登鹳雀楼 王之涣
白日依山尽，黄河入海流。
欲穷千里目，更上一层楼。
白日依山尽，黄河入海流。
欲穷千里目，更上一层楼。
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Parents-meet-Parents
Last night WW and his parents dropped by my place for the very first parents-meet-parents session! It was an impromptu announcement to my apa ama but good thing they were keen. They chatted for close to half an hour then left as it was getting late. Heng apa didn't say his usual valgarities, hee hee.
Been meeting ww for the past 6 days and now that we didn't meet today, I'm missing him quite terribly!
Been meeting ww for the past 6 days and now that we didn't meet today, I'm missing him quite terribly!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Am enjoying my break!
Making use of the two public holidays, I've gone on leave from 20-25 Dec and am enjoying my full six days of break! Have been going out with WW for the past two days. We had lunch at Amoy, tried out 汉纪fish soup and had ah balling for the 冬至。We walked from Amoy to Liang Court then to jushilin temple. We had bread and orange pekoe tea at one of my favourite bakeries - Simply Bread. We tried the authentic Japanese Ramen at Sapporo Ramen Miharu. It's great that we still go out exploring parts of Singapore, doing what we like to do.
And WW gave me a set of lovely and cute present for Christmas (on top of the Baby Belling oven)!
And WW gave me a set of lovely and cute present for Christmas (on top of the Baby Belling oven)!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Great weekend!
WW and I attended Tong & Ying Jun's wedding last night at Safra, Telok Blangah Way. Didn't manage to take photos of the bride and groom, but shall wait for Tong to send the digital ones over soon!
Back at my place, we took photos of ourselves before I washed off my curls specially made for the occasion.
Back at my place, we took photos of ourselves before I washed off my curls specially made for the occasion.
Earlier this afternoon we met up with Stephie & family (XZ & baby Josh), Sophia & family (Vincent & baby Ian), Huifang and Huiling. We had fun time with the kids at MINT cafe along Seah Street. Baby Josh is getting quite naughty but can run around pretty fast! Baby Ian is getting active with his jumping (aided by Vincent). Both are so cute!
WW and me reached early so we checked out the place and menu first.
Baby Josh still a little dazed from his sleep.
Me carrying Baby Ian. A little heavy and he's dripping saliva! Heh
Stephie with both babies. Ian's expression was so much like his dad's!
WW and me reached early so we checked out the place and menu first.
Baby Josh still a little dazed from his sleep.
Me carrying Baby Ian. A little heavy and he's dripping saliva! Heh
Stephie with both babies. Ian's expression was so much like his dad's!Later in the afternoon WW and I went over to Upper Pierce Reservoir for a short stroll since the weather was good. It has been raining for the past few days and glad that there wasn't any earlier today. 
An AM volunteered to take photo for us. And he was quick to add on "10 bucks pls" after the shot. Haha.
Me enjoying the dou feng. Wind and sun on my face. Wee~
A happy week ahead! It's gonna be short, just 3 working days!! Yippie.
An AM volunteered to take photo for us. And he was quick to add on "10 bucks pls" after the shot. Haha.
Me enjoying the dou feng. Wind and sun on my face. Wee~
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Dream is here, or yet, to be?
WW accompanied me to an open house cum talk at at-sunrice, Fort Canning Centre. I am interested in the Diploma in Pastry & Baking Arts offered by the culinary academy school. It offers the science of baking, teaching the fundamentals of measurements, kneading, proofing, mixing and the proper steps of baking. The instructor of the diploma class, chef Frederic Deshayes, is a French chef who has worked in Paris, Korea before and Singapore now. The CEO of the school, chef Christophe Megel, is also a French chef. He is a renowned one (I suppose) who has worked six years for the world-famous chef Alain Ducasse previously.
We took a spice walk in the spice garden, toured the kitchens & class room and had a hands-on session in piping the french cookies prepared by Frederic. After which, chef Megel gave us a 40-minutes presentation and Q&A session to address the many questions the audience had. His presentation was so inspirational that it got WW interested in the other diploma, Diploma in Culinary Craft & Service Excellence. Well, if there's no current commitment and a strong resolve, we might have just chose to lead our lives in another path.
Now I just hope the diploma course keeps running, perhaps till 2012.
Es war eine wunderbar Tag! (It was a wonderful day!)
Took leave yesterday (Friday) to do the things I like. Yippie!
I woke up two hours later than usual, thus caught up on my beauty sleep. Went marketing with my parents and contributed to their marketing fund. It’s such a joy to give, especially to your loved ones. We – Apa, Ama and I – had breakfast together where one of their friends joined in too. They had a good chat on recent hot topics: HDB resale values, HBD sale deductions for CPF retirement account and about taking care of grandchildren. Though all these topics were quite distant for me, I was pleasantly listening to them and since I have no time pressure at all. Yippie!
I wanted to take the MRT to Phoon Huat confectionery at Geylang Lorong 23 but spent too much time on the computer that I missed the timing. So of course cab was the most convenient option. While lunching on my Nutri plus milk, I made my way to the 1st baking class of my life. (As a MEP student in Secondary school, I didn’t have to attend Home Economics class.)
There, we made 4 cup-sized desserts: tiramisu, mango mousse, crème brulee and cream caramel. The class size was around 30, with women ranging from 18 to 58 (wow!). There was a guy too, tagging with her girlfriend. But the guy seemed like interested too. We split into 3 groups, each with around 10 persons to a chef. In my group there were 4 young girls, likely from Poly. They were particularly friendly and made themselves very much at home, especially with one being very enthusiastic in getting hands-on. She might well be the baker in the group! Not that I minded since I’m more a notes-taker, but those times she pushed me around (unlucky to be beside her) peeved me much. I guess some people don’t know basic courtesy.
At the end of the class, we were able to dapao the desserts back. Each had two cups of each of the four desserts. I went on the buy $35+ worth of X’mas Fruit Cake ingredients. Happily hugged onto my stuff and flagged a cab home.
Afternoon back at home was spent mainly on fruitcake baking preparations. Mixing the flour, mixed fruits, almonds, eggs, butter and essences. Beating the mixture. Quite simple, but as the ingredients spanned up to 20 different ones, I spent close to two hours getting the mixture done, just ready for baking in the oven. However, I didn’t want to let the lousy oven at my house spoil the efforts and thus brought the whole tin of mixture to WW’s place to bake.
The way to WW’s house was a little long (around an hour) but was relaxing. I had to walk about 20 mins, 10 from my house to the bus stop and another 10 from bus stop to WW’s house, and sit in the bus for about 45 mins. Given usual days, I would have taken a cab but it would have been my 3rd cab in the same day. Plus the weather was cooling and I didn’t have the chance to run yesterday.
WW’s colleagues were at his place for mahjong, drinks and simply hanging out. By the time I reached, most of them were nua-ing. After an hour plus, it was time to go home and also the time my cake would be done. However, even after all his friends left, the cake was still moist in the insides though it had been baked for the past hour plus. I thought it would fail. But good thing another 50 mins of higher heat salvaged my efforts and it made a delicious fruitcake after all!
Now I can’t wait for tomorrow morning to try the real taste, after it cools. If successful, I will bake more for family, friends and colleagues!
I woke up two hours later than usual, thus caught up on my beauty sleep. Went marketing with my parents and contributed to their marketing fund. It’s such a joy to give, especially to your loved ones. We – Apa, Ama and I – had breakfast together where one of their friends joined in too. They had a good chat on recent hot topics: HDB resale values, HBD sale deductions for CPF retirement account and about taking care of grandchildren. Though all these topics were quite distant for me, I was pleasantly listening to them and since I have no time pressure at all. Yippie!
I wanted to take the MRT to Phoon Huat confectionery at Geylang Lorong 23 but spent too much time on the computer that I missed the timing. So of course cab was the most convenient option. While lunching on my Nutri plus milk, I made my way to the 1st baking class of my life. (As a MEP student in Secondary school, I didn’t have to attend Home Economics class.)
There, we made 4 cup-sized desserts: tiramisu, mango mousse, crème brulee and cream caramel. The class size was around 30, with women ranging from 18 to 58 (wow!). There was a guy too, tagging with her girlfriend. But the guy seemed like interested too. We split into 3 groups, each with around 10 persons to a chef. In my group there were 4 young girls, likely from Poly. They were particularly friendly and made themselves very much at home, especially with one being very enthusiastic in getting hands-on. She might well be the baker in the group! Not that I minded since I’m more a notes-taker, but those times she pushed me around (unlucky to be beside her) peeved me much. I guess some people don’t know basic courtesy.
At the end of the class, we were able to dapao the desserts back. Each had two cups of each of the four desserts. I went on the buy $35+ worth of X’mas Fruit Cake ingredients. Happily hugged onto my stuff and flagged a cab home.
Afternoon back at home was spent mainly on fruitcake baking preparations. Mixing the flour, mixed fruits, almonds, eggs, butter and essences. Beating the mixture. Quite simple, but as the ingredients spanned up to 20 different ones, I spent close to two hours getting the mixture done, just ready for baking in the oven. However, I didn’t want to let the lousy oven at my house spoil the efforts and thus brought the whole tin of mixture to WW’s place to bake.
The way to WW’s house was a little long (around an hour) but was relaxing. I had to walk about 20 mins, 10 from my house to the bus stop and another 10 from bus stop to WW’s house, and sit in the bus for about 45 mins. Given usual days, I would have taken a cab but it would have been my 3rd cab in the same day. Plus the weather was cooling and I didn’t have the chance to run yesterday.
WW’s colleagues were at his place for mahjong, drinks and simply hanging out. By the time I reached, most of them were nua-ing. After an hour plus, it was time to go home and also the time my cake would be done. However, even after all his friends left, the cake was still moist in the insides though it had been baked for the past hour plus. I thought it would fail. But good thing another 50 mins of higher heat salvaged my efforts and it made a delicious fruitcake after all!
Now I can’t wait for tomorrow morning to try the real taste, after it cools. If successful, I will bake more for family, friends and colleagues!
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Shaped
When I was just back from NYC about a month ago, I was thinking of having an easier life. Taking things at a more relaxed pace, slowing down to appreciate the finer details around us. That includes adopting a more laid-back approach to work, especially since I've been placed in two teams since April.
However, after slightly more than a month since the return and after soaking in the Singaporean culture again, I'm beginning to feel the KS mentality. Need to pia in work, do my best to exceed expectations and strive to be the best among the rest. (Though I know that can't be done. How to be the best out of such an elitist society?) Work hard (and smart) for a big increment and a fat bonus next year and to own that big car some five years down the road. Go to fancy restaurants, dress up stylishly and own the latest gadget. See what this society does to you?
Then we neglected the poorer ones, surviving on tight-string budget and not having the luxury to enjoy the more-than-little entertainment in life. The forgotten ones living in their world, having a totally different set of worries and priorities. How can we reach out to them? How can they ever break out of the poverty cycle?
I suppose the world is too complex for our complete understanding. I'm just glad I have a relatively simple life to deal with. Simple wants, simple aims.
However, after slightly more than a month since the return and after soaking in the Singaporean culture again, I'm beginning to feel the KS mentality. Need to pia in work, do my best to exceed expectations and strive to be the best among the rest. (Though I know that can't be done. How to be the best out of such an elitist society?) Work hard (and smart) for a big increment and a fat bonus next year and to own that big car some five years down the road. Go to fancy restaurants, dress up stylishly and own the latest gadget. See what this society does to you?
Then we neglected the poorer ones, surviving on tight-string budget and not having the luxury to enjoy the more-than-little entertainment in life. The forgotten ones living in their world, having a totally different set of worries and priorities. How can we reach out to them? How can they ever break out of the poverty cycle?
I suppose the world is too complex for our complete understanding. I'm just glad I have a relatively simple life to deal with. Simple wants, simple aims.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Resting my body and soul
Am sick at home :(
But took the chance to get in touch with the musical side of me. Beginning to appreciate FIR's songs, especially the new one 月牙湾。The vocals are so unique - a blend of opera sounds yet crisp and light.
I'm also working my fingers on the black-and-whites. Chopin's Ballade No.23 Op.1 is tough!
My bro is at the motorcycle workshop getting his motorbike repaired. Hopefully it'll be over soon and he can join us for dinner. Wong Tian is coming back for dinner too, which will make it a family dinner with all present. An occasion very hard to come by, now that my bro is staying in hostel. Amazing too, how one semester has breezed past for him. It didn't seem like he has been away at hostel for long.
Hope my cough goes away soon. Been missing my jogs and yoga; what a torture.
But took the chance to get in touch with the musical side of me. Beginning to appreciate FIR's songs, especially the new one 月牙湾。The vocals are so unique - a blend of opera sounds yet crisp and light.
I'm also working my fingers on the black-and-whites. Chopin's Ballade No.23 Op.1 is tough!
My bro is at the motorcycle workshop getting his motorbike repaired. Hopefully it'll be over soon and he can join us for dinner. Wong Tian is coming back for dinner too, which will make it a family dinner with all present. An occasion very hard to come by, now that my bro is staying in hostel. Amazing too, how one semester has breezed past for him. It didn't seem like he has been away at hostel for long.
Hope my cough goes away soon. Been missing my jogs and yoga; what a torture.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Feeling melancholy
Is it the gloomy weather? A stark contrast to yesterday's bright sun.
Is it the sad news? Of the pitiful passing and the heart break of their loved ones?
Is it the impending busy work week ahead? Worsen by the serious cough that seems to break my throat.
Still, I'm happy to enjoy a simple yet complex joy with WW. Simple - no planning or preparations required; complex - you need a good brain, a fine appreciation and some practice at it. Hearing him play the timeless works of the major composers spurs me on to master the few pieces that I am at. He does Blumedlied with such feelings that my all-time Op64No.2 fades in the background. It's wonderful we both can connect with piano-playing so well and revive each other's spirit in the piano pieces.
Is it the sad news? Of the pitiful passing and the heart break of their loved ones?
Is it the impending busy work week ahead? Worsen by the serious cough that seems to break my throat.
Still, I'm happy to enjoy a simple yet complex joy with WW. Simple - no planning or preparations required; complex - you need a good brain, a fine appreciation and some practice at it. Hearing him play the timeless works of the major composers spurs me on to master the few pieces that I am at. He does Blumedlied with such feelings that my all-time Op64No.2 fades in the background. It's wonderful we both can connect with piano-playing so well and revive each other's spirit in the piano pieces.
More photos of WW's new house:
Summer loves the sun. She's happily basking in the sun, thanks to the one who releases her every now and then (me!). Heh.
Summer's being trained not to enter the living room. She still sneaks in sometimes.
Obedient little one at the other side of the house
Sunset view at the balcony. The sun was fogged by raining clouds.
Another view from the balcony
The bar counter at the attic floor
Living area at the attic floor (3rd floor)
Looking at the balcony door
Stairway
Room at the attic floor..
.. where the piano sits
Panorama view of the houses from the piano room window.Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
My dear bro is 21!
Yesterday after work (and a quick run with Tian), we were back home to celebrate Shou Bi's 21st bday. We ordered Sakae Sushi delivery which arrived half an hour earlier than requested. By the time Tian and I got home, the food was already sitting there for an hour. But still we had a good meal together, sharing the mini dons and sushi with one another.
Considering it's a 21st birthday celebration, the feast wasn't that big and the gathering that spectacular. But I'm sure my bro would appreciate this more than any big parties because he is a simple boy (man) from a simple family. :)
Fluffy being placed on the chair, hanging on to the table edge
She's quite happy though.
The Wong Family! Celebrating Shou Bi's 21st birthday - 16 Nov
Ama got a big fat ang pow for Shou Bi
Happy birthday dear bro!
Me, Aboy & Tian
Gift from Tian & me. One more Adidas black sports top to his collection.
WW joined us too straight from work :)
Considering it's a 21st birthday celebration, the feast wasn't that big and the gathering that spectacular. But I'm sure my bro would appreciate this more than any big parties because he is a simple boy (man) from a simple family. :)
Fluffy being placed on the chair, hanging on to the table edge
She's quite happy though.
The Wong Family! Celebrating Shou Bi's 21st birthday - 16 Nov
Ama got a big fat ang pow for Shou Bi
Happy birthday dear bro!
Me, Aboy & Tian
Gift from Tian & me. One more Adidas black sports top to his collection.
WW joined us too straight from work :)Tuesday, November 13, 2007
最可怜的家庭成员
那就是Fluffy Wong!
The past weekend she was all alone at home, deserted by even my homely parents. Her teary sad expression made me feel a tinge of guilt, but then again, no ones replaces Wong Tian's place in her heart.
It may be a good idea to get her a companion or to let her breed some small shih tzus, but HDB wouldn't allow. What's with rearing two dogs in a HDB flat? So draconian. Eeks.
Which reminds me of my need to vent out this other matter. The KPE, recently opened, has enforced a speed limit of 70km/h. Any speed more than that and you could be slapped with a 200 (plus plus?) fine and 12 demerit points. 110 and above could warrant you a stay behind bars. I tried driving in the tunnel before; it was an agony for a speed demon. Just don’t get how our gov wants to be so in control.
I wonder how long it would be before I can quit taking the MRT, but again with car-driving, would it become more agonizing?
The past weekend she was all alone at home, deserted by even my homely parents. Her teary sad expression made me feel a tinge of guilt, but then again, no ones replaces Wong Tian's place in her heart.
It may be a good idea to get her a companion or to let her breed some small shih tzus, but HDB wouldn't allow. What's with rearing two dogs in a HDB flat? So draconian. Eeks.
Which reminds me of my need to vent out this other matter. The KPE, recently opened, has enforced a speed limit of 70km/h. Any speed more than that and you could be slapped with a 200 (plus plus?) fine and 12 demerit points. 110 and above could warrant you a stay behind bars. I tried driving in the tunnel before; it was an agony for a speed demon. Just don’t get how our gov wants to be so in control.
I wonder how long it would be before I can quit taking the MRT, but again with car-driving, would it become more agonizing?
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Dinner with fellow young peers
Happy to find a bunch of like-minded, same-generation kids in the office! We, a total of 16, had dinner at The Pump Room last Thursday to celebrate XL's 24th bday. With this group of younger peers, it's definitely more fun working. Imagine just three years back, I couldn't find more than 5 colleagues who were younger than me! But now, I'm the oldest in this group.I hope these days of hanging out don't end soon, coz with that, it'll mean us having to devote more time to family and which signifies us getting old.
Eden and me
Me and Kai Ling
Lastly, me and birthday ger - Xiuling :)Sunday, November 04, 2007
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