COMPULSIVE MANIC

New Year, New Post

2010-01-04T18:20:00.002+08:00

Dusting the cobwebs off this blog. I only had 2 posts for the whole of 2009. Writing, other than for work has always been therapeutic, less fattening than baking and eating and not damaging to the wallet like retail adventures.

Should I unlock this blog? I had to lock it up for various reasons...some of which haven't entirely gone away...Decisions decisions...yet another decision to confront this 4th day of 2010.

Happy New Year if you are still reading this blog.

Observations on SMRT 960

2009-02-12T16:10:00.004+08:00

Now that I have become a parent, I have started thinking about imparting values to my daughter. These include the simplest of things such as etiquette to intrinsic things such as being a good person. Good being relative of course.

I've even wondered whether she'll pick up the habit of picking her nose in public! This springing largely from my hubby and my obsession as new parents to pick the 'booger' out of her nostrils. We can see that the little gal, at two months and two weeks is probably thinking that her parents are a bunch of nutters! Such satisfaction derived from a big nugget from her delicate nostrils!

I got to thinking on the bus yesterday as I was on SMRT 960, on my way to work. Two boys, brothers perhaps, from an elite school along service 960's route got on at last stop in Bukit Panjang. Instead of moving to the rear, the two of them sat on the steps of the bendy bus, oblivious to the stares from fellow commuters. The younger boy whipped out his HP and began his game. The elder boy closed his eyes and dozed off. The former teacher in me had the great urge to tap them on their shoulders to get them to stand at the rear like everyone else. I was concerned about their safety too, it is kind of dangerous sitting on the door steps. I was also ready to say I knew some teachers at their school, which I did. Decided to mind my own business in the end. Probably afraid of the other passengers' reactions to my actions.

It's kind of sad to see how graciousness is slowly slipping out of our culture. Little things seem to have faded away. I can count the number of times other passengers gave up their seats when I was pregnant. Or how about the young couple who was oblivious to an elderly man standing right in front of them on the MRT? They were glued to their I-Phone as they watched a movie! It's also the society that I have brought my daughter into. I do hope that she'll grow up being caring and gracious and not oblivious. It's a journey that any new parent must surely worry and ponder about.

UPDATES

2009-02-12T16:00:00.003+08:00

Christmas came and went...with an exciting adventure on the eve. New Year came and went and the Lunar New Year came and went! Second time around having to dole out ang pows...had a brief hiatus from 2003 to 2008 from giving ang pows out. This time around it will be for the long haul! Expensive exercise...even if the baby gets some back. It goes to her CDA Baby Bonus account!

Trying to adjust to the eventuality of returning to work! Whole new environment as I see some changes in leadership at work. Harder still now that I have a new baby to leave behind as I try to climb the corporate ladder.Something I have not done well in since I started work. Leaves me to think I should have stayed at my first job as subsequent ones after a disaster at the second one triggered a whole chain reaction career wise. The perennial 'What if' - a dangerous question to ask! Something historians, or at least this one, tend to dwell on. One that often causes a regression for me in my personal and professional life! Wonder if getting a life coach would help! If only they didn't charge many arms and legs!

Will try to blog more often...otherwise I will return to the good ole fashion pen and paper journal. Who wants to read the random rantings of an average nobody anyway? Haha.

Mulling

2008-12-23T23:03:00.003+08:00

Much has happened. I celebrated a birthday, I started the house moving process and am half way in the somewhat new place and I became a mom on Dec 2. As the year draws to close, can't help but wonder if next year will be better. They say the RAT year should have been a good one for me as a rat but I am not sure about that. 2 good things came out of it - hubby and baby. All within a space of 3 months.

Mulling over a tough decision now - well 2 tough decisions actually. And am stuck in another moment I can't get out of. Despite tips from 2 friends that say my blog and MSN taglines always seem so morbid. I wish I could day otherwise but I can't as another mini-crisis blows on the horizon. Just my Christmas wish that there be joy, peace and love for all. My best gifts for Xmas are the 2 main people in my life, a family I can finally say is my own. But certainly, Santa (and God) knows what I really would like for Christmas.

MIRACLES

2008-10-14T21:12:00.002+08:00

I am not the most pious or faithful of Christians. My faith journey has never been an easy one. Given the recent developments since 2002, I feel like I have lost my faith or more, I have lost my communion with God. I know He is still watching over me but it seems harder and harder to say 'Thy will be done Lord' because each time I say that, more disasters happen and situations reach calamity levels. Like now. Maybe people will say that I merely testing God but I have been raised with the notion that God helps those who help themselves.

Yet I look at family and friends who have so much passion and faith and feel as if maybe if I pray more or be more fervent and regular in going to church, things will work out for the best. Yet something in me also finds that so wrong, as if I were making use of God.

Of course, there are issues, which some of my closest pals term 'Catholic guilt' which makes it very very hard for me to get back to my faith and to God. I don;t feel worthy at all but then again, all these are created by man.

All I know right now is I am facing a very difficult situation, a big cross and I really hope for a miracle at this very moment or else I really don;t know what else to do.

Lord - where are you? Can you hear me?

Bringing Cheer when the Chips are Down!

2008-09-07T21:52:00.002+08:00

A colleague showed this to us last week. Helped me get through a challenging week! Which will carry on for next week....I am still writing though demoralised. The chicks' laughter - simply infectious!

SOLACE

2008-09-03T22:49:00.002+08:00

I should really be working, though it's close to 11pm and I've had a 12 hour day. Deadlines to meet, things to get ready for.Things weighing heavily on my mind. The muggy weather and the rain isn't helping to lift the mood at all.

I've developed a phobia - a phobia for writing. Today more than any other day, I have developed a greater phobia for writing and started pondering even more about work and the direction I am headed. Funny how something that used to bring me solace is something I need solace from. What happens when something you have been told all your life that you are good at, turns out to be a bigger liability? I am feeling that right now.

Work - 6 months going on 7 and I still feel a sense of frustration. A rage at myself. Some situations occurred today alone which has me thinking...pondering. All these feelings festering and all these fears, worries that are sweeping my mind. Have I become a liability? am I becoming redundant? Is it time to move on???

SOLACE...and some clarity and silver lining...always seems so elusive.

Hanging up the boots

2008-08-20T21:51:00.002+08:00

Been ages since I updated. So much has happened since February 2008. So much more will be happening. Today was a day that has left me so frustrated that I want to scream, shout and have all this anguish going on. Work and personal stuff weighing heavily on my mind.

Remember the 'Merry-go-rounds' at the playgrounds and how one is anxious to get off when the neighbourhood bully holds you hostage? I am feeling like that now...someone let me get off. please.

ENOUGH.

2008-02-23T08:47:00.003+08:00

Been crying and on MSN messenger with a guy friend of mine. He didn't make me cry but was trying to comfort me over some comments passed at dinner last night. Haven't slept a wink all night after a friend commented that I look older than the rest of the group. Note I wasn't impressed, since they were all a year older than me.For the love of a very dear friend who was there, I stopped myself from walking away. Didn't want to appear petty or childish. My guy pal's take is I shouldn't have been the passive doormat and let the person get away with such remarks.

Everyone else attributed it to 'Oh, it's her nature', 'You know her' etc. Instead, I feel 'victimised' as I am now made to feel that I am the overly-sensitive person. How can I not be when I am constantly being put down.The person, whether knowingly or otherwise, hit me at the fundamental things that are hurting me very much at this point in my life. People never realise that each of us have our own crosses and burdens to bear in life.

What do I do? Beyond trying to be Christian and forgive that person, maybe it's time to be practical. There's a limit to how much one can take, even if it's comments from a friend.

My Japanese Noodle Obesssion

2008-01-14T19:12:00.000+08:00

It's a chilly, gray evening. Perfect for a nice bowl of hot noodles. I have over the past couple of months discovered that I am not completely over Japanese ramen. So I am going to steer away from moody, broody, angsty posts and focus on Japanese noodles. Pardon the lack of photos - will get around to that. It's just that we hardly plan to go to these makan joints and it's usually on the fly!

(1) Tsuru Tsuru Tei
B1, Liang Court, inside Meidi-Ya Supermarket
This joint has been around for quite sometime I think. Probably when Daimaru was still at Liang Court. Re-discovered it sometime in 2005 when we started going to Meidi-Ya to grab specialty Japanese ingredients.

Never got around to trying the counter as my parents were not very fond of Japanese food. My early recollections of Japanese food was at the Yaohan cafes in Plaza Singapura and Thomson Plaza. Dad didn't quite have the knack for ordering Japanese food and we stuck to safe things like tempura. One bad episode with Nabeyaki udon was enough to send me off Japanese food until Sakae sushi came along. I still don't DIG nabeyaki udon, by the way.Memories of the udon served on Northwest Airlines' Tokyo-Seattle leg also acted as a deterrent.

Until I chanced on Tsuru Tsuru Tei(T3) of course. It's changed my opinion on udon.They serve my favorite seafood or vegetable kakiage udon. Tried a few at chain stores like Sushi Tei but it just doesn't hit the spot the way that T3's does. They may not have a comprehensive menu but they do udon well. There are also seasonal flavors - a personal fave of mine is ume or plum. Can't quite pin down when they have ume udon but the manager (a friendly bespectacled chap called Philip if I remember correctly) whispered that I could try and request for it. If udon isn't your cuppa, they do have some don(rice) dishes. Though I must confess, I have not tried those at all.

Prices are reasonable - nothing more than $11 per bowl. You can also make your own combinations. Most of the stock is bonito based I think or at least that's what the seafood expert Draks tells me.

(2) Menya Shinchan
Somewhere at Robertson Walk, next to a Thai cafe
I stumbled on this little ramen shop when I was based at the Robertson Quay for Singapore Fashion Week 07. Ended up trying it when the ever popular Miharu was closed. Boy were we pleasantly surprised. 3 visits later, we are still being presently surprised by Menya. What I like about the joint is that the noodles are handmade on site, as are the skins for the gyozas. You can even see the proprietor running from the little room where the dough machine and the kitchen when someone calls out for a gyoza order.

They sure have a wide range of soup bases for their noodles - bonito or pork-based. Even these can be broken down further to various flavors, shoyu (soy sauce), shio(salt) or miso (soy bean paste). Their signature is the shinjiro, a super-duper rich pork broth topped with tones of cabbage and beansprouts (that I only eat stir fried with salted fish). A must try!

(3) Baikohken
Stumbled on this little place one evening after being hounded by the touts along Boat Quay. I'd be really cheesed off if I were a tourist. No wonder they rather go to Clarke Quay! BQ is losing its luster.Like Menya, this is a ramen joint.

The 2 cheerful Japanese 'boys' running the store is a unique sight in Singapore. The eatery is a branch of a family run (presumably since I don't read Japanese) Hokkaido noodle shop. Since it was rather full that night, we got to sit at the counter and watch the noodle maestros at work. Free flow water or iced green tea at the counter.

Again, we tried gyoza. Slightly different from Menya's but liked it anyhow. They had this cute contraption which looked like a waffle iron they they used to cook the gyoza. The noodles - I had a cold noodle bowl, which is real refreshing on a warm evening. Draks had the soup and he was relishing every bit of it. We missed the fresh chopped garlic that comes with Menya's shinjiro though. Baikohken serves it with a freeze-dried Masters garlic.

Prices for all three noodle shops are reasonable for the quality. Expect to pay about $10 - $14 per bowl of noodle. My next mission is to hunt down Ken's Noodle House, which many bloggers say is the best.

Landslide

2008-01-11T19:31:00.000+08:00

Hilary Clinton beats Barrack Obama in the New Hampshire primaries - landslide on the way? Ladies in front of me talking at the top of their voices, giving me a migraine. I was looking forward to the Toddycats meeting later but my cold hasn't gone away since Xmas eve and well, we have this policy of staying away if we are ill. Rightly so since I don't want to spread my germs.

It's rainy - doesn't help one who is already in a melancholic mood. Today, the inevitable happened. I went in to see my attorney and signed the writ. It stirred up dormant feelings that I had locked away since June 2002. It has opened up uncertainty, of which is homelessness. I have to start hunting for a new place and with my finances tied up in my current home, oh boy, I am not in a happy place. Given the crazy prices of property now, I am stuck. Everyone says I have to get rid of my furballs. How can I? It's cruel and I do not want to add on to the population of unwanted animals in Singapore.

I am feeling numb now, yet a myriad of emotions are coursing through me. Adds to the feeling of rejection I have been feeling since I was informed via email that MINDEF is turning down my job application. Lest I break down in public, I will not elaborate further. The lyrics of the old Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac song says it all.

LANDSLIDE

I took my love and I took it down
I climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well the landslide brought me down

Oh, mirror in the sky
What is love
Can the child within my heart rise above
Can I sail thru the changing ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life

Well, I've been afraid of changing 'cause I built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I'm getting older too
Well...

Well, I've been afraid of changing 'cause I built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I'm getting older, too
Well I'm getting older too

So, take this love and take it down
Year and if you climb a mountain and ya turn around
And if you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills
Well the landslide brought me down
And if you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills
Well maybe
Well maybe
Well maybe the landslide will bring you down

The Darjeeling Limited

2008-01-06T17:48:00.000+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

A bit slow as usual...wouldn't be the NO.1 procrastinator otherwise.An old college mate from my WSU days commented via Facebook that my blog was full of angst. Shall try to be less angsty...only if my life sort off stops being so tumultuous.

Finally convinced el-cheapo that we should go watch a movie yesterday. There's only one movie at the moment that I do feel like watching anyway.I sure did not regret it. I thoroughly enjoyed The Darjeeling Limited, as much as I do a cup of piping hot Darjeeling tea on a cold, monsoon afternoon. It was a comedy of sorts, yet it does not have the slapstick, crass humor of Borat or Naked Gun. To me, it was quite a poignant drama which examines the rather uneasy relationship of the 3 Whitman boys, as they set off on their 'spiritual journey' through India. I shan't give too much away.

Loved Adrian Brody, the funky glasses and his cool suit. Something about those puppy dog eyes. Jason Schwartzman, co-writer who also plays the youngest Whitman (and is Francis Ford Coppola's nephew) reminds me so much of Ringo Starr. In fact, there's something Beatle-esque about the movie. Deliberate or otherwise, it was like watching the Beatles on their journey to India in the 60s.

The colors of India and the mad cap adventures of the Whitman brothers really make this a movie that I would consider getting on DVD. Just like Monsoon Wedding. The other thing I have been hunting for is the original soundtrack to the movie. The campy early Bollywood type music - so reminiscent of the days when my mom spent Saturdays watching Hindi movies on RTM.

Check out the web on http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thedarjeelinglimited.Reviews available on Rotten Tomatoes http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/darjeeling_limited.It may not be everyone's cup of tea (pardon the pun) but for me, there's something that I can relate to in the movie.

Fin 2007

2007-12-31T05:21:00.000+08:00

It's my final post for 2007. Haven't been regular as a friend pointed out. Told you guys, I feel infinitely inferior about blogging as I haven't plucked up the courage to take more pictures. Well, I haven't had time to work on learning more about the DSLRs that I have access to. Till now, photography is a feeling and an artistic venture for me. Besides, no one reads my blogs anyway, though I must add, I am NOT writing to be famous or controversial.

My year in review? The nightmare began when my daddy passed away last December and it's been a nightmare since. 2007 wasn't a tragic year compared to 2001 or 2002 but it had its moments of 'EEEK', which I have not recovered from. One of which was the flexi fiasco which in my usual way where my career is concerned, I MESSED UP BIG TIME!

Finance wise - PLEASE donate generously to the SAVE STELLA FUND! Though Draks pointed out that I am doing ok considering I am living on minimum wage and only dipped 30% into my pathetic savings. Yah, right. I am bordering on insanity and poverty all the time.

Expectations and resolutions for 2008? NONE....Except I just hope my life gets better or improves even by the mere inch. Really.

HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL...See you in 2008 and let me know if you have any jobs, freelance or otherwise for the Compulsive Manic.

What I've been up to since my last post...

2007-11-19T14:15:00.000+08:00

Actually, I really haven't been up to much but I do wonder where my time goes to. I am job hunting now so got any 'lobangs' do drop me an email or sms. Most of you know I've taken a sabbatical from 'a proper job' since September last year. One of the things I have been doing is part-timing on a full hour basis at my friend Rashmi's boutique Pure Earth at Holland Village and Tanglin Mall. She showed her first runway collection at The Designers Showcase at this year's SFW and I was busy with the preparations for it. Then I moved on to another project at the label.

Essentially, I've been in retail since end May this year...I was juggling flexi adjunct teaching and Pure Earth. It was tough coz both demanded my attention. Something had to give so I gave up flexi adjunct teaching. Besides, the school was kind of far and don;t think they were happy with my frequent absences...no choice, this year has been eventful for me. There goes my professional credibility and I hope I won't be penalised for it.

Next reason why I haven't been blogging is that I caught the Facebook bug. Amazing how many people have found me or been found by me since I started. Of course, there are some who are refusing to respond to my friend requests. I know who you are, I won't forget this rejection!I am kidding...I think? Facebook, like anything else on the Web, is a two-edged sword. Vampires and Slayers are irritating me but the thought of meeting someone from high school or kindergarten, after decades of non-contact is heartwarming. To be able to hook up with one's loved ones around the globe is the best bonus of all! Just like how this blog helped me through the dark days of dad's hospitalization to update my cousins overseas, it has made the distance between me and my friends and family seem small. Sometimes, we become slave to technology and forget the heart beneath it all. Don't you agree?

Sunset Review

2007-09-10T14:39:00.000+08:00

Pictures to follow - has been raining!

Since its soft launch, I have covered 3 outlets in the revamped Sunset Way. Technically it's two as Absolutely New Zealand does not serve food, just coffee and cakes. I have fallen in love with the deli products at the store. 2 rounds of Prime Steer tenderloin have been cooked and digested, tried 2 types of dips and spreads. Glad to declare that the merchandise is a winner. You have to try the onion marmalade - great on steak as well as a spread for sandwiches.
(Fast forward: 29 Oct: They now serve NEW ZEALAND Natural Ice Cream! HOKEY POKEY ICE CREAM YAY!)

Now to the food - we tried Cafe D'Orient, the Hong Kong tai pai tong eatery and Grilled Out on 2 consecutive evenings. Cafe D'Orient has an extensive menu but I personally found the fried kway teow with pork which I had, a tad oily. Huge portion though. Draks tried the pork kidney porridge and declared that it was way too watery. Not in the least bit appetizing. I had already been disappointed when the item I ordered was not available. The service is so-so, nonetheless, when we returned the next night for Grilled Out, Cafe D'Orient was quiet packed.

We tried Grilled Out as a last resort the next night. The buffet seemed to much, Megumi Japanese did not have space for 3 persons, the Thai place was packed too. Even for Grilled Out - we had to wait for some time before we got our table. Draks had the Yellow Tail, while I chose the Kurobuta pork collar - again to be told it was sold out! So I ended up with the Kurobuta pork patty, same as our friend. The meal came with complimentary bread and salad as starters. It was fun to watch people walking around, checking out the new eating places. We were told D's yellow tail would take 15 minutes but that turned out to be an eternity. After close to 45 minutes of waiting, watching people who came later finish their meals, we kicked up a gentle fuss. That was when they realised that the kitchen did not prepare our order. When we finally did get our patties, it was undercooked...so they took it back. In between that, came 3 complimentary glasses of red wine. Pity I am allergic to alcohol, though the occasional riesling, proseco or Moet is much appreciated. The patty had not thawed properly so they gave us the pork collar, which I had wanted in the first place. My friend's collar turned out to be a lil undercooked; to which the waiter said 'but kurobuta is supposed to be like that'.

Finally the meal ended, with complimentary chocolate cake. I have to admit the service recovery was great. But until they iron out the hiccups, I won't be bakc there so soon.

Don't let the SUNSET down on me

2007-08-26T20:52:00.000+08:00

First - a pix of Made. The kittens are almost 2 months old and are a real handful. Still not quite potty trained yet so there are accidents to watch out for. They are really fun to watch now that they can scamper around. They have also invaded MJ's turf, which has resulted in the original Garfield moving back to being a blob on my bed. Wayan is fascinated with MJ's tail and has been swiped a few times by his irritated daddy. Wayan will grow up to be a real greedy pig - he was trying to dip his face into my hee pio soup during my dinner!

Of course dinner came with a rather extravagant tenderloin. We bought a slab of prime steer tenderloin from New Zealand yesterday at a new deli that has opened up at the HDB estate on Sunset Way. The sleepy hollow is the newest foodie joint in the West. So critics who say the Westside lacks food, time to change your mind. Of course, Sunset was known for Chin Huat and its buffet steamboat since I was in junior college. That has since closed but their seafood restaurant remains. Other than that, the small HDB estate is better known for the vets and Balmoral Cake Shop. I had only just discovered Swiss-Link Bakery, another joint where I can get decent bacon and eggs for breakfast. They also do decent apple and shepherd's pies. They are sort of in between a 7-Eleven and a hairdresser.

We knew Rocky's at Rail Mall had relocated to Block 106 Sunset Way. My friend Boon See used to have a branch of her clinic there. The whole stretch were dry markets that served the residents of this little sleepy hollow at the edge of Clementi.On my bus ride home on 75 the other day, noticed a huge billboard proclaiming the transformation of the block into a new dinning experience. I must say it looks promising. Besides Rocky's and Absolutely New Zealand, where I got my prime steer tenderloin (ooooh prime steer...hard to get), there are 6 other new eateries that have sprung up. HDB has built a wooden deck all around for al fresco dinning. Given that Sunset is not your typical huge HDB housing estate, it is nice.

Been having home cooked dinners at home past few days so I haven't had the chance to try any of the restaurants. Have shopped at Absolutely New Zealand for frozen raspberries (for the cupcakes?), onion marmalade and sea salt. They also serve coffee take outs and some cakes. The proprietress was really friendly and we got to talking, me sharing about how excited I was to see that she stocked prime steer. Of course, she found out about Dad, Uncle Tat and Bun Bee. Ah, an old-timer who has heard of us. Made me miss the good ole days. The tenderloin was divine...after being lightly pan grilled with butter.

I am definitely looking forward to trying the food at this new makan area. Watch this space for updates. Anyone want to go on a food jaunt with me?

The Village Update

2007-08-19T08:44:00.000+08:00

No pictures...again. Still 'shy' to whip out a camera and snap a pix.Well, I was at Holland V again yesterday; had to mind the shop. Can't wait until I am taken off the schedule so that my weekends can be free again. Did I post that I will be leaving part-time teaching at the end of term 3? 2 weeks to ORD lor! It is becoming very hard to juggle and with events happening at Pure Earth which needs my attention, it was no better time to go. It was a struggle for me as school really wore me down and I was frequently sick. Obviously the upper echelons weren't too happy; I totally know where they are coming from but I was also not a happy camper. Exactly a year to the day I left somewhere and begun flexi-adjunct teaching, I am entering a new phase again. Of unknowns an uncertainty. Anyone employing? Looking for decent, moral and legal employment.

I digress. Just wanted to drop a line to say MARMALADE PANTRY is open! I will miss Cafe Rosso's fabulous creations but now I don't have to travel all the way to snooty Palais or crowded Taka to get my Limonata cupcakes! Still my all time fav cupcake. Remember, they had cupcakes before it became trendy!

Weighed myself yesterday FINALLY. You see, kittens have claimed ownership of my weighing scale. My svelte waist line is gone. No more 50-something kg....gonna hit 70 kg if I don't do something soon! See, I am one gal who isn't shy about my weight or age.Oh well.

I have been hanging out at Bunalun, over at Jalan Merah Saga, Chip Bee, lately. Every other day almost. I nip in for a quite cup of flat white and sit there to think for Pure Earth marketing and promotions. Love the muesli for breakfast and the Asian Blini I had for lunch yesterday was divine. It is known for its organic stuff and though pric es always make Draks baulk and do a double take, I am starting to appreciate the fact that organic does taste better. The tutti frutti jelly beans at $4.50 per 100gm are refreshing and addictive. I am sold on Bunalun - if not anything for the peace and solitude it offers when you just need to think.

Other updates - Paris Silk has a new second outlet, it stands on the unit that was the former 4-D shop that became was Music Junction CD shop. The Bead shop has moved out. Where the chi-chi furniture shop used to be, at the corner near the staircase to Cold Storage, 2AM Dessert Bar looks to be opening. Provence is extremely crowded - I mourn the loss of a relaxed, comfort zone. Ya Kun has a new product - a breadstick with dip option; chocolate or cheese. Yummy. $3.50 per set. Hope they add this to the permanent menu.

HHHMMM...a Sunday where I am not running the shop. Maybe I should hit Dempsey Hill!

Next Change

2007-08-12T09:12:00.000+08:00

Change is a given. Ironically, it is also the only constant in my life and maybe everyone else's.I was someone's daughter, now I am an orphan. I was a student, now I am a somewhat teacher. Places and faces change in my life and keeps evolving, spinning. Only I seem not to change. A godsister told me I shouldn't try to change the people around me but change myself instead. An old friend told me that catching up with me was always a good thing coz I'm still young at heart. Hehe, well my salary is still in the category of a fresh graduate while my friends have reallyh moved up the corporate ladder. Soon another change will come in my life but it isn't a change that I didn't anticipate - it's a change that SHOULD have come sooner.

This may not have anything remotely related to my blurb above but it was the trigger that got me thinking about change the whole night. Holland Village, as anyone who knows me would know, is like a second home for me. My first lantern during Mid-Autumn Festival came from the old provision shops that front Holland Avenue. Dad and mom use to take me to Block 40 Holland Drive, the red brick building for satay. My first date with the ex was at Holland Village, as was my first taste of skipping school for pancakes at Better Batter, when Chip Bee was not the hip and happening place it is now.

30 some years on, I still get my lanterns at the one lone old style shop on the strip, I shop at the Chip Bee shops. Even more so, it's the place I spend one day a week working. Nothing remains static at the Hive (what Draks calls the place), ever evolving and changing.Yesterday, I realised one of my favorite stores, Anthropology is empty,not sure if they are renovating or moved out for good. Another favorite hangout, Provence is suddenly full of people, after it was featured in the papers. And I hope I'm not the last to know as usual. Marmalade Pantry, one of my favorite eateries; though a tad pretentious some of my friends say, will be opening a new outlet. It's taken over the spot vacated by Cafe Rosso, which used to be Chaplins and before that Java Jive. Though I bake my own cupcakes when I have the time, the Pantry's cupcakes are still my favorites, especially the Limonata. Probably coz frosting and icings are something I am trying to master. So the Hive's uber-cool quotient has gone up a notch, rentals will surely hit the roof now. Hey but at least I will be well-fed.

The Manic is back

2007-08-03T12:29:00.000+08:00

Been caught up with many things, hence the lack of energy to update my blog. I am currently caught up in another maelstrom, which never seems to leave completely. Maybe I need to go consult a fengshui man or do some reiki or as my gastric surgeon's nurse says, just go back to church. My comfort comes now from the 2 little guys...it's incredible how they have grown...tomorrow they will be a month old. They have started walking and all. Let the pix do the talking.

Once I figure out the video mode on my Samsung HP, I'll catch them in action. Wayan hasn't taken to poor Sonic well though. He has a delayed reaction; hissing at us a good few minutes later after an 'encounter' with Nic.

Kawaii Kittens

2007-07-23T20:41:00.000+08:00

My 'grandsons' are 19 days old. Must plan the red eggs and cupcakes for their 'Man Yue' celebrations. Don't worry, I don't use my mom's old weighing scale, which I weigh them in to measure the ingredients. It was a surprise to find that Wayan, who looks smaller is only 5gm lighter than the fat boy. Wayan is now 16cm while the fat boy is 18cm and weighs in at 18cm. He just has a big and fluffy posterior. I have to be careful since I have some of my students reading my blog.This is what happens when you forget and put your blog URL as your MSN nick.

The cute ratio has officially started. They are soft, fluffy and responsive now that the eyes are open. Made is starting to get himself into trouble; got himself stuck under my CPU trolley. Aiyoh. Wayan will be the SNAK (sensitive,new age kitten); he sat next to me when I was bawling my eyes out last night over my frustrations and stuff. Either ways, them little kitty-kats are really cute.

Finally, a note to my students, past and present, if you happen to be reading my blog.

Please DO NOT write or spell like I do in my blog, EVER, in your English or Combined Humanities essays.

Frustrated

2007-07-22T17:35:00.000+08:00

I am having a particularly bad day. My back has been bothering since yesterday and the stomach has been bugging me for 3 weeks. My surgeon says no biggy but if it isn't any biggy,why do I feel so icky and extremely bloated and obese?

First, I had to deal with a couple of difficult customers today. Though they were not rude, they did not make my job any easier at all. Please don't give me the excuse that I chose retail for this reincarnation of my sorry existence. It doesn't give anyone else any excuse to be rude to anyone, even if the customer is king. Neither does it give any sales person an excuse to treat a customer poorly. It's a vicious cycle I tell you!

Next, I feel so harassed by the obligations piled onto me by a certain few family members of sorts, whose names or designation in my family I shall not divulge. In a bit, I feel I have been taken for granted, my feelings ignored and really been treated like *&$#@! Even though I am a fairly independent person who could probably move to some remote island and be a hermit (which I have done), it doesn't mean I aM a doormat. Neither does it mean that you raise your voice at me and turn the tables around and make me feel REAL bad. When it wasn't my fault to begin with.

So I shall just turn my cell phone off for the next couple of days and go into hiding. Or at least to these people, until they get it through their thick craniums that I am not particularly pleased by how I am being taken for granted. GGGGGGGGRRRRR!!!!

Pasir Panjang Heritage Trail - 21 July

2007-07-21T18:52:00.000+08:00

Though it's been a year since I left my old job in heritage, I do miss most elements of my past life. I must say one of the best rewards from that job were getting to know the gang at the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, NUS, as well as the many colleagues at my old establishment; hence the earlier post before this one.

After 2 missed attempts as a Pasir Panjang Heritage Guide in Feb and May, I FINALLY got my chance to guide this morning. Had to miss Feb walk coz someone had that complication from the operation and May, I had that nasty flu. I have to admit, I had the shakes last night as I could not keep awake after a long day at school and SAM and dozed off while revising my notes. In excitement, I got up at 5am and dozed off, waking up at 7:10AM (horror, horror...sure kena scolding by Otterman later for my tardiness. No breakfast, a quick shower and off to RMBR, NUS. A chirpy Oi Yee greeted me and jump started my batteries.I had to skip Spinelli's, my usual stop before I head to RMBR and guide the walk on an empty tummy. Met Ruo Yu, RMBR's interns and 2 student volunteers from NUS High. The group was way smaller this year - less than 20 participants and as usual started a little off 8am to wait for the lost sheep.

After the session of RMBR's Public Gallery, the lucky participants were treated to freshly brewed Spinelli's coffee. And then we set off, cutting through the back of the Science and Medical faculties to head up the Ridge. This was a steep climb and I must admit I was huffing a little at the top, though I had to act gung-ho and garang to encourage the participants. A few more of such climbs and I can get back to my lithe self in no time. Glad to have Oi Yee and Wendy as the main nature guides as Oi Yee especially is a treasure trove of information for a non-sciencesy person like me.

It was a nice day, not too hot or humid. It was also my first time doing the walk from Science Park. Past 2 years, I picked the participants up from Harbourfront and spent the trails running around as photographer, logistics, runner or what the army calls lobo. But almost as usual, Wendy and I heard the distant rumble of thunder at the start of the pond and we prompted Oi Yee to hasten the pace. Of course, we did not speed things up too much that participants missed out anything. Luckily we did, coz once we got to the top of the hill, the rain hit. At first it was gentle drizzles and then it poured. Big time. We sought shelter at our usual contingency point, the toilets on the lower lookout point. That's where we carried on our commentaries. Think we picked up some curious members of the public who had just come out of the gents too! Thank goodness, the wind blew the clouds southwards towards the Western Anchorage so we didn't have to wait too long.

The participants were pleasant and the beauty of smaller groups is that we got to interact with them. Of course, teacher that I am, I couldn't resist ticking off the names on the list Eileen had emailed us. I find that helps me get to know the names of the participants; it always works well if we know their names. That personal touch is so important when we work in such settings. Kiah Shen, who was extremely dry I might add, had caught up with us by the time we hit the Tembusu Grove. We made it to Canopy Walk and then ushered them quickly to Reflections at Bukit Chandu. It was threatening to rain again.

Of course, it was like deja vu to stand on the porch and greet everyone. This time it got cut short as Salim announced that he had walk-in visitors waiting for the Sounds of Battle to start. Could not say our good byes as we had planned then so we hung around for the 15 minutes that it took for Sounds to be over. Then Wendy and I went up to tell the folks bye and how to get out of RBC. We left after that for a well-deserved meal at Holland Drive.

So how did it go? Well, I miss having to take photos but at least I have broken the jinx of not being able to guide the PP Heritage Trail. Like any other skill I've picked up along the way, guiding also takes practice and I must not lay off it for too long.

Don't know if I should 'advertise' it but if you haven't had the chance to check out Pasir Panjang the way I have in the past 3 years, do join my kakis for next Saturday's trail. I won't be guiding; I am emcee at 2 back-to-back culture 101 talks but you'll be in good hands with my kawans. Click on Otterman speaks link on this blog for more info.

Singapore Heritage Festival - Culture 101 Talks

2007-07-21T18:14:00.000+08:00

I am barely awake...I have had a long week and over active small intestines. So while I take a break from thinking up wild marketing schemes for the PURE EARTH label and minding the menswear outlet (sorry Rashmi if you happen to be reading this!), I thought I may as well blog about what I'm up to. Anyway, if I don't I may fall asleep by the time I get home AND forget what I want to say. Heheh.

Draks has taken his aunt and 2 cute cousins from the USA for ramen at Miharu at the Gallery Hotel. I have to miss this treat as I am running the shop today and the whole of tomorrow. Miharu...I could just wax lyrical over the noodles there. Anyway, I better not harp about it coz I hear my tummy rumbling.

I spent yesterday evening being emcee and moderator for the Culture 101 talks on Art Appreciation at the Singapore Art Museum. Why do I always end up being emcee? It's the first of the few sessions that I have asked to help out at. These talks are held as part of the National Heritage Board's annual Singapore Heritage Festival. My old friends at NHB's Public Education Division had asked for help and I could not refuse them. For more details, check out http://heritagefest.org.sg/2007/official/index.php.

Yesterday's talk was by Low Sze Wee, Assistant Director (Collections) and he gave an introduction to Southeast Asian Art. I did fine and visual art modules during my freshmen year at UWA and as a history major, can appreciate even more what he lectured about last night. I almost thought of architecture as a major back then. Would have made more dough than in my impoverished life now if I had. The crowd was pretty good, almost a hundred people. Some had followed their friends and significant other but the majority had come due to their interest in arts and heritage. A promising sign I must say. I may have left a certain establishment but it doesn't mean I have given up in heritage promotion. Dad instilled that passion in me. Of course, there were some familiar faces on the crowd, people I often see at other heritage events. Oh and I even got a compliment on the latest PURE EARTH dress that came in our last shipment from India. Hope the persons comes in to peruse our wears! (pardon the pun!)

There's a whole lot more of the festival so I do hope everyone will pop by the website and find something to do. You know, we whine all the time and say that Singapore is helluva boring place to live in. But there's actually heaps going on ALL THE TIME...there's many things I am keen on but can't do because it clashes with work or no one wants to go with me. Let's see Sheila Majid concert, Jacky Cheung and Grasshoppers concert, ballroom dancing, batik class......

Will post some links in a later post.

More tales from the kitts

2007-07-19T22:57:00.000+08:00

Came home to a major feud between MJ and Halia. Poor MJ got fixed this morning and though the vet says he recovered from the surgery this morning very quickly and well, he came home to a really rude shock. Halia attacked him BIG TIME and has been hissing at him. Wonder if its coz she thinks there's a new female cat who is threatening to take her babies away? He's probably lost his masculine scent after the operation. Poor things but we had to do the responsible thing before we end up being a cattery.'

Anyway, the kitts have opened their eyes more and we have updated my flickr with the pix. Non-cat lovers, you'll have to put up with the kitty updates for a while longer.

With eyes wide open -sort of

2007-07-17T07:07:00.000+08:00

As promised...a picture of Woodchuck Wayan! Eyes slowly opening. He can follow our finger movements. Made, the lazy bones has only one eye looking like it's ready to open. Check my Flickr for more Wayan pix.

Kitten Update

2007-07-16T20:30:00.000+08:00

The kittens are sure lazy. They have taken more than the week to open their eyes. Draks has to hear me whine about how their eyes haven't opened yet. This morning I woke up and found that Wayan (The older fella) has opened his eyes a little (finally). I am on the road and the photograph is in the other laptop so I'll post the photos later when I get home. If I haven't concussed yet.

Made is a lazy boy - think I should just change his name to lazy boy. He cries A LOT, and for some strange reason, his mouth is really dirty and he isnt't white. It's interesting to see Halia, my baby playing mom to to the 2 little things. She is really very protective over them. Sometimes she launches into a tirade of 'meows', 'rrrrr-rrrrrs' and 'mek mek mek' to her 2 boys. The father is really clueless, spending his days sunning his white belly on either of my balconies. I sure am excited to see what they look like. A few people have asked me to give them up but since they are going to be Halia's only batch of kittens,I think it would be cruel to separate them. Of course, once she stops nursing, they are all going to the vets. I shan't elaborate further but you catch my drift. Check this page tomorrow for kitten photo updates.

Pieces of me

2007-07-13T11:56:00.000+08:00

It's been a hectic time since the end of May. Even more hectic since term started. Just what have I been up too? Other than having 2 extra mouths to feed? I am still a bum; I have cut down my hours at school to 3x a week. It means I just have to teach a class of 3NA combined humanities (History & Social Studies) and a class of 1E history. But the marking for English does not go away, I still help 3 of the English teachers mark the assignments of 10 students. I am still clearing back log. And they ask me why I haven't gone back full time to the teaching service.

I also have a 2nd life... helping my friend Rashmi with marketing and promotions at her 3 boutiques, Pure Earth. I blogged about Pure Earth sometime ago. During the June school vacations, I was there almost daily but with school this term, I spend Mondays and Thursdays there, as well as the weekends. I also double up as a 'salesgirl', albeit as pointed out by some of my colleagues at school, an over qualified one.

As for lacks of posts and pictures, well, my 'partner-in-crime' has gone on a much needed vacation and has left me overseeing her fort. I am extremely tired from being in the store all of last weekend, 11am to 8pm. Anyways, I do hope everyone drops by to check what we have at the stores. Back to ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZs....

Camp Woodchuck

2007-07-12T22:32:00.000+08:00

What is Camp Woodchuck? It's the makeshift camp created for Halia and her boys. They are a week old and I haven't a chance to take photos coz she won't let me.We had to tilt the carrier case they were sleeping in and use my curtains to create 'Camp Woodchuck'. Don't ask me why I named it Woodchuck, must be the funny noises Halia is making, that reminds me of Woodstock in the Peanuts animated cartoons.

So how are the boys? Made is noticeably FATTER...a lot fatter. He's also a BIG cry baby, crying at every chance he gets when Halia moves away. Wayan, though smaller really is the big brother. He's a little more steady. I promise I will post more pictures when I get time to take it. My schedule has been punishing...3 days at school, 2 days and weekends at the boutiques. Updates later!

New Makan Places

2007-07-06T08:02:00.001+08:00

WARNING - LOOOOOOOONG POST AHEAD

Ok, I am taking a break from kitten talk. Discovered some new makan places around the HV/Bukit Timah neighbourhood. No photos yet coz I still haven't plugged up the courage to take photos as we try the new places.

1) Cold Rock at Holland Village

I will put in a separate post on why I am frequently at Holland Village nowadays. Well I always was but I definitely spend at least 1 day a week there now. Long story.Anyways, last Saturday, I tried Cold Rock ice cream. It's at Lorong Mambong, a few shops before NYDC and Cha Cha Cha and a few shops after Hazara (or is it Kinara?). It's a concept brought in from Brisbane and apparently is also popular in the States. How did I know about the new ice cream parlour? Er,shemelessly overheard some one talk about it; well who asked the guy to talk so loudly?

Basically, you pick a flavour of ice cream, sorbet or yoghurt (which *ah-hem* calorie conscious me chose)and choose mix-ins like Malteesers, fruit, Twix, Oreos, nuts and all. The counter folk (for lack of a better word) then take the scoop of whatever, throw it on a slab of marble (hence the rock)that is refrigerated I think and mix in the toppings you chose. I had a yummy Twix and raspberry mix; pity they don't have mint. Only realised they had my favourite Cheey Ripe AFTER I got my yoghurt. Verdict? Yummy though the regular size was a tad pricey for $7 ($6 for base, $1 for each mix-in; though they are throwing in a free mix-in as part of opening specials). For those of you who remember the 'WHIRL-A-WHIP' at the old Yaohan Orchard and Thomson, this is pretty similar.

Read from ieatishootipost about a similar joint over on the East side called Ice Cream Chefs that has a similar concept. Coincidence? Will try it when I venture Eastside.

2) Think Tofu

I have tried this eatery at Bukit Timah Shopping Centre (BTSC) twice. Stumbled on it on a day when I was craving for udon. We had been to lazy to venture downtown. I had
seen the signboards for the place when I pop by the OCBC at BTSC. Honesty, BTSC has seen better days and has always been a bit old and slightly seedy. Was surprised to find Think Tofu, a new cafe above it and a happening Asian furniture shop called Asia Box there. Of course, the cafe is tofu themed but fret not, it isn't a vegetarian place.

Its signature are its hotpots and what we tried on two trips - mushroom and tofu soup and fish maw and seaweed soup were yummy. We really scrapped the bottom of the pot. The meat mains - beef, chicken and pork can be done with a Western Worcester, Sweet&Sour, Black Pepper and Mango (I think)sauce. Being the Anglophile that I am (if you know me well, you know I drink Lea & Perrins, A1 and HP sauce), I had to have the beef and pork with the worcestershire sauce. It tasted like a combination of L&P and A1 sauces. Came with a side of fries with a yummy spicy salt that reminded me of chicken salt which you get at Oz snack bars.

Had the house special but I can't remember the name. It was mashed up tofu with some other bits, fried and then braised in a sauce. Also had the yummy prawns and steamed tofu.I topped it off with the honey lemongrass tea and free PUB gin (available FOC and self serve). Total bill on both occasions was about $24 for two,inclusive of drinks. Found out from the really nice cashier that the restaurant is part of the Yunnan Garden group.

At $5.50 for most dishes, TT does not break the bank and will sure give Prince Taiwan Porridge (my other favourite place for home style Chinese comfort food) a run for its money. It also does not give me that MSG stiff neck I am prone to. Be warned, like Prince, it does not accept NETS or credit cards. No worries though, you have OCBC,POSB & UOB atms spread across the 3 buildings on the block. It's also a nice respite from the busy Cheong Chin Nam Road stretch, which gets pretty crowded during peak makan times.

3) Tah Tan's Table Wine Dine

This 3 month old eatery is located at Royallville, along Bukit Timah Road and Annamalai Avenue. It's tucked in between Ritz Apple Strudel and Salvatore Ferragamo, I mean Pasta Fresca da Salvatore. I had given Drakon a shock when I said Ferragamo. Heheh.

Again, I am currently on a Japanese food craze and have covered quite a few ramen joints in the past month (saving for another post). Too cheapo to pay ERP to go to town. Hanabi's buffet would have been excessive and after the 'barf along Orchard Road' stunt post-Straits Kitchen lunch, I had enough of buffets.

Tah Tan (also TT abbreviated) was quiet and we were the only customers. We were a bit 'iffy' about the place but had apprehensions allayed when Yuko-san (I think that's what the manager called her) walked out of the kitchen and told us about the specials which were not on the regular menu. Drakon's eyes widened (after a night of staying up as midwife) when he saw the ika daikon on the menu and heard that the catch of the day was a saba shio or grilled horse mackerel. I was sad there was no soba or ramen but they did have a miso udon on the daily special. Also had homemade pickles for starters, along with a potato gratin (yum yum)and a grilled iringi mushroom, which was only $3 and EXCELLENT!

Verdict - we paid $57 (including my OJ and a shared cheesecake) BUT will definitely be there for the great food. It's not your traditional Japanese that you get at Waraku but it is a little bit fusion. Ooh and the homemade cheesecake is heavenly, not excessively sweet or rich and topped with homemade rum-ed raisins, which Drakon finished. He was also waxing lyrical and relishing every single bit of the saba. It did smell a little fishy initially to me but after I dug in, I had to agree with him. TT is going to be another hot favourite for us and proof that the Westside is not the food desert Easterners claim it to be.

Photos will follow once I pluck up courage to take pix at makan joints!

Day 2 (or is it Day 3) with Wayan and Made

2007-07-06T07:19:00.000+08:00

Hi Ya! I should be on my way to school but my tummy and back is giving me problems again! Must be gastric and IBS setting in from school stress. MUAH-HAHAHAH!I have been up since 3am. Wonder if it's the caffe macchiato I had at Gone Fishing last night.Should try an experiment - a week without after-dinner coffee and see if I sleep through the night. This coming from a person who has been claiming that coffee does not have the 'keep me awake' effect.BUT moi digressing...

It could also be the new kittens causing this insomnia. They survived a day without human supervision. Halia is becoming quite a good mommy. She has started to venture out of her basket and started her usual 'te pau' (manja, cutesy) behaviour, when I get home from work. She even slept in her 2nd favourite spot, under my bad. I'll know she's back to normal when she sleeps on my head again. Drakon says she may just take the boys and all 3 may sleep on my head! Good grief...1 was bad enough but 3 of them? Permanent panda eye for me.

Haven't measured Wayan yet but measured Made, who already is the bigger one right from birth. He's a little easier to handle;big bro is a bit of a whiner. Makes noise at the slightest thing. Wayan has grown a centimetre to 12.5cm. Thank god I bought a new digital kitchen scale; Drakon used my old manual one to weigh them boys. Don't think anyone will want to eat what I bake after they read this.

Halia must be tired; the boys are relentless. They need to be nursed constantly. She moves away to be with me or on her own for just a minute and they start wailing. Poor thing then jumps in to basket and takes care of them. I am just scared that she accidentally sits on them.Especially Made as he has a strange habit of getting sandwiched between her tail and hind legs. Alamak!

They look so fragile that I hope they grow up a little bit more so that they are stronger. But remembering how fast Sonic, Muffy and Lia-Lia grew, I don't want them to grow up too fast! Heheh. ZZZZ time before I drag myself down to the GPs for painkillers!

Wayan-g

Madster

And if you are wondering who the clueless daddy is...here he is doing what he does best!

And so I can't sleep again as usual

2007-07-05T04:16:00.000+08:00

I know Otterman asked me to go sleep but I have my 3am insomnia again. Was feeling cold but my blanket is in the wash after yesterday's drama and my quilt's at the dry cleaners. As I type this, one of the lil tykes is making a coo-ing noise.

Though they are officially a day old and have a clean bill of health, still praying for the best for them. With newborns, I guess we just gotta be careful. The blur daddy is sleeping on my foot as he usually does every night, still clueless about everything. MJ gets chased away by Halia every time she sees him.

Though the tykes are a day old,I can see signs of sibling rivalry (READ: Trouble for me when they grow up) Even when they are nursing they just have to be at the exact same spot. Wayan is smaller and the noise maker. Made is 'DUH' like dad. Either ways, they spend 90% of their time nursing. Halia is a lil bored but she is an attentive lil mommy, always running back when she sees us hunched over the boys.

By the way, Halia is awake and stuffing her face. She is a brave lil gal and was no trouble during the delivery at all. Vet says she's really young to be a mom;er oops. We are trying to get her to eat so for a special treat as she's nursing, we got her canned IAMs kitten food. MJ went ballistics and tried to eat her food. I am just worried when I am at work. Yesterday I was in most of the time, except when I was getting their new bed and went out for dinner. Drakon assures me Halia will take good care of them. I hope so. K... I need my ZZZZZZZZZZZZZs

Kitty Tales

2007-07-04T15:16:00.000+08:00

The kitties have come back from Mount Pleasant Animal Medical Centre. But not after Drako and I ended up with major scratches and nicks from the new mommy. The vet has given all 3 a clean bill of health (but I am not sure sure about the new daddy's mental state of health though). I was stuck in class with 15 year olds who sure weren't as adorable. Of course, I was riled in the Staff Room about how I need to undergo sexuality education for not taking my wayward cats in hand.

Drakon reports that there were major COOs from the staff and patient/owners at the vet. We have just weighed the tykes and have settled them in a new basket/carrier box in a corner of my room. She had been staking the corner for weeks and now I know why! Cat pre-natal planning..hehe. Wayan weighs in at 60g and 10.5cm while his younger but not smaller bro Made weighs in at 80g and 11 cm. Ah Kong and Ah Ma have been getting 'congratulatory' smses as well as heaps of guffaws from well? meaning friends and relatives. So don't forget the ang pows.

In all the confusion, just realised that they are Independence Day kittens. Maybe I should name them as such

"I Wayan Providence George Sitting Bull Washington" and "I Made (pronounced as 'ma-day' McKinley Fosters Dulles Cherokee".... Hehehehe. Lack of sleep is getting to me. Updates later.

Parental Guidance Advised!

2007-07-04T07:56:00.000+08:00

The first photos of the two lil kittens are on my Fliker account. In case younger audiences may get grossed out by the pix, I've not put them here. Mommy seems to be doing fine...will leave school early and take her and the boys to the vet. The blur daddy is hiding in his comfort basket, in denial....

For the time being...for lack of inspiration, I have named them WAYAN and MADE, traditional Balinese way of naming the kids based on position. Updates later...got to go to school....

I am a grandmother!

2007-07-04T01:44:00.000+08:00

It's 1:45am Singapore time...it's not my usual insomnia keeping me up. My baby Halia, the munchkin kitten has just delivered 2 kittens. YEAP...my bed has become a delivery zone...I have to change the sheets...enough said...

Will update with pix of the lil ones....wondering if anymore coming...the web pages we consulted say labour MAY carry on for 24 hours....it's going to be a loooooooong morning...when my turn ever comes...it's a C-Section for me....

Halia's a brave little gal...think she'll be more of a friend than a mommy! HAHAHAHA...

This post is called an update coz I can't think of a better title

2007-06-20T16:16:00.000+08:00

I just got up. I have the flu...again. Geez, what good is a flu shot if you still get the flu? I had 2 rounds of antibiotics a month ago when I fell sick. Just as I was recovering, I woke up Monday am with a slight fever and an achy throat. Must be allergic to school.

What I've been up to since my last post? Nothing much...still your manic depressive and LOST person. Also a lot tubbier....just realised that when I was heading out to the Pharmacy at Bukit Panjang Mall. Shucks......gotta do something about the extra tyres!

But sore throat n being tubby sure didn't stop me from trying the new MISSY DONUT stand at the mall. Donut fever has hit heartland Singapore! The Q at the place has been snaking since they were featured a few Sundays ago. Was at Raffles City last night and the Q outside Donut Factory hasn't eased either. Wonder if this is a phenomenon that will go the bubble tea route. Managed to get my hands on the last 3 peanut butter donut before the next batch. The lady behind me seemed upset coz she was confident I wouldn't want the last 3 donuts. She was uttering in Malay...hehe little does she know I knew what she was saying.

Tried one - verdict. Not bad....light and fluffy.Now, do I keep one for Hutch??? Donuts sure have evolved from the ones we used to get at Yaohan Orchard. Remember Yaohan? If most of you don't then, I am really old!They did taste nice when I was in kindy but as I grew older, I didn't like them as much. Wonder how this whole donut craze started again anyway. Will grab some pix when I feel like it. I feel a snooze coming on. I am sick after all.

Oh and for those who have time on Sat, 23 June from 3pm-8pm. Do drop by #02-06 Holland Road Shopping Centre. Not only can you see the latest TellyTubbie - Sonic LALA but you can find out what I've been up to!

Ode to My Family

2007-05-27T05:45:00.000+08:00

It's 5:47am. Been coughing so much that my right side hurts. Drakon assures me it isn't appendicitis. That coming from a man who doesn't have any left. For friends far away, don;t worry, he's healing fine. Just don't expect him in a bikini ever.

I've been nursing a viral infection since my last post. I woke up one Saturday morning and my voice suddenly turned hoarse. It became a full blown throat infection by Sunday. Bad enough that I asked the doc for antibiotics. Being sick also meant I couldn't go visit my uncle HT. I could really see how brotherly love works in his relationship with daddy. Dad's passing did not just affect me but his siblings. Uncle, who was in his early 80s, had been getting weaker. When the call came Wednesday AM, just as I was about to leave for work, I lost no time to be with my cousin, who had been with me through the NUH days. Sad I was to see one of my favourite uncles go but happy because he could be with his loved ones, safe in the Lord's arms.I shall miss his happy chuckle which I remember since my childhood days and all the love and support he gave me during the difficult days of 2002.

That leaves my third aunt. She's a spritely one and a kind person. Used to be terrified of her booming voice when I was little. As I grow older and became closer to her in the past 2-3 years or so, I realise that she's my favourite aunt. How difficult it must be to lose 2 brothers in a space of 6 months. I should take time to spend more time with her if she is willing to 'chill' with me. My family may have its fair share of ups and downs, which family doesn't? But it's my family and I am thankful that they accepted me into the fold. As Martha Stewart would say,"Now that's a good thing."

Life and such

2007-05-04T09:56:00.000+08:00

Had a late night phone call from my cousin in Indonesia. One of my distant cousins, whom Dad was extremely close to, passed away yesterday afternoon. They had been neighbours when Mom and Dad were living at Thomson Ridge, before I was born. In fact, they lived in Thomson Ridge all the way through the 70s. I remember enjoying visiting them as they had a yard for me to run around in. A little later, the elder of the two brothers came and worked for my Dad in Bun Bee until Dad retired.

I 'skipped' school today - going to attend the funeral. My cousin TB had come to NUH everyday to visit Dad. They had gotten very close since Mom passed away. I could always count on 'Ah Hia' to turn to when Dad's R problems got to me. I knew he was upset when Dad died as they met up every other day or at least chatted daily. Their friendship made me realise that men can be as 'pak kuat' as women! Funny how we drove past Sheng Siong at Tekka Mall on Tuesday and I was just thinking if Dad were still around, he would be asking us to drop him there so he could hang out and chill with the SMC - the Siantan's Men Club.

It'll also be the first time I am headed to Mandai Columbarium since Dad's funeral. Mixed emotions. I dreamt of mom and dad this morning in fact, asking me to remember not to be late for the funeral. In my dream, I had taken them to Vivo City and Sentosa. Been dreaming a lot of them lately. Well, time to get ready to go.

Drama Mama or?

2007-05-04T09:53:00.001+08:00

You Are a Drama Princess (or Prince)

You're not over the top dramatic, but you have your moments.
You know how to steal the spotlight...
And how to act out to get your way.

People around you know that you're good for a laugh.
But at times, your drama gets a bit too much for everyone.
Tone it down a tad, and you'll still be the center of attention.

Are You a Drama Queen (or King)?

New Toy, New Recipes

2007-05-01T18:41:00.000+08:00

I am recovering from a particularly bad bout of IBS. I spent 4 days away from work last week. People must think I am 'eating snake' but you must have had IBS to know how bad it is. I refused to go see Dr Lim, my gastro specialist; he'll just tell me to learn to manage my stress. I took the TCM route and went to Eu Yan Sang, after a visit to the GP didn't yield much results. I have been a little ill disciplined and not eating the TCM meds as regularly as I should. It is REALLY bitter and I so want to puke after drinking it.

I am at a crossroads and in limbo. I am desperately trying to get out of it and have been hearing so many voices telling me. But a distraction from all that gloomy details.

I have a new toy! It's the OLYMPUS E-410, one of the 2 regular DSLRs to be released by Olympus this year. The other one is a pro-body to replace the E-1. I am no technical whiz but this small DSLR should get me started. I stopped using a point and shoot when we acquired our first DSLR, the E-300. Think we must have been one of the first few in Singapore to grab the E-410; it was only released on 26 April. However, I'd played with the prototype at Olympus HQ Singapore the week before. One of the privileged few. Here's what it looks like:

On Sunday, I attended the second of the cupcake workshops by Joycelyn Shu of 'Kuidaore' fame. By a stroke of luck, someone dropped out of the class and I was next on the wait list. She's a fantastic teacher, patient and generous. However, I had a not so pleasant encounter with somebody else during the session which left a bad taste in my mouth. I mean, come on, I ain't no Cordon Bleu cook, just a mere mortal! No pix though this time as the mini cupcakes are almost gone. A little more work than Level 1's recipes but something to enjoy in years to come.

Michael Buble's new album is out...sweet! Ended up buying Josh Groban (me, buy Groban? definitely a mid-life crisis) too... some special deal buy 3 CDs for $49.90. You know us Singaporeans - suckers for deals.

Marble or Not?

2007-04-22T08:07:00.001+08:00

Been taking to baking lately and my latest experiment, which I whipped up yesterday evening, was the perennial classic, marble cake. It was also an excuse to get rid of the SCS salted butter which was meant for fruitcake except stuff happened last December.

Only one problem, I couldn't get it swirly like what you see normally. Maybe it's due to the fact that I didn't use a bundt pan? I used mom's trusty old square tins, the ones she used to bake kek lapis with. Haven't been able to get myself to buy the silicon bundt pans from Pantry Magic. Still a lil hesitant to try baking using silicon ware. It was a tri-colored swirl or should I say mine turned out to be patches. I assure you there is no compromise on the taste though! Made it a combo of plain, Valhrona cocoa and lavender colored batter. The small cheapo mixer is serving its purpose; didn't break down though Muffy pulled it down some time back. But I still want a KITCHEN AID! Think that's every cook's dream mixer! Drak says I can get only if baking doesn't prove to be another halfway hobby!

Time to go try the overnight taste test. If the cake is still yummy then I succeeded! Shall try sausage rolls next but I'll cheat and use frozen puff pastry!

All By Myself

2007-04-15T08:37:00.000+08:00

For the first time since Dad passed away, I have spent a complete entire weekend on my own. Drako's on a diving trip; I didn't feel up to looking for company. Though I must admit company seems harder to find nowadays. Maybe I am just becoming more of a recluse in my old age. Have tons of marking to catch up on but I haven't got round to it. I do miss dad and have been dreaming a lot of him, even mom. At times, I can almost hear that familiar cough and I tell myself it's all in my head

I have decisions to make on my future and have yet to set a firm decision. Tell myself and everyone around me that I'll actively send resumes but I haven't. In a way, I guess I feel an obligation to the 33 kids in my various English groups to stick around and see them through till October. Such mental anguish.

So what did I do? Other than ruin my new FURLA bag...should have known better than buy such a light taupe coloured bag. Well, I reluctantly left BED CENTRAL and checked out the Fash Bash at NAFA. It was just way too crowded for such a small room. Still good ideas abound which I may try if I decide to go into the one venture I have been thinking about. Then I walked to Sin Lit on Seah Street to see if they had the cupcake case I wanted. Followed to my favourite little oasis in that part of town - Ah Teng's Bakery at the Raffles. I didn't look at my watch so I didn't realise that lunch was over. However, I must have looked so pathetic that the Chef relented and made me a yummy roast chicken on ciabatta sandwich. I love Ah Teng's, it's full of old world charm and always peaceful no matter how quiet it gets.

I went to Raffles City and made an unscheduled stop into the Adidas Original Store. Saw this glamourous couple; apparently some Pan-Asian type, Malaysian starlet. Well, they did make a nice couple. Then it was off to Erskine Road for a jaunt! Didn't make it to Maxwell Market but had my favourite brew at Front Row. Took a bus ride to Buona Vista on 145 and did some reflecting. My heart stirred when we hit Vivocity and Harbourfront. That was dad's favourite haunt and part of me kept wishing I'd be there meeting him. There are still places I try to avoid because it's too painful to recall the times dad and I hung out there. As Craig David sung once. 'You don't miss your water till the well runs dry'. I guess I realise even more now how we should never take the folks around us for granted, ever.But we all do so I shall aspire this year to live and love more.

Back on Line

2007-04-13T16:12:00.000+08:00

If you've been wondering why I have been awfully quiet lately, fret no more! I am back! The OS on my trusty laptop died sometime during the March term break and I just got it back. That was procrastination on my part. Sad story is I have lost all my data that used to be in this laptop. Moral of story? BACK UP BACK UP! I have bought an additional 2GB thumb drive. Will look into other possible solutions so that I will not lose anything valuable ever in future. Ignorance and forgetfulness is bliss... so what I won;t miss what I forgot I ever had in the laptop.

It's so wonderful to have my LENNY back... I have not used my Dell desktop for so long that it felt strange to use it. Plus the PC table I have is so high that sitting on the stool gives me a backache! Besides, the Dell is constantly being hogged by someone... no names mentioned to protect the guilty!

All this makes me realise how dependent we have all become on our gadgets!

Yogya Hari Kedua - 17 Feb 2007

2007-03-13T18:09:00.000+08:00

It's been so long since the trip that I sorts forgot the sequence of events with the madness going on around my life.

I did remember it raining, coz I had to leave my Giordano sneakers in Yogya. Why does it always rain when I wear a particular pair of capri pants? It was raining on Day 2 of the Yogya trip and we were drenched completely! Oh well, must wear next time I want it to rain then!!

Spent the night tossing and turning; I guess the time difference and all kind of got my body clock a little messed up. Breakfast came complimentary and it was a scrumptious. A combination of Western, Chinese, Indonesian and even Japanese breakfast treats.Loaded up on the most important meal of the day, in case we didn't have time to eat. Apparently, I am somewhat 'psychic' coz we only managed to eat lunch at 4pm! What was interesting too was that 2 policemen walked in and were immediately ushered to a table and given complimentary breakfasts. These guys were escorts for an Indonesian minister or Yogya government official who had popped by the Hyatt for a press conference.

We took the free Hyatt shuttle to Jalan Malioboro, the heart of the shopping district. It was pretty interesting to see horse carriages and bechiak trishaws) parked alongside modern day cars. The trishaws are also the most convenient and economical way to get around the city. We walked down from the drop off point - the Malioboro Mall and made our way down towards the Kraton. Walking down the strip was an experience as we tried to vend off street vendors, touts and lil kids begging. After checking out prices for tours to Borobodur and Prambanan at the Hyatt Tour desks, I decided we'd be better off trying to find an agent at a local tour agency. Managed to get a decent deal at slightly more than half the price at the tourist information centre.

Feeling pleased that we did not get fleeced, we marched merrily down, until we were accosted by a young chap who proclaimed we had to go see this batik art exhibition put up by some artists. He said it was the last day. Apparently, it's a well-known ruse used by many of these batik galleries as we found out later.

Salam Yogyakarta - Day 1, 16 Feb 2007

2007-03-12T15:33:00.000+08:00

Finally have some time (well, actually still quite a bit of work from Term I of school that must be completed) to post about the Yogyakarta trip like I promised. I should get it down before I forget eh?

Though technically I wasn't celebrating the Lunar New Year this time around, I still did a little tidying up for good measure. After a frantic day of clearing, I got up at 5am and packed. Also made sure the furballs were cleaned up and fed. Took a cab to Changi AX and almost puked in the cab. For some strange reason, my tummy wasn't settling down very well. Perhaps the fact that I hadn't been on a plane for almost 5 years finally hit me. I confess, I don't like the feeling of the G-force from takes-offs and of course, turbulence and air pockets.

Hunted for a place within the departure gates for food - got tempted by GUCCI for awhile. Saw some funky stuff but got dragged away immediately. Ended up having Spinelli's. Garuda was going to feed us after all. Almost missed the flight as they did not make final calls for our flight to Jakarta. Luckily, we WEREN'T the last passengers on board. Pretty full flight as the Indonesian students were taking the chance to go back for IMLAC. (What they call the Lunar New Year there)

Flight was kinda smooth and the food wasn't too bad; beef rendang, lontong and tempe. Except I managed to drop some of the rempah on my OFF-WHITE tank camisole. Left a stain due to the tumeric in the rendang. Got to Sukarno-Hatta Airport, Jakarta in about an hour and a bit. That was when the long wait would begin.We arrived about 10:00am (Waktu Indonesia Barat WIB).It's like going back in time coz we left home at 10am! Had to clear all our luggage and walk out and re-check in at the domestic counter. Got our first 'encounter' when a Garuda rep comes up to help us and then asks for some 'tips'. Couldn't have been considered tips when he named a price.We had been warned and considering my family's roots, it was something we grew up with.

The long wait began but unlike Changi, not too many shops to browse in. A familiar scent wafted on by from the food court. ROTIBOY, now defunct in Singapore I believe, had reached Jakarta's shores. Except here, they bought them by the cartons. It was amazing to see the travellers carrying boxes of them onboard their domestic flights home. Had some beef pastry at a home grown 'Deli France' like chain; the Snapple caused more than my food.

The connecting flight to Yogya was at 2:40pm WIB. Believe me, it was a LONG wait. It was interesting, however, to observe the people going about their business. One thing I have to say; the rich in Indonesia are extremely rich. One youngish couple in the food court,were decked out in every major designer one could think of. The wife hardly looked like she had given birth to 2 kids and was dripping in diamonds.What's also noticeable is that the affluent also have at least 1 maid in tow wherever they go. Given the designer labels I saw, it was as if I were at some Parisian or Milanese runway show.Again I would like to reiterate, money doesn't necessarily buy style.

Finally got to the gate, only to be told that the flight would be delayed by half and hour or so, as the plane hadn't arrived. The takeoff was a little shaky but things soon settled when we got to cruising altitude. It was a relatively short flight - 50 minutes. Along the way, as I peered out from the window, I could the meandering rivers and the Central Javanese highlands. The landing was a little fast; the runway at Bandara Adi Sucipto was by far, the shortest runway I had ever encountered. It wasn't a shock that the accident on 7 March occurred. It was a relief to get off the plane and finally be able to settle down on terra firma.

The Hyatt limo came to get us; think it was a Toyota Kijang, the Indonesian made mini-MPV. We got a glimpse of rush-hour, Yogya style, which really wasn't too bad. Finally arrived at the Hyatt and what can I say, it was a real change from what I had seen of Java and Yogya so far. The website wasn't kidding about the landscape. Of course, they used ambient lighting for the picture I posted in an earlier blog. Here's my version:

The lobby was on level 2. It's not a big hotel the way that the Grand Hyatt Singapore or Hyatt Bali is. The Hyatt Yogya pretty grand in its own way but yet cozy enough for the casual traveler like me.The room was cozy and despite the hotel being almost a decade old, still had this 'new' feeling about it. It had a huge picture window which overlooked the golf course. I knew I was going to like this place!

Did some exploration before dinner; of course, this being Yogya, it is ineveitable that Borobodur is the main inspiration for the hotel's architecture.

We didn't want to venture out as it gets pretty dark quickly in Yogya so for dinner we ate at the hotel's main dinning hall. It was a pretty costly meal (though slightly cheaper than Singapore standards) but the seafood buffet was scrumptious! Of course, Hyatt hotels anywhere also have a fantastic array of desserts. We ate safe this trip, ie. at the Hotel, fast food chains but then again, this trip was meant to be a recce of Indonesia's cultural capital!

Cupcake Workshop at Shermay's Cooking School

2007-03-11T21:52:00.000+08:00

I'll post the pix after we've 'processed' it. Had my first cooking class (not counting the days of secondary school Home Economics) at Shermay's Cooking School at Chip Bee Gardens. The workshop was conducted by Joycelyn Shu, the lady behind the KUIDAORE flog. This was one class which was sold out way before it started. There's a long waiting list for it.

The recipes were pretty easy and it was obvious much thought had gone into baking the selection. Not only were we treated to a free flow of iced tea by the Gryphon Tea Company but we got to take home a dozen cupcakes.As part of the hands-on portion of the class, we iced and decorated the cupcakes. The vanilla ones had been prepared by the school while we mixed the chocolate ones ourselves. I had heard about the class in early Jan and had gone to register pretty early. I am glad I did as the classes (even the Level II one) is full. Though additional classes were added for April and May, think it's at waiting list. Not surprise considering Joycelyn's desserts are too die for and that there is a cupcake craze in Singapore now.

I've also parted with about $140 to buy baking stuff like Varhlhona cocoa and good quality vanilla bean paste. SIGH! Now I gotta bake more to make it worth my while.

POSTSCRIPT 12 Mar - Here are some pix of my maiden attempt at cupcake icing. Rest on Flickr!

We've just shared one of the vanilla cupcakes. 7 to go...the math don't add up right? Whilst we were busy clearing up after dinner, sONIC figured out how to open the side of the cake box and stole a cupcake, licked the frosting off 2 of them. Had D not turned around, he could have finished the whole box. That Cocker Spaniel of mine really gets up to mischief at times.Though i WAS A LITTLE mad at him, you have to admit it was pretty smart of Sonic to get to the cupcakes the way he did. OH WELL!

Misunderstood

2007-03-10T07:35:00.000+08:00

Don't you just wish sometimes that you could disappear forever into oblivion. It's one of those days for me. Rather, it's been a long drawn horror since Jan 2005 and just when I thought it had ended, it came back to haunt me.

It has also wrecked a friendship and when I find out who has been saying things behind my back or carrying on tales to this friend, I am so going to give it to them. What right have they got to do that? Another concerned ex-colleague made a frantic call to me to ask me to mend bridges and that my professional reputation has been spoilt. You know what, I just can't care anymore. I am tired, real spent and real tired.

Latest from Adi Sucipto Airport, Yogyakarta

2007-03-07T10:50:00.000+08:00

Woke up feeling very bad today so I called in sick. Migraine and gastric been hitting me. Also not in the best of moods lately as some problems have cropped up. When will all these cease?

Since visiting Yogya, I have developed an affinity to the city. Not just to its history (which is natural for someone with a History degree!) but also to the way of life and its people. It was a real shock to see read over Yahoo news that a plane had crashed there.

Yahoo NEWS: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/070307/1/473yl.html

Even weirder as we were there less than a month ago. I shared in an earlier post that the turbulence from Yogyakarta to Jakarta freaked me out.According to The Jakarta Post, there was one casualty.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/latestnews1.asp

BUT from the Channel Newsasia website it says that only 76 out of 133 passengers survived. I guess the news will unfold.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/262476/1/.html

To this, Drakon had to say: I Have inherited my dad's uncanny 'mulut cabul' or as they say in Chinese, 'wu ya jui'. You see, we have had several discussions since the trip about the turbulence, Adi Sucipto airport and the recent air mishaps.The runaway at Adi Sucipto was rather short and I remember telling D as we flew in and out of it that I was way nervous about it. I am not that frequent a flyer but have been flying enough to have experienced a gamut of runways and aircraft. The 737 is NOT one of my favourites. Makes me wonder how I am ever going to visit Yogya again. May try thr Singapore to Solo and then drive 2hrs to Yogya option.And then this happens.Can't help but feel along with the passengers, crew and family members.My prayers go out to all.Of course, the feeling of I WAS THERE also strikes.

Stay tuned to the news for more information.

Yogyakarta Sojourn

2007-03-03T11:22:00.000+08:00

It's been almost a fortnight since my trip to Yogyakarta and well, the photos are finally up. Not all coz we took some 400 or 500 shots on the 2 Olympus E-Systems we own between us. The shots on my Flikr album were shot on the E-1. It's my first time using this extensively. It's Olympus' pro system (ie. National Geographic photographers use it) so I was a little nervous about using it. I'm still quite new to the DSLR cameras and whatever photos I took on my dad's old Nikkormat or my F55, it was always instinct as dad never fully explained key concepts like aperture, shutter speed to me as a kid. Drako is trying but you guys who know me also know science bits bore me and don't quite register.

I am pretty happy with some of my shots. I think composition was more the issue to me.It's my artsy side emerging triumphant once again.Most folks would probably have better shots but well, I'm just starting out. Looking at the photos transport me back to the four days at Yogya. Think it's the beginning of my Yogya sojourns for sure! Especially since the Prambanan temple photos were terrible. It was a particularly hot afternoon so the sun was not helping. You will notice that I had more shots of Borobodur and even the HYatt than Prambanan. Lesson learnt - next trip; we got visit Prambanan in the morning.

Indonesia certainly has much to offer and it's a pity that many tourists miss the rest of it beyond Bali, Manado, Danau Toba or Jakarta. But then again, lesser tourists mean better pictures for me! Seriously, I'll never forget what dad said when I complained as a kid, about why we never travelled out of the region. He was right; there's so much of our own backyard to explore. Since coming back, I'm still trying to adjust a little to life back home. It was a short trip but it left an indelible impression on me. It was a sort of homecoming to my roots. Adopted or otherwise, I must not forget that my maternal grandmother was Indonesian so it will remain a part of my heritage.

This is my introduction, if you can call it that. Click on the Flikr link in the next column and you can see all the photos!

HHHHHHHHHHmmmmmmmmmmm

2007-02-28T12:33:00.000+08:00

Took a day off work;got some things to attend to. Anyway, today is the weird day in my time table where I have 3 lessons in the morning and am free until the next lesson at 12:40pm. I co-teach these lessons with the main teacher so I shan't be missed.

Been having a couple of bad days lately; discussing with drakon if I should put myself back on the anti-deps. One cause is the book check coming up last week of term. Marking frantically but not frantically enough. This holds me back from returning to teaching FT. I admire the teachers, not just in Singapore but anywhere in the world. Well, maybe more here. Having been in the system and out, plus the fact 1 foot is sorta in it, these are the unsung heroes. It's a real struggle to juggle teaching several classes and subjects with administrative responsibilities, marking with CCAs and your own life. I seriously wonder how I managed to do all that for 5 years and always deal with the the 3 Ds that I went through!

Anyway, I have to really get down to figuring out the career thing. SOON!!!

Had bad news on Sunday, my mom's eldest bro passed away in our hometown on SUNDAY, 25 Feb. Could have kicked myself for not picking up the phone on time but then I was in the bathroom. I have never ever met him; just seen pictures and heard about him. I used to send him chocolates all the time as it was his favourite. It was sad that we could not find a way to bring him here to Singapore to live with us. Though born in Singapore, he did not have proof of it. Sadder still as he had slightly lower IQ than most people. It was really the kindness of my cousin, Leslie, whose dad is my mom's cousin, that helped my uncle Pau live his days in relative comfort. I can also recall the verbal abuse and gossip I got about a 2 years back when Leslie's younger sister called me long distance and gave me a sound scolding. Why hit it out one me; I really wanted to do more but at that point in time, my mom, dad and aunt were the elders. When I tried to help financially with whatever little I could afford, the money was thrown back at me with more abuses. I just want to say for the record, I appreciate what Leslie did and only can say that God will surely bless his goodness; I know I cannot do more than what is humanly possible. It is a blessing for Uncle to go this way and join his parents and my parents in heaven or wherever it is we go after this life passes. Rest in peace Uncle and watch over as all.

On the lighter side, I received an email from BlogTv this am. Seems they read my post from Dec last year on my taxi experience. They were wondering if I would be keen to share about this on CNA. HAHAHAH, haven't figured out if this is a prank or a hoax so I will keep everyone posted. Didnt figure anyone read my nonsensical blog anyway.

LUNCH time...later

Yogya Yes!

2007-02-21T10:14:00.000+08:00

Gong Xi Fa Cai! I'm back and will post photos of the trip in a few days, after we get through processing the shots we took of Borobodur, Pramabanan and other scenes of life in Yogyakarta. The flight from Yogya to Jakarta was a little harrowing due to the bad weather. That may be a deterrent for me to travel to Yogya again. But still much to discover so I may just want to pop on over there again.

Inertia

2007-02-04T19:32:00.000+08:00

Drakon had an emergency appendectomy last Sunday. I am sure I spelled that wrongly or as I told the English classes I have, I ain't no walking dictionary. That is also the reason why I haven't updated my blog. He's ok and certainly enjoying the attention and the hopsitalisation leave I bet! Amazing how you get bumped up when A&E hears you have appendicitis. Again, I say NUH service seems way better. I took 2 days off from flexi-adjunct, though I felt bad. When I got back to school, everyone was so sweet, asking how I felt.

Hanging out at NUH sure was a little uncomfortable as memories flooded of December. I have moved on a little but still missing dad's goofy comments and hanging out with him.

Someone said that if we miss a person who has gone ahead to the big pie in the sky, that we would be visiting their grave, niche, whatever. I haven't exactly been faithful in visiting mom's niche. Dad was laid to rest there (finally! they took so long to complete the marble slab) on 26 Jan. It was weird seeing mom's urn when they opened up the niche. Fr Cliff came to say a prayer and looked at my mom's smile and said 'The smile is exactly the same.' I knew where he was coming from. Told him I was slowly coming to grips with that.

Now I need to finalise my career path. Just need to take precautions for fear that the Reserves are running low. Retail therapied too much over Xmas and past few days. It's wondering if I want to go back to teaching full time or trying out for other positions. An ex-colleague gave me a lead and wants me to try it out. Fear and lack of confidence is holding me back. I can't seem to think or feel anymore. Like I am wilting away. NOT MUCH MOTIVATION TO DO ANYTHING, really. can't seem to get out of this state. But no one understands. I wish someone did.

Historical Journeys Part I

2007-01-13T08:13:00.000+08:00

I didn't need to report to school past 3 days as I am on the flexi adjunct scheme. Had intended to carry on my photography at RMBR but things kept cropping up. Hadn't been able to go down in the afternoons after school too, as we have been having meetings to usher in the new school year.

Anyway, I won't be here during the CNY break; we're going to Yogyakarta to visit Borobudur and Prambanan. If we're lucky, we may even be able to see the present sultan of Yogya when we visit the kraton (palace). Managed to get a pretty good package for less than SGD500. Accommodations provided by the Hyatt Regency (*photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency.com) but the catch is we have to fly Garuda. I've flown Garuda to Bali and well enough said. We have a four hour transit in Jakarta so I wonder what we can do. Given Jarkarta's traffic, staying in the airport is best! I just have o worry about the furballs now.

Had to run around Maxwell Road area for the better half of the day, trying to settle some of my dad's matters (will post on my frustrations another time). Had lunch at an authentic Vietnamese cafe on Smith Street called Vietnam #1 Restaurant or something. Being new to flogging, felt weird to take photos of my lunch. Walked over to People's Park to catch a bus; the rain got really heavy again. My slippers (Sembonia from KL 3 years back) decided to die then. Ended up in OG (did you know it's short for Ocean Garments?) and got a pair of Crocs. Not the ugly ones but the Mary Jane pumps. Maybe I should have gone for a size 8; as Drakon always says, my heels got bitten by the 'crocs'. I didn't get help form the sales stuff who were having a gossip session, oblivious to customers. Tsk tsk.

I ended up at the newly renovated National Museum of Singapore. Still think I didn't get my $15 worth but I had a talk to attend. I think I'll get the membership. There's so much info that an afternoon's visit is not enough.However, my main purpose was the Maria Theresia exhibition and I did not regret it. Couldn't take pix though and I am not going to be a spoilsport and sneak taking one. Having worked behind the scenes in heritage, I have to support my ex-colleagues' efforts! She was a dynamic force and I suppose you could say she was one of the original working mums from the 18th century! Only beef, besides the no photography thing, was that the color of the font transfers made it a bit hard to read. It was wonderful to be transported back into the Habsberg-era Austria. To add to the authenticity, Wiener Kaffehaus has opened a little snack bar at B1, outside the exhibition gallery.To those who haven't been to its original Neil Road outlet, you have to. Those who know me, also know I am a coffee addict. My favorite is the Einspaenner.

I ventured to the new 'rotunda', the glass spiral wing that one sees from Stamford Road. That is the Singapore History Gallery and is the gallery I haven't quite finished with. You get around using the aid of the 'Companion' audio headset guide. I liked that idea, as it allows you to explore at your own pace. Kudos to the curatorial team, a lot of effort went into the gallery. Worth the wait! Only problem I had was that I wished there were captions for the artefacts that were not mentioned in the audio guide. I felt my hair stand at the WWII section; it was even worse when I had to walk through it a second time to revisit an earlier section. No one was around and well, I just scuttled out as quickly as I could. I was really taken by the video show depicting 14th century Singapore (*which linked to the talk I attended later that evening) as well as the section dedicated to the women of early modern Singapore.(remember my passion is in women's history) I was surprised to find that they had woven a commentary around Ms Sophia Blackmore, who had founded my alma mater. There was a display of a lace cheongsam; women were really tiny back then. No wonder my Aunty Ivy's wedding gown, which you can see at Memories at the Old Ford Factory needed a child's mannequin.

I ventured to the Singapore Living Galleries in the old wing of the building. That's the one we all grew up with. You know, where the dioramas, the Jade and the Peranakan Collections used to be. Being the fashionista that I am, I really loved the fashion gallery. I will be back again to take in the details. Also, foodie that I am, I also liked the Food gallery. The neato things was that they managed to incorporate the element of 'smells' for some of the common spices used. Visitors just have to pull at the ring and one can get a whiff of anise, cinnamon, wolfberries and kaffir lime. Divine!

I paid $15 for a combined ticket, which allowed me to check out the visiting exhibition and the Singapore Galleries. You save about $3 that way. Otherwise, the museum is a lovely place to chill out if you DON'T want to pay. Besides Wiener, there's a Wa Cafe and Novus Restaurant. It's a lovely building (Maybe coz it wasn't crowded on such a rainy day) and I forgot I was in Singapore for awhile. Kind of reminded me of the Museum in Perth. I left after being there for about 3 hours (NOT ENOUGH TIME) and trudged towards Cathay. Drakon forgot his HP so I had to wait for his call. So what did I do? I ended up getting my eyebrows threaded. My blogs rambled on long enough. Part II to follow.

Blog on By

2007-01-10T07:21:00.000+08:00

HAPPY 2007, though I am almost 2 weeks late.

I just can't bring myself to blog since my last post. Here are some reasons why.

1) Methinks that perhaps I shouldn't have been so open about the adoption issue. Some folks have commented that it may have been too personal and that it would invite more questions. Especially since the people who have been keeping this from me (ie. the entire maternal side of my 'family') may be reading my blog.

2) My blog doesn't have pictures. I usually work on my laptop (which has been shutting down on me ALOT lately) and photos processed on desktop by Drakon. Till I start transferring photos from desktop, it'll be words mostly.

3) Afraid that my blog may be a sign of narcissism.

4) Been reading articles that blogging is so passe....

At the same time, this blog maybe one of the ways some of my friends and family overseas hear about me (folks overseas: EMAIL me please; I get worried when you guys don't and I don;t want to intrude). So whatever it is, I will try to blog more regularly. Perhaps as therapy to get over December 2006's disasters.

2007 is about decisions...new directions... I have gone back to part-time teaching. I have been given many graduating classes. Nightmares of my last term teaching in 2004 have been popping up. Especially the English file incident. I shudder, I hope the past will not come back to haunt me. Nightmares of the godforsaken place also have flooded back because someone spoke to me about the 'mess' I made. I am a mess but they just don't understand why I WAS.

The day my world caved in

2006-12-23T00:39:00.000+08:00

Today I found out that the parents I have had for the past 34 years of my life aren't my biological parents. All this after a very trying time watching my dad through his very sudden passing. In other words I am adopted. My life and the shit that has happened since July 2001 has come full circle. Everyone around me knew, I was the only fool who wasn't invited to his own birthday party. I have lost all hope.

Thank You

2006-12-21T09:00:00.000+08:00

It's been a tough time. I am sorry I have not been able to blog and it's taking a lot of courage to post an entry today. Yesterday was a week since dad passed away. My cousins left and returned to our hometown,the Anamabas Islands. My cousin Abik, who is also my aunt by marriage, was so worried about me that she decided to brave the journey from the South China Sea to come visit me again in Feb next year.

I just want to say a big THANK YOU to all my family and friends who came by the hospital or the wake or funeral. If I didn't get a chance to speak to you, I do apologise. It's hard being the only kid and not be able to split myself between friends, relations and prayer group. Thanks too for the generosity, I did worry a little about expenses but managed to cover that with all your help.I collected Dad's ashes on Mon 18 Dec and we are waiting for the new marble slab to be ready before placing his ashes, alongside mom's at Holy Family Church, Katong. This is what he wanted when mom passed away in Jul 2001.

I can't write now without shedding a tear; I can't bring myself to pack daddy's things so I won't just yet. I'm going to go do some housework now to take my mind of him awhile.

Update on Dad 11 Dec 9:09pm

2006-12-11T21:05:00.000+08:00

Those who know me, also know that my Chinese names translates to 'Plum Blossom'.(Thanks Dad! I have been the butt of all jokes not in my childhood days over this but NOW!) So her is an 'AH HUI' sitting in the middle of NUH Level 2 with Laptop writing a a blog. I have finally found a spot where I can log on to my NUS Visitor account.

Anyway, I could not have blogged today, as dad had quite a few visitors. They have lowered the level of sedatives and medications, but the prognosis remains the same. To be prepared for anything not so good. Sedatives have worn off and his eyes are open. He keeps them open and shuts them. I am convinced he can hear us, though it seems his gaze may not be focused entirely on us. It can be scary, as it reminds me of what mom went through in her last few days. Nope shall not let negativity get to me.

I had to call NUH's Quality Service Office. They must think I am the BIGGEST you-know-what around. But this Ah Hui got slang a bit also and spoke in her crispest Washingtonian accent. Always does the trick. I am trying not to be on edge. But at times, when the emotions are raw, tempers may flare.

After a few days around ICU & CCU, you start to recognise other families around you. Well, Drakon and I were in Ward 23 waiting rm (yes we got a spot - 'tiok bey pio' (struck the lottery in Hokkien, shall not use the cruder version, as I know my BIG cousins in Canada are reading this blog and I have a SQUEAKY CLEAN reputation to maintain). I was in and out of dad's room. Then this patient from the wards above came down, with an entourage of 7 family members. I could hear the family remark that this place is a good place to hangout as it has free TV. One of the men i n the group, reaches the Volume switch and turns it up REAL LOUD. All this without considering the rest of the CCU patients' families who had spent the night in hospital, in the very lounge and were trying to rest. Oh yes, and one of them had a major pong which made me feel like throwing up.

So I suggested to a very sleepy Drakon that we should go have lunch out of NUH and try one of the new cafes at the University Cultural Centre. So we did but we took the wrong internal NUS Shuttle. NUS is on a ridge - so ups and downs are all over. Well, someone decided to climb up the hill back to the free car park slot our Pasir Panjang Kakis told me about. Can die ah! I should have been in CCU after lugging a 2kg lap top and other toiletries up the steep slope.

Was nice to get away and eat at a 'posh' place - don't ask how much lunch was. Food was usual price for a bistro setting. Coffee served with Irish Cream cost the same price as a small latte at one of the 'ang mo' kopi joints. Drakon said definitely going back but not asking for water this time ($3 per bottle - we had 3!) I just had salad - can't hold much down.

I am rambling again! Anyway, time to go check on dad. Will post again if I don't lose my signals.

Update on Dad 11 Dec 9:21am

2006-12-11T09:20:00.000+08:00

I could not blog at NUH, as I seem to have lost the NUS Wireless connection after the last update. I got the Wireless@SG site but it's so slow. What to do? Free service. The connection always gets lost!

I left NUH around 9 or so last nite. Same thing to report as the last update. Everyone just keeps telling me to be prepared for the worst. At times I get tired of updating everyone, not coz I am being selfish but repetition isn't fun. Then I have also got to deal with situations where people may say 'see la, never watch his diet' or 'why didn't you take him to see a doctor earlier?'. It's as if I'm being slapped on with a negligence suit.

Thanks for all who have stopped by my blog to keep updated. Thanks for prayers and the affirmation. My house is a mess, my clothes unwashed and unironed. I also have one mischievous kitten to deal with when I get home. Sonic is a little down, knowing that he can't 'bully' his kongkong for more treats or more food. I let him sleep with me the first night but he got scratched by lil Ms Halia for poking his nose near her face. So if you come to my house anytime soon, please don't complain that it looks like a beggar's hovel. My spring cleaning process got stopped half way due to the project and now dad.

Over and out and hopefully you'll be able to get updates on my blog.

Update on Dad for Sunday 10 Dec 12:50pm

2006-12-10T12:47:00.000+08:00

I came back to see Dad at 11am. I spent the night at the Coronary Care Unit, waiting for dad and walking in to check on him periodically. Had contemplated going home to sleep but just couldn't put myself to it. In this battle, my mind and heart won over my body. I went home around midnite, dumped the laptop at home, as I was afraid it might be stolen if I dozed off to sleep. Hence the lack of blog updates. Came back after I took shower.

E,along with S & CL came to keep me company. Wasn't much company as I was very sleepy and tired. Told them not to worry around 3am? and got them to go home and rest. I must have dozed off around 5am and woke up on time at about 7am to catch one of the CCU cardiologists.Went home intending to shower and go back to NUH but dozed off till about 10am. How could I have?

Latest on dad is that he is marginally more stable than yesterday PM. But he isn't out of the woods yet. The cardiologist on duty said that if he pulls through, he'll be in CCU/ICU for at least another 3-4 days. It's pretty much supportive care at the moment; treatment will come after this.

I've had to 'move back' to the ICU Waiting Lounge. The 2 lounges at CCU are always full of families, who seem to be having picnics in the waiting areas. The mess left behind is incredible. I almost puked early this am when I moved to the smaller of the CCU Lounges. Someone had left a trail of yesterday's lunch and dinner all over the wood laminate floors. Coupled with the fact that the door was closed, the smell lingered in the room. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against all this family bonding.My friends and family must have contributed to other visitors' chagrin yesterday as well. But we tried to confine ourselves to a corner, as well as keep our volumes down. However, I noticed that some other visitors are oblivious to the nursing staff's pleas. Definitely, it's a lot better here than it was when mom was warded in SGH. I remember scolding a few little tykes and getting nurses to threated them with injections.

Thanks for all the prayers. Must say a big THANK YOU to Fr Clifford & Fr Jivan & Fr Joe Nathan of the Franciscans/St Mary's parish. Between them, they arranged to get one of them over to give Dad the anointing of the sick.

Will have my next post whenever I can. I think I'm going to just take a short nap for awhile.

Update on dad 10.46pm

2006-12-09T19:13:00.000+08:00

It's not good news. Dad has been moved to Coronary Care Unit. Technically it should be a 'downgrade', which in medical terms should be a good thing. But in this case, it's really grim. He may not pull through the night and I am not ready for that eventuality. All this happened all so suddenly. Everyone tells me to be prepared; I have called whoever I can remember. Though dad has moved, I am still at hanging around the ICU LOUNGE, coz it's quieter and safer.

The doctors are doing another dialysis on him. They can't do much either. It' really touch & go. I am not going to lie to anyone and say I didn't cry. Coz I did. A LOT. And I don't think it'll be the end.

I've sent EVERYONE home. I'm here alone. Just waiting. Hoping.

Update on Dad 2:24pm

2006-12-09T14:20:00.000+08:00

Had a steady flow of family and dad/s friends in. Just got back from lunch but food at kOPITIAM is uninspiring.Unlike the rest of NUS, which is full of Spinelli stands, NUS is SPINELLI free. Yeap, trust a foodie to always look for food in even the most dire of situations.

Dad has got out of his sedated state. But that's where the nurses are going to find resistence. He was struggling even though he has been tied down to the bed. He's trying to force the tubes out of his throat. I went in and managed to hold his hand for a bit.

It's really painful to see him struggle. His friends and my 3rd aunt, my godsis, my cousin were all surprised to see him so worn down. It's even harder when you live in the same house and never realise what's been going on. Again, the guilt, frustration and self-blame sinks in. I just hope and want my dad to pull out of this. Even if he's going to be less than 100%, I just hope God gives him more time. There's so much more we haven't done together yet.

Haven't got any news from the doctors - the ICU team or the cardiologist yet. They say 'No news is good news.' One can only hope so.

Latest Update at 9:51am

2006-12-09T09:47:00.000+08:00

I'm waiting at the ICU Waiting Lounge. Dad had a dialysis last night. It did the trick for a while but it seems that his kidneys have shut down as they can't get any more water out of him. At 9:18am, the Staff Nurse in charge of ICU called and said that they were putting a breathing tube as he complained of increasing breathing difficulties.

Doctor gave an update - the cardiologist will be back down to review him in a bit. Seems he may suffered a silent heart attack without realizing it. It could have triggered the TIA episode last Friday. For now it's a wait. I broke down after the doc walked away. We still can't see him as they're doing an x-ray. I broke down after the doc talked to me. I must have also scared the guy who was in the waiting lounge, I wasn't that loud. It's scary knowing that dad's 2 vital organs are really weak. It's scarier even to hear his constant comment that he 'won't live past 79 or 80 any way', he's at that thereshold. Dad has a reputation for being a 'ou ya zhui'(in Chinese) - bad stuff he says always comes true. ALWAYS.

Why am I blogging and putting on morbid info? Hell, where's the sense of propriety in such a grave (no puns intended) situation. It's the only way for me to say the things I just can't say, the feelings trapped inside an abyss of emotions. A way to deal with the guilt and the frustration of 'WHY DIDN'T Is'.

I'm so full of it, I'm numb. The RMBR assignment is a GODSEND - it means I can visit dad anytime and it also means I have the wifi connection while waiting here. It's a most nerve wrecking feeling. Now if I can only find a wall socket to charge my laptop.

Update on Dad

2006-12-08T23:15:00.000+08:00

I just got back after a 6 hour wait outside the A&E Dept at NUH. Thanks everyone for all your well-wishes. Feel so bad that I had to disturb your TGIFs with such news.But perhaps it's to prepare everyone in the event that you don't hear or see me for awhile.

Managed to convince my dad to go to A&E FINALLy this pm. His breathing had gotten more laborious since yesterday. Had asked Drakon to come over from work ASAP once dad agreed to go to A&E. By then, he was too tired so I had no choice but call for an ambulance.He told me to go for the non-emergency one but it was a half an hour wait. Glad I didn't listen to him. He could still ask me to pack his toothbrush and his slippers.

It was my first time riding in a SCDF Ambulance. I thought the family member accompanying the patient would be behind but that's so Hollywood. I sat upfront with the driver. Amazing how the ambulance is not well respected on S'pore roads. Think the driver finally decided to put the siren on. Even then, people didnt seem to budge.

It's scary. I am torn between guilt and frustration. I'm also not ready to lose another and my sole surviving parent. I was just beginning to have more time to spend with him. I still need him around to give me advice and a listening ear. Who'll Sonic have to bully now?

My mind is a flurry and as much as I DIDNT WANT to leave the ICU Waiting area, I don't think I could do much if I stayed on. Till tomorrow.

Thanks and big hugz to all my friends and sistas!

Breathe

2006-12-07T12:15:00.000+08:00

Had to take the the day off from RMBR again yesterday. Dad complained that he could not breathe well Wed night but REFUSED my pleas and naggings about going to a 24hur surgery or A&E. This morning, he could stand it no more (figuratively & literally) so I dragged him to see a doc.

Even walking from car park to the clinic was difficult. He had to stop a couple of times. Pretty scary as it's not very normal for dad to be in such a state. He's a terribly stubborn old chap. Had been trying to get him to see the doc since his cough started. Met with vehement refusals every time. It was amazing how he could treat his TIA so lightly as well. His argument is always 'Waste money, doctors very expensive' or 'they pump me with anti-biotics' or 'wait expose me to more radiation by making me go for MRI or CT-Scan'. I mean I may be currently 'permanently unemployed' but no matter the cost, his health comes first.

He was sent to Mt Alvernia Medical Centre for an x-ray. After 45 minutes, we got the report. Seems he has a long infection and has been put on antibiotics. Monday there'll be a review and another X-RAy. If it doesn't clear, the hospital's next.

Whoever said been an only kid was fun? Those among you who have no siblings like me would definitely understand the anxieties that we go though. When mom fell ill, it was like a ton of bricks had being piled on my shoulders. Though not as serious, Dad's TIA episode and lung infection is enough to have me on red alert again.It's a pretty scary feeling, knowing you're helpless and trying your best to do what you can. Even harder when the patient is finicky and obstinate. Ms L was very understanding when I called the museum yesterday and told her I'd be back on Tuesday. Perhaps a silver lining has come out of my sabbatical from work. It may have been hard for me to just take urgent leave to take Dad to the doct's or stay watch at home over him.

Why does it always rain on me?

2006-12-05T22:09:00.000+08:00

I've just come back from visiting a dear friend who just had her first baby this morning.New life is something we all look forward to but I almost couldn't make it to the hospital. I had arranged to meet 3 other friends there but missed catching up with them. Here's why.

I had planned to leave RMBR earlier but did not. However, I have finished the data entry portion of my project with them. 1,380 entries or so. It was getting dark when I left at 6pm and before I knew it, the rain started. It was relentless. Had no hands left to open the foldable brolly. Plus my pack had the lap top and my Oly and lense. One word - HEAVY! Flagged a few cabs before rain came but all of them 'buat bodoh! (feigned ignorance). Called Comfort Cab - put on hold. City Cab - line busy. Premier, SMRT - line busy.You pretty much catch the drift!

I finally got through COMFORT after 5 minutes and waited for another few to get a taxi. Thought I was lucky to finally get one - even the 18 to 25 minute wait was fine. I was already late anyway! I received a call from the cab driver 5 minutes into the wait. He was lost so I directed him. Right in front of me was another Comfort cab that had just dropped a passenger off.Tempted as I was to board it, thought since the cab I called for was on the way, I should just wait. It's the proper thing to do!

3 minutes or so later, cab driver calls and tells me he can't find Science Drive 2, though he is at Science Park. He then hints that I gave him wrong directions. That riled me. He puts down the phone and calls again some minutes later, telling me his stuck at Science Park and that I should re-start the can booking process. That's it.

I tried calling COMFORT again, getting it through only after non-stop attempts. That was followed by another wait to speak to the customer service officer. Told the officer and she puts me back on the automated queue.Didn't get any cab. Third and final try - by now rain has lightened. Poor customer service lady on the on the line coz by now I lost it! It's been 55 minutes of waiting. She tries to explain why cab driver 'blew me' off and finally agrees to help me find a cab, without putting me on the automated queue. She gets me one and he arrives 5 minutes as scheduled. He's a nice, slightly older uncle, who bothers explaining the route he's taking. HE knew I was upset and he tried his best to distract me.

I've run out of steam so Part II'll come tomorrow. My question is WHY?

Man is lonely by birth

2006-12-04T22:47:00.000+08:00

Can't seem to get to sleep, guess I am still worried about dad. Been thinking over quite a fair bit over my existence since the previous job. It's my 'little red mini bits'theory that I've grappled with my whole life. Well something happened late this evening which has triggered off this deep feeling once again.Nothing catastrophic but enough to bring the tears on.

Ever feel like you are all alone? Those fears started for me when my mom passed away. Suddenly the true lines on dad's face started showing, you could see how much he aged suddenly. I felt all alone again when he started his travels and now, with the recent TIA attack and his constant,'live for so long already' phrase is unnerving. You have to be an only kid to truly understand how I feel.The utter sense of being so completely alone. Calls to mind the hymn, Pilgrim Song. I'm not the most pious Christian/Catholic around. Hell, given the circumstances of Jun 2002, it's been a slow ride in the religion department.But 'Pilgrim Song'is one of my favorites.There's a line in it which says,

'Man is lonely by birth, man is only a pilgrim on earth'.

Loneliness is hitting me really hard tonight. I've been left behind once again, I'm still on the outside looking iN, as I have always been throughout my life's journey. That's the main reason why I have been retreating into the shell since I left RS in 2004 (well, and the secondary reason was work was really hell at the next stop). I'm the spare tyre that gets thought of when there suddenly seems to be a spare ticket. I'm the afterthought after you finish your final sentence on a page. Coz I knew I would be forgotten and that somehow, I'd never be able to fit in ever again. Maybe I didn't reciprocate, as I have been once or twice accused. Or perhaps I have been too caught up in the messy life.

You know, even with family, I'm just called upon when a favour is needed.Can only think at the moment of one very special person who has been watching over me since last year whenever she's back in town. It's a horrible feeling overcoming me to know that I don't really matter enough to people who matter to me.

It hurts so I am just going to ignore it or do what we do when we have a hang nail. Pull it out, even if it bleeds and forget it. And if it still bothers you, then drastic measures need to be taken.

Monday Monday wasn' so good to me

2006-12-04T21:22:00.000+08:00

Safe at home and trying to find the lil munchkin; she's run off somewhere and refused to respond to my calls. Guess I have to wait until she's hungry.

Didn't get much sleep, musing over dad's TIA attack on Friday. Called him from NUS during lunch time to check on him. He said he wouldn't touch anything in the fridge, since it's sausages or red meat. He's taking the extreme route. Drakon says like father, like daughter, noting that besides my stubborn streak, I have also inherited the 'swinging' to extremes bit from dad too! For dinner, he asked me to pack only veggies, with rice.

At least my day ended ok. It's been a week since I started at RMBR. What's that? the un-initiated may ask? Click below to find out! http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/news/index.php?entry=/people/20061204-herpnet_ykf_molluscs.txt

I will be able to finish Part I of my project tomorrow and will move on to Part 2. It's been interesting for me (a humanities person) to learn more about bio sciences this past week. Don't worry, I have figured my way around NUS. Took me 2 days to orientate. And all would be proud of me, I DID NOT fill up my Spinelli card. Otterman keeps telling me I should invest in the Spinelli Friends Card; he got me the application today!

Tore into a slight problem this am, which Whirling Dervish knows about. Let's put it this way, I went to work in a pair of linen pants and came home with a pair of Giordano jeans. HAHA. No, it is NOT S.....ritis! Guess, the big guy in the sky must have known how tense I have been over DAD (still am actually) and needed some comic relief!

Back to drafting my emcee script. Find out more tomorrow or Wednesday! Heheh...

TIA

2006-12-03T22:36:00.000+08:00

Been a bit quiet lately. Guess the fact that I don't have that many pix to post on my blog always gets to me. I work on my laptop most of the time since I got it in Sep n photos kept by Drakon on desktop. Somehow, very conscious of the fact I ramble so perhaps that is why I have been avoiding blogging this past week.

Discovered some new makan joints which I will blog about another time. Just discovered that my dad had an episode known as 'Transcient Ischemic Attack' or TIA on Friday. He just told me this over dinner today and in a very light, dismissive fashion. I dragged him to GP straight after dinner. He didn't want to tell GP but I forced him too. The doc said that TIA could be a sign that a stroke could be coming if he didnt watch his diet and blood pressure. He refused to go see a neurologist to run tests as he feels that MRIs and CT Scans expose on to harmful radiation.

I m feeling a lil worried and miserable about the situation. My dad is really stubborn. I am going to have a hard time convincing him. If it's not the financial factor, it's always radiation, useless and well, you catch my drift!

At a loss and miserable

HILANG.....

2006-11-27T21:54:00.000+08:00

The weather is getting to me. All this rain is making me depressed. Ask D about how I felt yesterday. Maybe turning a year older has something to do with it. The old cliche of a year older and wiser should be changed to a year older and poorer for me. Seems I am not getting anywhere at all. Oh well. Enough doom and gloom. One bright spark was that the SIXTERS got me out for dinner on Friday and we had a ball of a time catching up. Other than that, no one else in my family remembered. But then again, the Sixters are family to me. They have always been there for me and saw me through some extremely difficult moments in my life. Guess for only kids like me, close friends are the siblings we never had. Pardon the sentimental mood. It's the weather I tell you!

Anyhow...I started a temp thingie at NUS yesterday. For now it's data entry, which can be a nice respite after the past few hectic years in my past 2 jobs. Anyhow, it's also in the sciences, which I have not much exposure to. Well, if you count the fact that I did Human & Social Bio for my O's. Shall treat it as a good learning experience! The other learning point for me is trying to navigate around NUS. My visits to Kent Ridge have always been specific - using the Central Library (illegally) during my NIE days, having lunch at the Arts & Soci canteen with J & A or visiting E at his Smiling Gecko shop. Good thing I knew where key landmarks were.

Now, those of you who know me, my nickname is The Map. Remember all the times you gals called me for directions??? That meant I could find SUBWAY (Monday is roast beef day!) for lunch and of course, this coffee junkie had no trouble locating Spinelli's . However, after lunch, I got stuck in a sudden downpour and found myself stranded at Subway. Had to call my friend,KP who works at NUS for help. He told me to 'follow the yellow brick road' (er, roof) all the way back to the Science Faculty. Which I did, except the rain got heavier and I had to dive into the Spinelli's at the University Hall for a spot of Honey Camomile tea. Heheh. Had one more cup while waiting for D. He figures at least a third of my hard earned pay will go to Spinelli's. I hope not!

It's funny - I feel like a stranger in my own land while I am on Kent Ridge. Having not gone through the local varsity system (failed Chinois and Econs, what to do?) = reason one. The other reason is that I observed lots of foreign students. Guess it's also good that they consider NUS for their overseas education. Of course being in NUS also brings back memories of my undergrad days at WSU (but minus the snow!). Funny how back then I never reckoned my life would turn out this way. Had a route all mapped out but then life takes unexpected twists.

I'm rambling so it means it's time to go.

Old skool

2006-11-23T23:25:00.000+08:00

Went down to meet Otterman today. He gave me (your IT not-so-savvy person) some pointers on Deli.cious and Wordpress. I shall investigate those and Firefox further in the next few days. Suggestionwas to also shorter rambles and strive to stop stringing long sentences. Thanks folks for pointing that out. Funny eh, coming from ex-educator like me. But that's always the case, we also do things we tell our kids NOT to do. A year and a bit at ... has brought about my degeneration. It's time I got my groove back! My profs at WSU's History faculty would be so upset with my newfound bad habits! AIYAYA... D says it's a reflection of my 'mile a minute' speech and thought pattern. That's something to learn for next year, which will begin for me in exactly half an hour. One year older, one year poorer! Haha.

Finally had a taste of CHOC A BLOC cakes this afternoon. OR at least I think it is, because the present name of the stall does not correspond with that on Choc.a Bloc website. Have been trying for the longest time to figure out where in the dickens in Bedok to find the shop. Came across a 'flog' last week and since I was at Centrepoint, what the heck. I've already back all the weight I lost last year anyways. SO back to being plus size! Had Mag's somethin or other and Mom's Fudge cake. Preferred Mom's Fudge cake though OM prefered the other. Of course, Lana is the classic but Choc a Bloc is a close 2nd. For more info, check out http://www.chocabloc.biz/

Anticpation, tension, anxiety as I begin another project on Monday. So many expectations...what if I mess it up? It's only natural I guess to feel this way. The past 2 years and a bit (including last term teaching in2004) have completely made me question my own competence professionally. Seems I've let quite a few people down over the past 2.5 years. It's hard to build up that confidence when all you've had is criticisms and more. Golly, gotta keep it short. Now I am togue (and finger) tied. Oops, someone is up to mischief so over and out for now.

PDA of a different kind

2006-11-22T11:00:00.000+08:00

You know you are getting older when stuff like this bugs you!

Had dinner ALONE at BIG-O. My cousin was in town after an eye op so after the tuition session with her daughter, we ended up chatting and catching up. Haven't had a chance to see her when I was working at... Stayed much longer than I should; anyway the rain was very heavy. My 'dun leave home' without it brolly nowadays could not handle the wind! To cut long story short, had to go Popular to buy some books for niece so ended up at Orchard MRT. Walked to Borders and got the December issue of EVERYDAY FOOD. Recipes in this issue are more interesting than November's THANKSGIVING issue. That'll be a separate post.

Ended up paying way too much for a light dinner, iced tea and a slice of cheesecake at Big O Cage. Faced rejection when my CC was rejected. Big time MALU! Must get off my butt and get back to work.

No cab in sight at my secret location cab stands so I decided to take a bus. It was just outside Royal Plaza on Scotts (currently under refurbishment, graphic design on new logo looks promising) that I spotted them. Now, you would reckon that the LV attache case would be in the hands of the gal pal. However, in this equation it was the opposite. She was carrying some dingy Puma or Le Coq Sportif bag that didn't look genuine or had at least seen better days. Both were in black and caught my eye coz (a) they were directly in front of me (b) walking very very slowly and (c) coo-ing away at each other.

So I end up at the bus stop outside Thong Teck building. The bendy 190 that had come along was crowded so I thought I'd wait for the next. Mr & Ms Black come along, stand at the edge of the bus stop and begin coo-ing. They also begin one of the longest smooches in public history (nothing like that famous photo of the sailor and gal kissing in Times Square or something after WWII), much to the discomfort of the folks around them (me included). The older folks were clearly appalled and shot the oblivious pair dirty looks. I was trying hard not to look like a kay-poh (busybody) but what to do when everywhere I turn they were they (and blocking my view of the road!) Hehe, so one couple, obviously married and in mid-30s, decides to retaliate by being a little bit lovey-dovey too!!!!

2 thoughts ran through my mind -
1) AWWWWWWWWWWWW how sweet! Young love! They'd make great models for ROMANCING SINGAPORE type campaigns. It brought a wee, slight smile as it was nice to know that romance was still alive.

2) The appropriateness of such behaviour in public. Having been an educator, lectured sexuality ed classes to high schoolers, this was exactly what most teachers and parents were trying to warn kids against. I ain't no prude, been there done that (but not so drama lah!) but there is a level to which society is able to accept such behaviour. At the end of the day, we're still living in an Asian society, though with fast changing norms and views steering towards the Western model.

I am sure I won't be the last to cringe at our lovebats (they were in full black (except for the LV bag which I am sure is not the genuine article), down to the spectacle frames) but then again, they won't be the last young couple we see on Orchard Road living in their own dream world.

Catch Up Time

2006-11-21T11:39:00.000+08:00

Having spare time (well, other than my freelanz projects), besides just being about retail therapy, also means I get the catch up with friends. Well not as much as I would like coz I still have to finish my deliverables. One person who is always a pleasure to catch up with is Rashmi. From being a frequent face at her boutique, I graduated to becoming a friend of sorts. It's always great to spend time with such a wonderful person.

Good time for me to answer a question I often get; 'where did you get that shirt from?' LET me reveal the place - mentioned in an earlier blog. Think some of you can recognise the trademark style which covers bulk of my wardrobe yah? These are Rashmi's creations and she was great in letting me copy these images off her website, which can be found at http://www.pureearth.com.sg

In our climate, I've discovered that cotton is most comforting. As I grow older, I realise that I can't quite tolerate synthetic fabrics such as nylons, lycra (which also shows off how fat I am) as well as before. I dare say that the cotton tops from Pure Earth have spoiled my skin. What's great too is the traditional Indian woodblock prints. As they are handmade, sometimes Pure Earth clothes end up being unique; no two pieces are exactly the same and quantities may be limited too. It's preservation of an important heritage and a dying art in India. Thanks to the Bollywood invasion, not just in Singapore but overseas, the traditional Indian apparel and the various components of it stand a chance of surviving on to the next generation. Oh yes, did I mention the gorgeous embroidery on Rashmi's creations? Hehe, the Nonya in me is a big sucker for that.

Enough said - go check out the stores at #03-29 Holland Shopping Centre (where Cold Storage is) or on Level 2 at Tanglin Mall (same floor as Tango Mango bookstore).

I have to go get ready - need to give one of my cousin's kids from Indonesia intensive English tuition. Plus finish up last of my ACM project; had some mishap with laptop last week. Thankfully, determined it may not have been hardware fault but software!!!

PS: My bosom buddies will also tell you that I have had to double up as her 'PLUS SIZE' model on on or two occasions - you may still be able to spot my pic around her Holland V outlet.

My name is Smitten...

2006-11-19T14:16:00.000+08:00

Watched Casino Royale last night, as we were given free tickets for a screening at GV Vivo City. Took ages to get a parking lot so perhaps we should have heeded my godpa's advice to park elsewhere. Good thing we gave ourselves ample time to get there.

We were told that the #21 in the Bond franchise was confusing, boring and someone told D it was 3 hours long. You know, I am not a diehard James Bond fan but when it does come along, its one of the rare movies that I would venture to the cinema to watch. I've seen all of them and my dad set me off on the right path as a kid by making me watch Dr No. That to him is the BEST in the entire series. Guess Bond is the quintessential English gentleman I think, a little roguish and Scarlet Pimpernel like and at the same time mysterious. Sean Connery will always to me be THE ultimate Bond but I think Daniel Craig (though Blond) comes a close 2nd. He sure has nice behinds and a not too bad physique. Somehow, I could not shake off Pierce Brosnan's Remington Steel persona and for Roger Moore, he was much better as Simon Templer in The Saint tv series. I must confess I had a slight crush on Timothy Dalton when I was in Upper Secondary school; to a broody teenager, he was the thinking and intellectual Bond.

OOOOOOOHHHHH, the cars!!!! OK, the wardrobe of the Bond gals (nice ones and baddies) is something I enjoy looking out for, except they may be a lil bit skimpy at times. However, the magic of Bond is in the cars! The Aston Martin DB8 featured in Casino Royale is WOW...hey if someone gave me a car like that, I'd pluck up the courage to start driving again. Though paying for petrol and maintenance is another issue altogether. Did I tell you about the fantastic locations? My choice pick is the palazzio by the lake where 007 recovers (watch for it, shan't give away too much)

All in all, I enjoyed the movie; may even go pick up the book. It's a good introduction into the psyche of the world's most famous spy. Star Movies was running a Bond retrospect. Funny how on Friday night, they sxreened the first Austin Powers just before a Bond movie. You know where Mike Myers got inspiration from!

For those of you who do remember Page One, the art bookstore at Marina Square from eons ago, they've open at Vivo City. Think they may just give the big guys a run for their money. Will browse when they are lest crowded. I know I said I may consider not ever stepping into a particular candy shop that made the news some weeks back but the call of Cherry Ripe and Cherry Bounty bars were too GGGRRRREEAAATTTTTTTTTT! Besides, I was down as my godma said I am looking round and tubby. Doesn't any one know how upset I am over that?

OH WELLLLLLLLLLLLLL.............. when all else fails, I should just go grab a Martini, saken but not stirred!

Apa Embok-embok?

2006-11-17T10:12:00.000+08:00

Had to break the blogging habit... whether reading other bloggers (and floggers) or writing my own! It's getting in the way of finishing my projects! By the way, have finished and submitted draft 1 of one project, which they seem to like. Furiously trying to finish the 4 parts of project 2!

Was invited by kakis at a museum to join in a focus group on Peranakans. Tried to convince D to join in but he conveniently had a b-ball match! Really didn't know what to expect and believe if or not, had butterflies in my stomach before it. Actually, all through it. The aircon was freezing - darn I should have brought my cardi or shawl. Now I know why my kakis there always have a shawl handy! It was quite 'intimidating', though I knew the 4 curators and 3 facilitators (all museum staff) before hand from my days at ... I was the 'youngest' invited guest, not to say my fellow nonya and baba were old. I think i rambled on in an extremely 'bimbotic' fashion and could feel myself shivering. At the end of the day, I really don't know how much of what I said made sense or will be of use to the curators. Thought it was narcissitic of me to talk so much about my roots to a non-family member.

It does, however, bring me back to the fact that I have not fully begun my journey to search for my roots. Growing up as a 'chap-pa-lang', it was always just easier to say I am a Nonya or a Baba (most people don't realise that Baba refers to a male Peranakan and Nonya to a female).What do I make of myself since I am half Peranakan/half Indon-Chinese on maternal side (Ong/Gan) and Indon-Chinese on the paternal side (Wee/Toh)? Where do I fit in since my family comes pre-dominantly from a little known island set in the South China Sea called 'Siantan' or 'Terempa' or Anambas? The only people in Singapore who possibly know it are members of the diving community. Can an Indon-Chinese 2nd generation Singaporean truly call herself Peranakan? Does the fact that I grew up speaking our native dialect and Malay since I learnt to speak, picking up English only in kindy; that I like Nonya cuisine and that I still speak Malay and Indon to my relatives count? Also I don't wear a kebaya, I can't 'sulam'(but I sure can 'sumpah' ), so does that count? I do have a penchance for all things embroidered though and when I can afford one, will buy a kasut manek that fits (since mom's feet were a size 5 versus my 7 -7.5).

So what does it make me? Questions will be coming from the question mark kid! I guess I should get my cousins from my extended family (children of my mom's paternal cousins who are closer in age to her than me) to take me to Bukit Brown cemetary to visit the graves of my great grandparents etc. I should have 'cornered' my mom more when she was alive to probe and ask. Life is full of 'what ifs' and if I don't start this quest soon, time may really run out.

Service, oh Customer Service

2006-11-13T15:01:00.000+08:00

Did anyone ever tell you that I happen to like Kwon Sang Woo? It's my MSN nick. This am at breakfast, I told D about KSW's recent spate of bad luck. He seemed to be paying attention and then said, 'Do you think I care?'. This after I keep reminding him that this man is his rival for my affections. MAN!

Enough trivial stuff. Thought I'd like to introduce a fun Korean versus the tirade I am going to be launching into over the SAMSUNG TV. In my post on Sat, I mentioned that my LCD had died. So it was a tv-less weekend, which is ok. The Customer Service folks at Samsung said that the techies would get here between 10am - 2pm. Already a wide window but it shouldn't get worse than that. Or so I thought. At 1:30pm, they still hadn't shown up. So I called the hotline, told to wait for an eternity before I was told, ah, we'll call you back. 30 mins later, someone calls me back and says the techies'll make it to my house between 4pm to 7pm today! I mean, couldn't someone in the least have called me earlier when they realised that they couldn'[t make the time stipulated?

Don't get me wrong, I sure don't want to get no customer service staff or the technician in trouble; they are all earning a living and like the rest of us, need a job for whatever reasons. In this case, I'd like to blame the system - somewhere in the big scheme of things, something got messed up. Heard of Spandau Ballet's song 'Communication', there's a line in there that says, 'communication let me down'. This is one good case. Just a phonecall man, don't care who does the calling but at least let the customer know, don't keep us waiting and if you must, don't let us be the ones to call you.

Now case in good service, 2 examples from yesterday.

1) Giordano Ladies, Paragon
No clothing label (other than Pure Earth) has made more money off me in the past 2 years as Gio Ladies since it opened in Dec 04. Hey, I'm Privilege Card holder No.12 for crying out loud. I know most of the older staff (those who have been there since they opened) at both outlets. Last week I sent in a pair of jeans I'd gotten some months back for length alteration. Alteration is complimentary, even after a few months. Mel, the Assistant Store Manager called me Sat to say they had to give me a new pair of jeans as the seamstress had made a mistake in the alterations. Last nite, she called and apologised profusely and told me that they could not get the same pair of jeans as I had. Instead, she had kept aside a new pair for me from this season's collection and if I didn't like it, they'd let me choose a pair of dress pants instead. She told me the seamstress felt so bad about the mistake that she'd wanted to pay for the new pair. I hope she doesnt have to. That is service and why I keep going back to Gio Ladies , even if prices are slightly higher than most places.

2) Island and Archipelago, Holland Village Shopping Centre
I used to buy select items from I & A when they had 2 units within the mall, one selling pashminas and bgas and the other, home decor items. They have just one unit left (the other unit, like many places at the Hive and elsewhere, has become a mani and pedi joint) and besides selling a selection of accessories, now carried clothing from Korea (mostly), Taiwan and HK. I bought a pretty embroidered spaghetti strapped bloused some months back and washed it on Sat. I did remember being told that I didn't need to handwash it. The red bled on the white portion so I took it back to the shop yesterday. Boy was I relieved to find out that another customer, who had bought the only other piece, faced the same problems. No questions asked, I have been offered a refund, once we figure out how much I paid for the blouse. Love the service from Angela and Seri! Keep it up gals! Oh yes, they have also a new outlet, ISLA on level 3 (I think) of Bukit Timah Plaza (level above Popular)

Customer service has been big on my list, not just coz I was involved in it when I was at the job before this, but started when I went to get my wireless router last Saturday. But that's another service story.

Post Note: It's 3:50pm. The Samsung techies came at 3:25pm and fixed the TV. Took them only 10 minutes to fix the problem. Couldn't it have been done this AM? Thanks gentlemen, you were nice, And don;t worry, neither Sonic nor I bit them!

Poison Ivy Bistro

2006-11-11T19:09:00.000+08:00

The Samsung LCD TV in my room is kinda dying... it's like about 8 months old? I have been TV-less since 9pm last nite. Oh well, there's always music or the TV outside. The Samsung techies will come on Mon between 10am to 2pm. I seem to always get the duds and lemons...the old Alfa 156, the Getz...now the Smasung. Hope my laptop doesn't go the same way...has slowed down somewhat since we installed the McAfee Security Centre 2007. With the heavy surfing by dad (well known to have messed up PCs in the past 2 decades) and now moi, guess prevention is better than cure.

To cheer me up, D decided to drive us to Bollywood Veggies (Poison Ivy Bistro). Actually, I was about to tell him we haven't had Pepper Lunch for awhile but he made a left turn. Like some sort of telepathy, I automatically exclaimed 'We're headed to Poison Ivy' aren't we?' It can be pretty uncanny, sometimes we don't tell each other where we are headed to makan but the other person instinctively shares the same thought. I didn't mind - Bollywood Veggies is one of my fav places. (http://www.bollywoodveggies.com)

It's always a treat to go to Poison Ivy to get away from the urban sprawl and retreat to the countryside. One of the servers recognised us and gently (jokingly of course) for not coming down for ahile. Ok, we were there maybe 1 month and a bit ago? We aren't regulars there but it was sorta niced to be recognised. Now if only most makan joints and boutiques would work on that, we'd go back up the 'good service' rankings. That's why I shop at the few places I normally do for my clothes...pricey or otherwise. Service and making each customer, from cheapskate to difficult, from shy wallflower to Paris Hilton feel SPECIAL!

Today's dishes were YUM SCRUM, as usual. Some of my ex-colleagues at the old workplace have commented that the food there ain't fantastic (we had a function there once) but to me, if I leave the place either wanting more, totally stuffed or BOTH, it's a good joint to go to. Prices are ok; though some pals have again commented that it is pricey. It is organically grown. We like the food there coz of the Peranakanish - home cooked food that we both grew up with. Of course, we also like the laidback atmosphere. I always love walking to the Bistro and smelling the pandan and lemongrass in the Aromatic Garden.

The menu changes daily for the mains so we had:
1) Assam Fish - deep fried Dory in an Assam Sauce; surprisingly not too spicy and I enjoyed it, the non-chilly eater that I am. The assam pedas seafood man of course had to have it.
2) Bollywood Drumlets
3) Organic papaya salad. Thank God it wasn't the ripe papaya (can't really make salad out of that) but the young kind. I DO NOT eat ripe papapya, only papaya muda (young) as it doesn't have THAT smell and is crunchy!

Of course to end, the Wonderful kueh kosui and our new favourite - the sesame banana fritters. I must try that - will shirt cut with Adabi goreng pisang mix. Since I didn't have the banana bread today, I bought a small portion home. That's for me and me alone. (Muahahahahahah)

Saw the owners' dogs - 2 Rotties named Aloo and Gobi and 2 new Great Dane 'puppies'. I say 'puppies'; Sonic would be pulvarised to pits by them. Remember, Sonic was pinned down by Moo, the JRT a couple of years back. Headed to Woon Leng Nursery thereafter. It has been a long absence from orchids for us, D couldn't face it after the collection of orchids we had been amassing on my balcony were 'massacred'. We lost some beauties; not your 'run-of-the-mill' Golden Showers or Dendobriums, like my 'Eagle-Eye' cattleya, my Lamellatas etc. Ended up with 2 dendrobiums - the Dawn Maree and the Dearei. My 1st Dawn Maree had been one of the victims of the great orchid massacre. Will post pix of them when I have taken a shot - didn't bring any of the cameras out today. Wanted to check out Song Orchid next door, which one of my kakis told me was good but the PM rain hit again!

Still cleaning the room - 2 museum projects moving about an inch only. Aiya-ya-ya. Must fin by Tues, hook or by crook. Or else mati lah! Time to go test out my new Tefal Pro series deep fryer - fried food Saturday for dinner!

Requiem for lost photos

2006-11-10T17:06:00.000+08:00

Winter is coming, well the monsoon at least, given that we are a tropical country with no seasons except dry and wet. It's been raining every afternoon from just about 1pm onwards. Had brunch at BPP - the mall closest to me, picked up some grocs and came home to find a whole load of negatives and photos wet coz the wind had been strong and the rain had come in. Spent the last 2 hours salvaging whatever photos and negatives I could. Shoot! It's a good thing I've made the transition to digital for recent photos. So many lost memories in the negatives that have been damaged by the rainwater. I'll have to go down to Photohub and get them to convert the negatives into digital format. No use lamenting it, I just have to save the remaining ones. Saw my bank account and horror, horror. Better go find a job soon??? Gonna have to dip into my secret stash soon. Wish me luck!

On the brighter side, Martha Stewart's Everyday Food: Collectible Cookie Edition is out. 51 cookie recipes; haven't tried baking cookies in a very very long time (do Betty Crocker pre-mixes count?) so perhaps I should now that I am free-er. I know how many people feel about Martha, especially after her stint in the slammer but you got to admire the woman's chutzpah. Besides, not all the recipes are by her but by a talented team that makes up her omnimedia empire.

Gosh, they're right. Blogging can be addictive... I realise that I have posted almost every single day this week. Gotta get a life man! Tomorrow's Saturday - though I am a 'stay at homer' now, I still look forward to weekends!! Guess I should enjoy this unhurried lifestyle while it lasts!

Of bikes, birds and Biennales...

2006-11-10T06:45:00.000+08:00

D decided to take a day off from work; he hasn't had a chance to do his annual 'take some leave and do absolutely nothing' yet this year. Was complaining that his mind is blank when he goes to work lately. Don't I know that feeling.

So he went with me to Tanglin Camp to check out the Singapore Biennale. First was brunch at the new food court at the new building at the Tanglin Gate of the Botanic G. Had some creepy guys staring when I was waiting for my food. Makes me awful self-conscious - am I fat? am I spilling out of the green, embroidered bustier top I finally plucked up the courage to wear? Is it the 'chip' on my left shoulder? Or was it all 3? Luckily, I was distracted by 2 guys, their bikes and their parrots. Well a Cockatoo and a Macaw to be exact, who were perched on the handlebars of their bikes. The macaw was a happy camper, swinging and grooving as his owner cycled. I preferred tge cockatoo - have had a soft spot for them since my 1st aunt had when one I was a lil kid. He could mimick the way her husband called her name and say hello! Always wanted one but I think the noise Sonic makes more than makes up for it.

We drove in to the old CMPB (yes to all the young'ens born in the 1980s and beyond, that was the old CMPB!) via the old Civil Service Club side. Should have gone in from the MFA entrance. Had to walk some to get the the 4 buildings which made up the galleries. As we discovered later, not a good idea coz the rain came down, hard,fast and furious. Major puddles.

Free entry, not many people around though. Started with Kuriyabashi's installation. The fish tank would sure throw people off. I could see D was not impressed. We went down to the basement and climbed the ladder to find a surprise. Could see he was wondering if he'd ever get good shots. Guess I forgot to warn him about visual art exhibitions! Photos captured in my flickr account are of stuff that impressed me. Didnt post more cost he hasnt finished converting the photos we shot on the Oly E1 and E300 from raw. It's also grainy coz we had to lower quality to put on flickr. Do note I am still starting out with the DSLRs so excuse the photo quality. However, I can't quite imagine going back to my Coolpix point-and-shoot now that I've started messing about with DSLRs.My fav photo op and piece was by Agathe de Bailiencourt. Would do that to my next pad (much to D's chagrin). Some pieces were a lil bizarre and would have done better if there had been some write up on the artist's inspiration etc. Guess they wanted visitors to try out the 'Walk the Talk' audio guides. That would be harder for the older folks. Or I could have been clouded by some early comments from pals on Biennale and hence the not so enthusiastic response. I enjoyed looking at the architecture of the old barracks though. Wouldn't it be nice to live in one or have a shop in one.

Wanted to swing by the Hive but got vetoed. So opted for CS Jelita but the car park was full. Ended up at The Daily Scoop (http://www.thedailyscoop.com.sg) to ride out the heavy storm over Clementi. Their Lychee Martini and Honey Vanilla ALWAYS hits the spot! The other alternative to Island Creamery. Went home, logged on to Etsy and got some neat prints from Carla Sonheim. Cooked a simple dinner with Chubby Hubby's Negi to buta-niku no itame recipe over mee tai mak. Will try again coz I had no sake so I subbed it with Hua Tiao wine, added some pepper and L&P sauce. Cleaned up kitchen coz dad has been tinkering in it and unpacked the new Tefal stainless steel deep fryer. The pro series...yay!

So maybe today I'll actually start work on my projects???

The drugs don't work...

2006-11-09T09:35:00.000+08:00

I did absolutely nothing yesterday...way behind on my projects. Had killer crampz so I stayed permanently on my bed and hijacked MY laptop back from dad. I miss MIDOL and PAMPRIN...Panadol Pink just don't cut it. Anyway, had my Indonesian cousins over with yumilicious 'Nasi Dogang', which is our Anambas Island kampung styled Nasi Lemak. Dad polished 6 packets (not in one sitting, don't worry) Actually, took mum's version for granted growing up and never bothered much with it. Now that she's passed on, you do get to missing her fantastic cooking and kinda regret not learning more seriously. Dad seems to miss it heaps. He was a well-fed and well-taken- care- of man when she was alive. Found the recipe on the Dolu-Terempa website, created by Terempa born folks who now live in Jakarta and other parts of Indonesia. Must try it...funky recipe that had our native kampung dialect peppered throughout the recipe.

SO what did I do? I surfed blogs and websites. Must be the last person in Singapore to discover Chubby Hubby (http://www.chubbyhubby.net/), truly a gourmet's delight. Also love Snog Blog(http://www.manic.com.sg/blog/archives/000527.php), and just realised that I'd met its creators while at my previous job and also at MAAD Sunday at the Red Dot. Truly creative people all over Singapore and the world.

The Blogsphere has also helped me link up with people I've lost touch with in the past decade. I know this for a fact when I was at WSU, gezillion of miles away from home, that SINGAPORE is a lil red dot but my uni mates and I had common friends back home. The Net has just reinforced that idea.

Again, D & D asked me who's gonna read my blog. Told them, who cares if no one does. It would be nice if people did and posted comments or if Blogger picked this up as a must read blog, but it won't kill me if no one ever reads it.

Was supposed to check out the Singapore Biennale site at Tanglin yesterday but rain and crampz got the better of me. Will just have to do it today as time is running out. Glad I waited (oh girl, wat a cheapo you are!) as admission is free from 4 Nov to 12 Nov (closing day). Check out http://www.singaporebiennale.org/ for more info. ST Life covered it today and since weather looks fine, chance for me to take our Olys out and take some shots.

Also have a mission - to look for CHOW CHOW doormats for my 'Er Jie', who is moving to a new pad and needs a replacement for the old one. My mission is to scour pet shops on the West and North side. Think she's got her Eastside covered. We both miss 'Raining Cats and Dogs'. Anyone with suggestions on good petshops, do drop me a post. Appreciate it.

Right, I supposed I ought to get my ass off my bed. Hhmmm there's a strong scent of sesame oil wafting through my room. Brekkie time - though I've been up since 0630h. Need to get out of the house, the racket from the renos on the 13th floor has been driving me nutz all week! Not to mention a migraine.

Over and out...

Musings

2006-11-07T22:12:00.000+08:00

HHHMMMM... getting a bit ansy about finances during this retirement period. Must seriously start intensive job hunt, while working on the 2 projects I have for freelance.

Today was crazy 'run around' town day. Met C for lunch and caught up; she's one of my oldest friends - almost 2 decades, amazing! Before that, I had to go pick up my Matt & Nat bag (http://www.mattandnat.com) from Quintessential; got it 2 months back but had trouble with the zipper. The Quin ladies were so nice and absorbed the cost of repairs. The personalised service is one reason I enjoy shopping there and also the fact that many of the pieces are 'one-of-a-kind'.

Before I could get down to the Mandarin Shopping Gallery, I had to endure a horrible bus ride on 171. My grouses (you know lah, Singaporeans love complaining):

1) Bus driver was going really, really, really slow. When you are rushing for time, every second and minute counts. I was running behind schedule. Of course, on the other hand, there are also mad-cap drivers who speed at the expense of passenger safety and also often miss stopping at bus stops.

2) The slow ride, on top of the fact that the bus stopped along every stop from Upp Bt Timah to Town meant the driver had to brake often. That meant the pukey, bus sick feeling again.

3) Airconditioning wasn't working. It was stuffy and I really couldnt breathe!

4) Lady standing next to me (I was sitting) was wearing some cloying and sickeningly sweet parfum. Flowery and heavy scent, must be a French parfum. That sure added to my discomfort. Oh and though she was the last person standing at the back of the bus, she refused to move on all the way to the back (I was sitting in the middle, next to the door at mid section) and caused the crowding at the front of the bus. I always feel bad when I don't move way back when the bus is crowded. However, doesnt anyone realise how Singaporeans look at you weird when you do move in? I like what my school busdriver used to say; 'the back got ghost is it?' when we kids refused to move in.

OK, enough bus woes. What urked me before I got on the bus were the secondary school students at the bus stop. Being a former educator (and am currently in the process of going back - anyone who has school vacancies, pls post me a comment, mucho gracias) who was schooled in the old school way, it was hard not to say something to the kids. Frens reading this blog of course know I was on the Discipline Comm at my previous high school. Dervish may still remember me scolding kids without realising I was holding on to a mike and that the entire Staff Room heard me. What ruffled my feathers? This lower sec boy (he was wearing 'short pants', which in Singapore equates to a student in junior high) was screaming at the top of his voice, which was like a banshee's shriek, oblivious to the fact that the people at the bus stop were affected by him. Especially the old man who happened to be seated next to the group of boys. I was this close to giving them a sermon.

Think there was a report a week or two ago about how the young people in Singapore were litterbugs? Having witnessed it myself during my teaching days, I can sure attest to that. I saw a group of girls from the same school, littering their tissue paper and drink packets while at the traffic light. All this in plain view of drivers and pedestrians. I mean I was at least 100m away and I still could see them. Think that's the sad reality. How do we maintain our clean and green city reputation? Following the report above, a regular tourist to Singapore wrote into the Forum pages to say how he too has been noticing this trend over the past few years. It's sad that the fruits of the many campaigns that our parents and the 70s kids like us went through are in vain. Are the kids of today just to spoilt, having not lived through hardship? What can be done? For sure nagging isn't going to help. Stick or carrot? That's the debate that will carry on for time to come.

Monday Blues

2006-11-06T14:26:00.000+08:00

It's raining. I'm rotting at home as one of my ex-students puts it. Trying to create my home office but the din of the renovations going on upstairs is driving me up the wall. How to finish my projects?? Halia is all over my stuff and the couch again; she's always trying to amuse herself (and me) in the process. Hang on, she's after one of my ribbons again. Here's a pix of the newest illegal immigrant at home, taken in early Sept or Oct. She's discovered that Sonic's rotan is a fun toy. She's also figured out that when I get dressed, I'm going out and she'll be locked up in my bathroom. Unlike MJ who sleeps all the time, I can't really leave her to roam my room when I am out. Note the embroidery on my quilt cover has been wrecked by the 2 felines. Good thing el cheapo here buys them when Aussino has a sale or during the 40% birthday month privilege.

She's put on some weight since I got her in July, God I hope my dad doesnt read this blog! The top pix is her a week or 2 after I got her. Haveb't quite figured how to lay my blog pix properly! Fat J decided to let himself out to 'sun tan' now that the sun is out. Looking at Munchkin pix in books and webs, wonder if I got fleeced by the pet shop, coz her legs look quite normal to me.

Back to room cleaning...

Pet Peeves

2006-11-03T15:46:00.000+08:00

Just endured a icky bus ride on 190. My turn to do public announcement service. If you need to use the PIE to get to Jurong or BKE to BP,CCK or Woodlands, find an alternative. For the PAST 2 DAYS, there's been massive jams on the PIE, leading up to the satellite station. It's one of the unexplainable kind, you know you get real cheesed off in the jam and when you finally get to move, it was over nothing at all? Yeah, well it was one of those today. Yesterday's jam was caused by construction work which cut the 2 lane ramp to a 1 lane ramp. I dont want to imagine what it would be like when it hits the evening 'after work' rush.

Oh yes, Day 2 of my Lowepro Compudaypack road test. Still didnt get round to popping in the camera yet coz I dozed off this am and had to0 take a cab to my meeting. A lil bulky and I swear I got some dirty stares from people for havin such a big bag. Hey but contrary to what my pals think, I have not poked, prodded, killed or knocked into anyone or thing! Just a lil heavy though but that could be the laptop. Hey, all I could afford was a Lenovo and not a Fujitsu lifebook. Bag's useful though and cheaper than a Crumpler.

The lazy cats are on my bed. Fat J about to do what he does best....SLEEP again. Halia's driving me crazy digging into my bag and rubbish can. It's amazin that I've become a cat person in the past 2 years. Cant imagine life without my Zoo!

Oh don't you just hate it when the youngens on the bus decide to turn their MP3s/CD players/HP to speaker mode and treat everyone else to whatever they're listening? Don't get me wrong, I'm the last person to moan about music (except real cheesy stuff) considering what my friends term my bizarre tastes. However, it can get really irritating when you're already 'bus sick' from being stuck in a jam on another bus, to hear real loud muffly musis right behind ya. Experienced that on the TUBE too when this group of teenagers decided to plonk themselves at the door and have an impromptu party. Am I getting old and becoming a fuddy duddy? No, it's just about having a sense of civic conscience.

Would love to blog about nothing but the lil one has decided to do her climb and throw things around stunt. Halia!!!!! Here I go again!

Forgetfulness

2006-11-02T17:28:00.000+08:00

I should just jot down my thoughts when I am out on the road whenever an idea for blogging hits me. Darn, now I've gorgotten what I wanted to say. Getting old.

It was nice catching up with my old NIE gang. JYW is lookin great, despite the fact that she just gave birth in July. Her lil baby gal is such a sweet heart! LT is ever the great pal; they've all been great bricks. JYW was just commenting that we've been friends for close to 8 years now. Time flies. She was just sharing with us about life as an expat wife in Italy and how things are awfully inefficient where they're living now. Takes a lot of effort to uproot from home and set off but at least she has her hubby and the new great family to raise. God bless to a real sweetheart of a fren.

Aircon is making weird noises - hope it aint dying on me. Maybe it's just the neighbours upstairs doing reno? I hope it's the latter option. Them kitty kats are running around again - Fat J is looking for grub while the lil Princess is pullin things down, again for the upteenth time today. Almost got busted by Dad this am...Fat J led a recon mission out of my room and Lil Ms Halia decided to follow.

Oh now I remember. Went to the Fair at Hyatt - tai tai life but no tai tai budget, hahaha. Same stuff again and could not find the vendor I missed out on the last Hyatt Fair. However, did get to see Angie, the lady who stocks Nepalese brands like Mitra. Realised that not many local gals like the Indian Gypsy Boho look that I like. Or as my cousin puts it, I am synonymous with. Reasonably priced stuff under $30 and unique pieces. Drop me a comment if you're in Singapore and want to know where to get her.

Had a quick tea break at Delifrance before I got home with the fresh milk dad wanted. They had wifi access but you had to have Singnet access. Sure looking forward to when there's free Wifi around the island. Besides Mac's, only Pacific Coffee Co and O'Briens seems to offer free Wifi. Anyone know where an el-cheapo like me can find other free Wifi sites? Let me know.

Oh now I know what I want to 'biatch' about. I was traipsing around Orchard with the new Lowepro DayCompuPack that D got me yest. Loaded it with the laptop but not the DSLR due to rain. A bit bulky I must say but quite thoughtfully designed. Will road test further. The peeve I have is that I can't seem to find AXS machines around Orchard. Found SAM machines but they are rather limited in functions. Anyone know where to find them around Orchard? Lemme know.

K. Cats are calling for attention. Blogging is addictive but like almost everything I seem to be doing my whole life (with exception of shopping), wonder how long I'll be able to faithfully keep the blogging up.

Have a good evening y'all.

Wardrobe Unlimited

2006-11-02T11:27:00.000+08:00

Hung out at Wardrobe Unlimited yesterday, while waiting for the niece to fin work. It's owned by a fren of the niece and is in Katong. Has factory samples and over runs from North American and European brands. Have had great buys from Club Monaco, Abercrombie and even DKNY at prices that won't burst the bank. Lily, the owner has come back from a buying trip in Hong Kong and has brought in limikted designer shoes from Stuart Weitzmann and Di Sandro. She's selling them at reasonable prices (under $200) for quality shoes that would normally cost double or triple the price. What's even neater is the cool Christmas ornaments that she's brought in, many one-of-a-kind pieces that would make any house feel festive this Xmas. Check her out at East Coast Road, opposite the old Katong Police Station.

Oh and the other great thing is that I finally found out where Black Canyon Coffee has moved to since relocating from Serence Centre. It's now at Katong, next to the Katong Plaza. Black Canyon is a Thai chain of cafes that stock great coffee and also fusion Thai food. Heard they are obtaining Halal certification too! Which is always great news so that the sistas and I have a new place to venture should we decide to head East to explore.

Going to meet an old fren who's back for a vacation from Italy, where her hubby n her are living at. Hope she brings her new baby gal along.

All Saints Day

2006-11-01T08:24:00.000+08:00

It's All Saints Day... I should be going to Mass but I may or may not do so. Been takin a break from this whole religion thing since the END of. It's hard to reconcile my faith with the conventions of the Church. My family fall into 2 camps, the new age RCs who say that it's between me and God and the traditionalists who say that I can't ever fully take part in the sacraments given my D status. Dilemma and I just don't feel worthy anymore. Wondering if the reason why my professional and emotional life is going awry due to my failure to go back to the right path. (whatever that is)

Will try to nip down to Holy Family to visit mom's niche. Wonder if it's too early to grab a Christmassy flower to leave at the niche. Dad had a puking fit yesterday and I am kinda worried. The erratic weather and all have caused his sinuses to act up. He's put up the brave front again and refuses to see a doc. The older they get, the more stubborn they are. Aiyaya. Well he is reaching 80 and I should be thankful he is relatively healthy but age is catching up and I can't help but worry at times.

Someone asked why the heck I am blogging. Not that anyone will be reading my blog. Myabe it's to practise my writing, maybe it's to think out loud. Haha, perhaps misguided impressions of fame?? Darn, after a month of using the lap top, the desktop key board seems hard to use. Hence the typos or what the ex-big boss used to say 'no attention to fine details'.
Anyone know how I can combine my old blog, which was created under another user id with this one??? Let me know eh!

Oh well... time to get ready for my day at my part-time gig. Later...

Of Polka Dots and Swirls

2006-10-31T17:43:00.000+08:00

Happy All Hallow's Eve! (Or Halloween!)

The haze hasnt exactly gone but we are getting a brief respite from intermittent drizzles that we've been getting past few days. A bit of a bother I'd say, coz it now means I have to carry a brolly with me in case of... Hate the foldable kind as they're flimsy but at the ame time, it's convenient. Can't have the best of both worlds I guess. Pretty much like what I'm going through now in my professional life.

Went on a merry little jaunt to Haji Lane this PM after lunch at one of our fav nasi melayu/nasi padang joints at Binjai Park. It's one of the other great makan places at Binjai that's cheap and good - the other is Ivin's of course. Hate to blab about these 2 places for selfish reasons but they're well known and not-very-well-kept secrets. Great ayam goreng, even better than River Valley's. I digress.

Had wanted to grab my daily shot of coffee at Lipstick Bandit but only to find out that it had closed. Not sure if it'll re-open elsewhere as there was no signs left behind. Asked Eileen at Lola but she didn't know either. It was a neat place with good nibbly things and a nice lil place to soak in the flavor of Haji Lane. If I ever get my cash act and ideas together, I'd like a lil cubby hole at Haji Lane too. Though I think having regulars who keep coming back is an important factor in staying alive in the current retail climate. Lola's a great place that stocks some familiar US and designer labels for me. Prices are fairly reasonable and Eileen's real friendly and helpful. Was waiting for Hoity Toity to open so I decided to make a bee-line to Pluck, which is just next door to Lola.

Neat concept of ice cream parlour - it was featured in last week's ST - URBAN and shop. Has a mix of local and foreign stuff, new and vintage. You can surely pick up affordable gifts here. Won't let on what I got in case someone at home reads this blog. Hoity Toity wasnt open so I ended up making a beeline towards the ribbon shop opposite the New Islamic Restaurant (nearer Jln Sultan side on main North Bridge Road). Discovered another ribbon shop on my way there, which I later realised stocks a wider range of ribbons than the original shop I wanted to go to. Lady was friendlier too! Think I shall go there for ribbon purchases in future!!!

Took a bus to Peninsula area - I know, still a little uncomfortable for me as it's too close to my old office. Speaking of which I got a call from one of my ex-colleagues, oh dear hope it aint to haunt me about my old job or something!!! EEEEEKKKK! Still traumatised by it and other ex-ex-colleagues tell me it may take ages to ever heal from it. But that's a story for another time.

Ended up at Stamford House, which I am glad was restored several years ago as it's a grand old building with much character. Of course, my purpose was to check SWIRL out. Had read about it in the same issue of Urban, but more importantly, am on their mailing list from when I bought a ring at MAAD Market a couple months ago. Main purpose was to check out the Dotted Line clothing range which is consigned to the store. When I walked in, I was greeted by a familiar face. One of the partners of the new boutique was a classmate from my NIE days. This makes it 2 ex-NIE classmates who had left and gone on to happy lives as entrepeneurs. Good on you gals! I'm waiting for the day I'll find the chance to go the entrepeneur route.

SWIRL - what words come to mind? Soft, floaty, pastels, romantic... well take a look at the clothes in store and you won't be disappointed if you want something with a special twist. The house label is designed by the two partners and sewn locally. They also carry vintage clothes and accessories so if you're a vintage type of gal, do pop over to SWIRL at Stamford House #02-05 or check out www.ilovetoswirl.com

Ok, so I shouldn't have splurged my 'lifesavings' now that I am on my sabbatical but I could not resist Dotted Line's tweed jacket. May be the good luck charm I need when I go for interviews or meetings for more freelance work. Who knows? Also check out http://dottedlineshop.com for the wonderful creations of Dorothy Loh. Again, an example of the entrepeneur who dares!! It's always a pleasure to support such talents who dare to different in our 'rat race paced' society. It's also this same fear that makes it kind of hard for me to let go to this current state of being. No fixed job and living on finite savings. Must stop going out or retail therapy'll get the better of me.

Gonna quit blogging and look into cleaning up my room and the study to make room for my home office. Need to clear the physical clutter in my house so that the emotional and mental clutter'll also sort itself out. How superstitious or new age eh?

Happy 'trick or treating' to the lil (and not-so-lil) kids out there!

Friends

2006-10-27T21:14:00.000+08:00

Did my round of Raya visiting today and caught up with old friends from RSS, who have journeyed with me through the thick and thin. Haven't had a chance to catch up with them, due to all our hectic schedules. With this new 'retirement' I'm in, perhaps I'll get a chance to catch up with them more.

It was nice to be fussed over by my sistas' parents. Each of them had been kept in the loop over my change in career by my gal pals and were very genuine in asking me and encouraging me. Makes up for the fact that my mom ain't with us anymore and also, feels you with a sense of warmth knowing that you belong.

Of course, what is Raya without all the food!!!! Had scrumptious soto and bergedel and home fried shallots garnishing by aurora's mum. Oh and that fabulous dry satay that's not on a stick. Not to mention great cookies, some handmade by my sista! Of course we got to fus over HL's bump, though FHM and I really couldn't distinguish what was what on the 3-D scan of the baby. OOPS!

Festive fare... regardless of the season is always a heart warming time. Thanks friends, you kn ow who you are, for always making my life such a joy!

Therapy and all that...

2006-10-17T16:01:00.000+08:00

I had a blog. I started that 2 years ago but work got the better of me and I never quite made it after 3 posts. Forgot that blog addy and passwords and all. Now that I have gone into 'bumhood' for awile, it may be therapy for my soul. I guess I hope to use this platform to track how much I have digressed or grown. I created one for my new kitten Halia and have been racking my brains to remember the passwords, addy etc. Oh well...maybe I should just merge them into 1!

This blog is also a way for me to keep in touch with friends overseas so that they'll never feel too far away from home. It's just musings and ramblings from a compulsive manic...