Christmas Gathering

Met up with the JC friends for a Christmas Gathering on Christmas Day itself. Cecilia's aunt had a rental place which was vacant for the day. We trooped over to the place. It was near the workplace, and the windows looked directly at our office building. Ha, its the holidays and I'm near the workplace. Signz, if I lived near the area, the travelling time is wonderfully short.. ;p

Roast Chicken

Our hostess busied herself with the cooking of rather yummy cuisine. It was actually the most Christmassy meal I had for the past few days. There were mussels with white wine, prawns in chili sauce, spaghetti with cream sauce, squid with salt & pepper, roasted Chicken on a bed of potatoes and carrots, fillings for crackers. So very yumms. Plus, Fen joined us finally. After so many years. Its great to attend a gathering without the dearie at times. No one brought partners, so it was just the mates.

We did the requisite gift exchange. I got a rather pretty precious moments stamp set from Wen. Plus, Santa Colin got us all presents. A pretty mug. It was great meeting up with the JC mates.

Gift Exchange

I ended the day at the In-Laws's place. Where the little ones had great fun opening up their pressies. We ate Chinese, Curry with Bee Hoon. Not too Christmassy huh, but rather economical.. opps.

26th Dec 09. Was supposed to meet the babes for a meal. But Han went overseas last min, so the meet up was postphoned. So, I woke up late and went shopping with the dearie. Post Christmas Sales mah! We ended the day with great steamboat dinner prepared by the mother-in-law. Very yumms. *burp* food overdose these past few days. I so lurve the holiday season with its long weekends.

Quiet Christmas After the Whirlwind

Been busy with work, so much so that I've not have time to do many things in the whirlwind workdays of mine. We did manage to sneak in a short trip with the dear in-laws and sis-in law's family. This year, the Christmas pressies were brought so last minute (Well, it was also quite last min last year). This moi was still buying and wrapping pressies on the 23rd till about 1.30 am! So tiring!

Pressies, finally wrapped

Aiz..I resolute to start pressie shopping a month before Xmas 2010..okies. And to bake some yummies, organise a little gathering or watnot.. And put up a pretty tree in the homeland. Yes! I must! Next year.. ;p

The blessing, is that moi finally gets to enjoy the type of workplace Christmassy feeling which has been lacking the past 5 years in the old workplace. There was a furry of peeps busy handing out gifts to other peeps! And we did a gift exchange for the unit.. Before handing for the big unit's Christmas Eve Buffet early afternoon. Very Holiday with many emails 'unworked' on, peeps eating together. I like! Something I've craved for the past work years! It was half day at work, and i got to enjoy the mad rush to leave office mid-day. Well, I managed to leave office at 2.30pm. Late by normal standards, veri early by mine.. (compared to the full day work of the old place.. ;p

Gift Exchange Corner

It was a quiet Christmas Eve this year. And I'm glad. It gives me time to catch up on life. Late Lunch with the dearie, more shopping for pressies and dinner with the in-laws. Only thing is i din get to meet up with the mommie. Maybe I'll do a mini family dinner for the in-laws and mommie next year. :)

Seasons greetings, enjoy this Yuletide season with your loved ones, family and friends. Of great food, giving, sharing and making merry.

Of Cakes and Cakes

We were at the Katong Area for a wedding and popped by Katong Mall on our way over to Parkway Parade. Saw Awfully Chocolate and decided to get a 6' inch cake on our way home. We got the Chocolate Banana flavoured one. Quite moist and nice for a chocolate cake. Not too sweet. (well, i'm really no fan of chocolate and i still simply adore the rum cakes from Balmoral Bakery). Will probably order chocolate cakes from there if there are festive occasions or friends popping by. I find it amazing that the shop which sells only 3 types of chocolate cakes and chocolate ice cream. Plus, no cakes on display anywhere in the shop at all. Its quite a genius marketing concept. If I ever have my own business, i wanna do something unique and ingenious too.

Signz, if only i could bake such wonderful cakes. Drools.. over the cakey goodness. If only I can have a small business to call my own. I'll be a happy donkey!

New Scent

Look what Santa brought.. hee, its the dearie's christmas pressie for moi. A new perfume from Armani. The brand's fragrance is the dearie's favourite. He cannot do without his Mania. Its different from my usual Anna Sui Perfumes, which I lurve. But, surprising, the strong sensual floral notes of the perfume.. fans out well with the hours, leaving an elegant base note. Yup, its gonna be a staple in the perfume wardrobe. Thanks dearie.. for the gift.. :)

He Calls

When we were still dating, he calls daily and I look forward to our nightly chats. He calls nightly, this week that he is overseas. To nag in his uncle-y style to lock the door, off the switches. Reminds me of the yester days. Lifts my spirits in this whirlwind work week of mine.

Tired from the nearly 12 hours working day. So much that i am not gonna do any 'home work' tonight.

Being Contented

JW has a pre-existing medical condition which we are all aware of, since the sec school days. Reading his blog about watching others with the same medical condition passing on, his fear of the eventual coming as he grows older, telling us about the unpredictability of life and the need to treasure it. It worries me, saddens me.

I know, we keep talking about retirement and planning for the future. Enjoying the fruits of one's life long labour upon retirement in this country. But, how long is the flame gonna stay lighted in your life? My life? Its at times like this that I reflect upon the meaning of my existence. Would I still work so hard for tomorrow? Staring at the never ending emails crafted in standard corporate lingo. If I know that tomorrow may not come, for the harvesting.

So wanna find something worry-free, stress-free, care-free,time-free which i can indulge in. Ahem.. Suggestions anyone??

Carpe Diem..everyone!!

Life the life you want!!

Dec's a month of Birthdays and Weddings

Attended 3 precious hatchdays for 3 precious bubs. Starting from little Javier's full month, followed by babie Megan's birthday. This was followed by boy boy Kayson's first year party last Saturday.

Kayson's super mommie did a pretty bright banner for his big day, with pretty balloons dotting his granny's place. Add in a 2 tier mickey mouse themed birthday cake from Pine Garden and cupcakes, eclairs. The party is complete. Eecck, its not easy having a kid these days. Every little event in their lifes is a significant milestone and requires thoughtful planning by their doting parents. So xiong being a parent!

On the wedding front, moi had a ball of a time catching up with the ex-colleagues at Bro Nic's wedding on Sat. Yah.. i had to rush from baby Kayson's party to the wedding.. but the rush and heffy cab fares was well-spent. I nearly laughed myself silly with the funny recollections by the funny bunch. Tales of the old workplace, jokes on the funny antics of the ex big boss. I laughed so hard that i was tearing at certain points. Its great to be able to poke fun about the drab situation, like the bunch did and i could definitely relate to the tales and parody. I sure miss erm, especially mel and mdm R. This is probably the one wedding whereby the boisterous company made it utterly enjoyable and fun. 2 more weddings to go for the month! I love the fast paced holidayness of December. :)

Yumms

The dear father-in-law brought yummy food cooked by the mother-in-law and left it for me. Yup, I have fantastic in-laws. I get healthy good food with fruits inclusive. Hmm.. no wonder the dress sizes has been going up.

Tonight's dinner tha-paoed by the father-in-law.

By Myself

The dearie just left for his work trip to Jakarta. He will only be back on Friday. He just left, and I'm already missing him. So much, its scary how he's become such a big part of my life. How he's replaced the mommie's placing so so fast. That i'm a tad guilty about it.

And the best part of it, is that the mommie is also away. She also hopped onto a plane today, bound for community work in Cambodia. The Bro is also overseas. So, I'm literally by myself. Its scary, how loney one can feel when one is alone. I guess much of my energy in live comes from the confidence in noeing and having that cocoon of love from the loved ones. Yet, when they are all not around.. i miss erm all terribly.

Hmm.. and coupled by the downs and challenges at work for the coming week.. this donkey's feeling a tad blue. Silly old me. Starting to doubt my suitability in undertaking the portfolio. Silly silly.

Mousey and Bossy

At times i feel that i am a good example of being Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. In my case..alternating between being mousey and bossy.

Mousey moi in the office, when interacting with the bosses. Still the inept blue donkey who wanna be the tigger. Even in mid-life. Why? Still so shell-in and bottled-up. Why not be moiself? So what if the real moi is goofy?

Bossy to the family members. I can be rather nasty to the ones who love moi the most. The bro and the mommie. And the dearie too. Maybe its because i express my concerns by wanting the best for the bro, and end up being too critical. Distancing myself because of disappointment. Yet, i do know that he is free to live the life he chooses to. It cuts at me when i know i've hurt them, yet.. i don't know how to tell them i'm sorry. So porcupine huh.

And so Jekyll and Hyde.

Gosh! Grow up and love moiself more, please!

Sights of Christmas

The bright sparkling lights of the city signals the impending arrival of Christmas next month. A season which i so so love. A season of giving, of being merry, of celebrations, of family.

Prettie Pressie

Isn't this pretty? Pressie from the dearie, for our five years anniversary come 1st Dec. 5 years of togetherness, as galfriend and boyfriend. Hee, i noe.. we have many anniversaries. The dearie's poor pockets.

Went House Hopping

Both Moi and Agnes now stays in the East side while the rest of the Sec School Kakis are West-siders. And we both moved into our new homes recently (well.. one year is not so recent for moi ). So, the Sec School Kakis did a house hopping event yesterday as a form of 'House Warning' for us.

We started off in the afternoon at my place. Phews.. was so rushing to make the homeland presentable and barely made it. Ryan and XiaoHe brought their galfriends while Qian brought her baby twins, complete with husband and helper. Yup, so it was a rather big group. They stayed a short while... its an awkward timing to serve food, so i only served Rojak and drinks. opps. Moi is not a very good host.

We trooped over to Agnes' place for dinner. I quite like her new place. Glossy and well-designed, quite different from the clean-cut look of the homeland. Agnes ordered some pizza and roasted some chix wings. She also did a yums mash potato, honey baked ham, salad and garlic bread. Great hosting food ideas. Hee.

We stayed later and played Monopoly! Feels wonderful to be playing the childhood board game after so so long. The whoosing high of buying land and building your own property empire!! The constant fear of landing on a street full of hotels and bankrupting oneself in a spin. A sorta make believe Donald Trump. Moi din make a good property tycoon..Agnes won, with Ryan's date in second placing. So gotta buy a set of the game for the homeland.

Dearie Cooks

The dearie has been cooking for the 2 of us recently. I should be the one cooking, but.. I'm just letting him have his chance to display his dormant cooking skills okays (nnaahh!! this lazy moi is just trying to find excuses as usual huh)..

Well.. the time seems to just fly by during the year end period. At work, for the weekends. Loads of upcoming weddings and events in Dec.. and Nov is already drawing to a close. Golly!

Pics, for the cooklog.. :)

Fish Porridge

Soupy "Mee Tai Mak"

Dearie's Fried Rice

Gotta go shopping!

Its mid week, moving on to the end of this work week. Can't wait. The longer travelling time is making moi tired. Hmm.. gotta go shopping for the festive year end. Pressies to buy.. in need of work clothes. Shopaholic Anonymous! Can't decide if i should get a new wallet, or buy the damn kindle instead as a pressie for moi.. ;p

Rose-tinted Glasses

Sometimes i wish i could look at this world more through rose-tinted glasses.. And not this pair of eyes which has been tinted with practicality and cynicism. Perhaps life would be happier..simpler. A pair of rose-tinted glasses for sale.. Anyone? To aid this tired-eyed gal.

Wife's Biscults

I have an old lady's palate. i enjoy traditional food. Like Wife's Biscuits ( Lao Po Bing in Chinese). The mummie's friend got a box back from Hong Kong for her, and she gave the entire box to me.

Yums. Not fresh-from-the oven-goodness that you get in Hong Kong ( i think they have retail outlets in the Sogo Supermarkets..i got mine there the last time i was in Hong Kong ) because of the time gap and the carrying/travelling part which causes the flakey biscuits to crumble. But, I'm still loving it.. ;p

So so wanna travel................................. Hong Kong.China.Vietnam (Hoi An & Danang).Thailand. Wanderlust bug biting again. Uurrggghhh

Social Life

Most days i do facebooking just for the games. A tad reclusive, i admit. Not much of a social life to speak of. Rather drab, especially when your friends appear to be enjoying life. Eeerggh. I guess moi is also not one who makes moves to contact friends. Its pure lazyness in socializing, i tell ya ;p

Having Hairy Crabs

Its the season for Big Hairy Crabs. We been talking about wanting to try out the famous but oh-so-expensive crabs for a couple of years. Well, we could never get pass the exorbitant pricing of the crabs.

We were dinning at Pu Tien today, barely arriving in time for the tail end of the high tea buffet and the restaurant was having a promo on the Hairy Crabs. So, we took the plunge and ordered 2 crabs. Mommie had not eaten the crustacean before and was game to try it. This despite the 3 of us being totally stuffed from the buffet food. We had to wait about 20 mins for the crabs after our buffet to end off the meal, which gave us some time to digest our food!

Our 2 crabs looked pretty, presented on a bed of greens. The crab roe was great, fantastic seafoody creamy goodness. A tad expensive a splurge for that 2 mouthful of orange goodness per crab.. Hee. The experience of having someone present the crabs into edible portions was quite a novel one, as with the experience of having eaten the crabs. The meat of the hairy crab was forgettable..so yah, its only the roe that is really swoon worthy.

Our servers preparing the crabs

See the orange-yellow roe..so yums

Although the dearie still prefers his Teo Chew Cold Crab for the balance of roe and meat..So its much unlikely we'll be having the hairy crabs again soon ;p

The little boy dances.

When I first started dating his uncle, he was still in his mummy's tummy. Now, one year after our wedding, the little one is a fine boy who is already 4 years old. He's utterly adorable and together with babie Megan, they light up the family. He's a confident, well adjusted kid whose's loved by us all. Javen boy, whom i still call 'baby' even though he's no longer a baby but a little child. My heart melts whenever he calls out "Jiu Ma" whenever we go back to the in-laws' place for dinner.

And yesterday, the little boy performed as part of his nursery class in the graduation concert organized by his kindergarden. A 2 minutes performance, which the family ( The sis-in-law, mum & dad-in-law, megan, dearie and moi) eagerly awaited. The entire auditorium was chalk-full of proud parents whipping out all forms of cameras and cam-recorders. Its a heart-warming sight. This concert of the little ones. Especially Javen boy's performance.. ;p

The Annual Function

Tits the first function of the organization that moi is attending. The event was held after work, with shuttle service to the event venue. Only a few colleagues from the unit attended the event. Moi, i only went because mountain turtle moi have not been to the Singapore Flyer before and wanted to check out the place. Plus, a chance to see the flow of the event.

Table Decor

Compared to the more glitzy annual dinner from the previous organization.. tonight's event was more heart warming because it was a divisional event. More like the event i attended for the previous workplace. The glaring difference, is that the people around me were laughing more care-freely, for even the big bosses were participating in the fun. Even though the budget appears smaller and the venue and food not as atas. (well, not dwelling into work undercurrents yet)

The requisite function games

The newbies had to perform in 4 groups.. although for some reason which i cannot fathom, moi was not included even as those who joined the same time as moi were conscripted into the groups. Haa, whether even the reason for the left out, i am glad. For, i am a behind the scenes kinda person and invisibility suits me just fine. For i realise that its not the colleagues around me that are getting younger. Rather, its moi who is getting older by the day. Its a more sanguine and grown-up moi reacting to work-life. After nearly 5 full years in the work force.

Lucky Draw Prize

And, the most amazing part of the night? I won the 8th prize in the lucky draw. Now, thats a lucky win for someone who's never even won any lottery/major prize at all. Although i was joking with the dearie.. "lucky in small wins, unlucky in work". Heck, l'll just enjoy the ride and see how this part of the journey goes.

Looking Back

The good thing about blogging is that you would be able to return back to your thoughts, captured thru yesteryears. In a rather narcissistic manner.

Although what i am afraid of, is that the musings remains constant throughout the years. Even worse, would be the realisation that the years have been frittered away in a colourless drab existence.

An example: " Yah!! Its friday tomorrow!!" [ repeated in countless posts down the road].. which pretty much sums up this work week..[ feeling repeated many years down the road]. Urrgghh!!

To end this post: Yah!!! Its friday tomorrow!!

Wrong Bus.. Again!

There's a reason why moi's a self-proclaimed silly old donkey. .or goofball! Cannot recalled the countless times i've done silly things. Stopping at wrong MRT stations and other misadventures are my forte. *Signs*

I confess, guess what i did today? I took the wrong bus (again!). Staying 2 bus- stops away from a major interchange means that i usually pop onto any old bus for the feeder ride. BUT.. there are 2 buses which does a loop a junction before. And i cannot seem to remember the 2nd bus which i cannot take! So, it not a once bitten twice shy kinda scenario. Coz one forgets after a long lapse after being bitten.

When the bus came today, i vaguely remembered that i shouldn't be taking the bus (it was that vague k..). But, i checked out the route summary board before boarding. It said XXX street. That's where i usually alight.. so i bravely hopped onto the bus. Am guess what, yah.. its the wrong bus. *Aiyah* Moral of the lesson.. must take wrong bus a few more times! i'm sure my pea-sized brain would finally register the forbidden bus no! Or.. could this be a sign of aging.. ;p

(although the dearie noes this is a common occurrence in moi's life. So he's none too surprised when i confessed)

The mystery of the missing work pass

Sleepy eyed.. i walked into the lobby of the office building this morning.. And was jotted awake trying to find my work pass. Gosh!

I almost flipped over my entire bag. Hard as I tried, I could not find my work pass! so i had to change a visitor pass and was in 2 minds about it the whole day trying to figure out the whereabouts of the missing pass.. worried that i had to report the pass as lost and shelling out monies for a replacement. Plus the inconvenience of using a visitor pass.. *Glurp*

So this silly donkey rushed home after work.. hoping that the elusive missing pass would turn out somewhere. It did!!! *Phews*

Guess where the missing work pass is? caught in between the pages of the copy of the free newspaper i pick up yesterday. I had tossed the paper aside upon reaching home. The pass was just in between the pages of the paper. Aiz.. Silly old moi. *heaves a great sign of relieve*

Attended a R.O.M

We attended a young couple's R.O.M on Saturday. Its quite the family affair, with many of the dearie's extended family out in full force. The extended family is a big one, with many many boisterous cutesy little darling babies from the cousins. Heeeh.. its rather tiring looking after the young-erms.

Baby Megan.. my little niece..utterly adorable

The couple had rented a chalet at NSRCC for the event. The place is a great place for celebrating family events.. little Javen had his birthday celebration there is Sept! They spruced up the place prettily, with heart shaped balloons, flowers, feathers, photos, ribbons in full force. There was even a video montage and cake -cutting ceremony.

Ha ha.. my own R.O.M which we did at our new place a year ago seems simple in comparison. But i guess, no matter the format, venue and frills and wat nots..its how you make good of your life together as mr and missuss after the ceremony that matters. :)

R.O.M decor

The event was the highlight of the weekend, which was otherwise subdued. We are beri nua.. with weekends spent catching up on lost sleep.

Its Saturday!

Yippee........................ its finally the weekend. Sleep. Precious Sleep.. how i missed you!

Life Is

Life is.. being able to sit down alfresco-styled at any old cafe with an iced-cold coffee drink. With a book in your hands, reading and watching the world go by. Soaking in the late afternoon sun ray.

Pasta.. Again..(By the Dearie)

This is the dearie's version of pasta. With tomato and portobello mushroom and some fish. Yup, we woke up late yesterday.. had lunch (the pasta) before the dearie and mommie left for hair stylists. Moi, I waited with a cup of ice cold latte and a story book at the McDonald's nearby. Totally stuffed with food the entire day. Yah, we are quite homes people.. day offs are just for slacking.

Pasta for Dinner

The dearie is on afternoon shift and i din wanna pack dinner back. So i rustled up some pasta with portobello mushroom. Erm, the sauce came in a bottle lah..and we're out of spaghetti , but at least its half home-cooked..

Feels good to do abit of cooking in the kitchen. It made moi feel more domesticated. Off tomorrow.. feeling happy (despite the work piling up in the inbox at work.. aiz)

Just the Worker Bee

I had dinner with the ex-colleagues last friday. The ex-asst mgr gave a treat and he invited moi. Before some of them came, i had time for a quick catch up with the 2 dear colleagues. I so miss them, for they made staying at the old place fun!

I was also duly reminded of the very reasons why i left the work place and why i should be grateful that the new place provides moi with the very factors i was looking for. Like no or veri little customer interface, no operations with need to deploy loads of staff to man the counters. Being able to take long weekends without guilt and being able to eat out for lunch with the whole unit. Being able to go for training and no needing to do shift in the long run basis. Factors which were missing from the old job that I was so determined to find elsewhere. That were definitely push factors while the pull factors was a chance at doing a portfolio i've always wanted.

Yet, intrinsically i am at times nostalgic about the old organisation and the work which is a tad more dynamic in nature. But i've come to realise that there is no perfect workplace. Its a matter of adjusting your mentality and moving on if you believe there is a better organisation and culture out there.

The new workplace is indeed no where perfect. Errors in the handling of matters at the workplace, are reflective of the underlying problems of high attrition and lack of proper procedures and hand-over. I am only afraid of the implications of the errors when correlated with performance and rewards.

Yet, for me, the new workplace is not as bad as the old..as I have guessed. Its just that one has limited memories.. or rather, awareness fades with the passage of time. Hence, i dun wanna forgot the very factors which propelled the switch.. as one gets more familiar with the new place and the little bits starts to erode the old memories. The complacency and smugness sets in..

Anyways, i'm not looking for a promotion or anything on the radar.. my goal was to give myself 2 years to build up the CV..so i guess, just do the job like a true blue worker bee. Although there is no big honey pot at the end of the rainbow, at least the little pot of honey is good enough for daily living. For having that little pot, already is a blessing in itself yah.

Short Weekend Getaway with the Mommie

It was a last minute impromptu decision. The mommie had booked a room at Genting as her boss was going there with his family. So there was a free ride up. The dearie could not make it as he was working sun nite.

If i din go with mommie, she would be by herself..eating alone.. Plus, i've always felt a tad guilty that i din have alot of time for her since i moved out although she used to be the center of my life when i was growing up. So, it was off for a short weekend getaway with the mommie. I noe, she dotes on moi loads, splurging on moi for the weekend.. am blessed that my family, dearie and his family dotes on moi. We took the coach back and reached the little red dot at about 7 plus. Feels good, to go on short getaways.

Herbal Jelly (available in sgp), But i just like having it overseas

Plus the cruise trip earlier on, its 2 short trips and 1 long trip for this year, although all the trips were taken with family. Wonder if I could hope on a plane and do another short trip before this year ends.. * Grins*

My Shopping Loot.. Courtesy of the Mommie.. Yippee

Its back to work tomorrow.. *Big sign*

Bliss, Blessed

MIL's Home-made salad sans salad sauce

Home cooked pork chops set, courtesy of the MIL

The dearie is working late today, so i came home late as well. The dear Mum-In-Law, Dad-In-Law , Sis-In-Law, little Javen and Megan trooped over to our place at 8 plus. Just to deliver MIL's home-cooked.yummy-licious Western Food for us. I'm so blessed to have wonderful thoughtful in-laws.. bliss as I chomp on the food... the pseudo chinese-western styled pork chops with the old school fries made from real potaoes which i used to cook when i was younger.. Hummhh.....

Wonderful Drama

I confess.. i love my Korean, Hong Kong, Taiwanese and Japanese Dramas. Currently absorbed with the daily broadcast of Moonlight Resonance. Great fuzzy warmly drama at its best. Moi needs my daily dosage of the show manz.. :)

Celebrating One Year

We took leave today, in celebration of the day one year ago. We woke up late and wanted to go for a quick swim. That was aborted with the gloomy weather. The dearie cooked porridge with some steamed chicken and veg for lunch.

Geisha Blossom Tea

Celebration Set at TWG Tea

We headed to Ion for shopping and tea. Had glorious tea at TWG Tea. Very expensive, very chic tea (although I must say, its more packaging and marketing than anything else). We ordered the celebration tea set.. which comes with finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jelly and macaroons. The dearie had the Geisha Blossom Tea and I had the Bian de Rose Tea. Hee, the experience of having luxury afternoon tea was a rather grand one.. although too heffy to be done often.

Dinner

We walked around a fair bit and moi bought a pair of pretty pink havaianas and 2 dresses. Opps, no more shopping for the month. We ended with dinner at Watami. Quite good Japanese food, not too expensive.

Salt Caramel Swiss Roll

We even came back with Salt Caramel Japanese Swiss roll from Arinco King. At $18 for a small roll.. its no wonder there's no queue although the Swiss roll is great. The dearie got Bak Kwa from Lim Chee Guan.. so he's pretty happy. Its a simple day with the dear dearie.. am glad to be off work.. ha ha.. am i starting to hate going to work.. ? ;p