Enchanted...ahhhh (with a sigh of love)

(To enjoy this story, it would be best if you have seen the movie Enchanted. Alternatively, please plunge yourself into fairytale english as I tell this story...)

Yesterday was a beeaaauutiful day. I enjoyed myself immensely!

My Prince whisked me out for dinner at this restaurant with such an adorable name, Spageddies. We had the most splendid of meals. I would have to say it's the best of three worlds. The spectacular feast consisted of steak, so tender and juicy, crayfish, so fresh and tasty, and of course, pasta, al denta with a touch of olive oil. It was absolutely divine. I ravished it, with grace of course.

We talked merrily and laughed happily.

Then, he brought me to this dark room with a massive, giant-sized painting with actual moving pictures. The pictures could talk and sing and dance!!! It was most beautiful and exciting! OH but the evil queen was terribly awful. She scared me to bits.

There was one part in the story which was most dear to my Prince and I. Do listen to me tell this story...

The Princess Giselle, oh she was most graceful and had a beautiful voice, unfamilar with the practices of the strange real world she enquired about dates. And Robert, a real man, gracious and kind, was explaining to her what real people do on dates. Oh he suggested going for dinner, chatting, long walks, or visiting the museum.

It was at this point that my Prince turned to me and asked this rather strange question, "Who would go to a museum on a date?"

As if a spell was cast on me, I remained silent and still. And suddenly, as if a bolt of lighting had flashed before his eyes, he remembered, gasping as he turned to me and exclaimed, "It is you!"

I blushed furiously. I was utterly embarrassed for this is how the story went. Long long ago, I accompanied my date, EK, to the museum, on several occassions in fact. One time while we were at the grand museum of Singapore, my Prince called and I happily mentioned I was at the museum with EK, the person I am most in love with.

And my Prince, with his immaculate memory, held me hostage with this one account. After the movie - oh yes, that is what it's called, those moving pictures - we had a good laugh over this. I think, oh yes I do really think this is one story I will tell my children, and my children's children, and, OH, should I live to tell at that ripe old age, my children's children's children.

~The End~

Rubbish

Ever since my darling boyfriend commented that my wallet looked like a rubbish dump or was it that it looked like rubbish...anyway, I was greatly affected by it.

I know, I put far too many things into my wallet, but please tell me who doesn't. Every women's wallets are like that...and you (men) should be thankful for that. Here's why!

1) Cash (Obviously important)
2) Identity Cards and Drivers' License (Just in case I need to ferry you around or get stopped outside a club while accompanying you to an evening of fun)
3) Credit and ATM cards (So that I can buy you expensive presents)
4) Discount Cards and Vouchers (You prefers to spend when there's discounts)
5) Loyalty Cards (Get 10 stamps and receive 1 item free? I carry it so that you don't need to clutter your wallets)
6) Receipts on purchases (I never know when you want to return/exchange some purchases)
7) Access Cards (1 for my company door, 1 for my house gate...)
8) EzyLink Cards (1 to travel around, 1 for space in case you forget yours)

So you see...there's a reason why our wallets are 'FAT'. And with a 'FAT' wallet comes lots of wear and tear coz for one, we use it very often, two, it's more clumsy and bulky, thus increasing its potential to scratch, knock, brush and rub against other surfaces such as the interiors of handbags, the items inside the handbag, the zippers, and so on.

Therefore, my wallet became rather bruised. It's leather varnishing on the sides have started to peal, there were small pen marks on the surface, the zipper thingy came off, the gold male button had scratches...

Recently, I have been so affected by my boyfriend's comment, that the more I looked at my wallet, the more I hated its condition. And I cannot afford to hate my wallet or let myself hate my wallet...it is far too dear to me to hate it OR replace it...

So yesterday, I had to take it in for serious damage control...and this caused even more damage to my wallet, monetary speaking. The repairs cost 20% of the cost of my wallet. Some may argue, why bother...it's going to get scratched anyway...but if I don't repair it so that I can like it again, it'll be like I'm throwing away 100% which is even more heart breaking.

Conclusion: I'm never going to buy such a wallet again...NEVER. From now onwards, I'll buy wallets that are priced below 5% of the cost of this wallet.

It's on its way...

It's on its way it's on its way it's on its way...lalalala.

I just got confirmation that my DVDs are on it's way. Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Zip-A-Dee-A! My oh my, what a wonderful day!

Princess Fantaghiro...Lost and Found

I've found my Fantaghiro, my childhood hero, my Cave of the Golden Rose, my childhood drama!!

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!

Well...technically, I've got it in the sense that I've paid for it and that means it's mine...till it arrives in the post, that is.

Ahhh, the beauty of online purchases. Always a scary thingy. You never know dodgy from dodgy. I can only keep my fingers crossed and wait, hope, wish and pray that it arrives soon.

And it's actually amazing how many loyal fans of this drama there are...if you type 'Cave of the Golden Rose DVD' into google, you'll see quite a number of blogs, chatrooms and forums all saying the one thing:

"I love this show...I watched it when I was young...Does anyone know where I can find the DVD?!"

Muahhahahahahahah. At a price for childhood memories, anything is possible.

I wet my skirt!

I'm drenched! Well...I was drenched from waist down just an hour ago.

For lunch, I had to make a trip to the post office to send some cards overseas and while I was on my way - a 15 minute walk - I got caught in a heavy downpour. Hastening my pace, I rushed to get my errand done and rushed back to work.

When I got back, I realised my entire skirt was drenched, and it didn't help with grey dots all over the back of the skirt, especially against a white background. YEP, of all days, I had to choose today to wear a white skirt! And when white fabrics get wet...oooh, I wonder what could have been seen by motorists zooming past me! Haha...kiddz. Lucky for me, the skirt had a pettycoat, so hopefully that helped reduce the number of whistles I got along the way, which was at a total count of zero.

I couldn't possibly face the world with a spotted skirt so in I hid in the toilet for about 20 minutes, washing my skirt, squeezing my skirt dry and trying to wear my skirt! It's an impossible task when you've got wet pettycoat sticking to your thighs! So right now, I'm sitting in a wet skirt, my thighs are cold and the pettycoat is gripping to my thighs. I'm almost comfortable!

The funny thing is...the weather is perfectly fine right now...bright and clear. Of all the perfect timings, it had to pour during lunch!

Pop-Up Cards @ SGD 5

When I was in Penang over the weekend, I found some awesome pop-up cards! Check them out below. I bought quite a few! If you are interested in purchasing any, let me know? (Haha...terrible me, fancy doing business even on my personal blog!)

Blue Church Bells

Family Gathering

Christmas Sweet Christmas

Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer

Santa's Garden

Merry Christmas Kitty

Chitty Chitty BANG BANG

Who wants to watch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with me?? I need company and I can give you 10 reasons why it's worth it!!

1) They're in Singapore, for goodness sake. How often does such a fantastic musical drop in to tiny tiny Singapore?

2) I heard from those who have seen it that it's beyond spectacular! Even if you haven't caught the original movie, you'll get the play.

3)With a cast of over 70, including 10 dogs, sensational sets and stunning special effects, and a once in a lifetime opportunity to catch a flying car...what's holding you back?

4) Wasn't it your childhood movie? Well, it was for me. I saw the movie over and over and over again, and never got bored of it.

5) Who says it's a children's film? I've heard that even the adults LOVE it!

6) They've extended the performance period due to overwhelming response, and it's been showing since the 7th of Nov, and this is the final extension, till the 9th of Dec!!

7) It's an action packed musical (says the press) and even if you're not a musical lover, or a flying car lover...well, I'm sure action will appeal to you!

8) How about spending some time with me? How long as it been since we've spent a quality 2.5 hours together? I'm great company! Some may argue it may be even more spectacular watching me than the performance itself!

9) It may be a tad bit expensive (the seats I want are priced at S$150), but HEY! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and people said it's worth every penny!!

10) Coz I've got no company...my boyfriend says he would go, but he wouldn't really enjoy it since he thinks it's a children's film. And he hasn't seen it when he was young and well...he says he probably wouldn't catch a word they are saying or singing...

So pretty pretty plueeeze...who would like to accompany me? (LAURA, where are you when I want you?!)

The Awakening

Hi everyone...

The Shopaholic Strikes Back!!!

Winter is over and I'm done with hybernation! I have awaken, so Orchard Road, Vivo City, Marina Square, Raffles City...BE AWARE...BEWARE!

It's been a long long time since I've written - about 9 months have gone by. I can't account for everything that has since happened, but I'll briefly sum up my adventures (and some not so adventurous adventures).

Uno:
For starters, this is my third job since Feb. Gosh, that doesn't sound very 'employable' of me, but hear me out. I left my last last job - the advertising one - in April, for a bank that I shall not name.

The bank, obviously with its regulations and all the financial jargon, did not suit me. Turn over rate was surprisingly high. Within the 4 months I was there, I saw about 10 people who came and left IN MY DEPARTMENT. Wonder why the superiors didn't ask "what's wrong with us?" But I didn't leave because it was the trend, though it did make it easier. I left because I wasn't doing what I wanted to do. I wasn't doing what I was initially hired for (which was marketing). The girl who doesn't like to complain ended up dealing with all the complaints against the bank and some were NASTY! A day came when I could put up no longer with the complaints, and I tendered. The relief, as if weight was lifted off my shoulder. And this was when I just tendered my resignation, with 1 more month of service to complete and no job lined up. So can you imagine when the last day actually came? THE 'FINANCIAL' FREEDOM!

And so about for a month or more, I was jobless, roaming the streets, surfing all the job sites, worrying about what I was going to do if I didn't find a job soon...and then the phone call came...the interview went, and tadah...here I am.

A marketing coordinator at a perfume distribution company. Note the word MARKETING. I'm finally doing what I'm supposed to be doing. It's challenging, but I'm learning heaps. It's the actual marketing stuff, the promotional planning, the event execution, the strategic pricing! And did I mention all my bosses are FRENCH...ah oui! It's AWESOME! And as MacDonalds jingle goes..."I'm lovin' it!"

Dos:
In March, I went to Melbourne. Not for shopping, not for touring, but for one big event - THE FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX. AHHHHHHHHHHHH. It was too cool. The hotel was obviously very nice, but that wasn't the point was it? Hee. The entire event was fantastic. It was very well planned with aero displays during the intervals and many booths for viewing, the atmosphere was great with fans from all around the world, and the race was LOUD! It was an excitement packed weekend, and the best part - GRAND STAND SEATS!!! MUAHHHAHAHAHAHA! Maybe I'll blog about it one day...better late then never ay?

Tres:
In April, EK and myself went back to New Zealand for a holiday. It was a rushed trip as EK hadn't toured NZ before so that was the agenda, including my agenda which was spending time with family and friends, so that left us with very very little time. Nevertheless, it was fantastic, right from the moment we landed and I got to see my family, and my surprise drop in on my friends for dinner, till the time we were packing our luggages with every memory of NZ. Maybe I'll blog about it one day too...HAHAHA.

Cuatro:
EK and I turned 1 year in August! Though both of us don't know the exact date...one day I denied being boyfriend and girlfriend to friends, and the next day, I stopped denying. But 1 year! Gosh. That was quick. Sometimes too quick, but there are many many more happy days ahead so life's goooood. Do I hear marriage bells ring? YES! My friends in NZ seems to be all getting married!! A friend I met at university got married this year in April, and another 2 friends from cell group are getting married in a weeks or so! AND THEY ARE ALL MY AGE! Gosh! *Hint *hint...HAHaHA

Cinco:
Pear and I, our trinket business is taking off. We've just turned 1 year in September as well and I can't believe it's already been a year. We've had a hundred going on two hundred orders, we've got orders from strangers, publicity's great...CONGRATES BABE!

Seises:
Justina and Chris came to visit (at different periods of time) so it was awesome catching up with old friends, eating and talking.

That's all the updates from me...I think those were the major events in the past few months...but I'll keep you posted if I think of any more!!

Au Revoir...

10 days

10 days is a very long time when I'm not able to see the person I love.

Day 1:
I can do this! Not a problem. Especially when I had my cousin's company, I was doing perfectly fine. His goodnight phone call was most welcoming.

Day 2:
During the first day of Chinese New Year, I had plenty to occupy my mind. Not to forget, spending the entire day replying a very important E to another very important person.

Day 3:
I missed him so much tears came streaming down. I thought, maybe I couldn't survive.

Day 4:
Yesterday's phone call did the trick. I felt much better.

Day 5:
ONLY 5 days has passed? It's another 5 days before I see him? What should I do? How can I occupy myself.

Day 6:
No problem. Working OT was another way to channel my energy. Plus, I have many other things to do. If I do all these things now, I'll have more time to spend with him when he gets back.

Day 7:
He rang during work to tell me he got me my birthday prezzie. I'm still in his thoughts...

Day 8:
He's appearing in my dreams! I'm jealous of whoever he's spending time with. What is he actually doing? Who is he going out with?

Day 9:
1 more day to go. Tomorrow, I'll be seeing him.

Day 10:
The whole day was a smiley day, filled with anticipation and excitment. When I saw him, I let out a yelp and threw myself into his arms.

The More The Merrier

It started out as envy, wishing I had a boyfriend to spend the day with. Then it became silly, when there are 364 other days you could celebrate your relationship. It proceeded to become too commercialised, a day where advertisers reached their sales targets for the month. Following that, it became just another day, I couldn't care less, or so I thought. Oh and at some point in time, it was also friendship day. But today, I finally understand it's significance.

Yes, I agree it's too commercial, it's rather silly to go with the crowd and it's just another day on our calender - it's not even highlighted in red! But...this year, I was caught up in it. My first Valentines day with my boyfriend. No, we didn't end up eating an extravagant meal at The Hyatt (on the contrary we had KFC for dinner), nor did we spend money on gifts or flowers. Instead, we spent the evening together, lovey dovey and all.

We do that on other days too, so what makes today so special?

My reply - Why shortchange it?

Valentines day is another day to celebrate your relationship, it wouldn't harm to have one more day. Of course the other days you could be lovey dovey, but on Valentines day, it doesn't hurt to be super duper lovey dovey. Or on other days maybe you are already super duper lovey dovey, on Valentines day, you could be 'gross'...

My point is, I finally understand not to let the day go to waste, not to think it's JUST another day, but to think it's just ANOTHER day to celebrate your relationship.

Valentines day also marks this blog's second year anniversary - and wow, how we've progressed! Though I've cut down with my entries as time escaped from me, I'll still keep chasing till I've caught up with it!

Dear God

Please help me do this.
Please help me get through this.

Rain

Do you believe in that crucial 1 second?

Let's start the day with meeting Sean, a friend I met in Korea. He was in Singapore on a business trip. Since this was his first time being in Singapore, I naturally played host, showing him around Singapore. He was staying at the Ritz Carlton (a 6-star hotel) so EK and I met him and one of his other colleague at the lobby at 11.30am.

While waiting for him, we noticed young girls hanging in the lobby, as well as korean speaking, video-camera holding, cap-wearing adults walking around the lobby. Immediately, I thought some big korean star could be staying at the Ritz. Then the more I thought and pieced things together, the more I convinced myself it was HIM who was staying at the hotel. Who else could it be? He just arrived in Singapore yesterday for his concert on Sunday night, those guys were definitely celebrity-crew...it couldn't have been more perfect. But I didn't think more. We met Sean and his colleague Colin from Perth and headed out for lunch.

Over lunch at this restaurant in Paragon, I causally mentioned that I think that Korean star was staying at the Ritz Carlton. It was just a casual topic though. Nothing more to it. I wasn't a big fan of that Korean star, so naturally, I didn't pay much attention.

We spent the entire day shopping, first it was Paragon, then Ngee An City, then Wisma, then an afternoon break at Ding Tai Feng, then followed by more shopping at Wisma, then it was back to Ngee An City. That was our last stop and we were finally exhausted, so we decided to go back to the hotel to put down their bags of shopping before heading back out for dinner.

It was pouring outside and all the comfort cabs in Singapore were fully booked. So we made a decision to take the public transport plus a long walk from City Hall MRT to Ritz Carlton Hotel.

When we got to the lobby, we saw many more girls sitting around, waiting, and even more busy korean crew rushing in and out of the lobby. It was immediately confirmed. I knew it was him. Sean and Colin went up to their rooms to put down their bags, while we waited in the lobby. When Sean returned, he confirmed it with us. That Korean celebrity was staying right beside him in the next room. Sean said when he went up, the security guards were eyeing him and his bags of shopping closely!!! He even said he heard girls in the Korean celebrity's room going 'Orh Pa Orh Pa' as how typical Korean girls call a guy older than they are, of whom they may like.

As we continued waiting for Colin to return, Rain made his lobby entrance. He was just within metres of us, walking right past us. EK, Sean and I watched as he walked past. He was in a white singlet and blue jeans. He wasn't as tall as he seemed in his MTVs, he wasn't good looking either. His hair was flat and boring. There was nothing special about him.

But nevertheless, I couldn't believe my timing. It was amazing.

Yes, I knew Rain was in Singapore, yes, I know he's very popular - his most expensive concert tickets are selling for $888 (WHAT THE?! WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS?) - but so what if he was in Singapore, and so what if he's so popular? I couldn't care less - if it was Kangta it would have been another story - but there I was, not expecting to see him, yet there he was, within metres of me. I don't know how to describe it. I'm not a big fan of his, but to have such great timing that we were there in that same lobby as Rain - that who-does-he-think-he-is by pricing his tickets at $888 - for that 1 minute as he exited the hotel, I don't know how to explain but it's that precision in timing, that 1 second, that one decision, that little factor that all adds up.

Glad-Wrapped

Yesterday, I made it for my massage - half an hour later than my appointment time. Luckily the lady after me cancelled her appointment, so they made it possible for me. It was most gracious of them. When I entered and said I wanted Contour Control Slimming treatment, they asked "But you don't need it. Why not massaging?"

The answer was simple: Coz I'm a woman.

So the treatment started. First it began with taking all my measurements - calf, thighs, butt, hips, waist, tummy, under chest, above chest and arms. Then came the massaging using a huge machine which vibrated against my tummy and thighs - the 2 important areas I wanted them to focus on. What followed was something I never expected and I'm proud to say I've experienced.

I've always seen it on TV, when they promote those slimming centres, but of course I've never explored into those centres - WAY TOO EXPENSIVE and you can say "Not Necessary". I've always been very curious about this treatment and now, I can proudly say "I'VE BEEN GLAD-WRAPPED!"

Yes, I was wrapped in those kind of sticky wraps you cover leftovers with. It was very interesting, being wrapped tightly within that plastic cocoon. And then I had to figure out how to climb back onto the bed with both legs and arms in "casts". Then I got zipped up as if I was in a heated sleeping bag and left alone to rest. (Imagine Final Destination 3 with improvisations: the bag overheats, I'm all wrapped up and kinda impossible to move...dun dun dun)

Anyway, after the 20 minute or so slow cook session, I was cut open as she sliced the plastic off me. The feeling literally felt like breaking out of a cocoon (not that I have ever broken out of a cocoon before). My skin could breath again.

And then another round of measurements. My tummy lost about 2cm in circumference, though there was no change in my thighs nor in my weight (a weight I was delightly shocked to discover - I thought I had put on weight). But nevertheless, it was an experience I will never forget.

I doubt I'd return - maybe when I get super fat - but for now, it'll remain just an experience, an interesting and free treatment to iSpa.

A simple request...

Today, I've got a body contour control massage at 6.30pm - FREE. It's a slimming massage, the lady informed me over the phone. I knew that and that was precisely why I chose it out of the other 2 treatments.

However, I really wonder if I can make it. Previously, I thought it was at 7.45pm. That would be better. But just now I called to confirm, and it was at 6.30pm. Half an hour to get down to Orchard - assuming I leave work sharp on the dot. How likely is that? NEVER.

Anyhow, it's free so if I miss 15 minutes of my appointment, they can, by all means, cut short the treatment by 15 minutes. However, leaving work on time is all dependent on my designers - PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR ARTWORK TO ME ON TIME!!! I don't mean to press you for it, but I can't reschedule this appointment and I have no intention of being LATE-R (than already expected).

Let me pamper myself this once. Yesterday I stayed late till 8pm, today, I just want to leave on the dot. Is that too much to ask?

Counting My Blessings

A recurring theme in 2006 was procrastination and it has to be so with my 'last' entry of the year ('this year' refers to 2006) - it's 5 days late!

Despite this procrastination, I always get things done - and hence, this entry. A thanksgiving entry.

For one, this year has been awesome - and I'd like to award it the title 'The Best Year So Far'. Too many things happened, a lot more great blessings than bad messings.

The first major blessing was returning to Singapore. That was a decision I made and 2006 marked the start of my future in Singapore. It was both a scary yet exciting decision, knowing that God had many things in store for me this year. And he kept to that promise.

God blessed me and my family with great things this year. One such event was Siyong's wedding in January 2006. My first actual wedding which involved me on all 3 events - the church wedding, the 'pang tei' session (chinese tradition of serving tea to the elders) and the wedding dinner. I've never been through an entire wedding before, usually it's only the church wedding or none at all - parents only. So this was definitely a big thing for me - 2 new dresses for the day and night, new shoes, make-up and all.

The day after the wedding on 3rd January, we went on our holiday to Paris and the UK. It was a big affair, with my grandparents as well. Paris was as breath-taking as they make it in movies, even better as a friend of mine joined my family in Paris as well. Of course, there were down-times when our luggage got lost in transit, but on the whole, I can't say I didn't enjoy Paris. UK was great too. Touring the entire island, from London to Scotland and back, was an experience in itself. The back seat of the family car became half my home for the day and the luggages beside me were my best friends on the journey. It was tiring but great fun exploring a new country. We're truely blessed.

Arriving back to Singapore on the eve of Chinese New Year, we celebrated both my sister's birthday and the big reunion dinner. Ever since we moved to NZ, this was the first time in 5 years we returned to celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore and it was great, visiting old relatives, basking in that festive season with great tidbits and loads of good dinners. That was a FAT FAT period of FUN and FOOD. Prosperous too.

Early February was spent shopping for furniture and decorating my very own bedroom from scratch. A new coat of paint, a new colour, a new bed, new bedsheets as well, a new shelf and many other new entries. It was like a dream come true, being the interior decorator of my own room, owning my own room.

Then came March, April, May - KOREA! I must add: the highlight of my year. Living in Korea for 3 whole months - without family - was an experience I cannot forget. I got to learn a whole new language and converse in it too, meet people from all over the world, get around on my own, eat food only the locals know about, cheer alongside millions of other koreans in the worldcup, do the things a tourist won't get the chance to do, adopt a new family, shop almost everyday and many many more. I'll never forget that experience of becoming a part of Korea. Not all of it was great, I missed home, I fell sick on and off throughout the 3 months there, and I got tired of the variety of food - mostly all red and spicy. But I loved it. Every bit of it.

When I got back, job hunting started. It didn't last very long and by the end of June, I started work at Pagesetters, a local advertising agency. The pay isn't great compared to what I got in NZ, the stress was a lot more, but I got what I wanted. A place in Singapore's advertising industry, to become a part of the Singapore workforce. Though I'm not sure that's where I want to be for good, at least I got to taste it. That's a celebration in itself - finding a good job.

In September, Jolie Avenue was established. Pear and my very own jewellery business. It started all because we had a dream, and several potential customers. We made a decision. The official decision was on 9th August 2006, where we went shopping for materials. Then came the designing of our website, the making of the trinkets, the photograph shoot. The launch of our website was on 1st September 2006.

While at Pagesetters, I met EK - my current boyfriend and hopefully someone I can be with for the rest of my life. Nothing has been the same since then. Now it's what WE do, what WE think, what WE want, what WE like. I love it. I love having someone there for support when I fall, for encouragement when I'm discouraged, for comfort when I'm down, for care when I'm sick and for love - regardless. Many many first memories were created together. No girl can be happier.

Then Christmas came. Christmas is always a lovely time for me, with good food, family bonding and lots of beautiful Christmas hymms. I love christmas, but even more this year beccause for the first time, my all time Santa wish came true. That was to spend the entire day with someone I love.

So there you have it, my year's events all wrapped up in a blog. I wouldn't have it happen any other way.

waiting AGAIN

I'm waiting again, but this time, it SUCKS. Why? Coz one thing affects so many people.

I'm waiting on an E from my client. She has sent it about half an hour ago. I still haven't got it. It's because of that earthquake that disrupted the internet connection all around Asia.

While I'm waiting, my designer has also been waiting. So that he can finish up this last bit and zip it off to our client.

While we're waiting, our love ones are waiting for us. I'm sure his wife is waiting for him, especially with the amount of latenights he's been pulling on this job. EK is also waiting for me in Orchard. And there I thought today, I could for once be on time or even early for him. Nope. I'm late AGAIN. I want to catch a cab down but it's raining so basically it's hard to catch a cab. On top of that, I don't have cash in my wallet, which means I'll have to draw money which is more waiting for EK.

My client IT side is hence waiting for us to complete this job and send it across to them so they can code. Yes, it's a vicious wait. And no one knows how long we need to wait. That stupid mail could be travelling across to the other side of the world and back for all we know. Bah.

I hate waiting. Especially when I'm not the only one affected by it. People are waiting for me!!

Santa Heard Me

Last year, my christmas wish could have been expressed through one song sung by Britney Spears:


Ooh yeah
Last night [year] I took a walk in the snow
Couples holding hands, places to go
Seems like everyone but me is in love
Santa, can you hear me ?

I sign my letter that I sealed with a kiss
I send it off and just said this
I know exactly what I want this year
Santa, can you hear me ?

I want my baby, baby
I want someone to love me someone to hold
Maybe, Maybe
Be all my own in a big red bow
Santa, can you hear me ?
I have been so good this year
And all I want is one thing
Tell me my true love is here
He's all I want just for me
Underneath my Christmas tree
I’ll be waiting here
Santa that’s my only wish this year.

Christmas Eve, I just can’t sleep.
Will I be wrong for taking a peek ?
Cause that I heard that you're coming to town.
Santa, can you hear me ?
I really that hope you're on your way,
with something special for me in your sleigh.
Ooh please make my wish come true
Santa, can you hear me ?

I want my baby, baby
I want someone to love me someone to hold
Maybe, Maybe
we'll be all alone under the mistletoe
Santa, can you hear me ?
I have been so good this year
And all I want is one thing
Tell me my true love is here
He's all I want just for me
Underneath my Christmas tree
I’ll be waiting here
Santa that’s my only wish this year

I hope my letter reaches you in time
woooo yeah
Bring me a love that I can call all mine
Cause I have been so good this year
Can’t be alone under the mistle toe
he's all i want in a big red bow

Santa, can you hear me ?
I have been so good this year
And all I want is one thing
Tell me my true love is here
He's all I want, just for me
Underneath my Christmas tree
I’ll be waiting here
Santa, that’s my only wish this year

Ooh Santa
Can you hear me ?
ooh santa
Well he's all I want just for me
underneath my Christmas tree
I’ll be waiting here..
Santa, that’s my only wish this year
Santa, that’s my only wish this year


This year, I'm proud to say, Santa heard me! It couldn't have been any better than this. Though he didn't arrange for EK to be sitting under my Christmas tree with a big red bow on Christmas morning, but I had him with me for both Christmas Eve and the actual day itself and I can't ask for anything more than that!

Christmas Thoughts and Love

Sometimes, you feel totally embarrassed when people (specifically my colleagues) give you gifts for Christmas and you didn't prepare any in return.

I guess for me, when I was little, it was all about receiving gifts. As a child, the more prezzies the merrier! Then when we grew older, gifts from individual relatives became like an exchange gift event (think that didn't work very well) so we scrap the entire prezzies altogether. Within my family, I only got prezzies for my sis coz its so hard thinking of what to get for my parents and when you have thought of something, it never seems to be within budget. Either that or they don't really express what they want so I have no clue what to get and getting something else would be meaningless. So I don't usually give prezzies to them, just my sis, and sometimes my close cousins coz we celebrate Christmas with them as well (in NZ).

So giving gifts have never been a habit of mine. Perhaps also Christmas has been too commercialised. For many, Christmas is all about prezzies.

Yes, to an extent, prezzies can be weaved into this meaning of Christmas. The three wise men bought gifts to exalt the new born king. Christmas day celebrates Christ's birth, but it also celebrates the purpose of his coming, to save us from our sins with his undying love, and according to a phrase spoken by a pastor once "you cannot love without giving".

I feel utterly bad when I receive gifts from my colleagues, not because I haven't prepared anything, but because I didn't have enough love and thoughtfulness. And that is one area I need to improve on.

With all my love, MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you!

Trying to be a smart ass.

Why do I try?
Is it even worth the try?
I tried and what did I end up with?
A quotation that's too low or a 'retired' account director asking me 'why didn't I consult him first'?
Which is worse?
What can I do now?
Sit and hope that we don't require this additional quoted service?
Or ring them to inform that we need to revise the quotation?
But will an increase in the quoted price be well received?
Isn't it also not legally correct?
What we sent out is final, isn't it?
What can I do now?
Is there really nothing I can do?
Is this the only option, or do you have anything better?

Women Drivers!

Days are unpredictable. One moment, you can be happy, the next moment, sad.

Take for example yesterday. I took the day off to shop with Pear. At the start of the day, I was happy, excited and looking forward to a nice relaxing day of shopping - bead shopping that is.

Then while preparing to go out, the sky started to turn grey and gloom set in - rain rain go away, come again another day.

Pear and I met up, excited to explore this new shop which was stated in the papers to be one of the larger bead shops around, but I was disppointed when we got there. It was messy yet not loaded with a large variety of things. It was cheap, but not really either. We didn't end up buying much in the end, proceeding to our next destination - People's Park Shopping Centre.

That was when it happened. My parking skills are atrocious, especially with Singapore's narrow lanes, so I always have to readjust my car to park perfectly. Just as I was reversing out of the lot to readjust my car, I turned to my right and saw a car approaching. I stopped and waited for him to pass before reversing out.

KNOCK!

I turned around and realised I've hit into his car which was right behind me. The thought that ran through my head at that moment: "SHIT. It's GRANDPA'S car". He had stopped behind me and was reversing into a car park lot that was diagonally opposite mine.

Getting out, he was rather pleasant about it. Assessing both our damage - I got away with a scratch, he had a tiny dent above his rear tyre - he said he probably wouldn't claim insurance. I was relieved, but of course, a damage is a damage. He said he'll take it to his mechanic to assess the repair costs and get back to me. We exchanged name cards, took down IC numbers and were off on our way.

My mood was slightly affected. I was relieved, yet disappointed with my driving. 'Women drivers' he must have thought. I couldn't pinpoint my exact feelings then. I just wanted to go home and not drive. Though I was relieved that Grandpa's car only received a scratch, I just hate the fact that it's not my car. If it's my car, I wouldn't be that bothered, but the fact is, it's Grandpa's car and I had loaned it from him to drive. I should have been more responsible.

Having said that, accidents are bound to happen.

Shopping kind of took my mind off things for a while, then we moved on to our next destination: Arab Street. I didn't park coz they were all parallel parks and if I had attempted to park, it's like asking for another accident, so Pear went to walk the shops, while I toured the place for an easy park.

I finally found an easy lot (first lot of a line of parallel parks) but being lazy to tear parking coupons and also to get out of the car, I stayed in and waited for Pear. I was relieved that I found an easy lot.

That evening, we went home and I broke the news to Grandpa, who took it well. That was both an embarrassing moment, and also a moment of relieve. Sometimes, after such things happen to you, you don't really feel like driving anymore. Well, that's how I feel.

But as EK puts it: if you are not prepared to meet with an accident, then don't buy a car or don't drive.

If only these options were viable...

3-day Adventure

It was another adventure to remember.

When it first started on Thursday night, everything went wrong when the bus left Singapore. A tired little girl, missing and wanting to see her boyfriend sooner, a different bus and seat was allocated to her (not as comfortable), and a frustrated boyfriend over the phone at the swapping situation.

But it all changed when she arrived in Penang. Though her eyes were sore from crying and her emotions hurt, it was all forgotten with an explanation from the boyfriend regarding his frustration at the situation - not at her. The bus company were the ones who 'manipulated' the little girl and that's what the boyfriend was angry over.

Everything was back to normal. TLC was put into place and the holiday began. After a late breakfast - Lorong Selamat Char Quey Teow - it was off to the mall for some shopping where the little girl bought a pretty hair clip. Then, they left for the beach. It was going to be their first time riding the jet ski and both were excited. It is an item on her 'things I want to do before I die' list - to jet ski. He was a little hesitant at the start, asking the little girl to take the front, to drive the jet ski. She started off slow, screaming and a little frightened to accelerate. As the waves came against them, she gave up, and her hero came to the rescue. Sitting behind her, he took the bars and started up. Accelerating, OFF THE WENT! She was safe between her hero's arms, screaming with excitment, semi-fear and laughter.



She enjoyed herself thoroughly. They rode out towards the horizon, sped over the sea as if they were skimming the surface, did leaps over the ocean's choppy waves, and drank bits of salt water.

The fun didn't stop. They continued with horse-riding on the beach. Sharing a horse, they rode romantically off into the sunset - NAH, they didn't. It was only 4+pm!



They spent the remaining hour or so lying on beach chairs under palm trees, sipping their cocktails and enjoying the blue blue sky.



Evening came and they set off for home, sitting in a jam for over an hour with rain batting down heavily on the car. Tummies were rumbling and bodies were shivering, but the journey home was not one bit boring - with a chit here and a chat there. When they got home, it was already 8pm! Walking across the street, they had dinner at the hawker centre just opposite their apartment - Penang Laksa, Jawa Mee, Buan Jian Kuey, Hokkien Mee - before retreating indoors for a night in.

The next day was another eventful fiesta. The couple went for Fried Fish Mee Fen (vermicelli) first, then a walk around a mall, before returning home to pick up the parents. Off they went to the southern most part of Penang for Crab Porriage, then made a detour to have Penang Laksa before heading home, oh wait, they made one more stop to buy some fruits from a roadside stall before going back - crossing to the main island via the famous Penang Ferry.



They rested in that night and for dinner - FRUITS.

On Sunday, the family went for dim sum, shopped around, ate Jawa Mee and Rojak at a hawker centre, went to the seaside to dig up clams (or whatever it's called) and picked home a few pretty seashells, saw Penang airport (tourist destination - haha) and then the couple dropped the parentals off at home before heading out again.

Baskin Robbins was the place. Ice Cream was the agenda. After chilling over fantastic ice cream, they got back into the car and went for a car ride in the heavy storm. Arriving home, they decided to have dinner at the hawker centre opposite. From the car to the hawker centre, they walked hand in hand through the rain, their legs and shoes soaking up with rainwater. The little girl giggled and laughed, enjoying every bit of the rain. The boyfriend looked on, smiling at her many expressions.

There, she ate fusion Buan Jian Kuey - Chicken Hawaiian flavour which included cheese, mushrooms, pineapple, chicken and ham. It was AMAZING! She was satisfied. They returned home to pack their bags and prepared for the journey back to Singapore.

Tired and burnt out from the 3 days of intensive fun, the little girl fell soundly asleep throughout the entire bus journey home.

Visit/Revisit

La la la la la. I've got nothing to do (technically I do, but I'm not in the working mood). I don't feel like working at all. I want a break. Can't wait for tomorrow evening, the start of my holiday. Though it's starting off with an overnight coach ride, but nevertheless, I'll be on a holiday. Took Friday off work to enjoy a full 3 day weekend in Penang. It's a recharge holiday. Talking about holidays, let me share with you my list of places I want to visit or revisit!

(1)
What: To revisit
Where: New Zealand, specifically Auckland
When: SOON (March/April 07?)
With: EK
Why: Miss my family, miss my friends, and I want to show EK the home where I've lived for the last 5 years.

The rest of the list is in no specific order.

(2)
What: To visit
Where: Taiwan
Why: SHOPPING! Never been there.

(3)
What: To revisit
Where: Korea, Seoul
When: Soon-ish
With: EK
Why: Coz EK says he wants to experience Korea's night life which he didn't get to do when he was with the tour group. And I want to go before all my friends in Korea forget about me.

(4)
What: To visit
Where: USA
When: Within the next 3 to 4 years
With: Whoever
Why: Coz James is there to be my tour guide! Must make use of resources. AND I WANT TO GO DISNEYLAND!

(5)
What: To visit
Where: Venice
When: In my lifetime
With: The person I love
Why: WHY NOT?!

(6)
What: To visit
Where: Japan
When: In my lifetime, hopefully when I'm below 30
Why: I want to go Harajuku/Shinjuku and dress (for one day) in those outrageous colourful outfits with wild hair to say 'been there, done that'.

(7)
What: To visit
Where: Germany
When: In my lifetime
Why: To rent a fast car and drive along that 'no speed limit' road. That is, if that's in Germany. I think it is.

(8)
What: To visit
Where: Hong Kong
Why: Just a place to go I guess, heard shopping is good there.

(9)
What: To visit
Where: Europe
Why: To see the castle among the clouds, to see the leaning tower, to see Michaelangelo's work, the list goes on!

sunnyside DOWN

This morning, I wanted to make breakfast for EK. He stayed over to keep me company in an empty house as my grandparents had gone on a church retreat. Thinking whipping up some eggs and sausages for breakfast shouldn't be too hard, I started the cooking at 7am.

The sausages were ok - not pretty but OK (had to dispose of the first 2 sausages).

The sunnyside UP became a sunnyside DOWN. It was a disaster. First, the egg stuck to the pan - HOW MUCH OIL DO YOU NEED TO USE?! Then when I tried scooping the egg off the pan, the sunnyside was disturbed and the runny yolk broke. It looked terrible on the plate - very sad in fact. I can manage a scramble but not a sunnyside up.

I was so disheartened and embarrassed, I went crying to EK. Tears were balling down my face as I cried about my atrocious cooking, swearing never to cook again. EK was most encouraging, even apologising for not waking up earlier to help. He came out and ate the egg. When I saw him eating the ugly and probably gone cold sunnyside up, I broke down again. It must have tasted terrible. I felt so bad. He felt even worse seeing me crying like that. He said it was nice. But I know he was only being nice.

WHY AM I SUCH A BAD COOK? AM I DESTINED TO BE A TERRIBLE HOUSEWIFE? I CAN'T EVEN SERVE THE MOST BASIC SAUSAGE AND EGGS, WHAT ELSE CAN I COOK?!

Beautiful.

Today is beautiful. I'm not stressed or gasping for air. The things I thought might arrive late was waiting for me in my mailbox when I arrived at work. Ahhh...everything is going great!

I'm in a fantastic mood today. This week is going to be a short week for me at work since I'm on annual leave on Friday. Taken it off to visit Penang and Langkawi! Going to hit some beaches and ride some waves - on a jet ski hopefullly!

I'm also alone in my little corner of the room as one account executive is somewhere in Anerica, roaming the streets and another is sick in bed. So I've cranked up Corrinne May and am enjoying my privacy - sketching new trinkets!

Ah...what a drastic change in tone, emotions, everything. From my previous 'Sob.' entry to this 'Beautiful.'

Indeed. Today, yesterday, the day before yesterday hasn't been great days for me.

Today, I didn't do well in my presentation. Yesterday's was better (even my boss says so). Sigh. And the horrid thing is, I was presenting to the general manager of my client company. Yesterday was only to the executive director. I don't know if we will get the job, but from the looks of their stern expression, I can only hope and wish and pray.

Yesterday's drama? Please, have a seat and LISTEN! Apart from spending my frantic morning from 8am to 10.30am getting ready for my presentation at 11am, and the slow computer which plays up just at the crucial moment, I also had to deal with another crisis. Another client of mine has got a hugh event next Monday. I'm in charge of handing all their 150 handouts folder (we still have missing pages which will only come tomorrow), their info cards, all their signages, etc.

The first panic attack came when the printers discovered incompatible fonts which displayed wrongly on their computer, which made text run out of place, which means - NO PRINT. So it came back to us and that whole afternoon, I was sorting out and converting the powerpoint slides to PDF but there was drama with technology which delayed the whole process. AND THE JOB HAD TO GO TO PRINT SOON IF NOT WE'LL BE LATE LATE LATE!! What happened? I finally found a computer (at the other end of the company) having MS Powerpoint. Yes, can you believe that only selected computers in our office has MicroSoft?! Then, after converting the slides to PDF (2 slides per page), the PDF came out blank as an error message detailing 'no such fonts installed' flashed in front of me. Thinking it was converted wrongly, I tried another several times. Still failure. So I returned to my computer, dishearted when I realised that same file that opened with errors on that computer opened fine on mine. So back I went to that computer to convert the remaining files, which was a tiring process of running to and fro to check because there were still other problems which I shall not go in detail. Finally, all was done by 3pm and passed on to the printers.

The second panic attack for the day was when I heard WE DON'T HAVE THE WHITE RING BINDERS. The supplier called our printers to say they didn't have enough ring binders - we had already ordered from them the quantity. They played us out. So at 4pm, I was off with our production manager and a staff from our printers to a warehouse to look for the binders. The good news? She had the white binders. The bad news? She only had 100. We needed 150!!! So all the way till today, I was worrying about this, until lunch time, when the printers informed us - ALL IS SOLVED.

The day before yesterday was another mad day, getting ready all the handouts that were going into the folder, organising the layouts, liasing with our clients to get the last minute information, etc etc etc. YEA. SOB.

Oh, and my boyfriend has left the company for 'greener pastures'. Yesterday was his last day. SOB to that too. AND I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO ATTEND HIS FAREWELL LUNCH. Of course I'll get to see him at other times. It just means we won't see as much of each other coz we won't have lunch together, we won't bump into each other's paths while running around the office, we won't...basically, we won't see each other from 8am to 6pm. But of course, there's 6pm till bedtime to see each other...still...

Sob.

Inspiration

The lack of it is detrimental, especially in the creative/design industry. Sometimes I feel like I've got IT. Other times, I feel like my existance is worthless.

Where do you go to find new inspiration?

In the advertising world where there are so many messages flying around, nothing is truly new - just tweaked. In the design industry, a new look is often bounced off someone else' design - a new material here or a new colour there.

With an urgent deadline to meet, the creative team struggle to produce something of inspiration quality. It doesn't help when your boss has sold your company to your client with impressive archives of our previous achievements. On top of that, there is a lack of motivation (yet another recruitment TVC), a lack of time (storyboards, creative rationale and costing have got to be sorted in a matter of days), but most importantly, a lack of inspiration (especially when the client comes from a very specialised industry).

Somehow, I'm thankful I'm not part of the creatives. Of course my contributions are welcomed, but at the end of the day, I've learnt to accept that I'm just not gifted in this department. I wish I can be more creative, but...

Where do you go to find new inspiration?

In the design industry, with the lack of knowledge on good material suppliers and a lack of proper training by those who have been in the industry for longer, I find myself at a disadvantage. However, those are the least of my concerns. Inspiration is the key to producing something of beauty. The most challenging part is finding inspiration to design something with the materials we have. Sometimes I think to myself, though I have the materials, I may not have the gift. That's why I'm still exploring. I don't want to give up too soon. That's why I'm still searching for that spark.

And when inspiration do hits, the next challenge is converting this bit of inpsiration into reality. Sometimes, your inspiration ends up being tweaked and compromised due to limited materials, the texture of the materials, and the possibility of such a design.

So really...where do people go to find new inspiration?

It's boils down to stealing an idea here, ripping a tagline there. Nothing is truly new. Just tweaked. Revamped. Amended.

Do you agree?

Bored of me yet? You've asked me to update, hoping to hear some juicy details about my life perhaps, but you end up getting an 'article' on Inspiration. I find these last few entries of mine have been rather ambiguous. Please be patient. It's not easy opening up after disappearing for so long. Stay tuned for the next episode...

Insightful News/Useless Blabber

I'm back!

I'm sure all of you must have missed me? Well...at least some of you? Anyone at all? No? (Please excuse me as I wrote this paragraph without knowledge of my very active tagboard.)

Anyway, I've finally decided my blog have been left stagnant for far too long. Time to pick up the slack and write a good article or two. However, the fact is, I never write good articles anyway so why not end your reading misery - especially with my limited vocabulary, atrocious grammer, and world 'unimpacting' news.

But once in a while, I do feel like writing. I do feel like expressing my brainless imagination. I do feel like telling the world what I've been up to, even if it's really nothing.

So here I am, back in the act. And I'll try to keep this promise of updating my blog a little more often - hopefully with some insightful news and not useless blabber.

Penang Penang

Three weekends ago (yes, I have been insanely busy), I followed him back to Penang, his hometown in Malaysia. Leaving straight after work on Friday, we went home for a quick shower before leaving for Golden Mile, where the pick-up point was for the coach. We were taking an overnight coach all the way up to Penang.

The coach was new, he has never travelled with this company before and it was an eyeopener for both of us - more for me of course. This country pumpkin was so amazed at how luxurious the seats were - just like flying business class on an aeroplane! We even had our own personal TV screen, showing a great variety of outdated shows but it was still a good selection. The seats reclined as well!!!!! It was amazing; like a lazy boy - minus the leather of course.

However, the 9 and a half hour journey wasn't very comfortable. According to him, the seats did not recline as much as the other company's coaches and both of us didn't manage to catch as much sleep as anticipated. Nevertheless, the moment we arrived in Penang, put our bags down at his place and washed up, it was out of the house for the 4 of us (his parents included).

Here's what we did.

Activity (1) At one of his favourite food stall called 'Jie Mei Char Kuay Teow'...

Food (1) Hokkien Mee - apparently not one of the best food stall for it
Food (2) Char Kuay Teow - DELICIOUS but it'll never be my fav
Food (3) Yam Cake - at least I tried...don't know why I thought I heard them say fish
Food (4) Otah ?soft, juicy and different from Singapore's

Activity (2) Drive around Georgetown before coming to his next favourite food stall...

Food (5) Buan Jian Quey (2 different types) - love the one with black sugar

Activity (3) To a famous chinese temple up on the hill and then to another temple (used to be the biggest sleeping goddess in the world) before going for lunch...

Food (6) Penang Laksa (Assam style) - LOVE!
Food (7) Penang Laksa (Sweeter style) - LOVE IT TOO!
Food (8) Passembur - it's alright but not a favourite

@ the temple

Activity (4) Take a long drive around Penang's coast, stopping by at a hillside plantation for...

Food (9) Fruit Rojak - I LOVE FRUITS, so sweet so juicy!
Food (10) Fruit Ice Kachang - amazingly sweet mango!

Activity (5) Continued on our road trip around Penang Island before returning home for a rest at around 3pm which involved...

Food (11) Homemade Moon Cake - Eating is also a form of rest!

Activity (6) Drive to another part of Penang for appetizers...

Food (12) Fried Lalas - it wasn't the highlight, just to keep the mouth busy while waiting for...
Food (13) Grilled Female Crabs - I've never had it this style (YUM) and the female crabs had so much eggs!! I learnt to eat crab eggs that day.

Activity (7) Drive to Gurney Drive, queued along the road till we were almost giving up when we found a park, got out of the car and walked to the food market for more...

Food (14) BBQ Cuttlefish - nice and crispy!
Food (15) Muah Ji - not much of a starchy chinese dessert person
Food (16) Soft Apong with banana - love bananas!
Food (17) Crispy Apong - DELICIOUS! Almost like loveletters!

Activity (8) Dropped off the parentals for their beauty sleep (10pm) before zooming off to a pasa malam (night market) and then to the beach to watch the starless sky.

Ahhh, finally an activity that didn't involve any eating. Bliss!

And that was my long first day in Penang.

The second day, we woke up at 9am, washed up and got ready to embark on another day of activity. I promise it doesn't involve too much eating.

Activity (9) Off to one of his favourite breakfast places for...

Food (18) Bak Kut Teh - Beautiful!

Activity (10) Went to check out this big house in Penang

No food involved

Activity (11) Then we went to the Youth Park where there were loads of people exercising, and children, playing on the swings and stuff. We took loads of pictures as well.

No food involved

Activity (12) Dropped his parents back home before going out again to a 5-star hotel for massage and spa treatment. I'm not one who appreciates such things, to me it was pain and torture, but I did feel more relaxed after that so I guess it worked.

No food involved

Activity (13) I had been craving for ice cream the whole time in Penang ever since I saw Baskin Robins so after the massage, we went to the shop beside Baskin Robins? Why? Coz he wanted to introduce me to a shop called Ice Ice Baby which had baby faces all over the shop! They served amazing desserts!

Food (19) Baked cheese noodles - I managed to eat a little of it. Too cheezy but edible.
Food (20) Ice cream on chinese egg waffle (aka kuay bulu) - YUM YUM YUM!
Food (21) Chocolate fondue with ice cream, cakes and assorted fruits - DROOL!

@ Ice Ice Baby

Activity (14) Then we went shopping! He took me to this big shopping mall called Comta where we walked the floors. He bought me a nice 3/4 black pants and a pink singlet, before rushing home for dinner with his sister and family.

Food (22) Fried Egg Oyster - bought from the food stall opposite their apartment.
Food (23) Steamed fish drenched in tomato sauce - it tastes just like how mama cooks it.
Food (24) Brocolli with mushrooms - nice and healthy for a change.
Food (25) Steam egg with prawns - another nice, healthy and delicious dish.
Food (26) Chicken Soup - another dish very much like how mama cooks it.

Activity (15) Shower, Pack-up, and get ready for the bus ride home, which was even better than the bus ride to Penang though the coach was slightly older and there weren't any personal television set. We travelled with another coach company this time around, one he frequently travels with and it was nice because the seats could recline to almost horizontal and we managed to get better sleep on our way home, to recharge us for the next working day.

The Inner Workings of a Shopaholic's Mind

Recently, Pear passed me a book from the Shopaholic series written by Sophie Kinsella. Although the book she passed me was the second book and I haven't read the first, I could immediately relate to Rebecca Bloomwood, the shopaholic.

Here's a snippet into the workings of a shopaholic's mind. (Ladies, don't lie to yourself, I'm sure you can TOTALLY relate.)

So for example, when I get to LK Bennett, I'm incredibly focused and direct. As I walk in, a pair of red boots with high heels catches my eye - but I quickly look away, and head straight for the display of sandals. This is how I shop these days: no pausing, no gorgeous new range of sequined pumps over there. I simply go straight to the sandals I want, take them from the rack and say to the assistant,

'I'd like to have these in a six, please.'

Direct, and to the point. Just buy what you need and nothing else. This is the key to controlled shopping. I'm not even going to glance at those cool pink stilettos, even though they'd match my new Jigsaw cardigan perfectly.

Nor those slingbacks with the glittery heels.

They are nice though, aren't they? I wonder what they'd look like on.

Oh God. This is really hard.

What is it about shoes? I mean, I like most kinds of clothes, but a fabulous pair of shoes can just reduce me to jelly. Sometimes, when no-one else is at home, I open my wardrobe and just stare at all my pairs of shoes, like some mad collector. And once, I lined them all up on my bed and took a photograph of them. Which might seem a bit weird - but I thought, I've got loads of photos of people I don't really like, so why not take one of something I love?

'Here you are!'

Thank goodness, the assistant is back with my lilac sandals in a box - and as I see them, my heart gives a little leap. Oh, these are gorgeous. Gorgeous. All delicate and strappy, with a tiny little blackberry by the toe. I fell in love with them as soon as I saw them. They're a bit expensive - but then, everyone knows you should never skimp on shoes, because you'll hurt your feet.

I slip my feet into them with a frisson of delight - and oh God, they're fantastic. My feet suddenly look elegant, and my legs look longer...and OK, it's a tiny bit difficult to walk in them, but that's probably because the shop floor is slippery.

'I'll take them, please,' I say, and beam happily at the assistant.

You see, this is the reward for taking such a controlled approach to shopping. When you buy something, you really feel as though you've earned it.

We head towards the checkout, and I keep my eyes carefully away from the rack of accessories. In fact, I barely even notice that purple bag with the jet beading. And I'm just reaching into my bag for my purse, congratulating myself on being so single-minded, when the assistant says conversationally, 'You know, we've got these sandals in clementine, as well.'

Clementine?

'Oh...right,' I say after a pause.

I'm not interested. I've got what I came in to buy - and that's the end of the story. Lilac sandals. Not clementine ones.

'They've just come in,' she adds, rooting around on the floor. 'I think they're going to be even more popular than the lilac.'

'Really?' I say, trying to sound as indifferent as I can. 'Well, I'll just take these, I think...'

'Here it is!' she exclaims. 'I knew there was one around here somewhere.'

And I freeze, as she puts the most exquisite sandal I've ever seen onto the counter. It's a pale, creamy orange colour, with the same strappy shape as the lilac one - but instead of the blackberry, there's a tiny clementine by the toe.

It's instant love. I can't move my eyes away.

'Would you like to try it?' says the girl, and I feel a lurch of desire, right to the put of my stomach.

Just look at it. It's delicious. It's the most darling shoe I've ever seen. Oh God.

But I don't need a pair of clementine shoes, do I? I don't need them.

Come on, Becky. Just. Say. No.

'Actually...' I swallow hard, trying to get control of my voice. 'Actually...' God, I can hardly say it. 'I'll just take the lilac ones today,' I manage eventually. 'Thank you.'

And for the next hour as she sits at a cafe sipping her cuppaccino, all she can think about are those clementine shoes and the outcome? What do you think? Duh. A woman can justify any want to a need.

Well, I haven't finished reading the book but I'm ever so thankful I'm not as bad a shopaholic as Rebecca is.

www.jolieavenue.blogspot.com

I've been so busy and tired lately, I haven't had the time to sit down for a breather.

Life has suddenly caught up with me, age has clearly slowed me down and time has been slipping right by me. To be more explicit, work has come to a slow drag with sudden stressful climaxes, an extra hobby vies for the rest of my time, and love comes knocking at my doorstep.

Work...it's the same thing over and over again. Periods of constant waiting and periods of immense stress. A week without deadlines follows with a week with back-to-back deadlines. Work has definitely gone from stressfully interesting to stressfully mundane. But nevertheless, against the benchmark of going back to school, a pay check at the end of the month still works wonders for the shoppaholic's soul.

My newest hobby? I don't really know how else to call it. Perhaps it's called a hobby. Perhaps it's called side-line income. Anyway, Pear and I have just launched an online business on the 1st September 2006 selling jewelry, hand-made exclusively by us. It's our pride and joy at the moment: right from the start when we decided to start such a business, to the first day we actually got down to putting our talk into action on 9th August 2006, then to the day we rushed to launch the website on 1st September 2006, and till today, a normal business day for us, where we'll be meeting after work and uni to discuss business.

I'm still in disbelief, amazed at how just 2 months ago, we were still talking about how nice it would be to make and sell our own earrings. It was really all talk then and I never thought at that point in time, this dream would come true one day. Even my prince said so himself. When I met up with him slightly more than a month ago, it was only a casual topic of conversation that was brushed over briefly as a passing thought. And today. We've got a website, extra materials and orders!

Pear and I have plenty of dreams and to see one dream realised - I don't know how else to describe it but as Mr Big says on Sex and the City - ABSO-F***ING-LUTELY AMAZING!! The thing is, I've been so busy with the launch of it, I completely forgot to announce it to the world, so everyone out there, if you haven't already visited our shop, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Pigs to fly? Go NOW!

Apart from Jolie Avenue, there are other things new to the heart of this expired teenage shoppaholic - like Love. It's all new to me at the moment, and I have not figured out how to weave it into a bloggable topic yet. Perhaps coz 'love' is so personal to me, I don't think I can do justice to it with words just yet.