Shanghai

Extended my trip last week after my work is done. Stayed with a dear friend in shanghai. Was so fun.visited some art galleries, and went shopping. Qipu lu was very cheap. Bought tops at 45rmb and jeans for 45rmb (thats like 9 S$). Surprised to see a night market outside qipu lu when the shops are closed.. (qipu lu shops close at 7pm on weekends) and saw shoes selling for like 20Rmb. You can imagine I went mad shopping..

Its inherently more satisfying to spend like a king in places like that, compared to going to the States or Europe where I have to watch my dollar..

Next month, gonna be going to shenzhen for work. Will go in 1 day earlier to Hong Kong with my colleague. :D

IR Photos from Botanic Gardens

went with a school friend to botanic gardens sometime back and took these pics. Was very hot , but fun. The Infra red photos are pretty dramatic..

Some of my favourite sites

http://wwww.stephaniesyjuco.com/p_counterfeit_crochet.html


http://www.fashionisspinach.com/

http://www.bitsandbobbins.com/journal/

http://www.neetmagazine.com/

http://www.flickr.com/groups/wardrobe_remix/pool/


I like surfing these sites for their creativity buzz and quirky bits.

Shivers and Tremors

At 1155am , felt the whole parkway building trembling and shaking. I had felt giddy and thought I was suffering from a fainting spell. However, it isnt so. My colleagues too jumped up and felt the whole building swaying like a coconut tree.. (Maybe too exagerating huh?) Anyhow, we vacated the building and ran down the stairs with our wallets and handphones. Since its so close to lunchtime, we went for early lunch.

Subsequently when we are back in the office, there was a 2nd tremour, but this time, we didnt vacate.. think thats the after shock from the earthquake. Apparently, on a scale of 6.5 in sumatra.. Areas like Ang Mo Kio, East side and even Bukit Merah also experience such tremours...

This is the first time I experience this...

I wonder if Singapore would be submerged one day if the tectonic plates move again or if there is yet another Tsunami?

Lunch Meeting with NTU Friend

Had a lunch meeting with a friend from NTU, who had sent me a cny card earlier. Honestly, I have no recollection that I had met him anywhere before.Apparently, he found our first year CAC orientation list during spring cleaning and sent cny card subsequently. I think thats like 12 years back?!

Initially it was weird, but I guess lunch was ok. Found that he is looking to move back into engineering and no longer wants to be in prudential. Apparently he likes photography and is looking to set up a website. Yet another photography buff in the midst.

Think meeting friends from the 'past' often send me into waves of nostalgia.

I really wonder, what have I been doing for the past 10 years?! Everything seems like a dream.

My Favorite song from Goong

One of my favorite songs from Goong

Addiction

I am seriously addicted to watching dvds right now. Especially romantic comedies. Though I dont watch alot of the dramas, but I would re-watch those that I like (think I must have watched kss 5 times,full house 3 times and goong 5 times or more!) I still dont get bored of the shows though, even though I watch them so many times!

My friend said its because I miss out alot when I was growing up as a teenager, so I am making up for 'lost time'.. Is that so? I wonder.. but I know my juvenile tendencies certainly come across as laughable.

Korean Drama

Though I am slower as usual in catching on the craze, but lately I found myself watching a few of the more popular korean dramas (kim sam soon, full house, princess hours and 'shao nu cheng gong ji'). I prefer these dramas to shows like "winter sonata", "stairway to heaven", etc because they are cuter, light hearted and not so heavy. I cant bear to watch a series with tear jerking scenes at every corner, or a love story that has so many twists and turns it makes my head spin.

The love scenes in Korean drama are often very 'subtle' and heart wrenching. perhaps because the starting is difficult, the ending is often sweeter. :D
I have a friend who cannot stand such soapy series though. He thinks its superficial and cant understand the obsession with these dramas.

Went on the net to search for links relating to korean drama and found this http://www.koreandrama.org & http://www.hancinema.net Think these are quite good to read about the synopsis of dramas thats been screened and you can see how widespread this 'k-drama' bug has spread...when you read the comments by the readers.
If any of you has any good korean (I prefer funny cutesy types to tragedies) drama to share, please let me know!

Happy Valentine's Day

That dreaded day is here alas. I dont recall ever enjoying this day even when I was "attached". Its going to be just another day for me. I'd probably work late to finish my project. Just like what Rae had 'observed'..It would be a non-event for me. Though I dont enjoy the day, because it reminds me too potently that its going to be yet another normal quiet day with no SO anywhere in sight. I think its still an occasion with some merit. For one, its a day thats good for people wishing to express their secret admiration or love, especially for those who are not too brave.. Its also a day to be creative with expressing love and without risking been tagged as "corny" or "tacky"..

I wish all a Happy Valentine's Day nevertheless and hope you have a fantastic time with your loved ones today. For those who are single ,I hope you wont be spending it working late like moi!

Saying I dont "believe" in valentine's day would be hypocritical. Though I enjoy my freedom and single lifestyle, at the end of the day , I cannot deny that Love is wonderful and I truely hope that there will come a day when I can spend everyday in true valentine fashion.

HUH?!

Oh, just a few days ago, I was on the phone with a secretary of a certain director in a Middle Eastern Petrochemical company. Upon hearing my surname , chua, his first reaction was " Are you filippino?". He explained that many filippinos have chua as their 'surnames' or 'middle names'. His middle name is 'chua' (as his mother is chinese)... I was wondering "Huh", I get this even on the phone?

You see, I am naturally tanned, and many times have been mistaken for malay, indian, flippino, cambodian, thai, laotian, burmese in the past, but never chinese. I got used to it since this is something I keep hearing since I was in primary school. My mum even told me one of my classmates in primary 1 told me to go to malay class when I was with him in chinese class. I stupidly went. I panic that day because I didnt understand a word of Malay! My mum told me this story sometimes and I thought I am just so Blur.. (thats why they call me blur queen.. even my mum also call me blur queen at times).

I guess I would continue to be mistaken for years to come. Perhaps I should learn some more asia languages like Malay or Thai even.. and be a TRUE BLUE 'ASIAN'. HAHAHAHAHAH

Health Matters

2 weeks ago, I went for health screening at polyclinic. I havent done such a comprehensive one before. Its the first time in my old life that I drew blood for test! The nurse couldnt find my 'vein' and took some time to find it.. That arm of mine ached and went blue black for a whole week thereafter. Got my results today. Overall ok. Just abit high on the potassium. The doc said I must have taken too much Bananas!

Going to HSA tonite with my colleague for a blood donation after hearing the news about shortage of blood in bloodbank. Hope my blood could be used.

Qun Zhong Eating House

Went to Qun Zhong Eating house at 21 Neil Road. They serve dumplings, sweet & soup soup, etc. The "xiao long bao" is FANTASTIC. Much better than the two famous dumpling chains (in my opinion). Lovely food. But the queue is really long.They dont accept reservations, so we queue for about 15 minutes. But the wait is worth it.

I didnt take any photos as usual because we were too hungry... and finished the food in minutes. The owner who is famous for his 'attitude' was in a really good mood and even chatted with us. Surprise!!

No credit card payment here, and they close on wednesdays... My friend told me they are usually sold out by night time like 7 plus... I havent try going to the place for dinner but its possible.

I would love to dine there again soon.

TImbre

Went to timbre last friday and stayed till the wee hours. Its at the now defunct fat frog cafe at Substation. Theres not much change to the layout. The place brings back many fond memories.I like timbre for the cosy environment, and the local rock band simply rocks (pun intended). If you like pizza, then you simply must try that at Timbre. Imagine pizza with 'paper thin' crust and oozing with flavours with each bite you take... Yum.. simply finger licking good.

For anyone looking for a place to relax and listen to rock bands, I'd say Timbre is great for hanging out.

Blood Diamond

Just finish blood diamond. I think the show is pretty good. You get a glimpse of what its like living on the edge. I am reminded of war torn zones like Iraq, rwanda, and so many more, after seeing the violence, the uncertainty and the bloodshed. I am just thankful for peace. I dont think I could survive in such a harsh environment.

After watching this film, I wonder, why are diamonds so valuable? Makes me wonder.. ..

Weary and Ramblings

Only beginning of the year and I am already feeling weary. A close friend of mine passed on last week. I was very sad, even though I know that it is probably a release from the pain of his suffering.. I have been pondering on god and life. No one can answer any questions. But I guess at the end of the day, I am looking for what brings comfort for the long haul.. well, I am still searching..

Lately, I have been quite obsessed with a tvb series, 'war and beauty'. I rented the series and finished it in a few days flat. I like bowie lam, and I think he acted very well. I think guys with single eye lids are quite cute.

You must be wondering why am I jumping from one morbid topic to another unrelated topic in the same post. My mind is topsy turvy as you can see. Seriously, though I finish decluttering my room, its time I declutter my mind too.

One of my new year resolutions is to reduce my frequency of taking taxi rides. Yet I havent been fulfilling my new year resolutions. haha... Now you know where my expenses go to...

Going to be watching blood diamond tonight. Will let you know how I find it.

Happy New Year 2007

This week was resting at home. Its really very enjoyable, and I hope the time doesnt pass too fast, but alas I know it will. Went to isetan private sale yesterday with simply odd. Quite fun. Shopped and shopped.. And realise i bought alot of black yesterday. Usually I try to steer away from dark colours. But thats not the case yesterday. Hope the new year will be full of good cheer. I dont expect things to be perfect, but just hope that it will be better than 2006!

Happy New Year and May 2007 be a much fantastic one for you.

Family in Brazil

Just want to share this lovely picture (which I took from stacey's blog) of my sis, brother in law and kids in Brazil. Think my sis look prettier and prettier! :)

My nieces and nephew have grown so much! Its so amazing as they were such babies last time.

POPPY

My Pet, Poppy. A Real RASCAL. Though a naughty doggie, he is pretty aware of his surroundings. When the mood is tense, he will stay quiet. When I see his eyes, I could tell he knows what is going on. I think he understands what we want or say, but he can be quite rebellious at times and refuse to obey.

Whenever I get home, he welcomes me with such enthusiasm that I felt very touched. When I am not home, my parents tell me he will wait at the door, looking out the main gate, waiting for me.

There are times when I just want to knock his head for been so naughty. But that said, he has brought much joy to our family. Glad to have him. Will be almost 4 years since I brought him back.

Birthday Thoughts

Its my birthday yesterday too, 22 November. Had a quiet dinner with my friend, jo. We went to Rochester Park, Da Palo for dinner. The food was so so in our opinion. Think the other outlets offer more variety and choice. Personally, I still prefer the outlets in Holland Village and Cluny Road. It was a quiet way to spend my birthday. If possible, like to meet up simply odd, wah blogger and rae's mother for our get together sometime. (with no kids can? then we can really chill out, but then I know its difficult to arrange) I still miss that tradition when we celebrate our birthdays together.

Just felt very strongly especially from the recent trip that many things in life are not within my control. I could only hope for the best.

My birthday thoughts? I am thankful for health, for the love from my family and friends. Thank you dears for remembering and thank you for your birthday wishes. I also receive a surprise wish from an old friend, zhi jun, over the msn. I am surprised he remembered, afterall, its been donkey years.

Back to work today. Glad its only 2 days to weekend!

Terror

Just back from Bahrain from my business trip yesterday. Took the 455am flight on Sunday, 19 Nov. We were all ready to sleep on the plane, before a long day ahead in Bahrain. After we ate our meal, we all slept soundly. After flying for like 3 hours, there were several announcements made in arabic, some language we didnt understand. Suddenly the English announcement came on that sounded like " There is a technical fault in the plane, we are flying back to Singapore". It just woke us up! Its terrifying as our event is the next day and we absolutely had to get to bahrain, by hook or by crook. After landing in Singapore, we were told not to leave the plane and there were no further instructions. The stewardesses were nowhere in sight, we waited for like 30 minutes, still with no news. I went up in front to ask the air stewardess, she was harrassed by some passengers who were getting rowdy and wanting to complain, etc. I asked her what next, she practically ignored me, and left and went to play with a kid on the plane. Felt so pissed then. Subsequently, the announcement came again, and we were told to stay in the plane while they repair the technical fault, which may take an hour. We started checking for alternative flights that could take us to Bahrain, but there were none. All FULLY BOOKED.

After an hour plus, the plane was finally repaired and we headed for Bahrain.
I just have to say THANK GOD!

I find Bahrain boring. Basically there is nothing much there. After the first day's event, we went to an irish pub for drinks. There were lots of expats in the pub. Saw some women all over each other, and I thought thats a strange sight. We proceeded for Thai food, and it was quite nice. Then subsequently we went to the disco. Its supposedly very happening. At 10 plus, there were only 3 other people in the disco, other than us. People start streaming in at 12 plus. They dress really nicely and very good looking. I couldnt make out where they come from though. I left early with my colleague, while the rest of our associates stayed on. We thought the disco would open till the wee hours. But apparently, it close at 230am. Kind of strange since the crowds came in pretty late.

Overall impression of Bahrain is that its freaking expensive (1 BD= 2.7USD) and boring in my opinion.