Christmas Come Early !!!

Yesterday I was back from work early, cause nothing much to do in office. So I thought I would be able to meet my Dear early at home too. However, I waited and waited she was not home yet. I was thinking is she lost or what, how come so late and still not home yet, so I called her. She said she was waiting for bus, so I thought, ok, work until so late... hai...

So I log on to the net to check my email. I was sitting just beside the door as the power point for the laptop is there. Then I heard my Dear came back, so I help to unlock the door from inside. To my surprise, she bought me a little blue helicopter. It is the one which I have been looking for. I spend the last Friday night looking for it all over all the shopping center that we went to. I was kind of disappointed that a simple toy like this none of the shopping center have it. Well, according to my friend, this toy is so well like by a lot of people that it is sold out with in days.

I was quite excited with the helicopter that I almost forget to thank my Dear for it. Hahaha. Thank You Dear. :)

See?! It can fly!!!
I'm gonna be a pilot in future.Don't Disturb ME!! I'm a PILOT in training
-_-" Small boy @ work -_-"

P.s. edited by wifey on 17 Nov with photos..

Woah! So much?!

Had ordered the strawberry mini rolls and chocolate éclairs a couple of weeks ago. But they ran out of stock and I had to wait for them to replenished their stock before they can finally meet my orders.

Actually I did not order alot leh. I also don't understand they have no stock. But according to Godma, their business is very very good . Lots of people order from them. Probably that's why I guess.

Anyway, I merely ordered 1 carton of strawberry mini rolls and also a carton of chocolate elcairs. Which is equivalent to 4 boxes of mini rolls and 12 packets of éclairs

But, look at the condition of my freezer after I've manage to squeeze in all the items. Bearing in mind, my freezer is near empty before the items came.

Woah.. And honestly?! I've yet to see my fridge so full to the brim ever since we moved in leh!

Heng, my office mate, Ah Teck came to take his box of mini rolls and also 6 packs of elairs. That freed up some space for me to store my meat and other to-be-kept-frozen products.

Will be bringing a box of rolls for my mom when we go over for dinner tomorrow and keep the rest for ourselves since I've already given a box to my PIL's the last time I ordered. Also, since we are inviting them to our place on Christmas Day, I shall keep some and then can offer it to them as dessert after dinner. =)

Went for dinner at PIL's place and invited them to come. All agreed except OBIL who says he's working.. Fine with me anyway. But before we order our food, will still check with him again if he confirm cannot come lor.

See?! I'm a nice daughter and sister in law ok?!

After work.

Meet hubby in town after work today, I could have been earlier, if not for the long drawn out meeting between the principal and HOD's of the sec sch and my side. =(

Director say must end by 5.30pm, but still drag on abit lor. Immediately after that, I dashed back to office, switched off all the necessary and zoomed off to town to meet hubby. Hubby says he is likely to be early. Thus, I have no idea, what made me pick up the phone to call him and check where he is. And thank God, I did. He was still in office. =_=" Lucky, I did not rush myself too much to get to town! When I reached, I waited for at least 15 mins before hubby turned up leh. So much for being early.

Had dinner at the food court in Emerald Plaza. We went for the Korean food. Nice. But I still prefer the one at OG Orchard Point. Hubby, I think he also like the food leh. He gobbled up every single thing. Then we went for a walk. The lights were not officially lit yet. But they were doing some sort of testing, and I manage to snap some photos.
Still in search of the perfect Christmas Tree hence we went to Metro Paragon. Yups! The trees are beautiful and so are the price tags.. =(

To our surprise, they also have Nativity Sets. We spent some time pouring over the sets there. Some are nice, but too big. Others are ok but the expressions being painted are horrible. We finally found a set that we like. Surprisingly, the price tag is not that expensive also leh. But, we din want to make a rash decision and decided to walk over to Taka. I'm pretty sure, they have a Christmas fair there selling all these as well and we want to make some comparisons before deciding. And indeed, Taka has the fair. There were so many things being sold there as well.

We looked thru the Nativity Sets, did not see any that we like. So I guess, we are pretty sure of which set we wanted... But we saw some Christmas Wreaths that makes me yearn to have them too. Hubby says, we can buy item by item, no need so kan cheong to buy all.. So ok lor.. Wreath another time, since we both agree that Nativity Set is more meaningful than the wreath.

Back to Metro Paragon we trooped. And this is our purchase!

Ta da!!
Nice?! VERY!!!

We think it's nice. It's complete except for that "Bright Golden Star" that the 3 wise men followed. We cannot find anything suitable so we improvised and we happen to have a Golden star that we saved from last year, and we stuck it right above the barn.

Perfect!!

And LOOK at baby Jesus!! He seems soo happy and peaceful lying in the manger, even though it was in a stable that he was born into! Now I'm wondering if we were to just bring baby Jesus in the crib to see the priest, will he bless it or will he want us to bring the whole set??

We also dug out our glass Christmas tree from the storeroom and set it up. Hung up all the glass ornaments and then realized that we have some golden cloth reindeer that was saved from last year and decided to put it onto the tree too.

Can see? Does it gives u the feeling that the reindeer is running pass the tree to meet Santa??

hahahaha..

I have such a vivid imgination, don't I?

Now, we ARE ready for Christmas! Or at least, our house has a more Christmascy feel to it already. Maybe we should be playing some carols and that will set mood even more. So As long as I don't get sick of hearing it go... "You better watch out, You better don't cry. You better not pout and I'm telling you why. Santa Clause is coming to town...."

Teach me how to.

Teach me how to be a supportive wife in times of trial.

Tibetan Yoga?

So fast, this was already the 8th session of our yoga. Just 4 more sessions (not inclusive of the make up) and that's it! We have finished 12 weeks of Elementary Yoga.

And this week, we started on Tibetan Yoga.

Basically there's only 5 poses to Tibetan Yoga. First is this, standing straight with arms outstretch and then make a 360 degree clockwise turn with eyes close. We started off with 5 rounds and by the 3rd turn, I'm already giddy. We are supposed to open our eyes to get ready for the next turn at the starting and ending point. But somehow, after a few turns, my starting and ending point became 10 o'clock. I can't seem to to back to the 12 o' clock position however hard I try but I can land myself neatly at 10 o'clock EVERY SINGLE ROUND!

Duh!!!

Next pose is this lying on our back. Which looks like the dead man's pose and I was happily thinking, this should be easy! It's not! We had to do leg raises and then raise shoulders and hands to catch hold of knees and hold for a while.

After 5 of such movements, can feel my stomach cringing and it's not easy as I thought it to be!

Then, this chinese dance look alike pose.. hahaha... Basically, hold your butt and try to bend backwards. Imagine, some cheena toy drums, trumpets and scarves or some frilly things waving in the air and do this pose. Like chinese dance position lor!

Should be able to help in strengthening spine and I don't know where else.

Followed by this "Table Top" I called it.. Sit down and then push yourself to look like a table. Heh!

Trainer says, must straighten till can put a glass of water on my stomach. I think I can straighten pretty well. But to be able to balance a glass of water on my very the NOT flat stomach very hard lei. =(

Finally! The last pose... I think the name is what "Under dog & Upper dog?"

Can't catch it very well when I'm trying my very very best to do the pose.

Wah lau.. This is the most siong of all lor. Push up position one moment and then inverted "V" the next moment. This, I think we did 10. By the time I did the 5th, my hands are shaking already. Good grief!!

Not easy to be a yogi after all leh.

I copied all the pictures from this website. I shall note it down so that, the nex time, when I have more free time on my hands, I can go in and read what are all the various poses good for! For the moment, I shall just concentrate on mastering the poses.

Trainer says, we should all do at least 21 sets of each to benefit from it. Next week, we shall move from 5 to 12. -_-"

Damn... Pictures are supposed to move... But I can't get it to do so... want to see the moving pictures, either click on each individual pic or go to the link.

Guess who's coming?

Can you make a guess who's going to descend on our sandy shores in another couple of weeks?

Well, he wears bright red everything and is most prominent with his white beard and a budging belly.. Have you guessed it yet??

Yups! Santa! Santa is coming which also means Christmas is coming. The frenzied shopping, gift wrapping, food, parties and merry making is upon us once again!
Over the last few years, Santa has sort of morphed into Gardener Santa, working Santa, dancing Santa and a few others.

It's also the time where hubby and me goes, "Shall we get a Christmas Tree?" yet again. We had been pondering on this since last year around this same time.

Since, we were both free after mass and having finished with the laundry, we decided to head out to concourse where they are having a Christmas fair. Being a Christmas fair, definately, there are going to be Christmas Trees lor.

And indeed, there are LOTS of trees and lights and decorations and also little cute and pretty things that you can place in the house! Maybe could be good for those Christmas exchanges too!

Actually, the moment my eyes scanned through the atrium, I fell in love with it! Not coz there are so many Christmascy things but becourse, the WHOLE area was done up in my favourite colour! Pretty PINK! I think I was more excited over the set up rather than the Christmascy things.

We walked a few rounds and I know which tree we are gonna buy if we are going to ever buy.

The Giant Fir Tree.

I simply love the lighter tinge of green on the edges of the branches and leaves! But before buying the tree, hubby and me need to decide on the theme, the colours and also WHERE to place this tree! And to date, we have not reached any decision.

ARGG!!!

We were also thinking of space constraint and then the issues of keeping and storing the tree, maybe we should just get a Nativity Set instead? But nothing was to our liking there.

So disappointed! Hoping that we could have walked away with something for Christmas at the fair leh. Placed too high hopes on it already.

Nothing much caught our eyes after that, but I saw something that I know my mom would love!

This!

Not the chubby face that she likes but what the figurine is holding that she will like! haha..

Checked out the price and it's a feaking $250 for just 1 figurine. And it's a mere 6" doll ok!!

Forget it! I'm not going to spend that kind of $ on such a tiny thing. (Though, a tiny nagging voice inside my head is telling me that I spent $270 on a pair of heels last year....)

After dinner at Burger King, we took a slow scroll over to Bugis. Nothing there at all, except that we manage to take the Christmas treat menu from Cold Storage. Need some ideas on the food to be served during dinner with my family in law.

Nothing concrete yet at this moment in time. Still looking and sourcing around. Also, there may be this tiny, weeny chance that my family in law will turn down the invite (since hubby have not asked them yet) and then I don't have to worry about OBIL saying anything rude nor to worry about the sate of my house and also what food to serve.

Christian Wedding

Went to Terrence’s & Fanns wedding at a very VERY ,far church. In Jurong. CITY HARVEST church! I’m sure you all have heard about this church before.

The founder are non other than Sun Ho and her husband. The church is MASSIVE, my goodness. It’s really really huge!! But darn far for us lor. I’m wondering why on earth the pastors build the church so so far away. They being such a darn rich church should have their place of worship someplace more centralize so they can have more parishioners lor. So far! Gosh.

My sister says only need to go once and I am complaining non stop those NTU students how? She has a point too but I simply cannot imagine that every weekend, I got to make a trip all the way to Jurong just for worship! Thank Goodness, the catholic church is easily accessible! For this, I am thankful and grateful! Thank God, I’m a catholic too! Haha..

I’ve never been to a Christian wedding before and I kinda got a cultural shock when we were involved in the whole ceremony. =0

First was the venue. It’s not in the main church, but rather it’s at the “Chinese Hall” which in my opinion is more like a function hall. There are no crosses (Christians don’t have crucifixes), nothing in the room looks or make me feel like I’m in a church. Kind of feel that it’s like a bigger room of the room in the ROM. But there were chairs arranged in rows on 2 sides and a red-carpeted aisle for the grand march in.

The pastor was wearing a suit which is the same as the rest of the “brothers” and helpers. Honestly, I cannot differentiate who is who. There wasn’t any mass booklets for the guests as well, just a sheet of paper listing out the programme for the day.

The whole ceremony began with praise and worship. It was nice. Very charismatic I feel, but not the solemnity and peacefulness that I get to have in church. The songs and the worship leaders were all good. But not something that I’m used to lor. Also, I find it quite funny that when the praise and worship began, the bride is not there yet. Only after it, then was the march in.

The bride came in, in her glory, on her daddy’s arms. The bashful bride that is nervous, happy & excited walking sedately to the man that she’s going to spend the rest of her life with. All kinds of emotions were written on her face and yet, this is something that she is so looking forward to.

Life with the man she loves.

The pastor took over from here, saying blessings, prayers and also giving some words of advise to the soon to be wed couple. What really impressed me was that there was a mandarin translator, who literally translated every single word that the pastor said. WOW! He’s very good ok!!

Finally, after all there is, the pastor told Terrence, “You may lift the veil and kiss the bride.” Amidst cheers, Terrence finally claimed his bride. =)

We were treated to a lunch buffet following the wedding ceremony and the newly wedded were standing outside the door thanking the guests.

The bride must be too excited and nervous. When I said, “Congratulations!” she replied, “CONGRATS” too. =S Yups, definitely a case of the nerves. Hahahaha..

After we had our lunch, we left, din wait for the photo taking. Wanted to explore the church a little since we do not come to this part of Singapore this often, but there were so many people and the weather was so warm so we decided to just leave.

But! Having said all these, the church reeks of money leh. Everything is sooo posh looking. Even the toilets are very “hotel” like. I don’t really understand the need to place a mirror inside the cubicle of the toilet though… Not as though the ladies are not spending enough time in the toilet wor.

The exterior of the church is “metallic” looking but it sends out the message of a super duper rich church loud and clear.

We took the bus and went to Jurong Point for a short walk. The place is big. But then again, most of the shops are similar to any other shopping malls so there isn’t much to look or to shop. Coupled that with 2 very broke people who are on the hunt for a desktop + a labtop/tablet + a digital camera + all the Christmas shopping that is supposed to be done + all ang pows that are soon to be going to gave away, shopping is not as enjoyable as it’s supposed to be for me. =(

But such a coincidence, I met my canteen operator there as well. And then I discovered he stay in Jurong. Wah! Far leh!! Come to work. But he drives, so not so bad lor.

I’m not sure if he’s still staying with his parents or if he’s married and his lovenest is in Jurong. Come to think of it, l think I’ve already know him for about 6 years. But never knew where he stay or if he has a GF. Should go and ask him when I’ve the chance to do so.

Decided that there was not much that excites us so we went back. We spent an hour plus just to reach Bishan MRT! *sigh*

Then we decided that it’s too early to go home or to have dinner but it’s going to be so boring for us to eat at the coffeeshop again. So what do we 2 desperate people do?

We went to the newly opened library in Bishan. This IS my first visit to the library in J8. Woah! Very big in my opinion, I did not really go to explore all the levels, but instead I was glued to the 3rd floor, the novels and friction section. Here, I found a whole collection of Danielle Steel books (most of which I’ve already read before) then some other authors that I’ve been reading off and on.

I was so excited about it and just stuck myself to those shelves. In less than 30 minutes, I’ve already picked out at least 5 books for myself. I really cannot remember what’s the max number of books each person can loan out but I was prepared to borrow in hubby’s name. And if that’s not enough, I’m ready to physo hubby to borrow just 1 less book so that I can have all of mine! *Evil Grin*

So when I saw that hubby only has 2 books, I smiled a satisfied smile to myself and pick up just one more book. So grand total, I have 6 books to occupy myself! =)

Finally happy, we headed home where I fixed a healthy dinner for us. Lettuce with Tomatoes, some ham, button mushrooms and an egg each. Complete with some Japanese salad dressing. Yummy!!

And I wasted no time in getting started on my book. When hubby went to bathe, I was already comfortably curled up on the sofa reading and reading and reading. I think I would have continued reading if not for the fact that hubby says he needs to be fed. So being the very dutiful wife that I am, I put down my very very interesting book and fixed his meal and we had it in front of the TV watching “The Scorpion King”. But I was rather distracted I must say coz I was busy reading too. Multi tasking is what I can do pretty well.

Hubby calls me “Bookworm” coz once I started reading, I cannot stop. But that is coz he himself does not read for long period of time like I do! Heh!

Got to stop now, need to read and sleep and wake up for early for tml, which is the start of another brand new week, by celebrating in church for mass.

Did I mention that the kiddies school holidays have started?! Yipee!! Hooray!!!

2nd attempt

Was not in the mood to go to for kickbox class last night BUT in the mood to do some baking. So after signing off from blog at abt 7pm, decided to go home instead.

I've been wanting to try my hands on that Nutella cupcakes recipe for ages and was going to do just that but hubby says he don't like. DANG!! So ok lor, din make that.

Tried the coffee marcooms again and STILL fail. Gosh! Don't know what or where went wrong leh. This time, I followed the instructions carefully, the only thing is I did not do the piping as said coz I don't have the pipping bag ma. Don't know why and don't know how this time. =(

Since this one fail, I also feeling pretty low. So what did we do? We make another batch of Almond Chocolate Chip cookies. =) This is pretty simple lor, since we already have all the ingredients and recipe and we have manage to do it once before, so this time, should not be too difficult lor.

Had a smaller accident though, the margarine fell onto the floor with a "Plop!" We scrapped off the bit the was on the floor and kind re-used it again coz I din have any margarine left. Then after mixing all the things, I realized I made another mistake!! I mixed up the amount for the butter and margarine! DANG!!!

Finally after all these hoo ha, we managed to get the batter into the oven. First batch was abit dark, subsequently batches are all right. And heng ar... though I mixed up the amount for butter and margarine (what's the difference anyway?!) the taste is still the same leh. Or at least, when hubby and me tasted it, it seems the seem like the last time just that this time round was harder.

Took a few pieces for my office mate today and his verdict? "NICE!"

What can I say? I'm Happy!!!

3 is a Market

Yesterday was "All Saints' Day" and is also a day of obligation for us Catholics. Hubby and I went for the last mass which was at 8pm in CTK.

Quite normal mass by Fr. Peter Koh and as usual, all of us went to the nearby coffee shop and some had supper, some had dinner and others like us, just a drink and to catch up and fellowship. Then came Paul and we were all seated together.

Hubby told me tat Paul's co is 1 of the sponsor for the coming show, "Phantom of the Opera" I know the story though I've never watched it before and Paul says he could help us get discounted tickets if we are interested and if we want to, we might even be able to get free tickets to the show.

The few of us, were astounded! Of course, we want! Immediately, we baggered Paul to tell us more and quickly, we made plans. All in all, we need a total of 5-6 tickets for this show and we ONLY want the actual performances not some martini kinda performance. Paul said something, which I din really catch.

But it's confirmed, if he's able to help us get discounted tickets, we will be going on 1 Apr 2007!

On reaching home, hubby told me, he could hardly hear Paul say anything. Before he could say anything, the 4 of us, women just cut him off and discuss among ourselves again.

Hubby says, he is bewildered by how come the 4 of us women can be all talking at the same time and yet could understand each other perfectly. Paul is the main person in getting the information and tickets, yet he spoke the least and was quiet throughout. Should we not be listening to him?

He ended his speech with, "Once again, as proven, Men take turns to talk, while women can all be talking at the same time in the same conversation" which he had read from some book before.

And on hindsight, as I recall of last nite's conversation, yups! Whoever that clever guy is, He's absolutely RIGHT!

Anyway, Phantom of the Opera....Here we come! 1 Apr 2007!

A brand new life!

It’s our church practice to have special blessings for expectant parents on the last Sunday of every month and we got a surprise from my gal friend in church today!

We were sitting at the far back in the same section as her and we were wondering if she will go up for the blessings. To our disappointment, she and her hubby just sat down without any signs of going up. BUT! Just before the priest give the blessing, she and her hubby went up!

Hooray!!! A brand new life is being formed safely snuggled in the comfort of mommy’s snug tummy as I’m typing this. We are happy for her! And I think her excitement is the most obvious, think the Daddy-to-be seems to be acting cool. Haha.. he seems so clam and cool but I can detect that tinge of excitement and is so pleased that he’s soon going to be a tiny precious’s Father!

Congratulations Max & Lynn! Take good care, eat more healthy food and BB, don’t bully mommy huh!!

Hubby and me having got married for more than a year now and definitely longer than the expecting couple of course got a few questions asking when is our turn. =P Unfortunately or otherwise, we will have to wait for a few more years wor. Since we are starting our bachelor’s degree next year. Not sure when hubby will start his but mine is commencing in Jan 07, and for 3 years, I will be busy with assignments, tests, homework, lessons, group discussions and also presentations?

Don’t think this is a good time to have a child now. Of course, I know that it’s not a definite no to having a child and studies at the same time. I know also that if and when the time comes, we will manage. But then again, it’s adding so much stress to ourselves. With the school fees and BB together, I think we will be too stressed to handle all at the same time not to mention the financial drain it will be on the both of us.

Most importantly, I want to be able to have the time to spend with the BB and not just letting my mom or someone take care all the time.

So, yes, BB have to wait. Though I yearn for a BB to be growing in my tummy and to have a BB to cuddle, to love, to complete our family, this is not the right time yet leh.

I know hubby also yearns to have our own ‘love fruit’ but for the sake of our future, we will have to shelve this till a few years later.

After mass, as usual, we had lunch with the Emma and some others. This time, it’s not at the horrible coffee shop near CTK, we went to AMK, S11. I wanted to get a plastic lid that I saw in action city, I thought there was a branch in AMK hence went there. But sucks to my memory, that shop has closed down. This lid hor, I feel it’s quite good leh, once you put it over the cup (any size, as long as smaller than the lid) it sorts of like create a vacuum! And the lid is quite strong, I could just use the lid and lift up the whole cup when I tried it in Action City in Marina last nite!! (There was just 1 piece left but I din like the design so decided to not get it last nite) But no shop = no lid lor. I will try to go to J8 to take a look and see if I can get my hands on 1 of those. Very useful I feel. At least the next time when I go to the pantry to take water, my lid will not keep falling off the damm cup!!!

We then went to get some household items and also daily necessities at the “Red Tomato” and some neighbourhood shop which sells things at a low low price instead. I bought a new shampoo (Silkpro) and also a new 2-way cake (Silk girl) to try, running low on these 2. Hmmm… How come all the “silky” things? Wanted to try the Ascience shampoo actually but the sales person says may not be suitable for my hair. So ended up with silkpro. I'm quite nervous about this shampoo coz now that hubby and me are doing yoga on almost every morning, we do work up a sweat and I wash my hair at least twice a day now. And I'm quite afraid that my hair will turn out to be messy and dry.. Hope this shampoo won't.

Came home to rest and then later this evening, we will be heading to my parents’ place for dinner. Heard she has cooked the “Xian Chai Ya soup”, Duck in Salted Vegetables soup. It’s a dish by itself and I like it. Think hubby does too. I hope mom has cut plenty of chili ready. The duck tastes best with chili!

But we are more craving for her chicken curry rather than this duck soup. Will try to physo her tonight it next week! Haha…

Speaking of next week, it’s again another busy week for us… *sigh*
Yoga, Dinner @ PIL, Obligation Mass, Kickbox, Household chores, Wedding… Yups.. there goes my week nights again and it also brings an end to my another soon-to-be-coming week!!

P.s: Remember that Cannon Ixus I was drooling over early this morning? I asked for it as Bday and Vday present for next year. So all I need to do now is wait! =)

Playing Hide and Seek.

OBIL went on a 3D2N cruise with his GF yesterday and he asked hubby to drive his car back instead of parking it at the harbor front car park which is a smart choice. Can you imagine how much it will costs to park there for that long a period?!

Since I went for kickbox this evening, hubby went back home for dinner and I think my family in law enjoys car rides. FIL quite cute I feel, he brought the whole family on a cruise. To Geylang to see the Hari Raya Lights and also to Little India for the Deepavali lights too. Along the way, they passed by some famous pao shop and MIL bought a pao each even for me though I was not there. I must say my PIL are quite concern about us. Most times, they will buy something or take some food for us if there are access.

Coz I am too stubborn for my own good, I know FIL will offer to drive us back home if I went home for dinner, hence I choose to go kickbox. I simply refuse to step foot into OBIL’s car. I rather take public transport than to take his car.

Hubby is darn lazy and I think he’s being such a baby! He actually asked FIL to come to pick him at home to go for work for today and tomorrow! I can’t believe it, he’s already a grown man and he still ask that his dad to come fetch him and all! And my FIL actually acceded to his request! Kind of make me feel that he’s like a young child who cannot do things on his own. And this is making me loose respect for him.

This morning, FIL came to fetch him and I badly want to avoid him. Hence, I tried to leave earlier so that I won’t have to tell lies of why not take a ride.

But timing and his eyes so sharp lor. He saw me as I was walking down the stairs and he horned me! I quickly say that I’m taking the bus and that hubby was waiting for him and left. Since, there’s only 1 way out from our place to go to the main road. I know for sure that I will bump into FIL (at the bus stop) again if my bus don’t come. Indeed! My bus din come on time, and I saw the car slowing down near the bus stop.

Thankfully, I had the cow sense to sit with my back facing the road. Heng ar… Avoided him.

According to hubby, FIL did ask why I din want to take car ride and all. But he manages to cook up some story la.

I really am being too stubborn for my own good. But in my own opinion, I am just merely sticking to my own principles lor. Since he make trouble for me, the less things I have to deal with him the better and definitely, I don’t want to be in his favor!

Honestly now, I cannot remember when I starting having all these negative opinions on OBIL. Was it from the time I knew about his treatment of YL or was it from the time that he said those things?

I know I should not be judging him for his actions and speech and all. But the mention of his name irks me. I think of all the things that YL had to go thru coz of him, I think of the comments that he told PIL in front of us and this really makes me dislike him all the more.

How? I need help. I S-E-R-I-O-U-S-L-Y need help!!! But I know, this “help” cannot be coming from hubby. Coz they are siblings, whatever hubby says, I disregard more than 80%. I need someone who is more partial more neutral so that I CAN pay some attention to.

Definitely no use talking to my Godma, we ARE on the same side, the SAME opinion of OBIL!

Asshole OBIL!!!

my Our creations.

Decided yesterday before Mass that we should spend Monday in our cosy home and I badly wanted to try my hands on baking using our oven (not sure if it's toaster over, but looks too big to be one). So manage to physo hubby to do that. Baking! After all, we had so much fun in Wiselyn's house the other day and I think we can manage that at home too.

So, after mass, we went off to "Poon Huat" in search of our ingredients. We had a small tiff yesterday as we were both not sure of the way and typically, we both pointed in 2 different directions. Since there were droplets from up there, I was keen to go under some blocks and walk underneath. Hubby on the other hand, want to walk along the main road....But finally, we manage to get there.

And look at all these! Just from Poon Huat alone ok! Maybe coz we spent so much, there was a free gift.
A box of Curry Powder. *fwah!* Big deal lor.

Which I promptly gave to my mom. Since I'm not going to cook curry chicken in the near future.

Reasons being:
1) Kitchen is open concept, don't want the smell to linger
2) Hubby says my curry is probably and most possibly not nice.

So finally, with all the ingredients on hand, I pulled out THE blender which we received as a weding present (from Trina and her bf) FOR THE FIRST TIME and set to work.

There are enough ingredients to make 3 different kinds of cookies and that's what we did. Our first attempt and we made 3 kinds! Adventerours hor?! *hiak*hiak*

Well, there were instructions to follow and ALL the things were listed down. Hence, I thought, it's gng to be easy as ABC to do it. Well, baking with hubby who seems to be as excited as a small boy seems to be fun. He helped me wisked the flour, eggs, butter, margarine and whatever else that needs to be wisked and also to measure flour. While on my part, I prepare the rest of the ingredients. Like chopping of almonds? Measuring butter? And most importantly, reading instructions and giving instructions!

We made Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Ingredients wise, it's quite simple.
(A)
100g sugar
110g brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
100g butter
60g margarine
1 tsp liquid glucose (which I replaced with honey)

(B)
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla essence

(C)
200g flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder

(D)
100g pecans, chopped (which I replaced with almonds)
100g chocolate chips (being a lover of chocolate, I added more of this!)

Method
Cream (A) lightly. Then add in (B) and cream till smooth.
Add in the sieved (C) & mix till well blended.
Lastly add in (D) and mix till well incorporated.
Drop a teanspoonful of dough into a greased baking pan.
Baked at 170 degrees for 15-18 mins.

And if it's successful, it should look like this. Now, minus the plate and add in some virtual lighting and compare it to our end product. Does it look remotely similiar? I think it does bares some similiarites even though you got to use your imagination lar.

We also tried making the "Nutty Slice Biscuits".
Ingredients call for
(A)
4 egg whites
130 sugar
pinch of salt

(B)
120g flour
30g rice flour

(C)
50g pistachio
100g walnuts
100g almonds
60g glace ginger (I only used almonds, but lots of it!)

Method
Whip (A) till stiff. Add in (B) & mix till well blended.
Add in (C) & mix till well in corporated.
Pour into a greased & lined loaf tin. Make 2 loaves of 17x8x6 cm.
Bake at 175 degrees for 40 mins
Let it cook and then keep in the freezer for at least 6 hours.
Cut into thin slices about 2mm thick and then bake it again at 150 degrees for 15 mins or till crisp.

The end result should look like the pic on the left. While ours looks burnt and definately not right! Don't know where we went wrong too!

Of course must remember that the photo was taken professionally and with perfect lighting. But having find those excuses for myself, the cookies is really erm... 100% not right.

Will try this again another time but this time, I will use loaf tin instead of the baking tray!

And lastly, we also tried our hands on this Almond Coffee Macarooms. The picture on the book looks so good, just like some cream cookies and since hubby love coffee, I thought we must try this.

The ingredients and method looks easy enough.
Ingredients for the coffee flavoured cookies
(A)
85g ground almonds
125g sugar
1 tbsp rice flour

(B)
1 egg white

(C)
1 tsp instant coffee
2 tsp water

Coffee butter cream
150g icing sugar
40g butter
1 tsp instant coffee powder
1 tbsp water

Method for cookies
Mix (A) till well blended. Then add in (B) and mix till well combined.
Lastly add in (C) & mix till well incorporated.
Placed into piping bag fitted with plain nozzle. Pipe inot tray lined with baking paper.
Baked at 170 degrees for 15-20 mins or till golden brown.
When cookies have cooled, sandwich coffee butter cream in between 2 cookies and serve.

Method for coffee butter cream
Mix icing sugar and soft butter till well blended.
Add in coffee powder and water.
Mix till well blended.

Well, we managed the coffee butter cream without a hitch. It was so easy. Especially with the help of the blender, everything that needs to be wisked, blended or mixed is done within minutes. But we had problems with the coffee cookies. And I know why.

I mis-read the instructions. I added too much water! What a boo-boo..
*sigh*

No coffee cookies for hubby this time, but since the instructions are sooo simple, I shall attempt it once again when I am free.

Then after all these baking, it's the washing up and cleaning to do.. what a day.

But it was fun! I can vouch that my oven is working fine too. Next time, we shall try our hands on cupcakes. There's this nutella cupcake that I got from my friend's blog that looks very very interesting!! I wanna try soon..

Sometimes, baking is addictive!

Long weekend

Happy Deepavali, everyone!!

Finally! The much awaited long weekend is here.

And, we did not laze around doing nothing for this long weekend. In fact, just today, we did a whole load of things!!!

Early this morning, we went bright and early to MacRitchie Reservoir for Yoga togher with some friends (want me to name you? haha... you know who you are!) we have made from the Style Weddings forum. Hubby and I cycled there and we were 20 mins late! And to think that we stay the nearest from the reservoir! *Bleh* After a good sweating session, we had a very healthy breakfast lovingly prepared by Alex and his wifey. We just pulled our yoga mats together and it kinda forms a pinic mat just nice for the 6 of us! As usual, when the few of us gets together, we yakked and laughed. But, too soon, it's time to head home. So, with cries of "see you this evening!" Hubby and I cycled home. We still have a few things to do before the day is over.

As soon as we finished our chores, we took a rest. Napped till the early evening and then we "boing" outta bed and get ready to go and meet more of the forummers in Bishan J8. The reservation was at 6.30pm and a few of us made plans to meet earlier . Again, so concidental, met Clement and his wifey, Wiselyn on the bus. Chatted on the short journey there and soon, we find ourselves seated in Oilo Dome, Bishan. The manager of the store was very nice to us, she already has our tables ready and from the time we said we wanted to make a reservation for 12, she gave us her full attention from the special menu that she had for us. I'm really quite impressed with the way she handled our tables to our requests and all. Towards the end when we are paying our bills, though some do not have the relevant credit cards, she gave us all 10%. Woo Hoo!! I'm happy!

Does our smily and happy faces says it all for the gathering? It was a 100% success for all of us! For most of us, we made at least 6 new friends, the rest, well, at least 10 others! haha But! Don't be fooled by all the laughter and smiles. The brain of the gathering, Alex and his wifey, Carol decided to have a quiz for all of us. The 1st quiz was what we know about ourselves and then about our partner. Gosh! Some of the questions, I din even know the answer myself, how would I expect hubby to know? But nevertheless, when we changed answer sheets, we all had a good laugh and went, "since when did you do this? How come I never knew?" haha.. It was really really funny. Then came the 2nd quiz. This, we can work in groups of girls and guys. We, girls had to answer some tough questions abt "male" questions and vice versa.

I think the questions are more like general knowlegde about the males than anything else and I think it's not very fair coz the questions are soooo tough. While the guys had to answer questions pertaining to us, girlies. Don't think they find it tough coz overall the guys team did better than us.

We just stayed in Dome till almost 12.30AM before we called it a night and go our separate ways home. It was really a nice gathering. And I dare say, everyone enjoyed themselves.

Maybe, we should have another gathering nearer to Christmas??

2 very big pears

Had dinner at my mom's plc a few nights ago and she said my sisters want to eat pears, so she go and cut but well, my sisters were either in the room or watching TV programmes, I din hear anyone say anything about eating pear and thus retorted back. "Where got la, it's u say they want to eat leh and no cut for me, so unfair!"

And last nite, she called me to go and find her at the bakery and she gave me these.

Wah lau!

The pears darn big leh!! I cannot hold 1 tightly with just 1 hand leh!

So went home happily and cut 1 of it. Really very big, very juicy and very very sweet.

Nice!!!

Hubby says it's sour (but I already cut very deeply in, so that he won't taste the parts of the seeds!)

DANG!!!

What's this?

I saw this on the table when I came home a few days ago.

Looks like a nice little birthday card or so I thought. Then I remembered hubby and me don't share the same birthday.

I realized hubby has already opened the envelope with gee and there's nothing inside this little envelope. I studied the handwriting for a while and realized I don't know anyone who will mail us things with such nice handwriting.

But hor, whoever this person is, is definately not very familiar with the northern area district, coz my postal code is wrong and yet, it still can be delievered. Meaning our postman also is clever or their eyes not very good la.


Found the inside, which is sort of a post card then I realized it's a Wedding Inviation!

It took me a while before I recongnise Terrence. Haha.. groom to be ma, very dashing in his suit so cannot recongnise him. I've never met his gf, soon-to-be-wife before, so I'm excused for not knowing her on first sight.

The card is nicely done, I like it. Very artistic and unique.

But my goodness, their wedding is in City Harvest Church!! Gosh.. That is sooooo darn far leh!! All the way to Jurong. Tat's gonna take hubby and me 3 hours to travel to and fro on Sat.

But, then again, far also have to go lor, not much choice, I've never been to City Harvest Church, it's too rock for me, I feel, I prefer the traditional way of worshipping but then since this is a wedding, the service will be on an even happier and happening kind? I'm not sure, will update after we've gone for the wedding..

Time fly, fly, money fly fly lor....

wah lau eh..

Win lor!!!

I SERIOUSLY think I have 2 BILs who have some kind of problems!

Hubby called home (his parents home) last night. Well, OBIL picked up the phone, so naturally hubby told him to relay the message that we are coming home for dinner but we will be late as we are going for mass first.

Then we hanged up after that lor.

And you know what happened?

During mass earlier, the family (I don't know who, but I suspect it's FIL) called us, a grand total of at least 10 calls put together!! I had 8 calls alone!!!

Wah lau eh!!

What's so hard about relating the FULL COMPLETE message!!!

GRRRRRRRRRRRRR...

My Little Blue Chair

Haha... This year the only present I got is a little blue chair. Although its not the same as the one my wife throw away, but it is still a useful little blue chair. We did not go anywhere to celebrate, we just went for our usual yoga class, and we ate at a difference coffee shop this time. I think that can be consider as something special. Though there is not celebration, I am still happy after the whole day. I dont need a birthday to make me happy, I am happy everyday. Maybe one thing about yesterday was that there were more people wishing me happy birthday then my other bday :)

Happy Birthday Darling!

It's Darling's birthday today!

So sad lor, cannot celebrate his actual birthday with him. *sigh* All thanks to the Excel rehearsal that I'm in. I've already applied leave and it's been approved for today. Then coz of this rehearsal I got to cancel leave.

Then it din help that this morning we had a tiff. Because of a darn cockroach! It was crawling towards me and while I stared hard at it willing it not to come any nearer, it have to come nearer. Darling just sat there and ignore me. In a fit of anger, I burst out and lashed at him.

Not a very good morning to his birthday leh. Then also no present for the birthday boy coz I really had no time and no idea what to get for him.

Thank goodness, we went for an early birthday celebration last nite. Went to Bukit Timah, Mad Jack for dinner. Hmm... food is just so so only lor, price is quite reasonable. Atmosphere ar... hmmm... too many I-don't-like-people-of-a-certain race there. Plus it's also abit out of the way for us.
Verdict: Don't think we will go back.

P.s.. Don't I look pretty?! haha

In....hale... ex...hale

For the past 2 mornings, this is what we had been doing after we woke up at the crack of dawn!

Not really AT-THE-CRACK but to me, it's close to that already. Waking up at like 6am when I can spend another perfect hour in bed seems so tiedous to me leh.

But hubby and me decided to make an effort to do some or rather almost an hour worth of inhaling and exhaling exercises to kick start our days.

Yep, we've been practicing Yoga for 2 mornings in a row already. It's quite tiring to wake up so early, sometimes, we can even yawn when we are doing our postures! win hor?!

But I do not deny that by doing Yoga, it really helps to keep me fresher and more energetic throughout the day. I thought Yoga is for rich tai tais and daughters of those rich and weatlthy coz it seems such an expensive exercise. But hey, joining from the community centres are cheap. The mat is a one time investment ranging from $19.90 to like $30. I think that's manageable.

But, during those lessons, we just learn the postures, there is not enough time to have a workout based on Yoga. I'm having problems in class, some simple postures and I cannot do it, it's like when the instuctor says "left leg" I'm right leg. Either my concentration or hearing or having some problems with my left and right side of my body lor.

Hubby is so sweet, he corrected me and helps me with my postures. Just a day or rather morning with him yesterday, I find myself improving already! I can do this posture better now, without loosing my balance too much! Hubby calls this the "arrow" I have no idea what is the actual name of it, but certain moves does remind me of pulling the Bow and Arrow lar.. haha..

And I can even manage the Sun salutation posture better now. This is the one with the "left leg, right leg" that I cannot manage well. Now I'm getting the hang of it leh. Yeah!!

I though Yoga won't make me sweat.. BULL!! After just 2 sets of the sun sulation, gosh, we are both sweating BUCKETS!

Not sure, for how long we can continue to do it in the mornings, but we will try. Think another reason for us to try is coz in the class, not much time to practise, it's learning new postures, hence the instructor did tell us to practise at home either in the morning or in the evening when there's no food in the stomach.

We shall try to continue with our exercise!

Phuket Trip Day 3

Our third and final day in Phuket.

2 sleepy heads woke up at 8am when the alarm went off. We’ll be hitting Phuket Town today. The couple we met at FantaSea told us, we can take a bus to the town for 20 baht instead of taking the taxi which will costs like 250-300 baht… (Carrot heads again!). So we were keeping a lookout for that bus then we realized our hotel has complimentary rides to and fro Phuket Town so we made our reservations yesterday with the receptionist. Pick up from hotel lobby at 10 am and then pick up at the drop off point at 3pm later on in the day.

Took a leisure breakfast and then waited for the transport to Phuket town. It’s now then we realized that there is this couple that we seem to be bumping into all the time! We were on the same bus to FantaSea on Wednesday. The same bus back. The same time at the pool. The same bus to Phuket town and the same time back too! Woah… coincidental hor? Not to mention, after coming back from Phuket Town, we again met them at the beach, same corner of the beach. And again met them in the SAME shop in Patong Beach that very same night again!! Haha… I must say the guy is a looker leh! Hunky material, long eyelash, deep commanding voice and then with a sexy build ok! He likes to wear tight fit tees so can really see his build and he is complete with powerful looking arms. Great body and looks! Haha…

Think I digress too much… back to Phuket town shopping centre. Quite a disappointment. The centre is not very big. We easily covered the place in less than 2 hours. But since, our bus does not pick us till 3 pm, we just took our own sweet time in exploring the place. And, when we reached there at about 10.30 am, the shops were not even opened! We had to go to starbucks to while the time till 11am leh. Was kinda excited at the prospect of shopping but what a bumper when we had to wait and then realized there isn’t much to shop there. *sigh*

We know we have to buy some snacks or some gifts home for our family at least. So went in search for the prefect presents. Searched high and low, can’t find anything suitable so in the end, we bought boxes of cookies, some local snacks back. I also manage to get 2 pairs of shoes for myself! =) The kind that are in fashion now, pointed with open toes. Nice leh and some more so cheap! Would have gotten more pairs if not for the fact that they don’t have it in my size and the heels are simply too high. So just made do with 2 pairs. Better than none lor.

Had lunch in 1 of the restaurant there. 2 bowls of tom yam soup mee and a fruit salad + a drink. So cheap... 170 baht only. Wah lau… really cannot find food in a restaurant in SG for this kinda price.

Not bad leh, after doing all the necessary hor, we still have time to go for a swensens Fondue before heading to the car park to wait for the bus to come.
Once we were in the bus, it started to pour again and when we were driving up and down the hill, I was so scared. I can really feel the pressure moving and also the cars were driving so close to each other!

But as we near our hotel, the rain stopped. And we finally made our début entry into the sea!! It was really fun. The waves were soooooo strong!! Gosh. Even though hubby and me were like jumping and trying to catch the wave, there were still some times when I was caught by the wave and pulled under! I began to feel what a horrible and scary thing is to be engulf by water and I cannot even begin to imagine how it must have felt in that few seconds during the Tsunami for those were caught. Seconds must have felt like minutes to them!

After our few minutes there, we went back to change and bathe then go dinner. After we reach the streets, it started to drizzle again! What horrible timing, so we detour back to the hotel to get the big brolly! Then I saw the bikini that I was aiming for in one of the shops and it was very cheap. But in the end we din get it coz it was a waste of $ since I won't wear it in SG and seriously I will not wear a bikini to go to the pool... feels uneasy for me. Over in Phuket it's different, ppl who have lousy figure also struts around in a bikini so I won't feel tooo conscious.

Finally have the chance to make use of our complimentary drink at the bar. The hotel has 2 bars right outside and bleh... not nice lor. Me not a fan of cocktails la. Ended the night with 2 take away smoothie for us to enjoy in the comfort of our hotel room. We sat the balcony looking at the sight, enjoying the drinks and each other company. BLISS!

Had to pack everything up for the trip home the next day. Din feel like coming back yet. Still want to stay for another day or two. It's really really relaxing and peaceful there.

And check out our loot for today!

Think, we bought the most things today!