.::. This Weekend .::.

Friday was the company's 'Team building' activity in Sentosa, so we barely worked. It has been a tiring Friday since I did the Climbmax and Megazip! Climbmax was this rope obstacle course, and I'm still somewhat amazed that I did it. My whole body ached this weekend. Megazip, this really high flying fox was also an achievement considering that I'm afraid of heights. *phew~ I think they have many unsightly pictures of me taken on the course. Then, there was the weekly meet-up with the girls. We had steamboat at Upper Thompson - yums!

Saturday was the usually lesson-day. Nothing worth mentioning, only lots of revision and homework to do. Need to find some self-discipline to work harder. I satisfied my craving for durians though.

This weekend passed by without me coming online! My poor laptop is being repaired for it's cracked screen, and I spent most of yesterday night and today reading Dan Brown's not-so-new book, 'The Lost Symbol'. I really loved it, especially the part about Noetic Science and how men's thoughts can actually 'make' things work. I like the idea that thoughts actually do have true power, and how thinking about something might actually make it come true. I also liked the idea of how god actually wants us to create new things instead of submitting to him. It was a really good read, very intriguing. I want to read it again!

It's Monday yet again. See you again soon, weekend.

.::. Malay Village .::.

I've been having lessons every weekend at SAA, Aljunied. It can be quite tiring and depressing to have lessons till 11pm! Luckily, Joel comes to pick me up and have supper after classes most of the days. We had my favourite tau huay at Geylang Lorong 39 although both of us didn't have dinner (we were still full from the buffet in the afternoon. He suggested that we visit the Malay Village after and we went.

Honestly, I'm not that keen, and I was tired. But I'm mostly up for anything he suggests, since it's extremely rare that he opens his mouth and actually wants something. It was somewhat a date, since we really don't seem to do much apart from having meals together these days. The last time we visited the Malay Village (and my first time) was about 4 years back, when he was staying nearby. I still remembered that we got some malay snacks too.



The pretty lights that reminds me of Christmas on Orchard Road.

The pretty decorations, it's just like Chinese New Year, but obviously the malay version.

They also have bak kwa (barbecued pork slices)! But it's Halah and obviously not made of pork.

There are many shops selling colourful traditional malay costumes and this apparently famous cartoon character on the right. We saw many kids hugging the toy, but have no idea what character is it.

I think it's very cute that the whole family tailor-makes similar clothes for the whole family and wear it out to visit their relatives during Hari Raya. You can always see the whole family taking the train during that period, all decked out in colourful traditional costumes in similar colour and design! I kinda want to visit a malay friend's house for Hari Raya to experience how they celebrate their new year, but I only have one malay friend and I can't invite myself right?

I enjoyed the 'date' though. =)

.::. Life @ Sg .::.

It's probably me. I can't seem to really feel happy with spending most of my days working. I sit in my cubicle, stare at my computer and numbers for 8 hours a day. I should be thankful that I only work 8 hours a day. After that, I'm mostly too tired to do much. I even enjoy spending my weekend sleeping.

I'm not unhappy, it's bearable, just that, there's nothing to be happy about even though I pretty like my job. I'm just detached and emotionless, telling myself that it's something which I just have to get used to. It's like, even though I feel accomplished after completing something, I can't find satisfaction and meaning to life. What's the value of contributing to a corporation's exellence? One is easily replaceable and insignificant.


Being practical, there's no other way living in a city like Singapore. There are bills to pay and everything needs money.

I'm apprehensive. The road ahead appears to be half a lifetime of staring at the computer to generate enough income to do things like get married and have kids. I feel so trapped thinking about that. Responsibilities which will officially tie me down and force me to do things just for the sake of income.

At the end of the day, everyone has a certain lifespan and everything comes to naught.

This sound so depressing, and I'm sick of hearing people tell me, that is the way it is.

Everyone has a choice, just that we always tell ourselves - that is the way things are. But is that really true? We prefer trying to convince ourselves that we do not have a choice and continue the way we are.

Apparently, I am one of the many, being brought up to survive in this society, convinced that by working hard, we are contributing to the society's growth and our future prosperity for all.

Seriously?

How many of us are truly happy and contented? Are we really better off?

.::. Ethan's Birthday .::.

It was Joel's newphew, Ethan's birthday again this weekend. His birthday is always somewhat special, because I met his family for the first time, 6 years ago. It's amazing how time has passed us by.



The shy birthday boy. He's in Primary One this year. He doesn't dare to talk to me most of the time, but he actually did this time round. I haven't seen him for more than half a year...

The happy family.



His cousin insisted on taking a picture of us, so here goes. Glenn used to pose for many pictures when he was younger. Both of them have grown so big now. In fact, all of them have grown so big...which can only mean that I have grown older. *ahem.

This year's celebration was at Parkroyal hotel. I was dismayed that it was a 'Teochew porridge' buffet, but to my delight, there's sashimi!!! The food was medicore and nothing worth mentioning, the service wasn't that great either. The restaurant was barely filled at all, but I enjoyed the sashimi. I have been craving for sashimi and I bet we got our money worth! I think I was too busy eating, the lack of pictures taken.

It's nice to see those kids again. =)

.::. Anniversary .::.

It's our 68th month anniversary today. We met up for a simple dinner after work. I can feel us moving into another stage of our lives and a different way of maintaining the relationship. Dinner after work, lots to share about and getting home early to rest. Two people, trying to move in sync towards the future. The best thing is having someone to share with, knowing that there's always someone to fall back on.

I'm thankful, thank you god.

.::. Working Life .::.

Work is pretty great. It's not that I do not get tired or bored, but it's as great as a job can get. I do not think that I'll ever find a job that I'll actually like and would rather work than sleep in. Everyday, you get up at the same time, get to work at the same time, it's a routine which you just get used to. Thankfully, I do get work on time too! My boss is really nice and there are no mean people around too. I'm really thankful that I do not have to put up with screaming bitches and endure listening to swear words every single day.

I went for hot yoga today, and it nearly killed me. Very nearly. I wanted to do Body Combat before hot yoga, luckily the class was full and I spent an hour going on the treadmill, step machines and weight machines. It has been...3 months since I really exercised, though I did spend a month walking 12 hours everyday. My muscles were either too tired or too stiff. I had so much trouble maintaining the different positions and my muscles started cramping! I used to be able to do those poses with ease a year ago. *sigh! I hope my muscles will have mercy on me tomorrow.

The boyfriend finished work late and we ended up meeting for dinner. We really shouldn't meet up so often and eat out, since both of us are pretty broke. It's funny how he spent the whole dinner, and whole night complaining about his job. It's not that bad, but he has lots of complaints and comments and contemplations. I seldom see him so vocal about stuff, going on and on for hours. He even said that I have to listen to him complain every night.

It's heartwarming knowing that no matter how bad the day was, there's someone to listen to you at the end of the day.

.::. His family .::.

Took pictures for him and his family some weeks back.

Him and his grandma. Grandma used to love buying 4D and she could remember all sorts of numbers. I won 4D the first time that she gave me a number, though I only won like $30? She's always the hip one, asking me to stay over and telling me all sort of stories while he happily retreats to his room.

His dad loves Chinook. It's very funny observing both of them, because Chinook always lay on the ground instantaneously whenever he tries to pick him up (to make it more difficult). Then when Chinook gets picked up, he always look so helpless and resigned. His dad always locks Chinook in the room while he bathes too. He tries all sorts of ways to attract Chinook and Chinook probably has a love-hate relationship with him. Super funny duo!

People really do grow old. His grandma used to be very energetic and went out often. I always teased Joel that his grandma is more happening than him, since she goes out more often! But sadly, while I was in Sweden, his grandma had a mild stroke. Since then, she has weakened alot and do not go out herself anymore.

I should really be thankful that his family is really nice to me. =)

.::.这个周末.::.

最近周末都得上课，一次就要上8小时，真是要我的命！上完课后，总是累得不得了。实在太久了，而且我真的很讨厌这门课。我想我真的需要找时间坐下来，好好地温习。不管怎么样都一定要过关！昨天上课就被问了三次问题！追残的是有一个周末要连续三天，每天都上八小时的课。

时间过得太快了，不知不觉，一个星期又过了。

上班了一个星期，其实还算不错。可是现在有点感冒，还是好好休息。

他明天第一天上班，是我们一起为将来加油的时候了。

最近做梦都会莫名的梦到瑞典。好想念瑞典，好想念在那里认识的朋友和生活方式啊。

.::. Chinook's 3rd Birthday .::.

Chinook turned 3 yesterday. How time flies, I still remember holding him in my arms when he was just 3 months old. I will always remember the first day he was home. He shit everywhere, stepped on his own shit and I had shit all over me when I carried him up (since he was stepping all over me with his shitty paws).

Now, he's such a big boy. Chinook stays with Joel and his family now, since they helped to look after him while I was in Sweden. I do miss Chinook, I miss his smell in my room and how I always see him by my bedside the moment I open my eyes. He was been there for me when I'm upset, and I talk to him alot too. But I reckon he's alot happier at Joel's place since his family loves (and spoils) him. My mom's afraid of Chinook and complains about his hair all the time (among her many complaints) and my dad asks me to give him away (he probably thinks that it's a passing phrase that I'll get over). They never do understand.




The family. =) Chinook will always be an important part of us. Joel has a soft spot for Chinook, and Chinook do make things easier for our relationship. He's like the glue that cements the cracks in our relationship. Afterall, it's Joel who made me fall in love with dogs. Chinook mean so much to me, and it's like we have a connection with each other.

His family loves dogs, his dad especially, and he grew up with many dogs. His dad was still talking about getting a 'second Chinook'. It's something which I would like someday, and I'll name my 2nd dog 'Chiky' to rhyme with Chinook. I like taking photos, and 'Chiky' sounds like my shutter sound too. =p

Chinook's birthday cake. I ordered a bigger one with his name written on top from U.S. Dog Bakery. But to my astonishment, someone else collected Chinook's cake and I'm stranded without a cake. They were celebrating their opening and did not even check the recipt! It's either that someone collected the wrong cake or tried to get a free cake on purpose (so cheapskate!). They gave me 2 mini cakes like this and decided to refund my money for my order.

Bear bear was invited to Chinook's birthday party too. Bear Bear is Chinook's best friend, and they kept circling each other endlessly throughout the night. Chinook is so energetic and Bear Bear's getting old, he ended up getting so frustrated with Chinook that he barks at Chinook. But it all seem like a game to them and both of them had their tails wagging the whole night.

Chinook was so tired and lazy today. I'm sure Bear Bear was the same!

A group picture of the night. We watched Harry Potter I

It was a great night. All of us, including the dogs had a great time. =)

Happy Birthday Chinook, Happy Birthday Singapore. *love love.

.::. We ♥ Singapore .::.

We had a cooking competition to celebrate Singapore's 45th Birthday this weekend. Thanks to Jo, who's always churning out all sorts of interesting ideas (can't imagine what goes on in her mind). This time round, 4 of us were supposed to choose an ingredient, then draw lots. We were supposed to cook a dish with the ingredient we were given. We will be graded based on categories like creativity, taste, presentation and theme, which is National Day.



I was given 'Portobello mushrooms'. I marinated the mushrooms for an hour before grilling it in the oven. After that, I cut them up and wrapped them into dumplings together with cheese. I was hoping that the dumpling would be filled with mushrooms and melted cheese. I even bought a red tray and cut the cucumbers into 'star' shapes to adhere to the theme. The sauce of chilli and tar-tar sauce is Joel's contribution. Although it didn't turn out as heavenly as I imagined (the mushroom shrinked and the dumplings were quite empty inside), I won the cooking challenge. I think I won because of the presentation and theme, since none of them really worked on that part.

The dinner. Ju made steamed toufu with minced meat in Marmite sauce (the ingredient which was given by Jo). I've never tried Marmite sauce, but I like egg toufu! Jo deep-fried the eggs in flour and stir-fried it with salted egg. I was the one who came up with the ingredient 'egg' because it was so common and difficult to score on creativity and taste. I thought her dish was quite creative though I'm really not a salted-egg person.

It was a great dinner!

Chye made dessert with her given ingredient - 'black tea' (Ju chose that ingredient). It's so challenging, but she made quite a few desserts with earl grey tea, and I really liked it! My favourite is iced earl-grey tea with earl-grey jelly. It smells so nice, and I love earl-grey!

Her 'official' competing dish was 'Earl-grey-misu'. She used earl grey tea to make tiramisu and it must have been alot of work since she grinded the tea leaves to mix it into the mascapone cheese to bring out the earl-grey flavour. Although I felt that the texture wasn't smooth enough (because of the grinded tea bits), I really liked the smell and I think it'll taste very good with a few more tries and some improvision!

Chye even made Lavander ice-cream!!! I found it too creamy, but it's a good try! At this rate, we'll be able to open our dessert shop in a few years' time!

I miss those baking days in Sweden, trying out diffierent recipes with Emma every week. *sigh! My kitchen is a very incondusive place for baking here, since it's so cluttered and there's no empty space anywhere! For me, mood and the heart plays a big part in cooking. Without which, nothing would taste good. Since my kitchen is so cluttered and messy, it's hard to make anything that tastes good inside it.

*sighsigh. I shall try to make time to bake something delicious soon! I really want to try the ice-cream recipe book that Joel got for me from U.S.'s Ben and Jerry's. =)

.::. Hej, Sweden! .::.



Wrote an article for Lainey about my experience in Sweden. I'll remember all those precious moments, the best year in my life.

http://www.freshgrads.sg/index.php/articles/personality/911-hej-sweden

.::. Picnic-king .::.

We went to Botanical Gardens last weekend for a picnic, a pre-birthday celebration for dear Jo. We met up at Serene Center, got everything from Cold Storage and walked over.



The 4 of us. =)

My dear girls.

The idea of spending a day in the park, not doing much and chatting is indeed a good idea. If only Singapore weren't so hot and if only I ain't so afraid of the heat! I can't help but enjoy picnics here less because I'm so sweaty and I feel like I'm melting. I miss picnics in Sweden when it's sunny yet so cooling.

Chinook joined us too. He played with a toddler and had some interactions with other dogs. He's still so timid, although it's been a big improvement.

We need a bigger mat the next time!

.::. Jojo's Birthday .::.

It was Jojo's birthday last Wednesday. We met up for dinner and the usual celebration.



Jo wanted to have Ippudo ramen. Somehow, I still think that Japan's ramen is way better! I wonder if I'm biased, or it's just the mood and weather?

We then went to Arteastiq to cut the cake and hang out. It's so nice and classy, I like!

I really liked my Earl-grey and Lavander tea with champagn vanilla ice-cream. It's my kind of drink, but way too expensive!

Happy Birthday my dear. May happiness and good health be with you.

.::. Catching Up .::.

Had dinner with my ex-colleagues tonight. Jefta, our finance manager who is workin at the Sydney office now was back in town for training. It's nice to see everyone again!



Met up with Honey first. I took over her position when I was with GE Healthcare.

A small group of the finance team.

One year passed us by so quickly. It's amazing how much has changed in the past year. Most of the people I've known there has already left.

It makes me wonder, what does on look for in their jobs? I'm still not very sure yet, and I'm apprehensive about starting all over again. I'm impressed by some who have so much drive and passion in their work, how they actually want to strive for more. Perhaps it's not the job that matters, it's the people you work with that matters more.

The rat race. Am I up for it?

.::. Disney! .::.

Disneyland Paris is my second Disney experience. It wasn't as good as the first in Japan, perhaps because the crowd here consists of mostly families and young kids. It's unlike the Japan's park which is filled with young teenagers and couples. I feel so old here!

The first time I went to Disneyland, Joey happily bought me an 'autograph' book and told me that I had to ask all the characters to sign on my book. It was like relieving his childhood experience. I didn't do that as a kid, and now he's making sure that I do it - and he's sure enjoying it. He's always ready with the camera, snapping pictures when I queue with kids, sometimes squeezing with them in order to get a signature on my autograph book. Now I have 2 Disneyland autograph books filled with signatures of many different characters. The one we got in Paris even has slots for me to put pictures of me and the characters (Joey obviously took care of that).

Those memories are filled with laughter. Disneyland is indeed a happy place. I fell in love with Donald duck there, because he's the most 'sensitive' charcter! He noticed that all the kids were squeezing ahead, and being so 'old', I obviously didn't dare to push ahead too. I was simply at a loss (and abit embarassed to be among the kids), and he noticed!! He tapped me, and gestured for me to wait. He then signed for me and took a picture with me!

It sounds somewhat dumb, but it's always good to have some 'child' in you!




I didn't manage to take pictures with Winnie the Pooh in Japan, and I finally succeeded this time round!

We took pictures with Mickey without needing to queue! We found the place where the photo-session was going to take place and happened to be the 2nd in line.

I didn't take a picture with Minnie the last time too. She noticed my 'Mickey/Minnie hands keychain hug on my bag!!


Disney, where dreams come true.

I very much preferred Japan's disney, for the crowd, the atmosphere and the abundance of cute sovenirs like the popcorn tubs! There was also no fireworks display, perhaps because the sky is still not dark when the park closes at 10pm.Disneyland is not over-rated.

Disneyland is...magical.