Little World Of Thoughts

Time flies...

2009-12-14T09:22:00.000+08:00

It’s soon beginning of a new year.

We’ll be officially married for 1 year in January.

I’ll be celebrating 2nd CNY away from home in February.

Baby brother will be registering his marriage in August.

And will hold the customary in October.

And so the time will continue to fly without mercy.

Garmin-Asus M20.. answer to my prayer..?

2009-12-06T21:34:00.004+08:00

As well known as I am among the colleagues for someone who can laugh out real loud, I am also well known for my lack-of, or should I say almost non-existence orientation in the street.

For as long as I could remember, I have never been able to reach my destination without much sweat and direction asking.

I could alight 2 bus stops earlier to work and had to take another bus for the remaining bus stops.

I could take the wrong exit from the MRT and have no freaking idea on where I was and how to get to my destination.

I could have few people teaching me how to go to places I wanted to go and still, the best way to get me there safely, was to take the cab.

Once, I took bus from Aljunied MRT, to go home in Hougang. But I took a bus and didn't know where it was heading to, and I alighted at a bus stop I thought somewhere near a location I could recognised. But to realise I was somewhere near Eunos MRT and I had to take another bus to go home again.

Hubby bought Garmin-Nuvi GPS as my Xmas gift last year. He was afraid I couldn't find my way when I drive. But he's driving most of the times, I wish I could have a more mobile GPS so I will not get lost, ever again.

Garmin-Asus M20 sounds like the answer to my prayer.

It is a very stylish touchphone, with unbelievable functions.

Comes with high speed internet, using Windows Mobile Pro, it comes with a 3MP camera and 4GB memory. How cool..

What's more, the navigation function is COOL!

It comes with a voice prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speaks street names. Cool!

It can also be optimised to be used in car with included car mount. Cool!

The best part... jeng jeng jeng... it has the "Where Am I" safety feature that displays user's current address and nearest police station, hospital, and fuel services in just one click. COOL HUH!

Normal.. as normal as it can be..

2009-12-04T13:42:00.000+08:00

She came for a short trip last weekend.

How time flies, it’s Friday again. Last week today, we shopped till we dropped. It has been so long since I last shopped that way. Since forever..

I missed her presence right after she left. There’s something missing in my life. Something to do, something to count on..

Our lives went back to normal.. and normal is really normal..

Silently, I wish our project could launch successfully..

1st Cooking Class

2009-10-18T13:16:00.000+08:00

After many proposals from YJ, after much consideration on venue, time, day, etc, we (YJ, Rebec and I) finally decided to take the Chinese Restaurant Cooking classes, on every Tues at TPY Central CC.

We learned “Stewed 5 Multi-Flavor Chicken” and “Fried HK Noodle” in the first lesson.

When we opened the door to the classroom, I was “awed”, in total shock. Not to sound disrespectful, but I kinda expected the crowd to be slightly smaller, and “younger”. There were aunties, uncles… the way they stared at you made you felt like you have stepped in the wrong class. Or perhaps, the way I stared at them told them I was in the wrong class.

Our teacher, Mr. Teo (sounds like hubby’s name) moved effortlessly around the kitchen island, teaching in both Mandarin and English. He speaks fast, so fast that the 3 of us caught a bit of each sentence.

“One and a half teaspoon” teacher said in English.

“Half teaspoon” we repeated.

“One and a half teaspoon” teacher said in Mandarin.

“Oh… 1 + ½ teaspoon” we acknowledged.

It was really difficult to catch all he said, I thought we were doing fine, as YJ peeped into the other lady who sat beside her for some parts we missed, COMPLETELY.

Now, I’ve really gotta make some abbreviations for teaspoon, tablespoon, etc.. and I thought of my sis, baking at home, with her multiple size scoops.

When teacher was almost done with the dishes, he said, “ok, you may put your Tupperware here now…”

We were like stunned, “tupperware?!?!”

Honestly, I knew we get to eat his cooking, because he was cooking 3 chickens and 3 packs of egg noodles, but hello, did anyone ask us to bring our own Tupperware?

Everybody, except 3 of us plus another student moved forward and placed their all kind of Tupperware on the table.

“You’ll have to pay S$3 for the ingredients”, teacher added.

Ok, so now, we have to pay, and we DO NOT have a Tupperware.

So, when the Treasurer Aunty came to us, we asked her, “what happened if we didn’t bring our Tupperware?”
“Oh, it’s ok, can let teacher know and he may be able to help”.

Ok, so, who will let teacher know? Not me.. it was so embarrassing! YJ started pulling her pitiful face… ok, YJ should really go. Hahaha…

“Ok, I’ll let you guys use plastic bags this time, but must remember to bring your own the next time”, teacher said.

Phew... relieved… we didn’t pay S$3 for nothing.

“Remember, must bring your own next time. I may not have bags the next time”, he said again.

Few minutes later….

“Remember to bring your own tupperware the next time….”

Sigh.. I told myself, even if I or anyone din bring the next time, probably it’s better to keep our mouth shut, or ask to use the CC’s bowls and utensils.

Ok, so we learned 2 dishes, and so our class ended almost 2 hours later.

Maybe.. and maybe not...

2009-10-12T15:20:00.000+08:00

Last week, I had a sudden, haste vision.

I would like to resign.

Even without a job.

That was how bad it was in the office. So de-motivated I couldn’t take it even if I had to work one more day last week. I was determined…

Then I went to facial and massage session on Sat. As I was early, I went shopping around.

Saw some clothes that are really nice.

“I will not need these working clothes anymore”, I thought to myself.

Moved to next shop, to discover more working clothes. Temptations…

Then I saw some accessories, nice shoes but resisted the tempations…

“I won’t need any of these stuffs.”

Suddenly, a very deep thought came into my mind.

If I resign, how else will I pay my monthly “fixed” payment. My LASIK, massage, facial, accident protection, both households that mounts up to S$1.3K a month. I’ll be in deep debt until July next year.

And so, the determination to resign disappeared.

All the thoughts:

“Heck, hubby can give me S$500 a month, why make life so difficult?”

“I can jolly well resign and get a temp job somewhere while looking for a better opportunity.”

“I just want to be happy; I couldn’t care less about the job.”

So how?

Today, I try to take things easy, and I feel easy.

Maybe I should take things easily from now on… till the next peak.

Different Perception of Happiness perhaps...

2009-09-20T11:18:00.003+08:00

A is a close friend. She has a boyfriend called B.

A & B met and got together 3 years ago. In the 3 years of relationship, there have been a lot of quarrels.

“Need for freedom”: A said of what B wants.

“Overly controlling”: B said of what A does.

I do not know both side of the story, but each time, when I saw A with swollen eyes, my heart went all out for her.

Any woman deserves better man.

If I were her, I would have left long time ago. And that’s what I told her. But she wouldn’t be able to do it. She couldn’t even stand not sending any contact in the day, even when they were fighting and he obviously didn’t make any move.

Why? You may ask. I have been asking myself this question since Day 1. I do not know either.

She deserves better.

And so the story goes, he proposed in the 3rd year of relationship.

Not a month after proposal, they quarrelled again. He told her he wasn’t ready for marriage.

Why proposed then? Coz she threatened to leave if he doesn’t.

And things went well and bad, on and off, on and off, on and off...

Today, 20.09.2009, they are going for their ROM.

Normally, when i learned my friends are getting married, I’ll feel happy for them.
I am happy for A, if she is happy. I told her numerous times, she owed it to herself to be happy. Stick with her decision if it makes her happy.

Obviously, she is not that happy.

Few months ago, he told her he didn’t feel the chemistry for her anymore. He lose the kind of feeling when they got together.

Few days ago, he told her he is not that committed to the marriage. She asked if he wants to call-off the ROM. He said she should do it if she wants to, but he wasn’t going to do it.

And so, the next day, they patched up again. Got some wedding favors for guests who’ll attend their ROM.

Do not think A is an ugly woman. She is a pretty one, friendly, smart, educated and kind woman. It’s just her life, the decision she makes made her less happy (or so I perceived).

I really hope her marriage will work well. Although many says leopard will never change its spots. I sincerely hope B will change for their marriage sake.

My opinion in this issue:

I know she doesn’t want to tell her best friends about him ill-treating her that much. They started to hate him back then, she doesn’t want them to hate him more. She wants them to be happy for her. Seriously, they want her to be happy, just like I do.

I just think that some times, we’ll have to play hard to get with men. Do not let them think we can’t do without them. Instead, make it a point that we can live or live better without them, at times.

For the man, I think it is really irresponsible to propose and move ahead with wedding if that is not what he wants. It is going to be a high price to pay. His reason of moving on: she is a nice girl, and he likes her. He knows he’ll regret if he doesn’t marry her, but he doesn’t have the heart to marry her just yet.

Happy ROM, A... bless..

Sick...

2009-07-23T14:20:00.001+08:00

I fell really sick on Sat when we woke up. Hubby companied me to the clinic and waited good odd hours before it was my turn.

High fever at 38.5 increasing to 38.7 during the wait, doc said she suspected it was H1N1, but I wasn’t in contact with anyone, so, it’ll be home quarantine and 3 days observation before she could really conclude anything. Meanwhile, I had to have the Tamiflu tablets, that cost me S$45 for 10 tabs. Ridiculous, the expiry date on the box was 2008, but there was this sticker by MOH, extending the expiry date to 7 years after manufacturing date. Isn’t that bizarre?

2 days coping at home, or should I say, coping in the room, I finally recovered a bit on Monday. No more high fever, but mild at 37.7degC. Doc extended my mc to another day. Gosh… that was not good.

Stayed in the room for 2 more days, and I felt really “sick” at home, I could turn mouldy anytime! I found myself watching the 4.30pm the super-long Taiwanese drama my MIL was “chasing”…

How glad was I to be back to office on Wed. Although I was really really giddy working, I was wondering if it was the medicine or it was really the bug. This is a super bug I am fighting with.

Today, I am still out of breath, but I felt so much better!

During my few days rest at home, I was lucky my MIL was understanding. She cooked porridge, hubby had them delivered to the room. “room service”, he called it. He was sweet throughout, watching me sleep like a pig, coz other than awake to eat and take medicine, I was asleep throughout. He really has the patience.

It was unfortunate coz Sunday was my birthday. It was supposedly a significant birthday in my life, coz I was turning 30, first time as wifey, a woman. ;-)

Hubby promised a good meal when I have recovered completely. For now, I am looking forward to go home, to feel family warmth. :-)

The very first step towards perfection...

2009-07-14T15:03:00.002+08:00

I am taking the very first step towards perfection... Or at least I hope it is the very first step.

I meant eyes perfection. Yes, I have finally decided it is time to get my eyes “perfected” by LASIK. ;-)

I am still concerned about the side effect, but when I read forums that are related to LASIK, I am kind of confident it’ll work out just fine.

First thing first, I have to get my eyes evaluated, if I am a suitable LASIK candidate.

I explored SNEC’s (Singapore National Eye Centre) website and was rather impressed by the technology and the price. Well, I admit I am not those who go to various websites to compare the prices or technologies. So, SNEC it is.

So coincidently, my colleague went to SNEC for pre-assessment just weeks ago. She passed me the brochure, in which I passed to hubby and asked him to read, “Make sure you finished reading it tonight dear”.

When he is done, I asked, “so, how? Can I make appointment? I thought of getting it done by National day”.

It’s actually less than a month away. Hahaha… yeah, when I have decided to do something, I would really want to do it IMMEDIATELY.

Hubby said, “ok, but when will they be free for appointment?”

“I’ll call and check”, I said.

I did.

The customer service officer was very friendly, and she asked if I have any preferred surgeon. Well, I said no, coz the rates are different from SNEC Assigned Surgeon, to Consultant and to Senior Consultant.

“Ok, let me run the system for a while and see who is the surgeon assigned for you”.

“Oh… ok”

“Sorry to keep you waiting. We’ve got the name of the surgeon, and she’ll be Dr. Cordelia Chan. She’ll be available on Mon and Wed noon; and Fri morning and noon”.

Although I preferred to have Saturday consultation, I opted for a Friday morning, thinking I could go back to office right after.

“Ok, Friday morning. We’ll give you a MC for that”.

Wow…..

I am very excited now. I can’t wait to have the result, AM I A SUITABLE LASIK CANDIDATE? Or am I destined to wear contact lenses and glasses for the rest of my life?

To be revealed on Friday! ;-)

BB Cream

2009-04-18T09:52:00.005+08:00

One of the hype in Asian beauty product is the BB cream.

What is BB cream?
There are different types of BB cream in the market. Most of them with one common explanation. It is a tinted moisturiser for blemishes, works as a make-up base / foundation for skin with acne, spots and scars. Some of the BB cream in the market also provide UV protection.

What does BB cream stands for?
BB is the abbreviation for Blemish Balm.

What so great about this BB cream?
BB cream effectively combines plant-complex and includes seramide, lecihin and allantoin to function as a powerful skin care. Squalene oil reduces skin troubles. It was invented by a German Scientist for quick recovery of blemish and scars during cosmetic surgery. The Koreans added this into their BB cream product.

In short, by using BB cream, you'll not just be able to cover your blemishes or scars, but heal them in long run.

Personal experience:
I bought this PRIVIA BB cream from Flowerbeds, who is the sole distributor for PRIVIA beauty products in Singapore.

At first I thought I may not be able to use the cream, as I have dark complexion. There are many comment online that they are not suitable for dark skin.

Bought the cream for less than S$30 (it's definitely way cheaper than those available off the counter), and mind you, PRIVIA is none inferior in any way, it is just not well publicised in Singapore.

The packaging was beautiful to start with.

The Nano Technology:

It also came sealed, ensuring you the tip top hygiene protection.

Best thing is, it blended onto my skin so effortlessly, I top it up with my foundation. Seriously, it didn't look like it's on my face, covering my acne scar just so nicely, like it's my second skin.

I have been using the cream for over a week. Not too sure if it's psychology, or my blemises are actually improving. We shall let time tell us the truth. For now, I am really glad I got the cream.

Pro:
1)Cheaper than other brand in the market
2)Came sealed ensuring hygiene protection
3)Blends like second skin
4)Doesn't look like heavy make-up at all
5)Blemishes seems to be healing

Con:
1)Shade is light, but you can put on your dark foundation on top to solve this

White Flower Masks...

2009-04-14T09:13:00.025+08:00

These are some of the masks I purchased from Flowerbeds on Saturday.. :-) Usual price: S$2.50/pc OR S$10/5pcs, but I could get them at a discounted rate.. :-) :-)

White Flower range of mask comes in 13 types of extract:

Red Ginseng Collagen Mask Sheet: super antioxidant, cell renewing, nourishing

Conenzyme Q-10 Collagen Mask Sheet: firming, cell renewing, deep skin nourishment

Grape Essence Mask Sheet: firming, natural source for skin radiance, nourishing

Green Tea Essence Mask Sheet: firming, moisturising, purifying

Herb Collagen Mask Sheet: for troubled skin, revitalising, balancing

Pearl Collagen Mask Sheet: whitening, moisturising, firming

Rice Collagen Mask Sheet: clarifying, immediate effects, radiance

Tomato Essence Mask Sheet: brightening, nourishing, natural skin renewal

Cucumber Essence Mask Sheet: brightening, clarifying, soothing

Masks I am going to try the next time:

Lemon Essence Mask Sheet: whitening, firming, tightening, injection of Vitamin C

Loess Collagen Mask Sheet: cleansing nourishing, detoxification using living enzymes

Aloe Essence Mask Sheet: astringing, soothing, balance nourishment

Punica Essence Mask Sheet: powerful anti-oxidant, protective, revitalising

Herb Collagen Mask Sheet: for troubled skin, revitalising, balancing

PS: Drop me a message if you would like to know more ;-) I guarantee you, the price is definitely lower than what you can see in the website.

Sexy, Flirty Lingerie...

2009-04-08T12:31:00.002+08:00

Mom asked me to get a few sexy lingerie to enhance my marriage. Haha.. yeah, you are right, my mom is pretty open-minded about these things. In fact, she told me she's got me a sexy nightie from the Vietnam trip.

While I will be home end of the month to look at the nightie she bought, I saw some sexy Flirty Lingerie online. The very first impression is good, I have never seen such a wide variety of flirty lingerie. :-)

I am not into G-string and too sexy stuffs, but I am especially attracted to the sexy long hair wig (to make myself a blonde, perhaps? :-p); butterfly tattoo for lower back, and the sexy tube top. :-)

But for those into really flirty types, there are dozens of design for you to choose.

Perhaps, it's time mom stop worrying about my lingerie. :-)

I am selfish...

2009-03-25T14:29:00.003+08:00

The back of our car was knocked by a cab last week, causing the boot dented and couldn’t close. Then hubby sent the car to workshop. Since then, both of us have been relying on public transport.

On the second day, his colleague sent him to customer’s place which was at Jurong East. He took the MRT home via the wrong line. He was supposed to take the East-West Line to Outram Park then change to North-East Line to home. Instead, he took the North-South Line to Bishan, then changed for bus towards home. The ride made him sick. haha.. While I went to meet my ex colleagues after work at Bugis. We had steamboat at this newly opened Golden Chopstick Restaurant. Food was so-so though it was really filling. Catching up with Alvin, Alex, Chai and Uncle Chong was fun though as usual, I was the only lady in the group.

Meeting lecturer at Kembangan and going home at 10+ wasn't easy without hubby's chauffeuring service. :-p

MIL didn't feel well over the weekend. So, hubby and I went marketing around the neighbourhood block. I cooked lunch.

And....... cooked lunch and dinner the next day.... yeah, I couldn't imagine myself in the kitchen for few times a day, but that's life I guess.
MIL was still not well on Monday, so we decided to bring her to doctor. But how? I did not wish to take leave again, feeling it was not right to mix personal and work life together. So, it was decided that I would take time off from work to pick MIL and send her to clinic, then back to work again. Told MIL to call me after her visit, but she went home by cab herself.

I am rather selfish, I think this arrangement can't go on. I know MIL is getting older, health is deteriorating. Perhaps we should really consider hiring a maid to company her around.

We seriously should consider....

Anyway, I am so glad we are getting the car back today, hooooray!

Beauty Products... :-D

2009-03-07T09:50:00.005+08:00

MIL’s test result was out. Doc said it’s not cancerous. We breathed a sigh of relief. We really can’t imagine if the worst happen to her at this age. Thank god.

So, it’s something called for celebration. Hubby brought me to Bugis for my favorite dinner. I had lamb chop and he had chicken chop at V8 Restaurant at Bugis Junction. Then we walked about at Bugis Village.

Hehehe.. yeah, how would I go home without purchasing something…. Well, I planned to get some foundation to replace the old one, so I am not guilty of impulse purchase. In fact, it has been so loooong since I last impulse purchased. :-p Hahaha…

I bought this PRIVIA peeling gel. It is a gentle action gel, perfect for deep and thorough exfoliation. You can feel the “residue” when you rub and rub gently on your face. Good to remove dead skin cells to accelerate skin renewal. And what’s more, it is enriched with Vitamin C!

The packaging is pretty, isn’t it? The price was reasonable too. :-) Hubby liked the feeling after the exfoliation, “smoother” he said. I think so too… hahaha..

Beautiful packaging :-)

Ok, I deviated a bit from my “original” plan, to buy foundation. Hahaha… as usual.. tried on the PRIVIA Clear 2-Way Cake. You know, I can’t help praising the packaging.. the shiny and beautiful packaging is really attractive.

I was told this 2-way cake is one of the professional series. It has micro particle pearl content, to give my skin a shimmering (whitening) look under natural sunlight. It’s excellent concealment for skin blemishes, pores and fine wrinkles. Collagen lifting complex content enhances skin’s elasticity. It’s suitable for problematic skin with firming properties.

I tried it on my hand, it’s really very natural, almost transparent, blended so well onto my skin. Reaching home, I couldn’t wait exploring it, it actually came with a clear plastic “divider” between the cake and the sponge compartment. The sponge was soft and smooth. What’s more, it actually came with an extra sponge! What a purchase…. :-D

Look at my happy face! :-D

To top it all, I was so attracted to the WHITE FLOWER’s Colourful Days range of lipstick. They have 22 colours for all kind of mood! Hahaha.. I got something more suitable for my personality, something nice, yet not too outstanding. Bought #C13 sweet pink brown, it’s really sweet!

Really sweet colour... :-)

Got to know that the shop actually carries many range of product, PRIVIA, WHITE FLOWER, AIZIM, ORANGE AVENUE (OA), and the latest addition is ELEVEE. I am going to write about them once I have time.. meanwhile, you could drop me a message if you would like to know more.. :-)

Good, but not good enough...

2009-02-26T16:03:00.002+08:00

I thought I was treating MIL really well, was attentive towards her needs though at times couldn't understand the traditional side of her. Last night, when we got home from work, she told us she was referred to TTSH for a more thorough check-up on her throat.

She had been complaining about bad throats for months now. That was why she restraint from taking fried and oily food. She had never ate anything fried, though she prepares them all the time, for who else, but us. I felt bad coz I have never paid too much attention on the painful throat. Other than ocassional double boiling pear and pei pah gao for her and hubby.

As hubby was not able to take the day off today, I had to company MIL to TTSH. Hubby dropped us at the hospital. Appointment was at 10am, but we were already there at 8.49am.

The doc was an Indian, so I had to act as the interpreter.

"What kind of medicine is she taking now..?"
"Any drug allergic?"

I was like, "err..."

Deep down, I thought to myself, if one day, MIL fainted and need medical assistance, we'll have problem. The consolation was, the hospital could access the polyclinic's medical record. Phew...

Btw, MIL is 79 years old this year....

Recession...

2009-02-17T10:51:00.000+08:00

When the recession first hit "us", I told my colleagues, this is the first time I feel the impact. One of them said, "you shouldn't feel the impact unless if you play shares". At that time, I just felt uneasy. Now, months into the recesssion, I feel more and more insecured.

It's the first recession ever since I graduated, the first since I live on my own income. Many said I have hubby to rely on now, I do not have to worry about not having a roof over my head. But, that's still beside the point.

When the BIG GUYS in Automotive went down the drain, my sales figures followed suit. I was told to be prepared for the worst, to find some small business I could do with hubby. I was actually prepared for the worst then, coz I realised, in this realistic world, at this point of time only $$$ matters. My sales dropped tremendously, and it's only right if company really decided to ask me to go.

I was told again this time, to "jump boat" if I found better opportunity. In this time? You must be kidding, but that's yet another reality. The VP for AP already gone. HQ had already been re-structured thrice. Customers have been badly affected. VSS, restructured, pay-cut, shutdown, you name it.

I took the most leaves end of Dec to Jan in my working history. It was not just because of the wedding, or you can say, it just coincide with the wedding. We were asked to clear all our 2008 leaves by end of Jan. So, luckily, wedding was in Jan, I managed to clear my leaves, with a meaningful purpose.

Now, we are asked to clear our Jan & Feb leaves. Hubby suggested to go for a short road trip along East Coast, towards Terengganu to look at turtles. :-) I would have wanted to go somewhere further if not because of the recession. I am glad we did not spend a fortune on our once-in-a-lifetime wedding plus the honeymoon. We cancelled our Europe trip and decided to go to Bali instead, though we have changed EURO at a really good rate, we choose to keep the EUROs for now.

Hubby says it's not the worst yet, the nightmare is far from over. I am really worried...

We got married... :-)

2009-02-06T17:19:00.000+08:00

It have been months since I last wrote here. So many things happened over the short period.

I got engaged in July last year, busy preparing for wedding and we finally got married on 3rd Jan'09. :-)

We wanted it to be a very simple ceremony, but ended doing something more, but still quite simple.
I was complaining about the hassles and efforts to put in for the wedding, but now that it's over, I wish I could have more time to enjoy the process. :-p

It's a brand new chapter in life, I am not able to tell what is the difference yet, other than, I'll have to get used to people addressing me "Mrs. Teo". :-)

She is safe and sound...

2008-10-02T15:00:00.001+08:00

“How are you feeling today?” I asked her at almost 10am.

“A bit painful now….”, she replied.

“What? Painful? And you are still at work?”

“Ya, I am trying to understand if it’s real pain, or Braxton Hicks.”

“What is Braxton Hicks?” I asked.

“Check in the internet lar..”

So, I checked, apparently Braxton Hicks is false labour contractions. Meaning, false alarm. After a while, I checked on her.

“Are you still there?”

“Yes, if I go offline, then, I am home already”

Hours later, I saw that she was offline. So, I sent a sms. She replied at 3+.

“Already done.”

I felt touched and happy for her at the same time. I remember how she told me she is scared of what will happen during labour and stuffs like that. I was so emotional when I told M.

Then Sab messaged from Melbourne, saying she heard J gave birth to a baby boy.

“Why does everyone know you gave birth to a baby boy but me ah?”

“I thought I smsed you to tell you I already delivered? They called and asked about the gender.”

“How come you told me you were expecting a princess when you were still pregnant ah?”

She replied me late at night, “I also don’t know what the gender wo, most people tell me I am carrying a gal.”

“Anyway, I am happy for you, sleep well, it’s late.”

“Thank you.. anyway there’s no such thing as late.. newborn doesn’t know that night is for sleeping..”

There goes my best friend. Always have things to say about whatever I bring up. And that was the closest I could be with her this time. The last, I wasn’t really around, and it was heartbreaking to know she was rather lonely when she was waiting for labour. This time round, I am very near, I almost felt the joy.

Now I look at babies, I have so much emotion stirring inside. I am touched, happy, joyous, pity and feel suffocated at the same time. Perhaps that’s why they always say, you’ll never be prepared by what kids will bring.

But I hope the best for her, wish the best for her, and wish I could be with her all the time when she needed me.

Princess @ A&W

2008-09-29T14:23:00.000+08:00

"jia you" JJ...

2008-05-28T13:20:00.000+08:00

Thanks to friends who dropped by to give a few words of encouragement.

She is now back to hospital for further treatment. Thyroid removed in the operation last month was tested cancer positive. Though doctor said it was a successful operation, she had to be treated to be out of risk, completely.

When she told me she had her thyroid removed in Chinese, I didn’t understand. Then she said she has to avoid eating food with “dian”, which left me clueless, I guess its iodine. No seafood, no outside food that contains salts with “dian”.

Just now, I surfed the net for more clues. Now, I think I know more about thyroid cancer patients. They have to rely on thyroxine tablets to replace the hormones that would normally be made by the thyroid gland. Without thyroid hormones, they will feel extremely tired and lacking in energy.

What’s most important now, COMPLETE cancer-free. As usual, I pray for her. I can’t wait to see her again in June, apparently our last hug on Sat wasn’t the last one, and I do not need to be in Beijing to see her the next time, not just yet. :-)

I'm praying for her

2008-04-23T15:09:00.002+08:00

She is never sick. She is healthy, bubbly and chatty. One medical check-up changed our lives. Doc found thyroid as big as 25mm on her right side.

I seldom go online at night. I was on MSN that fateful night. She was online, to chat with bf at overseas. Then she greeted me, telling me they had medical check-up arranged by company in the day. I said “ok, so, how was it?” I asked casually because I have never thought we would find anything just with a check-up, when we are up healthy and bubbly.

“Hyperthyroid”, she told me.

“You sure?”

“Yes, and I need to go for operation”, she added.

“OK, when will that be?” I asked.

“I am not too sure, probably early May.”

“I hope I can make a trip to visit you then.”

Then, she went for second opinion in different hospital. The result is the same, she has to undergo an operation to get it out, coz the doctors are not sure if the tumour is malign.

I know, everyone will tell me, this operation ain’t a major one, and people survived these operations. But I am saddened, not just by the fact that she has to get her neck operated, but the thought of we are parting for good. I felt so sad I cried hard. Was my last trip there when I hugged her was for the last time? Would I have an opportunity to see her again?

“This working environment may not be suitable for me. I think my health deteriorated” This sentence keeps ringing in my head.

I know with her leaving, it’s for her own good. I wish her the best. We are fated to be each other’s good friend despite our differences in nationality, mentality, culture, age and bringing-up. We are already thousands of miles away; she’ll be further where I can’t visit every other month.

“Please check with doctor what you can eat to heal faster after the operation. I’ll bring over some “shen yu” essence for speedy healing. What else is needed….”

She is going to be admitted tomorrow. Operation scheduled to be on Monday. She called just now to say a few words, and I asked her to take care. It was awkward; I wanted to tell her that I’ll pray for her. But she doesn’t believe in God.

I pray for her well being. I wish I could be with her.

Kinsella's Latest: Remember Me?

2008-04-22T10:41:00.003+08:00

I was in Kinokuniya, and I caught a glimpse of this and uttered “OMG”…..

Oh yes, been months since I visited Kinsella’s website, and I didn’t know this book was in the making. True as it is, one book a year, and the wait…? Worthy :-)

But it cost thirty over dollars, the last bought I book at thirty over dollars was Shopaholic & Baby, last year. :-p I hardly rent anymore, to reduce cost. Cost of living is rising, I have to try to save more. :-p

Confessions of a Shopaholic movie is in the making. I am suppressing my hope and expectation. Seeing it on movie and reading it will be totally different, this I must plant in my mind before feeling disappointed again, just like what Memoirs of a Geisha and Da Vinci code did. :-(

But then, it’s something to look forward to…. :-) Long live Kinsella….

I am proud of her...

2008-03-24T13:37:00.001+08:00

I was very tired this morning, feeling very sleepy when I dragged myself out of the bed, thinking to myself, it’s going to be a long week ahead.

Before I started work, I checked my personal email, and saw she wrote some messages to my friendster account. She asked why I didn’t reply her message previously and why am I so stuck-up, "cutting" myself from friends especially her. :-( Knowing she was online right there and then, I log onto eBuddy to chat with her.

She found a job in KL. She said her temper is getting worse looking after baby, she has to get away. Working is the best option. I agree. Remember I have been nagging her to look for a job almost a year ago, so she will keep herself occupied and keep up with the world. It was tough coz she was in Pg, no one to take care of baby.

Her news made my day, just like when I got to know she was expecting, I was so touched I cried. This time, she reached me as soon as she found the job. No longer feel that tired. I feel so proud of her.

And I missed her terribly....

My very first snow [flakes] experience....

2008-01-22T18:33:00.000+08:00

Stone pointed to my back and said “look, Colleen!”

I turned to my back, saw nothing, turned back to him and asked, blankly, “what?”

Stone said, excitedly, “It’s snowing!!”

I turned again, trying my very best to contain my excitement. “Really?” and stared hard through the glasses.

“Oh my God….”

“You can go out there and touch them….”, Stone added.

Well, I was in a meeting, mind you, so, I decided to give it a pass. But, secretly, I stared through the glasses, again and again, again and again.

Finally, Stone said “ok, let’s take a break”.

I went to my bag and got the camera out. I asked JianPing to take some pictures and a video of me, “playing” with the flakes. God, the feeling was good.

It was romantic. It looked just like in the movie…. That was my first snow [flakes] experience. :-)

Before Stone left, he said, “tomorrow morning, when you wake up, there will be snow everywhere…” I am so full of hope. :-p

[I will be in Wuxi for the rest of the week, except for a day trip to Chengdu on Thursday. Heard that it’s likely to snow in Chengdu on Thursday! Can’t wait….]

Catching up with J...

2008-01-07T16:32:00.000+08:00

Feel a bit feverish, with extremely bad throat and itchy nose. Wondering if it’s because there is no schedule to travel anytime soon? Hehe.. lame.. I know.. but it felt like been months since I last traveled. :-)

I was supposed to meet K for Warlords and dinner on Sat after my facial at JE. Then, I planned to meet J for a drink or something at Bishan. Then, J smsed saying she can meet earlier coz she wasn’t occupied. So, I kelam-kabut made a decision. Fly K plane. :-p Never mind, guys don’t mind that much. Hehehe…

Met up with J whom I have not met for donkey years at Bugis instead. She is seconded to Sg for a year. It was drizzling and we had early dinner at V8, my favorite restaurant. Then, we went to pray at the temple and shopped around. God, been time since I walked that much. Now that I think about it, my fever maybe caused by the rain that day… :-(

Quoting YJ, it feels good to catch up with an old friend….. :-)

2007... memories... 2008... hope...

2007-12-31T17:03:00.000+08:00

I was tagged by Amidrin:

~ Start Copy ~

Rules :

1. Copy from "Start Copy" until "End of Copy".

2. Before "End of Copy", share your best memories of 2007 include your name and your URL blog.

3. Share this tag to your friends.

For me, the year 2007 had a lot of happiness (and hope for 2008). Happiness because i see my son, grow and grow day by day. I have a great husband. I met lots of new friends from around the world via blogging ^_^ - Juliana RW

In 2007, I become happier than before because my hubby’s got promotion and sure his salary had been increased. This had made my life more comfortable but everything seemed to cost an arm and a leg nowadays. The happiest memory is I see Nelson’s tummy becoming bigger and bigger, he can now count number 1 to number 10, by my guidance. He loves eating and he enjoys every meal. He gives us a lot of happiness by the way he mimic our talking style and making such lovely faces. At first, I was so scared to look after him but now I hope he can be with me all the time. Even I feel tired everyday but I feel my life is meaningful. Hazel

Looking back at 2007, it signifies a few milestones of my life.. the major one of course being the birth of baby zen.. awwww... He was absolutely a delight, though there were times when we were so worried he was not getting enough milk.. as he wasn't gaining weight as much as he should. Now, looking at him, we feel that we had done something right in our lifetime to deserve such such a wonderful baby.. Thank you hubby for giving us baby zen :-) sting

This year has been another roller-coaster year for me. The best memories are the time when Aldrin uttered words of promises to me that things would be better this year onwards although until end of the year nothing much has improved. Also the best memories when I first got my pay slip and saw that it was true that I got a 47% salary raised from my lowly unjustified old salary. I am also happy to see my beloved sister happily got married and watching Jojo (my dog) grow up to be an adorable, beautiful and obedient 2 year old ;p - Amidrin

It wasn’t a great start in the beginning, but things just got better and better, in personal life and also at work. I am grateful for everything and am looking forward to another great year ahead. - Colleen

~ End of Copy ~

I am passing this tag to Babyfiona and Kev. :-)

Happy New Year everyone... May everyone be well and happy.... :-)