Call Me YOUR HIGHNESS!

An AMeiZing Nite

2012-01-08T04:01:00.002+08:00

这个演唱会名称是谁想的？想的真好！真是太 amazing 了。谢谢妹妹请我看，棒！

张惠妹果然是实力派，虽然她称不上是跳舞高手，但有像她的声喉，其他都变成其次。这是个找不到瑕疵的完美演出，绝对值回票价。看了许多演唱会，还没去过一个是像这个一样，大家能从头唱到最后的。虽然台上的声量很大，但是还是能清楚听到大家唱，众人声量真是大的惊人，原来当 Ah-mei 的粉丝也得是“实力派”，真是不简单啊，从第一首歌一直大声唱到最后，high 到翻了！！！

Photo from xinmsn website

从阿妹第一张姐妹专辑到最近的你在看我吗专辑，我都有在跟，她用了3个小时来呈现这16年所唱过的精选，她今晚选唱的歌，我都会唱！！我只叹，不够！！！今晚除了有小叶、赖盛恩和小芬老师等是合音天使，还有意外收获。原来阿妹在昨天收到消息有大人物会出席，是黄莺莺！艺人就是艺人，黄莺莺有备而来，化了装也穿的得体。阿妹请了黄莺莺上台，还请她一起合唱哭砂，结果是观众得利。欢呼。

总结2011年

2012-01-03T22:39:00.000+08:00

钱花得最多的一年。又装修，又搬家，还摆了婚宴，但这些是其次。重点是我终于搬进自己的“窝”，officially成为了Mrs. Wong。贯上Mrs的title，我知道我必须修人生中的另一个学分：“如何做个称职的人妻”。对于“如何做个称职的子女”一科，我至今仍在摸索，现在我却需要两者同修，真是不简单。难怪别人说，人结婚了就会变，也许是对的，因为现在你所作的任何决定，都会影响３个家庭（除了夫妻俩外，还有夫家和娘家），不得不让你慎重考虑，步步为营。有些人说：“不用那么复杂，你是嫁给你老公，不是嫁给他全家。”真的有说的那么简单，那还不如不嫁，谈谈恋爱过日子便可，离婚率也就不会年年攀高了。如果你真爱他，他也真在乎你，你们怎么忍心让彼此难过？不敢大言不惭地说自己做的有多好，起码我有想过，也尝试过要修好这个新学科。我希望我真的找到我的归属。

我在今年的最后一季，决定离开DXX 到CXXX。没想到我会这么快离开DXX。从前的人都是一份工作从年轻做到退休，甚至做到死，如今为什么我们却不能效仿前辈？不知别的行业如何，不过银行业虽然裁员危机不断，似乎对于如何挽留员工仍有困难，难以理解。我的薪金不差，不过在DXX 却不开心，去工作好像去打战。办公室政治到处都有，只是严重程度不一。如果我在权势那方，或许日子就不会那么难过，可惜我不是，也不想选择是（我不是妒嫉还是马后炮）。有个人告诉我，同事是没得选的，可是朋友是可以选的。以前我们不是常在同学的毕业纪念册上留言，“劝你交友要小心”吗？他的话让我豁然开朗，不必为了不重要的人而坏了心情。那些不管在什么时候都想把你踩在脚下的人，我告诉我自己，那人只是那妒嫉我，因为不如我，所以有意识的要把我踩在脚下，换言之我应该感到高兴，因为我比他优越。哈哈！来到新的公司，日子尚浅，不过这里给了我像以前在OXXX 的感觉，我希望这次我没选错。换了几家公司后，真的觉得很累，如果这真是个好地方，我也希望我能在这里退休。

Christmas, Your Highness 在忙什么?

2011-12-27T11:28:00.000+08:00

Christmas Eve
每年的12月24日已经被Jo “包了”。因为刚搬家，理所当然要去他新家过节。Jo的好客和夸张是众所周知的。家人 + 朋友有差不多20 人，我敢说，他准备的食物，就算有50人来也吃不完！看到一桌子的好菜，便知道他有多用心。New HDB的特点就是“小”，我好奇的问女主人：“客厅这么小，你们的Christmas Tree 也太大了吧？”女主人一脸尴尬的回答：“大吗？我也觉得有点大。可是某某人说Christmas Tree一定要比自己高。”那“某某人”当然是童心未眠的Jo！即将荣升为Daddy ，还强辩“大才美，礼物都不够放leh。”饭后娱乐电影竟是Ｎ年前的《开心鬼》！看了Ｎ次，Ｒ还是咯咯的笑个不停。怪不得Jo 和Ｒ是好朋友，所谓臭味相同。

Christmas
每年的12月25日，通常干爹干妈会在家中开Christmas Party。今年因为家中添了新成员，LL在坐月，不便请朋友去做客。我们买了烧肉和Log Cake就shamelessly 的杀到他们家。托YJ之福，今年我们都荣升一级，最高兴的是做了曾祖父和曾祖母的阿公和阿mah。现今社会，大多数人都是迟生，有一些干脆不生，有几个像阿公阿mah这么有福气能４代同堂。
二人世界：R和我去看了Alvin and the Chipmunks 3。故事内容还是走一贯的作风，捣蛋鬼Alvin 又在闯祸。不过音乐指导真厉害，Chipmunks唱的歌，都是时下最流行的high 歌。R觉得电影so-so。可是他对电影院收费却很有意见。电影院的收费越来越贵，造成越来越多人上网下载，以后电影院会不会become extinct? 难讲。
为了maximize 圣诞节的愉快心情，我们也和Ｊ＆Ｊ打了通宵麻将。打了整晚，两队人马没输没赢，友谊第一，赢钱第二。

Boxing Day
Christmas超时，第二天睡到日上三竿。Ｌ的电话打扰了我的美梦。“今晚有没有dresscode?”Huh? Simi…. 有的话我早会提醒。继续睡。不过被吵醒后，之后的睡眠都是白费，因为没有踏实的入睡，只是自己不甘愿起床，结果搞得自己更累。想想半天已过，终于不情愿的起床。懒的张罗午餐，想起昨晚Uncle Yeo送了两盒顶级榴莲，突发奇想和Ｒ吃榴莲当午餐。我是个不称职的老婆！
约了AXL下午茶，告诉自己不能迟到，３点准停好车，phew，松了口气，时间刚刚好。这几年我们总是三缺一，一个去Melbourne 念书，一去去４年；一个去香港工作，虽然香港比较近，她也常常两边跑，不过行程排的和当红明星一样满，要见面要早早预约。几个麻烦的女人，各有各的怪僻，真的是认识很久很要好才能把各自的怪僻当成笑话看待。点饮料时，一个要咖啡不过要decaf，另一个也要点咖啡不过想用soy milk，一个要点茶不过is wondering if ice-cream can be added。我真有点儿担心服务生会在我们的饮料中“加料”！
晚上出席中正中学的校友晚宴，菜色平平，不过还蛮过瘾的。就连猜某人的课外活动也能keep us entertained！看到了我们以前的一些老师、校长，他们真的老了很多。数一数，毕业已是13 年的事。我们的中学生涯很精彩，除了有陪伴我们的好友，还有个“精彩”的校园。因为校园有悠久的历史，当时年久失修，很多地方都很残旧，所以从来不缺鬼故事，而探险也变成最次刺激的回忆。现在娓娓道来，仿佛还身在校中。不过，最恐怖的大礼堂已改头换面，不晓得现在的学生们是否还流传着我们当时的故事……

科技发达除了带来便利外，还有什么呢？

2011-08-25T15:56:00.000+08:00

一直想“借这个题发挥”，却一直没动笔。
看了友人在 FB 分享的这个短片，加上最近发生的一些事，又有了“借题发挥”的冲动。

当然，我从来没有怀疑过手机的好处。科技的发达，使得手机不再单纯只是用来打电话的工具，它也是游戏机，也是记事本，还是个掌上电脑。不过也因为如此，都市人的手机是“寸步不离”身。

记得当我还在念 JC 时，我那 infamous 的校长 Belinda Charles 曾在早会时提醒我们：当我们和其他同学在食堂用餐还是闲聊时，不要听随身听，那是非常没有礼貌的行为。校长的这番话我至今都印象深刻。

其实玩手机也是一样的。如果你一个人在搭乘公共交通工具时，为了打发时间而玩手机，那是可以理解的。如果你身旁有亲人朋友，你却猛玩而无视对方的感受，那同样是没有礼貌的。我也常常提醒自己，要顾及他人的感受。在家里，我尽量不把手机带在身旁。其实，我们真的没那么忙，不需要时时刻刻都握住手机。

Interesting Logic Quiz

2011-08-24T10:05:00.000+08:00

We are having our routine breakfast, and J & I each come up with an interesting logic quiz... and it keeps me thinking....

Quiz by J:
You wanted to buy a dress, which cost $97. But you ran out of money, so you borrowed from your parents $50 each, ie $100. After paying for the dress, you got back $3. You paid back $1 to your Dad, and $1 to your Mum, keeping the remaining $1. Now, you owe your Dad and Mum $49 each. Adding up, $49+$49+$1=$99. Where did the remaining $1 go?

Quiz by I:
When death comes, you are facing 2 doors - the Heaven and Hell doors, both guarded by an angel. 1 always speaks the truth, the other always lies. By asking only 1 question, how do you get through the Heaven door?

Answers will be revealed shortly... keep thinking...

2011 Birthday

2011-08-16T14:23:00.000+08:00

人随着年级的增长，开始对庆祝生日这回事不再很执著。
大学时代的生活很精彩，通常庆生活动会密密麻麻的安排一整个星期。

今年是在成家的后过的第一个生日。回想，两年没有和 R 一起庆祝生日。

因为在正日，我们会一家人到 Pan Pac Hotel 去试菜，R 提议在前一晚庆生。
没有当年的 $400 Morton's 晚餐。相对的是昔日海边浪漫的烛光晚餐。
刚好碰到十四的月亮，和十五的月亮一样亮和圆。两人在那轮明月下骑脚踏车，分外写意。

R 偷偷买了蛋糕到 Pan Pac，母亲大人恍然是我的生日。通常都是我自己安排与家人共度生日晚餐，今年也不例外，选在我生日时试菜，也是不错的选择。菜式相当丰富：有鱼有肉有虾，有鱼翅有鲍鱼，还有我最爱的甜品--杨枝甘露！

就这样，过了我最后一个 twenties 的生日。

3天2夜 -- 草莓之旅

2011-08-05T23:51:00.000+08:00

我对去马来西亚旅行一向都不是很热衷。不过，3天2夜 cheap cheap 能到哪里？答案：金马仑。

工作忙碌，想轻轻松松休几天假。没有日月赶路，没有紧密的行程。只有不用钱的冷气，还有香甜的草莓。从来不知道草莓是如此生长，更不知道草莓的花是白色的。一向喜欢草莓的我，第一次亲眼看到草莓农场，第一次亲手剪下成熟的草莓，是唯一让我感到高兴的事，感觉很新鲜。

不过，再叫我去金马仑，我大概没兴趣。千万别邀我！

A Short Meet-up with Fin-exians

2011-07-04T19:12:00.000+08:00

I was early for a training session. I was searching the directories in my brain: who I can find in the area for a coffee break. As I walked, I realized I am walking towards fin-exis building. I gave a ring, and the lot came down merrily in matter of minutes. I can't help but ask, "did you miss me?" But I guess I miss them more. I could feel them welcoming me instead of patronizing me. The time we shared were short but merry. Their laughters and joy seems to have strong influential powers. I realized that I am so hungry for that sense of belonging! And of course, it triggers me if I am at the right place.

你是个不一样的 RM

2011-04-30T11:19:00.000+08:00

又是一个月一次的 Saturday Duty。今天，一个新来的同事 W 告诉我：“我觉得你和这里的 RM 不一样"。我不知这是否是赞美。

难道她也看出我和同事有隔膜？在这里已有约10个月，总觉得自己不属于这里，归属感是零，和同事也没什么话题可聊。打从我念书的时候开始，就爱打工，做过那么多工作，这里最让我觉得，“我只是打一份工罢了”。我问 W ，有什么不一样？或许一时间她也答不出来，只是觉得我和这里格格不入。

她说她觉得我很用功。我松了一口气。因为我并不讨厌我的工作，反而还蛮喜欢我的工作的。而且大家都是领公司薪水的人，只要是我能力范围能做的事，我都不好意思麻烦他人。不过跑业务的人，用不用功通常只用业绩来衡量。而我在这里的业绩并不特别优秀，有人用“用功”二字在我身上，让我觉得很欣慰，我的努力真的有人看见，有人体会。星期六虽然要工作，但有意外的收获。

甜言蜜语

2011-04-27T23:30:00.000+08:00

老公去 ICT-Outfield 3天2夜。全身的 jungle 味，连用 pungent 来形容都不够贴切。回到家时巳过午夜，我坚持老公要在吃晚餐前洗澡。不过，冲了凉后还是有森林的味道......第二天早上，大概是老公自己受不了那股味儿，自动自觉又去洗澡。

（冲凉后）
老公：我还有没有那个味道？
我：哦，所以老公，我是不是很爱你？昨晚你那么臭我还让你跟我睡。
老公：老婆，我才真的很爱你。我这么累，平时应该连凉都不冲，我就睡了。
[...]

What Am I Reading? >>> 蔡康永的说话之道

2011-03-14T21:13:00.000+08:00

一本简单却很有学问的书。

我承认我是一个“很直”的人。ie 不是很 sensitive 的人。尤其对于安慰人，我真的很不再行。而在于接受别人的安慰，也会让我觉得不自在。

日常生活中，我也学会不要动不动就做出反对的评语，因为没有人喜欢被反对，尤其是自己在没有给对方解释或者没有亲身验证的时候。就算，是验证了，当你否认对方时，也同时让对方讨厌你。比如：有人介绍某某餐馆好吃，你没吃过，却马上说不好吃，那人会觉得这人真没礼貌，说的话听了还不如不听。如果你吃过，却真的觉得不好吃，我还是建议你不要直接说不好吃，你可以建议说，“我有吃过另一间相同的餐馆, 也不错”。要记得，他的口味有可能和你的不同，所谓各花入各眼，也许你不喜欢的，别人十分喜欢。这点，我至今还需多加练习。

Your Highness 在忙什么？

2011-03-14T20:41:00.000+08:00

这个 quarter 真的过得有点儿快。

Your Highness 一月忙着搬家，二月忙过年和拍婚纱照，三月以为能喘气，以为和现实当然有差。三月忙着工作，并不是说一、二月都没在努力，不过老板下最后通牒，让我被感压力。

不过，起码在前两个月有一点 accomplishments。对于搬进我们的爱巢和拍婚纱照，我都感到兴奋无比。新家还需要一点 touch-up, 不过基本上已经成型。希望在四月能 housewarming，分享我们的喜悦。那些没来过就 super 不 sensitive 的说不喜欢这个，不喜欢那个的人，自然不会在 invite list 上。我无需向这些人证明什么，ultimately, 我才是住在这里的人，你喜不喜欢，不关我的事。

二月拍的婚纱照，过瘾的在于过程。我不是一个爱拍照的人，还能享受其中，真不容易。效果也不错，不过现在还不能 share，因为 file 太大。亲爱的朋友们，请再等一下。

New Year Celebration

2011-01-01T23:16:00.000+08:00

没有再到拥挤的 Vivo City 还是 Marina Bay 过年，而是应邀到 Alicia 家过年。上了年纪，不想再人挤人，希望过的比较 family style 一点。不过这几年，我们一直三缺一，这次少了凤娴。

我恨不得把整个凤山 85 巴刹搬到 Alicia 家去。一桌子的地道菜，希望能解 Alicia 的乡愁。尤其是那德国猪脚，真是 ichiban ne。

没有什么特别节目，原本担心会闷死老公。不过，偶尔有 KX entertain 我们，还蛮好笑的。小小年纪，因为看了 Thomas & Friends 而讲话时有 accent，而且他会的英文词汇还真不少。我们以前小学才学的介词，如今他已驾轻就熟，如：the train crashed into the remote.

What am I reading >>> A Year in the Merde

2011-01-01T15:25:00.027+08:00

Finished this book on the New Year day. A really humorous book to read. It is categorized under travel literature. If you can appreciate the difference in cultures, you find more joy when reading it. I was sharing with my friends about the Brit trying to teach Parisien how to speak English in France.

"What did you have for dinner last night?"
"I made some crap."
"You mean crepes? Pancakes."
"Yes, pan-cack."
...

"What would you say to the waiter if you had no cutlery?"
"Er, excuse me, I want a knife and a fuck."

Highly recommended.

Thai Engalish

2010-12-28T16:16:00.001+08:00

Went Bangkok the Nth time.
It's a birthday trip for R. So I kept the shopaholic Highness in Singapore, not much shopping was done this time round. We only indulge ourself with the wide but cheap selection of food.

Many times we identify one's nationality when he/she speaks. While we Singaporean have Singlish, Thai have their own style too. Other than their accent, making them sounds like they're singing when speaking, they have unique ways of structuring their sentences too.

Customer Service @ Posh Shopping Mall
Your Highness: Is there a link to X shopping mall?
Receptionist: Yes, Mdm. You go up 1 time then turn right.

R was giggling and mimicking the way she says "1 time up". Can u imagine when we heard it the 2nd time from a security guard, telling us it's "2 times up" this time? R bursted and lose control totally.

Learning Lesson

2010-12-06T23:29:00.000+08:00

这两天当我在架车时，总有错觉车轮爆胎了。下车看了看，却看不出有什么问题。想起朋友说过，要常常检查轮胎的气压，车子不但会比较好开，还会省油。不过对着打气机，我和 R 都束手无策。打气机有显示 PSI，可是我们都不知道要 set 多高的 PSI。担心打错，会弄巧反拙。

还好打给 ZQ

Your Highness: eh... how do I know my car's tires must set wat PSI ha?
ZQ: (giggle) It's on your car
Your Highness: Where? where? (looking frantically around)
ZQ: Your car door
Your Highness: Which door?
ZQ: Driver's door
Your Highness: Dun have leh... where?
ZQ: At your door seal there... (giggle)
Your Highness: Oh... found it!

有时候觉得自己很没常识。不过，不耻下问是我向来的优点。虽然被笑，不过学到新的东西，让我觉得很有成就感。

Disappointment with Bliss (Ion)

2010-11-29T00:17:00.001+08:00

Through a friend, I bought a manicure + pedicure voucher at Bliss @ Ion, from Beeconomic.com. The voucher is valid till 30 Nov 2010. I tried calling them on the 1st week of Nov, and the slots are booked till the last week of Nov. I tried calling them to reschedule after that, trying to push it forward because my nails chipped and I am desperate to get it done, but no slots! Imagine I actually waited so many days just wanna to get my nails done, and I am so looking forward to my appt. Unfortunately, after all the events, guess i mixed up the dates and thought my appt is on Sunday.

Until Bliss called me on Saturday did I realized my appt is on Saturday. No calls were made to remind me of my appt a day prior to the appt. The manager claimed that they had called me. But when I told her I did not receive their call, she said "yah, you didn't answer the call, maybe you didn't hear your phone" What kind of answer is that? It really pissed me off.

First, I didn't receive their call, and I think they didn't make enough efforts to call me. They could have called me again to confirm our appt, isn't this the proper procedure? Secondly, the so-called MANAGER just make the matter worse. Her tone was harsh and stern. I am not your daughter or student. I am your CUSTOMER! I paid for a service. Instead of giving me a solution, she just keep pushing the responsibilities to me, making it very clear that it is MY fault, and none of THEIR business. Telling me that their company have logged the timing they call me blah blah..... I am not interested in how you run your business. I would like to say that it's none of my business too.When you are in a retail line, your company gave you a MANAGER role, even if it's not within your empowerment to help me, the least you could do was to sympathize with my situation. Don't forget that I am a customer that have paid for a service that now that I can't use. With so many competitors now, this kind of attitude will bring you no where, moreover it's at ION, a high end shopping mall.

To sum up my experience with them, I did not enjoy that BLISS, very very disappointing. If I know things are going to turn up this way, I should have just patron my usual spot to get my nails done instead of waiting so many days. No way am I going there for my nails.

So 你们是真的相爱吗？

2010-11-06T16:05:00.000+08:00

如果两人一个星期只见一次面，有见不见无所谓，那你们真的相爱吗？

开始交往时，天天见面都不言烦。后来，感情稳定后，我和 R 并不是每天见面。生活中，常常要我忙我的，他忙他的。不过，后来有个男性朋友对我说，如果有见不见都无所谓，那你们真的相爱吗？有没有这个男友，也应该无所谓吧。当时的我不以为然，我回应到：“真正相爱，不必天天见面。” 我还天真的自以为自己说的才是真理。

很多时候，忙并不是借口。是因为你觉得不重要，所以才连一点时间都挪不出来。也许，这段感情真的没有那么重要。要不然，你可以少应酬一点，少去几次 Happy Hour, 少打几次电动，难道这些都比维持一段感情，还是维持一个家来的重要？如果连筹备婚礼、布置新家还是带小孩都没时间，你可能要重新面对自己，问问自己你们相爱吗？

p/s: X，所以当初我鼓励你到他身边去。远距离的恋爱，真的有差。你们俩已经在一起那么久了，如果是距离是造成你门分开的原因，那就太可惜了。我希望你到了那里会有新的生活和新的领悟。

Something that disgust me.

2010-11-06T15:10:00.000+08:00

Went for Mac breakfast with R at parkway parade.
A common ritual would be to visit the loo after the meal.

I was shocked to see this mum, letting her son to stand on the side of the basin, and was asking her son to pee into the basin! I couldn't even bring myself to wash my hands after my visit to the toilet.

What's your take?

童眼 The Child's Eye

2010-10-25T01:16:00.000+08:00

老公怕鬼却爱看鬼片。看鬼片，他绝对不会睡着。RDI 是零。
续《见鬼》后，彭氏兄弟的另一剧作。我们并没有看3D版，不过可以想象它的效果应该不错。我觉得Storyline 不错，不过恐怖指数似乎不合格，没有之前《见鬼》来得恐怖，只有几个恐怖镜头。也许是我知质有点低，我没能在戏和戏名之间看出什么关联。而且，这出戏有力捧杨丞琳之嫌。

Your Highness 忙什么？

2010-10-25T00:42:00.001+08:00

被很多朋友埋怨，太久没有update。不过，your highness 最近真是有一点儿忙。忙什么？

做sales的人，注定是没日没夜？老板不顾你有多努力，只管你有没有成绩。除了有实力，有时还要靠一点儿运气。碰到老板像老师管学生般分秒都在“看管”你，让我快要窒息。除了要应付工作，还要应付老板。头痛！

当烦恼越来越多，玻璃弹珠越来越少，我知道我已慢慢的长大了…… 《红蜻蜓》也是如此说的。人长大了，烦恼真是多到小脑袋有点儿装不下。问题总是接踵而来。工作已够忙了，家里的事情却时时困扰着我。家家有本难念的经，大家应该都有难处，只是大小不一。这应该是每个人必修的学分。在这方面，一直对于自己的要求甚高，希望自己能修得A，所以不得不把时间投资下去。

星期一到星期五已把自己卖给公司，周末必须过自己想要的生活。如今，我正在适应“已婚”的生活。老公说，每个周末我们就安排一个节目。不用多。一个就好。上个周末，我们约了contractor谈装修的事。这个周末，我们看了场电影。下个周末，该做什么呢？

Confused and Lost

2010-09-18T02:55:00.000+08:00

It says 2.23AM as I started this post.

Never was I this lost. Even lying on the bed couldn't get me any sleep. When was the last time I had insomnia? I was pacing up and down the hallway, thinking through the ups and downs these 2 weeks. Many questions flash across my mind. How could this be happening to me? The more I think abt it, tears started to well up in my eyes.

I was staggering down the stairs and onto a cab to nowhere. Uncle, just go, please. I dunno where to go, or where was I. I can't even be bothered with the stares I am getting from the public. I can't believe I was defeated this way. I was deciding to come home or to have a night's out at my friend's place. After serious thoughts, I knew no where is better than home. Besides to trouble a friend at night isn't the best option

As I feel the sharp pain from the bump on my forehead that I'd gotten on my ROM day, I was thinking: it's funny how the pain didn't go away after so many days. And suddenly I made a decision. A decision that hopefully I could live with.

Hao's Wedding - Reminising Rag Time

2010-09-16T00:02:00.000+08:00

It's Hao's big day.

跟 Rag 有何关系？

我们是一群在大学时期认识的朋友，而把我们“牵在一起”的就是 Rag。Rag & Flag 是 NUS　每年都会在迎新时主办的一个活动，目的是为了筹款 (Sell Flag)。而 Rag 的宗旨是用环保物品打造一辆 float (花车）来答谢捐款者。各系各宿舍都会依照主题各出奇招，造出美丽壮观的花车。然后，还要配合花车来段歌舞表演 (Presentation)。哈哈，如今想起还是很开心。

在那将近一个月里，我们一起吃喝玩乐，就连冲凉和睡觉都在一起，感情怎么会不好呢？所以，浩的婚礼，当然找了他的 Ragger 来助他一臂之力。Min Xing, Shaun, Crab 都是老将，对于做“兄弟”之事已是驾轻就熟。Min Xing 还提议，在我出嫁之时要带领兄弟来做我的姐妹。Xing Xing，你的提议我会认真考虑，你千万不要后悔！

也许是对于 Rag time 的 presentation 余犹未尽，浩想了一个：一来能给老婆一个惊喜，二来能过过“舞瘾”，“一箭双雕”的办法。他和兄弟们一起录制现在最夯的 Sorry Sorry，除了主角，其他人统统盖头遮脸，跳起舞来，似模似样，却笑料百出，算得上是压轴。有碍于个人隐私，不便在这里 Share 那段录影，真是有点遗憾。

第一个星期六的值班

2010-08-21T13:04:00.000+08:00

连续两晚的 Training 和 Event，还碰到星期六要值班，我只能自叹倒霉。

有人换班。
又有人忘了值班。
有可能是人缘不好，竟沦落到省我一人值班。
雪上加霜。

不过自己值班也有好处：
自己做自己的事, 不必理会他人。
原来自己还有很多事情是不会和不清楚的。
平时，大家都很忙碌，真的不想成为大家眼中的“问题儿童”。
星期六能静静一人，慢慢找寻答案，似乎也不错。

过了这个星期六，应该要 6 星期后才会再次轮到我。（自己安慰自己）

14 Aug: 12 个小时 Rundown

2010-08-16T01:17:00.001+08:00

1300
Suppose to meet at Orchard...
母亲大人忘了我的生日，“意外”发现后 insist 要我在出门前吃面线。
By the time 我到 ION, 已经是1320。
幸亏我是主角，才不至于受到 L 的黑脸！
午餐到 NYDC 解决。吃了想念已久的 Mushroom Madness Pizza 和 Mudpie。

1500
DFS Shopping 乐: 有了 L ，就有了 discount。好开心哦！
然后，从 DFS , 到 Far East 、Tangs 和 Wisma。现在，我通常都到 ION, Paragon, 313 逛街，不知道原来 Far East 也有裙子是叫价 $80 以上的。我们走啊走，走到 L's "battery flat"。

1725
Tea Time!
其实不怎么饿。不过真的有点儿 battery flat。要喝喝饮料，recharge 一下。
不过时间好像过的很快。

1845
让人期待的按摩。
足足一个小时。不过，我要 confess。有一半的时间，我是处于“半昏迷”状况，十分享受。
隐隐约约只记得她问我："like that ok, mdm?" 还有 "mdm, mdm... i need you to turn over/sit up."

2000
S 在等我们吃晚餐，选了在 Plaza Singapura 的老北京。好像一天下来，美做什么，一直在吃。所以，真的是应酬大伙儿而已。S 真是有先见之明，说我们坐的是好位子。我和 X 都一脸的 lost。我们吃到一半，在我眼前突然有烟火！真是好位子啊！原来是 YOG 的开幕典礼。生日时有烟火助兴，也算幸运了。

2215
我突发奇想，提议看午夜场。这３个人看了很多戏了，要一起看个戏还真不容易。讨论后投票一致通过：SALT。

0130 (15 Aug)
我和 X 在 Taxi 上，准备回家。X 才指出我们已经出来 12 个钟了。哇！

p/s: 亲爱的，我真的很爱你们！谢谢你们陪我过生日。

Happy Birthday to ME!

2010-08-14T10:53:00.000+08:00

A new way of seeing BIRTHDAY! Quite interesting...

What should we do on this special day?

雨季·就算大雨一直下

2010-08-10T01:22:00.001+08:00

December Rains 雨季 the Musical - Promotional Trailer (TVC) - HD from Intuitive Films on Vimeo.

上一次看《雨季》是在1996年，是我中学时代。

终于等到了……再一次看《雨季》，它已有了新的诠释，感觉似乎比较现代化(comtemporary)。与其用生活化的道具来制造环境和氛围，导演巧妙的运用颜色来制造环境气氛，在视觉上有不一样的体会。例如：年轻的英雄和丽青订婚时，没有什么环境的道具，用的是黄色：黄色的衣裳，黄色的花等。黄色除了是阳光的颜色外，也让人感受到他们的朝气和喜悦的气氛。

除了视觉，我更享受的是听觉。对我来说，有很多的第二次。除了是第二次看《雨季》，也是第二次看 Kit Chan 和 George Chan 的 Musical 演出。上一次看陈洁仪的演出是英语歌舞剧，The Forbidden City 中的慈禧太后。而 George Chan 则是最近的《天冷就回来》。过了一段时间再听到陈洁仪的声音，不知是不是错觉，感觉她的声音好像更好了。我只能说 Kit Chan 和 George Chan 的声音有如天籁。

入门前见到梁文福老师，非常兴奋！老师还热心的在特刊上签名。这也是我看老师的第二个作品（除了《天冷就回来》）。虽然歌曲由梁文福和叶良俊两人操刀，但是两人的风格鲜明。妹妹看了演出后也告诉我：“哪首歌是谁写的，一听就知道。” 不过，我可以感受他们的用心，旋律好听，歌词更是写的很美。

请你请你告诉他我永远爱他
就算大雨一直下
心中彩虹长挂
彩虹尽头有个他

这场雨会一直下到 8 月15日。如果你错过了1996年的那场雨，别在错过了，绝对值回票价。
http://www.sistic.com.sg/portal/dt?dt.isPortletRequest=true&dt.action=process&dt.provider=PortletWindowProcessChannel&dt.windowProvider.targetPortletChannel=JSPTabContainer/sEventsCalendar/Event&dt.containerName=JSPTabContainer/sEventsCalendar&dt.windowProvider.currentChannelMode=VIEW&dt.window.portletAction=RENDER&contentCode=rains0810

PS：这不是《雨季》的官方网上，以上纯属个人意见。

Library Books

2010-08-08T00:38:00.000+08:00

Hands up those that are still borrowing books from the library.

While most people would have a deep impression on the Beethoven's love letter in Sex & the City Movie, I remembered something else from that scene. Big told Carrie that she might be the only person that he knows that is still going to the library and Carrie replied that she loves the smell of the books.

I'm one of those still visiting the library now. Not that I like the smell of those library books. One reason could be a habit from young. When I was young, my mum used to bring me to library and I would spend the afternoon flipping through the books, and 8 books limited by the library were definitely not enough for me! Haha...

Other than that, I seldom read a book for a 2nd time cos there's so many books that I yet to read! Also, some books might not be worth buying. But you won't know until you read it. So borrowing from the library seems more economical.

I just found out recently the last reason why I like to go library. It could be because there's a dateline for me to finish the book. I realised that I tend to take longer to finish a book when there's no dateline. So not discipline? Maybe it's just human natural.

Melbourne Tour 之 City 必吃

2010-08-07T22:22:00.001+08:00

Heard of Gordon Ramsay?

He'd just expanded his restaurants to Australia, Melbourne 2 wks before we touch down.

Our initial plan was to eat at Jamie Oliver, but it's fully booked! So Gordon Ramsay was the alternative. Honestly speaking, I'd never heard of Gordon Ramsay before I went Melbourne (Sorry Chef, no offence, it's my fault for the ignorant). We din do any research, it's based on A's recommendation that we went to the restaurant - Maze.

Embarassing moments. The website stated the dresscode: smart causal. I changed into my only pair of jeans that I had brought along, thinking that with my coat on, I shouldn't look overly causal. The usher that brought us to our table and surprised me when she asked for our coats to be put away. OMG!!!

Wat's good on the plates? The Server went through the menu with us. Just the names make me drool. But she went on to say that the portion is rather small, and it's normal to order 4 or 5 dishes per guest! After discussing, we decided to order only 2 each. To prefect the dining experience, we ordered a wine of our choice. I hoped we din look too cheapo-nana. Practically everything was good. The presentation made the dishes looked for like a piece of art.

Haha... Guess the cost of the dinner.

Highlight between [ ] for ans [AUD200]

It's an OCBC day!

2010-07-23T00:58:00.000+08:00

It's the first appt I went to since I'd joined, and it's at Orchard.
First, it was Sophia... but I was talking to my customer, so I din manage to talk to her.
When sending my customer off, I bum into Tongli at the escalator. While chatting with Tongli, I saw Simon from the corner of my eyes.

After that, I proceed to MRT station, and saw Mei Ling. While talking to her, I saw Charissa!

In less than 1 hr, I met 5 OC (and ex-OC staff). Unbelieveable!

Melbourne Trip 之 Philip Island 必看

2010-07-21T07:58:00.001+08:00

第一次接触·企鹅

天不作美，傍晚时分，天降甘露。为了看驰名以久的 penguin parade，我们只好冒雨等待。耐心等待，终于看到第一只小企鹅左摇右摆的走向我们。不久，便看到一大群企鹅结伴回家，让我们惊叹不已。由于企鹅的眼睛非常敏锐，当然也非常敏感，所以禁止一切摄影和照相。

正以为一切就要结束时，看见有个长得俊俏的老外穿着 ranger 的工作服，手上捧着一个不明物体对着我笑。仔细一看，他的手上捧着的竟然是一只企鹅！我走过去问他我是否能摸一下，他微笑说：“go ahead"。我的手触摸到的和我想中的企鹅其实有些距离，不过，感觉却很神奇。听 A 说，看了 penguin parade the 4th time, 这是第一次有机会摸到企鹅，我只能说我们还是幸运的！

值得一提，或许还有企鹅的“择偶条件”。公的企鹅通常会在他们的洞穴外啼叫，吸引母的企鹅来交配。在企鹅的世界中，胖子是抢手货。Calling for all 胖子，Philip Island 才是你的天地。哈哈！

Itinerary for Melbourne Jul 2010

2010-07-14T22:24:00.000+08:00

I lost count of the days that I'm here. It's 1/2 way through my vacation.
Everything was great so far, except that Lian is not here, Xian fell sick on the 1st day and that it rained today, (and not missing the fact tat I missed my bf!).

Itinerary (Highlights)
Day 1:
Brunch at Miss Maples
Sky High Mt Dandenong

Day 2:
Nobbies & Penguin parade @ Philip Island

Day 3:
Mornington Peninsular, Arthur's Seat and some Look-outs
Mornington Pier

Day 4:
Winery!

Day 5:
Great Ocean Road

Day 6:
Queen Victoria Market
Shopping at Factory Outlet

Day 7:
Home Sweet Home

The above was planned by beloved Alicia, really love her for that.
For more details & fotos, stay tuned.

On your mark, get set....

2010-07-08T16:16:00.000+08:00

Too many hiccups.

First it was Lian's mum who was hospitalised. Then, it was me getting a new job suddenly and unable to get my leave approved. Now that the dark clouds are cleared, I tell myself, this trip better be good man!

As soon as I'd gotten mentally prepared for the trip, it's time to be physically prepared too.

Things to bring:
- Passport
- Air Ticket
- Visa
- Ali's toothpaste & CLEO mags
- A book to read: Eat Pray Love
- 2 jackets, a white & a black. was comtemplating whether to bring both, or as per my sis's suggestion, bring the white one and buy another there!
- vacuum bags, in case, i couldn't force everything into tat small luggage of mine.

Things yet to buy:
- hot packs
- prezzie for the nice couple that's gng to take us in for the trip

Things to bring back:
- Lotsa nougats. Tat's Lian & Royston's fav.
- Roy Ge Ge's hair gel (he claimed that it's cheaper there)
- Wine, if poss. since we are gng to the winery.

Wat Am I Reading? >>> Dial 'M' for Merde

2010-07-07T11:42:00.000+08:00

This is just 1 of his books in the "Merde" series. Merde is a french slang for crap or shit! So story evolve about a Englishman in France. Not really a romance, nor a thriller in this case. Don't really know how to categorize the book genre.

This book accompanied me through my training days for my new job. I had tests for almost everyday! So it's good that I de-stressed by reading this book. What interest me is the culture differences that Paul (the Englishman) had met and the jokes from his "broken" french. It's hilarious! On the all, it's a light-hearted story, nothing too heavy. Good for leisure reading.

p/s:
Had always wanted to go Europe (esp to Paris). Hopefully euros would stay at this level for long enough for us to go for our honeymoon. (keeping my fingers crossed. & sorry folks, if your clients are still diao in the currency)

我的爸爸

2010-06-21T21:16:00.000+08:00

小学时代的作文题目。已经没有印象当时的内容。也许真的是像人们说的，女儿都是 Daddy's Girl，所以自小对于爸爸的回忆都是好的。爸爸是个典型的 Yes Man，对人可是有求必应，对我的要求当然也是如此。

我和姐姐、妹妹共睡一间房，我睡在 double-decker bed 的上层。记得上个月，因为天气太热，hot air rises, cool air sinks, 风扇的风吹不到我的床位，害的我难以入睡。爸爸出尽法宝，竟然牵了一盏小风扇到我床上去。爸爸的爱就在那小小的风扇上！

Our Wedding Band

2010-06-20T22:04:00.001+08:00

Awe! We finally got our rings! (Thanks Kelvin!)

Haven't decide our "hidden" msg yet. My ring size is very small, so very limited number of words that we could put in.

[...]

TGIF 放松！

2010-06-14T21:35:00.003+08:00

整个星期都有“小”测试，搞得大家神经紧张。终于等到了 Friday，早已准备去狂欢。人在上课，心却在 kbox 了。K 大发慈悲，提早下课，我们兴奋的往 Downtown East 杀去。

15 个人，一个大房间，唱 K、打 Wii 、上网、打桌球又喝酒。原来我们之中真是卧虎藏龙，个个能唱、能喝。玩得不亦乐乎！

Most Asked Questions About Me

2010-06-04T22:04:00.000+08:00

Just started out a new job...
When you meet new friends, normally we try to be "friendly" and create small talks. I realised, that also formed the first impression of me to them. Some very common questions:

You very tall leh... How tall are you?
I'm 1.7m. Funny thing is during CNY, some relatives say I'd become taller!? FYI, I'm out of puberty. They must have run out of things to say to me.

Were you an Air Stewardess?
Nope. Being tall doesn't mean I was an air stewardess. Though I did think of being one when I was much younger. S, our trainer, make a joke at me when I speak singlish, asking me if I AM that air stewardess.

Are you Singaporean?
Oh... so I heard that I look Chinese. Haha...
XT quickly add-on that I look mixed Japanese or Korean. Nice try!

Are you wearing colour contact lens?
No. It's naturally hazel-coloured. My grandma, my mum all have brown eyes.

四湾岛之美食篇

2010-05-30T23:50:00.016+08:00

If you ask me, 四湾岛有什么东西做？I will tell you, "NOTHING". haha... It's a boring town, not much activities. The only worth mentioning activity is EAT. For 2 days, we do nothing but eat.

For 2 days, we ate:

1. We went to the town's only fast food restaurant - Marrybrown.

We were the only patrons in the restaurant... like we 包 the whole place... he he....

2. Magnum Mini

1 box is only RM10 (S$4). Delicious! I had 3 in 2 days!

3. Lobster crackers.

Dunno why their crackers just taste different.

4. Coconut

It's Thai coconut. But cheap and sweet.

5. Lastly, our 压轴, and our main objective! haha.... is SEAFOOD.

清蒸鱼

姜葱山猪肉

铁板珍珠蚝加蛋
铁板豆腐
番薯叶
柠檬鸡
龙虾两吃：蒸和牛油

For the above menu, it cost RM360 (S$155). 大鱼大肉 for S$17 per person only. Mind you, we get a lobster each, absolutely no sharing!

四湾岛之我爸爸是 Architect?!

2010-05-25T14:55:00.002+08:00

Overnite Trip
It's more than a year since we last visit to 阿公's hometown - 四湾岛 .
We planned this trip since Apr. 二舅 suggested to stay for a night, so that it's not too rush and we can have 1 more day to those delicious seafood!

Though turnout is much lower than expectation, we have to no choice but to follow our schedule as we have booked a whole level of a walk-up apartment. Think it's cheap considering that it can accomodate 20 ppl. For 250RM/nite (abt S$75/nite), you get 3 air-conditioned bedrooms, 1 very spacious dining area, 1 very big hall (for all to "联络感情") and a balcony with unblock sea view.

New Joke

It's 美芝姐姐 & Royston first time to the village, 二舅 and mum must do their routine, introducing the village and our 阿公. We were walking to our apartment after lunch, passing by the shophouse that 阿公 build himself... 二舅 popped the best joke for the year with "我爸爸是 Architect". We laughed our lungs out, since when 阿公 was a architect?! 二舅 reinforce his point by saying that after so many years of rain and shine, the shophouse is still standing strong. Come to think of it, 阿公 is really clever... just lack of some luck, with opportunities who knows, he might really become a architect.

这也是一种病呀！

2010-05-21T01:20:00.001+08:00

我觉得我的一些坏习惯已慢慢变成一种病……

1. 剩饭

妹妹常常对我这个陋习施与严厉的眼神。我常会吃到最后一口，就饱了，真神奇！有尝试拿少一点，还是会剩下一口就饱了。应该不是量的问题，而是心理的问题。不过我就是吃不下，逼也没用。不是说，有什么籍贯的人吃饭都要留一口吗？为了是“有余”，好兆头啊。（我知道那是歪理，哈哈！）

2. 迟到

就算早起，就算早准备好，还是会迟到。我不是那种会迟个半点钟的人，而是惯性的 5-10 分钟。试过许多方法，至今还未能“对症下药”。有人说迟到好过不到，我是因为留恋家庭的温暖才出不了门的。（又在自圆其说？！）

3. FB-ing

很难想象，自己曾经很排斥 FB。结果有了account 后，现在只要眼前有电脑，就不能不 sign-in。没几分钟就 refresh 一次，看有什么最新 update 。所以告诉自己千万不要 start 一个 twitter account，不然电脑中毒会越来越深，没完没了。（别再怂恿我了！）

两个极端的男人

2010-05-20T16:30:00.003+08:00

第一个是太有钱。
以为有两个臭钱，就很厉害，能砸死人。
炫耀自己的财富不说，还践踏别人来提高自己。
殊不知，不尊重他人 = 不尊重自己。
更糟的是当那“他人”是自己最亲的人的时候。

第二个是没有钱。
可能是生活的苦闷让他烟酒不离手，（那当然是借口。）也因此让他生活得更窘。
一方面，他不得不伸手向人要钱。
另一面，他却因此面子挂不住而自我防备很强，常常会一触即发
了不起的是：他总能摆出一幅问题不是出在他身上的样子。

这也让我有一些体会：

显然，这两个人都缺乏自信和修养。
=> 一个人的自信和修养跟他有没有钱是没有关系的。

他们没句好话，往往会大声说话（对不起，应该是大声喊话），是因为礼亏。
=> 他们天真的以为真理会站在说话比较大声的人那一边。
=> 如果声大还是撑不了场面，就会摆出他们长辈的姿态。

男人不能入错行，女人不能嫁错郎。
=> 我只能为他们背后的女人献上最真挚的祝福。

打鼾声

2010-05-20T03:19:00.000+08:00

生病真是件恐怖的事情。
L的母亲原本是个很有福相的长辈。去探病之前，L说：

你要有心理准备

看到L母才知道她是什么意思——L母小了两号！才两天工夫，她的腿就瘦得和我差不多一样大，看了实在让人心疼。身体持续与病魔交战，让她疲惫的睁不开眼。母亲熟睡的样子和轻轻的打鼾声，竟成了L两姐妹最大的安慰。

To L: 就你说的，这是个持久战，身心和身体要有所调整，才能够帮助母亲打败病魔。如今医学发达，不用担心。

台语歌

2010-05-10T02:08:00.004+08:00

就算是福建人，福建话并不是我们的母语 (Mother Tongue)。
在很多新加坡人看来，福建话是属于我们阿嬷的年代，台语歌很 Old School。

有些台语歌的歌词真的写得很好。第一次听到江惠的家后，感动的流下眼泪。后来，想学唱这首歌，竟然屡屡失败，才唱两句就哽咽得无法唱下去。

今天听到的无字的情批 (Wordless Love Letter)，觉得许常德写的太好了。

阿嬷不识字但是伊识真多的代志
伊讲闪电是天的锁匙锁匙打开有雨水

阿嬷不识字但是有一张情批写乎伊
经过几十年不曾拆过她讲写字不如相思

ROM Checklist 2

2010-05-04T19:20:00.001+08:00

Due to some reasons, R & me decided to make some amendments to our ROM plans.
Thot it would be difficult, especially when I'd booked the hotel and paid the deposit. Really 遇到很多贵人, things became so easy for me!

Re-look into my CHECKLIST:

Setting a DATE: ~~20 Oct 2010~~ 10 Sep 2010 (thanks to David for his advise and choosing of dates)
Book a VENUE: Copthorne Kings (thanks to L, it's within my budget) also to Jenny, fr Copthorne Kings, for being so nice!
Find a JP: Mr. Jack Soh (thanks to A) also to Mr. Jack Soh who readily accepted the change and still agreed to be our JP.
Groom's ATTIRE: already tailored. but think my 宝贝 has lost some weights and needs to alter. (which is good news?)
Bridal's GOWN & ACCESORIES: Blue Bay will be gng to try in Jun/Jul
Wedding RINGS: Bvlgari Rings (thanks to Kenny)
Prepare INVITATIONS: Thanks to Jenny as well, for giving me some samples.
Confirmation of GUEST LISTS: Headache.... yet to finalise
Make-up & Hair-do: TBC
Photo-taking: TBC

Yet Another Death Claim

2010-04-19T18:57:00.003+08:00

Voice fr my hp: Hi, I'm Mr T's son. My father bought some policies from you
Me: Yes, how can I help you?
Voice fr my hp: He just passed away. .

Mr T was a customer under my leads campaign.
We didn't start off well. I remember him scolding me over the phone, and he told me that 那个人不在了，我也不懂要找谁，你们骗人的，我不要再买了. So I tried to tell him nicely, that he might have misconception of the investments that he has bought previously, why not he visit the branch and ask our staff to explain to him. Chances are, when these people lose their faith, and they won't come down anymore. And I was praying on that, cos he's really fierce and nasty over the phone.

He came down, after a few days, together with his son. I was telling myself, pls don't scream at me. He has misconception on sum assured and maturity return, arguing over the fact that he should get the sum assured upon maturity. I "educate" him on the different between the 2, and to my surprise, he accepted my explanation. Phew!

Though he said he doesn't want to buy anymore, he came back to buy an endowment plan when his plan was due. From then, he will say hi to me whenever he drops by the bank or he would look for me when he encounters any problem. He became the "uncle next door".

His son told me that Mr T had a heart attack... it's a one-time attack, and he's gone.
[...]

Mr. Men & Little Miss

2010-04-11T23:56:00.000+08:00

I was searching for Style Wedding mag high & low. Finally found it in a 7-11 store.
Was given a magnet that says - Little Miss DAREDEVIL. I like it!

A Place I Call Home

2010-04-10T18:57:00.003+08:00

It has been 2 months since we got our keys to our wonderland.

Probably it's because it's not done up yet, so nothing to show actually, it's the first time I took pictures of it.

I have been telling friends & relatives about the 落地窗 and the views.

A walkthrough of my new house:

Alice in the Wonderland @ GV Vivo GOLD CLASS

2010-03-31T11:27:00.002+08:00

It's a wonderful experience watching Alice in the Wonderland. However, the main focus is not on Alice in the Wonderland.. (Though that show is enjoyable.) Haha... it's on GV GOLD CLASS.

Woah.... What a big comfortable arm chair! Oh... there's a button to lift up my leg.
Too cold? There's blanket. Hungry or Thirsty? Service is just a button away. I would say, it's indeed a Gold Class experience. The whole experience cost $28. This is my first time, but maybe also the last time, that I will go on the Gold Class experience.

What am I reading>>>四书五经之大学

2010-03-24T10:03:00.006+08:00

谈到爸爸，大部分的人都会举起大拇指。认识我很久的人知道我爸受儒家思想的影响很深，是个非常注重道德修养的人。惭愧的是，我并没有从爸爸那儿得“道”。自从决定要成家后，开始想很多，毕竟从此不再是一个人的事。最困扰的是，我们是否能像爸爸一样树立一个好榜样给我们的下一代。我当然也知道，先要求自己，才能要求别人，如果自己不注重道德修养，不可能要求自己的另一半和子女也注重道德修养。

我自讽说，念书时，每每都读几行，便会被周公召唤。再次重读《大学》，有了更多的领悟。原来，许多原理我们都知道，缺的是实行 (putting into action)。虽然《大学》是至春秋时代篇写的，不过“修身，齐家，治国，平天下”等原理就算是 put into today’s context 还是有它的道理。

越读越带劲。应该也会再接再厉，重读《中庸》。

Who Says We Dun Look Alike?

2010-03-22T23:21:00.005+08:00

Most of our friends say my younger sis looks like me. It's true that you can't find any resemblance in my older sis and me now. But I was surprised that we DO look alike when we were in toddler stage. Haha...

But I would like to comment on our hairstyle... My sis is 10 yrs older than me, but I have no idea why she have a more "in" hairstyle than me. 为什么我会顶着一颗惊世骇俗丑不垃圾香菇头?

脑部是个复杂的东西

2010-03-16T01:42:00.003+08:00

百万小学堂里的一个问题：

最可能帮助增加“音感”的是？
1）玩魔术方块 2）常常打篮球 3）开始学潜水

答案是（1）?!!
原来空间排列和音感所用的脑部是一样的，所以空间排列会刺激音感。
人的脑部真是神奇！最近看了木村拓哉的 Mr. Brain 中也提到一些脑部很神奇的地方，interesting, 值得一看。

What Am I Reading?>>> The Elephant in the Room

2010-03-09T22:39:00.005+08:00

As suggested by the book's title, the book is writing on how people keep certain things "hidden in plain sight". It does reflects in our daily life! Interestingly applicable to Jack Neo's affair. A 93.3fm listener was expressing his admiration for Mrs. Neo on the issue. "Silence is a very powerful tool" he says. Exactly what the book illustrates. But I guess, it's "the elephant in the room", Mrs. Neo is not only ignoring the "elephant" - her husband's affair, she might even be living in self denial.

Some learning lessons too: "Some things are better left unsaid"

OCBC Cycling Day 2010

2010-03-08T12:47:00.005+08:00

It's 4.45am in the morning. I have problems opening up my eyes on the cab on the way to F1 pit.... My eyes widened when I take a glance out of the cab's window. There were cyclists all well-equiped, cycling towards ECP. I bet a 100 bucks that we are heading the same place and joining the same event - OCBC Cycling Day 2010, 40-km Challenge.

The Challenge flagged off at 6am. It might be due to the early timing of the race or OCBC might have prayed for the good weather, weather was awesome with minimum sun and no rain. The 40-km was finished in a much easier mode.

I'm not familiar with the route, especially at ECP's service road, whereby there's lots of humps... slow down quite a bit on that long stretch of road. When I finally turned into the park itself.... I feel that I could fly. Practice does help and familiarity does plays a part too. The other part that I slowed down was probably at the up and down slopes at shenton. I keep telling myself, "it's ending soon. press on!" Along the route, I seen some girls cheering, "WOW.... YOU ARE DOING GREAT! YOU CAN DO IT! GO! GO! GO! WOW...." Honestly speaking, I did feel like I was cycling faster with their encouragement! Haha... Thanks girls, Great Job! Maybe also due to the fact that most people around you are cycling at a fast speed, so I feel the urged to go faster too.

I'm proud to share my results, though it's far from the Champion... but I'd done my best, and this is the best timing that I'd gotten so far.

This is the 2nd year NUSCO had joined the race. It's a pity that I didn't join them last year. I believed we all had fun and we promised to joined the challenge again should OCBC organize it again next yr.

幕后花絮

2010-03-04T12:26:00.012+08:00

哈哈！当一天的模特儿，知道模特儿不好当。WS 说男生的带3套上衣，3条领带，和1件外衣。其实，新加坡男生工作的上衣，想也知道，来来去去也就只有那几个颜色。结果，他们不是白色就是蓝色，就连粉红也是热门颜色，领带不是黑色，就是蓝色。还说女生不能穿黑白。我平时穿去工作都是黑白。只拍一张相，却弄得大家人仰马翻。

以下纯属搞笑……

最有看头：Liyan & Agnes
平时不化妆的 Liyan 和 Agnes 最有看头。又弄头发，又贴假睫毛……好让人期待。Agnes 还小笑说，完成后要将玉照放上网征婚。

最大规模：

拍这张照，人最多，也最久。其他人闷得发慌！

最有夫妻相：Andy & Agnes
台湾有双 J 恋，Andy & Agnes 可以考虑来个双 A 恋？

最不自然：Wei Heng
我知道一个人拍有多困难。Wei Hong 的手好像不是自己的手，放哪里好像都别扭。

最自然：Raymond & Norani
据 photographer 说，他们每张都很美很自然。

原来早已培养好默契

最专业：Alvin
Bro 是一次 Ok，真是没话说。

最配合：JJ, Megan & XiaoJia
爬上爬下，坐上坐下。叫他们做什么，他们就做什么。配合度满分。唯一的要求，大概就是 Megan 要她的右脸上镜吧。

NATAS Fair

2010-03-01T23:56:00.004+08:00

经济不景气？不要再给自己借口了。单看 NATAS fair 的长龙，就知道经济并没有想象中糟糕。像是日本、台湾、韩国都很受国人欢迎。就连我爸妈也打算在４月到北海道去。

因为自己要到澳洲去，也到旅游展去人挤人。碰到最搞笑的事情大概就是新加坡的怕输的心理吧。哈哈。

（老公拖着Lexmark's Printer, 老婆拖着很大的行李箱。）
老婆：.... you lah. You go outside, my card cannot sign so much. I want Cat's that red bag! You also never say you got Mastercard, we can go for the draw...

明明是去旅行，关心的却是 free bags? 已经拿了printer 和行李箱，还是不够？还真的为了 free gifts 而吵架，真是败给他们。不过，我也相信这不是 isolate case。而且在我离开之前，redemption counter 大部分都贴上 "FULLY REDEEMED"　的牌子了。Haiz, 我只能说：“祝你们旅途愉快！”

A Day Out With AXL (2)

2010-03-01T01:24:00.003+08:00

Only a few can be shared. The bunch of siao zha bo took too many fotos tat can only be served as mementos for themselves. Haha...

Prelude of Melbourne Trip

2010-03-01T00:11:00.002+08:00

VENUE: MELBOURNE
DURATION: 11 JUL - 18 JUL

The long awaited Melbourne trip is finally going to happen in July. So excited! But why Melbourne? Though Xian, Lian and me have gone to a few places together, for the so many years, the AFXL have never been to holidays together until the recent Batam trip. Ali has asked us to go Melbourne to look for her when she knew that she's going to study there. So Melbourne is it.

Like I said before, it has to be budget budget yah. We have gotten a cheap deal from NATAS fair: A pair of SQ return tickets for $947 only! Now we just need to confirm our itinerary and hotels. Yeah! Ok girls, mark your calendar.

Size Does Matter?

2010-02-26T18:38:00.002+08:00

Some have commented tat I'd become tanner. haha... it's because I'm into cycling recently. We have been practising for the 40-km OCBC cycling day tat's going to happen next sun. No, I'm not taking it as a race, more like a challenge for myself. So... I'm not into buying those expensive gears and bikes. I merely throw in another $2 (in addition to the usual $6) to rent a better bike.

From McDonald's @ East Coast Park all the way up to Changi Beach, whereby there's no road ahead anymore. We make a U-turn here and go back to ECP again...

Woah.. Which is why I said, SIZE DOES MATTER! With bigger rims, it takes abt 2hrs to finish the above route, 1/2 hr faster than the usual mountain bike. I'm looking forward for the challenge next week!

A Day Out With AXL

2010-02-20T12:30:00.003+08:00

It's once a year 拜年行动, so many years have passed, still dunno the way to each other's place!?!? Haha... Thanks to AXL's parents, we had good food, good laugh and good time yesterday. I guess the bunch of xiao zha bo likes to take pictures the most. They always have funny ideas... let's not go into details. haha.

why no pics? ali... where's the pics?

Discussion for our Australia trip... So 1 week only enough to go ard Melbourne? Watever.... Otherwise Ali will give excuses not to go. Ali, r u crazy? u dun go, we dun go too! Get the point?! Can't believe we are planning it now.

燕窝篇

2010-02-13T00:09:00.003+08:00

I dunno wat's the occasion, but we were drinking bird nest...

妹妹：为什么 New Moon 叫人月牌？Then 新月牌 leh？
我：没有新月牌啦。People Moon 不好听 mah。
爸爸：他写错啦，应该叫 Man Moon。
(...)

大扫除

2010-02-10T18:36:00.003+08:00

新年最让人头疼的就是大扫除。我的皮肤和鼻子都过渡敏感，碰到灰尘和赃东西，就会痒，还会猛打喷嚏。特地放下工作，乖乖待在家，认认真真的做“除旧迎新”！

不过，大扫除也有另一种收获。大扫除发现了很多朋友和同事送的生日卡、新年卡、圣诞卡、信和一些合照。边看边笑……有 AXL 和 Crab 给我的卡和信，有跟 Candy, Sherry, Jane 的照片，还有和Bedok North Branch 的同事的照片。我们真的 go a very long way……

aaahhhh...................choo....................

校花 vs 壁花

2010-02-09T23:30:00.004+08:00

其实，我从来不乏异性缘，不过从小我就不曾与“校花”这个名称画上等号。就算曾经有4个男生同时追求我，也没能让我赢得“校花”的美誉。充其量只是个小跟班。我大概就是大家俗称的“壁花”。叛逆期的我多数是中性打扮，而且性格爽朗的我，像兄弟多过像女生。那天我穿着一条连身裙上班，WS惊叹：“你为什么穿这样来？”仿佛我就不应该有女性的打扮。Angry!

碰到以前的校花，如今已是人母。是校花还是壁花已不重要。

Center Stage

2010-02-04T19:09:00.004+08:00

I was searching high and low for this show's dvd for.... 5yrs?!? Haha... I was nua-ing at home, switching between channels. And ta-dah! Center Stage on HBO. I remembered first watching this movie was in my NUS's years. wow... how time has passed.

I kinda like movie using dance as background, especially ballet. First, you need to have talent, you have to have those body and feets! Secondly, a lot of hard work. Watching the show makes me remember how my toes suffered. Maybe because of that, I like to see their legs and feets works. NICE LEGS!

Though many might think that the storyline is cliche. But who cares? And personally, I thot, 《如果·爱》has some similarities in terms of storyline too. Maybe they got their ideas here? Just kidding. Besides, the story makes the finale dance much more interesting.

p/s: Anyone has this dvd, lend me k?

Have you heard of mother asking you to move out of the house so that she has more storage space?

2010-01-31T22:56:00.004+08:00

Very irritated by my mother. History has to repeat itself every CNY. I've been staying here for 27 years, you mean even another 2 years is too long?

Even a simple question can trigger her off. Why must she always make a scene? Cannot talk nicely?

I constantly remind myself not to follow my mother's footsteps. Breathe in... Breathe out...

男生要有风度

2010-01-17T23:27:00.002+08:00

郑导演在《百万小学堂》说“男生要有风度”，让我感触良多。

其实，风度是要培养的：让位给女生、老人和小孩，帮女生提东西等等，学校还真应该考虑让孩子上风度班。新加坡的男人普遍都没有风度。记得我第一次坐 G 的车，他很自然的走过来帮我开车门，这种行为我以为只有在戏里才有，让我对这个男生“刮目相看”。不过 G 是少数啦。昨天在搭车时有个男人硬抢在我前面上车，超级没风度！

ROM Checklist

2010-01-16T13:42:00.003+08:00

Friends have been asking when I'm becoming a MRS and blah blah blah...
I'm under a lot of stress: the money, my career, my family, and the next stage of my life. Thanks to my friends, half of the to-do list are checked.

Checklist:
~~Setting a DATE~~ 20 Oct 2010
~~Book a VENUE~~ Corpthorne King's (thanks to L, it's within my budget)
~~Find a JP~~ thanks to A
~~Groom's ATTIRE~~ already tailored
~~Bridal's GOWN & ACCESORIES~~ fr Blue Bay
Wedding Rings
Confirmation of GUEST LISTS
Prepare INVITATIONS
Make-up & Hair
Photo-taking

与醉汉同行

2010-01-06T22:36:00.000+08:00

虽然从 Bugis 要回家，搭 MRT 最快，但搭 2 号通常有位子坐，而且不用换车。不过 2 号会经过 Geylang……

他一身酒味，跌坐在我身旁。我抬头望了他一眼，他双颊通红，眯着两眼，双手还握着 4 瓶 Carlsburg。其实他也没做什么奇怪动作，只是默默地闭目养神。不过，他的存在确实让我浑身不自在。想起身换位，又担心贸然换位或起立会引发不必要的骚动。我静静地观察他，注意他会不会作怪。结果，我在 Eunos 下车，顺道到凤娴家去。有惊无险。

福建人是少数?!?

2010-01-05T23:01:00.001+08:00

一厢情愿的认为新加坡到处是福建人。

相约久违的 Ivan。听说他的女友很爱唱，也很能唱时，兴奋不已。乘着他们在放假，我和 R 也没做工，一起去唱 K。一问之下，才愕然发现这天我是少数（Minority)：3个海南人对我1个福建人。难以置信。

不过能认识兴趣相同的朋友，是很令人开心的。我们听歌的“口味”相近。她还建议我能试唱什么歌。初次见面，感觉不错。

序 · 2010

2010-01-03T19:43:00.004+08:00

09年作了一些重要的决定：改行、答应 R 的求婚、购屋。

之前在银行工作，觉得很多时候“身不由己”。原本，以为妹妹终于毕业了，决定出去拼一拼，做一些自己喜欢做的事。改行后，等于是自雇人士，收入不稳定，有些费用还是“投资”。改行不到一个月，却意外的答应 R 的求婚，而且在十月买了我们的爱巢。

10年是履行的时候。
3月是屋子的 2nd appointment，即是拿锁匙。
7月是令人期待的与姐妹淘的 trip to Australia 。这应该是婚前的最后一个单身之旅。
10月是成为别人太太的新旅程。
当然，还是的努力工作，还是的勒紧腰带。

没有时间也没有办法后悔决定。不管前路如何，定会提醒自己要秉持我“见招拆招”的精神。
欢迎2010。

Post Christmas Celebration with AXL

2010-01-02T17:27:00.004+08:00

Celebrating the n-th Christmas together, seriously running out of ideas. Of course, we could've done what we do best - lazing around to chit-chat or play Dai Di (大老二). But it's a celebration! So I thought we should do something more exciting. And I was glad to have suggested Wii.

It's easy to spend the afternoon challenging each other on some silly games - Raving Rabbids. We really have to thank the people behind the screen. We were totally exhausted after 5 intensive hours of exercising, laughing, screaming and doing funny poses. That's so fun!

Me, As the veteran, (of course) won most of the game. 无敌是寂寞. Ladies, keep practising. I waiting for you.

I only like to receive gifts. Buying presents is probably the what I'm most afraid of. I din intend to buy anything for the girls, I dun want to buy for the sake of buying. Besides, they are not going to hate me because I din given them any presents. I'm glad to finally got their presents in Genting! And we had fun opening up the pressies too. Not necessary expensive, but just practical and useful and fun!

p/s: Ali, dun worry we still love you no matter what.

What Am I Reading >>> Judge & Jury

2009-12-27T12:04:00.003+08:00

Book was given by XiaoTing before she left for US. But was left aside. Till the recent Malaysia trip, thot it would be good to have a book to accompany me.

Those that are in my FB knows that I'm recently into this Mafia War game. Coincidently, Patterson is writing abt a Mafia Boss. But strange, it took longer than expected to finish the book.

The 6-day Malaysia Tour (Part 4)

2009-12-26T22:35:00.021+08:00

Sightseeing & Shopping
Malacca
Our hotel is walking distance to Jonker Street. Like our boutique hotel, the street reflects the Malacca Baba-Nyonya culture. A lot of cravings around. The street looks very different in the day & night. Night time, you will see the pasar malam along the street. But we weren't very lucky that night; everytime we stepped on the street, it starts to rain. The rain makes the shopping difficult.

Also walking distance from the hotel is the Christ Church & St John's Fort.

Those that are daring and brave enough, can take pictures with the snakes and chameleon.

Penang
Penang Hill
Taking the very sloooow cable up the Penang Hill. Very windy.

蝙蝠大伯公庙
It's near the Penang Hill. A small little temple. Like it's name, there are bats in the temple.

Kek Lok Si (极乐寺)
Climb a lots of stairs to see the big Guan Yin. Luckily there's cable car to the highest point.

Pasar Malam
Along the streets where The Ship is. If you are thinking of getting AAA imitation of gucci, prada or chanel, this is where you should go. Looks like the reaaal ones. But remember to bargain! Royston bought a Coke turning lamp. You will get to see it when we move to our new home.

Ipoh
Kellies Castle

Built by a Scottish, William Kellie Smith, but never stay in it before. There are hidden tunnel, rooms and stairs.

The house is filled with mysteries and ghost stories for many years. Partly might be due to the strange illnesses that got to the William. Or it could be the because the house was never completed. People says Williams is still roaming ard the corridors. As if it's not scary enough, they put up notices like this.

The British's pot of gold comes from the plantation that he owned. From the top of his castle, he could oversee all his plantation. Fantanstic view! But not everyone will be able to see... haha... because there's no railings built around. Those that are afraid of heights won't be able to enjoy the magnificent view.

Ling Sen Tong & Nan Tian Dong (灵仙岩和南天洞）
Amusingly, a buddhist temple and a taoist temple built side by side.

Pasar Malam
It's near our hotel actually, within walking distance. It's expensive and they hardly barge to your bargaining. In my opinion, not worth going.

Genting
We arrived rather late. Nothing much was done. Too late to pay for the Theme Park. And not enough cash to play in the casino. Din even take any pictures. Bored.
But I was glad that I got the christmas presents for my beloved friends.

The 6-day Malaysia Trip (Part 3)

2009-12-26T21:22:00.009+08:00

Lodging
Budget is tight. So lodging is ...

Malacca - The Baba House
As the name suggests, the hotel reflects the baba culture.

I dare say this is the scariest hotel that I'd ever stayed in. Wait till you see our room! We were staying on the 2nd floor. In that stretch of corridor, there's probably 4 rooms, but 3 rooms are not-in-service, ours happen to be the last one on that corridor....

Penang - 1926 Heritage Hotel
Maybe the first one was too scary. This one was much better. At least the lighting is bright enough.

Our room even has a balcony overseeing the swimming pool.

Ipoh - Hotel Excelsior
The best hotel for this trip. Finally a decent hotel. And out of the so many hotels, they serve the best breakfast.

Genting - First World Hotel
Think it's the cheapest in Genting. The rest are self-explantory.

The 6-day Malaysia Trip (Part 2)

2009-12-26T18:08:00.011+08:00

Food
18 Dec - Malacca
Bak Ku Teh for Lunch.
Royston cast his vote for the trip to the Bak Ku Teh. Their Bak Ku Teh is the brown base herbal type. And it not only a Bak Ku Teh, it's a all-in-1 pot. Other than pork ribs, it has meat balls, fen chang (intestines), blah blah blah...

Chicken Rice Balls for Dinner.
蔡澜's standee is every where, advertising the infamous Chicken Rice Balls. Frankly, nothing so great abt the balls. Royston dun really fancy them. In fact, I think 娥姨 make better ones. The balls are not even cheap to begin with!

19 & 20 Dec - Penang
The forgotten A&W and Baskin Robin at a stopover before we hit Penang.
The 9-year Joanna has never seen A&W in Singapore. My god, how long have A&W left us? What I missed most is the root beer float & curly fries.

I laughed at how they spell ice-cream but realised that was due to their language. Baskin Robin is something that I can't resist even when I'm full. Can they re-asses coming back to Singapore pleasseee?

Dinner at The Ship

It's Royston's Birthday! So Jo planned a dinner at the restaurant. Though the logo and the name is the same, I dunno if the restaurant is the same as the one at Shaw.

But the food is definitely not on the same level.
Like what the signboard says, "The Best Steak in Town" - only the steak is best. Royston and Jo ordered Fried Spring Chicken. The picture on the menu sure looks big, juicy and delicious. I missed taking the shot of their faces when the dishes are served. We thought it should be called Fried Spring Chick... haha... not big enough to be chicken.

Chay Kway Teow!
Yeah.... I vote for this one. I can't really explain in words the different between Penang Chay Kway Teow and Singapore Chay Kway Teow. But it's simply NICE.

The rest of the food is so-so and isn't worth writing.

21 Dec - Ipoh
Ipoh dun have nice food too... The only better food that we had is probably the Hotel Excelsior's breakfast.

22 Dec - Genting
Been to Genting a few times, it's the first time I go canteen for food. Think it's for staff. Can't remember what the name, just know it's beside the Old Town cafeteria. Their roast chicken & roast duck is tasty. If you are running out of $$, maybe you can try here.

2nd time (since 2006) at the First World Cafe for breakfast. The situation din improved. Long queues every where. Pastries & Bread are served in plastic storage drawers. Cooked food that is on the warmer is not warm, and it's topped up by pouring food into the metal tin on the warmer, instead of replacing the whole tin. It's like feeding pigs. Sure make me lose my appetite.

23 Dec - Leaving Genting & gng back to Singapore, passing by Johore
Bamboo Rice + A&W root beer float for lunch
We stop at the highway on the way down to buy the bamboo rice. I like the rice, smells good. Found a place to sit down for lunch. Went to buy root beer float from A&W. The service at the counter is sooooo slow... and while waiting, we conspire with the idea of smuggling the mugs home. haha...

Sizzling Rock for Dinner
This is in Johore already. The restaurant is in Jusco shopping center. I remember I used to go Hot Stone at Clarke Quay, the concept is the same, but the price is doubled as compared to this one.

The 6-day Malaysia Trip (Part 1)

2009-12-24T22:17:00.012+08:00

Pre-Trip Withdrawal Symptom
I din know I could tahan 6 days in Malaysia.

Firstly, with all the scary stories abt Malaysia, my dad never like the idea of us gng Malaysia, even when it's a family trip or only to Johore, not to mention this is a 6-day trip. I guess he must be very worried the whole time when we were there. I even tried to introduce to my parents the people that will be gng on this trip with me, warning Jo to behave himself before hand.

Secondly, I din want to waste $$... Recently, I became very conscious abt my expenditure as our new home is ready soon and many costs will start kicking in. Besides, my resolution for the year was not to travel. And most importantly to me, scenery such as temples, mountains and etc, in Malaysia failed to impressed me (since I'd been to China countless times). The food is so-so. Their fashion isn't my taste.... If I could choose, I would rather save the $, to go somewhere else more exciting. omg, wat have I signed up for?

The sole reason that I was there, it's because it's Royston's Birthday, and I din want to disappoint him when he so wanted to go.

The Trip Starts
Itinerary:
Singapore-Malacca-Penang-Ipoh-Genting-Singapore

Planner cum Driver

Introducing the Ah-Beng driver.... Jo. All thanks to him, planning the whole trip and being our only driver for the whole trip.

Inventory Officer
From nail-clipper, toothpicks, tissue paper to mask... Yin Yin has everything.

GPS

This special GPS needs time to warm up, and will malfunction early in the morning and every time she is hungry.

Back-up GPS
Driver got to activate the back-up when the GPS is not working.

The Conversation with Vincent

2009-12-16T19:47:00.004+08:00

I finally make it to the Jazz class after pon-tang-ing for 3 weeks.
Vincent is my Jazz class teacher. The conversation take place outside the studio at the sofa after the Jazz class.

Vincent: Are you dancing somewhere?
Me: (Giving the ? look, shaking my head)
Vincent: Or are you teaching kids dance?
Me: Nope.
(My o/s: So he thinks I could dance - I'm flattered. But he thinks I'm not good enough, cos only teach kids yah?)
Vincent: But you'd learn dancing before somewhere?
Me: Yah... when I was young. (Since he thinks I'm not tad good, besides, I couldn't catch the steps at class just now! better discount...) I can't really dance now... I learn when I was really young.
Vincent: Oh.... Becos I see something there... so I guess...

I really love to dance! But as age is catching up and I REALLY haven't had proper dance classes since sec 4, I'm in a rather bad shape to be frank. Should really make an effort to go Vincent's class man. I like his moves.

p/s:
Vincent: So wat's your professional? Are you a teacher?

I din know I really look like a teacher. So many had said. So I portray a 有气质 or 有爱心 image yah.... I only have 1 thing to say: Looks can be deceiving.

下一个行业

2009-12-10T21:45:00.004+08:00

突发奇想 again......

最近有朋友，打电话给我，问我关于求职的问题。发现其实原来这不只是 fresh grad 会碰到的问题，就算是有工作经验的人也会有“我的resume, cover letter 要怎么写？”还是“我 interview 时应该怎么回答这个问题？”，甚至有人问我应该穿什么。市场上有很多101课程、seminars for dummies，网上也有很多articles 作顾问。不过，课程和网络千篇一律的 faq，其实缺少的是一个 made to measure 的 answer。

我想我应该有个一条龙服务：针对你想争取的工作，对 resumes, cover letters, interview questions和服装给你 one-to-one 的意见。How much should I charge then?

Chocolates... pls dun put me in the fridge

2009-12-02T23:59:00.004+08:00

My fav... and my best buddy in JC. Life is a breeze with him always by my side.
I can finish almost a whole slab of chocolate in a day! As christmas is coming, I'm expecting chocolates as gifts. And many will be having vacation and the easiest gift to bring back seems to be chocolates as well.

However, easy it may seems, how to store chocolates properly is a skill need to be learned. I hope people dun just chuck the chocolates into the fridge, that destroy the taste. How many times have you come back from NTUC or vacation, and immediately those delicious chocolates go into the fridge? I seriously cannot enjoy those chocolates at all, they are hard, dry and not so tasty anymore (as compared when u do tasting before buying them). Wat a waste! Especially when you have spend a fortune bringing them back from abroad. So if we put in our hearts and some more efforts, we are able to appreciate the chocolates more.

Some tips:
1. Like I said, DUN JUST PUT CHOCOLATES IN THE FRIDGE.
We must remember not to leave the chocolates directly under sun, it's best kept in cool and dark places.

2. If we are packing chocolates in our hand luggage, it's important to leave it on tables or stool and not put it on your lap or on the floor so as not to absorb heat.

3. Remember to unpack your luggages to store your chocolates properly once you reach home! Singapore is warmer and more humid than many countries, so dun just leave your luggages lying around. Or else, you will wake up to find all your chocolates melted.

4. If we really bought too much that we might not be able to finish within a short time, and you have no choice but to store it in the fridge. Split your stock. Put the chocolates into a container before putting them into the fridge. When you want to consume them, bring the whole container out... and wait a while before consuming it. And to be careful not to let the condensation fall on the chocolates.

Wat Am I Reading >>> No Choice But Seduction

2009-12-01T01:26:00.004+08:00

Another Malory-Anderson Series.
My 1st book was the love story of Nicholas Eden & Regina, if i din remember wrongly the book's name is Love Only Once. I think that was when I was in Sec 2. And till date, it's still my fav book in the series! Other than this, I tend to prefer those story with characters tat inherited the "gypsies" genes, eg, Derek, Jeremy, Amy. Am really thinking of re-reading all these books again. think i'd done that twice already over the last 10 yrs supporting the series.

Even when I'm abt 3/4 done with the book, I got this idea that this is an Anderson story, like previous Drew's story.... But with a twist, like Johanna Lindsey always do, and wat the Malory is capable of... it becomes a Malory story too... Not too bad. but thinks that some parts are too fast, some parts are too draggy. could have been better.

p/s: Lian, thanks for the book. I think there's even a newer book for the Malory-Anderson series... Let's see who get the hands on it 1st.

Wat Am I Reading? >>> Remember Me?

2009-11-26T12:24:00.003+08:00

This book was left on the shelf for some time after my god-sis passed it to me...

Something new fr Sophie Kinsella, no more shopping... but still hilarious.
Old tricks like amnesia? Many times we want to forget the bad times. How many times have you hear people say, 如果我可以再來一次? people dun get a chance to live it again. Anyway, it's a light-hearted book just for leisure.

Disastrous Ride to SMU

2009-11-26T09:43:00.002+08:00

Scenario: very crowded bus. I'm seated at the back and surrounded by passengers. Suddenly, someone right behind me called out loudly in Hokkien, sending me a jump.

Auntie 1: ji dao wu we, lai lai cey, wa lang ai cey zin hern, dia tio ai cey
(这里有位，来来坐，我们要坐很远，一定要坐。)

This Auntie... so many people standing around, then she put her hand on the empty seat beside me, CHOPPING the seat for her friend standing quite in front.
Finally, both were seated, but that was not all.

Auntie 2: 7点和９点的戏要完了。这两出戏真好看。

The next 10 mins was about Taiwan shows, singapore shows... and mind you, she was practically shouting in my ears. they are seated so close and they have to speak so loudly. frankly, i not very interested in their SHARING.

And then, the bus did a sudden brake because there was someone doing jay-walking. that spark another topic...

Auntie 1: 我跟谁谁讲不可以乱过马路。
Auntie 2: 对loh，过红绿灯mah.
Auntie 1: 过白线啦，车会停的mah.
Auntie 2: In-do-ne-sia lu geng si (Indonesia is worse)
Then they went on to talk about other countries' traffic....
Auntie 1: ya loh ya loh...
Auntie 2: 马坡淹水，真可怜。
(how they link traffic to 淹水？）

（...)

P/s: Not only Ah-tiong speaks loudly, singaporean can be quite inconsiderate as well.

我们的太始祖 -- 比干

2009-11-19T16:45:00.005+08:00

原来，我们与很多文明一样，开始时是没有姓氏的。那么“林”氏是怎么来的呢？Who is our great great great.... father?

最近看电视才知道我们“林”氏的太始祖是比干。比干这个人名有没有 ring a bell? 因为几年前香港 TVB 砸金拍了一部《封神榜》，红极一时，捧红了很多演员，所以我才会对比干这号人物有所了解。虽然戏中已将比干神化，不过据记载，他是一个被妲己（奸妃）害死的忠臣。比干的夫人怀了他的骨肉，逃离了朝歌。周武王消灭了纣王后，赐了“林”姓给比干之子。

so “亘古第一忠臣”便成了我们林家的太始祖了！好厉害哦！

Love Story

2009-11-17T23:10:00.004+08:00

Such a romantic song! Read the lyrics...

Songwriters: Swift, Taylor Alison

We were both young, when I first saw you.
I close my eyes and the flashback starts-
I'm standing there, on a balcony in summer air.

I see the lights; see the party, the ball gowns.
I see you make your way through the crowd-
You say hello, little did I know...

That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles-
And my daddy said "stay away from Juliet"-
And I was crying on the staircase-
begging you, "Please don't go..."
And I said...

Romeo take me somewhere, we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all there's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess,
It's a love story, baby, just say yes.

So I sneak out to the garden to see you.
We keep quiet, because we're dead if they knew-
So close your eyes... escape this town for a little while.
Oh, Oh.

Cause you were Romeo - I was a scarlet letter,
And my daddy said "stay away from Juliet" -
but you were everything to me-
I was begging you, "Please don't go"
And I said...

Romeo take me somewhere, we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all there's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess.
It's a love story, baby, just say yes-

Romeo save me, they're trying to tell me how to feel.
This love is difficult, but it's real.
Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess.
It's a love story, baby, just say yes.
Oh, Oh.

I got tired of waiting.
Wondering if you were ever coming around.
My faith in you was fading-
When I met you on the outskirts of town.
And I said...

Romeo save me, I've been feeling so alone.
I keep waiting, for you but you never come.
Is this in my head, I don't know what to think-
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said...

Marry me Juliet, you'll never have to be alone.
I love you, and that's all I really know.
I talked to your dad -- go pick out a white dress
It's a love story, baby just say... yes.
Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh.

'cause we were both young when I first saw you

脚痒？

2009-11-16T01:49:00.004+08:00

怎么搞的，真是的。才夸自己几天，购物瘾又犯了！
不是手痒？是脚痒！

如果在 Pazzion 还是 Charles & Keith 之类的店买这种款式的凉鞋，起码要 $35 以上。
在 Bugis Street，只需 $15。你怎么能不心软？

快乐星期五

2009-11-14T00:08:00.007+08:00

星期五的记忆：歌手们的好声音、韦丰的冰咖啡、立章的冷笑话，还有收也收不完、洗都洗不完的杯子！

记得还在念书时，我有好一段日子是在木船打工。星期五是最忙的一晚，光是收杯子、洗杯子，就有够累了。不过，也是我最喜欢工作的一晚。因为星期五是韦丰、立章、丽芬、婉燕的档，之后又换成了韦丰、立章、淳佳和康阳的档。超 enjoy!

所以从淳佳的第一张专辑，就一直支持到现在。昨天看了淳佳的网上采访，那些星期五的记忆又一点一点的浮现在脑海里。记得淳佳出了第一张专辑后，还有回来木船唱歌。曾问她有没有碰到很疯狂的粉丝时，她说其实没有，她的粉丝都很斯文。当时，我们有开玩笑说，艺人有气质，支持的粉丝也有气质，他们会比较含蓄。哈哈哈……很高兴阿佳能有这么好的成绩，才能够一直听到她的好声音。尤其喜欢淳佳的转音，音色超美。很希望她能有一些近距离的迷你演唱会，因为那就是她的专长阿!

除了淳佳，也想念立章的好歌声。他们的声音有个共同点——唱得很轻松，可以很舒服的享受他们的歌。他们的歌声怎么可以那么悦耳，那么自然？每次当我听立章的歌听得如痴如醉时，可恶的韦丰老是取笑我，说我暗恋立章。其实，应该说我暗恋他的声音才对。不过，现在要听到立章的声音，真是很困难了。如果淳佳和立章能再同台演出，就更好了。我一定第一时间买票支持！

钱不够用

2009-11-10T17:22:00.005+08:00

到了我这个年龄，红炸弹收到手软。买楼、结婚、生子似乎才是人生三件大事。

不过，这三件事都跟钱离不开关系。普遍的情况是：年轻人没有积蓄，这三件事的费用都是老爸老妈包办。令人惊讶的是，我这些好友都不是富裕人家，爸妈都是打工阶级。他们多数有 2-3 孩子，供孩子们读完大学，竟然还能腾出$50k-$100K，给孩子买房子，办婚事！这不仅让我想到，如果到了他们这个年纪，我也能够有留那么多钱给我的宝贝孩子们吗?

仔细想想：我爸那个年代，省吃俭用，为的就是把最好的留给孩子。如今，我们这个年代，负债累累，散金如粪土。现在贷款很简单，三两天就有“支票”（balance transfer) 送上门。我觉得我们时时刻刻要提醒自己，小心不要步美国的后尘，个个都透支过日子。

王妃

2009-11-06T15:48:00.005+08:00

果然，佛要金装，人要衣装。星光大道时期，我不喜欢萧敬腾，现在看他顺眼多了。特别喜欢这首歌《王妃》。觉得还蛮配合我 blog 的名字。

王妃
作曲：李偲菘作词：陈耀川

摇晃的红酒杯嘴唇像染着鲜血
那不寻常的美难赦免的罪
谁忠心的跟随充其量当个侍卫
脚下踩着玫瑰回敬一个吻当安慰可怜
像蠢动的音乐教人们怎么成眠
不知名的香水窒息的鬼魅
锋利的高跟鞋让多少心肠破碎
弯刀一般的眉捍卫你的秘密花园

夜太美尽管再危险
总有人黑着眼眶熬着夜
爱太美尽管再危险
愿赔上了一切超支千年的泪
痛太美尽管再卑微
也想尝粉身碎骨的滋味
你太美尽管再无言
我都想用石堆隔绝世界
我的王妃我要霸占你的美

那催情的音乐听起来多么愚昧
你武装的防备伤你的是谁
靠近我一点点是不一样的世界
安睡在我的肩我用生命为你加冕

夜太美尽管再危险
总有人黑着眼眶熬着夜
爱太美尽管再危险
愿赔上了一切超支千年的泪
痛太美尽管再卑微
也想尝粉身碎骨的滋味
你太美尽管再无言
我都想用石堆隔绝世界
我的王妃我要霸占你的美

Caught

2009-11-03T23:00:00.003+08:00

Spotted.
R throwing cigarette butt on the floor and got FINE because of that. 1stly, I dun like R to smoke. 2ndly, I'm fairly disgusted with ppl that litter.

I seriously dun understand wat's wrong with R? After leaving the BANK, he ridiculously tried to avoid gng to the BANK. Honestly, we are no super stars, so no one is bothered by our presence in the BANK. Well, if by age 40, he has job-hopped around 5 banks, is he gng to avoid gng to those banks as well?

Becos' R refused to step into the BANK and so smoked to wait for me. Coincidently, there was no rubbish bin ard and... tat's it.

p/s: I was picking up a take one on a monthly saving program which earns a higher interest, I think the interest is not high enough to pay for the FINE.

Ang Bao Box

2009-11-01T05:04:00.009+08:00

第 N 个红包箱（Ang Bao Box)。
妹妹问我为什么都不拍照，觉得我应该 take some pics for future reference.

问新人要什么颜色？是什么 theme? 新郎的回答是 anything. 通常我会配合 wedding theme, 让箱子也可以是一种摆设品。最怕就是两种人：1，要求多多的人，一大堆ideas, 不过都不切实际；2，问他什么他都说随便，成品他却不喜欢。你一定有碰过要打包，问那人要吃什么，他的回答是随便。结果你说鸡饭，他说不要，你说虾面，他说不要，你问他到底要吃什么，他还是说随便。很担心因为这次就是碰到这种人。完全不知道该如何下手，非常担心会花了很多心思和时间，结果他们不喜欢。

新人是摩登夫妻，我猜他们不喜欢太 childish，太 ang kong kong (红)，或是太 kim dang dang (金)的 design. 最后不管三七二十一决定用自己喜欢的紫色， create 一个比较 classy 的 look。不知道新人喜不喜欢，自己却非常满意。

Only $41!

2009-10-29T18:51:00.002+08:00

The road to adulthood is tough.
I'm under lots of pressure - with the money needed for our new home and wedding preparation + I'm still in experimenting stage of my career. I even suggested to Royston that maybe we shouldn't go honeymoon, we could go when we are more comfortable with our pockets.

Things that I'd done to cut down on spending:
1. Cut down on shopping
My credit card says $41 only! yeah! so proud of myself.

2. Cut down on restaurant
No more extravagant living. I never like the food at foodcourts but I dun mind eating at hawker centres. Have been eating more meals at hawker nowadays.

3. No more taxi
I'm known as taxi uncle's best friend, I'm used to taking it almost everyday. But now I hardly take any cab anymore. So far, i've only taken 2 times for this month. I deserve a clap?

I need to brainstorm what else can I cut down on.

I step on a gum AGAIN

2009-10-27T21:50:00.003+08:00

No wonder the Government ban the gum. Even when it's banned, I could step on a gum 2 times in this month.

Gum is one of my childhood memories, and I was quite angry when Government put a stop on it. But sometimes I couldn't help to think that we deserve to be treated this way.

R.S.V.P.

2009-10-26T23:26:00.003+08:00

R.S.V.P is so widely used but how many know the meaning of this abbreviation?

任贤齐 just release his new album R.S.V.P, he says it means Reserve Shall Verify Presence(?) His Engrish din make much sense...

妹妹 out of curiosity had searched online before and says it's Respond Sender Via Phone. This could be right for party terms.

It's actually a French phrase, répondez, s'il vous plaît, meaning Respond Please. 任贤齐, this phrase is on ur cd cover. tsk tsk.

In olden days, written invitations require written respond from guests. Now, we often see this abbreviation on wedding or party invitations. The person inviting you would like you to respond if you will accept or decline the invitations. This is basic courtesy. But I realised the locals dun have this habit of RSVP. Often, guests wait for the hosts to call them for confirmation. Some din want to attend but just ignore the invitations totally.

Maybe we should seriously do some self-reflection, observe good ettique, and respect each other. Even when someone talks to you, it's only right to respond, let alone when someone extends their invitation to you, we shouldn't be so rude to ignore it.

Will you marry me?

2009-10-25T00:18:00.008+08:00

20.10.2010

Nice date?
Many would think the same as me. So it would definitely be difficult to book a date at the registry office. Haven't thot of where to do it yet. Not gng to exaggerate the whole issue. Just a small place, with our love ones.

A place I call HOME

2009-10-23T20:34:00.003+08:00

We finally got our own nest @ Bedok Reservoir View. Can you believe it? We din buy a condo (no $) but our living room & master bedroom has unblock reservoir view! We bought it on a 农历八月十五中秋节, it's really 良辰吉日.

It's really not so easy to have a place of your own in Singapore. There's so many things to look out for and a lot of admin costs. Haiz... How can public housing in Singapore be so expensive? I have look into my finances and how we could fund our lovely nest.

Forget or Not enough efforts

2009-10-23T20:17:00.003+08:00

My mum is a genius. She has this very bad habit - she doesn't watch the over the stove while cooking. Things get burned easily when u dun pay attention to them. Everytime when it gets burned, we get the blame. It's almost ridiculous that she flared up and scolded the whole family for NOT paying attention to the stove. Unluckily, I was the 1 that discover the burned most of the times. Seriously can someone enlighten me how help my mum, so that things dun get burned?

Macdonald's Delivery

2009-09-30T20:25:00.003+08:00

Lazy bum like me... dun mind paying $3 for delivery service.

Singapore practice: Check before you PAY
I think Macdonald's should review on their delivery service though. I din know that the delivery man has to pay for MY orders before sending them to me.

My meal came without the coke just now. The delivery man hand me my meal without the coke and told me that he had called the restaurant manager, another delivery man will send my coke to me in another 20mins. But I'm supposed to PAY first. In Singapore, we are "educated" in such a way that we make sure everything was fine before we pay. Not that the coke costs a bomb or I'm making it difficult for the delivery man.

"What if the coke never find it's way here?"

The delivery man insisted that he had paid already. So the only thing I could do was to totally reject his delivery, returning the burger and fries.

Well, I dunno who's fault is it. Thank God that Singapore is so small and there's so many Mac's outlet ard. But that does not mean we can tolerate mistakes. Maybe the framework can be improved to give a better service.

灯谜4 - 谜底

2009-09-28T13:53:00.002+08:00

象棋

Wat am I reading now...

2009-09-28T00:30:00.006+08:00

A book that I wanted to buy for a while... just finished chapter 6. spurs me to think....

光阴的故事 - 陶傅邦 vs 许毅源

2009-09-23T01:56:00.000+08:00

两人之间，我比较喜欢许毅源。

Old saying is "男人不坏，女人不爱”。其实在某个程度上，两个都有点儿“坏”。尤其在他们有点儿“坏坏”的外表下而表现的温柔与体贴，是很容易让人感动的。

傅邦像个长不大的小孩，做事无理又冲动，有时他的强人所难会让我对他有了些反感。相对，毅源的的细心沉稳会让我感动。