.::. Sale of Balance flats 2011 .::.

After all the hype and apprehension, the sale of balance flats cum BTO in September 2011 is finally over! *phew.

It has been an emotionally draining week, seeing the numbers of applicants go higher and higher, with my chances of getting my flat lower and lower. I can’t help but keep refreshing the results page everyday at 8am, 11am, 2pm and 5pm everyday although the jump in numbers never fails to faze me. I can't help being obsessed about important things like that, and all I do is keep doing more research and getting more information to satisfy my curiosity. Knowledge is power, they say.

The final results for BTO and SBF were out at 2pm today, and the results will be known in mid-October for the BTO exercise and end-October for the Sale of balance flats. Selection of flats starts from November.

We have just started our quest for our own flat, and I have heard many horror stories of how many times people have failed in their balloting. It’s honestly ridiculous. In 2010, HDB released 17,700 new BTO flats. About 16,000 BTO flats have been released this year with 8,200 more for this September release and another 4,200 in November. Despite the 34,000 flats released in the past 20 months, almost 30,000 applicants applied for the September release! That would mean that more than 60,000 Singaporeans are waiting to buy flats?!

Anyway, we were contemplating between the Clementi and Queenstown (SBF), 4-room flats. Bukit Merah is out since it will definitely be ridiculously oversubscribed. There are 2 projects under Queenstown – Ghim Moh Valley and Strathmore Green. Both have already been completed and keys are available straightaway. The Clementi one is called Casa Clementi at Clementi Avenue 1, which TOP in August 2013 officially. However, rumours have it that it will be ready for keys collection in Q1 2012.

Since this will probably be our biggest purchase, we actually went down to all the sites to look-see before deciding which to go for. All 3 of them are about 0.8m or 10 minutes from the train station and consists of mainly left over flats from the SERS. I’m used to walking to the train station and I very much prefer walking than waiting/squeezing on buses, so I didn’t mind any of the 3 projects.

Strathmore Green is tucked deep inside Strathmore and it’s a very quiet neighborhood with all the older residents from the SERS already living there. It’s somewhat intimidating for the old people there knew each other by name! We took a lift up a random block just to take a look, and saw the residents there greeting each other by name. The flats were pretty tall, but did not seem to have much of a view (perhaps it was too dark at night?). We didn’t see many shops nearby, and bus-stops were a distance away too. We found it too quiet to our liking.

New stop was Ghim Moh Valley, and I actually liked the location very much. It is about 5 minutes walk away from Ghim Moh Market with many shops in that area and a community center. The train is also about 10 minutes away, with the Circle Line interchange opening just this weekend. The area is pretty and tranquil with a nice bridge and canal to run along. The only big minus is the proximity to train tracks with really loud noises which we could not accept. Many units left are facing the train tracks, especially blocks 26 and 27. We went up to the 5^th floor and then to the 28^th floor and the train noise was very audible. I can’t imagine living with it, especially on weekend mornings! I really wonder if those who have balloted for these projects actually visited these sites before choosing?

Since there were very little choice units left in Ghim Moh Valley and we did not like the quiet neighborhood in Strathmore, we gave Queenstown a miss.

Casa Clementi is not exactly near the train station, but the stadium and public swimming pool is just 3 minutes away. NTUC and Clementi central are 5 minutes away, with Clementi Mall about 10 minutes away. It’s still under construction though all buildings look ready. There were people milling around when we were there. They must be like us, checking the projects out before submitting the ballot.

We eventually chose Clementi, since I prefer to be near malls and amenities. I love it that banks, supermarkets, malls, restaurants, coffeeshops and markets are all within walking distance away. I don’t exactly like Queenstown since apart from the slight proximity to town, there is nothing much around and I would need to head into town for any errands and shopping. Moreover, Clementi has good primary schools and is so near to Jurong East with 2 upcoming HUGE shopping malls. Clementi is also nearer to my parents’ place and our weekly dinner at Jurong Point.

My chances are about 20%, and well, not very high. I'm hoping that many applicants are 2nd timers. But then again, I only need ONE flat while there are 287 for me to choose from. Many other SBF and earlier BTO had much lower chances. And yes, I’m trying very hard to be positive and attract all the good energy around me.

Wish me luck!

On a separate note, if I get it, I'll be married new year. =O

.::. Organized .::.

Are you one who uses organizers, or have you upgraded to electronic organizers?

I'm one of those who never fails to get an organizer every single year. My organizer MUST have a month-view and I don't really care about weekly/daily views since I graduated from school. I simply do not have so many things to write anymore. I just need an overview of the month and my appointments, income and expenses.



This is my 2011 organizer. It's really cute.

And today, I got my 2012 organizer. Super cute too.

I'm girly in a way, I tend to buy pinkish and cute stuff. But I never do buy any pink clothes nor bags and shoes. It's just that I like to add such cute touches to the little things I carry.

I love scribbling on my little organizer when I day dream and plan my life for the year, set saving goals, plans for holidays, shopping lists or any ideas that come across my mind. It's during these me-time that I evaluate my life and let my imagination run wild.

So yea, I reckon that my organizers is pretty juicy and personal. It has always been, and I have kept all my organizers since Secondary school! It still makes me smile when I flip through those pages.

.::. Red Heels .::.

I bought my first pair of red heels a few weeks back. It was on 40% at Tang Studio, when we passed by it during lunch time. How can I say no to such pretty shoes when it's like less than $40?!



I really love it. The boyfriend says that I always buy the same kind of shoes - those with a ribbon or bow infront.

Men just don't get it.

They can balantly say that it's the same when it's obviously different.

One thing I don't quite like is the sling-backs. It cuts into my skin/meat at the side of my feet.

Just when it was getting more comfy and easy to walk in, the bottom part of the heel (the stopper?) dropped off when I walked in the rain. Gotta bring it for repairs. =(



Doesn't it look awfully similar to this pair of Prada heels?

I'm falling in love with Prada. Have you seen their new collection this season?

.::. Gym & Men .::.

Yesterday was gym-day as usual.

BodyCombat or Kickboxing is one of my favourite classes, and apparently many others' favourite since it's always very crowded and you don't have much space. The lack of space can potentially wreck a workout since I've seen people arguing over it.

I became a 'victim' at yesterday's class since I was standing right in-front of this pillar with fire extinguisher and obviously I can't go backwards much. This very fit and muscular guy standing in-front of me had plenty of space in-front of him but refused to move! Then, he stepped really hard on my feet when moving backwards. The worst thing was that he turned back sharply and stared very rudely/fiercely at me, like he wanted to punch me. I was taken aback, yet annoyed and irritated at the same time. This dumbass didn't even look apologetic when he stepped on a girl's feet so with so much strength! So I spent moments feeling damn pissed off, cursing him and thinking if he's a self-absorbed (short) gay. What's the point of looking so fit but have no sense of social grace?! But I'm not going to let him ruin my workout! Then I tried to stay as far from him as possible. Luckily, BodyCombat is a class which enables you to vent all your frustrations through your punches and kicks. The lesson passed by so quickly as I punched with all my might.

The funniest thing? He came up to me after the class to apologise. Can't say I wasn't shell-shocked, coming from the same guy who threw daggers at me with his eyes not long ago. I almost thought he wanted to pick a fight or something. But he actually said sorry. And when I said it's okay, he even apologized again, saying that he knew he was very fierce earlier on.

A little entertainment for the monotonous week. My gym-buddy even had a dream that my head got bitten by a tiger, and then stitched back by a doctor yesterday night. It must have been because of this little incident.

.::. Dolling Up .::.

When was the last time you dolled up?

I just did last Saturday.



Honestly, I don't doll up often enough. Work days are, well, work days. And I prefer to be relaxed and comfortable on weekends. You will probably find me with minimal makeup, jeans and tee with my birkies.

Dolling up makes you feel good. But most of the time I find it less comfortable, worrying about adjusting that dress and some excess flab which may choose to play peek-a-boo.

I'm lazy by nature and the only reason why I took the effort was...

His birthday.

I even made him a card, though it was really a very simple one.

I took him out for a nice dinner.

The only group picture of us.

I like it. Not because I look pretty in it, but because my arms actually look slim!

My arms never do look slim.

*jumps around happily.

Looks like the hard work for the past 6 months has paid off. I'm going to continue those 50-reps-a-day triceps curls and weight training. I'm really particular about my arms now for I conclude that toned arms are the most crucial for looking good in a wedding dress.

I'm going for my favourite kickboxing lesson tomorrow!

.::. Racing Against Time .::.

It's Monday. Again.

I managed to get off work on time and came home in time for a jog before the sun sets.



I was out by 6,40pm. And I had to run quickly to enjoy the scenery before it turns dark.

There were already so many people jogging around.

This is Jurong Lake. I walk past it everyday, and I always wanted to come jogging around it. It looks so calm and tranquil.

There are old people sitting on the benches, couples resting after a run, middle-aged people playing cards and toddlers enjoying themselves.

They build a new viewing deck into the lake, it was my first time there.

Walking on the viewing deck.

It reminds me of my favourite beach nearby my place in Sweden. I always walked to the beach whenever I had some free time and dropped by the supermarket on the way back. It was so beautiful and I felt really carefree staring into the horizon. Seriously, if Sweden had food as good as Singapore, I don't mind staying there for good. I love the cooling weather, the slower pace of life and there's H&M for shopping.

I spent so many afternoons lazing on the decks and reading books while enjoying the breeze. Alas, this is no longer possible in Singapore when I'm sweating all day long.

Walking along the deck.

Look at the beautiful twilight.

There's even a fountain in the middle of Jurong Lake!



I jogged all the way to Chinese Garden, but it was closed.

Then it was time to head back again.

Monday no blues.

I love the area around Jurong Lake, it's really a relaxing area to jog and stroll. And I love it that my place is within walking distance to the train station and takes 30 minutes to reach town. No wonder housing prices are rising so much around here! I'm also seeing alot of Caucasians around these days.

I really would like to live near a park or some nature for jogging in future. It's just not the same as running on the treadmill in the gym.

.::. Happy Teachers' Day .::.

Received these a few weeks ago, unexpectedly. It really made my day. I don't exactly see myself as a 'teacher' really.

I practically never stopped teaching tuition since I started 7 years ago and I love teaching these kids and seeing them improve/struggle with maths questions. I like to tease them and joke around with them, yet I'm known to be pretty strict and 'fierce' too.

My greatest memory of teaching is when my students remembered my birthday and pooled their pocket money (20 cents each) to buy me a packet of my favourite lemon tea from the coffeeshop. I was so touched!

I only teach a few groups of tuition at home since I'm working full-time now. I've turned down so many students since I'm already over-worked!

It's somewhat shocking when I realized that I actually look forward to seeing these kids on the weekends and wake up in anticipation in the morning. I worry about their results and can't wait to see how they fared. I can't say that I have the same enthusiasim when it comes to getting up for work 5 days a week.

Teaching feels right and the satisfaction from teaching is something which I don't think I will ever experience from working for a corporation. It's a ruthless rat race out there, in contrast to the kids innocence and aspirations. Through them, I retain that little bit of innocence and joy in learning (from them).

Another batch of students is heading for their PSLE exams very soon, and I'm glad I made an impact on their lives.

There are times when I really wonder if teaching is my calling.

It's a tad late, but Happy Teachers' Day!

.::. Growing Up .::.

I went for my first house-viewing last weekend with the boyfriend. We went to visit Tampines's Centrale 8 DBSS since we were interested in the Clementi one with pretty good location near the MRT and the malls.

As much as I love small and cozy apartments, I was really rather shocked by how small apartments have become. I reckon I still live in memories of my old Bukit Purmei flat where I grew up. It was a 1300sqf flat which had plenty of room - I even cycled in it often. The living room could barely fit a 3-seater sofa, the kitchen only had enough room for an oven/microwave on the top, the bedrooms could only fit a queen size bed without any bedside table and the dining room only fit a round table with 4 chairs.

To be honest, it's comfortable enough for a couple. But I wouldn't be able to invite many people over, nor do I have space for my oven and coffee machine in the kitchen. There's also not much space for me to renovate the house the way I want it. Moreover, it's pretty costly. Although we can afford monthly payments by CPF, I've to make sure that I've a job for the next 30 years!

I love the Clementi location though, near the MRT, very near a good primary school, and near my current house. But I reckon I'll really need to think through things again. I've been reading up so much about all the HDB rules, researching on the rental yields, resale prices and upcoming launches and procedures. It's exciting yet scary at the same time.

Perhaps my dreams are coming true, all that I ever wanted since I was a young girl. What was important to me was finding a soulmate whom I can spend my life with and having my own house where I can decorate it and cook and make it our home. I'm crossing my fingers, hoping that I don't jinx things by saying these out loud. Yet on the other hand, I feel like sharing all my happiness and excitement with everyone. It simply can't be contained. Maybe, just maybe, if you want something with all your heart, it can't elude you.

It's really till times like these, planning for the future that makes me feel acutely aware of my age. Is it really time for all the responsibilities and serious stuff already?

Despite all the excitement for the future, I'm apprehensive. I love my alone-time very much. I like being alone, daydreaming, working out, go through my skincare routine and 'doing my thing' without being watched. I'm not sure how I will adapt when there's someone always around. Am I supposed to sleep when he does? Or watch TV when he feels like it? And when it's time for kids, the endless nights of bawling and constant supervision of a little baby - how am I supposed to cope with kids, work and everything? I know many women have gone through this stage and emerged stronger, but am I really ready for this? I always thought I was, yet now I'm somewhat apprehensive when it's almost time to take the plunge.

I guess I'm just being worrisome, and I know in my heart that everything will turn out fine. But it doesn't stop me from worrying either. My mind is overdriven with thoughts from everywhere. Now I know what people mean when they say their twenties flashed by before they realized.

Just tonight, I came home early and intended to workout and research more about my favourite topic - housing. Then, I came home to see my mum feeding my 15-year-old sister. God knows how the anger flashed through me. I reckon I do not need to go into details what nasty things which came out from my mouth. I seldom get angry these days, I take most things in my stride, yet at times like this, it takes extraordinary strength to keep my calm.

I still remember that my mother used to make milo for me, and put it in a milkbottle for me to drink when I was in Primary school. I wasn't a morning person even then. I happily sucked my milo in bed till it was really time to get up and change for school. I never gave a second thought about drinking from a milk bottle at aged 7, since it seemed like the most natural thing in the world. Yet there was once, when my relatives came to my place, and the topic suddenly came up. My relatives were obviously appalled to learn that I was still drinking from a milk bottle while my mother happily shared that information with them, as if it was something which she had no choice about. I still remembered feeling so upset and embarrassed while they discussed about it when it was apparent that my relatives disapproved of it.

It was the first time I truly felt ashamed, and angry. Angry because I never knew that it was something embarrassing, angry because it seemed like my mother had no choice because I demanded for it. Obviously, after that episode, I refused to drink from the milk bottle anymore.

Imagine my disbelief and anguish when my mother could actually justify feeding her 15-year-old daughter because my sister is tired and she wanted her to have enough nutrients and stay healthy. And she thinks that 'everyone has different methods and views'. Great. I was angry enough to whip out my iPhone to take a picture while my mother scurried away.

In that case, one might as well clean their children's butt after they shit to ensure that it's really clean, or bathe for them because they are tired and to ensure that they are really clean - all the way till adulthood and more.

Am I really the one over-reacting? Where should parents draw the line? The worst thing is whenever I reprimand my mother over such things, she'll find other things which are totally out of topic to reprimand me about. It annoys the hell out of me.

I don't blame my sister for what they have become, attitude-problem and all for they were molded into what they are now. Despite the academic excellence, I worry if they can survive and succeed in the society when it's all about communication and people's perception of you. All I can hope is that as they grow older, they have their own sense of self-consciousness enough to judge what should and should not be done. If I couldn't get through my mother, I wished that I got through the sisters. There are times I scream at them, for their attitude and dependence, yet I really wonder how much they truly understood what I was trying to say.

Maybe they will turn out fine afterall. When my mother was telling my little sister how my neighbor's daughter is taking piano grade 4, while my sister only took grade 3. My sister retorted that it was none of her business. Another thing I detested throughout childhood is these comparisons of me with her colleagues' children or who and whom. I seriously do not thing that teaching your kids to constantly compare with others is a good thing at all. Isn't it obvious that one should never try to compare with another, for there are so many different factors and comparing never makes one happy.

God knows I really love the sisters and want the very best for them.

I reckon that there are still some baggage I need to let go off. When I got 99 marks, my father told me that I was lucky, and why didn't I get 100? When I got sick, I was blamed for it. When I read books, I was screamed at. And I know, if my relationship goes wrong, it's going to be my fault. No matter what happens, it's as if I'm never good enough. I spent so much time bawling into the pillow throughout my childhood, and I feel for my sisters when they cry because I remember how it feels

I was sharing this with the boyfriend, wondering what is going to happen to our own kids. I'm thankful that we have similar values, at least in terms of bringing up our children. While nothing is absolute, I'm really thankful to have had him over the past 7 years.

I was still telling the boyfriend that I'm going to miss home very much after I move out. I didn't miss not being home that much during my year in Sweden, perhaps knowing that I'll be back. Yet perhaps, it's time to move out and sculpt my life the way I want it.

A penny for my thoughts and I'd be a millionaire.

.::. Kite Festival .::.

It was the Kite Festival at Marina Promentory last weekend.

Act3internation was organizing it and Joey's cousin had to work, so we went down to join in the fun too.



The place was windy and crowded, and I loved seeing the kites flying in the sky!

It was really crowded though not uncomfortable since there are large spaces and strong winds to keep people cool.

There were even many street performers all along the path to entertain people, from magic shows to comedy and stunts.

At first, we tried to fly a kite here. But obviously, there wasn't enough space and our kites didn't manage to fly at all.

So we walked to the field nearby where everyone was flying their kites.

Actually, I think I'm very bad at kite flying, I have never really flew a kite. Joey was trying to fly his kite with his cousin and nephew.

Father and son bonding time.

It was an impressive sight with the kites flying against the beautiful city skyline.

Look up.

His cousin managed to fly the kite for alittle while.

The boyfriend managed for a few seconds too! Only that few seconds.

And me? I was content snapping pictures, enjoying the breeze, observing them and admiring the sky.

The event ran till 8pm till it was all dark and the lights came on.

His 2 nephews who refused to pose for a proper picture.

Christian was still a toddler when I first met him, and he's almost Primary 1 now.

How time flies!

.::. Little Bro's getting older .::.

It was the brother's birthday yesterday.

Since my uncle and cousin is in town for the weekend, there has been quite a few dinners and lunches. And of course, the cousin and brother went out quite abit.



Here's the little brother who's no longer little anymore. He has finished his army and will be starting his degree course soon.



Is he praying or what?

And here's the brother with his best friend. I will always remember how both of them teared when they had to part during our yearly visits! *hurhur. Childhood tales are forever. It's actually the first time they ever spent birthdays together.

Here's a family shot. =)

The weekend was so busy I didn't even get to nap. It's over too quickly and yet another week beckons.

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

Remember Ethan?

It's his birthday yet again. His birthday is always somewhat special to me, for the boyfriend brought me along to meet his family 7 years ago at his birthday party. We weren't even a couple back then.

It's been 7 years?!



He always has pretty cakes.

There's the birthday boy. I still remember his brother, Christian as a toddler, barely able to walk then. Now? That boy is preparing for Primary 1 already.

For the past 7 years, the only present we got his nephews were tee-shirts. We were really, not very creative when it comes to buying presents for kids since we have no clue what is in and what is not.

Finally, we got him a Nintendo 3DS game this time round. I'm not very fond of buying toys or games for kids, but I think he enjoyed it very much.

*sigh. Time flies.