Batam Revisted.

Apparently…
I have been to Batam before, according to my parents. I remember the part where I got to drive the golf buggy for the first time as I went with Dad around the golf course. Everything else is a blur. Mum recalled that my sister and I didn’t enjoy it, with the many flies and dirty streets.

With a 2 night complimentary stay voucher…
EK and I took the opportunity and booked ourselves into Batam View Beach Resort over the Friday plus weekend (22 - 22 March). We have been saying that we should visit Batam, perhaps on some weekend where we got really bored of Singapore and wanted out! And so we did.

Researching on google…
We weren’t impressed with the resort or facilities, neither with the sights or the attractions. Wondering what we were going to do there over the 3 days, we packed with reservation.

Upon arrival…
We were pleasantly surprised. We were well guided by the staff in yellow who collected us from the checkpoint, showed us to the bus and then took to the resort. The staff at the reception were friendly, allowing us to check in 2 hours earlier than specified.

Superior standard…
Our rooms were of the cheapest offered at the resort, but it was still clean, spacious and comfortable for the two of us.


Touring the resort…
We ticked off our checklist. Restaurant, swimming pool, table tennis, tennis, badminton, beach volley, jet ski, snorkelling, canoeing, kayaking, karaoke, bar, etc. Check! Check! Check! Some were free, but others not. Everything was in Singapore prices and hence, not cheap.


Town exploration…
We grabbed a cab and went into town. The cab fare to Nagoya was $20, but it was quite a distance so it was reasonable. Lunch was priority and we had a safe lunch at A&W before shopping around Nagoya Hills – considered to be one of their largest mall. Sizewise, it was big but shops wise, not my kind of shopping. You could find fake LV everything, or Gucci and the lot. Guess came real or fake, so did watches. Upon closer scrutiny, EK noted that even a cheap product such as a Sony battery charger was fake! But supermarket shopping was fun fun fun because things were cheap cheap cheap. Potato chips at $1, orange juice at $0.50, and Heineken at $1.50 a can.

The confusing ZEROS…
Payment was mind-boggling! Exchanging S$100, we almost became millionaires! What’s with all the zeros! I had so much difficulty counting the notes! The joke of the day: EK decided to split some cash with me, so that if I got lost, I wouldn’t be penniless. So he handed me several RP 1000 notes. I graciously accepted but after a brief calculation, informed him, “It’s not even $1”. GAH! It was impossible to deal with the large numbers of pointless zeros, which made payment cumbersome and slow (for us visitors). It’s such a waste of money. Why does the government print RP 1000 notes worth only 12 singapore cents?! I fancied a pair of shorts costing RP 130,000, and only after whipping out my handphone calculator and realising it meant $16, I finally agreed to part with the cash.

Relaxing Massage…
With $24 each, we scored ourselves a good 2 hour long massage! You can’t compare it to Singapore’s or Penang’s expensive but amazing massages, but theirs was quality at price. We couldn’t complain. After the massage and some Chinese dinner, we headed back to the resort – after a thrilling and scary taxi ride – imagine TAXI (the French movie) but at night.

Sports galore…
After a filling buffet breakfast, EK and I spent the morning doing sports such as table tennis and tennis. By noon, the sun was far too unbearable and we retreated indoors to play some pool. After 2 games where I emerged the loser, we went back to our room. Not long after, rain came down and locked us in. So we entertained ourselves, me as the model and EK as the photographer. I’ve got some great shots I can’t wait to share – but first, the DI master needs to do his photoshop magic before I share them with you. Heee.



Chilling out…
Armed with the bread and snacks from our supermarket trip, we kept our tummies occupied till dinner. After sharing a cup noodles in the room, we went down to the restaurant to share a main course for dinner. After dinner, we went to check out the outdoor kelong restaurant which serves seafood, took a stroll along the docks before heading back to rest.


Surprising myself…
I never thought I could play table tennis that well. On Sunday morning after breakfast, EK and I went to play a round of table tennis – that was a warm-up. Just as I was getting into it, we realised there was badminton and we changed games, only to discover it wasn’t as fun as table tennis. And so, we returned to the table and played 9 sets of exciting table tennis. And I emerged the winner – ok, perhaps EK gave in to me and didn’t use all he got, but I was surprised with myself because I never liked table tennis – not even when we played it during physical education in school.





Checking out…
After the good game of table tennis, we returned to our rooms to pack up and check out. While waiting for the bus to pick us up and take us to the ferry terminal, we lounged in the hall and entertained ourselves with cheap magnum ice cream…YUM YUM.

Batam revisited…
We boarded the ferry and headed back to Singapore, arriving home around 5pm. The conclusion was that it was a good and relaxing trip, better than we had expected. We enjoyed ourselves, but we won’t go again unless we are offered another complimentary stay… It’s fun, but not fantastic, so we wouldn’t pay to visit again.

Confessions of a Shopaholic (NOT THE MOVIE)

Prologue:
”Hi, I’m Raine and I’m a Shopaholic.” Raine introduced herself at the SS* convention held at the Grand Hyatt.

“Hi, Raine.” The other members greeted and continued with their activities.

Chapter 1: The Calling
“Le-Long, Le-Long, FJB sale ! FJB sale ! HURRY HURRY, DON’T MISS OUT! GET YOUR FRIENDS TOGETHER AND SAVE MORE AH!!” The sales men called and the shopaholics flocked in masses down to the Grand Hyatt for the annual SS convention held by FJ Benjamin.

Translation:

Raine was among the shopaholics. Along with 2 other colleagues of hers, they joined the queue to enter the ballroom during their lunch hour.

Upon entering, Raine was neither deterred by the masses, nor was she deterred by the mess. Being a well-trained SS member, especially with limited time on her hands, Raine went straight to conquer her top priority – LA SENZA LINGERIE!

Chapter 2: First Stop
“COME! COME AND SEE! Seduce your partners with these sexy lingeries! Or sleep in beautiful bliss with our comfy pyjamas! 1 piece for $25, but don’t stop at 1, BUY 3 FOR $45!”

Raine dived into the pile, shouting “Gimmie 3!”

When she emerged, she found she had 4. No, 5 pieces! No, 4…but the offer is 3 for $45! Before she could decide, her colleague called.

Chapter 3: Plan of attack!
“Have you seen the queue to pay?! It’s super long. We need a plan of attack. Let’s take turns to queue! I’ll go queue first, 10 minutes later, you come over, OK?” Her colleague discussed.

“Great plan!” Raine ended the call and returned her attention to her lingeries.

After a grueling elimination process among the lingeries, she decided time was precious and stuffed the final selected 4 pieces into her TBP** bag before proceeding to take her turn at the payment queue.

“I’ll decide which 3 pieces I want when I’m in the queue.” She strategized and headed over to find her colleague.

She was not swayed by the other sales men who were vying for her attention, “Miss, bras are only $18 each, or if you purchase 2, it’s only $30, but since you’re so pretty, if you buy 3, I’ll give it to you at $36 only! That means it’s only $12 each leh! VERY GOOD BUY!”

“I know, I know. I’ll come back later if I have time.” If I really want it.

Chapter 4: The queue!
The queue was indeed long! While she was deciding which 3 lingeries to pick, her other colleague came over to relief her of her duties. TING*** Raine quickly recommended the lingeries to her.

“Go and see, I’ve got 4 pieces so if you find anything else you want, we can combine and get cheaper prices.”

It was a good move and her colleague returned with 2 more lingeries in hand and Shopaholic Raine didn’t need to eliminate any one of her buy!

Raine exchanged shift with her colleague and proceeded to overcome the next challenge!

Chapter 5: Only at the Hyatt!
Her eyes twinkled as she approached the sales bins.

“You, ma’am!” A salesman called.

“Me?”

“Yes, you, ma’am. Come and check out our lovely Guess bags! It’s selling for 1 for $45, 3 for $120, or better yet, 6 for $180!!! Tell me where in Singapore can you find such good bargains?”

“Only at the ballroom of the Grand Hyatt?”

“Bingo! Only $30 a bag if you purchase 6 bags. Buy a few for yourself, for your mother, for your sister, for your aunty lah! It’s very good buy leh!”

Raine thought to herself, “If I could I would have bought a truckload – it was daylight robbery savings!”

She did her mental calculations. Usually, the prices of guess bags are $180, or at minimum $100 during department store sales. At $30 a bag, that’s savings of $70 per bag (as compared to standard sales). TING!

“Give me 6!!!!”

Chapter 6: Better than Pasar Malam!
She returned back to the queue to relief her colleagues and to recollect herself. She had 8 handbags in her hands. She only wanted 6, but she only liked 5. What should she do?

Not long after, her colleague came over to take over and she hurriedly returned the 2 least favourite handbags. The payment queue was getting shorter by the minute and it was now a race against time.

She chucked the 2 handbags and rushed over to the LA SENZA section again because her sister wanted bras!

The sales men hit the right notes, “…and La Senza bras going for 1 for $18 or 3 for $36. Panties at 5 for $10!!! It’s insane, isn’t it! You can’t even find 5 panties for $10 bargains at pasar malams, but you can find it here at the Grand Hyatt!

“I’ll take 3 bras!!”

Chapter 7: Just in time!
Raine rejoined her colleagues just in time as they headed into the payment section (separate room where the queue continued on).

She stood in line to reorganize her buy. Her other colleague, seeing the many handbags Raine had in her hand was tempted and hopped out of the queue quickly to check out the handbags. Her colleague returned with one handbag and Raine had another TING moment.

5 bags for Raine + 1 bag for her colleague = 6 bags at $180!

So Raine settled her additional bag problem and made payment.

Chapter 7: To go or not to go!
It was a very fruitful shopping trip, even though Raine didn’t even make it to the other sections such as clothes and shoes.

As she talked with her colleagues, she learnt more about the other brands on sale:
- RAOUL - $50 or less for men’s shirts
- GAP - 1 tshirt for $10, 3 for a lot cheaper
- GUESS - 3 pairs of shoes for $99 and more for cheaper!!!
- BANANA REPUBLIC - $25 for a dress

There were also Guess watches, wallets, Raoul accessories, etc....all on crazy sale but she didn't have time to look…so the NEXT big question is, will she return in the next couple of days?

To be continued…

* SS – Shopping Shopaholics
** TBP – To Be Purchased
*** TING – Lightbulb moment
Note: All dialogues are fictitious, but sale & prices are FOR REAL!

Mourning before it has passed...

My colleague and I are mourning over Boys Over Flowers (korean), even before it has passed.

Today and tomorrow, Korea will be airing the last 2 episodes to the Boys Over Flowers drama. Along with millions of fans worldwide, we cannot bear to part with the tear jerking and emotional scenes, the sweet and envious precious moments,the dreamy storyline, and last but not least, the 4 handsome guys.


Throughout the past couple of months, we have been looking forward to Mondays and Tuesdays...Monday blues are a thing of the past as we yearn for the weekend to pass quickly so that we can watch the next episodes.

But as it draws to a close, the inevitable feeling of loss creaps up on us. How will the ending be? With Korea's unpredictable and melodramatic tendencies, we are left wondering if the pair will be together or not. As saying goes, all good things must come to an end...

Will there be another drama as good as this?

If only women could be simplified so easily...

Men are solution seekers…they have to rationalise everything. Clearly, the following diagrams are from MEN, but can we be simplified so easily with these diagrams? Or are we the sum of all diagrams? I think the latter.

We add baggage, are unpredictable and hazardous, argumentative, complicated, meticulous and more!






Not like men who are so boring…YAWN.

School uniforms in fashion?

I absolutely love the school uniforms in Boys over Flowers! Sexy, preppy and full of class!


So...Will you wear your school uniforms on the street, on weekends, to the city and on dates?

HELL YA!

I just visited one of my favourite Taiwan brand Knightsbridge's website and it appears school uniform designs are in fashion! Especially white shirts with plaid skirts!






Don't they look absolutely fun and adorable! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Well...anything's definitely better than the Nanyang school uniform!! Can't imagine I lived with it for 10 years!

Tired but HIGH!

I’m so tired, and yet so HIGH. Is that possible? YES, if you’re into the k-drama craze, specifically 꽃보다 남자 (Kgotboda Namja), or aka Boys Over Flowers!!

Last night, I watched the long due episodes from last Monday/Tuesday (I couldn’t find the time throughout the week to watch it)…and it was soooooo good.

Jandi’s maid’s outfit – SOOOOOOOO ADORABLE!

Ohhh, and the part when she was formally introduced as Jun Pyo’s personal assistant…AWWWWW. He was so shocked, it was SOOOOOOOOO CUTE.

And then he calls her to his room and asks her to cook ramen for him, demanding to eat it in the cooking pot (as commoners do), and then subtly asks her to sit on his comfy lazy boy in order to let her rest, and then he discovers she falls asleep and he puts a blanket over her…and and and…he watches her with those sweet loving eyes – AHHHHHHHHHHHH. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

And and and…another time when he lures her to his room to accompany him to watch a horror movie and there’s typical ‘I’m scared so I grab on to the person next to me’ scene * GRIN *

And when she wants to leave his room but spots his fiancé coming in, she hides in his closet and ends up falling asleep…and he so gently carries her back to her bed – Everyone go ‘AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW’!

And when he begs the fiancé not to go through the wedding coz he only loves Jandi and will never love another – TEAR!

OK, I think I’ve spoilt it for those who intend to watch it but have not…SORRY…HAD TO OOOOHHHH and AWWWWWW.

I’m dying, itching, pining, yearning to watch the day before yesterday and yesterday’s episode!

URGH…scratch scratch!

Little Miss Fickle went full circle...

As the story goes, Little Miss Fickle was about to sign the contract on the fourth apartment she saw. When she turned up at the owner’s place all ready to place yet another option to purchase fee, she faced yet another hurdle. The owner wanted to sell the apartment to her, but didn’t want to sign the papers until they have prayed to their God’s and most auspicious date to sign the contract…so Little Miss Fickle, irritated by the owner’s own fickleness, left for home to report back to her parents.

She decided to be a little bit more patient and wait for the owners to sign, so Little Miss Fickle decided to call Mr Agent to inform him that she wishes to forfeit the third apartment and deposit fee, but after a good half an hour conversation, Mr Agent managed to convince Little Miss Fickle otherwise.

So to cut the story short, Little Miss Fickle decided to stick to her first instinct and finalized the contract on the third apartment, which was older, but corner, larger and more spacious. She went one full circle, but she was glad she made this final decision…

Today, Little Miss Fickle faces other decisions…
How should she decorate the place?
What furniture to buy?
What colours to paint the apartment? What theme to go with?

Though many decisions await Little Miss Fickle, she looks forward to tackling them because it’s finally starting to get fun! That is…if budget allows.

Little Miss Fickle

Little Miss Fickle went to town…
Little Miss Fickle bought a house.
Little Miss Fickle went back home…
Little Miss Fickle thought ‘OH NO’.

Once upon a time in Fickle World, Little Miss Fickle went to view apartments.

On her first viewing, Little Miss Fickle saw a small and run-down apartment. It was old and the apartment needed 100% renovations. But the selling price was reasonable. Disheartened, Little Miss Fickle went back home. She thought to herself, “Is this what all apartments in Fickle World would look like? Old and in need of major renovations?” Little Miss Fickle liked the idea of renovations because that meant she could have a brand new interior, so Little Miss Fickle considered that option.

But the next day, she received a call saying that apartment had already been sold. So Little Miss Fickle viewed another two apartments.

The second apartment was old with weird angled rooms, but more spacious than the first. However, the price was a little high for something that needed to be renovated. Little Miss Fickle thought more about the first apartment which was already sold.

The third apartment she saw was slightly noisy as it was along the main road, but it was also very spacious, had a beautiful kitchen and nice toilets. Little Miss Fickle’s spirits brightened up. She liked this apartment and thought it was a rare find, especially when she had started to believe that all apartments in Fickle World was going to be old and run-down. Under the influential speech given by Mr Agent, Little Miss Fickle felt compelled to make a decision. But she went home and thought about it. Little Miss Fickle discussed it with her parents, as well as her boyfriend Mr Photographer, who all encouraged her to make the decision based on what she felt.

So Little Miss Fickle decided to put down an offer for the apartment.

On the same day Little Miss Fickle was going to pay the deposit, Little Miss Another-Agent called to ask if she was interested in viewing another apartment. So Little Miss Fickle and Mr Photographer went down to view this fourth apartment.

It was newer, younger, but smaller and along the corridor. Though Little Miss Fickle and Mr Photographer liked it, but she thought the corridor issue was a big problem of privacy and decided against it. So they met Mr Agent and paid the deposit for the option to purchase the third apartment they viewed.

Or should she have not? When Little Miss Fickle got home, all she could think about was the fourth apartment instead. Suddenly, more and more reasons NOT to purchase the third apartment surfaced. Little Miss Fickle thought ‘OH NO, I made the wrong choice’.

Though Little Miss Fickle was relieved that she had 2 weeks to consider her offer on the third apartment and it would only result in losing the minimal deposit, she couldn’t make the decision. So her parents and Mr Photographer decided for her.

Little Miss Fickle rang Little Miss Another-Agent to schedule the second viewing of fourth apartment. After the second viewing, both Little Miss Fickle and Mr Photographer liked the apartment and offered to purchase the apartment.

Currently, they are waiting for Little Miss Another-Agent to return call and arrange a date for the signing of documents and making of the deposit. Little Miss Fickle has also viewed two more apartments in Fickle World, but her decision still sways to the fourth apartment she viewed.

What if the deal for the fouth apartment falls through? What if the owner decides he doesn’t want to sell? Little Miss Fickle worries incessantly. At least Little Miss Fickle still holds the offer for the third apartment…but does she want something bigger yet older, or something newer yet smaller?

To be continued…

INCONSIDERATE!

Time: Yesterday afternoon at work…

Colleague [reading from the internet]: A final-year student jumped from a campus block after stabbing a professor .
Me [in a perky tone]: Oh? Is this in America?
Colleague: No. NTU.

I thought only such things would happen in America. I never expected any campus cases as such in Singapore. Not only was the student ‘first class honours material’, he was also in his final year!

The student entered the professor’s office, stabbed him in the back leaving him injured, then slit his wrists and jumped off a five-storey building. There was bloody trail from the office, and blood splatter where the student was found.

It must have been traumatic for students who witnessed the suicide! And a professor injured? At this point in time, no one knows the reason for the stabbing.

Regardless, I believe that it was very inconsiderate of the student to commit suicide in that fashion. And I absolute detest those who commit suicide without thinking of the consequences!

There are family to consider (the student was from Indonesia and his parents must have paid plenty for his education in Singapore), then the bystanders who are left with the shock and trauma of witnessing the suicide, and to bring down someone else with your plight? INCONSIDERATE!

- Especially those who jump in front of oncoming traffic – the poor driver who was on the wrong lane at the wrong time.
- Especially those who jump off buildings, worse in public areas – poor bystanders who’s day have been ruined by such a sighting.
- Especially those who shoots everyone else before shooting himself/herself – ever thought about the other families that will mourn for ages?

INCONSIDERATE.

Buckets of Raine

It's been such a long time since I've balled my eyes out! I don't know how korean's do it, but they just do their melodramatic scenes so well! Especially episode 13 and 14! My tears came down in buckets!

Hana Yori Dango (Korean) is hands down the best version I've seen! The guys are sooooooo yummy, I take back what I said at the start about them not looking the part because they do!

Sorry for those who have absolutely no clue what I'm ranting about, just LET ME RANT. Episode 13 and 14 is the breakup scene that broke all our hearts! To the point where I even wanted Rui to come and put her out of her misery, make her feel better. That was the point I realised how good this Korean version was...that though I wanted Rui to come and save the day (usually I don't like it coz I'm pro Makino and Domyoji), and when he did to my relief, they played it out so well that you didn't find yourself siding with Rui, and instead still rooting for the leads to end up together. That's how well balanced the script was.

When you want them young and mischevious, they do it so well, then you want them handsome and act as heir to huge fortunes and they play the part so well too.

It's impossible to complain, except that I can't wait for Monday and Tuesday to quickly come so that I can watch the next 2 episodes...and the following Monday and Tuesday to quickly come so that I can watch the next next 2 episodes...etc, etc, and etc.

I apologise that you'll have to put up with such posts till the end of the drama because that's probably when I'll stop ranting...

Did I tell you I'm re-reading the comics again? I'm addicted!

Naive & me...

I live in my own naïve world…in a world inside a television.

How could I have such a skewed perspective of what a hospital room look like?





Comfortable beds; 1 patient per room, no sharing; Nice sofas for visitors. Courtesy of Meteor Garden (Taiwan), and Boys Before Flowers (Korea), and one NZ hospital I visited someone before.

Today, I went with a colleague to visit another colleague who had been admitted into the hospital because of Dengue. Though the hospital was ‘happening’ – the first word that came to my mind – with lots of people walking around, shops selling bags, accessories, gifts etc, cafes and foodcourts, etc, but when we got to the hospital ward, it was very gloomy and sad.

It wasn’t how I pictured it to be…her room had 5 other patients sharing the space. Around her, the other patients were either sick or old or lonely. There was no air-con, I felt there was no ventilation. The beds were yucky with plastic barriers. You could see what was happening all around you to other patients, basically no privacy. And the smell…like they say “hospital smell”…it was rather claustrophobic. It’s no surprise if patients develop hospital phobia.

I felt weird being there, I felt exposed. I couldn’t imagine how she would be feeling. She moved here from India (first time being away from her parents) and she was alone in the hospital. She told us she felt rather lonely and was very happy to see us. She said this place made her feel even more sick and I could totally understand. I wasn’t a patient and I didn’t like the place at all!



Here’s a picture of the room, taken from the Singapore General Hospital website.

This picture doesn’t look as bad as I make it sound. Definitely the work of photoshop. Coz in reality, the room was not so bright, not so colourful, and not so neat.

Why does it have to be so gloomy? Why does it have to be so sad and make you feel even worse?

But having said this, I understand space is limited (she had to wait 5 hours to have a bed), and quality comes with price. Her’s was classed B2, second cheapest of what was offered. But there are still things you can do to make the place prettier and happier, like a new coat of paint/wallpaper? I don’t know.

I just didn’t like it. How is anyone suppose to get well in such a gloomy place? Especially when you don’t have family with you and you’re all alone?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BLOG!

Belated...Oops.

YOU SUCK!

To Made-in-China products, YOU SUCK! You’re cheap and disappointing! Don’t you ever have QC? Don’t you have a sense of ethics? Don’t you want to be the best? URGH!

I’ve lost sleep because of you! I paid USD 2 each for 500pcs of compact mirrors for work, and I expected the quality to be much better! URGH, now, not only am I worried our clients will complain about your quality, I’m worried that my boss is disappointed in me!

URGH! Does it hurt to be of better quality? Does it hurt to be of higher perceived value? Your website looks so good, your pictures look so pretty, EVERYTHING IS DECEIVING!!

YOU SUCK!

Re: I love 꽃보다 남자

Dear Director Jun Ki Sang and Screenwriter Yoon Ji Ryun,

I’m a huge fan of Hana Yori Dango, and I’ve read the Japanese comics, watched the Japanese animation, fell in love with the Taiwanese drama followed by the Japanese drama. I was recently told there the Korean drama is currently airing in Korea (only 8 out of 24 episodes have been aired) and I couldn’t give it a miss!

As I live in Singapore, I can only watch it online. Last Saturday night, I was so addicted to your drama that I watched all 8 episodes straight, from 11.30pm till 7am on Sunday morning.

I would like to commend you on your fantastic choice of locations! Korea is so beautiful in winter! I absolutely love the fact that you captured the wealth of the Tsukasa group! I found the Taiwanese and Japanese drama did not do justice to realise the extent of wealth this group of F4 possesses! Your drama blew me away, especially with the entrance of Domyoji in a helicopter, the majestic school and amazing classroom of the F4, complete with well-crafted desks, laptops, etc. LOVE!

As for the actors, good choice! Initially I thought they looked a little older, definitely not high school age. But as I watched your drama, I slowly disregarded the age difference as I fell in love with them!

I absolutely love Domyoji or as you named him Goo Joon Pyo! Initially, I thought he was rather mature looking, and his permed hair was rather hilarious. But he acted fantastically and brought out the childlike nature of Domyoji, yet with his mature actions of protective love!

I also applaud you for your choice of the actor playing the role of Hanazawa Rui. He was very charming and when he smiled, it melted hearts. However, I’m a die-hard Domyoji fan so I didn’t like the parts where Makino Tsukushi was with Rui because it was all too sweet! It got me wincing and pining for Makino to return to Domyoji, which seemed like forever!

As for Makino aka Jan Di, I think her character was portrayed a little weak. The actress didn’t look tough or strong enough to battle Domyoji, unlike the comic book Domyoji, who was a little rougher around the edges. I find Jan Di too fair and sweet in appearance to play the determined weed!

The actors who played Soujirou and Akira did a great job too! Their smiles are definitely playboy worthy!

And your choice of supporting actors – one word – BRILLANCE! The beautiful first love of Rui, played by actress cum model Han Chae Young lived up to her beautiful reputation! Jan Di’s best friend was as cute as portrayed in the comics and Jan Di’s younger brother is sooooooooo adorable!

I can’t wait to watch the rest of the episodes and buy the DVD when it’s finally released!!!

Love,
Raine

HANA YORI DANGO!!!

October 1992 marked the start of of Hana Yori Dango the comic book.


Following that in September of 1996, the Japanese animation was released.

Then, in April 2001, Taiwan released their own TV drama based on the comics, calling it “Meteor Garden”, followed by “Meteor Garden II” in November 2002.


In October 2005, Japan got their act together and released their own TV drama, with part 2 following in January 2007. They also proceeded to film a movie, released in June 2008.


And when you thought it all was coming to an end…Korea brought it all back to life in January 2009, releasing their own TV drama series.


I love the comics where your imagination could run wild and the most outrageous things happened. I love the Taiwanese TV drama series, which brought the comics to life! I fell for the Japan TV drama series, because afterall, Japan was where it all started. I’ve currently started watching the Korean TV drama series as it is still airing in Korea, so I’m unable to come to a conclusion yet, but GOODNESS, the Korean version pushed the boundaries of EXPENSIVE LUXURY to proportions that the other versions didn't or couldn't!

Though every version is slightly different from each other and from the original comics, but one thing remains the same...the poor girl Makino Tsukushi who finds herself entangled in the group of 4 handsomely rich boys who call themselves the F4.

Introducing Tsukushi Makino in her many appearances across Asia...


Holding firm on Makino's character as a tough and independent girl who stands up to her rights, I award Japan's Makino with best actress. She's small but tough, cute but not exceptionally beautiful, and young. The Taiwanese and Korean actresses didn't make my age cut...

And now, introducing the famous F4!!! Which group do you think looks the best together?


From the anime (left to right): Akira Mimasaka, Rui Hanazawa, Tsukasa Doumyouji, Soujirou Nishikado

From Taiwan (left to right): Soujirou Nishikado, Tsukasa Doumyouji, Akira Mimasaka, Rui Hanazawa

From Japan (left to right): Soujirou Nishikado, Rui Hanazawa, Tsukasa Doumyouji, Akira Mimasaka

From Korea (left to right): Soujirou Nishikado, Akira Mimasaka, Tsukasa Doumyouji, Rui Hanazawa

To me, the anime F4 are a little to skinny to my liking, the most muscular are the Taiwanese group, though in terms of looks, the fall behind the sauve Japanese F4, but the Koreans simple look too old to be college students, though their uniforms are to die for!

So, now let's dig deeper and analyse each F4 character, starting with...DUH...Tsukasa Doumyouji, the leader of F4...


My favourite Doumyouji is still Taiwan's (though Japan's comes close too). He's got the look, the muscles and the style! And check out Korea's (bottom right), what's up with his maggie mee hairdo!! GROSS!

As for the quiet but sophisticated Rui Hanazawa...


Japan is the winner! He's moody, but totally cute! And has that can't care look that is soooo Rui! And as usual, I'd like to diss Korea's one...too feminine for F4, though, there's a reason the 'F' stands for 'Flower' - as pretty as 'Flowers'!!!

And last but not least, the duo Soujirou Nishikado & Akira Mimasaka...


I like Taiwan's Akira for his supportive yet playful personality, and in terms of looks, Korea's Soujirou, though I haven't seen him in action yet so I don't know how well he plays that character.

So having said all this, I would like to wrap up with my dream team!


What are your takes?

'BOUT TIME!

I have finally uploaded my Taiwan photos! To view, click on September 2008 in the links on the left to access my Taiwan posts!!! ENJOY!

Just like old times...but different

When I was younger and our family was still living in Singapore, I thoroughly enjoyed Chinese New Year!

I remember shopping with mummy for new clothes and shoes (usually matching new clothes with my lil sis)…
But as we grew older, we had our own say on what we wore…and after moving to NZ, Chinese New Year was not even a public holiday, so we didn’t bother with this tradition anymore.

I remember every Chinese New Year eve, we would gather as a family for the traditional reunion dinner steamboat…
But after I returned to Singapore on my own and joined my grandparents, uncles and their families, it became a banquet of random dishes. Not as fun an event as the traditional reunion dinner steamboat. Perhaps steamboat was too troublesome?

I remember lying on my parent’s bed on the night of the eve, helping mummy pack money into the ang pows for distribution…
But as we grew older, and moved to NZ, there just wasn’t so many ang pows to pack anymore.

I remember being squashed between my uncle and my dadad as we made our way through the streets of Chinatown on the night of the eve, fascinated by my surroundings.
But as we grew older, we couldn’t be bothered going to Chinatown as it became too crowded. Perhaps it wasn’t so fascinating anymore?

I remember carrying a cute little pouch around with me, especially to contain the ang pows I received…
But as we grew older, the little pouch turned into an adult handbag, filled with my own things such as my wallet, keys, cards, etc. And of course, the odd ang pow we received.

I remember the excitement of secretly peeking into each ang pow given to see how much I had ‘earned’…
But as we grew older and moved to NZ, the ang pows grew fewer and we could estimate the amount anyways, there was no need to peek.

And I also remember the joy of eating lots and lots of ba kua at people’s places, just because it was yummy and the only time we could have ba kua…
But then we grew older and found ba kua fatty, and the availability of ba kua in Singapore meant that any time of the year I could have ba kua, it wasn’t as special anymore…

I was just about to think this year was going to the same as the previous few years…when I was pleasantly surprised.

1 week before Chinese New Year, mum asked, “Have you bought any new clothes for the new year?”
Suddenly, it seemed like I should have bought something new to wear. And so that day, I shopped. And the day after, I shopped. And up until the weekend leading to CNY, I shopped. It felt good again to plan what to wear on the eve for reunion dinner, what to wear on the first day to receive guests to grandpa’s house and what to wear on day 2 when I went visiting. It felt like old times…

“Let’s go Chinatown,” suggested EK…
With EK and his parents celebrating Chinese New Year for the first time in their lives in Singapore, EK thought of bringing his parents to Chinatown. But they said they had been there, so we almost didn’t make it! Afterall, it was far from the top of our list of things to do. It was an impromptu decision, after discovering Clarke Quay was not happening enough, we decided to walk over and to check it out again. And I’m glad we did. It certainly brought back childhood memories and seeing the people, the lights and the REDS revived the spirit of Chinese New Year in me.
While we're on the topic of Chinese New Year events...
Annually, Singapore always organised this event called 'Chun Dao He Pan' and for the first time in my life, we went to this event on the second day of Chinese New Year. The beautiful lanterns, all red and glowy...it can't get any more Chinese New Year than this!!


But the fun of reunion dinner lies in the first word, not the act of dining…
Perhaps I’ve grown more mature, but I discovered it was a reunion with cousins I haven’t chatted with in ages…

“Ok…time to prepare the ang pows,” said Grandpa as he retired to his room after the reunion dinner…
And I smiled, remembering the old times. I too went to my room to prepare the ang pows…some things never change, I’m still helping mummy pack money into the ang pows for my grandparents…

But there’s one thing that I used to do when I was little but not anymore…
Pig out on ba kua…

Shoes on Purpose

Early this week, I purchased two pairs of shoes, and yesterday, another three. Each one with its purpose!

Call me sentimental, but I simply refuse to throw out my shoes just because it’s broken or worn out. No siree! Not before I find a replacement. When I purchased shoe #1 from Americaya on Tuesday 20 January 2009, it had a purpose. The black heels with a simple gold buckle were purchased purposefully to replace another pair of black heels that broke on 1 December 2008 – God rest its sole! And about time. I have been at a loss without a good sturdy black pair of heels that would match almost every other outfit I have…

Though I’m a woman and loves my heels, when my legs are tired, and the blisters are screaming, heels just don’t look so fantastic on me. I’m walking with a limp, wincing with every step I take, and struggling to make my way home. That definitely does not give others the impression of confidence and ego elevation that heels are supposed to achieve. So after that one comment from my dearest, I decided I was going to stick to flats (well…more frequently, that is). So on that same day, I purchased a pair of black flat shoes that was on sale. Purpose fulfilled.

But that one pair of flats cannot can never satisfy any woman who has a wardrobe full of all sorts of clothes. So yesterday, I had to buy more. Dragging my dearest along with me, we found her decked in shiny black with a bow on the front. When I saw her, I knew she would be perfect for my second day of Chinese New Year outfit. This was also going to replace my beloved pair of flats who, after continuous wears, finally broke down and gave up. But this new pair cannot entirely replace her because they are of entirely different class. The new pair on the block is shiny and elegant with her bow, while my old and comfortable pair is sparkly in her own funky black & white, shoe-laced self. Though she has begun speaking (soles are coming apart), and she is falling into pieces, but I do wonder if a little fix-me-upper would work on her…afterall, you can’t pronounce a person dead until she is really gone...

The second new pair of flats is virgin white, casual and sweetly unique. And in a way, I also see her replacing my beloved flats. Casual in her own way, she can match my black & white outfits as did my old comfy pair, which is what I’ll be wearing on the eve of Chinese New Year too! Together, my two new pairs of flats are to serve the purpose of replacing my one old comfy pair…yes, I’ve put my old pair on a high pedestal, but to any stranger coming along, they will never understand.

The last pair of heels is simply perfect to fulfil the upcoming event of the month – first day of Chinese New Year. Last week, I took a risk in investing in a purple blouse with white frills, without any heels to match it, but luck was just round the corner. There she was, hidden under piles of shoes. It was a blessing in disguise that I rescued her – the last of her lot – out of the mess or she would have been bullied silly by the next customer who was eying her up – she was a size 8.5, wanting to buy her, a size 7! Preposterous!

So that leaves me here, deliriously happy with 5 new pairs of shoes to walk over this new year to come!

Good Music in da House

I'm usually not into English music as much as Korean, but call me enlightened.

In our recent trip to HMV, EK and I spent a long time there.

We discovered the cool Ting Tings, funny name but awesome hit "THAT'S NOT MY NAME" (what you're hearing now)...

And I also rediscovered my liking towards Britney Spears. Yes, you heard correctly.

"Womanizer, woman-womanizer, you're a womanizer..."

But I also like her other song from the Circus album "Out from Under", a beautiful britney ballard. Brings back memories of her first album when she sang "Dear Diary"...took the words out of my mouth.

We also discovered some nice chill music by Ministry of Sound: Housexy. Good for a nice relaxing day on the couch, or while you're reading magazines in a nice elegant cafe...

But perhaps my sudden shift to English music is coz I've bought all my favourite Korean CDs already...haha

eBay mayDay

[narrator]

When I saw her, I knew I had to have her. That long, blonde hair. Those heavily lined eyes. That drop-dead glam gown. Waltzing in with an alluring sleeveless taupe gown with a long hip hugging bodice of laced taupe ribbon and screaming with sex appeal, it was love at first sight.

I went around the world (wide web) in search for her, to the United States (the glorious land of Mattel), United Kingdom (the magnificent weight of the pound), and even to some parts of Europe (ooooi...the barriers of language)...

The journey a gruelling test of patience, a search for quality, a conquest around barriers and a challenge of confidence and trust...One I lived to tell the tale...

[the picture glows and blurs out to the next scene]

A long time ago - a few days ago - I decided to google the beautiful lady I’ve come to admire. The results were unanimous.

"VERY RARE" reported craigslist.

"As close to perfect as possible..." eBay commented.

Collectibles today marked it as a "MUST HAVE".

So I went straight to the one place I knew I could find her...eBay.

[Seller #1]
Buy it now: USD100
MINT Condition from my personal collection
Payment by PAYPAL
Ships only to USA
Offer ends in 1 day

I met my first problem. PAYPAL. Many ebay sellers prefer payment by PAYPAL...so after registering with http://www.ebay.com.sg/, I got directed to set up my PAYPAL account. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten around to getting my own credit cards, so the ones I had were either NZ credit cards, or Singapore supplementary cards under my parents, whose billing address is obviously in NZ. And the catch with eBay Singapore is the linking PAYPAL account will automatically direct you to PAYPAL Singapore, which doesn't allow you to verify a credit card with a billing address outside of Singapore! Double URGH!

Thinking hard, I had to work around this. So I signed up to the http://www.ebay.com/ (the general one), location still Singapore, but this time around with PAYPAL, I could verify the NZ billing address, and everything finally worked out...

You'd think!

One security measure with PAYPAL was that you had to confirm your credit card with a code that will be sent to your credit card statement. And processing this could take between to 2 to 4 days.

Seller #1's offer expired.

So I waited for another good offer to come along, right price and all.

[Seller #2]
Buy it now: USD 120
Bid from: USD 100'
MINT Condition
Payment by PAYPAL
Ships only to USA
Offer ends in 1 days

There was one other problem as Seller #2 so kindly replied my question, "I'm sorry but I do not ship internationally, shipping costs are too high."

So, asking around, I found out SingPost has this service called vpost where I can get a virtual US address where goods can be delivered and then SingPost will send it back to Singapore...so I signed up for that one, however with a skeptical mindset as to whether it'll work...

Seller #2's offer expired over the weekend as I contemplated. Sold at buy it now price of USD 120.

[Seller #3]
Buy it now: USD 150
Bid from: USD 75
MINT Condition
Payment by PAYPAL
Ships only to USA
Offer ends in 1 days

I didn't want to buy it now for USD 150, so I bidded for it...I input my maximum bid as USD 100 and left it overnight. As US operates at opposite times from us, when the offer expired, I was happily asleep so I didn't hear the bad news that I was outbidded by an offer of USD 100.99.

[Seller #4]
Buy it now: USD 225
MINT Condition with small crease on the box
Payment by PAYPAL
Ships abroad, ask seller for shipping cost
Offer ends in 2 days

USD225!!! That's very expensive, especially when the exchange rate was 1.5 to SGD, it was way above USD 300 and I didn't feel it was worth it. There was also shipment costs. Moreover, the seller's box had tiny crease but she so kindly confirmed that "the crease is very small on the lower left corner of the box. It is less than 1/4 of an inch. Shipping will be $37.00."

It was not worth it so I moved on...

[Seller #5]
Buy it now: £120 (SGD 260)
MINT Condition
Payment by PAYPAL
Ships worldwide, ships to Singapore at £8
Offer ends in 3 days

SGD 260 was very much cheaper than the previous seller, no shipping hassles as she ships overseas...

[Click: BUY IT NOW!]

Nightmares Tonight

I just know it!

I know that I'll definitely have nightmares tonight...and I can guess what it'll be about...

INSECTS!

Urgh.

I don't know what's so sweet at work that's attracting all the ants to my desk! It's irritating, but thank goodness small black ants are the only insects I can tolerate because I can kill them with my handy fingers (yes, I'm not insect-friendly). BUT WHY! My colleague jokes coz I'm too sweet...awww shucks, thanks...

But the ants are even attacking my water! It's like every so often I have to check my mug to make sure no ants have crawled into it - and there were already a few incidents today that I had to wash my mug because of it! URGH URGH URGH!

Then, I'm blog surfing for famous singapore bloggers who might be suitable and interested in doing product reviews for our body care products and I visited the famous singapore blog XIAXUE and to my horror, there was another post about her MAGGOT INFESTED FRIDGE!

Yuck yuck yuck!

She went away for 22 days to the US for a holiday, and stupidly shutting off all electical switches including the fridge and when she got back, her whole flat STUNK and her fridge was infested with MAGGOTS! What did she do? Well, she took photos for her blog, but her nice live-in boyfriend hosed down the fridge and they got rid of the maggots...but after they thought it was safe again, they opened the fridge and found one more maggot crawling - YUCK, there was eggs and maggots in the rubber sealing as well. GROSS GROSS GROSS!!!

WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? The first thing I would have done if I was in that situation is...

TO GET FAR FAR FAR AWAY FROM THE MAGGOTS AND CALL AN EXTERMINATOR TO...not only KILL THOSE YUCKY MAGGOTS, BUT TO KILL THE ENTIRE FRIDGE! THROW IT AWAY!!!!!!

Urgh urgh urgh...I just know I'm going to get nightmares tonight!

The Cinderella Story

As the clock stroke twelve, Cinderella rushed out of the palace towards her waiting carriage. Her glass slipper, as its name suggests, slipped off her feet during her decent. As the strikes continued to chime, there wasn’t enough time to return to collect her slipper. She leaped into the carriage, not knowing what the future had in store for her, but having gained the memories of a beautiful night.

I do not know what 2009 has in stall for me, but call me optimistic but I believe it’ll be another awesome year! And not because I know what’s going to happen, but for the very fact that I’m going to embrace life and make the fullest of my 2009 – blogging, travelling, sewing, exercising – I’ve made some resolutions of my own… Despite what everyone says about New Years Resolutions, and also despite my previous broken resolutions…I’m feeling optimistic!

Thinking back to 2008, I’m ashamed to announce that I fulfilled…drumroll…1 resolution and broken the other 9...BUT no one said a New Years Resolution cannot be carried forward to the next. If 1 a year is the trend, then in 9 more years, I’d have fulfilled all 10 resolutions of 2008! Like I said, I’m being optimistic this year.

Though I only managed to fulfil my resolution of saving my face (thanks for medical advances), 2008 has been a fulfilling year of joy and tears, fun and bores, and love.

2008 started out with friends of many years, meeting my prince, baking with my best friend, then I visited New Zealand and saw my family and close friends. Then I played a softball game and managed to pitch well too, surprising myself! I coordinated and managed our company’s booth at a trade show, from planning till breakdown. And I visited Taiwan with EK (ooops, photos!)…Experienced the first ever Singapore Grand Prix (which I was too lazy to blog about), and HOTEL 81 check-in. In the midst of the world economy crisis, I got a promotion…and finally bought my very first and most probably very last Vera Wang wedding gown!

2008 has been splendid…and I have no doubt about 2009.

I intend to write a lot more because I enjoy it.
I intend to exercise a lot more because I…will try to want to…
I intend to sew a bit of things because I miss it.
I intend to travel a bit to see more of the world…
I intend to achieve better for myself!

OCD

WIKIPEDIA says:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder most commonly characterized by intrusive, repetitive thoughts resulting in compulsive behaviors and mental acts that the person feels driven to perform, according to rules that must be applied rigidly, aimed at preventing some imagined dreaded event. In severe cases, it affects a person's ability to function in every day activities. The disorder is often debilitating to the sufferer's quality of life. Also, the psychological self-awareness of the irrationality of the disorder can be painful. For people with severe OCD, it may take several hours a day to carry out the compulsive acts.

MY CONFESSION:
I think I have OCD. I have a mental disorder most commonly characterized by intrusive, repetitive thoughts [about BARBIES...this time around, it's VERSACE BARBIE] resulting in compulsive behaviors [to purchase them or look for them on AMAZON/eBAY] and mental acts [thinking about it day and night] that the person [me] feels driven to perform [to buy the BARBIES], according to rules that must be applied rigidly [Platinum edition is 'PERFECT', Gold is 'GOOD ENOUGH', Silver is 'OK', Pink only when I have to], aimed at preventing some imagined dreaded event [that the BARBIE will be sold to someone else and I will miss out on the opportunity, especially when the VERSACE BARBIE is a 2004 edition, no longer available for sale and I haven't seen in Singapore]. In severe cases, it affects a person's ability to function in every day activities [I'm supposed to be at work, doing work right now...but here I am...talking, thinking, dreaming about it]. The disorder is often debilitating to the sufferer's quality of life [BARBIE = less savings = poorer quality of life]. Also, the psychological self-awareness of the irrationality of the disorder can be painful [$$$$$$...sob]. For people with severe OCD, it may take several hours a day to carry out the compulsive acts [1.5 hours last Thursday].

IN SUMMARY:
My next aim is the Versace Barbie 2004 edition, no longer available in stores, but I saw a few on eBay, in hopes that the people who have them sells it at reasonable prices, in good conditions and TO OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS!!!

MY VERY OWN VERA WANG WEDDING GOWN!

NARRATOR:

After a most grueling court hearing of Shopaholic vs Voice of Reason that took place over two days, 10 and 11 December 2008, the jury verdict has been passed and the Shopaholic has been declared ‘NOT GUILTY’.

The verdict was passed on 11 December 2008 @ 14.45, based on the following claims made by both parties involved:

Shopaholic:
It is a tradition that whenever I’m at Takashimaya, I’d check out the Barbie collectibles that are on display in the showcase cupboard in the children’s toy section, just to keep myself informed on the latest Barbie collectibles available. On the evening of the 10th at 8.30pm, I spotted a new entry to the cupboard – a beautiful Barbie doll in a white wedding gown. I wanted to know what collection she was from and more importantly, how much she cost.

The sales assistant opened the cupboard and handed her to me.

Voice of Reason:
The price on the box said $249.90!! That’s even more expensive than your Gorgio Armani doll! It must be some doll!

I slowly turned over the box and read the printed label:
VERA WANG BRIDES, The Romanticists

Shopaholic:
Precisely, VERA WANG. I was staring at a Vera Wang dress, a Vera Wang Barbie doll. Emotions of eager and excitement fluttered throughout my body.

Voice of Reason:
I know it’s a VERA WANG. But did you see that price! $249.90!

Shopaholic:
Kill joy.

Voice of Reason:
She was pretty, but her orangey lipstick colour is a little bit contrasting and not that nice. Plus, she had no jewelry, no necklace or earrings to compliment the dress. The other dolls I have are so much prettier and dolled up more than her.

Shopaholic:
But the dress was fantastic. Every detail was beautiful; the lace at the bottom was gorgeous; and the brand… the thought of owning a Vera Wang…I rest my case.

Voice of Reason:
But it was expensive, so I listened to EK and decided to go over to the other toy shop at Wheelock, who reasoned that it could be cheaper there.

Shopaholic:
It was already past 9pm and I was so worried that by the time we went over to Wheelock, and if the doll is more expensive at Wheelock (which I wouldn’t be surprised), I would not be able to purchase it that night. Then, I would have to go back to Taka the next day after work to buy it and who knows, it could be sold out by then.

Voice of Reason:
If it was meant to be, it was meant to be.

Shopaholic:
Meant-Schmeant.

When we got to the shop at Wheelock, it was already closed. I was so disappointed, all night long and all morning the next day at work, all I could think about was her.

I went online the next morning and researched on her. There was a platinum edition and gold edition. The platinum version had blonde hair as Barbie, while the gold edition had brown hair as Teresa. Platinum means there’s only A THOUSAND PIECES in the world, while Gold meant twenty-five thousand. I was so sure that the one I saw last night was a platinum edition and I couldn’t believe I had let it slip by me…$249.90 was such a good price for a one-in-a-thousand-piece doll! I had to get it, so during my lunch break, I sped down to Orchard.

Voice of Reason:
I thought making Wheelock our first stop at Orchard was wise because at least we got to see what the retail price at the other shop was in order to make a sound decision.

I entered the shop and headed straight to the cupboard at the back which kept the Barbie collectibles. And there they were, the gold and platinum edition. I looked right past the gold edition and stared at the platinum edition.

$499.90!!!!!

THAT’S INSANE! IT’S HALF PRICE AT TAKA!

Shopaholic:
So I rushed back to Taka, excited that I would finally be able to make my purchase, and at such a discount, I bet even my Voice of Reason thought it was a good price! But when I got to Taka and took a closer look at her, I realized I had been wrong all along. She was the gold edition and therefore she only cost $249.90. She’s only the gold edition. She’s not as exclusive.

Voice of Reason:
It was a toy for goodness sake. So I decided to call EK for his opinion. I knew he’d be able to advise me, and so he did. He told me to buy the gold edition, just as I had reasoned. It was a toy afterall. Paying $499.90 for a doll is not worth it as well. $499.90 is a very high price! 3 platinum edition dolls can buy a laptop! So it was decided that I would get the gold edition. However, I forgot to check out the price of the gold edition at Wheelock. I totally overlooked her. So I decided to go back to the shop at Wheelock to check out its price. I must make the most just decision. The cost of $249.90 calls for good consideration.

Shopaholic:
The price of the gold edition at Wheelock was also $249.90.

But at the end of the day, it’s not as exclusive as the platinum edition. I was thinking that the shop at Wheelock probably marked up the price of the platinum edition and was having some promotions, after all it’s Christmas, so I asked the sales lady if there was further discount.

Voice of Reason:
But there wasn’t any further discount, so I decided to get the gold edition. I went up to the counter to make payment.

Shopaholic:
I couldn’t go through with the transaction, asking the sales lady to STOP just as she was about to bag it. I stood at the counter, one hand holding the Gold edition, one hand holding the Platinum. It was clear where my heart laid. Also, the Platinum doll with blonde hair looked much better and her lipstick was not as orangey. Though it’s only a difference in hair colour and lip colour, but it made a difference too. Also, it was about the edition label too. If I had gotten the Gold edition, knowing that I was so close to having the Platinum, knowing that I could be one in a thousand in the world who had this doll but I gave that up…I would forever regret it. Standing there, I could not come to a decision. The sales lady saw my predicament and went to check with her lady boss, coming back to tell me the good news. She said, “Our best price is $450.”

Only $450!! 10% discount! YAY. Some discount was better than no discount! It was a one in a thousand purchase!!!!

Voice of Reason:
But still, to pay $450 for a toy. It was silly, crazy, insane. It seemed like I had lost all sense of value at the mention of the brand name. Even the sales lady said the difference was only in the hair colour, everything else was the same.

Shopaholic:
“But I KNOW you’ll regret it if you go through with the Gold edition”, I told my Voice of Reason.

“I’ll take this.” I smiled at the sales lady and she wrapped up my very own Vera Wang doll, platinum edition.

In this time of recession...

Date & Time of phone call: 7 December 2008, Sunday around 3pm
Place: Home

[extract]

Mum: Are you saving money?
Me: Yes, I am. I went to a SALE on Friday with my colleague and bought 2 tops for only $10 each!

[I rest my case.]

What's going on?!

First, ragging gone wild at ACJC, next a cleaner's suicide leaves white tigers traumatised...what is happening?


I am very disturbed by the ragging that has happened to an ACJC female student on her birthday (someone even posted the 10 minute video on youtube and tagged her as a 'loser'). She was carried by "friends" out of the canteen and then tied to a chin-up bar by her wrists. Following that, her "friends" stuffed cake down her shirt and poured milk all over her. The college said they were aware of it and that the birthday girl was prepared for that sort of "celebration", so they did not consider it bullying. If this was the truth, I find it quite disturbing for the following reasons:
1) Why would a birthday girl agree to be 'ragged' on her birthday? I would never want to be treated this way - at all!
2) She was tied up!! That in itself is a disturbing act. Ragging in common, that I understand, but not when the other party is blind folded, and tied up. She can't even protest.
3) I haven't seen the video (don't even want to!), but according to others, she was not enjoying herself. She was crying and screaming. Is that still considered a celebration?
4) Someone tried to untie her and got pushed away for trying. Other stood at the side, laughing while she screamed.
5) Her so-called friends were all females too, from an elite college...call me old-fashion but I just can't picture it.
6) A teacher stopped the ragging, not because he felt the girl was being bullied/humilated, but because they were messing up the place!! WHAT THE?!


The second incident was disturbing as well. A zoo cleaner, carrying a yellow bucket and a broom, climbed over the barrier of the white tiger enclosure, crossed the water moat that separates the fence from the enclosure, entered the tiger's territory and started waving his broom around, deliberatly provocating the white tigers. As a natural instinct, the white tigers were threatened and mauled the cleaner, who curled up in a ball with the bucket over his face. The onlookers first thought it was a show but when they discovered it wasn't, started screaming and throwing things at the white tigers to get their attention away from the man. Eventually, the white tigers left as their feeding cages were open, but all was too late.


I find it so irresponsible of that zoo cleaner. Call me insensitive over a man's death, but if you really must commit suicide, make sure you don't hurt others in the process:
1) Don't give visitors at the zoo a bad memory of their trip to the zoo! There were children there too.
2) Don't traumatise the tigers (they are also innocent parties!)
3) Don't have others clean up after your death.
4) Don't leave your loved ones without an answer!

So thats my rantings for today...

Lorraine Z. Collection

It's not often you chance upon a website

http://www.sookee.com.sg/bridal/lorrainez.htm

that features your name + surname...

Though my name is a region in France, and I'm as edible as Quiche Lorraine,

but to discover that there's a jewellry designer and collection with the same name
plus the initial of my surname...

its a 1 in a million chance and I have to shout it out to the world!

Check out one of my creations!

THIS RING HAS MY NAME WRITTEN ALL OVER IT (LITERALLY)!!!

SuperWeekend of Shoes, Sales, Shooting and Sun!

As the subject title suggests, I had a SUPER-FANTASTIC WEEKEND!

And it started on Friday night, when I met EK at Queensway to buy a new pair of sports shoes. I ruined my exercising sports shoes when I played softball a while ago (a useful excuse not to exercise) but I really needed a replacement coz I really want to go running.

So after walking around Queensway for an hour, I finally found my sports shoes! You see, my requirements are quite hard to fulfil – I wanted a dark pair with minimal white at the base because the tendency of my sports shoes getting mud all over it is very high (especially after a session of softball). And as you know, sports shoes (especially for females) are white white and more white. But finally, I found that pair. And it’s not old stock – it’s new stock which you can find in Adidas stores right now! It’s has some microbounce technology which is some super interesting suspension technology especially for running! Mine is the grey/purple version so it is less prone to getting dirty…and he gave me a discount of 30% off the retail price!!

The next morning, EK and I woke up at 8am and raced down to City Hall, where we had a quick breakfast and rushed over to the F1 pit building for the CLUB 21 BAZAAR SALE! Doors were opening at 10am but when we arrived at 9.40am, there was already a queue! We joined the queue of shoppers, not too far from the front. By the time the doors opened at 10am, the queue stretched all the way to the carpark!!

I came dressed for the sale too! Knowing that there were not going to be fitting rooms, I wore slippers & a short flare skirt, with a bikini bottom underneath so that I could easily slip on pants, and the thinnest spaghetti strap singlet I could find so that I could wear tops and make sure it fits me! And another important note for next time: bring a friend along who knows their fashion because there are no mirrors around so you need to trust on them for their opinion. Thankfully, I always have my stylist EK for this purpose.

EK and I spent 2.5 hours there!! Though the sale was not as good as last year’s, but I still ended up spending $230 on 6 items, while EK bought 2 items for himself and another 2 items for me!!! Heee.

My buys:
1) D&G singlet $20
2) CK white+gold skirt $20
3) Armani Exchange dress $30
4) Armani Exchange white+gold zip pants $30
5) Emporio Armani top $50
6) Dolce & Gabbana denim pink skirt $80 (this was exactly the same line as the Dolce & Gabanna pants I got last year for $250, and at that time I really wanted to skirt too, but I thought I wouldn’t wear it as often, so I didn’t buy it. I’m glad I waited it out because I got it at an event better price slash!)

EK buys:
1) D&G super cute bra $20 – FOR ME
2) DKNY green/brown handbag $70 – FOR ME
3) CK Black Leather Jacket $100 ONLY
4) CK Shirt $20

We were very satisfied shoppers. I saw other items that I absolutely LOVED, but didn’t buy:
- A CK long gold leather jacket for only $100
- A gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana sexy dress top for $720 (usual price was $4500)
- A gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana black sexy dress for $400
- John Galliano evening handbag at $400 – SO PRETTY

After the sale, we grabbed a cab back to EK’s place, put down our bags of bargains, before rushing out again to EK’s photoshoot. He’s had arranged a test shoot with a model at Fort Canning park, and asked if I could assist him. We spent the entire afternoon there and I finally got to see EK at work. He was ‘hands-and-feet-on’! Lying flat on the ground to get that unique angle, crouching in a corner, leaning over the banister, kneeling on the ground, etc. He was everywhere, leaving a trail of perspiration after him…YUCK.

That night, we rewarded ourselves to a satisfying curry fish head dinner. On Sunday after church, I met EK at Sentosa (he’d just done another test shoot that morning), and we spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing at Café del Moar. We got one of those beds and had a lovely lunch plus drinks under the sun. It was a beautiful close to our Sunday.

Clinic 81

On Saturday, I had my first HOTEL 81 experience...

NOT IN THAT KINDA WAY...WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? *Tsk Tsk

EK was doing a photoshoot for another model and decided to take the photos at Hotel 81 Chinatown (recommended by another photographer friend). So at 2pm on Sunday, we arrived at the check-in desk. The place was happening...

The reception was rather grand looking, with gold and white decor and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. There were 1 or 2 tourists, many foreign couples (errrrk...), and us standing around.

EK went up to the counter to register (just like visiting a clinic) where you have to handover your IC for registration. They only take walk-in customers, no reservations (just like a clinic).

The Nurse: IC please.
(The Conceirge: IC please.)

EK: What is the consultant fee?
(EK: What is the room rate for 2 hours?)

The Nurse: $40.
(The Conceirge: $40)

EK: My friend told me it's $30.
(EK: My friend told me it's $30.)

The Nurse: That's follow-up check-up fee. Your next visit will be $30.
(The Conceirge: That is member's rate. Your next visit will be $30.)

*EK paid the $40 and the nurse returned his IC to him.

The Nurse: Take a seat and wait. The doctor will be ready to see you in 15 mins.
(The Conceirge: Take a seat and wait. The room will be ready in 15 mins.)

*15 mins later

The Nurse: Yap
(The Conceirge: Yap)

*EK went up to the counter and was passed a room key

The Nurse: Room 209.
(The Conceirge: Room 209)

When we went to the room, EK complained about its smallness. He expected something bigger and was wondering how he was going to setup all his equipment. All it had was a queen size bed (nice white bedsheets), and a bathroom (small and simple but clean). But it also had other items such as an electic kettle, coffee cups with instant 3in1 coffee mix or milo and 2in1 toothbrush (the first I've ever seen - toothbrush with toothpaste already in it). There were also windows that allowed natural light to brighten up the room.

I didn't stay for long, leaving him to set up his 'studio' (check out his pictures on www.flickr.com/ekyap) while I went Chinatown to shop for materials to make my trinkets.