Shit Girl Speaks...

Mini Getaway Weekend

2008-08-04T00:50:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I spent the a night at my favourite resort - The Sentosa last saturday. We both thoroughly enjoyed the mini getaway. It started with a stressful drive into Sentosa (always stressful when I try to navigate and Stu doesnt trust a word of what I instruct). Thankfully, the bickering ended the moment we stepped into the hotel lobby. There was no queue in sight (as opposed to Rasa Sentosa where a long queue is always guaranteed), I got checked in even before Stu got the car parked. They put us in a beautiful room at the top level. I got excited with the bathroom and Aveda toiletries, whereas Stu was marvelling at the 42-inch plasma TV.

Took a good half hr before we calmed down and decided we were starving. Decked in my new fire engine red preggie swimming outfit (a set of VERY expensive Seafolly tankini & bikini shorts), we sauntered down to The Terrace. I had hearty cod & chips, Stu had healthy salmon wrap. We alternated lunch with cool dips in the black pool and some weird drinks (I had a Veggie Tornado - a virgin-mary-like drink which came decorated with a fresh prawn).

After lunch and many cool dips later, a buggy brought us to Spa Botanica, where I had a facial so relaxing that I snored while having my face massaged. Stu had an east-weat blend massage and he caught himself snoring 7 times. After our treatments, we lazed around the pool, Stu caught the last rays of the sun while I played with mud. For those who have never been there, they have a mud pool. U can slather yourselves silly with the mud (which smells real nice, I swear), lie in the sun to bake, and wash it all off with the rain shower, leaving your skin smooth and silky and cleansed and rejuvenated.

It's funny how quickly dinner time came round. We wanted to try The Cliff, but the restaurant was all booked out. Thankfully we were in a buffet mood, and thoroughly enjoyed the all-u-can-eat at The Terrace. I've never seen my husband eat so many desserts in our 4.5yrs together.

Went back to the room feeling like pigs. A long bath and a movie later, we were snoring peacefully into la-la land...

Next morning - had buffet breakfast where we ate like pigs again (no surprise), then checked out and rushed to our boss' son's girlfriend's parents apartment at Sentosa Cove. They then took us on their boat to Raffles Marina for another day of lazing by the pool (for me) and wakeboarding (for the guys).

What a fantastic way to spend the weekend :)

Back to School

2008-04-07T05:39:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine me a PE?
How much a signature are they paying me?
If I go through this course, can I pass the exams?
Twice a week, 3 to 4 hrs per night, two months?

Do ya think I can do it?
Why am I scared when I've should know these topics?
C202: Structural Mechanics
C203: Some sort of Hydraulics

Why do I keep hearing the strains of Arun's song?
..didadi didadi didadidadidadi... 202 202 2020202....
Am I afraid of subjecting the brains to a little pressure?
Am I only afraid of failure?

Post anniversary - Feedback from the Hubby

2008-03-18T05:05:00.000-07:00

When I posted the question of "What did u learn in 2 years" to Stu, this is what he had to say:

5. That it's possible to have a relationship without fighting. (Knew it. Ms Body Beautiful Contest Winner and Ms Turkey were bitches)

4. That there's someone for everyone.

3. That for such a small body, I actually can make a lot of noise at night (While sleeping, that is. Includes snoring, rubbing the nose vigorously, and other miscellaneous sounds from random parts)

2. That I'm as lazy as him. (What!?!?? Who's the one who's been picking up his socks after him??)

1. That his wife is actually a fat person stuck in a skinny body. Which is fast becoming not so skinny. Cos apparently, I eat more than him.

IS HE FOR REAL???

Movie/Book Reviews

2008-03-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

Recently I've seen several movies based on books that I've read. Some comments:

- Atonement - read the book years ago. Could not remember much of it, except that it was boring and pointless. Was surprised that someone bothered to make a movie out of it. I wasn't wrong, movie was also boring, even though it was beautifully shot. And even though Keira was a delight to look at, her way of talking in the movie irritated me. I read the book again after watching the movie, convinced I missed something that took away the enjoyment of the acclaimed production, but I still couldn't find any redeeming features.

- P.S. I Love You - bought and read the book only after the movie came out, thinking it must be good. it's actually a simple chick lit, though a little different from other chick lits cos the lead guy is mostly dead. Made me cry about once or twice (which doesn't mean anything cos I can cry at anything). Then I accepted a date to watch the movie, albeit a little reluctantly as I already knew the story. Turns out that they twisted some scenes and facts, added interesting bits, and I ended up crying about 4 or 5 times, and laughed a few times too. Still think Hillary Swank looks like a guy though.

- The Kite Runner - My FAVOURITE! Favourite book, favourite movie. Go watch/ read!

- The Namesake - The movie was good but not fantastic, but I LOVE the book. Author is Jhumpa Lahiri.

Happy 2nd Anniversary

2008-03-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

Oohh...March 4th is here again. What have I learnt in the last 2 years of marital bliss?? Here goes the not-so-long list:

5. He's heaps crappier than I am.

4. I still can't force him to do anything he doesn't want to. But he will do it in his own time (like quit smoking!). I wonder when he will eat fruits (next on my to-nag-at-him list)

3. It's easy to be paranoid and jealous and possessive. It takes much much more effort to be kind and understanding to each other, but the rewards are worth it.

2. We can face each other 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 4 weeks a month, and still be ok. It's been 9 months in this situation now. Of cos, we have to have some time apart occasionally (like drinking with Justin for him and gossiping with friends for myself. Oh, and also shopping sprees, pampering sessions at the nail/ hair/ massage parlour, eating sprees, spending the whole day on the pc googling nonsense stuff, online shopping, hmmm should I start a new list...)

...and the No.1 thing I learnt:

1. "I'm not a miracle, and you're not a saint" (from Damien Rice, Amie)
He ain't perfect, and neither am I. He can be a slob, I can be a nutcase, but we're still husband and wife.
Don't expect so much from each other, life is so much sweeter :)

My first hand knitted baby blue cardi

2008-01-23T01:30:00.000-08:00

Have not sewn on the button on the front yet, might find a blue velvet ribbon instead..

About Nothing

2007-12-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

Haven't been blogging cos I have absolutely nothing to blog about. I'm in the office and supposed to be busy. I just signed in to distract myself from the Ho Ho Ho talking to nobody in particular. I mean, I'm pretty sure he thinks he's talking to me, though I don't understand why he should think that, given that I have neither replied him nor looked his way once. Can't he tell that his presence is NOT acknowledged by anyone here? Sorry, that's inaccurate. We all know when he's stepped thru the front door. The irritating voice and the ho ho ho laughter reach us before anything else. Plus he comes in for work a good one hour AFTER everyone does, annoys the shit out of us, disappears for breakfast for another hour, disappears to "site", lunch for at least 3 hrs, come back to office for an hour (talking non-stop about nothing for that one hour) and ends his day at 4pm. What a great life!

I'm not jealous that he's got a great life, really. There's no way I would lead my life like he does, shirking responsibility ("oohh, how can I sign? I'm not responsible you know? I'm only the Resident Engineer, not the responsible person!"), blatant disrespect to colleagues he deem lower class than him ("oooh the bloody receptionist, how dare she talk to me like that? How dare she ask me to sign the form?"), causing trouble for everyone on his 1st day of work, being argumentative to get out of working, refusing to listen to simple commands to get out of working, asking a million unneccesary questions not to understand the work better but to get out of working, probably a maid abuser, skiving not just 10-20% of the time but 99%.....I really wonder how he got to where he is now, how he can even talk himself up ("RE is the KING of the site you know?")

OK. He's gone for his 3 hr lunch break now. I can work again.

Updates

2007-09-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

Work: Frustrating. Moved to site office a couple of weeks ago. Cannot print, cannot scan, dunno the fax n phone no., cannot get in touch w Pipeline staff cos they were also shifting. No PC for me, had to sneak into PUB's room everyday even though I'd been asked to evacuate. No stationery, piles of papers n shit all over my desk cos I got no files or clips to organise them.

Health: Not v good. Been put on metformin to cure my PCOS problem. Metformin has been making me nauseous and been lao sai-ing nearly 3 times a day for a week now.

Marriage: Been stuck with hubby 24hrs a day for the last 3 month now. Surprisingly still OK, not too annoyed with each other yet. 'Cept for one stupid misunderstanding, it's actually quite fun working together, eating together, going to supermarket together, meeting friends together, going home together, sleeping together...oh dear.

Fun: Hmm...not been catching up with friends as much as I'd like to. V nuah. Must do more sessions like last weekend w Todd. Wasting too much time on facebook doing stupid things. Why issit so addictive? Bought a laptop at Comex yesterday. Compaq V3506 at $1799. Should be part of work (can claim, yeah!) but it's always fun to have a new tech toy.

Shopping: Been hibernating ever since spending too much on one single item from Tskye. Forgot abt GG5 sale, hope it's not ended yet!!!!!!!!

Book Review

2007-08-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

Marley & Me - Life and love with the world's worst dog. Stu bought this for me from the airport. Very enjoyable read, everyone who loves dogs and especially those who has had the privilege of owning a crazy one will LOVE this book. Marley sounds like the combination of Zuzu and Moopie's worst habits, times ten. Reading this made me wish they were here to salivate all over me right now...

Book Review

2007-06-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Very enjoyable book by Afghan author...especially the wife beating parts. But fret not my happily-ever-after friends, this book does have a happy ending.

The story is something like: young girl kena forced to marry old man, a decade and no kids later, old man takes in another young wife. Big wife jealous of small wife, but they finally become friends and gang up against old man. Then u have the Taliban goondus and war as the backdrop....so this book is also quite educational, at least it made me more interested in Afghanistan than ever before.

Read proper synopsis at:
http://www.khaledhosseini.com/

Moopie Cartoon

2007-06-20T01:53:00.000-07:00

With Zoe & her mummy @ Wisma Food Republic

2007-06-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

See, when I take the picture, Zoe eyes me with suspicion (or a look of disdain?). But when her mummy is behind the camera, Zoe gives a cheeky grin. :-)

Back in Sin

2007-06-11T03:21:00.000-07:00

I have not written anything for 3 months, and it took more than 3 attempts before I remembered the log in and password for blogger! I'm sitting in the PS office, waiting for hubby to finish work with my growling tummy (and also growing, as I've been eating non-stop since stepping into Sin on 3rd June). I still dunno if it's good to be back at work here - I received a warm welcome from all, but I've been put in a freezing office by myself. The work is what I'm used to before I left for Oz, but I'm not sure if I'm relishing this shit again. I'm glad to work for a boss whom I can crack silly jokes with again, but I'm not looking forward to seeing him quarrel with every tom dick n harry we work with. At home, I enjoy annoying Mimi but miss my Moopie like mad. I'm so happy to see my parents again but I dunno how long more I can stand their constant chattering and nagging. Dun worry, I don't think there's anything to complain abt regarding friends (heehee). Jus listen to me whinge...life is never perfect and nobody's ever completely satisfied isnt it? Anyway, I'm gonna make the most of the next 12 or 18 months. Work and play hard, hopefully save some money at the end of it, and don't stop eating all that delicious yummy greasy cheap hawker food that we can't find anywhere else in the world.....IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK.

Bloody Fitness First

2007-03-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

My complaint letter - which they promptly replied and put everything right.

The General Manager

Fitness First Castle Hill

Attention: Nathan

Re: MEMBERSHIP COMPLAINT

Following numerous recent discussions with Fitness First staff and unresponded complaints to the Fitness First Website, I provide you details of my membership complaint for your urgent attention.

On 27/01/07 I entered a contract with Fitness First at Castle Hill. This decision was entirely based upon representations made by your sales person Mitch. The issues that are in dispute are related to claims made by Mitch that;

The usual rate of $39.99 per fortnight has been reduced to $29.99 per fortnight due to the “open weekend” the club was having at that time, and;
I can access any Fitness First clubs, including overseas ones using my usual membership without additional costs or charges.

The first point was obviously important with the second point convincing me to sign up. Flexibility with the membership was important as I was headed for Singapore in 2 week’s time and intend on utilising at least 2 clubs (Norwest and Castle Hill) in Sydney.

I was very happy with what Mitch had confirmed to me and even persuaded my husband, Stewart Hine, to join so we can work out together. He went to Norwest and signed up on 08/02/07.

On 13/02/07 I made a visit to the Norwest club, for a work out and to get an Overseas Club pass for my Singapore trip from 15/02/07 – 25/02/07. To my surprise I was told that I have the “Home” membership and could not use any clubs other than at Castle Hill. Any differences between “Home” and “Passport” memberships were never explained to me by Castle Hill staff until that time.

Both myself and my husband has spoken to Kelly and Mitch from Castle Hill Club on numerous occasions since 14/02/07. I had requested that I be given the correct membership that I have been sold by Mitch, at $29.99 per fortnight. They have not been able to resolve the mistake in my membership. I had also written twice to the Fitness First website but received no response. Mitch set up an appointment to see me at 11am on 17/3/07. He was not there and did not have the courtesy to cancel our appointment. I was disappointed that this matter has been further delayed, adding to my disappointment.

I hereby request that my membership be converted to what I have been promised at no extra charge within the next 48 hours. This request is made on the basis that information that I relied upon to make my decision to join Fitness First was misleading and did not represent that nature of the membership that I purchased.

If this request cannot be acceded please terminate the contract under clause 15 of your Membership Terms and refund all amounts that have been debited from my account. Should Fitness First again disregard my complaint this matter will be referred to the Consumer Tenancy & Trader Tribunal for determination.

I can be contacted at (02) 9636 0126 during working hours or 0417 619 518 should you wish to discuss this matter further. I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Hui Ching Hine

Membership No: AUS5591246

Eurolounge

2007-01-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

Thankfully, before the stupid movie, hubby and I went to a nice nice restaurant for dinner. Eurolounge is now my fav restaurant in the ulu western subs of Sydney! Suspect the chefs are Malaysians or Singaporeans though (Alex Hau and William Teoh). Don't care, as long as the ambience is posh (preferably candlelit), service immaculate (attentive friendly cute waiters with a sense of humour), menu impressive (using cheem words to describe an otherwise simple dish), food good (hard to describe how good is good, considering what a glutton I am), I'm willing to pay and come back again and again.

For entree, we had the Chef's Tasting Plate for two, which came with oysters au natural, garlic & chilli scallops, prawns w mango coriander salsa, smoked salmon rolled with cream cheese and seeded mustard honey sauce, stuffed mushrooms n asparagus dipped in cheesy sauce in a little cup.

I had the Seared Duck Breast (copied from menu - Duck Breast fillet pan fried served with jus and an orange sauce with a macadamia and chilli cous cous and five spice) as my main while Stu had the Poulet d’ete (Whole roasted baby chicken de-boned and filled with a sweet potato, bread and thyme stuffing served with dutch carrots, snow peas and apple & ginger chutney).

The duck was delicious but a bit too fatty, the macadamia cous cous really yummy. We found out that the chicken actually has a size (5.5), and miraculously deboned yet still looking like a whole chicken. Wish we had room in our tummys for desert, else we wouldn't have left for the movies...

My aim is to find all award winning restaurants in this area and try them all. Ssssslurp.

Babel

2007-01-25T20:37:00.000-08:00

What a waste of $30.60 (for two). No wonder it's called BABBLE...probably the worst Brad Pitt movie I'd seen. There's guns & drugs, blood and gory, Japanese girls in short skirts, Brad Pitt, nudity, all the key ingredients for a great show.....but I still don't like it. Too slow paced, arty farty and a stupid storyline based on nothing. I paid to be entertained, not bored...fed up.

2007-01-07T19:19:00.001-08:00

Back from the North

2007-01-06T20:16:00.000-08:00

Just came back from a 1-week holiday up the Northern Coasts. Stu and I woke up at 3am on Saturday morning, packed our bags and started the 10-hr drive to Lismore at 5am. Stayed at his friend's place and visited Ballina, Lennox Head, Byron Bay. Many firsts for me this trip - first time sat in a car for 10-hrs straight up, first time seen a skinny dipper, first time jumped into unknown watering hole in the middle of nowhere, first time hit cane toads with a golf club, first time seen a wild koala on a tree just off the road, first time fed cows, first time rode a horse for 2 hours, first time fell off a horse, and first time had a horse roll over me. Well actually the horse slipped and fell, that's why I fell, and I was bloody lucky to just get a bruised thigh and nothing else. Drove another 2 hours to Gold Coast - had the best time there cos I was right in my element with the shopping and good good restaurants. *Aquatichue - Gold Coast is the place to move to if I were you*

Now I have to go back to bed cos I'm down with fever. Will post photos on flickr soon.

DVD Review - Couplings

2006-12-28T15:56:00.000-08:00

Couplings from BBC. Was it ever aired in Singapore? I remember watching a couple of episodes with Stu in Oz 2 years ago and that it was very funny, so when I saw it in the shop, I bought Seasons 3 and 4. Easy X'mas Pressie for Stu. And it was reeeeaally funny! 3 men, 3 women, sort of like Friends crossed with Sex n The City, mixed with tips from the book Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. Susan and Steve are a couple, Jane is Steve's ex, Sally and Patrick are a non-couple who hang out together, Susan and Patrick used to go out together, and then there's Jeff - the fumbling, permanently nervous, totally clueless guy.

Moopie

2006-12-20T00:25:00.000-08:00

Moopie's a rebellious teenager now...

Always up to something naughty

Like chewing off his own hairbrush

Taking off the laundry and choosing only the CK underwear

Stealing watermelon skins from the worms

etc etc etc etc

BUT he's still my sweetheart :-)

X'mas Ham

2006-12-19T02:11:00.000-08:00

Who says Ang Mohs dun eat pork? We found a certain Mrs Piggy in our backyard one evening, playing with the dogs.

In true Aussie fashion, we turned it into a traditional Christmas Ham...yummy!!

X'mas House

2006-12-19T02:00:00.000-08:00

X'mas is less than a week away! Look at the decorations on the roof! The little christmas trees, those bright lights!! Alas, this is not our house. The Hines are not the sort who will climb on roofs to attach teddy bears and snowmen for the whole neighbourhood to gawk. This Orchard Rd Rival is located just behind our house, bringing the whole street to shame.

Meeting Robbie

2006-12-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

Realised why people are crazy over Robbie Williams. Went to see him with Stu in Aussie Stadium on Sunday evening. I snapped up tickets at work from the ex-boss who couldn't make it cos his wife's in Sth Africa as his mom's "busy dying".

On the way to the concert we stopped at Harry's du Wheels in Woollomooloo for the famous pie and hotdog. By the time we found parking in the city, we were actually a couple of songs late. Robbie is indeed charming and an entertainer. He sang all his good songs, except the one we love (Me and my Monkey). The concert had the usual good stuff - lights, large screen displays, fireworks, even women willing to bare their tits at him. Good on him to turn the cameras on them so we can all see ;-)

It's Big, It's Black, It's..

2006-11-25T23:19:00.000-08:00

... just the way we like it - our new Toyota Hilux!!!

PMS

2006-11-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

Last week I was the happiest married person in the world. This week I must be the most miserable wife. Pretty sure it's PMS, but there was no way I was gonna admit it.

S: What's wrong?
Me: Nothing
S: What do you mean 'nothing'?
Me: Nothing. ** sulk** Frustrated.
S: What about? Is it that time of the month?
Me: No. Just frustrated.
**silence**

That silence made me madder. I forgot what I was frustrated about, instead concentrated on fuming over why he couldn't just say something to make me feel better. He could have kept on asking what's wrong (eventually I'd think of something to complain about). He could have proclaimed his undying love for his irritating wife, I don't care, just make it sound sincere.

Me: Why are u so quiet?
S: What do u want me to say?

Now this made me realise he was fed up with me. But saying "What do you want me to say?" was the worst thing he could have said. If I answered 'Nothing', I'd get nothing. If I told him what I wanted him to say (ie. proclaim his undying love for me) and he did exactly that, I wouldn't believe him cos he would only be obliging me. Why must he wait to be asked? If he didn't say anything, that's even worse. I might just sink into depression right away.

Me: Tell me you love me.
S: U know I love u more than anything.
Me: Tell me I'm just being stupid and there's nothing wrong with us.
S: U're just being stupid and there's nothing wrong with us.
Me: U're just repeating after me.
S: U're just repeating after me.

Oh dear... instead of laughing I kept on sulking and he got bored and fell asleep. I was left wide-eyed in the dark analysing my own mental and emotional health. That's 2 hrs of beauty sleep wasted. Now I see what I've written and it hit me - I was picking a fight for no reason and the only thing wrong is how PMS affects the already complex female brain and reduces her to a whining incomprehensible idiot.

Trip to Castle Towers...

2006-11-17T22:48:00.000-08:00

Was a bloody waste of time. Or maybe I've just lost my shopping skills. Jialat! What is Sydney doing to me?? Or rather, what is the western suburbs doing to me???? Everything looked drap and boring, even Kookai and Cue. Couldn't justify spending in Esprit either when the T-shirts r only $10 cheaper than in Country Road. The only bra that fits me is a boring beigey-brown CK that's $70, how to buy??? Shoes r even worse, sandals that look made in China cost a bomb or two. Thought there would be many pretty summer dresses to tempt me, but I see nothing. I give up.

Or maybe I can find something online now....hmmm

A Busy Week

2006-11-03T14:52:00.000-08:00

It's a wet gloomy saturday morning, Stu's at work and I'm relaxing with a hot chai latte and peanut buttered muffins. The washing machine's working (how to dry those clothes later??), the vacuum's done its round, and the dogs have been given their kongs. So much had happened this past week and I'll try to recount...

1. We went out window shopping last weekend and came back 2 grand poorer. The order's been put in for a beautiful cast iron, sandstone-tiled, 8 seater outdoor dining set. Been looking for an outdoor set for ages, it's one of those things still lacking in this house. Now that summer's arriving, it's the best time to get it. We didn't want the normal aluminium framed ones that everybody has, nor timber ones that need oiling every 2 weeks. Wanted something a little bit unique and finally found it - so unique that we had to choose mismatched chairs as well. The disappointing thing is that we've just been told that the set won't be here till late Dec, which will probably mean mid-Jan judging by Aussie standards.

2. We went to see the lawyer to add my name in the house deed and for re-financing purposes. Turns out that we had to pay another 2 grand for stamp duty (what the hell is stamp duty) on top of all the other re-financing costs. Because of another name, they see it as a new loan. We decided to scrap that idea for now. Am I disappointed? A little, but I can't justify the costs, especially all the other items we weren't told about, having to extend the loan for another 5 years, paying $300 annual fees for the new loan, etc etc etc. We talked about looking into another property for investment, but can we afford it? Stu will write a will, but will it be enough to make me feel like a co-owner? I just want something that belongs to me as well. Put the hilux in my name? But a car is a liability, not an asset...

3. Stu's mom went to the hospital for an angiogram and ended up being diagnosed with a 90% collapsed lung and had to have a major operation on Monday. We've been going to the hospital every night for 7 days now. The first night after the op was the worst, seeing her all grogged out with morphine, wired up, tubes with stuff draining out of her lungs, that was scary. Stu quit smoking that night (but he's now back to it, after 3 days). I might become The Irritating Wife and nag at Stu everyday to quit. Actually I have been doing that, even knowing very well that he has to stop on his own accord.

4. My poor brother rang and told me he's resigned. As if being HP's personal driver and being made to do dirty jobs is not enough, the boss has employed another character exactly the same as HP, who is terrorizing everyone in the company. Actually he's worse than HP. I feel so sorry for them all. This shitty company is really disintegrating. I only hope my bro finds a job quickly, one he enjoys, and preferably make use of his talents.

Pi Sai

2006-11-02T18:25:00.000-08:00

Pi Sai (pronunciation pee-sa eye)

-noun

1. Description - The dirt that collects in the nostril, usually sticking to individual nostril hairs. Can be crusty or sticky according to the weather and/or how fresh it is. Colour varies from whitish to green to black, depending on the level of pollution.

2. Origin - Hokkien - literally "nose shit".

Pi Sai Joke

2006-10-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

Q: Whats the difference between a cup of coffee and pi sai?
A: The coffee is on top of the table, the pi sai is under the table.

Q: Whats the difference between a bowling ball and pi sai?
A: You throw a bowling ball and it rolls. But you roll the pi sai before you throw.

*Courtesy of Chua Wee Lam

Dinner with Poofs

2006-10-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

Went to colleague's cosy apartment in Oxford St for a Happy Hari Raya dinner. He's Malay, Malaysian, and gay. There was me and hubby, colleague, and his 3 friends - 2 gay men (who were together for 7 years and broke up last year, but still good friends. One ex-Singaporean, and the other from Wales), and an Indonesian girl. I've always wanted a gay friend and now I have so many. The feed was good (chicken curry, prawns, ketupat), the company better. The poofs were so funny with their stories of how they became queens...especially the ex-Singaporean who made us laugh with how he had to act butch so his family would not know. Enjoyed the evening, and Stu did too, as he told me later, he likes hanging out with my friends as he thinks I have good taste in friends.

2006-10-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

Just realised my new boss looks like Papa Smurf.

Back in Syd

2006-10-06T03:34:00.000-07:00

Back on Mon night. Funny how the smell of the air when I first stepped out of the airport, plus the smell of the house when I first stepped in, reminded me of Dec 2004 when I came for a one month holiday to be with Stu.

Back to work on Tue. Funny how time flies when you're at work. Another week is gone just like that. Eh..my week is not over, suddenly remembered I gotta work tomorrow. Got to go take some photos of 2 dudes spraying stuff on the wall.

Anyway I came back to Syd with packs of Prima Taste goodies to cook. Tonight I made chicken rice with black pepper chicken & shallots and xiao bai cai.

Aiya..Stu calling me to watch 8 mile on TV.....write more later

Back in Sing

2006-09-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

6 months seems to have flown past, yet everything seems a little bit different. The living room with the dicky small TV looking out of place, the toiletries in the 2 toilets (ulu brands that I'd never dream of buying), the new toaster in the kitchen, sunflowers at the side of the road (wilting and TOTALLY out of place), and MRT's with refundable ezlink cards. Apparently the MRT thing has been like that for 5 years and I'm just suaku. The people in the bus all have their latest handphones and ipods. Compared to Sing, Syd is really down under and maybe I belong there afterall. Arghhhhh I wan my gadgets too!!! But even if I get the N-dunno-what Nokia there wouldn't be anything much to be snap happy cos I dun have any friends in Syd. Not the real friends I have in Sing anyway. Maybe it's just me, I dun make an effort anymore and all this negativity is boring even myself. Have to kick myself to get out there, stop nuahing and live a life.

It's a bittersweet and weird feeling to be back. So happy on friday, and then the guilt is slowly seeping in...not spending enough time with family, with friends, with cat, and here I am on the net like I have all the time in the world, and doing normal things like I'd never left.

Sidetrack: I almost struck 4D! Almost!!!!! Arghhhh, Stu's gonna kill me for not buying ibet. And if I'd bought 2109, the date I came back, $500 would have been mine!!!!! Fed up...

Mom's chanting her buddhist prayers in the background...Mimi's mewing softly at my dad to be fed. I didn't know what I missed most until now...ahh stop it, making myself sad again. Better go stuff my face with doughnuts.

2006-09-10T01:15:00.000-07:00

You Are Most Like Carrie!

You're quirky, flirty, and every guy's perfect first date.
But can the guy in question live up to your romantic ideal?
It's tough for you to find the right match - you're more than a little picky.
Never fear... You've got a great group of friends and a
great closet of clothes, no matter what!

Romantic prediction: You'll fall for someone this year...

Totally different from any guy you've dated.

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

Just Crapping...

2006-09-10T00:25:00.000-07:00

It doesn't take long for someone to come up with something corny:

"Steve Irwin wouldn't have died if he wore sunscreen - it would have caught the ray!"

And then, Peter Brock got smashed up and the first thing he heard in heaven was "Crikey, you're here too?"

I didn't even know who Brocky was.

Anyways...life's too short really. That's why I've finally ordered the stuff I need (not want) from www.myutopia.com.au. No more hesitating, just get it! I will post my exciting review on the marshmallow body creme and the body polish w cinnamon when the goods arrive.

Stu and I are thinking seriously of getting the Toyota Hilux. Part of the fun comes from thinking about what personalised registration plate (or "rego", as they call it) to get. Will it be ST00PD or GO00SE?? We can even have MO00PY or ZU00ZU, but of cos we can never agree on which one. Maybe IB11TE or WE81TE, especially when the puppies are in it. Of cos Stu wants FI15HY, but my favourite is still SH11TT.

A Better Week

2006-09-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, I can feel the tension and stress of the past few months melt away. The new boss seems easy going and more importantly, very intelligent. I can't wait to learn from him. Maybe he's got a bit of bad breath but I'll much rather take that than that piece of garbage anytime. After 5 months of being conditioned to be stupid and useless, it's still hard to get my voice back. But at least I'm thinking about the actual work now, and not the garbage or office politics. It's already September, but still another 5 months to the end of the dog year. I dun usually believe in this shit, and I hope the next few months prove the astrologists (or whatever u call them) wrong. "Fan Tai Sui" is an understatement in my case, just want to move forward, contribute and be happy in my job without fan'ing the new tai sui.

The Shit Job

2006-08-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

Finally had the courage to tell my boss how unhappy I am at work. Told him all the problems I've been facing because of the non-communication between us and his unreasonable expectations of me. His answer was to lower my position, i.e. downgrade me! I really dunno what he imagined that will solve. Luckily, the HR manager spoke to me and told me it is not the company's policy to bring people in and "demote" them...if they do not have the skills required, the company will provide training for him/her to do the job, with the long term view of raising each employee to do more. She was genuinely shocked when I told her that I will resign if I continue to work under him, as his unfair treatment to the 3 asians in the office sickens me.

Felt so good after letting someone know all that...the director spoke to me a few days after the talks, he's put me with another boss now. I was actually smiling when I came home on friday, the first time in five months. Really really hope I get along with this new guy better......sighhh...

Dog Park in Pittwater

2006-08-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

View from Boat Shed at Lake Macquarie

2006-08-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

Can U See the Resemblance?

2006-08-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

Moopie & Ugg Boots Make Great Winter Companions

2006-08-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

Homesick

2006-07-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

It's my mom's birthday tomorrow. I ordered her a cake, but what I really want is to be home and try out my newly acquired cooking skills on her. Just thinking about it makes me sad...she's been forcing me to learn how to cook for the longest time, and it's only a few months before I left that I was seriously trying to absorb what she says...Now I can dish up a mean xiao bai cai without her scrutinizing eyes, and she's not here to enjoy it. Oh well..I better remember what I'm writing now and really cook something for her when I'm back, and not just go shopping all day or something.

It's not even 4 months since I've been here, and barely 2 months since I saw my family, and I really didn't think I'll say this so soon. But I'm HOMESICK!!! Wail!!!

Top 5 Reasons I Know I'm Homesick
5. Calling Monty "Mimi" and having vivid dreams of Mimi.
4. Starting to nag at Stu in mandarin and singlish
3. Feel like crying with the slightest provocation
2. Actually crying with a little more than the slightest provocation
1. Creating provocation by watching 'I am Sam' and 'A Walk to Remember' DVDs. Heck, even 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' made me cry.

If only my work was a little better, if only I had the courage to quit and not go to work depressed everyday. If only I had a fren here to complain to. And if only October comes next week....

Comfort Soup

2006-07-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

Ingredients for Meatballs
400g chicken or pork mince
1 egg
2 cloves garlic chopped finely
1/4 cup parsley chopped finely
Maggie Seasoning, salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Tomato Soup
800g (or 2 420g tins) canned diced tomatoes
1/3 cup tomato paste
750g chicken stock
1 large onion chopped finely
1 chilli chopped finely
1 can sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped parsley

The easy Steps
1. Mix meatball ingredients together, shaped into whatever sized balls U like.
2. Cook meatballs in a greased pan or pot until browned/ just cooked. Transfer into bowl.
3. With the oil that's used to cook meatballs, fry the onion till soft, add diced tomatoes, tomato paste and stock, bring to boil and simmer on medium heat for 20min.
4. Add meatballs, parsley, chilli, and cook for another 2min.
5. Garnish with parsley and ground black pepper, serve HOT with toast or a crusty roll.

That's what I made and had for Lunch today!

2006-07-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

When it comes to sulking, Zuzu wins hands down...

Bored n Hungry

2006-07-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at home waiting for the dear husband to come home with food. Apparently there isn't any fish today so he's buying Red Roosters. I told him 3 times to buy just enough for us, and not for a whole army like he always does...can't wait to see if he's gonna listen to me today.

Escaped to Castle Towers this afternoon, had a good but expensive sushi meal by myself. I was just craving for Jappie food so much...

Walked around a bit, wasn't in the mood to shop even though all windows had 'SALE' on them. Well..especially after seeing that the Peter Alexander pyjamas I bought for spoilt husband just last week has been reduced by $20, I was a little bit fed up and couldn't find the courage to buy anything. Finally I went to the supermarket and got ingredients to recreate the beautiful salad I had at Tommy's place.

Bought red cabbage, baby rocket and spinach, pine nuts, balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese, sundried tomatoes. Went home in excitement, dry-roasted the pine nuts, shaved the cheese, tossed the salad with balsamic, and Voila!!! We have some sort of Tommy's Salad! Not as nice though..the cheese is too strong tasting, but well, that'll do.

Book Review: The Time Traveler's Wife

2006-07-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Beautifully written, an extraordinary but old fashioned love story that I'm savouring...Nobody does book reviews until they've finished reading, but I'm enjoying this so much that I wanna share with book lovers.

This is the story of Henry and Clare, who met when Clare was 6 and Henry was 36, and were married when Clare was 22 and Henry 30. Incredible, but written in such a believable way. Their relationship is unique, funny, romantic and heart rending. I know that I will re-read this in years to come.

More Pics..

2006-06-18T00:54:00.000-07:00

Weekend in Cooma & Jindabyne

2006-06-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

We drove 4 hrs south of Sydney and landed in Cooma, where Tim lives, and where it snows during winter. I had forgotten the blistering cold when blasts of wind hit you over and over again.That was the first day when we arrived. I had also forgotten what it felt like to play with fluffy fresh powdery snow in the sunshine. That was the second day which was lovely, and hilarious seeing Moopie and Zuzu clowning around, burying their faces in the snow. I refused to go skiing as we had only a day and I didn't want to spend so much on ski hire and torture myself. If I had a week I might have considered. Stu and I played Guess-The-Song on the way back, and he won 9-2 or something ridiculous, then I realised that it's eighties weekend on the radio. Of cos he would have won, I'm a woman of the nineties!

Beer Battered Fish

2006-05-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

Went fishing with Stu and Colby at the beach at 5am on Saturday Morning. We started the day with drive-thru Mcdonald's brekky. I love my hash browns and have been spoilt as Stu never eats his. After the guys set up the rods and passed one to me, we settled down and the wait and anticipation began. I got restless after about an hour, and managed to get my float and bait stuck under the rocks. Colby came to the rescue, and as I was holding onto his rod for him, a stupid fish took a bite and I pulled him in! Then Stu helped me get the fish off while I took over his rod, and another fish took the bait! In less than 3 minutes I had reeled in 2 trevalies for dinner.

At the end of the day, we caught 11 good-sized trevalies between the 3 of us.
The highlight of the day was seeing a school of dolphins swim pass and playing with the surf, just 20m in front of us. I wasn't quick enough to get the camera. I also caught an eel when I left my rod with the bait still attached lying by the rocks while I read. The rod was jiggling and I realised an eel had taken the bait and wound itself tight around the rod, nearly breaking it.

Lunch was potato and leek and bacon soup ($2.50) with spaghetti and spiced meatballs ($12.50) for me. Roast Beef with veg ($10) and some kind of pizza ($???) for Colby.

Stu and I decided to have fish and chips for dinner. He filleted the trevalies while I searched the net for Beer Batter. Our dinner turned out beautiful! My contribution this time was making the batter and dipping the fish in it.

Beer Batter Recipe:
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 cup beer
1 egg

You can make beer battered fish or prawns or squid or mushrooms or anything with it.

More Pics..

2006-05-16T23:48:00.000-07:00

My Black & White Border Collie, he's my dream dog!!

Meet Moopie!

2006-05-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

First Salon Visit

2006-05-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

Housework

2006-05-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

I've found a couple of household chores I like doing, isn't it amazing? Just discovered this Make-Your-Taps-Gleam cleaner in the toilet cabinet. I squirted it on and wiped - Ta-dah! Taps really sparkled! I wiped the rest of it all over the wash basin, and it's now gleaming away as well. I'm sure it's not supposed to be used for the sink, but oh well. Cannot waste. His mom must have put the cleaner there, I can't imagine Stu ever doing the toilet cleaning. There are also 3 other bottles that look like cleaning stuff that I haven't looked at yet. I should be cleaning the shower and tiles and toilet bowl as well, but I'm so excited that I'm on the PC writing it all down instead.

There is also much satisfaction cleaning my own hair brush. Yes, anything that is done in the house and not reading or computer related is considered housework. I like removing the hair and digging the dusty furry bits out one by one. Dunno how they get stuck in the roots of the brush in the first place.

Good News

2006-05-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

In a span of 3 days, I received 2 pieces of very good news! So happy for both of them, one's preggie and the other's engaged (with massive diamond ring). Ho ho ho!!! Very excited, cannot wait to plan trip to US for the wedding. And perhaps to Germany for Full Moon (Full Month?) Party??? ;-)

Public Holidays

2006-04-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

I'm so lucky, only been here for a month and been paid for 3 public holidays already. The easter long weekend and today, Anzac Day. Public Holidays are good, got to achieve so many things today. Tidied up the house, vacummed, finally sat down to do my nails, and now on PC "socialising". Stu did the lawns, took out the tables n chairs for BBQ Party on Saturday, did his fishing rod up, and now has gone to the pub with Colby to "socialise".

Last night was good, we had Dana, Nath, and Colby come over for dinner. We served barbecued shark with blanched french beans and Stu's Mash Bake. I wanted to make mashed pumpkin and potatoes, but when I went for a shower, Stu's instincts took over and he turned it into something topped with egg, tomatoes, ham and cheese and ovenbaked. Dessert was warm Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (grilled under the BBQ) with vanilla ice cream and caramel topping.

Anyway, just wanted to show off the dinner we made. My contribution was boiling the french beans, potatoes and pumpkin to perfection. Well done!

Weekends

2006-04-08T00:06:00.000-07:00

This is the first time in the 7 years of my working life that I do not have to work saturdays. Yipppeeee!!!! There r so many things to do, for example

(10) Fishing up the coast with Colby
(9) A day on the water in Tommy's Dad's fishing boat
(8) Visit Kylie & Debbie in Newcastle and fish off Eddie's wharf.

These 3 items are of course Stu's favourite weekend activities, as they all involve the word 'Fish'. The only thing I like to do with fish is eat them, so I guess it's fantastic when he does catch some. Plus I love the water, and I can read my novels or magazines while he's fiddling with hooks n bait, so no complaints here. It's also good that his love for fishing is genuine, unlike the 2 goons in Brokeback. How I know this is because Stu has fishy magazines, print-outs of fishing boats for sale, and a $1k reel lying about in various corners of the house.

(7) Shopping with Dana
(6) Catch up with Stu and Nathan after shopping
(5) Catch up with unanswered email and gossip with friends on MSN
(4) Catch up on beauty sleep.

Don't ask me why I need to catch up since I sleep at 9pm every night. I just do. The weather here is shiok but can be drying, even with my Loccitane Shea Butter Lotion, my legs still feel papery, scaly, yucky. The beauty sleep is supposed to cure all.

(3) Go for walk or run in the park with Zuzu
(2) Housework & iron work clothes for the week ahead.

Don't really like to do these 2 either. Housework is ok, but I really hate ironing. A walk or run in the park is ok, but not when Zuzu knocks me over in excitement, trampling over me like I'm her toy.

And the Number One thing to do on Weekends in Oz:

(1) Have a huge, lovely breakfast, either home-cooked or from a nice cafe anywhere in Sydney! Salmon on english muffins w hollandaise sauce, bacon w fried eggs and hash browns, or a savoury spinach and feta cheese muffin, which tastes like Popeye's biscuits. With orange juice and latte. Yummy yummy yummy!

Life in Ozzie Land

2006-04-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

5.35am - The radio alarm goes off. Stu loves to laze in bed for half an hour, whereas I have to get up, or risk dozing off for another 3 hours. Am getting used to snuggling in for another 15-20min though. This is one of the best things about being married.

6.10am - Have gotten washed & dressed. Make brekky, usually cereal or oats, sometimes muffins with vegemite. Make lunch to bring to work, usually sandwich, or leftovers from dinner.

6.30am - Leave home for work. Sometimes it gets bloody cold and I turn on the heater in the car.

7.00am - Reach the office.

6.00pm - Leave the office. Get into nice Camry. The only time in the day I feel thankful that I've got this job is when I'm in the car. Feel really tired and drained after dealing with the racist, several cocky young studs, questioning directors and mumbling foremen.

6.30pm/ 7pm - Reach home, depending on whether I've been to top up fuel or not. Try and help mother-in-law with dinner. If I feel helpless, I'll go lie down on lounge w hubby n watch some TV. Feed cat. Dump clothes in washing machine if they r overflowing from the basket.

8pm - Dinner can be baked chicken w potatoes n salad, bbq-ed steak or chops w potatoes n salad, chicken or fish w rice n stir fried veg, chunky beef pie w fries, or home-delivered pizza. Mother-in-law forces me to take 4 tablets of Nuskin herbal supplements, which I wash down with Virgin Mary.

8.30pm/ 9pm - Collapse in bed after dinner. Read 5 pages of novel. Fall asleep with the snores of Stu, or the sounds from the TV.....

March Forth...

2006-03-18T01:19:00.000-08:00

In my deliriously happy and high state, everyone seemed to be having fun. That made me happier than ever knowing we had the kind of wedding I've always wanted - where everyone could mingle and be as silly as they want to. (Photographic evidence however shows only 2 silly ones posing as Latino Lurvers) We managed to squeeze in both Chinese and Ang Moh traditions in that big day. Tea ceremony, Photo taking at Botanic Gardens, Chinese Banquet, Solemnisation, Bouquet and Garter throwing, Yum Seng and Speeches, and First Dance by Bride and Groom. Subing wrote that our wedding is like a 'fairy tale'...I know that Stu and I certainly felt this way ourselves. Our flower girls and flower boys, Er Yi and Uncle Jimmy, all our good friends and many others made 4th March an extra special day. We were touched by the generosity of our relatives and friends, be it in words or the help they rendered or their gifts and angpows.

My highlight of the night? When Stu thanked my parents in his speech, calling them mama papa. The solemnisation, "absolutely"! The video presentation that my brother did of our photoshoot was also a hit. Many people came up to me praising it. Meiyan made us a beautiful angpow box....I'm so so proud to have such talented family members. The flower girls' decoration of our bridal suite, the bubbles when we did our first march-in, the yum seng fight between the family, friends, and colleagues tables.

March Fourth was a long day that went by so quick. It was a beautiful day, and we savoured every minute of it. I still maintain that a perfect wedding is not important, but it seemed to me more perfect that it could ever be.

My Hen's Nite 25/2/06

2006-02-27T16:44:00.000-08:00

Dinner at Shashlik, followed by a night of dancing at Bar None.

First came the sweet invitation from the Chief Organiser, who is also my Chief Bridesmaid. I chose well as Meng has the most MisChief up her sleeves! The Co Organiser Apple arranged the dinner and booked us the table at Bar None. I rallied my cousins, who turned out to be a great hit with the Slut and Bitch.

I wore a veil all night at Bar None. (Meng had searched high and low for it and found it in HK). She got me some penis candy too. I was supposed to approach a guy and have a bet with him..." How many dicks do u think I can suck at one time?" Thank goodness she forgot all about it after we hit the dance floor. I was up on stage, had a little chat with NaNa, and had a guy serenade me with his weird rendition of She Will Be Loved. We had a great laugh, he was so sporting!

And then the part I'm a little bit proud of - I managed to strip 5 guys in total!! Only shirts off, but still got told off by the bouncers. The Slut and Bitch were 2 of them. Another one was the weird singer. The next one I knew was Pablo. And the last guy, I still have no idea who he is.

The best part of the night was Bitch telling everyone how he has known me for more than 10 years, and that he would do anything for me. And then Meng told them we have known each other for 17 years. That is really scary so I asked her to shut up. This is the mushy part - I was so high and happy, and couldnt stop hugging them all. My friends made me feel special. I know they were all happy for me, and thoroughly enjoying themselves. And I know sometime in my friendship with each and everyone of them, I must have done something good to deserve all this.

Photo Shoot 20/2/06

2006-02-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

"Mr Handsome, look here, left leg in front, chin down, SMILE!!!!!!!!"

"Beautiful, come here, errr...not like this, I think cannot work...."

This was what we heard the whole day. The photographer (Eric) did not bother to call us by our names. He did not make us laugh. Stu had to tickle me on few occasions. I think the funniest thing that day was Eric calling me "Ching Hui" as the last photo was shot.

Stu and I were creative enough to strike our own poses, but Eric did not like any of them. The poses we had to do were so stiff and uncomfortable and tiring, of cos Eric then proclaimed "Cannot, cannot. Too unnatural." and made us do another.

It was such a boring yet tiring day. I kept yawning and my eyes kept watering. Which means my fake eyelashes kept dropping and Regine, the makeup artist spent ages fixing my face. She was so patient and such a perfectionist, which I admired, and even bought lovely orchids to put in my hair.

For the outdoor shoot, we went to Esplanade and Punggol. Punggol was nice as we got to shoot with the lallang, the rocky beach and yachts in Punggol Marina. Didnt do the wakeboarding shots as planned as we were too tired and just not in the mood.

I think Stu had a worse time than I did with all the waiting. My brother too. I felt really bad for them - my brother had to take leave and yet couldn't video the studio process. He basically wasted half a day with us. He also had to drive his brand new precious car through the sandy lallang patch. Stu had to carry me, squat, run and jump, even though he wasnt feeling well. During one of the poses, he looked into my eyes and said 'I love you'. That was the sweetest moment, and our smiles would have been the most genuine then...

I expected too much from that day as so many couples told me that the photoshoot is the most fun part of the wedding planning! Still hope the photos will turn out well and can't wait to see them.

Goodbye My Lover

2006-01-21T03:58:00.000-08:00

I hear this at least 3 times a day. We call it the Funeral Song at work, cos he sounds so mournful. I thought I'd be sick of James Blunt's voice in a week, but I am still singing along with it and loving the lyrics, especially the 'I know you well, I know your smell'. I am a smell person!

New Year Resolution No.11

2006-01-10T03:08:00.000-08:00

11. Forget his bloody ex and concentrate on living happily ever after with him!!!

The Ex

2006-01-10T02:44:00.000-08:00

Sickened to think that if he had not told me, we would have ended up at Eddie's place for our honeymoon! Our honeymoon!! How he could have suggested it in the first place is beyond me, unless he is really not bothered by whatever memories the house would bring. I felt like saying I DON'T CARE IF U HAVE NO MONEY NOW, I JUST WANNA GO SOMEWHERE NEW AND EXPENSIVE FOR OUR HONEYMOON. It took a moment for his words 'I just wan everything to be perfect for us' to sink in. I do too. And I have to stick to my principle - Weddings and honeymoons need not be perfect, cos what's most important is the marriage life after.

Why can't I get over her? How can I tell him that I wan everything in his house to be stripped of all memories of her - furniture, colour of the walls, decorations. At least the label on the phone with her name is gone, along with the beautiful chinese inspired ornaments she bought. I wonder how she would feel if she knew he's gonna marry a real chinese, and not a turkey bird who loves chinesey things.

Yeah, I even have to scrape Turkey off my list of Must-Visit-Countries. And all clothes made in Turkey? Forget it, i'm saving the money.

See, it's so clear the problem lies in me. I don't think he loved her that much anyway (or am I in denial? Duh...) He has actually done all he could to make me feel like his house is mine too. And deleted and removed anything I asked him to. And told me the truth whether I asked or not. I'm just a stupid green eyed monster!!!

Breathe. Sighhhh. Everybody has a past, the fact that she had lived in his house for 7 months just made it more difficult to forget. I just need to somehow erase the negative images my overimaginative mind makes up. As if my past is that great. Sighhh.

New Year Resolution

2006-01-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

1. Increase distance of morning jogs
2. Drink more water
3. Don't let MiMi bully me
4. Don't be lazy to keep in touch w family n frens
5. Invest in good skincare products
6. Save save save $$$$$$!!!!
7. Make Stu quit smoking
8. Experiment more in the kitchen
9. Write more 'poems'
10. Build killer abs

Heeheee ;-)

Happy

2005-12-14T20:20:00.000-08:00

This year has been exceptional in that I count my blessings all the time. The biggest one is phenomenal, once-in-a-lifetime, and what I'd only thought to be in my dreams only. That is, being proposed to in the most romantic way, by the most wonderful man in the world.

"There are times I am bewildered by each mile I have traveled, each meal I have eaten, each person I have known, each room in which I have slept." (Jhumpa Lahiri - Interpreter of Maladies)

It has come to this, despite my failings and mistakes, and not too few moments of despair that I could not be as lucky or happy as I'd like. I can't help being afraid that it will come to an end, sometimes I just can't believe my luck. But for now, let me revel in this. Let me be happy. Let's talk about the future when it comes.

It's true, I couldn't see my future until I met Stu.

My family have been so supportive and great. I no longer feel my mom loves me less, and everyday my brother does or says something to show his maturity. It's a great feeling to be proud of your family.

My friends...Pearlyn being the only one who knows everything about me, accepts me for what I am, even with her high moral standards. I could not ask for more. Meng, my dearest animal friend, who is going to fly all the way from USA to be my bridesmaid..she said, "I would not miss it for the world". Iris, ever willing to go all the way to help. Bryan, I dun even need to say much, for I know he will not judge me. Todd, my ever favourite gossip partner. Apple, still in her own world, but endearing and giving in her own generous ways. These are the few people I will miss dearly when I leave.

Colleagues are genuinely happy for me and excited about my wedding. Even Param, learning that she and Sangeeta have specially bought saris for the dinner warms my heart. KK is gonna try to come back from HK for the big day too!

........I've never received as many blessings and bouquets as I did this year.

My family

2005-11-17T18:34:00.000-08:00

I love my family more than anything in the world. (Stu is part of the family now). Seeing any of them upset makes me sad. Seeing all of them upset at the same time breaks my heart. At least last night I was crying over something really important to me and not over some idiotic PUB goons. I hope my brother will always have the guts he showed last night to apologise and explain his actions. And dad...I dunno what to say...how to tell him that he is stubborn and unreasonable and should show more love n concern to his son and wife. Keeping quiet, running away or making stupid hurting remarks are not ways to solve problems (although I'd probably inherited his keeping quiet n running away traits). Did he really understand my bro last night? Would he continue to shout at him unreasonably?

We are one family and should stay as one. We may be weird and not affectionate or whatever, but the underlying thing is we all care for one another and should rememeber that whatever happens.

About HP

2005-11-09T22:24:00.000-08:00

She's known as the bitch, and it's easy to see why. Call me kaypoh, but I'd always wondered why some people turn out this way. Maybe it's her karma. Maybe she's just plain unlucky. Maybe she's not strong enough to fight off situations after situations. Maybe she's just too tired.

What would I be like in her position? Being a single mom, with a mother who vents her frustrations on her all the time, suffering from one failed relationship after another. I would never know as I'm not in the exact circumstances. My mom may be a bit biased but I know she loves me in her own way. I have several failed and traumatic relationships, but I felt that with every failure, I learnt and grew so much that I don't become bitter. I'm not a saint and I've done terrible things. But I would never again do things that I do not want done to me.

Someone should tell her that she's acting exactly like her mom. Venting her frustrations from failed relationships on hapless colleagues and strangers. Sometimes her behaviour turns people off, and when she realises that people are against her, she becomes worse not realising that she caused it in the first place. It's a viscious cycle.

Someone should tell her that she should seek happiness from within herself, and not from guys. I believe she feels that they are the answers to everything, so she goes all out to make the man happy, without first thinking if he is the right one for her. Being wild is one thing, but being labelled as 'loose' is another altogether. Whether she is or not, who would want a long term relationship with a slut? Even if someone is attracted to her, after they get what they want, she can be disposed of. All moms warn their daughters about that, and it's true.

Do I have the guts to tell her all these? If I do it would be after I quit, cos she'll probably hate me for that!

KK's gone..

2005-11-05T03:41:00.000-08:00

I miss KK. Didn't feel the 'pang' until the last moment, when he wailed 'Mei Nu!!!' and gave me a hug. 6 years of fending off stingy bosses, unreasonable colleagues, misbehaving workers and evil stooges together. 6 years of covering each others' asses, doing stuff that we each knew the other disliked. I'll never find a colleague as responsible, funny, and endearing as him.

2005-09-29T02:15:00.000-07:00

adopt your own virtual pet!

Gay Sites

2005-07-19T03:29:00.000-07:00

www.sgboy.com

www.fridae.com

My entertainment for the day!

Love

2005-06-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

"She filled her palm of her hand with a lil water n held it before me, and said this, "u see this water carefully contained in my hand? it symbolizes love." As long as u keep ur hand caringly open and allow it to remain there, it will always be there. However, if u attempt to close ur finger around it, n try to possess it, it will spill thru de 1st crack it finds.

This is the greatest mistake that people make when they meet love, .. they try to possess it, they demand, they expect, .. and just like the water spilling out of ur hand, love will run from u., for love, is meant to be free, u cannot change its nature. If you love someone, allow them to be free beings.

GIVE and DONT EXPECT
ADVISE, but DONT ORDER
ASK, but NEVER DEMAND

It might sound simple, but it is a lesson that may take a lifetime to truly practise. It is a *secret* to true love. To truly practise it, u must sincerely feel no expectations from those who u love, n yet an unconditional caring.
Maybe this is applicable for all of us.. "

I copied this from somewhere, till now I'm struggling with keeping a good balance. To me, unconditional love only applies to a mother's love for her child. For us mere mortals and normal beings, we can only try our best. How many times have I said to myself, I'm so glad I found him, he is the best thing that happened to me and I will not let a day go by without him knowing that. Yet I can take things for granted, sulk for the littlest reasons, and expect him to shower me with love and attention every single moment we are together?

I would say to my guy friends and colleagues, what a girl wants is very simple. 3 A's? Affection, Attention, Appreciation. Uh oh..maybe there are more...Adoration, Admiration, Assurance.....without all these, we would just be ANNOYING.

And what a guy wants? To be free. Trust is very important here. He taught me to trust, and be trusted. I can safely say that he can do whatever he wants, and I know he'd have done nothing to make me fret.

Murderer

2004-08-19T02:09:00.000-07:00

Had to choose some workers to get rid of cos we have "suddenly" ran out of MYE's. Fucking job. I hope I'm not the only one who feels like a bloody murderer in this heartless company.