Paris Stole My Heart!

Back from Bali!

2009-07-13T12:12:00.038+08:00

Back from my long awaited holiday from Bali!
Really like this island where we have thoroughly enjoyed the Balinese friendliness and their excellent services.
I was seriously curious how others always muse about how fun was Bali..
But I understand and you will definitely not regret that you have made the trip there.. =)

Bali Day 1
We travelled in the morning flight via Air Asia. Despite of the bad reviews that I've read about this airline, the entire 2 hr 20min plane ride to Bali was really quite comfortable and ok. Nothing to really complain about. =)

Around noon time upon reaching Bali, the staff from the villa came to fetch us. Unfortunately, the villa van had broke down but the staff smoothly arranged a taxi ride to bring us to the villa.

Our villa was located in Seminyak, it was a rather good location to travel out to places like the nearby Kuta Beach and main shopping areas of Kuta.

The villa we stayed was rather unique..
Double storey with a small kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom upstairs..
It had doors that allows us to jump quickly in the pool.

And of course, the first thing that we did after unpacking was to jump in the pool for a quick swim.

Seminyak villa.

And later, off we went exploring Kuta - a buzzling place for shopping, dining & beach activities like windsurfing.

It's interesting to see lots of tourists chose to rent their own scooters and cars to travel around this dense city. However, I still think it's better to just flag a cab as and when you need than rent a bike where you have to worry about parking.

Sunset at the beach was magnificent where you see streaks of different colours as the sun sets. Lots of pubs line the side of the long beach, it's a great place to chill out and enjoy the sunset.

And of course, being Singaporeans, we love to shop. After dinner, we headed down to Billabong sale in Kuta where Dimple Boy had been eyeing on the flier obtained from the airport. Sales are pretty good and lots of stuffs are discounted by a lot.

Main areas of Kuta and the beach.

Bali Day 2
One of the wonderful ways to visit Bali is to join the 40km downhill mountain cycling tour where the guides will bring us to cycle through the little villages.

Given the mountainous roads of Bali are really almost always single-laned, with traffic, people, even dogs lying in the middle of the roads, it was really a challenge for me. But no doubt about it, it worth the effort because where else better to catch glimpses of the beautiful terrains and village life.

The cycling company was really good as they had looked after us really well. All cycling essentials were provided - cycling helmets, bikes, mineral water. There was even a van and a truck with spare bikes following after us as we cycled through all the way. The tour ended with a sumptuous Balinese lunch at the restaurant owned by this cycling company. Thumbs up for Bintang Tours!

View from cycling trip.

Bali Day 3
We stayed in the Nandini villa within the mountainous area of Ubud on 3rd day.
This place was rather nice with the resort staffs who are thoughtful and sincere.
Our villa overlooks the jungle with the Agung river at the bottom of the resort.

Ubud Villa.

As the villas were built on the mountain side, we had to take the gondola to travel up and down the resort..

Gondola.

It was interesting that this resort had jacuzzi was actually filled with the spring water from the ground. And at night time underneath the starry skies, we even caught sight of the fireflies within the rice fields of the villages just right in front of the villa reception.

It's really wonderful because you will never see all of these in Singapore.

Exploring the resort.

Bali Day 4
We were up for more adventures - Climbing Mt Batur.
For this trip, we had to set off with the arranged transport at 2.45am. The resort staff were nice enough to pack us 2 big boxes of breakfast, and even offered to toast us the breads in the wee hours of the morning.

We reached the base camp around 4am and had a local trekking guide to bring us up the mountain. Trekking up the rocky paths really in almost in darkness and a torchlight was really essential. Seriously, this trek was rather difficult but luckily I had the trekking guide and the "drinks" boy to help me up all the way. It had never felt so good to reach the top of the mountain.

It was quite cute that there was a simple shack on top of the mountain that sells drinks and food. All trekkers were all huddled up in this tiny shack for warmth as we all waited for the sun to rise.
It was unfortunately that the weather started to drizzle a bit and was cloudy. We only managed to catch a little bit of the sunrise. A check on the temperature also showed that it was 10 degrees up in the mountain. Poor Dimple Boy wore just a simple jacket and bermudas for trekking and he was really freezing all the way at the top. Luckily, I chose to wear a jacket with tights under track pants. At least, I was a little warmer than him. For those interested to climb in future, a woollen cap and gloves are highly recommended to be brought for warmth.

Our trekking guide brought us to a small vent where hot air escapes. The heat was really enough to de-thraw our frozen hands. The power of earth is really amazing.

It was really too bad that the crater was shrouded in clouds due to the bad weather and we were not able to catch sight of the steam that escapes from the crater. Such a pity..

Overall, Mount Batur was still an easy climb compared to the other mountains in Bali and we made it down the mountain before 9am.

Mount Batur.

On top of Mount Batur.

After our trek, we proceeded to Ubud Center to experience the sights and sounds of the local life.

Ubud Center.

Bali Day 5
Back to Singapore!

Overall, this is really a good trip and of course, the most extreme sports holiday I ever had. Really like the mix of adventures and sufficient time for relaxing.

Hope to plan more of such holidays in future! =)

Holidays!

2009-07-05T11:10:00.009+08:00

This is one of the rare days that I've remembered about my blog..
Something which I've not updated in a very long while.
And why have I thought of it today?
Because I'm finally on a 2 weeks break!

The first half of year had just passed in a whiz..
Looking back, my days are just mainly spent mostly on working and studying.
Barely had time to just think about anything else..

So what's up for my 2 weeks of break?
1. Bali trip with Dimple boy..
Really looking forward to visit this island, lounge by the pool in my shades, trek up the volcano, and basically do nothing much..
2. Clean up my wardrobe.. So I can go GSS? =P
3. Read more books..
4. Bring Hiro out for more frequent walks..
5. Exercise more!

These are really things that you do not have the luxury of time to do so as you grow older having to deal with the hustle and bustle of life.

That's why it's important to stop and breath the roses once in while.. Recharge the mind.

Will be back to update about my bali trip!

Btw, here's my doggie saying HI!

2008-10-23T21:30:00.002+08:00

You believe in luck?
I think I do..
Have been feeling rather down from the very "not" lucky feeling..
Not to say I've been in luck in the past or what..
It's just I've not had my peaceful day in this week.
And today is the one day that I've really felt like blogging in a long time..
If the need to be accurate, yes, I need to rant off to my heart's content.
I really think "unlucky-ness" finds you, and you just can't find it..

--Illustration of 1 Perfect scenario--
On this super packed day, after waiting for like 6 trains to pass which after you finally squeezed onto the freaking crowded train, you are just contented to find a spot at a corner in the train. Suddenly the train jerked, people stumbled to find their balances. And you felt a sharp pain in your right feet. Why? That's because a lady just stepped right in the middle of your feet in her high heels. She apologised. You know that it really isn't her fault, but your feet is really just damn painful and yes, of course a little injured by the accident. You consoled yourself and tell yourself the day will be better.

Just before alight the train, a fellow passenger leaned towards you and mumbled something. Not comprehending, you went "huh?". The fellow passenger said again, "You forgot to button up".. And she was referring to my blouse. *Sighs* I can only say "Damn suay" at this point in time. Lucky thing was that I wore extra top inside the blouse..

All these just happened on a morning.
Tell me am I suay or not. =(

Many other things still happened in this week.
Note that the date I'm posting is only Thursday.
Like getting increasing unwanted "invitations" at work..
Work blips.. Which I want to knock my own head for these happening.

At this moment, I really feel tired.
Tired of everything. =(
*Sighs*

The Review.

2008-06-21T22:12:00.003+08:00

A chapter in my life has closed.
And another chapter is just about to begin..
Feeling totally thrilled and curious at what kind of environment it is.
Whatever it offers, I hope that another level of professional maturity awaits me.
Just almost half a year into 2008 has summed up to have been quite a year with my personal wishes and aspirations in action.
Really would like this kind of continuous improvements in life, at least for the next few years..
Doing things that excites and invigorates me.
Cuz I believe dreams are meant to be lived.. =)

Updates..

2008-05-14T19:05:00.004+08:00

Hello I'm back! Haven't blogged in ages.. Hehe..

Yes yes.. I'm guilty of laziness and mainly tiredness which I've no idea why I'm always walking around like a panda even after my efforts to rest early. Coffee don't even seemed to help much after noon time. =P

This week has been a wonderful break. Finally attended my 1st 3 days of ICPAS course with Sunflowergal. It's another 2 more days to go next week which after an exam will follow. Feels kinda good to be a "student" again after so long. Just listening lecturers crapping and copying notes is quite fun once in a while.

Someone which I can't remember exactly due to my bad memory who asked me what bad points my dimple boy has? I thought and thought.. Conclusion is don't think have leh. I think I'm really very happy with him. =) But I bet it's the reverse if the question is posted to him. Predicted answers are poor memory, messy and whiny. Haha. =P

My little son, Hiro, is becoming cuter as the days passed. At times, he's really like a little boy in reality. His favourite activities are to beg for food with his adorable "Please give me some food" look, to initiate roll overs and demand for sayangs, perform stunts only when doggie biscuits are in sight and of course, to sleep under the curtains which I've no idea why. Heh..

My son salivating over food.. =P

Shall stop here for now.. Time to sleep! So long till my next blog. Hehe..

Left or Right?

2008-04-14T22:48:00.003+08:00

I must have woke up from the wrong side of my bed.
Maybe it's the heat during the uncomfortable hot night.
Everything just seemed so not smooth today.
Well, not going to share the details..
Because I feel like I've done enough whining to the people around me.
When I'm one who shuns people with negative energies..
Cuz I really do feel sick of being such a pain.
Time to pause and think logically..
*Sighs*
Maybe I should just go and sleep instead.

Bonne Annivarsaire Hiro!

2008-03-11T21:39:00.003+08:00

Can't resist to post this photo of my favourite boy up.. =)
He's finally 1 year old!

Well, this naughty boy of mine arrived in my home after capturing my heart in the Serangoon neighbourhood last year end. I could still remember this silly furkid trembling with fear when he first stepped into my home. Amazingly, he stood at the same spot for an hour plus. Even though he was so frightened and tired, he almost fell asleep standing. Haha.. Oh well, he's so used to us now and living the life of a King. Commanding attention and begging food treats with those cute eyes and big nose of his.

Last night, nice Dimple boy brought us out to doggie cafe @ balestier with his young adorable niece and nephew. It was quite funny to see the 2 kids go gagging over Hiro. He must have felt never more popular than yesterday. =P

Ordered a green tea cake and some lamb cubes for Hiro. Despite that his favourite meat was there, he didn't actually eat much after being dragged around for quite a bit. Poor thing. Heh. But, I really think he enjoyed the attention from the kids though..

My baby in Hip-hop outfit..

P.s. Pls mind the hairy leg tho.. Unintentional. Not mine either. Haha.

Anyway, wanna thank my Dimple boy for making this memorable trip happen. =)

Bliss

2008-03-02T22:15:00.006+08:00

Time wonderfully flies..

It's a happy 1st month with my darling. =)

Again. I'm the forgetful girlfriend who never remembers anything.

It's him who is the thoughtful and romantic boyfriend who wished me.

I guess I've learnt not to expect anything from anyone else.

Hence, the sweetness doubles when I realised his efforts for me.

Really do feel very blissful now..

Surprises

2008-02-03T21:35:00.000+08:00

Really feeling happy nowadays.. =)

Dimple boy gave me a pleasant surprise on Friday.

Sweet him picked me up at my far-away workplace.

While I was expecting to find an empty passenger seat, I found this lovely bouquet of pinkie roses instead..

Was really surprised by this sweet thought of him.

And guess what..

He finally did asked the question that I really wanted to hear.. =)

We headed to Siglap area for Japanese food dinner and strolled around the area..

Even though it was raining, just strolling and cuddling together under the umbrella all made it the more romantically memorable.

Dimple boy popped another surprise again.. Mid-night shows tickets to the movie, Sweeney Todd.

It just amazes me that how this guy's really full of surprises..

It's exciting.. =P

Feeling blessed and happy that I found my angel..

The angel that sends the flutters in my heart when everytime I see him.

I'm a lucky girl.. =)

2008-01-20T22:02:00.000+08:00

Life's so strange sometimes.
Maybe it is that when you don't expect anything much, things just turn for the better.
Feeling blessed that this sweet guy dropped into my life. Somehow.
Starting to really like his presence now.. =)

2008-01-06T21:47:00.000+08:00

Why is it that my heart seem to skip a beat that easily?
Maybe nothing yet holds me down..
It seems like just one after another.

We sat down at this odd grass patch of LaSalle and chatted really late into the night.
It's been really quite sometime since I had such conversations of heart-to-heart.
If I hadn't looked sleepy, it felt like he would have wanted to chat on longer into the night..
It's so fast that we met up again today, just exploring part of Sg that we never knew and playing silly arcade games that I hadn't played like ages ago.
It's kinda cute to see this big guy pouting his mouth when he genna suan-ed.
Something that I have never seen before until today.

He's a fun person and the companionship feeling was just great.
His initial frivolous air seemed to have strangely dissipated.
He possesses an air of steadfastness that dangerously allures..
And wiser in actual..

Such thoughts frets me..
But it's just amazing that we went out for like 14 hours alone over 2 days..
And I don't know what to make out of it.
Cuz nothing good ever seems to have realised.
I might just be thinking too much again.
I want to twist my fingers and hope nothing bad comes out of this friendship.
And I really want to achieve peace in this New Year.

Break

2007-10-07T20:56:00.000+08:00

I must be feeling darn disturbed to start blogging the 2nd time today.
I know I ought to knock the sense out of my stubborn head for senseless thought plaguing my mind.
But really.. I can't help it but to feel sad for myself.
How many times losing faith has crossed my mind?
Belief in love has become more aptly like a wild delusion nowadays.

The more thought I gave it, the more it appeared in my dream.
What is expected of me when I don't even know what is expected?
Why give me the pitiful longing for attention when I respect the space between us?
Why run when I question about it?
I do not like to play the game of mind farking..
Nonchalance is not what a true man should act.
I should already know what is CMI.
Farker.
I'm sorry if I scared any of you away.
I'm sorry if I'm a individualist.

I need a breather.
Maybe getting increasing busy is a good thing.
The next few weeks will be a timely period to be away.
I'll be extremely grateful for that.

The Big D.

2007-10-07T11:29:00.000+08:00

Procastination has been pulling me back.
Things have yet to be achieved and the pendulum swing of daily tasks has pushed all of these behind my mind.
I see it at the back of my mind.
Still très loin.. (f....a.........r)
Standstill depresses me.
Why do I find myself always losing "self" like so often nowadays?
It's horrifying and I hate it.
Really feel like a kid now.
I really don't love what I am now.
The impediment of "junks" is just irritating.
*Sighs*

The men just don't get it.

2007-09-29T19:12:00.000+08:00

I like this phrase.
How sickeningly true can this get?
It's not a deliberate guy bashing post.
But some dudes just leave me exasperated.
I do not like half hearted attempts.
I do not like to be treat of secondary importance.
And I do not stand around to be mind farked.

The Day That I've Waited So Loooong

2007-09-27T18:00:00.000+08:00

Braces off! Finalement..
2.5 years of patience paid off.
Yet my mouth really feels "bare".
Feeling a little short tongue when I speak. Heh.
Will soon get used to this, I guess.
It's terrific to be able to feel all of my teeth and to eat without getting food stuck somewhere within the braces again.
Eating noodles or vegetables are not fun I tell u.
The teeth mould that Dr Boey did for me on my 1st treatment looked like some prehistoric dinosaur teeth mould. Haha.
It's simply amazing to see how much my changes were, if u do have the chance to see.
The doctor, assistant nurse, receptionist and me who seen me through all of it were all in wow. Haha.
I'm a lucky gurl.
I hope my lucky stars continues to bless me.
*Clasps my hands n wishes hard*

Confession.

2007-09-08T22:13:00.000+08:00

Seriously.. I'm fast becoming a terrible bag addict.
Besides being addicted to coffee and french.. Heh.
Naughty me is dreaming of bags, bags and more bags everyday.
Waa.. Feeling guilty just thinking of this new Neverfull baby..
Mais, c'est très jolie! (Preeetty... *Glups*)
Time to build up my piggy bank!

...

2007-09-03T23:05:00.000+08:00

My mind is more affected than I thought so.
Chaos is like the theme of my dreams for the past few nights.
The snide laughs in my nightmare only made me feel more disgusted than ever.
It's not like I wanna think about it, but the facts just plague my head.
Really not in the best mood lately. *sighs*

Tres Triste

2007-08-21T22:56:00.001+08:00

I think I'm more than ever convinced that I'm right.
Some people just leave me utterly disappointed.
How I can be so blind.
Je suis tres triste..

Intuition?

2007-08-14T22:41:00.000+08:00

The world sometimes does not quite leave me convinced that it's a sincere world.
Intuition or six sense that you call tells me that I'm being made used of.
I am seriously quite affected by my thoughts.
Am I or am I not?
Am I just thinking too much again?
My heart just doesn't feels right.

On the other hand, there are some people that just makes my heart warm.
Their heartfelt concerns really make me just wanna give them a big hug.
Like the willingness to lend a listening ear when you are troubled.
Or like sending a simple sms to ask how am I really does give me simple happiness.
These people are just all so important over anything else.

La dernier nuit était fantastique

2007-08-09T09:52:00.000+08:00

La dernier nuit était fantastique.
(Last nite was fantastic.)
Was supposed to just have a short dinner with him.
But ended up, he refused to go back to work after that. =P
We went to this japanese restaurant at Central.
Never knew this place was so packed with people on the eve of National Day.
Strolled around for a while and this cute guy bought a pink shirt that complemented his physique well which he said he bought it cuz I said it looked good on him.
The weight of my words made him like so yaya the whole nite.
He was just waiting for me to vomit. Haa~
Went for some drinks at Robertson Quay after dinner.
With the cooling winds and intoxicating glasses of wine, it's really a different feeling to chat with him into late nite.
Really, the nite felt so great till neither of us felt like going home. Heh.
Still went for a short walk around the area before we finally headed home.
Lovely nite. =)

Bintan!

2007-07-30T22:27:00.000+08:00

Having been doing quite a bit of travelling this month. Went for a much needed break to Bintan with Hougang gang. It's been really quite some time since we hung out together. It's great that we made an overseas trip together! However, we are missing out my fav gal pal this time. So sad..

Thanks to my "awesome" company benefit.. Managed to ballot for a fantastic villa with double storeys and double bedrooms. The cosy little villa managed to squeeze in 9 people with the guys gallantry sleeping on the couches and floors. The lush greeneries and sandy beaches are all just a stone's throw away from the villa. Occassional rain came but this did not dampened our mission for fun. The volleyball match turned soccer match on the beach, jacuzzi n swims in the pool by the beach, watching the cute little turtles scrambling towards the open seas, tagging the "IT" and stupidly chasing each one another around was all really fun. Haha.

Really loved the bbq nite with all of us around the table happily chit-chatting and munching bbq food. Like all chalets, it's never complete without the scary movie sharing session. It became just so "exciting" when we were interrupted by this gigantic black ugly looking centipede with like a million feet that crawled into our house. Luckily 3 brave guys managed to corner this buggie and throw it out of the house. Hehe. There was a cosy feel when we were all snuggled upstairs in the little bedroom with more scary conversations continued till past deep into the night. How nice.

Really happy that everyone enjoyed the trip thoroughly. Someone raised the plan of having another trip overseas at the end of the year. Hope that will materialise.. Hehe.

Aside to the trip, I'm pleasantly surprised that he got so along well with my friends. That's just another side of him that I haven't seen before, even with our colleagues. Intriguing but it's nice.. =)

Sing my blues

2007-07-15T22:31:00.000+08:00

After the good break to Aussie, my mind started to wonder about my current prospects.
Really just getting sick of what I'm doing.
It's not my long term kind of job that I like to do.
9am to 6.30pm kind of job has become routinized.
And boring like hell.
I'm really in need some excitement.
I think I should do what I should do tomorrow.

Just went HV for dinner and chill out at Dempsey rd.
It's a pretty nice place but a little inaccessible without a car of your own.
Lovely place it is.
With swings, gothic ceiling lamps and good food to go around.
Really love cosying up in the little corner of Ben & Jerry with filled with nice chats and laughters with friends.
How nice..
Really wish that the night didn't end.

My monday just seems even bluer tonight. =(

2007-07-10T01:12:00.001+08:00

Back from my long awaited holidays to Sydney with Sunflower gal. Even before stepping of the plane, post holidays blues has begun to haunt my mind. Maybe I'm just greedy. Holidays are never ever enough!

Day 1 - Arrivals!

Travel by Qantas and I was happily anticipated delicious inflight meals to be served, but the odd tasting meal really didn't impressed me much. Insomnia struck me again on the overnight flight, leaving me really exhausted by the time we arrived in Sydney. And again like the 1st day of every holiday that I went, I trudged through the city like a zombie again.

First impressions of Sydney.. It is a really cosmopolitan city with really chilly winds that sends you shivering in your jacket. The "man-friendly" diverse population of Aussie which really became of help when we started to get lost on the streets. Haha. Oh yeah, one will never starve with the wide choices for food but get prepared to burn a hole in your pocket from just from having your meals outside.

Visited the Opera house as our first stop. Toured around the Opera house. The inner acoustics was quite good, considering that a clap and stamp on the floors of the concert halls left almost no immediate echoes. Did you even know that there are actually 3 different coloured tiles for the Opera house so that one can see the Opera house clearly from above the grounds? You will see nothing if it is just all white in colour. Wow. Educational tour. Haha.

Next, we went to The Rocks. It's a really beautiful sight to look across at the Opera house with the glistening blue waters from here. Lunch at Pancakes on the Rocks was nice, but sleep deprivation had really made me lose my appetite. Finished only half the pancakes and half my cappuccino. Can you believe that? Haha.

Went to Sydney Observatory and left feeling really silly. Because we understood nothing much about astronomy and all the exhibitions seriously resembles Greek words to me. But, we did manage to get some nice photographs of early sunsets of the Aussie winter period before we went back to hostel to rest up early.

We stayed at this hostel called "Legends has it Westend" at Pitt Street. It's quite a reasonable priced place in Central Sydney to stay if you don't mind going low budget. What surprised me was the sheer number of Japanese and Koreans on the streets of Aussie. Heh. I really hadn't seen so many of them on a street before.

Day 2 - Blue blue Mountains

Our big day to visit the famous Blue Mountains. Woke up early and had breakfast at this Francais cafe which looked strikingly similar to Delifrance. Only did we peeped into the kitchen doors before we realised that they were using ovens with Delifrance labels. Hee.

It's really a must to travel out of central Sydney to ogle at the beautiful majestic sceneries of the Blue mountains. Lovely place to live in if when you wanna retire. Joined this day-tour from "Happy Coach" which I thought was pretty good. The tour guide bought us to this park to see cute kangaroos before going up to the mountains. It's quite windy up in the mountains. Trying getting the wind to make you to lose your foothold when it blows hard. Saw the famous Three Sisters and the Wentworth Falls after a tiring climb down. The way back up was through an interesting 45 degrees inclined railway. Kind of exciting. Overall, I love this kind of tours. Will choose to do more of this kind of tours if I could in my next trip to Aussie.

Day 3 - Sydney Olympic Park and Shopping!

Took a short train ride out to the Olypmic park. We only walked the exteriors of the stadiums. The stadiums were big but nothing was too fancy. But, it was great to finally visit the Aquatic centre where Ian Thorpe-do swam. Haha.

Went on to the factory outlet DFO where all the cheap clothes are supposed to be. Sadly, it's wasn't that cheap after all. For a shopaholic like me, it's bad news that shopping's a pretty expensive affair here. But, heck it. If you see something you really like, why not just get it? You might never see the same thing you like again. I'm reaally a bad girl. Haha.

Returned to town to visit the Sydney Tower which was an excellent place for the night view for city. It's just too bad that my night shots sucks. Boo~

By this 3rd day, I really comment that Sunflower gal grew a really hearty appetite.

Happily, she had a ham and egg sandwich with tea for breakfast, a pie and a quiche with a drink for lunch and she chomped down the entire big bowl of Tofu soup with rice and some side dishes for dinner at this Korean restaurant. Haha. Dun kill me gal..
I just thought it's great to have such a good appetite that I never had.

Day 4 - Darling Harbour and Sydney Fish Market!

Brunch was a sumptuous affair at the Sydney Fish Market. As we sat with a mini harbour view, we had this yummy lobster and seafood set together with Flat White coffee. It's really cheap. Where can you ever find lobster in Sg for AUD 15? With good food and coffee, it was great to do strolls around watching people as well as seagulls and huge pelicans fighting over food.

Strolled through the Darling Harbour. Aussie is so blessed with sparkling blue waters and blue skies. All the any-how photos that I took turned out excellent. Excellent spot that all tourists flocked to. The Paddy markets in Chinatown which in my opinion was quite like our pasa malam in Sg. Nothing just to really buy from there. The next stop to holy St Mary's Cathedral was lovely. Seeing statues of angels brings me serenity and peace.

Day 5 - The Rocks Market

Was supposed to go for our Hunter Valley, but missed out on the trip due to a mix up of location by the Day trip company. How sad to miss out on wine and cheese tasting on our second last day in Sydney. Naughty staffs at the hostel seemed reluctant to call up their boss to ask if they can refund us our deposit. We had to make a trip back to hostel after venturing out to check if they made the call. After some persistence by us, the call was made and we got our refund. Minus points for the hostel.

Headed to the Rocks weekend market where people sell their unique creations and food instead. It was also a utter surprise to see someone else from my university walking along in the same market. The world is so small. Hee.

Day 6 - Home sweet home..

Did some last minute shopping before heading to the airport. Really didn't cared much and splurged on a pair of Nine West shoes and some Country Road stuffs. Haha. Can't live without shopping. Spent my last penny of Aussie dollars on yummy tastes of Krispy Kreme donuts for everybody else at home. The British Airway flight home was quite all right. Although I would say that I wouldn't ask for strong tasting lamb meat for my meal ever again..

It's great to have the time to recharge myself and momentarily get away from everything else in the world. Great to have spend time with my good friend and catch up on each other's lives. Hee~ Already looking forward to my next holiday!

Shall say no more. Time for photos!

2007-06-23T20:47:00.001+08:00

I must be the most contradictory person around in this world.

Sometimes just can't help negativement is stifling my own life.

The clip below really reflects what I think sometimes.. Haha.

2007-06-17T21:03:00.000+08:00

Surreal dreams of mine are a tad too much nowadays.
Dreamt of slow walks down my beloved boulvards of Paris and spurting actual french..
I amazed myself..
Dreamt of the someone else whom I'm hand-in-hand with.
And how come him of all people was in my dreams?
Knowing these are just wild imaginations really makes me a little sad.
Perhaps these are just what my subconcious mind really wanted.
La vie est comme celle..

2007-05-27T15:19:00.000+08:00

Call me abnormal or what.
I just love it how the way he snubbed the cinema guy over the bread that I bought for him.
Kind of evil but so man..
I like.

2007-05-25T23:32:00.000+08:00

Work's just becoming a little too much nowadays.
The pile of documents that I have to review everyday, complete ah-hoc stuffs that my big boss arrow me, attend meetings, cover the work for my colleague on top of the existing work that I have to do all adds up to be overwelming.
Have been having like 3 cups of coffee per day to give me my energy boost.
Tell me how I can survive without my dose of caffine?
Next week will just get about worse.
I should prepare to bring my toothbrush and pillow to my desk. Haha.

Hope I will not be the next person to die from overwork. Heh.
Really must fully enjoy my even more precious weekends.
Can't wait for my Aussie trip with Sunflower gal.
I REALLY need a break. *Sighs*

2007-05-20T11:03:00.000+08:00

A sweet guy sms-ed me during his class to say my name kept popping into his mind cuz his lecturer kept reiterating P&L (yes, profit & loss).
hehe.. see the link?
That seemed oddly like what an accountant would say.
But no doubt, it did felt so sugary sweet that when I looked at the skies, it does kind of resembles cotton candy clouds now. Heh.

Really feel like having a good cuppa of Starbucks coffee and time to read "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho on this lazy sunday.
Perhaps might just head out for some personal quality time alone.
Heart this kind of occassional solitude.
C'est la vie.

2007-05-13T22:19:00.000+08:00

Headed to the zoo that I haven't visited in quite a long long while with J today.
Despite of pouring rain and the huge colony of hyperkids that flocked to the zoo, these did not dampen our mood to have some fun.

Him, armed wth his SLR, really took many good photos that sent me wowed.
It's just regrettable that I felt like I had bought a sucky camera in comparison to his. Heh.
But, lucky me got a free crash course on photography and also the chance to play with his SLR.
Hehehe..

His big kid nature at times really sent me laughing.
And chats with him really felt quite nice too.
Even at times when we are just strolling and not talking, it felt just quite at ease.

The day ended with gentlemanly him who actually sent me home, even though I thought it was not on his way to do so.
How much more wonderful can this guy get?

I guess what's more to make me happy than to be able to spend time with someone that j'adore?
With his precious 8 hours of today.
It's simply a priceless experience.
Beginning to feel really attached to this lovely being. =)

2007-05-12T01:06:00.000+08:00

It's an utter deja vu that dreams do happen.
And it's such a nice surprise.
The surrealism is really an odd feeling.
*Pinchs myself*
Haha.

2007-05-01T20:56:00.000+08:00

Before it all begins, my mind already repelled all thoughts.
The more nonchalent I seemed, the more they contacted me.
Is there something wrong with me or them?
Seriously, I'm really getting tired of this.

Am I just thinking too much of nothing again?
I hope it's just another holiday blues of mine again.

2007-04-29T18:02:00.000+08:00

Have u ever sometimes wonder how the way life goes is uncontrollable?
How the way that you expect things to be and yet how things might not turn out what it is.
Who really have the perfect life?
Maybe some lucky people don't think about it because life's really too good to be true so far.

I really just hope to be happy and to live the way I want it to be.
Sounds like a big wish. Haha.
But who doesn't what to live this way?
Seeing how happy are some of my close friends in happily in love really brings a tingle of envy.
Finding the special someone really seems like a little too daunting a task.
Heh. Getting a doggie of my own and showering all my love on it seems easier.

Before you think I have some serious issues..
No, I don't. Haha..
I'm just fretting about this out of nothing. *Sighs*
The heat and the impending monday blues must be getting to me.

2007-04-21T08:28:00.000+08:00

I'm a bundle of emotions right now.
Happiness. Confusion. Guilt.

The endless chatting in almost all of my waking hours since last week until now really sent me to the heaven.
But I don't know if I'm actually thinking too much out of nothing.
Life will be so great if everything is straightforward.
But nah..

I'm also pretty surprised at something that I encountered yesterday.
For it has become something undesired.
I feel really bad now.

2007-04-15T22:11:00.000+08:00

Heaven must be bestowing some luck to me this year.
For I've met some people that really made me happy.
I didn't know that just watching someone study over a cuppa of coffee at Starbucks would give me the feeling of contentment.
Despite he was preparing for his exam, he still made some time for me.
Heh. I'm a lucky gal eh.
Later, we even wandered off to wooo and ahhh at cute pups in the pet shops nearby before having dinner together.
How sweet can the day become?
His presence is definitely undeniable now.
I will be glad to have this lovely day over and over again.

2007-03-25T10:53:00.000+08:00

It was a great night yesterday.
Actually hanged out with my new good friend..
Be it or not be it.. I do treasure all my friends a lot.
Comfortable is the apt word to describe the heartfelt talk that we had.
At some point, I thought he did felt a little sorry for me.
And maybe I wasn't really that person that he thought I'm to everyone.
Well, that's what true friends are for what.
To accept who you are. Hee.

Anway, finally I'm catching the Phantom of Opera today with my sister.
Have been waiting for this show for like a zillion years..
Heh. I'm exaggerating.
I'm just excited.

Gonna rush to JB after the show.. for work.
Yes.. On a sunday. Haa..
Be back end of next week.
Tata..

2007-03-18T12:30:00.000+08:00

Elation and relief.
I's amazing how my ugly bite is on its way to normal after 20+ years.
The feeling of having the front set of teeth over the lower set of teeth is indescribable.
I guess this is something that people wouldn't understand.. Unless in my position..
Really must thank my skillful orthodonist for it.

2007-03-11T08:10:00.000+08:00

It was a night of new friendships, laughter and outrageous teasings thrown back and forth.
Over a cuppa of nice latte and dinner, the relaxing atmosphere had indeed unleased the playful side of me.
To be frank, this is the one rare day that I felt quite alive.
Lovely.
I love to be happy.
Not that I wasn't happy before, it is just that I was really happy last night.
Haha.

2007-02-25T11:17:00.000+08:00

Like my friend said it all.. It's too late to not continue.
So lovely french classes continues. Yeah!!
I'm getting more and more hungry for le french mots.. Haa.
Passionate classmates have definitely played a part in cultivating my interest.
It's also really nice to know that our teacher also likes our class a lot?
For it will be the coming 4th semster that he will continue to teach us. Heh.
Because normally every 2 semsters the class instructors will be rotated about.
Lovely!

Class photo with our endearing "Manu King"

Having gone for my international exchange back in my Uni days was really a good thing.
I really learnt to appreciate much more of the world out there, besides our little Island.
The differences in people, the rich cultures, the vast sights and the sounds are all so enthralling.
Really missed the "days of my life" in France..
Maybe that's why I'm so keen on French. Haa.

Have been pondering whether to pursue further education..
It's really a major consideration for me..
To commit time, money and energy requires big-time committment.
Having said that, my heart tells me yes yes...
So I guess it's just a matter of when..

2006-12-25T20:18:00.000+08:00

Merry merry Christmas to all!
The spirit of Christmas actually did seemed to be quite alive this year.
Although I don't actually celebrate Christmas Day, Christmas was more of a soiree, an excuse to catch up with all my friends.
Over these past few days, I've been badly indulging in scrumptious food that I don't really get to eat often.
Gonna get fat. But who cares.. Heh.

Had dinner at Citylink with my very good friend.
The restaurant (forgot the name) we patronised was very nice because the deco was cutsy, the staffs was helpful and it even had candy floss!

Her very sweet and adorable gift to me..

I'm very touched that she actually went out to get this pressie.
Really didn't expect this.
If I can summarise what my dear gal friend is..
She's the sweetest friend that I ever met in my life.
Her spunky appearance does not tell that..

Also, Sunflowergal held a lovely Christmas gathering at her place.
It was a nice feeling to have a chat over homely dinner with good food and wine.
Watched a hilarious film, My Super-Ex Girl Friend, together before we had our Coffeebean Christmas goodies.
For the 1st time, I ate up a gingerbread man.
Guiltily. Heh.
Maybe I watched too much of Shrek.
We also had an exchange of gifts..
Look what I've gotten.. (Pardon the awful background.)

It was very sweet. Haha..

Actually, I think this described my 2006 year.
Because my collection of pink items are huge.. Haha.
Like pink heels, pink sneakers, pink polo-tee, pink cardigan, pink pillows, pink handbag..
I'm flooded with pink and I really amazed myself. Haha.
I think my upcoming 2007 will and must be a lot of other colours.

Oh well, shall end here. Cheers to all with Starbuck's Toffee Nut Latte!

2006-12-19T22:10:00.000+08:00

Spent a lovely weekend with my friends in Cameron Highlands.

Cameron Highlands is a nice, cooling small town up in a mountain of winding roads that needed like at least an hour plus to ascend.
Reached the town about 8 am in the morning and the bus dropped us to have our breakfast at Brinchang.

Proceeded to have our caffine and teh fixes at a local rotiprata store.
It was no doubt funny that LY and I wanted kopi-siu-tai and we "forced" Mr L. to translate this into Malay to the guy taking the orders. =P
I think he was stunned for words for a while but managed to rephrase the words to give the orders. Haha.

Our nassistic nature calling us to pose.... Say BRRRrr!

Begun our tour where we visited some beautiful places like the mystic Boh tea plantations and the Mossy Forest up in higher altitudes of the mountain.
The sights absolutely set my heart thumping excitedly.
How many times do we get to see breath-taking mountains amidst of our concrete jungle?
It was also amazing to see the vibrant colours of flowers.
Must be result of the climate.

Boh Tea factory..

After seeing all the tea-making process, at least now I understood the difference between tea dust and rubbish teas.
At the tea factory, it's a pity that we didn't have time to sit down and enjoy the cool air with nice cuppa of tea at the mountain-facing terrace.

Attempted some nature shots, which I think I sucked because I just bought a new camera.
Most of my shots are sadly over-exposed.
The result of using camera without reading the manual first. =(
But, I managed to save my photos with this wonderful free editing tool called Picasa. Heh.

It had been unfortunate that it had been a super rainy day, adding to the surprise of bad traffic jams up in the mountain.
We trudged through the local markets, similar to pasar malams, with umbrellas.
The whole market seemed to be selling strawberries and more strawberries which was what Cameron was famous for.

And finally we headed for a steamboat dinner with wet jeans and shoes..

Returned to our hotel, Equatorial, to rest up.
The chilly winds, authentic fireplace and christmas trees really set the whole place up for Christmas mood.
How nice it would be to snuggle on a couch in front of the fireplace with a cuppa of Starbucks toffee nut latte. Haa.
Too bad there is no Starbucks in Cameron Highlands.

It had been a nice, short trip.
How I wished it had be longer...
But, I'm so glad that my friends and I actually are able to spend time together even though most of us are doing different jobs now. =D

2006-12-10T11:28:00.000+08:00

The last week of my french class semster was yesterday.
Will not be attending my class next week which was supposed to be the official last class of the semster.
I do find that I already missed my classmates.
And of course my endearing french teacher.. Haha.
Because they are a really fun bunch.
They already felt like a big family to me.

It was so sweet of my friends to schedule an outing after class yesterday.
Went to L'Vilage (Old Marche that suddenly became a French restaurant) to have our dinner before we proceeded to watch Happy Feet which was a really cute film with lots of singing.
As if it wasn't still enough, we headed to NYDC for dessert.
As usual, "A" tried to show off his numerous magic card tricks which a lot of it, to his dismay, somehow failed today.
Maybe because there are 3 girls scrutinzing his moves. Haa.
As I was seated next to him, I sort of caught how he performed his tricks.
I smirked at him and he reached over to *kok* my head. Haa.
Talking about magicians losing their secrets. Hehehe.

I do find it interesting that ,in general, I seemed to relate to people borned slightly earlier than me.
I clicked better with my older 2 girlfriends from french class.
And my favourite galfriends are also more mature in attitudes!
Haha. I love you girls!

Overall, it had been such as nice day that it makes me wish there are french classes forever.

2006-12-09T09:28:00.000+08:00

It's a crazy week without my colleague who went on marriage leave.
It is amazing how much stuff that she processes everyday and at reporting periods.
My other colleague and I who are replacing her work almost when berserk completing all the necessary documentations until midnight everyday in this week.
Luckily, our "god" be finally back next monday.
No longer do I need to tear my hair out....

I think I'll falling sick after this stressful week.
My throat is urgh and I'll be ktv-ing with my friends this weekend.
Bad week.

2006-12-03T17:45:00.000+08:00

The Standard Chartered Marathon was such a uber cool event.
I had actually finished the 10km marathon without any preparations.
And the timing when I reached the end point was 1 hour and 23 minutes.
Wee~ It's an achievement for me, for I remembered jogging a 10km route through MacRitchie reservoir with my bestie and we actually took an amazing 3 hours to get back.
And the guys thought that we were lost. Haa.

The atmosphere at the Esplande bridge was absolutely addictive.
How could one not feel estatic when the crowd did?
The first 3km jog was relatively interesting as you don't get that much a chance to run on the main road of Shenton Way.
The next 4km into the Marina Bay area seemed a little endless because you can only see never-ending trees and the tons of people persevering in front of you.
At times, I do find it quite tiring to outrun those in my way as I had to slow down and change direction.
These really dragged down my momenteum.
The last 3km back to the Padang was fine, until the last 100 metres where I dashed to the end point until I thought my legs would give way under me. Hee~

Finishing the marathon really gives one the feel good factor.
I might just join the marathon again next year! =P

2006-12-02T18:52:00.000+08:00

I feel like a big baddie.
Rejected his movie date with the rest of my clique in french class and the disappointed look in his eyes said it all that it was not just a normal question.
Then he probed further why I don't wanna go.
And I dropped him a lame excuse.
Our innocent flirtations must have gone out of hand.
The thought of liking someone else suddenly seems so repulsive.
It makes me feel afraid.

Updates!

2006-12-02T08:10:00.000+08:00

Here I am... Automatically awake at 7.30am on a saturday morning.
Great time to do some constructive work like blogging..

It was quite a stressful week.
The workload kept piling up.
My bosses' expectations of me also seemingly just keeps rising higher and higher..
These few weeks, I see myself going to work looking smart but I return home wary, starving with a messy hair.
Perhaps the two month honeymoon period has passed and I should be able to handle all that comes in my way.
Somehow, I think I'm blessed with angels around me.
Like my "small" boss, he actually takes quite good care of me, giving me tips on how to win my big boss's heart.
He could have just coached me on the essential work knowledge and leave me like that.
Well, he didn't.
I'm really grateful to him for his kindness.

It was bizzare that I've actually lost some weight on this new job.
Perhaps from keeping 3 disciplined meal times.
It's good because I feel lighter now.
Without even trying. Haa~
It seemed really difficult to lose weight while on my previous job.
Even if I force myself to go on a torturous 4km run.. Heh.

Tomorrow is my big day to conquer the Standard Chartered Marathon 10km run.
Haven't been doing any training at all, except for the long walks in heels during shopping.
I hope my jelly legs survives the run and I don't crawl back. Haa~

2006-11-18T23:13:00.000+08:00

Pardonnez-moi, je dois pratiquer plus français pour améliorer.
C'est un jour étrange.
Je me suis amusé regarder Casino Royale avec quelqu'on qui j'ai n'eu pas avoir la chance rejetez.
Il n'est pas comme nous arrangeons.
Mais je suis sûr nous serons ris pas la classe la semaine prochaine.

Je suis heureux que j'ai écrit réellement tout les mots français.
Il était très difficile d'abord, mais c'est meilleur maintenant.
C'est une grande réussite pour moi.
Oh la la~

Pardon me, I need to practise more french to improve.
It's an odd day.
I was amused to have watched Casino Royale with somebody which I hadn't got the chance to reject. Hahas.
It is not like we arranged.
But, I am sure we will be laughed at by the class next week.

I am happy that I've actually written all the french words.
It was very difficult at first, but it's better now.
It is a great achievement for me.
Wee~

Notre Dame De Paris!

2006-11-12T20:22:00.001+08:00

Watched Victor Hugo's Notre Dame de Paris at the indoor stadium yesterday.

This musical spectacular was truly an enjoyment.

Their singing was solid and soulful.

It had seemingly transported me to the streets of Paris and I felt like a passerby witnessing all the riots on the street.

I want to applaud their dances because it was almost like stunts.

My friends and my heart skipped a beat where there was this scene of people ringing the giant dangling bells of Notre Dame Cathedral in mid-air using their only their bodies and strength.

It was amazing to see what these cast can do.

They also scaled up and down the walls of the Cathedral with ease.

This show's interpretation was more about the romance than the Cathedral.

It depicted a story about a grotesquely hunchback bell ringer, Quasimodo, who fell in love with this beautiful gypsy woman, Esmeralda.

The priest of the Cathedral, Frollo, was attracted to the gypsy woman, but felt sinfulness as he desired for love.

And thus, the story goes on about the self-destruction, all thanks to the priest.

Many times I have heard about the name of this story but I don't know what it is about.

Haha. Finally I understood..

If you wanna know the story, you can read from here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday was another round tightening session with my orthodonist.

Finally, she put on elastics to close the gaps in my lower molars.

I tell you..

Elastics are from hell.

Wah. I could hardly feel my teeths.

Dinner with my friends at Dim Tai Fung was almost tasteless because my weak teeths could hardly bite into anything at all.

It just felt like the first day being braced when my part-time job's colleague gave me a treat.

The fish that I had was also tasteless and I glupped everything down with water. Haha.

Anyway, this short time pain is for the longer future.

I still love my braces!

A Million Thanks To All My Friends!

2006-11-10T18:58:00.000+08:00

Before I start another blog entry..
I would like to thank all my friends for remembering my birthday.
Thanks for all your well thought presents too..
The world has turned another round for me.
In a blink of the eye, I'm another year older.
Looking back at the past year, I actually feel quite satisfied that I've been taking charge of my own life.
Like I changed the miserable job that made me feel down in the dumps everyday.
Indulged myself to pursue my passion, Français..
And made friendships with a bunch of like-minded strangers.
This sounds good enough for my petit moi achievement.
Life has to be an evolution, isn't it?
You never know where the new development of events will bring you to.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All thanks to the recent public holiday over the weekend, I have an extra day off today.
Snoozed until 10am plus which is a rarity because I'm just an early bug by nature.
Speaking of waking early, someone actually asked if I wake up so early to distribute newspapers..
Really funny.
I also wish to sleep until the sun is already halfway up the sky, but I just can't.

Anyway, I went out to do some shopping alone.
Shopping alone is really shiok.
Nobody to tell you what or what not to buy and nobody to wait for.
Lucky I woke up relatively early, I saw this big sale advertisement by Furla.
Got myself this lovely leather wallet with suede which I totally adore.

I think every girl should have a nice and decent wallet to carry around.
Afterall, we bring our valuables everywhere we go.

Went to Vivocity and I can only come up with a conclusion.
Singaporeans don't need to work. Haa.
It's a friday afternoon and the place was already swarmed with people.
I really think 3/4 of the orchard road population migrated here.
Stepped into Candy Empire and found myself nauseous with the number of seemingly junk-food-deprived people inside.
Bleah. Bought nothing in the end.

The GAP store is nothing like I wished for.

I had envisioned at least a 2-storey high space selling all sorts of clothings.

The spread in the store is really limited.

Forever21 is a stark contrast.

It's like a dream store because it has sooo many clothes.

I feel happy just walking inside. Haa.

Strolled in the Marketplace and discovered all types of Nescafe not sold in ordinary supermarts.
Decaffinated, Skim, Lattes..
You name it, you can find it.
It's like a coffee heaven.
Sadly, the prices are extraordinary too.
I can buy those at half the price in Europe.
Lucky me, my sister is going to bring back some boxes of Nescafe from Europe for me. Haha.
Think I sound crazy here, people buy LV from Europe and I'm getting coffee from Europe.

Coffee just makes me excited. Hee~
P.S. Dear Sis, buy me some more coffee if your luggage has spaces to spare. Thanks ah!!

Will be catching Notre Dame with my french classmates tomorrow.
Really excited about it.
Shall update again tomorrow when I'm free!

Tai Tai Wannabe Day

2006-10-21T22:07:00.000+08:00

Spent a day frolicking with Sunflowergal.
We decided to head down to Swissotel Merchant Court's Ellenborough Market Cafe for a highly raved lunch buffet..
What was funny was that..
We walked all way from Orchard MRT to very far away Tanglin Shopping Centre which was the wrong place..
Took a cabby to the hotel at Clark Quay and only to miss the lunch buffet hour. Hee..
Ended up, we went to Liang Court's McCafe to satisfy our mouths and took a stroll at Clark Quay area before we finally went back to the Merchant Court for the high tea buffet.
Sadly to say, the buffet was a little disappointing.
The variety was quite pathetic..
Despite that the nonya component was played up, the high tea buffet was only average and the only nonya foodie that I saw was the laksa.

Here's some pictures taken at the beautiful Clark Quay..

Wondering what he's eating...

Digging in at Ellenborough Market Cafe...

End of my limited photos..

Hee.. Tata!

2006-10-21T21:31:00.000+08:00

Hi guys, I think I have been holding on to some photos for quite a while.
Really sorry about it..
I shall post it here and you all download from here, okie?

Here I present..

The War of the World.

Group Photo.. But not very flattering on me.. =(

The Very Spicy Chongqing Hotpot!

Portfolio shots.. =P

J'adore Smallville

2006-10-14T22:14:00.000+08:00

My all time favourite show, Smallville...
Has finally reached my doors after a month of waiting!
Yeah yeah ~
However, my parcel of DVDs went back to the post office because nobody answered the door when Mr Postman came. Haa..
However, post office is going to send me my parcel again on monday.
I'm going to make sure my Mama is at home to sign the parcel. Hee..
Then it will be time for more hunky Clark Kent and beautiful Lana Lang.
Looks like I'll be reviving those times that I was glued to the TV day after day..

2006-10-11T21:05:00.000+08:00

For Salsa Lovers..

Just can't resist posting this cute video.. Enjoy! =P

Fast-Forward Week

2006-10-04T21:36:00.000+08:00

Finally, I've begun my new job in another industry that I've always hoped to get into.
No doubt, the beginning is super tedious.
All that unfamiliar jargon information is indeed quite mind-boggling.
But, I'm sure I should be used to these within a few weeks.

Also, I finally have a table of my own and a cupboard where I can put all my barangs.
Yippee~ This is so exciting.
In my previous job, assistants are basically homeless where we migrate from table to table.
We only survive with a cupboard.
And when the cupboards threaten to explode, we utilise our "pigeon-hole".
And when "pigeon-holes" are full..... Haha~
Use your imagination where to put your belongings.

Oh yeah, to my delight, I've found someone whom I can practise my french with.....
I can only say that the person is very smart.
8 weeks into French and she can write quite well.
I spent a hour just typing a paragraph to her.
Alamak.. My French standard is so lousssy. Bleah.
I aspire to be proficient in this beautiful language.
One day... *Dreams*
Maybe if I type my blog in French, I'll improve faster. =P

The Day Before Tomorrow

2006-10-01T19:01:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, my TCC gang and I went to a wine place at Railway Mall for my farewell.
It's a nice place with great red wines, foods that you can tabao from other restaurants and dim lights.
However, it'll be nicer if there are sofas that one can sink into there. Haha.

Too bad I just went for my painful tightening session for braces in the morning, I didn't have a chance to eat that juicy Rocky pizza. *drools*
I had lagasne though ,which I basically glupped down without chewing. Heh.
Anyway, we should have this sort of gathering more...
Life seems so good with great wines, food and friends. =)

As much as I look forward to my new workplace, I think I'm getting a case of cold feet before it even begins tomorrow.
Really out of a sudden, I really really miss my dear friends and colleagues a lot.
No longer I'll be able to see them often.
No more lunches or gossips together.
I guess some things will only hit you hard in the face when it draws near.
*Sighs*

Last Day

2006-09-28T18:22:00.000+08:00

Today is finally my last day in my Company.
Amongst the hardworking crowd sitting beside me, it felt really weird to start packing your belongings, clear out your cupboard and dump all the madly scribbled documents from my "chicken" files.
Just going up and down to settle all these packing and clearance procedures made me a little giddy and exhausted.
Friends and colleagues were sincerely surprised that I'm leaving.
Well, it is just a matter of time for one to move one for the better future.
I'm sure we will all have chances to meet up again.

Many kind colleagues replied my goodbye emails.
There was this particular email that I really thought was hilarious.
The email was from my big job manager who wrote to my personal email.

" Dear PL,
In all my years in XX, I haven't met anyone who can turn up for work on time everyday despite working late for extended periods of time. Thank you.......... (N so on and on..) "

Well, I thought this was really strange because punctuality to me is a form of basic courtesy.
Must be a difference in values.
Haha.

Anyway, to my delight, lucky me was offered a job before I left my current job.
No need to sweat and fret being jobless.
Next week will be a new beginning and hopefully, it will be a good beginning.

2006-09-07T19:54:00.000+08:00

I finally *threw* my resignation letter!
Yeah yeah.. =D
I'm FREE!!!!

The counselling session by my mentor manager was quite funny IMO because he actually talked A LOT in a desperate attempt to keep his staff.
Never in my past 1 year had he ever talked so much to me.
Haa.

I guess I've shocked the few people who knew by now.
Why do I seem like I'm leaving in a hurry?
I'm not.
I've thought long and hard about my direction of life.
And a CPA is not what I want to achieve in the future.
Why continue to waste time and feel oppressed?
Nobody actually knew that during this past year, I actually experienced a few times of sleep paralysis.
The feeling of stress is so over-welming at times that I've not been sleeping well.
It's so frightening to feel immobility and failure to struggle when you want to.
Therefore, for the better of my health and future, it's time to move forward and find the something that is my cup of "coffee".

Mentally I really do feel the pressure lifting away.
No longer do I have to..
Work under the Devil in Louis Vuitton.
Feel like an uncommitted and grumpy staff.
Work excessive OT and feel very underpaid for my efforts.
Do any audit work that has become redundant in value in my heart.
Yeah~

Although I'll be leaving this company, the people that I will definitely miss are..
Number 1 my TWIN.. (Ahaha.. You know who you are..)
Number 2 my lovely mentor aka TCC gang.
Number 3 the rest of my fellow colleagues who had guided and took good care of me.

I must say I will always remember my TCC gang in office.
How I wish my future colleagues are like them.
I'm sure we still have a lot of chances to catch up after I leave. =)

With my remaining time in office, I will try to secure the job that I really want.
No matter how hard.
=)

Francophile Alert

2006-08-25T16:01:00.000+08:00

A new biographical movie, Marie Antoinette, with Kristin Dunst as the lead actress which is coming up in the fall 2006 simply excites me to the core.
Well, you know, the francophile me loves that the fact that the movie was actually shot in Versailles, France.
Big hair, elaborate court dresses and fancy european lifestyles.. Woo~
I think the movie will feature the famous Hall of Mirrors in the Chateau de Versailles as well as the magnificent, beautifully manicured garden that is really an over-oversized hunting ground.

Hall of Mirrors

Le Parc

Wohoo.. Really can't wait for this eye-candy movie to come out soon.
In case you are interested to read about the actual life story of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, you can get it from this Vogue magazine.

Just thinking about this movie, it is already bbbeautiful..
*Dreams*

Time to know yourself better

2006-08-24T09:23:00.000+08:00

This quiz obtained from Sunflower's blog is generally quite true for me, except for one point.
Adds on to the-more-i-should-job-hunt encouragement. Haha.

Your view on yourself:
You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.

The seriousness of your love:
Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.

Your views on education:
Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.

The right job for you:
You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.

How do you view success:
You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.

What are you most afraid of:
You are afraid of things that you cannot control. Sometimes you show your anger to cover up how you feel.

Who is your true self:
You are full of energy and confidence. You are unpredictable, with moods changing as quickly as an ocean. You might occasionally be calm and still, but never for long.

The Truth - Meaningless

2006-08-22T17:21:00.000+08:00

I can't help but to agree with my sis's choice of word for feeling ultimate boredom in the midst of a long holiday.
So what do I do everyday?
Wake up. Eat. Read newspapers. Surf my favourite forums. Start the coach potato routine. Disturb my sister when she comes back from school. Listen to my mum nag. Sleep.
Too little of personal time, I grumble.
Too much of a routine, I find life a tad too meaningless.
Perhaps these thoughts are due to my mind that often wanders too much.
I questioned my committment to my job, my morale and my self-esteem.
Sadly to say, all three felt like an all-time low.
And I do know the source of the problem - the extremity of my job.
The thought of hanging on is dreadful.
Maybe I should start to prep my resume in my remaining TOIL days and cut my misery short when the opportunity comes.
Now if you ask me where do I see my life going?
I really don't know.

2006-08-20T11:20:00.000+08:00

It was a morning of fluster for my family as we bated goodbye to my dear sister who is going away for a 4 month exchange stint.
It was finally her big day to say "Hallo Deutschland!". (Meaning "Hello Germany!")

Here's to my sis..
We missed you already. Enjoy your trip..
It will be so fun.. Really..
And I'm so jealous already. =P
Just be careful of pickpockets and stay away from sleazy places.
Leaving home to live alone will be a great change for you.
No doubt that you will miss home terribly in the beginning, you will start to adjust to the local lifestyle there soon after.
It's time to learn how to wash clothes, sweep the floor and stomach your own cooking. Haha.
Most importantly, remember to call home when you are free.
Mum and Dad will be delighted to hear your voice..
Take care and wear more clothings when it gets colder.
Lastly, Karie asked why you forget to bring her? *Sob sob*
Haha...

2006-08-08T22:17:00.000+08:00

Out on a weekday for shopping and binges brings such an enjoyment.
Because there is no need to fight your way through the crowd, endure the sound of crying kids and you can choose things that you desire easily.
However, nothing caught my eye and so, I returned empty-handed.

My sis and I tried the Hong Kong Cafe at Marina Square.
Sadly, the food isn't worth the prices, unless you just wanna have tea, kopi and the famous thick toast bread.
Btw, the restaurant served the smallest fried wantons that I've ever seen in my entire life.
Haha.

Here's a photo of narcissistic us posing..

I know my fringe was probably quite messy. Hee..
Finally got it rebonded at Reds today.
Despite that the price of sitting immovable for 3 hours each time, poker-straight locks do give me a kick out of seeing myself looking neat.
Wee~

Anyway, Happy National Day to everybody in advance!
Enjoy your holidays! =D

2006-08-05T11:27:00.000+08:00

It's been another long time since I've blogged.
Time has just passed so fast that I've almost lost count of it.
Being on this BIG job allocated to me, I think I'm more suay than lucky.
To be able to have the chance for exposure, I'm glad.

However, there's always a BUT..
Cuz nothing's free in this life.
Some employees of the client's really sucky and darn immature.
They complaint about my team eating in the room, previously used by them as their lunch room.
They complaint about us walking past the VP's room when the route we took was the shortest route back to our working room from the front door.
So, we are supposed take another winding route back to our room.
They even locked the photocopying room, which previously wasn't locked.
So, we have to go all the way up to photocopy our documents.
Lastly, they MLP-ed us to our manager.
I can only say WTF.
And my manager was outraged and humilated.
Stupefied is the only word apt for describing this assignment.

I have to admit here that I hate my senior.
She's a living Devil in ~~Prada~~ Louis Vitton.
Bossy, loud, short-tempered, boastful and irritating are all the adjectives to describe her.
She's no doubt clever, but her attitude sucks to the core.
It's the first time in my whole life that someone (apart from my parents) who fucking dared to yell at me.
Who does she think she is?
Somebody great?
Till now, I'm so bloody pissed and insulted.
I desperately held back my tears when she screamed because I was stunned.
My AM firmly told me, "PL, don't be upset. She's like that."
But, that wasn't enough at that point in time.
I still went to the toilet to cry my heart out.
Later, my AM confessed to me that she is also scared of her because of her vile temper.
Again, I'm amazed.
My bigger boss is scared of my smaller boss.
Haa. An irony.
Anyway, the hell to HER.
I hope her LV bags rot.

I've taken almost a month of leave to rest at home.
To recuperate my mind of this mentally and physically taxing (yes, we worked until 4am) job before the next quarter starts.

And I'm happy to tell you that I'm stuck on this bloody job for the rest of my career.
Argh.

2006-07-16T22:04:00.000+08:00

While I was travelling home from work at 9pm plus on a saturday night, my cabbie went past an accident's wreckage in front of Wheelock's place.
Although I did not see any dead bodies, the half a car standing by the roadside pricked goosebumps in me.
I wondered whether will I ever die in a car accident on my way for work.
Dying and thinking about the work that I should hand to my senior tomorrow.
It's a sadistic thought, yet one that consumes my mind once every now and then.
Just the day before, I had hallucinated about having a heart attack and dying in front of my working laptop.
You must be thinking that I am going mad. Haha.
Physically I may be working, but mentally I yearn to be free.
I'm very flattered that my fellow colleague on the job thought that I'm smart..
Which I'm not..
And my future in audit is bright.. *Shudders*
I'm sceptical of how long I can take on this challenge of never-ending work, bitchy seniors and fellow assistants who get scolded like everyday?
Till now, I am only sure of one thing that this one year experience in audit has inspired me.
That is...
To be a bummer.
How I wish life is a holiday, everyday.

2006-07-08T21:16:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I feel so sad for myself.
Why do I always have to work, work and work?
Just got a call from my senior to go back to office tomorrow which is a SUNDAY...
My good mood today is totally ruined.
Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
I really will bite if you come near now.
Bababa.

2006-06-25T10:58:00.000+08:00

The Taiwan holiday has definitely capture my soul and left my body here in Singapore.
It's amazing how time flies during wonderful times.
You eat, shop and tour non-stop around every day.
Heavenly...
I love travelling!

My mum and I travelled through our Singapore's very own icon, SIA.
The facilities onboard was good, with own tv screen just in front of you.
Nice, but I hardly watched anything because I was quite concussed from a mix of insomia from the previous night due to the excitement of travelling and difficulty to fall asleep during plane flights.
I just almost died trying to stay awake the first day. Haha..

My tour guide is a talkative fella who can really talk continuously for like a hour plus non-stop.
From him, all of the people in my tour group gathered a lot of information about Taiwan history, fengshui, health tips, avoid-ghosts tips and of course, his personal life (Haha.. Which he was teased mercilessly by the rest in the bus).

Taiwan is really a place for a shopaholic to live.
The number of night bazaars and the crowds that never seemed to disappear puts our own shopping scene to shame.
From here, my bargaining powerness did improve some more. Wahaha..
Picked up some nice clothes that fits me nicely. =)

The foodstalls along the roadsides offered a wide selection of goodies.
Went to try the "Hao Da Da Ji Pah" that everyone who went Taiwan was raving about and they are correct to say that the food was absolutely delicious.
Tried the famously stinky tou-fu and seriously, the tou-fu tasted quite delicious in the mouth.
Well, I also discovered the stinky tou-fus do vary in the power of "stinkiness"..
Those that really really stink, really stinks in the mouth.
Coz I tried before.. Pui..
My mama went to try ducks' tongue and she declared that it tastes okay but no meat. Haha..
There are also many other foods that we tried which I forgot the names... =P
But lucky you!
Because I have many photos which you can see below!

Airplanes!

Goodies..

Buy 1 bowl of beancurd and get a bowl free!

Busy streets

Resembles a Queen's head...

Awesome scenery from "Ri Yue Tan"

Ceramic Street..

Changing of the Guards Poccession

Toy Muesum.. The Happy Unbirthday Day in Wonderland...

For the Rich, Taipei 101.. And my favourite Coach!!

"Ah Mei" tribal dance.. Which I got dragged into.. =S

Other sights and sounds..

"Bing Lang" Mei on our bus...

Group Photo

That's it folks..
We went with 2 luggages and came back with 5..
Cuz we bought so many things. Haha..
Never underestimate women's shopping abilities.. *Winks*

2006-06-07T08:48:00.000+08:00

Sooo long for my updates.. Haha..
Okie, I'm just a freaking lazy girl who's finally updating now.. =P

Last friday marked the day that the first time that I was in Sungei Buloh.
Didn't even know where the place is, if not for my company's pick-litter day in the natural reserve.
The event was an overly successful one, in my point of view.
So many people picking up litter in the same area.
You can bet the area's sparkingly clean now. Haha.
Well, you also wouldn't believe what sort of litter that you'll be able to pick up..
Like a car seat (?!) that my team picked up in the swamp..
Perfume bottle, tons of plastic bags, straws, and styroform containers...
I can just imagine our marine life creatures choking on consuming all these junk because they think these looked seeminly like fishes to them.

Hot and sunny morning with a fantastic view..

Game to take a walk in the swamp?

Mangrove tree, if you didn't ever see one before.. =P

My dearest colleagues..

Met with Sunflowergal for a shoppaholic session..
As usual, she bought lots of things and I bought little.
How come ah? Haha...
Later we headed down to have a delicious dinner at Chongqing Hotpot with an ex-colleague.
For me, it was a not bad attempt at eating mala huo guo because I don't really dare to eat spicy food.. Heh.
To be truthful, the taste of chilli actually tastes good..
My tastes seemed to have evolved after stressful work.

Also, I caught up with the movie, The Da Vinci Code with my sisters yesterday.
The movie is only worth a 3.5/5 because I had already read the book.
I can only comment that the content has been compressed a lot and some details changed.
I love the book better!
On the other hand, my sister thought the movie was great.. And exciting..
So, catch the movie if you want..
Different people, different thoughts.

I should be preparing to head out again later for ktv and movie again..
Shall try to blog more soon..

So-enjoying-my-days and Love,

2006-06-05T12:37:00.000+08:00

I nearly couldn't get down of my bed in this lazy morning..
Because my body's positively aching from intensive shopping and exercise... Heh.
Oh yes, I'm finally on TOIL.
Yeah!
Shall update again later with my bundle of pictures..

2006-05-27T14:01:00.000+08:00

At last! It's my well-deserved weekend. The only 2 days in a week that I neither need to think much, lose sleep, "forced" to do excessive overtime and see the faces of my supervisors.

For the past month, I've been surviving on counting down from monday that how many days it was to my weekends. You can just imagine how motivating is my current job. Until now, I actually don't have any nice feeling about the team. You see, the manager is a nasty workaholic that drives the team super hard to do work. Also, my other two supervisors are just, sadly, scaredy cats in front of the manager. One will get scolded by the manager without fail everyday. The other one will ALWAYS ask us, the assistants, to ask the manager whether he want to get any lunch/dinner just because he is hungry. Duh. Can't he ask for it himself? Is that so hard? This supervisor is also an ungentleman which I've no wish to illustrate his "ways" because reiterating it makes my blood boil. This job just makes me so angry. I can't wait for it to be over the next week.

Right now, I hate my job. Not throwing in the letter is just taking every ounce of will to hang on. Haiz.

I'm so glad that Great Singapore Sale is here again. Yes, I need to unwind by being "mad" at shopping. My pathetic workbag has become so worned out and dirty that I feel ashamed to bring it out. Perhaps I shall splurge at my beloved Coach. Haha. To get a present for myself for all my hard work. =P

JS, I'm not angry anymore lah. Just don't do it again. Once or twice is a "funny" comment. More than that it becomes personal. =)

2006-05-20T13:55:00.000+08:00

It kind of hurts that people should criticise you.
Like you did nothing and yet earn some sort of comments like you did something wrong.
Seriously, it perturbs me.

Dear JS, this is my words to you..
Stop being an insensitive person.
No matter how I look, it's none of your business.
So stop critising me whenever you see me.
It's getting on my nerves.
I barely have enough time to sleep less alone exercise.
Therefore, I do not need your kind comments.

2006-04-16T11:05:00.000+08:00

This week is just pure indulgance.
Fresh lattes, muddy mud pies, bailey cakes and sweet noagat creams..
And best of all, the chance to meet up with my dear friends for girly gossiping session for a consective 2 days..
I tell you this very relaxing feeling is great!
Not doubt it's ultra sinful to consume so much goodies, it's like once in a while.
Time to pull up my socks and be more physically fit.. Haha.

Here's some photos of us the pretty babes at V Tea Room..

Isn't V Tea Room so nice?
European styled decor with product knowledgable staffs..
A nice place for tai-tai wannabes to hang out.

Getting to know more about people around me actually makes me feel inspired about the future.
It's great to know know of how far they have gone and what they have done..
To take a step back and evaluate my own life, I think sometimes I lose focus on what my ultimate goal is.
To get caught up with the notion of being busy, all forms of future thoughts exits my mind..
And I start to think short term..
This is not good because I'm not in control.
And I hate to be out of control cuz it makes me feel desperate.
Haha..
So it's time for me to WAKE UP and focus!!

A trip to my orthodonist yesterday left me a little disappointed.
After hoping and waiting for 10 months, my poor bite is still not in alignment.
Dr Boey told me that I most probably have to have my jaw surgery at the end of my braces treatment and she's going to recommend me a surgeon.
This is what I already expected but what I hope not to expect.
Who ask me to be so abnormal? Boo.
No choice. I should better start to save my TOIL and MC days.

2006-04-01T21:45:00.000+08:00

Last night, Jay Zhou told me that I could download music from the internet.
Yeah, in my weird dream. Hee~
I've just this hyperactive brain that refuses to rest even it's tired.
My fantastic imaginations just comes alives when I'm asleep.
I doubt there's anyone who dreams everyday without fail, except me. Heh.
Anyway, if I'm able to string up all my dreams, I think it can all become a movie adventure.
Cuz I run around different places a lot.
I mean, really a lot. Hee~

Anyway, I will temporarily stop my vocal lessons for the time being.
I'm just too lazy and tired to go for lessons.
With the upcoming finals for my job, my senior has already "warned" me that OTs on Saturdays are inevitable.
Seems like almost all my vocal classmates are also suspending their lessons for a while.
Everyone is getting busy with exams.
I guess when I join back the class maybe in July, it's be all new faces. Boo~

Oh yeah, I've booked my 7D Taiwan trip with my mum at the NATAS fair.
We'll be travelling around the whole of Taiwan in June.
Shopping and eating everyday..
Wah.. I really wish my holiday is here already.
As for the NATAS fair, it's really paying money to go in the Suntec exhibition hall to squeeeeze with people.
I wonder how much trees have been cut down to print the pamplets for everyone to take from one hand and literally throw away in another hand.
Also, I think all the recent hype about bad customer service rings true too.
There's always some black sheep that puts a mar on customer service.
A particular agency that I went and enquire about the tour package sucks to the core.
The sales representative was not approachable at all.
He looked so darn proud like he didn't need my business.
I had to dig answers out of his mouth when he should be introducing me his itneries.
I asked him, "So what stars are the hotels in your package?".
He said, "Only three to four stars. *Laughs* How can you expect got five stars? Not possible lah."
He gave me a look that said WAH-LAU-SO-CHEAP-ALREADY-STILL-EXPECT-GOOD-HOTELS.
I stared at him stunned, looked at my pamplet and left.
If he's smart, he will introduce me to upgrade the hotels and stuff.
Apparently, he's not.
Oh well, I only give sales to those who are deserving.
Too bad for his company.

By the way, I think there's something wrong with the air at my client's place.
My face itches each time I'm there and there was a big rash that developed on my neck.
There's no way to avoid unless I bring my own zip suit and oxygen tank there.
Haiz.. I still have to breathe for at least two weeks down there. *Shudders*

2006-03-24T22:58:00.000+08:00

It's been ages since I blogged.
Haha. Because I'm lazy.
So lazy to start moving my fingers to type.

Life's pretty monotonous nowadays.
Routine for the next month
1) Wake up
2) Go allllll the way to my client's place at Loyang Way
3) Work
4) Knock off at 6pm (Muahahaha... Finally!) and come allllllll the way back to my home sweet home
Haha.. What a boring life..
This is much better than slogging till at least 9pm everyday.

Anyway, I find that doing audit is sometimes quite educational.
No doubt it's all about numbers, you still get to learn about all the operations of the business and how it affects the bottomline.
So informative until the client described to me the processes of making PCBs and what materials are used.
Wow.. Maybe I'll be able to start up my own firm. Haha..
Actually, I'm more interested in opening my own pâtisserie selling my favourite coffee.
Sell french cereal baguette which I never see it anywhere in Sg and delicious cake cakes..
Someday.. *Dreams*
If I ever get rich from being an auditor. Bleah~

Oh yah, the most disgusting thing happened to my poor senior.
We walked out for lunch at a nearby kopitiam.
She ordered some fried kway tiao from this "Zi Cha" store.
The food came and we all ate our lunch happily....
Until, my senior went, "Yucks!! What is this?".
I looked at her plate and saw this very-cooked-and-dead-looking moth in her kway tiao staring back at me.
I can swear to you at that instance my stomach totally turned upside down.
Looking at her food, I really can't swallow down the mouthful of rice that I was chewing in my mouth.
Urgh.
My senior literally just dropped her chopsticks and looked sick to the core.
I can only say she's damn suay..
Cuz none of the times she ate at Loyang Way was successful.
The first time at the client's place canteen..
Two mouthful was all she ate and declared that she's full cuz the food sucks.
And the 2nd time was today. Haha.
Anyway, the lady of the store at least had some conscience.
She apologised to my senior and refunded her the money.
Lesson to be learnt..
Better check your food carefully before you open your mouth and eat them down.
*Shivers*

Now for a happier note..
I'll be checking out the NATAS fair tomorrow.
And hopefully getting my tickets to my long-awaited TOIL trip to Taiwan with my mum!
Called up my office today and "pestered" them to grant me my leave.
And they did! Wee~

Okie lah.. Shall update till here..
Time for my beauty sleep and wake up early to chiong to the fair tomorrow..
Nitey!

2006-03-14T19:35:00.000+08:00

I'm appalled that I'm yet a confirmed staff.
Because I think my Mentor Manager lost my confirmation documents.
After he kept chasing me for it and after I let him signed it..
He said he would help me forward the documents to HR...
But now, HR is still chasing him for it... after a month plus later..
Argh. I'm so darn worried.
I don't wanna redo all my engagement appraisals again.....
So troublesome. =(

My tiredness finally has escalated into a flu.
I am sick from last friday all the way until today. Bleah~
Got MC from the doctor after finishing my work at the client's place.
And she gave me 2 days to rest at home.
And yes, I'm going to rest thoroughly.
Where to get free days to stay at home like this?

2006-03-05T22:51:00.000+08:00

Today is a wonderful day.
The AM who said she may call me up for work didn't call me at all.
And thanks to Jiro for organising the Toakbox session..
I got to sing to my fill again. Haha...
Only one word to describe..
It's "SHUANG!!".
Hee.. =P

My poor left eye has been red the whole day.
Oh dear.. I've no idea why.
Couldn't be the fault of contact lens cuz I haven't been wearing it for a few days.
The discomfort in my eye started after I stepped out of my bath.
Eye drops doesn't seem to help much and I keep having yellow goo out of my eye.
Haha.. I know it's disgusting.
I just hope that my precious eye recover by tomorrow.
If not, it's time to visit the doctor.
Hopefully, it's not serious..

2006-03-04T23:49:00.000+08:00

I've been hit by the busy bug.
Suddenly I am hit by the whirlwind of non-stop OT-ing.
And sadly to say, today I still did overtime.
I really miss my Saturdays, for it's going to be permanently out of my reach for this peak period.

My face is really a pale color at the end of the day.
Really have not idea how to improve my health.
I haven't got any several case of panda eyes until now.
Haiyo.. Time for me to search for the ultimate concealer soon.
Boo~

Oh yeah, Hougang gang, me and others celebrated Lau Pa's birthday today.
And guess who made an appearance....
JY!
Wah, right?
Haha..
Panda-eyed me took a photo with him. *Eeeks*
What a day to take photos with a superstar....
I shudder to think of my outlook when I'm going to receive the photo later. =P

A surprise awaited me yesterday after I trudged home after work.
Someone sent me a letter! =D
My dear silly yet very sweet friend wrote me a 5 page letter despite that she could actually call me.
Reading her words of sincerity really touched my heart.
Her efforts to maintain our friendship really really moved me.
Our friendship is really a special one, cuz we really don't meet up often.
And yet I do feel close to her..
We can just chat non-stop and heart-to-heart when we meet up.

I just wanna say..
Hey gal.. I also really treasure you as my really good friend.
Despite that the paths of our lives may be different, our ties are those that are not easily broken.
Friendship forever for us, yeah.. =)

2006-02-24T21:06:00.000+08:00

Recently my mind's just in this daze mode.
Everything I do, it just doesn't seem to end perfectly.
I really must chide myself for being so careless and forgetful.
*Sighs*
The Yomeshiu that my mum bought for me isn't very effective either.
Maybe I'm just expecting too much about the sudden boost of energy that allows me to survive through the hectic day..
Anyway, I'm mainly tired physically.
I have no idea how the typists type because many of them are like blind mice.
They can't read and spot changes that had been made in the original copy of document.
How many times do I have to run up and down the staircase to ask them to amend this and that?
I bet my legs will be the skinnest part of my body by the time I bid adieus to audit.

2006-02-21T22:14:00.000+08:00

This past week of work has practically consumed all my hours in a day.
Slog for almost 16 hours a day, 6 hours for sleeping and 2 hours for myself.
What a life.
No life is the perfect words to describe me now.
I'm too tired to yak away at the phone with friends.
Even when my mum talks to me when I'm home, my ears are just shut out..
My dearest friends and friends are seemingly all attached or getting attached.
And yes, I seriously feel paiseh to go and fight their precious time with their love ones.
At this rate, I predict..
I'll seriously be a nun.
Haha.
When I glanced into the mirror and a sickenly pale and fat me looks back.
The extent of being hagard due to work.
Wow wow..
I really do hate the me now.

2006-02-12T21:42:00.000+08:00

It's been a slightly less hectic week.
Work hours are still at least until 9pm.
But, at least I don't have to *pia* my precious weekend away.
This week, I'm back to my most difficult client's place.
For the meagre audit fee, I would say that I've to put up shit from the stupid accountant who thinks she's oh-so-great.
The most apt word to describe her is rude.
And no manners, if I should add one more.
For the whole week spent down there, I could only approach her on the friday to get the details to complete my work when I'm supposed to complete my work on the next monday.
What is this man?
It took a lot of carjolling and boot-licking from my colleague to get her to soften down and give us the things that we need.
I'm just really super duper amazed at how this working world is.
Believe me, I've understood that the skill of being two-faced at the flick of your fingers is really crucial for survival.
What to do when I really hate her so much yet I've to depend on her?
*Sighs*
In anyway, I've just to clear my work tomorrow and say sayonara..
Till the next year of audit.
Argh.

For the past month, I had been in a career crisis mode.
Was really contemplating to tender and just leave this audit field forever.
Because I clearly didn't like what I was doing.

Yet, several things did pull me back.
1) The experience.
If I give up now, I'll be back on square 1.
What job can I get as a accountancy graduate with not much experience?
Although my dream job is not being an auditor, I will still need the experience to establish my credibility to the next level.
2) Encouragements from my colleagues and friends.
I guess sometimes in my mind, I can just see things in the most negative way.
My "bad" will become "worst" and there it becomes "hell".
Well, bad clients and seniors will just a passing phrase.
Get the work done and that's it because the team will change per job.
I told myself to hold on because I'm definitely not weak.
I must hold on to achieve big dreams.
Nothing will come without sacrifice..

Chill out in town with my buddy, SS, this saturday.
Met up for lunch at NYDC and spent some wonderful time chit-chatting and shopping with her.
How I wish time really pass so quickly where one day we all become tai-tais and live next to each other.
A big dream that's far away. Haha.
Better work hard now.

Say "Fromage (aka. cheese)"!
Chio-bu SS and fatty me at TCC..

Do I look like a coffee ambassdor? =P

Also, I met up with dear Sunflowergal for karaoke on sunday.
My throat's really itching for a singing session.
And yessss, I sang to my fill. Heh.
I think this is my 1st ktv session in a few months. Haiz.
My life has indeed become so sad.. Haha.

Oh yeah, I also caught "I'm not stupid too" with my mum and sister.
It's a really nice show about the importance of communication.
It really speaks the truth about how miscommunication has affect relationships between parents and those around us.
Really felt like crying a few times through the show.
Haha.

Anyway, this weekend is very-the-good.
Hope this kind of freedom just keeps coming.. =D

2006-02-05T21:44:00.000+08:00

I almost died today..
From tumbling down a flight of long stairways to the MRT station.
Thanks to my pair of new spectacles..
You know, new glasses makes one a bit light-headed because of unfamilarity..
When in combo with a 2-3 inch high killer heels..
And you tripped when going down the stairs..
In a heartbeat, my life actually flashed in front of my eyes for a moment.
My panicking state of mind was thinking, "ARRRRHhh! Am I going to die?".
I felt my bum sliding down a few steps uncontrollably.
Luckily I thought, "Shucks! How do I break the fall? ".
My mind told me.. Lean back! Lean back!
I did.. And broke the fall..
I did ended up in an awkard position in the public.
But heng ah, I was wearing jeans and thus, did not exposed myself indecently.
Still, it was ultimately disagraceful... *Sighs*
And my ankle was twisted a little.
Never did I turned back to look if anyone's behind me..
And I scrampled away quickly..
Haiz.. What an "adventure".

Anyway, here's my new glasses that almost caused my death..

It's all transparent, even the frame.
Cool? Hee..
It's time to give my poor eyes a break from all the extensive wearing of contact lens for like 12 hours a day.

Well.. Speaking of glasses, look at what my sister dug out from my mom's closet..

Tortise shell sunglasses!
Which is like a decade old..
Woah.. My mum in the past is even more hip than me.
I don't even own a pair of sunglasses like hers..
Haha..

My ultra cute and old bear modelling the sunglasses.
Cute? Haha..

Well well, nothing much to blog today.. Shall end here..

Goodnite my friends..

2006-01-31T22:10:00.000+08:00

Met up with my TP kakis to celebrate HM's birthday as well as Chinese New Year.
Again, it's our day for non-stop eating because it has been our "tradition". Haha..
After our dear JS said, "Hey, we haven't lao Yu Shen before."
We headed to "Chen Fu Ji" at Suntec looking for edible Yu Shen, after Crystal Jade declared the kitchen had no food to serve us. Boo~

And there we sat and waited and waited..
Meanwhile with JS acting cute and TJ looking bored. Heh..

Finally the Yu Shen arrived..
And a nice auntie proceeded to put some finishing touches to the Yu Shen.

Step 1.. Add sauce.

Step 2.. Add koropok.

Ta dah... Here's the ready product!

Hmmm.. Not quite the end.

Step 3.. Scream on top of your lungs for the lau yu shen affair..
(Okie, I'm exaggerating.. Hee.)

Cheers.. My plate of Yu shen!

And of course, gluttons like us don't just finish with a small plate of Yu Shen.
We gobbled down half of our food before realising that we forgot to take beautiful pictures of our food.. Haiz.
Just look at the best graphical representation of "gobble" by our severely camera shy boy.. =P

Yum.. Our food!

Next after our feast was coffee break at citylink TCC (My favourite!)..
So fast, right?.. Haha..
It's another round of photo session.. *Click click*

Here's our sweet birthday gal..

And our happy guys and gals with their coffee..

Well well, to put an ending note to today..
It had been a really nice day out with my TP kakis.
Filled with endless eating and fun.. Hehe..
Really looking forward to another trip out again. =D

2006-01-29T23:08:00.000+08:00

Happy CNY everybody!
It's Dog year.. *Woof woof*

Lovely puppies, ain't it?
Haiz. Someday I wish my mama will let me keep a dog.
Someday~ Haha..

Anyway, before you think that you got lost in someone else's blog.
My itchy hands revamped the blog again. Hee~
I've got a tendency to get sick of seeing the same blog everytime.
Hope this design looks better. =P

All right, updates about myself..
This CNY is a peaceful one.
Finally I had the luxury of sleeping until I woke up on my own.
Oh yeah, I also had McDonalds Biggie Breakfast. Yummy..
How long has it been that my day is like this?

Festive season is always a sinful period.
Can't stop myself from attacking the delicious pineapple tarts lying on the table.
Oh.. And the bak gwah.. Wahh..
*Drools*
Once I start, I can't stop..
I need self control man..
Hehe..

Btw, thanks for your advices guys. =)
Really appreciate them.
To have just one day of break just like today can revitalise the mind.
Will continue to *pia* for the sake of my future.

Have a goodnite! =D

2006-01-26T22:19:00.000+08:00

Today is just one of those days that "demoralise" is the perfect word to describe my spirits.

What am I? I'm just a stupid and incompetent assistant. I feel like a stupid person in front of my client and colleagues. And I feel like everybody hates me. Every word that they utter, I'll wonder if they are talking about me.

I really feel so fatigue..

Work just keep coming before even I can finish what I'm supposed to do.
For a moment, my tears just threatened to fall. I had sweared to myself that I'll never cry that easily again and I didn't.

Chinese New Year holidays will be here soon. I really need a good break.

2006-01-20T23:40:00.000+08:00

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to good manners and elegance.

In love, you feel the most alive when your partner is patient and never willing to give up on you.

You'd like to your lover to think you are loyal and faithful... that you'll never change.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was ruthless, cold-blooded, and sarcastic.

Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage.

In this moment, you think of love as something you don't need. You just feel like flirting around and playing right now.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

100 marks to this quiz..

*bows*

2006-01-15T22:48:00.000+08:00

In less than 2 hours, weekend will be offically over. Again.
It's been a really busy week.
My average working hours has just hit 12 hours a day..
and not counting the hours that I sometimes have to put in at home on weekends..
At this rate of working OT, I might have a chance at taking longer TOIL hours to rest during the off-peak period.
By then, I can sit home, shake legs and still receive my pay.
Muahahaha..
Anyway, dreaming of taking time to rest thoroughly is still a long long time away.
I shall work hard till the day comes..

Seriously, I'm starting to wonder if audit is what I wanna do for the next few years.
To live with unnecessary stress bugging your thoughts everyday is not a very healthy way to live.
At least not to my values and direction of life.
Also, I can't help agreeing with sunflowergal's repetition of what cranberrymist said..
What is the tight deadline for? It's not even a medical situation.
Not like someone is going to die if I can't finish my audit.
Haa.
If I should correct the common mistake of mis-using the word "deadline", it should be dateline.
I'm not going to be dead.
Well, you can say..
Work is like that what..
All the never-ending work to finish everyday.
Where to find a work that does not have stress?
I think if you are happy with your job and environment, you'll be happy and willing to be "stressed".
If not, everyday will be a drag.
Luckily for me, my colleagues so far are a cheery bunch and luckily, not a bitching crowd.
My days are still good. Just a little stressed.
Let's just see how long I can hang on to this job.

Went to catch "In Her Shoes" yesterday with my sister.
Was initally deciding between oogling at hunky Orlando Bloom in Elizabethtown or to watch a film about shoes and sisters..
Haha. The shoes won.
And the movie was really a nice one.
Would rate it 7.5 out of 10.

And damn.. I keep thinking about buying shoes nowadays.
High heels are the prettiest invention for women. Ever. Haha.
By the way, I'm a shoes destroyer.
I've some strange problem with walking.
Haiz. Any cure for that? Hahaha..
Oh yeah, I've bought like dunno how many pairs of shoes recently.
And there's no place for me to ever store them and I'm still thinking of buying.
Argh. Woes of being a woman.
=P

2006-01-08T17:21:00.000+08:00

I can't help but to agree that happiness are short lived. After a couple of hours that I sent her what I've completed, she sent me back more work to do.

BLOODY HELL..

I know it's my job to complete work, but...

1. She reviews the work in pieces and keeping sending me stuffs to ask the client. (I seriously can feel the client cursing me as I sent the email each time..)

2. She adopts the avoidance stance with the client. Client hates her, she hates the client. So, we are the poor middle man.

3. She keeps emailing me to rush the client. Yes, even on a saturday. I called client, client say I do this by this day. Client can't do faster, my fault?!

4. If there is a deadline, tell us in advance. I've no idea when the manager or my overseas related company wants this and that.

Should she resign, I have one job in mind for her.

That is to be a LOANSHARK.

Because she's so great at harassing people. Mentally.

You think I'm just booked on your job? You think my other jobs don't need me to do things? I almost died from tiredness just to complete work and more work. I cannot charge time and I got to clear all the irritating work on my weekend. And you give me no reason to respect or like doing work for you.

TMD.. I'm at my limit now. Someday, I'll just blow up in your face.

With superiors like you, no wonder clients have a reason to hate us.

ARghhhhh.... I'm going mad.

2006-01-08T12:16:00.000+08:00

I'm so happy!!
Because I finally finished the super mafan AIC's review point.
Sat in front of my laptop and worked all the way for 4 hours to complete this after I came back from working OT for 8 hours for my another job.
Hey I'm willing to work OT okay.. (Just like Sunflower.. Hee..)
But, only on the condition that the AIC or the team is nice.
Never mind that I was so tired that I almost dozed off during my vocal lessons when my teacher dimmed the lights a little and the students sang a little slow..
I'm just so relieved now..
Yippee!!
I'm going to enjoy my precioussssssss sunday today.

2006-01-05T23:01:00.000+08:00

Tried a quiz from http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/whatamilike/index.shtml..

I can only say that this quiz is darn true!

Haha.. I'm very impressed.

Your answers suggest you are a Resolver
The four aspects that make up this personality type are:

Summary of Resolvers
Good at getting to the heart of a problem and quickly finding a solution
Make rational decisions using the facts available
Think of themselves as understanding, stable and easy-going
May focus on short-term results and lose sight of the big picture

More about Resolvers
Resolvers are independent people who quietly learn how things work by analysing large amounts of information. Should a problem arise, they solve it with as little fuss as possible. Resolvers are only interested in abstract ideas, if they can be used to solve a problem quickly.

Resolvers like to take risks: Many of them seek jobs and pastimes that put them in harms way and guarantee an adrenaline rush.

Resolvers have changed jobs most frequently since leaving full-time education, according to a UK survey.

Resolvers are often tolerant of behaviour different to their own as long as their values aren't compromised. They sometimes give the impression that they agree with other peoples' viewpoints because they don't actively disagree.

In situations where they can't use their talents or are unappreciated, Resolvers may become cynical, negatively critical or put off decisions. Under extreme stress, Resolvers could be prone to inappropriate, tearful outbursts.

Resolvers are quiet and sometimes it is difficult to get to know them; however, they often talk freely about subjects they understand well.

Resolver Careers
Resolvers are often drawn to hands-on jobs that require an analytical mind and careful organisation of large amounts of data.

(No wonder I'm in the field of audit.. Destined to be die as an auditor..)

Duh..

2006-01-03T20:30:00.000+08:00

I don't know when I've start to hate my work so much.

Why does she always send me emails about more things to do?

Why don't she call the client herself, instead of relying on others?

Everytime I check work email, my heart will skip half a beat.

Working under her has just become more and more awful...

If she gives me a "MSE" grading at the end, so be it.

I've already lost half my heart on her job.

Random Thoughts..

2006-01-02T21:47:00.000+08:00

It seemed like seeing my friends wishing to find their significant other and all their kind urgings for me to find someone is getting to my head. Somehow. Haha.

I don't know, but how does it feel to have a guy telling you these words...

"If anyone bullies you, tell me and I'll protect you"..

How about someone carrying an umbrella for you in the pouring rain and sees you safely to the other side of the street, while he gets soaking wet in the process?

And also, he sms-ed you to check whether you reached home safely?

This is the least that I expected out of someone that I deemed young, but I have to admit that those words and actions were really sweet. Despite of the immaturity, the impression of him did increased 100%. I can say.. Wah... Haha.

All these brought back the thought of having someone else in my life.

I guess only if the time is right and the person is right, maybe..

Happy 2006..

2005-12-31T21:54:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year to everyone! May you have a fulfilling and joyeous year ahead..

Well well, I got lucky. Maybe from the clover leave. Haha. The uncooperative client had no time to entertain me and so lucky me did not have to work today. However, my anxious mum came waking me up at 7.30am in the morning and exclaimed, "You don't have to work today?!". I woke up with a startle and thought, "Huh? Work work? What time I have to work?". And after a few seconds of regaining conciousness, I realised I did not need to work today. Yippee.

Anyway, my job's senior of course wouldn't leave me in peace for this holiday. I emailed her that client was not free and she emailed me back with more review points. How nice is she..

I ought to get a bigger clove leave. I hope I get so lucky that I don't get her jobs anymore.

By the way, I'm down with flu again. It seems like my body's way of dealing with undue stress.

Good luck to me tomorrow because I'll be singing in front of the crowd with a blocked nose which hopefully will not be a leaking tap.

*Sighs* Enough of my whinning for now.

2005 has been a year of changes from graduation to stepping into the work force. Life isn't a bed of roses and everything really counts for your efforts to be smooth and well. I'm really glad to have my good friends whom really guided and made me understood that life is really bigger than certain losses in life. Although we may all be busy with all the changes in our lives, in my heart, I'm very appreciative of all the support that you have given to me.

You know who you are, girls. I want to say.. Thanks.. =)

A new year calls for new resolutions and wishes. Mine will be..
- To keep in touch with all my buddies
- To be a slimmer and healthier girl
- To morph into a more intimidating personality only for uncooperative clients and superiors
- To have a smooth career path
- To meet someone who appreciates me (Haha.. This shall be god's will.)

Shall end here now.. Happy 2006 and have a good nite of partying and rest!

2005-12-28T18:30:00.000+08:00

I'm so freaking stressed now.
Stressed yet not moving forward...
And not moving forward because I've to wait for uncooperative client's reply.

It simply isn't fair that she asked me to clear review points when I'm not even booked on the job this week. And by the way, I'm not free either. I'm swamped with other things from other jobs as well. So, she asked me to go down and work on Saturday.

My immediate thoughts are "##%$#$^&*(@!#$%^!". Can I strangle both their little necks?

This coming New Year holiday isn't going to be good too. I've to work........ Grrrr...

Aftermath of Christmas Gathering

2005-12-26T20:32:00.000+08:00

This year's Christmas is indeed quite different and fun for me. Because for the first time in my life, I'm hosting a mini party gathering at my house. Heh. I'm excited at having some fun at my house but yet a little stressed about being a good host. But, luckily my guests were good and so, the gathering was overall a success. Yippee.

Started off preparing for the feast at about 2.30pm. And wow... I must say that preparation was quite tiresome. Haha. Perhaps due to my lack of help in the kitchen, I needed to consult my mum on how to cook certain ingrediants. After all the cooking for like 3 hours in the kitchen, I managed to come up with a creamy fish with brocolli, baked potatoes and sphagetti with tomato sauce. What a wonder.. Haa.

My guests arrived at about 5pm and scurried to the kitchen to prepare cocktails, curry puffs and spring rolls. Guess what do you get with a bunch of people cooking in the kitchen?

A loud and messy attempt with..
1. Jessie (J) frightenly poking at the spring rolls in the wok of cooking oil.
2. Huimin (HM) staying composed to offically be the "Chef".
3. Jinshan (JS) disturbing the chefs' "work-in-progress" with his camera.
4. And Ernest (E).. *Coughs* To stay in the kitchen to sweat. Hahaha.

After our efforts, our table became quite a spread..

Before we begun the dinner, my sister had to become the camera-woman to snap our group picture..

Finally, we ate.. Dinner was okay, though the food was a little cold by the time we ate. The amount of food was quite overwelming. Even our "demolisher" Tianjie (TJ) annouced that he felt full so soon after eating.. Hee.

Later, we proceeded with mahjong. For the first time in my life, I finished playing a full set of mahjong with some guidance from the mahjong king aka. Ernest. I must admit for an amateur like me, this game's really quite fun.

Anyway, there came a visitor called Xiao Qiang flying into our room and scaring the wits out of all the girls, and especially me where I unknowingly hit J on her shoulder a few times in an attempt to run out of the room until she screamed pain. Haha. While JS and TJ were in the room trying to kill the cockroach, the only guy out of the room, E, with us said he was scared of flying cockroaches. I can only say.. Alamark. The girl with him next time damn suay. Haha.. Anyway, our hero TJ squashed the scary insect and dumped it into the rubbish bin. Yeah. End of our woes and we resumed our mahjong.

Thanks to JS, we stopped for some desserts later- super expensive and yummy cakes from Crystal Jade.. Waaah..

Although the gathering ended quite early at about 12am, it had been fun, "exciting" and super filling. It's been really nice to catch up and have some fun together. A great but short time to forget all the usual work and worries in our everyday lives.. Hopefully, we'll get to organise another homely gathering again. =)

To side track, I've been bitten by dunno-what insect when I sat outside of Toa Payoh McDonalds waiting for my insurance agent. The insect bites at the back of my poor thigh now have formed a swell bigger than my palm. And it's so itchy and painful.. Boo boo~ I really feel like cutting my thigh off now. Haiz.

2005-12-24T21:15:00.000+08:00

Pre-planning for a party is such a stressful thing. Haha.
I'm tearing my hair out trying to think of nice dishes to cook.
Should be quite a spread tomorrow and hopefully I don't poison anyone in the end.
Heh.

Happy X'mas, everybody.

2005-12-22T21:02:00.000+08:00

If anyone's puzzled about my long disappearance from my precious blog, it's because my internet was down. Down for a god damn long period because I don't know how to fix it after I reformatted the computer. Not that my hands wanted to mess up the settings, nobody will fix the house computer even if it is bugged by a zillion of virus and trojans. Not my fault that the internet is inaccessible.

Life is becoming more and more routine. Wake up, go work, come home, eat, watch tv and sleep. Even to have enough sleep is becoming a wish. Just as I checked my work email, it's scary enough to see work popping up instructing you to do this and that even when you are away on other jobs. Haiz. Tell me what truly makes up a "horror" film.

Also, I have finished watching "Lovers in Paris". It's another superb show. So funny and sad at the same time. Seriously, I'm getting hooked on Korean shows. Even "old" man in the show looked so charming, I must be getting old. Damn. Haa.

End of my blabbings for now.

Bosoir et Au Revoir.. =p

My TOIL Day..

2005-12-01T22:16:00.000+08:00

Took a day's leave today. My mind kept telling me that if I don't take leave today, I wouldn't have a chance to rest again until the end of the peak period in May. I had the chance to sleep until I woke up without the alarm clock screaming in my ear, to smell the fresh morning air, to read the Straits Times properly while eating my breakfast at the kitchen table. Life's really very good like that.

There was a particular news that caught my attention. While reading, I realised that the news concerned one of my friend's family and apparently, the parents is currently going through a high profile divorce. With her name splashed out on the news article, I supposed I can understand why her personality and attitude can be weird and scary at times. I still do think that she's nice as a person but when it comes to work, she will turn into this freaking perfectionist monster who will bite anyone. It's sad. I did hated her at a point in time, but now I no longer do so. Hopefully, she's well. =)

Anyway, in the afternoon, I took a swim in Toa Payoh swimming pool and guess who I saw there? ...... It was our Singapore Idol Contestent, Maia Lee. Haha.. One really wonders why she's there. From a distance, I saw that this girl was wearing so scantily with heavy makeup and I thought, "Who goes swimming in that attire?". Haha. When I walked nearer, I realised from the few excited Malay boys standing next to me saying that it was Maia Lee. And one of them was telling another one to get email address from her. Haha.. Boys.. Anyway, she wasn't going for a swim. She just went to ask something from the swimming pool's admin office. Hee.

Went for a little stroll in the central area and bought a curling tong. I was thinking of curling my hair for my company's D&D next saturday. My pathetic first-timer efforts at curling left my hair looking like I didn't comb my hair instead of being curled. Haha. Looks like I gonna practise more often because practise makes perfect. Bleah~

As I thought back about my work, it's very heart-warming to hear people say a word of thanks or give you some concern after a long day of work. Yesterday, I knocked off at about 9pm after helping a manager to do some work. While he thanked me for helping him, the AIC for the job actually asked me to take a cab home because it was late. I said no because I felt broke from taking cab consectively over this month. After I put my laptop back in my cupboard, he came and told me that he could lent me some money to take cab home and return him next time. For a moment, I almost burst out laughing because I thought he was cute sia. It's not that I can't afford to pay taxi fare but I just wanted to save up. Haha. This morning I checked my mail and discovered that he sent an email telling me to charge OT hours and claim meal allowance. What a nice guy. Haha. Pretty Sunflower, this one can qualify as my idol. Haha. Regarding your one, you can be rest assure I'll really wrap him up for your Xmas pressie. Hehe.. =P

Before I end my ramblings.. I feel like saying...

Rain is getting so adorable. Watch the clip below..

*Drools*

Muahahaha..

2005-11-19T23:21:00.000+08:00

Bonsoir. It's update time again after a long week..

My company had the annual AGM meeting at Thumper located in Goodwood Park Hotel yesterday. If you conjure the image of auditors sitting down for meetings, then you're very wrong. The AGM was basically an excuse for merry making and alcohol. My colleagues and I arrived there really hungry and tired after work. It was a comical sight to see laptop bags filling up the entire luggage compartments of the club, where usually it should be just handbags and other stuffs. Hah. As the night passed and two glasses of vodka down-ed, my head got lighter and I started to have a spliting headache. Haiz. So much for my ability to hold liquor. Anyway, I didn't stay for long because to "cheong" to a club directly after work ain't a top priority for me. Before I dropped into bed, a flash of splitting headache again reminded me that home sweet home is so much more wonderful..

This afternoon, I met up with SS for dim sum. So nice to hear that everyone's getting attached. All finally found happiness, except me. Hah..

You see..
To think of getting into a relationship still repulses me. Bleah~
Fatigue is one word that I seriously comprehend in recent times.
(Like what my parents always say "work is very exhausting" rings very true.)
Also, colourful ain't the word to describe my life nowadays.

I would like very much to just curl up in bed or watch tv the whole day. I'm lazy to think of even going out. At this rate, I predict that I'll be a "lau gu po" in time to come. I just hope that I'm rich when that time comes. =P

Anyway, the thought of getting a PS2 has been crossing my mind lately. It's been ages since I've played a game? Haiz. I really missed games with nice stories and gameplay like Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy. Should I wait for PS3 that should be in the market next year dunno when? Hee.. Suggestions?

2005-11-12T21:43:00.000+08:00

I've been having late nights these past few days. Not for work but for being a super coach potato.. And the object that captured my attention was..

*Drum Rolls*

The Korean drama series "Full House"!

Despite that I've heard good raves about this romantic comedy, I never knew that this show is so nice and funny until now. The dynamics of the show is a refreshing change from the usual weepy Korean shows that I've watched. Really makes me wanna speed home to catch this drama everyday.

I also really love the soundtrack song "I think I do". For the first time, I wished I knew how to speak Korean so I can sing this song. Haha..

Watching this show made me wonder how come Korean actresses are so pretty? Doe-eyed, fair and slim. So envious of them. *Pouts* Haha..

Anyway, back to my life, work time has been passing very rapidly due to significantly increased workload and I'm on the verge of falling sick. My head gets heavy, throat gets itchy and travelling by cab or bus to everywhere makes me feel like puking. Argh.

But, I'm glad that today is weekend, so I rest up and catch Full House. Hee..

Well, that's all for this week.

Bon weekend..

2005-11-05T22:20:00.000+08:00

Day 2.

Woke up from a dreamless sleep due to sheer exhaustion. Washed up and hopped down for the delicious breakfast buffet provided by the hotel. Here I viewed the prowess of Pretty Sunflower devouring down bowls of porridges, grilled tomatoes and hams. Haha.

Views of traffic jams outside our hotel while having breakfast.. Hee~

After stocking breakfast and lunch in our tummies, we took a free shuttle bus provided by the hotel to a nearby Skytrain, equivalent of our MRT, to visit the famous Chatuchuk market.

Regarding the photo taken at the train station, I can only say.. Man.. I feel like those who take pictures in our trains stations. =__+"

Let me tell you.. The Chatuchuk weekend market is not for those with weak legs. The market is enormous, gigantic and a crazy dream paradise for shoppaholics like me. Although the market was swarming with people and hot blazing sun was practically boring into your skin, one can get in the mood of shopping where goodies are just waiting for you to bargain with shopkeepers to bring them home. It's really a market where you definitely can get something at the end of the day, ranging from clothes, hats, shoes, belts, bags, food, arts/exotic/cultural stuffs, gardening essentials, gifts for your pets, etc. Well, you get the point. You name it, you find it..

A few sentences that are absolutely vital for you in the art of negotiation..
"How much?"..
"Can cheaper?"..
"If I buy more, can cheaper?"..
And of course, if you are a girl, you can "teh" with the shopkeeper if all fails. Heh.

After non-stop shopping for 5 hours and constantly being on the heel, my feets were practically breaking but we hadn't conquered the market. Just imagine how big it is... We did find ourselves a little lost at this point in time because every corner of the market looked the same. Was the Skytrain to the left or to the right of the market? Haha.. And after starting at the map and not making any sense out of it, we walked and walked until we finally reach the train station only to discover that it was not the train station that we came from. It was a underground train station that brings one to Chiang Mai and other parts of Thailand. Oh my.. It was another round of walking back and finally did we managed to find the Skytrain. I sweared my legs were almost collapsing by the time we did reach that station. Boo~

Next, we travelled to the Siam Square in the town. Had to run errands to help my colleague buy some stuff and almost made Pretty Sunflower die of hunger. Oops. People highly recommended us to dine at the Outback Steakhouse located in Siam Discovery Center as dining here was super cheap compared back in Singapore and so, we went along. Food was really quite good and servings were big.

Bigggg.. Fish n Chips..

Live entertainment of Halloween competition below the restaurant where we caught sight of a kid's talent of swooping his big plastic knife to awe the judges.. =P

After dinner, it was time to check out the shops in Siam Square. Spent a bomb in the Levis boutique because jeans were really cheap inside that I came out with 3 bags. Hurhurhur.. One for me and two for my sisters, plus two free Levis bags.. Woh~

Reaching our hotel, it was time to count my loots......

1) 2 work jackets
2) 3 jeans
3) 1 hollister jeans skirt
4) 1 hollister shorts
5) Belt
6) Earrings
7) 2 bags (free.. yeah yeah)

Muahahaha.. I feel so proud of my conquers.. =P

Day 3

As usual, tired us had our breakfast at the hotel..

Today, we hit the 6 storey shopping center MBK which was another bargain paradise.

Even for the departmental store, Tokyu, the price tags screamed "cheap" relative to Singapore. Okay, like where can you get an authentic Elle wallet at S$30 plus? Wacoal bras at S$20?

We stopped by Starbucks for tea break..

Taking the cab back to our hotel that night was quite a taste of the real Thailand way of life. Queued behind a long long queue and finally got a cab. Cab driver agreed to use the meter but failed to live up to his agreement and tried to extort us 100 baht for just a short ride. In anger, Pretty Sunflower said loudly and firmly, "We get down". Haha. And so, we went back to queue behind a long queue again and finally got on a cab where the driver was blur because he got lost (in my opinion). Ended up, we paid 80 baht for the short ride which became long.. Anyway in gist, tourists are rich people in Thailand and cab drivers like to "chop" us because we looked like big dangling carrots in front of them. Although it's really just quite little in our local currency, I don't believe paying extra for something not worth it.

Anyway, our dinner was soggy McDonalds as result of the prolonged trip back to our hotel.

Our combined shopping bags..

My loots..

Day 4.

The last and final day in Thailand. Our free halfday tour to the temples...

The visit to the temples was interesting but very hot. Sunglasses and caps are essentials to survive the onslaught of the mighty Sun while the walk around. To be serious, the temples looked all the same to me. Hah. The most memorable part was perhaps the throwing of 108 coins into the little pots along the sides of the temple with the Buddha lying half down to signify for good luck. By pure luck or so, I had exactly 108 coins from the bowl to throw and the tour guide raised an eye brow. =P

The last stop of the half day tour was to the gem factory where the sales staffs were bascially stationed to psycho tourists into buying their gems in red, green yellow and black. What a great way for Thailand to develop their gem market... Haiz.

The rest of the afternoon was a quick shop to get our last minute lemmings. Bought a bikini, so earrings and fake Birkenstocks sandals called Birkensports. Haha..

And it was time to rush to the Bangkok airport and we actually got our VAT refund from over-shopping at Tokoyu from the previous day.

Quick bite at Black Canyon Coffee before we boarded Tiger Airways..

As we boarded the plane after hearing the last call (yikes..), the plane was basically quite filled up passengers already. While I tried to find an empty space to put my bag in the compartment, the lady sitting next to me told me not to put my bag there as she had some fragile stuff up there. I had already cleared a space up there before she said and thought "Wah.. Then where I put?". I looked left and right, but there was really no other space. I turned to the air stewardness for help but other than looking stunned, she helped me naught. Luckily, the guy sitting behind me helped me to clear some more space but making his laptop bag sitting upright. The lady next to me still looked worried that I'll break her stuff before I finally told her there was enough space for all. Haiz. Actually, I was more stunned than angry hearing what she said. It was a little unfair that she said I cannot put my bag up in the compartment because she had fragile belongings up there. Anyway, it was no biggie. It only reflected that the air stewardness didn't seem to be very competent in giving assistance. Haiz.

The plane ride was "squeaking" more severely and the landing was ultimately scary. Haha. I'll need to think twice before booking another ride with this budget airline again.

Now, here's some end of trip thoughts...

People say that Thailand is the land of smiles and excellent customer services are what one can expect from there. I can only say that this statement is very true. In comparison to our Singaporean definition of customer service, there's really a huge disparity. Example being just after my taxi ride home after reaching Singapore, the taxi driver looked anxious in receiving his money but left me alone to carry down all my luggages from the boot. Disbelief was the word to describe what hit me while standing behind the boot. Haiz. At least back home, our consolation is that we don't have to fear that drivers will try to extort us money for the ride. Bleah.

2005-11-03T22:25:00.000+08:00

Sawat-Dee! My Bangkok trip is offically over and I'm here to update about my trip..

Day 1.

After a month of waiting and occassional day-dreaming during my hectic work, Pretty Sunflower and I travelled by Tiger Airways to BKK. The Tiger airplane experience was a squeaky affair and hearing the sound of engines squeaking seriously quite horrified me. Haa. Reaching the BKK and after queuing for super duper long time at the Customs, we met up with our tour guide who directed us to our driver who brought us to our hotel, Eastin Hotel. Although it was only a mere 3 star hotel, the hospitality and friendliness of Thai people really surprised me. Two thumbs ups!

Stepping out of our hotel, we discovered that crossing the traffic in Thailand was quite a scary event. The tuk-tuks and cars didn't seem to give way to pedestrians and seemed to come from everywhere. We actually feared for our lives while crossing the road. Haha.

Guess where was the first place that we checked out after checking in? Hee.. We, the shoppaholics, of course went to Pratunam market and Indra Square which were nearby our hotel to start our sprees and to make the best use of our little time left in the day from travelling. Pratunam market is a huge and non-airconditioned market selling lots of apparels at quite cheap prices, where you can find things for the young to the old. In comparison, Indra Square was a young and hip place similar to our Far East Square and of course, prices are much higher down here.

Tired and hungry from shopping, we stopped for a little tea break in Indra Square.

After re-charging ourselves, we continued shopping. Oh yeah, Thai girls are so slim. It's amazing that actually for the 1st time in my entire life that I couldn't find any clothes that fit me. Hmmpt! I could only watch Pretty Sunflower grab clothes after clothes. Booboo.. Haiz.

Anyway, the shops closed at 7pm. So early! Haa. We discovered that little stalls actually flood the sidewalk of the streets along the Pratunam markets at night. It was quite a skill to avoid being "bang" by vehicles while shopping at the same time. Hee.. Finally, we had our scumptous international buffet dinner at the famous Bakoiye Sky Hotel that spawned a terrific view of Thailand at the 87 storey.

Look at our dinner.. Yummm..

Time for beautiful sceneries up and picture taking session at the viewing gallery.. The view up there really makes one feel like being up on the Effiel Tower minus the freezing coldness. Beautifuulllll....

And just look at the famous BKK traffic jam.. Woah..

With our feets aching like mad, it was time back to rest after dinner. For the first time in my life, I took a tuk-tuk ride which I sweared no thanks anymore. Haha.. The driver basically zigged- zagged across lanes and cutting the traffic to bring us back. Haiz. Furthermore, generous first-timers like us genna "chop" by them for such a short ride. Anyway, back in the hotel, it's really a good remedy to soak our aching feets in hot waters in the bathtub. So low cost and comfortable..

Here's my loot for the 1st day.. Pathetically little..

Okay, typing until here.. I'm tired.

Will continue updating about my trip tomorrow.. Hee..

2005-10-28T22:22:00.000+08:00

So fast another week has passed. Barely had any time to think of any other things like my upcoming trip to Bangkok tomorrow. This week's job in Tuas area is really burning a big hole in my pocket. Imagine a thirty dollar per day cab fare up and down from my home.. *Sighs* But, lucky that it's only four days for this week to rush out all my work. I guess no ordinary people can understand the woes of being an auditor. Tight deadlines and high outlays contributes to big time stress level. Haha.

Anyway, I managed to catch the film, Flightplan, with my sister during the last weekend. It really brought back the nostagia feeling of back in the long flight to France. The hassle of squeezing and dragging the heavy luggages to the seats. Sitting there and just eating non-stop because the air stewardess keeps serving food non-stop. Pressing the "service" button in the middle of the flight after waking up groggily for water and finding the water magically appearing within seconds. Heh.

In hours time, I'll be on the plane again. Time to recharge myself soon after 3 weeks of jobs in a row. Yippee..