Ur Sweet Lullaby

A Blog Posted by Singapore's Youngest Millionaire (By Adam Khoo)

2008-10-15T08:43:00.002+08:00

This gave me real insight:

1. no wonder I am not rich....no matter how much I earn
2. thats why the rick are a real stingy bunch

Well....this is what Adam Khoo believes.....read on...

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Some of you may already know that I travel around the region pretty frequently, having to visit and conduct seminars at my offices in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Suzhou (China). I am in the airport almost every other week so I get to bump into many people who have attended my seminars or have read my books.

Recently, someone came up to me on a plane to KL and looked rather shocked. He asked, 'How come a millionaire like you is travelling economy?' My reply was, 'That's why I am a millionaire.' He still looked pretty confused. This again confirms that greatest lie ever told about wealth (which I wrote about in my latest book 'Secrets of Self Made Millionaires'). Many people have been brainwashed to think that millionaires have to wear Gucci, Hugo Boss, Rolex, and sit on first class in air travel. This is why so many people never become rich because the moment that earn more money, they think that it is only natural that they spend more, putting them back to square one.

The truth is that most self-made millionaires are frugal and only spend on what is necessary and of value. That is why they are able to accumulate and multiply their wealth so much faster. Over the last 7 years, I have saved about 80% of my income while today I save only about 60% (because I have my wife, mother in law, 2 maids, 2 kids, etc. to support). Still, it is way above most people who save 10% of their income (if they are lucky). I refuse to buy a first class ticket or to buy a $300 shirt because I think that it is a complete waste of money. However, I happily pay $1,300 to send my 2-year old daughter to Julia Gabriel Speech and Drama without thinking twice.

When I joined the YEO (Young Entrepreneur's Organization) a few years back (YEO is an exclusive club open to those who are under 40 and make over $1m a year in their own business) I discovered that those who were self-made thought like me. Many of them with net worths well over $5m, travelled economy class and some even drove Toyota's and Nissans (not Audis, Mercs, BMWs).

I noticed that it was only those who never had to work hard to build their own wealth (there were also a few ministers' and tycoons' sons in the club) who spent like there was no tomorrow. Somehow, when you did not have to build everything from scratch, you do not really value money. This is precisely the reason why a family's wealth (no matter how much) rarely lasts past the third generation. Thank God my rich dad (oh no! I sound like Kiyosaki) foresaw this terrible possibility and refused to give me a cent to start my business.

Then some people ask me, 'What is the point in making so much money if you don't enjoy it?' The thing is that I don't really find happiness in buying branded clothes, jewellery or sitting first class. Even if buying something makes me happy it is only for a while, it does not last. Material happiness never lasts, it just give you a quick fix. After a while you feel lousy again and have to buy the next thing which you think will make you happy. I always think that if you need material things to make you happy, then you live a pretty sad and unfulfilled life.
Instead, what make ME happy is when I see my children laughing and playing and learning so fast. What makes me happy is when I see by companies and trainers reaching more and more people every year in so many more countries. What makes me really happy is when I read all the emails about how my books and seminars have touched and inspired someone's life. What makes me really happy is reading all your wonderful posts about how this BLOG is inspiring you. This happiness makes me feel really good for a long time, much much more than what a Rolex would do for me.

I think the point I want to put across is that happiness must come from doing your life's work (be in teaching, building homes, designing, trading, winning tournaments etc.) and the money that comes is only a by-product. If you hate what you are doing and rely on the money you earn to make you happy by buying stuff, then I think that you are living a life of meaningless.

Travel

2008-10-10T21:02:00.003+08:00

Seems like a long time since I last updated this blog....wait...it has been a long time...more than 6 months in fact...

Anyway, I have been very busy the last few months...lots of business travelling....thailand, australia, taiwan, US, and I just came back from india. I used to think I'd like the travelling but now, I just feel very tired...it doesn't seem to hold the excitment for me especially when you have to travel alone...it's just pure misery sometimes....

Anyway, I last travelled to India 5 years ago....despite what everybody says...I just feel that the place did not change at all....it's like growth stopped for that country (yes, there are flyovers and new shopping malls now - so I've been told. But other than that, there has been no other changes, traffic is still bad, water is still not safe to drink, streets are still dirty...and there are still lots of deserted construction)....but the saving grace is that the people are nice....great service and very very warm....

Trip Cancelled!

2008-03-19T19:15:00.001+08:00

I cancelled my trip! Due to the influenza virus in HK at the moment. Sigh...decided not to put my little girl at risk....

Sob Sob

HK Trip

2008-03-11T21:30:00.002+08:00

Just booked a trip to Hong Kong! I can't help it...I just gotta have a holiday...I need a break from work...

This time though, it'll be with the entire family...Helena included...(well also my mum & my sister). I am sure there wouldn't be that much shopping*, but I am certain there will still be great food...exploring disney and definitely some good buys...I am eyeing at a PRADA this time round!!!

heheheh

*Shopping by my usual standards, starts at 7am and only back to the hotel at 1am. ;-)

Application for passport

2008-03-11T21:17:00.004+08:00

Just found out, to my horror that we no longer can update our photo in our passport. The only way to update your photo is to apply for a new passport! And guess what, for every application, it would cost $70! (whereas, updating of passport photo is free!)

Anyway, I found out about this when I was trying to update Helena's passport photo (since her photo was taken when she was 3 months old). To my horror, I found out that I have to spend yet another $70 bucks...@#$% really knows how to earn our money....

For paddy's benefit, here are more look-alike wen er's photos of Helena! *kekeke* the same hairstyle...gotta dig those photos for you guys to see....

T3 - Beautiful...but too big??

2008-03-09T21:25:00.003+08:00

The other half suggested that we bring Helena to explore T3....being non-happening people on a friday night, we decided to do just that.....

As with T1 and T2, T3 is no doubt beautiful...as I walked down the halls with Helena, it fills me with a sense of pride that I know and had worked with the architects and designers of this airport before...

Unlike T1 and T2, T3 boasts of a lot more shops and restaurants...and also a very big food court. Spacious with loads of running space for children, Helena had a great time running around and exploring the grounds....

Damn the bloody JI escaped terrorist!

2008-03-09T20:49:00.001+08:00

This is what I had to face with everyday when I go home from work! The longer I sit in the car waiting for the snail-pace traffic to progress, the angrier I get at the police...MHA...whoever who was in charge of the custody of the damn JI guy....

I fully agree with what MM Lee said in Saturday's ST, "very severe lesson in complacency and it shows that Singapore is not infallible" and ultimately "not good for our security services". Such mistakes do not happen in Singapore! I simply cannot fathom it! The mistake was inexcusable, be it a conspiracy (yes, i am sure you have heard of the many conspiracy ideas that is spreading faster than Indonesia's forest fires) or not.

Besides our country's reputation, this mistake had translated to much inconvenience for our fellow country men...the police who have to worked extra hours to find the guy, the residents who now have to live in fear....the traffic inconveniences at the causeways....and not to mention the environmental damage (millions of posters printed with Mas Selamat's face)....

*sheesshhh*

Hele's First Day

2008-02-01T14:28:00.001+08:00

Today is Hele's first day at school.....this was what her teacher said, "Helena cried for most of the morning. She quietened down during lunch. She ate 1 serving of noodles, followed by pears for dessert. She did not eat the custard. Helena did not manage to engage in lesson activities today. It's understandable as its her first day at school. Helena needs time to adapt to her environment. She is, however, a bright girl who takes to instructions very well."

I hope that the crying will not last too long......

Addiction

2008-01-25T12:28:00.000+08:00

Didn't realise it's been a month since I last updated my blog.

Well....I always tell people that from Dec - Mar of any calendar year is always the busiest period for professionals in my job.

Besides that, I have also been busy with a new application (new for me only......I am slow in keeping up with technology) called FACEBOOK. The wonders of FACEBOOK is rather amazing. I found a couple of friends whom I have lost contact with many years ago....*haha* A friend also told me that a buddy of hers actually found her first crush on FACEBOOK.....see....a wonderful application to widen the social circle.....

Love Conquers All?

2008-01-24T22:09:00.000+08:00

I have been feeling really moody the last few days…..to the extent that I feel I am bordering on having depression. I have not felt this way for a long time. Maybe it’s PMS, maybe it’s stress…The only other time which I felt like this was when I had my post maternal blues….when I cried myself to sleep everyday and night…

I question myself: Why do I always allow myself to feel like that?

2008 did not start well for me. I had not been feeling dandy so I thought I better pay the doctor a visit. Little did I know, I was diagnosed with a particular condition (to my fellow readers, don’t worry, it’s nothing serious…the condition is curable and will go away naturally. In fact, one of my friends told me she actually had the same condition but she didn’t think or do anything about it). I did some extensive research as well, according to reports and medical professionals, 7 out of 10 human beings (adults and children) might manifest this condition from time to time. The doctor also said that I could choose to leave it alone and it will go away over time. Life, according to him, should continue normally.
Life did not continue normally. A small part of it sure did not. Anyway, it was this ‘thing’ that made me realize that the phrase “love conquers all” does not apply. Whoever that came up with that is a moron. @#$%

Women are such weak creatures...

2008-01-01T18:22:00.000+08:00

I just managed to catch the uncensored version of 'Lust, Caution'....Wow....

Don't even get me started on the infamous, extremely erotic love-making scenes which Tony Leung had with Tang Wei. This is not the direction where this blog entry is going to....But to digress...the scenes were done up so realistically that I simply could not tell if it is just truly acting. The expressions...the erotism....the actions....the positions and angles??? God.. it's hard for me to believe that it is just acting....at the end of those few scenes, it had me on the edge....(I will not even attempt to elaborate what that means because it will border on pornography...)

I didn't complete the movie...basically, Oddmelody just wanted to show me the 3 scenes and if I could see any loopholes to the love-making....(which I couldn't) and she gave me a summary of the entire movie....Tang Wei is part of a student group who is trying to assassinate Tony Leung who is a traitor, working for the Japanese. The plan was for her to gain his trust and lead him into a trap where he could be killed by the country patriots. Well....what better way is there than to seduce the guy and make him fall head over heels in love with you....The plan would have gone really well if not for Tang Wei falling in love with Tony (actually I understand....how can anybody not fall in love with Tony??!!...*sorry...I'm digressing again...*). In the end, Tang Wei could not bring herself to set Tony up and he discovered her secret identity. She and her crew members ended up killed by Tony Leung. What a bummer....

Anyway, the point of my entry is that women are just such weak creatures....when it is career and work...we are all business and professional. But when it comes to love, we are such weaklings. The female species are made in such a way that we can never separate love from sex. Maybe we can brainwash ourselves to say we can do so in the beginning.....but ultimately, we'll want more....we'll want more attention...time....and finally, we'll want his love and heart as well. That is why the concept of the a "fuck buddy" can never materialise smoothly...we'll bloody well just end up falling in love with the person.

In Lust, Caution.....I truly believe that even if Tang Wei had hardened her heart to lead Tony into the setup to kill him, she would remain miserable for the rest of her life. Possibly, it would be a fate which is worst than being killed by the man she loved....

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-01-01T18:14:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year, my dear friends.....

May 2008 be a wonderful year for all of us.....

Pastures are always greener on the other side

2007-12-26T12:36:00.000+08:00

Have you noticed that kids never want or treasure what they have in their hands...be it food or toys or anything else? They will always crave and want what their friends have. Helena does that...when she sees us eating, she'll want our food...when she sees another kid with a toy, she'll drop hers and wants to take the other.

I believe this is basic human behaviour. Yes, we try to curb ourselves from displaying such feelings or behaviour when we are older but deep down inside, we still feel like that. Actually it gets worse when we are older. Not only we revel in such thoughts in material possessions, such emotions are also present in human relationships. A couple of good friends and I were talking about relationships, marriage and affairs the other day. We all came to a conclusion - people go into affairs not because they cannot help themselves. People go into affairs because they want it to happen. There is no such things as "I cannot help myself" or "I was seduced".....it happened because deep down inside they want it to happen. They want it because they want to have a taste or feel of another person. The one at home is never sexy enough or the one at home is never gentle enough....the one outside is always better....We also came to a conclusion. That men at a certain age (rule of thumb is about the late 30s to early 40s) will definitely get themselves into an affair. Even if the ultimate act did not materialise, the thought will definitely be their minds. It's just in the DNA. In human behaviour. The crave for something new, the want for somebody else's possession.

I have linked this entry to Earth Squatter's latest entry on 人就是那么贱. I believe this is true. People are just so 贱 at times. The one we cannot have it is always the sweetest, the most beautiful and the best.....

Performance Evaluation 2007

2007-12-24T19:43:00.000+08:00

Another year is ending....another year being added to my age....another year to look back to see what i have learnt and experienced...

2007 has been a memorable year....full of exciting adventures and life turning points....2007 is the year where I discovered myself and the year where I finally understood what I like and crave.....

Memorable events in 2007:
1. Career Choice - whether to leave my company or not...(trust me, it was not an easy decision to make....but ever since I've made my choice, I've never once regretted it)
2. The Shanghai & Japan Business trip - The Taiji lessons as well as the japanese working culture/environment was fun!
3. Self-discovery - that I am not a good person afterall...in fact, I'm terrible...
4. Watching Helena grow up.....she's soo cute now....she talks and is quite an entertainer....

Anyway, this is my Self-Assessment of the SMART goals which I made in 2007:

(1=Excellent; 2=Distinguished; 3=Notable; 4=Needs Improvement; 5=Unsatisfactory)

1. Not to spend so much time shopping, instead spend more time with baby Helena - I think I have achieved only a '3' for this item. Although I try to spend the weekend as much as possible with her, somehow it's just not enough. She still prefers her grandparents and even the maid to me at times, which makes me extremely sad....I actually love it when she wants to stick with me...

2. To be more pious and not so lazy - This is literally 'Oh God!'. I believe I am a '5' for this. I have not been very regular in my church going. Somehow, I always miss a couple of sundays each month....;-o

3. To bring Cookey out more often - Once again, I am a '5' for this.

4. To exercise!!! - This is a total failure...not done at all....(besides the taiji lessons which i took up, I had not exercised at all!)

5. To take a course in make-up - Not done

Overall assessment - 5!!! Unsatisfactory!

I gotta be better in 2008!

Hele's Christmas Present

2007-12-24T19:34:00.000+08:00

Many have always said that parents always give their children what they couldn't achieve or get during their childhood. I think it's very true....

This is what i got for Hele for her Christmas present...well actually it came as a surprise....and I sorta won it in a company ballot exercise. A SLK Convertible.....

All for $50 bucks.....boy was she excited.....

More things I love about Japan

2007-11-24T22:29:00.000+08:00

1. Missing Denwa
I have always known that the Japanese are a honest lot...but my point was proven 100% in a single incident. I was shopping at Isetan.....was doing several things at the same time...eyes roving to see what interesting stuff I could buy and at the same time messaging oddmelody (who was back in Singapore) to tell her about my latest purchases and what other stuff I could help her to get.... I discovered my mobile missing shortly after I came out from the loo....I ran back immediately and looked high & low for it....finally one of the sales staff told me to enquire about my phone at the "Lost & Found section". The "Lost & Found section" was a little inconvenient....it was located in another building....at a neglected basement area....I ran all the way there & found a little lady seated at the counter....

Me: Konnichiwa...Sumimasen...watashiwa lost Denwa...Sony Ericsson Denwa....err....kyoo?!.....(yes...my jap is very lousy)
Lady: nfkserggjerlg sfjergjsettgje (in a string of Japanese words which I didn't know and couldn't catch)
Me: (So I replied in the only phrase which I am good at) Sumimasen...watashino nihongo amari wakaremasen....Denwa...Sony Ericsson!!?
Lady: What colour?
Me: ahhh...Black! Sony Ericsson K800!
Lady: Chotto Mate...

She went in and came out in 5 seconds and there there...was my beloved Sony Ericsson K800!

So you see..... This entire incident has proven me correct....the entire episode happened within 30mins (from the moment I stepped into the loo to the moment I collected my phone)....they amaze me...In singapore or any other country I've been to...I would never be able to see the phone again....

Another evidence for civic-mindedness...

2. Glorious Food.....
Now that I am back in Singapore...I missed the food....ahh.....glorious delicious Oishi food...

One of the Ramen dishes I had at the ramen museum...*Oishiiiii!!!*

3. Umeishu!
I'm addicted...It's plum liquor every night.... Just bought one today so that I can continue my regime....

4. Cosmetics part 1- Rose scent / essentials

I have been addicted to the rose flavoured / scent / essentials cosmetics for some time now. In Singapore, only Loccitaine has it...and it's really expensive...In Japan...they have the "House of Rose" and "Rose" Series Shisedo bath and cosmetic range (Shampoo, Conditioner, Moisturising Water Mist, Soap, Bath Gel, Perfume, Body Lotion, Hair Cologne etc etc).

Cosmetics part 2 - Jill Stuart

Really pretty packaging....simply lovely... and not available in Singapore

Cosmetics part 3 - Collagen

Available everywhere......on every part of the body....

All I can say is....you know you have aged if you need such supplements...*sigh*

5. Weather
I hate the weather in Singapore....too hot.....

Under the weather....

2007-11-13T21:39:00.001+08:00

Not sure if its the weather...or the food or simply because I miss home soo much.

Felt really bad today....was coughing..running a fever and the body ached and creaked like a old wobbley door.... felt even worse when you know there isn't anyone to give you tender loving care, sweet kisses to take the pain away and a massage to soothe the aching bones....

Music & Lyrics - Way Back Into Love

2007-11-12T00:03:00.000+08:00

I love this movie and all the movie sound tracks

Normally, I am not a romance movie type of girl...I am more of the bang, wham, explosions, blood and gore type of person...but the latest movie by Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore is simple enjoyable. Humour, Hugh Grant and great songs never fail to capture my heart. ;-)

Here is a glimpse of the theme song..."Way Back Into Love"

http://www.aimini.net/view/?fid=Iy97o0CxoGtnb9m4y9N1

Haley:

Ive been living with a shadow over my head

Ive been sleepin with a cloud above my bed

Ive been lonely for so long

Trapped in the past, I just cant seem to move on

Hugh:

I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away

Just in case I ever need them again someday

Ive been setting aside time, to clear a little space in the corners of my mind

chorus:

All I want to do is find a way back into love

I cant make it through without a way back into love....ohh

Haley:

I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine

Ive been searching but I just dont see the signs

I know that its out there

Theres got to be something for my soul somewhere

Hugh:

I've been looking for someone to shed some light

Not just somebody to get me through the night

I could use some direction,

and I'm open to your suggestions

chorus:

All I want to do is find a way back into love

I cant make it through without a way back into love

and If I open my heart again

I guess Im hopin you'll be there for me in the end

Haley:

There are moments when I dont know if its real or if anybody feels the way

I feelI need inspiration, not just another negotiation

chorus:

All I want to do is find a way back into love

I cant make it through without a way back into love

and If I open my heart to you

Im hopin you'll show me what to do

and if you help me to start again you know that I'll be there for u in the end

Things I Love About Japan

2007-11-11T23:13:00.000+08:00

I have been living in Japan for the past 3 weeks now.....in a dead town called Sagamihara....well it's actually not so bad...there is a pretty self-sufficient shopping mall, a supermarket, loads of restaurants (japanese, chinese, korean and western), a karaoke joint and a bowling alley! So yes, most days we can survive on these basic amenities....that is if we had the time...most days (mon - sat) we worked till 8 / 9 pm. Even when oddmelody came to visit me in Japan, I had no time to accompany at her except for 1 Sunday. ;-(

Anyway, in the last 3 weeks I was here, I discovered a couple of things which I really like about Japan....

1. The food...Ramen....

I only managed to take pictures of the ramen...cos' most times, I'd gobble down my orders before I remember to take pictures!

2. The clean toilets....with it's wonderful functions

3. The civic-mindedness of the japanese people...things hardly get stolen...

I am really amazed...branded bags and stuff lying around and noboby will take them

4. The weather...I can dress up...mufflers, shawls...jackets...

Appeals to my vanity...

5. The wide range of cosmetics!!!

Suits me well...;-)

6. Hair salon...I had my hair dine in the Japanese way!

A Cut, Treatment, and Colour cost me S$178 which I thought was very reasonable. It was a posh salon at Machida Lumine and it's called Capelli Punto. It was a great experience. The stylist and great looking shampoo boys pampered me with a hair and head massage twice and followed by a neck and shoulder massage as well. Their techniques were so comfortable and I was really relaxed....;-p

I will tell you more about what irritates me in Japan in my next entry....so stay tuned

Secret

2007-10-22T14:32:00.000+08:00

Love the latest song by Jay Chou...can't wait for his concert...
God! I love talented men....Jay...JJ....even Grissom! *hahaha*

http://www.aimini.net/view/?fid=8AzXUaybwT0G7pJwrjKJ

Business Trip

2007-10-05T20:31:00.000+08:00

Just received news that I will have to be in Japan to help out in a project in 2 weeks time....

At first I was excited at the prospect of being there...come on ...it's Tokyo for God's sake! Tokyo!!!! I can salivate just thinking about the shopping that I can do....the cosmetics!!! The latest trends..etc etc etc....that is until I found out the amount of work that is assigned to me (pre-departure as well as while I am there). That made me wonder...what the hell are the japanese team doing??? With the work assigned, i am practically running the entire show!!!!! My boss was like "Nevermind...this one leave it to XXX when she comes over....that one also leave it her...that one and all that as well...." Huh??? I feel overwhelmed already...that, plus the fact that my japanese is still totally crap made me even more apprehensive. My work schedule there is also totally inhumane - from 7am onwards till late (I think the track record is about 11 -1am). Totally defying all labour laws....... God....what have I gotten myself into....

Anyway, I gotta be there for one month as well which is really too long.....think little hele will forget about her mommy by the time I am back.....;-(

Moving House

2007-09-26T09:29:00.000+08:00

I have always thought it fun to move to a new place...new furniture, new place....wow....little did I know that there is so much work???!!!

But well, I get to know to logistics/warehousing function a lot better now. Am totally in sync with the entire warehousing function now...this was (still is) my job description for the last week:

Job Description
1. Pick & Sort materials (which stuff to go to which room, which stuff to discard etc)
2. Pack materials (bubble wrap fragile items, string wrap delicate items, pack materials into carton boxes, seal boxes)
3. Load onto forklift (instead of forklift, I have to load onto my 1.6cc Toyata)
4. Deliver to destination (new place!!)
5. Unload and unpack
6. Pick & Sort into the desinate places
7. Rearrangement (for optimal spacing and convenience)

Working hours: 7am - 1am (yep, I am violating the MOM rules with longer hours)

Benefits & Renumeration : None whatsoever....

Well...despite the hard work, it was fun in a lot of ways. But tiring...am aching all over and I think I have developed some little muscles....

Truth about myself : I am a terrible person....

2007-09-13T23:05:00.000+08:00

Damn....

I am a terrible person in every mortal or moral sense.

And I just realised this today while talking to a good friend of mine.....Self-realisation can be shocking.

Which Tarot Card Am I?

2007-09-13T23:00:00.000+08:00

You are The Empress

Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success, luxury, dissipation.

The Empress is associated with Venus, the feminine planet, so it represents,
beauty, charm, pleasure, luxury, and delight. You may be good at home
decorating, art or anything to do with making things beautiful.

The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. This is why her symbol is Venus, goddess of beautiful things as well as love. Even so, the Empress is more Demeter, goddess of abundance, then sensual Venus. She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold, as Demeter did when her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped. In fury and grief, she kept the Earth barren till her child was returned to her.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

The Wrong Side of 30

2007-09-08T11:11:00.000+08:00

A friend recently commented that I have to seize the day and treasure the time I have now before I reached the wrong side of 30. Of course, this friend didn't know (or was just being very very nice) that I have passed the big '30'.

Looking back, however, I feel that being past 30 has brought me more in my life.

Before 30, I was meek and afraid of speaking up. I was not confident nor assured of what I have, be in in work or my personal life. I didn't take charge of my own life...rather I went with the flow....going where the wind took me. I didn't have much of a view of my own....instead I look to others for direction and advice. On appearance, I was shy and never confident of how I looked. Yeah...I was still vain and all, but I was never comfortable of how I looked or how I presented myself to others. This was especially so after the birth of Hele. Things really went on a downhill and the self-esteem hit rock-bottom. With my extra flab and fats, I felt awful all the time.

Today I am past 30. Somehow everything has changed. I am more confident of myself, during and off work. In my current capacity, I could give advice and direction to my people and it feels good. It feels even better when you know that they do appreciate it becuase they come up and tell you so. I know I look good and it gives me the confidence to talk and interact with people I never felt comfortable with. Yeah, going over 30 has given me alot in life...maybe it's because of the accumulated life experiences or maybe I just started to wake up on the right side of the bed.

AIUEO Song!

2007-08-28T15:03:00.000+08:00

Have been attending the Shichida lessons with Helena and she simply love the Japanese songs they have. Tried to get it from the school itself but they tell me it's patented and they don't sell it!! *shhesshhh* Tried to look for a version of it on the internet instead and I found this...it's so cute!

The Potter Withdrawal Syndrome

2007-08-18T01:24:00.000+08:00

Harry Potter (No Spoilers!)

I have just finished reading the last Harry Potter book! And I have watched the movie!!! And I am now suffering badly from the Potter Withdrawal Syndrome!

No more books on Harry and friends???? Perhaps, JK Rowling will write a book on Dumbledore's exciting and rebellious younger days or even James & Lily Potter, Sirius & Lupin's adventures! Oh...I hope she does....cos' I simply love her books.

I don't care what anybody says but "The Deathly Hallows" is by far the most exciting Potter series JK Rowling has written. Every other chapter in this book has the Deatheaters or Voldemort chasing after Harry. Every other chapter reveals a connection to the other books and the tie-up and interlinks are just mind-boggling. The emotional aspect of the relationships between the character is also overwhelming. I cried when I read about Snape, I cried when Harry's friends died...I even cried when Harry discovered Luna's paintings on himself, Ron & Hermoine. In short, I simply couldn't put down the book.

I would also like to applaud the casting team &/or director's foresight in choosing the actors for the roles. I never did approve or like the casting of Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore but after reading "The Deathly Hallows", I have to say that it is a perfect and ideal fitting role for him. Michael could portray and bring out the edge and the ambition of Albus Dumbledore that was in him so long ago. Evanna Lynch (her acting debut) played Luna Lovegood to a 'T' as well....displaying the dreaminess and perpetually fairy-like quality.

My favourite characters in Harry Potter & the actors who brought the characters alive!

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe - who had grown up nicely...very nicely)
Hermoine Granger (Emma Watson - who is so pretty now!)
Severus Snape (Alan Rickman)
Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon)
Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter)
Lucius Malfoy (Jason Issacs)
Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith)
Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane)
& even Voldemort (played by Ralph Fiennes)

My New Home

2007-08-18T00:45:00.000+08:00

I am moving!!!

Yes, Finally! After 5 years of me rambling on about how inconvenient my current place is, I am finally moving! However, I am not moving to a condominium or private property (unlike most people these days). In fact, I will be 'down-grading' from my current executive masionette to a 4-room HDB apartment in Clementi.

Well, aside from it being a HDB apartment, my new place does have most of the facilities / amenities which a condominium offer eg swimming pool & stadium / running track (just 1 block away), MRT station, bus interchange, market place, karaoke lounge, banks, eateries, soon to have shopping mall etc.

My unit is on the 21st floor so there is quite a view (overlooking bukit timah) and according to the ex-owner, one can even see the fireworks display during Chinese New Year or National Day.

The unit is however, very very small!!! 900 square feet to be exact. Moving from a 1400 square feet apartment to a 900 square feet apartment will definitely need some getting used to. And what will I do with all my current junk and stuff? Thats my headache now.

Anyway, just to share with you the design of my new place. Will have more pictures when the place is done up but this is what it looks like:

The renovation is costing me a bomb...seriously. Due to aesthetic reasons and possibly my obsessive compulsive need to stick to the theme of design, I have spent a bomb. But this is one of my favourite pieces of furniture....

the mirror...

will share more in my next few posts....another favorite piece is possibly my dining light piece. So stay tuned....

Little Miss Hele

2007-08-16T23:09:00.000+08:00

My little one is starting to talk a little more now...about 3-5 syllabus at a time like:

Mummy, Good Morning
Mummy, go kai kai (kai kai - dialect. Means go out to have fun)
Daddy, Hele brush teeth
Fall down pain pain
Go playground
Mummy, Cola please (wants to drink my Coca Cola) etc etc etc

A lot of baby talk which I am trying to wean her off but it's a little difficult especially if you have a maid that talks to her like that!!! (*shheesshh*) No problems on singular words though....I lost count on how many she knows but it should be more than a hundred already (yes, i tried to make a count...but it got too many!).

Being the typical anxious parent, I get a little stressed-out or envious when I see her friends at school able to accomplish a lot more in terms of their development. One of her classmates, a girl who is 2 months older than Hele is able to verbalise full sentences....in proper English, mind you. She also knows Mandarin....Bilingual! At this age!! My other half isn't even bilingual! There is also a boy who is able to count from 1 -20!!!! And he recognises the numbers as well! Well, you get my drift....I'm competitive in nature, so I am a little anxious...well...maybe more than a little...

Hele is also growing to be a vain little girl (like her mother, I guess) and she loves to wear my shoes. Miraculously, she is able to walk with my heels around the house without falling! Here is a picture of her...caught red-handed with my shoes!

Delinquence

2007-08-16T21:53:00.000+08:00

Seems like ages since I last updated this blog.

Somehow I was hit by the writer's mental block. I either had nothing to write about or there were just too many things on my mind. So much so that I just don't know where to start. Work didn't help either. It was conference-calls or I just had to work late. On top of that, I was also busy with the renovation of my new place. Between shopping for tap fixtures, lighting and furniture, there just wasn't enough time to do anything else. In the next couple of blogs, you'll see the layout & basic design of my small little apartment.

Well, my loyal readers might wish to know that I have finally found peace of mind. Yes, the problem I had a couple of months ago? Well, I have finally made a decision and boy! It sure feels good now. At least, I don't feel so torn about it. Is it a good and wise decision you may ask? Well, it seemed right when I made that choice. I tell myself that it was a choice which I made based on all the knowledge and information I have at that point in time. I will not know whether it is wise in the long run, but I can safely tell myself that I will not have regrets.

So my loyal friends, do stay tuned!

My Personality

2007-07-05T00:42:00.000+08:00

Simple Gal reminded me of the interesting personality quizzes I have, some of the newest ones which I just took. Perhaps, you can tell me if they are a true reflection of me:

You Are Most Like Eva Longoria

“There's something very sexy about being submissive.”

What Modern Bombshell Are You Most Like?

You Are a Cappuccino

You're fun, outgoing, and you love to try anything new.
However, you tend to have strong opinions on what you like.
You are a total girly girly at heart - and prefer your coffee with good conversation.
You're the type that seems complex to outsiders, but in reality, you are easy to please

What Kind of Coffee Girl Are You?

Your Hidden Talent

You have the power to persuade and influence others.
You're the type of person who can turn a whole room around.
The potential for great leadership is there, as long as you don't abuse it.
Always remember, you have a lot more power over people than you might think!

What's Your Hidden Talent?

The Part of You That No One Sees

You are powerful, passionate, and dominant.
You have a vision of how things should be, and you do your best to make things happen.
People rely on you for your strength. You are a rock to many.

Underneath it all, you aren't so sure about your passions.
So many ideas spark your interest, it is hard for you to get behind a select few.
However, you see indecision as a sign of weakness. So you pursue your goals full force - no matter how foolish they turn out to be.

What's the Part of You That No One Sees?

In a Past Life...

You Were: A Greasy Cannibal.

Where You Lived: Ontario.

How You Died: In Childbirth.

Who Were You In a Past Life?

Second Chances

2007-07-04T23:17:00.000+08:00

Once I thought that it is not possible
that another chance could be plausible
to fulfill my lost fantasies and dreams
and again to set things right at my whim

I should be happy and exhilarated
but instead my heart feels wrong and weighted
Stressed mentally and emotionally
just want to take a flight away eternally

Second chances feel like treasured godsend
But is it part of the devil's twisted hand
from the beginning to the end
I guess I will never know his plan

Human Tetris

2007-07-04T23:14:00.000+08:00

Thought this was hilarious...gotta share it! The Japanese are really creative!

Helena! The cutest thing alive!!

2007-06-25T18:02:00.000+08:00

Some updates on my little one...she's so incedibly cute now and rather sociable..normally she is the entertainer during parties and all...with her cute and strange antics, dancing and grinning...here's some pictures of her!

Me & Mrs Jones

2007-06-21T00:38:00.000+08:00

Got into a spree for CDs over the weekend...
Michael Buble
Chris Daughtry
Gwen Stephanie
+ the OST for 200 Pounds beauty...

Here are some of my fave tracks.......Enjoy

Michael Buble's Me & Mrs Jones

Chris Daughtry's It's not Over

200 Pounds Beauty's Byul

Decisions....decisions....

2007-06-21T00:06:00.000+08:00

Just received some comments from some friends that I have not been posting much.... gotta apologise for that...I didn't know I had so many readers & Hello???!! Mind you...afterall...when i look at the comments section...there weren't much!!??? So do me a favour guys...if you are one of my silent supporters, do try to at least let me know that I'm being read....*shhesshhh*

Well...anyhow, I admit I have been deliquent on posting updates of my life....too much happening right now... too much going on in my life....too much work....working like 12 hours on average if not more....too many decisions to be made and too much happening at the same time....so much so that there were times where I felt my mind is exploding.... Physically...emotionally.....

Somebody once told me that whatever it is...do what the heart tells me...but what happens when the heart and the mind tells you different things? Do we just do a simple Pro and Con analysis and weigh the differences or do we look at other facets of the issue?

Someone told me (yet again....) that I think too much of how other people feel and think about me...I have this heavy guilt conscience that is overpowering and is dragging me down....this same person also said that I have to think for myself cos' nobody will be doing that for me...afterall, we are all pawns on the chess board....and once one game ends, another set of players / chess comes into play....the old ones just gets forgotten.....this reminds me of Shakespeare...."the world's is but a stage"??

Well....Sometimes, I feel as if I just wanna hide away...run away from everything....ride free and fly far and high.... and not think of anything at all......

Is that so bad?

Reserved Parking

2007-06-04T08:28:00.000+08:00

My very first reserved parking lot at my company premises.....boy*

Am I getting used to this treatment....

Iris

2007-06-01T14:21:00.000+08:00

Just got to know this song....beautiful....

Iris by Goo Goo Dolls

And I'd give up forever to touch you
'Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now

And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
'Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight

And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything feels like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know you're alive

And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am

My Favourite Things (Part 1)

2007-05-20T15:47:00.000+08:00

Have you ever thought about the stuff and things you like in this lifetime? True, it normally changes as we grow older...as we have different experiences...or meet different people....

I thought I should make a list....just to remind myself of the past and present...in comparison with the future....

My favourite Author/s / Airline
Dan Brown & Michael Crichton
Being Singaporean...I support SQ

My favourite Band/Book
Jon Bovi?

Dan Brown's Da Vinci's Code. Nothing beats it!

My favourite Celebrity/Country /Cartoon
Rain! Korean Singer/Actor...simply gorgeous with the most fantastic body I have ever seen....I like Gwen Stephanie too...I think she has character and I think Nicole Kidman is the most elegant woman in the world

This ought to be Japan....it's beautiful....would love to explore Japan at my own pace and leisure. Went to Australia like 10 years ago...and the Great Ocean Road took my breath away...the water & sky were sooo blue and clear...

Fave Cartoon is Finding Nemo!

My favourite Drink/Dessert/Dog
Strawberry Margarita when I'm out for drinks
I have to have Coffee every morning as well
Lots of Water is a must for me
Fave Dessert....Tiramisu....ice cream....
Fave Dog - Cookey My Pet Dog Schnauzher

My Favourite Entertainment
Watching TV...yeah...I'm considered a couch potato. Korean / Taiwanese Drama series being the hot favorite at the moment. CSI, Prison Break & Heroes are also the hotties!
Shopping!!!!!

My Favourite Food / Fantasy
Chicken Wings & potatoes! I simply love them done up in any way! Fried Hokkien Mee from the hawker centre near my place!

Fantasy - Doing IT in a public place.....like in a library....... *lol*

My Favourite Group
Il Divo...gorgeous men with great voices....

My Favourite Hobby
I love to sing...and I think I sing well. I sing all types of songs but basically the slower hits...sentimentals
I love to deal with flowers as well...I enjoy doing flower arrangement
I love writing movie reviews and I still do it sometimes!

I is for Intelligent Men
Guys like Grissom just intrigues me. The intelligence...ability to quote Shakespeare in almost any situation.....ahh...poetry....

To be continued......

My Taipei Trip!

2007-05-07T15:20:00.000+08:00

I know I have been delinquent in posting up the photos which I have promised you.

Instead of having you mull over several 'static' photos, I organised it into a video instead. A video says much more than a photo, I guess...Started doing this since my korean trip so much so that it has become a hobby. Feel like investing in a good video cam now...

Anyway, Enjoy....

Taiwan - A place for all shopaholics!

2007-04-19T00:47:00.000+08:00

Yes! I'm back from Taiwan!

It's really a haven for all shopaholics...they have everything! You name it...they have it:

For the Gals -
1. Clothing
2. Accessories
3. Bags
4. Shoes
5. Manicure / Pedicure - the type with the exaggerating flower art & acrylic polish
6. Undergarments
7. Food
8. Hotspring

For the Guys -
1. Clothing
2. PC / Computer Wares
3. PC / Playstation Games & Accessories
4. Food
5. Hotspring

For the Obasan -
1. All the latest Taiwanese / Japanese / Korean Dramas / Movies at incredible prices (and they are original!!)
2. Unique Household / Kitchen wares / appliances (some of which you do not see in Singapore!)
3. Fengshui stuff
4. Food
5. Hotspring

For Children
1. Clothing
2. Toys

Anyway, I have lots of pictures to share with you but I'll tell you guys a little at a time...look out for it!

Amazing Taiwan! Here I come!

2007-04-09T23:46:00.000+08:00

Yep! Here am I trying to fulfill one of my yearly SMART goals! 2 trips in a year!
This time, it's Taiwan! Yep, I can safely say that it's the influence of the many sweetie-pie taiwanese dramas I have watched so far ....just to name a few...."Hana-Kimi"..."Devil beside you" etc

Anyway, will be going with some friends anf my other half...hope I can spot some cute taiwanese stars!!!! It's a free and easy trip and here is my planned itinery:

5 Days 4 nights Amazing Taiwan!

11 April 07 0800 SIN/TAIPEI SQ872

1240 Arrival at Taipei Chiang Kai Shek International Airport
Transport Transfer to Paradise Hotel (No. 24 Hsi Ning S Rd)
Check In & Unpack

1500 Explore “Xi-men-Ding” (Shopping)

2000 Explore “Shida Night Market” (Shopping)

Or Explore “Gongguan Night Market (Shopping)

12 April 07 0800 1-Day Taipei Tour (included in tour package)

(Includes CKS Memorial Shrine, Dr Sun Yat Sen’s memorial home,
Beitou Hot Spring, National Palace Museum, & Shilin Night Market etc)

13 April 07 0900 Wufenpu Garment Wholesale Area (Shopping)

1500 Danshui (Sights)

2000 Explore Huaxi Night Market (Shopping)

14 April 07 0900 Hiking at Yangmingshan (Sights)

1400 Core Pacific City (Sights/Shopping) *

1800 Taipei 101 Tower (Sights/Shopping) *

* Can be substituted with another Hotspring trip @ Yangmingshan

2200 For late night activity if still up to it:

2001 Raohe Night Market (Shopping)

15 April 07 0900 Explore Taipei main station (underground mall/arcade)

Own time own target
Leave Hotel for Airport (TW/SIN)

Whatcha think?

The Grissom Sara Romance (GSR)

2007-03-20T23:36:00.000+08:00

Yes, The CSI Season 7 is back...back on AXN!!

So far, Season 7 has been more exciting than Season 6...and CSI fanatics will remember the last scene in Season 6 showing Grissom and Sara sharing an inimate moment in bed. This series continues their relationship....again the kinda "暧昧" type of relationship ...

Well, according to 梅田 from 花样少年少女, the most romantic type of love is where love is kept secret....and to me, I agree totally....bittersweet but heartwarming....

Anyway, here's a spoiler for you...One of the episodes shares a scene where Grissom writes Sara a letter while he is away. In his usual intelligent and "totally cheem" style....he has to quote a sonnet from Shakespeare...

******

Sara,

Our parting was awkward. I don't know why
I find it so difficult to express my feelings to you.
Even though we're far apart,

I can see you as clearly as if you were here with me...

I said I'll miss you, and I do....

Shakespeare can express (my?)... better than I...

Betwixt mine eye and heart a league is took,
And each doth good turns now unto the other:
When that mine eye is famish'd for a look,
Or heart in love with sighs himself doth smother,
With my love's picture then my eye doth feast
And to the painted banquet bids my heart;
Another time mine eye is my heart's guest
And in his thoughts of love doth share a part:
So, either by thy picture or my love,
Thyself away art resent still with me;
For thou not farther than my thoughts canst move,
And I am still with them and they with thee;
Or, if they sleep, thy picture in my sight
Awakes my heart to heart's and eye's delight.

Ahh....poetry....

Heroes (A synopsis on 23 episodes) - for all addicts

2007-03-20T23:17:00.000+08:00

Recently, as you might have known, there is a wave of craze for the TV series "Heroes". For those who have not caught it on TV, please do....it's really good....

Screencaps...so far, I have watched up to Season 1 episode 11. Read somewhere that Season 1 actually contains 23 episodes? God...gotta get my hands on the rest of the episodes when it's finally out!

A synopsis for your reading pleasure....

"Genesis"01
Various people around the world discover evidence of real superpowers. Claire Bennet can instantly heal physical injuries. Isaac Mendez can precognitively paint future events. Hiro Nakamura is able to manipulate time, travel through it, and teleport. Mohinder Suresh tries to continue his recently deceased father's work by finding these people.

"Don't Look Back"02
Hiro travels from October 2 in Japan to November 8 in New York City. Nathan Petrelli tries to dismiss his recent self-propelled flight, and lies to his brother, Peter about it. Matt Parkman can hear the thoughts of everyone around him.

"One Giant Leap" 03
Hiro wants the help of his friend Ando. Claire suffers from an injury she can't immediately heal. Mohinder discovers his father's connections to Sylar. Matt collapses in a bar after seeing the Haitian.

"Collision"04
Matt is kidnapped by Mr. Bennet and the Haitian. Hiro and Ando gamble in Vegas and later get trapped by four men they gambled with. In the same casino Niki meets Nathan. Peter Petrelli meets Hiro from the future.

"Hiros"05
Mohinder gives up searching for superhumans. Matt uses his abilities to impress his wife. D.L. Hawkins appears, and is wanted by police.

"Better Halves"06
Hiro questions his own heroism. D.L. arrives at his wife Niki Sanders's, home.

"Nothing to Hide"07
Matt and Audrey Hanson investigate a murder. Peter asks for Nathan's help in finding a painting. Micah Sanders is revealed to have powers.

"Seven Minutes to Midnight"08
Hiro meets Charlie Andrews at a diner. A mysterious boy visits Mohinder in his dreams, which makes him reconsider giving up his father's search.

"Homecoming"09
Claire's high school homecoming turns deadly, as Peter tries to save the cheerleader. Hiro tries to right a wrong. Jackie Wilcox is mistaken for Claire by Sylar who realizes, too late, that Claire is the one he wants. Sylar and Peter fight and fall off of the roof. Peter heals and realizes that Sylar is gone. Sylar then gets captured by Eden. Claire reveals her secret to her father.

"Six Months Ago"10
Hiro seeks to change Charlie's death by going back in time. Six months before the series began, tragedy strikes the Petrelli family, Claire makes a surprising discovery, and Chandra Suresh arrives in New York City with the list.

"Fallout"11
Isaac seeks to paint the future without using drugs. Matt and Audrey investigate the Homecoming disaster. Niki makes a move to protect her family. Peter fears he is responsible for the coming disaster.

"Godsend"12
While in a coma, Peter has another vision which is too disturbing for him to face alone. Hiro begins his quest for Kensei's sword. Claire begins to rebuild her life.

"The Fix"13
Peter continues to follow the invisible man while his brother, Nathan, seeks help from Mohinder. Matt's wife comes to terms with Matt's thought-hearing power. Hiro and Ando are kidnapped by men working for his father. Claire searches for her biological parents. Micah uses his powers to take large amounts of money from an ATM.

"Distractions"14
Claude serves as a mentor for Peter and forces him to reevaluate his relationships with his loved ones. Claire reunites with her birth mother, Meredith. Hiro tries to explain his mission to his father and sister, who have other plans for him. Sylar escapes and pays a visit to Mrs. Bennet. Niki gets out of prison, but she finds herself imprisoned by Jessica.

"Run!"15
As Claire's life at home falls apart, she seeks help from her biological parents, but things do not go as she wishes. A woman comes between Hiro and Ando, forcing the two friends apart. Mohinder is unaware that he is meeting his father's killer, Sylar. Matt and Jessica play a deadly game of cat and mouse.

"Unexpected"16
Sylar travels with Mohinder and obtains a new power. After reuniting with Ando, Hiro makes a difficult choice. Mr. Bennet and The Haitian unsuccessfully try to capture Claude and Peter, and Claude decides he must abandon Peter. Ted Sprague, Matt, and a new hero seek answers about the marks on their necks. When Mrs. Bennet is taken to the hospital, Claire reveals to Mr. Bennet that she does not trust him. Peter unlocks his powers and faces off against Isaac, which results in tragedy.

"Company Man"17
Matt and Ted take the Bennet family hostage in search of answers. More is revealed about Mr. Bennet, the agency for which he works, and how he adopted Claire. Ted loses control of his powers and burns the Bennets' house. The Haitian escapes with Claire. A new person with powers is revealed.

"Parasite"18
With the election looming, Nathan has a disturbing meeting with Linderman and faces a difficult decision. Niki tries to stop Jessica. Hiro finds the sword with help from Nathan and Ando, but then discovers a dark future. Claire finds answers while her surrogate father gets into trouble with Primatech. Sylar faces off against Mohinder and Peter.

".07%" 19
Linderman reveals his vision of the future to Nathan.[3] Mr. Bennet is held captive by Candice and Thompson,[5] while Sylar captures Isaac.[6] Nathan and Claire finally meet.[7]

"String Theory [8]"20

"The Hard Part [8]"21
The start of the three-part season finale. The main characters come together in New York, but not all of the heroes will survive.[4]

"Landslide [4]"22
Part two of the three-part season finale. The main characters come together in New York, but not all of the heroes will survive.[4]

"How to Stop an Exploding Man [4]"23
Part three of the three-part season finale. The main characters come together in New York, but not all of the heroes will survive.[4]

A serious case of addiction

2007-03-08T13:11:00.000+08:00

First of all, a Happy Chinese Piggy Year to all my fellow bloggers and friends. Have been really busy the past months and with work and tv, I didn't have much time to update my blog...*haa*

Anyway, it looks like I will not be able to achieve my SMART Goal of not watching too much tv and korean/hk drama series afterall. We have just crossed the 1st quarter of 2007 and I have already completed watching the following series in VCD/DVDs (the below does not include the series which I watch on Cable Channel 55!!!):

1. Which Star Did You Come From? (Korean Drama) 2 *
2. The Wedding (Korean Drama) 1 *
3. The Rookie (Korean Drama) 1 *
4. Supernatural 2 (US) 3 *
5. Heroes (US) 3 *
6. Sweet Property (TVB HK Drama) 2 *
7. Land of Wealth (TVB HK Drama) 3 *
8. The Charm Beneath (TVB HK Drama) 3 *
9. Hana-Kimi (Taiwanese Drama) 4 *

4 * I’m thinking about the series, the plot and the stars night & day….Serious case of addiction!
3 * I’m Hooked! Going without sleep….It’s 2am but still gotta go on watching….
2 * Watch if got time and no other things to watch
1 * Don’t waste time, give this a miss…zzzzzzzzz

My latest addiction is the new Taiwanese idol hit Hana-Kimi (starring Ella of SHE and Wu Zun of Farenheit). The plot though simple and common, is heart-warming and really cute and hilarious. The synopsis goes like this:

After watching a high jump competition on TV, Lu Rui Xi is so inspired by a jumper named Zuo Yi Quan, she decides to transfer to his school. The problem: she is a girl, and he attends an all-boy school. Solution: She becomes a boy. Thus, she begins her uphill battle to disguise her true gender and show Quan she is his #1 fan.

What Rui Xi doesn't know is that Quan has discovered her secret. However, he is keeping the secret for her and from her. Why? He likes her and doesn't want her to leave his side. If that means treating her as one of the guys and helping her passing off as a guy, then so be it.
Rui Xi's "manliness" couldn't fool her classmate Jin Xiu Yi's girl radar. However, since Xiu Yi is under the assumption that no girl can attend all-boy school, he starts to question his own sexual orientation when he falls in love with Rui Xi, the boy.

Like what odd melody mentioned, Wu Zun is really good looking. Besides his good looks, he has a good bod to boast as well. (salivate yet again…). Ella on the other hand is ermm… really funny looking and if one looks carefully, she actually has a moustache! Anyway, I do feel that the stars’ acting is a tad too expressive for my liking but it’s the typical taiwanese fashion. Overall, the series is very enjoyable and I was laughing all the way….

Ella as Lu Rui Xi 盧瑞莃 (manga: Mizuki Ashiya)
Wu Chun as Zuo Yi Quan 左以泉 (manga: Izumi Sano)
Jiro Wang as Jin Xiu Yi 金秀伊 (manga: Nakatsu Shuiichi)
Tang Yu Zhe as Liang Si Nan 梁思南 (manga: Nanba Minami)

Tang Zhi Ping as Mei Tian 梅田 (manga: Umeda Hokuto - the school doctor

Red Hot Chili Pepper!

2007-01-21T23:19:00.000+08:00

The recent spike in the price of chili spurred my determination to grow my own!

Look! This particular pot is for one of my friends who swears she does not have green fingers, so I'm helping her grow the chili plant up to mature stage before handing it to her.

Actually, my maid is the one with green fingers, so far, besides chili, we now have curry leaf plant and the mandarin orange plant.

Can't wait for my chili plant to bear fruit. Somehow, home-grown chilies taste better!

Great Food - Han Kee Fish Soup from Amoy Food Centre

2007-01-21T23:06:00.000+08:00

This is my favourite fish soup stall. I am a fish soup fanatic and I have tried many many different stalls, but nothing beats the fish soup from Han Kee @ Amoy Food Centre.

Those who have been to Amoy Food Centre will know that there are many fish soup stalls. However, you gotta try THE fish soup from Han Kee.

For a mere S$3.50, you get more about 15 slices of supple, "spring-y" and fresh fish. The soup base is not oily, clear and so tasty - full of flavour from the sweetness of the fish. There are also lots of vegetables and you can even ask for more!

The others at Amoy, I found them to be expensive (about $7), super oily (cos' they add lard pieces) and after drinking a few spoons of the soup, you'll feel very thirsty (abundant MSG present??)

So if you have time, head down to Amoy and try the healthy fish soup from Han Kee!

Han Kee Fish Soup

2nd Floor Amoy Food Centre (opp Tai Seng Noodles)

I'm a trained martial arts exponent!

2007-01-21T23:01:00.000+08:00

Just mere months in my new job, I'm already a trained and qualified 6 Sigma Green Belt! Look at my belt! Cool.....

Resolutions!

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

Decided to add a touch of SMART to my 2007 goals this year:

1. Lose Weight and be healthy-Lose at least 5 kg by Dec 2007
Action1: Join a gym or jog at least 2 rounds in Yunnan Gardens
Action2: Cut down on carbs and sweets (chocs/ice-cream)

2. Spend more quality time with Helena
Action1: Take maximum 2 nights/days off each week
Action2: Watch less Korean / HK drama

3. Spend more quality time with mummy
Action1: Go on a trip with her by Sept 2007

4. Save more money!

TVB Drama - Land of Wealth

2007-01-06T03:41:00.000+08:00

Just completed this new series "Land of Wealth" starring my fave male TVB stars Moses Chan & Steven Ma. The female leads include Sonja Kwok & Tavia Yeung.

This series is about China's first bank. It tells a tragic tale of corrupt officials, their wrong-doing, and heart-wrenching regrets between the relationships of the main characters. I simply love the costumes they used in this series which are very much comparable to those in War & Beauty.

I rate it 7.5/10. I preferred "Safe Guards" which also starred Steven Ma as he had a better and 'meatier' role to play.

Photo Gallery

2007-01-06T03:32:00.000+08:00

hele & her milk

hele screaming at me for taking away her milk

hele at the zoo with her grandparents

hele asking grandparents to buy her a balloon

hele in her x'mas present from aunt karen

Project Superstar 2

2006-12-30T02:59:00.000+08:00

I am a fan of all singing competitions and talent time programs etc.

Friends will know that I was religiously keeping track of last year's Project Superstar. The fact that my colleague's son (Hong JunYang) was in the top finalists sorta played a role but nevertheless, I seek pleasure in hearing the criticisms and comments the judges have to make each week. Unlike the vague and nonsensical comments we hear so often in Singapore Idol, the Project Superstar Judges have more depth and truth in their comments. I like the fact that they were able to demonstrate their point by singing aloud or even physically show them what stance or pose they are looking for in a Superstar. Most of time, I like to second-guess their comments. *sigh* If I were young 10 years......

Well anyway, this year is no exception. I have been keeping track of this program (male contestants...never really interested in the female contestants) My favourite contestant is Daren. I feel he has a lot of potential to go far. With rebellious good looks (in a ah-beng kinda fashion), he did well in following the korean/taiwan kinda footsteps with his dressing & poise. Kinda like his voice as well and so far I feel he did well in both slow as well as fast numbers!

X'mas Presents!

2006-12-30T02:43:00.000+08:00

As with every X'mas, friends and relatives exchange presents. This year is no exception. My presents range from food hampers, cosmetics, assessories (earrings, jade/diamond crucifix pendent), hello kitty collectibles, t-shirts, belts, lingerie, bolden cups, cosmetic pouches, photo frames and cash.

Each gift is special in their own special way and I know my friends /relatives had thought hard on what to get specially for me.

The one gift I which I think is really unique and different from what I used to receive is this satin embroidered lingerie bag. It keeps all the lingerie items neatly in your suitcase when you travel and prevents awkward situations where the custom officers need to check your bags. Instead of letting everyone see your intimate pieces, it is secured neatly in a lovely bag. See pix! So lovely right?

Shopping in Tuas

2006-12-22T13:57:00.000+08:00

Who says that Tuas is a boring place and that we can't do any shopping?

In actual fact, Tuas is full of little treasures and surprises. For the last couple of months, my colleagues and I discovered the Meiji factory and their 'public sales' every friday. All types of meiji products are sold at a discounted price. It's really quite a good buy as compared to buying from the supermarket.

Today, I discovered the Sintex textile factory. They were having their year-end sales and everything were like 80% off. From Mattresses, Pillows, Bedlinen, Towels to clothes? See the crowd?

Within an hour, I got the following:

Quilt cover + Pillow cases
Bolster case
2 anti-mites pillows
1 cotton quilt/comforter

and all for $50/-!!! Is that cheap or what...ordinarily, it'd cost me more than $100....*smirk look*

My Little X'mas Hele

2006-12-21T00:47:00.000+08:00

Cards Galore!

2006-12-12T14:03:00.000+08:00

Just discovered the number of discount/membership cards I have! I think this is a trademark of all women....fat wallets or card holders filled with cards such that its nearly bursting its seams. They'll collect whatever discount/membership card there are. Even if it is to spend an extra $XX just to get the privilege...they'll do it....I'm speaking from experience.

Now, I'm in the process of collecting another. The LOEWE membership card! Just accumulate S$6K and I'll be able to get a LOEWE membership privilege card with 10% off every purchase. So...my fellow readers...if you are intending to get anything from LOEWE, please quote my name (dear friends, you should know who!!)....I gain you gain right? We'll be able to get 10% off any purchase in the shop!!!

Anyway, the following are the cards/privileges which I have amassed. If you need to make a purchase (which you feel can wait), feel free to borrow from me the card/s.... most of the cards give 10% unless stated otherwise!

Membership/Discount Cards

Fashion-wear & Beauty!!
77th Street
Fashion Lab
Isetan
Mango (5%)
PMK Milk
OP (15%)
Origins (stamps)
Ettusais (stamps)
Icon by Shunji-Matsuo (stamps)

Baby stuff!
Kiddy Palace
Tom & Stephanie

Others
Ikea Friends
Far East Orchid
Sembawang Music Store (stamps)
Kopitiam
Ramen Ramen (stamps)
Hockhua Ginseng BirdnestEu Yen Sang

X'mas Shopping (for myself)

2006-12-12T09:43:00.000+08:00

I finally got a black hand-carry handbag for myself!!! Had been scouting for one for the longest time. Went from Singapore to Hong Kong and also considered a AAA product but I just couldn't find anything I really liked. It's either too small or too big or too expensive or the fabric not right or it just didn't look good on me....considered the prada cervo antik, miu miu and dior but like I said, there's just something missing.

So anyway, went shopping alone yesterday and found 2 bags which I liked. The first piece was a Dior, black calf leather with the signature Dior silver metallic "D" buckle. The thing that really attracted me was the 50% discount. It was a shoulder carry bag which rather suit me as well. I nearly wanted to make my purchase then but I thought, why not just walk a little further down to Loewe to check their bags first? And so I did! The moment I stepped in, I was immediately attracted to one of the Amazon emblem (with the logo embossed on the front) series. It was unlike the other hand-carry boxy rectangular ones, this one was shaped a little different and it could be hand or shoulder carried! The only turn-off is that its suede and I was afraid that it would be high maintenance. But the beauty of the bag won me over....see my buy!

The usual Loewe Amazon series which I didn't fancy:

So after spending like @#$% on this bag, I went on spend more money at the Anna Sui counter where I got it's "award-winning" perfume and make-up remover. Figured out I had to buy after hearing so much hype about it! (basically from my sister who swears by Anna Sui). In anycase, the packaging is simply too pretty to give it a miss....

See the bottle, it's so pretty! The rest were free gifts (toiletries bag, toner, face serum and a small face towel). Actually, I was only prepared to get the perfume but I am such a sucker for free gifts that I decided to get the make-up remover in order to reach the value where I can get the free gift! *shhessh*

Wanted to try out the SKII face powder as well but felt guilty about soending so much money that I decided to stick back to what I was using. I had no idea that the SKII powder cost so much?!

So anyway, in a mere 2 hrs, I spent @#$% *Somehow I just can't stop myself...I'm addicted!* Bought some Christmas presents as well but that is a another story for another day. You guys should see my Christmas presents. Once I post that up, everyone will wanna be my friend.....

School for Helena

2006-12-08T13:52:00.000+08:00

Children has a inborn 8-beat rhythm. Helena loves showing off her dancing skills. For the first 8 beats, it would be "Doing the Twist", then it would be "Stationery Running", followed by the "Breakdance". It's quite a laugh.

Recently, I started to bring Helena to KinderMusik at Tanglin Mall. Since she enjoys dancing, why not start developing her professionally? Besides, it would tire her and make her sleep well after that...or so I thought. Instead, I was the tired one! I spent the 1 hr session trying to catch and hold her so that she would do the exercises with me but...the little bugger is so independant, she'd prefer to do on her own.

All in all, the 1 hour is pretty fun and I know she enjoys it immensely.

Japan - Autumn Beauty

2006-12-03T10:33:00.000+08:00

Been asked to blog about my Japan Trip but the problem is that there is simply too much to share and too many pictures to wanna show....so much so that I simply don't know where to start.... here are some pcitures to share...

Mt. Fuji - up at the 5th station

Tokyo - Shinjuku's city scene

Hakone - Morning scene

Tsukiji Fish Market - early morning action

Sashimi - glorious food

My friend Oddlysimple wrote about our trip so if you are interested...please refer to:

www.oddlysimple.blogspot.com

New Toy

2006-12-03T10:09:00.000+08:00

I got the Canon Selphy printer as a birthday gift from a friend a couple of months ago but never did have the chance to use it. Recently, I tried to print out some pictures which we took in Japan and my friends were quite impressed by it!

The photo paper comes in a few varieties...sticker format (like the neoprint) and postcards but the most important of all is that it's easy and simple to use! Simply connect the camera to the print and print! Or download the program into your PC and print pictures from your PC. It's pretty cool. See the result! Pretty cool eh?

The model (CP510) which I have is the older version. The newer version (CP710) has a screen which shows the picture you wanna print and there is direct memory card slots as well. This printer is especially useful if you are the sort who just wanna print 1 or 2 pcs of photos for keepsake. No need to walk all the way to the developing centre to print your photos any longer.

Movie Review - Casino Royale

2006-12-01T00:21:00.000+08:00

I went to watch Casino Royale even though the reviews about it weren't fantastic. Friends told me that the new James Bond (played by Daniel Criag) is not befitting the Bond image...that the plot is weak and all....well after watching the movie...i beg to differ....

Based on the first of Ian Fleming’s novels, ‘‘Casino Royale’’ is an origin story (very much like ‘‘Batman Begins’’ — a movie that went back to the past to tell the tale). Many aspects of this Bond movie made it stand out from the rest. First of all, this James Bond had to work really hard. He was beaten up, tortured, scolded, back-stabbed and left heart-broken. And even though Daniel Criag lacked the poise and elegance of the other Bonds, I rather liked his portrayal. He gives more depth into the personality and made Bond a more believable character.

Other ritual aspects of the 007 mythos are also missing, eg. there’s no Q with his fabulous gadgets, no Miss Moneypenny, no villain trying to vaporize the world by satellite. And frankly speaking, personally I feel that ‘‘Casino Royale’’ is better off without them.

James Bond's first 007 mission takes him to Madagascar, where he is to spy on a terrorist organisation. Not everything goes as planned and Bond decides to investigate, in order to track down the rest of the terrorist cell. The story even packs in a few twists to keep the audience at the edge of their seats. I was especially captivated by the first few scenes where Bond had to chase down a bomber whose skills could give the 'Ong Bak' guy a run for the money.

Casino Royale displays the young 007’s arrogance and immaturity but also shows him tempered by mistakes. At the end of it, the James Bond we know finally emerges: wiser and less emotional.

Pre-Prep for Tokyo Trip

2006-10-15T02:40:00.000+08:00

My tokyo trip is costing me a bomb! yes...even before even stepping into Tokyo, I have spent a bomb. Went shopping today and bought A LOT of stuff for the trip. Yes, my friends and I wanted to look the fashionable part while we are there...maybe it's us watching too many korean drama so much so that we wanna dress like them too..."Ha Ri Ha Han" syndrome? My other half keeps reminding us that we are not young anymore...so it's best not to try dressing up like a 18 yr old korean sweet young thing....Hmmphh...I'll show him....

Anyway, bought the following stuff today, think I spent like $500 bucks today...*sheesshh*:

Timberland boots
sharp toed court shoes (popular in HK/Korea)
1 mango sweater
1 mango leggings
1 hat/cap/baret? (or whatever you call it)
1 pair of levi's ladies jeans
3 zara cardis (for work)
1 work pants (for work)
1 topshop dress (for work)

See my new shoes!

Of course, some of the stuff were for work. Oh! My new work place is pretty formal...no jeans...no t-shirts etc...so I'm running out of stuff to wear....I have no choice but to revamp my wardrobe. So I expect to spend more $$$ on that area. *sigh* excuses Excuses eh?

Re: Helena's 1st Birthday

2006-10-15T02:34:00.000+08:00

Just discovered my sister did a running commentary on Hele's birthday....have a read...it's hilarious

http://wenntan.livejournal.com/61403.html#cutid1

btw, hele is 'disfigured' at the moment...poor thing...went to see the doc twice this week. doc not sure what happened to her face either....looks like some kind of insect bite but it could be allergy as well... poor thing....

Well despite looking like this, she still managed to charm quite a few guys...hey...my daughter is getting really good at this skill...*I should worry very soon* My other half's cousin treated us to a sumptous meal at Grand Hyatt's Straits Kitchen today. I have not been to the Straits kitchen since like 6/7 years ago and boy, had it changed! It cost like $58+++ for a local delights buffet. Normally, I wouldn't have though much of local treats but to my surprise, it was really good. From Hainanese chicken, roast duck, prawn noodles, mini buddha jump over wall to middle eastern delights. It was quite an extensive spread. Food was delicious. Food aside, the service is excellent! The waiters/waitresses were always ready to serve and they were friendly, made recommendations and even serve drinks (even though we were supposed to get them ourselves)! You gotta try this place...

Wait.. I digressed....I was talking about Hele. Well anyway, she smiled and charmed at all the chefs, waiters and waitresses that they even carried (babysit) her around the restaurant. Boy! She is one charming little lady......

My Lucky Girl

2006-10-08T23:35:00.000+08:00

No..this is not refering to yet another korean drama...I am refering to my baby toddler helena....my dad in law just got back from an overseas trip and bought yet another suitcase full of apparel and shoes for her....her wardrobe is officially more well-stocked than mine and her shoes, close to exceeding mine....

See her shoes...some of which are much more expensive than mine....

Her latest picture.....

My Baby Helena 1st Birthday!

2006-10-08T22:54:00.000+08:00

Time really flies....my baby is now 1 year old. To be accurate...she's called a toddler now...not a baby....

Celebrated her 1st birthday 2 weeks' ago...and yes, in the usual big way (since I was the one handling it), where approximately 60 guests or so attended. Catered food, a Lana Chocoloate birthday cake, MEIJI choc/biscuits for doorgifts and even after dinner entertainment like Flooshball and bowling. Yes, my daughter is a really special and lucky girl. Not sure if she enjoyed it but her mummy certainly did... Oh Yah...even found 2 prospective son-in-laws during the party as well....good family, good boys and cute as well....Hele's father wouldn't agree of course...to him, all guys are jerks and wolves.

Everything Korean....

2006-10-08T17:52:00.000+08:00

Okay...I know I haven't been updating my blog....but thats because I was really really preoccupied with KOREAN DRAMAS!!! Yes...ursweetlullaby is officially an OBASAN....Aunty..whatever...

Here are the dramas which I watched with a span of 1 week!!!! There are a couple more than what's listed here but I couldn't find any pix so here is what I have!

Sweet 18!

A story about the love between a 28 and 18 year old couple! A starry-eyed and mischievous high school girl and an public prosecutor. They overcome their age difference and an equally vast gap in social status and upbringing to weave a cute yet sweet love in a comical spin.

Watching this show made me wonder if there is any husband in the world as sweet and compromising as "Da Shu" *sigh*

Recommended - 8/10, guaranteed to give you a warm and fuzzy feeling...

Marry a Millionaire

This series is the worst of the lot....Ultimately boring.....I struggled to get through with it......About this couple who joined a reality programme similar to the American version of "Marry a Millionaire" where the guy turned to be a bogey...poor bugger... And their love story stas that way...*sigh*....Not too romantic..not touching...stupid storyline....

Score - 3/10, Watch if you have no time....ermmm neh...dun even try watching this...

My Sassy Girl - Chun Hyang

The story begins when Lee Mong-ryong is transferred from Seoul to a high school in Namwon, North Jeolla Province. Chun-hyang does her best to help Mong-ryong, her first love and the son of the Namwon Police Station chief, to enter a prestigious university.

As in all korean dramas, there is always another guy who is smitten and undyingly in love with the female lead....Byeon Hak-do, CEO of a famous entertainment company, appears in her life. Byeon Hak-do is determined to make her love him. The unique thing about this drama is the prologue of each episode where they showed the past life? Traditional version of the story of Chun Hyang....Funny....

Recommended - 7/10, rather draggy towards the end but all in all pretty entertaining....

A Wonderful Life!

A story about a young couple who had a child as a result of a one night stand together and how they tried to oversome their personal committments and circumstances to bring up their child. I cried buckets towards the end when their child fell ill....My other half also had tears when he watched briefly with me. I thought the story is pretty different from the other series I watched.

Recommended: 7.5/10! Stirred up lots of maternal feelings....

My personal favorite! My Girl!

Ju Yoo-rin is a tour guide proficient in English, Chinese, and Japanese. Seol Gong Chan is the second generation heir of a big corporation. Because of his grandfather's illness, he's forced to ask Yoo-rin to be his long-lost cousin so that his grandfather's last wish can be fullfilled. So therefore, they both are bound in a lie that no-one in the family knows the truth. Gong Chan is in love with Kim Sae-hyun who is a famous tennis star with the nickname "Sharapova of Korea". Also starring Seo Jeong-woo (Lee Joon Ki, known for his role in the 2006 movie "The King and the Clown" ) who fell for Yoo-rin.

I seldom laughed out loud while watching comedies but I laughed till I fell off the couch while watching My Girl! It's really very cute!

The special thing about this series is that it's connected to "My Sassy Girl, Chun Hyang!" Watch it! Highly recommended! - 9/10!

Princess Hours (Goong)

2006-09-09T00:10:00.000+08:00

Just finished watching Princess Hours (Goong)!! I was so addicted that I took a day's leave just to watch the entire series!!! It was disk after disk the entire day......Made Hele watch with me too (god....I am a terrible mother!) but she got bored after a while and crawled away....talk about not being ready to be a Korean buff Obasan....#$%@!!!

But yes, Goong is definitely worth watching. I thought FullHouse was a fluke (one of Korean's better makes ...of course having Rain & Song Hui Jiao helped a great deal) but after Goong, I finally understand why so many 'aunties'/obasan are so addicted to korean dramas... The men are simply so romantic....*sigh*...They say things like "I miss you...even when I'm looking at you, I am still missing you...." or "Thoughts of you run in my head and everywhere around you, I think of you so much that I cannot breath" or "I will wait for you even if it takes 2500 years...." or "My goal is life is small, so as long I can make you smile..." errmm...You get the drift... If Singaporean men can bare their soul or say such things....

Goong is a love story surrounding four 19 year-old students, 2 of whom are princes. The heroine is the absolutely cute and 'un-princess like' Shen Cai Jin who was betrothed to the crown prince. The crown prince had a former love who kept bugging him. To make matters more complicated, the ex-crown prince (cousin of crown prince) came back to Korea after 14 years overseas and fell in love with Cai Jin. The story encompasses ambition, palace tradition, rules & regulations, friendship, revenge and love which makes this story even more interesting. The heroes of the story? Xin Jun (crown prince) & Lu Jun (ex-crown prince) and their moving lines made me cry buckets of tears. I am especially moved by Lu Jun who had such unconditional love for Cai Jin. His concern, gentleness & thoughtfulness touched me so much that I used up 1 entire packet of tissue paper. Xin Jun is charismatic and tough 'man' character can make any women swoon...*sigh*...Watch it and you'll know what I mean....

On top of that, the songs are really good too. Click on this link to hear the theme song!:

mms://aod.mylisten.com/aod/0/20/071020_0920179.wma

'Crocodile Hunter' Irwin killed

2006-09-04T17:57:00.000+08:00

I don't believe this! My fave naturalist is killed while in action! Animal Planet & National Geographic will never be the same! I actually think this guy is crazy but you've gotta admit it..he has lots of passion for the wildlife.

I have a feeling the stingray stung him cos' Irwin probably irritated the hell out of him...

Here is the BBC report:

Irwin with crocodiles Australian naturalist and television personality Steve Irwin has been killed by a stingray during a diving expedition off the Australian coast.

Mr Irwin, 44, died after being struck in the chest by the stingray's barb while he was filming a documentary in Queensland's Great Barrier Reef. Paramedics from Cairns rushed to the scene but were unable to save him. Mr Irwin was known for his television show The Crocodile Hunter and his work with native Australian wildlife. Police in Queensland confirmed the environmentalist's death and said his family had been notified. Mr Irwin was married with two young children.

"It is believed that Mr Irwin collapsed after being stung by a stingray at Batt Reef off Port Douglas at about 1100 (0100 GMT)," a police statement quoted by AFP news agency said.
"His crew called for medical treatment and the Queensland medical helicopter responded. However Mr Irwin had died."

The stingray is a flat, triangular-shaped fish, commonly found in tropical waters.
It gets its name from the razor-sharp barb at the end of its tail, coated in toxic venom, which the animal uses to defend itself with when it feels threatened. Attacks on humans are a rarity - only one other person is known to have died in Australia from a stingray attack, at St Kilda, Melbourne in 1945. "Stingrays only sting in defence, they're not aggressive animals so the animal must have felt threatened. It didn't sting out of aggression, it stung out of fear," Dr Bryan Fry, Deputy Director of the Australian Venom Research Unit at the University of Melbourne said. Experts say that while painful, stingray venom is rarely lethal and it would have been the wound caused by the barb itself, which could measure up to 20cm long, which proved fatal.

"What happened to Steve Irwin is like being stabbed in the heart. It has little to do with the venom and all to do with the trauma caused by the barb of the stingray," Dr Geoff Isbister, a clinical toxinologist at the Mater Hospital in Newcastle, Australia, said. Mr Irwin had built up what was a small reptile park in Queensland into what is now Australia Zoo, a major centre for Australian wildlife. He was famous for handling dangerous creatures such as crocodiles, snakes and spiders, and his documentaries on his work with crocodiles drew a worldwide audience.
But he also courted controversy with a series of stunts.

He sparked outrage across Australia after cradling his one-month-old son a metre away from the reptile during a show at Australia Zoo.

An investigation was launched into whether Mr Irwin and his team interacted too closely with penguins and whales while filming in the Antarctic, but no action was taken.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer praised Mr Irwin for his work to promote Australia.
"The minister knew him, was fond of him and was very, very appreciative of all the work he'd done to promote Australia overseas," Mr Downer's spokesman said.

The Cervo Antik Bag by Prada

2006-08-29T21:59:00.000+08:00

The Cervo Antik Bag......Arrrgghh.....I need you!!!!!

I'm 30!

2006-08-23T21:19:00.000+08:00

Oh God! I've hit the big 3!!!

Botox....Meso....Thermage.....IPL.....here I come....

$$$ gone??

Discover Hong Kong!

2006-08-10T21:42:00.000+08:00

Just came back from a wonderful trip in Hong Kong...shopping trip to be exact... It was God's blessing that we didn't get hit by typhoon while we were there.....it was a close call. Our flight was delayed though and it was then that I discovered the difference between SIA and Cathay Pac....Imagine being stuck in the plane for a whole 4 hours! No food no drinks served, no air-con...it was hot and stuffy and everybody were starving...SQ will never allow their passengers to suffer like that! Was suppose to fly off at 815am initially but our original flight was cancelled due to the typhoon. I had to join a queue (approximately the length of the Tuas Sin/Malaysia causeway) to get a rescheduled flight. But due to my great personality (ahem!), I made friends with another fellow passenger who had lobang to get the new flights in a much much shorter queue (6-8 pax at most in the queue)! Haaa! I managed to get a 1015 flight in a mere 45 mins (by then the original queue I was in hardly even moved!). When we all thought that that was the end of our bad luck, the pilot announced that the airline had to renegotiate the air routes through Ho Chi Minh city as they did not recognise the new flight numbers...the negotiation took 4 HOURS!!! Why they didn't let us off to walk around the airport is beyond me...Inconvenience?? It's not right that they make us sit in the plane for 4 hours as well with no food..no drinks and stuffy air....after much complaints they finally served us with ice-cream...can you believe that?

I only reached Hong Kong @ 2130hrs. 1 ENTIRE DAY WASTED!!!! My mum and I decided to just walk around the hotel and wake up to an early start the next day instead...

This trip, I covered quite a bit of shopping ground...for the fashionable and the shopaholic....you might find this initinery helpful....

Day 1:

1000 hrs Wake up & have breakfast at Sweet Dynasty
(take MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui , exit Kowloon Park exit A. Walk all the way
till you see Harbour City. Turn right and you'll see Sweet Dynasty.
Must try the Congee Breakfast set)

1100 hrs After breakfast, shop at Harbour City. The Polo Palph Lauren shop is relatively
cheaper then Singapore and of course all of the branded luxury goods....Tods,
Gucci, Prada, Bottega...you name it, they are all there. On average, luxury
goods are about $300-400 cheaper than Singapore prices. So what are you
waiting for?

1400 hrs Lunch at Superstar restaurant
(Harbour City 5th Floor. Must try the cotton rabbits dessert and the Yellow
Oily Crab. I found the crab to be a little expensive so I had the Yellow Crab
Xiao Long Bao instead...if you like Ding Tai Fung, you'll love this!)

1600 hrs Proceed to Fa Yuen Street for more shopping!
(Take MTR to Mongkok. Mostly women's clothing, jeans, shoes & casual
wear. I bought like 20 top at one go!! Reasonably priced at HK$39 - 69 at
most (S$6-12)

2000 hrs Dinner at Yi Shun Dun Nai (Steamed Milk)
(Along Mongkok street. Main meals include Sliced Beef Macaroni. Must try the
famous Steamed Milk)

2100 hrs Continue to shop till close...

Day 2:

1000 hrs Wake up and have a sumptuous Tim Sum breakfast at Maxim's (Queen's Pier)
Take MTR to Central. Walk towards Queen's Pier. Maxim's is located at the 3rd
floor of the City Hall (exhibition hall) Opens at 11am from Mon - Sat. Opens from 0930 on
Sun. Gotta go early if you dun wanna queue for seats.

1130 hrs Take train to Causeway Bay
Explore Times Square, Sogo, Fashion Walk and Fashion Island. My personal favourite is
Island Beverly where the latest Korean/Japanese fashion are! Lots of accessories as
well. Most of the clothes are brought in from japan/korea. There is this shop called 2068
and Focus which I had some great buys!

Thirsty? Try a Cooling refreshing mango drink/dessert from Shui Hui Shan (Xu Liu Shan).
Outlets can be found anywhere in Hong Kong

1900 hrs Dinner at Soho & drinks at Lan Kwai Fung & party the night away!
(Take MTR to Central, pick any restaurant or pub that suits your fancy)

Day 3

1000 hrs Have breakfast at Tsui Wah Restaurant
(Available in Jordan / Mongkok area try the noodles/set lunch
set...approximately about HK$35-62)

1100 hrs Explore Fa Yuen Street (Sports Wear)
where the latest sports gear / shoes are found. cheap too! Adidas T shirt about HK$90
(S$15-18)

1400 hrs Lunch at Tai Xing Restaurant for Roast Meat!
(Try the Roast mix set 9includes Suckling Pig, Roast Goose, Soya Sauce
Chicken and several other)

1500 hrs Explore Ladies Street (Opp Fa Yuen down the road)
Get Souvenirs and all kinds of knick knacks there. There are a couple of Hello
Kitty shops as well if you are a fan of Kitty & Friends

2000 hrs Have dinner at Garden Restaurant, continue shopping & back to hotel to pack
up

Day 4:

Last Min Shopping! Home Sweet Home

If you are a fan of Lup Cheong (Chinese Sausage, get some form the HK airport. The Chinese Sausage is leaner and contains less fats)

See my shopping buys!

Recipe - Bi Bim Bak (Korean Beef & Vegetable Mix Rice)

2006-08-10T15:22:00.000+08:00

Bi Bim Bak - The Simplified Style! Good Nutritious meal! Easy to cook

1.5 cup of rice (Calrose, medium grain sticky rice)
a handful of soy bean sprouts
6 shiitake mushrooms
1/4 zucchini or cumcumber, sliced thinly to strips
Beef, thinly sliced
1/4 carrot, sliced thinly to strips
1/2 onion, sliced thinly
6 tbsp Korean chili paste
2 eggs
sesame oil
vegetable oil for sauteing
soy bean sprouts seasoning - 1 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp salt
a pinch of sugar
shiitake mushrooms seasoning - 1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp sugar
beef seasoning - 1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp minced garlic
pinch of pepper

Wash rice until the water comes out clean.

Add 2 cups of water, cook rice in a rice cooker

Marinate beef with seasoning

Soy bean sprouts -Wash and add to a pot, pour 1/2 cup water and a pinch of salt, cover the lid.Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cook for 5-7 minutes.Don't peek it, if they smell like cooked beans, they're done.Pour into a colander, let cool for a while.Add seasonings, mix.

Shiitake mushrooms - Dried ones need to be reconstituted, add warm water, leave until softened.Wash, squeeze out water, slice thinly.Add to a pan with seasonings, saute briefly.

Microwave carrots & cucumber strips

Saute beef on a high heat.

To assemble the bowl -Put rice on a bottom, arrange vegetables (Soy Bean Sprouts, cucumber, mushrooms, carrots) around.Add egg york (or sunny side up, or just fried) on top.

Serve with Korean Chili Paste and sesame oil.

Yummy!

Serves 2

Kiasu Parents?

2006-07-06T23:33:00.000+08:00

Great! I think I'm one of those parents...I have became a person whom I have hated much when I was younger....a kiasu parent.

Been talking to my friends and a couple of them actually told me that they know of people who enrolled her babies for music classes, baby gym, baby vocal / play-school when the baby is about 8-9 months old. Yes...8-9 months old. My eyes nearly popped out and I immediately went online to search for institutions that provide such services. Needless to say, when I told my other half about my intention to enroll her in music class, his already bulging eyes, popped out ever so slightly more. I got a stare and a remark which sounded like 'are you nuts?'. Even my parents reacted the same way. I mean...my mum is already super kiasu...(made me do like 130 assessment books when I was pri. 6 cos' she wanted to beat my cousin's record of 80 assessment books) and she thought I was mad...

So I guess...I became my own enemy....maybe I am really mad...

Ermm...

Baby Progress

2006-07-06T23:09:00.000+08:00

My baby is so incredibly cute! She is starting to do the following now:

Say 'Mum Mum' and smack her lips when there is food
Sing 'AHHHHHH' (during hymns) while she is at church
Identify 'Cookey', 'Cat Cat', and 'Fish'
Identify 'Mummy' by looking at me & patting my chest
Put her toys into her toy box when you ask her to
Take her toys out of her toy box when she wants to play
Looks for her 'precious' (aka her tut-tut - pacifier) when you hid it...looks under the pillow etc
Wave 'Bye Bye'*
Clap her hands
Crawl from one end of the house to the other in 10 seconds
Climb a flight of stairs
Stand on her own for 15 seconds without holding anything
Kiss when you ask her to* (it's not really a kiss...more like licking your face)
Sayang you (stroke your face) when you ask her to*
Play peek-a-boo using the curtains...(she knows how to pull the curtains aside to look for us on the other side)

*depends on mood though...

Soccer Mania?

2006-07-06T22:40:00.000+08:00

Believe it or not, I've not watched a single match in this world cup and yesterday I placed my first bet...using my gut and not my brians...if I had done more research (that is listening to Rod on Class 95), I would have bet on France instead. Sigh..some people are just not meant to gamble.

Wanted to take leave on 10 July so that I can watch the finals but alas, some $%^& person scheduled something at work for me, which I totally cannot shake off...so yes, I guess I am going to sleep through the entire World Cup.

Besides the 'exciting' matches and the $$$ involved in the world cup, there are also the incredibly gorgeous men...received this junk e-mail the other day....and yes, I agree with them totally...gorgeous...I have to catch at least the replay...the italian team is gorgeous.... Here are 5 whom I think are the drop-dead gorgeous ones...(gorgeous...not talking about football skills here)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Fabio Cannavaro - Italy
Date of birth: 13 Sept 1973 Height: 175 cm Weight: 72 kg Position:Defender
Current Club: Juventus (ITA)

Gasp! Possibly the most beautiful man in football today, Italy's skipper and the most capped player among the current Italian squad, Fabio Cannavaro is a stalwart of the Azzurri side. What he lacks in height, he makes up for with great anticipation, aggression and power - and of course a stunning body, complete with a face Michelangelo would have killed to sculpt.

2. David Beckham - England
Date of birth: 2 May 1975 Height: 182 cm Weight: 74 kg Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Real Madrid (ESP)

What more can be said about David Beckham. He's undeniably one of the world's most gorgeous men; a feature that's often overshadowed his sporting prowess. More than anything, however, Beckham is a dedicated professional, who takes immense pride in his role as England captain. His talent with a football was evident from an early age, and it has earned him unprecedented fame and wealth.

3. Andriy Shevchenko - Ukraine
Date of birth: 29 Sept 1976 Height: 183 cm Weight: 73 kg Position: Forward
Current Club: AC Milan (ITA)

Andriy Shevchenko has faced the seemingly impossible task of hauling his country along the path to Germany practically single-handed. Top scorer for his team and one of the most prolific in the European zone, the Ukrainian ace justified the faith of a nation every time he turned out. This 30 year old is a stunning looker, quite happy to model in front of the camera wearing very little indeed. This makes us very happy and should be encouraged.

4. Landon Donovan - US
Date of birth: 4 March 1982 Height: 173 cm Weight: 67 kg Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Los Angeles Galaxy (USA)

We could think of no better man tasked with popularising soccer in the US than the very desirable Landon Donovan. Blessed with an ability to press forward and get goals, he's described as the most talented and technically gifted American player of his generation. This 24 year old three-time American Footballer of the Year is a player worth watching on and off the soccer field.

5. Michael Owen - England
Date of birth: 14 Dec 1979 Height: 172 cm Weight: 67 kg Position: Forward
Current Club: Newcastle United (ENG)

Michael Owen was just 18 when he etched his name on to the minds of football fans around the world with one of the goals of the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He became an instant global soccer star. At thirty his wholesome boy next door good looks remain a football fantasy come to life.

2006-06-14T21:36:00.000+08:00

Supernatural

2006-06-07T08:01:00.000+08:00

Recently, I have discovered a great new series on cable - Supernatural. Action, drama and mystery, Supernatural tells a story about 2 brothers who travel all around the country to battle ghosts, demons and whatever eerie paranormal monsters you can think of.

Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles stars as the ill-fated Winchester brothers who have lost their loved ones to the evil forces. Bound by the need to seek the truth and revenge, they set off together to discover the mystery which had troubled them for more than 20 years.

The pace of every episode is exciting and thrilling, spurning tales of urban legends which would be familiar to us eg the 'Lady in White', 'Bloody Mary' story, Possesion of Death/Disaster etc. (Actually, the Bloody Mary story sorta reminded me of Ju-On story)

If you are a fan of horror & action and cute guys, watch it! I rate this series 9/10 with 1 extra point (that makes it 10/10) for the two brothers. They are sooo...cute....

2006-06-06T08:37:00.000+08:00

So Dark The Con of NUS

Have you seen this advert? Gosh! It's so lame, you just can't stop laughing...For those who have not, have a good laugh...How they came up with that idea, I can't imagine but the NUS marketing people should be more humble...

Cute boys of NUS?? I was rolling around when they said that...

New Shopping Haven

2006-06-05T22:58:00.000+08:00

Heard so much about People's park Complex these days that I decided I should go check it out myself. And wow! I was in for a pleasant surprise! Gone were the days where People's Park was just for the old fogies where they eat, drink beer and chat. The newly renovated People's Park is upmarket, trendy and interesting. Some of the stalls were decorated and furnished in a way which remind me of the Lupin Market (Bangkok) and most had air-conditioning as well, so it was not as hot as I remembered it to be.

The 2nd floor was essentially selling textiles, buttons, toiletries and all kinds of knick knacks but that's not my area of interest. The 3rd floor was a shopping haven! Most of the fashion apparel are the latest from Hong Kong and South Korea. And the best part is they are really reasonably priced! I bought a pair of pants at $30 and a pair of shorts/bermudas at $25 (after GSS discount - yes, they are also part of the participating outlets in the GSS!!).

The food centre on the 1st floor was also renovated. Not sure if the old stalls are still there but the famous Yong Tau Foo stall is definitely still around (and still sporting the long queue). I had Big Prawn Noodles and it was really good. The prawns were enormous.

Hey, if you are tired of the Orchard shops and crowd, why not just take a trip down to Chinatown, I guarantee that it'll be worth your while, whether it's shopping or food.

Movie Review - 1. X-Men 3, 2. Da Vinci Code

2006-05-28T22:00:00.000+08:00

X-men 3 - The Last Stand

I am not a X-men fan. In fact, I have never read any of the comics before. But, I have never missed any of the X-men trilogy. It has never failed or disappointed me so far, X-men 3 is no exception. I simply loved it!

It was more than i expected! I thought with the new director in charge wont be the same as the other two but hey it kept me locked in my seat and my eyes open wide not to lose any action! I never have much faith in trilogies...somehow the 2nd or 3rd sequel can never measure up (except for the Indiana Jones series!). Not for X-men...it just keeps getting better.

Brilliant special effects! The special effects came to a climax during a huge faceoff staged at Alcatraz with both the bad and good mutants pitting their powers against each other. Most important addition to the X-Men's ranks is the peaceable Dr. Hank McCoy, aka Beast (Kelsey Grammer), whose physical actions are as nimble as his intellect. New characters emerge as well, for example Angel (played by Ben Foster) whose body and wings are both equally beautiful and Jimmy (Cameron Bright), a boy with the ability to dispel mutant powers. Jean is also transformed into The Phoenix... Didn't really liked her though, she look nothing like a bright beautiful Phoenix...looked more like a monster. Arrgghh....

My only regret is probably that the movie seems rather short as compared to the previous 2 X-men series. Many of the characters are not given much screen time (many of Magneto's lackeys seem rather interesting) and the emotional discharge of the entire movie is rather choppy (scenes between Rogue and Bobby aka Ice-man).

I won't say more about the story now but let me me just give you a little tip - give the people behind this movie a little credit and stay through the entire movie. There is a little epilogue at the end which most people actually missed! ;-)

Hopefully there is gonna be a 4th in this trilogy! That would be fantastic! I rate this movie 8/10!

Da Vinci Code

Before I begin, I must admit that I am a fan of Dan Brown. I think he is absolutely brilliant. Don't get me wrong...I am not professing that I believe in his theories but I think he is brilliant to be able to spin such an exciting and controversial yarn. The way he pieces together his findings and subsequently coming up with all the riddles, codings and symbols really intrigued me. I wish to remind everyone that this book is listed under fiction, NOT theology, so it's pretty stupid to be upset by some of the questions it raises about Christ. Secondly, many hated the story because of its historical inaccuracy, again, READ MY LIPS.....FICTION! Alamak...so much fuss over this story...actually, it's probably just playing into Dan Brown's ploy...the more controversy...the better the book sells...*haaa* Yes, I am a fan of the Da Vinci Code. When I heard that they are making the Da Vinci Code into a movie, I was pretty excited. Tom Hanks and Ron Howard? 2 of the best in the movie world! I couldn't wait.

Alas, before going to see this movie, the reviews I read screamed at me "AWFUL! BORING! PUT ME TO SLEEP!" I went in with some misgivings. The truth is, most movies never measured up to the book.

After watching it yesterday, I thought it wasn't that bad. It was probably only the beginning of the movie which emerged rather murky with little explanation so it is a quite difficult to comprehend. I sorta pitied those who didn't read the book. Problem with making this movie is that there are just too many details to contend with. The rest of the movie was pretty enjoyable though but if you are expecting some hard core action, this is not the movie for you. This movie does not strive to swoon you with an epic love story either. It only makes you want to see the truth behind the story, it makes you wanna think a little harder....(which is not necessary a bad thing)

This movie also boasts of a star-studded cast and some of the performances are outstanding. Most notably, Sir Ian McKellan brought a real flair as the eccentric English historian, Sir Leigh Teabing. Paul Bettany as Silas, the deadly albino monk, was also skillfully performed. The only person who probably disappointed me in the acting was Hanks. I thought he lacks the dashing and charismatic qualities which Robert Langdon.

I would recommend that you watch the movie before reading the book. You will probably enjoy the suspense a little more.

I rate this movie 6.5/10.

GSS!

2006-05-27T03:01:00.000+08:00

Yippee!

It's the Great Singapore Sale again...this is the time when I stocked up on everybody's Christmas/Birthday presents. Through experience, I know I actually saved at least 30% of the cost when i shopped for presents during the GSS.

Will keep this blog updated on the great places/bargains if I do come across....

Meanwhile, I have updated my online shopping sites as well. Was introduced to 3 websites selling korean fashion/clothing. The price is very reasonable (in the range of $20 - 50) Comes with free postage as well if you purchase above a certain amount. And believe it or not, they are also participants of the GSS so you can get about 20% off the listed price!

Here are some samples of the clothing they have...it's so pretty!

Btw, if anybody has good websites to purchase handbags, please let me know...am looking for one (leather / trendy / of a good size)

My Fave XXL Chicken

2006-05-27T02:41:00.000+08:00

Went down to town today to catch X-Men III and have dinner with my other half. I had my favorite Oyster Mee Sua (for me, minus the oysters cos' I wanna puke once they get into my mouth) and of course the XXL Crispy Chicken. These outlets should be working like a franchise correct (which means the quality of the food should be consisent across all the different outlets)? But somehow, the one I had today was a little disappointing...first of all it wasn't crispy...and secondly, there weren't enough of chili powder...

I remember that I first "fell in love" with the XXL Chicken when i first tried it at the IMM stall. It was super hot (both in temperature & on the taste buds)! But it was really good....got standard man....

To make matters worse, the sales girl at the stall was really rude. I had completed my orders with her and was just waiting for my food. She seemed available as well (I mean, she wasn't cooking or frying anything then) Another customer was next to me then and he tried to place his orders. The girl simply told him "WAIT", continue to ignore him and stood there waiting for her colleagues to pack my orders. It was only after I have taken my food that she turned to him and asked for his orders. Come to think of it....she offered no smiles or greetings at all to any customers while I was there. Talk about GEMS (Go an Extra Mile for Service)....

"Bad Day"

2006-05-27T01:54:00.000+08:00

I simply loved this song by Daniel Powter...it's just so catchy and fun to sing as well.

I bought his CD just a couple of days ago. I have this strange nasty habit of buying an entire disk solely because of 1 song that I liked so I was pretty prepared that I would be just replaying this song over and over again and ignoring the rest of the ablum...To my surprise, the CD turned out to be pretty good overall and I liked quite a number of them like "Jimmy Gets High", "Song 6", "Free Loop" and "Lie to Me"

His vocals remind me of the artistes in the Bee Gees era....kinda old-fashioned with the 'catty' shrills for the high notes. The rhythm and music feel of his songs also feels somewhat retro but it has a modern taste to it as well.....Can't put my finger to it...Listen to him and see his music video at http://www.danielpowter.com/

I rate this album 7.5/10!

My Dream Home?

2006-04-27T12:02:00.000+08:00

The 5-year commitment to HDB for my home is coming to an end this year. This is a rule which HDB had set for Singaporeans who had taken up the HDB grant when they purchased their flats.
So what does this mean? I am free to move to another place!

To be honest, I have been waiting for this day for the longest time. Let me tell you why:

I have been staying in the same place for the last 15 years (same apartment, same neighbourhood)
Where I stay is near the edge of Singapore!!! Far from town and any amenities…Only 2 buses available (the nearest MRT station being a ½ hour bus ride away)
I have always enjoyed looking at interior design magazines and moving to a new place would give me the opportunity to redesign/renovate all over again

Moving to another place does come with new set of problems. Some of the decision items which my other half and I have to go through together:

Should we get a private apartment or HDB?
If private, should we get a condominium or private apartment?
Should we consider freehold property or 99 yrs would do?
How big an apartment should I get?
Where should we move to? Nearer to town or suburbs again?
Should we stay with my in-laws?

Essentially, I would much prefer a private apartment that is freehold and preferably in the central/west area (Clementi / Holland / River Valley area) but then again I do not want to strapped to a humongous loan…*sigh* Decisions…decisions….

See some pictures of my dream home....

Planning for the After Life

2006-04-24T21:53:00.000+08:00

“… ..not a place to be sad, but to remember the people we care about and to give thanks to God”

I have never put much thought into this issue till recently. To me, this has always been a religious issue....In anycase, isn’t it a little morbid to buy a niche to house my ashes at this moment of my life? After all, I am just reaching the big 30…seems like a long time before I should think of planning for my after life.However, with life’s unpredictability, one can never know. Look at the daily Obituary and you’ll know (you must be thinking how perverse I am….not that I intentionally read that particular page but somehow when I spread the newspapers for my dog’s poo, it always turns out to be the Obituary, so I would normally look through it then). So now, I am seeing it with a practical point of view. Buying a niche, planning what type of rites, writing a will etc is all my way of making my children’s lives easier the day I pass on. I cannot imagine stressing my loved ones on such administrative decisions while they are grieving. In anycase, at least I am in a sane mind to make all the choices now.

Actually, I am fortunate enough to have somebody else (namely my mother-in-law) plan all that for me. Before my other half and I were officially married, a niche was already purchased under our names. Apparently, our niche is at floor which is at eye-level (hence the most expensive) and amongst relatives. Am looking at a ‘suitable unit’ now for my parents. It's like buying property...the level of the unit, the block, the neighbours, the district etc....*cute*

See the 'property' I intend to get for my parents....

Wedding Wishes

2006-04-18T23:25:00.000+08:00

I need to make this official announcement - wef 22 April 2006, I will not have a single school-time friend who has not been married! Yep, my last best pal (Field Marshall) and Zap The Bug shall tie the knot and join the club! Congrats dear pal! I feel very happy for the both of you!

HeRe'S wIShing U a BlesSed, FuLfIlling and wOndeRFul Life ToGetHer! May HappiNess Be WiF both of U for a Long lOnG time.....

Retail Therapy

2006-03-13T21:51:00.000+08:00

Found out something at work last week which made me totally miserable. I have to be honest, I'm not an ambitious person but the truth is still difficult to accept...somehow, I just don't buy the entire decision.

Ain't at the liberty to say more here but anyway, just to let you, my fellow bloggers know...it's frustration at work.

So anyway, I went on retail therapy...bought 2 blouses, 2 tees, 1 cargo pants and 1 capri...spent about $200+ in just over 1 hr. Actually, wanted to shop a little longer but met up with my sister for dinner. Well....just as well, she prevented me from spending more (that night). The shopping urge didn't go away so I went online to shop....found out quite a bit of shopping websites which are promising.....here's the list:

Essentially Clothes -
Victoria Secret
GAP
Old Navy
Banana Republic
Tskye
The Dressing Loft
bordelloprincess.com
www.thetremendoussilence.com

Still frustrated but at least I look good now....

The Tammy Saga

2006-02-27T01:01:00.000+08:00

Just learnt from my sister that Tammy was one of her friends during her Secondary School days, apparently they were quite good friends then. I have to admit that before, HP sex videos just seemed so distant and unreal....sure, I had a few peeks on my friends' HPs on such videos before but to know that this scandal involved someone who is directly and related to my sister just makes me shudder.

It seems increasingly difficult and challenging to bring children up in a moral and upright manner these days. During my time, all my parents needed to do was to scold or to wield the cane/rotan in front of me and I would dutifully do as they wished...these days, I heard that children actually could bring their parents to the police and accuse them of abuse if they were actually caned!?? We also read reports and watched programmes like 'Get Real' or 'Tab TV' show casing teenagers and their wilful ways. Gone are the days where we could scold or unleash capital punishment on our children. These days, children would retaliate in a manner which could hurt their parents many times more. I am not sure what possess this girl to actually video herself engaged in sex but in a subtle way it shows the girl's retaliation to cross the moral norms. She probably didn't think that such an action would really break her parents' hearts...or maybe she did....

Our society becoming more and more liberal where teenage pre-marital sex, unwed teen mothers (we see this even in TV with Mia - Singapore Idol finalist, coming up to publicise her life story) and teen prostitutes is becoming common. The sickening thing is that such stories is just so @#$%ing popular! Tammy Sex Saga was one of the top hits in the Technorati search or probably in most search engines during the last couple of weeks. It even overtook S Rajaratnam, our most respected pioneer of Singapore! She even has T-shirts and bags under her fashion portfolio now!

Sigh...I foresee such incidents becoming more and more common. This really strikes fear in me. I am afraid... afraid because I don't know if my other half and I can do a good job in bringing my baby up...afraid because I love her so much....

No Fuss No Frills...Delicious meal

2006-02-01T23:19:00.000+08:00

A few recipes which I came up with over the CNY weekend! It's a treat for your guests and easy to do. Try it, all you need is 1/2 hr!

Welcome Drink - This special drink is full of punch and zest!
Directions:
1. Add 1 sour plum, attap chee, and some mix cocktail fruits in a glass
2. Add Peach/Mango juice to glass (1/2 glass)
3. Add 7-Up or Sprite* to remaining glass
4. Add cocktail umbrella for extra omph!

* Can be substituted with Beer

I'm not a Veggie Lover but this dip makes me hunger for carrot & cucumber sticks...

Starter - Veggie Dip

Directions:
1. Mix McCormick's Ranch Dip with Bulla's Light Sour Cream. Stir and Mix Well.
2. Cut Fresh veggies (my personal fav: carrot, celery & cucumber sticks.)
3. Serve cold

Entree: Spaggetti (Aglio Olio Style)
What you need:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled & chopped
2 chilis, chopped
100g bacon, chopped*
1 (8 ounce) package uncooked spaghetti
6 once of chicken broth soup
freshly ground black pepper to taste

* Can be substituted with luncheon meat or ham

Directions:
1. Put a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti, and cook for about 8 minutes, until tender. Drain.
2. Pour the olive oil into a skillet and set over medium heat. Add chopped garlic clove, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add chopped chili and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add chopped Luncheon Meat and cook till you can smell the fragance. Add your cooked spaggetti and 5-6 once of chicken broth soup. Stir continuously till all in well-mixed. Leave all to simmer for 4-5 minutes.
3. Serve onto serving plates. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.

YUMMY!

Year of the Cookey!

2006-02-01T17:36:00.000+08:00

It's the Year of the Dog and I call it the Year of the Cookey! See my little Ah-Cook!

Read somewhere that we have to treat our dogs well this year because it's their year...and I say it's nonsense...whether it's the dog, pig, monkey or whatever year, we have to treat our pets well....SPCA announced that many of their puppies and dogs were fostered and adopted this year. I only hope that new owners keep their promise and give these dogs a good home.

A funny thing happened at one of the relatives' home during the 2nd day of the new year....this is what happened (dun think it needs much explanation...the dog stole Helena's pacifier!!!):

This Chinese New Year holds special meaning for me I guess as it's Helena's first Chinese New Year. My previous CNY celebrations were always action-packed...as in we'll leave home early in the morning and reach home pretty late....we'll gamble with cards and majong and invite friends over to party and pig out. This year, I have to say its pretty subdued. Didn't go as many places but we still manage to invite a couple of friends over to eat with us. Cooked a special fusion meal comprising of fried chicken wings, aglio olio spaggetti and veggie dips. Friends loved it! I'll post the recipe in a later entry...watch out for it.....

Helena's ang bao collection is also very fruitful...'Made' about 200% of what I forked out ;-).....Before you guys start accusing me of 'swallowing' her money, I have to annouce that I have kept every single cent for her in her little piggy bank...

This is Helena in her most recent...isn't she cute!? (I think I have contracted the 'Mummy's disease' - symptoms? The patient thinks that no other kid...and I mean no other kid.... is cuter and better looking than her own....)

Finally! My New BlogSkin

2006-01-22T23:58:00.000+08:00

Another face lift to my blog...the last blogskin gave me lots of problems...comment box...tag box....etc...I still have problems with this skin though...not sure why the chinese text screwed up...but I guess its a small problem cos' I don't think I'll have chinese entries...

Chose this skin cos' it's pretty and simple, and everything falls within the same page.....My only regret is that the text box is small....but I guess that made the page looks cleaner and neater...

Feel free to comment....

New Skin

2006-01-20T00:32:00.000+08:00

Under Construction.....something's wrong

我真的受伤了

2006-01-16T23:27:00.000+08:00

Liked this song for a long time but didn't know the title and all...just knew that Jacky sang it a couple of years ago...

1. 曲名：我真的受伤了歌手：张学友专辑：热

窗外阴天了　音乐低声了　
我的心开始想你了

灯光也暗了　音乐低声了　
口中的棉花糖也融化了
窗外阴天了　人是无聊了　
我的心开始想你了

电话响起了　你要说话了　
还以为你心里对我又想念了
怎么你声音变得冷淡了　
是你变了　是你变了

灯光熄灭了　音乐静止了　
滴下的眼泪已停不住了
天下起雨了　人是不快乐　
我的心真的受伤了

Click here to listen to this beautiful song:

Chronicles of Narnia

2006-01-16T16:53:00.000+08:00

This probably my latest craze. I loved the movie and I urged those who have not watched it to catch it quick. Maybe it's the little girl in me (hmm..maybe thats why I also love Hello Kitty?) but I simply loved stories about witches....magic...fantasy.

I have just completed the 1st book of the Narnia series - "The Magician's Nephew". (CS Lewis
wrote this book last, chronologically) This book depicts the earlier days..how the wardrobe came about...how Jadis the Witch came to Narnia, how Nardia was created and the first travellers to Narnia. In essence, as CS Lewis wrote this book last, he was able to tie up all the loose ends together. All our queries and questions can be found in this book

When I first started on the book, it was pretty dreadful to read. The language is not difficult to read or to understand but the style of writing is very old-fashioned. (Could not pin-point what was the problem at first till I was talking to my sister who said she is boycotting the book as she found it boring to read and that the style of writing is very dated). Many have commented that CS Lewis' style is like JRR Tolkein trying to write like Enid Blyton...after reading this book, I can't help but to agree. The vocabulary used and the plot within the stories are simple as it was written meant for children as well.

The only thing which entralled me was the strong biblical references which CS Lewis embedded in his characters and stories. Aslan is referred to as God, while the Witch being likened to be the serpent in the Garden of Eden tempting Digory to eat the apple in order to save his mother from a terminal illness.

All in all, I wouldn't recommend that you read this book first as the story is not as interesting as all of his other books in this series. You probably wouldn't enjoy Narnia as much...take it from me...watch the movie first then read this book...

Retirement...The way I want it to be....

2006-01-11T23:24:00.000+08:00

Just came back from Malaysia...spent the last 5 days in KL and Ipoh. Actually went over to attend a wedding dinner on Saturday (my other half's cousin got married) in Ipoh, but we stopped over in KL for a night on Friday first so that we could give Helena a break from all the travelling. After the wedding dinner, we spent another 2 nights in KL...staying at a relative's condo.

Didn't do much shopping but we had great food. To be honest, I never had such good food in my life! And we did not eat in big fancy restaurants....instead my dad-in-law's relatives brought us to a small village called Sungei Buloh.

The village is very small and cluttered with SMEs...the roads are simply just narrow dirt roads with small attap aluminium type of houses along the sides. In this small little village, we had what they call "Village Food {ka(1) heong (1) - cantonese}"...and it was delicious.. the most unforgettable dishes:

1. The Fish...(dunno what fish but it was enormous...steamed in a scrumptious gravy) Yum...the gravy alone had both my other half and dad-in-law down 3 large bowls of rice each. I had about 3 fishes during the whole of my stay in malaysia...every single one I had was delicious. Fresh and steamed just right....*sigh*
2. The Soya Sauce Kampung Chicken...the chicken (both skin and meat) was smooth and flavoursome. The texture of the meat was soft but yet luscious. It tasted like nothing what Singapore had to offer....
3. The Claypot Beancurd...Again the gravy was the one that earned the most points from me....there were simply no words which I could use to describe it. The flavour of gravy simply oozed out of the beancurd when you bite into it....

There were many more dishes which were very very good...but I have ran out of adjectives to describe them....my dad-in-law who is very close to being a food critic was fainting from eating too much...and after each meal, he had this wonderful look of contentment...

The cost of meals there is also low...we had 13 people and it only cost us $118 - $145 RM!!! We had about 6-8 dishes each time too!

Hawker food is great as well. The Penang Prawn Noodles, the Fish Paste Yee Mee cost about $3-4RM only and they taste wonderful. (even milk powder for Helena is so cheap...it cost like S$15 lesser...*haa*)

The Condo we stayed was also very comfortable. It was on top of a hill so it was very windy and cooling all the time. The air is fresh and there was no need to switch on the air-con or fan at all.....Helena was so comfortable she had long naps all the time...

All in all, I think KL is a great place to retire in. Cost of living is low....housing/food is so affordable...

Prime housing in KL such as the Damansara Heights is still affordable to people like me and my other half... Synonymous with elegant bungalows for politicians, wealthy businessmen, directors, and top civil servants...I could actually have such a life! Thats the kind of life I would like to have when i am older... *dreamz*

My New Year Resolutions

2006-01-02T23:52:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time since I wrote an entry in my blog....kept procrastinating...+ the fact I had this mental block....somehow there's nothing substantial for me to write about....

For me, 2005 had been memorable.....here were some of it which made it unforgettable:

1. The Pregnancy

2. The Product

3. The Broadbanding
(no pix for this....)

4. The Tour

5. The RCIA

Quite a lot in a year right?

Well, the new year has just started!! Here's wishing all my friends and fellow bloggers a great new year ahead, and may the new year bring happiness and health to you and your loved ones

As for myself...here are my New Year Resolutions (in random order):

1. Not to spend so much time shopping, instead spend more time with baby Helena (she juz learnt how to flip over! It was so exciting! This resolution is going to be the most challenging!)
2. To be more pious and not so lazy
3. To bring Cookey out more often (poor dog has been cooped up at home for the longest time, the only places she'd been to for 2005 were the grandparents' places )
4. To exercise!!!
5. To take a course in make-up

Ok for now...tata! & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Simple Pleasures

2005-12-09T11:40:00.000+08:00

My new photo gallery for my works is up at http://sg.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mrs_wendykey/my_photos! I have downloaded some of my works (Bouquets, hampers, corsages etc) into a website photo gallery. Have a look. If you are interested to purchase or order any items, just tag me or drop me a comment!

Simple Pleasures
simple ideas. absolute pleasures

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Range of our floral products:

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Bridal Bouquets
Table Settings
Celebratory (hampers/fruits/wine) Baskets
Flower Stands
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Simple Pleasures….it is the little things in life that matters.

Also introducing Terkey's Photography Services - Bold and natural is his style...Capture the best moments of yourself or with your loved ones on camera. The gallery is currently still under construction. Will update you guys when it's ready but the range of photography services include:

Classical Portraits (family or self)
Makeover Shoots (weddings, maternity, family or self)
Portfolio
Event shoots

Please leave comment/tag if you have any enquiries, we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Makeover

2005-12-04T14:12:00.000+08:00

Recently, I had a makeover for my living room...(remember a fren had said my place looked like a place where a garang guni man stays...I was pretty mad so I decided to do something about it)...So my dear frens, those who have been to my place before, what do you think?

As you can see, put up my X'mas tree as well...Before my tree was up, I didn't have any mood for X'mas...but after 2 hours of decorating, I really wanna have a party now...;-)

The Dreaded Monday

2005-12-04T00:54:00.000+08:00

Since I have started working, I have always dreaded Mondays...the Monday blues...back to the same old '&#%$' after a good rest over the weekend.....But nothing can describe my feeling now. In about 30 more hours, I'll be going back to work after approximately 2 months maternity leave. The dread, the panic, and the anxiety is giving me hypertension right now. I wonder if I can actually survive Monday 5 Dec 2005.......

Good Service...In Singapore? Nehhh...

2005-12-03T23:29:00.000+08:00

Hello fellow readers!

Yes, I'm back from Korea! No...I did not manage to catch my fave korean star 'RAIN' nor any other actors over there but I did have a wonderful time! No regrets on the tour agency which my mum and I signed up with...(Those who are interested to know which agency I signed up with, just give me a beep) You might ask in what ways it's sooo satisfying..well, see the the following:

A. Good line-up of activities and experience
~ Visiting film sites of several popular film sites eg DaJanggeum, Stairway to Heaven, April Snow, Winter Sonata etc)
~ Ski Experience (includes the ski and ski clothes rental)
~ Hot Spa (not in the package but the tour leader had packaged it in for us FOC)
~ Learning how to make KimChi
~ Visiting the Korean National Museum and learning more about Korea's history
~ Dressing up in the Korean Traditional Costumes
~ Everland (Animal Safari where we get to see the only offspring of a lion and a tiger)
~ Lotte World (where we had the greatest fun in the thrilling rides)
My only complaint is that I didn't get much shopping time...only 2 hours at DongDaeMun, the famous shopping complex.

B. Good food!
~ The famous Ginseng Chicken
~ The famous Sulphur Duck (this dish made its appearance in DaJangGeum)
~ Korean BBQ
~ Korean Hotpot
The only part I cannot get used to is that the meat which Koreans eat is super fatty...see pix

Sigh...it was a wonderful trip...

As you might be aware, these days, tour guides determine the amount of money (tipping money) the tourists have to pay them. Normally, they will just tell their tourists the amount of money to give them on the last day of the holiday...yes, gone are the days where customers give an amount they see fit, it's now regulated man....In all of my other packaged tour holidays, I have always felt I have over-paid in terms of the tips but not this time...this time it's worth every penny and probably more.

Throughout the entire trip, we had the tour leader from the tour agency plus a korean guide and korean photographer. God...besides being eye-candy, their service was tip-top. The two guys (guess which two?) served all of us (30 of us in the tour group) in every way possible:

1. As our personal waiter {making sure that our bowls and plates are always filled with food), helping us cook our food (when it's a bbq), making special orders for certain tourists etc}

2. As our personal porter {helping us carry our luggage, checking into hotels, into airports etc}

3. As a personal 'caddy' during activities like skiing. Helped carry the skis up the slope, gave us skiing tuition after the ski instructor left. And most of all (the one which touched all of our hearts), helped us put on and take off our ski boots...the guys practically knelt on the ground and helped us try on ski boots, making sure that we feel comfortable in the boots. A few of us (eg my mum and sister) had to try on several different boots before they found a pair that suit them. I actually feel embarrassed that we had given them so much trouble.

4. Being perfect gentlemen {I have forgotten how a perfect gentleman can be like...they help all the ladies (I mean all young and old) up and down the bus

And this was the treatment we had throughout our trip (from arrival to departure at the Korea Incheon Airport). At Incheon airport, as we were entering the customs, the two guys were still helping us with luggage and reminding us how to walk towards our departure gate. Can you beat that? Thats why I feel that they deserve every of the $15 tip I gave them. To show them my appreciation, I bought a number of photos from them as well.

Our two Korean Gentlemen:

See how happy my sis is?

To be honest, this is the type of service one can never find in Singapore. Hey, you can call me bias, mean whatsoever...I am proud of my country but good customer service has never been a part of our forte.