Selamat Hari Raya

Ok i didn't keep to my promise of dedicating more time to my space.
Getting lazy i've to admit. But i'm persistent of not letting this four-year establishment gone to waste!

All thanks to the Muslims, we have another long weekend again, one month after NDP.
Started with a lovely night on Thursday at Robertson Walk.
Had a Belgium affair with Kris, Candy and Jan at Brussels Sprout, over seafood and beer.
It has been a long time since i met these girls but there was no trace of us feeling distant as we chatted like never before.
Little did we bother about the boisterous noise of the surrounding diners, or rather we didn't fail to contribute to it. I like the bustle i've to say...
...but not too long i reckon. :p Eventually we had to adjourn to somewhere more peaceful in order to hear one another audibly.Unfortunately, we ended being the ones who disrupted the peace at TCC. Tsk tsk.
After promising one another that we have to meet up more often (as always the case), we headed home before midnight.
Woke up at 10ish for JEAKS gathering at K's place at the very festive Geylang Serai.
I was looking forward to it, largely the company, but also my first Hari Raya celebration at the precinct. I was expecting to see a vibrant street with buzz but i guess i forgot the Muslims celebrate their new year like the Chinese too.Who on earth will you see on the street of Chinatown on the first day of Chinese New Year?!
I met A and K at the Fairprice at Joo Chiat Complex to get the food for our steamboat party and as we were walking across the overhead bridge, i had to stop at catch a glimpse of the dead town.
In any case, we had a great time at K's place having steamboat, watch A's LoveSingapore video, play getting-to-know-you game and of course our studio shoot.
We laughed so much and so hard that by the time i had to leave for cell group, i was close to dozing off, which i did on my bus journey.

For the consecutive day, Persi and i spent our day at Koko's place again, with Grace and Timmy this time.We make it a point to gather at least once when Grace comes home and now with Koko's new (and convenient) home, it is made easier, especially with the baby.
We couldn't get enough of baby Timmy with his uber cute face. Even though he gives the only-you-think-you-are-funny look when four ladies tried to play silly just to steal a smile from him.
Isn't he so endearing??!! Awww...

Tomorrow marks the last day of the long weekend. :(
But i'm watching Going the Distance! :)

Sat-a-day

Time flew past and today marks baby Alvis' arrival for one month.
Ten years ago, none of us would have thought that Gil will be the first to be a mum.
I guess, people do change.
It was a gathering of mothers and kids at the baby shower this afternoon and it seemed to be just yesterday that i saw them in the school assembly hall.
But today, they were cuddling the babies of one another and cajoling their babies to make friends with the rest of the babies. Rather comical.
Well, there i sat, a happy yi-yi playing with THE kid that attracted me most.
It's pretty obvious that i'm not a kid-lover and i play with kids for only two reasons. 1) They are truly adorable and most of the time, i think they have some resemblance to me when i was a baby (i was so cute that i won a baby competition alright!); or 2) they are the children of my close friends.
I'm perfectly fine with the idea of not joining the mothers community, not just because i'm incapable to have my own children, but i guess it's the lifetime commitment that i'm too fearful of.

From the countless weddings that i attended last year to the baby showers, i began to realise a common trend of Life Progression.
Then i wonder what is mine. Did i even progress?
Well, i guess i did.
Otherwise i wouldn't be working in the top employer-choice government organisation in Singapore and i wouldn't be owning my first cosy property now. Hmm..right?
Anyway, i'm not into dwelling-in-the-past but it is the future that i'm more interested in.
As much as i trust that God has a wonderful plan for my life, i do have a "back-up". Just to satisfy my obsession for Plans.
But!! I'm not gonna make it public here! Hah.
Ok i've digressed.

After the baby shower, few of us proceeded to Shots @ Ann Siang Hill for coffee.
Chic decor but coffee was very average. Having said that, i've to clarify that my taste has been spoilt by Oriole.
Now that i recall, it could also be due to the distressing topic we were talking about and in view of that, we could wait to disperse the group.
After which, it was left to a more comfortable combi of Fen and myself when we headed to ION for round three.
Each of us bought stuff for vanity (aka shopping) and satisfied our taste buds with delicious curry rice.
The highlight was this uber tasty Japanese steamed cakes from Mushiya Steamers, located at ION Food Mall.
It looks like our Chinese "huat kuey" but smaller and more colourful.

I love the kurugoma mochi kintoki (mochi in black sesame kuey) flavour and boy...i love it!
The texture is soft yet not soggy and the taste of black sesame is fragrant yet not overpowering. The mochi toppings complimented the cake very well too.
I'm keeping the chocolate chip one for tomorrow.

Getting late. Till the next time!

Crashing LNY

I can't believe that i disappeared from this space for a good four weeks!
Oh my, i wasn't even aware how did those days flew past.

The Lunar New Year breezed through without much traces, as though the original fifteen-days event was officially refused to four, those that were labeled as public holidays.
On the eve of LNY, i woke up, early enough to give my room a spring-clean and just the book shelve alone, it took me more than an hour.
Not mentioning the drawer chest, the wardrobe and the tv case which by the time i considered it done, three hours had past. Gosh...it was hard labour.
My only consolation was that it's only a once-a-year chore.
I had to get rid of the rubbish to make space for the new batch (of rubbish). My logic. Hah.
Reunion dinner commenced at around six in the evening but it was ruined before we could even tuck in.
As usual, Mum started off with her anger-threats and this time, it included canceling reunion next year and even the visitations the next day.
Shan't go into the details but i concluded it to be a family tragedy when insensible and insensitive creatures exist. Sigh.
I plonked myself in front of the computer after dinner, and unsurprisingly, most of my contacts were offline. But Beng's appearance a while later indeed came as a very pleasant surprise!
Eversince the uber brief farewell and eventually his departure on the last day of January, he seemed to have vanished from earth.
Hence the long (one sided) webcaming chat was good albeit the rush as he literally updated by the days. He also brought me around the house he was temporary putting up in and i didn't expect houses in Perth can be THAT small.
The bedroom can easily be one-third smaller than the bedroom of our three-room flat.
Detailing every aspects of his new way of living, the interactions with his multinational course mates, the uber high ego Aussie tutors, i see everything as an appeal to me.
Gosh...i shan't think too much into it.
He showed me the scones he baked for his assignment and geez...i'm so proud of him. =)

I had to go two hours later as Eric was already on his way to pick me for our annual LNY movie with the rest!
It was our third consecutive year of midnight movie on LNY eve and it has gradually become a tradition we all wish to keep.
To end off the night, we would always proceed for a drink at the prata shop along Bencoolen Street, gazing at the streams of vehicles turning out from the temples, with long thick joss sticks protruding out from their windows.
Considering that service was as per normal the following day, we had to keep the night short(er).
Arrived home at 2am and crashed immediately.

There wasn't a better way to start the LNY with a church service!
It was observed that on special days like this, the attendance could easily be halfed, but i thought this year was actually not that bad. Just a quarter lesser?
Packing up was record quick as everyone had a long day of activities awaiting.
With the aftermath from last night's saga, i deliberated for a while before dialing home and heaved a sigh of relief when Mum said the brothers were on their way and we were heading to Aunt's house. We didn't mention anything about the night before ever since.
I've never enjoyed LNY visitation but yet i think it's necessary. The once-a-year visits somehow become an indication that we are not losing touch. Even though we merely ate and watched television programs which are frequent not of our preference.
That was when iPhone became the best companion! Yes i know it's rude.
I can't stand people isolating themselves into the world of technology when there's obviously a group activity going on. Not even when one claims that he/she is listening.
But since i couldn't comment or participate in their "adult-talk", i guessed it was alright for me to just look up and nod occasionally. :p
After Aunt's place, we proceeded to visit Grandpa at a home.
It was quite sad that he couldn't spend his LNY at home and worse, bedridden.
Nevertheless, i was pretty sure he sensed our presence.
In less than five hours, we accomplished Visitations 2010 under the scorching heat and the killing sun.
Mum and i crashed immediately upon arriving home and got up just in time for dinner.

LNY day two, i met Jac for lunch at Marche and boy, i fell in love with this Swiss-Germany restaurant all over again.
I was devastated after its evacuation from the malls in town and with the only branch remaining in Vivocity, it's considered fortunate if you could beat the queue.
The new establishment at 313 @ Somerset occupies the first level and the first basement with the seating at the later. It's undoubtedly a tad claustrophobic with the low ceiling but the cosy country decor and the delicious spread of food make up to it. =)


After a hearty lunch, we headed to the cinema for Valentine's Day and we left the theatre feeling blissful. =) Strongly recommended, if it's still showing.
Dinner was with Jer and Sejin as they returned from Korea to spend LNY as husband and wife.

As Sejin had an air-stewardess friend who stopped over here for a night, she joined us for the night and while the two Korean ladies got engrossed with their girls talk, Jer and i were enjoying our Singlish chat as well.
Our night ended after browsing 700 pictures of their wedding and honeymoon.
I crashed immediately when i got home.


On the third day, i started off to Fen's place and then to Ps LY's.
LNY would never be completed without having a game (or more) of mahjong!!
Like cycling (or swimming for some), it's a skill that you'll never lose once mastered. You would only get better. =)
As the night gets older, i got more dampened by the post-holiday syndrome.
I wished i had taken leave for the rest of the week. Or maybe forever.
Oh wells.

The only thing that i looked forward on the first day back at work after a long weekend, was to end the day.
Seriously, i think i've lost my motivation totally. That's another story altogether.
Anyway, considering that i won't be seeing Jer for the rest of the year, i decided to send them off at the airport this time.
If i recalled correctly, the last time i did that was when he set off to Brisbane for his studies.
For that, i deserved to be suaned. =p
But i also realised that i really didn't like the feeling of seeing my friend, especially close ones, leaving before my eyes. The idea of parting is just too depressing.
I'm so gonna miss him. =(


Thankfully, i managed to convince him to join the iPhoners!
With the uber amazing whatsapp application, we can text each other for free, anytime anywhere, and best, we can even send pictures and mark our locations instantly!
Just that i would never know where is he only if i read Korean.

Since LNY started, the sun gets more generous each day.
A temperature of 35 degree celsius is totally unbearable and i wished i carry a portable air-condition everywhere i go.
Even though so, i blast a fan AND my air con every night before i could fall asleep. No kidding!
It was reported that February was the driest month in 140 years, since 1869 and the heat will last till May.
That is it! I'm migrating.

Weekend #3

Oh dear, i didn't realise that i haven't blogged for that long. And worse, i couldn't recall what kept me so occupied to not have time to blog.

Yes we had the Dinner and Dance which was entertaining but i did not enjoy. Hence i've drawn two conclusions to it.
It could be due to not dressing up to the theme - i was with the conservatives; or i got too bored with the same old stuff that repeats year after year.
The lucky draw prizes - if only i could win something better than the 32-inch LCD television set i got three years ago; the performances - if only i was the one performing *nose hanging high*; the management skit - omg, stop this totally! Alright, perhaps the failure of this year's was because Ken wasn't around. *giggles*

We had the Sisters' meeting for Candy's wedding at ML's place.
Unfortunately, by the end of the meeting, i could only remember the gourmet coffee, the tiramisu and the creme brulee from ML's Patisserie. She's a genius baker i tell ya.

And then we had the appreciation dinners for the Church's Sunday service team, as well as the Christmas production crew and cast.
The former was held at Ibis Hotel which i was glad that i didn't need to gorge with the miserable buffet line.
I tried to convince myself that at least we got a nice cosy space exclusively for us and that perhaps took up three quarter of the cost i guess?
But it was fun to see everyone looking relaxed than the usual uptight faces on Sundays. Just that when all of them broke into their respective ministries for sharing, i felt a tad lost and outcast as Kaf (my partner) didn't turn up.
Didn't want my evening to end so early, i met up with Persi at District 10 for a drink, since she was feeling bored too. Nice. =)

The bassist

The pastor

The pastor

Be right back!

As i welcome 2010...

On the last week of 2009, my body decided to purge all its wastes and toxic and by making me mute, it thought i could have a good rest.
Unfortunately, i didn't have the luxury as LL was on leave for the last week of the year, i had to kinda hold the fort in the office. Good thing that it was peaceful enough.
Nearing mid-week, i almost lost my voice entirely and hearing myself made me very sad. It didn't happen before and it caught me totally off-guard. It suddenly dawned on me that i've taken my voice for granted and it must have felt mistreated for the whole year. But i'm very thankful that it was preserved for so long and it seemed to know when i am done with it. Time to let it rest.

I took a day's mc on Wednesday and was so drowsy on medication that i could hardly sit up for more than 15 minutes. But since i've prior booked tickets to watch Treasure Hunt with Anthea jie, i thought some fresh air in the evening would do me some good.
Sad to say, the movie ticket had gone to waste as i slept through almost half the show. According to Anthea jie, the latest Jay Chou's flick was pretty watchable. No, i'm not going for the second time. =p

I didn't recover a bit on Thursday when i arrived at work but considering it was an important day, i didn't think of not coming. Mute.I'll definitely miss the time when i can shout when i need loose change to pay for my cab fare, dial 3494 when i need to bitch about things urgently, call you frantically when i realised i left my wallet unattended on my desk, look forward to receiving gifts/postcards via the dumbwaiter after/during your holiday, had our orchestra in the dance room playing 《星语心愿》 repeatedly, vet your emails to Andy and Stanley, run to catch 36 when you came down late, always shielding me when i became the common enemy of tsd just because you trust me, not forgetting the breakfasts from bistro and lunches at Mcdees, and best of all...knowing that you are always there even when we don't see each other. =(
Goodbye Bengz.
It's a whole new cycle of adaptation again.
I wonder, who's left to say goodbye to me when my turn comes.

Took a nap when i got home from a half day work before i packed my emotions to get ready for the Thanksgiving Watch Night service. Still mute.
Worshiped a lot, prayed a lot, saw a lot, heard a lot and we counted down and popped champagne.
Not forgetting big hug!!! Fifth year into our tradition!I'll continue to make sure that i won't repeat my top for the subsequent years.

On the first day of 2010, i pulled myself, literally, to the CG retreat.
I felt that my body was falling apart and, still mute.
I really wished to lie in and do nothing and i tried to justify every possible reason that i could skip the retreat.
But nothing could beat the lovelies indeed. I knew i had to be there.

Didn't regret at all as i had the most fun time with the lovelies.Thanks to Nat and Alvin for letting their house (and bed)!

You are one of the most generous couple i've ever seen!

I got home at around noon today, had lunch, took medicine and knocked out for four solid hours!
I is just too tired.

Happy New Year!

My Best Friend's Wedding

Hello everyone. My name is Elizabeth and I’m here to share about the journey I had with Jerry. Jerry is my best friend and when I look back at how we have arrived at this stage, it was just amazing.

I’ve known Jerry for more than 10 years. Ngee Ann Poly was the place that we met but we were neither classmate nor course mate. He was in Mass Comm while I was a Business student and we were introduced to each other by a common friend. We were not close to each other during then and my only impression of him was his white hair. Some would think that he was acting beng but I thought he looked kinda like an old man. Of course, a very nice and kindhearted old man.

Seriously, I had a hard time tracing back our old days because my remembrance of him in local context is very vague. Then I realized why. Because most of the time, he was not in Singapore. First it was Australia where he did his bachelor and then it was Korea. On the day before he decided to stay in Korea, he was just calling me excitedly to say that he saw Tony Leung (梁朝伟) walking past him on the street of Seoul.

During the time when he was in Seoul, we managed to chat via msn almost daily, keeping each other company at our respective offices. I guess that was how we managed to keep in touch till now. Our chats would revolve around what’s happening in our offices, the politics, the society, the culture, the weather and food and oh, it’s a must to share what we had for lunch everyday. He would forever be missing his tau suan and cai tao kueh. Oh, I’m not sure if it’s only me, but I think Jerry is really smart and knowledgeable. Watching Discovery channel with him is a luxury as he would explain and elaborate the complicated facts and when sometimes I didn’t have the time to read the news, I would ask for a summary of some ongoing political issues. I had to admit that I was lost when he got carried away sometimes but he could immediately realize my distraction. I mean, the North and South Korea are always having the same problems what. Another thing I know of Jerry is his gentlemanliness but I’m not sure if it only applies to girls. But I guess that also explains why he has so many female friends.

The fact that he is physically distant from me didn’t stop him from being a caring friend. Till now I still couldn’t comprehend why it seemed that he knows whenever I’m down. His calls always come at the right time, when I need emotional support. Trust me, it was bizarre. Being a rational person, he never fails to give me logical advices which are always best of my interest. His protectiveness makes me want to turn to him when I’m bullied but he would also make sure that I get an earful from him if I’m behaving irrationally. Yes, not a lot of people can scold people over msn you know. But most of the time, he would just nag. Did I just mention that he’s old? Haha.

Jerry, I don’t think I’ve told you this before but you are one of the most important people in my life. I’m really thankful for your friendship and everything you have done and said have been far more impactful than what you could ever imagine. Having been through with you for so many ups and downs, you wouldn’t imagine how glad I am to be at your wedding today. From the bottom of my heart, I want to wish you a blissful marriage and may all your days be filled with joy and love.

- My "best friend's speech" at the wedding-

The best Christmas eve celebration i could ever asked for.
Best friend forever!

No more Goodbyes

I give thanks whenever i could get my Saturday morning - noon free as it meant that i could get the rest i need.
Got the air and bandwidth i need after a series of weddings and events madness, finally, i could walk at my pace.
Life of a busy bee is something that i loathe a lot and i always have a list of things-i-would-do-if-i-am-free, but whenever i have the time, i couldn't remember them.
However, a time of solitude at a secluded coffee joint would be enough of a blessing as well.
Yesterday after physio, i hopped down to Great World City and had a nice and refreshing time lunch at Coffee Bean, finishing the last chapter of "A Child Called It". After that, i merely stared blankly into space, blocking out all disturbance, albeit the busy shoppers lingering around. I could feel fresh oxygen filling every part of my lungs and i am alive again.
I wished this could last forever. Before i had enough, it was time to pack and get back to work. Oh well, the typical life of a cosmopolite.

My online chatting network was as quiet as the office on this rainy afternoon but i was just as pleased to have Jer around.
This poor guy received a full blow of my PMS temperaments two days ago and i was still feeling bad about it. Despite that he made me apologize and gave me a earful a day after the incident. I guessed i've gone overboard. =p
I think he will still love me nonetheless, since he gladly accepted the title of LBFF (L for lame).
He just needs my constant assurance before he went on with his comparison strategy of "if so-and-so and i fell into the water, who would you save?". He doesn't buy it when i say i can't swim! Sigh...

Strangely, i realised my closer friends are leaving me one by one. Singapore is just not a place they can stay, but why?
I tried recalling the time when Jer broke the news to me that he decided to stay on in Korea.
I don't think it was an emotional affair but partly it was because he was already there at the point of decision. There wasn't any deliberation period prior to that at all. I knew he had a Korean girlfriend and he desired to be with her but little did i thought that he meant it literally.
I was merely aware that he went on a visiting vacation in Korea and on the last day of his 30-days ticket, he just rang up to say that he had found a job and is not coming home.
I didn't have time to react i guess and i couldn't remember how long did i take to let the news sink in.
And then it was Gracie (or was she first?) who left with her missionary husband to Chiang Mai.
Four years later, i have to again, bid farewell to another one who is leaving in two months.
It seems a little difficult this time. Guess i've been too involved in his relocation plan.
Emotions got built up over the months and as the departure date draws closer, the more reluctant i feel.
I hate goodbyes.

As age catches up, i no longer desire the attention and presence of countless casual friends, not even mentioning developing new friendships.
But i treasure a handful of people and guard them with my life. Ok somewhat to that extend. You get it.
As much as i've been adjusting my mindset to work towards total independence for the rest of my life, i couldn't imagine living without these people. Yeah so much of a soloist.

Optimistically thinking, having friends all over the world is not a bad thing after all. At least it makes my travel plans easier. =)

Congrats Mr and Mrs Loy!

Who says jie meis have to be in colour-coordinated dresses?
We are cool man!

September

The lack of entries was much caused by blogger where the page couldn't load properly.
Each time i wanted to write, it happens and i had to report before i could write again weeks later.
By then, i would have forgotten what was on my mind previously.
Anyway...

Month of September zoomed past like the F1 racing cars.
Even if you haven't grown sick of hearing me saying that i'm busy, tired and worn out, i think i had enough of repeating myself.
Just so much to do, but so little time.
I'm having my diary opened right in front of me right now and i shall select some to write about.

On the first day of September, Xian and i embarked on our first cafe hunt at Casual Poet.
It's quaint and pretty, albeit the very limited menu and space. It's ok.
The rare chill for the night made it exceptionally relaxing.

On the ninth day of September, i attended the wedding of the century!
I was really honoured to be part of Isaac and Joy's big day.
Such a blessed couple. =) And that's Persi on the left.

Ten days later, i had my very first hen party! I wasn't the hen of course.
With Angie's wedding in less than two weeks away, we have decided to make it a spectacular one before she ends her bachelorettehood.
Oh i realised i'm hereby making a debut feature since the night of the event!
Truthfully speaking, i wasn't quite sure on how to deal with the photos and videos taken that night. It wasn't really obscene but i'm obliged to protect the reputation of my friend. Heh.
The party involved a series of tasks (to be fulfilled by the hen of course), approaching of strangers, roaming the busy mall, shouting and screaming, kissing (!!!), deh-ing, (erotic) gifts, and deep sharing and praying which was the highlight, in my opinion.
Angie was so sporting and cooperative which made our job uber easy and we ended 1 hour ahead of time.
On Children's Day, Angie will be Mrs Loy and i bet it'll be the happiest day of her life! =)

On the last Friday of September, i finally took my first step to my brokeback recovery journey.
SGH is one huge complicated hospital man.
I started at the clinic when i had the interim check by the doc before i was sent for an X-ray.
At the X-ray room, it was a combination of a Principal Radiologist and two interns from NYP.
Interns being interns, they appeared pretty obliging to their very senior supervisor, despite his demanding requirements.
I remained uber cooperative even, for the longest time, they couldn't adjust me to the right position. However i couldn't help but giggled when the PR knocked his head against a machine when he tried to straighten his body from a bend-over. I was quite sure that the interns were controlling hard to avoid flunking their internship. I is bad. Hahaha...
Later, i went back to the clinic for the X-ray review. Doc said that my bones seem normal and he suspected that the pain was caused by worn-out (!!!!) disks! "Worn-out" made me sound so old.
Anyway, i had to do a MRI test before any concrete conclusion. Before the next follow-up, physiotherapy seems to be necessary too. Oh well.
Just as i was about to leave, the nurse (assisting the doc) asked if i needed a medical chit. In actual fact, i didn't exactly need it since i had some "leftover" leave but i didn't mind the offer. So i agreed and her response caught me totally off guard.
"Wotewer you nid, you haf to oben your mouf to arsk!"
I stared at her in disgust but i didn't think she saw my distorted facial expression under my mask. The doc smiled embarrassingly as he pretended to scrutinize at his online news.
Excuse me?? I'm not too sure if that's the right attitude towards the patient aka the customer!
I was more startled than angry.
Subsequently, i wasn't too impressed when i had to make several trips, physically, to the various departments to make the respective appointments. i.e. physio at Rehabilitation so on and so forth. They should seriously consider upgrading to a centralised appointment system! I certainly wouldn't enjoy it if i'm 40 years older walking at half my current speed.
Anyway, i wouldn't be bothered to continue with the displeasure as i left the hospital.
I proceeded to my personal enjoyment with some shopping and chilling at my favourite TCC. =)

Alright, those were the major events in September i considered.
With two weddings and tonnes of meetings in the coming week, i reckon it'll be some time before i could blog again.

Till then...

Love-Singapore

We are Singapore!

We are Singapore!

We will stand together hear the lion roar!

R-O-A-R!!!

One of my favourite season of the year, the love-singapore season.
It's especially delightful this year with the long weekend in stored. =)

The long love-singapore weekend started with a bang at the indoor stadium on Friday.
Day of His Power, when Christians gathered to give thanks and pray for the country, not taking the peace and harmony and development for granted.
I left the stadium with a greater burden and a bigger passion for the country.

Day 2 of love-singapore weekend, i met up with Jus for my uber belated birthday lunch.
Exactly two months! Well, at least we didn't give up meeting. =)
However, i was exasperated with the closure of Dorothy Perkins and Topshop at PP. I couldn't understand why when their businesses were flourishing!
Anyway, we had a fun time sourcing for baby shower gifts, laughing ourselves silly over our own random comments. Haha.
The lazy afternoon ended with ice chocolate and dessert at the chichi Dome.
So nice... =)

It's 9th of August!! The nation's birthday on day 3 of love-singapore weekend!
For the first time (i think), we recited the pledge during service before a national flag! How cool was that!
Persi and i coordinated our colours the night before.
Not Indonesia hor!
Later in the evening, the CG gathered at Alvin and Nat's place for a NDP get-together!
Seriously, it was so much more interesting and engaging to watch NDP as a group and i reckon, it was because there were simply too many things to comment on and to..hmm...make fun of. Heh.
Check out our dinner spread!

Unfortunately, i had to end my night earlier, all thanks to the splitting headache that made me nauseous.
I threw up all the pizza and fried chicken i consumed earlier. What a waste.

On the last day of the love-singapore weekend, i made a trip to Jer's parents' home at Tampines.
They have just returned from a one-month visitation with their beloved son in Korea, with the main objective to meet the in-law to discuss about the wedding.
Being an old family friend of Jer, Aunty has kindly volunteered to bring back some food for my skin! She was so sweet to call me one day before her departure to ask me to tell Jer my shopping list. Jer....it's time that you learn from your mum lor! Kekeke...
And tada...
The house seemed to be under a minor renovation with painters around and household items stacked up. They were having lunch when i turned up and in order not to intrude, i stood near the door, suggesting that i won't stay long.
After ransacking in some rooms, they finally found the bag of stuff in the glass cabinet next to me. Ok here comes the funny part. I found the receipt in the bag as Jer mentioned and it stated 42,600 won. Hence i asked Aunty for the conversion to SGD.
"Just pay that in SGD lor!" she said.
I was confused.
After clarification, she meant that i pay SGD42.60. Fwah!
I passed her a $50 bill and asked her to keep it but she insisted on returning me $10.
So yeah...i paid $40 for the bag of skin food. I is pai seh.
And before i left, she had to comment that i "越来越美". Aiyohh.... i is pai seh again.
For a moment, i wished Jer was there.
He has flew to Berlin the day before for work and will only be back end of the month.
The six-hour time difference is making me feel that he is so far away!
I'm gonna miss him badly. =(

I proceeded to baby Chloe's one-month celebration at Holland Village after meeting up with Persi.

As usual, the baby seemed so comfortable resting in my arms.
She's such a doll. =)

That marks the end of the long love-singapore weekend.
Quoting Joyce's tweet, the comfort is the short(er) week ahead! =)

The Week

It was an eventful week.
Not that i didn't want to blog earlier but physically, it was impossible.
Tired leh.

Monday, the photoshop creative class at BTC.
Arrived uber late from work and only played a fool with the rest of the 'classmates' in the midst of the lesson.
Bonny was never naughty in class, i cross my heart.
But a serious class after a hard day's work was no joke.
That explained why i slept through 3/4 of my uni days. Oops.

Tuesday, movie number one - I Love You, Man.
It was h.y.s.t.e.r.i.c.a.l.
Simple plot with an atypical yet real story. Complex.
But for just its humour, it's worth the $8.50.
Wil entered the theatre with zero knowledge of the film and i think he's a bit skeptical even. But he came out, thumbs-up!

Wednesday, movie number two - Duplicity.
I think Cathay made a mistake by setting its genre as "comedy" and i was conned thoroughly.
I was hoping that the love affair of the spies-turned-corporate operatives would be witty enough, even if it's not the hilarious kind.
Unfortunately, it was far from a comedy.
Not even an action-packed, perhaps...hmm..i don't know. Ahh know i see the problem of the classifier.
Bengz and i took turns to snooze (unconsciously) at the long draggy front part but thank God the pace was picked up towards the end.
Seriously for such storyline, i would expect the plot to be a bit cleverer.

Thursday, ex-colleagues day!
Met dearie Celyn for lunch and boy, i missed her so much.
The one hour lunch date was totally insufficient and we've agreed to have another session next week!
In the evening, met the CBT group and we had a terrific time reminiscing the days when we were working in the travel agency.
It's so funny to realise how the same tour guide, at the same destination, could result into two significantly different tour-leading experiences.
It was nice catching up.

Not forgetting this sweet little surprise which i received in office one morning.
Hidden under my laptop cover was this black classy box which got me really excited.
I knew it was my uber belated birthday gift which i've been chasing for the longest time. Hah.
But i really didn't know what to expect.
It was after i mentioned that i was searching for a pretty hair accessory for the upcoming weddings, and i got this.
Very pretty isn't it? =)

Bonapers

The last Bonapers was so long ago that i couldn't remember when.
We have been busy in our own lives, but never fail to keep in touch everyday. Thank God for msn.
I'm glad we made it tonight.
As usual, it has to be a new hunt.

Food for Thought was where we set foot in and i couldn't describe my delight!
Lovely food, cozy decorations with noble purposes. It's just so-Bonny.

Next Bonapers will be after Persi's....Mt K expedition!

Persi...要保重啊!!!

Iron-work

The iron was heated all of a sudden and crimps were instantly ironed out.

It was a good talk.

Finally i've got the answer to my doubts and wonders, though not completed (yet). It's sufficient, at least for now.

I'm glad that we've withstood the test and neither of us gave up halfway.

I hope we'll treasure it even more than before. =)

我真的受伤了

Living in Grace is to love first, judge later - Persi had to remind me today.
I didn't know it was so difficult, til i have to do it literally.
It's exceptionally tough when the person has failed you first.
Yet you have to look beyond/away from that, and to pour out your greatest love to the person.

My heart wrung when the truth was finally uncovered.
Tears fell uncontrollably.
Anger.
Disappointment.
Foolishness.
Betrayal.
I couldn't believe my eyes when i saw the words appearing line by line on my laptop screen.
The trust that was built over the years came crashing down instantly.
It was painful.
I could have dumped everything and wilfully do the "Look, you failed me first and now you are expecting my help? Get lost!" thingy.
I didn't, as i know it would only make me feel worse if i do.
At least not for a person who is so close to my heart.
And perhaps that is also the reason that my heart is so painful.
My head is telling me that the current issue is more important, my emotions can be dealt with later.
But it's so much harder than i thought.

The price of being the receiver of God's grace.

一条漫长路经已走到这里。。。

And so the week has passed and i didn't know how did that happened.
I wasn't exactly busy busy but everyday were somehow occupied.
Yeah...getting a bit tired.
The many consecutive weekends of activities; camp comm meeting, the coffee appreciation event, BBQ, dinners, play...*shudders*, wore me out a lil.
Not that these were not fun stuff but i would prefer my weekends a lil low-key. Yeah you get it.
Finally had a PP Saturday with Jus, a date which were postponed for almost 3 weeks.
I slept to my heart's content before we met at PP for a late lunch.
Not kidding when i said late, coz when lunch ended, it was already 4pm.
Since i wasn't prepared to dine out for dinner, i decided to get some food from the supermarket before i sulk at the famine at home.
Got home at around 6ish and fell asleep at the couch and before i knew it, it was already dark outside.
Dinner was (self-made) ham sandwich, instant mushroom soup and papaya. Yeah you see, i was trying to go easy with my diet, considering the feast in the week ahead.
B.U.T, i thought the seaweed flavoured potato chips would go extremely well with my ham sandwich and to my surprise, the bag of Calbee was gone, in a wink. Oops...
A.n.y.w.a.y...

"Bonny had a parting day." was the status i updated on twitter yesterday.
It started at Tourism Court when i bade WY farewell after three years of comradeship.Three years ago when she first joined Planning as a uber fresh grad, i've to admit that she didn't impress me much. In fact, i was a lil turned off by her loudness. I had always wondered, "why this girl must laugh so loudly wan?" Haha...
Then, don't know what happened.....we became good friends. Perhaps Bonny is equally loud. =p
We worked together, we partied together, we sang together....awwww.... *sob*
I'm very happy that she has decided to pursue her dreams and i'm sure she will be successful one day.
We parted at the cross junction outside Tourism Court yesterday and cried ourselves silly with vehicles passing. I hope nobody saw us. =p
I'm gonna miss her very very much.

Later in the evening, we gathered in a lil function room at Pasir Panjang for our last cell group meeting.
After one and a half years, the cell group is finally arrived at a point of multiplication and by usual practice, a new cell group will be formed.
I am excited, as i've never been the "multiplicand" in a multiplication operation before.
As compared to the very first time when Persi and i wailed like crazy because we were separating (to different CG) at the Loyang chalet four years ago, this was managed much better.
I'm so gonna miss the fun and laughter we had.

Jason Wong is coming to preach again tomorrow! Have been looking forward to it.
I'm gonna try my very very best to listen and not think if he's exceeding time, when to play the three videos, screen up or down, got sound no sound.................................. ok i try.

Love Gift

I've got a love gift!


I think Arnott's should endorse me or something.
Bonny is a Shaper!

Thanks Jac dearie!!! =)
有感动到。。。

A Week's Worth

I seriously couldn't forgive myself for waking up before 10 o'clock this morning.
It was the rarest among the rare, other than the times that i was forced to.
And i knew i wasn't feeling comfortable at all.
Not for the fact that i didn't have enough sleep, but was due to the disturbing backache that has been bothering me for days.
I just couldn't lie down properly when it should be the most relaxing posture.
The tension on the back muscle was causing so much pain that i wished i had a meat tenderizer.
I need some pounding. Badly.

During CG last evening, God released a word - PURPOSE, to me nearing the end of worship and i had a flashback of what i've been doing for the past months.
Work, ministry, life...chasing deadlines after deadlines, completing tasks after tasks and packing my time with events after events.
God (finally) asked, in the midst of all these, what is my purpose?
I looked back and realised how rapid things have transited in every aspects.
To a point that i became so used to changes and emotions didn't even have time to set it.
In MBTI language, my T-ness has gone up and my J-ness has gone down.
Nothing negative or positive about it but it's good to be aware so as to keep a balance.
When i started serving in church, i learned how to do things for people without expecting any tangible returns, sometimes it could be the reverse. =p
I often asked why do i have to put myself through these.
I recalled once, when Angela and i were lamenting to each other about the loads and the difficulties we encountered during the drama production, she said, in a very casual manner "What to do? You and i have really experienced God, how not to love and serve Him and His people".
Sounds very abstract i know. I couldn't explain either. But the message was so loud that it through my heart and i was instantly recharged.
In the road ahead, i can't promise that i won't complain but i'm sure the joy i experience will weigh way beyond that.
I found my purpose, what about you?

Church camp is coming in less than a month! Can't wait!
Being in the camp committee this year made me even more excited about the yearly event, despite the crazy preparation.
In any case, all things well and i'm quite ready to go!
Erm, meanwhile i'm praying that the swine flu won't invade too badly across the border.
Don't leh...

Alright, something lighter.

Bengzy regretted big time for telling me that Dorothy Perkins was having a great sale when we had our usual dinner in the mid-week.
I just couldn't stop thinking about the pair of jeans and it's even harder to ignore when i heard about the sale.
He agreed reluctantly to a detour to the store after dinner and in less than 15min, i was out with the jeans, 60% lesser than the original price. Woohoo!
When i got home, i found a small transparent plastic bag containing a lil card and a pair of golden earrings, packed together with my jeans.
For a moment i thought if it accidentally dropped into my shopping bag accidentally or worse, i was FRAMED!
Until i saw the print on the card.
I was indeed shocked surprised. Very pleasantly in fact.
I thought the Marketing person was such a genius to think of such a gimmick.
Personally, the surprise was much more impactful that its content, at least to me.
Somehow the strings of butterflies reminded me of 《迷离夜》. Eeeyer... =p

The old Planners met up for lunch finally for...hmm...an ambiguous objective. Hmm ok...shan't disclose now.
I had so much fun that made me very sad as i really really missed the good old team. =( Especially in times like this. Sigh.
In any case, i volunteered to organise the housewarming for Evan and we are all going to have fun again! =)
The $1.10 chicken wings caught the eyes of some people but was brought to a disappointment when we were told that it was only valid for takeaways.
Then s.o.m.e.b.o.d.y bargained his way through (as usual) with the cantonese aunty and tada!!! Here's our six chicken wings in a takeaway box!

Introducing s.o.m.e.b.o.d.y! Heh.
Later we realised it was actually more costly for them, to serve in the plastic box than on a plate.
I didn't know Cystal Jade operates like the government. Oops...

Running for camp comm meeting now!
Oh oh last but not least...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Tecky and Ee-ly (i just have to end with 'y' lah, but you know it's you hor? heh).