.::.Life or Something Like It.::.

Does anybody blog these days?

2011-08-09T23:23:00.000+08:00

With FB & Twitter and a lot more other sites/apps... does anybody blog anymore...

Been awhile since i've been round to blog.. hmmmm wonder why?

Not sure if I wanna keep this running but well... if nobody's reading and all I get is spam comments.. then better to delete right? hehehehe

Oh well.. we'll see....

D

Something New.....

2011-04-09T22:28:00.001+08:00

Got some new software for my mac and am exploring.... love Contribute.... can post to blogs! :) learning something new all the time.....

Man am I angry....

2010-03-23T13:36:00.002+08:00

You know.. I am so peeved... that I work for someone who looks down on those that do not have a bloody degree...

So yes! I don't have a proper diploma though I attended the classes, i missed one exam due to a family issue and i never got round to taking the re-test. I'm not proud of it but i have damn well worked my way to where I am these last couple years.

To the point I took a mid-career change to stop work for 6mths to do a damn WDA PCP course in the hopes of improving myself.

What the hell was that attitude and asking IN FRONT OF THE OTHER STAFF!!! What kind of management is that?!?! Not only does he not have management skills, but lacks people skills too....

And I put up with this because I actually like the job scope but if I have to endure more verbal blasting from him just coz I'm only an O level holder, forget that i have 10plus years in marketing/events.... he doesn't see that... coz he's jaded and repressed in his current job, so much so that in this position as my ED... he rants at everything & belittles people like me....

There's only so much patience a person has for his bullshit...

I just had to rant too.... i'll show him... one day soon... i'll show him... lots of loopholes in this organisation... loopholes i'm trying to fill in my current position but if the situation gets out of hand... i can easily turn the loopholes to my advantage on my own... and god knows i can and will if pushed! So just don't push me... "Mr Just coz I'm a lecturer means I can put you down!"

Crossing Fingers

2010-01-08T00:40:00.002+08:00

Well it's early 8 Jan 2010.... how has the New Year been for all.. yeah I know I've been a bit slack updating my blog but my new year's resolution is to start blogging again.... sorta got some free time, so at least a weekly update is a must.... daily if i'm really good.....

but first things first.....i guess I've been updating lots of pics & stuff on Facebook... initially it was Friendster, and since I've deleted that account... Facebook has been everything..... and now with Twitter... will that make blogging obsolete in time to come?

Frankly speaking, there's so many choices out there..... and to have an account for everything well... i think that's damn KIASU! Seriously!

Right now, I am awaiting some results.... hehehe see I took part in Jetstar's Jetsaver Light Challenge and I had to come up with an itinerary for a day in Macau... thankfully I've been there once... with much incident... haha.. it's true! That's another story altogether... but i'm hoping that today I'll get the call & email telling me I've been selected for the Challenge... go to Macau, carry out the itinerary, take loads of pics (which I lurve doing) and blog about it.... AND.... win the challenge.... trust me the prize vouchers will come in handy....

Did I already mention that I only travel Jetstar? Air Asia's seats are crappy and they're always delayed somehow... Tiger I've not tried but comments from friends are deliberating my decision to fly their planes.... so it's still Jetstar for me! :D So crosssssing fingers, eyes, toes all in the hopes that I'm selected.... and my team mate will be none other than Warren! Durh!

Stay-Cation June 2009

2009-06-17T13:47:00.006+08:00

Well... thanks to H1N1, most people are staying home these days opting for hotels here or resorts.... even to journey out to batam or bintan, one is thinking twice about the travelling and the hassles involved.... specially where kids are concerned.

And... also because I started a new job and Warren's got multiple projects lined up, we decided to not go anywhere... and as luck would have it... he had to do a training session over last weekend... and they booked him in a hotel nearby... which was conveniently nearby to my office too.... whaddaya know! hmmmm could be he suggested tha hotel! :D

So anyways, we checked in Thursday or rather he had to check in.. and in the end, we invited his brother & family to join us for the weekend.. seeing as how, they invited us last year for the Malacca trip.

So... we had our Stay-Cation at The Elizabeth Hotel over the weekend... and explored the north part of Singapore, namely near Holland Village, Great World City & the Botanical Gardens!

It was fun.... and nice to have the family together... especially the 3 little munchkin nieces of ours.... that was just Saturday...

Sunday saw us enjoy the morn by the pool and lunch at Arab Street before heading back.... sadly the weekend ended... but it was FUN!!

My Power Animal!

2009-05-19T16:04:00.000+08:00

Blogging and what nots.....

2009-03-26T11:44:00.003+08:00

Interesting thing.. blogging... what to me started a few years ago.. some have been doing for ages.... and now there are so many 'blog' sites appearing... twitter etc etc.. to name a few...

I already have a few yahoo email accounts, a hotmail account for MSN Chatting, a skype account, a gmail account and this blog account... to add another like twitter etc.. man.. it'd be hard to keep track.

When I was single and had a lot of free time when I wasn't going out.... I could blog almost every day... and there'd be times where I'd even blog during office hours... let's just say I am good at my work and able to finish the priorities thus leaving me with some time to spare and blog :) even if it was just a few lines.

Some blog because they are Narcissitic (as my hubby puts it), I blog coz it's an outlet for me and at the same time, does update family & friends around the world on what's happening in my life.... yeah i know others will be reading it.. and spammers will be spamming my c-box with all sorts of posts and what nots... c'est la vie!

Recently, I have been following the posts of my hubby's 12 going on 13 yr old daughter, whom he has lost contact with, sadly and much to his disappointment. I shan't go into details here but whatever it was, all had their bad points and made their mistakes. What is important is moving forward, how do they get on....

Well, my hubby is trying, doing nothing short of extraodrinary to make a living and a life. Despite the odds, he has come through and continues to strive. Why? He was living and doing all this for me, for his daughter and for his own sanity :D

Yet, his daughter, has in his own words, 'Changed'. Perhaps it was because he couldn't be there, not by choice. His daughter, to me is lucky that her father still wants to be a part of his life.

For me, most of the last 15 odd years, and maybe even longer, I never had a relationship with my father. Which is odd, because, to-date, he is staying with me, cooking for me and contributing (minimally) towards the bills. The relationship we have today is far different than most father-daughter relationships go, but I'm happy.

I look at it this way... my father had to 'grow-up' in his own way and time... and I as a daughter had to give him that time to do so... and in my own way, i came into my own thru my own perserverance.

Deep huh!?!?!

Hatred is actually very sad. It eats at you from inside, and changes you. I haven't experienced that kind of hatred... personally. But I've seen how it can change people.

My mantra has always been to let go... people who have hurt me, stepped all over me, maligned me and whatever... i just let go.... Karma... what goes around, comes around. I don't wish ill on them, in fact, I wish them all the best! Life is too short to have hatred and plan revenge whatever.

I know I have changed... and i hope for the better.... before, I always thought about myself first... of course, love for family and close friends ranked a close 2nd... but now, I have a husband and we want to start a family... I have in-laws: an older brother and sister of sorts and 3 lovely nieces to call mine...

Priorities have changed.... life seems normal... ups & downs will come and go... but life goes on.... it has too....

And... the most important thing.. is FAITH... yes... I've come to adopt that approach as well... it makes me stronger... it does....

Carpe Diem!

2009 - Brand New Year

2009-02-15T19:33:00.003+08:00

Wow... since Oct 2007 I haven't updated!!! Damn....

Well.. guess I was tied up with work, life etc etc.... hahaha....

And to summarise for 2008... well.. I met the man of my dreams, he proposed, we did the ROM coz we bought a flat, he started a business, I embarked on a dream job.... and we managed to survive our 1st year together....

And it feels like we've been together for ever.... so that's how you know it's right... :D

And into 2009.. well... a bit rough but well... we're survivors.. so I guess that with a huge amount of Faith, Prayers & Luck... things will be turning out good for all of us....

Hubby's business is picking up and finally falling into place and I'm embarking on something new as well :) more to that soon.... once I confirm things....

But I'll try to update as regularly as I can.... Not being narcissistic like other bloggers are.. but just to put my thoughts out there and keep my friends/family overseas updated...... kinda!

Adios and I can't believe we're halfway into February already... damn how time flies!

SSEAYP 2002 SPY Night

2007-10-17T13:31:00.001+08:00

Ladies Lunch @ EA

2007-09-27T22:24:00.000+08:00

Yups... it's confirmed.. I'll be having a little table at the Eurasian Association Community House down at Ceylon Road on Sunday, 30 September 2007. From 11am to 4pm.

Do drop by... I will be showcasing some new designs... especially for Lariats, Long Chain Danglies, Ear Danglies, Key Chains & Bag Charms and Statement Rings. Prices range from S$5 - S$45. Customised Orders available too....

So see you Sunday! And if you'd like to attend the lunch.. tickets are S$12 and you can call the EA for more information... :)

xoxo
Dawn

p.s. been busy doing so many things, with so little time and only 2 hands & a pair of (panda-like) eyes.... to blog.. so sorry!

Busy-ness...

2007-09-04T16:44:00.000+08:00

yep.. been busy updating other blogs have been slightly slack here... other blogs meaning my bizness ones.... A Semi Precious Life... and Ethnicfusion (that's still WIP).... but do drop by there off n on.. if you drop by here...

Also.. I've been having fun with Facebook.... as compared to Friendster.... even set up a group there for the jewelry bizness...

I guess that's more my calling y'know.. the jewelry and all... so we'll see lah...

Till then.... stay tuned! :)

I love my furry babies...

2007-08-30T02:48:00.001+08:00

Actually they are Mum's furry babies... but the amount of naughtiness they get up too...

Kit Kat's 5 this year I think... found him on a Good Friday.. and he's always moody-blues... and afraid of the rain... but when he wants to manja... he'll come find you... he's also a spoilt brat when it comes to food.. fussy... he's my #1 boo..

Tigger's 4ish.. we adopted him thru a 'cat-fren' and he's the manja of the family.. he'll let you tickle his belly or give him a good scratch while he stretches.. He's also the tak-kuasa (not bothered) type... who sleeps the afternoon away while you're busy doing something... adorable..

Snowflake.. this girl.. she's 4 now... and the baby of the lot.. but ever so jealous if mum doesn't shower her with love & affection... she literally chases the cats away from mum... and bullies them... she's also very stubborn... but... when she's in the wrong.. she knows.. and turns those puppy-dog brown eyes at you... even the angriest of peeps will be putty in her paws... Yup.. she knows how to get what she wants.. But I still spank her on the occasion she gets outta hand...

You gotta love them... they're so confused coz the house is in a mess.. and we're packing.. but... they love us... as much as we love them.. dunno what we do without them... Furry Babies...

Quote for today.....

2007-08-28T14:04:00.000+08:00

An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered.
- GK Chesterton

The Simpsons Movie.. If I had a role...

2007-08-23T23:44:00.001+08:00

hehehe... now IF I had a role in the Simpsons Movie.. this is the closest I would get :)

Hospital Appointments.. Necessary or Not?

2007-08-21T20:17:00.000+08:00

I was subjected to 3 hours of pure boredom today... thanks to my mother. But it also brought to light how us poor mortals who go by way of polyclinic referrals in order to pay less when we visit the specialist are subjected to "WAIT"....

My mum told me she had an Eye appointment at CGH (Changi General Hospital) at 3.20pm. This is a yearly appointment and they send continuous reminders nearer the date. Bear in mind.. the appointment was set 1 year ago.

So, knowing the normal waiting time can take up to an hour or so.. we get there at 2.58pm and she registers. Her Q number given to her was supposed to be the appointment number but it ended up being 1522. She gets called at 3.20pm to room 14 where they dilate the eyes. Then she's told to wait outside and they will tell her which doctor's room she'll be going too.

So the wait begain. I kept watching the numbers go up and go down for her room which happened to be Room 6. There were 5 doctor rooms. The crowded clinic slowly got emptier, and we were still waiting. At 5pm, I went to get tea... and the numbers were crawling.. before I left, it was at 1436.. meaning.. that person in the room had their appointment at 2.36pm!!!

Finally at 5.20pm... number 1511 was called so I turned to my mum and said.. "3.20pm appointment but 2hr wait to see doctor.. impressive!" And though we were both tired, and sick of the waiting.. we still sat there.. waiting... then.. the next thing... the doctor called a number begining with 6168... and these are the walk-in's - either new referrals or what nots.. That's when my mum lost it......

She went up to the registration to complain and was told she'd be next. She thought it was unfair for the doctor to take this walk-in instead of a pre-arranged appointment. We just walked off.. and guess what.. the doctor called her on the mobile at 6.20pm to step in for the consultation.

That's a whole 3 HOURS from the appointment time. So the questions remains...

1. What is the point of making an appointment for 3.20pm when you only get to see the doctor at 6.20pm... and on top of that... had a 'walk-in' go in before you???

2. Shouldn't appointments get 1st priority?

3. Or is it because my mum's case is a polyclinic (subsidised) referral, therefore, 3 hours waiting time is the standard???

The longest I've ever waited to see a doctor at the Polyclinic was 30 mins.. and the longest for a Specialist Clinic at a hospital was 1hr. This 3 hour wait today was beyond reason.

And I'm sending a complaint email to CGH & Straits Times Forum.

Fireworks Fest 2007

2007-08-20T00:37:00.000+08:00

Post NDP and we have the Fireworks Festival... for 3 days.. but then again... the weather wasn't that fantastic... but at least the night we managed to catch the fireworks... the skies were slightly clear... a tad cloudy but still the display was good....

Out of the 20 odd shots I took on my new camera.... only 4 I deemed were good enuf to be shown... hahaah.. I still gotta practice with this new cam...coz it's got so many features... for the 'Best Shot'... hahaha.... been experimenting with my jewelry but well...

And these are the pics we took before the show started....

Designed in Singapore... Original or Not?

2007-08-17T00:48:00.002+08:00

In the recent weeks, there's been some news on a lil known place called Designed in Singapore (www.designedinsingapore.com).. well.. now after reports in the Straits Times, CNA and updates on Yahoo! News.. it's not so lil-known but maybe known a lil bit more.

Curiosity got me wanting to go check it out.. for a number of reasons.. mostly because
1. I'm Singaporean
2. I'm a designer
3. I'm looking to expand my base of clientele.

However, I was to be disappointed. I trekked over to Mohammed Sultan Road where DIS is situated... almost got it mistaken for Martini Room or something like that.. luckily I was with my cousin, who I give much respect as she's not only got style, but has been in the Marketing/Media industry before. So her take is something I consider seriously.

DIS is on the 2nd floor and is open till late apparently. Upon entering you are greeted by a friendly sales staff who explains the different sections of DIS... there's 3 sections, Space, Lifestyle & Wardrobe.

In Space, a number of local designer's have displayed their furniture or work of art e.g. paintings, deco, lamps etc. One thing I did like was the mural (they just painted it in time for the launch) on one of the walls... partly because it had Christopher Pereira - The Tree Wizard and also pictures of Singapore past & present. Other than that.. the furniture looked like pieces I've seen at Icon and other furniture places.

In Lifestyle, there were displays of pottery (that's good), decorated books/albums, fabric printed laptop bags, ipod holders etc. And the jewellery section, contained a lot of nice & simple trinkets I wouldn't pay more than $30 for... but they were grossly over priced! I say that because.. I design and make jewellery. What I price for a full necklace of Semi-precious stones, is what they price for a dainty pair of dangly earrings... wrong wrong wrong! There were some other pieces worthy of the prices... but majority... well.. let's just say my cousin said.. "I think I've seen those in Chinatown for much less!!"

In Wardrobe, we thought at least we'd see some unique and distinctive designs.. but again.. we were disappointed... some of the T-Shirts... I've seen tons better in Bangkok... and even more so for the dresses and silks they had on display. I didn't even dare to look at the prices.

All in all... if this is truly supposed to be things designed (made) in Singapore... then we lack the originality and creativity. Why then is there so much hype about this place? Truth be told... there are many designers out there who have done more original and unique pieces that deserve mention yet, maybe because they lack the connections or know how.. they are often looked over.

How then does a deserving designer get recognition for his/her work? Who do you have to sleep with or cadoodle with to get the 'hype'? I'd really like to know.... So.. Tell me!

Designed in Singapore... Original or Not?

2007-08-17T00:48:00.001+08:00

3 Years On.....

2007-08-15T00:40:00.000+08:00

Can't believe it's 3 years already.... still seems like yesterday...

I guess.. in a way I've moved on.. and yet... in a way I've not. Can't really say that I will. Life goes on.. and we just deal with it. But with something that was so strong... that kind of friendship, that feeling.. doesn't go away.

Keith Morton 5 June 1979 - 15 August 2004

In rememberance of a great guy, who lit up my life... and still does in his way... Keith..boy... I miss ya... at least.. now u kinda have more company up there... with the recent passings...

If I never liked funerals then.. the feeling hasn't changed.. in fact it's just worse.. I will go out of respect but I'd rather not.. and just say a prayer for the deceased. Family or Friend.. death and funerals... cut too close to home... still and will be for awhile.. it's something I have to deal with in my own way...

Been awhile...

2007-08-13T15:01:00.000+08:00

Yet again... it's been awhile.... had my MaxOnline disconnected for awhile.. then now I've reconnected it back coz I need it.... so yeah... soon i'll update some pics.. i noe i've been saying that for yonks.. but it's WIP.

Anyways.... for some strange reason... I signed up for this...

Oh well..let's just see yah.... :D I'm seriously doubtful.... and it's a $75 price to pay... just have to skimp on some stuff then.... :)

Ok... it's Wed.. Happy Hump Day! :)

Trials & Tribulations with... A Diva (Wannabe)

2007-08-08T17:35:00.000+08:00

This post is dedicated to.. an ex-friend, who shall remain annoynmous for various reasons. But if my descriptions and tales are imaginative enough, many will realise who this person is....

I have many friends.. some very close ones, close ones, not so close ones and the distant friends. I hope I have no enemies.. and I won't even classify this person as an enemy. But what happened just annoyed the hell out of me...

It is hard most of the times for people to get along.. even friends.. because of the differences in each and every one of us.. Why.. that's what makes us individuals and special.. Well this ex-friend.. I'd say she's special alright. In her own world some would say.

If you've had a very sheltered and pampered life for almost all of it.. don't come turn 360 and say that now that 'I'm on MY OWN' that you've realised how much you've been given in life. And you shall not take any more things for granted. If you've been spoilt.. you're just spoilt. Plain n simple.

See I thought this ex-friend was at least un-shallow. But sadly that turned out to be a facade. Of which I eventually saw thru. From one day exclaiming dislike for the local food in a foreign country, to exclaiming how the foreign country had 'gorgeous' national monuments yet at the same time stating ".. can't wait to get back to civilisation.." and the finale whipped cream topping... "Oh.. I just love it here.. and I wanna come back!"

Friends told me I should have known better but see.. at the same time... said ex-friend was not invited on my trip... but self invited.. and somehow.. I couldn't say no... after all I do want other people to see the country I love so much... besides my own... :D

Sadly... I didn't do any damage... it was she.. the Diva Wannabe... the trials & tribulations I had to put up with for almost 2 weeks... even in sickness... but I couldn't smile and pretend everything was ok anymore... I couldn't stand the hypocrosy.. and I showed my true colours after 6 days of tolerations... for that.. I guess.. I'm sorry.. because I know I could have handled the situation better... but it was a situation not to be saved.

But at least now.. it is finally.. finally over... got deleted from her 'friendster' list.. yippee kay-yay! I finally mustered up the courage to delete her from my msn.. I block certain people.. but I never delete... this is a first for me...

Sometimes.. you can't be nice... and you just gotta be plain bitchy... that's a side of me... not many have seen... even my closest of friends... This puts things into perspective for me... I'm glad this friendship is over.. it wasn't much to begin with. So.. really it's No Love Lost!

And finally some travelling tips for Divas (Wannabe)

1. You're not anybody famous or otherwise... so stop pretending or expecting VIP treatment everywhere you go... 1st world country, 3rd world country or otherwise.
2. Be genuine in your remarks.. and if you can't be, don't open your mouth at all.
3. 'That's Hawt!' is So Yesterday! Passe....
4. There can only be 1 Paris Hilton.. and even so.. it's more than enough.
5. Anybody who adores/idolises/pretends to be Paris Hilton, needs to see a shrink.
6. Don't even bother to travel. Unless it's First Class all the way.
7. Actually.. really don't bother to travel at all... staying in your own world would really be the best for all the normal hardworking people out there.

Just so you know.. if this ex-friend happens to read this (which I doubt but you never know)... had you not insulted my friend, his food or his country on the 2nd day of the trip... we'd actually be taken to the best/nice places.... but sadly.. you ruined it... admittedly.. I didn't say anything.. the rest of the trip.. was basically instructed by my friends over there.. to take care of me.. and let me have fun... You(Diva wananbe) they couldn't care less about. Now that's sad... not hawt!
And that's the impression you left on them... all the people you met... My friends.

So my advice.. is not to go back there... coz in your heart.. you never really liked it.. right? Be true to your Gucci sunglasses, Longchamp bag, Nue shoes.

Lessons learnt...

2007-07-25T17:08:00.000+08:00

Lesson learnt in Life - Live life, love life

Lesson learnt in Friendships - Treasure all your friends, near or far, close and not so close ones

Lesson learnt in Love - Don't hold back, coz you'll only lose out. IT IS better to have loved & lost than never to have loved at all.

Lesson learnt at Work - You can't please everybody, just as long as you know you did your best.

Lesson learnt about Me - I'm a strong person who's ambitious and hard-working. I have my moments of weakness and I fear as much as the next person. However, I'm learning to be better... to not hold back and hesitate, to go get what I want. Starting yesterday!

Carpe Diem!

After the Holiday... reality sets in.....

2007-07-18T13:39:00.001+08:00

Ah... after a good 2 week break in Cambodia & Bangkok... I'm back on home ground..eager to start work and get back to the groove... However, somethings and some people have changed.... so... well for what it was worth... I truly enjoyed myself with my 'family' - Rathana, Mom, Thy & Toy... and my other friends in Cambodia.... I learnt a lot in Bangkok this trip round and have made lots of mental notes in my head!

The trip was good... with some parts not being so.. but I'm putting that behind me... better that way.... I went on a pic taking spree with my Motorola Z3. Pictures will be uploaded soon.. once I edit them and all.... some will be posted here.. others on my travel blog.....

One circle of my life has come round and I've put that behind me... so that I can start a new cycle.... Life is about cycles.... some good ones.. some bad.... I hope that I've learnt enuf from my trip to give me good ones in future....

Till then... it's ok.. I'm ok :)

Ready, Set.. I'm Off

2007-07-03T06:16:00.000+08:00

Yes yes... bloggin from the airport live!!!

About another 45 mins before I jet off to Phnom Penh... in Cambodia... Jill n I are just checking mail etc etc before our 2hr flight.. can't believe it but.. yup in 2 hours... I'll be seeing Monkey Boy & Cheeky Monkey... and spending 2 weeks exploring my favorite country.... yes... I'm not a fan of Cambodia.. I just love it..

Anyways.. as and when I'll report 'strength' and fill you in on the nitty gritty... in the meantime.... it's July!!!

Whooppeeeeeeeeeee!!!

** I awoke at 4.30am and even after breakfast... I'm still a bit wooky... not a morning person.... :D

Katong | The Food Trail

2007-06-29T17:22:00.000+08:00

People i meet always ask me.. what's so great about Katong.. and well.. I tell them.. it's the food, the people and the overall ambience. Having grown up in the East most my life, Katong has always been an essential part of me.

From shopping trips with my mum to Katong Shopping Centre for materials and the like, to Red House for chocolate milkshakes and cakes, to Chin Mee Chin for the custard puffs and kaya toast. Katong was my childhood and will forever be in my adulthood.

For a better part of my teenage years, I lived round the corner of Marine Parade. My grandfather's house at Still Road. Once where a beautiful and big terraced house stood with a huge garden was slowly uprooted. First the huge garden went when the government wanted to expand the road. Then the house became run down due to lack of care. Even when I stayed there 5 years, it was like staying in my own 'ghost house'. My grandfather's house saw many relatives come and go and some till 'hung' around. I always knew that I had many guardian angels watching over me.

When we finally sold the house, it took awhile but today, standing at No. 9 Still Road is a brand new apartment block and I recently heard, only 50 people have been shortlisted to buy the place. And at S$1000 per sq foot, one can only imagine the price of a decent unit. There are 12 + 1 penthouse. Pity, it is out of my budget.

But back to Katong, over the years, it has seen many food establishments spring up and also many close down. Off Katong is Joo Chiat which has seen it's hey day and also bad days of too many dodgy night clubs, budget hotels and karaoke joints. I heard that there's a clean up in progress - to encourage more culture and young talent/entrepreneurs to set up business there.

The food trail in Katong starts from Katong Shopping Centre and ends somewhere near Siglap centre.. though it does stretch on... but that will be more along East Coast Road. Katong Laksa stalls are aplenty and so are the mixture of Char Kuay Teow, Hokkien Mee and lots more.

Katong Village, once the police station now houses Hong Kong Teahouse, Samba, Waraku and Cafe D'Manilla. I recommend you try the Crispy Pata at Cafe D'Manila. If you're looking for Eurasian food, there's always Quentin's which is near to Telok Kurau.

My food trail yesterday started with dinner at Quentin's, followed by cheesecake at the Cheesecake cafe nearer Siglap. Wine at Vie and supper at Hong Kong Cafe pretty much ended the evening. Or rather early morning.

Then again, with good food, you must have good wine and even better company. I was lucky to have all three.

So if you're ever in the neighbourhood of Katong, do venture to try the food from the many stalls depending what suits your taste buds and relax. The east is about the chill. And it is the place where you find the babes and the hunks. :D

Random Quote of the Day...

2007-06-29T17:21:00.000+08:00

"It's better to have loved & lost then never to have loved at all"

Met my cuz Ray at ICA when I went to pick up my passport... which was good to kill the 1hr waiting time.. found out he was going to Thailand.. pity he was headed back home when I was gonna be in Bangkok!

But anyways... he was in Cambodia with some mutual old friends and guess what.. he too highly recommends Happy Herb Pizza.... so question is.. do I want to be a little bit happy or VERY happy?? That is the question.....

As Yoda always says.. "Do or do not.. there is no try"

What's up with me and random quotes.... oh well... such is my Friday...

Should I... Really?

2007-06-28T11:42:00.000+08:00

I get my horoscope emailed to me.. both my daily one and the single's love horoscope.. haha dun ask me why... just one of those things I signed up for ages ago... not that I really believe in such things.. coz I tend to read it a day or two too late.. but then when I reflect back.. it kinda rings true...

So this is today's horoscope..... and I'm wondering... should I? As the saying goes.. "Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda..."

********
Talking about your feelings to an intimate friend or lover is not the easiest thing in the world for you Goats, but it's important that you bring your intentions up to the surface. There's no room now for calculated thinking. You cannot just say something in order to get a specific response. Just be in the moment and express your heart.
********

Trouble is... I've done so in the past with very depressing results.. so the thought of 'expressing my heart' I'm wary... and at the end of it all.. what do I really want?

Baaahhhhh if the feeling is mutual sooner or later... it'll all surface... hahahah... and I'm content with the attention I'm getting... gonna have to decide on one soon though... time is catching up with me :) hahahahahahaha

6 months from today.. I'll be turning 30.. and I've decided on a RETRO CRAZE PARTY!! Don't ask!

Regeridu ::: Didgeridoo

2007-06-27T16:58:00.000+08:00

Regeridu in his element! :)

Of Dreams & Music...

2007-06-27T16:47:00.000+08:00

These past few weeks I've been going to bed with funny dreams.. some actually nice ones... but when i wake..I can't remember them... except for the one nightmare where I literally had an out of body experience... but as it sends shivers down my spine.. I think I'll save that story for 'Incredible Tales' if the producers ever contact me that is.. hahahaha....

But back to my dreams... yes.. lately, I know I'm having nice dreams but can't remember what they are.. and I wake up with a song in my head.. which is kinda weird coz though I sleep with music, the song I wake up with is not even on my media playlist or database for that matter!!! Past few days, I've been waking up with 'When Love & Hate Collide' in my head.. and it won't go away... even when I'm in the shower, I'll be humming it away... at least this morning.. it was 'Fixing A Broken Heart'... wonder what it'll be tomorrow.. but in any case...

Been hanging with Jill these past few days which is swell.. I find that I actually am able to get a social life now :) and soon.. well at least from August onwards.. work will be from 10.30 to 7.30 and I can meet friends for dinner etc etc etc.. and weekends.. well I'll save them for chill times..

5 days n counting to Cambodia.. can't wait... gotta start packing stuff soon..

Oh.. and i've got pics from Reggie's performance last friday at the esplanade.. hee.. photo montage all.. fella should pay me for publicity man! hehehehe.. i'm kidding.. :D Enjoy the rest of the week..

And in light of 'Live Earth' i'll be cleaning up my blog site so that it's more reader friendly. Stay tuned!

Emote ::: Me

2007-06-24T13:31:00.000+08:00

Right now I am...
Frustrated
Tired
Trying to be patient
Scared
Anxious
Yet Perservering

8 days more to Cambodia - Kompong Som, Russian Market, Happy Herb Pizza, $5 Massages, Monkey Boy Rathana, Cheeky Monkey Thy, Good food & Cheap drinks. Maybe I will run away there and mail back my souvenirs.

AARRGGGHHHHHHH still frustrated!

At least I'm taking a break.. a real 2 week break to get away from it all and sort out my thoughts.. where my so called social/love/work life is concerned.. not some 2D/3N getaway to bintan or sentosa but a real break. Though for me I think a 3 month sabbatical to backpack around Europe or US is more like a break for me. But alas... I'm saving up for my own place, rent or otherwise.

I just wish some people would stop talking behind my back and others would open up to me and Step Up!. But C'est La Vie!

When Rathana came to town Pt 2

2007-06-23T16:19:00.000+08:00

When Rathana & Family came to town...

2007-06-22T17:03:00.001+08:00

Talk is cheap...

2007-06-20T20:40:00.001+08:00

You know sometimes,
you think you know somebody,
but actually you don't really.
I've been disillusioned before
and one would think i'd have learnt my lesson?
But well, I guess,
it's the same old story for me,
and it'll be that way for the rest of my life...
and that's an eternity.

An eternity of hopes and dreams,
that will eventually fade.
What I have to do now I know I'll do it.
To hell what everybody else thinks.
Only I know and can make sure
that I'll do what I set out to do.

Talk is cheap,
actions speak louder than words.
I'm tired of always making the moves.
About time somebody else does.
talk is cheap.. really cheap.
Action does a whole lot better

Step up to the plate if you dare,
coz if you don't well it's not my loss.
Talk...talk... talk...
it's real cheap
and I'm tired of the games.
So there I said it.

If you know better,
you'd start acting already.
Grow up.. be that man you say you are.
No more talk.
Action speaks louder than words.

I wish you could be the one
But only time will tell,
Till then, I will just wait and see
If what I felt is truly meant to be...

And we'll talk... talk talk talk...
Talk is cheap.. and only
Action speaks louder than words

Besides.. I can't & won't wait an eternity
But if there is some action from your side,
Maybe, then, we'll find happiness
Coz by your side, thru it all
I'll be there.. and baby
It ain't just talk..
Coz I'm all about the action!

******
One would think this could be lyrics to a song... hahah.. well.. let's see if I can find the melody to turn it into one... never figured myself as a songwriter or a poet.. but sometimes, when i put pen to paper or in the virutal world, thoughts to blog... sometimes, I do surprise myself with the shit that comes out! I don't mean this literally... but what I just typed earlier and added on.. I think it's damn good if I say so myself!

Whirlwind Weekend...

2007-06-15T18:32:00.000+08:00

First I fell sick.. then got news that my close friend Rathana was coming in from Cambodia... with his siblings.... I couldn't wait... it was fun hanging out with them.. from the laughs to the jokes, to the annoying bits.. but all in all fun... kinda chased my sickness away... which helped... in a way..

Got tons of photos to post up... once I get down to it... thankfully I'm on the road to recovery.. slowly but surely but I gotta take care what I do from now on... oh well... I think a break is what I need... to energise me...

Till then... it's the middle of June and also the middle of the year... fantastic. Countdown to December has begun. After this year.. no more birthday parties.... I'm thinking Retro Bash this year... what say you? :)

What? June Already???!!!

2007-06-05T16:09:00.000+08:00

Yes.. yessss indeedy.. it's already June.... wow.. middle of the year.. tons of things happening.... Great Singapore Sale.. June School Holidays blah blah blah....

And this is the time to the Ugly side of Singaporeans.... yes... got a bit of that last night..... well.. not exactly the ugly side.. but basically just the plain lor-soh (troublesome) side of Singaporeans....

See I wanted to go get my new phone... coz after all the voucher deductions I only had to pay $28 for the MotoRizr Z3 (eyeing it for a loooonnnnngggg time) so I went down to Starhub @ TM... now.. I know why I stopped going to TM.... it's like it's own world.. Tampines.... anyways... i got my q number at like 8.50pm.. and mine was 0106.. the number on screen was 0091... so fine... I walked around... 15 mins later.. it went up to 0101 and then it was an hour wait to my number! Why????

Because... at Counter 1.. this girl wanted to change her phone but Daddy had to pay and while she was on his phone.. he was taking out her SIM card lah, this that lah...
Then at Counter 2.. this mother was buying phones for her 2 kids.. one about 10 and the other about 13... and guess what??? They couldn't decide on the phone they wanted.... but they were at the counter registering for the plan etc... Counter 4 was the best... this old foggie.. children & wife in tow... had the time to ask to see the demo phone.... and not only that.. can take the time to take pictures.. of his family and all... to see how the camera works.... even the counter staff looked pissed... at Counter 6.. this couple who had 0099 and had gone for dinner.. had the cool cheek to come back, give his number to the staff and got called first...
ARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH

Some tips for would be buyers of new phones etc:

1. Sales staff are around waiting for you to approach them to demo test the phones. Please do not go get a registration number, stand at the counter and then spend 45 mins figuring out which phone you want.

2. There are many plans.... if you're not sure.. again.. approach the friendly Sales staff before you go get your registration number.

3. If you're paying by GIRO, state upfront that you'd like to do so, not delay the other customers from paying because you want to know how GIRO works...

4. Only go get the registration number once you've decided on the phone you want and the plan you want.....

But then.. again.. this is Singapore... they'll get their number first, ask or not ask the sales staff about the phone.. or they'll just look at the display phones.. and discuss openly with family members on the pros & cons of each phone... then end up at the registration counter asking about the phones...

God dammit! If you don't know... ASK... don't act like you know it all!!!

And 10yr old kids shouldn't be owning the latest Sony Ericsson K800i! Even if mummy's paying!!!!

So much for a Monday eh?

This Is My Now

2007-05-30T18:35:00.000+08:00

Made famous by Jordin Sparks on American Idol... I just love the song and the lyrics ring thru... for me at least :)

Thanks Shar Shar!!!! You made my day! And it's been a tough one... :(

There was a time I packed my dreams away
Living in a shell, hiding from myself
There was a time when I was so afraid
I thought I'd reached the end
Baby that was then
But I am made of more than my yesterdays

This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment
Cuz I look around
I can't believe the love I see
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubts
That was then, this is my now.
Had to decide was I gonna play it safe
Or look somewhere deep inside
and try to turn the tide
Find the strength to take that step of faith

And I have the courage like never before, yeah
I've settled for less but ready for more
Ready for more

This is my now

Look what I got up to on my day off?!

2007-05-29T20:59:00.000+08:00

Yeah... so I found this empty wall and just decided to be creative!!!

WTF? You really think I'm that crazy to go deface some random wall??? hahahah.. actually.. I have my moods... so maybe one blue moon day I just might.. but nahhhhh

This one is a computer generated graphitti wall.. neat eh?

All I did on Monday was shop for my new phone... MotoRizr Z3 gonna be mine soon! Yeah baby!!!

Tried to get a tan at Cafe del Mar without much success so Bev's apartment still turned out to be the best place...

And I was so sunned out.. I K.O'd the minute I got home....

And they call it Monday Blues? Well.. I for one don't have one of those... for now...

Elusive Croc captured in LA

2007-05-25T22:30:00.000+08:00

Reggie... the croc who made headlines in LA has been caught!

Read all about it.... how interesting!

LA's elusive gator caught!

3rd June & 9th June

2007-05-23T15:26:00.000+08:00

I'm going down for these events.. and so should you!!!!

SKINNED
3rd June
Fort Canning

Rock The Sub
9th June
Substation
**Catch Syawla Evol from 7pm onwards at the Timbre Stage!!!

You'll gotta go down!!!!

All time low..

2007-05-22T15:11:00.000+08:00

You know.. I know i've made my mistakes and I am a disappointment to my family...
but despite all that.. I'm still trying to prove my worth to the family and to this world...

It's still not enough...

When will it ever be enough?

All I want is some support... but the only ones who have supported me are my friends... come to see me where I work and take the time to listen and offer advice.

Family... do nothing but give you that disappointed look and nag... continuously.

What's a girl gotta do to erase the look of shame???

Please tell me.... my spirit is broken... and I don't know what more I have to do...

Right... time to go walk in front of a bus and disappear.

Bye!

A Rare Opportunity.. I think not!

2007-05-20T10:28:00.000+08:00

Interesting what the stars say for me today... haha let's see shall we???

You have a rare opportunity to push through any subconscious fears that have been holding you back. This is a great time to trust your feelings, even if they seem erratic. Saying what you think can surely stir up the status quo and maybe even temporarily destabilize things. The work will be worth it; once you have the truth on the table, relationships will be healthier than ever.

OH...Friday was a blast! My sister decided to party her birthday away at The Pump Room with friends.. and I was invited.. haha... but it was a blast... from the past to the present! We finally gave up when the trashy dance songs came on.. by then it was 2am... so good time to go home...

Tomorro's Monday.. I'm off.. for some true R&R resort style with Bevvy! whooppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

LAGQ: Pachelbel's 'Loose' Cannon

2007-05-18T20:39:00.001+08:00

1. This is one of my favorite Classical songs
2. This guitar quartet rocks!!!

Enjoy...

Turning Point ???

2007-05-17T12:19:00.000+08:00

What the stars map out for me today...

Today is a turning point and, if you pay attention, you can move beyond the sensible restraints and escape the consequences of the rules you normally respect. You aren't particularly rebellious now; it's just that once you realize some policies and procedures don't make sense, you cannot blindly obey. Enjoy your visit outside the boundaries, but remember your way back home.

On a Day Like Today....

2007-05-15T00:21:00.000+08:00

And May's a birthday month!!!

5th - Wesley
15th - Bradley
18th - Sister
20th - Beverly

Happy Birthday Peeps!!!

Next month... 5th will be Keith boy's birthday... have to go visit him.. been a long long time.... :( and also Nano's 2 year's anniversary...

Geez how time flies.... 7mths more and i'll be crossing into the 30s box! Damn!

Little Romantic Risk????

2007-05-14T22:43:00.000+08:00

Tuesday's Romantic Horoscope for me... hahahaha ya right?!

Sure, you can keep your feelings to yourself, but who knows what the response might be if you let them show? Better to take a little romantic risk than to end up kicking yourself later!

Note to self... Who Am I Kidding??????

:D

A Hero in Life & Death

2007-05-13T23:48:00.000+08:00

Saw this on Yahoo News... and tot I had to put this up...

They say Dog is a Man's Best Friend... and it is very true.

George - Hero in Life & Death

RIP George...

A Good Friday!

2007-05-12T16:29:00.000+08:00

Well... from what was supposed to be a quiet Friday evening after work turned out to be a very Good Friday :)

Met a new friend thru Friendster, Reggie... and he came by to visit... and like kismet.. we just got along?! Maybe it's our past lives or something.. but hey.. we clicked.. and he was sweet to keep me company during my hours at the shop... and I managed to entertain him while serving customers... hope he wasn't too bored.. haha... but after I closed up... we da pao'd philippine food and went back to his place to makan...

He was very generous to share his d'arenberg 1998 with me!!! god was it divine... I was in heaven... i love wine.. don't get to drink it as much as before.. and now.. with a fellow wine kaki in Reggie... I could be chilling & wine-ing away... hahaha...

But it was the 'entertainment' that was fantastic... see Reggie is Singapore's only Dijeridu (Didgeridoo) musician... and while I thought his wall deco was fantastic.. i soon realised that they were actually instruments.. which he demonstrated for me...boy was it great!!!

Thou it's not an instrument I'd want to learn for now.. but.. I sure enjoy listening to him.. Do look out for his show in June at the Esplanade... details will be posted here soon.. but just keep 22 June evening free!!

Some links... Ididj, Digerideoo Breath, Burton Didjs

Few hours of sleep later.. and I'm at work.. a little cranky but still going strong... ahahah... well.. it's a dog eat dog world.. and all about survival.. and
I WILL SURVIVE!

Blog ::: I Read & I Learn

2007-05-10T01:02:00.000+08:00

Every week... I update myself on my friends blogs... reading to see what they've been up to... the pics they posted (whether i'm in any of their pics or not) and just basically catch up on their life... and vice versa....

So.. lately, I've been introduced to Imeem where I can put music on my blog (yeah maybe I'm a little behind the times.. hahaha) but now my blog has music which I can change on a weekly basis.... me likey

Then.. browsing thru my friend Jason's blog and I discovered something else.. as you can see.. if u click the links... an image appears.. neat eh?? It's called SNAP.

So.. dun forget to check out these 2 sites... that are very close to my heart okie??
A Semi Precious Life and Brise de Joie

Neat eh?!

Hmmm My Romantic Horror-scope!

2007-05-04T16:00:00.000+08:00

A certain romantic door may slam shut right now, but as they say, others are opening. Sometimes things aren't meant to be, if only because something better's right around the corner.

Hmmmm... well... I must say... almost accurate... one door has just closed... literally slammed in my face.. but hey I was expecting it.. the signs were already there.. and thankfully I wasn't in knee deep yet.. just wadding... so now... I know.. there IS always something better right round the corner...

Who knows yah??? Anyways... it's a shopping/bills Friday night... and a party night tomorrow... heading to St James... Movida & Boiler Room.... Join me?? :)

Jus being me...

It's Just A Little Crush.....

2007-05-03T17:49:00.000+08:00

yeah.. that's what it is... hahaha.. which is why i'm so darn shy to even say HI!!!! god dammit.... if the situation happened at a club and I had a couple more drinks.. i'd find the courage to say Hi.... for fear of rejection there is different... why? coz I don't have to go back to the club for a couple weeks.. and the likelihood of bumping into the fella would be slim...

But here... it's different... coz he works where I work.. same building.. and I wouldn't know where to put my face... if I was rejected.... I'd probably just hide...... or I dunno... run away! hahaha.... ya rite....

It's a simple hi but still I can't do... and so i go on.... not knowing...

aarrgghhh.. i hate this!!!!

Interesting week.....

2007-05-01T12:40:00.000+08:00

wow... can't believe the week has passed so fast... it was just last Monday.. i headed over to Bev's for a chill out by the pool day.. which turned out to be disastrous... why??? coz we were both in our bikini's.. by the pool... under the shade... in the RAIN!!!!! Dammit....

Then Wed came by and we had a girly night out coz Mark was in Perth... headed to town after work... to have dinner at No. 5 but it was threatening to rain and it was kinda crowded so we hopped the bus to Clarke Quay... we barely reached and it started to RAIN!!!! So luckily we had many outlets to choose from... From dinner at Cuba Libre.. to cakes at TCC to drinks & party at Gotham... the boys from Odyssey were an eyeful too... hahaha.... and I was happily high after 4 drinks! Weak.... I am getting weak....
This is from not partying as much as I used to... ahahahaha which actually is good...

Then before you know it... the weekend was here.... and I chose to stay home... jus too tired.... and yesterday was Monday again....

It's a public holiday today.. May Day or Labour Day... back in the days.. it was a day when most of the unions had their traditional rallies etc etc... but now it's just a holiday... which means, schools are closed.. and the shop is a quiet... but still we must be open... who knows.. later in the afternoon... maybe people will swing by.... Mega is still having their sale....

Anyways... yesterday was a better Monday than the previous one... at least.. this time.. I was there earlier and the sun was out!!! But still it ended disastrously... coz... somehow.. maybe the angle I was sitting... I got the worst tan ever.. actually more like sun burns..... damn... so blotchy and uneven.... arrrgghhh never in my life! I'm gonna be covered up this whole week... can't let my Mega boy see me like this right?! hehehehe *wink

Anyways... I found out his name.. thru some sleuthing... and the girls are so excited.. they keep teasing me.... coz he really doesn't look like his name... so.. tak glam! hahaha... but anyways I digress....

Next Monday.. it's the Sun, the Sand & the Sea.... between KM8 and Cafe Del Mar.. where I am determined to get a proper sun tan... (banana boat dark tan oil with 0 SPF here i come) and be nice and brown... like my fav Boney M song.. Brown Girl in the..Rain... (whoops!) Ok.. for now I just wanna be the Brown Girl... please don't let it rain okie???? Big G...

Ta!
love me... :)

What the stars say for me today....

2007-04-25T12:37:00.000+08:00

You have held yourself back long enough because of fears from your past. If you proceed with caution now, you can overcome your old sense of self-limitation. Look once again at your old hurts and pains, but this time with a new understanding based on compassion. This will allow you to move forward with less self-restraint and more enthusiasm.

Hmmmmm really???

Passion for Fashion

2007-04-09T02:51:00.000+08:00

Just a simple quiz.. My 2 cents on Fashion

What's your favorite clothing brand?
Mango/Mng

What's the best way keep up with fashion trends- television or magazines?
Magazines

How do you feel about the fashion choices of today's youth?
Most of them are followers..

What the best store to shop at?
Mango

What was your worst fashion mistake?
None.. so far..

Baby Phat or Ecko Red?
Ecko Red

G-Unit or Sean John?
G Unit

Abercrombie or American Eagle?
Abercombie

What's this season's fashion must-have?
Crocs

Cebu Smile

2007-04-03T00:21:00.000+08:00

Got featured.. thanks to a friend... well.. it's also coz he asked for help with a questionnaire... and I am Singapore proud!! :D

Featured here... Cebu Smile (Cebu Air's In-Flight Magazine)

Here's my web snapshot

And Edwin's (SSEAYP 2002 PPY)

Cool beans!

Somebody Shoot Me Please!!!

2007-03-28T21:00:00.000+08:00

aarrrgghhhh... again... again... I saw HIM again today... and I was too damn shy to do anything about it! This time.. he was actually on the same train as me... getting off at Bugis... and lo & behold... he's walking right behind me.... all the way to Bencoolen.. where he went and bought lunch I think... and i paced myself.. thought that as I was buying a drink from the same shop, i'd casually say 'oh hi.. Howard right? it's me.. gerrid.. we chat on moblog..' BUT i couldn't... dammit!

Somebody just shoot me... put me out of my misery... with my kinda luck in meeting guys, dating, relationships yada yada yada.... it's best to just put me down!

Or maybe I will just go become a nun.... celibacy... woo hoo!

Ya rite... me?? celibate??? RIGHT! hahaha...

Btw... I am a Good Catholic Eurasian Girl! For Real!

SSEAYP 2002...5 years on....

2007-03-19T12:33:00.000+08:00

In light of the 5 year reunion of my SSEAYP programme.. (Ship for Southeast Asean Youth Programme) lot of emails have been going around.. and some of them had links to the You Tube videos... wow... I didn't know we had to many videos... anyways... here are some for reminiscence sake.... I miss Nippon Maru.. I miss the PYs.. I miss the Dolphin Hall... I miss the 'Moon Deck' hehehehe....

SSEAYP 2002 Video

SSEAYP 2002 - Tambayayong MTV

Bubye Manado

IPY from 29th SSEAYP

IPYs welcoming TPYs (SSEAYP 2002)

Now i gotta go dig up my pics and find others who did videos and upload!!!
Once a PY always a PY... sailing the blue blue ocean!

Frustrations!

2007-03-16T19:17:00.000+08:00

1. YOU make me sick!
2. To HELL with YA!

And this is how it's gonna be from now on!

Hmm, ooh
I do not trust
So I can not love
(Uh can't no man be trusted)
Oh no, no, no
And I will not dare
To open up

Thank you Pink! Your songs are an inspiration to me, at this point in my life.

What day is it again???

2007-03-10T00:44:00.000+08:00

I've completely lost track of days, time, minutes....

I've been working almost 12hr shifts at work..... not that I'm complaining.. coz basically it doesn't really feel like work... not when you're working with like-minded peeps.. who are eventually good friends...

And I don't even mind that I have kinda stopped clubbing (yeah! saving money) not that I clubbed a lot recently.... :D

But seriously.. time's just flying... for me at least.... All I know is I started work at 11am today.. next thing I knew it was 5.30pm.. and I hadn't had lunch... then before I knew it... it was 9.30pm and guess what I just got home.. coz I got chased out... haha...

I dare not jinx this.. but.. well.. I am truly happy where I am right now... all I want now is for this to succeed... coz in the long run... if they succeed.. I succeed. And at the rate we're going... there can only be one way about this.. and that's up! Yup... a lot of sacrifices now... but the bigger picture is... SUCCESS.

And it's yet another weekend.... soon.. we'll be in April and I'm looking forward to that... :D PP here I come!!! And in June.. my Monkey Boy's coming here for 1 whole week!!! Yippeeeeeeee Looks like 2007 is a good year...

Taxi's Don't Take Credit!!!

2007-03-08T02:12:00.000+08:00

I had to blog about this and I know that there are probably many out there that have faced this situation....

You're running late... you don't have enough cash on you and you have to get to your next appointment so you hop into a cab, give your directions and sit back.. and when you get to your destination, you whip out your credit card to pay and the taxi uncle looks at you and says "Credit card don't accept!" or "Machine spoilt" You look at him shocked! And then you try to argue your way or find some way to pay him and get out.

Well.. I have encountered that once and today.. I was running late.. and had to get to the bank to check on some things before they closed... and I literally hailed 5 taxis, opened the door to ask "Can I pay by Credit Card?" only to hear the same excuses - "Machine spoilt", "Machine not installed", "Credit card.. no no no", "You can try lah". And all those taxis had the sticker that says 'We accept the following credit cards..'

The 6th taxi I got finally said yes of course! And this is what I found out!!!
1. Taxi's cannot refuse a fare just because you are paying by credit card, even if you ask before or at the point of payment. They have to accept.
2. If the machine is spoilt, they have the traditional method - transaction slips to do the payment.
3. You can take down their number and complain, because if they get complaints, they will be called in by the cab companies for a 'chat'. And if they do this more than once, they can have their licence revoked or be put on suspension.

Now.. I won't go as far as option 3 because everybody needs their rice bowl. But I will from now on, insist that if their machine is spoilt that I want the transaction slip version.. coz I know they have a stack as back up should their machine be down.

As the friendly taxi uncle told me, ALL Comfort & City cabs should have both in working order. It's just that some well most of them are 'CASH' people, preferring the cash NOW instead of LATER. But, as he pointed out, if they rejected me because of that reason, then they are stupid because, their next passenger could be a half hour drive around the block later and for a short distance. Or for that matter, had I been that mad to take down the 5 taxi numbers, all 5 of them would have wasted a day's work sitting in the cab company having a 'chat' about refusing my credit card..

And the taxi uncles complain that they don't have many jobs blah blah blah... that's coz they're so PICKY!!!! Well.. it's their loss.. literally. I was glad to pay my S$6.00 plus 63cents service & gst to the nice Comfort taxi uncle I finally had today.

The taxi's that refused me were 2 TIBS cabs, 2 City Cabs & 1 Comfort cab.

I Will Survive...The Remix

2007-03-02T00:09:00.000+08:00

Got this from a friend today... damn near fell off my chair laughing! But it was a good way to end the day... with a good laugh! Wonder if this remix will make it to the local club scene?? You think??

I WILL SURVIVE THE NEW REMIX....

At first I was afraid, I was petrified.
When you said you had 10 inches, Lord I almost died!
But I'd spent so many years just waiting for a man that long, that I grew strong, and I knew that I could take you on...
But there you are, another lie,
I was ready for a Big Mac and you've brought me a French fry!
I should have known that it was bulls***t, just a sad pathetic dream
Should have known there was no Anaconda lurking in those
Jeans!

Go on now - go! , Walk out the door,
Don't you promise me 10 inches, then turn up with only 4!
Weren't you a brat to think I wouldn't find you out!?
Don't you know we're only joking when we say size don't count??!!

[Chorus]
I will survive! I will survive!
Coz as long as I have batteries,
My sex life's gonna thrive!
I will always have good sex,
With a handful of latex!
I will survive! I will survive! Hey! Hey!

It took all my self control not to laugh out loud,
When I saw your little weiner standing tall and proud!
But to hell with your ego and to hell with all your needs,
Now I'm saving all my lovin' for a cordless multi-speed!

[Chorus]

I will survive! I will survive!
Coz as long as I have batteries,
My sex life's gonna thrive!
I will always have good sex,
With a handful of latex!
I will survive! I will survive! Hey! Hey!

The Queen, The Last King & The Departed....

2007-02-27T00:42:00.000+08:00

Notice how the winners of this year's Academy Awards... start with 'The'?? and it's about royalty... with the exception of The Departed... but hey it's a Scorsese movie... that's royalty of some sorts...

I finally got 'struck' by the flu bug that's been going around in the shop.... yep... from lil Perry to Ms Grace.. to Ms Lizah.. and finally to me.... sigh... it's not full blown yet... coz I only got the runny stuffy nose and a fever.... which is bad enough.. i hope the Panadol holds up...

So i was couch potatoing and having hot soup while watching the awards ceremony in the morning.... also noticed that the dresses were so viva glam.. and the in thing must be beaded-accessorised ball gowns.... saw a few of those... gives me some ideas... :)

But anyways... looks like... royalty regals this year!!! Now... I have to go catch these movies... sooner or later.. I know i missed The Departed already... or have I missed all and have to wait for the DVD's??? ahahahahah

Care Bear... SHARE!

2007-02-26T01:15:00.001+08:00

See what Care Bear you are.

Mountain outta Molehill...

2007-02-24T00:59:00.000+08:00

You've got a bit of a tendency to make a mountain out of a molehill now when it comes to romance. Try to eliminate the extraneous thoughts and see it for what it is. A friend's perspective is valuable.

You think??? :)

Ok... Need as many friend's perspective as possible.....

Officially - I'm Giving Up!

2007-02-23T13:25:00.001+08:00

I'm giving up, throwing in the towel, waving the white flag, surrendering, hands in the air....

'If you but prick us, do we not bleed?' - Merchant of Venice

They say never say never, but i'm saying it LOUD & CLEAR!!!

NEVER AGAIN!!! I'm done!

It's just me, myself & I from now on... whatever friends may say... 'if you don't try, you'll never know??' and 'keep your options open' all that just doesn't cut it. Been there, done that, been hurt one too many times. Always willing to give it that one more try, coz who knows right? But I think, my story that is written from up above, is to be who I am, by myself.

All I can say is, it's YOUR LOSS!

Sentosa Siloso Adventure

2007-02-22T12:40:00.000+08:00

What was supposed to be a relaxing getaway turned out to be a half and half. For most part of it, the rides, the sights, the sand & sea were great, but the service.. now that I have to talk about...

See, the people I'm working with now.. (I say that only coz they were friends first before employers) decided to take a trip during the CNY break that they closed their boutique... however, coz Ms Smarty Pants here hadn't renewed her passport, we were limited to the following places - Pulau Ubin & Sentosa. Sentosa being the more popular choice ended up to be our destination :)

So we surfed the net and found a new resort - Siloso Beach Resort, and from their website it truly looked like a natural, back to the jungle getaway with fringe benefits . We were told to check in at 3pm... and if we wanted to check in any earlier, it'd be $80 more... so we decided to come around 2plus and check in.

Check in date Tuesday at 2.30pm... after spending 2hrs at Vivo to kill time..we arrived eager to check in and get started on our 'getaway'. Set amidst the jungles, you can see the trees going thru the building. Basically they left most part of the forage around us and built the resort around it. We were told 'Sorry rooms are not ready.' ???? It was almost 3pm.... our 3 rooms not ready???? Then they said, we can put you in 1 room first and we'll get housekeeping to get ready the other 2. We just stared at them in utter disbelief?!?!?! But coz we had a 2yr old with us, we decided to just take what they could give first. We finally got the other 2 rooms at almost 4pm after about 5 calls to reception who kept giving us the round about!!! All this for S$260 per night??? Unreasonable.

We decided also to cancel our 2nd day and ask for a late check out due to the inconvenience of waiting. Again we were given a roundabout and the staff on the other end of the phone kept cutting us off which was very rude. Finally, we spoke with somebody who promised us that 2 of the rooms would be able to check out at 3pm while the 3rd would be at 6pm due to the inconvenience. However, he didn't confirm this with us later in the night or early in the morning.

So we all enjoyed the evening and woke up late to go out and see the sights, only to find out that only 1 room could check out at 3pm and the other 2 had to check out earlier... at 2.30pm when I called the reception!!!! My friend was so enraged with the bad service she marched straight to reception and demanded for the duty manager, and vented her frustrations. Thankfully, he listened, and saw to it that whatever the reception had promised us would be seen to although the fact that he promised a room till 6pm FOC would be looked into and at the most, it would be docked from his pay.... Their excuse throughout this whole ordeal - We are at full capacity and have a shortage of housekeeping.

Now... honestly.. is that MY PROBLEM?!?! This is a new resort, only opened since Nov 2006. I understand that most SOPs are not in place, and there will be teething problems but anticipate that it is a long holiday weekend and over hire on the staff? And preferably staff with a little bit of experience or some training. If Singapore wants to pride itself on Star Service, then this is a place to start. Or is my S$260 a night a paltry sum that doesn't deserve good service? I'm giving my honest opinions which are facts.

Apart from the service, everything else was good. I had a great room on the 3rd floor which faced the beach and with the bay window, I was able to sit and admire the beach and Cafe Del Mar which was right opposite my room window. At the same time, I managed to soak in the beautiful pool which had a fountain & slides although with the nature all around me.. i did get a couple of bites but hey, it's the ambience right? Felt like I was in a pool in the midst of the jungle, nice.

I just hope that if I do make a trip back for a weekend at the Silos Beach Resort in 6mths time, the teething problems would be settled and improved.

Enter the Piggy... Oink Oink

2007-02-20T00:05:00.000+08:00

Gong Xi Gong Xi!!!! It is the beginning of the Lunar New Year... and it is the last zodiac of this cycle... the Pig.... yes... 2008 will begin a new zodiac cycle... But back to 2007 Year of the Pig... for most of us, it is a relatively good year. Me being born in the Year of the Snake will have a good year... so the horoscopes say. And well, from what I know, the start to 2007 in the English new year already got off on a good note, I'm hoping that it will remain good and improve as the month's go by.

Still have many things to settle... debts, loans, business, etc etc but all in good time. I have only 2 hands and 1 brain. I can only work so hard without overdoing it and killing myself... so I'm just taking it one step at a time, and praying and crossing fingers, that I don't repeat the same mistakes I've already made, that I learn from them instead. And that I find an inner peace and step up to the new challenges.

A line from Spidey 2 which I caught earlier (again!!) - "With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility!"

3 more days of holiday for me.. back to work on Friday... hee.... and a whole day of fun in the sun & sand for us later... yippeeeeeeee can't wait!!!

Valentine's - I Survived!

2007-02-15T02:00:00.000+08:00

Well... Valentine's came... Valentine's went... and guess what??? I survived.. it was just like any normal day.

I remember the days back in school when we'd get so hyped up about valentine's day... time to write those secret notes to your crushes etc etc... coming from an all girls school.... it was 'normal' to have crushes on your classmates etc etc. I used to see the butches give their passives flowers, notes etc etc... and even some of the students used to give their teachers little notes and stuff... especially the younger more popular teachers....

After school, came the Boyfriend/Girlfriend period for most of us... I was 'lucky' to be in that phase for about 4 years, being more the giver than the receiver on this lurve-filled day... then... after that.. it just became a normal day... except for the fact that you see couples all lovey-dovey...

Valentine's has become so commercialised and hyped up that it no longer has that meaning... exactly what is the meaning of Valentine's day and how did it begin??? Well I'm sure you'd find the full & conscise description in Wikepedia so I'm not gonna go into that... however, I will tell you what I saw thru my own eyes this Valentine's day...

On the bus to work, the 14 passes a lot of Secondary schools... particularly the ones nearer Bedok... group of students got on.. most of the girls carrying roses and 2 carrying what I believe is the latest trend.. stuffed toy like rose.. cute but most definately expensive.

At work, saw a few couples strolling by.. girls arms in tow with their honeys and holding their lovely bouquets...

After work, I met up with a friend for a drink and while we were chatting, another guy came up to say hi.. and I overheard that he went into the business of selling roses today... single roses at $10 a pop and bouquets starting from $89!!! In one day, he made $600 profit... assuming that his cost was about half that or less!!!

And then Valentine's was over... Now if everyday was Valentine's... things might be different.....or would it really???

All in all, at midnite, I sent out a nice Valentine's message to about 10 of my closest friends and family.. and I got back one reply almost instantly from a close gal pal.. *muacks* back.. and later in the day, surprise surprise, I got one V-Day message from the least likeliest of persons but hey.. it was a nice surprise.. and basically that's it!

So much for Valentine's day huh? At least at Easter I'd get a better response...

Valentine's... Bah Humbug! :D

Featuring::: The Glams - My Boyfriend's Back!

2007-02-13T01:44:00.000+08:00

And The Glams... we go back... long time.... more than 10 years....

Saying Goodbye....

2007-02-11T23:03:00.000+08:00

True what they say... saying goodbye is never easy.... but well... things have to end right??? somehow... nothing lasts forever... and so.... my affair... with my ibook has to end... yes... knowing it wasn't really meant to be... but somehow... i'm glad that it's now over.... it will put to end a lot of things... first n foremostly, a 'friendship'. Actually that's basically it. So... goodbye!

Closure... finally!

Thank you...

Unintended

2007-02-06T00:42:00.000+08:00

You could be my unintended,
Choice to live my life extended,
You could be the one I'll always love.

You could be the one who listens,
To my deepest inquisitions,
You could be the one I'll always love.

I'll be there as soon as I can,
But I'm busy mending broken,
Pieces of the life I had before.

Sometimes.. the lyrics of a song can just about say everything....

My Single's 'Love' Horoscope for Fri 2nd Feb....

2007-02-03T00:46:00.000+08:00

Being single may suit you in singular ways at the moment. You've got enough demands on your time and plenty of fun to keep you busy without the hassle of a relationship. Here's to your independent spirit!

Rawk On!!!!!!!

Not To Worry......

2007-02-02T00:36:00.000+08:00

A few days ago, I had word that my uncle's brother had passed away... although not directly related to him.. I always saw him at my uncle's place on birthday's and such.. And to me.. he was a jolly good guy who was always smiling and cracking a joke... but then again.. i think the whole family has that unique sense of humour.. I was shocked when I heard he passed away.. coz I always tot him to be quite healthy, hearty & hale... he had just celebrated his 86th birthday 2 weeks ago..
Sadly, he was a bachelor and lived alone... and the last that somebody spoke to him was his sister on Sunday night... when friends failed to reach him on Monday when he didn't show for an appointment, calls started.. and finally on Tuesday... they got into his house...
As his youngest brother said in his eulogy... "He died in the arms of Jesus" as he was found in a sleeping fetal position... at least he had gone without suffering. He was also the one who always said... "Not To Worry" and will always be remembered for that.
Being at his wake & funeral & cremation.. was a bit too close to home... as the last 2 times I had been to either of these was for a very close friend and my grandmother. And it may be coming to 3 years for Keith & 2 years for Nano.. I still have tears. But I remain strong and perservere...
One interesting thing Father Augustine said at the funeral mass....
"Life is a journey... to the everlasting life, which is death. We spend so much time preparing our house in this lifetime, have we prepared our house for the eternity? When we die, our journey has ended and we await the kingdom of heaven. Until then, we must suffer in our journey."
As Uncle Ben would have said...."Not To Worry!"
R.I.P Uncle Ben, we'll miss you....

Far Away...........................

2007-01-29T22:35:00.000+08:00

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
Cause you know,
you know, you know

That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

(Far Away - Nickelback : All The Right Reasons)

Somehow this just hits all the right notes!

Blog till I Die...???

2007-01-28T23:28:00.000+08:00

I was on a friend's blog recently and he had posted a link to another blog... so curiosity killed the cat.. i followed the link... turns out it's a blog of the world's oldest blogger... I think...

Yes... Don Crowdis is 93 and a regular blogger with a huge following. I've been reading his archives.. though haven't gone through all of it yet coz of my crazy work hours.. but from what I've read... I'm soon gonna be a follower...

Blogging at his age.... I wonder.. Will I be blogging by the time I'm 90+++???

Waaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiittttttttttttt.... First.. Will I live till 90+++???

That is the question!

Don To Earth

Syawla Evol - 27 Jan @ The Esplanade

2007-01-26T00:13:00.000+08:00

7.45pm - 8.15pm/10.00pm - 10.45pm Syawla Evol @ The Esplanade Outdoor Theatre

Just be there!!!!!

I Should Be Dancing!!! Yeah!

2007-01-24T19:15:00.000+08:00

I thought I gave up my dancing shoes a long long time ago... but after these two movies.. or rather after any dance movie... I just wanna get back into my leotards, ballet shoes and DANCE!

But seriously... I'm not as nimble as before though I still could spin pirouettes around most people... but anyhooos... I prefer the more hip hop, jazzy, crumpin routines these days... but it'll take me awhile to learn the steps...

Must be the hype of Singapore's version of So You Think You Can Dance... aptly titled 'The Dancefloor' and hosted by 3 peeps who well... can't really dance.. maybe Jade could but well.. I do give credits to the judges as they do have very strong and professional dance backgrounds. It'll be really interesting to see if Singaporeans do have the natural talent for dancing.... some people do.. and those that don't... well.. better luck next time...

Back to today, my off day.. and well.. am enjoying it coz I see next week as a very full week with no off day. I rented these two movies - 'Step Up' & 'You Got Served' and well, some of my frens said that Step Up was nothing much, same o same o as other dance movies. But i enjoyed it, maybe coz I just love dance movies.

The plot was easy enough, not rocket science here.. but the similarity of the two.. great music, fantastic if not out of this world dance routines/moves, good looking cast (even the bad guys were cute) and a young boy (who follows the good guys around wanting to follow in their footsteps) gets shot by some gangsta hoodie.

Dancers are under-rated, regardless what genre of music; R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Rock, Retro, Techno, Pop, House, Garage, Funk, Punk, even Gothic... if there's Music, There be Dancing! Movies like these show that dancers are like artists in their own right.

These are my top dance movies... (in no particular order)
Fame - Remember My Name!

Flashdance - She's a Maniac, Maniac... on the dancefloor! The scene stealer was when she sat on the chair, pulled this string and down came water!!! Awesome... so much so, Geri Halliwell stole that scene for one of her music videos too!

Dirty Dancing - At that time... Patrick Swayze's butt was yummiclicious....

Save The Last Dance - Ballet meets Hip Hop

Honey - Dancer's dream come true... choreograph for the big stars

You Got Served - Down to the streets! It's about REP!

Step Up - Again Ballet meets Hip Hop, boy/girl fall in love despite the differences coz of their love for dance.

I wanna go dancing!!!

Gimme Some Brown Sugar!!!

2007-01-24T00:39:00.001+08:00

Have been having a good 2 weeks at Brise de Joie... yup that's where I am currently... in lil ol Katong.. where all the good food is... especially if you like Katong Laksa... hahaha....

But in any case... I just love Katong... or rather the east side... from Katong, to Marine Parade, to Siglap, to Bedok... and all the way there are good food places to go...

Talking about food.. I met up with Jill, Bev & Mark and we ventured to Brown Sugar down at Star Dus. I'll leave Jill to fill you in on the details on her blog Food Diaries I had the Wagyu Burger but it kinda was tasteless... and even the mushroom sauce was not as enticing as it looked. Out of the whole dinner, I thoroughly enjoyed the Grilled Prawn Appetizer and the Choc Cake dessert... and I give them top marks for dish presentation but ZERO for service. :P

Salad of Deconstructed Apple with Walnuts, Brie & Arugula tossed in Apple Dressing ($9.50)

Wagyu Beef ($28)

Chocolate Fondant with Raspberry Coulis, Toasted Almonds & Vanilla Bean Ice-Cream ($12)

I can't believe it's mid-week already.... at least I've been productive with making new pieces... now tomorrow i'll be taking nice pics (hopefully) and posting them on my jewelry blog A Semi Precious Life

Till then... g'nite!

Pentax K10D... Me Likey

2007-01-19T20:18:00.000+08:00

PENTAX K10D - Perfect for advanced photo enthusiasts!
The PENTAX K10D digital SLR features an array of PENTAX innovations including 10.2 effective megapixels and a PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system that effectively offers a 2.5 to 4 stop advantage for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as macro and telephoto photography or low light settings without a flash. Also featured is a newly-developed Pentax Real IMage Engine (PRIME) designed exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras to produce well-balanced, true-to-life images. PENTAX also incorporated a new high performance 22 bit A/D converter to quickly transfer images with accurate color tones and richer gradation from the CCD to the imaging engine. The new Dust Removal (DR) system incorporating PENTAX-original Special Protect (SP) coating helps keep the CCD surface dust-free, and adds a shift mechanism to shake dust off the CCD. All this is housed in a dependable dust-proof, weather-resistant body construction featuring 72 seals throughout the camera to allow photographers to continue shooting even in dusty or rainy environments.

MUSE & The Aftermath

2007-01-17T22:00:00.000+08:00

It was my 1st concert & it just blew me away!!! I screamed, I sang along, I shouted, I jumped, I danced, I perspired... all in all I HAD FUN!!!

Pre-Muse... Me & Cuz Shane got there at 6.45 and the queue was snaking right past the car park to the entrance of Fort Canning Centre!!!

Then when we finally made it in... there were like 1000 odd people just near the stage.. and the expected attendance was more than 6000... I just followed Shane till he found a good spot.. or so we thought!

Then, timely after the pre-concert warm up of songs.. precisely after U2's Vertigo! MUSE!!!!!

Before I knew it.. I got lost in it all... when Hysteria came on... I too became hysteric... and I just enjoyed the full 1hour plus show.... it finally came to a close near 10... after they came back for 3 more songs for the encore.. with Starlight as one of them.... then they said goodbye and till next year!! If that's true then I'll be there again... this time.. right in front!!!

After the lights went down on us... Cuz Shane wanted his souvenir... as always when he attends a gig/concert he's gotta get a poster.. but there was none.. so he settled on a wrist band.. thankfully he's the kind that'll wear that sorta thing... I wanted a tee.. but not lucky enough.. oh well...

He bumped into his other cousin and her friend.. and we all ended up at Georges at East Coast... for some drinks.... well... they had the drinks.. I just watched... and let me say... almost 3 hours later... we had to walk 2 young lasses home... coz.. well.. Carlsberg and a certain Guiness drink got them all happy high... :D

3 Carlsbergs later and that certain Guiness drink... still nice smiles...

"We're not drunk.. Really.. we're not"

Gone! Totally!!!

But believe you me... after last night... this is what I deduced:

1. Animal Planet is a very INFORMATIVE show... sometimes TOO much!
2. I'll never look at a Horse, Elephant, Praying Mantis, Tarantula, Dolphin the same ever, not after what I heard...
3. Carlsberg has a good branding... "PROBABLY the best Beer..."
4. Guiness is Guiness.. not when it's mixed as a Graveyard... then for sure.. you know where you'll end up after one...
5. MUSE ROCKS!!!!!

Next up... Syawla Evol at Esplanade Outdoor Theathre - Jan 27 BE THERE!!!

They brought Sexy Back!!!

2007-01-16T01:14:00.000+08:00

The finalists of the So You Think You Can Dance... really did an awesome job... The show climaxed today with the announcement of the Big Winner... Benji!!! I tot Travis might get it... have been following the show quite closely... but I managed to find this on you tube... where not only the top 4 are dancing but the other top 10 finalists as well... i think it's one of my favorite dance routines of the season....

Hard Candy

2007-01-15T01:01:00.000+08:00

With only 5 charcters in this show... it sure must have been one helluva easy movie to make... or maybe not....

Intersting plot... how the tables are turned on a pedophile... but at first.. you really start to wonder if she got the right guy... and seriously... the girl.. who's only 14 mind you... is one heckava PSYCHO!!!! But how she but tortures the guy into finally taking that step off his roof..... the look on his face when it finally dawns on him the game she was playing... and what she wanted out of him.... Cleverly done... more than a little twisted but a good show! This kinda show... you don't watch with Mum... for sure... coz half the time, you'll probably have to explain things to her... even when you at the same time are trying to figure out the plot.... I highly recommend watching this show... after Closer and Sideways...

Next stop... horror flicks.. on the list... recommended by my cuz Shane... Saw, Saw II, The Butterfly Effect, The Butterfly Effect 2, and actually a lot more... but those were the few I remembered off his long list.... He's promised to watch them with me... So a movie marathon we be doing some day....

But first... MUSE.... 2 days away!!!

Life is a Highway...

2007-01-12T21:39:00.000+08:00

Well, in the midst of clearing up the house, designing new pieces and making custom orders, I managed to fit in these 3 movies over the week...

I read the book and thought why not catch the movie... big letdown... the book is so much more detailed and intriguing.. it was definately one of those books that you pick up and just CANNOT put down till you've read it from cover to last page. Someday, I plan to go to Rome & Paris.. and tailor my itinerary to include the places mentioned in both Dan Brown's books.

Since I enjoyed the first of the Pirates movies.. I figured what could go wrong with the second.. well, the graphics was great, especially when the giant ocotopus grabbed the ship et all BUT... the story line was weak.. and slow, not as great as the first one which at least kept me awake... Undoubtedly, Captain Jack Sparrow still had his 'funny' moments from looking like a shish-ka-bab to a hamster running in the giant wheel and more.. there's a 3rd installment coming out in 2007 and I just can't wait! Just like I can't wait for Spidey 3 too!!!

Now this, was the best of the movies I picked up this week.. YES it's a cartoon, YES it's about cars BUT it had a meaning... although, it's a very cliche kinda story, it still had heart. And hey if the Tin Man in Wizard of Oz wanted a heart, so could the tin car LIghtening McQueen develop a heart and stop thinking about only himself. Now, if the rest of the real world stopped for a minute and did the same, would it be Peace on Earth??? Then again... better not...

So...Yup.. ON TOP OF finishing 2 books - Dan Brown's Angels & Demons & Da Vinci Code... it's been a heck of a busy week...

Had a chill day at Vivo with Bev yesterday... I'm thinking now... the Pacific Coffee's al fresco lounge area is really cosy and good to have a good book... may do that once in a while... but I think Starbucks by the Bay is still nice if it's not raining that is....

Talk about RAIN!!!! Yes, we all know the Korean hunk RAIN is coming... but does his arrival here literally means it has to RAIN every day... non stop?!?!?! Apart from making one feel lazy & lethargic, it just dampens the mood on a lot of things... TRUE though it means I don't go out much and I can save money but still.... it's just dreadful..... I'm praying and hoping and wishing that it will ease off or at least stop by Monday.... coz..... Tuesday is MUSE!!!!!

Yes... me first concert in like... YEARS!!! seriously.. i have been deprived.... that's why this year, I intend to educate myself more in the arts, music & entertainment scene.... next stop... Phantom of the Opera... oh and there's also Good Vibrations.. a chance to see the Beastie Boys, among other international and local artists... So my calender seems to be filling up fast... and not forgetting my all favorite local band SYAWLA EVOL performing at Esplanade Outdoor Theatre on Jan 27.... (shamless plug for them *wink*) see & hear them at the myspace site

Syawla Evol Band

I'm all set for Cambodia... yup I managed to get my tickets at the lowest possible price ever... on Air Asia... yesh! They have this 1,000,000 seats FOC up for grabs provided you book by Jan 19 and travel between April & Oct 07. Neat eh?! I only paid taxes which is RM175... schwweeeett! Except.. I have to renew my passport though... hehehe.. or else.. travel far I cannot!

Can you believe.. it's the middle of Jan already??!!! Geez... that's fast...

Be Cool

2007-01-04T22:57:00.000+08:00

Now I can't believe I didn't catch this movie the first time round.. I even had free tickets to go catch it.. yes thanks to ZoCard... those were the days when I had free movie tickets to the latest releases!!! Albeit I had to wait 2-3 weeks after the movie came out before I could use 'em tickets.. but still they were FREE!!!

Anyways... back to Be Cool... just caught it on cable! Totally awesome.... it was a hip, maybe a bit far-fetched from the reality of the 'Music Business' but it wasn't all R&B and Hip Hop! AEROSMITH was in it... and it was rocking.. and the dance scene between Uma Thurman & John Travolta was just as sizzling as the dance scene in Pulp Fiction... but I gotta take my hat off to The Rock! hahaa... playing the queer driver cum wannabe bad guy in Red Boots! Smack that ass!

No doubt.. it was a good movie.. and I think I'm gonna get the DVD... I've just included Be Cool on my list of good music/dance related movies to watch... right up there with Dance With Me, Honey, Grease, Saturday Night Fever, Moulin Rouge, Dirty Dancing and more....

So.. Be Cool!

Recently Overheard Ep 1

2007-01-03T22:34:00.000+08:00

You won't believe the things you hear while on a bus, having lunch, at the spa or even while waiting for the bus.... and here are the excerpts....

ON THE BUS
On the bus, Night Rider from Clarke Quay to Pasir Ris...after the NYE celebration at 5am...picking up after party-goers at Clarke Quay
(ME seated at the back of the bus)
NERD 1 & NERD 2 get on and NERD 1 sits next to me... their conversation goes on n on n on until
NERD 1: Ya lor, I prefer Citibank becoz I can get all the points lah
NERD 2: Ah.. really that's good ah..
NERD 1: Yah.. (proceeds to take out his Platinum card to show NERD 2) good ah.
NERD 2: Yah.. so how is work ah, you going to meet up with NERD 3?
NERD 1: Oh yah work is good lah, protecting MP lor, everyday got different issues
NERD 2: Really like what happend?
NERD 1: Yah lah, there was this one time, one of the residents came to see him and he was quite desperate lor, he kept begging the MP to do something about his flat lar... but MP can't do anything wot! Can't change anything that's set up government or the HDB or whatever. So, the resident threatened him.. said... if you don't help me I will jump down and the resident went to jump!! But lukily hor.. we were there lah.. so MP told us to restrain him... then after that the resident broke down...
NERD 2: (Mouth agape) WAHHHHH so much drama ah?!
NERD 1: Yah.. but not everyday lor.. what to do we just do our job lah...
******
At this point, I remembered that I had my MP3 with me so I plugged in and tuned them out... but realising that the 2 NERDS were NUS grads who spoke fluent Singlish hor?!

HAVING LUNCH
(ME seated nicely eating my Chicken Rice until 2 Chinese Auntylike women & a student in uniform seat at my table)
**They didn't even ask me if the seats were taken, just sat down...
Conversation was in Mandarin which I just happen to understand!!
LADY 1: Wah just now on the bus I.. so unbelievable!
LADY 2: What happened ah?
LADY 1: There was this lady & and a student.. both 'chop' seat with their bag. The lady hor, dun look Chinese to me. Then got this Chinese man get up the bus, want to sit, she dun even bother to take away her bag. Then he look at the student and she finally move her bag for him to sit. So unreasonable.
LADY 2: Really ah? So rude ah
STUDENT: (shoving food into her mouth) mmmmhmmm (nods in agreement)
LADY 1: Then hor, this Malay man gets up and the lady move her bag for him. So racist!
LADY 2: Yah lor.. like the Ah Lians & Ah Bengs.. so rude...
STUDENT: yah hor..
**LADY 2 then realises that her friend is seated too close to me to eat her dessert so asks her to move to her side instead, which LADY 1 does very quickly.
LADY 1: Yah lor, these days arh.. so unreasonable people.. so rude
LADY 2 & STUDENT: Yah lor....
*****
ME finishes lunch ever so quickly to quietly excuse myself from this conversation before I threw up my lunch. Interesting conversation they were having about being polite when they didn't even ask me if the seats at my table were vacant. Interestingly, calling the lady who wasn't chinese a racist for not giving up her seat for one of 'em and to another race instead. And critiscing the youth of their kind.. I guess that's all in a day's work for these 2 ladies and as for the Student.. well, I wish her all the best in school!

AT THE SPA
ME just finished ever so bliss massage which I haven't been for in 4 months... and whilst sipping my green tea waiting for my consultant
CONSULTANT: Why you don't want to sign now? Very good offer, never to be repeated again you know
MEMBER: Yah but now is not the right time for me. Just got married and moved into my new house. I just took the voucher.
CONSULTANT: Ok, I give you special offer, only for you, nobody else will get this.
MEMBER: Oh really? How good is the offer
CONSULTANT: Ok, loyalty package is $2100 for 30 sessions. I give you the offer at $1600. And you still get 30 sessions, and I tell you what?! I'll throw in another 2 more for you. Just for you.
MEMBER: (Deep in thought) Let me think about it...
**AFTER 2 mins**
MEMBER: No lah, really cannot. Not at this time.
CONSULTANT: Ok lah.. but I cannot offer this to you if you come back again. Sorry ah.
MEMBER: It's ok. Thanks anyways
*****
My consultant arrives at this point of time. Asks me how was my massage and proceeds to tell me, I've got one more appointment why don't I sign up again. And she'll give me the LOYALTY PACKAGE!!! Hmmm Interesting...

WAITING FOR THE BUS
ME waiting somewhere at Chinatown for a bus..missed the first bus so while waiting..I noticed a Petite China Girl standing by the rails. What got me more interested was when she gave the coy & shy look to every guy that stood next to her. So I move in a little closer. Just then, a DIRTY OLD MAN (DOM) slides in next to her.
CHINA GIRL: Hi.. (shy & coy look)
DOM: Wah, Mei Nu (Pretty girl) how are you ah.
CHINA GIRL: Ok lah, you ok?
DOM: Yah, but I will be better if you come with me for awhile? hehehe
CHINA GIRL: Oh really. But I will go if you give me something first.. how? (blinks coyly again)
DOM: Ok.. we go for 1 hour, what you want..
CHINA GIRL: 1 hour ah.. erm.. 20 ok?
DOM: 20 ah.. ok, if more than 1 hour?
CHINA GIRL: more ah... ok lah, you look nice, 50 ok?
DOM: 50? Wah.. ok... i think can.. we go to a place nearby. You wait here, I come back shortly
CHINA GIRL: Hurry ok, first come first serve
DOM: Like that ah? ok ok.. wait ah.. u wait
*****
DOM walks away and I see my bus coming... I think he decided she not worth it. And as I got on the bus, she still stood there shy and coy looking at every guy standing next to her and waiting for one to make his move and give her the best offer.

It's been an interesting hellava few days of 2007!!!

Look out for more episodes of Recently Overheard

Me 2007

2007-01-02T23:44:00.000+08:00

Hello 2007

2007-01-01T23:52:00.000+08:00

And what was the first NEW thing I did for 2007??? Well... i took the Night Rider home..... yes..at 5am 01/01/07!!! Thanks to half of bloody Singapore out an about on NYE/NYD.... there were more people than there were taxis..... so Thank God! for Night Rider... luckily I had my MP3 player with me to drown out these 2 morons that were sitting next to me... actually the NERD was sitting and his LOVER was standing.... they were goin on n on about Stuff!!! Government, Politics, Platinum Cards, NUS, Blah Blah blah.... oh god..... talking like KNOW IT ALLS!!!! AT 5AM!!!! WTF?!

Half the bus peeps were half dead from partying.. and these 2 idiots were goin on n on... guess where they got off???? GEYLANG!!!!!! Goes to show... that out of the millions of people out and about... 3/4 of them were freaks... and I was just the most sane & normal person trying to get home from Boat Quay to Bedok.

Note to self... Night Rider is good, bring MP3 and potentially one can club till wee hours and still SAVE on taxi fares home!

Hello 2007!!! Can't wait for the next 364 days!!!

Here's to 2006!!!

2006-12-31T02:25:00.000+08:00

Well... it's the last day of 2006... 365 days that went by slow... then fast... then slow and then fast again... didn't think I'd make it through the year but I have... slowly but surely. It was a tough year, but one can only do so much to survive. It hasn't been easy and the year is not exactly ending on the best note but it'll be ok.

Time to start 2007 with a BANG!

Highlights of the year for me....

1. Organised 3 successful F&B events
2. Beverly & Mark's wedding
3. Reuniting with old friends
4. Syawla Evol / Shane & Don
5. Making more new friends

So here's to 2006 and bring it on 2007!!!

Out With The Old, In With The New!

Chillin with my Girlies!

2006-12-30T01:36:00.000+08:00

29 Years.. A Lifestory

2006-12-28T00:44:00.000+08:00

Seems like just yesterday i was celebrating my 28th birthday with my friends... I remember i got there at 7pm.. and was out by 9pm.... after a couple trips to the toilet and 'talking' to God... I felt better... that was also the year my god-bro met his current gf... and they are still together.... ahhhhhh... See... I am The Matchmaker! hehehe

And back to today... well... about an hour ago... I turned in 29.... how did I celebrate it.. well.... started the eve of it with lunch at Shah Alams's with Bev... to some shopping.. :) and then a choc-mint drink and watching her wedding video at her place.... then Shane called and asked me out for Sushi... how could I resist..... after 14 plates... and stuffed... we hung out... while he explained the theories of guitars, basses, pedals and what nots... I am learning new things from him all the time! So clever he... hahahahahahah... vell talented no doubt and very passionate...about music... he's gotta work on the other bits then he'll be a 'Ladykiller'......

We then hopped a train but me being me.. didn't wanna go home yet.. so... i met up with my god-bro to have a nice cold Henki at the coffeeshop... a drast difference to what I did last year.... but it was cool.... when Eve got back.. i bade my farewell and managed to catch a bus home.. hee... so now... what does the rest of the day hold for me? Well... this is a quiet festive season for me... a change... a good one... I'm looking forward to New Year's Eve... and 2007... hope that I am able to make the right decisions and have a better 2007!!!

Enfin! J'ai vingt-neuf ans.... oh god... next year it's the BIG 3..0.... aarrghhhhhh...
well.. they say Life begins at 30 yeah?! Bring it on I say!

Christmas Feasting....

2006-12-26T00:08:00.000+08:00

Man am I full.... this is the breakdown of my feasting for Christmas :O

Lunch @ Godma Cat's
Ham
Acchar
Turkey
Roast Chicken
Teem
Chap Chye
Devil Curry
Salad
Fruit Cake
Tarts
Log Cake
Sugee Cake
Peanut Butter Cookies

Dinner @ Godma Deb's
Devil Curry
Curry Feng
Prawn Salad
Roast Lamb
Potato Salad
Buko Salade
Nano's Tarts (I REALLY MISS THOSE!!!!)

And presents... yes.. presents... this year, I'm making most of my presents... and I like the presents I got :)

2007 beckons.... real soon... yay!

Pink X'mas Singing Bolla!!!

2006-12-25T23:23:00.001+08:00

Hillarious!!!!

Christmas 2006 - Family Times

2006-12-25T18:42:00.000+08:00

Here are some pics taken early yesterday and today...

Posing by Godma's Tree...

The Albuquerque's! Patricia, Aloysius, Aunty Jen, Me, Myrtle & Mum

Godma's near lifesize Nativity.. the 3 Kings were at one corner making their way to baby Jesus...

My sleeping beauties.. Tigger & Kit Kat.. on X'mas Eve.. nicely stretched out on my bed...

Someday at Christmas....

2006-12-25T00:56:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas!!!

And ironically a sad one for me. Flashback to a week back... where I had my Christmas plans all layed out... simple dinner cooked by me at home for me... and jus relaxing watching movies and quietly turn in Christmas... till I had a call.. and an invite to spend Christmas together... as friends, to go for dinner, mass and party after that.... even went as far as New Year's Eve plans too.... but I guess.. it was all talk... somehow, I hyped myself up for it... told my friends... I really won't be joining them...

Now I'm sitting here.. guess what?! Stood up on Christmas Eve.. how loser is that?! And so this is Christmas... It'd have been ok because I did intend to just chill at home... but I feel shitty coz, I thought it'd be a nice Christmas with somebody new, but turns out it's not... and not even a call to apologise.

So it's decided. Life is gonna be like this for me, even at Christmas time, so what's to say for the new year or many more years to come? I'm resigned to my fate.

I'm a capricorn, and we're natural loners so guess what?! I'll jus be my natural self and work my ass of, pay of my bills/debts or whatever, save money and when all that is done.. I'll disappear. Friends come and go, I'm sure my friends will understand and they have their lives too... so busy is as busy does... that's gonna be me.

Sorry but I think it's better this way. Not being dramatic here but just realistic. Christmas 2004 will always be the best one for me. Where I had all my family with me. From now on it's just gonna be ME!

Christmas! Bah Humbug!

Greek Mystical Creature... I'm Morpheus

2006-12-24T01:19:00.000+08:00

Check out the other quizzes here

Quizilla

Vocal Power - The Wonder!

2006-12-23T22:35:00.000+08:00

Wonders of the vocal chords.... I was invited to go catch Vocaluptous at the Esplanade last night... was a nice surprise to hear from an old fren of mine Derrick.. and what good timing too... so I met him and we went to catch this group. 1st time for both of us but the missing link was Eunice.. she was their guest pianist..

While waiting for Derrick, I heard noise from the outside stage area.. so I hung out there.. and turns out there was a Jazz Band playing.. pretty fun.... good stuff.

It was good to see Eunice again.. after so long..... and it was nice to hang out with Derrick too... turns out... he's seeing somebody now.. and she happens to be an old friend of mine as well! SMALL WORLD!

But this group Vocaluptous... their fantastic... wonders..... 6 of them... and man did they put on a show! It was a good way to spend a Friday night too.... bumped into Shane there too.. he mentioned going for some 'thing' on Fri nite with his mates from poly... and turns out.. it was the same thing I was going for too.... and 'AWWWWWWW' he was wearing the prezzie I made him... ** blush ** (I still give him chance for a Return Policy but he dun want... wonder why?! :P )

Today.. was Lime Flea Market for me... not quite what I expected... I spent more then I actually sold... ahahahahah soooo that's not really a good thing.. but I'm proud of my buys...

3 Bags (funky & NOT BLACK) for $20 & 1 Bag (Zebra Print @ $5) for my mother!! Dun ask! She got shoes to match...

1 pair of out of this world Adidas Shoes.. (see pics)... heee.. finally... a cool pair! Price $40 (to me.. PRICELESS)

1 pair of Nike old skool leather shoes Price $35 (again to me.. PRICELESS)

1 Puma jacket Price $12!!!!! WTF?!?!

1 Topshop pumps Price $35

So there... I think I know why I don't take part in Hotel Fairs & Flea Markets of such.. coz I always end up spending more then I'm earning... ahahah

Happy Birthday December Babies...

2006-12-22T02:54:00.000+08:00

Well I'd like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all the December Babies!!!

That would include in my family.....

1. Daddy
2. Mummy
3. Shaughn
4. Shane
5. ME ME ME ME ME!!!!
6. Desmond

Yes... 6 days more.... and damm.. another year older..... hope all my wishes will come true though.... like today's horoscop...

Your luck takes a turn for the better financially, and an it's-just-so-crazy-it-might-work idea of yours on the job is more successful than you thought. This boosts your romantic confidence considerably.

You think?????

Syawla Evol @ Ghetto Live

2006-12-21T01:01:00.000+08:00

nuff said!

See Rathana Here!!!!

2006-12-18T01:53:00.000+08:00

Monkey boy sent me this link.... hehehehehehe.. handsome ah my monkey boy!
Plus.. look so matured!!! If only you knew the real him.... cheeky as hell.. why do u think I call him Monkey Boy?! EH?

I still have those pics of you dear Rathana... want me to post them up here? Eh Ms Ratharina..... :)

The power of the BLOG!!!

http://www.cellcard.com.kh/stay_informed

A Tale of Two Rosaries.... & more

2006-12-18T01:40:00.000+08:00

Well today was fun.. was at work for half a day... nearly got caught in the rain.. well did get caught but at least not at it's worst...
So.. the day passed uneventfully.. did the usual calls and emails...

The afternoon bit was fun though.. met up with 'Paris' :) a new friend I made thru Jill... :) Germaine actually but she's a real girly girl and very fun... see she wanted to make a Rosary for her mum for X'mas... so Jill got me to show her... how to make...

So we sat down at TCC opp Sunshine Plaza.. and got cracking... 2 hours later.. I'm done with mine.. and she's almost there :) loops a bit big but practice makes perfect I always say.. and she can't believe that it didn't take her the whole day to do... short of a centrepiece and crucifix, we trooped over to Chinatown to get the missing pieces.. and voila.. she was done! And pleased as punch. Oh and she near damn well went gaga at the beadshop!!! But she just bought what she needed and some very pretty heart shapped chunky beads... :) leaving me to my creative devices to come up with something for her.... hehehheh... WIP..

Then I left her and headed back.. well not actually... went to meet my best friend to chill... supposed to have coffee but ended up at his place.. with the family watching TV... left before the Man U match coz I wanted to get home to watch it... :) and well.. haha forgot that I dun have sports channel... so caught Ladder 49... which was a good if not sad show...

And now I'm feeling the effects of the past couple nights... late nights I might add... I have 3 big boxes of stuff to clear/throw/give away and 8 days to Christmas!!! And the tree is not even up yet!!!! Dammmmmmmmmm

Confuxion of the Times...

2006-12-16T23:35:00.000+08:00

And somebody asked me online last night.. what's confusing about the guy??? Apparently he didn't understand the meaning of eat & shit in the same place... haha :) but basically.... it's like this... WORK is confusing... coz of the WORK and also the guy at WORK! But anyways.... I'm doing what is best by letting go... just being myself and hanging out with all my friends...

And I get this in my email today....

Your biggest concern now is how to best reach your goals. The planets in action-oriented Sagittarius drive you toward immediate expression, as if the battle is currently raging and you are required to be a part of it. Simultaneously, you are receiving intuitive impulses to hold still or even retreat just enough to stabilize your current position. Don't do anything risky today. Small, steady actions are the best way to assure your long-term success.

And so it shall be... small, steady actions... BABY STEPS! And i'll climb that ladder to my success and with me I take the people that have stood by me all the way and have forever been encouraging me not to give up the fight for what I want.

Confuxion of the times... no more?? Hopefully soon.... but then again.. who knows eh?