Boxing Day

A fulfilling day it has been today! Went over in the morning to Fen's place to do our Xmas thingy. This year I got Fen's present (a necklace) while Chuan got mine. For once, I wished I had gotten Hui's present. It's this very nice wool neck scarf that's not too thick. Good enuff to wear in Singapore, probably in cold offices like mine. Haha...I guess I was attracted to the colours. Oh well.

We did our exchange of clothes. I brought a paper bag full of clothes that I either don't want/don't wear/can't fit, half expecting to return home empty handed (coz I thought I wouldn't be able to pick up anything from the girls). Voila! I return home with one and half bags! Haha...One bag is all mine, while the other bag is for others. You see, the remaining clothes that none of us wanted (either due to outdated fashion or that we simply can't wear), I thought my dear Isabel can fit into them. For one thing, that girl doesn't really go shopping for clothes and waits for people to buy stuff for her. Some of the clothes are really in ok condition, so I thought she may be interested. Some are really nice and new in fact, but either too fitting/too sexy that we wouldn't wear. *chuckles*

Not bad, I picked up lotsa T-shirts and some working clothes. But too tired to pack now, so shall leave the stack till this weekend when I shall deal with it. I figured that I would clean and pack my wardrobe then at the same time. Good idea. Ha...And while I was running my shower just now, I had a rough idea to restructure my running schedule, but that would involve me waking up earlier in the morning, and as I know it myself, there's no way I'm a morning person. So I guess I probably would have to scrap it. *exasperated with myself*

Ok, just thought I'll leave a short update. To bed now. Working day tomoro...will be ultra hectic...blue

It's Xmas!

How's everyone's Xmas? Mine was boring indeed...went to help my dad with work, so couldn't make any plans also. By the time I came back in the evening, I was tired and almost crashed. But I still went for my run coz I've been really lazy last week with the exercise. *Angel*

Going out with the girls tomorrow. THis year's gathering is gonna be a tad difference. Apart from our usual gift exchange, we are gonna "recycle" our stuff. Meaning, clothes or accessories that we no longer wear/don't want/don't need, we shall do exchanges between us and see who wants what. Great idea isn't it..heh. At the end of the day, stuff that are left behind ie., no one wants, will get carted off to the Salvation Army. Sigh...*AngelS we are*

Been relentlessly tormented by a tummy that refused to give me a good break. Flipping left, right, centre, up and down, it feels as though someone is squeezing my stomach at times, yet perfectly normal after a while. THis been going on for the past day already. No use to run to the loo...doesn't work. =( Dunno what's wrong. Revenge for the amount of rubbish I've been cramming in for the past couple days, perhaps? Imagine someone squeezing your tummy every five minutes. Go figure. Gawd...But at least my flu has miraculously cleared last night, leaving only a slightly scratchy throat. I guessed it was probably a lack of proper rest the past week that has brought about the lag in my immune system. I slept most of yesterday away, after coming home in the evening after helping my dad. Caught up on beauty sleep now. Was lying in bed last nite before falling asleep, staring at the ceiling with thousand and one things running through my mind. In fact I do that everynite. I've been doing a "summary" of how my day has been everynight. I love lying on my comfy and warm bed, getting ready to sleep, ruminating random thoughts, thinking about what's happened that day, thinking about my life so far, and then feel myself drifting and spinning deeper...then falling asleep. Sleep is good. =)

Anyway, think I'm just crapping a load of bull now.

Was woken up by Jackson's call halfway through my beauty sleep. I was probably in the "light sleep stage" when he called. Initially he wanted to wish me Merry Xmas, but we ended up chatting for a good half hour before I hung up. I really needed my sleep coz I needed to wake at 5 in the morning. He was over at his fren's place for a xmas party, and he was slightly tipsy already. Being the wonderful conversationalist that I am (Hey, I can be if I choose to....otherwise I'm plain unfriendly) and the crappy him, from Marilyn to how we got to know each other, we covered so many things. Trust me, the circumstances in which we became acquainted were hilarious. Haha...The ups and downs that we've been thru...SOmething to be cherished indeed. And he was telling me that our friendship has surpassed and withstood so many things, he knows he can count on me when he needs support. Vice Versa. Yeah, one of the rare serious moments in our numerous conversations. Haha...And it's amazing to know that we've known each other for some seven years. Since 1998. Now I feel old.

Today's the second day that Mom's away. Enjoying some peace at home. I'm sure my dad's ears are given a break too. Muahahaha...My mom loves talking to my dad every nite without fail before she falls asleep. The tricky part is, dad has to wake ultra early in the morning, like 4.30 in the morning. And mom would still be yakking on at 1 in the morning. SIgh. We've tried telling her to give dad a break, but she doesn't listen. Yeah, poor dad.

And I think the house is getting dusty. Yeah, I've been lazy and shirking my responsibilites. Who cares...It's Xmas man. Anyways, the maid washed the clothes alredy. I was doing some ironing just now (see, at least I did the ironing. And there were tons ok), and I sort of made a promise to myself. Next year, I shall want to spend a white Xmas. Meaning, I will go on a holiday and spend my Xmas overseas, at a place which snows. I've always wanted to indulge in the Xmas atmosphere in one of the Eurpoean countries. My previous trips have always occurred during other seasons like Spring. THe closest I came to was autumn, and even then, there was nothing much to "feel". I want to be able to feel and perhaps even get caught up in the Xmas rush...the rush to do Xmas shopping, and spending Xmas their way. SOunds lovely. As I've said, I've always wanted to do that, but the cost of spending Xmas overseas put me off so far. (I know I'm stingy but hey, I'm poor ok...and I'm trying to be frugal) One, going overseas during Xmas is equivalent to peak period charges, both here locally and overseas. Hotels are gonna charge exorbitant rates. And the air tickets? Everything is gonna be so costly. But well, since I've made that promise to myself and it's for next year, then I shall try my darnest to start saving for it now. I've got a year to do that. *hopeful*

Ok, I'm certainly looking forward to tomorrow. Wonder whose prezzy I will be getting. Past years, somehow I've been getting alot of hui's presents, while hui has been getting mine. While Net and fen seemed to be forever exchanging prezzies with each other only. Talk about coincidence. Heh...Didn't manage to contact Yuan though. We tried to remind her about our annual boxing day date couple of weeks ago, but she told us she may be unable to get away coz she can't close her shop till late. Sigh...then just now earlier in the afternoon while we were confirming timing with each other, I msg her. No reply. Called her, both hps off. Avoiding us? *strange* Fen said we'll try again tomoro morning, and if we still hear no word from her, we shall all troop down to her shop. Wahahaha...We'll see then.

T'is the season to be jolly...

Been really a hell of a week..up to my neck with work with no signs of abating. Xmas is drawing nearer, so have you bought all your gifts yet? Heh...

We had our office Xmas lunch on Thurs, at Moses' friend's eatery near Arab Street. We went there last year too, but this year's food was much better. There was turkey, Salmon and beef during the main course, and the Xmas log cake was great too. Sprinkle of hazelnuts, a foamy-like cream as topping with a dash of carrot-cake taste. And I don't mean carrot cake as "chai tou kweh"...carrot cake as in the cake *duh*

Anyways, the highlight was when we exchanged our presents. We wrote our names on balls of paper which were thrown into a bowl and everyone just picked. Amazingly, Eve got mine and I got hers! She got me this doggie door wedge. Quite cute and certainly useable. Hehe...I felt a little paiseh though...Coz I bought Bath rocks from Natural Source. I figured that with the number of guys in my office, likelihood of a guy receiving my prezzie is rather low. True, but never did I think that my gift would also go to Eve, who doesn't use such stuff....sigh -.-

Ok, we did our big gift exchange today. The spoken rule was that everyone was supposed to just bring a gift for exchange. And I thought me and Isabel are the only ones who bought prezzies for everyone else too. Imagine my surprise, when after we whipped out our prezzies to distribute to everyone else, they too have something up their sleeves. The unspoken rule I guess.

I spent a huge bomb this month, not just my own expenditure, but because of the festivities (aka Xmas) and the gifts. Sigh. I'll leave this to next month's credit card bill. Bound to come up to a dazzling and impressive figure. Not to mention intimidating. *shudders*

Who got what (from Isa & me)?

Let's see. Tricia got a cute pink piggy bank. Before you think I'm cheapskate, allow me to clarify that it's something she liked very much and she wanted to get for herself. But of course, I disuaded her. Wahahaha..

Lena got a nice Mickey Mouse mug with lid. The Mickey Mouse is the vintage looking one. Yeah. Well, there was nothing in particular to get her. And since she and Michael will be leaving us for good next week, I thought to give her something that she can see and use (then remember us. If not, out of sight, out of mind). *sob*

We got HuiYing a hp holder in the form of a banana. Why banana? Well, there's a story behind the banana. Insiders' joke. Hahaha..."Xiang Jiao!"

Eve got 2 bars of choc. One dark choc, one white choc. Expensive bars ok...from Topshop. (yes, Topshop sells choc. Real nice wrapper and all, with good copywriting. I must say I was attracted to the wordings.) Sigh. I do regret buyign the choc for her after that. Coz I felt that I didn't give enough thought into it and simply settled for the easy way out. *Kick myself* There were some stuff that she certainly could do with. Besides, the money would have been spent more worthwhile if I didn't buy the chocs. Oh well.

Boss Cindy...what can I say. Of course must reserve the most pricey one for her lah. It isn't easy to buy prezzy for her. For one thing, she isn't like any other ladies who likes clothes/jewellery/fashion. She's the more intellectual sort, and you would think books, CDs are stuff for her. True, but the problem is, its hard to pinpoint her taste. So this time, we decided to buy her a working shirt. We went into Polo Ralph, and got her a Polo T instead. One of their later designs. Nice. And I purposely chose hot pink for her. Her wardrobe is the typical safe zones, like black, white and blue. Duh. Something different now. =D

The rest of the office peeps like Moses, Michael, Angela and Jimmy got our specially packed packages of selected choc candies. Lovingly packed and personalised. Of course we are thoughtful. Hehehe...Time to calculate that bill now. -.-

My haul this year was rather fruitful. A handphone holder from Lena, a pair of sweet earrings from Tricia, a salt shaker from Ms Patricia, and a handphone accessory from Isa. Not to mention the cookies and chocs and stuff. =D Oh...and my biggest gift this year is from Cindy - a Fila bag. Nice. Isa got a T-Shirt from her, and Angela got a wrist rest. Oh but I think the gift that beats all others, is the one given by Moses to Tricia...Guess what? iPod Nano! *scream everyone* Yes...so generous rite...

Ok, I'm meeting the girls on Boxing Day, Monday. Our practice since we were in Secondary School. We figured that Xmas is normally "reserved" for Church/Family/Boyfriends, so we being best-est friends, should gladly settle for "second-best", that's 26 Dec Boxing Day. Sensible, aren't we? Ha..Anyways, guess what I bought for the gift exchange? Let's just say it's unlike past years' kinda present. Embargoed till Monday..Hahaha. Am curious what I would be getting in the exchange. Heh

Think I'm coming down with something. Probably caught some powderful virus from Eve and CIndy. THey were sick before they even left for China, and now that they are back, they still have yet to recover. Croaking and coughing away, spreading the "good" stuff around. Xmas is indeed the season for sharing. *shakes head* Moreover, I think the fact that I haven't had enuff rest is probably getting me down. This weekend is gonna be worse. My mom is going to Taiwan, and everyone in the family has been roped in to help her in the business while she's away. Smart. Benefits of having a big family. Only my heavily pregnant 2nd sister is spared. Ha...I'm gonna have to wake even earlier than I ever have on both Sat and Sun morning. I need sleep! Ample and overdose would be most ideal! *slaps myself to reality* Rite...to reality and to bed then. Ciao.

Saturday Day Night Fever....

*Yawn* Desperate lack of sleep...

Covered an event last night at Neptune...and I brought Isabel along. Hehe...culture shock for her. You know, with that kinda dance segment. Haha...I remembered my first time at Neptune sometime last year. At that point, the performance was only opened to those aged above 21. This year, anyone above 18 can watch it. And boy, they were more explicit this time, as compared to when I watched it last year. Ha...how times change things.

Anyways, was a successful event. Fun and entertaining games. Isa and I were seated at the media table, and it shouldn't have come as a surprise that almost all were rather vocal people. There was one in particular...I must say I do admire her guts...though some may even think she's rude. *shrugs*

Well, Amy dated me for a movie today, and technically I said yes. But as the day wore on, nothing I planned happen. I wanted to go to the bank in the morning - naught. I was supposed to go tuition - zilch. I was supposed to go run - it rained. Watch movie - I went Suntec coz of the midnite sale. Ha! Remember, I said I wanted to do a pre-Xmas-shopping shopping...Running should be on tomoro then.

So ultra crowded, killed my mood a little to push against people to source for bargains...not to mention the queueing to try on, queueing to pay...Kaoz...I skipped some shops as a result. There's no way to even go into them. I didn't buy much, more like window-shopped. Angela (Bro's gf) and bro bought more stuff. But I did end up one necklace richer, and a hundred bucks poorer. Sigh. Yes. I did it again. Something good came out of it too. At least I decided what to get for the gift exchange with the girls. Ha...Certainly something different that I used to buy in previous years....I'm excited to see their reaction...Shhh...Angela came back with a wrap skirt from Bum, which I think I'm going back to buy it...Perhaps I'll head down tomoro if I have time. Nice.

It so happened that Jackson and Sin Tze and their gang went to Suntec for late night shopping too. Towards the later part of the night, he rang me up and it so happened that we were just a few shops away from each other. Met up and talked crap for a good 10min before we bade farewell for more bargains. *grin*

First time I saw Jackson since he came back from Australia a month ago. We've been saying we want to meet up for the longest time, but never found the time. Either I'm too caught up with work, or he's out with his mates. But well, we did agree that we will try to find a day this week for dinner. We'll see though. He's going back for summer school on 2 Jan...that's technically another 2 more weeks or so. And though I refused to admit that I will give him something (I kept telling him I aint gonna give him anything), I've decided to give him a watch. Honestly speaking, I do want to give him something (bday + Xmas), but I really have no idea what to give him. Sweaters - he has tonnes. Shirts - he's still schooling, no use for shirts. He wears Polo Ts, but given that that's the only thing he wears, he already has lotsa to boot. Wallet - he just bought himself one a couple days ago. Damn. So, I figured a watch is the best deal so far. The thing is, he told me he intend to reward himself with a Tag Heur next year (read: soon). Talk about "poor" student. Anyways...I figured he can wear the one I give until he buys himself the Tag. At least I figured that he would stick with the watch I give him for a tad longer before he gets the Tag. Ok, settled. Unless I can think of something better to give him. Now, the challenge is getting him a watch that he likes and will wear. That's the tough cookie. Sigh. I have in mind alredy to get one with metal strap, but that posed the next challenge -- His wrist size. Urgh. Nvm, I figured that I will buy, then if it doesn't fit, I will bring him back to the shop to adjust and fix it. Alritey!

Ok, gotta wake early tomoro (again). Wonder why on earth my weekends morning are spent so sickeningly. But well, I guess tomoro is different. Going to "visit" my grandad with my granny. Hmm...Just remembered that I brought some Xmas cards back to write (for office one)...Seems like I wouldn't have time for that this weekend now. And I'm nursing a sore throat on my right side (God wonders why it's half a side) that just sprang up 2hrs ago. Sigh. Hear me croak. To bed now...

Nothings...

Saturday was a mad rush. I baked my cookies and only finished at like nine in the night...plus washing up...woah, could have killed me. Hmm...the outcome was satisfactory I guess. Not fantastic. Nice aroma, good taste, just that it didn't "rise" properly. Not sure where the fault is...but I did commit a faux pas.

You see, I was supposed to put in 2 and 1/4 cups of rising flour, but I ended up putting only 3/4 cup of it...*Bash me!* I guessed it was because prior to that, I need put in only 3/4 cups of granulated sugar and brown sugar. Yeah. The first round of "cookies" melted. Haha...anyway, to cut the chase, eventually I did succeed. Hehehe..too bad I don't have a camera to take down the moment of glory. Heh...

****

Ok, boss is away the whole of this week. Kinda of miss her. Cat is away, but doesn't mean that the mice are having a great time ok...The days leading up to her departure was hell...and things still aren't any better after she left. But I guess we are still holding well. Things are still under control, albeit haywire. She called back today to say that it was freezing cold there. Heh...

Have yet to do my Xmas shopping...GOing with Isabel on Monday. Hopefully I can pick up the stuff that I need and want. Hmm...mabbe I should do a pre-Xmas shopping this weekend *Ponders*....

Itchy

Oh man...My rashes are getting worse by the minute and I'm itching really badly now. I wanted to go into office this morning to settle some last minute stuff with my boss before she flies off tomorrow, but I think I'm in no condition to venture out. Not that the rashes are anywhere on my face or visible part of my body lah...but still...I don't want to go out scratching like a monkey.

Went with Lily and Tricia last nite to check out an ex-colleague, Tammi's year-end mini-bash thrown by her company. Her office is located at Muhd Sultan (so happening, I want also), but as I suspected, her company invited so many people on the pretext of a "year-end party", but really, they wanted people to drop by and hoo-haa about their products and tour their showfloors...Ha!

We hung around, partly waiting for Amy to finish her work and join us. The food was ok, and they engaged 2 dancers to perform. And we woahed over the expensive taps and shower boxes they sell. Eg., $20K for a mini shower box that has a simple in-built FM radio, with pumps built at strategic places within the shower box, that send out jets of water which can massage you. Keen? LOL

We made up our minds to move on to some other place after Amy is done. We left the place around 10, and after Amy has done her dinner, we delibrated and agonised over our many choices, but eventually decided to check out Balcony at Heeren. Yap, none of us had been there before.

It's a nice place to chill and hang out, really. Not much action, and the place wasn't that big, but the DJ does spin some nice music. The crowd is mostly youngsters to yuppies...some caucasians here and there. Until at one point, we even saw an "uncle" walking around (alone) with a beer in his hands. Yes, UNCLE...or should I say "ah cek" *giggles*

Knowing my condition, I had a lychee matinee only, while Amy had Long Island Tea. Tricia had Strawberry Margarita and Lily had the Pineapple one. I tell you, I like their drinks rather than mine. Humpt...anyways, the Long Island and the Margarita there seemed to taste better (in my opinion)...I like it better. Heh...

We chatted, took silly photos while waited for Ruey Teng, Amy's colleague and Lily's friend too (small world) to join us after her work. By the time she arrived with her 2 other colleague, it was past 1, and Tricia and I had glazed eyes. I had it worse...teary eyes...from yawnin too much. Ha..

They decided to adjorn to another club, while Tricia and I decided to call it a night. They left, and while we were supposed to catch a cab back together, Tric and I ended up taking more photos by ourselves. Fun...hehe...Somehow cameras and taking photos is a real kick for the people I work with. Me included of course. Ha...We've agreed to go Zouk next Friday, though we aren't sure whether it will really materialise. Coz Tric may have to pick her bf up and I have to cover an event next Friday night. But I supposed it shouldn't be a problem on my side, coz I probably can join them after my event has ended. Maybe not Zouk, since they want to dance and therefore, we need to travel light. And me covering an event means I have an ultra big camera (big by today's standards) on me. Sheesh...One of our client's D&D...more drinking? Hahaha...

I'll probably get the photos from Tric on Monday, so maybe I can post some up after that...Oh yah, I still have some pictures that I managed to dig out but haven't post as yet. Oh well...when I don't feel lazy bah...

Let's see...I've got work to do this weekend...and I'm gonna bake some cookies today! Yayy! Let's hope it turns out well....It should...hahaha

Now... that is something you will not get to see in local papers...

Our dear Mr PM Lee...Now that's interesting...and of course embarassing for this little red dot.

Instead of bowing in front of the German flag according to the international protocol, Singapore's Prime Minister walked on and left Chancellor Merkel behind.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, bows in front of the German flag during the welcoming ceremony with military honours for Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, center, in the Chancellory in Berlin on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005.

Instead of bowing in front of the German flag according to the international protocol Singapore's Prime Minister kept on walking and left Chancellor Merkel behind.

It was Merkel's first welcoming ceremony with military honours for an international guest after being elected Chancellor.

Achtung....more paisehness after the hanging of the aussie...Do the soldiers in the background look as though they want to load some live rounds and be trigger-happy? Heh...Thankfully the Third Reich is long over...*whew*

International protocol is just a bunch of fat books...very boring to read but it's pretty much standard stuff. The protocol officer was supposed to be in charge of briefing the PM before every and any event. Some fellow countrymen actually feel that as a seasoned Minister and General, such are stuff that should come so natural to him. But I guess he's only human...and human do err under the most unthinkable or unforgiveable circumstances. And let's not forget that much as he's a "seasoned" Minister, he's still a "newbie" PM. You still feel that doesn't excused him? Well...*shrugs*

Wonder if any heads will roll after this incident.

*Photos courtesy of AP News*

Ups and Downs..

So yes, finally I've got an oven! About time too! Hmm...but I forgot to bring the recipe back, so I guess my cookies will have to wait till next week. Damn. I was looking forward to trying it out (Isabel's recipes). I promised to give my first batch of cookies to Mr J. *chuckles* Poison him...hahaha! Oh yes, he's back for the holidays. For a month or so, then he would have to go back for summer classes. Coming back to chase his dear "Marilyn" too...*hehehe*

Anyways, THose who know me will know that I can hardly cook for nuts. Man, even a trip to Seoul Garden will get me all "armed"...much as I like the food. You see, I'm afraid of spurting oil. Yes. So either whoever I'm with cooks for me, or I will have to shield myself with the paper serviette. On my hand of course! Even way back in Sec Sch's Home Econs classes, I was afraid of spluttering oil. Not that I can't cook, mind you. I can do a decent meal, not fantastic, but certainly above average. Just the oil puts me off. I happen to have a low threshold of pain you see. Heh...

So, I even remember this occasion, when we were supposed to fry a fish during one of the classes. Now, I've watched my mom fried fishes before, and one, I remember the *sheesh* sounds when the fish hits the oil and two, I saw oil squirting all over. So, the very fearful me picked up the wok's cover, prepared to shield myself, and then I hid behind the cover. With only the right hand out, I tossed the fish into the wok, into the boiling oil. Yes I tossed it. You don't need a good imagination to know what happened next. Haha...One, oil did sputter everywhere, and two, my Home Econs teacher came over and in her motherly style, wagged a horrified finger at me and hollered, "Aiyoh! How can you throw the fish in!" I'll never forget this scene as far as I lived. Haha...

But one thing for certain, I can bake very well. In fact, typical of my nature, I was good at the baking segments, the dessert-making sessions. Rock cookies, cakes, swiss rolls...mine all turned out nice! I remembered some of my friends' swiss rolls unrolling...wahahaha...THankfully the cooking classes were more than cooking; there's baking, desserts...I guess these parts saved my skin. Heh...

Apart from cooking, I'm adept at the rest of house-keeping. Doing a mean cleaning job, keeping the house spic and span, washing, looking after kids...Heck, I even know how to handle a baby the correct way...Somethng not many girls are disadvantaged at. Hehe...Not bad huh? I'm proud of myself sufficiently. =D I can always find a husband who cooks then, and I'll be fine with doing the washing after that. Fair and square. THen again, I may wriggle out of the deal and he can do the washing too...hahahaha...

Think I may really need to go to the doc sometime soon. My knee is killing me. I've endured a week's worth of limping (and the pain up and down the stairs really can kill me), I can hardly run properly, and I think that has begun to affect my right ankle too. Urghhh.

When he's gone...

What will she do?

Who will finish her sentences?

Who will finish her dinner when she can't?

Who will know how to make a cup of coffee for her exactly the way she likes it?

Who will snuggle up and keep her warm at night?

Who will know exactly what she is thinking just by the look on her face?

Who will be the safe harbor when she needs a break from the world?

Your Prayer or Mine?

Something funny to tide us over this Thursday before the elusive weekend comes along. Plus, it's the beginning of a new month! Starting with the right foot forward...

A WOMAN'S PRAYER

Before I lay me down to sleep, I pray for a man who's not a creep.

One who's handsome, smart and strong. One who loves to listen long.

One who thinks before he speaks. One who'll call, not wait for weeks.

I pray he's gainfully employed. When I spend his cash, won't be annoyed.

Pulls out my chair and opens my door. Massages my back and begs to do more.

A man who'll make love to my mind. And knows how to answer 'How big is my behind?'

I pray this man will love me no end. And always be my very best friend.

Amen.

A MAN'S PRAYER

I pray for a deaf-mute nymphomaniac with big breasts, who owns a liquor store and a trout boat.

This doesn't rhyme and I don't give two hoots.

Amen.