A cup of hot teh to perk up my day!

Was dozing off on the bus to work, half reading through some notes from work and half struggling to keep my eyes open. Boohoo, so sad to be slipping into sleep from reading notes rather than from soothing pampers (hee).

Just now WW’s mum and sis drove by CBD to pass me their handmade dumplings! Very nice of them to take the effort to come all the way to my office, happy happy. It’s 端午节today, also termed the Dragon-boat Festival where people eat dumplings to commemorate 屈原’s noble death. An ancient story behind this festival which explains why people used to throw dumplings into the sea on these dragon-boats to fend off fishes eating屈原’s body. Can’t remember the whole story as I have a not-so-good memory!

Had lunch with sis just now. She had a salmon sandwich and me a blueberry muffin, not before we had a big cup of papaya milkshake each, which explained the half-eaten food on our plates. But such is the pleasure of dining with someone with the same taste and preference; you don’t have to care about your improper eating habits. Won’t feel bad for eating junk food for a meal, yeah!

Charting My Ten-Year Roadmap

Motivating indeed. It’s like having a new direction and big goal in life, which makes life much worth living. For the next half year, there will potentially be two major changes; will just have to see if circumstances are favourable and if courage is enough.

Do you have the courage to drive changes in your life? People resistance is an over-used term in the organisation, but not without a reason. People in general are comfortable in their status quo, wary of what a new future may bring. But as Buddhist teachings say, the only permanent thing in life is impermanence. (Last weekend I cut my hair to 50% of its original length for a change! Can’t remember when I have had shorter hair than now.)

It’s quite a wonder how important it is to make your goals visible as some things, without the eyes seeing, would not be performed by the sub-consciousness. Try writing down in your diary the things you aim to achieve and you’ll be surprised to see the higher probability of it accomplished as compared to the case if it weren’t jotted down.

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On another note, I realise how even as we progress up the same channel during our younger days, we all end up as very different individuals. I can categorise in general cliques of friends with some common personality and behaviour traits, and at the end of the day, marvel at the diversity of all and the ability to blend in even if you’re not quite one of them. Or how one is able to have such a diverse group of buddies, some sharing same values and beliefs as you, yet some having polar far ones.

I have a handful of friends who are willing to part with their hard-earned money for material objects that may elevate one’s status, or to show how capable one is. I know most men don’t believe in this kinda thing (I stand on their side on this aspect), but many women actually do crave in to this follow. As long as one is happy. =)

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Had afternoon tea with WW, as he may be deployed to help out the quake situation and perhaps will be there for a while. His job is indeed dynamic; often it is back to base for incidents resolution, or getting bags ready for an exercise or deploy. 男人, must take care of yourself!

For me, it’s Bangkok for the coming weekend with the company. If you need anything from there, drop me a note!

Little touches to brighten up my day =)

Monday morning when I stepped into the office, I saw a small packet on my desk. It’s a card from Sweden, and a gift pack with guava macadamia body butter, cream lotion, bath salts and a body sponge. It’s a gift from dear Ah Yun, specially brought back from Sweden. Tks ger! I like Sweden’s national colours – bright yellow and blue. Moreover, it reminds me of the Sweden trip, reminiscent.

This morning when I stepped into office, I saw a cup of hot teh on my desk. It’s a thoughtful move from a dear colleague, who noticed the fatigue in me yesterday. Tks woman! These few nights I had been dreaming till early morning, still deep in sleep and ended up having difficulties getting out of bed. This can be quite tiring, so no wonder the dark eye rings and tired look. So, the nice gesture brightened up my day! Hot teh to kick-start the mid-week day, and hopefully can last me till the end of today.

nottoz’s downfall – bread

Can’t resist yummy bread! I have this tendency to drift into bakeries and confectionaries whenever I pass by one, even though I’m not one bit hungry. Some women like to shop for clothes, but I simply like bread-shopping.

I think I will grow fat from eating too much bread.

Like during lunch at a conference just now, two pieces of European bread (walnut and rye) just fell nicely onto my plate. After the conference, I walked past Panaderia Bakery at Raffles City basement and ended up with $5.80 worth of loaves, rolls and buns, including my favourite cranberry roll with its hard crust.

On the way back to office, I took a break, sat down at Raffles Place open space with my cranberry roll in hand (and mouth), and just let my mind wander. A short ten-minute blank-out from work gave me some insights on non-work-related matters. Immersing in daily work really numbs one, and before you realise it, years have passed on.

I’m one who loves the sun; this is one thing an office work would not be able to provide me with. I don’t like to be bound, prefer flexibility and freedom; perhaps it’s time to consider a flexi-hours job. Frankly, long meetings wear me off mentally; is there a way to go without them? Some bells are ringing somewhere.

Last night I had a dream about this spacious HDB unit that Tian and Henry own. The dream started with WW and I searching around old Kallang Airport for their unit, then walking around the wide corridors leading to their old, yet warm and cosy unit. They had their own setup in the house – tv, furniture, deco and all. Even though the place was not fancifully done up, the openness (lotsa sunshine in the house) and the view were splendid. I remembered feeling a little envious in the dream and wanting to have own unit like hers. Thinking back, the origin of the dream must be linked to WW sis’ beautiful condo unit at Monterey Park.

Photo Diary III

Some photos from this weekend, which reflects the enjoyable moments spent.

My little gift to WW to celebrate our special day
Combination of smaller pieces. He remarked it looked like it was for shi ren, hmmf. (These are rose petals, not some chysanthemum k)
Bet you couldn't spot the 3D tic-tac-toe beads on the plate! Time to start the brain-cracking.
Evening BBQ at Monterey Park, WW sis' place
The pool and the blocks beside it
You can just lie here beside the pool, immense in the moment and forget yourself
The view from her unit's balcony, with the ships and offshore islands.
Sunrise view from my living room window. Every morning my usual wake-up time, there'll be this reddish orange shine on my wall.
Breathe in, Breathe out. Start of another day!

These two days have been melancholic somehow. Maybe it's just a seasonal thing, or perhaps it's WW residual emotions from the out-sea exercise. To everything that has to be done, I throw the question of whether it will lead to happiness or satisfaction. Realise some things we do to please others or ourselves, some to fulfill responsibilities, some as a routine exercise and some for a previously-justifiable reason. Along with time, that original motivation could have changed and it's time for a change in oneself. Do what makes you happy! Live for yourself! (First, before you can think for others.)

Cafe Vienna

Simply dread long meetings that stretch non-stop for hours. Anything beyond two hours is overkill and generally not productive, in my view. I have been sitting in such meetings for the past two days, and ended up feeling all drained at the end of the day. How can people concentrate in such circumstances? Everyone sits strictly around the meeting table, throwing ideas and opinions around, but with the body rooted in their seats. No circulation, no body movements! It is no wonder my back starts to ache by the time the meeting ends.

Today lunch was at Café Vienna at Royal Plaza Hotel with two of my colleagues, Yanti and LLP. We decided on a good treat for ourselves since the last time we had that was a while back. It was a halal buffet, thus my Malay colleague can indulge as happily in the food as us. It was a $32+++ meal with a buffet spread of the usual salad, desserts, fruits and ice-cream. On top of that, they had sashimi and sushi! Woohoo! We took 8 plates of salmon sashimi in total, simply savoring the freshest raw meat ever. The other spreads are chicken rice, Indian dishes, dim sum and some seafood.

Can you resist this?

My choices from the buffet include:
- Salad vegetable, carrots, asparagus
- Steamed sweet potato cubes with cashew nuts
- Soba mini-sized and sushi 1 pc
- Salmon sashimi (with nose-choking wasabi)
- Grilled seabass with mango salsa
- Cakes, a bite of each: passion fruit mousse, bread & butter pudding, green tea pudding
- Fruits, lot of it

Is my consumption worth the buffet cost? =P

The meal was so enjoyable that I’ve beginning to think of more indulgences to come.

Sidenote: This is super chio! Favourite!

Round-up of the Vesak Day weekend

Two years ago this day (Vesak Day), I was air-bound, flying towards Goteborg. If only.

Nevertheless, this long weekend spent in Singapore is pretty worthwhile.

Friday, the public holiday, both of us went for some exploration to some unfamiliar places. First, it was plant-shopping at the Thomson stretch. I had a longing for something more alive and green in the workplace, thus the search for an indoor plant to brighten up the grey space [void].

We had to walk in the drizzle as both didn't bring umbrella. In Candyhouse nursery, the sale-auntie was kinda naggy, following us wherever we went. Somewhat irritating, plus their plants were not that nice. The next nursery was superb - huge, spacious, clean, customer-centric and has much nicer pots and plants. So happily I grabbed this Asparagus Setacus as the mystic and illusory leaf canopy left me appealed. Presenting:

My spirit-lifter at the office (hopefully)

Next on, it was tea-time at Ritz Apple Strudel along Upper Thomson Road. This particular branch sells Italian meals as well, at pretty affordable prices and with good flavours. You can count WW a fan of theirs. And me quite enjoy the strudel indulgence too (don't be too surprised).

Ooh Lala Sweet Indulgence

Having filled our hungry stomaches, we drove up to Upper Seletar Reservoir for some relaxation. As a result of the rain earlier in the afternoon, mist had formed on the waters and even in the air. We had to battle the 水蚂蚁 (flying insects), fanning the whole horde of them and hoping they don't fly into our nose or mouth. Later on our way back one even fell into my top. Hmm. Overall, it felt as though we were back in the 80's! Cool. Me love WW for bringing me places :)

无边无际

Along the track where joggers do their exercising

WW in front of the tower which we climbed up subsequently

The view from the top. See the mist!

Did you know such a place exist in dear young Singapore?

We rounded up Vesak Day with dinner (fish soup our favourite) along River Valley Road, a place where hot babes hang out after 9pm, especially come weekends [zouk is nearby]. Why should life be so complicated when it can be so happily simple, hor?

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Saturday morning we were in pretty much the same area as the day before. Yishun and their Chomp Pang Central, Bukit Timah food centre. Then Yogihub with Ama, Apa & WW where Mama was complaining many times about how bland their food was, to which we three disagreed.

Was a more thought-provoking day, realising how respect and courtesy on one side, and the lack of it on the other, could lead to self-imposed restrictions and suppression. Again, 要开心自如，就要狠心把全部事情抛开！Wahaha.

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This morning started off good! Had a slow and somewhat exhausting jog (I can't run in the morning!) with Jun at Bedok Reservoir, early in the morning at 730pm. Great sweatout, especially at the end of the run with the endorphins gush. More such jogs to come with Jun. :) Another motivation for us is the breakfast after the run. Today we had CoffeeBean breakfast at Century Square. Such cool relief from the hot morning sun outside, and relief for our sweaty bodies after the workout. Luckily there weren't too many people, else would have to tolerate my stinko.

Ah, so there goes another weekend. Tomorrow WW will be out to the seas, good luck and have a safe ride!

若太在意，带来的只是失望。

今天是母情节，本该是全家齐欢庆，至少与妈妈享受天伦之乐。但连平时孝顺的我训妈妈把我的饼干丢掉；黄恬也没跟我们吃饭；首“彼”忙着玩他的电脑游戏。不知妈妈心里如何想。至少昨日文与我带了妈妈爸爸去享尽一餐美食！（是餐素食，导致妈妈泻肚子。现在她正埋怨Yogihub.）

所以，要开心自如，就要狠心把全部事情抛开！

随着年龄增长，见到的事件越多，人心总渐渐变得更灰心。上班人士总想着如何赚到第一个百万（随着更有第二，第三个。。第一千个），并且超越别人，更加能够成为真才实料的Yaya-Papaya。Haha. 至如今，我未能随心选择未来之途。无可否认，无＄＄万事有阻碍。要怎么赚百万？！

There goes my Molar

Couldn’t bear with the pain and the headache that came with it, especially when they started drilling at night and before my sleep. So, I sacrificed one and a half days of work and obediently did the molar tooth extraction. It wasn’t painful at all due to the aesthesia the dentist injected. He commented I have little flesh, which means I am thin-skinned and not 厚脸皮！Boo, I’ve always had this problem with my teeth, they are never strong enough to combat the bacteria. Two years back this time I did a wisdom tooth extraction, and now in my drawer proudly sit two big teeth! At this rate (an extraction per two years), I would be bo-gay by the age of 100.

Wahaha, I shall show you the teeth in my next photo diary post!

On another note, relaxing at home, seeing the sunset and the evening skies can be so delightful. Somehow feeling happy that I’m not cropped up in that cold emotionless office, and there’s tomorrow for more relaxation! Hooray.

Sit Back and Relax

Yepz, I started with that slogan as a motto in life.

Come weekends, it is the chance to let your hair down, breathe in some fresh air and for a while, escape the harsh and fast pace of work. These days we don't quite have plans for the weekend and just go where our hearts bring us. Sometimes we like to simply nua in the house, making afternoon tea, playing cards or even washing the car.

There's one thing dreamers like to do - staring into the skies, letting thoughts run free and wild, and feel the unlimited boundaries of space. I like staring out into the skies at WW's balcony, feeling the setting sun shine on my face and the accompanying slight breeze. Sitting on the ledge and stoning away, there's this serene feeling that is much needed for letting go of all the stress built up along the work week. Also, it provides a platform for self-reflection and some thinking about future direction.

Now the sun is setting, soon will come the end of the day. Lots haven't been accomplished as set out, such as mundane vacuuming of floor, or reading today's papers. But at least I've cast that "sacred vote" (as described by Wong Tian), drove my mama for tie da, and introduced them to Margaret Drive food centre where we had lunch. Like mama said, it's the change of a generation and it's turn for the kids to bring their parents around rather than the other way round.

Sometimes you just can't avoid it, the responsibilities and maturity come at you, and you just have to readily accept them.

The Lady who likes Car Washing

Haha that's me.

Because I look forward to washing WW's car every week, though sometime he will feel lazy and we will go for the car wash at Mobil petrol station instead. But still, I like spraying hose water on the car, playing around with water and soap. Having the knack for details, I will scrap away the tiny dirt bits stuck onto the body with my fingernails and cloth, while WW will use his mighty strength to rub away the stubborn layer of dust. I smile at seeing the blackish dust layer get swept down from the car body, dissolving into the soap water and flowing onto the grounds. After the soapy wash, there is another round of spraying, this time even merrier as what comes next will be the shiny surface. A last dry wipe will result in a very satisfactory-cleaned car! Yay!

Have not posted any photo of WW's car before, I think. Tada! The sparkling innocently-white car! (Masked out the car plate for his privacy. I don't want hot babes trailing him...hee)

Happy Holidays!

No work on May Day today, which means one more day of fun and relaxation on top of the past weekend. I’m proposing lunch out for the whole family since it’s a hard chance to get all in the family together. Hope it works out and not get cancelled due to last minute change of minds.

Friday was our Happy Hour at work, but couldn’t attend due to work to settle first. Went for late dinner with WW at Zion Road coffeeshop, and by the time we finished our dinner, we could see people trickling into Zouk. Quite happening it seems, but cheonging’s out for us.

Saturday we went 四马路观音庙拜拜. Haven’t been there for quite a while and need to pray for good health and for the smooth turnouts in life. Life can be tough at times thus need that spiritual placement and support every now and then.

After the prayers, we met Junie and Gay Yong near OG when they spotted a stylo posed man standing beside the window panels on the second storey. That was WW posing away while I was in the restroom, and that caught the attention of our couple friends at the small road junction nearby!

We then decided to pamper outselves with good food! Drove to Namly Place for L'Antipasto, the authentic Italian restaurant where the chef personally comes by and introduces to you the special dishes for the day. Theirs were wild boar meat, cod fish and some veal or something, but we opted for the safe menu. We shared portobello, WW had crayfish pasta while I daringly went for tonnarelli with black squid ink! Ended up like a witch with black lips, teeth and tongue even. But shiok it was, quite delicious. Luckily we were tucked in a corner (didn't reserve beforehand) and no one should have seen the black lips, though we suspected there were cameras.

High-class dining at Namly Place

After the savoury dinner we walked around the area - district 10. Needless to say, the bungalows and terrace houses impressed us. Some were so classy that you can't help wonder if you're in any land out of Singapore. Beside Duchess Ave there is this long stretch of slope, where the nearby residents can lie on at night to see the stars, or cycle their bicycles up (although that would be very challenging).

Duchess Ave

Sunday, we went to Town. Wahaha, got for myself a pair of shorts for $59 and an M)phosis top for close to $30, under the encouragement of WW. Take it as a treat from Progress Package =P We proceeded to Borders but couldn't find the Cambridge audio dictionary WW was looking for.

Dinner was at Clementi blk 700 plus coffeeshop, where we had a whole steamed 红斑鱼 to ourselves. Indulgence, woohoo!

Oki, gotta rush off for lunch now. Happy family bonding time ~~