Just returned from a day of mahjong. We had good bonding time and there were relatives visiting my aunt halfway through, but it was a good break for all of us.
Baby nephew Rayee also dropped by before he went off to visit his mummy's side of the relatives. It must be tired on my cousin and his wife, this being their first year with baby. Anyhow, I think they should be able to cope, with their domestic help around.
It's actually quite amusing that Rayee is afraid of my dad. It was probably my dad's tone when he spoke to him yesterday. He started crying shortly after and from then on, whenever he saw my dad, he would cry. I, on the other hand, am elated that he allows me to carry him *grin*. He usually does not let just anyone carry, but one thing I found out: he is afraid of loud voices too. Once, I laughed heartily while carrying him and he started crying :P
Going to have more bonding time with my cousin this weekend. It could be mahjong...again, or it could just be a girlie sleepover. Whatever it is, I am excited already!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
First day of Chinese New Year
T'was the first day of the Chinese New Year (CNY). I think I woke up earliest this year in the whole of my CNY history. In the past, we used to drag till about ten plus eleven o'clock before we could trot out of the house. This time though, we were on the roads by nine plus. That was quite a feat!
First stop was maternal grandparents' place. Found out that they were watching tv with yellow screen, which means it is going to go kapoot soon. Made a mental note to buy them one as soon as the shops open after CNY.
Then we were off to my first aunt's place. We thought we were early but third aunt and family were even earlier. No matter though for some of cousins were either chatting or napping. They had a very busy night before, with the kids and all. I suspect they went last minute shopping where all the new year goodies go cheap.
As much as I used to find it such a chore to sit around and wait for the adults to finish their conversations, I now welcome the chit-chatting and munching very much. It is a sort of bonding that only close family and relatives can have.
However, the number of places have been decreasing a little every year as relations die of old age or some ailment or other. This makes me treasure this time of the year even more. I just wonder, what will happen when it comes to our generation? Which cousin's place do we go to? Will we have enough younger generations to pass these traditions to (given that only 2 out of my 4 married cousins have children)?
First stop was maternal grandparents' place. Found out that they were watching tv with yellow screen, which means it is going to go kapoot soon. Made a mental note to buy them one as soon as the shops open after CNY.
Then we were off to my first aunt's place. We thought we were early but third aunt and family were even earlier. No matter though for some of cousins were either chatting or napping. They had a very busy night before, with the kids and all. I suspect they went last minute shopping where all the new year goodies go cheap.
As much as I used to find it such a chore to sit around and wait for the adults to finish their conversations, I now welcome the chit-chatting and munching very much. It is a sort of bonding that only close family and relatives can have.
However, the number of places have been decreasing a little every year as relations die of old age or some ailment or other. This makes me treasure this time of the year even more. I just wonder, what will happen when it comes to our generation? Which cousin's place do we go to? Will we have enough younger generations to pass these traditions to (given that only 2 out of my 4 married cousins have children)?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Chinese New Year Eve
Today is day 2 of room packing and it is also the last day. That is, if I am really superstitious and want to follow tradition. We are not to clean or sweep our homes come midnight. Really though, who would want to be packing their rooms and homes when they can sit comfortably at about 12 midnight to countdown to the Chinese New Year (CNY)?
Bought a shredder for Dad (and myself, actually) and got it fixed up today. Helped him to install the printer too. Printer seems noisier than the previous one but still, I think the results of colour printing for this printer are fantastic!
This year, I feel that all around me, people are quietly festive. I can feel this sense of prudence all around, which, to me, is pretty good. It brings us back to the true meaning of the festival, to be with the family (sounds like Christmas, but aren't all festivals like that?). Some families may have less money to spend but there will (hopefully be) unspoken warmth.
As with previous years, my maternal grandparents, my parents and I went to have our reunion dinner at Ling Zhi Vegetarian Restaurant. This is the one time in the year when my mum gets a big treat of expensive but deliciously good vegetarian dishes.
Previous years too, we used to go to my eldest aunt's place to have our reunion dinner (after both my paternal grandparents passed away). This year though, she has some leg problems and decided to go out with her own children to eat.
No matter though coz we arranged with my aunts and we will be going to Crystal Jade tonight and this reunion business is not a laughing matter. We were already very late in booking our table (about one week before CNY eve). I had originally wanted to go to Lao Beijing which had yummy, yum, yum food but all their outlets were all booked out. Plus, they only have two sittings.
Crystal Jade had three sittings: 6.45pm, 7.30pm and 8.45pm. We took the latest as this means we do not need to rush through our meal and can really take our time. Can you imagine eating and having the wait staff clear your plates quickly and telling you your time would be up soon if you could not finish on time? Not very nice.
I didn't manage to take any pics last night as we went out of the house in a rush. Will try to take some tonight to post.
Till then, enjoy your reunion dinner if you haven't already had yours and wherever you are you can still have a reunion dinners with your own family and extended family and friends!
Bought a shredder for Dad (and myself, actually) and got it fixed up today. Helped him to install the printer too. Printer seems noisier than the previous one but still, I think the results of colour printing for this printer are fantastic!
This year, I feel that all around me, people are quietly festive. I can feel this sense of prudence all around, which, to me, is pretty good. It brings us back to the true meaning of the festival, to be with the family (sounds like Christmas, but aren't all festivals like that?). Some families may have less money to spend but there will (hopefully be) unspoken warmth.
As with previous years, my maternal grandparents, my parents and I went to have our reunion dinner at Ling Zhi Vegetarian Restaurant. This is the one time in the year when my mum gets a big treat of expensive but deliciously good vegetarian dishes.
Previous years too, we used to go to my eldest aunt's place to have our reunion dinner (after both my paternal grandparents passed away). This year though, she has some leg problems and decided to go out with her own children to eat.
No matter though coz we arranged with my aunts and we will be going to Crystal Jade tonight and this reunion business is not a laughing matter. We were already very late in booking our table (about one week before CNY eve). I had originally wanted to go to Lao Beijing which had yummy, yum, yum food but all their outlets were all booked out. Plus, they only have two sittings.
Crystal Jade had three sittings: 6.45pm, 7.30pm and 8.45pm. We took the latest as this means we do not need to rush through our meal and can really take our time. Can you imagine eating and having the wait staff clear your plates quickly and telling you your time would be up soon if you could not finish on time? Not very nice.
I didn't manage to take any pics last night as we went out of the house in a rush. Will try to take some tonight to post.
Till then, enjoy your reunion dinner if you haven't already had yours and wherever you are you can still have a reunion dinners with your own family and extended family and friends!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Advice from a 60+ year old blogging dad
Our home printer that starts with "H" had died on us. When I called Dad after work last night, he told me he was headed for Funan to hunt for a new one.
Rushed down to make sure he got the one that I preferred (Hee!), which was the brand that starts with an "E". According to my ex-housemate, that was the closest to true colour (or something like that). One of my classmates told me that it was the only ink printer that did not smudge when water spills on the print. Cool!
We took the bus home and lugged the new 'toy' along. Dad was funny coz he thought he was just going to check out the prices and was not going to buy any that night. I managed to convince him otherwise.
I had so many stories of my kids to tell that I started telling him all about them, one by one. Their good points and bad ones and how each and every one of them have touched me in their own special ways.
Suddenly, he just told me casually, "You know? You should start a blogspot on your kids."
I replied that I do not want to blog about work as I don't think it is ethical but on second thoughts, I can actually make my blog private and only invite the exclusive few to read, if they are interested.
I am still contemplating about starting another blog, but most of all, I am still very amazed at how my Dad had become such a fan of blogging. Or rather, how he has succumbed to the urge of 'telling the whole world'. :P
Rushed down to make sure he got the one that I preferred (Hee!), which was the brand that starts with an "E". According to my ex-housemate, that was the closest to true colour (or something like that). One of my classmates told me that it was the only ink printer that did not smudge when water spills on the print. Cool!
We took the bus home and lugged the new 'toy' along. Dad was funny coz he thought he was just going to check out the prices and was not going to buy any that night. I managed to convince him otherwise.
I had so many stories of my kids to tell that I started telling him all about them, one by one. Their good points and bad ones and how each and every one of them have touched me in their own special ways.
Suddenly, he just told me casually, "You know? You should start a blogspot on your kids."
I replied that I do not want to blog about work as I don't think it is ethical but on second thoughts, I can actually make my blog private and only invite the exclusive few to read, if they are interested.
I am still contemplating about starting another blog, but most of all, I am still very amazed at how my Dad had become such a fan of blogging. Or rather, how he has succumbed to the urge of 'telling the whole world'. :P
Four boxes and much muscle ache later...
(The red box is less visible due to poor camera phone, poor lighting and the red being very...red!)
Went to Ikea on Thursday (22nd Jan) and went crazy, shopping. I was so stressed out for most parts of the week and was driving homeward when I thought, "What about going to Ikea today? It's not a weekend and there definitely would not be a big crowd!"
So I drove myself there. So much space, so many things and so little people. OK, maybe not so good for the business but I guess it's the weekday crowd anyway. I saw the LEKMAN boxes that I have soooo wanted to buy before and grabbed five all at once. Kind of regretted it immediately as I did not have a trolley and had to separate them into two yellow carrier bags instead.
Also went insane at the children's department. There were these plastic bowls for kids but I grabbed them for my own purposes instead. Was going to put my costume jewellery and watches and since there were six of them bowls, I would think of what other else I can use it for if I really cannot use them all at once.
Then I spotted puppets. Took the pig, the lion, the funny-looking rooster and the lamb. I did not care if I could not claim for such things but they would definitely come in useful in my work. Just GRAB!!!
Last items grabbed were the CD boxes, and that was after much deliberation as to which type to take. There were just so many different materials and choices to choose from!
When I reached home, I could not wait to assemble the boxes. After all, it's plastic and it should be easy to fix, right? Wrong!! I almost cried and my muscles ached like hell trying to fix up one box. I was so afraid that the plastic would break and so had to use extra, extra care.
I was determined though. I fixed three boxes at one go, but I was still really bad. I was still playing the guessing game and girlie me was just so bad at looking at the instruction manual. It was only the next night while I fixed up the fourth box that I got it quite right.
Still need practice though but too bad I am down to the last box. Meanwhile though, I am having fun arranging the red and transparent boxes around on my EXPEDIT shelf.
Well, this year, it is really spring cleaning for me before the Chinese New Year. Never really believed in any spring cleaning but it felt good re-organising and making things...'disappear'.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
My nose
I hate it. The mucus is like the flood that drowns the people. Except this time around, it floods my ears and my lungs. My left ear gets it real bad. It has been so since last time.
It also comes like high and low tides and yet, it is not that predictable. In order to keep the mucus at bay, I have to constantly blow air out through my ears so that it will not get blocked and I can actually hear.
Anyhow, I will continue using my nose spray and try to visit the Chinese physician more often. In my personal opinion, the Chinese medicine gives a more long term effect and cure.
It also comes like high and low tides and yet, it is not that predictable. In order to keep the mucus at bay, I have to constantly blow air out through my ears so that it will not get blocked and I can actually hear.
Anyhow, I will continue using my nose spray and try to visit the Chinese physician more often. In my personal opinion, the Chinese medicine gives a more long term effect and cure.
Something on the back of my mind
Speaking about being smoke-free, I was just real glad that most of Singapore is now smoke-free and I have been wanting to blog about this. If I didn't I think my brains will burst.
When I went to Hong Kong, it was totally unbearable when I got smoke blown into my face while crossing the roads. It did not help that the wind was helping the smoke a lot to blow towards my direction. At least I do not have to worry about that when I am back home.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) just rolled out new areas of forbidden smoking areas. It is disturbing though that some places are still not adhering to the rules strictly.
Was at Orchard Cineleisure and was walking towards HMV at The Heeren when I was greeted with smoke. You guessed it, I hate that smoke on my face. It actually irritates my nose. It is funny though for I have smoking friends. I guess they take all precautions not to blow it in their friends' face (in this case, me) and it all ends up on somebody else's. Yes, that is what must be happening to me now.
Back to Orchard Cineleisure: I could see that most of the smokers have gone from smoking right in front of the entrance to the flowerbed nearer Gloria Jean's Coffee (poor patrons of GJ). There were still some who were too close for comfort though and the security guard was just standing inside staring at nothing in particular, doing nothing.
I am a little worried, for these smokers look young. Or maybe they are already in the Uni and I am just over anxious. Like a mother though, I worry. For I am now surrounded by children and I worry about what might happen to them and how they may turn out in the future. I worry about whether they will be able to take in all that I have imparted to them.
Then again, I worry too much. I should think more on the positive side and I guess I have no choice but be tolerant of smokers. For the slightest noise or gesture might just result in me being 'complained' about on national radio by the likes of Glen Ong, albeit anonymously. I think it was because he was smoking and someone made a waving gesture in the air and made some noise like "Aiya".
When I went to Hong Kong, it was totally unbearable when I got smoke blown into my face while crossing the roads. It did not help that the wind was helping the smoke a lot to blow towards my direction. At least I do not have to worry about that when I am back home.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) just rolled out new areas of forbidden smoking areas. It is disturbing though that some places are still not adhering to the rules strictly.
Was at Orchard Cineleisure and was walking towards HMV at The Heeren when I was greeted with smoke. You guessed it, I hate that smoke on my face. It actually irritates my nose. It is funny though for I have smoking friends. I guess they take all precautions not to blow it in their friends' face (in this case, me) and it all ends up on somebody else's. Yes, that is what must be happening to me now.
Back to Orchard Cineleisure: I could see that most of the smokers have gone from smoking right in front of the entrance to the flowerbed nearer Gloria Jean's Coffee (poor patrons of GJ). There were still some who were too close for comfort though and the security guard was just standing inside staring at nothing in particular, doing nothing.
I am a little worried, for these smokers look young. Or maybe they are already in the Uni and I am just over anxious. Like a mother though, I worry. For I am now surrounded by children and I worry about what might happen to them and how they may turn out in the future. I worry about whether they will be able to take in all that I have imparted to them.
Then again, I worry too much. I should think more on the positive side and I guess I have no choice but be tolerant of smokers. For the slightest noise or gesture might just result in me being 'complained' about on national radio by the likes of Glen Ong, albeit anonymously. I think it was because he was smoking and someone made a waving gesture in the air and made some noise like "Aiya".
Saturday, January 17, 2009
But for the sake of one Cheong Sam
We had a pot luck party on Wednesday, 14th Jan. My Chinese colleague and I had to explain the different customs and practices of Chinese New Year. My boss also requested that we buy something like Cheong Sam to go with the occassion!!!
*Gasp* I have always hated that Cheong Sam shit, but the thought of buying new clothes just got me going. Went to Vivo City and there as a whole spat of Cheong Sam go-cart stalls but none, and I mean NONE I could fit into.
One of the stores even tauted that the cut was European cut but with only size M left, I could only put it on but not button up!! Aaaargh!!
Then came the shop called Utopia, which sold Nonya inspired modern pieces. Really went crazy!!! As I might I have said before, I consider myself half a Peranakan (Straits Chinese or Nonya) even though I am not. Bought I Cheong Sam made of batik and some. Smiled all my way home.
Had fun explaining and had fun eating all the goodies!! Now, must go do some workout and watch that waistline :P
*Gasp* I have always hated that Cheong Sam shit, but the thought of buying new clothes just got me going. Went to Vivo City and there as a whole spat of Cheong Sam go-cart stalls but none, and I mean NONE I could fit into.
One of the stores even tauted that the cut was European cut but with only size M left, I could only put it on but not button up!! Aaaargh!!
Then came the shop called Utopia, which sold Nonya inspired modern pieces. Really went crazy!!! As I might I have said before, I consider myself half a Peranakan (Straits Chinese or Nonya) even though I am not. Bought I Cheong Sam made of batik and some. Smiled all my way home.
Had fun explaining and had fun eating all the goodies!! Now, must go do some workout and watch that waistline :P
The Ting Tings tinks!!!!
Woah!!! Attended the gig by The Ting Tings at Fort Canning was fantastic!! Just wished that I was much taller. Was pushed by this faggert looking youngster (sorry, but no sorry. If he were a little more polite and gracious, I would not be so mean with my words) and was at one time being smoked by these two smokers blowing their bad air all around. Still wondering why NEA don't want to work with events companies to make these events a proud smoke-free event??
Oh! Did I tell you I bought their album only 4 days before their performance and could pretty much sing along to most of their chorus. Their catchy lyrics and retro sounds just got me sooooo hooked that I HAD to listen to them everyday.
Another secret? I didn't want to watch them in the first place. It was The Prodigy that I wanted to watch and as they were both British acts, they were publicised together. They had lots of exposure: every corner you turned, there were their posters and their collaterals. I tested their sounds in a CD shop and bought it there and then. The rest, as they say, is history.
I admit that some of them pics are not so well taken. Blame it on this amateur photographer who took most pics in indoor mode till almost the end of the gig!
Even till now, this still rings in my head:
They call me hell
They call me Stacey
They call me her
They call me Jane
That's not my name!
That's not my name!
That's not my name!
That's not my..NAME!
Oh! Did I tell you I bought their album only 4 days before their performance and could pretty much sing along to most of their chorus. Their catchy lyrics and retro sounds just got me sooooo hooked that I HAD to listen to them everyday.
Another secret? I didn't want to watch them in the first place. It was The Prodigy that I wanted to watch and as they were both British acts, they were publicised together. They had lots of exposure: every corner you turned, there were their posters and their collaterals. I tested their sounds in a CD shop and bought it there and then. The rest, as they say, is history.
I admit that some of them pics are not so well taken. Blame it on this amateur photographer who took most pics in indoor mode till almost the end of the gig!
Even till now, this still rings in my head:
They call me hell
They call me Stacey
They call me her
They call me Jane
That's not my name!
That's not my name!
That's not my name!
That's not my..NAME!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Rush what: The stupid thing about technology
I hate things that rush me. I used to loath the CashCard that beeps whenever it hits $5 and below. It irritates the hell out of me. I used to 'praise' the SMRT EZlink card, which allowed one to use till it is negative and still go for one more journey if it is within a certain time period.
All this is going to change with that stupid SEPAS card. It blinks every time you flash it on the card reader of a bus or MRT barrier. It will remind you that the value in your card is low and today, it was even worse. I still had $1.85 in my card and the barrier refused to open for me and told me to top up my card!!!!!!!
I think all these stupid reminders create unnecessary stress to our already stressful lives. It does something to my nerves every time the CashCard reader beeps in my car or when that card reader flashes the light to remind me to top up.
Another very irritatingly stressful piece of shit is that timer that you get whenever you purchase something online, especially film or performance tickets. I am talking specifically about Cathay website and that stupid Sistic website.
It would remind you of how much time you have left before your seat would be given up. You see, it is a countdown clock. Makes one really stressful and go really crazy. What is worse is that it has this option of whether you would want to continue browsing and if you had more than one ticket to buy, of course you would! See, the system works in this way that if you make several purchases all at once, you only need to pay for the collection fee once. If not, you would have to pay $0.20 for each transaction.
Of course, if I wrote in a complaint letter to Sistic, they might probably politely blame it on my Internet speed, which I think is utter nonsense. I think that 10 minutes is hardly enough time for anyone to browse through anything else except t quickly get their ticket.
The countdown clock just stresses one out by making them jump like a mad person, grabbing their wallets, taking their credit cards out and trying to check what that whole bunch of numbers on their credit cards are. Ridiculous!
Why all these ranting?? Because I am sick and tired of being pushed to do something (especially buying tickets online) and I AM the customer so why rush me??
All this is going to change with that stupid SEPAS card. It blinks every time you flash it on the card reader of a bus or MRT barrier. It will remind you that the value in your card is low and today, it was even worse. I still had $1.85 in my card and the barrier refused to open for me and told me to top up my card!!!!!!!
I think all these stupid reminders create unnecessary stress to our already stressful lives. It does something to my nerves every time the CashCard reader beeps in my car or when that card reader flashes the light to remind me to top up.
Another very irritatingly stressful piece of shit is that timer that you get whenever you purchase something online, especially film or performance tickets. I am talking specifically about Cathay website and that stupid Sistic website.
It would remind you of how much time you have left before your seat would be given up. You see, it is a countdown clock. Makes one really stressful and go really crazy. What is worse is that it has this option of whether you would want to continue browsing and if you had more than one ticket to buy, of course you would! See, the system works in this way that if you make several purchases all at once, you only need to pay for the collection fee once. If not, you would have to pay $0.20 for each transaction.
Of course, if I wrote in a complaint letter to Sistic, they might probably politely blame it on my Internet speed, which I think is utter nonsense. I think that 10 minutes is hardly enough time for anyone to browse through anything else except t quickly get their ticket.
The countdown clock just stresses one out by making them jump like a mad person, grabbing their wallets, taking their credit cards out and trying to check what that whole bunch of numbers on their credit cards are. Ridiculous!
Why all these ranting?? Because I am sick and tired of being pushed to do something (especially buying tickets online) and I AM the customer so why rush me??
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Just by chance
Hee, this Friday just gone by (9th Jan), it was announced over the news all over that we could start exchanging our EZlink cards (for travelling on most public transports) to that of the SEPAS format.
I didn't even know what was SEPAS and I had no intention to go swap for a new one right away. I didn't want to be the "kiasu" type. Afterall, I had up till 30th September to change it.
Came Friday evening and I was waiting for my cousin at the Bugis MRT station. I had finished what I had to do: Pay bills, buy a snack to eat(she was going to be late). I was contemplating window shopping when I chanced upon the long queue waiting to exchange their cards.
Well, since I had about half an hour to spare and since I didn't want to risk spending unnecessarily, I decided to join the queue. It took about half an hour and by the time I got my card, it was time to meet my cousin. Talk about nice timing! :)
Happy with myself that I did not spend money buying nonsense, which is most likely to happen if I went window shopping :P
I didn't even know what was SEPAS and I had no intention to go swap for a new one right away. I didn't want to be the "kiasu" type. Afterall, I had up till 30th September to change it.
Came Friday evening and I was waiting for my cousin at the Bugis MRT station. I had finished what I had to do: Pay bills, buy a snack to eat(she was going to be late). I was contemplating window shopping when I chanced upon the long queue waiting to exchange their cards.
Well, since I had about half an hour to spare and since I didn't want to risk spending unnecessarily, I decided to join the queue. It took about half an hour and by the time I got my card, it was time to meet my cousin. Talk about nice timing! :)
Happy with myself that I did not spend money buying nonsense, which is most likely to happen if I went window shopping :P
Friday, January 9, 2009
In that retrospective mood again.
Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am already in 2009. It still feels like 2008 and I am reluctant to step into 2009. Maybe, when the Chinese New Year is here, I will feel more like a new year has started.
I have decided not to have any new year resolutions but I just want to wish my family and relatives good health and that all my friends are safe and sound, even though some no longer consider me as friends.
I am just thankful that one wins some and loses some. There might be friendships lost but there ae also friendships gained and rekindled elsewhere. Like in any kind of relationship, it has to be treasured as one might be friends today but enemies the next.
As much as I feel young mixing around with kids, I also feel that I am getting old. I no longer can keep up with very late nights and there are just certain thins that I am slower at. Whatever it is, I will remind myself to be young at heart and to follow my dreams no matter what.
I have decided not to have any new year resolutions but I just want to wish my family and relatives good health and that all my friends are safe and sound, even though some no longer consider me as friends.
I am just thankful that one wins some and loses some. There might be friendships lost but there ae also friendships gained and rekindled elsewhere. Like in any kind of relationship, it has to be treasured as one might be friends today but enemies the next.
As much as I feel young mixing around with kids, I also feel that I am getting old. I no longer can keep up with very late nights and there are just certain thins that I am slower at. Whatever it is, I will remind myself to be young at heart and to follow my dreams no matter what.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Pics from Hong Kong
My favourite word in Hong Kong. It means noodles and it was the first thing I ate when I arrived that day. More specifically, I ate wanton noodles.
Up close and personal with the HSBC building.
Tram coming down. It was a super crowded night and there were some ugly complaining Singaporeans too!
First night, and I have already bought so many things!!
My first breakfast the next day.
The very typical Hong Kong coffee/tea cup.
Fried beef with rice from Tsui Wah. Looks like a huge pile of rice right? It was so delicious that I finished it all :P
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Blogging Dad
Never in my life would I imagine seeing the day that my dad would actually fully utilise the Internet, but he did. Never in my life would I ever imagine to even read anybody's blog, let alone start one on his own, but he did!!!
What was more shocking was that he does not manage only one, but two blogs!!!! Even I don't have that many.
I am happy for him though for one of his blogs is about oldies songs and actors and actresses of yester-years. That is how he keeps in touch with his radio fan-base now that RSI (Radio Singapore International) has closed down. They are very supportive of what he is doing and they also have a oldies fan club up in Kuala Lumpur. They often invite him over for gatherings.
I am happy for Dad for he has something to occupy his mind and hands. For now though, I am still not ready to share my blog with him and will not let him know this blogspot yet. There are still some super personal, girly stuff that I would like to to 'myself' for the moment. Till I am ready then!
What was more shocking was that he does not manage only one, but two blogs!!!! Even I don't have that many.
I am happy for him though for one of his blogs is about oldies songs and actors and actresses of yester-years. That is how he keeps in touch with his radio fan-base now that RSI (Radio Singapore International) has closed down. They are very supportive of what he is doing and they also have a oldies fan club up in Kuala Lumpur. They often invite him over for gatherings.
I am happy for Dad for he has something to occupy his mind and hands. For now though, I am still not ready to share my blog with him and will not let him know this blogspot yet. There are still some super personal, girly stuff that I would like to to 'myself' for the moment. Till I am ready then!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
In retrospect
Wow! I was just looking at my blog archive when I realised that it has been about a year already that I have starting blogging. It IS amazing, considering that I was anti-computer anything, especially blogging.
I have also just gone up one notch in my addiction as I now have bluetooth connection to my hand phone. Therefore, I could really just shoot and upload it to my computer and post! Oh, please don't ask me to use my hand phone to do that as I think the typing out bit would be such a chore. I feel that hand phones still have their limitations, unless I was having one of those with qwerty boards. Bulky!
Whatever it is, now that I have tried blogging and have been doing fine so far, I will continue with it.
By the way, I am not going to make any new year resolutions as I know I will not keep them.
Happy new year everyone!
I have also just gone up one notch in my addiction as I now have bluetooth connection to my hand phone. Therefore, I could really just shoot and upload it to my computer and post! Oh, please don't ask me to use my hand phone to do that as I think the typing out bit would be such a chore. I feel that hand phones still have their limitations, unless I was having one of those with qwerty boards. Bulky!
Whatever it is, now that I have tried blogging and have been doing fine so far, I will continue with it.
By the way, I am not going to make any new year resolutions as I know I will not keep them.
Happy new year everyone!
I am RETRO-fitted
The last time I remembered buying second hand clothing was from the Co-op Shop in Australia. That must have been yonks and I still remember how excited I was to have paid $5 Aussie for a pair of Levi's, never mind the model (or rather five-0 what). To me, owning a pair of Levi's at that point of time was like owning a Gucci bag of sorts.
Fast forward to 2008 and we were just walking along the streets of Causeway Bay when the sharp eyes of one of my travel companions saw this interesting looking shop that was situated on the second floor.
To tell you the truth, I have never dared to venture onto second floors. I was brought up with this notion of suspension mixed with fear whenever we had to go up some narrow, old-looking staircases. Never walked up one of those in my many years of 'pilgrimage' to Hong Kong. Yeah! Go ahead. Call me a coward, but at least now I have tried.
Went up anyways and what a pleasant surprise! Lovely retro stuff that I could not get enough of. Some of them are originals but they also use different parts of two old clothes sewn into new ones! Never thought it was my style but I was able to find quite a number of stuff to suit myself and that suited me fine :)
Take a look at how pretty they are!
This particular piece uses old scarfs to make into a baby doll dress. I was so fascinated by the idea that I bought two pieces with two different scarf patterns. Each piece is different in that no two scarfs are the same.
I know you can't quite see this one but it is an old picture of a bridge somewhere. Perhaps I shall take a pic when I am wearing it. Would be clearer. I have another piece in the same pattern but different picture. It has men from a slightly different era standing around. The picture of that dress is in my camera, which I have yet to 'touch'. Will update this posting soon with complete pictures from camera.
Fast forward to 2008 and we were just walking along the streets of Causeway Bay when the sharp eyes of one of my travel companions saw this interesting looking shop that was situated on the second floor.
To tell you the truth, I have never dared to venture onto second floors. I was brought up with this notion of suspension mixed with fear whenever we had to go up some narrow, old-looking staircases. Never walked up one of those in my many years of 'pilgrimage' to Hong Kong. Yeah! Go ahead. Call me a coward, but at least now I have tried.
Went up anyways and what a pleasant surprise! Lovely retro stuff that I could not get enough of. Some of them are originals but they also use different parts of two old clothes sewn into new ones! Never thought it was my style but I was able to find quite a number of stuff to suit myself and that suited me fine :)
Take a look at how pretty they are!
This particular piece uses old scarfs to make into a baby doll dress. I was so fascinated by the idea that I bought two pieces with two different scarf patterns. Each piece is different in that no two scarfs are the same.
I know you can't quite see this one but it is an old picture of a bridge somewhere. Perhaps I shall take a pic when I am wearing it. Would be clearer. I have another piece in the same pattern but different picture. It has men from a slightly different era standing around. The picture of that dress is in my camera, which I have yet to 'touch'. Will update this posting soon with complete pictures from camera.
Last dinner in Hong Kong
It was the last night in Hong Kong and everyone had their own agenda on their mind, including me. One of them was meeting a local friend while another wants to re-visit the Ladies' Market. I wanted to eat Pret-a-manger sandwiches and that was exactly what I did.
I had wanted to go to IFC, where my friend was headed to meet her friend but then realised that I could easily get it already at Central MTR, where we had stopped to walk to IFC. Said my ta-ta's and went on my way.
Had a big BLT Berry Smoothie and strawberry yoghurt to go. Silly me forgot to take a spoon and had to rely on the Vitasoy straw to scoop up yoghurt and berries.
I had wanted to go to IFC, where my friend was headed to meet her friend but then realised that I could easily get it already at Central MTR, where we had stopped to walk to IFC. Said my ta-ta's and went on my way.
Had a big BLT Berry Smoothie and strawberry yoghurt to go. Silly me forgot to take a spoon and had to rely on the Vitasoy straw to scoop up yoghurt and berries.
Uniqlo
This is how crazy I was with tights and leggings at Uniqlo.
This t-shirt showcases Katsutoshi Otsuka, better known as ToyField. Says on the card that comes with the t-shirt that he was "born in 1969 in Yokohama. He started working as a figure creator and a stuffed animal artist in 1995. He uses his unique style in which he combines resin and fur to create his works. He is active at events and special magazines in relation to teddy bears. He designed and created characters for the Omotesando's commercial facility in 2005 and for a TV channel in Fukoshima in 2007."
This one depicts this flower shop called Fuga in Tokyo. "A flower shop located on Gaien-nishi Dori in Aoyama, Tokyo. The shop is always filled with hundreds of high-grade flowers and plants from all over the world-like 3 dimensional botanical arts. Creators and people from overseas come in as the shop is known for their selection."
First breakfast of the year
It was porridge at Maxwell Road Market with Dad. Plus the usual plate of raw fish of course. It is called Cheng Ji or Seng Kee (Cantonese pronunciation). Contrary to the very popular Jin Jin Porridge in the next lane, we have stuck with this stall for years. It is not a short wait either. We are forewarned that we have to wait at least half an hour.
Special NYE celebration
This year, I did not plan to go out with one whole big group. In fact, I did not really plan anything at all. I thought I was going to spend new year's eve (NYE) alone at home or eating a quiet dinner with the family.
It was just two days ago when my Chinese colleague asked me what I would like to do. I hurriedly came up with an impromptu plan and she agreed upon it. We were going to work first (no choice right? Luckily it was just half a day) and then go watch a movie. After the movies, sichuan hotpot cum hotplate dinner before proceeding to karaoke.
The yin yang pot. One side is clear broth while the other is the killer chili hotpot.
Closer look at the chili hotpot.
Today being a special occasion, we asked for hotplate too. Costs a little more than usual ($16 instead of $13) and those are chicken chops that you see.
All went as planned and we managed to get ourselves a room at Kbox! We sang from 7 to 10 o'clock. Oh! and the movie we watched was Bedtime Stories by Adam Sandler. We totally had a great time.
It was just two days ago when my Chinese colleague asked me what I would like to do. I hurriedly came up with an impromptu plan and she agreed upon it. We were going to work first (no choice right? Luckily it was just half a day) and then go watch a movie. After the movies, sichuan hotpot cum hotplate dinner before proceeding to karaoke.
The yin yang pot. One side is clear broth while the other is the killer chili hotpot.
Closer look at the chili hotpot.
Today being a special occasion, we asked for hotplate too. Costs a little more than usual ($16 instead of $13) and those are chicken chops that you see.
All went as planned and we managed to get ourselves a room at Kbox! We sang from 7 to 10 o'clock. Oh! and the movie we watched was Bedtime Stories by Adam Sandler. We totally had a great time.
Slow
I think I am kind of resigned to my fate that I am born with short legs and is destined to be slower than most. When I walk with my Dad, he is always flying ahead of me. You see, he is the traditional man who does not wait for the woman. Well, not really. He will wait for awhile when you shout and lets you catch up with him a little before 'taking flight' again. :)
This Hong Kong trip was mostly like this too. Half the time was spent trying to catch up. I find myself half running at times and by the second half of the second day, I decided I did not want to catch up anymore. If I am slow, I will be slow. I did not want to tire myself out too much. What if I got lost? It is Hong Kong. I will be able to find my way back to the hotel with little or no problem at all.
Not only that, I find that I am slow in a lot of other things too. I take that much longer to keep my wallet, to go to the ladies, to bathe, to pack, unpack. Well, you get the idea but I have decided to do it on my own terms. After all, I am on holiday and I need to relax.
Anyhow, I thank my travel companions for their patience. I can get carried away and linger at one spot for what seems like an eternity. That's the emotional part of me at work :)
This Hong Kong trip was mostly like this too. Half the time was spent trying to catch up. I find myself half running at times and by the second half of the second day, I decided I did not want to catch up anymore. If I am slow, I will be slow. I did not want to tire myself out too much. What if I got lost? It is Hong Kong. I will be able to find my way back to the hotel with little or no problem at all.
Not only that, I find that I am slow in a lot of other things too. I take that much longer to keep my wallet, to go to the ladies, to bathe, to pack, unpack. Well, you get the idea but I have decided to do it on my own terms. After all, I am on holiday and I need to relax.
Anyhow, I thank my travel companions for their patience. I can get carried away and linger at one spot for what seems like an eternity. That's the emotional part of me at work :)
Because there was no Philospohy, therefore everything is longer Krispy
I was all excited when I first confirmed my trip to Hong Kong. I thought was going to get to eat Krispy Kreme again! I also thought I would be able to stock up on my Philosophy brand of shower gels and handwashes.
Fact is though, both of them are gone, gone, gone. We spent a good part of the afternoon searching two Wing On Plus Department Stores. No Philosophy at the TST (Tsim Sha Tsui) East branch but had a Santa giving me a candy cane instead. Walked all the way down past the Jordan MTR to the original branch that I bought the products from and it was no where to be found. I shall resign to my fate and order them online. Only consolation is that the exchange rate now is very advantageous to me.
Then of course, there was the tell-tale sign that Krispy Kreme was gone. We headed straight for the outlet at the arrival hall at the airport and that spot was empty. There were air con vents around this pillar but where the counter used to be, is now a thorough fair for people going to the other side of the building.
A search on our hand phone Internet proved our worst fears were true. The company had gone bust in October (must be shortly after I checked out their website coz when I did, they were still operational). But now, all outlets have closed. Boo-hoo!
The nearest Krispy Kreme would be Korea then, but how often would I go there?? I would have to be contented with my memory of that one very delicious doughnut that I had one and a half years ago, just before I took my plane ride back home.
p/s: Title is not meant to make sense. Just wanted to have some fun.
Fact is though, both of them are gone, gone, gone. We spent a good part of the afternoon searching two Wing On Plus Department Stores. No Philosophy at the TST (Tsim Sha Tsui) East branch but had a Santa giving me a candy cane instead. Walked all the way down past the Jordan MTR to the original branch that I bought the products from and it was no where to be found. I shall resign to my fate and order them online. Only consolation is that the exchange rate now is very advantageous to me.
Then of course, there was the tell-tale sign that Krispy Kreme was gone. We headed straight for the outlet at the arrival hall at the airport and that spot was empty. There were air con vents around this pillar but where the counter used to be, is now a thorough fair for people going to the other side of the building.
A search on our hand phone Internet proved our worst fears were true. The company had gone bust in October (must be shortly after I checked out their website coz when I did, they were still operational). But now, all outlets have closed. Boo-hoo!
The nearest Krispy Kreme would be Korea then, but how often would I go there?? I would have to be contented with my memory of that one very delicious doughnut that I had one and a half years ago, just before I took my plane ride back home.
p/s: Title is not meant to make sense. Just wanted to have some fun.
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