.::. Almost Goodbye .::.

The year is coming to an end. *gasp* I’ve no idea how did time fly by just like that.

I am finally done with ACCA exams, though I’m not too confident about passing and I don’t want to think about it. It’s my last paper, and I’m bummed that I’m not fully prepared and fell sick a few days before exam. Otherwise, that 2 days would have made the difference!

With exams out of the way and our year-end trip upcoming, we spent last weekend doing spring cleaning our place. We did pretty thorough cleaning, from cleaning the ceiling fan to stripping our sofa covers to wash and wiping all the surfaces, air-con filters and even cleaning our metal gates and window grills! *wee* I also packed the storeroom and study room, so I’m feeling very accomplished though it has been a very tiring weekend. We also wrapped presents and set up our Christmas tree for the parties that we will be hosting at home. We bought quite abit of Christmas deco for the home in addition to those recycled ones.

It’s a great time, and it has been a great year on many counts. I can’t wait for our parties and our 10^th anniversary Maldives trip. I’m also ahead this time, with all my Christmas presents done way before Christmas!

Feeling very thankful for all the love and people around me who really matters. I think as I grow older, I find it easier to accept that there are mean people and I’m no longer bothered about peoples’ opinion about me. My mum has always said things like what would people think of me if I did this and that, and it may have made me somewhat conscious despite my rebellious streak. But seriously, why the f*ck do I give a damn about what other people think? Going into the last year in my twenties, I’m proud to say that I’m no longer affected by what people think nor say apart from the passing annoyance before deciding to cut people off. Don’t give others the ability to hurt you. Life is way too short and precious for things like that!

I’m really looking forward to the parties and trips ahead! I’m ending 2014 with a bang with a truckload full of anticipation and optimism for 2015. I’m all ready~!

.::. His 29th, Our 10th .::.

We celebrated the husband's birthday few weeks back. It's his 29th birthday and the 10th year we're celebrating it together. The husband is a very simple (and very kind) man who always put others before himself and never asks for anything. He always says that he already have everything and isn't that sort who will boast about his knowledge or flaunt what he has. He's mostly quiet, but one will only get to know him if they bother trying to make conversation and wait for him to warm up. He's the most loyal person I know and you can definitely trust him with secrets and know that he will never tell a single soul.  He's nice, very nice in fact, but don't mess with him, he will fight back if you cross his limits. Sometimes, he amazes me and I love him a little more everyday. I think that despite our differences, we have a lot in common when it comes to our views about life. That's my amazing husband whom I adore.

I always struggle to think of what to get him, although I know that having me by his side is probably all he asks for and the best thing I could give. =P 10 years ago, we started going out and I still remember getting him a Levis' short-sleeved shirt for his 19th birthday that he still wears today. That's the extent of his thriftiness - he never shops and I buy him most of his clothes, and even shoes.

This year, we celebrated his birthday at NOX. It was a great experience dining in complete darkness and not knowing what you are eating. It's also a very expensive experience that is probably not worth another visit. We could have gotten very good steak at a fancy restaurant with that price.

Having said that, I was pretty excited to try NOX and the husband was somewhat taken aback when he realized that we were dining in the dark. I like that they have put in a lot of thought into the whole experience, and all the food were served in small portions which is slightly warm but definitely not hot enough to scald you. The waiting area was also dim, so that you can adjust your eyes to and from the complete darkness. I didn't quite like the atas service that I found pretty impersonal and even somewhat snobbish although polite. The visually-impaired who served us in the dark were very well-trained though. We did manage to guess most of the food correctly though we totally did not expect pig's tongue! And me who have been abstaining from foie gras had it in the dark. The husband took a lot longer that normal to eat in the dark and the whole dinner took us 2 hours for 12 small portions - 4 starters, 4 main course and 4 desserts. It really makes me cherish my sight and we both decided that our sight is probably the most important as compared to hearing and other disabilities.

We did enjoy the whole experience though, and most importantly, the company!

Here's a picture of us this year, and obviously there's no other picture because we dined in the dark. This tiny birthday cake cost me $20 by the way (I didn't dare tell him that). Morton's serves their warm chocolate cake free if you're celebrating your birthday there!

And here's the most important person in my life whom I'm going to annoy for the rest of my life. May you be blessed with an abundance of happiness, laughter and love. Stay happy, stay grounded, stay true.

It's the people who think that they have everything and want nothing who really knows happiness.

Happy Birthday my dearest.

.::. It's the little things .::.

Few weeks back, we celebrated Edward's one-year-old birthday with our friend. Edward's a really big baby and he was running around the whole place the entire afternoon. Looking at how quickly the children grow up around us makes me acutely aware of how time passes us by.

Here's a picture of Edward enjoying his snack.

The point is, I wanted to remember this day.

I love attending my friends' children's birthday parties and weddings, mostly because it's where you get to meet your friends and catch up. The few that meet often are people whom I really care about. I was intending to spend the evening chatting with these people till the husband suddenly said that he needed to go to town 'to collect something'. It sounds very fishy, because well, the husband does not buy much. And what do you buy that needs you to collect from town by 8pm?

I kept asking him about it but he stood his ground. The husband is good with secrets like that. He secretly enjoys being able to fool an unsuspecting wife who would keep guessing and hounding him. He never lets any clue out though. After awhile, it became apparent that we were going to Marina Bay Sands. He refused to admit it till we were there. Putting all the pieces together, I proudly guessed that he was bringing me to watch the fireworks. He, as usual, smiled and refused to divulge anything. Well, many people were at MBS trying to catch the national day rehearsal fireworks, and it was around 8pm too! Makes sense right?

Apparently not. I was happily rushing with the hoards of people, thinking that we're trying to get up to street level for a good spot before the fireworks starts. Before I knew it, I was pulled into the MBS theatre!

He was bringing me to watch the 'Sound of Music'! As usual, he manages to pull off another surprise with an unsuspecting wife. You should see the proud smirk on his face, sometimes teasing how 'dumb' I can be. We laugh at each other that way, but I was overflowing with love yet again.

I didn't even know 'Sound of Music' was on! We enjoy musicals, and my favorite is still 'Wicked'. But then again, 'Sound of Music' holds a special place in my heart because I used to watch the movie again and again on tape as a child. It was also why I always wanted to visit Innsbruck and the mountains in Austria.

I get really happy about these small things. It's these little things that make me feel exceptionally blessed and loved. *thankful*

.::. Jojo's Bday .::.

It was Jo's birthday early this month. The last our of us 4 for the year. We had Spanish food for dinner at Binomio. It was a weekday and I had coffee with Ju on Duxton Hill before dinner. It was a great evening.

It really doesn't feel that long, but its been 15 years.

Our dear Jo is also getting married in a few weeks' time!

Really looking forward to our next girls' trip, and wishing nothing but the best for these girls.

.::. 2013 in photos .::.

iphone. The one thing that follows me wherever I go and contains snippets of my life. Things that I sometimes forget about.

Mental note to buy a bigger capacity iPhone! And in no particular order, just happy memories that I'd like to remember:

The many celebrations at our home:



With my CCHS friends.



With his CCHS friends.



LY's birthday.



Also JH's birthday, with Minnie and a greedy Chikey.

With the neighbors.

The lazy dog who has grown so much.

Brunch dates.

Unglam pictures I took to send him while he's on work trips.











He sometimes arrive in the morning before I leave for work, and buys me breakfast. And yes, I'm very appreciative of that. I wonder if he'll continue doing that till we both grow old.

Outings with the neighbors.

Brunches at home during weekends. My favorite is the bacon and cheese sandwich.

Sometimes there's pancakes and a good pot of tea.

I cut my hair short after a long time.

We celebrated little milestones in our lives.

I mugged and passed my exam - last 2 in 2014!

One of the rare outings with the dogs.

My all-time comfort food. I love a good porridge whenever I don't feel well, and the husband cooks a good pot of porridge.

We visited Hong Kong, his first trip to Hong Kong.

And Hong Kong's Disneyland pretty much sucked.

We celebrated his birthday and had a delicious steak.

We visited Bangkok again after 6 years.

And my little precious boy has grown so much over the past year.

That about sums up 2013. Lovely memories, cozy home to call our own.

Yea I know, the first quarter of 2014 is already almost over. It's been a crazy, hectic year.

.::. The Honeymoon - Part 2 .::.

January is coming to an end and I'm still not done with the honeymoon post a year before! I've been really caught up with everything and there's so much going on. The husband flew to Germany for work, missing our 'wedding anniversary' (the traditional one that we've decided not to celebrate) and my birthday. Ironically, we flew to Europe exactly a year before too.

Continuing on the honeymoon...

We took a train to visit Liverpool and followed their tour, having fun taking pictures inside the stadium and changing rooms. I've to say that Liverpool's stadium is really rundown, in a rundown area! It's the husband's favorite club though, he's perpetually on their forum. Ok, enough about Liverpool.



Then we rushed to Manchester for the FA Cup match against Fulham. Sadly, because there was a match, we couldn't go for the tour. I didn't get anything, because I was worried that I may be seated at Fulham side. I totally didn't check and just bought whatever tickets I could from their site (on hindsight, it must be their side since I bought it from their site!).

It was exhilarating! Everyone was chanting and cheering. I mean, you can see hoards of people in red enroute. I used to watch soccer with my dad since 1998. Manchester United won the treble in 1999, and I still can't forget the brilliant play then. I've been a fan since, though I've got to say Moyes suck.



Everyone goes to the back for beers and snack during half-time. And the amazing thing is how quickly they empty the stadium! It took like 15 minutes and by the time we wanted to take pictures with our tripod, they were shoo-ing us out, saying that the doors will be closed soon. It was also the most crowded train-ride ever in Europe, trying to get out of the area.

We stayed another night in Birmingham before heading to Paris by train. Paris was on the agenda because I made a mistake on our last trip and planned on visiting Lovure on its rest day (Lovure does not close on Monday like all other museums!). I promised to bring him back to Lovure again. I really don't mind, because it's my favorite museum and I really wouldn't mind spending days in there.



It was a beautiful day with blue skies, but it was cold!



Here's an artsy-fartsy shot of the husband that I like very much.

And we took a picture with Mona Lisa. The museum was beautiful and I took quite a few pictures. I suppose that could be another post altogether. Someday!

We took a break from the museum and walked to a nearby Italian restaurant for lunch. It was supposedly famous and served very yummy pasta. It was so cold, the warm noodles tasted so good.

And we did the touristy stuff like walking along Champs Elysse and checking the Eiffel Tower out. I love Paris (just like how I love many other cities). I love it when it's so cold, we were walking along the streets hand-in-hand, then stopped to get some hot chocolate and just soak in the atmosphere. Paris is, well, Paris. Overrated? Maybe. But that depends on how it was rated! 

Arc de Triomphe is the most memorable for us, because the husband brought me walk around it for almost an hour during the previous trip. I wanted to bring him to Eiffel Tower the way I've been before, but he insisted on leading with a map in hand. After walking for 40 minutes, there's still no sight of Eiffel Tower (it's a 15-20 minute walk), but instead Arc de Triomphe was sighted again. We've spent an hour walking ROUND and round. You'll see what I mean if you look at the Paris map.

He brought me for dinner, to celebrate my birthday. No cake, but great company and very good food. It's slightly pricey, though not that much more than a good restaurant in Singapore. I'm a happy girl.

The only regret on the Paris leg of this trip is not being able to meet up with Manue, my french baking buddy from my year in Sweden. We arranged to meet, but she mixed up the date and was only coming by train from Toulouse on the day we were leaving Paris for Switzerland. We did change our train tickets later just so we could meet up with her over lunch, but she decided to cancel her trip instead since she'll be alone in Paris for the rest of the day. =(

Our honeymoon continues in Switzerland and lots of scenic train rides and snow.

.::. Our 9th Anniversary & 2nd Wedding Anniversary .::.

It was our 9^th anniversary 2 weeks back, also our 2^nd wedding anniversary and 12 years since we got to know each other. We went back to Morton’s for dinner as usual, our 4^th time there. We love their steak and the onion loaf, the service and free photo for memento and warm chocolate cake. I love how they print you a customized menu with your name and occasion on it, and serve their signature warm chocolate cake to celebrate your occasion. For some reason, the steak didn't taste as nice this visit.

He hand-made this beautiful frame for our bedroom. I had no clue when he did it though we're living together, perhaps when I was on my work trip. I'm ashamed to say that I haven't handmade anything for quite some time, and my lousy excuse is I do not have time and have run out of ideas over the years. I struggle to even think of gifts to get him these days, simply because he doesn't need nor want anything.

It’s amazing and surreal. It’s been 9 years. 9 years sound like a very long time.  We went through our teenage years, his army days, university days, working life. It’s unbelievable how time goes by and here we are, 2 grown adults, married with a home to call our own. I’m really grateful, for not everyone could find someone to trust and to rely on even searching for a whole lifetime, yet we found each other so early in life.

Love to me means many things over the years. Some things have changed and evolved, and it’s no longer that heart-fluttering kind of romance. Sometimes love means sacrifice and swallowing some things which you would never have done if not to protect someone you love. And more often than not, love means trying not to hurt them because that will hurt you even more.

After living together for the past year, we haven’t encountered much issues. Occasionally I grumble about how he doesn’t seem notice the mess at home, or simply find the lazy easy way out. Like that day, when he took out Chikey’s bed and floor mats that were dripping wet from the washer (due to some error with the washer). He simply hung all of them up, dripping wet, without trying to squeeze them dry. He did put some pails to ‘catch’ the water, but I woke up to a huge puddle of water in the yard and everything was still really wet when I came home in the evening. I had to wash them again and mop the floor. Other days, I notice that he does things for our home when I’m not around, things like changing light bulbs and our TV connector, cleaning the ceiling fan. When I’m sick he cooks porridge for me and when I was mugging my life away he bought me food. Sometimes he’s really thoughtful, and I’m most happy when both of us get busy cleaning up the home together, laughing and complaining away.

What I cherish the most is how he truly loves me for who I am and support me in achieving all my goals instead of trying to change or suffocate me with boundaries. He never held me back, he helped me to think through my choices and to go further. That was something I learnt from him early in the relationship, something that I’m trying really hard to give him. During those early years, we quarreled. There were times that I got really angry with him and I never ever minced my words, I always said exactly what I thought. He always avoided conflict and kept quiet, but I recognize his anger. He would look away and blink a lot, press his lips together as if to stop himself from saying things he will regret and had a really stiff stance. It was pointless going on and trying to get any response from him, because he simply clamp up. I slowly learnt that and made myself leave when that happens. It made me mad, because I always preferred to trash things out and know what each other thoughts were. There was once, when he sounded really hurt. He told me that he wished that I could love him for who he is. I took heart, I reflected, and since then, tried really hard to give him what he has given me – unconditional love. 

These days, even when we get angry with each other, things usually get back to normal after a night’s sleep. Nothing much is important enough for us to waste a day’s happiness together. When I got angry, his way of appeasing me was to buy breakfast the next day as I slept in and all's forgotten. We don’t nag each other much, and there’s little negativity at home, which makes home a very comfortable and peaceful place. I really hope that our home will always stay this warm and happy, even when kids come along. I grew up with a lot of negativity at home, and was a very unhappy child. We were brought up comfortably and I know my parents have given their best, but someone was always unhappy and screaming. Everyone loved me, but perhaps it’s simply family culture, and I struggled to manage all that negativity. I never felt unconditional love, part of me never felt good enough and it always felt like I had to earn that love with good results and behavior. The husband, having grew up in a very different environment, longed for peaceful and a happy home too. And a happy home is what both of us will work really hard to protect.

他们都说最幸福的事就是每天一张开眼就能看到最心爱的人在身边。那是我这一年来最幸福的事。 这辈子就手牵手一起走咯。

.::. His Birthday .::.

Celebrated the husband’s birthday a few weeks ago. The supposedly surprise staycation that I booked (from our wedding package) was exposed when my dear friends started asking about the staycation during dinner on Friday night. =_=” So, the surprise was no longer a surprise and all my efforts in secretly packing his clothes and stuff was no longer a need.

I headed for check-in after teaching tuition. I still love the hotel we got married in. Because our suite had club privileges, I was brought to the lounge for afternoon tea while they checked me in. The service was great as usual but it was a rush to get a shower before meeting the husband. We had a late lunch and a nap before getting up for dinner. We woke up at almost 8pm, and late for our dinner reservation! I wanted to doll up for dinner, but ended up hurriedly slapping on makeup and getting ready instead.

I brought him to an Italian Steak Restaurant. It’s one of the top recommended places for steak. The steak was really good – very fragrant, tender and tasty, but the sides were disappointing, especially the potatoes. And because of the sub-par sides, Morton’s is still our favorite steakhouse. Morton’s does everything well. The sides as well as service actually.

We started with a salad, with parma ham and burrata cheese. It’s my favorite Italian starter because I love parma ham. The one we had at Changi was unforgettable. This one was alright, but the extremely sweet and juicy and fresh tomatoes stood out and scored.

We had Tuscan potatoes and mushrooms as our sides. The potatoes were horrible – soggy and soft without much flavor. Mushroom was alright – fresh but oily and abit bland.

The steak was the highlight of the night. The presentation itself was impressive and drool-worthy, with the biggest T-bone I’ve ever seen. The steak was soft and flavorful, a result of the Tuscan-style charcoal barbecue cooking. The fatty parts were oozing with juice and flavor. It was one of the best steak we’ve had (although Morton’s still ranks top albeit being a different style).

When we made the reservation, I told them that I was celebrating my husband’s birthday and requested for a nice corner table for 2. We were seated awkwardly right outside the kitchen and near the service area. They included a complimentary dessert with candle for the celebration during reservation, but this was totally forgotten when we were there. We were asked if we wanted dessert, but I would have rather they remembered to serve that complementary dessert with a candle as a surprise. I had to show the waiter the email that mentioned the complimentary dessert on my iPhone (which the waiter took a long time to read and looking really confused) with the husband looking on curiously and asking what's wrong repeatedly. It was exasperating to say the least, with all my ‘surprises’ being screwed up.

Here's the husband with his birthday dessert finally served.

Despite the great steak, I find that the service is not up-to-standard with that sort of price range. They weren't rude or anything though. How difficult is it to remember that the table is having a celebration and serve the dessert with candle after dinner? There was another customer who came as a group (probably family) and was in berms and tee-shirt with sneakers. The waiter at the service area right beside us were all staring and made comments about her dressing -  ‘machiam kopitiam’ (she was dressed as if this is a coffeeshop). I was amused, because I thought the same, but it just didn’t sound appropriate to make such comments about your customers openly when other customers could hear. That made me wonder what would they say about this customer who did not want to order dessert but showed them the email to ask for the complimentary dessert instead. I didn’t like how it feels as if customers weren’t good enough to dine there just because they weren’t dressed nice enough or didn’t order wine (most of them are expats who either dressed nicely or spent a lot on wine).

I suppose we’ll not be going back there anytime soon, unless I really miss their steak enough. I still miss Morton’s warm and homely service with a personalized menu and dessert with framed photo to help you celebrate an occasion.

And here's a picture of us. This is the 10th year I've been celebrating his birthday with him. *gasps*

We really didn’t do much but spend time together and slept our weekend away, pretending that we were atas in our suite and the lounge. We watched live soccer matches while tucked in bed, had a great breakfast and coffee while reading newspapers. The breakfast at InterContinental was great! There was a good variety, including cheeses, juices, fruits, breads, hams and even smoked salmon. I was impressed that they had chocolate milk – it’s something I don’t see that often. The service was great, and I had my bubble bath in a huge bath tub.

We then went to get Lady M’s crepe cake and went home to have a mini-celebration with the neighbors.

Love of my life. 

Happy family.

Happy Birthday my dearest husbandy!

It has been a great weekend. =)

.::. Christmas 2012 .::.

Christmas is always a time filled with joy, a time to reflect on the year just before it ends, a time to be thankful for the good and to let go of the bad before starting a new year afresh.

This Christmas has been a hectic one, I didn’t even get to do my Christmas shopping at Orchard Road!  We only dropped by Tangs to grab a present before leaving Orchard Road for home as it’s too crowded on the last weekend before Christmas.  Most of the presents were bought online or at heartland malls.  I love Christmas shopping (not just before Christmas though).  I love it that the malls are all nicely decorated and playing Christmas songs.  Most of all, I love taking my time to choose gifts, trying to find the right one for everyone.  It’s the whole process of buying your loved one a gift that he/she likes that is meaningful.

I’ve hosted 3 Christmas/housewarming parties in our new home, and it has been really tiring to cook for 20 people in a row.  There’s so much food, so much preparation, so much cleaning!  We had parties on Friday dinner for his boss and colleagues, Saturday lunch with the neighbors, Saturday wedding dinner, Sunday lunch for his nephew’s birthday, Monday dinner for my friends, Tuesday lunch for his family and dinner at the lovely home of our contractor Mr K’s customers (and Mr K with family) whom we’ve got to know as friends. 

My favorite Christmas present this year is my new DSLR from the husband – great for capturing more beautiful memories together.  It's the 3rd camera he has got for me.  My new 60D makes my 4-year-old 450D look like a toy.  I love how much sharper the images are and the swivel screen!  His sister also got us a Nespresso machine.  Although I’ve been eyeing the Illy’s machine for the longest time but haven’t got the budget to get it, I’m still happy for a Nespresso.  I love Italian coffee, but Nespresso will do for now.  And we now have 4 vacuums at home and lots of NTUC vouchers.

Haven’t took as many pictures as I would have liked this Christmas.  Haven’t had enough time for Christmas shopping and getting down to writing cards to people I care about.  Simply haven’t been doing enough for everyone (including myself) these days.

I'm most thankful for building a cosy home from scratch with the husband and having so many great people around us this year.  Life has been kind.

Friends.  For the past 10 years. =O

Luke, the really cute 17-month-old.