Shanghai

I took shitloads of time to put up the pictures and it's a 3-day trip. O dear, i don't think my Turkey pics will ever be up. Anyway, here's how the 3 days went.

I stayed at a friend's place. Very swanky 4-room condominium development, apparently by Keppel Land. Yep, little Singapore in Shanghai.
My temporary room and toilet.
Below is there guest room. It only has a sofa bed and a TV.
I arrived at 7am, reached my friend Y's place at about 830am. Said bye to him as he went to work. I walked around the apartment for a little bit, then i headed off to the streets of Shanghai!
Ok, i decided to go everywhere on foot. And i mean everywhere. Basically from Y's apartment, which sits on the intersection of Chang De Lu and Xinzha Lu, i walked along Chang De and it hits Nanjing Xi Lu, which is a freaking long road and links everyone in Shanghai, or so i imagine. So yea, below are some pics of Nanjing Xi Lu. I got really tired at around noon and found myself sitting in Starbucks. Ok, don't laugh, but i was actually a little apprehensive about sitting in a non-familiar place. Even if it was a respectable looking tea house. I ended up in Macs and Starbucks at various parts of the day, all along Nanjing Lu.


Along Nanjing Lu, if u keep walking, u hit the grand theatre.
And below is the Shanghai Cityhall. (if i didn't remember wrongly)
And here, my destination: The Shanghai Museum.
Honestly, i was rather disappointed at the museum. It's not any fault of the museum. It's a nice easy layout, just that i'm not all that into bronze carvings, pottery and calligrphy. But there was a visiting exhibition of American art, which i liked. The entrance was Y20, which translates to S$4. it's alright for a 2-hour walk and easy breathing.

Then i continued with my walk, wanting to find Huangpi Nan Lu station. But along the way, i saw this. I didn't actually go there. I merely took a picture.
I did reach Huangpi station. Only that once again, i didn't take the train. I wanted to buy my Jiaotong card, but the little stall wasn't open. And i didn't mind walking. So i did. I headed to Chenghuang Miao, also known to be the area near Yu Garden. And along the way, i passed the Wedding street. It's a little eerie cos they hang the wedding gowns outside. And the dresses would swing in the wind, making them look like ghosts. Didn't help that it was a cloudy day.
Below: the stalls around the temple. I kinda got lost here. And got pretty freaked out. It was a combination of things. Like the gloomy day, me not being used to the people, the dirt, the streets. I think at some point i almost cried. I'm weird this way. In Sec One, i cried cos it was my first day. Yea, i'm timid this way.

Below, the entrance of Old Shanghai street. At the end of it, it connects to Henan Bei Lu, which if u walk along it, u hit the swanky streets again, like Westin Hotel, where Deloitte offices are.


Yep, touring alone means taking idiotic shots like this.
Then, the light at the end of the tunnel: i met W for dinner. And we had Kailan in ice, Brinjal and this other chicken dish that doesn't deserve a picture. The entire meal cost Y89 for both of us.

Below: this is Nanjing Dong Lu, also called the Nanjing Bu Xing Jie.


We're getting near the Bund if we keep walking, which is what we did!
He Ping Fan dian - Peace Hotel.
The (cloudy/foggy) view of Huangpu river.
Peace Hotel again.
I forgot what building this is.
Ping Tang Hu Lu. Very yummy. Y3.

Once again, i forgot what this building is again. But we walked and walked and oohed and arhed at the sights and building and lights. Then when we were too tired to take another step, we decided to part. I took my first form of public transport in Shanghai: the cab.
It has in-cab entertainment. The ride 'home' cost me Y21.
The next day, after i visited the office, i went to QiPu Lu, which is really our version of Far East Plaza at a fifth of the price.

Me taking picture in the office toilet.
Outside the office, there is an italian restaurant cafe/restaurant.

Then in the night, i met J for dinner. She works at PwC Shanghai. It is a gorgeous office.

The next day: i walked along Nanjing Xi Lu again to meet A for lunch. I passed the Shanghai exhibition centre. Apparently Mao has been here!

Another mall i passed.

Yep, i just wanted to take the New York Pizza.

This is the Jing An temple, which is a 10 min walk from Y's place. It has a mall near it too. It's interesting how it seems like 'settlements' form around temples.

My first time taking the metro. After my first time, i was hooked. It's nice and clean, like in Singapore. cost Y3 for a standard ride, ie, not too long a ride. Below: don't these gantries look familiar?

The No 1 Shanghai department store. i didn't go in. But it's one of those that's mentioned in the travel guide.

I was at People's Square. Ren Min Guang Chang. I was headed to the Shanghai Urban Planning museum. Below: the town plan. The blue part is the Huangpu river, which splits Shanghai into Puxi and Pudong, which means the west and east side of the Huangpu river respectively.

Below: a virtual tour of Shanghai in the museum.

After that, i headed to Pudong.

Below: a mock-up of old shanghai streets in the Urban Planning Museum.

The tower. i forgot the name.

My last day ended with dinner with Y and B. And after that we had dessert. Similar to ice-kachang.

Except this one is as big as my face.

Yep. that's my Shanghai for u. =)

Hen Night?

It was a friend's hen night. The first time i participated in one too. And being in boring Singapore, and to my knowledge, our cute little nation only has one bar that has male strippers. And that's where we went. Gotham Penthouse. I'm of the view that if they didn't have this male strip thing, there wouldn't be anyone at all. We had loads to drink. I didn't drink a lot. I get dizzy real quick, but the fact that i'm typing now shows that i recover fast too. We were there till past 2am, and the bride-to-be could not stand up independantly anymore. And then we headed to Wine Bar.

And the drinking continues, this time with talking (now that we can be heard) and we could munch on hotdogs. It was more fun. At the end of the day, Zouk does it for me. Yep, the night ended with the groom-to-be turning up to fetch the bride-to-be, which according to my other friends, is the most wrong thing to do. Hen's night is supposed to be a gal pals only thing.

Overheard at Zouk:


random GIRL A: I'm damn sure (....) happened!

random girl B: How sure?

random GIRL A: I'm really very sure la. I bet my balls it happened!




(i'm thinking, just how sure is she?)

We went to a friend's place for a cook-out. Oh my. She technically stays in a 3-room flat. BUT the important thing to note is that it is a landed property. Yep, it belongs to HDB, is categorised under 3-room flats, despite having a garden and a large living room. They also built outwards a little. So now it is really a semi-detached landed property with 4 rooms and a large garden. And the best part? They have 2 rabbits!

Meet Cotton. He's got a nice, meek personality. And though it seems like he has a heavy bottom, he's rather quick and agile. It was tough trying to catch him.
Now meet I-forgot-his-name. He's got a beard. Have u ever met a rabbit with a beard?!
I also want a rabbit. Summer had one.

Their kitchen.

We needed 2 men to open a bottle of wine. It was a successful attempt.

When you're alone and not busy, quiet, what kinda thoughts usually come to your mind?

I want this hairstyle

Summer

I also want a chocolate brown labrador. And the nice brown leather boots she's wearing. =)

Yellow/Mustard and green are my current favourite colours.

Nice dress right? i think she looks real nice.

Now notice the shoes. Pointy, high heels.

This is very un-Summer-like. But she looks nice in the "jeans tucked into boots" look.

I like her top here. And her pants. Ok, and her shoes too. =)

Priceless

I managed to catch a show today after work. At Vivocity. It's really not the best cinema, nothing close to what one can get at Cathay cinemas. The seats were way too upright, the popcorn was tasteless. Thankfully, the show was very enjoyable.

Audrey was at her best. She was lovely in the movie, showing both grit and vulnerability at the same time. You really love and hate her, but love her more. =)

Bathing tip

Today is Saturday. And in preparation for dressing up to attend a friend's wedding, i bathed. It was a long, tedious, yet relaxing, feel-good process.

Before that, i went for a run in the sweltering heat. Well, it wasn't on purpose. I felt like running a bit, but i woke up really late. So yea, i slapped on lots of sunblock, put on a cap, then off i went.

When i returned, it was as if i stepped out of a sauna. I was dripping sweat from every pore. After stretching, i showered in hot water. Then i shampooed and conditioned my hair. Then i put on a hair mask and wrapped up my head.

I proceeded to scrub my body, first with a menthol bath foam. It feels damn cool! then i scrubbed down with an oily scrub with grains. Then i washed off everything in cold water. The hair mask and oil (and dead skin). Now i feel nice.

Go try it!

First time

Today was my first time seeing an SBS double-decker bus do a U-turn. =)

Turkey!

Very soon i'l get down to bloggin my entire journey ok, stay tuned!

My favourite brother

by the way, it's not that his eyes were closed when the camera snapped. He think it's cute this way.

Too many things i want to say

I have too many things to say, i don't even know wat to name the entry.

First, i had a hard time thinking of my blogger password. Can u believe that? And now that i've recovered it, i'm not exactly sure wat i wanted to say.

But i think it was this:

Today while i was in the office, i felt really cold. I was cold in the morning, then in the afternoon, and in the evening. All the way till i left the building.

Then when i hit the shops with my sis, i felt cold. Argh. I'm thinking why people waste electricity like that.

Now i'm home. On my bed. No air-con. No fan. bliss.




the end.

My dad just called to say that he loves me.

A-Por

My grandma passed away while i was in Turkey. I was shocked. She wasn't all that healthy having suffered from a minor stroke last year, but she recovered well and looked pretty strong. No one expected anything like this. She died from a heart attack. I hated the fact that i was away on holiday, not near, and not available to help with the funeral affairs. Nor look at her and hold her hand, even though i've never touched a dead person's hand.

I went on the trip with my Dad, who was busy with the rest of the tour group. I didn't have any peers on the trip. Neither did i feel it appropriate to share with anyone how i felt. But it pained me. It feels like the first grandparent i lost, even though i only had grandmothers left. Both my grandfathers died before i was born.

My grandma, A-Por, has 15 grandchildren. I'm her favourite. Every grandchild feels this way. We're all her favourite. This is because she has that much love.

As i thought about her during all the times i was alone on the trip, i would be very sad. A-Por loved me unconditionally. Not because i was good or i was smart. But because I am her grandchild. I didn't have to do anything.

My grandma would tell me everytime when she meets me that i have a good job, that i'm pretty and that i should eat more. Don't laugh. She's the only person who thinks so. And everyone needs someone like that. She was that someone in my life.

The funeral went smoothly. i requested my sis to take as many pictures as possible, so that i can feel like i was there. It is important for me. Although i wish so much that i spoke to her just once more before she died, i rest in that i'll see her in heaven.

i'll miss her. I didn't imagine that losing a grandma is so hard.

Update

[i coloured my hair black. The colour it was supposed to by anyway]

[heh.]

[yay!]

[all the pictures are different, u know?]

Lazy Saturday

[(i-forgot-their-names-cos-they-all-look-the-same cats]

[Jonsie (brown, female) & Jed (black, male)]

[an (incomplete), major dressed-down Scarlet]

Hey all, this is what happend on Saturday. Now that i found my camera, i can post more pics. i like blogs filled with pictures. heh. We had met to practise to play at one of the girls' sister's wedding. This is a legitimate girl band called Scarlet. I'm not actually a part of them. Just joining on ad-hoc basis. But if u need good chill-out music for a wedding, a party or any private event, be sure to gimme a ring. I'l get u a good rate.

It's a 4 piece band - bass guitar, electric guitar, keyboard and drums. If u consider the singers, then its a 5 to 7-piece band, depending on song/event requirements.

We practised at A and Y's place. They have 5 cats and 2 dogs. and ALL of them have good temperaments. Everyone was made comfortable cos it was so nice to have friendly fluffs walking around, keeping u busy.

Yep, that was Saturday for u. =)

Shop and shop and shop!

Heh. i went shopping today. I know u must be thinking i'm weird since CNY is over and i only started to shop. Well, i wanted to wait till the crowds ease out and the sales to set in u see. These are the things i bought:

1) a shrug
2) shorts (the type u can wear with heels one)
3) a dress
4) a pair of gold earrings
5) a gold chain
6) a nice retro elegant skirt for work
7) a khaki mini skirt
8) a red bra
9) a red top (makes me look demure)
10) the same one in black
11) this top with large sleeves (like for casual fridays and night outings)
12) a black speg top (cost a bomb)


all the above items cost me $240. heh. i'm happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i think i need more skirts. OOOh, the next on the list is pants actually. yea pants.

Ok, that's it for now. i'm goin to pack up the clothes i don't wear anymore and decide wat to do with them. New clothes are great!

Singapore-Malaysia

Christmas frenzy at work

This is my deskmate's workstation. ha. we live in File Kingdom.
Do u like the angels in the air?


Here are some random pics at work. Yes, we do these things. The christmas decor is the contest we had. We competed on making the most beautiful christmas decor using recycled material. check it out. heh.

The OC is back

I finally started on my Season 3. i've been hanging on to it for the longest time. and not watching it for fear that i'd finish it. odd rite. but yea, finally got started. i really miss it. i miss just sitting in front of my lappy. This time it's a bigger lappy with a larger, wider screen. (meet Nicky). yep, that's the name of my laptop. ha.

People who hv watched OC 3 tell me it's not as good. but i love love love it still. Especially Summer. I really really like her. I want to be her. ha. I'm watching the Last Kiss, cheesy as the name may sound. Cos she's in it. Go watch it k. i've also ordered Entourage and Prison Break. I tink i'l be entertained all the way till Christmas. Goody.

Happy me. And tomorrow is Monday. Another reason to smile. Join me. =)

The Princess' Diary

testing.

Happy and healthy

I know this title sounds oh so cheesy. But whatever. heh. I haven't been at this for a while. And honestly, this feels blissful. Today is a work night. But i feel nice. Do u ever feel this way? i hope so. =)

I had a restful weekend. Went on a cruise to nowhere. It's my first time on a cruise. And i did have fun. More than i expected even though i was in fact expecting to have fun. Yes, it was fun. This is what we did:

Start: Friday 3 November
We rushed from work on Friday. Boarded the ship promptly at 730. Changed, threw our stuff all over the cabin. And got ready for dinner. The dining rooms have different themes and have fancy names too. Bella Vista, The Pavillion, Mediterranean Buffet, Noble House, etc. We settled for Bella Vista, the equivalent of a Chinese-style dinner. I remember the prawns (steamed, plain) to be so fresh and sweet.

Then we watched a show called Tropicana. It was really a whole routine of dancers wearing revealing costumes (ie very short skirts which flare up to reveal G-strings) alternated by Chinese acrobats. Everytime the dancers came on, the dances were similar, only the costumes were different. But i see the same tight butts and bare chests.

After that we retreated to our rooms, watched CNBC, got bored, walked on deck, then went for supper. I had the sweetest pineapples. I turned down Naan bread drenched in curry gravy and steamed chicken wrapped in pandan leaves.

After supper, we went back to our cabins and drifted to sleep.

Saturday:

We woke up at 11am. Went on deck to jog for 10mins, then went to gym to jog another 20mins. Bathed and had lunch with the rest. This time it was Chinese again. The sweet and sour fish was heavenly. I also had very delicious lightly fried egg tofu.

After lunch, we went to shop at the sole DFS on board. I received a bottle of Dior Voyage perfume that came with a lip gloss in a classy, crystal-studded gold case. Thanks a lot! We then went to the top deck to have coffee and busy ourselved in intense discussions about service people, beliefs and other people. heh.

Then it was dinner time. This time it was upperty Western food. I had Cream of Pumpkin, Duck in Orange sauce and frozen blackcurrent parfait. It was delicious. After dinner, we literally rushed for the Fei Yu Qing concert. In case you don't noe, he sang "The Moon represents my Heart", among other Chinese oldies. After the concert, we back to our rooms for more CNBC and soon fell asleep.

Sunday:

We woke early for the last breakfast on board. It was a sumptous spread. This time i got to see all the gamblers who gushed out when the casino closed (we crossed the international borders back onto Singapore waters at about 9am). It was interesting seeing some of them stuff buns and bottles of yoghurt into their suspiciously large handbags. I didn't noe that old aunties who look rather frail can handle the weight of so much food.


That was the end of the cruise. The moment we hit mainland, we went on to VivoCity, watched An Inconvenient Truth and i shopped. I bought a pair of jeans (Pull & Bear), a dress (in my latest fave colour, mustard) and a leather purse/wallet/clutch. I'm one happy girl.

We had the time to sit at Pacific Coffee, sipping mochas and enjoying the view while lazing on the plush sofas. It felt good. Dinner was at Sushi Tei. Service was pleasurable. The night ended with an Arsenal match. It's only the beginning. Watch and see. Arsenal will win. =)

That's my weekend for you. I had a very nice time. That's all for now. i'm going to sleep. Tomorrow is another day at work (yay.) Everyday just gets better. I'm believing. =)

Oh my

Today i went for cell. It's like an oasis in my week of dryness. After a gruelling time of pondering and thinking and trying to decipher what the Big Guy is trying to say, we came to a time of sharing. One of our friends had an exasperating day at work. He was to coach a new guy. And this is one of the numerous incidents he recounted.

A: Ok, can u please go and check what's wrong with the machine.


New guy: ok. (and he goes)


(many many minutes pass)


A: What's wrong with the machine?


New guy: It's spoilt.

Idle i am

I have lots of stuff to do. But i'm not getting started, reveling in the bliss of laziness. I've wasted my time watching America's Next Top Model and shopping online. Sigh. i really can shop anywhere. Even at home. I was rather pleased with myself when i found a vintage clutch in my mum's flooded wardrobe. Try shopping in ur mum's wardrobe. u'l be pleasantly surprised. But of course, there are many other items that u mite find that cannot be mentioned.

It's time to post more things online to sell. The aim is to always sell more than i buy. That way, i'l always have new stuff and more money. hahhaa.

The To-Do List:

1. choose a song (tell u later. i'm too embarassed now)
2. replace a zip on my BYSI shirt (i love their clothes. But i tink they should invest in better thread)
3. Alter my pink pants. I'm going to do something to it. heh.
4. Sew the loose button on my almost favourite puffed sleeve shirt with pink satin buttons
5. Print my graduation photos (long overdue)
6. Check out the Tangs sale.
7. Bring the laptop to the re-seller (in exchange for cash!!)
8. Go running?
9. Un-chock my sink
10. Re-organise my room? (i've been toying with the idea of a new look, unless my parents really decide to move. i'm a bit bored of seeing the same ol room)
11. Put the millions of VCDs in alphabetical order (i say only. i don't tink it'l be done for the next 2453 years)
12. Research on my dress-making course. 2006 is self-improvement year.
13. Plan my worship leading session on 25 Sep 06.


Oh my gawd. Quite long hor, my list? i'm not going to go on. it's rather depressing. i'm going to nap now before i get out of the house. Talk about a To-Do list. sigh.

Singapore Dreaming

Got this from another friend's blog:

Over the weekend, I watched Singapore Dreaming. Cliched as the subject matter seemed, the film very much hit home. Just like how many local reviewers predicted, a certain uneasiness came over me as the story line panned out. I sympathised, not just for myself, but for my family. And it’s saddening that these themes exist almost universally in some shape or form in most Singaporean families. Is it any wonder that people are trying to escape.
Blame it on our size. Blame it on the government. Blame it on the fact that this country is in a period of transition where the new working population feels out of touch with the toil that our migrant forefathers put in to make it to and survive on this island. Every one of us, including the higher ups, has to accept, and even embrace, the fact that the brain drain we are going through will be a continuous process; one that is very much in the same vein as the migrant blood that flows through each and every one of us.

i'm gonna watch this show. yip.

cannot make it

i cannot, for the life of me, write sad blog entries. Even if i manage, i can't bring myself to post them. It's just not me. I can't cry to the world. I can only manage a happy blog. hahahahh. great reason for a bimbo blog entry. Here goes:

Last weekend, i went shopping. I love love love love love to shop. I love love love lugging shopping bags all around, and then complain, "wah, got a lot of things to carry hor?" heh.

But i didn't buy so many things la. Here's the list:

1. An off shoulder satin top with a thick belt that has a bow on it. it's all the rage now.
2. Another off-shoulder slinky top. The most formal look it can manage is 'casual Friday' in my firm. Maybe not. i'm not sure. Accessories are a MUST for this top.
3. A skirt the boyfriend chose. it's this black lace thing over a white lining thing. Wore to work today. feels great!
4. A slightly shimmery 'big sleeves' top. Pinky nude shade. Loves it. My most expensive purchase. But looks it. So all's good.

finally, i have a new necklace. Yippseroni! haha.


things i need now:

1. Shoes. Heels to be precise.
2. Necklaces. Unique, semi-chunky kind. Trust me. When u wear a chunky necklace to work, the working feels like playing. Imagine earning money while playing!!! (told u it was a bimbo entry)
3. those 'all the rage' knee-length bermudas wannabe, but a little too formal to be berms kinda short pants. Preferably in white and some other quirky colour.
4. i want a mustard-coloured top. i really really really want a mustard-coloured top.
5. I seriously need maybe another 2 new bags. Just 2.


that's all for now. i'm going to bathe and then go to bed with Ben Elton. =)

So u can tell la?!

I accompanied my brother as he ordered his food from the KFC guy.

me: so, can u tell that i've lost weight?

Brother: (without missing a beat) yea, of course! (if u know my brother, he's the last person u'd ever describe as 'enthusiastic')

me: really?

Brother: (enthusiastically) yea!

me: when did u start noticing?

Brother: (hesitates) just now!



i laughed.

he did too.

winner!

i won a pair of movie tickets today! heh heh. am i cool or what?

NDP 2006

I'm wayyyy too lazy to post more. Though there are nicer photos. Really. I had a lot of fun. But apparently too enthu for my own good. But i saw the President. And that's my favourite part. *mad wave*

Beat but up

I just came home from overnight cycling. It was good fun. The sqeaky clean kind where u feel nice and detoxed cos u had good company, a relatively good workout and yet don't feel spent.

It was a small (compared to the usual 100), motley crowd. There was a minimum age requirement, which rendered the usual quirky and very funny teens unable to go. I miss them a bit. But i hung out with people who are more my age. And i felt very very much at home. But i don't know if they felt the same.

I'm home now. We were all too full to have breakfast together, and too sleepy to talk anymore. So no one put up any objection to running home rite after the ride was over. We all complained of aching butts.

It was a relatively easy route. No slopes nor long distances. We stopped twice for drinks and food, which was way too much, considering the amount of waiting we did and toilet stops. My fitness (or lack of) wasn't challenged a single bit. My ability to stay awake was. To a large extent.

We went to the 'famous' won tan mee at Tamboline road. It's called Fei1 Fei1. The won tans were salty and the texture of the noodles is robust. Chewy mouthfuls. About 5 per bowl.

I'm sleepy. But i feel so so glad for the National Day Holiday. And i don't really want to sleep it away. This break away from my usual routine is very very much appreciated. I think i shall plan Thursday properly so that my leave day doesn't go to waste. Now what shall i do?

Perhaps i shall get some rest. A day with programmes lined up awaits me. I don't remember National Day being so eventful really. Happy 41st, Singapore. =)

Shopping.

Over the last month or so, i haven't failed to buy something every weekend. And i did it again this week.

Here are the purchases for this week:

-2 tops
-a pair of shorts/berms ( the type that's very 'in' now. girls like to wear with killer heels)
-a belt
-a clutch bag.


Cool? i'm pleased. It was my workout for the day too. I can't wait for overnight cycling. Yay!!!!!

Calling in life

My sis just returned from a weekend trip to Bangkok. And she bought me some pretty cool stuff i have to say. All for absurdly low prices. But she also bought herself a S$100 leather handbag that i consider half-mine. Cos i'm goin to use it. In exchange, she asked a favour.


Sis: Aye, can u help me wrap this book?

(i have an obsession with wrapped books. From the time i had the most basic hand-leg coordination, i fantasized about wrapping my books. And i do. I used to wrap my exercise books. But this obsession has to be balanced with another one of mine, which is to save the world. So i settle for wrapping just most of my books. Not all.)

Me: yea, ok. It's good to keep it new.


(i do it in about 30 seconds, very nicely and up to standard)


Me: (dropping the book on her bed) Sigh, i'm so good at this i'm beginning to think that this is my calling in life. Perhaps i should work at the Sunny Bookshop.




Sis: Do u know how good the Sunny bookshop people are??


Me: thanks.

An update isn't complete without another picture. this is me. Photo was taken last tue. heh. =)

An update

It's been a while since i actually wrote something. The last few weeks flew by. Progressions at work, at home, in church, in ex-school, etc. Things are looking up and up and up. And the only way things can go from here, is up. Thank You.


The latest things:

1) i'm a Corrinne May fan. I know it's kinda late. Cos everyone's like, been there, done that, kinda thing. But it's me. I'm always one of the last few to catch on to something one. heh. So all of u who have been there and own her songs, send to cherylsia@gmail.com many muacks.

2) I shop every week now. I have new clothes/shoes every week now. But by Thursday, I'l be bored and out of fear from repeating too often, i spend the weekend looking again. It feels really good.

3) i'm starting to really enjoy slow dinners. Dinners where the focus is not food. But people keep talking and talking, they forget about the food. Or better still, order some more so that we can legitimately sit there and talk some more. And ask for water. =)

4) Starting work doesn't make me miss school, contrary to what so many tell me. But it makes me miss my school friends. It's just very different and very much a privilege to hang out with people who have been thru shit with u. People who have seen you grow and love u no matter how much u earn or where u work. That's bliss.

5) Every time i reminise the past, i feel sad. But that sadness propels me to feel very very blessed now. And i always feel so appreciative when i think about now.

6) i recently cut my fringe too short. But it's no big deal really. I haven't lost any friends and hair grows back.

That's about all for now. I'm very very sleepy. I rushed home today hungry and sleepy. It was tough man. But i made it home for home-cooked dinner. And here i am, lost in other pple's blogs and Corrinne May singing. Was supposed to meet SofsDofs. But due to my sleepiness, it had to be pushed back. The meeting is long overdue.

Charles: when u have the time to actually check out my blog, know that u r missed. Keep warm (tho i know it's very hot there) And don't work too hard. Take a lot of photos and start a blog!!!

Clever T: i found ur blog. But i can't remember which are the search terms. Cos i cheated and asked JX. I really really couldn't find it. Mayb u're just not as famous as me. But u r cleverer. heh.


You know, when i started typing this entry, i had ZERO Corrinne May songs. Now, i am a proud owner of ALL her songs. Thank God for u all.

A calamity!

The most exciting thing this week happened last nite. I came home as usual to a hyper-active black furry ball otherwise known as Chippy.

And this is the usual greeting:

me: hey sweets!!!!!!!

Chip: (shrieks) (I suspect he's saying, "i love u forever!")

me: How was your day?!! (i tend to talk really loudly to him)

Chip: (shrieks again) (this time saying, "you are great!!")







then, i realised something different..!

He had his fore-leg lifted off the ground, as if saying hi. And i went crazy again.


Me: ooooooh....u are saying hi to meeeeeeeee!!!! How intelligent!


Chip: "yea, just like you!" (ok, he didn't say that)




Then for the rest of the nite, i remained amazed that his arm was up. Till i realised that he was actually in pain. And that his leg was hurt. sigh.

today my dad brought him to the vet and he's a happy dog again.


We have come to the end of the most exciting story ever. The End.

He likes me. all the time.

whoo hoo

i'm beat.


but smiling.


i was too lazy to blog. I spent time scrolling thru the past entries instead and really was glad that i actually started this blogging thing. There are things i don't want to forget. But i take it upon myself to record the good things. The blessings. And the days when i feel happy but have no idea why.

As for the days that sucked and the days when i feel like vomitting from the pain, it's also in this blog. ha. only that they are in code words. only i wld noe. not that i want to purposely remember those, but they put me in good standing and strengthen me for good days to come.


I put my trust in You and Your peace shall reign in me.

Balai rocked.

I want to learn Bahasa Indonesian. I like Indonesia, for all i've seen of it so far la. But i need to devise something such that even if i spend prolonged periods of time there, i can breathe fresh air. Not some PSI 500 kinda haze.

Balai rocked. And You know You're behind it. Thanks. I never thought that an isolated place can bring out such honesty in people and myself too.

Everyone should go to Balai. Alternatively, everyday we should have cell-group worship. Rocks my world. I'm sure Yours too. heh.

ok, this is a bedtime blog. I'm actually not gonna watch soccer. My future lies in my sleep. As u can see, all the lines of thought are not making sense. I need to be awake. Forms C and other tax issues are bursting into my face. Loves it. =) ok, enough nonsense. nite.

By the way, the feet are doing good. The cast is off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But i need to learn how to walk again. To beautiful feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.

Jakarta

I do so want to give a nice account of all that i saw and did in Jakarta. But i'm beat. Below are a summary of my 1st day there. =) i will try to put the rest up soon. Tho i'm not hopeful. As i'm headed for tanjong balai on Sat!

Happy Father's Day! Figured we are your favourite children! =)

The Raffles girls

Jeanette - Yvonne - Wenqi -Me - Huiling - Val! Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
i'm proud like shit to be an RGS girl. And i was really pleased to be meeting up with some of my friends. It's nice to catch up. And remember. And appreciate the fact that we have all grown, all progressed. But some things will always remain.

Pleased i am. =)

.........................................................................

Cheryl and her feet

My well cast feet have been doing a pretty good job carrying me about town. I managed to shop on Saturday and today. i'm pleased. Although the walking did make me feel sore, it wasn't pain. And day by day, they feel stronger. Based on the rough estimate of 4-6 weeks in cast, i have 3 weeks more to go, max. And in the next few weeks, i have already planned a shopping/sight-seeing holiday to Jakarta and a mission trip to Tanjong Balai (an island of Indonesia). Yes, all in cast and those ugly astronaut shoes that some of u have seen.

I'm looking forward.

In the meantime, i can only look on in envy at shoes. I can't even try them on and i don't buy if i can't try. Plus i don't know if the size of my feet will change slightly with the shaving off of some extra bone during the op.

Yesterday i went to Robinson's. It's quite the aunties' shopping paradise. But if u r willing to dig deep and perservere the crowds, there are really some pretty good finds. J actually managed to get leather shoes (2 pairs!), pants and 2 shirts. All for a good deal. It was fun.

Today i went to the library and picked up some really cool books. It's not often i find the stuff i want, especially not at Library@ Orchard as it is well visited by the crowds and the bestsellers always get snapped up. But this time is different. I got my hands on The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella, whose books i like to read. I'm pleased. =)


ok, enough of reporting. i'm masking my face now. heh. later gonna watch soccer. Monday is leave day. I feel good. =)

whooo hoooo

i seriously can't think of a better title. i came on purely to post a picture of myself.
new earrings. i miss wearing earrings. and yes, i think this is the winning entry for 'Most bimboic blog'. heh. Yay!

happy me sad me

A very very precious friend of mine returned from London. She called today and i was ecstatic. I virtually screamed in my quiet office. "i miss you!" i screamed silently.


But she bore very sad news. A mutual friend passed away today. I was overtaken by shock. I didn't know what to say next. i felt like it stole every right i had to be overjoyed that a dear friend is back. It didn't feel right to be glad. I was sad.

I wouldn't pretend to be close to her. We are as close as people on the same rugby team. The difference is that i'm the substitute level. She's the player level. But she's also the fun player. I remember her coming up with devious plots to trick opponents. Most of the time, the plots just made everyone laugh and forget the nerves that were jittering before a match. She made substitutes feel like players.

She's dead. And it's sad. I didn't expect to be affected. But i was. And it hurts. It hurts to see a young life ended. And it sucks that i know her. Even though not that well.

I was telling my Dad today (my blood Dad), that i didn't use to think that long life was such a big deal. And he asked me why. And i said that it's cos from the days i was in Sunday school, we were taught that heaven is a wonderful place ( i can even sing the song) and that we should hate the world. But today, i really give thanks for my earthly life.

I came so that you may have life. And life abundant.

tee hee hee

i apologise. I couldn't find a better title. i didn't sleep the entire nite.

This is what i did:

-i altered this unwearable skirt. Now it is wearable. i mite even wear it to the office tm. But trust me, nothing goes with bandages and bulging toes.

-i mended my sister's bag. The zipper came out and i (skilfully) sewed it back. I didn't tell her. so she mite suspect it's the elves.

-i watched about 5 episodes of Desperate Housewives and cried about 3 times cos i was so touched. can u believe just how mad i am?

-i also altered this dress i have. Initially unwearable cos it had this hot pink thing, which i think is major tacky. I replaced it with a black sheer ribbon. I tink it's presentable now so i mite wear it for grad nite.


Quite productive eh? This way, i'l be very sleepy tonite and i'l sleep early and be bouncy and cheery for work tm! Now i'm just waiting for B to call me to tell me "time for church!!!"

I love church. Thank You. Because You live, i can face tomorrow. I take delight in singing Your praises. =)

(thinking about) Running

I had my surgery on 18 May 2006. I can run in 6 months' time. that will be from 17 November 2006. Gasp. I was just watching the replay of a soccer match on TV. And watching the players sweat it out, look so lean, run and look like it's nothing makes me so wanna run. Suddenly, i miss my lunch sessions at the gym.

Why should u run?

Well, if u weigh about 50kg and u run for 30 mins at a jogging pace, u burn about 300 calories.

Let's do some math.

1g of fat = 9 calories
1 kg of fat = 9000 calories

1 lunch session = 40 mins (i take 20 mins to change, bathe and run to and fro the gym)
40 mins of running = 400 calories (approx) (my treadmill says otherwise)
9000/400 = 22.5 lunch sessions to burn 1 kg of pure fat.
22.5/3 = 7.5 weeks (assuming u give up 3 lunches in a week)
7.5 weeks < 2 months.

PURE FAT. wow. think about it. That's the weight of 1 litre of water and the volume of about i dunno how many butters. And there u have it, in PURE FAT. inviting eh? We haven't even considered what a fat-burning machine u will be if u reduce food intake.

OK, this is it. I'm running once my doc says ok.

All this is assuming u run as slowly as me (no one does, i'm a very slow runner). But hey, if u run a little faster, u will burn more.


As u can see, i'm v bored. It's a Saturday and i'm home. Everyone else has plans but here i am. Bah. ok, i'm going to make another skirt, then watch OC.

Run a marathon at 100m pace

That was a phrase J was telling me someone said to him. It left an impression on me. I'm still thinking about it. The fitness required, the determination, the desire.

Who wld have guessed that a lazy Friday (my final MC day) wld be a rather interesting one?

I woke to the alarm ringing. Something i haven't done for the last 4 days. I was due for an appt with my foot doctor. I'm going to see what the feet look like.


Me: eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. my feet look so disgusting!

Nurse: ai ya, of course la. It has only been 8 days since the surgery. Even plastic surgery takes longer. But after a while, bomp! (i have no idea what it stands for), u look beautiful!

I was tempted to ask "how u know?", but decided to hold myself.

I continued asking stupids questions like "how come like that huh?" as she took off the existing dressing and put on the new one. Blood oozed out. And i went "eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" again.

Nurse: ai ya, don't worry! that's old blood!

i can't decided which is worse.

Anyway, where the doctor had made a cut, my skin was held together with black stitches. The skin was creased and very ugly.


My doctor showed me what he did throught the X-ray screen. My big toe was practically sawed apart by him and left to grow back together in time to come. In the meantime, i just have to wear the bandage and when i go out, i have really big shoes.

Happy boredom

Yea, i was really bored. So i played with my camera. Just in case u haven't seen me in a while, this is about what i look like now. And this is my favourite at-home tee. It's my cut-up 'I Love NY' tee. hee.

Blue black feet

Yes, unpretty indeed. And to add, my bandages are getting grey and dirty. Not to mention my toes! ok, i shan't go there. Just now i attempted to post a letter. So i walked to the MRT station. Only to regret it. heh. What was usually a 7-minute brisk walk turned out to be a 25-minute trot. I had to take breaks cos i started to feel my bones protesting. Ok, i'm sorry and will never do it again. (not until the doc gvs the green light at least)

On another note, i had a very nice day. Cos i found out as i was reading the morning paper, that i, having the privilege to be home on a weekday afternoon, can catch American Idol finals live, direct off satellite! yep, so tt cheered me up a bit.

And then, i met Z online and had a very nice chat. Big hug, my dear girl. And ur writings are so mesmerising. In case u wanna do advertising, i think u can. But i think u can do a lot of things. heh.

On a final note, i'm a happy girl cos tonight my cell-group is coming to my place. Cos my beautiful feet are durable enough to travel yet. These pple are so adaptable. Thanks. Ok, i gotta go get dinner. *growl (says the tummy)

The conversation

C1: Hey hey!!!

(C2 looks in my direction)

C1: why? Why so sad?

C2: (downcast eyes) (silence)

C1: Are u bored? i'm soooooooooooo bored.

C2: (continues to look)


Yea, this happens about 7 times in a day. Cos i'm stuck at home and i'm so bored.


Legend: C1- Cheryl; C2- Chippy.

Oh beautiful feet

Yes, in my quest for beautiful feet, and before u tink i'm really the sort who'll throw my life away for beauty, it was on the doctor's advice. The title of this entry can also be 'Oh functional feet". But it sounds weird doesn't it?

Heh.

I admitted myself into Gleneagles on Thursday early morning at 6am. The surgery was scheduled to be at 730am. My dad dropped me as he had a flight to catch at 8am. I didn't expect myself to be so scared. I thought it'l be nothing. I mean, it's not anything has changed. But i felt very alone. And the idea of GA (general anasthesia) scared me further.

I did the necessary, including handing my Letter of Guarantee and Medisave form, and allowed the counter staff to make a copy of my IC. Then, 2 steward-like Bangladeshi guys, nice and politely led me to my room 808. They taught me how to use the locker and how to adjust the bed, then they left me.

I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling light. I thought i had time to catch a wink. But in like 5 minutes, an auntie-like voice sounded "cheryl...". Well, the nurse had come with operating dress (really just a piece of cloth with strings). So i changed and put my stuff in the locker. And within minutes, i was being wheeled into the theatre. I wanted to cry. I felt like a little girl again.

The threatre is just like what we see on TV. Bright and clinical. Everyone was chirpy and happy, poking fun at one another. (according to B, "it's how Grey's Anatomy!") Seriously, i wouldn't noe cos i don't watch. I kept asking, "Are u my anasthestist?" But most of my answers were like "No, but he's coming soon." "No, he's much shorter".

When he finally came, it was, again like on TV. He had a comforting voice. And spoke more slowly than the rest of the pple in the room. He explained what he was going to do. I asked him if there was any chance that i might sleep forever, i.e. die. And he said no. Then i asked if i might wake up halfway. He said no again and i was satisfied. He then proceeded to 'find my vein' and when he finally came to the final jab, he said, "Cheryl, this is it. Do u drink? What do u drink?"
i said, "erm...i like red wine, Baileys..yea, that's about it." "Ok, this is going to feel like 4 red wines with 2 Baileys ok?" "Ok."

And then i felt it. Then, like some drunk shit, i said "oooooooooooh. i feel it now. I'm floating..." Then i shut my eyes.


I as i was being wheeled out of the threatre. I recognised the bright lights. And then the pain hit. It was so so bad. I don't even know how to describe it.

I fell back to sleep under the influence of the drug.

I next awoke to an overwhelming pain that made me cringe as if i was having spasms. I was on a drip that administered painkiller constantly. The surgeon came by, saw my state. And instructed the nurse to increase the dosage. The painkiller attempted to reduce the pain. It also left me weak and groggy. En, B, P and D came by to see me. I felt so loved. But i was so weak, i could only open my eyes a bit and fall back to sleep, with my mouth wide open.

The nurse urged me to eat. and i wanted to kill her. Cos i was not able to. The painkiller had reduced all my muscles to zero. It rendered me unable to musticate my food. Or even swallow. I could only give thanks that all the oral painkillers were paired with anti-gastric pills.

By the middle of the next day, i was much better. Pain visited in momentarary pricks that brought tears, but the threat to kill was much less likely. i was also able to be taken off the drip. I could eat too. But hospital food is tasteless. And to add to my inactivity, i didn't really have reason to eat.

I stayed another night. I was not able to move an inch off my bed. I depended on the bedpan to pee. I had no shit. Perhaps i was truly scared shitless. ha. It was a Saturday that i was discharged. My sis came to bring me. It felt good going home. Cos i was starting to feel bad for troubling everyone to come and visit me/ take care of me.

Now i'm home. With a grand total of 5 days of MC. I am bored to tears. I actually want to work. But this actually gives me time to blog. And laze around. And sleep. Now my feet looks like this:


Yea, the toes are swollen from the water retention. I haven't seen the work of the surgeon. I only get to this Friday. Can't wait. Will show u soon. yippee.

Chippy

Chippy is my black furry dog with an insatiable appetite and the saddest, sweet eyes. I came home to an excited dog, as usual. J got on with his usual greetings. and a little more.

J: yo Chips, wassup.

(pauses)

wow. you have the amazing ability to make the whole place smell like you.

Chippy: (silence)

We proceed upstairs. And Chippy races along, overtaking us. (He likes to be first, then wait at the top of the stairs) Unfortunately, he trips.


J: How is it possible that you trip when u have 4 legs?

random sia

well well, i've been wanting to blog for the longest time. In some odd way, it's a form of release. And it is fast becoming a luxury because of its rarity. I know it sounds unbelievable. But in the office, i'm not comfy with blogging. And when i get home, i don't like to find myself staring at some screen since i've done it for an entire day.

Here i am. at 6.03 am on a Sunday morning. i blame the ice milk tea i had today at 3pm. Yes, tea has that effect on me. I dunno. it's not all the time. i suspect it's some combination with milk and sugar that sends me bouncing off the walls. And yes, i was one happy girl today.

I had planned to wander about town on my own. But in the end, the plans were pleasantly foiled as i ran into my sis and LK. Ended up wandering about town with them. And chatting to my heart out. For all the amount i talk, i sometimes miss talking. Can u believe that?

Came home to watch the Elections results. exciting stuff. Seriously, i never used to think so much about our government. But with this round of elections being one of the more hotly contested ones, i find myself being interested to read more, hear more. Sad to say, i don't have many opinions regarding the government that i can call my own. But i'm learning, and thinking.


I remember on some random Monday morning, i was trotting to work, rather happily. Before u all think i am mad, do nothing at work, or simply a workaholic, it's not the case, i assure u. I'm sometimes happy for no good reason. I don't burst into smiles or some shit, i just secretly smile to myself. It's like, if my heart could wink, that's what it did. A cheeky one. (I understand that i'm sounding mad)

So i told myself, that i have to blog about this, lest i forget that such good days have been bestowed on me. i will sing of His mercies, forever i will sing!

On another more personal note, my Japanese roomie, M, has returned to Japan. Initially, it was odd returning to an empty room. Cos i had gotten used to coming in and saying "hey". Now i don't. I still change in my bathroom even tho i don't have to anymore. It had been a great learning experience. While i didn't learn any Japanese, i did learn more about Japanese people. More importantly, i had found a friend. I don't actually think i'm an easy person to live with. And i didn't expect myself to find it easy to live with someone who started out being a stranger. But i did. And it was a smooth and pleasant experience. Now with the extra bed moved out and half my wardrobe returned, my room feels more spacious. Welcome all who wanna drop by and hang out!

Another meaningless thing i have to update u all about is my rebonded hair!!! i did it. finally. i've been thinking about it for the longest time. But didn't do it cos i didn't fall into the catagory that was commonly named 'candidates for re-bonding'. What i mean is, many people i sought opinion from felt that i didn't need to as my hair was not wavy. But now i look neater. The change is not drastic. But i actually look like i bother to comb my hair. Isn't that great?

Finally, i need to buy a pair of gold shoes to match the gold handbag i had recently acquired. In case u think i am Miss Ar-Piang, i'm not ok! my handbag is a matt, light gold shade. Very nice. Got chance i show u. And cos my bags NEED to have matching shoes, the urgent task is to get gold shoes. Perhaps Monday i'l go and get. Today i did see stuff i like. Just didn't buy. i wanted to be sure. hee.

You have come to the end of my blog entry. In case u are wondering, this is my bimbo outlet. Is it not obvious enough? heh. Thanks for entertaining me. i'm most pleased! =)

Early morning Monday....blues?

my sis returned from Hong Kong on Monday. I mean, really late on sunday nite. I crept into her room at 730am. A time considerably late for most, but my sis was still snoozing.

me: eh, u not working today meh?

sis: working..

me: wah. then u don't wan to wake up ar?

sis: waking up....

me: wakey wakey!!

sis: ai ya...

me: it's time to work! whoo hoo! time to work time to work! ( i start prancing around her room in my most graceful ballerina steps.)

sis: shhhhhh.....

me: but it's time to work! it's great to work!!!!!!!!!!!! (in an opera voice, Singapore Idol reject-style)

sis: GET OUT!



seriously, that's what younger sisters are for. You hardly see them (i only see my sister in church on Sundays. And yes, we live next to each other), and when u do, u should scream at them. All because they innocently tried to get you psyched up for Monday work. Talk about family ties.....(huge dramatic sigh)

hello to you

I really shouldn't b awake at this hour. But i am. i wan to blog. But i'm so sleepy. I've been scraping by on very little sleep. like 4 to 5 hours every day. and i tink this won't do. but this week isn't goin to be much better. cos smack in the middle of the week, is a very important Arsenal match.

Last nite i met P for dinner. And i told her that i need to be non-working people once in while. Cos they keep me in touch with reality. Yea. that's it. In case you think that it's all about work, it's not. It's all about you. And in this case, it's all about me.

It's all about how much i'm enjoying life, how much i'm learning, how much i'm loved and how much i'm loving. The list continues, how much i read, how much i sing, how much i impart. It's also about how much i laugh (do u remember the last time you did?), how much i run, how much i sleep and of course, how much i shop.

if you, like many others, think it's about how much u work and how much u earn, and how much OT u do, u're mistaken. or so i tink. there's more to it. i promise.

Tomorrow is sat. and i'm geared up to shop. i wan to walk the streets. i don't have to buy anything. just walk and see and maybe buy. heeeeeeeeeee. but the bones in my feet can't take it anymore. i mite visit the doc soon and see if i'm due for a corrective surgery. sigh. i'm a fine example of a girl who throws away her toes for the sake of her beautiful pointy heels.

Mayb tm i will bathe my Chippy. Ok, i shld stop blabbering. i'm goin to bed. i'm sleeeeeeeeeeepy. bye for now. it's just a report to say i'm still around. heeeeeeee.

Oh, and i forgot to drop a blog on my important day. 9 March. my birthday. in case u forgot, it's fine. I still love u. and i noe u love me toooooooo. i'm mad. ha. =)

Leap

while i was dancing today
i saw You
and how You cried
pleading that You may not die
the death i was meant to die
how You begged
beads of bloody sweat
i dance the steps
that were choreographed for You
for me
the dance You danced
so that my feet would not only walk
but leap


i am eternally grateful



p, i stole this from ur blog. it touched me so much i teared.

Just an update

If u have stopped reading my blog, i don't blame u. If some blogger updates only like twice in a year, i would stop reading too.

Anyway, i'm really supposed to be sleeping. But i refuse to. I don't noe y. it was supposed to be a fun nite. Not exciting kinda fun. Just the normal kind of couch potato fun. i'm currently cravin to be a couch potato. But the sofas at home are not comfy enough. sigh. i'm just full of complaints.

Was just reading M's blog. And i realise that i miss America. lots. i miss the money i had. the holidaying. the shopping. the frequency at which i go "wow!". I was just recounting to a friend today about how my tour to CNN was. And in turn he told me about his internship at SPH. it was nice. it also made me remember the day we walked to the Time Warner building. Just as we turned left on 5th ave to Columbus Circus and it started to snow. Nice bite-size snow balls falling. I remember thanking Daddy for allowing me to witness snow at such a nice place. It was also one of the rare times we actually woke early (cos we had to catch the CNN tour) and the place wasn't so crowded yet. I miss it.

Now my life is a routine. An effort is required to make it interesting. I make a conscious effort not to watch TV or stare into space when i've nothing to do. I need to find more events at which i can go "wow". His mercies are new every morning. Thank You.

I actually have so many things to do. I need to bathe my poor dog. I want to colour my hair. I want to go shopping. I want to hang out with you. Hold your hand. bah.

But instead, later i'm going running. I will run for an hour. Until i can breathe no more. Then i'l bathe. A hot one. I'm even contemplating going back to the office to finish up that small bit that keeps bothering me. But i shall not be obsessive.

I know it's in store for me. And i claim it everyday. My princesshood is mine to keep. My blessings run after me.

I want very light brown streaks in my hair. I want it long and soft. Tomorrow i'l have it. Yours will be blue. Shall we watch the Fulham match?

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year flew by. And i haven't even organised photos for my US trip. Disgusting hor. Anyway, before CNY, i was dreading its arrival. Cos i didn't wan it to end. i feared the end of holidays. But now that life is pretty much back to normal, i'm feeling fine. Thank God. I thank Him everyday. whoo hoo. i'm truly feeling like a princess. anyway, since looking at pics is more interesting than me talking away. here it is.

The Sia Family. We rock.
Cousins unite. Tan family.

Cousins unite. relaxed. =)
Cousins trying to be devils.