caramel drops

2011-12-26T00:11:00.003+08:00

Been on a hiatus for more than two months now but I am back for the new phase and new year.

In this empty pocket of away time, the calendar has been choked full of activities. I would sound

as if I am sourly examining the ruins of my past year but oh well, I must say that right now, I am

definitely not in the same state of things as before I left this land right before my birthday. Things

are definitely different now. People have changed, SMRT screwed up, Orchard is still flooding.

I have changed.

I would have never thought I would to be honest. Right now, I know I am in a state of things

that I want to change though I am not sure whether it would be better to change for the better

or worse.

Disappointment and failure are just part of life isn't it?

"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead."

2011-10-03T23:54:00.002+08:00

2011-09-19T01:13:00.003+08:00

The iPhone is back, life's complete again.

2011-09-09T00:18:00.004+08:00

Work has been amazing so far. I would love to describe the whole experience in a more

bombastic adjective but words fail me so make do. I do have the moments when I wish

I have that few more secs to roll around in bed or that the sun doesn't peep out of the

horizon that early but the adrenaline and pump kept me going. It has been more play

than work for now for sure. Of course, I am still on high-alert mode most of the time

but I can't help but admit that the days and nights constitute more fun+play more

than work.

Post three weeks, please give me the chance to boast how I am able to experience something

new every single day or night. Yes, I have been tasked to do some unglam or sia-suay stuff

but trust me when I say that I ain't complaining a single bit. The thrill of doing something

new for the first time beats everything else. Besides it's kinda a once in a lifetime opportunity

to do some of these, right?

- Be a translator and delivered congee for an ill and unregistered PRC pros in the room

- Experienced morning, afternoon, graveyard shifts in three consecutive days/nights

- Ogled bapoks' assess in the middle of the night

- Doorman at 8am

- Directing people to the best food in town

- Change bedsheets for 3246523 beds

- Tried to memorise the SOP on how to clean toilet bowl and TV

- Vacuum 3246523 rooms

- Matched tops to bottoms for 100 uniform sets

- Climbed into the ceilings to see where the electrical wires lead to

- Finally understood how risers work

- Accessed the rooftop to camwhore

- Frozen and defrosted in the freezers and chillers

- Refilled beer for japanese businessmen

- Snitched red wine before a banquet

More to come!

2011-08-22T00:08:00.004+08:00

I survived the first week of week!

It was one hell of a six days but I think I can give myself a pat on the shoulder so

far. I have definitely slacked in the studying which is not good. That said, I think

I was channeling more of my energies into the practicum instead of theory. Of course,

it ain't a breeze standing tall in heels for seven hours a day, six days straight.

My poor feet were screaming in pain by the forth hour and I always wonder how the

managers look so serene doing their tasks. Shift hours ensue disrupted sleep cycles

and coffee breaks in the early a.m.s too but have I told you how much I am enjoying

all these?

So far so good. ;)

2011-08-14T23:27:00.003+08:00

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”

- Lao Tzu

I've been offered an immense opportunity and it all starts tomorrow.

I'll start with that one single step!

No matter what happens, this is one tough fight that I will put up with till the last breath.

2011-08-13T20:49:00.005+08:00

New York Day 3

To think that we booked a trip on Day 3, which was a Friday, to do outlet shopping still

bewilders me. At Day 3, we were still pretty much tiredsome of the walking already, especially

the day out basking in the HOT sun at the islands. It was terribly sunny and I began to wonder

whether it was truly like this in NY. I knew it would be hot but never thought that the sweat

metre would be as bad as SG's. Complaining aside, I was hyped to go for some looksee shopping!

At the back of my mind, I was rationing the funds for some real shopping in Manhattan itself

hence I knew this trip would come with restrain.

We started the day with toast and good o' scrambled eggs!

Cookie and I went to Madame Tussauds (ok I cannot spell that actually; I googled!) at Times

Square to collect our pre-booked bus tickets. The circle journey costs USD37 and each trip took

around 60 minutes.

Our first stop was American Eagle! I was pretty bummed that I lost Cookie's shades at Ellis

Island and hence got a pair of shades there (for myself hahaha). I scored this pair of denim

shorts that I probably would deemed too short back in SG but... perfect for the abnormal

NY weather. I was sure Cookie felt like home at AE cos he left with a few shirts, few pair of

berms and it was quite a sight to see him enjoying shopping! It was definitely a change from his

thrifty ways back in SG.

We were glad we picked Woodbury Commons instead of this other Outlet mall in Long Island.

I would die to see the Long Island views but after scouting all the shops at Woodbury, I would

say that I didn't leave disappointed. Other than... we missed out some shops due to time

constraint! The cookie who probably got hooked scoring all the fabulous deals, especially from

A/X and G-star, toyed with the idea of coming back again.

New York Day 4

The day The MET took our breath away...

The entire museum is really huge and all I could remember was both of us floating through

room after room, soaking in the sights and wowing at all the history mementos. I was bummed

to miss A. McQueen's exhibition due to the 1.5 hours-long line but oh well. Not to mention that

we had to stand to have our lunch but look at that amazing view. I swore I could have just

change into a bathing suit and lie right there for a tan. The sun was not stingy that week I must

say.

The exterior of the museum is of course worthy of a mention. Beautiful architecture indeed.

Psst, Gossip Girls was shot on the steps as well and I too, got an obligatory fangirl shot on the

steps. Haha! It was our first time walking in the Upper East Side too and I love the quiet air of

cash and exclusiveness in the air. It was something that is quite "uniquely upp east side".

We took the subway to Grand Central Station and ta-dah! We are finally at Oyster Bar Restaurant!

Heard too much raves about this place to ignore. By the time we whacked the fresh oysters and

calamari side, we were pretty much too satisfied for the mains. The food was good, the basic

service were there, company was perfect.

Since Magnolia had a branch in the same building, how could I miss this chance to leave without

bringing some home? ;)

2011-08-11T01:44:00.003+08:00

WHAT I HAVE BEEN UP TO SINCE NYC

It has been an overdose of eating and drinking you can bet on that. I think it is high time that

I come to terms that I can no longer feed myself as much as I used to in Manhattan, plus I

would not want to and should not be, since it is pretty much "every cent counts" now.

Having said that, it was great coming back to the familiar company of friends and family here in

this sunny island. Nothing beats this close ties with the people that matters. I do miss cookie and

everything about Manhattan so so much, even the dirty smelly subway, but it is back to

business! New chapter starts next week!

2011-08-10T00:09:00.008+08:00

New York Day 2

Waking up post jet-lag was no small issue, especially if I only have about four days to spend with

cookie before he starts work full-time! Naturally, we wanted to explore the city together as much

as together.

I woke up at 4am and mistook the table lamp for sunshine, thinking that day has come. Very

fortunately, I managed to fall back asleep till proper morning. Nobody would want to deal a bad

bout of jet-lag with another case of jet-lag + lack of sleep. Double crankiness!

The first proper plan was to visit the Statue, of course. It was really fun snapping the statue

from all angles, including the butt, and doing jump shots in front of it.

Ellis Island, which was the first point of entry for New York immigrants, is just next to the statue and was the next stop.

Our apartment is within ten-minutes walk from Wall Street/ FiDi and we also took the chance

to visit cookie's office building and the nearby bank buildings and such. It was actually a rather

eye-opener. No problem looking odd and sticking out like a thumb in the area as there were

plenty of tourists hanging out and haha blocking the manhattanites' way too.

I swore I was having goosebumps, sitting at a raised pedestal and looking down at the crowd

rushing about their business. It was good to be right in the middle of all the action!

We dropped a speedy visit to SoHo and damn, the street took my breath away. It was not just

the stores and pretty clothes trust me, but rather the pretty people and the toocool vibe that

really drew me in. I guess being next to cool districts like TriBeCa and the artyfarty

Meatpacking helped.

Want to see more?

2011-08-09T20:48:00.004+08:00

Yum of The Day

Celine Trio Bag

From the Resort 2011 collection, this underrated bag/ clutch/ wristlet or whatever your wanna

call it is definitely one of my lustworthy item. The bag (yes, that's what I call it) has three separate

pouches that are connected by two snap buttons and each pouch has its own zip top closure.

Want to go hands-free? The middle pouch is attached with a shoulder strap so that you can have

a messenger bag according to how many pouches you want to connect. I love the idea already. For

one, I definitely cannot pinpoint my favourite color.

I am still on a lookout for the perfect cross-body in black and this comes close. Of course,

Balenciaga's Giant Hip comes close.

2011-08-04T23:20:00.003+08:00

Yum of The Day

Karl Lagerfeld for Macy’s

"Some of it will be a reach," is how a Macy's executive described the chain's limited edition line by Karl Lagerfeld coming out August 31 in 235 Macy's stores and online. A shot of a dress from the collection, which includes 45 pieces ranging from $50 to $70, has already appeared in Vogue, but the full thing, the full Karl-ness of it all, is only out now. In the slideshow, view the entire collection, consisting of lots of tailored pieces for the office, some flirty day dresses, and even tanks illustrated with Karl's likeness. It's all very Karl, meaning that if you want to dress like the girl version of him, but not invest in real leather, it's just the thing for you.

- the cut

I think the fashion mogul himself just got the whole fashion industry and faithful army of fashion

slaves stopped in their tracks as they drooled over the exclusive line. All 45 pieces, with prices

well under USD100, are waiting to be snapped up from the racks, you bet. I am sure there will

be a stampede and a site crash come this month-end but whether or not you will be swiping that

card for a piece to call your own, bate your breath no more as the cut released the full collection

online.

I have picked some of my personal faves as above!

2011-08-03T22:40:00.004+08:00

Yum of The Day

KATE SPADE - Essex Scout

"One of our favorite shapes of the season, scout is the perfect blend of utility and style, drawing

inspiration from all things equestrian. Crafted with smooth, saddle-like leather and adorned

with decorative buckles, we outfitted this bag with all sorts of fashion-meets-function features,

including magnetic snaps and a cross-body strap."

Oooh this cross-body satchel was pretty much love at first sight! In four colors - bone, natural,

carribean, black, it sure is a tough task to pick the favourite one. The design comes in a smaller

size as well named the Small Scout. For the chic bikers, ditch the headlight and up your street

cred with the Bike Scout.

Prices from USD295 - USD395

From katespade.com

2011-08-03T20:57:00.003+08:00

Day 1 in New York

By the time I caught up with Cookie at JFK airport, it was already 2pm. By then, he was already

in a irritable mood and I can't blame him for that since (1) he had been waiting for me for over an

hour (2) he himself had to survive a long and tough flight, made no less stressful by screaming

babies just few seats away.

Us being street-smart and tough young people quickly figured out the tickets and right train

routes to bring us to the Financial District (or more affectionately known as FiDi to the New

Yorkers), where we will call home for the next three weeks. For the boy, six weeks that is.

It was about an hour+ journey with a couple of subway station transfers in between.

Now here was the part when we realised that we cannot assume Manhattan and SG to be the

same. For one, there were no escalators in most of the stations! We ended up lugging our

luggage up and down the various steps. It was tough to be honest but all I could think of was our

final destination - "Bowling Green station! 20 West Street!".

I swore I will always remember the moment when we stepped out of the station and me

breathing in the first gasp of city air. It felt... great. I know that word is a gross understatement.

The apartment block was a couple of streets away from the subway station and by the time

we settled down and checked everything that we were supposed to have in the apartment,

it was already 4pm.

The apartment ain't perfect but it was cosy and well, I guess I am pretty much missing it

already. We took really good care of it though I almost burned the curtains (and the entire

apartment) on two separate occasions.

What I loved best is the location! Conveniently within walking distance to a few subway lines,

our apartment also offered superb views of Hudson River, Battery Park and a mini frame of

Statue of Liberty. Furthermore, we were at the fringe of FiDi and had a pharmacy and grocery

store just at the next blocks.

Strangely, we were feeling quite buzzed and we checked out the nearby streets. I remembered

feeling too excited and looking forward this island to feel sleepy and jetlagged at all. We grabbed

some sushi for dinner and chanced upon a summer rain, which was supposedly rare in NYC.

How lucky, we thought, as a rainbow appeared across the skyline. I marvelled at all the sights

and sounds and enjoyed that moment of peace with Cookie. The sun was still shining its last

few moments at 8pm!

2011-07-19T03:49:00.006+08:00

FLIGHT (13 July)

Finally after weeks of waiting, the New York trip rolled along and before I know it, my ass

was plonked for a 23-hours journey in the air to the Big Apple. Granted that I had a four-hours

transit in Hong Kong, the entire flight experience was far from pleasant. Trust me when I say

that I am definitely elated to have the opportunity to be a lone traveller but the long flight

in the economy bunk was making me a bratty girl, especially during the last 2 hours of the

flight.

I briefly spoke to a nice Hong Kee uncle who was Brooklyn-bound when we were about to land.

The excitement of what's to come was too great for me then. Cookie was right outside my

arrival gate waiting for me when the immigration officer granted me the chop for my Big Apple

adventure.

I was glad that I specifically requested for the low-calorie meal option when the bookings were

made. The light food was pleasing for the stomach on the long flights and I managed to escape

any constipation or gastric troubles, unlike the Cookie.

For now, I am sure that I will not be looking forward to the return flight. The thought of

being away from the Cookie saddens me and I forecast an equally long and painful flight back

home where I will need to start life proper.

For now, I shall soak in the sights, breathe in the Big Apple air and ENJOY all while I can!

Will continue in due course on whatever we have done in the first week in the BIG APPLE!

2011-07-07T16:24:00.004+08:00

The warm sticky Summer days are here and good indeed. I am officially unemployed and it has

never hit me how happy I am to say this. Hopefully I will not say this for the second time in the

near future. For now, all is good. Big Apple trippin' is happening after all next Tuesday. I feel a

mix of excitement, fear, uncertainty... but overall, very excited.

Here was how June flew by.

/ Rooftop BBQ with the church mates.

/ Whampoa Fishboat Hotpot

/ 17th Month with Cookie

/ Brunch with Ms Sue & Wind

/ Bak Kut Teh catch-up with George & Da Jie

/ Cookie Sandwich Food-tasting

/ New Yorking at Kino

/ X-men with GL AnAn

/ MBS weekend with the chabors

/ Farewell my Charming & CT

/ Wolestest's Birthday Surprise

/ Oysters at Amichi

/ Brother's 22

/ Chilled at Bakri

/ My first Botak Jones

/ ACM

/ Morning Southern Ridges

/ Queen & Mangosteen

/ My first Godiva (from Cookie!)

/ Frolick

Have I mentioned I am reeeeally excited?

2011-06-15T22:31:00.000+08:00

When was the last you ventured into something new?

Helen Keller said, “Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” For me, I would pretty much

say that I am on a constant mission to be an "explorer". I would gamely mention that I am

big on new food and taste and always on a fervent look-out for the latest bands to spin. Nothing

pleases me more than ploughing the book store for the latest on the shelves. The truth is... it

does not takes much for me to be bouncing off the walls. All it takes is a cheap thrill of knowing

I am going charting unknown territories or doing something for the first time.

Come discover what spice and thrill you can add at the new initiative by OurCommunity.sg!

All you have to do is to pick the one activity that you always wanted to try (but never do...)

and share your experience with your mates on your blog!

Besides being able to strike off that item on your "100 Things To Do Before You Die",

you stand a chance to pocket a 64-GB iPad 2!

The folks at PA has kindly thrown in Wi-Fi and 3G along for you to fully enjoy the new toy.

All the details are as below.

Good luck!

2011-06-10T01:35:00.001+08:00

It's the Moycee's birthday!

Due to some unknown constraints that come along as age rolls in, we had a simple affair

at Applebees. Not that it was bad or anything, but the chabor and I were initially planning

a celebration on a larger scale. Too bad the three of us could not reach an agreement on

what to do in end but food always saves the day. We ate, we gossiped, we reminisced.

Through the good and bad, these girls still stood by me after a mighty ten years.

I guess it was the mixture of hot and cold that brought us all closer together. Despite each of us

entering into a different phase of life with different characters, I never fail to marvel at how

words come with no effort when we come together. I do hope and believe that we will stand

the test of time.

Chabor and I got this pair of very classic and cool Agnes B studs for the burfday girl. Wished I

snapped a shot of it!

Applebees was great although I wished there was more buzz. I guess I cannot blame for that

short since it was tucked at the corner of Orchard at Triple One. Cookie must have heard me

mentioned one too many times how much the place resembles a quieter MacLaren's! Though

I must say that they should stop looping the sports videos on the in-house screens...

Food was great in terms of portions but meh on the taste.

2011-06-06T00:46:00.001+08:00

There is only so much to say about the much-debatable "pounds" issue when another spread

featuring another body shape appears in the glossy. Shot by Steven Meisel for the June 2011

issue of Vouge Italia, the models - Candice Huffine, Tara-Lynn, Marquita Pring and Robyn

Lawley have capulated the evergreen topic of models' shapes and sizes to the top of the

grapevine once again.

Why should there be such a fuss in the first place? If these girls are indeed the "real" and

"everyday" females, why the interest again? Are we really looking at how the practiced craft

of the photographer in this spread? Besides, a fashion magazine is meant to inspire fashion

choices and not body sizes. Yes, things might not be the case in mind anymore but let's refresh

this thought. I guess as long as the chase for "size zero" is on, we will give that extra gasp and

interest to such a spread.

Curves issues aside, I am in love with each and single shot as they celebrate the true meaning

of being a woman. Every model indeed skilfully marry sensuality and feminity with their bold

and dangeorous curves. There is something intriguingly familiar with this all as we must

remember what once was "vere belle". Well, that must have been tossed with the wind through

time but it does not take more than a sensational spread like this to remind and charm us again.

More pictures (NSFW)

2011-06-05T02:22:00.003+08:00

Sleepless nights ensue this vital week as the news will come and decisions will be made.
To be honest, I was being honest when I told the cookie to go all out for the plan.
I must admit that part of me wondered how I would be able to plough through the days
with him halfway round the world, should he clinched the prize.

That said, I would want nothing more for him to finally be rewarded for his determination
and patience to relentlessly persue his passion and dreams. I believe he is also the reason

why I had the guts and whatever motivation to "do something" about my life at the moment.

It is not bad but not great either.

To complain about my life now would be a crime considering how much I have.

My cup is not full but it is not exactly empty either, no?

Still, I am itching for new experiences and learning curves. Watch this space as I thrust myself
into never-been-there situations! Haha. Honestly, who knows what the future holds for us?
But we are the captain of our lives and only we can steer ourselves to the direction we want
to see us go. The waters may be choppy but I am prepping the sails! ;)

2011-05-31T15:37:00.004+08:00

Seventh May was Cookiepapa's birthday ans as the family tradition goes, we had the

celebratory dinner at Novotel. Compared to a year ago when I first joined the family

for the feast, I felt much at ease this time. We enjoyed the mains and went to the

dessert spread for seconds, thirds... and maybe forths.

The brothers and I surprised the dad with Chardonnay infused with pure gold. It was

indulgence at its best. We sipped, we dissed, we snoozed as the results of the

elections were unveiled one by one by the ohtoofunny Yam Ah Mee.

Meeting the PSDians for Watami by the river cos we had another comrade leaving the

shithole for a better living. Due to some promo, we went home with some 50% off

vouchers for our next visit!

Finally get to taste Cookie's chawanmushi again after more than a year!

What's better than ending the day with chocolate waffles and a hugmug?

Pasta and movie date night with GL sister!

I finally finally had the chance to try Ootaya after hearing so much raves about the

place! In the end, I felt it was so so? I ain't sure whether it was because I didn't

order the right signature items. Everything was well... average.

2011-05-22T23:27:00.005+08:00

Brunch with the cookie at The Cellar Room @ Vivo. Brunch sets were quite worth it

but take my words with a pinch of salt since I am biased towards the food spots

that dot along the Vivo premise. I'm a sucker for joints by the water.

We headed to OC to collect the race pack after for the Nike race, which sad to say,

I did not make it for in the end.

Brunch with Ms Sue at Cafe Hacienda. We woke up bright and early for the eggs,

bacon, pancakes and all the works during the Labour Day holiday. You bet Ms Sue is

the other girlfriend who is willing to set the alarm for a good brunch on a sleep-in

morning. We talked, we laughed, we reminisced. Out of spontaneity, we cabbed to

Outram for some wedding stuff at before I Ikea-ed with Mom at Tampines.

Speaking of which, Ms Sue is officially Mrs Sue. Watch this space for the pictures.

Lunch at Bali Thai. Give me Ah Loy anytime.

Met Ms Sue again for a quick lunch at Freshness @ Clarke Quay so that I could

pass her some homemade chocolate cookies. Sometimes I wonder whether we will

ever run out things to say one day.

Spicy nuggets, seaweed fries, popeyes with the cookie. This boy has no qualms

eating fast food everyday. I do wonder how his stomach takes it at time but then

again, I am not a good example of following the rule of "fast food occasionally".

We also hit the dessert shop at Serangoon Gardens finally and I got the mango

and durian fix after much persuading to the boy that they are GOOD. You can

smell the durian from first level (shop's at second) and if that is not a good

sign already, I don't know what it. Have I mentioned how noisy the shop always is?

I feel it just makes the whole vibe better. I reckon if they show some HK shtuff

on the TV, and not Korean MVs, it would be better. But anyways, you know the deal,

it's the company, and of course, durian that matters.

2011-05-13T01:04:00.000+08:00

On 21 April, I had the luck to attend... not only my first classical music concert,

but my first show at the Esplanade Theater as well.

The second concert in the LANXESS SNYO CLASSIC series, the “A Musical Chemistry"

was the climax of the collaboration between the

Singapore National Youth Orchestra and Lanxess, a German leader in specialty chemicals.

World-acclaimed violinist Lara St. John was the guest soloist playing Tchaikovsky’s

Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35 alongside the orchestra.

Alexander Polishchuk was the conductor and I appreciated having a seat so

to the stage, for watching him was quite interesting actually.

The audience was also treated to Wagner’s Overture to “Die Meistersinger Von

Nürnberg”, César Franck’s “Symphony in D minor” and the world premiere of

“Fanfare for a Frazzled Earth” – a piece composed by local conductor and

SNYO Music Director Darrell Ang for this collaboration.

It was truly an eye-opener for me and I believe so for the over 1,400 people

who turned up at the classical performance as well. We did not went home empty-

handed, thanks to the Lanxess folks. I was treated with mementoes which includes

“Mozart – The Knights” (an album Lara collaborated on with her brother Scott).

Many who stayed after the concert even had the chance to get up close and

personal with the Lara in person for her autograph and a memento shot. I was

rushing off after the concert and so missed this rare opportunity unfortunately.

Wish to catch some live classical music action yourself?

Peel your eyes for more information coming your way for a concert on July 10, 2011.

LANXESS and the SNYO will be working together once again to bring us a free

outdoor concert at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Yay to the outdoors!

Event pictures taken from/ See more event pictures at

http://www.lanxesssnyoclassic.com/#

Read more about the event and find out how Lanxess is are

contributing to our local arts scene at

http://lanxess.sg/en/lanxess-snyo-classic/2011-event/2011-event-highlights/a-musical-chemistry/

Lara St. John's Facebook page at

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lara-St-John/69500875497

2011-05-07T16:16:00.002+08:00

When words became too much to bear, drop everything and celebrate.

To be honest, I miss the little sister.

I have no idea what is going on right now. Should I try harder?

Perhaps I was trying to be dumb to fix things. Perhaps there was nothing wrong in the first place,

or rather nothing for me to be able to fix.

I still owe Lanxess and some other details. I want to write some more, in due course.

Be right back.

2011-04-15T00:19:00.003+08:00

"BMT, POP, ORD, SOC, OCS..."

I have never really grasp the entire dictionary of singapore army abrievations since...

1. I have never had a boyfriend who was going through national service.

2. My one and only brother, despite being well past his "NS age", just graduated from his Bee Am Tee!

We rose bright and early at 5.15am to trek all the way to Marina Bay Float for the parade.

To be honest, I was looking forward to the entire episode.

It was fair to credit this to the fact that all of us did not have the chance to be in the float in the past occasions when the space was actually utilised.

By saying this, I meant that my previous attempts in bidding for the National Day Parade always fail.

I thought it was just my luck (or lack of it rather) with the float, but nope, I was not that lucky as well with the balloting or lucky draws for that matter.

The organisers proved me wrong on the issue on punctuality when the emcee rallied for everyone's attention at 7.40 am sharp. It was exactly as per the programme's! We stop our camwhoring and sat straight looking out eagerly at the field as the boys entered the float.

We knew it was futile attempt even before we tried. We TRIED to look out for the little brother but ALL of them looked exactly the same.

I felt exactly like how Alex the Lion in Madagascar 2, when he had difficulty telling Marty the Zebra apart from the rest of the zebra pack.

I knew all the other spectators felt the same. Of course, I bet the boys in front must be having the same sentiments when they were looking for us too!

The boys sure know a thing or two on camwhoring under the 9am sun.

mother + sister + girlfriend tendering the pack!

The whole affair ended at 10+ am and since we were just a few steps away from MBS,

Mom and I decided to catch some air-con (haha) there while the rest decided to bail

for some extra sleep.

My little brother has indeed grown up!

2011-04-10T17:06:00.005+08:00

One slow morning at work, I was looking through the emails as per routine ala every morning when I chanced upon this email from Qingren.

"Classical music? Are you for real?"

That was pretty much the first thought that came into my mind when I scrolled the message in apprehension while downing that morning mocha. Still, much less hesitation later, I sent the "OK, See you there!" reply and then on that cloudy evening on that Tue, I was at The Pigeonhole in the Tanjong Pagar shophouse district. I smell "artyfarty" in the air already.

That said, I love the Pigeonhole immediately.

Cosy and unpretentious, the 2-unit shop-house was the perfect place for the sharing session for some other ten bloggers, representatives from the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) and Lanxess, a German-based chemicals company.

I was indeed very much well-taken care of once I stepped into the unit. Maggie from Lanxess welcomed me warmly and ushered me to the very sumptuous-looking bagels (smoke salmon anyone?), gourmet sandwiches, wine and beer. Of course, there was also the wasabi chips that garnered raves from everyone. She also shared how Lanxess is very excited to be supporting SNYO to run a mentorship and cultural exchange programme, where some very lucky and talented chosen musicians from the orchestra will be sent to Italy for a training trip.

After the peeps settled down with nibbles and drinks, Kaye Lim from Lanxess welcomed everybody and introduced the special guests - Darrell Ang (renowned international conductor), John Sharpley (multi-talented composer, performer, writer and lecturer) and Olive Kan (representative from SNYO).

Each guests shared their insights through an informal interview with Kaye and a Q&A with us. Darrell touched everyone present with his inspiring musical journey to become one of the most recognized local conductors who have reached out to audiences beyond local shores. John was able to give us a fresh and light take on various approaches to classical music by some all-time favorite musicians like Debussy. Olive (who is very stylish, I must add) made me smiled by describing her experiences on how she first got involved in music during her younger years plus the trip with the three young talents in SNYO when they visited Italy in mid-March in the cultural exchange programme.

We had fun and laughter trying to win rounds of "taboo" (hint: classical music related!) with the enthusiastic John and winning Lanxess goodies as well. By the end of the game, the atmosphere of the session was heightened much indeed as we laughed over some outrageous guesses.

What's a classical music sharing session without some good o' music?

The three young SNYO flautists (Jasper Goh, Rachel Ho and Tu Siling), who had the honour to participate in the cultural exchange, wowed everyone present with a tune each. I was in complete awe and am very touched to be able to listen to such great live flute music in that small little room that I swore I developed goosebumps all over, in a very good way I must add.

In all, I was glad to have participated in the session where like-minded youth gathered and enjoy great music. More importantly, it was a rare and good opportunity for us to discuss issues like - whether youth who are financially disadvantaged can enjoy access to classical music, how the growth of the Internet has enable more people to discover new music, the avenues bloggers should tap into to discover the wonders of classical music, etc.

It was also a pleasant surprise for each of us to leave with a a goodie bag from Lanxess containing more relevant information in a thumb-drive (documents, vidoes, photographs of the collaboration). Plus... an invitation to the upcoming concert by SNYO! I'm doing a little happy dance already as I look forward listening more from these extremely young talented musicians and also from Lara St John, internationally celebrated violinist.

Interested too?

Feel the chemistry yourself!

LANXESS SNYO CLASSIC 2011 presents

A MUSICAL CHEMISTRY

Date: 21st April 2011, Thursday

Time: 7.30pm (2hrs, including 20min intermission)

Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall

Price: $9

A Musical Chemistry is the public concert for 2011. It is the second concert under the LANXESS SNYO Classic mentorship and cultural exchange programme. Together with Canadian-born violinist, Lara St John, the SNYO plays Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35. The concert, under the baton of Maestro Alexander Polishchuk from Russia, will also perform works by Wagner and Franck.

A closer look on the Lara St John, the guest violinist, have been described at “something of a phenomenon” by the Strad, and a “high-powered soloist” by The New York Times. She has performed as a soloist with several orchestras including the Royal Philharmoninc Orchestra in Europe and the Queensland Orchestra in Australia.

Get tickets from Sistic at this link or all authorized outlets!

Photos credit: http://the-mad-scene.blogspot.com

2011-04-03T12:55:00.003+08:00

This must be one of my favourite places around...

I believe it must be the star signs or the nice mix of laughter and booze in the air

that makes me wanna come back here again and again. We came without any specific

makan place in mind and I bumped into Bella Pizza. But alas, it's closed on that

Monday when we visited so we wondered into Hogs Breath where they were having

half-price mains special. Not too bad if you ask me since we had good music for

company!

And then we walked some more and decided to check out the swing rattan chairs at

TCC nearby. I thought it was pretty comfy but not for cookie I guess...

I have an affinity with high temperatures, blocked noses, aching joints on sundays.

It's bad to be stuck being too tired to move at home cos it would be great to fill

the house with the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, or pack the beach

bag with my new bikini to soak in the sun.

But I guess it's just the bed and my DVDs...

2011-03-23T22:58:00.001+08:00

my favorite GL sis turned 19. sob.

but we had great food and celebration!
it's still too weird to bring her out for drinks.
someday... maybe.

drinks and the ponggol breeze tomorrow. can't wait.

2011-03-22T22:37:00.002+08:00

ok i need to be back.

work has been really really taxing, not just physically, but more on the
mental state of things. how would i be more tired when i have been hitting
the treadmill more than i have ever did? what a joke. it's just that when
you try again and again to get "it" right, and it just gets shoot back to
you repeatedly with so much flak... it gets to you.

i have no clue how long i can still stand, but for now, it's a step at a time.

for now....

joining BK cheap burger Q for a full one minute before deciding it's stupid.

so i brought the sister to saizeriya instead. awesome cheap food that half the
sg population probably have no clue of its existence.

random lunch at pasta waraku with the boss and prata.

strangely, prata could possibly be the best friend at work. i have broke down and
swore in front of him so i guess that makes us "friends".

thai with the cookie. i can order the mango rice because i had gym. don't judge.

attended ms sue's jiemei meeting and had dessert with the cookie after that.

may will probably be an interesting month cos of the wedding. it'll be my virgin
jie mei's experience! honestly not sure what to expect but there will be bountiful
fun you bet.

max as usual.

hair cut again.

virgin grocery shopping at lil india with prata.

= run run run

brought the cookie for lollypop chicken and mushroom 65 for lunch.

confirm stir extra action in your tummy after the meal but just.can't.resist.

somebody's dream came true.

my 1.5 days stint at shangri-la hotel was indeed the highlight of work so far.

met gabe from san frans, jett from msia, jay (who looks like xiao xiao bin!) and
joyce from taipei, christian the hottie daddy and big burly dr dhot from Mauritius.

and many more... i miss talking to these people!

cookie brought me to cold stone for a celebratory guilt treat.

ikoi buffet for cookiebro's beeday. another 10 plates of this pls!!

2011-03-14T23:51:00.003+08:00

it's just work. i don't know why it has consumed the whole of me so much.
i lost the spark.

and i would want to do anything to get that back. i know a short vacation
will not do anything much.
but just 10 rounds on cockscrew, basking under the phuket sun,
scoring a good deal at bkk, or exploring the xi men ding streets again...
the draw of a break and reconnection with myself is just too great to ignore.

shuo shuo ba le.

2011-03-06T12:59:00.001+08:00

survived the rest of the feb on a miserable change in the bank ,
but i pulled it through!
the mom is healing well fast enough too and i hate that i got to
more sessions of cell and service than i would like to but oh well.
work's been giving me a new level of stress but as my motto goes,
"what doesn't kill us will make us stronger."
with two more new events coming up in this month alone,
i will need to pull my socks high too. of course, i better make
sure the socks come with anti-grip as well!

just before the mom went for the surgery, we managed to gather and
hang out quite a bit. it was great and also with the aunts.
really grateful for their help.

had ah loy with the cookie for the first time! since we were there,
how can we not pop by tom's palette too?!

mobile poop

that's all. off to sunday gym!

2011-02-20T17:29:00.002+08:00

this dark cloud passing, i know the rain won't fall forever.

positivity is a boon and bane in life, in relationships.
over time, you are not allowed to let that single streak of negativity
get to you as much as you need some of that for balance.

you laugh, you cry. that is balance.
do i even need an excuse to feel the way i feel?

and while i'm still putting my finger through this all,
i will smell the sweet roses while they still bloom.
just keep running.

2011-02-17T00:28:00.004+08:00

this is how i work when i am high on coffee...

2011-02-15T22:13:00.004+08:00

happy veeday cookie!
thanks for the wonderful first veeday i have ever experience.
hope you'll be the only i will ever spend veeday with!
as sad as it sounds, i do hope it will be that way haha!

please like your little book of memories and treasure with
your life cos you're STM. so the next time i ask you about
a certain activity we did on a certain day, you have no
excuse not to forget. also, the book will serve as a good
reminder to uphold our camwhore spirit! gambatte!

i know it's a rush job but every page is my mostest sincerest
ai xim for you ok. cannot hiam huh, or no more youknowwhat
for you. i'll be looking forward to seeing yours!

and i know flowers are overrated on veeeday but i cannot
help but being all feeling romanced and veeday-ed when i
received the bouquet surprise. till moment, i still cannot
decide whether the money could have put to better use which
both of us can enjoy together. so... thankew for the lovely
red and champagne roses and i shall look forward for more in
the future MUAHAHA.

despite us setting plans for this weekend, i must say that
every weekend is special with you. thanks for truly letting
me feel what it's like when they say that if you love someone,
everyday will be veeday. tho our original plans screwed up, i
must say i like our impromptu plans! the ridges walk, catching
man-u match in a cool place with great fish&chips, visiting
good o cheap naan... simple activities are still wonderful and
special cos they are with you (no matter when)!

with that, please remember this special weekend as much as i do.
looking forward to more lovely weekends like these,
as long as they are with you.

daisuki!

2011-02-14T22:03:00.002+08:00

ms sue pulled me out on NYE so i had to return the favour on CNYE.
we had the longest bruncher ever and when the clock strikes near
reunion dinner time, we bade farewells and well-wishes to return
to the families. simple mee sua dins with the family and pizza for
supper. that was how i started my new lunar new year - simple and
with lots of good food!

2011-02-14T00:37:00.002+08:00

survived my first month at work, cny, vday in one whole (bigger) piece.
looks like the festive season is really over!
lots of fun, new people, eating, walking around,
and of course not forgetting working out.
been really broke paying off the new bag so haven't been going out more than usual.
i really miss the friends and hanging out, so hopefully i will be more financially
secure to head out for some good makan again next month!

23 jan - cookiemama's beeday

tajimaya at vivo again. the tenderloin was damn shiok
but at 49.90++ per plate, i doubt i will have it as
much as i want to in the future. thanks to the cookiepapa,
we were able to order this almost free-slow style.
one of the best beef i ever had!

27 jan - HK dessert at vivo

finally maanged to visit this place but only cos good
o' max brenner was closed!

29 jan - yureka!

finally met up with the peeps at yureka at thomsom.
baby benji as special guest and male shopping in town!
the baby was good arm workout. after a mere 3 min of holding him,
i swear my arms were crying tolong already.

30 jan - TCC

with the cookie at keppel branch!
i love simple kopi dates with cookie on weekends.

hello feb!

2011-01-31T11:32:00.002+08:00

15/ Haagen

16/ Hotpot with the chabors

19/ Jagers with the longtimenosee

20/ CNY-shopping with the old girls

22/ Fave ramen, new fave dessert, and old fave boy

with the weather like this for the past weekend +, and the missing oreo in action,
where got mood to work?

2011-01-18T22:52:00.003+08:00

the angels they burn inside for us
are we ever
are we ever gonna learn to fly
the devils they burn inside of us
are we ever gonna come back down - come around
I'm always gonna worry about the things that could break us

i love this song.
it brings back the JC memories.
if my memory doesn't fail me, which it usually does,
i knew this song from shane.
on a sidenote, i just found out that shane knows cookie's brother.
and that kelhow knows cookie's brother too.
it's very freaky.

work is slowly turning me into a boring monster.
i need to do something about this and
i know tomorrow's happened to be a wednesday.

you know what that means.

2011-01-17T00:02:00.007+08:00

well well, to be honest, time did pass faster than i expected or wanted it to.
but that's the way it is ain't it? we always lament how we are at struggles with
time and what we have.

i can still remember very clearly the period when i was just helping cookie with
his ideas to win the girl. it was more of a case of kaypohness i think. i knew that
he was a very nice guy and although i had doubts about his timing at that point of
time, i still helped. i feedbacked on his plans and provided suggestions. nothing
more crossed my mind i swear. perhaps it was at that point of time when i found
myself slowly growing feelings that crossed that platonic line. he acted on his
plans and then that day passed, and before i knew it, we were having coffee on
sunday afternoon. just the two of us. it was nice. i was still walking out of a
shadow and i guess he helped pulled me out of it to the sunshine. of course, i
was still not sure of what i am doing and what i should do. i backed off with
doubt and hesitation. i escaped, literally. he did too, though involuntarily.

and when he was back, and i had the time to think, things just fall into places
quite nicely. so, there.

i had a nice 12-months adventure. there were the ups, and of course the downs.
i never took the downs lightly and as mad as this sounds, i appreciate them. open
communication is nice, so as much as i want to hear the good stuff, i want to hear
the bad as well. though i must admit that sometimes, it is rather taxing to go
through the bad times again and again and being frustrated with what seems to be a
problem with no solution, i believe both of us would work on it, or them.

here's to more 12-months! xo

2011-01-14T00:14:00.003+08:00

25/
pow sing/ bro's first book-out/ first hug mug for mom and sis/ mt faber

26/
xiao yi's/ "tau hway"/ mt faber again

27/
hushus beeday surprise

29/
kichn & gossip with the old girls

31/
impromptu NYE tea time with ms sue & co

and with that, it's byebye to 2010!

2011-01-05T09:10:00.002+08:00

me got too much on hand to be worried about the wrong things.
fuck you emo monster, get out of my system.

2011-01-03T22:37:00.006+08:00

21-23 dec

i had a nice little virgin penang trip before i started ibm last april.

so, just before i was scheduled to start my new job stint at the bank,
i was rather psyched to go on another trip. believe me when i say this,
but i was quite keen to book myself a solo getaway to bintan.

it was not that i could not trust myself to survive myself, which i
am sure ain't no easy feat as what some of the besties would say.
i could not even bring me for a lone restaurant meal or movie,
much less go on a solo trip!

but after hearing how the wolsest (slowest) manage to return to singapore
from her lone bintan trip, i shot an email to the resort reservations right
away to enquire on the details of a short getaway - for one. of course, trust
me when i say that the dramamama monster in me had advised against
going a.l.o.n.e. because of all the possible "what ifs" in the world. it does not
help that i am absolutely the best person to provide directions to anywhere
except for any place that is within 5km radius from where i sleep or slog.

well, in the end, the cookie decided to tag along. i must say that i was glad
and disappointed for his persistence for coming with me. after his firm stance
that he must go, i exchanged over 30 emails with the reservations again and
voila, we had our seats and bed confirmed! oh, and not forgetting -
the outdoor jacuzzi!

having said that, i must highlight how cookie had been the highlight of the
trip. it was a tide-less and sun-less bintan, and with our limited budget, i was
really happy to spend just that 3D2N alone with him with - no internet, phone,
newspapers, trading, online shopping, whatsoever. it was just a couple of hours
of escapism, you may think, but i was selfishly contented enough to have my
boy all to myself.

day 1

it was a very early morning; that was all i can remember actually.
tried my darnest best to conceal morning eyebags and jolt-start the brain with
Killiney at the ferry terminal. our penquin is gonna take us to bintan! our lunch
was oreo star from a petrol kiosk in bintan. these are surprisingly good.

arrival!

the whole ride from the ferry terminal to the resort took about an hour plus?
i could not remember again because i was woozy throughout the ride.
pretty excited to touch down this little place where we will be calling home for
the next two nights. outdoor jacuzzi looks promising already.

i dragged the cookie to the beach for some nice exploration for beach babes and hunks
but it seemed that we were the only ones around hahaha. the resort and beach were
deserted! blame the weather, and of course, my own negligence not to check the sun
beforehand. a quick check with the friendly staff confirmed our guess that the tide will
be out of sight during most hours of the day, which pretty much explains the lack of
human sightings on the compound.

anyways, we got pretty bored and hungry and there are only two restaurants in the
resort... we ended up at...

perhaps it was due to my own low and biased expectations of the food in general,
but when the food was served, oh boy was i surprised. or maybe, it was just due to my
empty stomach i don't know. i have been missing the satay ever since i came back. and of
course, who can not order that bintang beer since we are in bintan now! forgettable but
obligatory.

the resort private mini mini zoo provided some nice "oooh" and "ahh" for post-lunch
entertainment. we explored the other side of the restaurant too where we almost swing
our lunch out

we rounded up the first night with a night tour that the resort provided for a transport fee.
we slept our way through the hour-long journey into bintan town in this little van and was
glad to find us reaching the destination in one piece because judging from the way the van
weaved through the traffic, it was no wonder how many vans he could have smashed. the
mall was disappointing, with phony ray bans being the best find of the day. not wanting to
get headshot by my mates, i decided against buying them back. besides, the letters stamped
on the corner of the lens is just different. don't ask how it is, but i just feel it was rather
ridiculous. dinner was at this open-air night market where we had the char kway tiao and
hor fun for about $2 or less? nice.

i guess the bonus of the trip was the opportunity to chat with the the couple on the night
tour. they happened to be NUS students and we had a nice talk throughout the entire
journey almost.

day 2

complimentary buffet breakfast where we met dasmond koh and mates.
enjoyed the noms by the pool and beach so much i wished i had more time there.

spent the entire afternoon pampering the tired body with full body massage and facial.
the massage was really shiok, and i was enjoying every bit and minute of it.

my masseuse was a very skinny and petite young local, but wow i was really impressed
by her strength. my eyelids gave way during the facial at the most painful part when the
beautician was extracting my blackheads on my nose.

took another walk with superbly scrubbed body and face at the beach and had our last
big feast at sunmoon again. i was feeling indulgent and ordered the avocado juice. sedap
to the max!

stayed in with sherlock holmes dvd and a half a can of heineken later, i was
knocked out officially. gone were the days when i could down gallons of beer with reckless
abandon. still, i was glad i fought to stay awake to get a dip in the outdoor jacuzzi again
before heading to bed. was it drizzling outside that night? yeah i think so.

day 3

breakfast, packed, another order of avocado juice, another dip,
and then the byebyes.

i miss the nice big room and of cos, quiet moments with the cookie already.

hopefully, the sun will be out full blast the next time cos i missed all my sea activities!
i have added another short getaway to do sea stuff on my "to-do list" for 2011 already,
and of course, i'm crossing fingers that penang june "eatshopmassage" trip with the
cookiefamily. i've been thinking about a possible cookie trip for some time and if time
and circumstance permit, we may really get our asses on the beach and gurney drive
again! honestly, i cannot wait for some cookiemama bonding time, and of cos, the bonus -
penang durians on season!

"nothing beats having you here around"
please know that it's true and that i would not exchange anything else in the world
to have your presence. it's not just the SGS i know. it's something a little more,
something that makes me feel warm, fuzzy and secure inside when i know you're
just a mere 45-min car ride/ a ring away from me.

ok, on second thoughts maybe i need to do something about the eyebags for all the
late-night phone conversations...

enough of the mushyness! :)

2010-12-28T20:56:00.005+08:00

... when the calories came in, and the cash went out.

3/ billy bombers + harry potter

it was long time no see chuat and harry.

5/ dempsey

8/ team leaders lunch

free flow naan

9/ free flow sakae

11/ Valentino

Carpaccio di Manza, Special Duck, Tiramusu, and of course, Fettucine al Granchio.

super belated beeday treat for the cookie but hope i made it up with lemon scones.

12/ tajimaya

shiok meat overload cos it was cookieparents' 28th anniversary

15/ sofra with wols

gifting, laughing, camwhoring. i love these people so damn much.

16/ doraemon

spent some good o sis time with doraemon and butter popcorn on first day of freedom.

17/ errands + midnight tea

and of cos, spent some much-quality time eating and shopping with chabor. rounded the
night with tea and B&J ice cream waffle at the top.

18/ old town

brunch with the girls + cookie's xmas tree is up!

.....

2010-12-24T01:39:00.000+08:00

2010-12-20T03:33:00.003+08:00

agro bintan!

it still seems a little unreal that my ass will be on bintan sand in a couple of
days! oh well, it's only bintan but the little getaway still seems very surreal
and boy am i excited to get away from this dot to soak in the sun before all the
stress hits but that shall wait. i am excited from the eat,shop,massage and of
cos, all the thrill - snorkel, go-kart, touring. ok and massage. i need a good
back rub.

good times pass since i felt the weekend pass pretty quickly since i grad officially
on wed. kfc brekkie with the sis in a couple of hours!

Giant Fortune Scarf

2010-12-20T01:00:00.002+08:00

tell your fortunr with a fortune cookie scarf.
i'm not sure whether i will wear this and venture out but brillant idea no?

and anyways, etsy taste test is sodamnaddictive and cool.

2010-12-18T00:33:00.001+08:00

i have a fucking problem.

well it's kind of personal. i feel quite stretched, for time. in fact, i am quite
stretched for the dollar too but that is another topic by itself which i believe
the prose i can craft for it can take forever. time. i can never have enough for
it. i am quite a greedy person. i can take sloth, but greed, i abhor. i want to
please far too many people for my own good. is it even possible to be the best
superwoman - to be the best girlfriend, the best female friend, the best daughter,
the best sister, the best colleague? am i even remotely close to being the best
person that i can be? it's not about prioritizing the people around me. how can i
rank them and divide my time among the different people? alas, this is the mentality
that defeats me. judging by how fucked up my life and clock seems to be now, i guess
that this idea has gotten the best of me. the reason why i think everyone is impt
is also the reason why my body and mind feels warped with activity. i don't have
enough time for each person already, where do i find a minute for myself? working
out is a good me-time activity where i just zone out, give myself a moment of silence
and sweat out all the stress. but at the end of day, i feel attacked, from all sides.
well i feel bad. i want to please everyone. i want to give everyone some of my time,
but i am having trouble giving everyone what they want from me. i know i need to
find a solution to this, but however i see this, i am at a loss. there is definitely
somebody bound to be disappointed/ pissed with me. so for what fuck am i racking my
brains for? just continue to let things carry on the way they are and do what i do
best - let nature takes its course till i know i NEED to change something. i guess
that was the main reason why i was so bent on taking a solo vacation when i knew my
time in ibm was coming up. it was a daunting idea at first definitely, and then when
siying recounted her experiences during lunch, the idea of being with just myself
suddenly became every attractive in every aspect. i wouldn't need to have any
obligations with myself! it would be just about pleasing the person that i quite
forgot all along, and that's me. i know this whole prose sound very obnoxious and
in some degree, selfish. i just wish i have a better solution to manage the entire
underground drama i have with myself. i just wish that i can be a more wholesome
being, making everyone around me happy, and if the situation allows it, me happy
with myself. trust me, being an AA and emofuck is the last thing i want to be. it
is not my practice to spill things out like this but when you reach the edge, this
is what it becomes.

ok end of rant.

2010-12-17T00:14:00.002+08:00

13 nov/ USS fireworks with PSD gang

fireworks + louis' pizza = best way to end the week and boy was i glad to
meet the peeps again, and of course, visiting USS always makes me a happy
girl regardless whether i get on the rides. let's see whether 2011 will be
a good year to have some play time in the park!

14 & 17 nov/ old town, book cafe, OC spin, miharu

all the fave haunts with the fave person to chase the emo monster
away. i remembered this was the period when i my emotions were
choppy like the market, as what cookie would have described. nothing
pleases me and my tears fall in abundance so easily i ought to be
awarded with something already.

20 nov/ pompeii

woke up to cookiemama's big breakfast. cookie always throw the eggs and
me not being a big meat person, am more happy to exchange with him. i
say that both of us are good big breakfast partners eh. bored and restless,
so we headed to the pompeii show which was quite fascinating but the soot
ain't as wow as the egyptian show few months back. visited great world for
something new and ended up with the good old school cong you la mien and
custard for dessert. bliss.

21 nov/ black pepper, family, bangbang

23 nov/ town with the chabor when i spent the money together with her and
chilled with starbucks and wordswithfriends! love girly nights like this.

2010-12-10T00:52:00.000+08:00

happy 11th month & 1 day, mr cookie.
♥♥

2010-12-02T21:16:00.002+08:00

4/ Soup & Pepp with GL sis

5/ PH Dim Sum, Doggy cookies, XW supper with NY

6/ Ikea date

7/ Emails & Pepp

9/ Sarang

12/ Juice's 12th birthday

2010-12-01T22:27:00.009+08:00

november has been a rather rough+tough month.

how do i make that deduction? i look down at my nails and i know. i de-stress by
peeling my nails. i don't cut them you see. i simply peel. this simple activity
alone is fast, mobile, free, and after a little while, i feel safe and calmer like
a child being offered candy. but the end result - ten nails in an absolute state of
distress you bet. i can only pray that the nails will growgrowgrow fast enough so
that i can drop by the nail place again for a full, nice, welcoming mani service. if
this very bad habit continues, i will have to consider the last resort of plastering
all my fingers. now, that would be quite a sight/

the thing is, the smallest issues that i used to brush aside got to me so badly this
time. it's official, i have morphed into that drama queen/ psycho girlfriend that you
point to the big screen and laugh at. i am the girl that stray cats scramble away
from when they spot me from afar, and the girl whom cockroaches chase after and
made them run in circles helplessly. it had gotten so bad that i believe the general
mood affected my whole internal system. it is not a proud affair to announce that my
tear ducts have seemed to run loose. maybe it's the dry eyes, or lack of oxygen due
to the over-overtime. but still... nobody wants to be close to an emo, bitchy,
hostile girl/friend/girlfriend who snaps at every other thing and overreacts to the
minor things that used to be funny.

i need to say this again, like how i always do.
i need to get a grip of myself!

having said that, i know that this ain't no excuse for one too many beers this week
but they seemed to help. the credit of course still goes to the various company that
helped. the girlfriends who never failed to effortlessly and generously dish out the
girly advice fit for the latest glossy. i wish i don't rant too much but if i don't,
the next thing to go may be more than my nails. also, not forgetting the cookie who
so faithfully and patiently put up with the tantrums to put that smile back although
i selfishly and unwillingly shut him out. sometimes a x/o/xo will suffice if he does
understand. "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures
through every circumstance." i never will, and all i can say is that i hope and pray
it is the same for him.

enough of all the emomomo nonsense because it is the BNWT (Brand New Without
Troubles) month! deeecember!, which automatically spells festive and christmas. this
is my favourite month because it is a beginning and end at the same time (libra like
balance what). the exciting anticipation of the start of a new month and also being
part of all the giving+receiving really chokes me with so much happiness that even
as i send my daily work report and marking today's date makes me so much smiley.
and then, dec also signifies the drawing end of the year. another year you may say,
but whether you make the last shot a full-stop or exclamation mark is partly at the
mercy of this last thirtyone days too! so go all out and make it a !!!!

why is there no x'mas shopping bonus/ allowance? maybe that will bring some cheer.

they don't call it retail therapy for nothing you know right?

2010-11-26T08:52:00.001+08:00

Thankful! BFF-always there, exact radio frequency,
worm in my head ever so forgiving, exciting mood swings
@ohhello_el

Thankful! BF-"随传随到", as cold as me, appreciates
same food for ears & tummy, gives me all xoxoxo
@thecoookiee

Thankful! GL sis-fighting with me, disturbing me,
be the coolie on grocery trips, prata partner, my twin
@LetsMeow

2010-11-19T01:20:00.004+08:00

erm, diabetes warning? this was the beeday surprise for cookie which was actually
quite a scheming plan cos i was the one who wanted to go to genting much more than
him. the last time this dude went to genting was when he was in primary school and
if my math has not fail me yet, it is certainly a long long time ago haha. since
cookie haven't been to genting for such a long time and i was craving for the rides,
i was thinking why not a short trip? it was our first little private getaway together
and i really had lots of fun although i missed the main agenda of the trip due to
the unlucky downpour. it was satisfying to pull out my tights and booties again for
the low temperature too! and of course, hot starbucks/ coffeebean always taste better
in the cold. new zara beeday jacket was the bonus, a warm arm to hold on to is the
best accessory.

it all began with a sleepy journey from tampines uphill at 6am!

exactly as what i remembered and totally different as what cookie remembered.

resort hotel deluxe/ king/ mini walk-in wardrobe

late lunch @ kenny rogers/ baked potato with mac-cheese/ muffins

dinner at marrybrown/ morning mochas/ stuffed-crust hawaiian/ closed theme park

glowinthedark bowling (with dance music)/ favourite indoor ride/ no visibility/
zorro/ zorro

light dins/ bruce willis' red/ anime eyes/ blue checks/ motion master/ venetian!
zorro/ zorro/ zorro

dim sum pig-out brunch with steve & gf/ pack & emo/ check-out/ emo

had fun! i'll be back!

2010-11-09T00:48:00.005+08:00

before november rolled in,

2010-11-08T21:49:00.005+08:00

think i first heard 12:51 in secondary school when vanessa included this in her mix-tape for
me. this girl used to be make me really cool mixtapes that i still do listen to even now. you
can be sure that she can make anything she touch be cool. 12:51 is still pretty awesome stuff
till now. this is what music does i guess. old songs bring back this certain phase of the past.
i must admit i miss the old friend at times, amidst the long walks into mrs tan's house for math
with the stinky boys and the post-school cp/ town hauntings. i cannot recall when we exactly
drifted apart & i dare not decide whether our friendship ended amicably. i still am puzzled over
some things said, not because of what but rather why. some things are not meant to be revisited.
i'll just relish.

2010-11-08T01:15:00.004+08:00

i meant it when i mentioned that i do not need an expensive dinner at some
fancy place... i always thought that having long-john take-out under the stars
will be romantic enough you know. still, i must say that the anticipation, the
surprise, the experience of it all were all quite more than pleasant and i couldn't
ask more for. great food, wine, view, service, partner. it was truly amazing.

i only wished i had a better camera to shoot the beautiful night scene of the cliff.
wouldn't it be a waste? i knew the next time would certainly be some time away
but ain't complaining, cos this is what makes it all more special haha.

now i really want another wine + sea breeze experience. you know i am a
happy girl as long as i am near the waters.

2010-11-04T00:46:00.008+08:00

i whacked the "chats" on friday, board the bus to genting on sunday,
and then wham - the good news came on tuesday!

i got to admit that i tried my darnest best to enter the rooms with
much heck-care attitude as per advice from ms sue and chabor.
it was much difficult trust me and true enough, i found myself downing
the kopiS and reading my notes prior meeting the future new bosses.

i got to say that i had nothing to lose and there were pros and cons
for each places. the first was a little wee out of the way (fushionopolis
anyone?) and the travelling honestly kills. however, once i stepped into
the office that sunny fridee morning, holey moley - i never felt like i
belonged elsewhere. i love how there was abundant sunshine and instead
of super private rooms, managers dwelled in glass boxes instead. giant tv
screens showed the latest above everyone's heads tho not many battled an
eyelid at them and instead were all focused in whatever's in their macbooks.
i sat there and relished in the atmosphere for awhile before i was whisked
off to speak to the ang moh manager whom asked me the most random
questions like whether i can make laksa. i was sure he was not expecting me
to be the resident cook/ baker and tho i thought my answers were pretty
satisfactory, i was gutted at the end of the whole thing. i knew i was going to
bid bye to the prospect. don't ask me why because it was just a moment of
intuition. and most of the time, it's right.

i was due to report for another soon after and after having my nerves
wrecked and confidence shaken that morning, i had a long lone lunch and
then succumbed to that cup of yuan yang which i always have before any
session. i drank and went through my notes again, running through my
mental lists of personal strengths and weaknesses for the umpteenth time.
I am very weak at remembering my strengths i must say. i met the new
people before i knew it. thanks to the caffeine (and carbs), words came out
smoother than i thought tho i must admit i stumped at the question of why
i am switching what i am doing currently after a relative short period of time.
i gave my honest answer and thought my reply was not convincing enough.
but there, i said it. and after more than 40 minutes, i said the "thank you,
goodbye, hear from you again", and was out.

to new beginnings!

no matter how tough they are, the only constant is change.

2010-10-27T23:34:00.004+08:00

in between the odd few meet-ups and catching up on the dramas in between
the very few empty pockets of time, i have been trying to keep myself
sane at work with everything possible. the managers have been good but
all the random heart attacks ain't going to sustain me for too long. the
colleagues help a great deal of course. we are the sot village and wols
people. good times with the countdowns to 1800 and mocha-time @ 1600.
good prospects await and i am kinda nervous and hopeful at the same time
on how everything will go.

and you bet how much luck i wish for the cookie everyday!

i kinda not like how his mood is dictated by the market but i understand
that it is inevitable? fighting!

heartfelt chats with a close friend whom you think you know well but in
actual fact is so different from what you think, and do think the same as
you. does that make sense?

of course, it's the savesavesave month. tighten the purse strings!

.... after genting of course! :D

oh. wow.

2010-10-24T23:19:00.003+08:00

2010-10-18T01:09:00.003+08:00

These pictures are grossly overdue!

But the fun I had are still fresh in my mind...
The burning sun aside, I had super duper fun with the cookie Sentosa about 3 weeks ago.

The plan was to cycle around the island but I think the last time the cookie visited the mini
island was when the island was still grossly undeveloped and the only island occupants were
bikini babes, tanned surfer dudes, and the random monkeys.

The 60-minutes cycling was far too short but fun nonetheless!
My camwhoring time while doing all the cycling must be quite annoying
and we did far less cycling than we were supposed to.
Hopefully we will be able to get more of that at somewhere more conducive like ECP?
Hinthint!

Still, I managed to complete what I originally set out to do: sightsee and explore the island!
You bet I hyperventilated when I walked into the VS store. I managed to restrained myself
from leaving the store with something (anything!) with much resistance of course.
The casino and shops were quite a breath of fresh air I must say. Whether they will be a boon
or bane, I am quite sure that the new additions defo brought much buzz and life to this little
island again.

Stopped by Seventh Heaven when we needed a little sugar/ energy/ aircon fix
super badly! The sun was merciless that day and ice cream was the best remedy.

My legs willed me to Candylicious again!
I did not get anything but just 5 minutes in the store makes me happy!
It must be the diffusion of all the funky and sugar...

Till the next time! :)

2010-10-15T11:05:00.000+08:00

Fear
I grew up so scared
The bible belt
Rednack lifestyle
One day I'll fly free
In the aeroplanes
"Where's my seat?
Where's my champagne?"

2010-10-11T21:41:00.003+08:00

BRB

2010-10-04T23:02:00.004+08:00

have you had a moment when you are not feeling exactly in the best of spirits?

when you wish you can just step off the swing, sit around and enjoy the stillness.
when you know inside how fucking tired it is sometimes.
when you feel unsure about some things you did.
when you wish you can talk to yourself in the mirror cos nobody else will understand.
when you want to talk about it, but the words just won't come out.
when you wonder what it's like to be a stranger for a day.
when you secretly hope that sometimes time do reverse so that you can undo some actions.
when you wish that you can stay in that few special moments for just a while more.
when you know that some people will linger in your life although they are not there.
when you relish in the comfort knowing that a hug can allow you can take on anything.
when you wish that the hug was more than just for that brief few seconds.
when you say the things you don't mean to but you need to.
when you feel this hope is slowly eating you inside.

and when you know it.
and you cannot hide it.

2010-10-02T00:59:00.004+08:00

The rest of the September was not the best I had, if I really need to out this out
in words. It was the end of the month and yep you're right, I have once again fallen
into the trap of living dangerously close to next to nothing left in my bank. It is
very frustrating to yet again complain and whine about how I have overspend again
and the justifications, or rather excuses, are always there. But of course, saving
grace and the very legitimate reason was because of the good and fulfilling
birthdays spent with the important people! Work was horrid as I once again face the
challenge of delivering when everyone else is not sure what they are doing. So, to
sum it up pretty nicely, the rest of September was a see-saw in its own equilibrium.

OTTO for the bestest chabor beeday dins!
Awesome pasta feast.

On the actual day the Chabor turns 23!

I miss USS already! All of us went snap-crazy and oooh-ahhed at almost every
single little thing there. Ok maybe it was just me. Coming here brought back
so much good memories of visiting the theme parks in California that Dec man.
There was no cold weather and no huge gang to laugh along with but it was still
nonetheless very much special to hang out with the chabors, to just experience
something new! I'm looking forward to the next trip already.

2010-09-30T23:59:00.001+08:00

Haven't been here since forever.
2 Aprils ago

2010-09-23T22:24:00.005+08:00

lately i am thinking that i am quite a mean girl.
not that i put glue on others' seats, or swap sugar for salt,
but i realised i tend to have mean thoughts about other people sometimes.
they may or may not be people whom i know but that's not the point.
although i may realised as soon as the words are out of my mouth (or mind),
i know that the damage is done. the thought is there and i am utterly gaggified
with some of the thoughts i have. they can be as simple as conveniently commenting
on how ugly the girl's shoes are, or how irritating she is etc. not that i am
aiming to be the perfect angel but i don't expect myself to have such a judging
character. we always hear people reminding ourselves not to judge, especially
people who we are not close in the first place, but is it really "evitable"?
can we not based our opinions in impressions especially since now appearances are
almost as important as the real deal itself? important, in a sense that it can be
superficial but that's the focus of what our society is largely based on now.
well, appearances aint' everything but largely/ mostly at least.

my weekend last week in pictures. hang out with some real nice people.

managed to hang out with the cookie finally after four days of absence (with excuse)
and i think i will need some time to get use to not seeing the boy during the week
days at all. ms sue is absolutely disgusted because cookie and i meet more than
thrice a week. no lanterns but we had lots of mooncakes and i discovered home fave's
this year! the durian's is shiokanathan. got mom's fave yam pastries and also took
advantage of gloria jean's 1-1 voucher finally. speaking of which, i can't remember
who gave me the voucher but that mug of hot chocolate saved my day.

had a good japuuneese dins with cookie's family and also dessert @ MOF. cookiemama
loves akuzi like i do! it was then that we all decided i will have a 3D2N Barossa
holiday as cookiepapa jio-ed us dimsum brunch the next day.

the weekly sunday gang @ island creamery

and also longtimenosee zombie action and firstimehello domino's

the stomach is still ain't feeling very well but i have went back to the trusted
doc and gotten more meds this time. guess this is really THE time to avoid anything
greasy/ spicy/ oily, basically - yummy. most scary part of all, i think i will need
to avoid the kopi for some time. the thought of not having kopi for the next one
week (at least) daunts me so much i wanna cry. and i swear it has nothing to do
with mochaprince.

2010-09-23T01:54:00.003+08:00

was supposed to be a workday but i decided to take the day off to have another
long weekend to spend with the cookie to celebrate his beeday. but sometimes
plans just don't always go as planned, and in fact most of the time, so i still
managed to spend the day quite well and productively with the company of my GL
lovely sis and chabor.

and this sign reminded me of sue ann cos we are always bitching about how
people at work are always so pro at tai ji.

2010-09-21T22:35:00.000+08:00

i have no portion control.
it's all, or nothing.
this sucks.

2010-09-16T02:15:00.003+08:00

the best thing that came into my life this year,
wishing you good luck, good health, prosperity,
everything shun shun li li!
thank you for all the happiness, love, care, sugar,
spice and everything nice.

happy birthday!
je t'aime
♥♥♥

2010-09-15T00:24:00.006+08:00

250810 ALEXA

270810 BOEING & BOWLING

280810 MAX & FABER

290810 JAP FILM FEST

020910 COOKIE

030910 NY PIGOUT

040910 RIDERS

040910 CHUNKFEST

BROKE

2010-09-08T23:07:00.004+08:00

this is how I feel like sometimes.

so stretched. so torn.
between so many commitments.
nobody's fault but mine for trying to piece too much
together in too little time.

i can never seem to find the time or/ and patience
to sit down with a book and just get lost in time
while the clock ticktocks away.

i do miss the moments.

2010-09-05T01:11:00.003+08:00

VAMPIRE WEEKEND - LIVE!

i was really tempted to go get the tickets to listen to vampire weekend when
the news that they are coming to our shores to play was out. still, the idea
of leaving on a loaf of gardenia got the better of me and i scrap the thought.
however, nirwan brought VW up again during dinner just now and i just had to
reconsider my decision cos the prospect of watching/ listening to them live is
just oh-so tempting!

here are my favourites and i must credit bugger thay for recommending me to VW!
that poor bugger was stoked that they are coming to sg but bummed that he could
not make it back in sg from london in time to catch them. oh well.

Get the tickets here!

2010-09-03T01:23:00.004+08:00

unspeakable happiness
bright skies, comforting sunshine
satisfying first meal

i'm thankful for these people.

it was my first time at prive and i really enjoyed the experience!
this very much so with the chabors tho we were under the warm noon sky.

caught up with the cookie at our fave spot.

2010-09-02T00:49:00.002+08:00

i gave it my all, giving that last effort to tie those little pieces together.
the last shot, the last breath, the last try, and then i slumped back, defeated.
i knew that you gave your all as well. there is nary a trace of contentment with
what was given. but you made do just like yesterday, and the day before.
because you always do, and will.

and then we look up to the dark night sky, searching for that little one star to
and smoke that dream and promise.

2010-08-31T22:56:00.004+08:00

I bet you miss the peektures!

Well life's been really busy so there isn't really much time left after all the slogging
and working out to sit down and post the pictures but for memory sake, here is my August so
far. Life's not perfect but I can't complain with the quality time spent with the cookie and the
chabors. Exciting plans coming up and of course pizza with the NY gang, sadly without Mr
KelHow whom is deeply missed cos he's out of town on exchange and enjoying the company
of the cute angmoh girls and good food.

randoms

tonkichi with the gals

CJ Korean Grill

house @ barracks dempsey + cluny + zouk

City Square with cookie & mom

marche with cookie

orchard central

2010-08-30T17:18:00.001+08:00

Dumb-ty Jojo has a great job,
Dumb-ty Jojo has major hairloss.
All the bosses and all the mochas,
Cannot make Jojo happy again.

2010-08-29T10:07:00.000+08:00

It's weird to think about how different your life would be if you never met the people who changed it.
-Mason Cooley

2010-08-28T13:01:00.001+08:00

好有意思噢！

2010-08-23T00:12:00.011+08:00

It just drawn upon my realization that we are all crawling towards the year-end already! People
are starting to make plans for leave-clearing and THE vacations. Year after year, everyone lament
on how speedy time whizz past and usually it is this time when we strangely,start to dig outwith all
the results we produced for the past months. "What have I done in 2010?" This is one question I think about
a lot this month. Now, I begin to wonder. How do you gauge how productive or good your year was?
What are your personal achievement markers? While mulling over this question over my mocha spin, I
ended up with the below non-exhaustive list that I reckon would be what most people would give.

1. The quality of your work appraisal.
2. The % increase of your salary, if at all in times like this.
3. The number of holidays/ getaways you can afford with your time & cash.
4. The number of designer bags you collected.
5. The number of work projects you completed well for the boss.
6. The number of digits of your salary bonus.
7. The number of hip parties you were invited and ended up wasted.

I do think that I think about some of the benchmarks above, especially now that I am quite the official
rat racer since Apr. The powerful (and evil?) draw of the S-11 has never been so great to me before
and I must admit that with greater purchasing power, comes greater money management responsibility.
I believe that it is a fine line with materialism and self-indulgence. I am in the camp to believe
that money can buy happiness and that choosing passion over a healthier sum in your bank at the end
of the month is not easy as it sounds. It still requires a big deal of deliberation and time to decide
that it is the right choice.

Cars, shoes, bags, good food, vacations...
I wont deny that they are indeed fine and fab items to own but in terms of self-fulfillment,
I would like to self-affirm that I do remember and not forgo my true beacons, as below.

1. The true mates -
Friends that come and go in your life only make you realize the true ones that stick with you through
the rough times. I admit that I am not the best eg of what a good friend should be, but I try. I am
extremely lucky to have the besties who stand by you even if they do not agree with your actions.
Those people that do not (or only pretend to be), they are important cos they taught me to be more
self-assured. Be less of a compromiser cos u cannot please everyone. I have seen those that
support me unconditionally, those who come and leave, those who cannot decide whether they
want to leave, those who pretend they didn't left, those who are desperate to be accepted...
What is important is I be myself.

And of cos the cookie who so abruptly entered my life when I was least expecting. I constantly remind
myself never to take him for granted. We passed the 6-weeks and 6-months benchmark and I would never
change a single thing about us or him. Maybe except his "uniform" and some other weird habits hurhur.
It's always nice to have someone who just completes you and go through the ups and downs of your life
with. The future is never determined 100% but what matters is that we are still enjoying understanding
and suaning one another.

2. Family -
Rough times, but
whatever the situation is, these people are the most special to me and it is so easy to forget how to
treat them with the extra respect and love.

3. Health -
Forever taken for granted.

4. Spirituality -
I am glad and humbled to be touched by JC for the first time this year. The 2nd most
important man whom
barged into my life and made me realized how much I missed out before.

5. Personal -
I still wan to learn so many so many, to go to so many places, try so many new food, and meet so many
new people. I have a secret to-do list that's stashed at the back of my mind and I think it's high
time I just go strike off spontaneously some things I want to do, sometime.

This is a crazy rant typed on my iphone while watching the cookie mug and waiting for the sun to set.
As more important decisions still need to be made this coming week, I'm wishing all comrades a meaningful
and productive week.

2010-08-16T20:06:00.003+08:00

Say hi to little Leroy who just arrived fresh last week!

2010-08-11T22:22:00.002+08:00

Oh I know it has been some time since I blogged proper but trust me, the weekends are too precious
to sit in front of the screen after the 5 days of 9-5 work action. The national day weekend was
great in a way that it was well-spent. I went doing crazy stunts with wql, chabor. Cruising town in
wql's BM is no joke - because this machine is some hot stuff and serious business. And once again, I
have proven myself completely useless with maps. In the event that I do drive in the future, I am going
to either 1. spend 90% of my pay on wasted petrol cos of making rounds and rounds in the same town, or
2. bringing my car to the workshop because the chances of me hitting a tree, car, cat, kerb is as
high as oreo breaking another item in the house again. You can bet your money on that! But anyway
what was planned as a short beer-chill session morph into a zouk session. Oh, I felt like a complete
dork dancing in friday work wear but I made do and it was a FUN night. The rest of the weekend, I had
the best of spending time with the cookie and family and all at once! Best part of also getting the
long-awaited city square fix across the borders. Of course, I should have remembered that visiting the
JB city is a big NO-NO on holidays! We were Dora-faced for the 2 hours stuck in the checkpoint. Still,
the cheap food and movie, shopping, just walking around in another town were worth it. Again again!
Had to miss the bang bangs on Mondee cos I caught a nasty cold but I cannot shortchange myself
so I self-gave myself another holiday on Tue with the Doc Tan's blessing and Cookie's concurrence.

Photos up soon!

The MDIS boys are awesome! Just like this.

Leo! says:
ohh well..
it all boils down to the sports structure of sg
bcos sg still view sports as a hobby
or part time thing
until dat attitude change
den i guess things will change

Greg says:
probably won't happen in our lifetime

Leo! says:
u know who i blame
i blame fandi ahmad
hes an idiot
idiot with no foresight
u know y?!
back den in hes prime
he culd have playin in ajax
but NOOOOO
he got home sick
WTF
imagine playin wif the likes og gullit
fuckin hell
imagine hes wanted my real madrid?!
he will put SG football on the map!
soo scouts wuld think "hey this place called singapore.. where fandi is from lets go check it out"
den more ppl will play
more ppl means more talent
LOCAL talent
look at japan
good example
nakata

I say:
eh don't blame fandi ahmad man.

Leo! says:
he put jap football on the map

Greg says:
not everyone's like nakata.

Leo! says:
all the scouts flood jap n korea
den u haf ur sunji ono
honda
fandi culd b like him

Greg says:
not easy to live away from home

Leo! says:
hes wanted by ajax man come on

Greg says:
back then even worse.

Leo! says:
back den ajax was a gaint in europe
yeah but still

Greg says:
don't think holland was so accessible to foreigners and muslims back then.

Leo! says:
dats true..
but he culd have moved
surely cluns in europe knew who he was

Greg says:
but well, it's not his fault he's like that.
besides, it's his decision.

Leo! says:
yeah wast done cant b undone
we need another fandi
we need another fandi dat will say "screw u s league
imagine if fandi still palyed in ajax
n scouts really came
i think a couple of players culd have played in europe

Greg says:
his boys loh.

Leo! says:
like v soomdrom mothy (whatever the spelling)

I say:
wtf lah

Leo! says:
david lee

Greg says:
sundram lah

Leo! says:
LOL
STEVEN FUCKING TAN

Greg says:
fuck you man. sundram also dunno how to spell. lol.
haha

Leo! says:
im sure he culd play anywhere

I say:
steven tan

Leo! says:
hahaha

Greg says:
the first super sub

Leo! says:
fuckin steven tan is the shit manz

I say:
goes to holy fam

Leo! says:
yeah u see
we jus need 1 guy to open the way
light the path
how things wuld b diff.
who knows
favian might b in man u now
instead of vidic
LOL

I say:
...
yeahand conan will be making messi sit on the bench right?

Leo! says:
maybe
u neva know..
maybe conan made messi hes bitch

Greg says:
uh huh

Leo! says:
n mayb u might say messi who?
n conan will say messi - bu -cu
hahaha
ok..
i had a long day...
hhahah
n den
instead of buy talent frm china
the sports concil will say

Greg says:
uh huh.

Leo! says:
"hold on.. we got some really gd local talent"
lets check them out
n maybe.. i might still b playin waterpolo
in greece or something
or like ain is a world champion runner
like the radcliffe girl
n ivan culd b russslee peters
u neva know..
n we all culd say MDI what?

2010-08-06T01:39:00.001+08:00

This site refreshes every minute with a man holding a signboard with your local time. Now, why
did I only spot this site now.

This guy looks some kind of delish.

2010-07-26T23:43:00.004+08:00

We finally managed to find this cool little spot in Bukit Timah and if not for the fact that
we were late for 15 min for the breakfast, I would have tried the Eggs Ben and Pancakes
which garnered so much raves from everyone. It made me felt like I have come all the way for
nothing but I reckon this is a perfect excuse to psych cookie to drop by this place again for
brunch/ lunch again. Breakfast here is out of the question, and in fact having breakfast,
is mission impossible because the boy does not wake up any time earlier than noon.

Cookiemama joined us and I was more than glad. We spoke of past travels to the states and
fun stuff actually. Nothing too serious and tough to make me stutter like when I was in 'o' levels
oral exam. I took the opportunity to stone and enjoy the greenery when cookie and cookiemama
update each other of the stock market. Sorry ma'am, I have zero interest for now. Let's just
continue reminiscence the goodness of the shopping and food in states.

The food was great. I apologize for the misty picture of cookie's fish & chip. It was taken
with much haste as I did not want ccokiemama to think that I'm some kind of a freak cos not
many understand why some others will want to shoot their food. My chicken salad was wonderful.
The chicken was well-grilled and seasoned and it was a good and different experience
starting the day with greens, inside and outside.

The total bill rang up quite a bit but for the ambience and company, it was a mere price to
pay. I will be back for the eggs, pancakes, and to see some horses!

2010-07-17T23:55:00.005+08:00

INCEPTION

is a must watch this summer. I dare say it is better than Avatar, smarter than Batman, tighter than
Shuttle Island. Leonardo DiCaprio outdone himself again and there isn't a single minute of dullness
throughout the 2hrs 38 min. The co-stars were amazing and competent in their own game. There were
and are still lots of thinking points littered here and there and until I get the ideas, I don't
think I am able to sleep. It's driving me mad.

This is what I deem a 10-star movie.

2010-07-13T22:30:00.003+08:00

I took leave on Monday and for a while, I do felt like I was away from it all.

Oh well, till the next time.

2010-07-11T02:09:00.002+08:00

It's July already!

I know, it's already mid-July but don't blame me for not noticing but it has been quite a fast
year don't you think? It was only a while ago when I was uploading some pictures on FB then -did I
realised that the year has whizzed us past like that and oh, it will be just five months before
we kiss 2010 byebye. I would attribute this as a sign of "time pass by when you are having fun".
Cookie certainly helps a lot. Truthfully, sometimes it seems a little unreal that I will be with
some guy like him. I know he's not the typical eligible alpha male with high odds of hogging a Cleo
page, but he's been such a wonderful company to have so far. Yes there are the moments when
I question myself what I brought myself into or having doubts on whether we are just looking for
the 20% and everything still. I can confidently say that he is the 80%, if not 90% for me. It's
not about finding the perfect to love, it's about loving the person who is perfect for you. It
will be 6 months+ come next week and as I tell that sillyboy, I feel the joy and love, and I
have the hope and faith that we will continue to terrorize, i mean, love each other for more time
to come. For how long? This is an answer no one can grasp for sure. But what matters is the NOW.

And I think I may be making some excellent progress with cookiemama. Hurhur. I do hope cookie
stays focused and buck up too. I don't think he has the idea on how much this will reflect for
the both of us.

I'm rooting for the orange Neds to kick the Spaniards' asses this mon morning. It's all about my
penchant to root for the underdogs. At stake is Max Brenner's dark chocolate hugmug + a little
surprise treat.

2010-07-10T01:32:00.002+08:00

I assure that I am not showing off; I don't bite and bitch. But this is one of the many reasons why I love the boyfriend. Wahaha.

暗戀

2010-06-29T00:00:00.003+08:00

It's the start of the week (wooho!) and I had this awesome bet with the GL sister that we will
go running everyday starting from today. If any of us back out, we will fine the person 2
dollars. How cool is that bet? Hurhur. If you haven't realised, I am a creature of competition.
So this arrangement is perfect for me. I definitely do not want to be the first to throw in the
towel and also, $2 leh. You can buy 2 cups of Quest kopi with that amount. What Amore? My GL sister
will be the best workout buddy! And of course, there is project 4510. Sigh.

I am not so random these days anymore. This is bad.

2010-06-24T00:45:00.003+08:00

TGIF was pretty OK! Had fun with the chabor roaming town and feasting.

Hanging out with the sister always brings the laughs and food.

Long time no Bakerzin!

Juju's birthday dinner + Eric's, of cos, at Fat Boys @ Thomson!

Now, I really want a better camera that can take better pictures. No more settling for the
second best. Watch this space after the next IT show. Savesavesave!

2010-06-22T23:49:00.000+08:00

Out for a kopi break. Meanwhile, check this out.

2010-06-14T22:50:00.005+08:00

As the financial quarter end looms near and with the start of the world cup season, you can be
sure that the skin is under huge and terrible stress to look ready for anything that comes
your way. Hence, I try not to feel the pinch to spend more on skincare especially when now I
have a healthier bank balance at the end of the month.

This is my product of the month!

An ultra-hydrating serum for dry or very dry skin goes to the source of skin's hydration needs..
At the heart of the formula: CERATONIA PFA* powerfully stimulates hydration; a Hydrabarrier
System™ locks it in, resulting in healthy-looking, smooth, supple skin. Enriched with Aquaperfyl™,
a complex of moisture-boosting components, this silky serum sinks in on contact for immediate dry-skin
relief.

What I love most about this serum is the light blue colour, which reminds me of Tiffany! The
smell is the most lovely as well with no tinge of cheap alcohol and chemicals. Upon application,
I can feel instant smoothness across my pores and you bet there's the boing-boing on my cheeks.
One of my biggest peeve about sleeping with the AC on is the aftermath in the morning
after when you can feel the skin almost cracking after a night of intensive moisture loss. With
this serum, there was really a difference when I feel my face the next morning. After all,
the last thing girls want is a poor canvas for the make-up before heading to work. The work
does not stop here! I do feel that my skin oil regulation is much controlled the next day. No
more pesky oil blotters during the mid-day.

2010-06-13T15:13:00.004+08:00

You know I know that before all of us realised it, June will be well long over and everybody
will be lamenting at how the year has whizzed past without even really take in the time the
happenings, or to stop and smell the flowers. 2010 has been a rather strange year stil, tho
I have already stamped that label for 2009 - as the ultimate strange year. The year has been
OK, if not great so far. With the entry of cookie in my life, working in the same company as
Chabor, my brother's return, the sick twist of events in the family, healthy balances at the end
of the month to make posb happy, stumping upon ARPC, I reckon that I should make do with what
I have and be thankful and happy and chirpy ala Oreo.

Having said that, I am tremendously aware by the fact that people in my life come and go,
especially at this point in life, where everybody seems to have a more interesting personal
agenda of their own. Not to say that this is not a bad thing, some people are worth to be
purged (and butt out) of my life. One thing that I generally forget is that people change,
for the better and for the worse. Ideas, perceptions change, level of maturity can alter
through the space of time. And it is only when you cross the real space and get in touch
with people again, then you realised that maybe it's time not to stay in the past anymore.
You got to remind yourself to wake up your oh-so-rosy idea and snap yourself back to reality.

I'm not perfect though. I must admit, with no reservations, that I have not been the best per-
son I can be myself. But then, I try my best although sometimes trying is never good enough.

Oh trust me, I am not your usual resident cynic here. I am still very much the optimistic
you can count on to make the worst issue seem a blessing. My cup is still, and always will
be half-full. :)

CHOCOLATE - warm tart, pink ginger fluid, salted caramel, blood orange sorbet.

June is the packed month!
Joycie's beeday
Juju's beeday
Eric's beeday
Leewei's beeday
Greg's beeday
Bro's beeday
Moms beeday
Father's day
Re-instilling MDF
Brunch with the Silly
Prata
CS, L4D, Yingkelan
LTA big business (zzz)

2010-06-11T01:02:00.001+08:00

I think I am going to give a reward to anyone who can point me to the online site or store that
carries that necklace. I can pay in kind, with cookies. Much thanks.

2010-06-08T16:07:00.004+08:00

2010-06-06T11:51:00.003+08:00

09MAY

We celebrated Mama's Day where food took 90 min to arrive. By then, we were fuming mad and so
hungry that I did not bother taking any shots of the food.

13MAY

Lunch with the Chabor at Tampines Cartel - whoohoo for bread, Daniel Henney, and cups and
cups of teh and kopi to keep you going.

14MAY

The Oreo's sick and it's official - she's a mere 400g!

15MAY

The weekend! And a special one I must add cos I survived the first month at work. Phew!

16MAY

19MAY

We're 3-months old.

20MAY

Good Friday lunch with Chabor at Airport Pasta Waraku. Met up with the PSD gang for some free
flow ice cream at Just Acia. Honestly speaking, not really keen to go back there.

22MAY

23MAY

I made a lemon drizzle cake. It was really awesome despite me shortchanging the recipe
some flour. You bet that there was none left at the end of the day.

25MAY

Sakae lunch with the peeps.

Juju, Chabor and I met up for Ah Loy Thai! Awesomo.

27MAY

Chabor Day!!

And of cos,

2010-05-30T12:56:00.005+08:00

Welcome to Ms Jo's interesting life.

Oh wait, there is pretty nothing much interesting going on right now because she has sold her
entire life and soul to big bro IBM. Weekend nights have been dedicated to clearing the back-
log that never seems to diminish and the fresh tsunami of emails waiting for her follow-ups.
She is still trying to dig out some empty pockets of her time to upload her entire month of
photos taken in May, although they are the same o same o - ie. photos of food glorious FOOD!

Not that she's complaining also, food for Jo is always the best therapy. She met new friends,
caught up with the old, and went to good shopping trips with the best. Oh, and she even ma-
naged to knock down 3 to-go makan places in a short span of 3 days. I know that she's very
proud of the fact considering that she still has a long long list of makan places that she
always wanted to check it out. But then again, I seriously doubt she will venture more new
places since it's June in two days time. June will be the scary month filled with many many
birthdays but it's ok since birthdays = meet-ups, feasting, celebration... and CAKES!

Twiddling my thumbs in excitement at the prospect of the start of the new month already!

Too many emails, too little time.

2010-05-18T22:28:00.004+08:00

The past week was really a one hell of a ride. I understand that I cannot attribute all the
negativity to dayima, but I was more than serious when I said that it was affecting the way
get about everything. The period, or more affectionately known as dayima, has once again
wrecked havoc. The inevitable monthly affair that knocks you down with so much might that
Max Brenner can only cure so much emoness sometimes. But still, I guess understanding
that this is a problem is better than being oblivious and allowing it to happen to me month
after month.

I will do something about it, although not to the extent of extracting this river inside me
but perhaps I can tame the emo monster and being more aware.

And I must admit that the news hit me quite badly. That was one factor.

Other than that, I must emphasized that work is not just an excuse for making me really
sian and nua all the time. When you are expected to deliver accurately the main bulk of the
day, you can't help being on your toes and being serious even after-hours. This sucks
and is one big evil cycle. Tiredness bear greater stress and it all comes back together.

At this point of time, I don't even know what I want. My mind is just tempting me to just sit
still. Stop for a while and smell the flowers (or freshly baked cookies).

Well, I have been hitting the track again after a long hiatus. Being on the running track
(literally) makes me feel I'm back on track. And besides, I got the drunken immunity from
cookie for mustdrinkfridays I guess.

Timbre beckons!

2010-05-09T13:23:00.005+08:00

#600

I'm not sure whether I am mature and collected enough to plan my next steps. I was prepared
for the worst already but this is quite beyond my imagination, and my far-fetched one that I
had I must admit. This is not what I had imagined it to be, really. It seems to be easier
to pretend that nothing is wrong with everything right now and lead our usual lives as usual.
I am not sure whether I have enough guts to do that. I need time to see whether we will do
the disappointment to each other in the end.

Some more:

Sushi Tei with family at Big Splash on Mayday.

Payday just in time for Borders sale at Expo

Nabins at Bali Lane with sweetie and Juju

Baked Dark choc blueberry muffins

Brought cookie for miharu ramen

He brought me to Colbar, where we had milo shake, fishchips, tomato omelette

Good lunches with chabor

Celebrating cookiepapa's bday and cookiemama's day at novotel
plus watching andrea brocolli/bo-cherry at botanical.

Delta Goodrem was incredible. I love all her duets with Bocelli and broke up in goosebumps
during this number.

Sort of my update for you Cali! Hope everything's going a-ok at your side.
More food later for mama-day...

2010-05-02T10:17:00.003+08:00

Ok last day of the weekend, but to think "half-full", it's the start of MAY!
Get it going peeps!

May the power of mrtehtarik be with you.

2010-04-28T23:45:00.003+08:00

Yay, we have survived each other for 100 days. I wonder how he does it.

2010-04-27T21:29:00.002+08:00

Just some simple thoughts after the Star Awards 2010

- Joanne Peh is trying too hard to be sexy.
- Felicia Chin is looking less like her original self.
- Jeanette Aw still speaks funny.
- Jessica Liu is nice and bland, just like Crystal Jade porridge.
- Rui En has so much potential but where's the breakthrough.
- Time to award Eelyn Kok something!
- Fann Wong is looking good.
- Where's Zoe?
- I hate that Mark Lee can't bother with a suit and tie.
- Zheng Ge Ping is my ideal MILF.
- Nice new nose you got there, Hong Hui Fang.
- Time for Pan Ling Ling to schedule your next botox shot.
- Michelle Chia always look presentable.
- I wonder where Shawn Chen would sit if they're not married...
- Apple Hong who? Yawn.
- Tay Ping Hui is still there?
- I wish Dai Yang Tian would say something outrageous again to spice up things.
- Chen Han Wei is probably one of the very few male actors here who can act.

- Why did I waste my precious Sunday evening watching star awards?