What an unlucky day it had been for me … thanks to a serious lack of sleep.

.over the weeks.

 It’s been wonderful having to meet up with various friends over the couple of weeks … to trade stories about our different paths in life and past experiences thus far. The many topics of life that we talked, laughed, bitched, discussed about that make this thing called life interesting. I’ve always wonder if some of my closest gfs would be pals that I would remain close to in decades to come … Frankly, I’ve come to accept that many people come and go in life but whatever it is, each of whom had/has certainly made an impact on my life. Some of whom are suckers for horrible memories, some of whom are neutral and the rest whom I swear definitely liven my life with their presence. Addicted to them, that’s what I become.  ♥ ♥ ♥

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Ministry of Food with Claire, Sok, Soy
8 years of friendship & counting …  

 

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Out with Camy
where we laughed over the cliche-ness of “He’s Just Not that Into You”   

 

 

 

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Sushi Tei with SIM pals
It’s been awhile since our last hangout together, let’s hope the next one wldn’t take ages again!  

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Timbre with Shermin & Soy Hoon
Drinks, Pizza, Live music & great company, Life’s good! 

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Thai Accent with Nicole
Let the good times roll. The exchange of snippets of life.
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.Weekends.  
A ball of fun over the weekend. A race to the finishing line, an adventure that we embarked on together. A flight over-seeing the glittering lights of Singapore city skyline, with “a toast to all good things in life”.  ♥

Luv-A-Thon 2009

Being avid fans of The Amazing Race, it’s without a doubt that it’s been a dream of both MK & me to embark on the competitive adventure of participating in a race together. Since TAR is obviously out for us ( neither of us have a driving license yet. sth which ive been procrastinating for the past 3yrs!), we thus opted for the “Luv-A-Thon” race jointly organised by Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre. A much simpler and easier version of TAR ( duh.), the race aims to provide couples the opportunity to find out about the ways that both partners can complement each other.

The 7 pit stops ( at various locations in the vinicity) are as follows:

“Loosen up my buttons“, where we had to use a pair of chopsticks to un-button at least 3 buttons from a top. Piece of cake, thanks to MK’s instructions.

“Wedding Scramble“. Our task was to solve 20 words ( all relating to wedding), in which all letters are jumbled and mixed up.

“Cupid Love“. Dang, this really called for a photo opportunity but being in a race, getting to the finish line was top priority and so in the midst of all chaos, we didnt get to take a pic. Anyway, so MK was dressed up as a cupid’s love angel ( imagine a guy like him in a halo & wings) and as part of his responsibility, he had to share his “love” by giving out hearts to members of the public.

A detour between food-tasting at “Sizzling Rock” or take a ride on the “Duck Tour”. As mentioned before, both of us love food! and so, we chose the food-tasting session without any hesitation. Nah, for those who are expecting gross, disgusting food like what they serve in TAR or FF, they would be truly disappointed. Basically, we had to make a guess of the type of food that we were served to while being blind-folded. Unfortunately, im really horrible at differientiating the various types of vegetables. Thank god that MK answered first and therefore, I trusted him and followed suit.

“Street Bingo“. Perhaps the ‘most’ challenging of all the pit stops as we had to complete a range of tasks in order to finish 2 bingo. Some of the tasks include having to find someone who can name 5 European countries, or who can sing an advertisement jingle, name 5 tourist spots in Singapore, etc … In any case, we definitely have to approach strangers to help us in the quest of completing this station. Luckily for us, all the pple whom we approached have been nothing but really helpful. 5 down, 2 more to go before the final stretch.

“Find My Name“. To match the names of the restaurants, clubs & bars to the unit nos as listed on a sheet of paper. We admit though that we took the easier way out by making our way to the directory board.  there’s a reason why the directory board exists.

“Bind Us Together“. Reminded us of days back in Pri Sch where we took part in 3-legged competitions. Likewise, we had to climb up 3 flights of stairs with 2 of our legs binded together.

Being very competitive in nature, we jogged for quite abit in-between each pit stop to ensure that there wldn’t be much time lost. Time = money, afterall. In the end, we made it in time to be the first 3 couples to be back at the final pit stop. It’s crucial that teams get back as quickly as they could as a point was given/minute between the time that they reached the final stop and at 6pm (when the race officially ended). In the end, it was a tie-breaker between another couple & us for the 1st stop. Thus, the final test was a questionnaire ( which all 4 have to answer) on how much we know about our respective partner. Hmm, always the tricky test for couples aint it? Lo & behold, it came to a surprise to the both of us when the host announced that we are the winning team !!! Seems like telepathy works for us, baby love.  ♥   Prizes for the top spot: 1) A romantic, champagne flight onboard the Singapore Flyer, 2) Facial for 2 at Beauty Affairs, 3) $90 worth of voucher for dining at Sizzling Rock & 4) A Pierre Cardin briefcase ( for MK).

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Champagne Flight on the Singapore Flyer
A splendid night of savouring Moët & Chandon champagne with a platter of strawberries & pralines & having our very own service host … all high above the lights of the Singapore cityscape. A world of our own, just a moment away from the hustle of being back in reality. Courtesy of Luv-A-Thon   

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A Walk in the Forest 

Not wanting to feel that i spent the better part of my adulthood procrastinating the importance of fitness, I thus decided to be more commited to that particular goal of mine to exercise regularly. With baby’s company, I decided to take baby steps and walk for long distances first. Looking back, I rmr how i used to love running back in JC – the adrenaline rush and sense of satisfaction that i get during & after a run is incredible. Alas, my stamina aint as good as before ( im still lazy too) and so, it’s gonna be awhile before i start jogging again. One day, just one day… Instead, we spent a lovely sunny afternoon at MacRitchie Reservoir walking for an estimated 18km. Walked off-the-beaten tracks and showed baby the tombstone that is hidden in the midst of the trees. Highlight of the trip was supposed to be the HSBC Treetop Walk that’s so hyped about. Unfortunately, the treetop trail pales in comparison to what I have in mind ( esp since nth can beat the experience of walking in the cold, way over the trees at Letchworth State Park, USA). However, it’s still probably worth a visit for those who are interested to have an aerial view of the canopy of trees.

I can’t help but to feel a tad useless as middle-aged pple jogged past me during the walk. They’re running & jogging while I was ( sad to say) just walking. Hopfully, the walk on sat marks a new fitness beginning for me ( im seriously prone to not following my schedule when it comes to exercise). The way I see it, I should paste pics of hot bods on my wall to motivate me lol. Anyone has any suggestions to get one’s arse up and start on an exercise regime?!

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Father-Daughters ( extra: boyfriends) Saturday Night Out !

A father-daughters moment for us, something which we havent done before ( or at least in the recent years). Platter for 6 which consist of helluva german sausages. Thick & juicy, just like the way we love it.    what can I say? FANTASTICALLY MOUTH-WATERING. Warning: but seriously, too many sausages can be an overload.

 

Something’s got into me … Perhaps, just a combination of tiredness, stress & expectations or just a point in my life where I feel like I reached a temporary halt and a need to clear my mind & soul. Losing myself in me. This quote that i read off a blog reflects the same sentiments that Im currently feeling, “The only problem is, everything seems welled up in a lump, hardened in my unwaveringly emotionless facade.”  Take me away from this, even if it’s just for this weekend. Take me away …

Bintan Trip ?
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.Indra Maya Villa.

OR

.Angsoka Villa.

.Paris, I Love You.

PARIS, JE T’AIME

With a movie title like “Paris, Je T’aime” , it’s not a surprise if someone were to assume that the movie would be similar to that of a travelogue , to showcase the breath-taking extreme of both the old world & modern cutting edge architectures of Paris. Juxtapose. Yet, this collection of 18 short films ( each lasting around 5-8mins) is more than just the physical landscapes that Paris has to offer. Quoted from Qwipster’s review, ” It captures the look, feel, vibe and importance of the city of Paris to its inhabitants, and the world at large.”  True indeed, the conglomeration of all the various film segments highlights the essence of Paris – The city of love. LOVE. Love that comes in the many forms: Romance, Parent-Child, Friendship, Oneself, or even, the city of Paris itself. Each short film is so beautifully directed, and in short, all aim to reveal a deeper meaning about life through the film. 

My favourites

1) Alexander Payne’s piece called “14th arrondissement”. A heartwarming story about a lady who was willing to take the step out of her comfort zone and pursue her dream of visiting Paris. Being all alone in the city of love might sounds depressing & tormenting but it was actually being alone that she found that “loneliness can be an empowerment”. Falling in love with Paris made her fell in love with herself once more. To find oneself again.

2) Tom Tykwer’s “Faubourg Saint-Denis” … A story that revolves around an American actress who fell in love with a blind Parisian. How time seemed to be so easy during their honeymoon period, a period of time whereby they complemented each other and basked in the blissfulness of being in love. Yet, it came a time when both started to drift apart as other commitments in their lives take precede. The importance of not taking someone or something for granted, before it’s too late for regrets.

” There are times where life calls out for a change, a transition like the seasons. Our spring was wonderful but summer is over now. We missed out on autumn. And now, all of a sudden, it’s cold. So cold everything is freezing over … Our love fell asleep and the snow took it by surprise. But if you fall asleep in the snow, you don’t feel it coming. Take Care. “

3) The classic “feel-good” piece “Tour Eiffel” by Sylvain Chomet. An idiosyncratic story of an unconventional love between 2 mimes in a prison. Despite being seen as weirdos by everyone else, both mimes live by the motto of starting each day on a happy note and a smile on their face. Pretty inspiring.

.Treasure your “Me Time”.

Was reading a blogger’s post about “Me Time” – the luxury to have sometime to oneself and to further explore what she/he wants out of life, out of oneself- and truth to be told, I was inspired by what she wrote.  In her blog, she wrote that “Me time has brought some much needed balance in my life, and has helped me to be more honest with myself. Somehow the world and everything around me seems less urgent, and more manageable.” Simple words that hold such deep meanings. And these words truly got me thinking … Don’t you realised just how “Me Time” is so undervalued amongst people in our society? For the most of us, we like to be out and be surrounded by great company. Afterall, we are sociable people who enjoying being around others - be it physical or not. Just look at the many people who are perpetually on facebook/MSN/other similar sites even when they are home! In fact, do you think that deep down that most of us fear being alone? I’ll admit that I do. On the other hand, don’t you feel that life can be a tad too hectic and confusing when void of personal, alone time? Solitude gives us the chance to reflect on what we want out of ourselves and as quoted (from somewhere), “lets us discover what we are truly made of”. To not always be too dependent on others for ultimately, we have only ourselves to depend on at the end of the day.

I ponder on those words and reflect upon my own life. Honestly, I love to keep myself busy and occupied for most part … So, studies and internship work commitments aside, my time is usually spent either with loved ones or friends … Or with my beloved laptop that never fails to entertain me in one way or another ( music! videos! forums! or just, random surfing). In a way, time’s too precious and I rather have something meaningful/fun to do than to just let it all be wasted away. The one, rare time that I usually spend re-collecting thoughts by myself would be on the bus. As silly and stupid as it might sounds, but there were times whereby I would reflect upon the good things that happened to me thus far and actually smile to myself … on the bus, alone (!) To stop comparing myself against others and just fully focus on myself and my life. To take pleasure in knowing that I’ve been very fortunate so far, at least to have been exposed to a myriad of different experiences. That’s one characteristic that I love and respect about my bestie, Sara. That girl never fails to feel blessed even with the simplest stuff in life … tiny, little details in life that we often take for granted. She cherishes them all.

Back to the topic of “me time” … Definitely, an active social life is something that I would never want to give up but solitude is what that I want to work on … To devote a lil’ more time to doing things by myself, to be freed from complications and concentrate on learning more about myself and building my own identity. A couple days back, I encountered a rough patch which gave me the opportunity to think. “To be more honest with myself” (quotation) – that’s very true … I took the time to reflect on my behaviour and actions and tried to come face-to-face with my weaknesses (well, most of us detest having to face our own flaws) … To admit that I was in the wrong. Come to think of it, it’s always easy to seek support from others around us or to establish our identity based on our friends or the stuff we do … but these precious “me time” would give us the moments to build a life for OURSELVES and not having to be influenced by distractions from others. Some people spend their “me time” by doing activities that they love – cook, read a book, work out, design, etc … For me? It’s just simply not doing anything and think and sometimes, jote them down onto my blog. Alternatively, the occasional visits to the library (Free books!), SPCA (animals!) or simply, a HOT! shower (refreshing!) . Wish that I have a bathtub though …

 

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.Dig in the dancing queen.

Monday
Post- “What the Butler Saw” Party at ZCP office

Had a post-party (delicious food, drinks!)  to celebrate the end of the run of “What the Butler Saw”. A good time to interact & mingle with the cast and some of the creative/production crew … And a certain piece of hot gossip was the sizzling topic of the night. One that got everyone hooked and wanting for more. Scandalous.

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Weekend of ”House, Hip-Hop, Mambo”

Friday
Jul’s 22nd Birthday celebration at DBL O with the gals !!!

Happy 22nd Birthday, Juliet!

It’s been close to a Year since I last clubbed with the gals… Looking back, 2006 & 2007 were the peak of my clubbing years. Days where we clubbed at least twice/week during hols … where it was the more the merrier as I preferred clubs to be packed to the max, like sardines in a can, in the past. All the provocative and suggestive dancing, grinding and humping against one another on the dance floor. And yea, lip-locking. I would be lying to you if I say that I dont miss those frivalous, wild days. I do, occasionally. Yet forward to 2008 & 2009, party nights were replaced by quieter nights at bars or restaurants … dancing eschewed for dine & meaningful chats. I dont think it’s necessary a sign that we’re becoming boring, but more of that we tend to seek more worth & substance in what we do. Nevertheless, a party night out once in awhile is always welcomed.

In any case, the highlight of the night (for me) was actually being outside the club. Observing fights - where 2 drunken guys fought over a girl who kept screaming in her irritating, shrill voice “fuck off la.” (Juliet, The Hulk – tear the shirt!) – aside, the next best thing was having the time to chat with the girls. Joking about how “psycho” we can be if we were to REALLY hate someone and the “stuff” we would go about doing to them. Hell Hath No Fury. All that nonsense aside, I do admire L for her positive attitude in “work-life” balance. That party animal works at least 10hours on a slack day, but boy does she know how to enjoy life. During the cab ride home, Su & I were impressed at how much energy she has … Im usually shagged and all ready to pop into bed after a day of work at the theatre but not the case for L. Despite her long hrs at work she still ensures that she has time for her 3 dancing classes ( Salsa, Bachata, Pole Dance – sexy eh.) and nights with friends. Now, that’s what I call living life to the fullest!

www.littlereddress.com.sg/ 

One of my fav pic of the day. Sexy legs and butt, cheers to the sexy babes!

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Saturday
UniSIM “Global Lifestyle Branding” Talk by IndoChine founder, Michael Ma.

Seeing that we’re both interested in marketing ( events management, branding), we thus made a rather last-minute decision to head for a talk on “Global Lifestyle Branding” by Michael Ma at SIM. IndoChine needs no introduction – It is a fast-growing international lifestyle brand that continues to expand beyond its dining expertise. As of late, IndoChine has ventured into the tourism and hospitality industry by establishing a resort over at Phuket, which inevitably complements Indochine’s reputation as a lifestyle brand. And so, we went for the talk with the intention of learning more about international branding. Unfortunately, I have to admit that there wasn’t exactly anything new that I learn from the talk that I already didn’t know from lectures in UB/SIM. Well, unless you count how “throwing parties” is a strong factor in substaining a lifestyle biz like IndoChine… Im sure that the word “party” was mentioned in every single sentence said by MM.

You know how there’s a cliche saying that “there’s nth more sexy than confidence” ? Though a little too full of himself, one cant deny that MM has a confident aura in him that awes and impresses. Now, Im talking about being self-confident and content with oneself. Very few people I know have achieved that level of confidence that awes. Many times, I believe that for the majority of us – we like to appear and be confident individuals. And true indeed, most of us tend to be more confident in certain areas but also, insecure in others. On my part, Im just like most pple… plugged with insecurity over certain issues in life. And I know that I want to boost my level of self-confidence and get rid of the other demons in me for I know that self-confidence building is a key skill to a content and more fulfilled life. There are times whereby I look at others, compare and ask myself why is it that they have X or Y or Z and that I don’t. And that only serves to make me feel dismayed & unstatisfied. How is it that they achieve success in every area of their life. The bottomline is that I ultimately want to and will become the person that I set my heart & mind out to be, even if that’s gonna be challenging & time-consuming. I must.

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Sashimi fiesta at IKOI

Both MK and I have been having cravings for sashimi for the longest time ever and honestly, IKOI is a piece of paradise for sashimi lovers … order any amount of thick & succulent sashimi ( 6 types – Salmon, Tuna, Snapper, Swordfish, Yellowtail, Cuttlefish) plus an array of other Japanese dishes for only $33+ ( ala-carte buffet-style).

Believe it or not, MK – The Glutton, ordered 5 slices for each of the 6 different types of sashimi initially ( 30 slices in total). However, he realised that it wasn’t enough and so, he went ahead to order the same ces). Hence, if you do the maths – it adds up to a sum of 72 slices of sashimi at one go! 72 slices and we finished every single slice of it, no kid … Darn, did we make our money’s worth. We totally fit the stereotype profile of KS Singaporeans. 2 wks’ from now – Lunch Buffet at THE LINE w SIM peeps …

The ”Rice in Japanese Green Tea” is definitely a dish that all should try. Basically, it’s a very simple dish of letting the rice soak in a broth of green tea with japanese biscuit bits and seaweed. The Result? A refreshing aroma.

“Good-Bye for now” farewell club night with clara & bf … Once again, at DBL O.

2nd Night at DBL O … This time round, it’s Mambo time. Having had a not-so-pleasant experience the previous night at DBL O & OBAR, I went into this night wo much expectations. Surprise, surprise – It was perhaps 1 of the BEST clubbing night I ever had, Ever. And the most ironic thing? It was Mambo/Retro music, a genre of music which I didn’t particularly enjoy. Yet, darn was I grooving to the music that night - like a crazy, mad girl  bouncing up & down near the corner of the dancefloor, singing her lungs out ( though horribly. real bad cz i cant sing for nuts). You know what? I finally understand why Mambo Nights at ZOUK are so popular, it’s all about letting your hair down and having a ball of fun, even if it means acting out those silly mambo actions & making a fool out of yourself! It was dance till the club closed on Sat for us. Needless to say, hip-hop/r&b is still a personal fav of mine and nothing can get me dancing or grinding as enthusiastically as that genre of music. Much Thanks to both Clara & Nelson for having us on the guestlist and also, for the free flow of drinks!   Having Clara as a fellow intern over the past month had definitely made my work life at ZCP more interesting ( all the running of errands together, breaktime gossip & bf talk!) – See you again in June/July when u’re back, gal! Mambo Nights await.

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More on Unplugged & “ME TIME”
When Life gives you lemons, make lemonade

.Happy 1 year, 2 months.

Happy 1 year, 2 months baby love !!!  
I  ♥  you