It's my final post for 2007. Haven't been regular as a friend pointed out. Told you guys, I feel infinitely inferior about blogging as I haven't plucked up the courage to take more pictures. Well, I haven't had time to work on learning more about the DSLRs that I have access to. Till now, photography is a feeling and an artistic venture for me. Besides, no one reads my blogs anyway, though I must add, I am NOT writing to be famous or controversial.
My year in review? The nightmare began when my daddy passed away last December and it's been a nightmare since. 2007 wasn't a tragic year compared to 2001 or 2002 but it had its moments of 'EEEK', which I have not recovered from. One of which was the flexi fiasco which in my usual way where my career is concerned, I MESSED UP BIG TIME!
Finance wise - PLEASE donate generously to the SAVE STELLA FUND! Though Draks pointed out that I am doing ok considering I am living on minimum wage and only dipped 30% into my pathetic savings. Yah, right. I am bordering on insanity and poverty all the time.
Expectations and resolutions for 2008? NONE....Except I just hope my life gets better or improves even by the mere inch. Really.
HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL...See you in 2008 and let me know if you have any jobs, freelance or otherwise for the Compulsive Manic.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
What I've been up to since my last post...
Actually, I really haven't been up to much but I do wonder where my time goes to. I am job hunting now so got any 'lobangs' do drop me an email or sms. Most of you know I've taken a sabbatical from 'a proper job' since September last year. One of the things I have been doing is part-timing on a full hour basis at my friend Rashmi's boutique Pure Earth at Holland Village and Tanglin Mall. She showed her first runway collection at The Designers Showcase at this year's SFW and I was busy with the preparations for it. Then I moved on to another project at the label.
Essentially, I've been in retail since end May this year...I was juggling flexi adjunct teaching and Pure Earth. It was tough coz both demanded my attention. Something had to give so I gave up flexi adjunct teaching. Besides, the school was kind of far and don;t think they were happy with my frequent absences...no choice, this year has been eventful for me. There goes my professional credibility and I hope I won't be penalised for it.
Next reason why I haven't been blogging is that I caught the Facebook bug. Amazing how many people have found me or been found by me since I started. Of course, there are some who are refusing to respond to my friend requests. I know who you are, I won't forget this rejection!I am kidding...I think? Facebook, like anything else on the Web, is a two-edged sword. Vampires and Slayers are irritating me but the thought of meeting someone from high school or kindergarten, after decades of non-contact is heartwarming. To be able to hook up with one's loved ones around the globe is the best bonus of all! Just like how this blog helped me through the dark days of dad's hospitalization to update my cousins overseas, it has made the distance between me and my friends and family seem small. Sometimes, we become slave to technology and forget the heart beneath it all. Don't you agree?
Essentially, I've been in retail since end May this year...I was juggling flexi adjunct teaching and Pure Earth. It was tough coz both demanded my attention. Something had to give so I gave up flexi adjunct teaching. Besides, the school was kind of far and don;t think they were happy with my frequent absences...no choice, this year has been eventful for me. There goes my professional credibility and I hope I won't be penalised for it.
Next reason why I haven't been blogging is that I caught the Facebook bug. Amazing how many people have found me or been found by me since I started. Of course, there are some who are refusing to respond to my friend requests. I know who you are, I won't forget this rejection!I am kidding...I think? Facebook, like anything else on the Web, is a two-edged sword. Vampires and Slayers are irritating me but the thought of meeting someone from high school or kindergarten, after decades of non-contact is heartwarming. To be able to hook up with one's loved ones around the globe is the best bonus of all! Just like how this blog helped me through the dark days of dad's hospitalization to update my cousins overseas, it has made the distance between me and my friends and family seem small. Sometimes, we become slave to technology and forget the heart beneath it all. Don't you agree?
Monday, September 10, 2007
Sunset Review
Pictures to follow - has been raining!
Since its soft launch, I have covered 3 outlets in the revamped Sunset Way. Technically it's two as Absolutely New Zealand does not serve food, just coffee and cakes. I have fallen in love with the deli products at the store. 2 rounds of Prime Steer tenderloin have been cooked and digested, tried 2 types of dips and spreads. Glad to declare that the merchandise is a winner. You have to try the onion marmalade - great on steak as well as a spread for sandwiches.
(Fast forward: 29 Oct: They now serve NEW ZEALAND Natural Ice Cream! HOKEY POKEY ICE CREAM YAY!)
Now to the food - we tried Cafe D'Orient, the Hong Kong tai pai tong eatery and Grilled Out on 2 consecutive evenings. Cafe D'Orient has an extensive menu but I personally found the fried kway teow with pork which I had, a tad oily. Huge portion though. Draks tried the pork kidney porridge and declared that it was way too watery. Not in the least bit appetizing. I had already been disappointed when the item I ordered was not available. The service is so-so, nonetheless, when we returned the next night for Grilled Out, Cafe D'Orient was quiet packed.
We tried Grilled Out as a last resort the next night. The buffet seemed to much, Megumi Japanese did not have space for 3 persons, the Thai place was packed too. Even for Grilled Out - we had to wait for some time before we got our table. Draks had the Yellow Tail, while I chose the Kurobuta pork collar - again to be told it was sold out! So I ended up with the Kurobuta pork patty, same as our friend. The meal came with complimentary bread and salad as starters. It was fun to watch people walking around, checking out the new eating places. We were told D's yellow tail would take 15 minutes but that turned out to be an eternity. After close to 45 minutes of waiting, watching people who came later finish their meals, we kicked up a gentle fuss. That was when they realised that the kitchen did not prepare our order. When we finally did get our patties, it was undercooked...so they took it back. In between that, came 3 complimentary glasses of red wine. Pity I am allergic to alcohol, though the occasional riesling, proseco or Moet is much appreciated. The patty had not thawed properly so they gave us the pork collar, which I had wanted in the first place. My friend's collar turned out to be a lil undercooked; to which the waiter said 'but kurobuta is supposed to be like that'.
Finally the meal ended, with complimentary chocolate cake. I have to admit the service recovery was great. But until they iron out the hiccups, I won't be bakc there so soon.
Since its soft launch, I have covered 3 outlets in the revamped Sunset Way. Technically it's two as Absolutely New Zealand does not serve food, just coffee and cakes. I have fallen in love with the deli products at the store. 2 rounds of Prime Steer tenderloin have been cooked and digested, tried 2 types of dips and spreads. Glad to declare that the merchandise is a winner. You have to try the onion marmalade - great on steak as well as a spread for sandwiches.
(Fast forward: 29 Oct: They now serve NEW ZEALAND Natural Ice Cream! HOKEY POKEY ICE CREAM YAY!)
Now to the food - we tried Cafe D'Orient, the Hong Kong tai pai tong eatery and Grilled Out on 2 consecutive evenings. Cafe D'Orient has an extensive menu but I personally found the fried kway teow with pork which I had, a tad oily. Huge portion though. Draks tried the pork kidney porridge and declared that it was way too watery. Not in the least bit appetizing. I had already been disappointed when the item I ordered was not available. The service is so-so, nonetheless, when we returned the next night for Grilled Out, Cafe D'Orient was quiet packed.
We tried Grilled Out as a last resort the next night. The buffet seemed to much, Megumi Japanese did not have space for 3 persons, the Thai place was packed too. Even for Grilled Out - we had to wait for some time before we got our table. Draks had the Yellow Tail, while I chose the Kurobuta pork collar - again to be told it was sold out! So I ended up with the Kurobuta pork patty, same as our friend. The meal came with complimentary bread and salad as starters. It was fun to watch people walking around, checking out the new eating places. We were told D's yellow tail would take 15 minutes but that turned out to be an eternity. After close to 45 minutes of waiting, watching people who came later finish their meals, we kicked up a gentle fuss. That was when they realised that the kitchen did not prepare our order. When we finally did get our patties, it was undercooked...so they took it back. In between that, came 3 complimentary glasses of red wine. Pity I am allergic to alcohol, though the occasional riesling, proseco or Moet is much appreciated. The patty had not thawed properly so they gave us the pork collar, which I had wanted in the first place. My friend's collar turned out to be a lil undercooked; to which the waiter said 'but kurobuta is supposed to be like that'.
Finally the meal ended, with complimentary chocolate cake. I have to admit the service recovery was great. But until they iron out the hiccups, I won't be bakc there so soon.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Don't let the SUNSET down on me
First - a pix of Made. The kittens are almost 2 months old and are a real handful. Still not quite potty trained yet so there are accidents to watch out for. They are really fun to watch now that they can scamper around. They have also invaded MJ's turf, which has resulted in the original Garfield moving back to being a blob on my bed. Wayan is fascinated with MJ's tail and has been swiped a few times by his irritated daddy. Wayan will grow up to be a real greedy pig - he was trying to dip his face into my hee pio soup during my dinner!
Of course dinner came with a rather extravagant tenderloin. We bought a slab of prime steer tenderloin from New Zealand yesterday at a new deli that has opened up at the HDB estate on Sunset Way. The sleepy hollow is the newest foodie joint in the West. So critics who say the Westside lacks food, time to change your mind. Of course, Sunset was known for Chin Huat and its buffet steamboat since I was in junior college. That has since closed but their seafood restaurant remains. Other than that, the small HDB estate is better known for the vets and Balmoral Cake Shop. I had only just discovered Swiss-Link Bakery, another joint where I can get decent bacon and eggs for breakfast. They also do decent apple and shepherd's pies. They are sort of in between a 7-Eleven and a hairdresser.
We knew Rocky's at Rail Mall had relocated to Block 106 Sunset Way. My friend Boon See used to have a branch of her clinic there. The whole stretch were dry markets that served the residents of this little sleepy hollow at the edge of Clementi.On my bus ride home on 75 the other day, noticed a huge billboard proclaiming the transformation of the block into a new dinning experience. I must say it looks promising. Besides Rocky's and Absolutely New Zealand, where I got my prime steer tenderloin (ooooh prime steer...hard to get), there are 6 other new eateries that have sprung up. HDB has built a wooden deck all around for al fresco dinning. Given that Sunset is not your typical huge HDB housing estate, it is nice.
Been having home cooked dinners at home past few days so I haven't had the chance to try any of the restaurants. Have shopped at Absolutely New Zealand for frozen raspberries (for the cupcakes?), onion marmalade and sea salt. They also serve coffee take outs and some cakes. The proprietress was really friendly and we got to talking, me sharing about how excited I was to see that she stocked prime steer. Of course, she found out about Dad, Uncle Tat and Bun Bee. Ah, an old-timer who has heard of us. Made me miss the good ole days. The tenderloin was divine...after being lightly pan grilled with butter.
I am definitely looking forward to trying the food at this new makan area. Watch this space for updates. Anyone want to go on a food jaunt with me?
Sunday, August 19, 2007
The Village Update
No pictures...again. Still 'shy' to whip out a camera and snap a pix.Well, I was at Holland V again yesterday; had to mind the shop. Can't wait until I am taken off the schedule so that my weekends can be free again. Did I post that I will be leaving part-time teaching at the end of term 3? 2 weeks to ORD lor! It is becoming very hard to juggle and with events happening at Pure Earth which needs my attention, it was no better time to go. It was a struggle for me as school really wore me down and I was frequently sick. Obviously the upper echelons weren't too happy; I totally know where they are coming from but I was also not a happy camper. Exactly a year to the day I left somewhere and begun flexi-adjunct teaching, I am entering a new phase again. Of unknowns an uncertainty. Anyone employing? Looking for decent, moral and legal employment.
I digress. Just wanted to drop a line to say MARMALADE PANTRY is open! I will miss Cafe Rosso's fabulous creations but now I don't have to travel all the way to snooty Palais or crowded Taka to get my Limonata cupcakes! Still my all time fav cupcake. Remember, they had cupcakes before it became trendy!
Weighed myself yesterday FINALLY. You see, kittens have claimed ownership of my weighing scale. My svelte waist line is gone. No more 50-something kg....gonna hit 70 kg if I don't do something soon! See, I am one gal who isn't shy about my weight or age.Oh well.
I have been hanging out at Bunalun, over at Jalan Merah Saga, Chip Bee, lately. Every other day almost. I nip in for a quite cup of flat white and sit there to think for Pure Earth marketing and promotions. Love the muesli for breakfast and the Asian Blini I had for lunch yesterday was divine. It is known for its organic stuff and though pric es always make Draks baulk and do a double take, I am starting to appreciate the fact that organic does taste better. The tutti frutti jelly beans at $4.50 per 100gm are refreshing and addictive. I am sold on Bunalun - if not anything for the peace and solitude it offers when you just need to think.
Other updates - Paris Silk has a new second outlet, it stands on the unit that was the former 4-D shop that became was Music Junction CD shop. The Bead shop has moved out. Where the chi-chi furniture shop used to be, at the corner near the staircase to Cold Storage, 2AM Dessert Bar looks to be opening. Provence is extremely crowded - I mourn the loss of a relaxed, comfort zone. Ya Kun has a new product - a breadstick with dip option; chocolate or cheese. Yummy. $3.50 per set. Hope they add this to the permanent menu.
HHHMMM...a Sunday where I am not running the shop. Maybe I should hit Dempsey Hill!
I digress. Just wanted to drop a line to say MARMALADE PANTRY is open! I will miss Cafe Rosso's fabulous creations but now I don't have to travel all the way to snooty Palais or crowded Taka to get my Limonata cupcakes! Still my all time fav cupcake. Remember, they had cupcakes before it became trendy!
Weighed myself yesterday FINALLY. You see, kittens have claimed ownership of my weighing scale. My svelte waist line is gone. No more 50-something kg....gonna hit 70 kg if I don't do something soon! See, I am one gal who isn't shy about my weight or age.Oh well.
I have been hanging out at Bunalun, over at Jalan Merah Saga, Chip Bee, lately. Every other day almost. I nip in for a quite cup of flat white and sit there to think for Pure Earth marketing and promotions. Love the muesli for breakfast and the Asian Blini I had for lunch yesterday was divine. It is known for its organic stuff and though pric es always make Draks baulk and do a double take, I am starting to appreciate the fact that organic does taste better. The tutti frutti jelly beans at $4.50 per 100gm are refreshing and addictive. I am sold on Bunalun - if not anything for the peace and solitude it offers when you just need to think.
Other updates - Paris Silk has a new second outlet, it stands on the unit that was the former 4-D shop that became was Music Junction CD shop. The Bead shop has moved out. Where the chi-chi furniture shop used to be, at the corner near the staircase to Cold Storage, 2AM Dessert Bar looks to be opening. Provence is extremely crowded - I mourn the loss of a relaxed, comfort zone. Ya Kun has a new product - a breadstick with dip option; chocolate or cheese. Yummy. $3.50 per set. Hope they add this to the permanent menu.
HHHMMM...a Sunday where I am not running the shop. Maybe I should hit Dempsey Hill!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Next Change
Change is a given. Ironically, it is also the only constant in my life and maybe everyone else's.I was someone's daughter, now I am an orphan. I was a student, now I am a somewhat teacher. Places and faces change in my life and keeps evolving, spinning. Only I seem not to change. A godsister told me I shouldn't try to change the people around me but change myself instead. An old friend told me that catching up with me was always a good thing coz I'm still young at heart. Hehe, well my salary is still in the category of a fresh graduate while my friends have reallyh moved up the corporate ladder. Soon another change will come in my life but it isn't a change that I didn't anticipate - it's a change that SHOULD have come sooner.
This may not have anything remotely related to my blurb above but it was the trigger that got me thinking about change the whole night. Holland Village, as anyone who knows me would know, is like a second home for me. My first lantern during Mid-Autumn Festival came from the old provision shops that front Holland Avenue. Dad and mom use to take me to Block 40 Holland Drive, the red brick building for satay. My first date with the ex was at Holland Village, as was my first taste of skipping school for pancakes at Better Batter, when Chip Bee was not the hip and happening place it is now.
30 some years on, I still get my lanterns at the one lone old style shop on the strip, I shop at the Chip Bee shops. Even more so, it's the place I spend one day a week working. Nothing remains static at the Hive (what Draks calls the place), ever evolving and changing.Yesterday, I realised one of my favorite stores, Anthropology is empty,not sure if they are renovating or moved out for good. Another favorite hangout, Provence is suddenly full of people, after it was featured in the papers. And I hope I'm not the last to know as usual. Marmalade Pantry, one of my favorite eateries; though a tad pretentious some of my friends say, will be opening a new outlet. It's taken over the spot vacated by Cafe Rosso, which used to be Chaplins and before that Java Jive. Though I bake my own cupcakes when I have the time, the Pantry's cupcakes are still my favorites, especially the Limonata. Probably coz frosting and icings are something I am trying to master. So the Hive's uber-cool quotient has gone up a notch, rentals will surely hit the roof now. Hey but at least I will be well-fed.
This may not have anything remotely related to my blurb above but it was the trigger that got me thinking about change the whole night. Holland Village, as anyone who knows me would know, is like a second home for me. My first lantern during Mid-Autumn Festival came from the old provision shops that front Holland Avenue. Dad and mom use to take me to Block 40 Holland Drive, the red brick building for satay. My first date with the ex was at Holland Village, as was my first taste of skipping school for pancakes at Better Batter, when Chip Bee was not the hip and happening place it is now.
30 some years on, I still get my lanterns at the one lone old style shop on the strip, I shop at the Chip Bee shops. Even more so, it's the place I spend one day a week working. Nothing remains static at the Hive (what Draks calls the place), ever evolving and changing.Yesterday, I realised one of my favorite stores, Anthropology is empty,not sure if they are renovating or moved out for good. Another favorite hangout, Provence is suddenly full of people, after it was featured in the papers. And I hope I'm not the last to know as usual. Marmalade Pantry, one of my favorite eateries; though a tad pretentious some of my friends say, will be opening a new outlet. It's taken over the spot vacated by Cafe Rosso, which used to be Chaplins and before that Java Jive. Though I bake my own cupcakes when I have the time, the Pantry's cupcakes are still my favorites, especially the Limonata. Probably coz frosting and icings are something I am trying to master. So the Hive's uber-cool quotient has gone up a notch, rentals will surely hit the roof now. Hey but at least I will be well-fed.
Friday, August 3, 2007
The Manic is back
Been caught up with many things, hence the lack of energy to update my blog. I am currently caught up in another maelstrom, which never seems to leave completely. Maybe I need to go consult a fengshui man or do some reiki or as my gastric surgeon's nurse says, just go back to church. My comfort comes now from the 2 little guys...it's incredible how they have grown...tomorrow they will be a month old. They have started walking and all. Let the pix do the talking.
Once I figure out the video mode on my Samsung HP, I'll catch them in action. Wayan hasn't taken to poor Sonic well though. He has a delayed reaction; hissing at us a good few minutes later after an 'encounter' with Nic.
Once I figure out the video mode on my Samsung HP, I'll catch them in action. Wayan hasn't taken to poor Sonic well though. He has a delayed reaction; hissing at us a good few minutes later after an 'encounter' with Nic.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Kawaii Kittens
My 'grandsons' are 19 days old. Must plan the red eggs and cupcakes for their 'Man Yue' celebrations. Don't worry, I don't use my mom's old weighing scale, which I weigh them in to measure the ingredients. It was a surprise to find that Wayan, who looks smaller is only 5gm lighter than the fat boy. Wayan is now 16cm while the fat boy is 18cm and weighs in at 18cm. He just has a big and fluffy posterior. I have to be careful since I have some of my students reading my blog.This is what happens when you forget and put your blog URL as your MSN nick.
The cute ratio has officially started. They are soft, fluffy and responsive now that the eyes are open. Made is starting to get himself into trouble; got himself stuck under my CPU trolley. Aiyoh. Wayan will be the SNAK (sensitive,new age kitten); he sat next to me when I was bawling my eyes out last night over my frustrations and stuff. Either ways, them little kitty-kats are really cute.
Finally, a note to my students, past and present, if you happen to be reading my blog.
Please DO NOT write or spell like I do in my blog, EVER, in your English or Combined Humanities essays.
The cute ratio has officially started. They are soft, fluffy and responsive now that the eyes are open. Made is starting to get himself into trouble; got himself stuck under my CPU trolley. Aiyoh. Wayan will be the SNAK (sensitive,new age kitten); he sat next to me when I was bawling my eyes out last night over my frustrations and stuff. Either ways, them little kitty-kats are really cute.
Finally, a note to my students, past and present, if you happen to be reading my blog.
Please DO NOT write or spell like I do in my blog, EVER, in your English or Combined Humanities essays.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Frustrated
I am having a particularly bad day. My back has been bothering since yesterday and the stomach has been bugging me for 3 weeks. My surgeon says no biggy but if it isn't any biggy,why do I feel so icky and extremely bloated and obese?
First, I had to deal with a couple of difficult customers today. Though they were not rude, they did not make my job any easier at all. Please don't give me the excuse that I chose retail for this reincarnation of my sorry existence. It doesn't give anyone else any excuse to be rude to anyone, even if the customer is king. Neither does it give any sales person an excuse to treat a customer poorly. It's a vicious cycle I tell you!
Next, I feel so harassed by the obligations piled onto me by a certain few family members of sorts, whose names or designation in my family I shall not divulge. In a bit, I feel I have been taken for granted, my feelings ignored and really been treated like *&$#@! Even though I am a fairly independent person who could probably move to some remote island and be a hermit (which I have done), it doesn't mean I aM a doormat. Neither does it mean that you raise your voice at me and turn the tables around and make me feel REAL bad. When it wasn't my fault to begin with.
So I shall just turn my cell phone off for the next couple of days and go into hiding. Or at least to these people, until they get it through their thick craniums that I am not particularly pleased by how I am being taken for granted. GGGGGGGGRRRRR!!!!
First, I had to deal with a couple of difficult customers today. Though they were not rude, they did not make my job any easier at all. Please don't give me the excuse that I chose retail for this reincarnation of my sorry existence. It doesn't give anyone else any excuse to be rude to anyone, even if the customer is king. Neither does it give any sales person an excuse to treat a customer poorly. It's a vicious cycle I tell you!
Next, I feel so harassed by the obligations piled onto me by a certain few family members of sorts, whose names or designation in my family I shall not divulge. In a bit, I feel I have been taken for granted, my feelings ignored and really been treated like *&$#@! Even though I am a fairly independent person who could probably move to some remote island and be a hermit (which I have done), it doesn't mean I aM a doormat. Neither does it mean that you raise your voice at me and turn the tables around and make me feel REAL bad. When it wasn't my fault to begin with.
So I shall just turn my cell phone off for the next couple of days and go into hiding. Or at least to these people, until they get it through their thick craniums that I am not particularly pleased by how I am being taken for granted. GGGGGGGGRRRRR!!!!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Pasir Panjang Heritage Trail - 21 July
Though it's been a year since I left my old job in heritage, I do miss most elements of my past life. I must say one of the best rewards from that job were getting to know the gang at the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, NUS, as well as the many colleagues at my old establishment; hence the earlier post before this one.
After 2 missed attempts as a Pasir Panjang Heritage Guide in Feb and May, I FINALLY got my chance to guide this morning. Had to miss Feb walk coz someone had that complication from the operation and May, I had that nasty flu. I have to admit, I had the shakes last night as I could not keep awake after a long day at school and SAM and dozed off while revising my notes. In excitement, I got up at 5am and dozed off, waking up at 7:10AM (horror, horror...sure kena scolding by Otterman later for my tardiness. No breakfast, a quick shower and off to RMBR, NUS. A chirpy Oi Yee greeted me and jump started my batteries.I had to skip Spinelli's, my usual stop before I head to RMBR and guide the walk on an empty tummy. Met Ruo Yu, RMBR's interns and 2 student volunteers from NUS High. The group was way smaller this year - less than 20 participants and as usual started a little off 8am to wait for the lost sheep.
After the session of RMBR's Public Gallery, the lucky participants were treated to freshly brewed Spinelli's coffee. And then we set off, cutting through the back of the Science and Medical faculties to head up the Ridge. This was a steep climb and I must admit I was huffing a little at the top, though I had to act gung-ho and garang to encourage the participants. A few more of such climbs and I can get back to my lithe self in no time. Glad to have Oi Yee and Wendy as the main nature guides as Oi Yee especially is a treasure trove of information for a non-sciencesy person like me.
It was a nice day, not too hot or humid. It was also my first time doing the walk from Science Park. Past 2 years, I picked the participants up from Harbourfront and spent the trails running around as photographer, logistics, runner or what the army calls lobo. But almost as usual, Wendy and I heard the distant rumble of thunder at the start of the pond and we prompted Oi Yee to hasten the pace. Of course, we did not speed things up too much that participants missed out anything. Luckily we did, coz once we got to the top of the hill, the rain hit. At first it was gentle drizzles and then it poured. Big time. We sought shelter at our usual contingency point, the toilets on the lower lookout point. That's where we carried on our commentaries. Think we picked up some curious members of the public who had just come out of the gents too! Thank goodness, the wind blew the clouds southwards towards the Western Anchorage so we didn't have to wait too long.
The participants were pleasant and the beauty of smaller groups is that we got to interact with them. Of course, teacher that I am, I couldn't resist ticking off the names on the list Eileen had emailed us. I find that helps me get to know the names of the participants; it always works well if we know their names. That personal touch is so important when we work in such settings. Kiah Shen, who was extremely dry I might add, had caught up with us by the time we hit the Tembusu Grove. We made it to Canopy Walk and then ushered them quickly to Reflections at Bukit Chandu. It was threatening to rain again.
Of course, it was like deja vu to stand on the porch and greet everyone. This time it got cut short as Salim announced that he had walk-in visitors waiting for the Sounds of Battle to start. Could not say our good byes as we had planned then so we hung around for the 15 minutes that it took for Sounds to be over. Then Wendy and I went up to tell the folks bye and how to get out of RBC. We left after that for a well-deserved meal at Holland Drive.
So how did it go? Well, I miss having to take photos but at least I have broken the jinx of not being able to guide the PP Heritage Trail. Like any other skill I've picked up along the way, guiding also takes practice and I must not lay off it for too long.
Don't know if I should 'advertise' it but if you haven't had the chance to check out Pasir Panjang the way I have in the past 3 years, do join my kakis for next Saturday's trail. I won't be guiding; I am emcee at 2 back-to-back culture 101 talks but you'll be in good hands with my kawans. Click on Otterman speaks link on this blog for more info.
After 2 missed attempts as a Pasir Panjang Heritage Guide in Feb and May, I FINALLY got my chance to guide this morning. Had to miss Feb walk coz someone had that complication from the operation and May, I had that nasty flu. I have to admit, I had the shakes last night as I could not keep awake after a long day at school and SAM and dozed off while revising my notes. In excitement, I got up at 5am and dozed off, waking up at 7:10AM (horror, horror...sure kena scolding by Otterman later for my tardiness. No breakfast, a quick shower and off to RMBR, NUS. A chirpy Oi Yee greeted me and jump started my batteries.I had to skip Spinelli's, my usual stop before I head to RMBR and guide the walk on an empty tummy. Met Ruo Yu, RMBR's interns and 2 student volunteers from NUS High. The group was way smaller this year - less than 20 participants and as usual started a little off 8am to wait for the lost sheep.
After the session of RMBR's Public Gallery, the lucky participants were treated to freshly brewed Spinelli's coffee. And then we set off, cutting through the back of the Science and Medical faculties to head up the Ridge. This was a steep climb and I must admit I was huffing a little at the top, though I had to act gung-ho and garang to encourage the participants. A few more of such climbs and I can get back to my lithe self in no time. Glad to have Oi Yee and Wendy as the main nature guides as Oi Yee especially is a treasure trove of information for a non-sciencesy person like me.
It was a nice day, not too hot or humid. It was also my first time doing the walk from Science Park. Past 2 years, I picked the participants up from Harbourfront and spent the trails running around as photographer, logistics, runner or what the army calls lobo. But almost as usual, Wendy and I heard the distant rumble of thunder at the start of the pond and we prompted Oi Yee to hasten the pace. Of course, we did not speed things up too much that participants missed out anything. Luckily we did, coz once we got to the top of the hill, the rain hit. At first it was gentle drizzles and then it poured. Big time. We sought shelter at our usual contingency point, the toilets on the lower lookout point. That's where we carried on our commentaries. Think we picked up some curious members of the public who had just come out of the gents too! Thank goodness, the wind blew the clouds southwards towards the Western Anchorage so we didn't have to wait too long.
The participants were pleasant and the beauty of smaller groups is that we got to interact with them. Of course, teacher that I am, I couldn't resist ticking off the names on the list Eileen had emailed us. I find that helps me get to know the names of the participants; it always works well if we know their names. That personal touch is so important when we work in such settings. Kiah Shen, who was extremely dry I might add, had caught up with us by the time we hit the Tembusu Grove. We made it to Canopy Walk and then ushered them quickly to Reflections at Bukit Chandu. It was threatening to rain again.
Of course, it was like deja vu to stand on the porch and greet everyone. This time it got cut short as Salim announced that he had walk-in visitors waiting for the Sounds of Battle to start. Could not say our good byes as we had planned then so we hung around for the 15 minutes that it took for Sounds to be over. Then Wendy and I went up to tell the folks bye and how to get out of RBC. We left after that for a well-deserved meal at Holland Drive.
So how did it go? Well, I miss having to take photos but at least I have broken the jinx of not being able to guide the PP Heritage Trail. Like any other skill I've picked up along the way, guiding also takes practice and I must not lay off it for too long.
Don't know if I should 'advertise' it but if you haven't had the chance to check out Pasir Panjang the way I have in the past 3 years, do join my kakis for next Saturday's trail. I won't be guiding; I am emcee at 2 back-to-back culture 101 talks but you'll be in good hands with my kawans. Click on Otterman speaks link on this blog for more info.
Singapore Heritage Festival - Culture 101 Talks
I am barely awake...I have had a long week and over active small intestines. So while I take a break from thinking up wild marketing schemes for the PURE EARTH label and minding the menswear outlet (sorry Rashmi if you happen to be reading this!), I thought I may as well blog about what I'm up to. Anyway, if I don't I may fall asleep by the time I get home AND forget what I want to say. Heheh.
Draks has taken his aunt and 2 cute cousins from the USA for ramen at Miharu at the Gallery Hotel. I have to miss this treat as I am running the shop today and the whole of tomorrow. Miharu...I could just wax lyrical over the noodles there. Anyway, I better not harp about it coz I hear my tummy rumbling.
I spent yesterday evening being emcee and moderator for the Culture 101 talks on Art Appreciation at the Singapore Art Museum. Why do I always end up being emcee? It's the first of the few sessions that I have asked to help out at. These talks are held as part of the National Heritage Board's annual Singapore Heritage Festival. My old friends at NHB's Public Education Division had asked for help and I could not refuse them. For more details, check out http://heritagefest.org.sg/2007/official/index.php.
Yesterday's talk was by Low Sze Wee, Assistant Director (Collections) and he gave an introduction to Southeast Asian Art. I did fine and visual art modules during my freshmen year at UWA and as a history major, can appreciate even more what he lectured about last night. I almost thought of architecture as a major back then. Would have made more dough than in my impoverished life now if I had. The crowd was pretty good, almost a hundred people. Some had followed their friends and significant other but the majority had come due to their interest in arts and heritage. A promising sign I must say. I may have left a certain establishment but it doesn't mean I have given up in heritage promotion. Dad instilled that passion in me. Of course, there were some familiar faces on the crowd, people I often see at other heritage events. Oh and I even got a compliment on the latest PURE EARTH dress that came in our last shipment from India. Hope the persons comes in to peruse our wears! (pardon the pun!)
There's a whole lot more of the festival so I do hope everyone will pop by the website and find something to do. You know, we whine all the time and say that Singapore is helluva boring place to live in. But there's actually heaps going on ALL THE TIME...there's many things I am keen on but can't do because it clashes with work or no one wants to go with me. Let's see Sheila Majid concert, Jacky Cheung and Grasshoppers concert, ballroom dancing, batik class......
Will post some links in a later post.
Draks has taken his aunt and 2 cute cousins from the USA for ramen at Miharu at the Gallery Hotel. I have to miss this treat as I am running the shop today and the whole of tomorrow. Miharu...I could just wax lyrical over the noodles there. Anyway, I better not harp about it coz I hear my tummy rumbling.
I spent yesterday evening being emcee and moderator for the Culture 101 talks on Art Appreciation at the Singapore Art Museum. Why do I always end up being emcee? It's the first of the few sessions that I have asked to help out at. These talks are held as part of the National Heritage Board's annual Singapore Heritage Festival. My old friends at NHB's Public Education Division had asked for help and I could not refuse them. For more details, check out http://heritagefest.org.sg/2007/official/index.php.
Yesterday's talk was by Low Sze Wee, Assistant Director (Collections) and he gave an introduction to Southeast Asian Art. I did fine and visual art modules during my freshmen year at UWA and as a history major, can appreciate even more what he lectured about last night. I almost thought of architecture as a major back then. Would have made more dough than in my impoverished life now if I had. The crowd was pretty good, almost a hundred people. Some had followed their friends and significant other but the majority had come due to their interest in arts and heritage. A promising sign I must say. I may have left a certain establishment but it doesn't mean I have given up in heritage promotion. Dad instilled that passion in me. Of course, there were some familiar faces on the crowd, people I often see at other heritage events. Oh and I even got a compliment on the latest PURE EARTH dress that came in our last shipment from India. Hope the persons comes in to peruse our wears! (pardon the pun!)
There's a whole lot more of the festival so I do hope everyone will pop by the website and find something to do. You know, we whine all the time and say that Singapore is helluva boring place to live in. But there's actually heaps going on ALL THE TIME...there's many things I am keen on but can't do because it clashes with work or no one wants to go with me. Let's see Sheila Majid concert, Jacky Cheung and Grasshoppers concert, ballroom dancing, batik class......
Will post some links in a later post.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
More tales from the kitts
Came home to a major feud between MJ and Halia. Poor MJ got fixed this morning and though the vet says he recovered from the surgery this morning very quickly and well, he came home to a really rude shock. Halia attacked him BIG TIME and has been hissing at him. Wonder if its coz she thinks there's a new female cat who is threatening to take her babies away? He's probably lost his masculine scent after the operation. Poor things but we had to do the responsible thing before we end up being a cattery.'
Anyway, the kitts have opened their eyes more and we have updated my flickr with the pix. Non-cat lovers, you'll have to put up with the kitty updates for a while longer.
Anyway, the kitts have opened their eyes more and we have updated my flickr with the pix. Non-cat lovers, you'll have to put up with the kitty updates for a while longer.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
With eyes wide open -sort of
As promised...a picture of Woodchuck Wayan! Eyes slowly opening. He can follow our finger movements. Made, the lazy bones has only one eye looking like it's ready to open. Check my Flickr for more Wayan pix.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Kitten Update
The kittens are sure lazy. They have taken more than the week to open their eyes. Draks has to hear me whine about how their eyes haven't opened yet. This morning I woke up and found that Wayan (The older fella) has opened his eyes a little (finally). I am on the road and the photograph is in the other laptop so I'll post the photos later when I get home. If I haven't concussed yet.
Made is a lazy boy - think I should just change his name to lazy boy. He cries A LOT, and for some strange reason, his mouth is really dirty and he isnt't white. It's interesting to see Halia, my baby playing mom to to the 2 little things. She is really very protective over them. Sometimes she launches into a tirade of 'meows', 'rrrrr-rrrrrs' and 'mek mek mek' to her 2 boys. The father is really clueless, spending his days sunning his white belly on either of my balconies. I sure am excited to see what they look like. A few people have asked me to give them up but since they are going to be Halia's only batch of kittens,I think it would be cruel to separate them. Of course, once she stops nursing, they are all going to the vets. I shan't elaborate further but you catch my drift. Check this page tomorrow for kitten photo updates.
Made is a lazy boy - think I should just change his name to lazy boy. He cries A LOT, and for some strange reason, his mouth is really dirty and he isnt't white. It's interesting to see Halia, my baby playing mom to to the 2 little things. She is really very protective over them. Sometimes she launches into a tirade of 'meows', 'rrrrr-rrrrrs' and 'mek mek mek' to her 2 boys. The father is really clueless, spending his days sunning his white belly on either of my balconies. I sure am excited to see what they look like. A few people have asked me to give them up but since they are going to be Halia's only batch of kittens,I think it would be cruel to separate them. Of course, once she stops nursing, they are all going to the vets. I shan't elaborate further but you catch my drift. Check this page tomorrow for kitten photo updates.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Pieces of me
It's been a hectic time since the end of May. Even more hectic since term started. Just what have I been up too? Other than having 2 extra mouths to feed? I am still a bum; I have cut down my hours at school to 3x a week. It means I just have to teach a class of 3NA combined humanities (History & Social Studies) and a class of 1E history. But the marking for English does not go away, I still help 3 of the English teachers mark the assignments of 10 students. I am still clearing back log. And they ask me why I haven't gone back full time to the teaching service.
I also have a 2nd life... helping my friend Rashmi with marketing and promotions at her 3 boutiques, Pure Earth. I blogged about Pure Earth sometime ago. During the June school vacations, I was there almost daily but with school this term, I spend Mondays and Thursdays there, as well as the weekends. I also double up as a 'salesgirl', albeit as pointed out by some of my colleagues at school, an over qualified one.
As for lacks of posts and pictures, well, my 'partner-in-crime' has gone on a much needed vacation and has left me overseeing her fort. I am extremely tired from being in the store all of last weekend, 11am to 8pm. Anyways, I do hope everyone drops by to check what we have at the stores. Back to ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZs....
I also have a 2nd life... helping my friend Rashmi with marketing and promotions at her 3 boutiques, Pure Earth. I blogged about Pure Earth sometime ago. During the June school vacations, I was there almost daily but with school this term, I spend Mondays and Thursdays there, as well as the weekends. I also double up as a 'salesgirl', albeit as pointed out by some of my colleagues at school, an over qualified one.
As for lacks of posts and pictures, well, my 'partner-in-crime' has gone on a much needed vacation and has left me overseeing her fort. I am extremely tired from being in the store all of last weekend, 11am to 8pm. Anyways, I do hope everyone drops by to check what we have at the stores. Back to ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZs....
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Camp Woodchuck
What is Camp Woodchuck? It's the makeshift camp created for Halia and her boys. They are a week old and I haven't a chance to take photos coz she won't let me.We had to tilt the carrier case they were sleeping in and use my curtains to create 'Camp Woodchuck'. Don't ask me why I named it Woodchuck, must be the funny noises Halia is making, that reminds me of Woodstock in the Peanuts animated cartoons.
So how are the boys? Made is noticeably FATTER...a lot fatter. He's also a BIG cry baby, crying at every chance he gets when Halia moves away. Wayan, though smaller really is the big brother. He's a little more steady. I promise I will post more pictures when I get time to take it. My schedule has been punishing...3 days at school, 2 days and weekends at the boutiques. Updates later!
So how are the boys? Made is noticeably FATTER...a lot fatter. He's also a BIG cry baby, crying at every chance he gets when Halia moves away. Wayan, though smaller really is the big brother. He's a little more steady. I promise I will post more pictures when I get time to take it. My schedule has been punishing...3 days at school, 2 days and weekends at the boutiques. Updates later!
Friday, July 6, 2007
New Makan Places
WARNING - LOOOOOOOONG POST AHEAD
Ok, I am taking a break from kitten talk. Discovered some new makan places around the HV/Bukit Timah neighbourhood. No photos yet coz I still haven't plugged up the courage to take photos as we try the new places.
1) Cold Rock at Holland Village
I will put in a separate post on why I am frequently at Holland Village nowadays. Well I always was but I definitely spend at least 1 day a week there now. Long story.Anyways, last Saturday, I tried Cold Rock ice cream. It's at Lorong Mambong, a few shops before NYDC and Cha Cha Cha and a few shops after Hazara (or is it Kinara?). It's a concept brought in from Brisbane and apparently is also popular in the States. How did I know about the new ice cream parlour? Er,shemelessly overheard some one talk about it; well who asked the guy to talk so loudly?
Basically, you pick a flavour of ice cream, sorbet or yoghurt (which *ah-hem* calorie conscious me chose)and choose mix-ins like Malteesers, fruit, Twix, Oreos, nuts and all. The counter folk (for lack of a better word) then take the scoop of whatever, throw it on a slab of marble (hence the rock)that is refrigerated I think and mix in the toppings you chose. I had a yummy Twix and raspberry mix; pity they don't have mint. Only realised they had my favourite Cheey Ripe AFTER I got my yoghurt. Verdict? Yummy though the regular size was a tad pricey for $7 ($6 for base, $1 for each mix-in; though they are throwing in a free mix-in as part of opening specials). For those of you who remember the 'WHIRL-A-WHIP' at the old Yaohan Orchard and Thomson, this is pretty similar.
Read from ieatishootipost about a similar joint over on the East side called Ice Cream Chefs that has a similar concept. Coincidence? Will try it when I venture Eastside.
2) Think Tofu
I have tried this eatery at Bukit Timah Shopping Centre (BTSC) twice. Stumbled on it on a day when I was craving for udon. We had been to lazy to venture downtown. I had
seen the signboards for the place when I pop by the OCBC at BTSC. Honesty, BTSC has seen better days and has always been a bit old and slightly seedy. Was surprised to find Think Tofu, a new cafe above it and a happening Asian furniture shop called Asia Box there. Of course, the cafe is tofu themed but fret not, it isn't a vegetarian place.
Its signature are its hotpots and what we tried on two trips - mushroom and tofu soup and fish maw and seaweed soup were yummy. We really scrapped the bottom of the pot. The meat mains - beef, chicken and pork can be done with a Western Worcester, Sweet&Sour, Black Pepper and Mango (I think)sauce. Being the Anglophile that I am (if you know me well, you know I drink Lea & Perrins, A1 and HP sauce), I had to have the beef and pork with the worcestershire sauce. It tasted like a combination of L&P and A1 sauces. Came with a side of fries with a yummy spicy salt that reminded me of chicken salt which you get at Oz snack bars.
Had the house special but I can't remember the name. It was mashed up tofu with some other bits, fried and then braised in a sauce. Also had the yummy prawns and steamed tofu.I topped it off with the honey lemongrass tea and free PUB gin (available FOC and self serve). Total bill on both occasions was about $24 for two,inclusive of drinks. Found out from the really nice cashier that the restaurant is part of the Yunnan Garden group.
At $5.50 for most dishes, TT does not break the bank and will sure give Prince Taiwan Porridge (my other favourite place for home style Chinese comfort food) a run for its money. It also does not give me that MSG stiff neck I am prone to. Be warned, like Prince, it does not accept NETS or credit cards. No worries though, you have OCBC,POSB & UOB atms spread across the 3 buildings on the block. It's also a nice respite from the busy Cheong Chin Nam Road stretch, which gets pretty crowded during peak makan times.
3) Tah Tan's Table Wine Dine
This 3 month old eatery is located at Royallville, along Bukit Timah Road and Annamalai Avenue. It's tucked in between Ritz Apple Strudel and Salvatore Ferragamo, I mean Pasta Fresca da Salvatore. I had given Drakon a shock when I said Ferragamo. Heheh.
Again, I am currently on a Japanese food craze and have covered quite a few ramen joints in the past month (saving for another post). Too cheapo to pay ERP to go to town. Hanabi's buffet would have been excessive and after the 'barf along Orchard Road' stunt post-Straits Kitchen lunch, I had enough of buffets.
Tah Tan (also TT abbreviated) was quiet and we were the only customers. We were a bit 'iffy' about the place but had apprehensions allayed when Yuko-san (I think that's what the manager called her) walked out of the kitchen and told us about the specials which were not on the regular menu. Drakon's eyes widened (after a night of staying up as midwife) when he saw the ika daikon on the menu and heard that the catch of the day was a saba shio or grilled horse mackerel. I was sad there was no soba or ramen but they did have a miso udon on the daily special. Also had homemade pickles for starters, along with a potato gratin (yum yum)and a grilled iringi mushroom, which was only $3 and EXCELLENT!
Verdict - we paid $57 (including my OJ and a shared cheesecake) BUT will definitely be there for the great food. It's not your traditional Japanese that you get at Waraku but it is a little bit fusion. Ooh and the homemade cheesecake is heavenly, not excessively sweet or rich and topped with homemade rum-ed raisins, which Drakon finished. He was also waxing lyrical and relishing every single bit of the saba. It did smell a little fishy initially to me but after I dug in, I had to agree with him. TT is going to be another hot favourite for us and proof that the Westside is not the food desert Easterners claim it to be.
Photos will follow once I pluck up courage to take pix at makan joints!
Ok, I am taking a break from kitten talk. Discovered some new makan places around the HV/Bukit Timah neighbourhood. No photos yet coz I still haven't plugged up the courage to take photos as we try the new places.
1) Cold Rock at Holland Village
I will put in a separate post on why I am frequently at Holland Village nowadays. Well I always was but I definitely spend at least 1 day a week there now. Long story.Anyways, last Saturday, I tried Cold Rock ice cream. It's at Lorong Mambong, a few shops before NYDC and Cha Cha Cha and a few shops after Hazara (or is it Kinara?). It's a concept brought in from Brisbane and apparently is also popular in the States. How did I know about the new ice cream parlour? Er,shemelessly overheard some one talk about it; well who asked the guy to talk so loudly?
Basically, you pick a flavour of ice cream, sorbet or yoghurt (which *ah-hem* calorie conscious me chose)and choose mix-ins like Malteesers, fruit, Twix, Oreos, nuts and all. The counter folk (for lack of a better word) then take the scoop of whatever, throw it on a slab of marble (hence the rock)that is refrigerated I think and mix in the toppings you chose. I had a yummy Twix and raspberry mix; pity they don't have mint. Only realised they had my favourite Cheey Ripe AFTER I got my yoghurt. Verdict? Yummy though the regular size was a tad pricey for $7 ($6 for base, $1 for each mix-in; though they are throwing in a free mix-in as part of opening specials). For those of you who remember the 'WHIRL-A-WHIP' at the old Yaohan Orchard and Thomson, this is pretty similar.
Read from ieatishootipost about a similar joint over on the East side called Ice Cream Chefs that has a similar concept. Coincidence? Will try it when I venture Eastside.
2) Think Tofu
I have tried this eatery at Bukit Timah Shopping Centre (BTSC) twice. Stumbled on it on a day when I was craving for udon. We had been to lazy to venture downtown. I had
seen the signboards for the place when I pop by the OCBC at BTSC. Honesty, BTSC has seen better days and has always been a bit old and slightly seedy. Was surprised to find Think Tofu, a new cafe above it and a happening Asian furniture shop called Asia Box there. Of course, the cafe is tofu themed but fret not, it isn't a vegetarian place.
Its signature are its hotpots and what we tried on two trips - mushroom and tofu soup and fish maw and seaweed soup were yummy. We really scrapped the bottom of the pot. The meat mains - beef, chicken and pork can be done with a Western Worcester, Sweet&Sour, Black Pepper and Mango (I think)sauce. Being the Anglophile that I am (if you know me well, you know I drink Lea & Perrins, A1 and HP sauce), I had to have the beef and pork with the worcestershire sauce. It tasted like a combination of L&P and A1 sauces. Came with a side of fries with a yummy spicy salt that reminded me of chicken salt which you get at Oz snack bars.
Had the house special but I can't remember the name. It was mashed up tofu with some other bits, fried and then braised in a sauce. Also had the yummy prawns and steamed tofu.I topped it off with the honey lemongrass tea and free PUB gin (available FOC and self serve). Total bill on both occasions was about $24 for two,inclusive of drinks. Found out from the really nice cashier that the restaurant is part of the Yunnan Garden group.
At $5.50 for most dishes, TT does not break the bank and will sure give Prince Taiwan Porridge (my other favourite place for home style Chinese comfort food) a run for its money. It also does not give me that MSG stiff neck I am prone to. Be warned, like Prince, it does not accept NETS or credit cards. No worries though, you have OCBC,POSB & UOB atms spread across the 3 buildings on the block. It's also a nice respite from the busy Cheong Chin Nam Road stretch, which gets pretty crowded during peak makan times.
3) Tah Tan's Table Wine Dine
This 3 month old eatery is located at Royallville, along Bukit Timah Road and Annamalai Avenue. It's tucked in between Ritz Apple Strudel and Salvatore Ferragamo, I mean Pasta Fresca da Salvatore. I had given Drakon a shock when I said Ferragamo. Heheh.
Again, I am currently on a Japanese food craze and have covered quite a few ramen joints in the past month (saving for another post). Too cheapo to pay ERP to go to town. Hanabi's buffet would have been excessive and after the 'barf along Orchard Road' stunt post-Straits Kitchen lunch, I had enough of buffets.
Tah Tan (also TT abbreviated) was quiet and we were the only customers. We were a bit 'iffy' about the place but had apprehensions allayed when Yuko-san (I think that's what the manager called her) walked out of the kitchen and told us about the specials which were not on the regular menu. Drakon's eyes widened (after a night of staying up as midwife) when he saw the ika daikon on the menu and heard that the catch of the day was a saba shio or grilled horse mackerel. I was sad there was no soba or ramen but they did have a miso udon on the daily special. Also had homemade pickles for starters, along with a potato gratin (yum yum)and a grilled iringi mushroom, which was only $3 and EXCELLENT!
Verdict - we paid $57 (including my OJ and a shared cheesecake) BUT will definitely be there for the great food. It's not your traditional Japanese that you get at Waraku but it is a little bit fusion. Ooh and the homemade cheesecake is heavenly, not excessively sweet or rich and topped with homemade rum-ed raisins, which Drakon finished. He was also waxing lyrical and relishing every single bit of the saba. It did smell a little fishy initially to me but after I dug in, I had to agree with him. TT is going to be another hot favourite for us and proof that the Westside is not the food desert Easterners claim it to be.
Photos will follow once I pluck up courage to take pix at makan joints!
Day 2 (or is it Day 3) with Wayan and Made
Hi Ya! I should be on my way to school but my tummy and back is giving me problems again! Must be gastric and IBS setting in from school stress. MUAH-HAHAHAH!I have been up since 3am. Wonder if it's the caffe macchiato I had at Gone Fishing last night.Should try an experiment - a week without after-dinner coffee and see if I sleep through the night. This coming from a person who has been claiming that coffee does not have the 'keep me awake' effect.BUT moi digressing...
It could also be the new kittens causing this insomnia. They survived a day without human supervision. Halia is becoming quite a good mommy. She has started to venture out of her basket and started her usual 'te pau' (manja, cutesy) behaviour, when I get home from work. She even slept in her 2nd favourite spot, under my bad. I'll know she's back to normal when she sleeps on my head again. Drakon says she may just take the boys and all 3 may sleep on my head! Good grief...1 was bad enough but 3 of them? Permanent panda eye for me.
Haven't measured Wayan yet but measured Made, who already is the bigger one right from birth. He's a little easier to handle;big bro is a bit of a whiner. Makes noise at the slightest thing. Wayan has grown a centimetre to 12.5cm. Thank god I bought a new digital kitchen scale; Drakon used my old manual one to weigh them boys. Don't think anyone will want to eat what I bake after they read this.
Halia must be tired; the boys are relentless. They need to be nursed constantly. She moves away to be with me or on her own for just a minute and they start wailing. Poor thing then jumps in to basket and takes care of them. I am just scared that she accidentally sits on them.Especially Made as he has a strange habit of getting sandwiched between her tail and hind legs. Alamak!
They look so fragile that I hope they grow up a little bit more so that they are stronger. But remembering how fast Sonic, Muffy and Lia-Lia grew, I don't want them to grow up too fast! Heheh. ZZZZ time before I drag myself down to the GPs for painkillers!
Wayan-g
Madster
And if you are wondering who the clueless daddy is...here he is doing what he does best!
It could also be the new kittens causing this insomnia. They survived a day without human supervision. Halia is becoming quite a good mommy. She has started to venture out of her basket and started her usual 'te pau' (manja, cutesy) behaviour, when I get home from work. She even slept in her 2nd favourite spot, under my bad. I'll know she's back to normal when she sleeps on my head again. Drakon says she may just take the boys and all 3 may sleep on my head! Good grief...1 was bad enough but 3 of them? Permanent panda eye for me.
Haven't measured Wayan yet but measured Made, who already is the bigger one right from birth. He's a little easier to handle;big bro is a bit of a whiner. Makes noise at the slightest thing. Wayan has grown a centimetre to 12.5cm. Thank god I bought a new digital kitchen scale; Drakon used my old manual one to weigh them boys. Don't think anyone will want to eat what I bake after they read this.
Halia must be tired; the boys are relentless. They need to be nursed constantly. She moves away to be with me or on her own for just a minute and they start wailing. Poor thing then jumps in to basket and takes care of them. I am just scared that she accidentally sits on them.Especially Made as he has a strange habit of getting sandwiched between her tail and hind legs. Alamak!
They look so fragile that I hope they grow up a little bit more so that they are stronger. But remembering how fast Sonic, Muffy and Lia-Lia grew, I don't want them to grow up too fast! Heheh. ZZZZ time before I drag myself down to the GPs for painkillers!
Wayan-g
Madster
And if you are wondering who the clueless daddy is...here he is doing what he does best!
Thursday, July 5, 2007
And so I can't sleep again as usual
I know Otterman asked me to go sleep but I have my 3am insomnia again. Was feeling cold but my blanket is in the wash after yesterday's drama and my quilt's at the dry cleaners. As I type this, one of the lil tykes is making a coo-ing noise.
Though they are officially a day old and have a clean bill of health, still praying for the best for them. With newborns, I guess we just gotta be careful. The blur daddy is sleeping on my foot as he usually does every night, still clueless about everything. MJ gets chased away by Halia every time she sees him.
Though the tykes are a day old,I can see signs of sibling rivalry (READ: Trouble for me when they grow up) Even when they are nursing they just have to be at the exact same spot. Wayan is smaller and the noise maker. Made is 'DUH' like dad. Either ways, they spend 90% of their time nursing. Halia is a lil bored but she is an attentive lil mommy, always running back when she sees us hunched over the boys.
By the way, Halia is awake and stuffing her face. She is a brave lil gal and was no trouble during the delivery at all. Vet says she's really young to be a mom;er oops. We are trying to get her to eat so for a special treat as she's nursing, we got her canned IAMs kitten food. MJ went ballistics and tried to eat her food. I am just worried when I am at work. Yesterday I was in most of the time, except when I was getting their new bed and went out for dinner. Drakon assures me Halia will take good care of them. I hope so. K... I need my ZZZZZZZZZZZZZs
Though they are officially a day old and have a clean bill of health, still praying for the best for them. With newborns, I guess we just gotta be careful. The blur daddy is sleeping on my foot as he usually does every night, still clueless about everything. MJ gets chased away by Halia every time she sees him.
Though the tykes are a day old,I can see signs of sibling rivalry (READ: Trouble for me when they grow up) Even when they are nursing they just have to be at the exact same spot. Wayan is smaller and the noise maker. Made is 'DUH' like dad. Either ways, they spend 90% of their time nursing. Halia is a lil bored but she is an attentive lil mommy, always running back when she sees us hunched over the boys.
By the way, Halia is awake and stuffing her face. She is a brave lil gal and was no trouble during the delivery at all. Vet says she's really young to be a mom;er oops. We are trying to get her to eat so for a special treat as she's nursing, we got her canned IAMs kitten food. MJ went ballistics and tried to eat her food. I am just worried when I am at work. Yesterday I was in most of the time, except when I was getting their new bed and went out for dinner. Drakon assures me Halia will take good care of them. I hope so. K... I need my ZZZZZZZZZZZZZs
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Kitty Tales
The kitties have come back from Mount Pleasant Animal Medical Centre. But not after Drako and I ended up with major scratches and nicks from the new mommy. The vet has given all 3 a clean bill of health (but I am not sure sure about the new daddy's mental state of health though). I was stuck in class with 15 year olds who sure weren't as adorable. Of course, I was riled in the Staff Room about how I need to undergo sexuality education for not taking my wayward cats in hand.
Drakon reports that there were major COOs from the staff and patient/owners at the vet. We have just weighed the tykes and have settled them in a new basket/carrier box in a corner of my room. She had been staking the corner for weeks and now I know why! Cat pre-natal planning..hehe. Wayan weighs in at 60g and 10.5cm while his younger but not smaller bro Made weighs in at 80g and 11 cm. Ah Kong and Ah Ma have been getting 'congratulatory' smses as well as heaps of guffaws from well? meaning friends and relatives. So don't forget the ang pows.
In all the confusion, just realised that they are Independence Day kittens. Maybe I should name them as such
"I Wayan Providence George Sitting Bull Washington" and "I Made (pronounced as 'ma-day' McKinley Fosters Dulles Cherokee".... Hehehehe. Lack of sleep is getting to me. Updates later.
Drakon reports that there were major COOs from the staff and patient/owners at the vet. We have just weighed the tykes and have settled them in a new basket/carrier box in a corner of my room. She had been staking the corner for weeks and now I know why! Cat pre-natal planning..hehe. Wayan weighs in at 60g and 10.5cm while his younger but not smaller bro Made weighs in at 80g and 11 cm. Ah Kong and Ah Ma have been getting 'congratulatory' smses as well as heaps of guffaws from well? meaning friends and relatives. So don't forget the ang pows.
In all the confusion, just realised that they are Independence Day kittens. Maybe I should name them as such
"I Wayan Providence George Sitting Bull Washington" and "I Made (pronounced as 'ma-day' McKinley Fosters Dulles Cherokee".... Hehehehe. Lack of sleep is getting to me. Updates later.
Parental Guidance Advised!
The first photos of the two lil kittens are on my Fliker account. In case younger audiences may get grossed out by the pix, I've not put them here. Mommy seems to be doing fine...will leave school early and take her and the boys to the vet. The blur daddy is hiding in his comfort basket, in denial....
For the time being...for lack of inspiration, I have named them WAYAN and MADE, traditional Balinese way of naming the kids based on position. Updates later...got to go to school....
For the time being...for lack of inspiration, I have named them WAYAN and MADE, traditional Balinese way of naming the kids based on position. Updates later...got to go to school....
I am a grandmother!
It's 1:45am Singapore time...it's not my usual insomnia keeping me up. My baby Halia, the munchkin kitten has just delivered 2 kittens. YEAP...my bed has become a delivery zone...I have to change the sheets...enough said...
Will update with pix of the lil ones....wondering if anymore coming...the web pages we consulted say labour MAY carry on for 24 hours....it's going to be a loooooooong morning...when my turn ever comes...it's a C-Section for me....
Halia's a brave little gal...think she'll be more of a friend than a mommy! HAHAHAHA...
Will update with pix of the lil ones....wondering if anymore coming...the web pages we consulted say labour MAY carry on for 24 hours....it's going to be a loooooooong morning...when my turn ever comes...it's a C-Section for me....
Halia's a brave little gal...think she'll be more of a friend than a mommy! HAHAHAHA...
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
This post is called an update coz I can't think of a better title
I just got up. I have the flu...again. Geez, what good is a flu shot if you still get the flu? I had 2 rounds of antibiotics a month ago when I fell sick. Just as I was recovering, I woke up Monday am with a slight fever and an achy throat. Must be allergic to school.
What I've been up to since my last post? Nothing much...still your manic depressive and LOST person. Also a lot tubbier....just realised that when I was heading out to the Pharmacy at Bukit Panjang Mall. Shucks......gotta do something about the extra tyres!
But sore throat n being tubby sure didn't stop me from trying the new MISSY DONUT stand at the mall. Donut fever has hit heartland Singapore! The Q at the place has been snaking since they were featured a few Sundays ago. Was at Raffles City last night and the Q outside Donut Factory hasn't eased either. Wonder if this is a phenomenon that will go the bubble tea route. Managed to get my hands on the last 3 peanut butter donut before the next batch. The lady behind me seemed upset coz she was confident I wouldn't want the last 3 donuts. She was uttering in Malay...hehe little does she know I knew what she was saying.
Tried one - verdict. Not bad....light and fluffy.Now, do I keep one for Hutch??? Donuts sure have evolved from the ones we used to get at Yaohan Orchard. Remember Yaohan? If most of you don't then, I am really old!They did taste nice when I was in kindy but as I grew older, I didn't like them as much. Wonder how this whole donut craze started again anyway. Will grab some pix when I feel like it. I feel a snooze coming on. I am sick after all.
Oh and for those who have time on Sat, 23 June from 3pm-8pm. Do drop by #02-06 Holland Road Shopping Centre. Not only can you see the latest TellyTubbie - Sonic LALA but you can find out what I've been up to!
What I've been up to since my last post? Nothing much...still your manic depressive and LOST person. Also a lot tubbier....just realised that when I was heading out to the Pharmacy at Bukit Panjang Mall. Shucks......gotta do something about the extra tyres!
But sore throat n being tubby sure didn't stop me from trying the new MISSY DONUT stand at the mall. Donut fever has hit heartland Singapore! The Q at the place has been snaking since they were featured a few Sundays ago. Was at Raffles City last night and the Q outside Donut Factory hasn't eased either. Wonder if this is a phenomenon that will go the bubble tea route. Managed to get my hands on the last 3 peanut butter donut before the next batch. The lady behind me seemed upset coz she was confident I wouldn't want the last 3 donuts. She was uttering in Malay...hehe little does she know I knew what she was saying.
Tried one - verdict. Not bad....light and fluffy.Now, do I keep one for Hutch??? Donuts sure have evolved from the ones we used to get at Yaohan Orchard. Remember Yaohan? If most of you don't then, I am really old!They did taste nice when I was in kindy but as I grew older, I didn't like them as much. Wonder how this whole donut craze started again anyway. Will grab some pix when I feel like it. I feel a snooze coming on. I am sick after all.
Oh and for those who have time on Sat, 23 June from 3pm-8pm. Do drop by #02-06 Holland Road Shopping Centre. Not only can you see the latest TellyTubbie - Sonic LALA but you can find out what I've been up to!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Ode to My Family
It's 5:47am. Been coughing so much that my right side hurts. Drakon assures me it isn't appendicitis. That coming from a man who doesn't have any left. For friends far away, don;t worry, he's healing fine. Just don't expect him in a bikini ever.
I've been nursing a viral infection since my last post. I woke up one Saturday morning and my voice suddenly turned hoarse. It became a full blown throat infection by Sunday. Bad enough that I asked the doc for antibiotics. Being sick also meant I couldn't go visit my uncle HT. I could really see how brotherly love works in his relationship with daddy. Dad's passing did not just affect me but his siblings. Uncle, who was in his early 80s, had been getting weaker. When the call came Wednesday AM, just as I was about to leave for work, I lost no time to be with my cousin, who had been with me through the NUH days. Sad I was to see one of my favourite uncles go but happy because he could be with his loved ones, safe in the Lord's arms.I shall miss his happy chuckle which I remember since my childhood days and all the love and support he gave me during the difficult days of 2002.
That leaves my third aunt. She's a spritely one and a kind person. Used to be terrified of her booming voice when I was little. As I grow older and became closer to her in the past 2-3 years or so, I realise that she's my favourite aunt. How difficult it must be to lose 2 brothers in a space of 6 months. I should take time to spend more time with her if she is willing to 'chill' with me. My family may have its fair share of ups and downs, which family doesn't? But it's my family and I am thankful that they accepted me into the fold. As Martha Stewart would say,"Now that's a good thing."
I've been nursing a viral infection since my last post. I woke up one Saturday morning and my voice suddenly turned hoarse. It became a full blown throat infection by Sunday. Bad enough that I asked the doc for antibiotics. Being sick also meant I couldn't go visit my uncle HT. I could really see how brotherly love works in his relationship with daddy. Dad's passing did not just affect me but his siblings. Uncle, who was in his early 80s, had been getting weaker. When the call came Wednesday AM, just as I was about to leave for work, I lost no time to be with my cousin, who had been with me through the NUH days. Sad I was to see one of my favourite uncles go but happy because he could be with his loved ones, safe in the Lord's arms.I shall miss his happy chuckle which I remember since my childhood days and all the love and support he gave me during the difficult days of 2002.
That leaves my third aunt. She's a spritely one and a kind person. Used to be terrified of her booming voice when I was little. As I grow older and became closer to her in the past 2-3 years or so, I realise that she's my favourite aunt. How difficult it must be to lose 2 brothers in a space of 6 months. I should take time to spend more time with her if she is willing to 'chill' with me. My family may have its fair share of ups and downs, which family doesn't? But it's my family and I am thankful that they accepted me into the fold. As Martha Stewart would say,"Now that's a good thing."
Friday, May 4, 2007
Life and such
Had a late night phone call from my cousin in Indonesia. One of my distant cousins, whom Dad was extremely close to, passed away yesterday afternoon. They had been neighbours when Mom and Dad were living at Thomson Ridge, before I was born. In fact, they lived in Thomson Ridge all the way through the 70s. I remember enjoying visiting them as they had a yard for me to run around in. A little later, the elder of the two brothers came and worked for my Dad in Bun Bee until Dad retired.
I 'skipped' school today - going to attend the funeral. My cousin TB had come to NUH everyday to visit Dad. They had gotten very close since Mom passed away. I could always count on 'Ah Hia' to turn to when Dad's R problems got to me. I knew he was upset when Dad died as they met up every other day or at least chatted daily. Their friendship made me realise that men can be as 'pak kuat' as women! Funny how we drove past Sheng Siong at Tekka Mall on Tuesday and I was just thinking if Dad were still around, he would be asking us to drop him there so he could hang out and chill with the SMC - the Siantan's Men Club.
It'll also be the first time I am headed to Mandai Columbarium since Dad's funeral. Mixed emotions. I dreamt of mom and dad this morning in fact, asking me to remember not to be late for the funeral. In my dream, I had taken them to Vivo City and Sentosa. Been dreaming a lot of them lately. Well, time to get ready to go.
I 'skipped' school today - going to attend the funeral. My cousin TB had come to NUH everyday to visit Dad. They had gotten very close since Mom passed away. I could always count on 'Ah Hia' to turn to when Dad's R problems got to me. I knew he was upset when Dad died as they met up every other day or at least chatted daily. Their friendship made me realise that men can be as 'pak kuat' as women! Funny how we drove past Sheng Siong at Tekka Mall on Tuesday and I was just thinking if Dad were still around, he would be asking us to drop him there so he could hang out and chill with the SMC - the Siantan's Men Club.
It'll also be the first time I am headed to Mandai Columbarium since Dad's funeral. Mixed emotions. I dreamt of mom and dad this morning in fact, asking me to remember not to be late for the funeral. In my dream, I had taken them to Vivo City and Sentosa. Been dreaming a lot of them lately. Well, time to get ready to go.
Drama Mama or?
| You Are a Drama Princess (or Prince) |
 You're not over the top dramatic, but you have your moments. You know how to steal the spotlight... And how to act out to get your way. People around you know that you're good for a laugh. But at times, your drama gets a bit too much for everyone. Tone it down a tad, and you'll still be the center of attention. |
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
New Toy, New Recipes
I am recovering from a particularly bad bout of IBS. I spent 4 days away from work last week. People must think I am 'eating snake' but you must have had IBS to know how bad it is. I refused to go see Dr Lim, my gastro specialist; he'll just tell me to learn to manage my stress. I took the TCM route and went to Eu Yan Sang, after a visit to the GP didn't yield much results. I have been a little ill disciplined and not eating the TCM meds as regularly as I should. It is REALLY bitter and I so want to puke after drinking it.
I am at a crossroads and in limbo. I am desperately trying to get out of it and have been hearing so many voices telling me. But a distraction from all that gloomy details.
I have a new toy! It's the OLYMPUS E-410, one of the 2 regular DSLRs to be released by Olympus this year. The other one is a pro-body to replace the E-1. I am no technical whiz but this small DSLR should get me started. I stopped using a point and shoot when we acquired our first DSLR, the E-300. Think we must have been one of the first few in Singapore to grab the E-410; it was only released on 26 April. However, I'd played with the prototype at Olympus HQ Singapore the week before. One of the privileged few. Here's what it looks like:
On Sunday, I attended the second of the cupcake workshops by Joycelyn Shu of 'Kuidaore' fame. By a stroke of luck, someone dropped out of the class and I was next on the wait list. She's a fantastic teacher, patient and generous. However, I had a not so pleasant encounter with somebody else during the session which left a bad taste in my mouth. I mean, come on, I ain't no Cordon Bleu cook, just a mere mortal! No pix though this time as the mini cupcakes are almost gone. A little more work than Level 1's recipes but something to enjoy in years to come.
Michael Buble's new album is out...sweet! Ended up buying Josh Groban (me, buy Groban? definitely a mid-life crisis) too... some special deal buy 3 CDs for $49.90. You know us Singaporeans - suckers for deals.
I am at a crossroads and in limbo. I am desperately trying to get out of it and have been hearing so many voices telling me. But a distraction from all that gloomy details.
I have a new toy! It's the OLYMPUS E-410, one of the 2 regular DSLRs to be released by Olympus this year. The other one is a pro-body to replace the E-1. I am no technical whiz but this small DSLR should get me started. I stopped using a point and shoot when we acquired our first DSLR, the E-300. Think we must have been one of the first few in Singapore to grab the E-410; it was only released on 26 April. However, I'd played with the prototype at Olympus HQ Singapore the week before. One of the privileged few. Here's what it looks like:
On Sunday, I attended the second of the cupcake workshops by Joycelyn Shu of 'Kuidaore' fame. By a stroke of luck, someone dropped out of the class and I was next on the wait list. She's a fantastic teacher, patient and generous. However, I had a not so pleasant encounter with somebody else during the session which left a bad taste in my mouth. I mean, come on, I ain't no Cordon Bleu cook, just a mere mortal! No pix though this time as the mini cupcakes are almost gone. A little more work than Level 1's recipes but something to enjoy in years to come.
Michael Buble's new album is out...sweet! Ended up buying Josh Groban (me, buy Groban? definitely a mid-life crisis) too... some special deal buy 3 CDs for $49.90. You know us Singaporeans - suckers for deals.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Marble or Not?
Been taking to baking lately and my latest experiment, which I whipped up yesterday evening, was the perennial classic, marble cake. It was also an excuse to get rid of the SCS salted butter which was meant for fruitcake except stuff happened last December.
Only one problem, I couldn't get it swirly like what you see normally. Maybe it's due to the fact that I didn't use a bundt pan? I used mom's trusty old square tins, the ones she used to bake kek lapis with. Haven't been able to get myself to buy the silicon bundt pans from Pantry Magic. Still a lil hesitant to try baking using silicon ware. It was a tri-colored swirl or should I say mine turned out to be patches. I assure you there is no compromise on the taste though! Made it a combo of plain, Valhrona cocoa and lavender colored batter. The small cheapo mixer is serving its purpose; didn't break down though Muffy pulled it down some time back. But I still want a KITCHEN AID! Think that's every cook's dream mixer! Drak says I can get only if baking doesn't prove to be another halfway hobby!
Time to go try the overnight taste test. If the cake is still yummy then I succeeded! Shall try sausage rolls next but I'll cheat and use frozen puff pastry!
Only one problem, I couldn't get it swirly like what you see normally. Maybe it's due to the fact that I didn't use a bundt pan? I used mom's trusty old square tins, the ones she used to bake kek lapis with. Haven't been able to get myself to buy the silicon bundt pans from Pantry Magic. Still a lil hesitant to try baking using silicon ware. It was a tri-colored swirl or should I say mine turned out to be patches. I assure you there is no compromise on the taste though! Made it a combo of plain, Valhrona cocoa and lavender colored batter. The small cheapo mixer is serving its purpose; didn't break down though Muffy pulled it down some time back. But I still want a KITCHEN AID! Think that's every cook's dream mixer! Drak says I can get only if baking doesn't prove to be another halfway hobby!
Time to go try the overnight taste test. If the cake is still yummy then I succeeded! Shall try sausage rolls next but I'll cheat and use frozen puff pastry!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
All By Myself
For the first time since Dad passed away, I have spent a complete entire weekend on my own. Drako's on a diving trip; I didn't feel up to looking for company. Though I must admit company seems harder to find nowadays. Maybe I am just becoming more of a recluse in my old age. Have tons of marking to catch up on but I haven't got round to it. I do miss dad and have been dreaming a lot of him, even mom. At times, I can almost hear that familiar cough and I tell myself it's all in my head
I have decisions to make on my future and have yet to set a firm decision. Tell myself and everyone around me that I'll actively send resumes but I haven't. In a way, I guess I feel an obligation to the 33 kids in my various English groups to stick around and see them through till October. Such mental anguish.
So what did I do? Other than ruin my new FURLA bag...should have known better than buy such a light taupe coloured bag. Well, I reluctantly left BED CENTRAL and checked out the Fash Bash at NAFA. It was just way too crowded for such a small room. Still good ideas abound which I may try if I decide to go into the one venture I have been thinking about. Then I walked to Sin Lit on Seah Street to see if they had the cupcake case I wanted. Followed to my favourite little oasis in that part of town - Ah Teng's Bakery at the Raffles. I didn't look at my watch so I didn't realise that lunch was over. However, I must have looked so pathetic that the Chef relented and made me a yummy roast chicken on ciabatta sandwich. I love Ah Teng's, it's full of old world charm and always peaceful no matter how quiet it gets.
I went to Raffles City and made an unscheduled stop into the Adidas Original Store. Saw this glamourous couple; apparently some Pan-Asian type, Malaysian starlet. Well, they did make a nice couple. Then it was off to Erskine Road for a jaunt! Didn't make it to Maxwell Market but had my favourite brew at Front Row. Took a bus ride to Buona Vista on 145 and did some reflecting. My heart stirred when we hit Vivocity and Harbourfront. That was dad's favourite haunt and part of me kept wishing I'd be there meeting him. There are still places I try to avoid because it's too painful to recall the times dad and I hung out there. As Craig David sung once. 'You don't miss your water till the well runs dry'. I guess I realise even more now how we should never take the folks around us for granted, ever.But we all do so I shall aspire this year to live and love more.
I have decisions to make on my future and have yet to set a firm decision. Tell myself and everyone around me that I'll actively send resumes but I haven't. In a way, I guess I feel an obligation to the 33 kids in my various English groups to stick around and see them through till October. Such mental anguish.
So what did I do? Other than ruin my new FURLA bag...should have known better than buy such a light taupe coloured bag. Well, I reluctantly left BED CENTRAL and checked out the Fash Bash at NAFA. It was just way too crowded for such a small room. Still good ideas abound which I may try if I decide to go into the one venture I have been thinking about. Then I walked to Sin Lit on Seah Street to see if they had the cupcake case I wanted. Followed to my favourite little oasis in that part of town - Ah Teng's Bakery at the Raffles. I didn't look at my watch so I didn't realise that lunch was over. However, I must have looked so pathetic that the Chef relented and made me a yummy roast chicken on ciabatta sandwich. I love Ah Teng's, it's full of old world charm and always peaceful no matter how quiet it gets.
I went to Raffles City and made an unscheduled stop into the Adidas Original Store. Saw this glamourous couple; apparently some Pan-Asian type, Malaysian starlet. Well, they did make a nice couple. Then it was off to Erskine Road for a jaunt! Didn't make it to Maxwell Market but had my favourite brew at Front Row. Took a bus ride to Buona Vista on 145 and did some reflecting. My heart stirred when we hit Vivocity and Harbourfront. That was dad's favourite haunt and part of me kept wishing I'd be there meeting him. There are still places I try to avoid because it's too painful to recall the times dad and I hung out there. As Craig David sung once. 'You don't miss your water till the well runs dry'. I guess I realise even more now how we should never take the folks around us for granted, ever.But we all do so I shall aspire this year to live and love more.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Back on Line
If you've been wondering why I have been awfully quiet lately, fret no more! I am back! The OS on my trusty laptop died sometime during the March term break and I just got it back. That was procrastination on my part. Sad story is I have lost all my data that used to be in this laptop. Moral of story? BACK UP BACK UP! I have bought an additional 2GB thumb drive. Will look into other possible solutions so that I will not lose anything valuable ever in future. Ignorance and forgetfulness is bliss... so what I won;t miss what I forgot I ever had in the laptop.
It's so wonderful to have my LENNY back... I have not used my Dell desktop for so long that it felt strange to use it. Plus the PC table I have is so high that sitting on the stool gives me a backache! Besides, the Dell is constantly being hogged by someone... no names mentioned to protect the guilty!
All this makes me realise how dependent we have all become on our gadgets!
It's so wonderful to have my LENNY back... I have not used my Dell desktop for so long that it felt strange to use it. Plus the PC table I have is so high that sitting on the stool gives me a backache! Besides, the Dell is constantly being hogged by someone... no names mentioned to protect the guilty!
All this makes me realise how dependent we have all become on our gadgets!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Yogya Hari Kedua - 17 Feb 2007
It's been so long since the trip that I sorts forgot the sequence of events with the madness going on around my life.
I did remember it raining, coz I had to leave my Giordano sneakers in Yogya. Why does it always rain when I wear a particular pair of capri pants? It was raining on Day 2 of the Yogya trip and we were drenched completely! Oh well, must wear next time I want it to rain then!!
Spent the night tossing and turning; I guess the time difference and all kind of got my body clock a little messed up. Breakfast came complimentary and it was a scrumptious. A combination of Western, Chinese, Indonesian and even Japanese breakfast treats.Loaded up on the most important meal of the day, in case we didn't have time to eat. Apparently, I am somewhat 'psychic' coz we only managed to eat lunch at 4pm! What was interesting too was that 2 policemen walked in and were immediately ushered to a table and given complimentary breakfasts. These guys were escorts for an Indonesian minister or Yogya government official who had popped by the Hyatt for a press conference.
We took the free Hyatt shuttle to Jalan Malioboro, the heart of the shopping district. It was pretty interesting to see horse carriages and bechiak trishaws) parked alongside modern day cars. The trishaws are also the most convenient and economical way to get around the city. We walked down from the drop off point - the Malioboro Mall and made our way down towards the Kraton. Walking down the strip was an experience as we tried to vend off street vendors, touts and lil kids begging. After checking out prices for tours to Borobodur and Prambanan at the Hyatt Tour desks, I decided we'd be better off trying to find an agent at a local tour agency. Managed to get a decent deal at slightly more than half the price at the tourist information centre.
Feeling pleased that we did not get fleeced, we marched merrily down, until we were accosted by a young chap who proclaimed we had to go see this batik art exhibition put up by some artists. He said it was the last day. Apparently, it's a well-known ruse used by many of these batik galleries as we found out later.
I did remember it raining, coz I had to leave my Giordano sneakers in Yogya. Why does it always rain when I wear a particular pair of capri pants? It was raining on Day 2 of the Yogya trip and we were drenched completely! Oh well, must wear next time I want it to rain then!!
Spent the night tossing and turning; I guess the time difference and all kind of got my body clock a little messed up. Breakfast came complimentary and it was a scrumptious. A combination of Western, Chinese, Indonesian and even Japanese breakfast treats.Loaded up on the most important meal of the day, in case we didn't have time to eat. Apparently, I am somewhat 'psychic' coz we only managed to eat lunch at 4pm! What was interesting too was that 2 policemen walked in and were immediately ushered to a table and given complimentary breakfasts. These guys were escorts for an Indonesian minister or Yogya government official who had popped by the Hyatt for a press conference.
We took the free Hyatt shuttle to Jalan Malioboro, the heart of the shopping district. It was pretty interesting to see horse carriages and bechiak trishaws) parked alongside modern day cars. The trishaws are also the most convenient and economical way to get around the city. We walked down from the drop off point - the Malioboro Mall and made our way down towards the Kraton. Walking down the strip was an experience as we tried to vend off street vendors, touts and lil kids begging. After checking out prices for tours to Borobodur and Prambanan at the Hyatt Tour desks, I decided we'd be better off trying to find an agent at a local tour agency. Managed to get a decent deal at slightly more than half the price at the tourist information centre.
Feeling pleased that we did not get fleeced, we marched merrily down, until we were accosted by a young chap who proclaimed we had to go see this batik art exhibition put up by some artists. He said it was the last day. Apparently, it's a well-known ruse used by many of these batik galleries as we found out later.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Salam Yogyakarta - Day 1, 16 Feb 2007
Finally have some time (well, actually still quite a bit of work from Term I of school that must be completed) to post about the Yogyakarta trip like I promised. I should get it down before I forget eh?
Though technically I wasn't celebrating the Lunar New Year this time around, I still did a little tidying up for good measure. After a frantic day of clearing, I got up at 5am and packed. Also made sure the furballs were cleaned up and fed. Took a cab to Changi AX and almost puked in the cab. For some strange reason, my tummy wasn't settling down very well. Perhaps the fact that I hadn't been on a plane for almost 5 years finally hit me. I confess, I don't like the feeling of the G-force from takes-offs and of course, turbulence and air pockets.
Hunted for a place within the departure gates for food - got tempted by GUCCI for awhile. Saw some funky stuff but got dragged away immediately. Ended up having Spinelli's. Garuda was going to feed us after all. Almost missed the flight as they did not make final calls for our flight to Jakarta. Luckily, we WEREN'T the last passengers on board. Pretty full flight as the Indonesian students were taking the chance to go back for IMLAC. (What they call the Lunar New Year there)
Flight was kinda smooth and the food wasn't too bad; beef rendang, lontong and tempe. Except I managed to drop some of the rempah on my OFF-WHITE tank camisole. Left a stain due to the tumeric in the rendang. Got to Sukarno-Hatta Airport, Jakarta in about an hour and a bit. That was when the long wait would begin.We arrived about 10:00am (Waktu Indonesia Barat WIB).It's like going back in time coz we left home at 10am! Had to clear all our luggage and walk out and re-check in at the domestic counter. Got our first 'encounter' when a Garuda rep comes up to help us and then asks for some 'tips'. Couldn't have been considered tips when he named a price.We had been warned and considering my family's roots, it was something we grew up with.
The long wait began but unlike Changi, not too many shops to browse in. A familiar scent wafted on by from the food court. ROTIBOY, now defunct in Singapore I believe, had reached Jakarta's shores. Except here, they bought them by the cartons. It was amazing to see the travellers carrying boxes of them onboard their domestic flights home. Had some beef pastry at a home grown 'Deli France' like chain; the Snapple caused more than my food.
The connecting flight to Yogya was at 2:40pm WIB. Believe me, it was a LONG wait. It was interesting, however, to observe the people going about their business. One thing I have to say; the rich in Indonesia are extremely rich. One youngish couple in the food court,were decked out in every major designer one could think of. The wife hardly looked like she had given birth to 2 kids and was dripping in diamonds.What's also noticeable is that the affluent also have at least 1 maid in tow wherever they go. Given the designer labels I saw, it was as if I were at some Parisian or Milanese runway show.Again I would like to reiterate, money doesn't necessarily buy style.
Finally got to the gate, only to be told that the flight would be delayed by half and hour or so, as the plane hadn't arrived. The takeoff was a little shaky but things soon settled when we got to cruising altitude. It was a relatively short flight - 50 minutes. Along the way, as I peered out from the window, I could the meandering rivers and the Central Javanese highlands. The landing was a little fast; the runway at Bandara Adi Sucipto was by far, the shortest runway I had ever encountered. It wasn't a shock that the accident on 7 March occurred. It was a relief to get off the plane and finally be able to settle down on terra firma.
The Hyatt limo came to get us; think it was a Toyota Kijang, the Indonesian made mini-MPV. We got a glimpse of rush-hour, Yogya style, which really wasn't too bad. Finally arrived at the Hyatt and what can I say, it was a real change from what I had seen of Java and Yogya so far. The website wasn't kidding about the landscape. Of course, they used ambient lighting for the picture I posted in an earlier blog. Here's my version:
The lobby was on level 2. It's not a big hotel the way that the Grand Hyatt Singapore or Hyatt Bali is. The Hyatt Yogya pretty grand in its own way but yet cozy enough for the casual traveler like me.The room was cozy and despite the hotel being almost a decade old, still had this 'new' feeling about it. It had a huge picture window which overlooked the golf course. I knew I was going to like this place!
Did some exploration before dinner; of course, this being Yogya, it is ineveitable that Borobodur is the main inspiration for the hotel's architecture.
We didn't want to venture out as it gets pretty dark quickly in Yogya so for dinner we ate at the hotel's main dinning hall. It was a pretty costly meal (though slightly cheaper than Singapore standards) but the seafood buffet was scrumptious! Of course, Hyatt hotels anywhere also have a fantastic array of desserts. We ate safe this trip, ie. at the Hotel, fast food chains but then again, this trip was meant to be a recce of Indonesia's cultural capital!
Though technically I wasn't celebrating the Lunar New Year this time around, I still did a little tidying up for good measure. After a frantic day of clearing, I got up at 5am and packed. Also made sure the furballs were cleaned up and fed. Took a cab to Changi AX and almost puked in the cab. For some strange reason, my tummy wasn't settling down very well. Perhaps the fact that I hadn't been on a plane for almost 5 years finally hit me. I confess, I don't like the feeling of the G-force from takes-offs and of course, turbulence and air pockets.
Hunted for a place within the departure gates for food - got tempted by GUCCI for awhile. Saw some funky stuff but got dragged away immediately. Ended up having Spinelli's. Garuda was going to feed us after all. Almost missed the flight as they did not make final calls for our flight to Jakarta. Luckily, we WEREN'T the last passengers on board. Pretty full flight as the Indonesian students were taking the chance to go back for IMLAC. (What they call the Lunar New Year there)
Flight was kinda smooth and the food wasn't too bad; beef rendang, lontong and tempe. Except I managed to drop some of the rempah on my OFF-WHITE tank camisole. Left a stain due to the tumeric in the rendang. Got to Sukarno-Hatta Airport, Jakarta in about an hour and a bit. That was when the long wait would begin.We arrived about 10:00am (Waktu Indonesia Barat WIB).It's like going back in time coz we left home at 10am! Had to clear all our luggage and walk out and re-check in at the domestic counter. Got our first 'encounter' when a Garuda rep comes up to help us and then asks for some 'tips'. Couldn't have been considered tips when he named a price.We had been warned and considering my family's roots, it was something we grew up with.
The long wait began but unlike Changi, not too many shops to browse in. A familiar scent wafted on by from the food court. ROTIBOY, now defunct in Singapore I believe, had reached Jakarta's shores. Except here, they bought them by the cartons. It was amazing to see the travellers carrying boxes of them onboard their domestic flights home. Had some beef pastry at a home grown 'Deli France' like chain; the Snapple caused more than my food.
The connecting flight to Yogya was at 2:40pm WIB. Believe me, it was a LONG wait. It was interesting, however, to observe the people going about their business. One thing I have to say; the rich in Indonesia are extremely rich. One youngish couple in the food court,were decked out in every major designer one could think of. The wife hardly looked like she had given birth to 2 kids and was dripping in diamonds.What's also noticeable is that the affluent also have at least 1 maid in tow wherever they go. Given the designer labels I saw, it was as if I were at some Parisian or Milanese runway show.Again I would like to reiterate, money doesn't necessarily buy style.
Finally got to the gate, only to be told that the flight would be delayed by half and hour or so, as the plane hadn't arrived. The takeoff was a little shaky but things soon settled when we got to cruising altitude. It was a relatively short flight - 50 minutes. Along the way, as I peered out from the window, I could the meandering rivers and the Central Javanese highlands. The landing was a little fast; the runway at Bandara Adi Sucipto was by far, the shortest runway I had ever encountered. It wasn't a shock that the accident on 7 March occurred. It was a relief to get off the plane and finally be able to settle down on terra firma.
The Hyatt limo came to get us; think it was a Toyota Kijang, the Indonesian made mini-MPV. We got a glimpse of rush-hour, Yogya style, which really wasn't too bad. Finally arrived at the Hyatt and what can I say, it was a real change from what I had seen of Java and Yogya so far. The website wasn't kidding about the landscape. Of course, they used ambient lighting for the picture I posted in an earlier blog. Here's my version:
The lobby was on level 2. It's not a big hotel the way that the Grand Hyatt Singapore or Hyatt Bali is. The Hyatt Yogya pretty grand in its own way but yet cozy enough for the casual traveler like me.The room was cozy and despite the hotel being almost a decade old, still had this 'new' feeling about it. It had a huge picture window which overlooked the golf course. I knew I was going to like this place!
Did some exploration before dinner; of course, this being Yogya, it is ineveitable that Borobodur is the main inspiration for the hotel's architecture.
We didn't want to venture out as it gets pretty dark quickly in Yogya so for dinner we ate at the hotel's main dinning hall. It was a pretty costly meal (though slightly cheaper than Singapore standards) but the seafood buffet was scrumptious! Of course, Hyatt hotels anywhere also have a fantastic array of desserts. We ate safe this trip, ie. at the Hotel, fast food chains but then again, this trip was meant to be a recce of Indonesia's cultural capital!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Cupcake Workshop at Shermay's Cooking School
I'll post the pix after we've 'processed' it. Had my first cooking class (not counting the days of secondary school Home Economics) at Shermay's Cooking School at Chip Bee Gardens. The workshop was conducted by Joycelyn Shu, the lady behind the KUIDAORE flog. This was one class which was sold out way before it started. There's a long waiting list for it.
The recipes were pretty easy and it was obvious much thought had gone into baking the selection. Not only were we treated to a free flow of iced tea by the Gryphon Tea Company but we got to take home a dozen cupcakes.As part of the hands-on portion of the class, we iced and decorated the cupcakes. The vanilla ones had been prepared by the school while we mixed the chocolate ones ourselves. I had heard about the class in early Jan and had gone to register pretty early. I am glad I did as the classes (even the Level II one) is full. Though additional classes were added for April and May, think it's at waiting list. Not surprise considering Joycelyn's desserts are too die for and that there is a cupcake craze in Singapore now.
I've also parted with about $140 to buy baking stuff like Varhlhona cocoa and good quality vanilla bean paste. SIGH! Now I gotta bake more to make it worth my while.
POSTSCRIPT 12 Mar - Here are some pix of my maiden attempt at cupcake icing. Rest on Flickr!
We've just shared one of the vanilla cupcakes. 7 to go...the math don't add up right? Whilst we were busy clearing up after dinner, sONIC figured out how to open the side of the cake box and stole a cupcake, licked the frosting off 2 of them. Had D not turned around, he could have finished the whole box. That Cocker Spaniel of mine really gets up to mischief at times.Though i WAS A LITTLE mad at him, you have to admit it was pretty smart of Sonic to get to the cupcakes the way he did. OH WELL!
The recipes were pretty easy and it was obvious much thought had gone into baking the selection. Not only were we treated to a free flow of iced tea by the Gryphon Tea Company but we got to take home a dozen cupcakes.As part of the hands-on portion of the class, we iced and decorated the cupcakes. The vanilla ones had been prepared by the school while we mixed the chocolate ones ourselves. I had heard about the class in early Jan and had gone to register pretty early. I am glad I did as the classes (even the Level II one) is full. Though additional classes were added for April and May, think it's at waiting list. Not surprise considering Joycelyn's desserts are too die for and that there is a cupcake craze in Singapore now.
I've also parted with about $140 to buy baking stuff like Varhlhona cocoa and good quality vanilla bean paste. SIGH! Now I gotta bake more to make it worth my while.
POSTSCRIPT 12 Mar - Here are some pix of my maiden attempt at cupcake icing. Rest on Flickr!
We've just shared one of the vanilla cupcakes. 7 to go...the math don't add up right? Whilst we were busy clearing up after dinner, sONIC figured out how to open the side of the cake box and stole a cupcake, licked the frosting off 2 of them. Had D not turned around, he could have finished the whole box. That Cocker Spaniel of mine really gets up to mischief at times.Though i WAS A LITTLE mad at him, you have to admit it was pretty smart of Sonic to get to the cupcakes the way he did. OH WELL!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Misunderstood
Don't you just wish sometimes that you could disappear forever into oblivion. It's one of those days for me. Rather, it's been a long drawn horror since Jan 2005 and just when I thought it had ended, it came back to haunt me.
It has also wrecked a friendship and when I find out who has been saying things behind my back or carrying on tales to this friend, I am so going to give it to them. What right have they got to do that? Another concerned ex-colleague made a frantic call to me to ask me to mend bridges and that my professional reputation has been spoilt. You know what, I just can't care anymore. I am tired, real spent and real tired.
It has also wrecked a friendship and when I find out who has been saying things behind my back or carrying on tales to this friend, I am so going to give it to them. What right have they got to do that? Another concerned ex-colleague made a frantic call to me to ask me to mend bridges and that my professional reputation has been spoilt. You know what, I just can't care anymore. I am tired, real spent and real tired.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Latest from Adi Sucipto Airport, Yogyakarta
Woke up feeling very bad today so I called in sick. Migraine and gastric been hitting me. Also not in the best of moods lately as some problems have cropped up. When will all these cease?
Since visiting Yogya, I have developed an affinity to the city. Not just to its history (which is natural for someone with a History degree!) but also to the way of life and its people. It was a real shock to see read over Yahoo news that a plane had crashed there.
Yahoo NEWS: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/070307/1/473yl.html
Even weirder as we were there less than a month ago. I shared in an earlier post that the turbulence from Yogyakarta to Jakarta freaked me out.According to The Jakarta Post, there was one casualty.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/latestnews1.asp
BUT from the Channel Newsasia website it says that only 76 out of 133 passengers survived. I guess the news will unfold.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/262476/1/.html
To this, Drakon had to say: I Have inherited my dad's uncanny 'mulut cabul' or as they say in Chinese, 'wu ya jui'. You see, we have had several discussions since the trip about the turbulence, Adi Sucipto airport and the recent air mishaps.The runaway at Adi Sucipto was rather short and I remember telling D as we flew in and out of it that I was way nervous about it. I am not that frequent a flyer but have been flying enough to have experienced a gamut of runways and aircraft. The 737 is NOT one of my favourites. Makes me wonder how I am ever going to visit Yogya again. May try thr Singapore to Solo and then drive 2hrs to Yogya option.And then this happens.Can't help but feel along with the passengers, crew and family members.My prayers go out to all.Of course, the feeling of I WAS THERE also strikes.
Stay tuned to the news for more information.
Since visiting Yogya, I have developed an affinity to the city. Not just to its history (which is natural for someone with a History degree!) but also to the way of life and its people. It was a real shock to see read over Yahoo news that a plane had crashed there.
Yahoo NEWS: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/070307/1/473yl.html
Even weirder as we were there less than a month ago. I shared in an earlier post that the turbulence from Yogyakarta to Jakarta freaked me out.According to The Jakarta Post, there was one casualty.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/latestnews1.asp
BUT from the Channel Newsasia website it says that only 76 out of 133 passengers survived. I guess the news will unfold.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/262476/1/.html
To this, Drakon had to say: I Have inherited my dad's uncanny 'mulut cabul' or as they say in Chinese, 'wu ya jui'. You see, we have had several discussions since the trip about the turbulence, Adi Sucipto airport and the recent air mishaps.The runaway at Adi Sucipto was rather short and I remember telling D as we flew in and out of it that I was way nervous about it. I am not that frequent a flyer but have been flying enough to have experienced a gamut of runways and aircraft. The 737 is NOT one of my favourites. Makes me wonder how I am ever going to visit Yogya again. May try thr Singapore to Solo and then drive 2hrs to Yogya option.And then this happens.Can't help but feel along with the passengers, crew and family members.My prayers go out to all.Of course, the feeling of I WAS THERE also strikes.
Stay tuned to the news for more information.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Yogyakarta Sojourn
It's been almost a fortnight since my trip to Yogyakarta and well, the photos are finally up. Not all coz we took some 400 or 500 shots on the 2 Olympus E-Systems we own between us. The shots on my Flikr album were shot on the E-1. It's my first time using this extensively. It's Olympus' pro system (ie. National Geographic photographers use it) so I was a little nervous about using it. I'm still quite new to the DSLR cameras and whatever photos I took on my dad's old Nikkormat or my F55, it was always instinct as dad never fully explained key concepts like aperture, shutter speed to me as a kid. Drako is trying but you guys who know me also know science bits bore me and don't quite register.
I am pretty happy with some of my shots. I think composition was more the issue to me.It's my artsy side emerging triumphant once again.Most folks would probably have better shots but well, I'm just starting out. Looking at the photos transport me back to the four days at Yogya. Think it's the beginning of my Yogya sojourns for sure! Especially since the Prambanan temple photos were terrible. It was a particularly hot afternoon so the sun was not helping. You will notice that I had more shots of Borobodur and even the HYatt than Prambanan. Lesson learnt - next trip; we got visit Prambanan in the morning.
Indonesia certainly has much to offer and it's a pity that many tourists miss the rest of it beyond Bali, Manado, Danau Toba or Jakarta. But then again, lesser tourists mean better pictures for me! Seriously, I'll never forget what dad said when I complained as a kid, about why we never travelled out of the region. He was right; there's so much of our own backyard to explore. Since coming back, I'm still trying to adjust a little to life back home. It was a short trip but it left an indelible impression on me. It was a sort of homecoming to my roots. Adopted or otherwise, I must not forget that my maternal grandmother was Indonesian so it will remain a part of my heritage.
This is my introduction, if you can call it that. Click on the Flikr link in the next column and you can see all the photos!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
HHHHHHHHHHmmmmmmmmmmm
Took a day off work;got some things to attend to. Anyway, today is the weird day in my time table where I have 3 lessons in the morning and am free until the next lesson at 12:40pm. I co-teach these lessons with the main teacher so I shan't be missed.
Been having a couple of bad days lately; discussing with drakon if I should put myself back on the anti-deps. One cause is the book check coming up last week of term. Marking frantically but not frantically enough. This holds me back from returning to teaching FT. I admire the teachers, not just in Singapore but anywhere in the world. Well, maybe more here. Having been in the system and out, plus the fact 1 foot is sorta in it, these are the unsung heroes. It's a real struggle to juggle teaching several classes and subjects with administrative responsibilities, marking with CCAs and your own life. I seriously wonder how I managed to do all that for 5 years and always deal with the the 3 Ds that I went through!
Anyway, I have to really get down to figuring out the career thing. SOON!!!
Had bad news on Sunday, my mom's eldest bro passed away in our hometown on SUNDAY, 25 Feb. Could have kicked myself for not picking up the phone on time but then I was in the bathroom. I have never ever met him; just seen pictures and heard about him. I used to send him chocolates all the time as it was his favourite. It was sad that we could not find a way to bring him here to Singapore to live with us. Though born in Singapore, he did not have proof of it. Sadder still as he had slightly lower IQ than most people. It was really the kindness of my cousin, Leslie, whose dad is my mom's cousin, that helped my uncle Pau live his days in relative comfort. I can also recall the verbal abuse and gossip I got about a 2 years back when Leslie's younger sister called me long distance and gave me a sound scolding. Why hit it out one me; I really wanted to do more but at that point in time, my mom, dad and aunt were the elders. When I tried to help financially with whatever little I could afford, the money was thrown back at me with more abuses. I just want to say for the record, I appreciate what Leslie did and only can say that God will surely bless his goodness; I know I cannot do more than what is humanly possible. It is a blessing for Uncle to go this way and join his parents and my parents in heaven or wherever it is we go after this life passes. Rest in peace Uncle and watch over as all.
On the lighter side, I received an email from BlogTv this am. Seems they read my post from Dec last year on my taxi experience. They were wondering if I would be keen to share about this on CNA. HAHAHAH, haven't figured out if this is a prank or a hoax so I will keep everyone posted. Didnt figure anyone read my nonsensical blog anyway.
LUNCH time...later
Been having a couple of bad days lately; discussing with drakon if I should put myself back on the anti-deps. One cause is the book check coming up last week of term. Marking frantically but not frantically enough. This holds me back from returning to teaching FT. I admire the teachers, not just in Singapore but anywhere in the world. Well, maybe more here. Having been in the system and out, plus the fact 1 foot is sorta in it, these are the unsung heroes. It's a real struggle to juggle teaching several classes and subjects with administrative responsibilities, marking with CCAs and your own life. I seriously wonder how I managed to do all that for 5 years and always deal with the the 3 Ds that I went through!
Anyway, I have to really get down to figuring out the career thing. SOON!!!
Had bad news on Sunday, my mom's eldest bro passed away in our hometown on SUNDAY, 25 Feb. Could have kicked myself for not picking up the phone on time but then I was in the bathroom. I have never ever met him; just seen pictures and heard about him. I used to send him chocolates all the time as it was his favourite. It was sad that we could not find a way to bring him here to Singapore to live with us. Though born in Singapore, he did not have proof of it. Sadder still as he had slightly lower IQ than most people. It was really the kindness of my cousin, Leslie, whose dad is my mom's cousin, that helped my uncle Pau live his days in relative comfort. I can also recall the verbal abuse and gossip I got about a 2 years back when Leslie's younger sister called me long distance and gave me a sound scolding. Why hit it out one me; I really wanted to do more but at that point in time, my mom, dad and aunt were the elders. When I tried to help financially with whatever little I could afford, the money was thrown back at me with more abuses. I just want to say for the record, I appreciate what Leslie did and only can say that God will surely bless his goodness; I know I cannot do more than what is humanly possible. It is a blessing for Uncle to go this way and join his parents and my parents in heaven or wherever it is we go after this life passes. Rest in peace Uncle and watch over as all.
On the lighter side, I received an email from BlogTv this am. Seems they read my post from Dec last year on my taxi experience. They were wondering if I would be keen to share about this on CNA. HAHAHAH, haven't figured out if this is a prank or a hoax so I will keep everyone posted. Didnt figure anyone read my nonsensical blog anyway.
LUNCH time...later
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Yogya Yes!
Gong Xi Fa Cai! I'm back and will post photos of the trip in a few days, after we get through processing the shots we took of Borobodur, Pramabanan and other scenes of life in Yogyakarta. The flight from Yogya to Jakarta was a little harrowing due to the bad weather. That may be a deterrent for me to travel to Yogya again. But still much to discover so I may just want to pop on over there again.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Inertia
Drakon had an emergency appendectomy last Sunday. I am sure I spelled that wrongly or as I told the English classes I have, I ain't no walking dictionary. That is also the reason why I haven't updated my blog. He's ok and certainly enjoying the attention and the hopsitalisation leave I bet! Amazing how you get bumped up when A&E hears you have appendicitis. Again, I say NUH service seems way better. I took 2 days off from flexi-adjunct, though I felt bad. When I got back to school, everyone was so sweet, asking how I felt.
Hanging out at NUH sure was a little uncomfortable as memories flooded of December. I have moved on a little but still missing dad's goofy comments and hanging out with him.
Someone said that if we miss a person who has gone ahead to the big pie in the sky, that we would be visiting their grave, niche, whatever. I haven't exactly been faithful in visiting mom's niche. Dad was laid to rest there (finally! they took so long to complete the marble slab) on 26 Jan. It was weird seeing mom's urn when they opened up the niche. Fr Cliff came to say a prayer and looked at my mom's smile and said 'The smile is exactly the same.' I knew where he was coming from. Told him I was slowly coming to grips with that.
Now I need to finalise my career path. Just need to take precautions for fear that the Reserves are running low. Retail therapied too much over Xmas and past few days. It's wondering if I want to go back to teaching full time or trying out for other positions. An ex-colleague gave me a lead and wants me to try it out. Fear and lack of confidence is holding me back. I can't seem to think or feel anymore. Like I am wilting away. NOT MUCH MOTIVATION TO DO ANYTHING, really. can't seem to get out of this state. But no one understands. I wish someone did.
Hanging out at NUH sure was a little uncomfortable as memories flooded of December. I have moved on a little but still missing dad's goofy comments and hanging out with him.
Someone said that if we miss a person who has gone ahead to the big pie in the sky, that we would be visiting their grave, niche, whatever. I haven't exactly been faithful in visiting mom's niche. Dad was laid to rest there (finally! they took so long to complete the marble slab) on 26 Jan. It was weird seeing mom's urn when they opened up the niche. Fr Cliff came to say a prayer and looked at my mom's smile and said 'The smile is exactly the same.' I knew where he was coming from. Told him I was slowly coming to grips with that.
Now I need to finalise my career path. Just need to take precautions for fear that the Reserves are running low. Retail therapied too much over Xmas and past few days. It's wondering if I want to go back to teaching full time or trying out for other positions. An ex-colleague gave me a lead and wants me to try it out. Fear and lack of confidence is holding me back. I can't seem to think or feel anymore. Like I am wilting away. NOT MUCH MOTIVATION TO DO ANYTHING, really. can't seem to get out of this state. But no one understands. I wish someone did.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Historical Journeys Part I
I didn't need to report to school past 3 days as I am on the flexi adjunct scheme. Had intended to carry on my photography at RMBR but things kept cropping up. Hadn't been able to go down in the afternoons after school too, as we have been having meetings to usher in the new school year.
Anyway, I won't be here during the CNY break; we're going to Yogyakarta to visit Borobudur and Prambanan. If we're lucky, we may even be able to see the present sultan of Yogya when we visit the kraton (palace). Managed to get a pretty good package for less than SGD500. Accommodations provided by the Hyatt Regency (*photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency.com) but the catch is we have to fly Garuda. I've flown Garuda to Bali and well enough said. We have a four hour transit in Jakarta so I wonder what we can do. Given Jarkarta's traffic, staying in the airport is best! I just have o worry about the furballs now.
Had to run around Maxwell Road area for the better half of the day, trying to settle some of my dad's matters (will post on my frustrations another time). Had lunch at an authentic Vietnamese cafe on Smith Street called Vietnam #1 Restaurant or something. Being new to flogging, felt weird to take photos of my lunch. Walked over to People's Park to catch a bus; the rain got really heavy again. My slippers (Sembonia from KL 3 years back) decided to die then. Ended up in OG (did you know it's short for Ocean Garments?) and got a pair of Crocs. Not the ugly ones but the Mary Jane pumps. Maybe I should have gone for a size 8; as Drakon always says, my heels got bitten by the 'crocs'. I didn't get help form the sales stuff who were having a gossip session, oblivious to customers. Tsk tsk.
I ended up at the newly renovated National Museum of Singapore. Still think I didn't get my $15 worth but I had a talk to attend. I think I'll get the membership. There's so much info that an afternoon's visit is not enough.However, my main purpose was the Maria Theresia exhibition and I did not regret it. Couldn't take pix though and I am not going to be a spoilsport and sneak taking one. Having worked behind the scenes in heritage, I have to support my ex-colleagues' efforts! She was a dynamic force and I suppose you could say she was one of the original working mums from the 18th century! Only beef, besides the no photography thing, was that the color of the font transfers made it a bit hard to read. It was wonderful to be transported back into the Habsberg-era Austria. To add to the authenticity, Wiener Kaffehaus has opened a little snack bar at B1, outside the exhibition gallery.To those who haven't been to its original Neil Road outlet, you have to. Those who know me, also know I am a coffee addict. My favorite is the Einspaenner.
I ventured to the new 'rotunda', the glass spiral wing that one sees from Stamford Road. That is the Singapore History Gallery and is the gallery I haven't quite finished with. You get around using the aid of the 'Companion' audio headset guide. I liked that idea, as it allows you to explore at your own pace. Kudos to the curatorial team, a lot of effort went into the gallery. Worth the wait! Only problem I had was that I wished there were captions for the artefacts that were not mentioned in the audio guide. I felt my hair stand at the WWII section; it was even worse when I had to walk through it a second time to revisit an earlier section. No one was around and well, I just scuttled out as quickly as I could. I was really taken by the video show depicting 14th century Singapore (*which linked to the talk I attended later that evening) as well as the section dedicated to the women of early modern Singapore.(remember my passion is in women's history) I was surprised to find that they had woven a commentary around Ms Sophia Blackmore, who had founded my alma mater. There was a display of a lace cheongsam; women were really tiny back then. No wonder my Aunty Ivy's wedding gown, which you can see at Memories at the Old Ford Factory needed a child's mannequin.
I ventured to the Singapore Living Galleries in the old wing of the building. That's the one we all grew up with. You know, where the dioramas, the Jade and the Peranakan Collections used to be. Being the fashionista that I am, I really loved the fashion gallery. I will be back again to take in the details. Also, foodie that I am, I also liked the Food gallery. The neato things was that they managed to incorporate the element of 'smells' for some of the common spices used. Visitors just have to pull at the ring and one can get a whiff of anise, cinnamon, wolfberries and kaffir lime. Divine!
I paid $15 for a combined ticket, which allowed me to check out the visiting exhibition and the Singapore Galleries. You save about $3 that way. Otherwise, the museum is a lovely place to chill out if you DON'T want to pay. Besides Wiener, there's a Wa Cafe and Novus Restaurant. It's a lovely building (Maybe coz it wasn't crowded on such a rainy day) and I forgot I was in Singapore for awhile. Kind of reminded me of the Museum in Perth. I left after being there for about 3 hours (NOT ENOUGH TIME) and trudged towards Cathay. Drakon forgot his HP so I had to wait for his call. So what did I do? I ended up getting my eyebrows threaded. My blogs rambled on long enough. Part II to follow.
Anyway, I won't be here during the CNY break; we're going to Yogyakarta to visit Borobudur and Prambanan. If we're lucky, we may even be able to see the present sultan of Yogya when we visit the kraton (palace). Managed to get a pretty good package for less than SGD500. Accommodations provided by the Hyatt Regency (*photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency.com) but the catch is we have to fly Garuda. I've flown Garuda to Bali and well enough said. We have a four hour transit in Jakarta so I wonder what we can do. Given Jarkarta's traffic, staying in the airport is best! I just have o worry about the furballs now.
Had to run around Maxwell Road area for the better half of the day, trying to settle some of my dad's matters (will post on my frustrations another time). Had lunch at an authentic Vietnamese cafe on Smith Street called Vietnam #1 Restaurant or something. Being new to flogging, felt weird to take photos of my lunch. Walked over to People's Park to catch a bus; the rain got really heavy again. My slippers (Sembonia from KL 3 years back) decided to die then. Ended up in OG (did you know it's short for Ocean Garments?) and got a pair of Crocs. Not the ugly ones but the Mary Jane pumps. Maybe I should have gone for a size 8; as Drakon always says, my heels got bitten by the 'crocs'. I didn't get help form the sales stuff who were having a gossip session, oblivious to customers. Tsk tsk.
I ended up at the newly renovated National Museum of Singapore. Still think I didn't get my $15 worth but I had a talk to attend. I think I'll get the membership. There's so much info that an afternoon's visit is not enough.However, my main purpose was the Maria Theresia exhibition and I did not regret it. Couldn't take pix though and I am not going to be a spoilsport and sneak taking one. Having worked behind the scenes in heritage, I have to support my ex-colleagues' efforts! She was a dynamic force and I suppose you could say she was one of the original working mums from the 18th century! Only beef, besides the no photography thing, was that the color of the font transfers made it a bit hard to read. It was wonderful to be transported back into the Habsberg-era Austria. To add to the authenticity, Wiener Kaffehaus has opened a little snack bar at B1, outside the exhibition gallery.To those who haven't been to its original Neil Road outlet, you have to. Those who know me, also know I am a coffee addict. My favorite is the Einspaenner.
I ventured to the new 'rotunda', the glass spiral wing that one sees from Stamford Road. That is the Singapore History Gallery and is the gallery I haven't quite finished with. You get around using the aid of the 'Companion' audio headset guide. I liked that idea, as it allows you to explore at your own pace. Kudos to the curatorial team, a lot of effort went into the gallery. Worth the wait! Only problem I had was that I wished there were captions for the artefacts that were not mentioned in the audio guide. I felt my hair stand at the WWII section; it was even worse when I had to walk through it a second time to revisit an earlier section. No one was around and well, I just scuttled out as quickly as I could. I was really taken by the video show depicting 14th century Singapore (*which linked to the talk I attended later that evening) as well as the section dedicated to the women of early modern Singapore.(remember my passion is in women's history) I was surprised to find that they had woven a commentary around Ms Sophia Blackmore, who had founded my alma mater. There was a display of a lace cheongsam; women were really tiny back then. No wonder my Aunty Ivy's wedding gown, which you can see at Memories at the Old Ford Factory needed a child's mannequin.
I ventured to the Singapore Living Galleries in the old wing of the building. That's the one we all grew up with. You know, where the dioramas, the Jade and the Peranakan Collections used to be. Being the fashionista that I am, I really loved the fashion gallery. I will be back again to take in the details. Also, foodie that I am, I also liked the Food gallery. The neato things was that they managed to incorporate the element of 'smells' for some of the common spices used. Visitors just have to pull at the ring and one can get a whiff of anise, cinnamon, wolfberries and kaffir lime. Divine!
I paid $15 for a combined ticket, which allowed me to check out the visiting exhibition and the Singapore Galleries. You save about $3 that way. Otherwise, the museum is a lovely place to chill out if you DON'T want to pay. Besides Wiener, there's a Wa Cafe and Novus Restaurant. It's a lovely building (Maybe coz it wasn't crowded on such a rainy day) and I forgot I was in Singapore for awhile. Kind of reminded me of the Museum in Perth. I left after being there for about 3 hours (NOT ENOUGH TIME) and trudged towards Cathay. Drakon forgot his HP so I had to wait for his call. So what did I do? I ended up getting my eyebrows threaded. My blogs rambled on long enough. Part II to follow.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Blog on By
HAPPY 2007, though I am almost 2 weeks late.
I just can't bring myself to blog since my last post. Here are some reasons why.
1) Methinks that perhaps I shouldn't have been so open about the adoption issue. Some folks have commented that it may have been too personal and that it would invite more questions. Especially since the people who have been keeping this from me (ie. the entire maternal side of my 'family') may be reading my blog.
2) My blog doesn't have pictures. I usually work on my laptop (which has been shutting down on me ALOT lately) and photos processed on desktop by Drakon. Till I start transferring photos from desktop, it'll be words mostly.
3) Afraid that my blog may be a sign of narcissism.
4) Been reading articles that blogging is so passe....
At the same time, this blog maybe one of the ways some of my friends and family overseas hear about me (folks overseas: EMAIL me please; I get worried when you guys don't and I don;t want to intrude). So whatever it is, I will try to blog more regularly. Perhaps as therapy to get over December 2006's disasters.
2007 is about decisions...new directions... I have gone back to part-time teaching. I have been given many graduating classes. Nightmares of my last term teaching in 2004 have been popping up. Especially the English file incident. I shudder, I hope the past will not come back to haunt me. Nightmares of the godforsaken place also have flooded back because someone spoke to me about the 'mess' I made. I am a mess but they just don't understand why I WAS.
I just can't bring myself to blog since my last post. Here are some reasons why.
1) Methinks that perhaps I shouldn't have been so open about the adoption issue. Some folks have commented that it may have been too personal and that it would invite more questions. Especially since the people who have been keeping this from me (ie. the entire maternal side of my 'family') may be reading my blog.
2) My blog doesn't have pictures. I usually work on my laptop (which has been shutting down on me ALOT lately) and photos processed on desktop by Drakon. Till I start transferring photos from desktop, it'll be words mostly.
3) Afraid that my blog may be a sign of narcissism.
4) Been reading articles that blogging is so passe....
At the same time, this blog maybe one of the ways some of my friends and family overseas hear about me (folks overseas: EMAIL me please; I get worried when you guys don't and I don;t want to intrude). So whatever it is, I will try to blog more regularly. Perhaps as therapy to get over December 2006's disasters.
2007 is about decisions...new directions... I have gone back to part-time teaching. I have been given many graduating classes. Nightmares of my last term teaching in 2004 have been popping up. Especially the English file incident. I shudder, I hope the past will not come back to haunt me. Nightmares of the godforsaken place also have flooded back because someone spoke to me about the 'mess' I made. I am a mess but they just don't understand why I WAS.
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