my reality dreams

My Mac's battery is spoilt!

2009-07-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

So sad right... have only bought my mac for a year and the battery is spoilt. Its not getting charged. And sadly I cant find the warranty .. cant even remember if the warranty was for a year or more? Hey, now I recall.. the warranty was done online I think.. better check it out!!!

Ooh yesterday I bought a hard disk! So happy.. now I can store all my photos in one place. I was getting so disorganised.. with some photos in my mac and some in my office laptop.. and the good thing is that the hard disk is so compact and its compatible with both mac and pc so I can use it like a thumbdrive, transferring big files between both laptops. Should have gotten this a long time ago!

Home hunting is tough!

2009-07-15T03:12:00.000-07:00

Home hunting is tough tough tough! Have spent the past few weeks flipping the pages of Classified.... in hope of that ONE good bargain that I may be so lucky to spot or be so lucky to have called and recognised as a 'desperate' case (Are there even any out there??). Amidst the property frenzy thats going on now, with all sellers asking for sky high prices, that sure is tough. =(

Its actually quite disheartening when every single call you make is ended with you saying "Oh its ok then.. thanks." Always, simply because the prices the seller was asking for was way above our expectation. Till I don't even bother to ask further for any details, much less even think of arranging for a viewing.

So this went on for about 2 weeks until HK & I decided - heck the prices they were asking for.. lets just go and view projects regardless of the crazy prices. Then it became a lot more fun and at least the daily flipping of the ads seemed more worthwhile. Though we know probably we wont be buying any property at this point in time given the high prices (unless we find a good bargain! *fingers crossed*), at least we are preparing ourselves by seeing as many projects as possible to know which we like and which we can cross out from our list. This way, when there are signs of any market correction, hopefully we would be able to react more quickly!

Well, we've seen quite a few projects already. Just last weekend we went to Cosmopolitan and Rivergate. And the weeks before, there was Costa Del Sol, Belvedere and some others at Tanjong Rhu. We loved Cosmo! From the moment we turned into the carpark to the unit itself, we were so impressed - the whole project was damn nice! And it felt really luxurious.. Cosmo has the nicest carpark lobby man! There were art sculptures at the lobby and it looked very good. The unit was really nice too.. Rivergate on the other hand, had a really nice common area, the pool was fantastic and it even had a golf simulator room. However, the finishings weren't very nice and the corridor leading to the units were really quite poorly done up. Looked very hostel like. But we really liked the location of Rivergate, the surrounding is really nice, with the river just outside the compound. Well well....

Anyway am really hoping for a market correction very soon. Please please please please.....

Meeting up with my colleagues

2009-07-10T01:55:00.000-07:00

After 11 weeks away from office, finally met up with my colleagues again.. but sadly it was for a farewell lunch for those who have been affected by the reorganisations going on in my company. Well, actually, although the lunch was meant for those affected, only very few turned up. Most of them had already left the company hence, they did not come back for the lunch. But still, it was good meeting up and catching up with everyone! Especially for me, cos I haven't seen them for almost 3 months!

The farewell lunch was at Shangri La's The Line and below are photos of me with Mandy and Tony! Wishing both of you all the very best in life!!!

Actually, come to think of it, there really has been alot of changes in these short 11 weeks I was away. Shortly after I gave birth, the long awaited reorg plans were announced, those affected have already left the company, my job scope has changed quite a bit, I have a new big boss (whom I have not met yet but heard so much about already!), there will be new colleagues in the office, and we have found a new office location! Will be moving to Harbourfront in August. Rather excited about that! There's Vivo there! Yay! Hehe. But honestly, I think its good we are changing our office location. The mood in office have been rather down for the longest time.. lots of negativity in office and I think along the way, with all the restructurings and changes in bosses and colleagues, most have lost the motivation to work. So a new location will possibly bring some excitement to all and increase the level of motivation and drive in everyone.

Another 10 days to go before I'm back at work!

Clara's wedding at Sheraton!

2009-06-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

Congrats Mengkit!!!!!!!!!! :)

We had so much fun at Clara's wedding! Its always fun with all the Barbies and Cabbages together! And, this was the first wedding or big celebration I attended after I gave birth so it was much fun! Especially after being in confinement for so long! Finally get to dress up and have the night out with the gals!!!

Spent most of the night laughing away with the gang.. and ooh gossiping abt guys of course!! Hehe!

And, bimbo me as usual embarrassed myself that night... hehe, i actually mistook mengkit's sister for mengkit! how could i lor... so silly right.. she was not even in white. She was in a short purple dress and i actually thought she was the bride. =( But to defend myself, I never saw mengkit's sister before and they really really looked alike leh!!! And I thought maybe that was her pre-dinner cocktail dress or something.. I was sitting by the reception table and actually got so excited at seeing her when she came over and went "mengkit congrats!!!" and Pau had to go say "Eh you know her meh????" very loudly... *embarassed!!!*Anyway... hehe....

Some photo's of that night!!

Justine, Pearly, the pretty bride Clara, me and Nana

Pretty Pau and Rui

And me & serene!

Nana, me, Just and Pearly again!

The super funny Penny and Meilan who kept making us laugh that night!

Barbies posing again!!!

And again!

Yay, our whole group!! Cheers to the Barbies and Cabbages!! (And Garbage!!!)

Its been almost a year since my last entry..

2009-06-15T23:49:00.000-07:00

Its been almost a year since my last entry.. 9 months to be exact. And, how my life has changed..

My last entry stopped at the discovery of my pregnancy.. today, our little baby boy is out and kicking. And he's already almost 2 months old! And, indeed, life now is really different for Huakai & myself compared to a year ago.. let me recall.. all the way back to when Huakai proposed to me..

That was in December 2006, where HK proposed to me while we were on holiday in Paris.. I had just joined ICI and HK was at Legg Mason. Then for the whole of the next year, we were happily preparing for our wedding. Big day was on 10 May 2008 and it was probably the happiest day of my life. =) There was also our spectacular 23 days honeymoon in Canada and Alaska, where HK and myself were totally relaxed, away from work and busy Singapore, just taking in the beautiful sights and loving each other. Hmm.. I miss the honeymoon so much.. it was only a year ago but it seems like such a long time ago, probably bcos so many things have happened since then. Can't wait for our next holiday together!

Anyway, after our honeymoon, we both got back to SG and I was so so busy with work for the next few months. Then, in September 2008, I found out I was pregnant! And then, for the next 9 months, we spent most of our time preparing for Wayne's arrival! It was so much fun, shopping every weekend for the many many things we had to buy!

In between that time, HK also changed jobs, from Legg Mason to Mirae in Sep 2008 to Prudential in Feb 2009, while I remained in ICI.. And, during this time when I was pregnant, HK and I also learnt how to play mahjong, which later became a weekly affair with my family! Hehe! So little Wayne was a mahjong baby in my tummy, alwasy hearing mommy "pong" and "che".. =)

Wayne finally arrived on 20 April 2009. And since then, HK and I have been busy busy busy... not much time for ourselves. Not much sleep for me! But finally after almost 2 months, I think we are getting used to this lifestyle and have learnt to look after little Wayne pretty well. So now, we are able to sneak in quite a bit of time for each other in between caring for him.

I'm now still on my maternity leave but its hard for me to go out freely as I'm breastfeeding. Have to make sure I express out milk for Wayne if I am going out without him, have to make sure I arrange for someone to look after him and I can't stay out too long if not my breasts will get hard with milk which can be quite painful! So now, its max 6 hours, if not I will have to bring out my breast pump to express out. But 6 hours is good enough for me, cos often I will miss Wayne so much, I'd hurry home to see him before 6 hours is up. =)

So you see, life has indeed changed very much for me. In the past, it was always just HK and me. And, I had time for my ballet lessons, Amore gym classes, my many manicures, hair treatments, weekly meet up with friends, holidays, etc etc.. but I'm not complaining cos I feel I've accomplished so much. From the time HK proposed to me, it has been one event after another.. keeping HK and myself busy. We have gone through so much in such a short span of time. It has really brought HK and I closer to each other. I have learnt to be so thankful to HK because without him, I wouldn't have gone through everything that has happened so happily. He has been my pillar of strength in every phase of my life. And, I love him more than ever. With him, I feel secure and know that come what may in the future, I'd be able to go through it with him. He makes me look forward to the future, to all the many happy moments to come. =)

Well, come 20 July, I will be back at work. And again, it will be a new experience for me, juggling work and caring for Wayne. I hope I will be able to cope with work and at the same time, be a good mommy to Wayne and a loving wife to HK. And, yes, I do hope we would be having our own home very soon. Thats probably my greatest wish for the moment! Wish me luck!

2008-09-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

I AM PREGNANT!!!!

Jiemei & Jason's ROM

2008-09-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

Congrats Jiemei!!!! Hugs!!!

Attended Jiemei's ROM today, it was beautiful! Held on this pretty white yacht.. first time I've attended such an event. The weather was so nice, the surroundings so calm and peaceful, and seeing my good friend get married really made me feel very happy. I love weddings. There's always just something so sweet about weddings.. it kinda gives you a high. Hehe. Yeah. Its love.

And the sunset that day was just beautiful............ and the champagne too.... =p

Photos of the sweet couple & the beautiful event...

A new start

2008-08-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Come mid Sept, it’s the start of something new again.

A new job.. not for me, but for HK.

Changes are good, right? But with it, also comes a lot of uncertainty. But yes, this should be good. =)

But that would also mean our plan to work overseas next year would be a little…. out of reach? Perhaps it’s just not meant to be. Or perhaps it will still be possible, just not so soon. I’m going to stay optimistic.

Well, its going to be another busy few months for me again at work. But I’m starting to enjoy my work again.. so that’s good.

Exercise!

2008-08-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

Nana & I signed up for Amore just last week. We have gone for one class so far, and we loved it. I’m going to lead a healthy lifestyle! Can’t wait to try out the various classes! And my ballet classes are resuming this Sunday again, so there’s plenty to look forward to!

Married life

2008-08-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

Many have been asking me lately how marriage life has been.. and you know what, there really has not been much difference after getting married! I’m serious!

Well, yes, we are now staying together and we see each other everyday and everything else.. but it hasn’t been much different from life before marriage. Perhaps because for the past one or two years before getting married, we were already staying together almost everyday, either at his place or at mine. So well, the only difference is that we no longer stay at my place.. and we have a new room to sleep in now at his place.. but that’s about it.

Is that good or bad??

I don’t know.. hehe.. I guess we have gotten over the stage of getting used to each others habit and all? Or perhaps it’s because we still do not have a house of our own yet. Hopefully, by next year we will and I’ll then find out the “truth” about marriage life!

Depression

2008-07-21T06:15:00.000-07:00

Depression : Is this just a problem for women or do men face this too? Depression and mood swings. One moment I’m happy and feeling all cheery… and the next moment, I feel no one loves me in this world. And I’m not talking about HK or anyone in particular, it’s a general feeling. You just feel DOWN. =(

I know Nana and YQ feels this way sometimes and most gals I guess but you hardly see a guy suffering from mood swings don’t you? Anyway.. this brings me to… All the fake people around me… There’s just lots of such people around aren’t there. I really do marvel at these people. Behind a person’s back, they can complain and complain and complain about him/her. But when in front of that person, they act like they are that person’s best friend. GROSS.

My crazy work life

2008-07-13T03:48:00.000-07:00

It has been such a long while since I’ve blogged. So many things have happened since and how I wish I have the time to write all about it.

Ever since I came back from my honeymoon I’ve just been bogged down by the HUGE workload waiting for me to be completed. Almost everyday its been 14 -16 hours of work. Including weekends. Okay maybe not 14 hours on weekends, but definitely a good 8 hours a day on Saturdays and Sundays.

During times like these, I really wish for more than 24 hours a day.

I miss reading my magazines.
I miss having weekend coffee with HK.
I miss catching up with my friends.
I miss blogging.
I miss shopping and strolling down Orchard on weekends.
I miss looking at our wedding photos and honeymoon photos. I can’t even use the word miss because we haven’t even spent much time looking at them to begin with. And, we haven’t even developed the photos either.

And then there is our video that we haven’t even collected from our VG.

AND, we bought a PS3 which I haven’t even played!
AND, our new TV that I hardly have time to watch!
AND, my new MacBook that I haven’t had time to enjoy and learn how to use!

I’m sad!

Oh ya, and I’ve been wanting to perm my hair for the longest time but haven’t had time to do that at all.

Feels like life back in audit again.

Ergh………………….. I hate integrations.

A night of dinner & desserts

2008-04-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

The night started with dinner at One Rochester.. have been wanting to come here together for the longest time.. finally we did!

There was Nana, Pau and me..

And Justine & Rui too!

And our meal started with this sweet sauce chicken wings & drumstick tapas... which unfortunately turned out not too cooked... told the waitress & got it changed... But it tasted good though!

And then our main course were served..

Nana's tuna dish..

Justine's crab linguine..

Rui & my pan seared Seabass, which was quite yummy!

Pau's linguine..

And us, looking happy with the food in front of us..

But of course, before we started we had to take our group photo..

And, again, before we left the place.

And then we were off to Holland V to have dessert at the 2AM Dessert Bar.. a cosy looking place with yummy desserts!

Shared this warm chocolate cake with sorbet.. the chocolates really good! But at $14 the price is quite steep!

After that was savoured, the TWIX came.. chocolate ice cream with caramel mouse over peanut crumble.. Not too bad but I personally didnt like this as much.

But I loved the company I was with!!!!!!

And, had a good night of chat & laughter! Although us getting old, we called it a night by midnight! =P

HK's down.. again!

2008-04-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

This is the second time this year HK has fallen sick... he just had a bad case of diarrhoea and fever in Feb and now he is down again.. this time with flu & fever. He blames it on the "ma nian" (horse year) thats he's born in, which supposedly this year is a bad year for all "horses".

Anyway he was on MC for 3 days this time.. poor guy. Slept thru out most of the 3 days, with me bored accompanying him at home. By the 3rd day, I just had to irritate him by taking photos of him when he least feels like to! =p

Thats him giving me the pissed face..

Still pissed..

But finally managed to persuade him to take a photo with me! =p

Dinner at Cafe Iguana

2008-04-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

Had dinner at Cafe Iguana, this Mexican Restaurant & Bar at Riverside Point.

Together with HK, spent the night eating, chatting, talking crap with Cheryl & Danny & Alice & Vinz (well, with HK there's always crap! hehe.. ) - 6 of us in total.

And the nachos & margarita at Cafe Iguana was really good! Had the Grilled Chicken Fajitas for my main, portion was huge but taste wise only so-so.. But the nachos was the highlight! Tortilla chips layered with black beans, rice, roasted jalapeno chiles, sour cream and melted cheese!! *drool!!!!*

And of course, the strawberry & peach margarita, which goes for half price till 9pm!

Definitely enjoyed my Friday night..... =)

http://www.cafeiguana.com/

Popeye's mashed potato is the best!

2008-04-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

Really love the mashed potato at Popeye's.. yummy yummy yummy!

Happy birthday Ashley!

2008-04-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

Ashley turned 2 years old and attended her birthday party at my cousin's place at Punggol. She's so sweet & adorable!

Her cute little cake..

My daddy just loves kids.. (Viv wat ya waiting for!!! =p)

Thats our reflection in the mirror..

We bought her a red and white dress from Pumpkin Patch!

My Shanghai business trip.. or rather shopping trip!

2008-03-27T05:24:00.000-07:00

Was in Shanghai over the past 4 days... 22nd March to 26th March. Went over to meet my new Akzo colleagues to sort out some integration matters on Monday & Tuesday, with Ophelia. Spent more time shopping though!

I really do love Shanghai! Its big, its diverse, its interesting, its fun!!!

What did I do there?

1) Shop, shop and shop

2) Met up with Grace at Johnny Moo

3) Met up with Guisong & his madly in love girlfriend =)

4) Had the yummy Xiao Yang Dumpling at Nanjing Road West

5) Had coffee on the 54th floor of Grand Hyatt Hotel

6) Went to Xintiandi

7) Stroll at The Bund

8) Made clothes at the textile centre (I cant wait to go back there again!!!)

9) Met up with Carrie and her team, and had dinner with Maureen & Daisy

And my shopping list:

1) 1 tailor made suit (RMB400)

2) 6 scarves (RMB20 each)

3) 1 tailor made jacket (RMB170)

4) 1 tailor made skirt (RMB80)

5) 2 pleated skirts (RMB50 each)

6) 2 knitted tops (RMB 80 each)

7) 1 turtleneck top (RMB50)

8) 2 pair of shoes (RMB 80 & RMB 45)

9) 3 pair of pants for HK (RMB110 each)

10) 4 packet of Walnuts (RMB 35 each)

At the new T3!

Where we stayed.. Jianguo Hotel

The station near our hotel..

The streets of Shanghai... look at the trees..

At the Bund..

It was windy!

The Colonial house facing the Bund

A meal at Xintiandi in the cool weather

The touristy chen huang miao.. which we left just after 10 mins there

I love this place... it holds special memories =)

Coffee at Hyatt..

It was almost 10 degrees at night

With Ophelia, at the Xu Jia Hui Cathedral

Their public toilet, found it quite cute..

And when I came back to Singapore, arrived at 525am, and had a pleasant surprise seeing HK waiting at the airport. =)=)=)

Getting your pronunciations right =)

2008-03-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered if you were pronouncing these brands correctly? Here you go! =)

Damn disgusting

2008-03-15T04:02:00.000-07:00

Had this huge pimple at the back of my ear which caused me so much discomfort the whole day... didnt know how big it was until I showed it to HK and got him to take a photo of it so that I could see what was irritating me the whole day.. and when I saw it, I went "eww...." its really quite disgusting isnt it.. And, it got me so irritated the whole day, especially cos it was a Saturday and I was out shopping for a TV with HK...

Anyway, guess what.. I burst it.. at Harvey Norman at Suntec. And felt much better after that. Haha!

Anyone looking for a maid?

2008-03-15T03:53:00.000-07:00

Looking for a maid? Head to HomeMaker at Upper Thomsom Road!

Owner is the pretty Cheryl SC Cheong, also my good friend from PwC. Ex auditor turn CEO of HomeMaker. =)

A long day....

2008-03-12T04:30:00.000-07:00

Was on leave today, went shopping for sanitary ware & wallpapers with HK.. boy, turned out to be quite a challenge.

Sanitary ware

First, we went to Jalan Besar where there are quite a few shops selling sanitary ware.. but hmm, realised there were too many shops & too many different designs to choose from. Gave up. Decided to head to Sim Siang Choon instead, where at least the many different designs were confined to just one shop.

Still had a bit of a problem initially.. there were just too many designs. After walking round the shop a few times, everything seemed to be "okay" and "possible" designs to choose from. Still, after a couple of phone calls home to check for dimensions, we managed to shortlist all the items we needed:

1) Toilet bowl

2) Basin

3) Basin mixer

4) Shower mixer

Yippee! Settled!

Thats HK making the many phone calls home to make sure the items we shortlisted could fit..

Wallpapers

Next stop: Goodrich --> to select wallpapers for our bedroom

This turned out to be a greater challenge as compared to buying sanitary ware.

There were tons of albums with various wallpapers on various shelves. Almost like a library.

We spent an hour there, flipping albums, feeling lost, confused and tired. There were the dramatic ones, plain ones.. cheap ones, expensive ones.. modern ones, "Adam Family" ones.. All kinds. In the end, we went home without having any idea on what we wanted at all.

Think we should start looking at more design magazines.

Congratulations Yongxin!

2008-03-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Attended Yongxin's wedding at M Hotel.. it was quite a touching wedding, with him surprising his bride during the 1st march by singing while walking down the aisle. =) Christina, Weiliang, Yimin and Kim Wen were there too.

Here are some photos, courtesy of the super duper crappyWeiliang!

Me & Weiliang (ahem... looking handsome.. )

Weiliang, me & nana

Me & sweet looking nana!

Me, Nana, Weiliang, Kim Wen & Yimin

Me, Nana & the funky Mic

I like my curls!

Ooh, see my curls - it was done by HK! Quite impressed with his skills! Even my mom & sis was impressed! Yippee! Now I have a stylist who can help my curl my hair for FREE!! =p

Fun night out with the barbies & cabbages

2008-03-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

Celebrated Meilan, Ruilian and Justine's birthday today.. having their bdays in the first 3 months of the year, they are always the first among us to turn a year older (and crazier too!=p)!

The birthday gals

Now you know why I said crazy... =p

Had dinner at Marutama Ramen at Central.. yum yum! Esp the egg tofu thingy which tasted really good. Then, as usual, we proceeded for desserts at Nectarie at Clarke Quay. Wow, the cakes there were super yummy!

Here are some photos to make you salivate!

The strawberry yoghurt cake, apple struddel and the yummiest of the 3 : the chocolate cake with some coconut layer inside which blended so well with the chocolate..

And, the ice chocolate drink that Justine had was fantastic! Definitely worth trying!!

The sisters..

Me, Pau & Justine

And Meilan, Rui, Nana & Serene

Farewell Clarence!

2008-03-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

Woke up really early today to go to the airport to see Clarence off to Australia today!

His flight was at 10am so reached there about 815am, luckily was staying over at HK's which was only a 5 min drive away.. Yuwen's the champion, she stays at AMK and she took a cab all the way down, she woke up at 630am.. Heh. Clarence, touched or not?????

Anyway, yeah, it was good to see him off.. his gf was there too, and it was quite a touching scene seeing them say goodbye (altho its only for 3 mths as his gf will be joining him there in June)! Hehe, Clarence bet you had a hard time holding back your tears!!!

Spent the remaining morning at T3's TCC with Yuwen, chatting and laughing. Ohh, and Yuwen was very sweet, bought me a Frommer's on Canada - thanks Yuwen!!!! *hugz*

Happy Birthday Justine!

2008-03-01T20:44:00.000-08:00

happy birthday justine!!!!!

Birthday wish specially in green for ya!
Time to grow up and learn more from us Barbies!! Haha!
*Muacks*

NATAS fair

2008-02-29T20:25:00.000-08:00

I actually took half day off work to go to the NATAS fair today! Wanted to beat the weekend crowd but hmm.. either Singaporeans don't work or everyone seemed to have the same mind set as me (and lots of leave to clear as well)..

I reached there at about 1245pm and a super duper long queue had already formed! Come to think of it, I bet they had taken a full days leave to come and queue from morning! Once I turned in to the carpark and realised it was FULL, I knew my strategy wasnt quite that smart. Haha.

Anyway... I was quite lucky cos I managed to get a carpark lot within 5 minutes.=)

Paid my 3 bucks and quickly zoomed in to Chan Brothers cos I saw in the papers the day before of this Alaska + Canadian Rockies package which looked really good (the price I mean).. looked too good to be true in fact. And turned out so too. Asked for other Rockies packages, but the prices were not out yet as we are only going in May. Too bad.. asked me to check it out online end Mar/Apr.

(Ohh, for background, we had already booked our air tix and Alaska cruise already, went to NATAS to see if there were any Rockies packages as we are still deciding whether to just get a land tour or to self drive)

Next went to Citystate, where we had booked our cruise from, just to see if there were any better deals than the one we got. None.. so moved on to a few other booths, CTC, SA Tours, Dynasty etc.. none too..

But I managed to get our travel insurance from AIG which was at 40% off! Good deal. =) Oooohh, but the temp staff who was attending to me asked me if Alaska is in Japan.. Heh.. HK asked me to tell her it was in Johor. -_-

Sick for 2 days now..

2008-02-25T20:11:00.000-08:00

HK has been sick the past 2 days.. fever plus diarrhoea.. He spent the whole of yesterday, which was a Sunday, sleeping, while I surfed the net planning for our honeymoon. And today, he was on half day MC, and his fever still has not subside.. Sigh.

Crystal's back =)

2008-02-23T03:23:00.000-08:00

Crystal's back from Dubai!

Together with HK, met up with her, Cheryl, Danny, Alice, Vinz (and baby Charmaine!!) last night after work. Da bao-ed dinner from China Square for everyone and had dinner at Cheryl's place. Had a fun time just chatting and talking crap!

It was quite funny cos we ended up spending the night there..........

1) Debating over whether Tay Ping Hui or Julian Hee was better looking (sorry Danny- the gals all preferred Tay Ping Hui!)
2) Debating over whats a LP and LPJ
3) Looking at some of Edison Chen's highly publicised photos
4) Watching Lust Caution (or fast forwarding to certain scenes.. at Crystal's request! haha)
5) Looking at Cheryl's caesarean section photos, which made HK go weak in his knees!

And, before we knew it, it was past midnight! But yeah, it was fun!! Hurry come back for good Crystal!

CNY at Penny's & good news from my friends

2008-02-16T03:53:00.000-08:00

Finally!

It has been ages that Penny had said she was going to invite us to her house! Haha.

8 of us in total : Me, Penny, Pauline, Justine, Pearly, Meng Kit, Siew Ping and Meilan!

Penny's mom prepared a very yummy laksa for us, was really good! PLUS we had sushi AND she also made some 'tong suay' for us - YUMMY!!!!

Tried to extort an ang pow from Pearly but failed! Hahah. Oooh I havent mentioned that Pearly's pregnant right!!!! So happy for her!!! 2 months plus now. =)=)=)

And, Meilan's attached! Everyone was so excited when she broke the news to us at Penny's place. =)=)=)

Really feel very happy for all my friends. =)

Pau, Pearly, Siew Ping & me

The cabbages in their signature green =p

Thanks Penny for organising the meet up! Muacks!

Chinese New Year once again!

2008-02-09T03:14:00.000-08:00

I love Chinese New Years!

It always seems like the previous CNY had only just passed, when the next one is here again. But its fun! So I'm not complaining! But it just reminds me how fast time flies and that with each CNY, I'm getting a year older!

Like every other CNYs, we spent the days eating all the CNY biscuits and goodies, gambling and playing with all my nephew and nieces. And, we also had our yearly dinner with the Tan family on the 2nd day of CNY, a tradition that we have kept going for many years now.

This year's CNY was slightly different though - Vivien and Ken weren't around, were in US working and unable to come back. Miss them!!!

And, its also my last year receiving ang pows! Was feeling quite sad at the thought of not being able to have reunion dinner with my own family anymore from next year onwards.. feels kinda weird?

This year we didnt take as many photos as we did last year, which was so fun! Next year I better make sure we take lotsa family photos!!!!

Post photoshoot

2008-01-27T05:59:00.000-08:00

Had our photoshoot yesterday at Sentosa & Labrador Park, can't wait to see the photos!! Excited! Thanks Weiren- hurry hurry! =)

Was super tired after the shoot although it only took 2 to 3 hours - the warm weather really got to us! We reached home at around 630pm & spent the next hour cleaning off my thick make-up and un-doing my half tied up hair. Was done just in time for pizza at 730pm, which we ordered! Was so hungry after the shoot! And after that, I just totally knocked out in bed.. at 8pm! =)

This photoshoot was quite fun as the PG was our friend Weiren, so it made the whole shoot very fun and relaxing. And we took some fun shots, like capturing our reflections against the car, flipping my train while making turns, and playing with some of the effects that his camera could do.. Sadly, I forgot to bring my veil along! Ergh..

Glad to have been able to catch up with Sharon, my long time friend from CHC, who helped me with my hair and make-up for the shoot. Love her & love her work!

Controlling our diet

2008-01-25T23:45:00.000-08:00

Well, having a photoshoot tomorrow so just have to control our diet today!

Actually, the salad turned out really yummy. We really should do this more often. =)

Apple juice + salad : lettuce, hard boiled eggs, ham, bacon bits and extra virgin olive oil

Nails..Nails..

2008-01-25T23:30:00.000-08:00

We were both on leave today. Having another pre-wedding photoshoot tomorrow, so took the day off to relax and run some errands.

Me: got my nails done at Emily's.

He: sent his car for servicing at EuroAutomobile.

Nail event #1 : Manicure & pedicure

Had my acrylic nails done again : french tips with crystals across each nail. Really like it alot. Simple yet classic.

Nail event #2 : The nail that got stuck in our car tyre

Haha. The second nail event of the day. HK had sent his car for servicing at EuroAutomobile, and just after collecting the car and driving out of the area, we realised that the tyres sounded funny. So we made a turn back to EuroAutomobile, got down and saw a nail stuck in the front left tyre of our car. Was told by the EuroAutomobile staff to go the nearby Shell Station to get it fixed..

The tyre uncle was really nice and friendly, charged us $10 for fixing it.. thankfully nothing too expensive.

Jacking up the car..

The nail..

Pulling the nail out..

Its out!

Pumping air..

Fixed!

Paying the 10 bucks..

Mood swings... and work

2008-01-22T23:30:00.000-08:00

Feeling a little down today. Perhaps its the uncertainty at work, perhaps its all the ad hoc work coming in, perhaps its just some hormonal driven mood swings.

But it was just yesterday that I was feeling happy, beaming with excitement for my upcoming wedding, looking forward to our holiday to Alaska & Canada. How my mood swings... and its not even that time of the month...

Actually work has not been that bad, I've been able to leave at 5pm most days. Work load is manageable at the moment, its pretty quiet in office actually. Everyone is just waiting for more news on the integration, wondering what will happen to our regional office and whether 3 months down the road we will still have our job. I guess for the younger ones, like myself, we aren't really worrying about our jobs. The job market currently is good - at least that’s in our favour. Older employees - I'm sure they are having a mix of feelings at the moment. The prospect of losing their job can be quite worrying, not knowing whether they'll be able to find another job given their mid 40s 50s age group. And they have more financial commitments, for sure, compared to us - children, housing loans, etc... BUT having said that, having worked here for a good number of years, if there were to be a retrenchment, the payout should be quite a sum to look forward to as well isnt it.. but perhaps, for some, having a steady flow of monthly income for a few more good years would seem more desirable.

On my end, I'm open to any of the possible outcomes :

1) The regional office closes down, moves to SH & I lose my job - I'll look for a new job after my wedding.
2) The regional office closes down, moves to SH & I am posted to SH - sounds good, if the package is attractive enough, we will both pack our bags!
3) Business as usual for the regional office - hmm, this is the difficult part - to stay or move on?

I guess Option 3 depends on the pay increment and bonus which I'll know next month. =)

Justine!!!!

2008-01-12T23:30:00.000-08:00

Its funny how I was sharing with Pau, Justine and Chris on my New Year's resolution and they all burst out laughing giving me the ridiculous look.. (esp cabbage Justine!). Grrr.

Now I feel bimbotic. -_-

New Year's Resolution

2008-01-05T23:30:00.000-08:00

Its been such a month of feasting the last month. January shall officially be the month of detoxification!

New Year's Resolution

After many years of making resolutions and not keeping to it, I had decided for the last couple of years not to make resolutions. But this year is different. I do have a new year resolution - to be more disciplined in my beauty regime! Like going for facials, hair treatments, home masks, dressing up.

Well, it all came about when I was thinking about the facial package I had with Adonis which just ended. The package I had was for 20 sessions, and assuming you used one session each month, it should last you for a year and 8 months. But guess what? I signed up for that package in 2004!! So thats 3 years and a few months! There was even a time I didn't go for facial for as long as six months!

Same thing for hair treatments.. ideally, with no budget, I should go for treatments once a month. Given my tight budget, lets make it every one and a half months. But most times, its once in three to four months.

So... for 2008, this shall be it......

1) Facials: Every three to four weeks
2) Hair treatments: Once every one and a half months
3) Home masks (face) : Thrice a week

4) Home masks (hair) : Once a week

And yes, I really must revamp my wardrobe as well.. =p

Its a New Year - Happy 2008!

2008-01-01T23:30:00.000-08:00

2007 had been such an amazing year for me, and I hope 2008 would be just as good, if not better!

Some highlights of 2007:

1) Loved all our wedding preparations:
Booked our wedding banquet at Conrad
Bought our wedding bands from Bulgari
Bought my wedding shoes
My wedding gowns from Ted Wu were beautiful
2) Bought our first car in June 2007 - A black Alfa Romeo GT with red leather seats.
3) Took our pre-wedding photoshoot in Shanghai in October 2007.
4) Received a special one month bonus at work.
5) Christina & Yanqing got married this year and Jiemei got engaged!
6) Alice and Jean’s pregnant and due in 2008!
7) Celebrated our 3rd year anniversary with a romantic night at Ritz

Yes, I really do look forward to 2008….

Zoo
Spent New Year's Day at the zoo with Cheryl, Danny and Charmaine together with HK. Good thing the weather was good! This was our second attempt to the zoo, the first spoilt by the terrible rainy weather some time in December.

Aint she adorable..

Furniture shopping
On the way home, we decided to drop by the new International Furniture Centre at Sungei Kadut that we heard about. Turned out to be a fruitful trip, as we bought our bed frame as well as a chair for my make up area - from Furniture Club.