Happy CNY!!

Feeling pretty good as we prepare ourselves for our upcoming CNY aka Mr. OX year ahead....here's my checklist:

1. New hairdo: Yes and the whole process cost me 296bucks **Faint** and that price did not include the curl maintenance products liked hair serum, hair treatment, shampoo,blah blah that l bought...plus the hours l spent....endured 4-5hours of pure torture sitting patiently while waiting for the hairstylist to perform her miracle works on my hair...LOL...The pain that a woman goes through to pretty themselves are priceless....the infamous phrase of "there are no ugly woman but only lazy woman outta" heehee
2. New clothings: Yes, bought 3 pairs of Kebaya and finally managed to buy the kerongsang that l liked only yesterday' evening. What a relief! (a simple design of a golden leaf; nothing fanciful)
3. Lingerie: Yup, gotten those too....**Chuckling**
4. New Bedsheet: Yes
5. New shoes: Yes, bought 4 pairs but already wore one pair **Sniggers**
6. Springcleaning: Completed
7. New Year Goodies: Stocked alot...The pineapple tarts, egg rolls, peanuts, fish crackers...I bought majority from Bengawan solo...**Smiling sweetly**
8. Contact lenses: Prepared (Just in case)
9. Make-up: Yes
10. Sent emails to wish everyone: Done
11. The list goes on and on....maybe l should get my nails done...**Wondering***

Before l set off on another CNY mission...I would like to wish all my dear friends a very Blessed CNY and May our good Lord bless you & your loved ones with abundance of Joy, Love, Peace, good Health & Happiness in the upcoming Ox year!! ^@^


Cheers and God Bless always,
Nicole Xu

Size Vs Substance

Does size really matters in the relationship?

There are countless arguments and counter-arguments on this debate thingy...

For moi personally, I felt that Size is really nothing as compared with something more important such as substance which is basically everything in a healthy relationship, Cos without substance, there's simply no point of carrying on in a relationship...No matter how good lookings the guys or babes are...As time goes by, their Looks can fade away...such is the

reality of Life ar...

Compulsive shopper

Am l a compulsive shopper?

I used to splurge on things that l simply adore and guilty of spending...

Sanrio products such as Little Twin stars aka KiKiKaKa, My Melody, Hello Kitty, Chammy Kitty without a second glance...Now, l would try to think over my purchase to see if they are a necessity or a simply an indulgent aka splurge ye...Ha-Ha

Sometimes, I would take a snapshot of the products that l wish to purchase, think about it over a night or two...Guess l ain't cut out to be a finance controller ye..**Chuckling**

1975 Little Twin Stars

Real Name: Kiki
Sex: Boy
Skills: Can fly through the sky using the star on his back
Hobbies / Personality: Loves star-fishing and inventing things. Kiki is very curious and a little cheeky sometimes.

Real Name: Lala
Sex: Girl
Skills: Cooking. Her soups are amazing!
Hobbies / Personality: Loves drawing and writing poems. Lala is a little timid, and cries easily.

爱

爱的感觉，

总是在一开始觉得很甜蜜，
总觉得多一个人陪、
多一个人帮你分担，
你终於不再孤单了，
至少有一个人想著你、
恋著你，
不论做什么事情，
只要能一起，
就是好的，
但是慢慢的，
随著彼此的认识愈深，
你开始发现了对方的缺点，
於是问题一个接著一个发生，
你开始烦、累，甚至想要逃避，
有人说爱情就像在捡石头，
总想捡到一个适合自己的，
但是你又如何知道什么时候能够捡到呢？

*她适合你，那你又适合她吗?
其实，爱情就像磨石子一样，
或许刚捡到的时候，你不是那么的满意，
但是记住人是有弹性的，
很多事情是可以改变的，
只要你有心、有勇气，
与其到处去捡未知的石头，
还不如好好的将自己已经拥有的石头磨亮磨，
你开始磨了吗？
很多人以为是因为感情淡了，
所以人才会变得懒惰。
错！
其实是人先被惰性征服，
所以感情才会变淡的。

*在某个聚餐的场合, 有人提议多吃点虾子对身体好，
这时候有个中年男人忽然说
「十年前，当我老婆还是我的女朋友的时候，
她说要吃十只虾，我就剥二十只给她！
现在，如果她要我帮她剥虾壳，开玩笑！我连帮她脱衣服都没兴趣了，还剥虾壳咧！]

*听到了吗？
明白了吗？
难怪越来越多人只想要谈一辈子的恋爱，
却迟迟不肯走入婚姻。
因为，婚姻容易让人变得懒惰。
如果每个人都懒得讲话、懒得倾听、懒得制造惊喜、懒得温柔体贴，
那么夫妻或是情人之间，
又怎么会不渐行渐远渐无声呢？
所以请记住：有活力的爱情，是需要适度殷勤灌溉的，
谈恋爱，更是不可以偷懒的喔！

*有一对情侣，相约下班後去用餐、逛街，
可是女孩因为公司会议而延误了，
当她冒著雨赶到的时候已经迟到了30多分钟，
他的男朋友很不高兴的说：
你每次都这样，现在我甚么心情也没了，我以後再也不会等你了！
刹那间，女孩终於决堤崩溃了，
她心里在想：或许，
他们再也没有未来了

*同样的在同一个地点，
另一对情侣也面临同样的处境；
女孩赶到的时候也迟到了半个钟头，
他的男朋友说：
我想你一定忙坏了吧！
接著他为女孩拭去脸上的雨水，并且脱去外套盖在女孩身上，
此刻，女孩流泪了, 但是流过她脸颊的泪却是温馨的。

你体会到了吗？
*其实爱、恨往往只是在我们的一念之间！

爱不仅要懂得宽容更要及时，
很多事可能只是在於你心境的转变罢了！
懂了吗？
当有个人爱上你，而你也觉得他不错。
那并不代表你会选择他。

*我们总说：
我要找一个你很爱很爱的人，才会谈恋爱。
但是当对方问你，
怎样才算是很爱很爱的时候，
你可能无法回答他，
因为你自己也不知道。

*没错，
我们总是以为，
我们会找到一个自己很爱很爱的人。
可是後来，
当我们猛然回首，
我们才会发觉自己曾经多么天真。
假如从来没有开始，
你怎么知道自己会不会很爱很爱那个人呢？
其实，
很爱很爱的感觉，
是要在一起经历了许多事情之後才会发现的。
或许每个人都希望能够找到自己心目中百分之百的伴侣，
但是你有没有想过在你身边会不会早已经有人默默对你付出很久了，
只是你没发觉而已呢？
所以，还是仔细看看身边的人吧！
他或许已经等你很久喽！

*当你爱一个人的时候，
爱到八分绝对刚刚好。
所有的期待和希望都只有七八分；
剩下两三分用来爱自己。
如果你还继续爱得更多，
很可能会给对方沉重的压力，
让彼此喘不过气来，
完全丧失了爱情的乐趣。

*所以请记住，
喝酒不要超过六分醉，
吃饭不要超过七分饱，
爱一个人不要超过八分

*那天朋友问我：
到底该怎么做才算是爱一个人呢？
我笑著跟他说：
其实每个人的爱情观都不一样，
说对了叫开导，
但就怕说错反倒变成误导。
那就糟糕了！

*如果你也正在为爱迷惘，
或许下面这段话可以给你一些启示：

爱一个人，
要了解，也要开解；
要道歉，也要道谢；
要认错，也要改错；
要体贴，也要体谅；
是接受，而不是忍受；
是宽容，而不是纵容；
是支持，而不是支配；
是慰问，而不是质问；
是倾诉，而不是控诉；
是难忘，而不是遗忘；
是彼此交流，
而不是凡事交代；
是为对方默默祈求，
而不是向对方诸多要求；
可以浪漫，但不要浪费；
可以随时牵手，但不要随便分手。

这封信打动了我，
因为它说：
'收到了这封信，
是 因为有人在默默的祝福你，因为你也爱你身边的一些人'。
====================================================================
I read this meaningful and touching message from one of my friends' blog...
As l tried to recall back, l think l did ever rec'd this forwarded message from my friends too...Didn't really know what its really mean till now............ ^@^

Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoological Park, Night Safari Park ^@^

Yippee…I am so excited and happy today…finally got my hands on those admission tickets to the Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoological Park, Night Safari Park at such great steal….30% deduction off the original price…All in all, l have bought a maximum of 5 admission tickets to Jurong Bird Park, 2 admission tickets to Singapore Zoological Park and 2 admission tickets to Night Safari Park. The original ticket per admission to Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Zoological Park is 18 Singapore dollars and 22 Singapore dollars for admission to Night Safari Park.
I will be going with my current colleagues to Jurong Bird Park and my good friend to to Singapore Zoological Park. Oh well, l am clueless as to whom l shall invite to the Night Safari Park….**Chuckling** and I am still wondering who l shall invite to ar…….

Encountered a ever-friendly Auntie whom superb customer-oriented served me with ease over at the NTUC centre. We were liked two old friends yakking away and she was quite surprised to know that l am still very interested in going to such places. She has casually commented that youngsters such as me (LOL) should be outta partying non-stop at Clarke quay, watching movies, shopping at Orchard road area, blah blah…I was quite appalled by her comments. Though I can’t help myself but nodded in unison over her remarks….Hmm, it’s was a such leisure Tuesday afternoon where l have to skip my lunch to buy the admission…But all is worthwhile…oh well, l did munched on an old chang kee curry puff after my purchase on those admission tickets….guess I was very contented by the thoughts that l will be going soon for excursion trip to Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoological Park, Night Safari…except that this time round, l won’t need to ask my parents to sign on the consent form to go...

Bearing in mind that l just went to Singapore Zoological Park recently to celebrate another good friend, Azlina’ 29th Birthday ar and just before the discount comes into picture for NTUC union members’ benefits. I am still slightly sore over the hefty amount on the tourist attraction admission price and no special discount for local supporters ar…**Bummer** Wohahaha-ha Nevertheless, I roughly or shall l put it mentally console myself by saying that price of such admission to the tourist attraction spots must be going to the rental of the place, animals’ food, air-conditioned places, vet, maintenance of the place, grooming of the animals, blah blah, etc.
Visiting such places always brought back lovely and wonderful memories of me when l was just a tiny little person where l had a jolly good time playing with the animals, my classroom, eating at the A&W fast-food restaurant. From my memory, there was an A&W fast-food restaurant which used to operate in Singapore Zoological Park but KFC fast-food restaurant has now occupied the premise. I simply missed the Root beer-float drink that l used to share with my classmates…**Sniggers** I was surprised and found much to my delight that the price in KFC fast-food restaurant was the same in Singapore Zoological Park as you might find it elsewhere in the heartland malls or town area.

Not too sure why, but l am and still do find these places very attractive…the adorable innocent child-like laughter filled the air….the animals trying their best to sashay their performance and just plainly lazing around, not giving a hoot as to whom its audience are….U can actually find something amazing over here ar… **twinkling eyes** as l look forward to yet another fascinating excursion with my friends** A toast to the good health of the animals ye!! ^@^

Captivating photos of Japan ^@^

Received the captivating photos of Japan from a dear friend...AWw.... ^@^

Optimism

“Be of a good cheer; do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourself a difficult task but you will succeed if you persevere and find joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no efforts that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost_Helen Keller”

I saw this meaningful phrase as while walking home from the NEL station yesterday' evening….Interesting ar…..A timely reminder to us all ……..especially when one is face with either a tough decision or going through a difficult journey in life…Nothing is permanent in our journey on earth…..^@^

Fukubukuro Bag(福袋)

You can get real lucky in the upcoming OX year @Eu Tong Sen Street mall (The central) by purchasing the lucky bags to usher in the CNY...It's sort of Japanese retail tradition of filling the bags with assorted goodies and mystery items and selling them at a fraction of the cost....And the contents of each bag are guaranteed to be worth at least 3times of the purchase value of 68bucks...
Hmm, The Fukubukuro Bag(福袋) literally mean good fortune bag in Japan, the Japanese would line up patiently outside of shopping malls in the cold fuyu weather and once the malls are open, would dash in to make purchases of the 福袋...And depending on one Luck for the year..One can really get their hands on really good attractives stuff....I have missed the purchase of the 福袋 in year 2008 as l was comtemplating whether to get it or not...So this year 2009, l am bent on getting my hands on one such 福袋....I shall visit the mall tonight...Wish moi luck ye**Evil laff**

JNTO

Finally I decided to visit the JNTO aka Japan National Tourist Office located at Hong Leong building unit #15-09 during lunch today. Its location is sandwiched between NTUC centre (OMB) and to Lau Pau Sat.....Heehee...I have been wanting to visit JNTO for so long but didn't really have the chances to do so and l was always coming up with excuses...So today I decided that I must go....and Guess what!? I wasn't disappointed at all...Whoa...I am simply amazed by the amount of brochures and informations that the office has for first-timers liked moi...It's simply a feast for the eyes...Oh yes!! Am l spoilt for choices ar?! For a moment; l wish l can and will have the strength to bring back all the stuff_Piggyback it if l have to or the will-power to bring all back to my home sweet home where l can relish them liked a Hot sundae..."Yummy"
I shall be back again....with a bigger bag....**Chuckling***

Frankly speaking; Japan am and still is tops my priority list on my every year wishlist of my travel destinations eversince childhood days...My greatest dreams is to travel to all the parts of Japan and not only settling it in Tokyo...I wish and hope to visit the rural areas too...to visit the plantations, to stay in a ryokan, to soak in Japanese Hot springs...to Stay with an Japanese family...to wear a kimono...To know and grow deeper into their culture, country, food and technology plus animation too...The list is endless...to tell the truth...I simply adore Japan....

So here I am the beginning of 2009; I am keeping my fingers crossed that l can and will have the chance to re-visit again in Spring time to see their Cherry blossoms, Mt Fuji, Disneyland, Sanrio Puroland, etc...Cos I still can remembered the first time in 2005 where l went to Tokyo,Japan with my colleagues...The memories are priceless and till this day, its etched freshly in my mind...Not forgetting the Very first time in year 2000-2001 when l visited Disneyland USA.....I can remembered my heart was racing liked F1 racers...so excited and happy just a small little kid.......I tried all the rides even though l don't really fancy it but such an adrenaline rush after each individual rides...that l would want to go for second...and took photos with my favourite characters Chip and Dale...watching the Disneyland night parade alone as my friends have to rush back to hotel to meet up their friends...so there l was, so daring and alone with anticipations, waiting for the night parade to start...I recalled that there's an American family who was kind enough to make room for me, a chinese girl to join them so that l would not feel so alone in this Happy wonderland....Heehee...

Magic was definitely in the air, l could feel it...and sense it. And when the parade ended, l remembered sitting down at a empty bench, watching the shoppers milling in and out of the Disneyland stores....and reminiscing the whole beautiful magical day that zoomed by me ever so quickly...The night sky was filled with million of twinkling stars....Aww...so brightly-lited liked diamonds in the sky....shining brightly upon me...Night such as this was and still is evoked "priceless' memories for me....
And I have always and still is dreaming that someday and hopefully in the near future, that l can re-visit Disneyland USA with my Prince charming...who is still outta somewhere....so that we can partake the wonderful magical activities togther and to watch the night parade together...Aww... ^@^

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA

Excerpts from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA

"The Prince is giving a ball—and the magic of this enchanting fairy tale comes to life in a spectacular stage fantasy filled with timeless characters, irresistible romance and the unforgettable songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein—all brought together with a kind of dazzling stagecraft made possible only by a stellar international Broadway team.Starring internationally-acclaimed Tony Award winner Lea Salonga.This timeless tale of romance is given a contemporary, humourous spin under the gifted hands of award-winning writer/director Mark Waldrop (Bette Midler's Divine Miss Millennium Tour).Experience a night of magic where dreams come true in a dazzling, once-in-a-lifetime stage extravaganza!

What more can l add?! Simply magical! Guess it's every little girls' dreams to be a Cinderella where the and poor little rich girl lived happily-everafter...only in movies and theater...Oh well, it's a timeless fairytale..similar to The movie, Pretty Woman (Julia Roberts and that actor) Guess, you will never really know until you truly really believe in fairy-tales just liked the innocent kids...As for me; Frankly speaking, I am and still do...shamelessly believed in fairy-tales especially the rainbow where there is something wonderful almost magical at the end of a rainbow...My Prince-Charming...**HeeHee** ^@^

Thumbs up for this musical play...Simply adored every minutes of it..........

I am still thinking of buying the Cinderella Black T-shirt with all the blings....35bucks for a flimsy piece of clothings that stated "made in China".......Not that l am brand-conscious...Still wondering......Got till 22 Jan to make the purchase.......

30% off Jurong BirdPark, Night Safari, Singapore Zoo admissions

Received this email on NTUC Members' Promotion on Jurong BirdPark, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo...NTUC U card promotion:
-- 30% off Jurong BirdPark, Night Safari, Singapore Zoo admission
-->- While stocks last- Exclusive to NTUC members only
- Present NTUC member card upon purchase at NTUC Customer Service Centre
- Limited to 5 admission tickets per card
- Not inclusive of tram ride- Non exchangable for cash or other goods and services
- Only available at NTUC Customer Service Centre, One Marina Boulevard, #B1-01
**Admission tickets to Jurong BirdPark is temporarily out of stock.

-> Am pretty upset when l saw this little clause...**Bummer**
Was so hoping to re-visit Jurong BirdPark in 2009.
Guess l would settle for Night Safari, Singapore Zoo...The consolation prizes...
Hmm...I like Singapore Zoo actually......Ha-Ha though l usually don't really show it...Guess l was trying to act liked a 'tough cookie' but failing miserably...As for the Night Safari...I wonders what the fascinations are about since l have never been to...Been meaning to do so but l always didn't have either time or Khakis to go with...most of my friends are not really into animals.....
Wondering if l can muster the courage to venture to Night Safari alone... **Sniggers**

My first 2009 Worship and intercession night session

Hello to all

Happy OX year! Wishing you and your family a very Blessed week ahead!
Endless opportunities and possibilities...Let's toast to a great year ahead!!

I had just attended my first 2009 Worship and intercession night session on last Tuesday.Feeling pretty good about it...And l myself felt that it's was pretty good talk.
So l thought of sharing since Good stuff must always around ar...**Ha-Ha**

Our Paya Lebar Methodist Church Pastor Peter Koh said that the lady speaker (I can't remember the lady speaker' name but strangely l remember her speech..Scratched heads) will be speaking to us again come this Sunday sermon....
Her speech was indeed useful and she had shared with us how 'her niece who's nurse had received countless awards for her good service in her hospital. Despite of that, she was having a difficult time befriending and communicating with her doctor and another nurse. This had caused a strain in their working relationship for a period of two years.**Shudders**

To make matters worse, the whole hospital or most of the departments in that hospital knew about their strained working relationship and it was liked "tip-toeing in a field full of granites while working there". Even the CEO of that hospital had to pacify her niece (She was very out-spoken and vivacious lady who knew her rights well enough.) and asked her to bear with it and be more tolerant of the whole deal. The speaker also related to us how her niece finally managed to change her way of praying and hence her whole perspective changed too. The best part was that the doctor and the other nurse also begun to treat her better and things has also started to look so much brighter and better in her workplace, etc."

So l thought of sharing her stories with you.
In the meanwhile, frankly speaking,though it's **easier said than done**it's especially so of our human nature aka weaker mindset, I am and still is trying to put it to good practice though its can be a bit trying.....I might add
The lady speaker also used some excerpts from the Bible as appended below :

“Don’t repay evil with evil.
Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you.
Instead pay them back with blessing.
That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.”
For the scriptures say, ‘If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.’
1 Peter3:9-12

“May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you this favor and give you his peace.”
Num 6:24-26

Cheers and God Bless always,
Nicole Xu

Sexy Shine Hair Serum aka Caribbean Cocktail

Am simply over the moon with such a lovely gesture from my dear sweet colleague;Eryanna who bought souvenirs for all of us from her recent trip to BKK...Each of us received bottles of an exotic cocktail to smooth and moisture our hair...shimmer liked the caribbean sea with sexy hair serum and a pink elephant coaster for our cups...Yippee....

All of us were liked small kids in the "candies store" smiling gleely at our latest toys...

My Popcorn hairdo

Moi and my popcorn hair...Had a severe case of popcorn allergy.......**Evil Laff**

Jokes aside, Noticed how curly my hair am when l had finally mustered my full courage to do a hair makeover aka opt to do digital perm in The scene (Hair salon located in Town) on last Friday, 02 January 2009. If you are wondering...Yes, l used one of my precious annual leave to do so....Ha-ha

Frankly speaking, l was a bundle of nerves when l sat there, waiting for the hair director to do my hair...

Farewell to my rebonded hair 2008 and Welcome to the Popcorn hairdo 2009 **Chucking**

Oh well, l did manage to sit through the whole ordeal of approx. 4 hours...in which l would have written a novel, fall madly in love, walk my dogs, buy more shoes, do spring-cleaning, eat buffet, do volunteer work, visit the zoo or Jurong Birdpark, go for a short trip to M'sia or HK or even better BKK...and Nope, what did l opt to do...Spend my whole beautiful friday afternoon, reading magazines...and making crazy purchases to maintain my popcorn hairdo for the year 2009!? **Screaming BORING***

l

Vietnamese dishes

The beautiful Vietnamese Silk Lanterns, shaped like fish nets, are believed to bring good fortune.The cheery and warm orange colour is commonly used to signify prosperity in Asia.

The Vietnamese dishes_Interesting taste but we noticed a couple of flies buzzing around the restaurant especially at the table where we were dining...And that sort of dampened our mood ...We waited quite awhile for our set courses to be served...

Imagine my new friend had finished her order of Vietnamese Imperial Rolls and was about to tuck in to her “beef pho” aka Special Beef Noodle Soup and here, we were still ridiculously waiting for our set meal....And the dishes were not even piping hot when we are finally served ....Interesting sight to note that there were only two tables at that time when we entered The Orange Lantern @Harbourfront centre for our early dinner at around 5plus....Maybe we were too early...**Sniggers**

Mad about shoes

Simply adore shopping for shoes....Bought a couple of shoes from U.R.S & inc @Vivocity recently...I had a strange encounter with an old granny who had mistaken moi for someone else...Strangly, l was feeling very calm when this old granny flew over to my end within a couple of minutes, l was within arm-length and that when she held my arm tightly and kept murmuring about some language that l am totally clueless about...
The old granny had refused to move even when her daughters had told her that she had a case of mistaken identity...Till then, she still held on to me dearly and it's only when l smiled sweetly at her and wished her a Happy Blessed New year to that old granny that she finally relented and released her hold on moi... >_< That's when l saw her daughters practically dragged her away from that shoes store....
In the meanwhile,the others passersby and my shopping khakis were indeed spooked by the ordeal...As for moi...I just simply smiled and said a silent prayer for that old granny........

Happy memories of 2008

Smiling faces @The Dunearn Bukit Timah Guild house (Pre-New Year celebration)

The Dunearn Bukit Timah Guild HouseThe X'mas decors

CG Group photos

David and Susan

KK & Emily

Samuel aka Soon & Florence

Tom & Wendy

Allen & Christine

The Topaz executive set_ most of us order the 5-course dinner...It's Simply divine... >_<

Carpaccio of Salmon, Truffle & Shallot Soy

Seafood with Green chilli chowder
Pesto Risotto with white chocolate shavings

Lime Sorbet with Sake Jelly

Tornado of Beef Loin with mushroom Towel served with Port wine sauce

Grilled Lobster with seafood medley served with lemongrass butter sauce

Warm Banana with rum,coconut crepes & Vanilla gelato

Favoured Tea