Japanese). Why almost? Well, there was about 10 minutes left of the movie when we reached our destination. It was the same with SK too. It was quite funny, as both of us actually didn't want to get off the bus... we were frantically trying to fast forward the movie...

Me in my first class seat

The trip went smoothly, with a short 'toilet stop' and we reached KL's Pasarakyat Bus Terminal at about 12.15pm. Not bad really.

After putting our bags in the room, we activated our plan- lunch and shopping.

Bukit Bintang is within what is called the Golden Triangle, the eaquivalent of Orchard Road. We had lunch at Starhill, a new shopping mall sandwiched between JW Marriot and Ritz Carlton. Lots of high end stores within this mall. Very well and tastefully designed... So well and impressed were we that we took photos inside the toilet! SShhhhhh......!

I don't know about the other F&B outlets but the dim sum from Chinese restaurant in the basement was fantastic..... Yummy! Thumbs up and highly recommended. I think it was called Luk Yu.

And then it was just shopping and more shopping.

We had no particular plans. We just wandered into shops that took our fancy.... normally shops with sale signs attract us. I think that's the best part about going on a holiday with girlfriends.

You don't feel guilty about shopping for hours on end.
You try anything that interests you.
You try things that don't interest you at the urging of your girlfriends.

And then you sit down for a drink to recuperate.... and then you shop some more. Husbands and boyfriends wouldn't and couldn't last through such a schedule.

By about 9pm, we were tired, hungry, carrying lots of bags. Very hungry.

So we headed down to Jalan Alor- hawker food at its best. If you are looking for a clean environment, then forget about this place. The hawkers set up their stalls on the pavement next to a road. In front of blocks of very old, blackish flats. I don't know how these residents sleep through the noise and smell but it sure provide for great people watching. Indeed, we spotted quite a few of them sitting in their balcony and looking at the crowd. The stalls stretched the length of the road, which basically means you're spoilt for choice. We had some hard decisions to make.

And then we caught the people at the other tables staring at us.

I'm embarrassed to say that our table was groaning with food. I'm even more embarrassed to say that the 4 of us actually finished all the food.

Oh well, what's a holiday if you can't binge. I'll regret it when I come back to Singapore of course. But at that moment, my philosophy was: "Who cares?"

Here's a good site to go to on infor about Jalan Alor- ttp://www.malaysiasite.nl/jalanaloreng.htm

All these activities, well, they're not really the most exciting, are it? But we weren't looking for excitment. We just wanted a break from having to cook, wash, look after children, husband and work.

Why did the chicks cross the border?
To have a break away from the coop.

Zzzz...........

2006-05-04T02:07:00.000+08:00

I know, I know. I haven't blog on this site for a whole week. But I did blog on the other site.

Truth is... I have been really busy. I'm not sure if I'm busy earning $$$$$ like what HYL said.... but I have been busy mainly with work and my other ECAs....

I've been going to bed at about 3am almost every other night. Twice I found myself nodding off over my laptop and almost hitting the keyboard...

This is what I've felt like doing for the past week... find a tree and hide under a blanket....

Hopefully tomorrow will be better.... and I can write about my chick trip.

But for now, me want to go to zzzzzzzz

before I get a bump on head or worse, flatten my laptop....

Goodzzz nitzzzzz

I need a holiday to recover from my holiday!

2006-04-27T01:19:00.000+08:00

Holidays are meant to be relaxing. It's meant for you to detress, to recharge, to enjoy.

No problem with that.

Problem is the before and after holiday.

Before holiday:
- frantically trying to finish all the work that I should have done a few days but kept putting off before because there's a 'tomorrow'.
- requests that came in from left, right and center because *ting! ting!* they suddenly realised I'm not going to be 'around'. Never mind that half of these requests are not important or urgent.
- leaving a page long of instructions for the family to please 'water the plants' and 'buy bread' etc...

I usually end up packing like 3 hours before my trip and am always amazed that I managed to get on the plane/ coach in one piece....

After holiday:
- clearing emails, junk mails and snail mails but no cute males.
- catching up with work. Why do all the exciting/ important things always happen whilst I'm away?
- unpacking, doing the laundry, more laundry and even more laundry
- sorting out photos

Work should be banned. It's bad for health. We should be on holiday all the time.

I'm so tired... and sleepy.

And I feel totally fat. Bleah! Too much eating.

The break was great. No doubt about it. I enjoyed myself with my friends. Defintely.

I just need a holiday.... to recover from my holiday. Sigh....

Girls just want to have fun

2006-04-22T23:50:00.000+08:00

We're all going on a spring holiday
No more working for a day or two
Fun and laughter on a spring holiday
No more worries for a day or two

-Slight edit from the song, Summer Holiday by Clif Richard. Sorry Sir Cliff Richard..*curtseying to Sir Richard*

Well, I'm finally going on my chick trip tomorrow or rather today.

My bag is packed, I've changed my money. I've got my passport in my bag. I'm pretty ready.

Actually, we're only going up to KL. It's not really that an exciting place compared to HK or BBK, in my opinion. But a holiday is always full of anticipation and excitement, even if you're only going to Sentosa.

Of things that could happen and might happen. Knowing that you're doing things that are not routine. Of not caring. There is a sense of liberation.

That's why a holiday is good for the soul and mind.

That's all they really want
Some fun
When the working day is done
Girls- they just want to have fun
Oh girls just want to have fun

Credit: Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Want to Have Fun

My husband thinks KL is in danger with the four of us up there and reckons someone should warn the authorities.

Silly man, KL is perfectly safe. Now if it was Seoul.......

hehe!

Parliament dissolved! Got holiday or not?

2006-04-20T16:06:00.000+08:00

NEWS FLASH!

Just heard on the radio. Parliament is dissolved.

That means election is round the corner, probably int he first week of May.

Not that it affects me as it's a walk-over in my constitiency but it's still exciting.

Called up hubby to tell him the news.

Like any typical Singaporean, he said: "Wonder when is the election. Will there be holiday?"

Knowing the ever productive Singapore government, it will probably be on a Saturday, to minimise work disruption.

Wait a minute... my husband isn't a Singaporean leh....

Oh no! He's been infected!

*EDIT*

I just heard. Election is on 6th May. A Saturday. Our government is so predictable.

PKL OWO

2006-04-20T08:39:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I woke up @ 6am to have a free breakfast. It was one of the many, empowered, networking sessions organised for entrepreneurs.

It was supposed to be for about 20 people only but there were at least about 40 of us there.

Not all of these people are 'full time' entrepreneurs. Many of them hold a day job and moonlight/ freelance in their own business. It is not surprising that so many want to be their own boss. I guess everyone thinks of making it big on their own.

And entrepreneurs mean anyone who is doing their own thing.... from insurance agents, to freelance designers, to consultants to people who may have have a few thousand people under them like Li Ka Shing.

The lure of being answerable to you, yourself only is surely tempting. Just imagine:
- no more reporting to your boss
- no more preparing reports/ proposals that you boss will either not read or will tear them to pieces
- no more long meetings
- no more office politics
- no more trying to reach sales target
- no more jostling with the thousands of people on the way to work

That's what all my friends say to me enviously.

Nearly 7 years after being on my own, I can only say this:
- no more reporting to your boss, but you report to your customers
- no more preparing proposals that will go unread by bosses, instead they will go unread by your customers
- no more long meetings, but you also end up with less ideas and no one to blame for projects gone wrong
- no more office politics but that also means no one to speak to (unless you want to call in to radio stations)
- AND no sales means no income

Many of my friends are now GM, VP or hold some high profile positions. They are earning more than me too. Sigh... My namecard doesn't have any position. If I could, I will probably put this down:

CEO/ Sales Manager/ Receptionist/ Office lady/ Deliveryman

In short, a PKL OWO...
A Pow-ke-liao, One-Woman-Operation

But it would be misleading to say I'm regretting everthing now.

I still enjoy what I do....and I do get to do things that I want to do only. There are aspects of my life that I woundn't give up now. Perhaps one day I will be a billionaire like Bill Gates or Li Ka Shing... though I seriously doubt it. But I can always dream right?

Now excuse me whilst I have my cup of tea in the balcony.

14 Men and an oval ball

2006-04-16T13:46:00.000+08:00

It's really hard to ignore the World Cup fever that's just round the corner.

From tvs with BIG screens to recorders, to beer to airline adverts.

But for me, it doesn't have as much thrill and excitement as rugby. Sorry, football fans.

In rugby, you try to bring down the opponent with the ball, you push against each other for possession of the ball. You run with the ball to the other end to score a touch-down. Much more exciting and 'rough' than football. I mean if you are going to run around a field chasing a ball, you might as well fight for it, right? Hmm.... says something about my character. No wonder I ended joining judo instead of gymastics.

Anyway, last weekend, we went to watch the Rugby 7's at the National Stadium, an international series hosted by Sngapore. Not that Singapore is any good, but that's another story.

In the 7's series, there are only 7 players instead of the usual 15 players. The playing time is shorter too, only 7 minutes. This means that not only the men has to be fit, they have to be fast as well.

And if you think big men can't run fast, you should think again. And you should see some of them holding onto the ball with one hand, pushing away an attacker with the other hand, AND running towards the goal line at the same time. Quite something.

What I really liked about this event, which I've been going for the last 3 years, is the very 'family' and carnival atmosphere. Maybe because the fans are more cosmopolitan. So you see children running around, balllons shaping and face painting for kids, bagpipes players, drums group and the infectious music being played during all the breaks. You'll laugh but songs like YMCA (by Village people), Delina (Tom Jones), Oh Carol gets the crowd on their feet, singing, dancing and tap along, including my 2 left-feet husband. Oldies but goodies, definitely.

But what really got me amused it this:

You get a chance to be in this cool pool when you buy your beer. For half an hour, you're allaowd to soak in the cool water, a respite from the hot and get free beer.......IN PUBLIC.

Can you imagine any women wanting to be in the pool? Me either. I guess that's why there were many more men than women. But the men were really, really enjoying themselves.

Knowing my Korean craze, my husband asked me who I was supporting in one of the finals, which was between Korean and China. Silly man, need he ask?

Hehehehe!

Singapore, unfortunately, is just not quite up there, though they played much better on the 2nd day than the 1st day. Thankfully, they finish the tournament by scoring some points in the last match...

Husband finally convinced himself that he should really, show off his support for his home team, and just before going off to the game on Saturday.

You can tell he's really pleased with it....

I am woman, hear me complain

2006-04-10T13:20:00.000+08:00

My girlfriend wants a change.

She wants to change.

To be specific, she wants to change her nose.

She thinks her nose is too weird and would like to have a sharper nose. She's been talking about going to Korea to 'have' a new nose. And while she's at it, she figured she might as well have a double eye-lid job too. I don't think she'll actually have them 'changed' in the end (the cost is an important factor) but I do think it's on her wish list.

I guess women are never truely satisfied with our looks. We all think there's an improved version of ourselves hidden somewhere, we just need to unlock it... via slimming pills, diets and cosmetic surgery and what not.

This morning I looked at myself in the mirror.... :

- non existent eyebrows
- flat and stumpy nose
- small, panda eyes (too much K Dramas and internet into the late night)
- double eyelid in one eye and a half double eye-lid in the other (I kid you not, the line stops halfway!)
- funny mouth
- thin limp hair
- too short, way too short!
- fat arms and thighs
- bulging waistline (sigh....)

I think the only asset I have is my err...*adequate* chestline.

I wouldn't even be amongst the top 100 if there was a beauty contest held wihtin my estate.

Sigh.... and double sigh...

I am not graceful and am no demure Asian woman. In fact, one of my ex-boss used to say that she needn't employ any security guards because the way I walked would have frightened off any potential thieves in the shop. :(

But you know, some of the actresses that I really admire are not exactly what people would say "beautiful". But they all have that certain grace, charm and elegance. And they are all not young either....

Maggie Cheung I remembered when Maggie Cheung first joined the entertainment scene. She had slightly protruding teeth, which she got fixed, like BYJ. Over the years, she's truely blossomed. Just look at her now. Maggie Cheung is 42 this year.

Lee Mi Sook I first saw Lee Mi Sook in An Affair and have since seen her in a few other movies and she has never failed to amaze me with her acting ability. But that game room scene with Lee Jung Jae is still one of the most sexually charged scene without the usual nudity parts, in my opinion. And in many of the press conferences for Untold Scandal, it was her that drew my attention, not Jeong Do Yeun. Lee Mi Sook is 46 this year.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry simply took my breath away when I saw her in this James Bond movie. If that is not sexy, then I don't know what is. Just look at that figure! Halle Berry is 40 this year.

I supposed as these people are actresses, they would have made huge efforts to stay in shape and maintain their complexion which us lesser mortals don't have the luxury of time and money to do so.

But I think one of the main characteristic that I found in all of them is Confidence with a capital C. The self assurance that comes across when you are beyond trying to impress the world. The acceptance that this is who I am and I am happy with me.

Borrowing a tagline from the Mastercard advert: "Priceless"

I can't end off this post without a note on my favourite actress of all time. Even if you haven't watched any of her movies, you would have seen her face in many magazines, even though she is long gone.

A friend sent me this link this morning. I guess I'm not the only one who thinks Audrey Hepburn is class itself. Thanks CW/CG.
BBC article

Needless to say, my favourite song is from one of my favourite movie of all time starring my favourite actress. I think the song is a favourite with many as well.

Moon River as sung by Audrey Hepburn in the movie, Breakfast at Tiffany
Moon River by Audrey Hepburn

I asked my husband what did he find attractive about me, and of course, having been well trained, he gave me politically correct answer:
Your personality, dear

However, I don't think he would have married me for my non-existent figure or looks, so I guess the answer must be quite correct.

Still, it would be nice to have bigger eyes and a better figure.

Perhaps in my next life?

Girlfriends

2006-04-06T09:50:00.000+08:00

For those who grew up in Singapore, the East Coast chalets would have been familiar with you. Like the Zoo and the Bird Park, the East Coast Chalet was one those places that you go at least once. It's part of your teenage life, part of growing up.

Who could forget those red brick walls? The tiny room with 2 beds? Marinating the chicken wings in the even smaller toilet.. making the salad, starting the fire for the bbq and burning most of the food.

And yet, why was it that the food tasted so good then? Why was it fun to have 5 or 6 people squeezing onto 2 beds?

Staying out with friends by the sea, bbqing, eating, cycling, playing games and talking through the night about love and dreams.

Thinking back now, those days were some of the best days of my life. Some of these girlfriends are still my best friends today, friends that I really treasure.

And so, almost 22 years after the above picture was taken, 3 of us, with another friend are going to take a 'chick trip' (as my husband said) next week. To celebrate our milesstone for reaching the big "40' this year, to celebrate over 20 years of friendship.

What are we going to do?

Shopping, eating, chatting, more shopping, eating and chatting.

Things that you can't do with husbands. Things that you wouldn't want to do with husbands. Because they wouldn't be any fun.

I'm so looking forward to it. ^^

My Kimchiland blog

2006-04-03T03:11:00.000+08:00

What can I say?

I've gone mad.

I plead temporary insanity.

I wasn't thinking right when I started it.. on the eve of April's Fool Day.

What did I do?

Sigh...

I actually started another blog....

I know, I know.

I'm speechless too...

Nevertheless, I've gone and done it already.

Here it is....

http://tiffanykimchiland.blogspot.com/

Don't know where I going to find the time.

Think I'm going to sleep on it. It's 3.15am..