Chinese New Year Shopping

I've been buying stuff for Chinese New Year even before Christmas was over. Although I've bought quite a lot, my shopping is still not finished. I haven't bought my clothes and shoes and PJs, Bob's clothes and undies (yup, my job every year) and Tara's shoes. The only stuff I bought for myself are; bag, bras & undies.

Tomorrow I'm going shopping with Cindy, who's gonna be my fashion consultant. I've no fashion sense to start with in the first place so this year, I decided to get some help. Since I can't be slim, at least I'll be stylo-milo right? We will be going to Far East Plaza, crossing my fingers that they will have my size.

Stuff for the house

Today I did quite a bit of shopping too. I went to 3 Aussino outlets before I finally bought my bedsheet and quilt cover set at West Mall. I got 2 packs of bibs at Centrepoint and 1 box of hankies at Great World. Got the most stuff at Great World, I spent $230 in Zara for Tara's clothes, $150 sponsored by my colleagues (her birthday present). I've finally found the cushion covers and bought 2 purple and 2 gold. I really love the purple cushion covers! I also went to Barang to get 2 new cushions. Got my bras & undies at Robinsons Centrepoint too. (Finally!)

Yesterday, I went Ikea to shop for curtains and curtain rods & hooks for Tara's room. We've decided to convert the only guest room for her. Also bought a floor mat, laundry bag and a photo frame for Tara's photo that got her a consolation prize.

Last week, Bob & I went to Chinatown for our CNY shopping. It's the first time we went there together. It's still the rainy season last week so there were passing showers while we were there. It's rather irritating and I hate wet seasons! The only shelter Tara had over her head was the pram canopy and it's cloth. I'm so worried Tara will fall ill. We can't even carry the umbrella properly as the tentage were built pretty low. I managed to get my tissue box holders, coasters and table runnner there, at a really reasonable price of $23! What a bargain. Bob bought lots of tidbits and lap cheung. I also bought 2 set of Espirit towels at Jurong Point for Bob and myself. For Tara, she will use the set I got from Cindy during the christmas gift exchange.

2 weeks before, I went to Ikea and got some glass containers, coasters (yup, I actually bought some already, hehe) and bath mats.

Immediately after Christmas, I bought the ang bao packets and "chun lian" at Bukit Batok while having lunch with dear Cindy. I realised I got the same ones as Gene and Melissa and just like Melissa, I got the ang bao at $1 per packet. I also bought 2 packs of cute ones at Daiso. Those are reserved specially for Tara, my niece and nephew & friends kids. The red ones are for my relatives' kiddos. There are lots of them, and frankly, I can't remember who's who anymore.

I think I went a little over the top at Zara today...

Before Christmas, there was a sale at Takashimaya for Polo Ralph and Guess clothes for baby. I only spent $100 for 3 bottoms from Guess and 1 long sleeve polo tee and 1 denim skirt from Polo Ralph. Really good deal!

Yup, so many shopping trips but I'm still not finished. Gotta get my shopping done soon, tidy up the whole house, colour my hair and find a mani/pedi salon that still has slots for next Friday.

Chinese New Year, the all important occasion, where things have to be new and house has to be spruced up. Another 11 days to go.

Bad Customer Service

Yesterday, I went to Standard Chartered at Anchorpoint at about 2pm to cash my cheque. It’s not really crowded when I reach and I’m the fourth in queue. I reckoned it won’t take longer than 15 mins since there are only 3 blokes before me.

Boy, am I totally wrong! There were 3 counters, 1 is for priority banking, and that leaves 2 other counters. Both service staff took their own sweet time to do the transactions. Okay, to be fair, maybe those transactions really require precise care and attention. The queue started to get longer at this stage. To our (not only mine) surprise, one of the counter staff (let’s call him “the guy”) put up a “queue close” sign. He closed the counter!? When there are so many of us in the queue? I’m not sure what required his immediate attention but he stood there and did some paperwork stuff, trying to look really busy. Another 10 - 15 mins, there are only 2 blokes in front of me now and the queue starting to get impatient. Shuffling of feet, deep sighs, “tsk tsk”, “wah lau” can be heard in the queue. And the best part is, the only counter staff was happily chatting to one bloke while at least 15 of us waited.

We kept looking at the guy, wondering if he will open the counter, but he just continued doing his paperwork, nonchalant of the tension building up in the queue. Finally, there’s only 1 bloke before me and the gal (the only other counter staff) after doing the last transaction, stood up and left her counter! We were not only surprised, we were totally pissed! And one uncle said “One left for the toilet, and the other doing stupid things!” One lady in the queue walked up to the guy and told him to open his counter, as there was a long queue already. The guy said “Okay, opening soon, sorry.” That was it?????

A little hell broke loose. The lady walked back to the queue and said: “These paperwork can do after 3 mah! So many of us queuing!” and the uncle said: “Standard Chartered! Since 1960s.. but…”, “I think they want to go home on the dot loh, that’s why they do their paperwork now”.. blah.. blah.. blah.. I kind of felt embarrassment for the guy, even though I’m quite angry with him too.

If the guy really thought the paperwork required immediate attention, he should not have done it at the counter. No doubt he tried to look real busy, it served nothing but infuriated the people even more. And the gal, aware that the queue was so long, left her work desk! If she really needs to leave, at least tell the guy to open his counter!! Waiting for so long to be served was bad enough, but now there was no one to serve us!! I kind of wondered why the management staff didn’t do something about it. When I left, I saw one lady walked out of the office, asking if anyone wanted to cash their cheques, trying to appease the crowd or something. They took 30 minutes to take action. Really bad!

I came back and told my colleagues and one of them told me Standard Chartered has the worst customer service! Yup, totally agree. It’s time they do something about it.

Fulfilling Sunday

I woke up early yesterday morning, at the soft thud of Tara falling off the bed, she whimpered a little but was fine. I checked her body for any redness but couldn’t see anything visible. Fortunately, she was feeding well hence I didn’t worry a lot.

Since we woke up early, I decided to bring Tara downstairs for breakfast. She sat in her pram beside me, behaving quite well, while I feed her a meat bun. When we reached home, I quickly shower her and put her in the sarong for her morning nap. While she slept, I cooked her lunch, a very healthy combination of organic brown rice, organic carrots, organic spinach and new potatoes. I did the 2nd round of laundry. I have to wash all the curtains and could only do it bit by bit. In total, I did 6 loads of washing! I was so worried the washing machine will just explode in a mist of black smoke and die. Considering out of the 6 loads, I soaked 3 loads for 2 hours each.

In between the washings, taking down and hanging up the curtains, I cleaned and wiped the curtain tracks and rods, sweep the floor, tidied and cleaned part of the study room, fed Tara her lunch, one round of milk, her dinner, cooked and ate my own healthy dinner (vegetable soup with Japanese noodles), took a 1 hour nap and even played with Tara, bathed her again and took her to Jurong Point to get some stuff and $$ and then to the pasar malam at night, came home, put her to bed and did this entry, before I finally succumbed to the comforts of duvet at 2am.

Tara at the pasar malam, making funny faces at the uncle sitting beside us, while I feed her and myself some junk.

Tara's healthy brown rice porridge, and a bottle of vegetable fruit juice and my very yummy vegetable soup noodle.

I never knew I could do so much in 1 day. When Bob came back today and I told him the amount of work I did, he said I’m only hardworking when he’s not around. Of course! Usually he will spend his weekends in front of both his laptop and the TV. How hardworking can I be then? So I usually nuah on the sofa and watch TV. Not that I need him to help me with the chores, I’m actually quite happy tidying the house by myself, cos he’s only going to mess things up, throw things I want to keep, and put things in all the wrong places. I can be really disciplined when I want to, you know? *smug*

Yup! A very fulfilling Sunday for me, I’m happy.

Little Miss Scatterbrain

I usually place my car key on the roof of my car, so I won't hurt or scratch Tara when I carry her out from the car seat. This morning, I left the key there for 40 minutes, while I enjoy a leisure breakfast at the coffeeshop near Mum's place.

If I'm not in Singapore or a safe neighbourhood, my car would be gone faster than you say "Go!". It's practically an open invitation to car theives and burglars. I even leave my bag inside can? Although I did put it in an inconspicuous corner.

I've been dubbed Little Miss Scatterbrain by my ex-colleagues, they even bought me the book on my birthday. Well, what can I say? Still as scatterbrain as ever. But now I should be called Madam Scatterbrain or something.... since I'm married with a kid.

Bob went to KL & My Shopping Trip

Bob left for KL this afternoon and will only be back next Monday. As usual, Tara and I sent him off at the airport. We had a quick meal at Burger King before he left in a hurry. Tara and I strolled around the T2 and took the sky train to T1. Barely 20 metres of walking into T1, I decided to leave, what's there to see in Changi Airport besides those travellers coming and going. It only makes me feel envious, and wonder when is my turn. (It's coming soon, yeah!). And the airport has ample space for Tara to totter around.

Towards the end, Tara walked towards me and wanted me to carry and make noise when I didn't.

While we were waiting for the sky train, we saw this couple, taking their wedding photos at the airport. Romantic! Maybe the bride is one of the cabin crew, that's why they decided to take their photos there. Hmmz..

I thought of going to some neighbourhood mall to shop before I go home but I realised that the nearest is Tampines Mall (if I'm not wrong), and Bob said I will definitely lose my way and told me to go Bugis instead. I hate going town on weekends cos it's really crowded and finding parking is difficult. Eventually, I still ended up at Suntec. Fortunately, I managed to find parking pretty easily.

Tara and I went to the Family Link first and I reserved this at ELC (Early Learning Centre), it's on 50% discount, at only $30! I'll just need to go Toys R' Us to get those plastic balls. Hope Tara will be really happy with this new toy. Now, I gotta think of where to put it. *scratch head*

After I've done my shopping at Carrefour, I thought of going to Marina Square to have my dinner Carl's Junior. I've always wanted to try the large burgers there but Bob will cringe when I mention fast food. Besides, the sky cast a dark shade of gray, too risky to walk there and too troublesome to drive so I just thought I will try the restaurants downstairs. When I reached the basement, I glanced to my left and was both astonished and elated to find Carl's Junior right beside. There weren’t any seats so I stood beside this small table, where the occupants were ready to leave. Once they stood up, this very no manners auntie just plonked herself onto the seat! From the look on her face, I know she knew that I was waiting! I was piffed, but I didn’t confront her because even if I did have the seat, I wasn’t sure of how I am going to order since I’m alone with Tara and pushing a pram full of shopping bags. Yes, I’m pushing a pram alone! And this woman, with no sense of shame, decided that she needed the seat more than I do! I stared hard at her anyway and she tried to ignore me. Eventually, I settled for a small Beijing restaurant, where I had xiao long bao and zha jiang mian.

Anyway, spent quite a bit at Suntec. I bought Munchkin suction bowls and straw cup for Tara.Had wanted to get bedlinen, bibs and hankies from Aussino but the shop wasn’t well-stocked. Maybe it’s the sales season. I’d better plan my next shopping trip soon. Still got lots of stuff to get before Chinese New Year.

Kena arrowed (tagged) by Gene

Got tagged by Gene, phew, took me quite a while to finish this!

First, I have to remove the blog in the number one spot from the following list and push everyone up one space. Then add my own blog to the bottom spot.
1. My All
2. Simple Hamtan
3. Princess Diary
4. Mommy Gene To Save The Day!
5. Amy’s Diary

And next, I will have to answer and victimize another 5 persons with the following questions...
1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
2. What were you doing a year ago?
3. 5 snacks you enjoy.
4. 5 songs to which you know the lyrics off your head right now.
5. 5 things you would do if your were a millionaire
6. 5 bad habits
7. 5 things you like doing.
8. 5 things you would never wear, buy or get new
9. 5 favourite toys

Here goes!
1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
10 years ago in January, I’m waiting for school to start. I got into Nanyang Polytechnic, studying nursing. Friends who know me were dumbfounded when they heard. And considering the job I’m doing now, nobody believed that I used to study nursing. I couldn’t believe it either, and dropped out after 10 months. I’ve never been good in taking care of others, and having sickness and death in my face everyday is far too depressing. I decided to quit after 2 attachments and 1 mid year exam. While waiting for my ‘O’s and school to start, I worked part-time as a beauty consultant for YSL. I was given a counter at Paragon to look after, all by myself. Everything was taken care by me, the display, the stock inventory and the samples inventory. It was so much fun! I felt so grown-up! And as for relationships, I was with this guy 9 years older but mentality 5 years younger than me. We still clicked that time, but 5 years on (no longer together), I can’t stand him already, and he was really childish. I’m glad he got married last year, hope he has grown up. *shudder*

2. What was I doing a year ago?
1 year ago, I was desperately trying to find clothes for New Year. The weight I put on during pregnancy did not shed off much. Although I’m slim before preggie, I was the fleshy-slim type. I couldn’t find clothes that fit me, it’s really frustrating! Not that I really mind the extra kilos, but not able to find nice clothes really make me depressed. I’m still trying to lose the weight, 7kg to go. And I’m also trying to cope with a new baby and also my in-laws. I’m so used to, and still am, the life of just me and Bob enjoying our ‘er ren shi jie’. I kinda hate having to get used to so many people at once.

3. 5 snacks I enjoy
1. Calbee potato chips BBQ flavour, but the old version ones.
2. Sapporo
3. Kaka
4. Chicken in a Biscuit
5. Yan Yan Strawberry or Chocolate

4. The 5 songs
1. Almost here by Delta Goodrem & Brian McFadden
2. Superwoman by Karen White (Classic!)
3. Hands to Heaven by Breathe (Another classic)
4. Cool by Gwen Stefani
5. All About Loving You by Bon Jovi (My wedding video song! Always makes me feel warm and fuzzy..)

5. 5 things I would do if I am a millionaire
1. Give money to my parents.
2. Revamp and re-renovate my house. And stay in a nice hotel in the meantime. Nope, not going to move to a condo or what, cos I love my current house!
3. Put aside $$ for Tara and the next little one that comes along. Just in case in future no more money to give them
4. Save up a portion of it. For rainy days of course
5. Go slimming after the next little one and buy loads and loads of new clothes. Opps.. now it’s 6 things leh.. can hor?

6. 5 bad habits
1. Too lax. In other words, lazy.
2. Spend too much. Can’t have too much $$ in my wallet, it will be gone in matter of seconds.
3. Constantly procrastinating. Just like Gene, I will leave things around the house and wait for a nice sunny day to I tidy up.
4. Always taking showers late at night. Mum used to nag a lot for this.
5. Over-eating. On a good day, 5 full meals is nothing!

7. 5 things I like doing
1. Reading
2. Craft work
3. Cooking
4. Spending time with Tara & Bob
5. Shopping! Real shopping, window shopping doesn’t count.

8. 5 things I would never wear, buy or get new
1. Too tightly fitted clothes. Oh come on, with my figure now?!
2. Beige bras
3. Haversacks
4. Teva-kinda sandals. I think it’s the worst looking sandals I’ve seen, besides the ah peh type.
5. Everything that has Andy Lau’s face or voice in it. Sorry Andy’s fans, this guy turns me off big time.

9. 5 favourite toys
1. My new camera!
2. My computer, always looking for new photo editing or design programs to play with.
3. I wanted to say my car lah, but I’ve been driving for over a year but I don’t know that there is a Repeat button for my stereo. Before that, if I need to repeat a certain song, I just keep pressing on the “previous” button loh. Someone just told me about that feature couple of weeks ago. And I’m no good driver loh. Keke..

My 5 victims... (I only got 1 leh)
1. Cindy! (Please, do this for me can boh?)

New Digital Camera!

Yippee! Finally got a new camera. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face when Bob bought it. We went to Funan IT Mall on Monday night to get it. We didn't compare prices and Bob, being the very un-lei cheh person, just decided to get it, despite friends telling him there will be another IT show in April, and other shops are selling it at maybe $10 cheaper.

Bob only wanted to get Canon cameras, and since I'm the one who's constantly using it, I asked for a compact one. That leaves us with only 3 choices; IXUS i zoom, IXUS 55 and IXUS 750. I really loved the i zoom, I thought it's really small and the colours are cool, but the 55 and 750 are definitely better in terms of optical zoom, LCD monitor etc. I thought I would settle for 55, since it's almost comparable to 750 except for the megapixel. But Bob got other ideas, he prefered to pay $170 more for the 7.1 megapixel 750. I'm totally fine! Well, he's the one paying right? The sales guy was telling us unless we intend to print up to A3 sizes, a 5 megapixel one will suffice. And 55 is slimmer as compared to 750. But Bob insisted on the 750. We got quite a few freebies; a camera pouch, a LCD screen protector, a 512MB SD card, a SD card reader, an extra battery, total worth at least $150! I hope it's a good deal..

After Bob paid for the camera, the sales guy asked if we wanted to get a personal photo printer (oh man! He can read my mind!), and went on to show us how the Selphy CP-510 works and printed a test-shot photo of Bob and Tara from the new 750. Well, needless to say, Bob bought it. He's so impressed with the quality and the price of the Selphy, and of course the 30 cents price of per piece of photo. The sales guy threw in 2 packets of paper and ink for 36 photos and a carrier bag. Bob bought an additional pack of paper refills and ink for 108 pcs.

Bob saw the look of my face;
Bob: Happy hor?
Me: Of course lah!
Me to Tara: Daddy very rich hor? Hehe..
Bob: Hng...

I really love the new camera! I've been shooting anything and everything with it since I got hold of it. It's more like MY camera than Bob as I'm always the one using it. Don't ask me if the quality is better cos I really can't tell yet. But I can say the functions are much better than the Olympus! And it definitely came at a right time, Tara started walking yesterday!! Actually she walked a little on New Year's eve but had refused to walk again until yesterday. Maybe she preferred Mummy to shoot the moment on the new camera? Hehe..

New Year Eve and New Year Day

I started the first working day of 2006 really stressed up. The big job didn’t go smoothly. Now I’m trying to resolve the issues with my client, crossing my fingers and hope everything will turn out fine. The payment has to come in on time as I’m planning a Hong Kong trip with the commission.

We spent our last day of 2005 at Stella’s shop, Lala (reminds me of sambal lala, yummy), having barbeque, curry chicken and fried bee hoon. It’s a quiet affair, with the staff of the shop, their partners and Stella’s mum and sis, and of course, us and Ronald and family. The whole bunch of Sec school’s buddies (Bob’s) was invited but none of them turned up, except for us and Ronald. We only get to see them during occasions like full month parties or kiddos’ birthdays nowadays. Those were the days where we would meet up almost once a month, on every single occasion. Once babies started coming into the picture, gatherings got lesser and lesser.

Anyway, the small party at Stella’s wasn’t much fun, as I knew none of them except for Ronald & Janice. Janice and I made small talk about kids and work while our kids tottered around. Actually only my kid tottered, because Ryan is three already. He’s really cute. Asked Bob and me our names and called us by our name rather than Aunty Amy or Uncle Bob. After about an hour or so when they reached, Ryan got pretty restless and kept telling his Daddy he wanted to go home. When both his mum and dad just dismissed his requests, he walked over to where I’m sitting and in his cutest tiny voice and saddest puppy eyes; he said to me “Amy, I wanna go home, Amy”. It’s so cute I kept laughing non-stop. Even after a few days, Bob was still harping on how cute the boy is and how much he likes boys like him. He told me whenever I feel stress at work, just think of Ryan, and the way he talked to me that night. Too cute.

Despite my recent recovery from diarrhea, I decided to indulge in the oily and spicy food. 3 days of bland food is enough, I really need something to stimulate my taste buds. I ate everything, from the curry chicken, to the Taiwan mini sausage, to the yummy otahs. Pure indulgence.

At the struck of 12, they lit up sparklers to celebrate. Seconds after, we heard loud booming music from the nearby pub, another few seconds later, we heard the fireworks and another few seconds, we heard a group starting their countdown. Everyone’s start their countdown on a different time; they should have synchronized with the countdown on TV.

Well, the next day, I treated my family to a brunch at Carlton’s Wah Lok Restaurant. I’ve been there twice before, really like the food and the prices, and thus decided to bring my family there. We used to have a monthly brunch of dim sum but that was before I had Tara. It’s pretty nice to have a meal together once a month, we really should do it again.

Halfway through the meal, my tummyache act up again. Just when I thought the bug had gone… After our meal, we went to OG at Chinatown and I practically sprinted to the loo. Yup, I will never listen.

Another late night

Another late night today, have done the following:

1) Created 2 backdated posts for Christmas. Remember to read this and this.

2) Finally! Created an online photo album for the gang's gathering.

3) Search flight and accomodation for Feb trip to Bangkok. YIPPEE!! Holiday!

4) Downloaded Photostylist software from Pixart. Gonna do a coffee table book for Tara soon. Just hope that I have time to do it.

Happy New Year!!

Today is the last day of 2005! We'll be having a BBQ cum countdown party at Stella's new shop. Hope it's fun. Anyway, I wish you all a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR and hope that all the good things will happen to you in the new year 2006.

It's a new year, so I must set my new resolutions:
1) Start buying size M clothes and wear them (slim down first lah!).
2) Learn to manage my own money.
3) Spend more time with my maternal family.

Rest from work

I've been thinking of taking a break from work, maybe one day leave, to rest and spend time with Tara this week, but I couldn't, as I still have my big job to take care of. But my body, knowing that I really need this rest (mentally), programmed itself into "rest" mode and I've got 3 days off work.

Actually, I took leave on the 1st day. Tara woke us up in the middle of the night with her loud belching sounds. Knowing that she was going to puke, I instinctively place my hand under her mouth to hold her vomit. Yup, gross! She fussed a little while I changed and cleaned her and fell asleep soon after. After about 10mins, the belching sounds came again. It went on for a few more times and by the time we can get our rest, it's almost 5 plus in the morning. Tired and beaten, I took leave for the day. Even Bob had runs the whole night, making countless trips to the toilet. We wondered if it's the food we ate at some fish restaurant. Tara ate some fish too.

We brought her to the paeds at Tiong Bahru. I started to feel discomfort, bit of gastric and stomachache but nothing happened till the next morning. Since 7am in the morning till 12 midnight, I went to the toilet 12 times, had a low grade fever, slight gastric pains, mild nausea and severe giddiness. I couldn't even stand up to shower. Went to see Kelly and was given MC for 2 days.

Being the very "outdoor" person I am, being stuck at home for 3 days is a bit too much for me, so we brought Tara to Marina Square last night. Met up with Cindy for dinner (she happened to be at Bugis). I couldn't finish my favourite Chicken with Texas Sauce from Cafe Cartel, and halfway through my dinner, I felt the rumbling feeling again. I thought it's my diarrhea coming back, but luckily it didn't. Well, although I managed to lost 1kg (think it's water), but it's not fun to be stuck in the toilet the whole day.

While we were doing a last hour window shop at Home-Fix, Tara started making loud noises, Bob and me just thought she wanted our attention. While we were ready to go, Bob noticed something on the pram cushion, Tara had pooed! Onto the pram!! In a panic mode, I rushed her to the toilet, while I'm trying to find the baby room, I saw Tara playing with her poo and putting her fingers into her mouth. Eeeuuuurrrrgggg! She was in such a mess that we've got to use the sink to bath her. It was quite cold but we've got no choice. Poor Tara, she caught my diarrhea bug. I just hope Cyrus did not catch the bug from Tara because throughout the dinner, both of them kept kissing each other, lip to lip.

Anyway, I'm back at work today, yes, I work 5.5 days a week. Still feeling weak, but can cope. But the drive to work wasn't that smooth, cos I'm still feeling dizzy spells. But I'll make my way home safely. No sweat.

New layout! Wonderful Christmas

Love the new photo layout I created. Thanks to Melissa for giving me the idea.

Had a wonderful Christmas party at my place yesterday. Enjoyed myself throughly! And this Christmas, I got lots of nice gifts. So very happy! Will blog with photos soon.

Christmas Day & Christmas Gifts

I would always open up my presents on Christmas Eve, because I just can’t wait till Christmas Day.

I made sure that I’ve wrapped up every single present, take a photo of the Christmas tree before I allow Bob and Tara to open theirs.

Tara received 3 gifts from me, and 1 from Bob. Bob got 2 gifts from me and I got 1 from him. A week before, I walked out of the study room and realized there’s an extra present under the tree and saw my name on it. Happy and excited, I knelt in front of the tree to examine the haphazardly wrapped up gift (well, guys). I remembered I told Bob I wanted to get a blue tooth. The small box kind of convinced me that it might be a blue tooth. Although I’m already rejoicing in my heart, I told myself not to hold my hopes too high, because knowing Bob, he’s just one guy whose mind I can’t read and who can’t read mine either.

Bob taught Tara how to tear up the wrappings and cute little Tara was enjoying so much. Every piece of paper she tore, she would pass to Bob. I think she enjoyed tearing up the wrapping rather than getting the gift because even though she can clearly see the toy underneath, she didn’t get excited and was adamant that the present be stripped totally. Very cute.

Tara received a sort-of doggie piano, a toy mobile phone and a set of Mother goose VCD and books from me and a Leapfrog LeapPad from Bob. I’ve always wanted to get the LeapPad for Tara so when I saw the gift, I whooped with joy! Mummy was more excited than the kid!

Bob got a set of Topman boxers and a Polo Ralph polo tee shirt from me whereas I received a box of SKII mask from him. Yup, it’s not the Bluetooth that I thought, but nevertheless, I was thrilled to get the mask too. Bob knew that I was running out of the masks and decided to get it for me. I just hope that he won’t be getting this for me on every single occasion.

This Christmas was the happiest one I had. I love all the gifts I received this year! Cheryl got me 2 books; Life Swap by Jane Green (my wish list!) and Chicken Soup for Every Mom’s Soul. Angela bought me a book by Jamie Oliver (another wish list)! Cindy got me a necklace which I was eyeing for weeks, Sis gave me a set of mask from Forever Living, which I told her I wanted to buy but couldn’t bear to as it’s not that cheap. My Sales Director bought me a cute cushion from Zed & Zee but I can’t seem to find it after the party. I also received a cute key chain from Jaime.

I’m looking forward to next year’s Christmas already!

Christmas Party!

This year, we held the party at my place. Jaime told us we have excess money in our funds and we decided to order turkey and log cake to indulge. Trying to be gung ho, I offered to roast the turkey, since the ordered ones will be too big for the 8 (suppose to be 10, but 2 MIA) to finish, and from what I heard, will be too cold and tough to chew.

1 week before the party, I bought the small turkey and 2 types of stuffing. Actually 1 stuffing will suffice but it's my first time, I don't know which is good. But eventually, I didn't use both, it's a waste of money, and they are now sitting in my fridge, waiting for my next course of action (which is most probably to chuck it). I surfed the internet for recipes to cook the turkey, and I start to panic. I don't know which recipe is good, I don't know how the turkey will turn out and I kind of regret taking up the task. I finally decided on this one, and started buying the ingredients. The other day, I picked up the recipe to read (for the umpteenth time), and heard Bob telling Tara that mummy is nervous already, and go on to tell me to just order a turkey instead of stressing myself out. I put on a brave front and said “It’s just like roasting a chicken what!”, which of course, couldn’t convince even myself.

The morning before the party, I thaw the turkey in the fridge. It takes more than 24 hours to thaw.

On the day of the party, I woke up at 8.40am to prepare the turkey. Preparations didn’t take me long, as I omitted quite a big part of the recipe. By 10am, the turkey was roasting in the oven and I start to chop up the ingredients for the cream of mushroom soup, a recipe I found here.

Sis and Angela arrived first. Sis didn’t know how busy I was and just chucked me with the ingredients for her carrot and potato mash. I haven’t even tidy up the hall! Fortunately, Angela was there to help. She even helped me with the mushroom soup. What an angel! I think that’s why her name is Angela, hehe.

Everyone else arrived by 12.30pm. I told them to leave all the presents under the Christmas tree. Somehow, I believe that presents under the Christmas tree will be blessed.

We had the most sumptuous and fun Christmas party this year. All the food was yummy and my mushroom soup received rave reviews! The turkey turned out fine. Angela prepared chocolate fondue! How evil is that! Well, she almost always prepares evil stuff which we can’t resist.

For the gift exchange, Audrey got my Mphosis slippers whereas I got a set of towel and purses from Cindy. I bought everyone a bath lily each and received extra presents from Angela, Cindy, Sis and Jaime.

I think the kids are the happiest lot this Christmas, they are showered with so many gifts. Makes me wanna be a kid again. Everyone enjoyed themselves and I’m kind of looking forward to the next Christmas party already!

Talia's Birthday!

A back log post of Talia's birthday!

Gene invited us to Talia's first birthday last Saturday. I had intended to go Jurong Point for the Drypers cum Class 95 event but it's never my habit to turn down an invitation.

When we reached, Talia was walking a little, it's so cute, she's so petite and it's quite fun to watch such a small toddler walking! Surprisingly, Tara wasn't fazed by the new surroundings nor the unfamiliar faces there. She started playing beside Talia, who was busy pushing a little basket of party toys around.

Talia's Strawberry Shortcake birthday cake was so pretty, and really tasty. It's only after everyone had sang the birthday song, did they realised that the candle was not lit. A rather candid but memorable moment. The part when Talia cut the cake was really cute, she held the plastic knife and started sawing away.

We had to buy some Christmas stuff before going to Bob's aunt's place to drive PILs to the train station, thus we left early. Gene told me there's Cold Storage and Kiddy Palace at Compass Point but we wasn't able to go cos the car park was full and a number of cars queueing to get in. Imagine my disappointment! I saw Metro and Mos burger! Seems like a nice place to shop. Anyway, I've told Bob I will bring Tara there during my long CNY break. Yippee! Shopping!! Can't wait...

It's Christmas! Ho ho ho..

My favourite time of the year, Chinese New Year used to be my favourite, until I have to start giving out ang baos. Those I collected last year don't count, cos they don't belong to me. Every single penny goes to my little girl's own savings account.

Anyway, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas with lots of nice gifts.

Stress

I’m sitting on the edge of my seat. I can’t relax. I’m super stressed out now. I don't usually blog about my work, but sitting here doing nothing makes me feel even worse.

I just clinched a major deal and should be really happy, but I’m not. Nothing really went smoothly since day 1. The client kept raising her voice at me, and I got to appease her with a nice log cake. The boss kept pressuring me to get all the important stuff to be done before I can proceed with anything else. I’m stuck in between, and could barely breathe.

My colleagues tried to joke with me as usual, but couldn’t get the normal reaction out of me. I just stared at them blankly and walk away. And I just told one of them to stop joking with me, I can’t laugh at all. I’ve never, ever felt this kind of stress and it leaves me wondering, is it worth it? I was told it’s the biggest job in my company’s history. That didn’t make me smile either. I just hope that the payment comes in on time, at least when I see my commission cheque on the 15th, I will know that it’s worth it and I can pat myself on my back. Well, maybe I’ll just pray first, that the job will be delivered on time.

I’m usually calm when it comes to work. Even if problems cropped up, it won’t faze me at all. I mean, even if you start ranting at anyone and everyone, it will not make things right. But this time, I specifically told the production people NO MISTAKES ALLOWED. Yes, in capital, bold and underlined. It’s this serious. Very serious. One mistake and everything will go in disarray.

Nothing bad must happen. That’s why I’m so stressed.

It’s 6.31pm now. I’m supposed to meet up the client at Orchard later, after the proof is ready. Today will be a long day. Just hope I will be able to see Tara before she sleeps tonight.

Another 2 tasks checked!

Slept at 4am this morning, just to complete 2 tasks:

1) Upload all back log photos for Tara's birthday blog.

2) Post up the birthday decorations used on Tara's birthday for auction.

*Yawn...*

The Other Woman

This book by Jane Green, is oh so good. It tells you that you are not the only person in this world who couldn't get along with your MILs.

For those who can't seem to fathom why there is this hatred (oh too serious), or dislike (that's a better word) towards their MILs, this is the book for you.

Up till now, I still cannot understand why MILs love to get involved in their sons' lives, especially when they are already married and have a family of their own. And the strange thing is, the still single sons, who would have deserve more attention, are the ones being left alone. If the MILs thought that they are the only person in the world that can do a better job than their DILs, then they are oh-so-wrong.

Anyway, read this book. It's really interesting. Ellie is definitely someone I can relate to. My sister, after reading it, told me that it's almost exactly what had happened to me. You want to know what happen? Hmmz.. read the book.

I got a Tag Box!

Thanks to Gene, I found a better alternative to Tagboard, which I encountered lots of problems when I tried to register. Since I don't have a comment box, I guess this is a better alternative to communicate with you all out there. Come on! Send me something!

Some good news to share

This November was a happy month for me. Some good news to share!

First, Jenny from my gang 61 got married! She held her wedding at Holiday Inn Park View. The whole ballroom decor has an old English feel. And they have the funniest first course presentation I've ever seen. The wait staff came in pairs, gal would hook her hand around the guy's arm and each holding the dish on the other hand. The last pair of wait staff was the best-looking of the lot. Just when we thought the presentation was over, the door was closed once again and the song "Macarena" came on, door opened and a chef with a bulging tummy danced into the ballroom! He went around the tables and poked his tummy at the guests. It was hilarious! And it's not the end yet, the chef later went on the stage and together with the best-looking pair of wait staff, started doing the macarena dance, while holding the dish. Oh man, I laugh so hard, I almost fell off my chair. Kudos to the guy who choreographed the presentation. And the couple look so beautiful together. When they walk down the aisle, I feel so touched, I almost tear. Congrats to you once again, Jenny & Chou Nen!


At Jenny's wedding

I enrolled Tara in the Best Photogenic Baby Contest (Held by Parent Pick magazine) and she got a consolation! Angela, Sis, Shermaine and Javier went to support her. It's the first time she won a contest! So happy.



Tara was sleeping when I went on stage to receive the prize


The picture that got her the consolation prize


Prize hamper and a nice trophy

And lastly, end of November means December is coming! My favorite month! The month where Christmas songs, Christmas presents, Christmas Tree and Christmas feast always make me so, so happy! I bought a new Christmas album too, but it's erm, too oldies for my liking. Must get another one. I've already bought 3 gifts for Tara and 1 for Bob, gonna get a couple more for Bob too. Sad, none of the presents under the Christmas Tree belong to me. Anyway, I've also set up the tree and bought a new round round decor which I hang on my front door. So Christmasy! I'm gonna get a few stockings to hang in the house too. The gang will be celebrating Christmas at my place this year.

Miss Hong made my day

Miss Hong really made my day today. This morning, I received an email from her, congratulating me, told me Tara had won the cutest kid contest. I was puzzled, I checked the website and my email but found nothing that says results. I emailed her again, and said there isn't any annoucement. Minutes later, she replied me, saying I'm a blur queen mummy, and told me it's already in the mothercare website.

I scratch my head, Mothercare? Why is Mothercare annoucing the result? So I decided to click on the link she gave me.

I almost fell off the chair! I laugh and laugh until I almost die.

This is the mothercare website with Tara's picture.

And this is the cutest kid contest website with Tara's picture.

I'll be damn if the mothercare Tara is my kid.

Conversation between daddy and his little girl

Tara: Wahwahwahwahwahwahwahwahwah..
Daddy: Wahwahwahwahwahwahwahwahwah..
Tara: Wahwahwah..
Daddy: Wahwahwah
Tara: Wahwah?
Daddy: Wahwah?
Mummy: *Laughing away*
After 5 mins.. the conversation still goes on…
Tara: Wahwahwahwahwahwahwahwahwah…
Daddy: Wahwahwahwahwahwahwahwahwah…
Mummy: Aiyo.. (slightly irritated).
Another 2 mins..
Tara: Wahwahwah..
Mummy: Darling, stop it. You are getting on mummy’s nerves already.
Daddy: Wahwahwah.
Mummy: Hey dear, you stop it too okay? Just ignore her alright?
Tara: Wahwahwah
She hasn’t give up.
Daddy: Wahwahwah..
He hasn’t give up either.
Mummy: I’m going crazy already! Dear, stop it!!
We were on our way to pick up MIL. Minutes later, MIL in the car..
Tara: Wahwahwahwah…
MIL: Hahahah.. Wahwahwahwahwah…
Mummy: Arrrgggghhhhhhhhh………!!!!

Tara’s Milestone @ 1 year

Haiz.. I procrastinate on Tara’s milestone update at 11 months, gotta update for both months now. Haiz.. lazy mummy. I shall do it in point form.

• New words in Tara’s vocabulary, “where?” and “olio”, don’t know where she learn olio from. Maybe she knows mummy loves to eat aglio olio? Nah, she’s just making sounds, but I’m sure “where” is one new word she’s been blabbering a lot lately. And one more, "mum mum". She's not calling me, she's calling for food.
• Since 11 month, she learnt how to stand up by herself, without support. She would applaud at her own effort, and fell on her butt almost immediately because she’s been clapping too vigorously.
• Tara learnt that if she refuses anything, she just need to shake her head. So when she doesn't want milk, doesn't want a particular person to carry, doesn't want to drink water, she just need to shake her head and we will all understand. And she's been so hung up on this new skill of hers, she's practically shaking her head as if she's high on some drugs. And shaking her head at almost everything.
• She also understand what I meant when I said no. When she tried to pull the newspapers, rummage the drawers, go into the study, pull down books from the shelves, I will give a stern look, said "NO!" and she will understand. Most times, she will just scurry away, looking for other stuff to play, and sometimes, like most other babies, she decided she will test my authority. Instead of scolding her, I will distract her with some other stuff. The most effective one was her singing ducky travelling on her choo choo train around the whole house.
• She also understand a few other simple commands. When I offer her milk, I will tell her to hold the bottle and she will do it. When she pull out the bottle before she finished the milk, I will tell her to put the bottle back and she will do it. Bob always tell her to lie on her pillow when he gave her milk, and she will do it.

Tara's 1st Birthday Party!

We held Tara's first birthday party at our place on the 5th of November. I think the effort I spent on the preps can equal to my wedding. 2 months before the date, I've already thought of how to decorate the place. 1 month before, I've started buying the party stuff. Bob wasn't really keen on holding a big party but I told him it's the 1st, and it shall be the best. Though I really want it to be very BIG, and even booked Hard Rock Cafe for the event. 2 things that changed my mind, limited budget and sucked service (which I don't wish to comment further). It sounded really cool to hold the party at HRC, but it will cost me $20 per pax, with only 6 items of finger food and unlimited soft drinks, which is the only perk. I intend to invite over 80, which will cost me more than 1,600. So eventually, I still ended up holding it at my place, with the same cost, but food is so much better. The only thing I hated is the cleaning up.

Most of those who said they are coming, came. Lots of presents and ang baos for Tara. I gave the kids goodie bags with tidbits and also a set of colouring book and colour pencils. For the younger kiddos, they have goodie bags too, but with baby friendly snacks as well as harmless, non-toxic "rattle" (I don't know how to call that).

I ordered a 3D brown bear cake that turned pink. It's my fault. I should not have said anything about changing the colour of the bear to pink (to suit the theme). I did tell the person taking my order to keep the colour of the bear and just change the cake itself to pink (well, there's a small cake in front of the bear). Miscommunication always happens. I was very disappointed with the pink, it's so.. so.. 80s. My cousin, whom I met once a year, carried her daughter over, looked at the cake and said (to her daughter), "the cake colour not so nice hor?". Arggh..

And did I mention that the whole theme was pink? I bought metallic pink balloons with pink strings to tie. (Some silver ones for the boys, pink is too girlish for them). Every piece of the decor was in pink, even the table cover. And yes, the serviettes, plates and cups are also pink. I didn't buy any pink forks and spoons because I've already busted my budget big time.

Bob got 2 cylinders of helium for the balloon. Cheryl took leave to help me out. Everything went without a hitch (except for the cake). I apologize to all who came, I'm so busy and couldn't really talked to everyone. Thanks for the gifts and ang baos. Now Tara got so many toys and clothes to last her for the next 1 year! She had fun unwrapping the gifts too.

It's so much fun, I don't mind doing it again. *wink*

Anyway, I've finally managed to upload all the photos! Thanks to the speed of my new Singnet broadband, everything is done in a cool 5 mins, compared to the usual 1 min per image previously. What can I say? Nothing to complain.... yet.

In front of the lift landing

Corridor leading to my house, fully decorated with helium-filled ballons


The spread

Entrance to my house

My dining, decorated with balloons too!

Tara and her birthday cake

Blow the candles

Tara's birthday presents

Tara's favourite birthday gift
A little Disney fire truck, comes complete with a firemen's helmet

I designed this invite card, mass emailed to my friends and realised a grammar error. *sign*

Designed a thank you card too. Emailed to all my friends after the party. And yup, it's pink too!

Jumping

My office is situated in a building that is almost as old as my hubby (he’s 33). There are 4 very old and battered cargo lifts in each building.

When I first started work here, Cheryl told me if I should use the cargo lift and the doors refused to close, I just need to jump and stomp hard to make it budge.

The other day, one of my client and I was using one of the cargo lift. I pressed the button, the doors didn’t close, so I did what Cheryl told me, I just jumped and stomped and keep pressing the button, trying to make the doors close (there's no close door button, to close the doors, have to press the level buttons). My client looked at me, puzzled and said, “Amy, what you doing? And why you keep pressing 7 (the button)? We are going down what!”

I was on level 7.

When you least expected it

Conversation between me and my male colleague (MC).

Me: Hey, my menses came. Damn, look what I’m wearing today! (a white skirt). Heng I didn’t stain it.
MC: You mean you don’t know when it’s coming?
Me: No lah, I’m always not regular.
MC: Then how? Did you bring anything?
Me: Nope, and damn I’m wearing a bloody thong. (means I can’t borrow pad). Now I can’t sit down.

Minutes later, standing over my desk and typing…

MC: Hey, sit down lah! (Sniggering away)
Me: Hey, shut up okay!
MC: You need a stopper or not?
Me: Damn, I got a bigger stopper here alright? (Waving my mineral bottle at him).
MC: No… I mean THE stopper.

I walked over to his desk and he whipped out a tampon, which I gave him months ago, for him to “explore” (in a technical way hor).

Me: Hope it's not contaminated. You are my saviour, man…*Laughing hysterically* Thank you ah!! (As I was walking out the office).
MC: Hey, not so loud please. People will thought why you thanking me.
Me: You are the last person in this office I expect to have a tampon leh. Wahahahahaha….

Vote for Tara!

Being the very kiasu mother, I've entered Tara in a Cutest Kid Competition. To vote for Tara, you have to click on this link. Search for Tara's cute little photo, click on it and you will be directed to your email program, after which you can just click send.

Alternatively, you can just send an email to cutestkid@tangerined.com with subject: CK Tara and send.

I'm trying to garner as many votes as possible. Hence, would appreciate if you all can give me and Tara your vote of support. Only limited to 1 email per account (Fair right?). But if you should have many email accounts, please, do use them all.

Your vote will be a nice belated birthday present to Tara. Muacks!

On Tara’s Birthday

I had intended to bring her to Snoopy’s Place in Plaza Singapura, but I have no idea that the restaurant had closed down. Boy, am I disappointed. Eventually, we settled for Manhattan’s Fish Market on level 6. It’s not the best place to celebrate her birthday but I can’t think of anywhere else to go.

Bob and I shared a Platter for Two, much like Fish & Co.’s seafood platter for 2, while we ordered a Fishnet – kid’s size fish & chips – for Tara. The presentation of the platter was quite different, the waiter will bring out the platter and flamed it right in front of us, using a can of what looks like aerosol. Of course it’s not, but I don’t know what that is.

Verdict on the platter, 6 out of 10. By the time we finished, Bob felt nauseous, because everything is deep fried. Unlike Fish & Co.’s platter, which we can finish every single grain of the rice.

Anyway, Tara enjoyed her Fish & Chips a lot (without the crust of course). She finished the whole piece by herself! Amazing! And we can bring the kid’s menu home too. I’m gonna put it in her little album.

Last year 11th November, I gave birth to my little angel. I can’t help it, and kept smiling at the thought of how time flies. In the early hours of 11th – after the clock strike 12 - , Bob sang a birthday song to her while she sleep, and whispered to her, saying Mummy was in a lot of pain - while trying to give birth to her - at this time last year. Hey, that is so sweet..

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY TO TARA!!

Happy birthday to my precious princess. Mummy & Daddy love you!!

No more comments

I've decided to remove the comments, since I don't always get one. But if you should need to leave one, please email me okay?

My day “off”

Wednesdays have unofficially become my “off” days, when I will leave Tara in the care of Bob or my ILs (when they are around), and find a nice place to catch up on some reading or maybe some lone shopping.

I spent my first off-day last Wednesday, reading at West Coast Park’s McCafe. I almost cracked my skull trying to think of a place that has large cushy sofas, nice ambience for reading and not thousands of miles away from home. Places I thought of are either too far, too noisy, too crowded or parking charges are crazy.

Yesterday was my second day off of the month, I finally thought of the perfect place, Book Café, at a quiet corner of Mohd Sultan and Martin Road. I’ve been there a few times, with ex-colleagues or friends, and I quite like the place. But as of yesterday, I fell in love totally.

It’s the perfect place for reading! The big cushy sofas are so comfy. The décor are so homey. They have 3 separate areas, outdoor dining, indoor dining and rest-and-relax-on-the-sofa area. Every time I was there, I will be at the outdoor dining area, and yesterday for the first time, I took the sofa seats. Oh man, it’s so comfy I almost fell asleep!

It’s so easy to find parking too, which is another bonus. I put up 2.5 hours of parking coupons and spent 3 hours of therapeutic reading in the café. I love every moment of it! They even have shelves of books and magazines, and even a Mac for free net surfing! The only down point was the music, which I thought was a bit too loud, but maybe it’s my own fault for sitting right beside the bloody speaker. Make it another one, the food is expensive! A plain Caesar salad cost me almost $11 and a double latte at almost $6. Gawd!

All the sofas are 3 seaters, with a few easy chairs surrounding a table. I felt pretty bad occupying such a big area, since I’m alone. I was hoping no one would come over and tell me they need the seats. I’m pretty lucky, only 1 couple eyed my sofa, but they decided to take the indoor dining instead, and the rest of the diners are happy with the outdoor dining.

Like I’ve mentioned, it’s a therapeutic 3 hour reading. I left the café feeling rejuvenated, recharged and very happy. Not sure if anyone noticed a crazy woman smiling to herself along Mohd Sultan yesterday. In fact, I was in such a good mood, I give way to every single faster-driving car on the highway, usually I will just speed up and refuse to get off the lane, haha! I’m sure I will be there next Wednesday too. Ahh.. I can’t wait.

Thanks to Joe!

Thanks to Cindy's Joe, everytime I looked at my phone, I will see either Tara, Bob and/or myself. It's so nice! I love it so much. Well, who doesn't like to look at themselves the whole time? Especially nicely made up and stuff. I can see myself everywhere, from the menu to the calendar to even the box that pops up each time I receive an sms! Cool or what. Joe, you are good, man!


On my wallpaper, my precious Tara.


Pop up box; wedding shot of me, looking serene and demure. Haha.


Bob and me smiling happily, on almost every background of the menu.


Bob and me again, only in the "Go to" icon.


Yup, it's us again, on the calendar!

My Christmas Wish List

This is my third post today. I'm catching up on loss time, since I didn't blog for the past 10 days.

For anyone and everyone who knows me, and agrees that I've been a good girl this year, and decides to buy me a Christmas present as a nice reward, I have come up with a wish list.

Hehe.. make my Christmas happy yah! Thanks..

Tagged Again - Weird and Random Facts

Was tagged by Eileen sometime back. Hey gal, sorry that I can only do this now. Busy lah..

Rules of the game:
Post 5 Weird and Random Facts about you, then at the end list the names of 5 people who are next in line to do this:

1. I hate mangoes; the smell reminds me of a wet rag, left in a dark corner of a cupboard for days. Yucks!

2. I must read something when I do my “business”, something, anything! Even town council newsletter is better than nothing.

3. I can yak non-stop with friends and acquaintances but go tongue-tied in front of crowds of strangers. Presentations freak me out!

4. For the benefit of those who always like to judge me, yes, I can cook and yes, I can do sewing, knitting and embroidery, thank you.

5. I can watch the most horror shows without batting an eyelid but go all shaking and shivering when it comes to “Crime Watch”. Funny? You tell me.

I won’t be tagging anyone because the last time I did, both ignored it. And both are the only 2 friends I can tag.

Bitten by the book bug

In 4 weeks, I read 3 books. I'm a believer by Jessica Adams, Spellbound and Mr Maybe, both by Jane Green. I have a penchant for chick-lit novels, they are very entertaining, makes me laugh. I used to read thrillers and stuff but after Sidney Sheldon – which I’ve read every single book he wrote before I got my ‘O’s – I decided that now, I need something for a change, I need something girlish and relaxing.

Came across “I'm a believer” at MPH and decided to borrow from the library (I don’t usually buy my books, unless its $6 a piece). Oh man, I had a hard time finishing it! Remember I mentioned I read 3 books in 4 weeks? I spent a wasted 3 weeks on this book alone! The storyline was interesting, but the flow of writing was pretty rough, not captivating enough. In fact, I will yawn once every 3 pages. But I happen to be the kind of person who MUST finish a book once I’ve read past the acknowledgements. Darn the principles, and I’m stuck with a boring book while the 7 others waited in one dark corner, till they are almost overdue and I had no choice but to return them.

As for Jane Green, she’s a goddess. She’s so funny that sometimes, I felt so stupid laughing alone, with nobody else beside me, and holding just a book. “Mr Maybe” is so darn close to reality and super funny; I finished it in 3 days straight.

Yesterday, I went on a book-borrowing frenzy. Well, Jane Green doesn’t write that many books to keep me entertained for long right? So I go against my usual “practice” and decided to scour for some nice books. I took every book that has a girlish cover, and with small printed fonts that says "best-selling”. Well, if it’s not best-selling means it’s not “discovered” yet or it’s total crap, and thus shall be ignored.

I went home happily with 5 books, on top of the other 2 I borrowed last week. Thanks to National Library’s “Drop everything and read” campaign, I can borrow up to 8 books, till January 2006. Happy!

Finally..

It's been quite a while since I've last touched the home computer. There's lots of stuff I need to do; Tara's website, new template for my blog, upload images, download fonts etc. The past a week or two, I will be asleep by 11.30pm and I kind of felt pretty bad, for putting off all these stuff and succumb to the comfort of my pillows and duvet instead.

Anyway, in 3 hours and 30 minutes, I (only) managed to do the following:

1. Create a new banner for Tara's website (yet to launch), after making about 5230 amendments. I quite like it now.
2. Some little stuff for the sidebar, which I presume I will still make 10,000 changes.
3. Downloaded tons of fonts from Font Foundry

Talk about productive or what.

Karen Cheng

I spent the last few days reading Karen’s blog from the beginning. I’ve been following her blog everyday since June but only recently, I decided to go right to the start. She blogs about happenings on her daily life; shifting into a new house, attending parties and weddings, hubby surviving cancer, her obsession with earrings, taking care of Callum (first born) and giving birth to Sean. It’s very interesting.

Just like Karen, I love to cook too. And sometimes the things that happen to Callum happened to Tara too. I dreamt of growing herbs in my backyard if I have one, but staying in Singapore means it’s not that possible, unless I’m staying in a landed property. And reading about Karen’s nice little garden of rocket lettuce, tomatoes and herbs just makes me so, so envious.

I started to dream, of staying in Australia, where life is not as hectic, houses are bigger and during weekends, there are nice places to bring your kids to. Singapore is pretty boring, I would say. There are not many places to let your kids explore. I’m planning to bring Tara to Animal Farm, Zoo, Bird Park, Botanic Gardens and West Coast Park for picnics. And where else can I go? Shopping? Makan? Oh man!

I felt that life is boring here. Bob prefers to chill out at home every weekend, while I prefer to go somewhere, in fact, anywhere! Even Jurong Point seems like a better option than staying home.

Signs that tells me I've attained Auntie-hood

• Don't bother to visit the hair salon, although hair is in complete mess.
• Stepped out of the house without nail polish on toes, but wearing open-toes.
• Shaving legs became an annual event, unless there are other IMPORTANT occasions when I need to wear a skirt.
• Using my left foot to scratch my right leg, or vice versa. (Gawd, I can't believe it either, especially when I used to hate people doing that).
• Talking when my mouth is full of food.
• Talking way too much, and quite loudly.
• Gossiping alot.
• Wearing shoes and carrying bags that don't coordinate with the rest of my outfit one bit.
• Rummaging through mountains of on-sale items, with glee.

Get-together

Had a wonderful gathering with the old-timers yesterday. I had the chance to cook curry chicken since the gathering was held on a Sunday. The verdict on the dish was quite good, thanks to the killer curry powder which Mum swears by.

Angela prepared sumptuous but “evil” kong ba pau. Guess I gotta run at least 5km to lose all that calories! But it’s so delicious, I couldn’t resist. Jaime brought along more fattening food, durian cake and blueberry cake! Wow, we really know how to enjoy ourselves! Sis took over my “standard” item and bought topshell, but preparations by Jaime, shame shame on her. Haha. Cindy was the only health conscious one yesterday; she bought fruits, not-so-ripe papaya, watermelon and grapes.

We enjoyed a few hours of yak before sis’ “suppliers” came to intro and do some demo for a certain brand of skin care product. As an ex-beauty sales promoter, I’ve learnt to be skeptical whenever someone tried to sell me something and telling me how good it is. Hence, it’s usually someone else trying it for a certain period of time, and it shows obvious results, before I will “invest” in it. Anyway, had fun with the demo.

Cyrus was, as usual, going around and making other kiddos cry. Javier was hit with a phone by Cyrus twice; the 2nd time was more serious, blue-black marks on Javier’s temple. Looking at Cyrus made me think of how Tara will be at this age, and it made me cringe. Nothing can tame him, except the cane. To care for such a child, it will take lots of patience, and I think Cindy is losing hers soon. Or maybe she had lost it already. Just hope that Cyrus will grow out of it soon.

After the gals left, I spent the next 3 hours washing up, doing laundry and some house chores. Without Bob around, it’s pretty tough to care for Tara alone. But I’m coping, and thanks to high 5. I have no choice but to let High 5 “babysit” Tara. Yes, I’m another victim of the “TV nanny”.

Wow! I passed 8th Grade Math!

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct!

Being really bad in Math (and I mean really bad), I'm so surprised I got a 10/10 in one try! Try it here!

Emails from Bob

On Sunday, I was clearing out some stuff from the study and chanced upon some floppy disks. Who uses floppies nowadays? So I decided to retrieve the files and toast into CD-roms instead.

One of the floppies was some saved text copies of Bob’s email to me when he was going after me and when we first started dating. I almost forgot how lovely that feeling was. When you constantly received emails from someone who’s very interested in you and hoping you will consider him, and when he profess his undying love to you. It’s so sweet when you first fall in love.

When we started dating, he had already contemplated about getting married with me! Talk about fast or what. And he was saying if we have kid, the kid will look like him or me? And also how nice it is to have a place of our own, blah blah blah. It’s so nice when you thought of it in the past, when you are in it, well, it’s totally different.

Anyway, it’s good to reminisce once in a while. It kind of rekindles the almost diminishing passion. Of course I love my Bob, very much in fact, but the passionate feelings you felt when you first dated is almost no longer there. What a pity.

Wow! I’m tagged!

I got tagged for the first time, thanks to Eileen *wink*.

10s that will bring me moments of joy:
1) Bob bringing me and Tara out for our family day, just the 3 of us.
2) Booked a hotel room for a relaxing overnight stay.
3) Tara kissing me when I ask her to.
4) My mum cooking my favorite dishes.
5) After cleaning up the house (happy at the achievement and enjoy the tidiness)
6) Being busy at work.
7) Receiving my commission on the 15th every month.
8) Listening to super romantic songs when driving at night.
9) Going to my favorite restaurants for meals.
10) When both Bob and Tara smiling and hugging me when I reach home from a stressful and tired day at work.

I’m supposed to tag another 5 to complete this, but how? I do not have many friends with blogs. So I’ll just tag 2:
- Cindy
- Janice

Bloody Infection

Saw my company doctor yesterday afternoon. Actually, I hate going to company doctors because I always thought they are trying to “entertain” us only, and always thinking that we are there for one reason, MC (Medical certificate).

Just as I expected, the doctor gave me a couldn’t-be-bothered look when I’m trying to tell him the symptoms. I had a hard time describing. I felt giddiness but I don’t feel the whole place spinning.

Anyway, the doctor did some random checks; checked my throat which was okay, took my temperature, and I’m running a slight temperature 37.8. I was surprised as I don’t feel unwell at all, as in the kind of weak feeling I would usually get when I have a fever. I told the doctor and he said “Weell.. the machine don’t lieeee.” Arggh!

After which, he took my blood pressure and check both my ears, and everything was fine. Until he told me to stand up, with my arms up (like Chinese zombie type) and close my eyes. Immediately, I feel giddiness and feel myself swaying.

Doctor asked me a few other questions and decided that it might be some infection which is don’t know inside which part of my body now, hence causing the fever and the giddiness. I was prescribed antibiotics for the infection and medicine for the giddiness. Doctor also told me he had a friend, who was affected by some virus and suffered from imbalance (drowsiness) for 2 years, and couldn’t drive or even walk straight without support. Even though he recovered from the infection, he suffered the after effects for 2 years!

He also advised me to drive carefully, as I’m often behind the wheels. Till now, as I write this, I’m still running a temperature, but feeling perfectly alright, except for a few occasions of giddiness. I’m supposed to go back either on Thursday or Friday for further checks if the giddiness is still there.

New dish - Pork Ribs with Bitter Gourd

I always cook on Sundays, when my in-laws not staying over my place. Yesterday, I decided to try my mum’s yet another yummy dish. Pork Ribs with Bitter gourd.

Yesterday morning, we went to Tiong Bahru Market for brunch, as well as to get the ingredients for last night’s dinner. While Bob was queuing for the infamous Lor Mee, I called Mum for some quick instructions on how to cook the dish; in fact, I only learnt it in 5 mins! Smart can?

It’s pretty easy to cook but as usual, my mum always say “agar lah” when I ask her how much ingredients I should use. So it’s also “agar-agar”, trial and error, when I cook. The amount of ingredients I use are usually based on the amount of the main ingredient, in this case the pork ribs. But I never cooked with ‘tau see’ (salted black bean) before, hence I really don’t know how to gauge. I’m supposed to fry the tau see with the garlic and small onions before I fry the ribs and bitter gourd. Then I’m supposed to simmer the stuff for an hour or so. During the simmering part, I realized that the tau see was not enough, I had to keep adding and eventually, I added one whole packet!

Fortunately, the taste was pretty good. Almost mum’s taste. I’m very happy! I love to eat this dish and now I can cook it myself whenever I have cravings. Bob was very happy too. He loves to eat, and he loves it that I love cooking as well, and he’s extremely happy to see me learning new dishes (sad for him, I refused to learn those Kelantan dishes). While I was cooking yesterday, he walked into the kitchen, with a wide grin on his face and commented on the nice aroma. His verdict on the dish? Good! And my verdict on the dish? Good! (I’m trying to be humble here).

I think something’s wrong with me

I don’t know why, I’ve been feeling giddiness every night, even when I’ve already lie down on the bed. I don’t know what causes it but I hope it’s not something serious. Sometimes when I wake up in the morning, the giddiness is still there. Sometimes there will be a bit of nausea feeling.

It’s time I see the doctor.

It’s Christmas already?!

EBIL (elder Brother-in-law) came back from US a couple of nights ago. Last night, he came to our house to see Tara, his favorite niece.

We felt so bad. He bought so many things for us! A Hard Rock café t-shirt each for me and Bob; Another T-shirt for Bob, as he’s worried Bob might not fit into the hard rock one, hahaha. And some golfing stuff which I don’t know what it’s called.

Tara has the most gifts. She got something like a rattle made from some animal skin. EBIL said it’s a mini version of some kind of drum used for bi(4) xie(2). Cute. EBIL also bought her a jumper dress and a sleeping suit from Osh Kosh. The size indicates 18mths, but they look like they will only fit Tara when she’s 5 years old! It’s so BIG! Anyway, it’s so nice of him.

EBIL also bought us one box of super yummy chocolates! My favorite! It comes in a nice tin box with assortment of flavours. I gobbled 2 immediately. And he helped us to get Desitin Creamy – the 4 oz packing ones – 6 tubes! I remembered a few days before he’s back, he said he only managed to get 3 tubes. It seems that this diaper cream is also very popular in US, and it’s always out of stock. EBIL had to go around a number of pharmacies to get it. And it seems that the prices weren’t standardized. Some pharmacies are selling at $3.99, and some at $5.99. Strange.

Oh yah, he also bought us (YES! There’s still more!) shooters glasses from Hard Rock – which we are collecting - and also a small whiskey glass from don’t know where.

Aww… so sweet of him. I felt like it was Christmas already!

Breakfast cum Lunch = Brunch, Lunch cum Dinner?

2 Saturdays ago, we visited June, Guowei and their lovely first born, Aloysius at Gleneagles. Aloysius was big, 3.6kg or 3.8kg at birth. Congrats to June and Guowei!

After the visiting, we decided to go Tanglin mall for lunch / dinner. I wonder how to call that. Breakfast cum lunch is called a brunch, how about lunch and dinner? Do we call it a lun-ner? Or a dinch?

Anyway, we decided to go Spageddies. I wanted so much to eat the Aglio Olio but Bob wanted to eat too and told me to get something else (funny him, we can order the same thing what!). I ordered a Vongole Spaghetti. The garlic bread was super yummy! But my spaghetti was not as fantastic. I should have stuck to the Aglio.

After the “dinch”, we went to the supermarket down the basement for our groceries. Wow, it’s pricey!

Another short family day….