A season for everything

Happy Birthday Singapore!!

2011-08-09T13:02:00.000+08:00

Happy 46th Birthday Singapore!!

"ancora imparo"

2011-08-08T22:40:00.000+08:00

Does it really matters how people looks at you? What matters most is how you looks at yourself..I used to have this motto in life since l was a teenager (many moons ago), "Nothing venture,nothing gained..." I wonders now if l still have that gutsy feeling that l have during my school days- secondary till university...is it because l have grow up? Is it because now that l am a young adult...i tend to be more conscious of myself...others comments- be it kind or cruel...is it really matter what others think...i think i should always do self-reflection...to reflect...to lead a better lifestyle..to be a better person..to be a kinder person to others and yourself since you only have one life on earth till the Lord calls you home...one should always be true to yourself...what's wrong if you express your likings to someone new...is that really that bad...is it wrong to leave messages and wait for reply...is it a heinous crime to ask for cellphone nos just because you happen to be a lady...why do human beings like to subject themselves such tortures...i would like to think that there is nothing wrong with wanting to know people more...genuine wanting to get to know people better...to help others, to be a listening ear, to leave the world knowing that you have certainly touch someone's heart...that the world is such a better brighter place because you have made an impact on someone's life...as for me, l am still constantly learning...learning to accept myself for who l am and rejections are part of growing up...

Thank you Mommy and Daddy for giving birth to me...

2011-08-03T22:08:00.000+08:00

August is always my favorite month of the calendar year…maybe it is also coincident with my birthday month…What my wishes are for this year?!
H mm, l didn’t really have any for the moment….
I am thankful for GOD, my family especially to my mom who gave birth to me on 10th of August (a couple of moons ago), my dad & brother for their guidance and loved ones for being gracious, loving me just the way l am, tolerating with my nonsense, ever chatter self…l can serious talk nineteen to the dozen till the cow comes home, either that or l enjoy hearing my friends share their details/stuff with me……. Recently, I went to a couple of local theater productions (e.g. P.S. I Love You but now change, Into the woods, Beauty Kings by dick Lee)…it has been a long while since l went and support local production…realized that l still enjoys every minute of it…but l guess due to thick budget wise, l need to keep to only three local productions per year…
As for traveling, one of my wish list, was to visit Malacca via train which l just managed to do so early this year…another is to visit Redang island and to do some snorkeling ever since l saw the Sammi Cheng’s movie…l have been mesmerized by the beauty of the island…I still hope to learn to ride a bicycle…or to climb the Mount Kinabalu…or to watch a movie alone…something that l have not done so since a long long while ago…I have always wish for a shopping mall to be built near my area…and finally after a long wait…Oh yes…a shopping mall is finally constructed, up and running in the empty land next to where l am staying…and the irony is that l have yet to watch a midnight movie alone…strangely we tend to be complacent since we know that it’s within reach…someday l will get it all nicely done…and a companion would be nice too….am I too greedy?! ^_^

Back on the right track....

2011-08-03T20:54:00.000+08:00

It's been a long while since l last written anything on my sadly neglected blog...Was l that busy to begin with...what did l do?
Hmm...firstly, l found myself stranded at a crossroad...”to tender and move on or be stagnant...” Finally I did muster my courage to throw the letter...Oh mine..What a relief l finally felt!! U know it’s liked seeing the rainbow after a heavy downpour..that sort of thingy...
Next l went traveling...had some serious thinking going on...done some reflections and before l knew it...GOD already knows the answers to my path...a job in the early childhood profession awaits...so l went and got myself hired with a train and place mode...Changed two places before l am finally being back on the right track...went back to studies...Seriously l recalled telling my parents that l had enough of studies after my degree...Haha...and the irony of life...here l am back to school...sometimes l wish l am not such a blabbermouth...anyway...so here l am...always rushing here and there...doing assignments...meeting deadlines... and before l knew what was going on...my graduation is getting nearer in two months time....

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

2010-01-10T14:59:00.000+08:00

"As long as you are here,
I want only you...
I don't care about the rest,
Because you are the love I have been waiting for...
I'll love you however painful & fearsome it is...
I just want to know you in my pathetic love life...
I find an excuse to look for you...
Hey there, I'm looking at you but what about you?
Why look at others but not me?
I know that deep down, you are the right one for me...
Because you have barged into my cold world...
I'll be contented however painful it is...
I'd like to give a day of mine to you...
Give it to your cold heart ...."

Happy New Year 2010! :-)

2010-01-02T14:52:00.000+08:00

May the Year 2010 sprinkle you and your family with shower of Blessings of Joy, Health, Wealth,Faith, Love, Peace and tonnes of Happiness ah!
Let's toast to a brand new year of new possibilities and opportunities ah! ^@^

Tokyo Trip

2009-12-13T21:33:00.000+08:00

"Liked failed love in a movie, Is love an extravagant Hope?
The sky is so glaring,so why do my heart arches?
I don't understand Love and You....
Thus I continue to wait in silence....
When will my Love come?
Am l an acceptable choice?
How do people fall in Love....
I seemed to be the muddle-headed one....
It is the first time that I am feeling afraid....
Oh my Love, please walk to me....
If we are to fall in Love, then there will be no more sorrowful goodbye...."

Europe Trip

2009-12-13T03:46:00.000+08:00

"The day and night passes quickly...These but they remind me of your smile and anxiety...Am l entitled to love? Can l be the one....I empathy of your loneliness....Thus I continue to wait in silence....hoping and wishing to be the next...."

Precious Moments Event 2009 Sam Butcher's Exclusive Book Launching & Signing Event Only in Singapore

2009-07-20T19:08:00.000+08:00

Holy cow! I am certainly very extremely excited to learn about the upcoming Precious Moments Event 2009 Sam Butcher's Exclusive Book Launching & Signing Event Only in Singapore in September this year.
The dude Sam Butcher, the founder of the Precious Moments would be making a rare appearance in the event. Feeling very blissful to grab myself a ticket to the morning session...
Though the price $239 nett is a tad too steep for my likings but since l would get to see this handsome dude who is none other than the creator and founder of Precious Moments, I had decided that all these money are certainly well-spent! **guffaws** To sweeten the deal, I would also be receiving an Exclusive collective Event piece " Our Love is The Bridge To Happiness" Limited to 5000 world wide plus a First Printing & Collector's Edition Hardbound Book showcasing all his works, over 400 illustrations in full colors (Both pre-signed by him to). And since l regretfully missed last year event...I am determined to attend this year especially so this handsome dude is coming all the way from U.S.A ah...
Need I say more....**sniggers**

Hard Rock Cafe X Hello Kitty

2009-07-13T14:44:00.001+08:00

Recently trip to Tokyo, Japan had me swooned over the exclusive Hard Rock and Hello Kitty co-branded merchandise. Sadly, I didn't managed to buy any of the pins as there were sold out....Darn disappointed ah...Imagined by dismany....Thankfully l did manage to buy the tote bag (Green color) , the T-shirt and Keychain. My intention was to collect the pins...Such is the irony of life....Now I am just hoping that my Kakis who is heading over to Japan come this November 2009 would be able to buy the pins, charm keychains and pink tote bag for me ah...all I could do now...is to wait patiently...fingers crossed...Wishing and Hoping........

My childhood friends gathering

2009-07-13T12:52:00.000+08:00

That is Shishi and Xinyi acting goofy... as usual, we have a great time laughing at our silliness ah**guffaw**

Haiyen and Xinyi trying to act coy with durian...LOL

Two of my oldest and close girlfriends from my childhood days ah...Sadly, l didn't managed to take alot of photos...the rest of the photos are with Kelvin..his nikon DSLR camera.Am still waiting for him to pass me the soft copies...

Recently I had a change of heart after witnessing from the media that there is on-going of so many sad and terrifying events have occur from the world such as the H1N1, natural disasters,traffic accidents,health related diseases,etc. I decided that it about high time to arrange for a meet up with my primary school classmates for a nostalgia gathering since it about 10 over years since our last gathering.

The answer to their questions: 1) Nope, I have not slimmed down **Sighs** so many december have gone by that I have finally thrown in the towel and arrange for our first meet up. LOL 2) I am not getting married either**chuckle** Through many sms and callings, I have managed to find and meet some of my primary school classmates over an impromptu dinner at Fish Manhattan restaurant in Bishan Junction 8.

Oh Gosh! I can’t believe my eyes, how have we all grown up! At the blink of an eye, we have all turned into grown-ups, working adults…Each carrying the burdens on our shoulders as we maneuver in and out of the rat-race daily… **Sighs** Life was so much simpler when we were just kids. We were reminiscing about those good old days, wishing if we could turn back the clocks or be liked the characters in Peter Pan story.

Soon, we were going to turn 29 or 30 years old. **Sniggers** Time truly flies ah. We had such a great time chilling out…To our delights; it truly felt good that we are able to still make the connection after all these years of losing contacts with one another. We have also arranged a second outing to Kelvin' hse for crabs and durian fest...a deadly combination ah...the photos above are taken in Kelvin' hse.... a third outing was arranged to watch Transformers movie together at The Cathay AMK.

Paya Lebar Methodist Church Ohana Camp 2009

2009-07-13T11:23:00.000+08:00

l just came back from my first Church camp not too long ago.

Praise our good Lord for blessing me with an angel as my room- mate. She is an university undergraduate whom we get along quite well. To share with you more, l was actually a bundle of nerves before my Church camp and in between and especially the journey towards the Church camp as I was totally clueless as to whom l am sharing my room with, during my short trip to my Church Camp in KL, Malaysia recently in June 09. Though I was excited to embark for this trip but I was also apprehensive at the same time in which I used that time to quietly pray to my Lord for his divine guidance. Indeed, God is ever so wonderful and great. He has blessed me with an easygoing and friendly university undergraduate Geraldine (I hope that I got her name correct ah), as my room-mate. I had such a wonderful time bonding and chilling out with my Church mates as well as attending the talks given by various distinguished guest speakers. The team building games were also very interesting and amusing too. I also had alot of fun attending the gala dinner whereby each team (there are a total of 12 Teams,each displaying their items on stage) has to perform their theme.

I was selected to be one of the lead singers in our theme play, Though honored to do so but l was extremely self-conscious of having to face the audiences and be on stage at the same time.The feedback given after my performance was that l should sing louder. But having no practice at all and being impromptu for singing the Church Camp song on stage...I was simply petrified yet overwhelmed at the same time for the given chance to give thanks and praise through my singing to our good Lord! :-) The amazing part was the night before during our chilling session with my CG, I was told that l should make use of my voice to amplify and sing praise to our good Lord. And l have also expressed my wishes to do so but just that l didn't get the chance to do so as l was involved in the ushering during our Sunday service and having stage -fright did not help either. Furthermore, l was slightly apprehensive about it as l did not have any proper training for it. I was kindly reminded so long as I sing praise from my heart, that is all that matters really to our good Lord. In between, l was also given the helpful information that l can learn more about through the Believer music programs which l intend to take up in the upcoming August 2009.

The trip to and fro was smooth and was further sweetened by the deal that we were also given some free time around 2-3hours on our second day to shop around a local shopping mall. Even though it was a small shopping mall, l must say that **Women being shopping queens no matter where they are situated could still find ways and means to find and buy stuff to their hearts content ah** And for that, I truly takes my hats off them all!

As for me, l bought a fuchsia pink dress and a pair of shoe at such a great steals ah…**guffaw** since our currency exchange is higher than the Malaysia currency ah. Life is such bliss ah when you don’t have to worry about the currency while doing shopping ah. LOL

Eileen' wedding gown fitting session

2009-07-13T10:57:00.000+08:00

Love can make a lot of things impossible possible. Still, getting married is probably one of the most important decisions a woman can ever face and decide in her life. It certainly takes guts to finally admit to the world at large that your man is the right one for you and to share the rest of your life with him. "For riches or poorer...till death do us apart..."
Recently, I accompanied my dear colleague Ms Eileen for one of her wedding gown fitting session. I managed to snap an impromptu mugshot of her being gently chided by the wedding designer Michelle...One need to be disciplined or at least for a short period before her big day....No more buffets eh...so many dos and don'ts...Oh gosh! There is certainly no ugly woman or lazy woman ah....**guffaw**

2009-05-21T10:45:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was such a blessings ah...
Finally l had the rare privilege of seeing Candy & Aik Lee's handsome baby boy ah...
Ah...Such is the bliss of life...Isn't he adorable ah...I loved holding his tiny hands and feets...
That's his mommy aka my dear buddy cum ex-colleague ah...Oh gosh! I missed her so so much...
And I must confess (Guilty as charged...)that l loved carrying him gently which is always such a joy as he looked at me through his intelligent looking peepers...I loved his beautiful eyes...melts me totally ah...Awwww...

My Exercise regime ah

2009-05-18T22:20:00.000+08:00

This is one of my favourite photos which was taken in one of my favorite countries aka Bangkok (The land of a thousand smiles) last year...Before l decided to perm my tresses..Those fuss free days where my tresses would always be in place and no matter what l do...it would remain in prefect condition and all these are thanks to the rebonding technique at Salon ah...Anyway, back to Bangkok topic, as l was saying, I was there with my childhood friend aka Vada Ong... This photo was taken at one of the designated seating areas at Isetan shopping centre meant for those who feet are killing them softly yet still tried to retain their stand by refusing to throw in the white towel...I was simply catching a breather and waiting for my friend before moving to our next destination ah...More shopping perhaps.... I simply loved this photo of me without any make-ups...Just me, my laughter aka smiles and my trusty worth spectacles....Ha-Ha =p You know, l simply loved shopping and dining in Bangkok, Thailand as the Thais are a bunch of friendly people and their food are simply delicious ah....Not forgetting the traditional massages which are pretty good for my aging body and the best part is that I can simply spend our monies without a care for the world...not worrying this and that....plus the foreign currency is good for our wallets too....I have been visiting Bangkok since young so l can safely say that l know Bangkok liked the back of my hands...Heehee...if you know what l meant ah"Sniggers"
Recently, I have decided to be more pro-active in my search for better health and figure....That meant no more short cuts...no more excuses and naughty thoughts....Anyway, l am simply so so sick of carrying all these excess baggages aka pestering fats....As there is an old saying; "No pain, No gain ah....or should l say as No pain No lose ah" I have decided to opt for better quality of lifestyle by engaging in exercises such as brisk-walking or sometimes if it's drizzling then l would be strolling instead! "Chucklings"...I have just started doing all these near my place aka Serangoon stadium yesterday 18 May 2009 and since fate has it that my place has stadium, park and swimming complex all within the same locations ah (Though l am simply guilty as charged for not even stepping into the swimming complex at least once eversince day one that they built all theses facilites ah... ). Frankly speaking, I am very fortunated to have all the facilites within my parameters ah... So l sincerely hope that l would stick to my exercise regime...which requires alot of determination and sweats ah...**Wish me Good Luck okay!?**
Though l sometimes wish that l have a good walking buddy ah...Someone that would not only give me moral support but physical support too...But then again, all my close friends do not live near my area..."Sighs" So l can't be that demanding and act as a spoiled brat and insisted on asking them to join me for my exercise regime ah...One can't be that selfish if you know what l meant...Besides, they are already darned slim build and only am l that sticks liked a sore thumb among my kakis ah....
Moreover I would also be in my usual baggy clothings, pony tail, perspiring profusely...listening to mp3, slightly breathless...."Shudders at the extremely ugly thoughts of myself ah..."Ha-ha...Seriously I doubt that there is anyone who would join me for the quest of good health. Usually people prefers to go to gym or those slimming centre to do the trick....which l simply abhor ah...Basically I hope that l would be able to lose my fats and no longer be labelled as "Ms Porky just liked the Sesame streets ah"...and perhaps my confidence level would also take a boosting....Hopefully I would be able to dazzle that special someone along the way ah....You know about that song from American Tail..."Someway out there..." which l hold dearly to heart.... ^@^ This song simply expressed my feelings at the present moment ah..............................
And that's moi again...fully dolled up for my DND event in 2007...Ha-Ha...one of my prettier photos too....trying to be demure but failing miserably...Oh what the heck! Life is simply too short to be pretendious...I will just be myself....That's will be just fine ah.....A toast for good health and love.....Cheers :-)

The Birthday planner

2009-05-17T02:47:00.000+08:00

There's always something magical brewing up in the air when one try to plan an "open surprise" birthday bash for one's loved ones or office colleagues....
The anticipations...excitement...and planning right up to the nitty-gritty details as to one's likes and dislikes...selecting the assortment of cakes...interesting birthday cake and not forgetting the birthday cards...And frankly speaking...Nothing beats that of the "Happy looks" reflecting on the birthday dudes and babes' face when they open up their birthday presents....So long as they are truly happy then the works of the birthday organiser is completed....Eversince young, l have always enjoy being a birthday planner in which selecting gifts, cakes,cakes,etc are part of the deal for me..almost liked a second nature to me...as if i was born to do so....**chucklings**

My beloved colleagues aka Ms Sizzling hottie Norwati and Sexy hot mama Raihimah' Birthday Bash 2009

2009-05-17T02:24:00.000+08:00

Post celebration trip to Tokyo Japan 07 May - 11 May 2009

2009-05-14T17:01:00.000+08:00

Praise the Lord for his ever goodness!! :-)
Isn't life wonderful! I am simply overjoyed at the idea of getting a pretty good deal from NorthWest Airlines (475bucks net inclusive of tax and fuel surcharges) ah...Saved me a bundle ah...It's been a long long while since l stepped foot into Tokyo, Japan yet again...The whole experience was simply breathtaking ah...Disneyland, Disneysea, Mount Fuji, Sanrio Puroland, Hakone, Ueno, Asakusa, Tokyo Tower, Shinjuku, Roppongi, Imperial palace park and the list goes on....It's always been my childhood dreams to visit Japan and Europe ah.......
Simply marvelous ah....I have met many kind & wonderful angels whose smile simply warmed my heart as l approached them to take photographs or ask for road directions...Am simply thankful and grateful for understanding their stammering soft spoken english and helpfulness....I simply adored their politeness...their impeccable good weather ah....And not forgetting their simply delicious good and yummy food ah....Plus their interesting display of gadgets and more shopping sprees ah.......their colourful cosmetics that looked good enough to eat ah...Nah...Just kidding ah! So much temptations yet so little time....

Asakusa, Tokyo Japan

2009-05-14T16:53:00.000+08:00

Hello Kitty, Sanrio Puroland 2009

2009-05-14T16:51:00.000+08:00

Twin stars Sanrio Puroland, Tokyo Japan

2009-05-14T16:40:00.000+08:00

Tokyo Tower from afar

2009-05-14T16:33:00.000+08:00

The Imperial Palace East Gardens (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen)

2009-05-14T16:19:00.000+08:00

Mount Fuji >_<

2009-05-14T15:49:00.000+08:00

Priceless memories...A lifetime of remembrance..

2009-05-14T15:09:00.000+08:00

17 April 2009 Friday 9am
What a day ah! Priceless memories...a lifetime of remembrance..Thank God ah! Woke up pretty early this morning just so that we could beat the traffics and reach SIM early as we need to be seated by 9am....
Phew!! No words could really express how l felt ah....Finally after all these years of slogging away...**nightmares before the examinations especially if one need to sit for two exams (Morning and afternoon) the agony of it all....night after night, rushing after work...squeezing the human traffics from Tanjong pagar mrt to Dover mrt...**Cold sweat ah**Not much of a dinner more of a munch...And pretty much **no social life** and more of a hermit in that area (Ha-Ha)....Listening to the ongoing lectures...waiting for teabreaks to start and the disappointment of a lousy snacks...
Ah-ha..Such is the life of a undergraduate who study part-time and work full-time....Most of the time, one will be buried under piles and piles of endless notes...reference books....burning mid-night oils...not really understanding what the heck the lecturers are talking about...trying to figure out their accents or the monotonous tone....Looking at the ticking of the clock wishing and wishing for 10pm to arrive so that one can dash right back home....
Journey back would be liked human sardine can (Darned packed as everyone fights their way inside the Bus...Shudders at the thought!) in bus 74 heading towards macritchie reservoir and transferring to bus 156 passing by Bishan Junction 8 before taking another 10-15mins that finally reach my bus stop thus another 10-15 mins stroll back to my home sweet home...alas...before l know it...another day has passed and it's the wee hours of another brand new day that awaits....endless possibilities

Thank God that l have graduated and finally gotten myself that darn piece of featherlight piece of paper....What a relief...Someone once shared with me that one would not get to enjoy the limelight (That 60seconds worth of fame) till at the very end...or shall l put it as **appreciate the fruits of labour till the harvest are sowed....

I am grateful for the supports that my family and friends have rendered towards me especially when l missed out on their special occasion such as birthday, etc....Indeed, I am thankful to all who have shown their kind concerns and encouragements words to me in one way or another towards obtaining my first degree...BSC mgmt with Law :-)

Cheers and God Bless always :-)

My UOL graduation ceremony 17 April 2009_Priceless memories

2009-05-14T11:00:00.000+08:00

My Sydney & Perth Trip

2009-05-13T17:31:00.000+08:00

Praise the Lord for blessing me with the wonderful, splendid & blessed time spent in Sydney & Perth, Australia recently! I have met many gracious and friendly local aussies as l roamed the streets of Sydney alone...Went to the Sydney tower thrice as l was simply mesmerized by the enchanting city of the Sydney....Simply bowled over by its beauty....Managed to visit the Sydney wildlife zoo and Aquarium on the every same day so as to maximum the time spent...Simply adored the Koalas bears though they are almost or shall l put it, sleeping all the time...such carefree creatures who do not care a hoot for the materials of the world...I totally envy them ah...Ha-ha...Eat and sleep the whole time...Wonders what is the purpose of having them around?!
I wonders why?! **Chucklings**

Most of the time, l simply loved strolling along the Bondi Beach and Congee Beach. Simply enjoys stepping the soft sand that felt so so comfortable and the cool cold water splashing around my legs as if the sea are welcoming me to their humble premise & sashaying proudly towards me with their mighty waves. I liked Congee Beach the best as it's located near my best friend's apartment ah which is only 15 to 30mins...The waves splashing around the rocks had such a calming effect on me...

In the meanwhile, l simply enjoys strolling the Royal Botanic gardens of Sydney..Lovely flowers and gigantic trees plus not forgetting the bats...Hundreds of bats...**Shudders at the thought of them flying around in broad daylight though they didn't disturb us but their hissing sounds made one skin crawls ah...Thanks goodness l managed to join the free 1 and 1/2 hour of tour around the Botanic gardens where the local volunteer guide gives a great preview of the Botanic garden...Managed to find a great view of the Sydney opera house for photo taking...Such beautiful memories to behold ah....Not forgetting that l managed to get a glimpse of the Sydney government houses, a free 45mins tours around the government house..such breathtaking view ah....There are so much free things to do if only one knows the way around Sydney ah....

Oh gosh! I also managed to get a glimpse of the inside of the Sydney opera house when l happened to chance upon it during one of the concert breaktime on one fine Saturday evening...What a night to end my trip in Sydney....Ha-ha....Oh before l forgets, l also managed to catch the earthsaving hour which the partial lights in Sydney harbourbridge and Opera house were switched off so as to observe the earthsaving event...Interesting to partake in such an event....

The mode of transportation that l used most of time is bus as it's less taxing on my wallet...Heehee...I also enjoys chatting with other tourists whom also liked me...were mostly backpackers who enjoy roaming the streets of Australia alone...This is the first time that l got to roam around and alone in Sydney which l simply enjoys the solitude...Strange as it might sounds...I felt empowered and that the world is my oyster to play with...That l am alive with excitement....And that anything is possible ah....
As l was pretty much chauffeured around in Perth by my brother and sis-in-law...
**Cold sweat** Though l truly appreciated the gesture but l do not have much choices to roam around freely except for the malls....Felt liked a puppy in a pet shop with a chain around the neck ah....**Chucklings** Not that l am complaiming or anything as l fully understand that they loved me very much and do not wish to see me suffers or in any harm way....

Hence, you would probably understand why l am simply darned happy and excited to travel alone from Perth to Sydney via domestic flight Virgin blue....The domestic flight was pretty great though l listened to my mp3 most of the time as they do not provided other forms of entertainment unless if you want to use credit card to pay for the movies or other commerical stuff which l rather not...

And guess what, there was a fatal incident involving rival gang fights which leads to one death on the day that l arrived in the domestic airport....What a welcome ah!? I am glad and grateful that my best friend, Hweeling managed to fetch me from the domestic airport and showed me around for a day or two before l am left alone...Not that l am complaining as she is also tied down with work and studies....Thank god that l didn't experience any racists or none so whatever...in fact, everyone that l met, be it the bus driver to the grandpa on the streets were extremely friendly and helpful towards me...Hence, l simply am dumbstrucked by their politeness and sincerity ah...
Guess l was the only one wearing **tinted glasses** if you know what l meant when l reached Australia especially when l heard so many gruesome details about racists stuff that l was a bundle of nerves but l decided to take off my tinted glasses and smile to everyone that l have met along the way...Perhaps it is the grace of the Lord that l managed to meet all of the wonderful locals and had a swell time in Sydney and Perth....Simply loved the cosmopolitan city of Sydney ah....Till we meet again..Please take good care of yourself, Mr. Sydney ah....Ha-Ha :-)

Artist unknown (Sydney Opera house and Harbour Bridge)

2009-04-15T17:28:00.000+08:00

Sinful indulgence in Sydney, Australia

2009-04-15T17:07:00.000+08:00

Adorable children in Sydney

2009-04-15T16:57:00.000+08:00

Wesley Church in Sydney, Australia

2009-04-15T16:50:00.000+08:00

Beloved pets in Sydney

2009-04-15T16:35:00.000+08:00

Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera house (Day Vs Night)

2009-04-15T15:37:00.000+08:00

Wedding held @Bondi Beach, Australia

2009-04-15T15:06:00.000+08:00

Graffiti @Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia

2009-04-15T13:16:00.000+08:00

Royal Botanics Garden in Sydney, Australia

2009-04-15T12:08:00.000+08:00

The streets of Perth, Australia

2009-04-15T11:14:00.000+08:00

Ocean reef in Perth, Australia

2009-04-15T10:30:00.000+08:00

Kings Park & Botanic Garden In Perth, Australia

2009-04-15T09:44:00.000+08:00

My graduation trip

2009-03-18T12:03:00.000+08:00

As l am penning down this blog, I should be seated in SQ heading over to Perth, Australia. I have decided to opt for a short trip to visit my beloved brother who is currently at Perth at the moment. Will be there from 18 Mar and departing at 22 Mar 1300hrs for Sydney till 31 Mar(To visit my good friend who is currently working as a staff nurse in Sydney)....A pretty good excuse for a graduation trip downunder!
Am l excited? Frankly speaking, not really, l just need a well-deserved break since l have just completed my part-time degree programme with University of London where l slogged over a long period of time. Not much of a social life and more of a hermit as l buzz between from full-time work and part-time studies. And most of the time,l was too darn tired to attempt any conversations with the students in my lectures though a couple of them tried to befriend me...**chucklings** not that l am anti-social or anything but it's so different if you are studying as a full-time or part-time student.
Anyway,recently, a cute looking squirrel warmly greeted me as if to say **Congratulations Ms Nicole Xu **for a job well-done with his big brown eyes before scurrying away to most probably be collecting pinetree nuts that was planted around the condo and the RELC building. l was simply elated to see the big furry creature as l went my way to collect my degree certificate with honours at RELC.
Oh gosh! I actually wasted a good half day of my precious annual leave (Am only entitled to 18 days per annual**sighs**) to collect the certificate as l had estimated that there should be a long queue similar to the time whereby we made payment for our examinations...seriously, its a dreadful affair as we have to wait quite a fair beat just so that we can pay for the examinations fees...How irony!?
However, its proved to be different this time round, as l didn't even have to queue for my collection of my degree certificate as there is practically no one in sight....Ha-ha :-)
I can't believed that l have finally graduated and this piece of paper (feather-light, l must add) is what most people (youngsters liked me) are duped into chasing after...so what are we actually chasing after or over? so what do we hope to achieve huh? what happens next?
to covet over A piece of dream or the missing puzzle in the jigsaw? The missing link....
I am at the crossroad now and **to be or not to be**That is the question that lingers in my mind as l ponder by during this precious trip.............

My Baptism on 28 Feb 2009_Priceless

2009-03-11T18:05:00.000+08:00

Dickson & his pretty demure Thailand bride

2009-03-11T17:35:00.000+08:00

Our group photo at Dickson & his pretty demure Thailand bride' Wedding dinner...

Dickson and his mom...they looked so aliked...

They looked so compatible...Isn't life wonderful!?

Waty and Asyikin doing a duet for Dickson & his lovely bride

My detox programme

2009-02-24T10:29:00.000+08:00

I have decided to opt for a more healthy lifestyle...am absolutely determined to cut down on the junks and toxics....Meaning wanting to detox for a long time...perhaps l really should start today....

Calorie calculator (Excerpt from Health Promotion board)

My daily energy requirement is estimated to be: 2216 Kcal **sniggers**

This is what l had for breakfast this morning....

Breakfast menu

Sausage McMuffin™ 402

Hashbrowns 130

Low-Fat, Hi-Calcium Milk 102

Total (Kcal): 634

Lunch menu

Fish soup + a slice of pineapple or payaya

Or 2 Hotdog buns + a slice of pineapple or payaya

Dinner menu

Still undeciding... Oh man this is pure determination and tough ar... >_<

I need to lose 27Kilos....^@^ Wish me Luck! Plus plently of exercises....

Serene Chua' Wedding dinner 21/02/2009

2009-02-23T16:28:00.000+08:00

Hard Rock Cafe collector pins

2009-02-06T15:05:00.000+08:00

Valentine' day Pin VS Rose Pin VS Snowman Pin

I liked them both...Don't really have them yet, but l hope that someday I will get my hands on them...Ha-Ha
Hard Rock Cafe Valentine's day Pin 2009

Managed to get my hands on the HRC limited pins from Bangkok, Thailand in 2008 but now l am waiting for the Valentine pin 2009 in Japan, hopefully my Boss' friend will get it for me ar...My boss just came back from Tokyo, Japan yesterday but unfortunately, the HRC pins are sold out! Darn it! Ha-Ha >_<

Oh well, l will just leave it to faith...Keeping my fingers crossed in the meanwhile...**Twinkling eyes**
Kimono Girl Pin 2009

Ain't they pretty looking and l always wanted to wear one too...Perhaps I will wear them one day...Cheers..

Been an avid fan of Hard Rock cafe aka HRC limited pins since my brother had introduced them to after his vacationing to Seoul, Korea since donkey years ago...**Ha-Ha** He got them for me as souvenirs...Since then, l have been selectively collecting and purchasing HRC pins whenever l go for vacationing overseas ar...and So far, l have been to parts of USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, Thailand, HongKong, Malaysia & Singapore, etc.And without skipping a heart beat, l have always make it an affair to visit their HRC...**Snigger**
The only places that l have yet to venture out is Europe in which l hope that someday or one fine day, l will find someone to join me for a trip or two...My personal favourites are Paris; France, Belgium(As l want to go to Smurfs land, l am also a collector of the minitures of Smurf figurines since childhood days),Switzerland, Holland. Its a niche way of collecting as a form of souvenir for myself without the heavy weight of either my wallet or the luggage and l don't have to worry about the overload charges and its compact enough to be hand-carry to the aircraft but usually l would place them in my suitcases to prevent complications from arising...due to the customs and their regulations...in order to save myself from the trouble....l also liked to collect other sort of pins other than HRC limited pins, that usually signature the tourist attraction spots or the highlighted the Country famous places of interest....Guess, my room is sort of liked a mini disneyland where one never really grows up...**Chuckling**

Rose Chan doll

2009-02-06T14:09:00.000+08:00

1995 Sarong Kebaya
2003Furisode
1998Peranakan Sarong Kebaya
2004Doric Chiton
2007Chinese Opera

2008 Rose-chan Goes Green

**SINGAPORE'S 'ROSE-CHAN' DOLL**
1995 'Rose-chan' doll dressed in Sarong Kebaya was issued as part of Takashimaya 3 rd Christmas celebrations in Singapore. There's something serenity about these Rose-Chan Dolls with its rosy face and buttocks expression, and sense of liveliness to its body,their half-closed eyes..demure looking and with a tinge of shy smile...the 'Rose-chan' of Takashimaya is certainly widely adored.

At first, l do not understand what was the big fuss on this Rose-Chan doll about until l personally come into contact with one of them...2007 Rose-Chan goes Chinese Opera...Fall in love with this mascot doll immediately. Hence the start of my collection...

I have attaché those pictures of Rose-Chan dolls that l have learnt to adore but missed out sorely on its collection...This is the end result of my procrastination aka a snail's pace as l pondered by...And when l finally made up my mind to get my hands on the Rose-chan dolls...All l get is the signage of "Fully Redeemed" at the customer service counter in Takashimaya...

The scene replayed by itself over and over again till l decided to go out and grab myself a Rose-Chan doll...

Ha-Ha ^@^

The best part of the deal was that these Rose-Chan (Limited edition) are redeemed complimentary by consumers/ shoppers with a spending of 200 bucks (Approx.) in Takashimaya department store.

They are of limited quantity of 3000 pcs....Hence, they are most sought after collector item.

So far, l am thankful that I have managed to collect Rose-Chan 2007 goes Chinese Opera (2 pcs) and Rose-chan 2008 Goes Green (1 pc).

A short description of the Rose-chan 2008 is that of the mascot doll tenderly cradling the planet Earth in her hands. This suggests that each one of us holds the power to change the world for the better. :-)

I am patiently waiting for my Rose-Chan 2009...Wonders what the year 2009 might be in store for Rose-Chan mascot doll ^@^

Happy CNY!!

2009-01-23T16:34:00.000+08:00

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

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
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)
Lingerie: Yup, gotten those too....**Chuckling**
New Bedsheet: Yes
New shoes: Yes, bought 4 pairs but already wore one pair **Sniggers**
Springcleaning: Completed
New Year Goodies: Stocked alot...The pineapple tarts, egg rolls, peanuts, fish crackers...I bought majority from Bengawan solo...**Smiling sweetly**
Contact lenses: Prepared (Just in case)
Make-up: Yes
Sent emails to wish everyone: Done
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

2009-01-22T18:41:00.001+08:00

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

2009-01-22T18:17:00.001+08:00

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

2009-01-19T17:10:00.000+08:00

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 ^@^

2009-01-13T18:11:00.000+08:00

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 ^@^

2009-01-12T18:14:00.000+08:00

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

Optimism

2009-01-09T15:00:00.000+08:00

“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)

2009-01-09T11:13:00.000+08:00

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

2009-01-08T18:28:00.000+08:00

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

2009-01-08T18:14:00.000+08:00

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

2009-01-08T17:49:00.000+08:00

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

2009-01-08T11:24:00.000+08:00

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

2009-01-07T20:10:00.000+08:00

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

2009-01-07T19:50:00.000+08:00

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***

Vietnamese dishes

2009-01-07T19:30:00.000+08:00

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

2009-01-07T19:19:00.000+08:00

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

2009-01-07T19:14:00.000+08:00

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

2009-01-07T18:34:00.000+08:00

The Dunearn Bukit Timah Guild House The 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

X'mas decors

2009-01-06T18:10:00.000+08:00

Took this photo after our "Twilight" movie @Vivocity during New Year day 2009...
A strange reticent feeling overwhelmed moi when l caught the sight of this gigantic X'mas tree welcoming the shoppers and movie goers in the brand new year of the ox...01 January 2009....

Isn't wonderful to be a kid again especially during X'mas time...Saw the end products of those adorable kids playing with clay at the Takashimaya_ arts and craft session at level 4...a great fan of at "Art.Friend" shop...you can find amazing stuff there...Keke

Managed to snap this X'mas carousel during the post-X'mas sales @Bugis Junction...It sort of reminds moi of winter wonderland in Disneyland USA except over here, it's Hello Singapore and Welcome to the ever Sunny weather **Sniggers**

Let's toast to a brand New Year 2009; New possibilities & chances!!

2008-12-31T13:59:00.000+08:00

Today is the last day of the year 2008, as l pondered by in the train ride to my company for our year end party...There's an article in the daily bread that caught my eyes this morning and l totally agreed and intend to turn to whenever l face any new challenges in this upcoming new year...Here it goes:
"To everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (Eccl. 3:1)

Chilli Crabs VS Black Pepper Crabs

2008-12-30T11:19:00.000+08:00

We went to Eng Seng restaurant aka outdoor Kopitiam yesterday for our post-X'mas office dinner courtesy of my company.
We were treated to a feast of seafood mainly crabs...Chilli crabs,Black pepper crabs,prawns,veggies,chicken, drinks...and most importantly for arguably the best black pepper crab in Singapore. Am told that the queues for the crabs dishes would start way before 5 pm...so there we were...a total of 15 of us in two tables...we had about 13 crabs...Ha-Ha...As for me, l prefers the Black Pepper Crabs which tasted sweet and yet had a spicy aftertaste..something different from the rest of the restaurants...while the chilli crabs is only slightly hot...nothing fancy ar...The service was so-so...the place was abit small and cram...it sort of reminded me of the HongKong Teahouse where people rush in, eat and outta you go...
On the whole, I think we had a great time chilling out with our gang...letting our hairs down...a few more days before 2009...A brand new year awaits us all...
Thanks babes and dudes for an enjoyable evening....Cheers to our friendship! :-)

All chopsticks aiming at the infamous Black Pepper Crabs...

Now you see it Now you don't....

Mouthwatering Chilling crabs...Where is the bread for dipping the gravy?!

Yummy...it's Chilli crabs VS Black Pepper Crabs...A close fight...

Going, Going, Gone....Sob........Where is my crabs...

All Smiles...Noticed the messy table...LOL

That's moi with my Crabby kakis....Ha-Ha

Let's toast to a brand new year 2009 ahead!

My Favourite animal_Mr.Squirrels

2008-12-29T13:25:00.000+08:00

Aww...simply melt by their wet sizzling hot kisses....Ha-Ha

Birthday celebrations @Singapore Zoo with Lina

2008-12-29T13:23:00.000+08:00

Singapore Zoo @26 December 2008

2008-12-29T13:02:00.000+08:00

Finally, I managed to find the time to visit the Singapore Zoo again with my close friend, Lina :-)

All smiles ye...26December 2008 and the tickets cost us 18bucks each!!
Ouch!? Still feeling the pinch! Ha-Ha :-P

The white tigers exhibits >_<

Managed to snap this photo....

Kangaroos...I want to go Australia....

The escapade...

The orang utans...munching bananas..

Can you spot that polar bear....

Finally managed to snap this cutie..Wish l can hug him...

The deers.......

The giraffe...

So close yet so far...He was looking at me intensively..and when l tried to snap his photo...He turned away shyly....

That moi...posing with my teddy bear...if only l can bring him home...

Can you spot that bear?!

Hello Mr. Peacock...Where's your girlfriend?

My favourite girls....

X'mas Angels

2008-12-29T13:00:00.001+08:00

My favourite X'mas decor_Angels...Not just one but plently to share around with...

Just what we need in this times of recession...

Tea Cosy

2008-12-29T12:46:00.000+08:00

A Quiet and cozy corner tucked away...

The lychee drink is superb refreshing ar...

I liked this crabmeat cum tomato soup_the soup is very rich in flavour...

Mushroom soup_Hmm..so-so only...abit too light...

I like this chef recommendation dish...Laska cum pasta_Interesting fusion food

We ordered another pastra to try_Chicken fillet cum pasta...

Our desserts... Yummy brownie with vanilla ice-cream....

My Colleague introduced this niche restaurant tucked away from the bustling of the X'mas crowd...It's located at Plaza Singapura...A perfect location for a date out...Ha-Ha

My office gang_ X'mas mini cakes celebration

2008-12-29T12:41:00.000+08:00

My TeaM...all smiles

Another log cake from our clients...

X'mas cake from our trainer, Ms Maureen Tan

Forever friends bear VS Hello Kitty_Wedding Bliss

2008-12-22T17:48:00.000+08:00

Can you spot that reindeer?!

2008-12-22T16:53:00.000+08:00

Took these pix as l watch the world stirred around moi....

Have a Blessed Merry X'mas!!

2008-12-22T16:41:00.000+08:00

Since its X'mas...and you only tell the truth and nothing but the truth in X'mas...
So without Hope or agenda, l am going to wish everyone a very Blessed and Beautiful X'mas...Have a blissful holidays ar!! Cheers to our friendship!
And for this year, l also intends to do something a little crazy or silly...out of my comfort zone ar...Ha-Ha :-)

I going to be more proactive in Church and volunteer more of my time….

Am Gonne place my blessed talents to good usage...

I am going to treat all of beloved ones much better…

I am going to improve on my overall personality and image…a little less grouchy and a little more positive….

I am going to learn how to sing better and learn music notes...perhaps piano lessons

I am going to continue with my Peranakan bead weaving lessons...perhaps beaded shoes

I am going to exercise more….Am going to use the park near my place more often… think it’s pretty good time to lose some of my extra kilos…30kilos to be precise…There’s a will, there is a way….I still wish and hope to be able to wear my old kebaya....Ha-Ha

I am going to start greeting a very “Good morning or Good evening” to those feisty grannies around my void-deck to bless their kind souls...to see their wrinkled face breaking into smiles...Isn't life beautiful?!

I am going to select, buy, write and give out personally a X'mas card to that special someone whom l hope to meet up soon...My own personalized courier service to that special person.....Ha-ha I know that nowadays no one send out X'mas cards to friends except for maybe some business associate...but l am still an old-fashioned gal at heart who love to write my appreciations and share my gratitude to all my dear friends especially to those guidance angels...

The possibilities are endless……………………….Isn't life beautiful.....Cheers to all

Bertram Wee in recital at Alliance Française de Singapour_13 December 2008

2008-12-22T16:33:00.001+08:00

I had the privilege to attend one of the finest and most talented young men called Bertram Wee, Our CG member; Wendy and Tom’s son first piano recital at Alliance Française de Singapour on last Saturday, 13 December 2008. He was painfully shy young man but when he starts to play the piano…He was literally transformed into a master weaving music out of the piano keys…Full of confidence and zest… The music was simply…how shall l put it…Full of life…the power…the zest…Imagine he is only sweet sixteen!? And he is able to play to the beautiful captivating tunes of Manuel de Falla, Sergei Prokofiev and Frederic Chopin and without looking at the scores…only pausing for a short while to take a breather before continuing his next piece…Such a breathtaking performance…

It’s simply thrilling yet at the same time delightful performance…To tell you the truth, I am simply glued to my seat… Simply moved beyond words…Actually wishing and hoping that the music never ends …Imagine that we are part of such a special occasion…his first recital and l believed its won’t be the last and am very sure that there will be many more of such performances to come…

It made me simply want to dash out after the recital to learn to play piano…
Frankly speaking, I was picturing myself playing the piano…Ha-Ha…
Perhaps Maybe l really should…Never say never correct?!
Awww…well, isn’t life all about hopes and dreams…

My close friend's HweeLing and Samuel Wedding photoshoots 17 Dec 2008

2008-12-22T16:16:00.000+08:00

My close friend's HweeLing and Samuel Wedding photoshoots_where l shamelessly tagged along and took many wonderful and beautiful memories of them....They were beaming and glowing with happiness...simply lovely-dovely...Such a perfect match for each other... Aww....

L.O.V.E. Lyrics_Nat King Cole

L is for the way you look at me

O is for the only one I see

V is very, very extraordinary

E is even more than anyone that you adore can

Love is all that I can give to you

Love is more than just a game for two

Two in love can make it

Take my heart and please don't break it

Love was made for me and you

(trumpet instrumental)

L is for the way you look at me

O is for the only one I see

V is very, very extraordinary

E is even more than anyone that you adore can

Love is all that I can give to you

Love is more than just a game for two

Two in love can make it

Take my heart and please don't break it

Love was made for me and you

Nana_The bunny

2008-12-22T16:12:00.000+08:00

My all time fav cartoon movie An American Tail (1987)

2008-12-22T16:10:00.000+08:00

(Somewhere Out There) written by James Horner, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil

Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight
Someone's thinking of me and loving me tonight
Somewhere out there someone's saying a prayer
That we'll find one another in that big somewhere out there
And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star
And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky
Somewhere out there if love can see us through
Then we'll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true
And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star
And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky
Somewhere out there if love can see us through
Then we'll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true

Vivian Chow 周慧敏 <尽在不言中>

2008-12-22T16:05:00.000+08:00

This is one of my fav songs...from Vivian Chow
"能不能就让一切尽在不言中
我们之间无法言喻
不要去刻意经营所有的话语
我和你尽在不言中
曾经想要对你说的字字句句
欲言又止的我却词不达意
其实我的感情你都看在眼里
应该明白我的心
动人的话
别人都说得比我好
美丽的诗
又扑索迷离
不容易倾听
能不能就让一切尽在不言中
我们之间无法言喻
不要去刻意经营所有的话语
我和你尽在不言中"

My first Bead weaving assignment

2008-12-09T12:16:00.000+08:00

Thank goodness ar!!
My first Bead weaving assignment: To complete a tiny bitsy bookmark by tomorrow, 10 December. It’s a mad rush to complete the assignment.
As usual, l have procrastinated it till the very last hour….Ha-Ha :-p
There were too many temptations for me to sit quietly at home doing it at a leisure hour if you know what l meant. The whole affair ate up most of my afternoon ar…

To sum it up ar, Bead weaving is a form of fine art as it really cultivates your patience and endurance in complete the art piece…**Evil laff**
I wonders how did the Perananka woman manage to handle the needlework and cooking
at the same time?!
Imagine sitting at the same position for hours doing and repeating the same actions over
and over again…**Shudders**
The side effects: My fingers almost crammed after such a long hours, my eyes almost cross-wired after staring at the tiny bitsy beads for a long period of time and trying to do a balance act with the beads and the thread…
My back also ached as l sit cross-legged while bead weaving…
It’s never as simple as the TV media portray it….Ha-Ha :-) **chuckling**

Peranakan Beadweaving_Raw products

2008-12-04T11:47:00.000+08:00

Peranakan Beadweaving workshop held at Peranakan Museum 03 Dec and 10 Dec 2008

2008-12-04T11:43:00.000+08:00

Authentic Peranakan Snacks...Simply divine ar

2008-12-04T11:30:00.001+08:00

Peranakan beadweaving

2008-12-03T11:52:00.001+08:00

Excerpts from the Peranakan museum website; Peranakan beadweaving or threaded beadwork existed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this technique of weaving, the beads and thread form the design and there is no cloth or any other supporting material. Bridal bed hangings, curtain tie-backs and pillow covers were made in this manner.
Unlike European and American Indian beadweaving methods which used a single needle and strand of thread, Peranakan beadweaving used multiple threads.

Guess what!? I just happened to glance through the website of Peranakan museum.
What a stroke of luck! There is a workshop of Peranakan beadweaving (2 sessions) starting today and ending on next Wednesday. The end product is a beaded bookmark and the course fee is 150bucks…And I went ahead to register it without skipping a heartbeat. This course will be taught by Ms Bebe Seet, Singapore's authority on Peranakan beading and has promoted 'living' Peranakan heritage locally as well as abroad for over 10 years.

I have been waiting for such opportunity to learn from her for so long…
Always thinking about it and no actions taken… Ha-Ha :-)
I guess it’s now or never!! I am simply over the moon... Ha-Ha :-)
Finally I am gonne meet up with Ms BeBe Seet…Too excited for words :-p

A Teochew by birth and a Peranakan by choice

2008-12-03T10:24:00.000+08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Peranakan, Baba-Nyonya (traditional Chinese: 峇峇娘惹; Hokkien: Bā-bā Niû-liá) and Straits Chinese (土生華人; named after the Straits Settlements) are terms used for the descendants of the very early Chinese immigrants to the Nusantara region, including both the British Straits Settlements of Malaya and the Dutch-controlled island of Java among other places, who have partially adopted Malay customs in an effort (chronological adaptation) to be assimilated into the local communities.
Anyone been following Little Nonya which is showing in channel 8 at 9pm daily from Monday - Friday? I am simply intrigued by the Peranakan women and their way of life such as cooking up a feast, sewing their own beaded shoes and Kebayas and taking care of the men, etc. In this drama, the strong-willed Peranakan woman has to overcome all the odds and the traditional cultures to be together with her loved ones, etc. There’s a line that in this drama serials that goes liked this “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” Hence, Peranakan women have been trained since young to cook and sew, etc so that they are able to attract good marriage proposal ar.
Oh dear! **Cold sweat** That’s meant l really need to brush up on my cooking skills as l must confessed to the world at large that l know nuts about cooking except to eat….Ha-Ha J

Jokes aside, this drama serials have indeed increased and cultivated my interests in anything Peranakan, l am wishing and hoping to learn how to make beaded shoes from BeBe Seet. Maybe a timely visit to her Shop-in-a-House, called Rumah Bebe and Peranakan museum would be a delight…. My wishlist….A tour to Malacca would be wonderful too…….

My favourite dessert

2008-12-02T19:03:00.000+08:00

I must confessed that l am guilty as charged...

A sweet-tooth angel by default...Ha-Ha =p

I simply loved to eat desserts especially A-boiling with peanuts soup or 3-in-1 soya beancurd with rice dumplings..

Simply divine ar...

Guess l am easily satisfied...What can l say...

Simple pleasures that never fails to bring a smile to my face.... ;-)

"How do I know if I married the right person?"

2008-12-02T18:49:00.000+08:00

Received this meaningful message from one of my close friends who got married recently....I am not too sure but l think this article as stated below do makes alot of sense ar...don't you agree too?! >_<

"During one of our seminars, a woman asked a common question.
She said, "How do I know if I married the right person?"
I noticed that there was a large man sitting next to her so I said, "It depends.

Is that your husband?" In all seriousness, she answered "How do you know?"

Let me answer this question because the chances are good that it's weighing on your mind. Here's the answer. EVERY relationship has a cycle. In the beginning, you fell in love with your spouse. You anticipated their call, wanted their touch, and liked their idiosyncrasies. Falling in love with your spouse wasn't hard. In fact, it was a completely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DO anything.

That's why it's called "falling" in love... Because it's happening TO YOU. People in love sometimes say, "I was swept of my feet." Think about the imagery of that expression. It implies that you were just standing there; doing nothing, and then something came along and happened TO YOU. Falling in love is easy. It's a passive and spontaneous experience.

But after a few years of marriage, the euphoria of love fades. It's the natural cycle of EVERY relationship. Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all), touch is not always welcome (when it happens), and your spouse's idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute, drive you nuts. The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship, but if you think about your marriage, you will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or even angry subsequent stage. At this point, you and/or your spouse might start asking, "Did I marry the right person?" And as you and your spouse reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had, you may begin to desire that experience with someone else. This is when marriages breakdown. People blame their spouse for their unhappiness and look outside their marriage for fulfillment.

Extramarital fulfillment comes in all shapes and sizes. Infidelity is the most obvious. But sometimes people turn to work, a hobby, a friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances. But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your marriage. It lies within it. I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else. You could. And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the same situation a few years later. Because (listen carefully to this): THE KEY TO SUCCEEDING IN MARRIAGE IS NOT FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON; IT'S LEARNING TO LOVE THE PERSON YOU FOUND.

SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. It'll NEVER just happen to you. You can't "find" LASTING love. You have to "make" it day in and day out. That's why we have the expression "the labor of love." Because it takes time, effort, and energy. And most importantly, it takes WISDOM. You have to know WHAT TO DO to make your marriage work.

Make no mistake about it. Love is NOT a mystery. There are specific things you can do (with or without your spouse) to succeed with your marriage. Just as there are physical laws of the universe (such as gravity), there are also laws for relationships. Just as the right diet and exercise program makes you physically stronger, certain habits in your relationship WILL make your marriage stronger. It's a direct cause and effect. If you know and apply the laws, the results are predictable...you can "make" love. Love in marriage is indeed a "decision"... Not just a feeling."

The Perfect strangers

2008-12-02T15:39:00.000+08:00

As l headed down the road along the central business district to have my late lunch with my colleagues today…My heart almost skipped a beat when l saw a guy wearing Nikon camera strap in the far distant…Keke ;-) I almost Thought it’s him….almost frozen dead in my tracks…till l realized it’s just another normal human being wearing the same Nikon camera strap taking the same kind of photographs of the same kind old buildings…..Almost wished it’s him……………

Tokidoki(Sometimes), l wonders if l will be able to recognize him along the dozen of people walking down the streets of Singapore…Will l be able to single him out…You know, just liked in the movies…When will our parallel path cross?! When it’s really happening, Will we be able to single each other out in that split seconds when our eyes meet each other…The secret smiles…Will our destiny gonne change after that…or Will we go on to our separate paths…Each minding our own personal stuff…It sort of reminds me of that movie “Turn left, Turn right” …The “what if “question kept lingering in my mind as l ponders away in the listless Tuesday afternoon….

Can you spot that tiny butterfly resting among the flowers?!

2008-12-02T15:38:00.000+08:00

Koi pond

2008-12-02T15:36:00.000+08:00

Oh my goodness! So many koi fishes.......

Ostrich invasion

2008-12-02T15:24:00.000+08:00

Desaru Kota Tinggi_Ostrich showfarm

2008-12-02T15:15:00.000+08:00

The weather is extremely hottie.....

Fireflies greeted us...Priceless memories to behold

2008-12-01T16:36:00.001+08:00

Woke up pretty early on last Saturday morning 29 November at around 5.15am
before the dawn…Think l have broken my own personal records ar…Ha-Ha
Guess I am not a morning person afterall, more of a night owl. Though l am trying to cultivate such good habits…As an old sayings early; “Early bird catches a worm” and in my case, catches a trip to Desaru_Kota Tinggi, Malaysia to see fireflies. Yippee…
It’s so serenity and peaceful to wake up in such an early hour of the day…to start the day afresh, the only sounds came from the ticking’s of the clock and the bus interchange from afar. I tried to tiptoed around the house to get my stuff done…But my efforts was futile as my parents wanted to make sure that l leave my house on the dot so as to catch the bus to Lavender mrt on time. Heehee

Phew! What a relief! I managed to make it on time to board the coach in Lavender mrt at 7am sharp. The coach waited till 7.16am to leave for Jurong East mrt and to pick up the rest of the gang before heading to checkpoints.
Praise the Lord! We managed to clear both checkpoints and soon, we were on our way to Desaru_Kota Tinggi, Malaysia…The weather was exceptionally good to us…Not much of a heavy downpour except for a small drizzle in the late afternoon…

We adjourned to a coffeeshop in Taman Sentosa for our breakfast. We waited quite awhile before our freshly made egg prata was served to us. The taste of the prata was alright but the curry gravy was such a letdown as its was too watery…Expected it to be spicy but then again we were still grateful for the breakfast treats from our colleague. **Chuckling**

Next, we proceeded to a local bakery shop selling local products. I did buy two packets of ‘Beh Teh Soh biscuits’ for my dad and other than that, nothing much had interested me…LOL…But l did notice that the rest of the aunties and uncles in the same coach as l, they really loved to shop. An evidence from their many shopping bags…I am truly amazed by it…Ha-Ha
Finally we proceeded to a local seafood restaurant for our lunch. The food was so-so and nothing fantastic about it…And we have to wait for quite a while before each dish was being served…perhaps that did dampen our high spirits…
As for the ladies toilets…well, you really cannot expected “high-class conditions”…just have to get it and done with quickly…something that many of us have to endure bah…Not much of a choice there…**Shudders**

Then, we were ushered to an Ostrich farm where many countless of Ostrich ranging from babies to adults greeted us…I am simply overwhelmed by the sight of it…
An excerpt from Encarta Encyclopedia: “Ostrich, common name for the biggest living bird. Ostriches cannot fly but have long, powerful legs and can run up to 65 km/h (about 40 mph). They...” Afterwhich, we proceeded to Fruits and animals farm…Saw many fruits trees such as durian, jackfruits, dragonfruits, passionfruits, ribena and many others species…Simply a feast to the eye…Though the scorching hot weather was abit unbearable…Almost “melt” liked an ice-cream cone…Ha-Ha
Wished for a portable air-con…Ha-Ha

Next, we proceeded to Kota Tinggi shopping centre for some shopping spree. Hmm, nothing much there either except for one Marybrown restaurant (Similar to KFC restaurant). I didn’t spend a single cent there. Guess, I was so proud of myself. LOL
Finally, we proceeded to another Chinese restaurant to have our dinner there before taking a boat ride to view the fireflies…
An excerpt from Article –Encarta Encyclopedia:
”Firefly, also lightning bug, common name for any of a large family of luminescent beetles. There are about 1100 species found throughout tropical...”
After much anticipation, we finally boarded the boat to see some fireflies in action. The view was “priceless”, such a wonderful and magical sight to behold.
The fireflies lighted up the trees which reminded me of Christmas trees…almost surreal…a couple of the fireflies flew past us…buzzing…almost liked sashaying proudly and welcoming us to their home…Glittering and glowing in the dark.
Liked “a miky way on earth”…Simply divine ar…
I am simply moved by the beauty from the mother earth…
What a finale to sum up our trip…

The ride back home was smooth and l managed to catch a bus home. PTL
3 minutes more before the clock strike midnight and l am back to civilizations. “Home sweet Home”

2008-11-24T11:46:00.000+08:00

Dining at the Island Cafe in CK Tangs Orchard with a panoramic view of downtown orchard was indeed a wonderful experience.
We had laksa with clayfish for dinner, the gravy was rich and simply heaven ye...We truly enjoyed the food in such a relaxed ambience.The service was supeb too. Did l mention that l left my camera on one of the seats while l was simply too engrossed with my friend's conversation?! Oh my gosh! I was totally clueless! The best part of the whole experience was that the waiter came running after me to return back the camera to me...Thumbs up for the service, food and ambience ye. Am definitely going back for the X'mas treats...Cheers :-)

2008-11-03T18:41:00.000+08:00

Who can resist such a mouthwatering steamboat!
Simply divine ye especially in such a cold weather!

2008-11-03T18:39:00.000+08:00

Simply adored the strawberries at the Cameron Highlands

2008-11-03T16:55:00.000+08:00

Finally after 3hours of endless road....We finally reached our destination! Despite the scorching hot sun, heat minus the sea...Hooray! We made it!

Overheard a young boy chanting KFC KFC along the route...Ha-Ha

Simple motivations that always work!

2008-11-03T16:54:00.000+08:00

The serenity