Serendipity in the making...

So many things, so little time…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:30:00 +0000

Gosh, is it already the beginning of September?? Just like that, two thirds of the year have gone by…and as usual, I’m frantically trying to catch up!

Things have been hectic, to say the least – trying to split myself multiple ways to make time for the new bf, family and friends…but that’s not to say I haven’t been enjoying myself thoroughly. It’s a far cry from the way 2011 started, and heck, it can only get better! :D

What do the Muppets, Sesame Street and Angry Birds have in common?

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 06:24:00 +0000

This made me laugh so hard – quite cute, no? :P

Finally hitched! :D

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 05:06:00 +0000

Haha…that was on the backdrop at Shawna’s wedding dinner last Saturday…she and Thiban have been a couple for 11 years – longer than the entire time I’ve known her! :O Well…they started going out just before I met her in college so it’s not that big a difference in actual time…but still!

But in all the years I’ve known her (and to a lesser extent Thiban), they’ve always been most entertaining couple…having met Thiban here and there over the past decade and hearing stories from Shawna, there’s no doubt in my mind these two are just meant to be. They’re both crazy about each other (okay, second only to Thiban’s love for Volkswagen, who everyone knows too!)

Oh there are memories alright – like the time I got ‘kicked out’ of the room I shared with Shawna in Perth when Thiban came over for a holiday…okay, so I willingly went over to bunk with Mel to give them some privacy, but only because she asked nicely! :P

Or the hilarious moments we had with our South African and American flatmates ‘prettifying’ the boys…wahahaha…and of course, our perfect match of quirks – FYI I used to mumble in my sleep…and funnily enough, she would answer me in her sleep! Yes, we’re weird…

I could go on and on…but I shan’t. This shall become fodder for the time we next meet up and get tipsy over some cocktails, yeah? :) Got plenty to catch up on too, especially now since we only JUST discovered we have (even) more connections in common that we'd originally thought!

So congratulations again dearie, and here’s wishing you and Thiban a loving, fun and awesome life together! (and faster, I want a mini-Shawna or mini-Thiban to spoil rotten…)

Kicking off the second half of 2011…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 05:27:00 +0000

Meet the latest addition to the extended family – Owen Chia. This little feller rang in the second half of 2011, arriving at 2.45am on 1 July and weighing in at 2.75kg. Guess his home was just too comfy, since he was due in late June but just didn’t want to come out! :D

Congrats to the proud parents Jaime and Bernard…and let the sleepless nights begin! *wink*

Who made you king of anything?

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:19:00 +0000

If there’s one thing I hate, its people who tell you what to do ‘for your own good’. Even more when it comes from people who previously said you were great just the way you were.

You can say all you want, but actions really speak louder than words – quite simply, if you SAY you want to remain friends but don’t bother to stay in touch and still make comments like you have any control or impact over my life? I’d say please F.O.A.D.

So thanks for giving me the way out – I no longer have to listen to you telling me I look like I’ve gained weight, I don’t need your feigned concern, and I definitely don’t need you to ask me ‘how my diet’s going’ and ‘what’s my weight’. All it’s doing is chipping away at my self-esteem, and I’m better than that.

Oh, and by the way? Next time please fix your own problems before you get all righteous about fixing other people. This one’s for you.

Keep drinking coffee, stare me down across the table
While I look outside
So many things I’d say if only I were able
But I just keep quiet and count the cars that pass by

You’ve got opinions, man
We’re all entitled to them, but I never asked
So let me thank you for your time, and try not to waste anymore of mine
And get out of here fast

I hate to break it to you babe, but I’m not drowning
There’s no one here to save

Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died and made you king of anything?

You sound so innocent, all full of good intent
Swear you know best
But you expect me to jump up on board with you
And ride off into your delusional sunset

I’m not the one who’s lost with no direction
But you’ll never see
You’re so busy making maps with my name on them in all caps
You got the talking down, just not the listening

And who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died and made you king of anything?

All my life I’ve tried to make everybody happy
While I just hurt and hide
Waiting for someone to tell me it’s my turn to decide

Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be?
Who died and made you king of anything?

Let me hold your crown, babe.

~ Sara Bareilles, King of Anything

Start of something new…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Tue, 31 May 2011 09:29:00 +0000

Who knew this holiday would turn out to be the start of something new? Maybe the rainbow really was a sign... :)

William and Kate…fairytale ending?

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Fri, 13 May 2011 05:25:00 +0000

It’s been about two weeks since the world’s eyes were all aimed at London when Prince William (finally) married Kate Middleton. Granted, I was in Macau when the whole deal was going down, but it’s not like I could have missed it, as EVERY SINGLE CHANNEL on TV was airing something on the wedding – fashion (what she wore), beauty (her makeup), history (their journey), politics (who was/wasn’t invited), entertainment (who could miss a certain namesake princess’ headgear faux pas?)…

Anyhow, I found it most amusing that people are now likening the wedding pics to none other than Cinderella! A little bit of creative colouring with Photoshop and anything’s possible, right?

What was a so-so resemblance and unusual coincidence became a hilarious source of amusement when I saw the tweaked version below:

LOL!! The hair colours were reversed (since in this case Kate is the brunette), a quick colour change for the outfits and you can see why I’m in stitches over the finished product. The ‘evil stepsisters’ were cousins in this case, but no less ridiculous with the headgear!

All good-natured jibes of course…and congratulations to the happy couple! :D Here’s hoping you both have the fairytale ending Cinderella had…

Strong Enough…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Mon, 09 May 2011 03:46:00 +0000

As I rest against this cold, hard wall,
Will you pass me by?
Will you criticise me as I sit and cry?
I had fought so hard and thought that all my battles had been won,
Only to find the war has just begun…

Is He not strong enough?
Is He not pure enough?
To break me, pour me out, and start again,
Is He not brave enough?
To take one chance on me,
Please can I have one chance to start again?

Will my weakness for an hour make me suffer for a lifetime,
Is there any way to be made whole again?
If I feel renewed and find forgiveness, find the strength I've never had,
Will my scars forever ruin all God's plans?

Is He not strong enough?
Is He not pure enough?
To break me, pour me out, and start again,
Is He not brave enough?
To take one chance on me,
Please can I have one chance to start again?

He took my life into his hands and it turned it all around,
In my most desperate circumstance,
It's there I finally found…

That You are strong enough,
That You are pure enough,
To break me, pour me out and start again,
That You are brave enough,
To take one chance on me,
Oh, thank you for my chance to start again…

~ Stacey Orrico, Strong Enough

It’s about being with the right people…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Thu, 05 May 2011 11:29:00 +0000

As time goes by and I’ve had time to calm myself, reflect and look back at events that have happened, what could or might have been, and how things transpired, I’m more and more convinced that what happened was for the best.

I’m also thankful that it happened at a time where something could be done about it instead of being stuck a few years down the road and being even more miserable in the end and not having a way out.

Am I sad? Of course, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. It’s always sad when the investment of your heart into someone doesn’t work out the way you want it to especially when you’ve put in years, but then again life is unpredictable and full of surprises. Thank God for friends who’ve been there to pick up the pieces and lend a listening ear when I needed it. True enough, you find out who your real friends are when the chips are down.

Did I lose out? No – if anything, I feel I’ve gained a better insight into myself and what I’m capable of over the past two months. I had previously been trying to please other people thinking that gaining their affection and approval was worth losing my character and personality for. However, I know now I’m worth more than I was made to feel like, and I’m not going to lose sight of that again.

A new sense of freedom and discovery awaits…can’t wait to see what’s in store!

Back from Macau and HK…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:14:00 +0000

I survived!

LOL…yes, I’m back in one piece, and survived the 3-day 'SG-Macau-HK-Macau-SG' hops of the journey despite falling sick on the first night thanks to the drizzling rain and cold weather, accommodation glitches in Hong Kong and ah, I’ll save the long stories for another time.

For now, just a couple of photos to mark the occasion…

My time spent in HK was just far too short – not enough shopping, not enough food and not enough sightseeing! I’ll see you again someday… :)

Strangers, Again...

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 03:10:00 +0000

Everyone who's ever been in a relationship should watch this..the soundtrack's pretty awesome as well! :D

Trusting yourself…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:24:00 +0000

In the (occasionally wise) words of the cousin ‘in-law’ – “When your mind is confused, trust your heart. When your heart is uncertain, trust your judgement.” :)

World Gourmet Summit 2011…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 05:16:00 +0000

The World Gourmet Summit 2011 is taking place from 25 April – 8 May 2011 at Marina Bay Sands, and by a stroke of luck I got to attend the launch reception with Erin. What transpired was an evening of food, fun and well, making some people hungry! :D

OMG the array of food – it was a gastronomic adventure for sure. From St Regis Singapore to The Grand Hyatt and Prime Society, we ate our way from one station to another…

Just some of the items we sampled (row by row, L-R): Lemongrass fairy floss with cheese cubes; Coddled Egg with Caviar and Toast Soldiers (served in a sea urchin shell!); Prawn, Scallop and Melon Salad; Marinated Wagyu Beef on Mash; Seared Sea Perch with Cheese and Roe; Roast Wagyu Beef with Pumpkin and Asparagus; Scallops on Blinis with Caramelised Onions; Gravad Lax, Asparagus Wafer Cone with Ham Filling; Seared Salmon on Salad Greens (I can’t remember what the burger looking thing with the dropper sticking out was called, but it was awesome!)

I hope I got most of the names right – to be honest, I was more busy trying to balance my ever-full plate, take pics AND manoeuvre through the large crowd there!

All the pics were taken with my iPhone 3GS, hence the rather blurry pics – but I loved this ‘inverted chocolate strawberry’. Instead of dipping strawberries in chocolate, they dipped chocolate into strawberry consommé instead and served it with chocolate crumbs and freshly chopped strawberries. Yum!

One for the photo album…good memories!

It’s a Good Friday... :)

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:01:00 +0000

I know Good Friday is a day of reflection, but I can’t help but smile…it’s a public holiday in Singapore, which means......I’m back in KL for the long weekend! :)

Taking a step back in time…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:48:00 +0000

When I was at the Singapore Flyer last weekend, I came across this portion of the building that had been done up with plenty of vintage items to give the feel of an old-time hawker street – not unlike Penang in the 60s I reckon (no I wasn’t around then, but I’ve seen pics…hehe…)

The thing is, I actually recognised quite a few of the items from stuff my grandparents had in their old house in Seremban, and it brought back a twinge of nostalgia. Sometimes I think the "good ol' days" the senior folk always talk about really were better than the hustle and bustle of today.

Besides, you know you’re of a certain age when you’re old enough to remember the days of ‘kampung’ living! :D

Finally…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 03:00:00 +0000

Can’t believe it took me almost 14 months of living in Singapore to finally go on the Singapore Flyer! Was it worth it? It’s a resounding yes – and I want to come back for the night flight! :)

It’s time…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 02:16:00 +0000

Counting blessings…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 03:45:00 +0000

Even though the past couple of months have been seriously trying my physical, emotional and psychological limits, I really need to be reminded that the past year that I’ve stayed in Singapore have not been without its better moments. And since I haven’t exactly been updating this blog for the better part of a year, I really need to take stock of these moments just so I don’t forget…

Going for Chippendales the Friday just after I arrived with the #evurl girls for Xin’s hens night – we were pretty tame by all accounts, but still a lot of fun!

Heading back home for Xin’s wedding in May – and seeing Em’s influence of dresses playing a part in our choice of garb for the day…

Heading to Club Med Bintan in June for the company offsite…the place was simply gorgeous, and I’d really love to go back there someday…

Heading to Sandakan in East Malaysia with the family and friends in August – plenty of good food, including a 10-course lobster, crab and garoupa meal for 11 people at just a couple hundred ringgit!

Thanks to work, I also got to head to Hanoi in September – granted, I didn’t exactly do that much sight-seeing or shopping, but it was an interesting experience nonetheless, and I got to cross another ASEAN country off my ‘to visit’ list!

Just goes to show that even though we’re apart doesn’t mean you’re forgotten – had a slightly belated birthday celebration with the #evurl girls in November…

Got absolutely pampered at a Pantene tea party and ended up looking like a ‘mak datin’ (I didn’t think so but was told as such!), plus got featured in the Malay Mail AND Female magazine in November on two separate articles.

The start of 2011 was definitely a big challenge, and let’s just say the ringing in of the new year at midnight kinda sucked, but at least the rest of the day wasn’t a complete loss with a Japanese brunch with the girls…

…and still having time to catch up with old (and some new) friends at Huei’s wedding on New Year’s…

Despite running back and forth between Singapore and KL, I’ve still managed to catch up relatively regularly with my paternal grandma – 91 and still going yo! :D I don’t see her as often as I’d like, but nevertheless it’s worth the extra time just to drive to Seremban to see her.

And in the midst of it all, a mad family – they forget to tell me things, ignore me and sometimes even forget all about me, but what’s a girl gotta do?

Having a rather insane bunch of mad colleagues in Singapore has helped keep the working environment bearable so far…although I’ve been on the verge of hurling things over the cubicle walls at some point!

I got to catch Kumar’s Amazing Race at Esplanade…plus met a fellow blogger I’ve been following online for the longest time. I just can’t believe it took us nearly a year of me being in Singapore to finally meet face to face!

I caught Voyage de la Vie on Sentosa in February – although there are mixed memories about this trip, the show itself was amazing!

Meeting a bunch of fun salsa people in the past six months…and if you’re wondering about the food and wine, at least the dancing helped burn off the calories!

Feeling all glammed up at the Burberry event…and hamming it up with the laydees! (even got to put on a Burberry trench in the process…shiok or what?)

And last but not least, the mad mutt that never fails to get a smile out of me even on my crappiest day…she’s getting on in years and I’ll probably bawl my eyes out when it’s time, but for now she’s still just as entertaining as ever…*can’t wait to see her*

Right now, I’ve just moved into a room of my own – and this is pretty much the first time I’ve really stayed on my own. Previously in Australia, I always had a roommate or shared a place with friends, and for the first year here I shared a room so there was always someone to talk to. Now, the silence at night is a bit unnerving, really…wonder how long that will take to get used to.

How things have changed…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 03:31:00 +0000

A friend posted up some photos from my university days about a week back on Facebook, and I must say, it was quite a shock to see how I looked like back then. I had lost quite a bit of weight when I got back from Perth, but it wasn’t until recently that I’d noticed exactly how much I’d lost since coming over to Singapore.

This was taken back in mid-2004 with Mel at an amusement park. Best part – when my colleagues saw this, they literally fell off their chairs.

And now? Well, this photo was taken a couple of weeks back at a friend’s birthday party…

I dunno about the rest of you, but I'm quite shocked! When I think back about the total amount of weight lost, it’s probably hovering around the 30kg mark…sure, my weight’s fluctuated over the years but I guess I never really saw it until now so thought I’d Just make a note of it for posterity’s sake! :D

...and no, it's not an April Fool's joke... :p

10 lessons to learn from Japan…

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 03:13:00 +0000

It has been almost 3 weeks since the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, and I have been time and time again impressed by the way the Japanese have conducted themselves and gone about rebuilding their lives. The note below I got this morning just says it all…

1. THE CALM - Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.

2. THE DIGNITY - Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.

3. THE ABILITY - The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.

4. THE GRACE - People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.

5. THE ORDER - No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.

6. THE SACRIFICE - Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?

7. THE TENDERNESS - Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.

8. THE TRAINING - The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.

9. THE MEDIA - They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.

10. THE CONSCIENCE - When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly!

At this point, I cannot imagine Malaysians reacting in the same way…or many other countries for that matter. It’s something we should all strive towards, although hopefully it won’t ever need to be tested!

Finally back!! :D

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:19:00 +0000

Gosh, I must say I haven’t been updating this blog for the better part of a year – after much tinkering, I’ve decided to shift over to the new template just to have a bit of a change…as well as make it easier to maintain.

But as a choice shot, this is the highlight of my month so far…

Before you ask, no, the baby’s not mine…the proud mama is actually on the left. Was at my colleague’s baby’s full moon party last weekend, and little Bridgette is just a cute little button!

Feels good to be back… I’ve got plenty of photos and news to catch up on, but here’s hoping the new template will get me inspired! :D So many changes have happened in the time I was gone - not all of them were good, but now that things are slowly settling down it's probably a good time to get back to this blog.

Now, did anyone miss me...? Hahahaha...

Oh my, has it really been that long?

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 05:18:00 +0000

The affair started one cold winter’s night in Australia six years ago while I was online talking to some friends. Little did I know what this relationship would become...

You were there when I left Australia to come back to work in Malaysia.

You were there when I had my heart well and truly broken for the first time, and helped me pick up the pieces.

You were there as I followed my wanderlust bug to Singapore, Bangkok, LA, Madrid, London, Barcelona, Batam and even East Malaysia (such a hodgepodge list, but so much fun)

You were there when I changed jobs, and recorded the awesome time I had doing musicals.

You were there when I finally decided to go work in Singapore, and countless family events (and learnt I have a most entertaining family).

You were there through the funny, sad, good and bad times, and so many other moments.

But most importantly, even though I don’t keep in touch regularly, you’re still there as a reminder of moments that have been, the present and what could be.

I will never tire of going back through the memories to see what I was and how I felt to become what I am today.

It’s been an amazing six years, and hopefully a relationship that will continue. Who thought I’d last this long? :)

I can’t stand it...must...say...something...

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Thu, 20 May 2010 03:00:00 +0000

I had been looking forward to returning to London in 2012 for the Olympics since it’s one of my favourite places to visit. However, I’m starting to have serious doubts after seeing the mascots that were recently unveiled.

Wenlock and Mandeville (named after two small English towns) were inspired by a children’s author, but err...despite the long background to the story (you can read about it here) when I look at them, all I’m reminded of is this...

Yes, the one-eyed alien from The Simpsons show...

......I’m sorry, this is a total fail......

Putting things into perspective...

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Thu, 13 May 2010 04:27:00 +0000

Would you rather be a mermaid or a whale?

Happy 90th Birthday Granny!! :)

noreply@blogger.com (beetrice) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:29:00 +0000

Not bad for an old lady eh? We’re all thankful she’s still going strong – even if she does mix up all our names at one point or another (!!) Nevertheless, there’s nothing like still having a grandma around to keep you on your toes (if you’ve read my previous posts you’ll know what I mean!)

We celebrated her birthday in Genting during our recent family reunion, but it kinda sucks not being able to see her today. She’s gotten so tiny over the years that the cake we got her looks huge by comparison (the difference in the top photo was further emphasised by Kim’s photo taking skills!) but Happy Birthday Mama!

** She’ll probably never read this since she doesn’t particularly like computers or understand how they work, but it’s more for my sentiment. :) How often do people still have a living grandparent who reaches 90? (and if you do, please make the most of it!)