HaPPeningS around My World

Sexy Vs Preggie

2006-04-17T15:51:00.000+08:00

“A pregnant lady is very sexy especially when she’s near to her edd (Estimated Delivery Date) – a date that is near to her labour and when the time when her belly is the largest…”

THIS is what some of my friends reminded me now and then! I have yet to agree to that statement till now! I met up with one of my old classmates unintentionally and she commented that I had put on so much weight – on my arms and my bottom! Yes, one of the fact of being pregnant is this and we, ladies have to be prepared of! That is probably one of the many sacrifices that being pregnant have to be made. It is not just being physically ready, but most of all, mentally ready!!! There will be so many comments about the size you have become and will be become after you give birth. On the other hand, my mother-in-law likes me to be the size I am right now, which is probably why I do not exactly agree with mother-in-laws. It is the difference in the thinking and culture in every single thing of daily life and culture!

I feel so fat even before being pregnant and now, it’s worst! I just can’t help but agree with some friends that, YES, I AM FAT! Yes, that is really depressing and I was feeling quite depressed at one point in time and still am feeling it! That is probably why I had declined meeting up with most of my long-time-no-see-friends. Meeting up with these friends are actually quite depressing to me! That is because, most of them have wonderful figures, if not, near to slim figures, which I never had it before!

I am going to engage a Jamu Lady to help me with all those horrid blood clot and hopefully she will be the answer to my getting-back-in-shape plan, other then determined to go breastfeeding for a year and the normal exercising and eating well balanced diet and cutting down on carbo!

Anyway, after so long, I was convinced to take a big-belly photograph last Friday. Actually, I quite liked the effect when I saw it when I had to print for my baby scrap book which I bought last week. (This is one project I will be working on for the next year as my darling grows up and it will be her 18-year-old present) Probably more photos will convince me more of the first sentence of my entry…

The Quiet 8 Months...

2006-04-12T16:29:00.001+08:00

The past 8 months has been a quiet 8 months on my blogging life…however, it’s an exciting and overwhelming experience in my next phase in life! Yes, as some of my friends have known, I’m gonna have a little gal of my own now… A little baby whom I can call my own…my tiny friend who’s actively turning and moving in my now enlarged tummy! Our little gal from heaven whom God gave to us – Joel and I.

I was one of the lucky ones who haven’t had the slightest bit of morning sickness or cravings (Lucky for Joel too!) During the first few stages, the critical first 3 months of being preggie, I wondered to myself if I was really having a little life in my tummy. I was always reassured by the scans that I went to do religiously every 3 weeks to a month at my gynae, Dr Lawrence Ang from Thomson Women’s Clinic, Sun Plaza’s branch.

She miraculously formed from a tiny pea. She was so tiny that when the first scan was printed out, Dr Ang had to circle the little dot from the ultrasound scan film. She is so amazing to be formed like that. I had so much mixed feelings the first time I saw her and got to know her. However, we were being told that the first 3 months would be critical and we should not be too happy first and should not even let anyone, even our parents know about the new addition. Therefore, it was just Joel, me and 2 of my closest colleagues who knew about the little secret that I was carrying. Not even my parents knew about my little angel!

WOOoooo.....Brazilian....

2005-07-23T22:00:00.000+08:00

I had my 'virgin Brazilian waxing' on Friday, during my lunch time. It took me about one hour and half to finish the process....woooo.... It was such an experience!

Just opposite my office at Royal Brothers Buildings, on the 6th floor, there is a cosy little cottage, whose area is not very big. This little cottage provides nail services like the basic painting, nail treatments and nail arts, as well as waxing services. Me, the brave curious one, who also wanted to try brazilian wax did it on Friday for just a trial price of $28.

The whole morning was an anxious one for me. I could not help but just kept thinking about my about-to-do virgin wax. I could not imagine how painful it would be, as I had heard stories from many of my friends and friends' friend who did it. Anyway, the procedure is a mixed one for me - a mix of embarassment, pain and excitment!

I went to Green Valley (the name of the shop) with Aisha. She was going to give me the courage to do it! Ha!!! First, I had to lie on the 'bed' after taking off my pants and undergarment. The next moment, Sha (short for Sharifah) examined my 'sister', and said that she would need to trim off the longer strands (Please forgive me if I am too crude...trying my best to be as polite as I can). Only the next step I realised that there are actually so many different types of wax, from soft wax to hard ones.

Sha tried the soft type on me. It looked green and translucent. A cloth-like strip is being used to stick on this kind of wax. Sha then asked me to take a deep breathe and she did it! Wooooo.....I looked at her and yes, it was painful as I expected. However, it was only for a short while for the pain... Well, it was just the beginning....

The next wax she tried on me was the hard type, which means the strip is not needed and the wax will dry be itself and hair is being removed when you pull the harderned wax. (By the way, the wax applied is warm, which I learnt that it's actually to open your pose to prevent growing of in-growth hair. And know what? Due to my shaving, the 2nd type of wax was not good enough for me and Sha tried the ULTIMATE wax on me...hee...this time is worked! For your information, it's not as bad as you think, as the pain is bearable and only for a short while.

After one and a half hour...

YYYYYEEESSS!!!! It's done..... (Oh yes, not everyone takes that long. For me, it's because I used to shave and my strands are actually becoming quite course.....) When I looked down, I felt quite naked and it's actually very clean!!!! It's definately very worth-it and I, will do it AGAIN!!!!

I'm a happy, 'clean'.......gal!

Where on earth can we get Good Customer Service....

2005-07-22T17:39:00.000+08:00

Encounter 1 at Rotiboy, Raffles Exchange:

Two little girls walked towards the Raffles Exchange Rotiboy one day.

Before even reaching the counter, this is what happens:

Fat lady cashier : YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR 10 MINUTES, NOT READY YET!
(Fat lady cashier said the above without even looking at the two little girls and then folds her arms and lean back on the cashier counter.)

The two little girls don't even have a chance to talk to the fat lady cashier face to face and left without saying anything!

Encounter 2 at Rotiboy, Raffles Exhange:

Two little girls walked towards the Raffles Exchange Rotiboy one day.

1 little girl : 1 Rotiboy please.

Fat lady cashier: $1.20!

The little girl gave a $10 note and a 20cents coins.
Fat lady cashier gave the little girl three-$2 notes and all coins back!

Little girl : Do you have any dollar notes please?

Fat lady cashier: NOT ENOUGH!

Fat lady cashier then folds her arms and lean back at the cashier counter AGAIN and looks away...

Little girl got fed-up and commented: I think you have really BAD Customer Attitude! This is ridiculous!!!

Angrily walking away with her friend, the little girl went back to her office and wrote an e-mail to Rotiboy and waits for her reply...

Little Johnny strikes again....

2005-07-20T10:12:00.000+08:00

During class, a teacher trying to teach good manners asks thestudents, one by one - "Michael, if you were on a date, having supperwith a nice young lady, how would you tell her that you have to go to the bathroom?" she asked.

"Just a minute, I have to go piss."

The teacher replied "That would be rude and impolite!" "What about you Bill, how would you say it?"

"I am sorry, but I really need to go to the bathroom, I'll be rightback."

The teacher responded, "That's better, but it's still not very nice tosay the word bathroom at the table."

"And you Little Johnny, are you able to use your intelligence for once and show us your good manners?""I would say: Darling, may I please be excused for a moment, I have toshake hands with a very dear friend of mine, whom I hope you'll get tomeet after supper."

The teacher fainted.

Reminder Every Day!!

2005-07-15T16:22:00.000+08:00

I Love my job ..... I love my job ..... I love my job ..... I love my job ..... I love my job ..... I love my job .....

Bad Day At Office

2005-07-14T10:57:00.000+08:00

This is acutally a moving pic, so I actually print screen each of the pictures and did this poster, coz I really love it!!! and it also makes my day at the office, thou sometimes I really feel like the above poor little man!!!

It makes me wonder why.....why do humans have so many feelings! Happy, sad, excited, lousy, frustrated, angry, sick, disappointed, upset, exhausted, terrified, anxious....and the list goes on and on and on.... I guess only God has the answer to that! However, I think that guys only have the 2 extreme feelings -- Happy / Angry...well, at least that is how I think that those are the 2 that Joel feels or thinks I feel....

I think also that the feelings between guys and gals are different as well, coz I believe that gals like me, have more feelings than the normal guys I know....

Anyway, I do wish everyone who reads this a very good day at work or play today, tomorrow and every single day!

I'm not in the mood...

2005-07-08T12:31:00.000+08:00

Been quite down recently...the virus is all around in the air and everyone around is really getting quite sick! And yes, including me, I was down with Medical Leave for 2 days previous week before last...Before me, Joel was also down with fever, cough and everything over the whole weekend and Monday as well. So, you can say that it was not a lovely weekend we had...

However, it was our 1st year anniversary over the last weekend. We stayed over the Orchard Hotel and enjoyed truly the executive suite all over again. I remembered that the last time we were there, we were not in the mood to enjoy, due to the wedding dinner and the anxiety over the ang bao money the day after. Therefore, this time, we just enjoyed the whole suite, feeling like a king and queen.

This week, more people were sick, as well as my neighbour sitting next to me. I think she will not read this blog, so I'm gonna write about it! WTF if she reads it! I am UPSET and I'm not in the MOOD to please anyone.

The stupid office has a whole "make-over", so we have to shift our positions and our "lovely" files in the "Library" we have.... The best part of it was my lovely neighbour had to go on a 2-day course and before that on Wed, she didn't want to come to help pack, as her dear husband was sick and admitted to hospital the night before. I got really upset actually, as I thought I was going to be the ONLY person in this damn department again to pack and pack....(well, as if it's the only thing that I'm supposed to do in life....) When I asked her not to attend the course on Thurs and Fri, she said that she will come to the office after she bathed...thinking that it would be the whole day she'll be around, I was shocked to hear that she was going to see the company doc and leave from there! It was almost 11am she came and 1pm where she planned to leave!

Fuck it man! It's not a fair world around here! Just feel that I'm the ONLY one who cares about the files and feel obliged to pack them....

There are actually lots more things that happened, however, I'm not in the mood now to talk about them as the weekend is just half a day away....

The Bukit Timah song

2005-07-07T13:47:00.000+08:00

Let's move to Bukit Timah
See Madonna
Squeeze the breast
Come out the milk
So sweet....ohhhhhh.....

*v*

Bangkok, Bangkok, I love you....

2005-06-15T12:53:00.000+08:00

I'm back from my shopping shpree....ha!

For your information, I took about 3 days of effort to type this out, so please leave me comment if you can....Really appreciate!

I've bought 8 pairs of shoes (Gary reckoned that I would not be able to finish wearing all my shoes...), 15 pairs of tops, 1 cute little pink flair skirt, 2 bags for working, 1 sling bag, a package of accessories and a big bag of titbits (most as gifts for my friends and mom)...hahaha....I am such a happy little gal....

Day 1
We took the earliest flight to Bangkok by SQ60 and reached at 11am (BKK timing). We had a nice and neat meal onboard and watched almost the whole of hitch, laughing our lungs out......Compared to the previous budget airline we took, this was really a luxury for Joel and me!

When we finally reached Asia Hotel (after 2 hours of sitting in the world's Top 3 jam), Gary and Priscilla was given room 625 and us, 627. We rested for a while and started out our shopping adventure....hahaha....(girls, you know what I mean, right!)

We took a 5-minutes walk to Mah Boon Krong (MBK). Shop, shop, shop and more shopping....shoppingssss.....

When we finally finished MBK, we headed out for Siam Square, opposite! And as it was a shopping trip, we really did more it....

It was about 4 hours of hard-core shopping, we headed back to MBK, to Sizzler's for our first "get-together" meal...(IT WAS ONLY LESS THAN s$10 FOR A MEAL PLUS THE SALAD BAR)....When we finally sat down, we just looked at each other and smiled....

The 3 of them ordered a main course, and I just ate from the salad bar...I loved their pasta...yum yum....

After a hearty meal, we headed back to our hotel and on our way back, we saw the following... "backstreet-boys on the go"

After some rest, we took a cab down to Suan Lum night market. To me, it was a disappointment, as all the stuff there were not as cheap and not as many. Both couples were bored after 1 hour. However, here are some photos of the market.

For Singaporeans, probably you might find the night market a little familiar, as it looked like Bugis Village to me. It had been an eventful day (except the night market) and I'm already looking forward to the next day!

Day 2

I woke up early this day, as it will be an exciting one for me! (I’m sure I don’t have to explain why right…haha) We were suppose to meet Gary and Priscilla at 830am, however, we headed out for breakfast at 745am. WOW!!! I’ve never seen a queue as this! There was a queue for the hotel’s buffet breakfast. I’m sure everyone is as excited as I am to rush to the weekend, Chatuchak market.

We hurried through our breakfast when we finally got through the queue and Chatuchak, HERE I COME!!!

We decided to take their BTS (for your information, it is our old MRT system, taking into account that they still had to buy the old transit link card). It was about 5 stops from where we were. (Oh yes, have I mentioned that the hotel we were staying in was linked from the 2nd floor to the BTS --- talking about convenience…) Mochit station was our destination.

It took us about only less than 20 minutes before the station where everyone gets off. (yes, it is the last stop of the BTS line, EVERYONE gets OFF!) Excitedly (at least for me), we got off as well. Here we come to challenge the hot and sticky market!

Shoes, bags, T-shirts, jeans, old clothes, as well as hair accessories…..yes, I am talking about everything you can think of. You will be able to find everything under the happy sun – practically everything and anything! I started to shop without much thought…something which I am not able to do in Singapore….haha…shop till you drop is the thing that fits my way of description! Actually, I cannot really remember what are the stuff that I first bought. Whatever, I had a fun everywhere I walked and in everything I looked and browsed. (Well, I’m not sure about Joel, as now that I come to think about it, I think he felt really tired and hot!)

We finally bought most of the things I wanted and by the time now, I could feel hunger….hee hee… now that the ‘most’ important thing is done…we will have to fill our power source! Joel and I had our first taste of authentic Thai Soup Noodles (a little like our Wantan Mee)

What I loved best, was the metal mug that we used. It was so cute. Also, I felt that the most enjoyable part of the trip for my dear Joel was the eating time....just look at the way and expression on his face when eating!!!

Mmmmm....always think that you are the best person to advertise for food. Whatever it is dear, really THANK YOU for all the times when you kept following me wherever I went and carrying all those heavy stuff that I bought.....Love you dear!!!

We left Chatuchak after about 6 hours....by the time we finished, our legs were already killing the four of us and we took a cab back to our hotel....PHEW, what a day! However, the night was still young and welcoming us for more action.

As we reached the hotel, we passed by a massage parlour, Priscilla and Joel decided to try out their full body and foot massage. (For those who are not sure, my brother mentioned that those massage parlour with staff wearing similiar uniforms are those 'clean', however, those parlour where it's not see through, are those with special services...) I looked through their menu, and there was mani/pedicure...I decided to try it after our rest.

Well, to my disappointment, there was no nail art, so I didn't do anything, but waited for all of them to finish their various massage to go for dinner later. We had a really full dinner -- Something called the CoCoWalk, which served "all-you-can-eat" buffet steamboat.

It was only S$4.5 per pax...we really ate till our fill...hahaha...that explains where our tummies come from... Below is the photo of the "ice-beer" gal who served us. She's so sweet and looks very young...however, she is 25 years old! (We were all so surprised, as we thought she was 15! And she's a university student, paying for her own studies!)

We wanted to go to Patpong market and look at the bartop dancing pubs after dinner. Therefore, after paying, we still had a bottle of coke left, so we took it with us as we left. Who knows that we were not supposed to "da-pao", so the waitresses packed it up for us and it ended up looking like we just went to the market and bought a package of soya sauce...

We really laughed our hearts out as we took a cab down to Patpong...

Day 3

It was the last day for us in BKK, and we decided to head back to Chatuchak again, as my dear Joel wanted to buy the Thailand Tigers (they are live fishes by the way.) So we went early this time and reached the market and 8am this time. It was less crowded and not so stuffy. We headed for the fishes first and BINGO, we found them. I think that we know the market inside out already by now. Ha!

I really didn't want to buy any stuff, however, I couldn't resist and we ended up with 2 big bags of things again! Well, me and my shopping instinct! For lunch, this time, we had something that's called "boat noodles". It was really tasty and it tasted even better than the noodles we had yesterday. And we realised that the Thais actually add sugar, chilli water, vinegar into their noodles. When we saw them doing it, we followed and we were rewarded with a bowl of tasty boat noodles. (By the way, ever wondered why the Thais are all so skinny? Ans: Their portion for noodles are really small!)

We headed back to the hotel to pack up after our noodles, as we were catching the 4pm flight back. The airport transfer was coming at 1pm, so that's it for my shopping for now!

I am such a happy gal, and I think the next destination that I'm looking forward is Vitenam already....(have to convince Joel to go first...haha...however, I'm sure he'll be reading this...) As for Bangkok, I believe that I'll be back again to "replenish" my stocks in 1 - 2 years time?! Maybe...

All ready to go home....heee...

To Priscilla and Gary: Thanks for everything, you are a wonderful couple and we really enjoyed the trip together with you guys... are you already looking forward to your coming back in Dec??? ha..

Counting Down to ThaiLand....2 more dayzzz....

2005-06-07T12:59:00.000+08:00

Yes, I'll be heading to BKK on FRIDAY!!!! HOORAY!!!

I heard that it's gonna be the Bangkok sale in June and July....which is now! I'm really excited and looking forward to the long-awaited trip. I have managed to save 300 bucks every month for 3 months now....the package was from NATAS fair, which is about $329 (includes accommodation, morning flight by SQ, transfers to hotel/airport, daily breakfast)...some think that it's ex but there are some like me who thinks that it's worth-it.

I'm sure I'll have a great holiday and rest, coz when I come back on Sunday, I took leave on MOnday as well and will be on course for 2 more days - Tuesday and Wednesday!!! HALLELUJAH!!!!

Actually, I'm planning on going to this restaurant called "Cabbages and Condoms"... hahaha...the name really made me raised my eyebrowns the first time. My colleague, Doreen went and she recommended to me the moment I saw her when she came back....

I found a writeup about it and it's
http://www.bkk-gui.de/cab_eng_f.htm ... interesting!

Already I'm thinking about Chatuchak!!!!! ahhhh...BKK, here I come...but of course, 2 more days!!!

HAPPIE BIRDAY AH SHAN JIE!!!

2005-06-06T13:51:00.000+08:00

HaPPy BirTHday to you Ah ShAn JiE!!!

Shall I sing the whole song to you???hahaha....

Really hope that you enjoyed the tea-break that we planned for you yesterday! So glad that Peng Peng came over as well...it's been a loooooong time since we've met up!

Here's a Birthday Wish for you:
I wish you enough!!!

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess
I wish you enough "hellos" to get you through the final Good-bye

It takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to apprecite them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.....

Sending you my love to let you know that you are really a special friend to me .... I wish you enough...

A happy and romantic Saturday!!!

2005-06-05T13:36:00.000+08:00

Sat was my good friend, Aisha's wedding....It was the first time that I manage to see the whole process of a Malay wedding. Both the couple was dressed beautifully and in matching colours! All their wedding gifts were in the matching colour theme as well...

I was really proud that I made a strawberry cheesecake pie for Aisha as one of the items for her gift exchange....(for your information, the couple had a series of gifts like food items that they exchanged when the groom came to pick his bride)...I was really overwhelmed by the whole bed of food items that was displayed on her peach-coloured bed with gold trimming and lace. Her beautiful wedding portrait was hung steadily on the wall of her bedroom. Aisha looked like a princess when she wore her wedding gown and bunned up her hair.

There was henna nicely done on her hands, both inside-out by her cousin. It was beautifully detailed.

I remembered that when the groom came, the ceremony started when the groom's uncle opened with his speech and introducing of her downrie....all the others, I could not understand, as the speech and talking was all done in Malay...However, I could feel that it was a serious and honoured moment as all the family members prayed. It was definately an eye-opener for me.

I am really happy for Aisha, as I can feel that the couple really loved each other with their whole heart and soul. Here's wishing them a lovely marriage and a blissful one too! May the both of you treasure each other always! As I thought about the whole wedding and how they finally became man and wife on my way back, I dropped a joyful tear...

The Jones Lang LaSalle Challenge

2005-05-31T15:05:00.000+08:00

28th May 2005 --- The Jones Lang LaSalle Challenge....one of the most happening event in my company since the day I joined! For your information, it is like a rojak of "The Amazing Race" and "Fear Factor". My team consists of 4 other members, whom 2 of them are new friends to me. The team leader is PaPa Smurf - Nicholas; Red hat and Red pants with a blue t-shirt! And yes, as you can guess, my team name has something got to do with Smurfs, and it is The Smurfs-it!

We have (from the left to right)
1) Greedy Smurf - Yu Jin (also a new friend from another department)
2) Jokey Smurf - Chun Keong (a new friend from another department)
3) Pa Pa Smurf - Nicholas (from my department)
4) Sassette - Myself....
5) Smurfette - Lynnie (from my department)
Well, that's quite a handful of us there.

9:30am -- Ground Zero (the starting and finishing point at Fort Canning Park)
All the teams had to solve this page of word teasers....and we had to answer ALL the questions, which means no blanks at all. Some of those questions were really tough man!!! However, we had some advantage, as we were standing near the station masters and overheard some of the other team's answers...hee...and that really helped us to solve most of those mind-breaking puzzles man!!!

Off to Little India we went....

Station 2 --- Little India, Tekka Food Centre....a little of FEAR FACTOR
We reached the food centre, searched high and low for the "I survived the challenge" sign....and Yes!!! We saw it. We ran to the Station Masters and guess what we had to do....

Hmmm.....argggghhh.....WE HAD TO EAT GOAT'S BRAIN!!!

My goodness....what a way to start off one of the first few stations! Anyway, the whole team just didn't think too much and dumped the splitted brain into our mouths and drunk half the bowl of Kumming soup...

We were supposed to head to Bishan Park II next...

Station 3 --- Bishan Park II, Extreme Hand / Feet
Yes, from Little India, we had to go to Bishan Park by bus or MRT, so to the MRT we went and it was the first time that I actually ran in the station to catch the train. And to add on to the tiredness, we had to run more, as we were supposed to change from the North-East line to the normal track heading to Woodlands.... We really ran out hearts out man!!!

When reached Bishan Park, we had to choose whether we like to do extreme hand or feet...It was the Hands that we decided on in the end. We had to ride on a Hand-cycle.

Well, thank God we did not do the Extreme Feet, as the other teams who chose that had to run 2 laps on the foot reflexology paths....OUCH!!!!!

Station 4 --- Toa Payoh SAFRA Club
So, we managed to finish and rush off to Toa Payoh...Thank God for all those friendly and helpful Bus-drivers along the way we met.

The best part was, we were the FIRST team to reach that station and we had to have 2 team members to climb the Rocks. We had our PA PA Smurf, Nicholas and Chun Keong (one of the more fit members we had!)

Finally with all the cheering and shouting, we managed to finish the time-consuming, strength-sucking task and headed off to our next station, which is the KILLER of the whole race!

Station 5 --- Evolution Gardens @ Botanic Gardens
The walking distance to Botanic Gardens from the Gleneagles Bus-stop was already a killer...and by the time we reached the National Park, we had to find our way to the deserted Evolution Gardens to finish up the clues for the given puzzle. The sun was really having fun shining at us that day! It was so terribly HOT!

The search of Evolution Gardens was also really time-consuming and it really slowed our pace down. I almost thought that I was going to fall sick the next day, when at the same time, Yu Jin told us that he was actually sick and was having fever!!! (and he was on MC for the next 2 days after the race...poor thing!)

When we finally finished the puzzle, we had to walk all the way back to botanic garden's HALIA WATERFALLS!!!! Let me tell you this: Do not attempt this if you have to carry your bags and run! The jog really killed me on the way and thank God for Nicholas, he volunteered to carry my bag for me!!!

We all shagged out as we neared the waterfalls and the next thing that we know we had to do was to sing and guess the titles of the songs... I volunteered to "la" the 3 songs out and phew!!! Chun Keong got all the 3 songs right which allowed us to head for our next station.....

By this time, I could no longer run...but my other team members were really fit! They could still run and run fast man!

Station 6 --- The Atrium @ Orchard
As we waited for the bus to come, we rested at the bus stop and drunk enough water.

We finally reached after all the horrible and time-consuming jam we encountered at the Orchard Road. There were 2 tasks which we were supposed to finish before the finishing station.

TASK 1: To get a receipt of exact $3.65
TASK 2: To get 5 females and 5 males to weigh on the scale and get a total of 800 - 810 kg. (If not, we had to redo the task again)

We managed to finish from the first try and the news was for us to return back to Ground Zero to pull the cracker....

The route to Fort Canning from Plaza Singapura was a mind game for me! My body was telling me that I cannot run anymore, but my mind was telling me to hurry up! I think at this point, Yu Jin saw that and volunteered to hold the small bag that Nicholas exchanged with me...which means that I was not carrying anything at all!

The worst part was the stairs to the hill top! My team mates all reached the podium and all shouted my name to hurry me.....I managed to dash as fast as I could and collapsed at the foot of my team mates!!! However, we came in 3rd place and recieved the Best TeamWork award!

I am definately proud of myself for the greatest achievement of this year. The Smurfs-it took a total of 4 hours and 36 mins.

Joel brought Cherry to the event....

My whole body ached for the next 4 days....

I'm a Chinese New Year Bussy Bee....

2005-02-17T11:25:00.000+08:00

I was like a bee....very bussy lately, till now at least...hee... All the Chinese New Year, my bangkok trip, all the cookie baking, biscuit selling, so many things just swarmed in as the New Year did at the same time...I was OVERWHELMED!!!

For the CNY, I was baking like a mad bee...a total of 44 cans of chocolate chips / raisins / cashew cookies....driving me like a baking freek every day....it all started on 21st January --- the Hari Raya Haji break....remember that long weekend? Yes, for the full 3 days, I was baking day and night!!! Probably, the aroma of the cookies drove my neighbours (up/down/right/left) completely insane... 1 can of my "famous Praimous" contained about 60 to 65 cookies....I really did it professionally, as I had the 福 sticker on every container and finished it with my contact together with the flavour of the cookies at the bottom of the container....and it costs only $10....so it's only about 16 cents per cookie...

Think I'll be sick of cookies for some time...

Farewell 2004, HeLLO 2005

2005-01-03T13:00:00.000+08:00

As I'm writing this, I'm listening to S.H.E's Encore album....Their voices together really sound like angels to me. I love the last song in this album --保持微笑 (keep smiling)... Talks about people falling out of love and as friends, we should be smiling and be of comfort to those lonely people out there....

The year has just begun a new chapter...looking back, it's been such an eventful one for me ---

My wedding -- This has definately been a big event in my life this year!!! So much preparations, so many ups and downs, just for this very event....yes, just for 1 particular day and so many other days of plannings and executions....All the dress-fittings, table arrangements, flowers, sisters & brothers helpers, speeches, trying to slim down (as always), photographs....

Woodlands, Level 5 -- haha...the biggest investment of my life...our love nest, and probably the greatest achievment for me at this time of my life. When we got to see how our home came together, piece by piece, we can just smile to ourselves....as every tiny inch of the house tells a story of its own.....from the tiles to the paint, from the windows to the furniture....

First trip together with Hubby -- This year, we travelled to Korea for our honeymoon together! It's the first time ever for us to travel together, out of Singapore. I had such a wonderful time there shopping, and didn't forget all the photographs we took together....(a total of 3 albums)

Setting up of JP Media -- if you were to ask me what's JP, it means obviously Joel & Praise...do visit us at www.jpmediapro.com It has always been our dream to set up something together and work towards it at the end of the day....well, I mean as in full-time. And that reminds me of my belly dancing achievments for the whole year....

Well, on the whole, I'm really happy with myself about last year...However, I know that I could have done much better for certain things....And yes, that reminds me of opening our resolutions for year 2004 and setting goals for year 2005...will do that tonight!!!

The first aim for myself is to be on time for work....today was the first time after so long I reached office at 8:30am!!! I'm very proud of myself!!! As I walked past the "today" staff giving out the "today" papers, (which I missed this scene for almost half a year already) I smiled to myself, saying that I'm actually early today!

I must definately keep up the good work from today!

*v*

Ting-A-Ling-Ling

2004-12-28T23:00:00.000+08:00

I have recently found this web site!!! It has all the baking requests that I've dreamt of! The recipies are extremely easy and very kids-friendly!

I was so excited that I found this particular recipie called the Ting-A-Ling cookie....so simple, I fell in love with the method almost immediately!

Yum yum.........

F*Cking Bitch!!!

2004-12-22T15:10:00.000+08:00

I just don't understand why some idiots have to gossip behind your back when they are the ones who are the unreasonable ones!!! I am really pissed off by one sucking as*hol* BITCH whom I found out talking my back! I mean what gives her the right to judge about me when she's a cathelic herself....doesn't she know that one day she will too be judged by some others who are higher than all of us?

I'm sorry about all these complaints! However, I just have to vent out my frustrations!!!! ALL OF THEM!!! It's not the first time that she has been unreasonable to me...oh, I think that it's not only me alone, but to most of my colleagues too....She is one F*cking A**hol* Sour Face in the firm!!! I simply CANNOT stand her!!!

No wonder she is not married...sorry but don't mean to offend those who are not married, but this particular one is someone whom I think is the SUPPER black sheep of the whole gang! I'm now just waiting for that chance to tell her off in front of her whole department, which she likes to do to me....

Well, I do feel much better now, at least, that was some form of outlet for me....I was extremely offended by her! Well, what a way to end my last few days of the year in the company.....*sigh*

Appeal for Sponsorship of two Abused Dogs

2004-12-18T08:50:00.000+08:00

I was so disturbed when I read the newspaper today that I went to the website about their story....

On 5 December 2004, 3 abused Shih Tzus and a decomposing carcass of a dog were discovered by one of our volunteers. The carcass was bloated, and was stuck in between a cage and a small platform. There were flies and many maggots crawling all over the decomposing carcass. The living conditions of the dogs were horrendous as the whole place was filled with faeces and urine which have been there for ages. There was only one pathetic bowl of water, which could not have been sufficient for one dog, let alone the four dogs. The bowl was covered with algae and the water was in a horrid greenish colour.
All three dogs were in horrifying condition, particularly the weakest one of the lot which we found sitting in a corner. We had also discovered that all three dogs were partially blind and had lost almost 80% of their fur. There was absolutely no proper shelter for the dogs and no signs of any food. In fact the dogs were found to be scavenging off the carcass of the fourth dog. It was evident that the dogs were neglected as maggots were found crawling out from their anuses and private parts.
The dogs were in such a bad state that the volunteers had initially thought that two dogs were dead because their bodies were in such a gruesome rotting state. Fortunately, they were still alive, but barely breathing. The volunteers then threw three large (400g) cans of dog food and the two dogs immediately started to fight for the food, despite their lack of strength. The weaker dog eventually fell to the floor, breathless and started to gasp for breath.
Eventually, the dogs were rescued and brought back to Mettacats and the weakest dog was sent to the vet. Unfortunately, she died on the 3rd day, despite the vet’s various attempts to save it.
The other 2 dogs are now under the care of Mettacats but require much medical attention. To date, the medical bills have mounted to almost $500 and sponsorships for these 2 dogs will be greatly appreciated.
Kindly email mettacats@yahoo.com.sg regarding sponsorships.

For pictures: (pictures can be of displeasure scene)
http://www.mettacats.org/abuseddog.jpg
http://www.mettacats.org/abuseddog2.jpg
http://www.mettacats.org/abuseddog3.jpg

Article taken from http://www.mettacats.org/abused_dogs.htm

Are girls born bitchy???

2004-12-18T06:10:00.000+08:00

I know of someone.....*aaaahhhhhiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeee*... Let's just call her poodle.

Poodle always looks for attention. Yes, she's a up-front ATTENTION SEEKER!!! First impression of her was really good, she's always being kind, helpful...blah blah blah....and the thing was ..... she looked all the goody goody qualities...BUT!!!! sooner than I thought, everything about her and that includes my impression of her CHANGED!!!! Well, there's a saying that goes....all good things must come to an end....

Poodle always wants to involve in EVERYTHING!!!! I feel that it's an expression of telling people that you are supper insecure about yourself...Also, she is that kind of typical materialistic gal who will try all ways to spend her admirer's money on her...she's not a only gal I know who is like that.

Recently, what I can't stand about Poodle is that she really says hurtful / demanding remarks to me...well, maybe I'm just plain sensitive, BUT, that does not give her an opportunity to say those stuff that she likes....Well, for me, I'm just waiting for that correct moment to give her a piece of my mind.....

Right now, I have reminded myself to ignore and treat her completely transparent.

We raised some money!!!

2004-12-17T07:10:00.000+08:00

Here we go again....more belly dancing on my blog...hee...
well, that's what I love to do...Actually, I really don't mind doing it eveyday....or maybe every night...it's really good money if you get a good show....

However, we are doing it for charity this time...the "we" refers to the group of us doing the act together for the company's Year-End Party 2004 @ Thumpers........YES, the 4 of us are out in action again!!!

In the end, we manged to raised a total of $172 in about 5 minutes!!! I think that's not bad after all...at least, we did something for Christmas this year ---- to the Orphanage in JB...

<--- This is one of my friends, Shirlene who came with her other friend to support us.... Thanks dear!!!

It was definately another opportunity that I was able to grab hold of to share the art of belly dancing!

We are doing Charity today...at Flappers

2004-12-16T05:40:00.000+08:00

After the Thumpers event, we (Mavis, Tricia, Harold and me) were asked to perform for charity at Flappers by Clifford, the MC that night.

I think it would quite an interesting night for all of us....let's wait and see....

Photos from Thumpers - Year End Party 2004

2004-12-10T11:11:00.000+08:00

After the make-up, before the event:

My other colleague, Tricia...very sporting!!!

Some of the committee members...we call ourselves the PAP (Party Animal People)

Desmond, Phyllis, Daniel, me, Eileen (from the left)

Our belly dancing performance:

thursday is...The Day!

2004-12-07T03:20:00.000+08:00

I've finished another skirt and now doing another one...both are red....yes, CHILLI RED!!! One of the comments I heard was ,"WAH, so red ah!!!" Well, I personally find that it's really a nice colour and I think that it's a really popular colour for professional belly dancers....coz, the colour is so bright and attractive, which is what a dancer would want to achieve when performing. Another comment which I heard from another friend was," hmmm....i've never seen you perform before....you really can dance?" Hey, this really pisses me off, as I don't find it a compliment, but something really discouraging! I'll definately prove her wrong one fine day! ha!

This coming Thursday, I'll be at Thumpers (Goodwood Park Hotel) for my company's Year-End Party. The theme is Bollywood! I'm sure it'd be quite fun when I see my fellow colleagues dress up, as I've already heard some of them talking about saries... For me, I'll be wearing my belly dancing costume. 2 other female colleagues will be wearing the costumes that I did...and yes, I'm definately very proud of myself for that matter. :):):)

Our act will be the finale of the event. I'd be doing the same song as the one which I performed the other day. It's a song which Julia picked for me and I think that it's a fantastic song! And yes, I'd be doing my floor work. It'd be a chance for me to add to my profile and my experience too. I believe that I'll definately have lots of fun doing the act and who knows, I might even get to know someone who would like to engage a belly dancing for his event?! Whatever it is, I'm looking forward to Thursday.

It definately is a success this time.

2004-12-06T13:00:00.000+08:00

"YES!!!! It really looks like one...don't it?"

"yea, but I think you'd better cut it up and see how it looks like inside..."

"What do you mean? I'm sure it is definately a success this time! I can FEEL it!"

"okay, it's being cut! Well, it looks like one, but I think that you should try it to make sure before giving it to Priscilla..."

"....see what I told you....don't you think I've succeeded? I'm so happy....FINALLY, i've succeeded!!! YES!!! I'm gonna cut half for Priscilla..."

______________________________________

That was my bread-judging session with Joel...I've tried to bake bread using the Princess bread-maker given by my department (for house-warming) so many times till I think I've lost count! After every time, it's always such a sad thing when I see what comes out of the machine...BUT this time, it's different! It really looks like bread, feels like bread and most importantly, taste like one too!!!

I'm so happy and it really ended my weekend oh-so-fine!

it's beef noodles day!

2004-12-03T05:30:00.000+08:00

Today is the day where we are going to eat Beef Noodles @ China Square. Yummy!!!! Lynnie will be treating me as she got one of the highest in her class for the make-up project....

Lynnie (left), Irene (centre), myself (right)

My belly dancing night!

2004-11-21T15:39:00.000+08:00

It's the day today! My belly dancing performance is on tonight, at The Bayshore. Julia, my belly dancing instructor stays there and the residents there are having a post Deepavali celebration. They have requested for belly dancing and a bollywood dance as well.

I'll be doing a solo today, in my purple costume. (Think I'll put up a picture of it later) The song is about 4 minutes plus and it's a fast song! I was practising really hard at home, but I kept going out of rythme....the more I tried to practise, the worse it became --- finally, I gave up practising and decided to just go ahead with my past practise performance. I'm sure it would not be so bad.

It was already 3:15pm, and I started to get ready to wash up to go to The Bayshore. Thankfully, dear Joel is willing to drive me up and down...He's always THE BEST!...Thank you dear, I love you, you are always so supportive for everything that I do! By 3:45pm, we were out of the house. It takes quite some time to get down to East Coast, as we stay in Woodlands. I have to be at Julia's place by 5pm.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

"ding dong....." The door bell rang and we were recieved by Sabrina, Julia's sister. She is suppose to do my make up today. I always love the way she do my eyes, especially when she does the Cleopatra eyes!!! She makes them look so lovely and of course, seductive...which they are suppose to look like that when it comes to dancing.

By the time it was finished, it was almost 6pm. I started to change into my costume---handmade by myself! I'm always very proud of my handiworks! I'll be starting up a business myself to make belly dancing costumes which includes the veil. Those who are interested in the costumes, do click here...(the website should be up and running really soon) However this time, I'll be wearing a skirt rented by Julia. It's a lovely blue circle skirt with gold shimmers by the edge of the trims. Beautiful!

The final moment came and the music started! I really enjoyed myself as I smiled my way through the whole 4 minutes plus. I really would like to do this again soon, and I believe it will be soon, as for my company's end-year party 2004, I'll be demonstrating my dance moves....however, that would be another story, another time!

Till the next time....

Morning...

2004-11-06T03:33:00.000+08:00

As I finished most of my work in the morning, I started to surf the web, to my favourite web pages...

flowerpod community -- my favourite forum (maybe coz the only one that I ever went to). It's a forum where gals and some guys meet up to talk about anything, from make-up to body talk to relationships....there's even a section on your wish-list and sale-list...

one of my inspirations for blogging -- SHE, is the ONE who inspired me on blogging...reading her stories really make your day...she is one interesting writer who makes me laugh especially on those stories that she writes on travelling...waiting for the next travel story that she'd be writing soon!!!

my favourite online greeting -- sent a virtual flower greeting to one of my gal friends, who's broken hearted for days .......(suddenly wondering why must people get heart-breaks after breaking off...it's such a long and painful process! Sometimes, I hope that I don't fall in love, then I'll never get a heart-break.)

Following on, I think I will have to change my fish tank water...it's really dusty on the top of the water...I'm quite a bad owner sometimes...alright!!! I will do it later, after lunch!!!

It's the first day today...

2004-11-02T04:00:00.000+08:00

It's the first day....the first day that Joel is out of work...I'm sure he's feeling really down. Just hope that God will help him out soon!!!

Today, we are thinking about selling or transferring our car away. However, I think that the monthly for the car is too high for anyone to take over. Somehow, it seems that the car will be stuck with us for the next year. *sigh*...

Just hope that things will turn out better and sooner.

I've got flowers today... v

2004-10-21T13:07:00.000+08:00

I've got some lovely tulips from Joel today, coz it's my birthday.... I'm full of smiles today... Thank you dear!!!! I know that you will be reading this...(coz I ask you to...hee)

When the recept called me to the front desk, I just knew that there must be something from Joel....it was a lovely bunch of purple/pink tulips and some exotic flowers...GREAT CHOICE, as I really love tulips, although they are not the most long-lasting flowers....well, best things in life don't last long enough...

I will be eating lunch with Irene today....however, something really 'malu' happened!!! Decided to give her a treat, but in the end, I forgotten to bring my ATM card and have not enough cash...oh dear!!!! and in the end, she had to foot the bill first....I was really so embarrassed just now...when I reached the office, immediately went to find some cash to return her first.... i just felt really bad if I didn't do it... However, Thanks Irene!!! Really enjoyed our lunch just now....was really malu and felt like a monkey when realised that the card was not with me.... After all that, I still enjoyed lunching with you! *v* *v*

I have decided to use purple for my fonts as the theme today for me is purple and pink....such a romantic colour....

Definately a Happy Birthday to me...

I've finally DID it!!!

2004-10-21T05:10:00.000+08:00

YES!!!! I DID IT!!!

I finally did it...and that's my tattoo above! I'm definately very happy, satisfied and excited about it! Many thanks to 2 of my colleagues, Patricia (gave me tons and tons of advices and shared her experiences with me) & Irene (accompanying me to far east and listening to ALL my blabbing through the whole process) one of my guy-friend, Terence....Thanks to ALL your advice! The person whom I wanna thank most is my hubby, Joel! Thanks dear, for all your encouragement and going in with me to witness the painful moment!!! *o*

The anticipation was really killing me yesterday right after Irene and I came back from Far East….Just kept wondering how the needle would feel on the skin. From 2pm onwards, my mind was consistently on the process of the needle-work…Thank God, work was really busy and it took my mind off the needles for a while till 5pm…

I left at 5pm sharp and Joel was already waiting downstairs to accompany me to Exotic Tattos for the long-awaited moment…When we reached, I was so scared that I had to head for the loo before the shop….After which, the draft was shown to me again and some amendments were made and the decision was made! My artist, Su asked me to come back in 5 minutes time while she got ready for my design. She waited in the room when I returned to the shop. Both my hands were shaking and cold…I WAS SCARED!

We went into the room where Su was…I begin by telling her which position I wanted my tattoo on. The design was then imprinted on my butt for me to confirm on the position. The work began….

Su held my skin tight and she warned me that she was beginning…Woooo…the needles just did their “in-and-out”s without mercy. It was such an experience that you have to do it to know how it feels like. Even now, I still can’t find the exact words to describe the feeling of the needles on your body…however, it was bearable as I cringes my arms on the chair I was seating on. I just closed my eyes and held my breadth…hoping that it would be over in no time! As the needles went higher (the head of the dragon), it was more painful than before. (Was joking that the dragon was coming ALIVE!!!)

45 minutes was estimated before I started, but before I knew it, it was over…(Joel kept updating me on the remaining unfinished)…well, it was not too bad…just almost 30 minutes of pain. When I saw the finished product, I just felt that it was all worth-it! It was definitely an experience that I think I would not go through again --- not mentioning the re-touch that I have to do in the coming January 2005… That, I’m NOT really keen and looking forward to.

A fun trip to Far East

2004-10-14T03:30:00.000+08:00

Last night Joel and I went to Far East. To begin the evening, was a visit to De Beauty, our sliming centre for the wedding -- to say hi and see all the beauticians and consultants whom we got to know then. To our shocking sense, 2 of them who are closer to us had just resigned!!! It was the least that we expected of. Anyway, we settled our dinner at one of our favourite taiwan stalls at level 2.

The next event was to search for my tattoo shop.

Exotic Tattoos
A few ah bengs were standing at the shop front as we walked in. I enquired about my design and they told me a price range of $100 - 120. (Which was what I expected)... I felt okay when I exit the shop.

Sing Tattoo
The feeling that I got was like entering into a "black-shop" (黑店）...hahaha...The shop front was not really what I expected of and the artist gave me a scary feeling as well.... Definately not going to enter again even though he quoted me bout $70 min.

Johnny 2 Thumb
I entered the shop 2 times....both without anyone in the front counter. There's only 1 artist left in the shop and we went into the shop to enquire about the same thing. He stopped his work on his customer and answer most of my doubts and queries....Just felt really comfortable with him! Also, he asked me to email him my design and from there we would be able to modify and quote the price of the design I wanted.

Verdict: Definately going to Johnny 2 Thumb for my tattoo!!!

After my search of the tattoo shops, I saw something that I wanted for a long time!!! It was the black, soft material, waterproofed big bag that I searched high and low for...and the best part is that it cost me only $19.90!!! Immediately I knew what to do --- which is buy it of course!!!

It was definately a rewarding time at Far East for me!

Such An Unpredicted World!

2004-10-11T14:03:00.000+08:00

Today, one of my colleagues just told me that her last day is going to be on this Friday... Somehow, there is a part of me that feels sad! Sad that I actually did not have the chance to get to know her better during the days when she still was in the firm. When she told me where she was going, I was thinking to myself, how fortunate she is...

Another day, an old friend also sent me a mail, telling all her friends that she will be leaving her firm as well. Who knows, today, I received her mail on a position to replace her.

Maybe I'm not working hard enough to look for the kind of job that I really want...then again, the kind of job that I really want is so not realistic.... I want to do belly dancing and make belly dancing costumes for people (right now, I am trying to start part-time on this). I guess I am just not brave enough to quit my job really....maybe i'm not prepared at all...somehow, I do admire those who can tender their resignation and move on to a more exciting world outside.

For the first time, Dogs do swim....

2004-10-06T08:00:00.000+08:00

It was a beautiful day, so we decided to bring Cherry for a swim. I always wondered how dogs would be able to swim in the waters. It was really an amazing sight, and I think that Cherry really enjoyed herself. When we looked at her, she reminded us of a little kid. Enjoy the photos...I can't help but just keep looking at them!!!

"Braving" her first step in the waters...

Maybe a little push might help...

One of my fav....like in an "MTV"

And after a long day of activities at the beach, just like little kids....

After the whole day's event, I can only say that I love Cherry even more! Just looking at her photos, makes my heart melt away....

Pals for life

2004-10-01T04:50:00.000+08:00

Friends forever, Forever friends...I think we always hear this kind of things in our primary / secondary school days. Now that I come to think about it, I wonder why we seldom really find buddies or even a decent good friend we can call our pals when we come to the work force. It's a sad thought! I think when we get out of our standard acedamic studies, we tend to hide ourselves behind this invisible wall --- one that we ourselves don't even realise. I think it's kinda like wearing sun shades. We tend to be fake at times and afraid that we don't fit in where we work. Sooner or later, we become slaves to reality...without even knowing it! It's a really scary thought, but I feel that most of us are like that at times...until one final day where we explode.....

For me, I have 3 best friends...we have known each other for about 10 years, since our secondary school days...so many ups and downs that we gone thru'...

Hopefully, we remain the way we are!

Our Lovely Dogs

2004-09-30T10:45:00.000+08:00

Let me introduce our 2 lovely female dogs!!!

The above is Buffy, Joel's Chi-hua-hua...she is 4+ year old.

And the above is Cherry, my pug...she's slightly above 1 year old...

Below are more of their photos....enjoy!

Tattoos for you?

2004-09-30T07:15:00.000+08:00

Have you ever thought of giving yourself a tattoo before? I have and am considering to do one sometime this year. (something like the above one) Shortly after being together with Joel, I started to have that thought! Before that, I always think that only certain kind of people would have tattoos...maybe because I always hear from my mother that only bad guys ("ah-lians, hueys, bengs & sengs") have tattoos on their bodies.

I think that the media also has an effect on my thinking too. They always feature criminals having a whole body/back of green and red dragons, roses and naked women, sometimes even with tigers too. However, come to think of it, back in the olden days of China, the war hero --- 岳飞 was being tattooed by his mother on his back. Could he be an "ah beng"? I don't think so. It was only till my mother's generation where the "black society" 黑社会 have their so-called trademark on their fingers and bodies.

I have even heard that those with tattos before they enter armies have to take them out using all kinds of methods... from cutting away their skin from elsewhere to cover their tattoos, to lasering away their body-art! Ooccchhhh!!!

I think in the modern days where we are living in, we just do tattoos for fun...I have heard from one of my galfriends that she regretted doing hers when she was still in secondary school. It makes me think even more before actually going for one...the pain part will be another story the next time.

A much better site!

2004-09-29T13:55:00.000+08:00

Always wondered how people manage to upload their photos into their blogs...and i finally found the answer today!!! HURRAY!!! :)

was using http://www.livejournal.com/users/melovepiglet/ formerly...however, I think that I will like this site better....