Merry X'mas everyone.....

It's that time of the year to be jolly and indulge in merry making. But for me, it was the time to spend it with my family. But that was not to be. Coz on X'mas eve, I had a big fight with hubby over the study room. Well, technically it was not the study room per se but more like he not paying attention to what I was saying and jumping to conclusions, which will lead to an argument when he opens his mouth to say something that is just so irrelevant, Then after the argument, which I was in a fit of anger, decided to pack the study room. And after doing that, it just felt so good to direct all my anger there. The room is partially cleared as I have to make space for the tables first and after it's been put up, I will then decorate the room. Pictures of the room below:

(Stuff that was shifted to one corner of the room to make space for the table)

(This is where the computer table is going to be)

So for the past few weeks was really busy. The Phuket trip was quite ok as we got to know each other better and we had fun. Then it was the X'mas party on last Wed, which we each had out own secret santa. We wrote down what we wanted and our secret santa will buy it for us. After which, we went for seafood dinner, which was also like a farewell dinner for Cass as it was her last day and from there we proceeded to St James' Boiler Room for drinks and some dancing.Then the next day, Thurs, I went over to Cass's place for lunch and she really have a lovely place. It's just so serene and back to nature. If ever that place is for sale, I will be the first one to buy it. So this whole week, the whole office will be closed for the holidays and I will have to use this time to pack my study room. Not only that, I will be spending time with my lil princess.

24 more days to X'mas.....

24 more days to X'mas and soon after it's going be 2008. Time have passed so fast and it's going to be the time to look back, reflect and decide on what needs to be done in the new year.

For me, it has been a really busy time. Sports & Fitness Expo have ended almost a month ago and after that, there was that upcoming Phuket trip as to go for the boat show, PIMEX, which my boss have interest in buying over the show. Oh well, that is going to be so fun as I will get to know my colleagues better.

Here's wishing everyone who visits this blog a Merry X'mas and a Happy New Year!!

New Company, New Start???

It's been almost 3 weeks since we have been bought over......how do i feel? Well, there are good and bad. The good is that the changes are very good for the company as with a new boss, comes new direction and fresh perspective that is very much needed. But the bad is, my AD has become the DOS and it totally puts me off. I thought she would have leadership skills but it seems that she is so much a follower, not a leader. For the past few months, the whole office environment was very tensed as she is trying to pit us against each other. When we have finally realize what she is up to, all of us was very disgusted by her. Especially me. I just can't how can a person become so money minded. Not only that, she can really be so mean and sabotage people just to get ahead to where she is. Does it really matter??? In my opinion, I feel it does not as it will only show people how ruthless you are to get ahead in life and at the end of the day suffer all the retribution. Yes, she may want to prove that she can work and manage the house at the same time, but not at the expense of neglecting her child. I believe in providing a balance environment and if it means giving up the job when the child needs the mum most, she will not hesitate to do it. No matter how much money can buy, it can't buy back their growing years and it's no point regretting it 10, 20 years down the road. So the point is, would the job be worth it to miss out on her child's growing years? That would be for her to find out and I hope that it would not be too late by then.

Changes.......

It has been a busy 2 weeks and there are changes...first up, my company was bought over and now I have a new boss.....it was announced last Thursday and he seems like a nice guy...well only time can tell....second thing, I may consider resigning from my job as I feel that I have neglected lil princess. But the thing is, I'm so used to earning my own keep that now to depend on my hubby, is, well, kind of scary. I would have to seriously think this thru. Hopefully I can make up my mind soon.....

Anyway, I'm heading into M'sia this weekend with my folks, my brother, Mel and lil princess. Going there to pay my respects to grandma, great grandpa & grandma and grandaunt. It's been like ages since I have last been to a cemetery and from what Dad told me, grandma have got a new tombstone. So going there to check it out and at the same time, to pig out also!!! :) Will be back on Monday, hopefully in the morning as I have got a parent-teacher conference with lil princess's teacher....sigh.....being a parent now is not easy at all....I just wonder how my parents manage to stay sane with the 3 of us.......

Fun day @ Sentosa....got BURNT!!!!!

It's a fun day today....as I went down to Sentosa with Merissa and my lil princess. First, we had breakfast @ Coffee Bean, after that, we went to board the train into Sentosa. Upon reaching the beach station, we made our way to Palawan beach. We then headed to the changing room to change and bought some drinks & an inflatable ball for Ashley (thanks babe!!!). When we found a spot to put our things, Ash headed straight for the sand. She was really enjoying herself, playing with the sand and throwing the ball to Merissa & me. It did drizzle for a while but it went away. Then we had a break, munching on carrots & cucumber sticks, lettuce, turkey breast, mashed potato and corn nibblets. After eating, we rested for a while before heading to the changing room to get cleaned. We left the place around 2+ and it seems that the crowd was coming in. Luckily, we decided to come in early, if not, we would be fighting for space. Ashley have really enjoyed herself that she fell asleep on the way back. But unfortunately for me, I got very sun burnt as I did not apply sunblock lotion...so now I look like a roasted pig!!!! :) Overall, it was really good to have spend time with my galfren & my daughter. i really hope to do it again, but the next time, I will remember to apply the sunblock lotion so that I will not be burnt again.

Rainy Monday.......

It's a rainy Monday and the weather is just right to sleep in....unfortunately, I've got to work so there was no chance for me to stay at home and remain in my comfortable bed. It seems that work is really quite dreadful recently as my boss, well, honestly speaking, have gone loco. Yes, LOCO, as in bonkers, cuckoo and all other things that associated with loco. We do not know if the stress is getting to her or she just can't be bothered and decided to create a pasar malam event....sigh, even my dive project manager is on the verge of quitting soon....if my boss don't take a step back and look at the bigger picture, she is going to lose all the staff support and respect....

Anyway, I'm looking forward to this weekend where I can bring lil princess to Sentosa with my good friend, Merissa. It would be a good mummy-daughter bonding time and also a good girlfriend gossip session.....Will try to take some pictures at the beach with the small one but don't think I will be in it as I will look like a beached whale in my swimming costume :) so only 4 more days to go!!!!

Funerals and getai.......

I was so pissed of yesterday night that I've called the neighborhood police post to complain!!!! Yup, that's becoz of a getai that was taking place. You see, there was a funeral and normally, depending on what race is the deceased. In this case, the deceased is a chinese and his relatives are holding it under the void deck. So I'm quite ok with the prayers, chanting & what else is is required in a funeral but not a getai!!! Apparently, dunno which smart ass relatives of his decided to have some entertainment and engage a singer to sing. It went on till quite late at night and I couldn't take it any longer!!! If it's on a weekend night, fine, I will just bear with it but not on a weekday night!!!!! So I got so cheesed off that I asked the operator for the telephone number of the police post and called them. When the line got thru, I told them that it was quite late and why are they allowed the getai to continue?? It seems that I was not the only one who is complaining. There are several other people who called and made the same complaint!!! The policewoman said that they will send their officers down to investigate. Then about 10 mins later, it was peace and quiet. At last, it had finally stopped and I managed to get a good night's rest.

I have nothing against getai but I do wish that they would spare some consideration to the residents on a weeknight. It can be very noisy and irritating when you are watching TV or trying to get a good sleep and how would they like it if someone is singing very loudly just beside them????

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts......

Today, my colleague, KC brought back a box of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts from Australia. I have read about them at http://food-diaries.blogspot.com/ and also heard Joe Augustin from radio 91.3fm mentioned about them. So I took one and tried it...mmmmmmm!!!!!

Yummy to the core!!! Ok, I have not tried the doughnuts from Doughnut Factory as I don't have the time to queue up for 3 hours. It's quite sweet and soft...hmmm...I think I will make some time to queue up this weekend for Doughnut Factory's doughnut and do a comparision....

Over the weekend.....

After work on Friday, waited for Mel to come and pick me and hubby up as we are spending it at the chalet...so when we arrive at the chalet, it was very nice as it was behind the SAF chalet. It was much bigger than the previous chalet that Aunt Yvonne booked. Attached is how it looked like:-

She have booked it at the Aloha Changi website and honestly, it's quite big. There have 3 bedrooms, 2 toilets, 2 bathrooms and a attached bathroom at the main bedrooms and it even have its own parking lot. So while we are settling down, Ash decided to play ball with Mel. And in the process of playing ball, Aunt Aster ask Mel to help to inflate the bed. I have managed to capture the video:-

Ash playing wz Mel

After having lots of laugh watching Mel inflating the bed, we were quite hungry and decided to walk to Changi Village Hawker to have a late supper. When we arrive there, I ordered a plate of Char Kway Teow and boy, it was really yummy!!!!! I can only remember the shop name is Xiang Xiang. If u are ard the area there, do try it out. But they only open from 12pm to 12am and closed on Monday or Tuesday, I think. So after a heavy supper, we walked back and got some shut eye.

The next morning, it was raining and Dad went out to get breakfast for all of us. After breakfast, we rested for a while before bring lil princess to beach. On the way there, she was singing Barney the purple dinosaur song :-

When we arrived at the beach, hubby went with her to play at the beach. It was so peaceful, that whatever problems u have are all gone with the sea breeze and the sounds of the waves. She really enjoyed herself at the beach:-

After playing at the beach, we headed back to the chalet to get some rest before helping mum with the BBQ. It was quite fun as there was just so much food to be BBQ. By the time all the food was done, it was past midnite and I was just so tired. Immediately after my bath, I collapsed onto the bed and into dreamland I went.....

On Sunday, all of us got up late and had a nice breakfast. After that, hubby brought the lil princess to the playground to play while I packed up. Then Dad drove us back before noon as we need to go to church. Overall it was quite fun with just your own relatives and keeps us close knitted no matter how busy all of us are. I hope there will be another BBQ again as it's quite fun with all the laughter.....

T.G.I.F.....

It's finally Friday!!!!! And it's halfway thru the working day. Man, I'm looking forward to this for quite a while as we are going to Aloha Chalet after work!!! Yup, me, hubby, princess and the rest of the my family kampung will be there from today till Sunday. So there will be lots of talking, screaming kids and laughing adults. Sigh, I just love family gatherings, when my nearest and dearest and all gathered. It's better to cherish family members when they are alive than dead...Take last week for instance. It was during a lunch time when my dad called me and told me that my grandpa was hospitalised. I was so shocked that I immediately called my brothers and we decided to meet after work at the hospital. When we arrived there, grandpa was resting on the bed but he looked so tired. After chatting with him for a while, we realised that he did not take his blood pressure medication, thus landing himself in the hospital. Sigh, he can be quite stubborn sometimes. Then it was time for us to go. So Mel drove us back and we chatted along the way. I realised that it's times like this that I miss my brothers so much. Ever since I've gotten married and moved out of my parents' place to my own place, we seldom catch up already, other than meeting them on Sunday for family dinner. Yes, my 2 brothers are really a pain in the butt, but I still love them the same....So tomorrow, when the BBQ starts, I will be going round taking lots and lots of pictures of everyone.

Just now, when I went to the library to return my books, I drop by this place called Food for Thought. It's a quaint lil cafe, with good food. I've ordered the Basil Pesto Chicken Sandwich and yummy!!! There are just so many things to eat, so I have decided to go there with my god-bro, whom I meeting for lunch next week. It's just so nice...pictures of the sandwich below:-



Their take-away bag...isn't it simple??






Introducing......my lunch.....Basil Pesto Chicken!!!!YUMMMMMY!!!!!

If you guys want to know where is the acfe, it's at North Bridge Centre. You can go to there website, www.foodforthought.com to find out more.

Ratatouille.....

Today, we went to see the movie, Ratatouille and it was Ashley's first time in a cinema. The thing about bringing a kid to the cinema is :-

01) They can't sit still and you will have to pacify them to sit thru the whole movie thus incuring the wrath of other movie goers who feel that you should leave the kid at home or,
02) You have no choice but to walk out halfway thru, bringing your fussy/screaming/crying kid out and by then, cursing and swearing at yourself for paying so much and yet can't even enjoy watching the whole movie.

So when Mothercare have sent out an emailer, saying that Berriwerks are organizing this movie event and those who are interested should email to them to get the tickets. I immediately emailed to them to book for 2 tickets, forgetting that it was a Sunday and I thought that hubby was working. When I told hubby about it, he wanted to go but I said that it was on a Sat and he was working. He looked quite sad as he had been to the movies for a long time already. But when I double checked the calendar, I realised that it was on a Sunday instead, so I quickly sent another email, booking an additional ticket. It was confirmed that next day and when I have received the emailer from Berriwerks, they informed that all the tickets have been sold out. Wow!!! Apparently, parents have persuaded Berriwerks to organise this event because they also wanted their child to enjoy going to the cinema also. Well, I would say that it is very good because it promote family bonding.

So this morning, we left the house quite early as there were activities for children from 10am onwards. When we have arrived Eng Wah (Suntec) and collected the tickets, there were just so many parents there. We missed out the first part with JWT gym as hubby needed to visit the restroom. So when he came out, we went to look for a place to sit before the 2nd part started. There were singing and dancing and Ashley really enjoyed herself. Below are some pictures from the event:-



Teachers from Julia Gabriel acting out a scene from Ratatouille



Ashley making her way towards me....getting restless already...



Singing the ending song before breaking for lunch....

So after they have sang the last song, we went for lunch and walked around Toys 'R' Us. She was just so overwhelmed by all the toys that she went round looking and touching and wishing that she can have all of them. Well, she wanted Playdoh but I didn't want to get it for her yet as she will just leave the playdoh all over the place. Then, she found the rainbow ball and saw some hats. But it was a tad too big for her. Nevertheless, she gamely wore it and pose for it.



Then she saw the transformer mask and decided to try it on...(can't remember if this is megatron or deceiptacon.....)



Then she got hubby to try one also...hahahah.....



Then it was time for the movie and when we got to our seats, hubby told me that he was going to sleep and wake him up in case anyone wanted to go out...but in the end, it was the lil princess that fell asleep while hubby was wide awake watching the movie. It was really nice and as usual, there would always be a moral behind each story. The moral for this movie is don't give up on your dreams no matte what happens. I really like the scenes of Paris, even though it was in animation....sigh, wonder when would I get the chance to go there???

After the show, we headed down to Vivocity as my lil bro is treating the whole family to Marche. He will not be in town for the next 10 days as his ship will be sailing to Thailand and will only be back on the 13 Sep. So while waiting for my dear dad to come, we just hang out at Ben & Jerry, which I ordered a single shot of espresso for hubby, a small scoop of new york chunky fudge chocolate ice-cream, a cafe latte and a small scoop of chunky monkey for mummy. Then Ash sat on top of the cow and I took some pics wz her and hubby and after hamming it up for the camera, we headed up to Marche for dinner.



It was a really fun filled but tiring day as me and hubby didn't take our nap. But overall, it was good to go out and enjoy something that we can include our princess and I am looking forward to the next movie event that Berriwerk will be organizing.

Updates.......

Been so busy lately....with work and all that I have neglected to update my blog. Well, nothing new in my life.....but I have managed to watched a few DVDs....I have borrowed The Devil wears Prada and The Holiday....Sigh, I just wish that I have the change to wear Manolo Blahniks, Chanel, Gucci, Hermes and other branded stuff...the movie was good as it was about making your own choices and being responsible for the choice that was made....sometimes when we are too ambitious, we tend to hurt the nearest and dearest around us. By the time we realize it, it's too late already. So in a way, the movie also teaches us not to take our friends for granted...and Paris!!!It's just so nice....even though there were not much shots of it.... As for The Holiday, it's about finding yourself and giving live a second chance...it's just so romantic and funny....I nearly cried at the end when Cameron Diaz realised that she love Jude Law, no matter what she says......and Carmeron's house is just so beautiful!!!! Sigh.....I wish I have that nice house, with the nice pool and huge bedroom....well, go on dreaming gal......

Well, below are the long awaited photos from Suntec's football match....sorry afiqah, I will update them in my friendster and u can grab the shots with u and ashley in it :)














These last two shots were taken in Dad's car when we were heading down to Vivocity...see what she gets up to when she is in a cheeky mood....

Feeling sick...............

Have not been feeling too good the past few days....think i'm coming down with flu and a very bad sore throat. It gotten worse over the weekend, with the non-stop sneezing and coughing....it's no wonder that hubby thinks he's going to fall sick soon and says I passed the virus to him. Not fair!!!! Anyway, there is going to be a holiday this Thursday and I'm thinking of going to the doctor's on Wednesday to get medication. Let's hope that the doctor will be in a good mood so that he will give me an MC for that day, then I can go home and sleep. ;p

I'm feeling so fat lately. The last time that I went for a jog would be 2 weeks ago....arrgh!!!! Must be consistent in my exercise routine, if not, I will hear hubby's non-stop nagging....

Busy, rainy week......

It's been a very busy week and on top of that, it's was raining also.....so the washing at home is piling up and I can't wash them till the previous batch is dried. Sigh, I wish I had a big dryer....never mind, just need to put aside some money every month and hopefully by the end of next year, I would be able to get one that is a 2 in 1, washer cum dryer.

On a good note, last sunday, we went for a Penang buffet at Swissotel Merchant Court. It was a belated birthday treat to my dearest Daddy, who is 53 this year. Wow!!! 53 and he doesn't even look like a grandpa!! :) It was a good buffet, with all my favorite Penang food like Penang laksa, char kway tiao and get this, free flow of durians!!!!!!!!! The last day of this buffet is I think this Sunday. Have also manage to take some photos of Ash with practically every one :

GrandMummy talking to Ashley....


Ashley & GrandDaddy (Birthday Boy!!!)


Ashley & "GargeMel" (Uncle Melvin)


Ashley & Uncle Marc


Hubby...looking very full and sleepy...

After settling the bill, we decided to check out the new shopping centre, Central, that is beside the hotel. I took some random shots of Hubby and Ashley and both of them have just so many poses. See it for yourself:-


At the escalator....


At the indoor bridge....


Ashley's sad face....


Her "angry" face....


"Kissing" Daddy's hair.....


"Arrrgh!!! Help me Mummy!!!"

It was quite fun, seeing both father and daughter bonding by making silly faces to each other. After having so much fun, she was quite tired, as it was past her nap time. So we decided to go back, after walking off the good food. Not to mentioned that it rained on Sunday evening, so it was just so cold and nice...it's like X'mas came very early....sigh....

Shepherd's pie....

I have just finished making the shepherd's pie and it's the oven, baking now....






Doesn't it looks good? Yummy!!!! I decided to make something different for Ash today, so that's why the pie. I know it's not as good as Mom's pie but hopefully she will like it....

Oh well, back to housework...sigh...being a weekend housewife is no fun at all......

Sad news........

This afternoon, I have just received a piece of sad news. My grand uncle have passed away. He's a good man, who never fails to cook wanton noodles for us whenever we visit him in Seremban, Malaysia. I still remember when I was younger, I always go into the noodle making room to watch him make the wanton noodles. Then, I can still remember him scooping out at least 30 cups of flours, crack 2 dozen eggs and mix. It was quite fun, watching him mix the flour and egg together to form dough and after that, it goes into the noodle making machine. The remaining dough will be put aside, then he starts the process all over again. This time, he adds in the remaining dough and this new dough will be used to make wanton skin. Their shop is my brothers and I's playground, which we pretend to be selling the noodles. When it's time to open shop, we will help to wipe the tables, put the chairs, arrange the chopsticks and spoons and wait for customer to come. After the customer have eaten, we will clear and wipe the table. It was quite fun then, as life was so simple.

Recently, I went back to Seremban and was very saddened to see him. He has grown so old and he can't even remember who I am. My heart really goes out to him as he is another grandfather, whom I love so much. He was stricken with Alzehimer's and it was so heart wrentching to see him being reduced to this state. Just now, Mom told me that he died in his sleep. It was a peaceful and painless way to go. Although I can't go to the funeral tomorrow, I will say a prayer for his soul.

KL Trip.....

We went into KL for a short getaway...so slept over at mom's place on Friday nite and got up quite early on Sat morning for the trip. Aunt Aster also came along as it's going to be her last trip wz us pigging out before she gets married next year to Uncle Yusof.....

On the way there, I took quite a few pictures of Ash fooling around with her blanket and this is what she did :-

Once we have arrived at Uncle Simon's place, we had a rest before heading out to Mega Mall Mid valley. As usual, Ash decides to entertain everyone with her hoola hoop skills....

After showing off her skills, we then went to Mega Mall to do Mega shopping!!!!! I took some candid shots of her while we were waiting for my folks and relatives....

Once the shopping was done, we went for a good dinner. Uncle Simon brought us to a place where they serve damn good food and a huge pig's trotter!!!! It's a pity I didn't take any photos of it...well, next time I will remember to do it. Then he brought us to buy durians. Woah!!! The durains were damn good and shiok!!!! After having such a wonderful dinner and delicious supper, I was seriously considering starting my diet immediately after the trip!!!

The next day, when we went out for breakfast, Ash was playing with the cap and she looked so cute in it!! Seriously, she can pass off for a boy so sometimes I wonder if she is my daughter or son!!!! :)

After breakfast, we rested for a while before heading down to The Curve to walk around. It's besides Ikea and opposite 1 Utama, Damansara. I was thinking of going back there again, this time sans my family. So if anyone wants to join me on a shopping spree within the next 2 months let me know!!! Then we went to Kim Gary's for lunch, before heading back to my uncle's place to pack up and go back to Singapore.

On the way back, Dad stopped by Kajang, by the request of my Aunt, to have Satay. The satay is nice and the meat is quite juicy. After having that, we drove on back, before stopping by in Yong Peng to have dinner. When we reach the Causeway, it was as usual very jam and we were stuck there for 2 hours. So by the time I reach back home, it was already 11+.

So overall, the trip was quite good and I ate a lot, but now, I have to seriously push myself to exercise as I suspect I might have put on 3 pounds??!!!!

On Monday, it was a pretty quiet day so I decided to take a picture of both hubby and kiddo:-

Don't they look photogenic??

Yesterday, it was my 3rd wedding anniversary so I ask hubby where does he want to celebrate? He have no idea and said it's up to me where I want to have dinner. We wanted to go to Northpoint but decided against it because it would be quite late we got back. So we decided to have it at Buddy Hodges, which is in Nee Soon South CC. The food is pretty good and resonable and for once, both of us manage to have a quiet dinner as Ash was busy playing in the kids' corner. It may not be romantic, but at least both of us manage to have dinner together.....