Beautiful Life

Christmas Wishlist 2011

2011-12-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

red/black glossy wallet

studs

necklaces

handbag

USB cup warmer

Ben&Jerry/Movenpick/Haagen Daz/New Zealand Natural ice-cream

pink USB iPhone charger

external hard disk

Broadband

2011-09-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to sign up for a broadband plan ever since my 6-month contract with M1 has ended. Since I need a new laptop at the same time, I decided to wait for COMEX 2011 where the three telecommunication providers will have broadband plans that comes with a 'free' laptop.

The two telecommunications companies that are best known for their broadband are Singtel and Starhub. These are the specifications of the laptops that come with the broadband plans I am interested in.

Singtel Plan: 10Mbps Home Broadband + 1.5Mbps Mobile Broadband at $69.90/month
Laptop: Acer Aspire 4752G
Intel Core i7-2670QM Processor (2.2Ghz with TurboBoost up to 3.10GHz, 6MB Cache)
4GB RAM
750GB Hard Disk
14 Inch HD LCD Screen
Nvidia GeForce GT540M (2GB)
Worth S$1798

Starhub Plan: 50Mbps Home Broadband + 2Mbps Mobile Broadband at $81.32/month
Laptop: ASUS N45SF
CPU:Intel® Core™ i5 2410M Processor (2.4GHz with TurboBoost up to 3.0GHz, 3MB L3 Cache)
Chipset: HM65 Express
Screen: 14.0" 1366x768 (16:9) LED Backlight
Memory: Up to 8GBs, 1333Mhz, 2 x DIMM slots
Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M with 1GB or 2GB GDDR3
Weight: 2.4Kg
Worth S$1398

From the specifications, the Acer laptop definitely looks better, but I know that Acer laptops don't last based on personal experience. They start cracking up after about a year, and the ASUS laptop doesn't really look too bad too. Since I am fine with both laptops, it all comes down to which telecommunication company to go for.

Gathering information from colleagues, my boyfriend and forums, I have come to the following conclusions: Singtel broadband gets disconnected every few months, but otherwise speed is stable as it is a dedicated line, while the speed for Starhub broadband drops during peak hours as it is shared bandwidth.

I think I am more inclined towards Singtel. I mean, what's the point of having a broadband that can go up to a maximum of 50Mbps but I may not be able to get that speed when I need it? Singtel's 10Mbps may not be a lot, but if I can get a contant good speed, I am all up for it.

Reliance

2011-05-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

When I was young, I used to want to learn martial arts very much. It was partly because I was very much influenced by the martial arts shows and books I have been reading and watching, but the main reason was because I wanted to be able to defend myself. I wanted to be able to chase away (and even nab) the bad guys when I encounter one. I despised the "damsel in distress" and "knight in shining armour coming to the rescue" and all that rubbish. I didn't want to depend on others, because I felt there was no one to depend on.

I was too independent back then, and some of the things I did, said and wrote have hurt my parents deeply.

Over the years, through books and personal experience, I have come to realise that it is quite impossible to be independent in everything. There was this sentence somewhere that got stuck in my head and it pops out of my head at random times to remind me of this simple fact: "No man is an island".

I think one of the reasons why I hated to rely on others are the examples happening around me and personal experience of relying on someone and when that someone disappears, their world collpases. Trust me, it's the most scary thing EVER.

I think I have found the solution to this.

The key lies in not TOTALLY relying on someone. You can rely on that person for emotional support and and protection, but you must make sure that you can still function and live when that person is gone.

It's easier said than done. I know.

I think I have found the person whom I can rely on, but I don't even dare to think of what will become of me when he is gone, because although I do not want to admit even to myself, I have developed a deep reliance to him.

3 Months

2011-04-06T00:59:00.001-07:00

I have been with my 小可爱 for more than 3 months now. 3 months may not seem much to most, but this is already a small miracle to me, for I used to doubt if we can even last one month.

We had a rocky start (I have never quarreled so much with someone within the span of one month!) but we are stable now.

Being with 小可爱 gives me the sense of happiness (幸福) that no one else could give me. He showers me with love and provides me with the companionship that I need. He is always there for me, whenever I need him. He is always ready to give me a good hug whenever I need one. He blows my hair dry every night before I go to bed. He makes sure I eat well and stocks a lot of food in my room in case I get hungry.

I love my 小可爱, but there are times when he really drives me up the wall. There are times when I feel like just giving everything up. He keeps saying stuff like he is just any other guy, that he is not good enough for me ... In fact, I have asked to break-up with him quite a number of times over the past three months, but I am so glad he did not give in to my request or give up on me.

I used to doubt if I can ever love again after all the hurt I have been through, but now I know I can. I know I love him, I just don't know how much love I can give him and if it will be enough for him.

I know he will be a good husband and good father, because he naturally knows how to take care of others (but he suck at taking care of himself).

Let's just take things one step at a time, shall we?

Let Me Heal

2011-02-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

小可爱，

I am sorry for hurting you so.

I am sorry for all the empty promises.

I am sorry for not being able to do more for you.

I am sorry for my hesitation.

I am sorry for lying to you and to myself.

I am sorry for making you fall in love with me.

I am sorry that I fell in love with you.

I am sorry ...

... but I need to do this.

If I want us to have a chance at happiness, I need to do this.

If I love you, I have to do this.

How can I love you when he is still lingering in my heart?

Give me time to heal. Give me time to totally get over him. Give me time so that I will be able to love you wholeheartedly.

Christmas Wishlist 2010

2010-12-17T05:47:00.000-08:00

I've FINALLY got around to putting up my Chirstmas wishlist.

To tell you the truth, I didn't want to put up one this year, because I figured no one actually read it, but since it's a D3 tradition and I have been ask to, here goes ...

external hard disk
dual USB port adaptor
"Sex and The City" VCD
"Glee" VCD
quoting Mariem: this tall (at least 1.75m), this big (average size) and very huggable

Review: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mousse Cleanser

2010-12-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

Over the years, I have used many cleansers. Some of them make my face feel very dry and tight after using, while some make my face very oily.

Then my Mum introduced me to Neutrogena and I knew I have found the one for me. It does not contain any perfume, so it does not dry out my skin, leaving it soft and supply.

But I got bored of Neutrogena after a while and decided to try something else. I can't remember what I bought, but it was just horrible.

Then, I chanced upon Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mousse Cleanser at Watsons in Suntec one day. The clear blue bottle looked simple and nice, so I bought it.

I am so in love with it!

It is frangrance-free (just the way I like) and it is really foamy. After washing my face with it, my face feels so supple and clean, without feeling tight at all.

I have just finished my first bottle and I am contemplating buying my next bottle. The only thing that is making me hesitate is that it contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) which is a chemical foaming agent. According to reports, long term use of SLS can cause skin irritation and possibly cancer.

If I continue to use it, not only may it cause me to have skin irritation or even cancer, it also goes against my resolution to be environmentally-friendly.

I have found an alternative - Sukin Organics Foaming Facial Cleanser. It does not contain SLS or
parabens, no perfumes, no animal testing ... it sounds perfect for me. I will try it and see if it is as good as it claims. If all else fails, I can almost go back to my trusted Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mousse Cleasner.

Environmetally-friendly

2010-11-28T01:19:00.000-08:00

Sometime last year, I wrote a post about plastics, but I couldn't up with the right term for my sudden dislike for plastics.

It just dawned on me that it's because I have (suddenly) become environmentally-conscious. I think all the talk about protecting our environment has finally gone to my head.

I am in the process of eliminating plastics from my room, one area at a time. Right now my focus is on replacing all plastics from my bathroom basket (even my bathroom basket is made of rattan). I have just bought some organic soap bars online (they come in cardboard packaging). Not only are they environmentally-friendly, it is said not to harm the body unlike chemically-produced ones. If they are really that good, I will switch to using organic soap bars from now on.

My next step to look for organic shampoo packaged in glass bottles, wooden toothbrush, toothpaste in glass bottle, a wooden comb and organic facial wash in glass bottle. I also have to get a glass soap dish with cover.

The other plastics things I need to replace are: detergent bottle, antiseptic bottle, packaging for floor wipes ...

I want to eliminate plastics from my room as much as possible by the end of December so that I will have an environmentally-friendly room and live an environmentally-friendly life starting from 2011!

I Will Fall For A Boy

2010-11-21T03:48:00.000-08:00

I Understand

2010-11-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

This break-up has made me understand a lot of things. More accurately, I have always known all these, this break-up is just a reminder.

What is yours will always be yours, no one can take it away. What does not belong to you will never be yours, no matter how hard you try to make it stay.
If someone really loves you, he/she will be willing to do anything for you. He/she will be willing to change anything for you.
Break-ups are painful, but sometimes, staying on in a bad relationship can be more hurtful.
I deserve someone better. Someone who only has eyes for me, someone who will put me in the centre of his universe.
"It's better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all".
Time is the best healer. Everything we have shared during these two years will become beautiful memories.
Loving someone doesn't always mean that you must have him.

Blur Queen/Sotong/Scatter-brain

2010-06-25T04:03:00.000-07:00

These are some of the nicknames that my friends call me, or you can simply call me "Miss Forgetful".

I have always been a forgetful person ... and I don't think I am ever going to be able to get rid of this flaw in character.

There was this one period in primary one when I was obsessed with playing hopscotch. I would play it with my my friends during recess, everyday. Since we didn't have anything to use as a marker, we used our wallets. That is all fine, except that I will forget to pick up my wallet when the bell rings, and someone would find it and bring it to my class, which really irritated my form teacher. I have lost count of how many wallets I have lost.

Now that I have grown up and working, you would have thought that there will be some improvement, but I am still the scatter-brain. When I was working at TTSH and SNEC, I would forget to fill in a form or give a certain drug to a patient at a certain timing, I would forget to send a speciement to the laboratory or forget to send a patient to so a procedure. The Sister tell me that I cause more problems to my colleagues because they have to clear up the mess I have created.

Now that I am working in a private clinic, I thought that I will improve, I thought that I will be able to do my work well as there isn't as much pressure.

But I was wrong.

History is repeating itself again. The doctors are telling me the exact same things that the Sisters have told me, and although my colleagues don't tell me off in my face, but I do feel as if I am creating more problems than helping.

Am I really such a lousy person?

Is there no job suited for forgetful and scatter-brains like me, a job where my forgetfulness would not cause problems for others, a job where I don't have to feel so ashamed of being me?

There are so many times when I wish I could simply vanish into thin air, that I have never existed. I seem to bring nothing but troubles and problems to my parents, friends and everyone related to me.

Sex and The City, Anyone?

2010-06-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

LG started watching it first, since his brother downloaded the entire season onto their home computer. He told me some funny bits from it, and I started watching them out of sheer curiosity. I'm talking about the sitcom, not the movie.

I have always thought that Sex and The City is just another girly sitcom talking about fashion and other girly stuff. But it's not the case. They don't discuss about fashion, they are living FASHION. Oh god, there is this blue satin dress (I think it's satin from the flow, but I'm not very sure)that Jessica Parker wore in one of the episode. It's so goddamn beautiful, I would die to have it, but I am quite sure it will cost me an arm or a leg. Come to think of it, most of the dresses Jessica Parker wore in the show looked great. That probably has something to do with having such a gorgeous figure.

The topics discussed are anything but girly. They are questions every woman will ask, when confronted with the curious species called man. They really made me think a lot. About my whole approach to men, to my life, to what I want and what I should get.

I hereby announce that Carrie Bradshaw (played by Jessica Parker) is my role model. She is everything I ever wanted to be: clever, funny, has a great sense of fashion, has a sucessful career, has a great body and, best of all, being a writer. I'm envious of her not having to work in an office and lazing at home.

I shall end this post with my favourite quote from this show

"I am a girl looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other-love".

Marriage

2010-05-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

The only time I ever thought of marriage, the only time I really wanted to settle down with someone and have a family with him, was when I was with Brandon. But that is all in the past now, no use talking about that now.

After our break-up, I never thought that I would fall for another guy, much less get married to one. I planned to live my life to the fullest and die an old maid, buried with my beloved dog, which I shall name "Baby".

Then LG had to come along and spoil all my plans. Before I knew what was happening, I have already fallen into another relationship. Thanks to him, my wound healed much faster than I expected. What I did not expect, is that we will be together for so long (with me being the queen of short-term relationships).

Now my Mum has taken to nagging me about getting married and settling down (in her not-so-gentle-way). Although LG and I have decided not to get married until 4 years later, but I guess it is never to early to start planning first.

I read somewhere that different people get married for different reasons. Some get married because they really love the other person and they want to spend their lives together; some get married because they are scared of loneliness; others get married because an "accident" happened; and there are those who get married because they have to get married (arranged marriage).

For me, I think it is a combination of scared of loneliness and because I really love him and I want to spend the rest of my life with him.

I am actually a really simple person. Although I do enjoy the finer things in life such as doing facials and expensive French crusine, but the things I want to do with LG after marriage are very simple things. I want to curl up with LG on the sofa and watch our favourite movies together; I want to make our favourite breakfasts on Sunday mornings; I want to be there for him when he is feeling down; I want to take strolls in the evening with him ... there are so many things that I want to do with him.

Now, if only we can solve the snoring problem ...

Crazy Relationship

2010-03-14T07:04:00.001-07:00

Anyone who knows about my relationship will know what a crazy relationship I have been in for the past one year plus.

...and things are just about to get weirder.

We will break-up on 11 November 2010 and if everything goes as planned, we will get back together on 12 November 2013. During these three years, we will carry on our lives the way we want to. If both of us are still single by 12 November 2013, we will get back together. We will give ourselves 1 year to get back into the relationship, and we will get married in 2014, date TBC.

Of course, this will be very hard for the both of us. We (actually it was mostly my decision) came to this decision after much deliberation.

We are both still not ready to settle down yet. His ideal age for marriage is around 28 years old, which is another 4 years away. A lot of things can change in 4 years.
We don't want to tie each other down. We both have things we want to achieve, but we held ourselves back. This 3 years of separation is time we set aside to allow ourselves to "finish growing".
We still have no idea what we want in our lives, so this is the period to figure out.
He is the second guy I love whole-heartedly and I am the second girl he has loved. We want to give each other the chance to go out with more people, so that we will know what we want out of a relationship. This way, if we really get back together 3 years later, we know what we are together because we truly love each other.

下一站幸福

2010-03-11T05:18:00.000-08:00

I have just finished watching this Taiwanese drama 《下一站幸福》and I really like this show very much.

I have never been a fan of 吴建豪, but he looks really cute with short hair in this show. I like it especially when he smiles, the smile is so true, it really melts your heart.

Sometimes, you have to push that someone away, because you love that person too much. You know how much it will hurt you, but you are ready to put up with all the pain, if it means that person will be better.

I did just that. Two and a half years ago, I did that. I could see how tired he was. I could see how pained he was when I was crying. I could feel how helpless he felt when he couldn't do anything to ease the situation. I knew I had to stop this, once and for all. I knew he deserved someone better. So I pulled the plunge. No matter how he pleaded with me, no matter how he cried, no matter how my heart is bleeding, I would not and could not give in. I know he will hate me, I know that I will probably die from the pain, but I had to do this. All I can say is 对不起，我爱你.

Favourite Show + Favourite Song = Best Combination

Special Dutch Chocolate Mix

2010-03-05T04:24:00.001-08:00

I will admit that I am not the typical girly-girl. I hate barbie dolls, I am not into flowers and I am not really a chocolate fan, but I do have a special fondness for a steaming cup of hot chocolate drink.

And I have been looking everywhere for that perfect chocolate drink.

Although Milo is all the rage nowadays, but I personally feel that it is very diluted. I need to put at least two packets to even dare to drink it. Ovaltin just doesn't quite make it.

Now I have finally found the PERFECT hot chocolate drink, the Special Dutch Chocolate Mix from the The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. I wouldn't even try to describe to you how delicious it is. From now on, this is the only chocolate mix I am ever going to buy. It can be purchased at all The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf outlets.

The secret to making a delicious chocolate drink using this chocolate mix is to use steamed hot milk instead of water. Just add two-three spoonfuls to a cup of hot milk, and you have the heavenly-delicious chocolate drink.

How to Take Care of Roses

2010-03-04T04:35:00.000-08:00

I have always emphasized that I am not a flower-person, but it's not because I don't like flowers or that I am allergic to them. It's just that I can't stand the sight of such beautiful things dying, especially roses!

Submerged leaves can decay and create bacteria. Remove these leaves. Be careful not to damage the bark of the stem (not even the thorns). Any damages to the stem can prevent uptake of water through the stem.

Hold the stems under water and cut about 2 cm from the bottom of the stem with a sharp knife or scissors. Keep this end moist and don't let it dry before being placed in vase or container.

Immediately after the stems are cut, place roses in a deep vase of warm preservative solution (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Leave roses in a cool, dark room for a couple of hours before arranging. This gives the roses a little time to settle and adjust before being arranged.

Arrange fresh-cut roses in a vase with water that contains flower preservative.

Roses are thirsty flowers. Check the container regularly and make sure there is plenty of water. Remember to add more preservative solution as you add more water.

Roses don't like too much sunlight or extreme temperatures. Keep the rose arrangement in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts.

Roses can wilt if they can not take up water and preservative through the stem. If fresh roses begin to wilt, it could mean that there is air trapped in the stem. Cut off the bottom of the stem. Check for any damage to the bark and cut the stem above this, if it is above the water level since it can cause air to get into the stem. Submerge the rose in warm water for about an hour and it can then go back in the arrangement.

My roses died a tragic death after just one week, and they cost freaking $70 (I went to check since the flowers were bought from the flower shop just next to my clinic). But then, they were not meant to last long anyway. The florist took out the thorns, so that people will not get pricked. This act, though kind, actually kills the rose faster. *Sigh*

Birthday Surprise

2010-02-28T00:23:00.000-08:00

It is my birthday today, so first of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to MYSELF! I know that we are going to celebrate by watching 'Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief' (I discovered this by accident. Both of us wanted to catch a movie last night after dinner and I wanted to watch PJLT but LG refused to, no matter how I pleaded with him) and eating cheesecake (he kept asking me what flavour of cheesecake I like that even an idiot would know what he was up to), but I was totally unprepared for the surprises that LG had planned for me.

It was 5.30pm, almost time to knock off. I was standing at the counter, talking to my colleague, when I noticed a guy standing outside the clinic, holding a bunch of flowers. I couldn't see the face clearly and I assumed that he is a patient, so I went on talking with my colleague. Wait, a patient holding a bunch of flowers? I looked closely and saw that it was actually LG! I rushed forward, but he was coming through the door. He was balancing a paper bag, a plastic bag, one bunch of roses and a cup of Hot Chocolate from The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (my favourite drink). I took the cup of Hot Chocolate and the bunch of roses. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I AM RECEIVING ROSES FROM A GUY! Flowers, roses to be precise, has never been in my must-have list. (they are bloody expensive and they die really fast. I can't stand the dying part), but I am thrilled nevertheless. As I took over the two paper bags, I couldn't help but take a peek. Guess what I saw? Special Dutch Chocolate Mix from CBTL! I have been dying to get one of those, but LG said they were sold out the last time he went to the outlet at Suntec. I thought I will never get to try it, but he got it for me! And of course, the hair-dyer (I have this bad habit of bathing just before going to sleep, wet hair and all)and Marble Cheesecake from POLAR. LG has already booked the tickets for PJLT at VivoCity, so I changed clothes and went on our way, after LG has introduced himself.

We had a bit of time before the movie was due to start, so we decided to have dinner first. LG asked me what I wanted to eat, and when I couldn't answer, he whisked me into a restaurant. It took me a while to realise that we are in Sushi Tei, the restaurant I have been dying to try (LG brought me to eat Sushi Tei despite the fact that he doesn't like Japanese food, so sweet of him)! The Cold Ramen I ordered is delicious, very similar to the taste of the cold noodles I have been craving for. After the main course, LG asked them to bring out the cheesecake which he asked to be put in the fridge. He sang Happy Birthday song and I cut the cheesecake. I was supposed to finish the whole cheesecake on the spot, but I couldn't due to time constraint.

We watched the much-anticipated PJLT, and I was greatly disappointed. There is no kick at all! Everything is so easy, everything is planned out. There is no twist to the story, no feeling.

The first time I received roses from a guy! They are gorgeous, aren't they?

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

2010-02-04T06:04:00.000-08:00

I have always been a loyal supporter of Starbucks, until that fateful day ...

It was one of those rainy days, and I was in the clinic, freezing my butt off. My colleague announced that she will be going to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to get a drink and she asked me if I want to get anything. I figured that if Starbucks has got their Signature Hot Chocolate, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf should have something to that effect, so I asked her to get me a hot chocolate and I passed her the money.

When I took my first sip of the hot chocolate, I thought I had gone straight to Heaven. It is so chocolatey, so rich, so sinfully delicious ... Starbuck's Signature Hot Chocolate is not even comparable.

I have been hooked ever since.

Although it is a little pricey for a cup of hot chocolate at $6 for a Regular, but for something THIS good, this is the little indulgence I can still treat myself once in a while.

Oh yeah. I saw that they are selling this Special Dutch Chocolate Mix when I went to get my regular dose of hot chocolate the other day. It looks good, so I am going to treat my self to one box when I have a little spare cash. I hope they will taste as good as the hot chocolate from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Future Home

2010-01-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

I think I really like this combination. It's a mix of clean with classy, modern with warmth, sophistication with usefulness. I think this will be how I want my future home to look like.

Sundays

2010-01-10T05:25:00.000-08:00

Another Sunday has almost passed and I kept having the feeling that I have not made full use of this wonderful day. I feel very guilty about it. Somehow, I keep feeling that I have wasted another great Sunday.

When I was still attending Primary and Secondary schools, my Sundays were spent among revision books and reading materials. Back then, Sundays were the "revision" day. My parents told me that Sunday is the only day of the week when one can revise what has been taught during the week, and prepare for the what is going to be learnt in the following week.

Later on, when I started to become a little more independent, during the Polytechnic days, Sundays became the "social" and "errands"day. My Sundays were spent with friends and running around doing errands.

I went steady with Brandon sometime in my third year at Polytechnic. Sundays became "boyfriend" time. We would meet up and play cards.

Then I first started working in TTSH, Sundays became regular "work days". I go on shift and go off shift, life was a blur back then.

Now, I am working at a GP clinic in Suntec and I have a steady boyfriend. Sundays now are "couple" time for us. We would meet up in the morning to have breakfast together and then he would come over to my house and we will just laze around and fumble around in bed for the rest of the day.

How do you spend your Sundays?

How do you make your Sundays are not wasted?

Bucket List

2010-01-01T20:01:00.000-08:00

Instead of New Year Resolutions, which I never manage to keep, I am going to make a Bucket List this year. I got inspired by the movie, The Bucket List. Although I have not gotten the chance to watch this movie yet, I know it's about people writing a list of things they want to do before they die. I thought it's a good idea, so here goes:

Buy my own house/flat and renovate it the way I want it.
Open my own book cafe (and hope that it will do well).
Publish my own novels (and hope that they will be a hit).
Get married and "live happily ever after" (just once will do, thank you).

Tina's COLOURFUL 21st

2009-12-20T18:29:00.000-08:00

Tina booked me as early as in November to go to her birthday cum Christmas celebration at NSRCC (that is National Service Resort and Country Club). She booked a bungalow and I had a really great time. Tina, thank you for inviting me.

I made some new friends too, such as Lynette and Priya. Here are a few photos that we took.

Christmas Wishlist

2009-12-01T06:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner, so I will do the usual and post my Christmas wishlist here as a reference for D3 and everyone else who would like to get me a Christmas present.

SanDisk M2 2G
White Noise Generator
Charles and Keith heels (champagne red, size 37)
Clothes*

*This is more of a "need" than a "want". Thanks to the bedbug infestation, I had to throw away most of my clothes, so I am only left with a few pathetic pieces of clothing to wear. Blouses and pants will be greatly appreciated. And of course, shoes. Charles and Keith, please.

Shoe Lust

2009-11-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

I found this pair of gorgeous shoes at Charles and Keith today. I am not one to lust after a pair of shoes, but the moment I set my eyes on THAT pair of shoes, I knew I was won over.

It is in champagne red. You don't see this colour very much around, which might have added to its attractiveness. The glossy shine, the six-inch heels ... it's to die for.

I couldn't resist the temptation, so I got the salesgirl to get it in my size. When I put them on, I felt at the top of the world. I think it has something to do with wearing a six-inch heel. Makes you feel really "high", which is why I love wearing heels.

At $80, I know I am never going to be able to own it anytime soon, but a girl can always dream, can't she?

I couldn't find the exact picture. Just imagine this in champagne red. But then, this colour is rather lovely too.

Grumbles

2009-11-07T03:05:00.000-08:00

Sigh.

Everyone else seem to be leading more fulfilling lives than I am.

Both Eudora and Priyangi are half-way across the globe, living interesting lives. Priyangi has the time to make cheese straws and caramelised onion dip, which sounds really yummy by the way. I am still surprised that Priyangi, someone who looks like studying is about the only things she knows how to do, likes to bake things when she is free, and she's not half bad! Eudora, on the other hand, has so many things on hand and she is fully engaged in school.
Mariem, the Princess, may be leaving for Australia, if she is accepted into the University. Grace is becoming a doctor.

I seem to be the only one leading a tasteless and boring life. I am now working in a clinic in Suntec. It provides me with the money to pay my bills and have a roof over my head, but I'm not exactly jumping with joy every morning when I have to go to work.

Nowadays, my life has become a routine of work-sleep-work-sleep. Where has all the fun gone to?

I've Moved!

2009-11-03T22:05:00.001-08:00

After much anticipation, searching and sweating, I have finally moved house.

Like everything else in my life, this room is far from perfect. It's a really old house, there are a lot of stubborn stains. The wardrobe is moldy and the stove is so ancient I never thought I would see something like that out of a museum!

Private bath: Although it is not a must for me to have my own bathroom, I have to admit that it is really very convenient. I don't have to dash back to my room when I forgot to bring the towel, and I don't have to clear the bathroom of all my things after using it.

Cooking allowed: The super ancient stove actually works! Although I have yet to master the technique of using the stove without burning the house down, but it's nice to know that I can cook should I choose to.

Near to LG: Actually this is one of the most important reasons why I moved house in the first place. My boyfriend is a lazy pig, and he conveniently uses me staying very far away as an excuse not meet up with me often. Let's see what excuse he can come up, now that I am living just 15 minutes away from him.

I am so glad to have finally moved house. Let's hope that I can stay here for a long time. I didn't know moving house is so tiring!

Happiness

2009-10-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

Many of us, including me, are constantly searching for "happiness". We think that we need expensive cars and branded goods to be "happy", but when we actually achieve those things do we realise that they don't make us as "happy" as we they would. What exactly is "happiness" and how do we go about being "happy"? Deluded, I went online and visited websites dedicated to "happiness", but I am not really inspired by the things they said. Then I came across this poster online.

I think we have all been chasing "happiness", we are so focused on it that we fail to realise how "happy" we really are. "Happiness" is not something you can see and recognise right away. It is the joy and peace you feel when you do certain things, the insignificant little things.

I feel happy when I am spending quality time with my boyfriend. I feel happy when I am enjoying nice food. I feel happy when I am writing in my diary. I feel happy when I laugh. I feel happy when I am able to buy something I like. I feel happy when someone compliments me. I feel happy when I bake cakes and cookies and people enjoy what I bake. I feel happy when I wake up after a good night's sleep. I feel happy when I am reading novels. I feel happy when I spend time with my friends.

However, I do know that I can be happier. I need to find a good place that is within my budget, somewhere I won't want to move out in a long time. I believe that it's only when I am settled down can I put my full attention on the other things that I need to take care of.

His - Scorpio

2009-10-05T02:37:00.000-07:00

A man with a foggy clouds over him. He is sensitive, is easily hurt and always feels lonely. He does not trust anyone but himself. He has an amazingly charisma. He is a compassionate man. He absorbs other people's sentimental feeling and pain.

He is a good psychiatrist and he can understand complex and confused feelings. He has a hidden power that he could use to make things happen and do things well. He does not like people who never try to help themselves before asking other people for favors. He is the type of guy who mostly achieved his goals in life. Once he sets his mind on something, he will put all his energy and efforts in it, whether or not it is a small matter or a big project. One of the most successful man in all the Zodiac.

He is a very patient man and can wait for years to reach his goal. He hates thin feeling and weak determinations. He cannot retreat or rest for long, for he thinks that life has more questions and more answer to be searched.

If he is in love, you will get plenty of love from him, sometimes maybe much more than what you have asked for. He is serious about love and relationship and will not waste time with someone he does not love no matter how pretty she is.

He hardly makes mistake. He could tell if you have any bad thought, and will not hesitate to tell you so. If you do not like straight-forward sincere man, then pack your bag now. If you are an over-sensitive person, try not to ask for his comments. He will tell you the truth, even though you might not be able to take it.

If he says "you look pretty today", you can be proud because he will not say such think just to please you if he does not really mean it. There will be both kind of people, those who like him and those who hate him. If you are in love this guy, be strong and believe in your decision, do not be vulnerable. He remembers all his anger and will wait for his pay back time.

He is very serious about your promise, do not promise something you could not keep. He loves his friends and will do anything for his close friends. He likes you to take care of him, but not in front of his friend. He is a complex man and you will never understand what he means if you do not really know him. He is happy to know he is a complex figure. When he is thinking or when he needs his privacy, you should give him some space.

He remember everything well. You may say something that you have already forgotten, but he will remember every word. He wants to be respected and admired and at the same time, he does not like people to have power over him.

When he falls in love, he really falls deep. A man in this Zodiac once in love, he will be sweeter than sugar. He does not like a plain and simple woman. A complex woman's mind is his venture. Always be interesting and able to talk to him about everything in any subjects. He does not like a woman who sits around waiting for his call.

Mine - Pisces

2009-10-05T02:26:00.000-07:00

She likes to be in a dream world than to be in reality. She is weak and sensitive when it's come to "Love". She can cry if her best friend is breaking up, and she can be over-excited when her friend gets a new boy friend who is a good-looking and rich even though it does not concerned her at all. You might be surprised to see that she is shy just because she is in love. She loves small animal and is gifted in training them.

She has sixth-sense, she can guess what will happen next, it's her nature. Even though she has sixth-sense, she cannot pick or foresee her own choice of lover. She cannot tell if she has met a sincere guy or a one-night-stand guy.

She likes to buy and pick her own clothes. She likes to dress cute and be cute. Pisces woman tend to be a good looking woman and she has nice skin. Her hands and feet are small and soft. Pisces woman loves to shop for shoes as if she collects them. She is a hot lady and everyone wants her. Whether she has a man in her life or not , she will never try to overpower any man. It's not even in her thoughts.

She thinks man can handle things better, and she will make her man feel that way. She is an easy going person, so being with her is easy. She is a confident woman and likes to make people who stay with her happy. She knows how to please and how to comfort a man. If something is wrong, she will try to make other people believe that it is because of someone else, not because of her loved one. She will not push her man to be ambitious but to make him feel he should be happy with the way he is now. She is happy with you for what you are now.

A Pisces woman, if she has a bad childhood, she will always remember it and it will make her a very unhappy person. She will pity herself and feel sorry for herself. She tends to hurt herself with out knowing it and she is so vulnerable to drugs (real drugs or just sleeping pills). She has many choices and you can never tell which path she going to take. If you love her, then hold her tight because she never knows why she did what she did or what she will do next.

A complex character. You may think she is the shy innocent type and cannot hurt anyone, then you are wrong. You might think she is a fragile person who needs protection, wrong again. She has been through a lot, a tough cookie.

She is a dreamer and love the word "Love", so she is the type who will buy gifts for anyone for any occasion, especially if it is a gift for wedding or anniversary, even for someone she does not know well.

Be very careful if you fall in love with a Pisces woman. She can be a totally different person before and after. She can be an angel before and later a witch, but everyone is not perfect, right? She will be soft and gentle most of the time, so not to worry. She is emotional and extremely sensitive when she frequently got hurt. She is the type who can cry her heart out.

She can have a secret fear inside, when she says she does not need anyone. She badly needs someone to protect her, but sometimes she hides that feeling by being stubborn. She likes to hide her shyness and her weakness from her enemy. She does not like to follow any fixed rules. She can be a good housewife if you know how to handle her.

Many men will ask to marry her because she is 100% woman. If she wants to be sweet, she is a real angel.

Sweet Dream

2009-09-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

I had a REALLY interesting dream last night.

I dreamt that I had buffet dinner with my primary school classmates at a basement restaurant. Now, any normal being would remember what main food they had, but not me. I can't remember anything about the food, all I can remember are the desserts. The gorgeous cakes, the puddings that are smooth as silk, the cream puffs...

I woke up with a huge craving for desserts. I want to go to Marche for desserts!

Reflections

2009-09-06T04:19:00.000-07:00

Actually, loving someone is really a very simple thing, so simple that sometimes we don't see it. Loving someone doesn't mean that you have to shower the person with expensive gifts on Valentine's Day, Christmas, and on her birthday. Loving someone doesn't mean that you have to know where they are 24/7. Loving someone doesn't mean that you have to give up your dreams for them. The only thing you have to do when you love someone ... is to love them. Love him/her with all yourt heart, with everything you have. Actually, loving someone is THAT simple.

Life is too short for us to waste it on regrets. I don't want to wait until I am old and wish I had done this and that. Besides, I may not live until that old. I may get knocked down by a reckless driver when I am crossing the road tomorrow. Who knows. So my motto is "Live life to the fullest. Try everything."

I have the uncanny abililty to make some really stupid mistakes. I have and I probably still will in the future. But I refuse to dwell on my past mistakes and let them hinder me. I think that everything is an experience, be it good or bad. I am just going to take everything in my stride.

Look at me
You may think you see
Who I really am
But you'll never know me
Every day, is as if I play apart
Now I see
If I wear a mask
I can fool the world
But I can not fool
My heart
Who is that girl I see
Staring straight back at me
When will my reflection show
Who I am inside
I am now
In a world where I have to
Hide my heart
And what I believe in
But somehowI will show the world
What's inside my heart
And be loved for who I am
Who is that girl I see
Staring straight back at me
Why is my reflection
Someone I don't know
Must I pretend that I'm
Someone else for all time
When will my reflection show
Who I am inside
There's a heart that must
Be free to fly
That burns with a need
To know the reason why
Why must we all conceal
What we think
How we feel
Must there be a secret me
I'm forced to hide
I won't pretend that I'm
Someone else
For all time
When will my reflections show
Who I am inside
When will my reflections how
Who I am inside

First Year Anniversary

2009-09-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

I just spent a wonderful two days celebrating our first year anniversary with my beloved boyfriend. As Eudora puts it, "it's a miracle" that I actually lasted so long with a guy.

We met at Newton MRT after his work (he actually took one-and-half-day leave for this, quite touched) and we checked into Copthrone Orchid Hotel after having lunch at Newton Food Centre. After chilling out in the room and having a nice soak, we headed out. He's all secretive about where we are going. It turned out that he's bringing me to sit the Singapore Flyer. I kind of suspected it, but he refused to confirm my suspicion. That's the Scorpio guy for you, so full of secrets.

There are times when I really felt like killing him on the spot, but he can be really sweet when he puts his heart into it. He knows how much I love to watch sunrise and sunset, so he actually timed it such that we board the Singapore Flyer at 6.30pm, and we will be able to see the sunset while we are high up in the air (the whole thing takes approximately 30 minutes). However, it was really cloudy, so we didn't get to see any sunset. Although I wasn't exactly dying to take the Singapore Flyer, but I am really glad that I did, and it's with him, on such a special day. But I don't think I will want to take the Singapore Flyer again, it's really quite boring, and quite scary too.

We had dinner at Tian Tian Steamboat (we both love eating steamboat) and we went back to the hotel after buying ice and green tea. Back in the hotel room, we drank the Martell I brought with me. As usual, he fell asleep after just a few drinks. He's normally a really good drinker, but there's something about this Martell that makes him all sleepy.

As usual, I didn't get to sleep thanks to my "night-time symphony", but I feel so contented. As I look at his sleeping face, I feel loved. He doesn't shower me with expensive gifts, we didn't exchange vows of undying love for each other, I just need him to be there beside me, to love me, to make me laugh, to hug me as I cry. It's weird, both of us went into this relationship with a "try-try" attitude, but somewhere along the line, things changed.

Although we have our rough patches, although we disagree on things, although the road ahead will be rough, although there are times we will feel like giving up, just remember that I will be by your side and I will always love you so.

Perfectionist

2009-08-30T00:09:00.000-07:00

I met Mummy yesterday and I also talked on the phone with her today. Although I can't say the meeting and the phone conversation went very well, but I did learn something.

During the phone conversation, Mummy said one thing which caught my attention. She said that I am trying to erase all the imperfect things in my life. I think this is so very true. I am a perfectionist at heart. I want everything in my life to be perfect, in every way. The same goes for the material things as well. That is why I am constantly throwing away things that are perfectly functional. Some people, like Daddy, think that I am being very wasteful. Yes, I am being wasteful, but I just can't stand imperfect things.

One more thing about me, I like things to be in sets. If I were to have my way, everything in my apartment (which I will buy in the near future) will be from IKEA. From the bed, to the pillows, to the mattress, to the quilt and bedsheets, to the cabinets and wall units, to the wardrobe, to the kitchen and everything else in the house.

Plastics

2009-08-13T02:13:00.000-07:00

I am now in the midst of trying to remove all traces of plastic from my life, and I am failing miserably. I know that plastic is a very common material in our modern society, but I never realised that it is that common. They are everywhere!

It is so much lighter than most materials and it is super cheap. I think that's the thing that attracts most people to it. It is crazily cheap. You can get a stack of 6 plastic cups for about $1.80 That's just $0.30 per cup! It's no wonder why everyone is so fond of plastic stuff. Plus, it does not rust, it will not break.

Then I read one article which changed my mind about plastic, totally. I mean, I have always known that plastic is not bio-degradable and that it will cause destruction to the earth in the long run, but it didn't bother me much. I probably won't live to see how plastic will destruct the earth anyway, that's what I was thinking back then. I don't know what it is (I don't even remember if it was an article or something else), but I suddenly changed my mind about plastic. I know it's not a lot, but I want to do my bit by not using a material that cannot decompose, that will accumulate and possibly take over the earth one day.

Plus, I do have my reasons for not liking plastics (besides the face that it is not bio-degradable): it scratches easily, it stains easily, and it is not healthy to eat food heated from a plastic container because the plastic will infuse into the food (read that somewhere).

Hence, I embarked on my journey to remove every trace of plastic from my room, from my life.

Problem is, it's almost impossible to do so! Where am I supposed to store my body wash solutions and shampoo if I don't use the plastic bottles they came in? Where can I put my photos if I don't slot them into the photo albums with the plastic slots?

This is driving me nuts!

Little Women

2009-08-09T09:32:00.001-07:00

Shall I say more? It's the classic of the classic. If any of you have not read this masterpiece, go and read it right now.

Personally, I like this one the best. With the colourful pictures and stuff, it makes this classic all the more interesting.

Castaways of the Flying Dutchman

2009-08-09T09:29:00.001-07:00

This is a fantasy story beyond your imagination.

Can you imagine being able to communicate with your dog through the mind? That's way cool!

Can you imagine helping an old lady recovering land that is rightfully hers? That's better!

And you get all that in this book. Now, that's the best!

The Valley of Horses

2009-08-09T09:28:00.001-07:00

This is the second book in Jean M. Auel's magnificant series on the glacial continent of the last Ice Age, when two kinds of human beings, Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon, shared the earth.

It is a beautiful and exciting novel.

I wish I were like Ayla, so beautiful and talented, desired by all man. I wish I had her bravery and her endurance, her knowledge and her agility.

A great read.

Size 14 is Not Fat Either

2009-08-09T09:22:00.001-07:00

I have never been a fan of Meg Cabot, I have always thought that her books are too childish and more suited for teenagers. But since this book was given to me as a present, I thought I would give it the benefit of doubt, do the decent thing, and read it ....

... and ...

I am not impressed with it at all. It's a simple story about a murder. The only word I can use to describe the book and the story is "sloppy". It feels as if the author can't be bothered with the book.

Bart Simpson's Guide to Life

2009-08-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

This is a great read if you are looking for a good laugh. The things suggested in this book is hilarious.

Enjoy!

The Chocolate Run

2009-08-09T09:18:00.001-07:00

What do you do when you find out that the person you love have betrayed your trust?

You forgive them and try to move on. That's what you do. It's no use hating them, because it takes a lot to hate someone. The best thing you can do is to forgive them, pick up what's left of the relationship and try to make the best of it. Many things will change, you may never be able to go back to what you used to be, but that's just life for you.

Change of Heart

2009-08-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

I believe that what makes me different from a serial killer and a rapist are my values. I believe that we should treat each other with love and respect, just like what Jesus teaches us (although I am not a Christian and I don't intend to be one).

Eating Alfresco

2009-08-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

Just look at all the food in the photos, don't you wish you can fly around the world and try all of them for yourself? They all look so delicious! The photographer must be really good.

Things To Do Now That You're Single Again

2009-08-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

I got this book between the period I broke up with Brandon and getting this new boyfriend. You know how it is like when someone you are so used to disappears from your life: you feel so empty. Same here. I didn't know what to do with all the free time. I saw this book at my hospital bookstore and I got it.

It turned out to be rather interesting. It gives you some things you can do, although some of them are more hilarious than workable.

Plus, I like the cover. Now who said "don't judge a book by its cover"?

Bon Appetit

2009-08-09T08:35:00.001-07:00

I was a little skeptical when I first bought the book at a book fair. Frankly speaking, it's the nice cover that drew me to this book.

I was not disappointed. With a touch of humor and a mean tongue, Peter experienced France through his mouth.

A good travel read. Makes you want to fly over to France to try all those lovely restaurants suggested in the book.

Geisha

2009-08-09T08:12:00.001-07:00

There was this one period during my childhood when I was completely crazy over Japan. Everything back then have to be Japan-related. During the school holidays, I would spend the months at the library, going through all the books I could lay my hands on Japan. Eventually, that obsession died down a little when I went to secondary school, but I wasn't completely over it, and I suspect that I never will be.

I got this book at a book sale.

It's a really good book. It led me into the secret of the the much-misunderstood world of the geishas.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

2009-08-08T03:02:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this show, and not without reason.

Just look at all the high-technology stuff they show in the movie. Let me tell you, they are way cool. I am a girl who normally don't care about all those military stuff and even I am impressed, that's got to count for something.

Another thing that really impressed me is the fact that this show has me at the edge of the seat from the very start of the show, literally. I love a good action movie anytime and this movie gives me exactly that.

What's really special about this show is that every character in the show has a story. It makes the movie all the more interesting.

Act Like A Lady Think Like A Man

2009-08-02T01:17:00.000-07:00

I like this book, and I have never been a fan of self-help books.

It's for the ladies, it tells you what a man really thinks about. It's for the men too, it tells you what us women want. It's for those women whose husbands/boyfriends cheated on them; it's for the men who can't understand why women get so upset over some things. It's for the divorced mom looking for a new partner; it's for the little girls who have just started dating. It's for the parents whose daughter is dating someone ... it's for everyone.

Although I can't, and I wouldn't, say that everything that is said in this book is the absolute truth, but this book definitely gave me some food for thought.

If you want to know what men really think about love, relationships, intimacy and commitment, this is the book to read.

Sweet Moments

2009-07-24T04:46:00.001-07:00

Although LG can really drive me up the wall sometimes, but he can be really sweet at times too.

I was still working at TTSH then. It was the last day of my three-day night shift. He drank with his friends until 5am (he actually intended to drink till 6am, but his friends all left by 5am), roamed around Raffles Place until 6.30am, reached TTSH at about 7am, bought a newspaper and waited for me. He did all these, just so that he can surprise me after work and have breakfast with me.
He has been having this really bad craving for steamboat for the longest time ever, so I agreed to meet him to have steamboat. I finish work at 7pm that day while he is done by 6pm, so he went to the steamboat restaurant first. I got a little mad when I knew that he started cooking first without me, I am worried that he will be full by the time I get there and he won't have the appetite to enjoy the steamboat with me. It turned out that he started cooking because he is worried that I will be hungry, so he thought he will start cooking first so that I will have things to eat when I get there.
We were in bed, cuddling and just talking. Somehow we started taking about Brandon. All the pain that I have managed to suppress until then all rushed out and I broke down. He hugged me as I cried my heart out for my ex-boyfriend.
We went to East Coast park and rented a resort to celebrate my birthday. I lost my handphone. At night, since I couldn't sleep, I decided to go out and look for my lost handphone. LG is asleep, so I decided not to disturb him. I cycled up and down East Coast park, retracing every route we took, but I still could not find my handphone. As I neared the resort, I saw someone on a bike. Upon a closer look, it was LG. He was worried about me so he came out to look for me, despite having leg cramps from all the biking.

Jurong Point Shopping Mall

2009-06-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

I went with Carmen to Jurong Point Shopping Mall, because she wants to make her cake there.

The place is huge, at least twice the size of the old Jurong Point Mall.

There are really a lot of shops, selling everything from clothes to food.

After having dinner at the food court, I was in the shopping mood (adequate sleep + full stomach = shopping mood), so we did some shopping. We went from the top floor down. I got two t-shirts (one black and one white) for $12 and a simple pink spaghetti top for $10. It's super worth it.

Due to the lack of money and time, I decided to cut short my shopping spree. We went to the basement where Carmen decorated a ready-made cake for their (Carmen and Dave) one month anniversary.

These are the things I want to buy the next time I go there:

T-shirt in can (Mini Toons): They are the same ones LG got me and himself at the start of our relationship. I was thinking of getting two of the same design (couple set) to give him as our one-year anniversary gift (we last that long), plus the one that he got me the other time.

Corset tops (Valerie): The corset tops are super cute!

Croissant (Four Leaves): They look so big and soft, and they are still warm! Only $1 for one

Shoes (Giovanna): Giovanna shoes are gorgeous yet so comfortable.

I really like the new Jurong Point Shopping Mall.

Salmon In Pasta Sauce Receipe (Microwave)

2009-06-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

If you are renting a room all by yourselve, with no stove to use, then this receipe is perfect for you.

All you need is a microwave, a bowl, a spoon and the following ingredients:

200g salmon

1 large tomato (diced)

4 tablespoon pasta sauce

salt and pepper

1. Wash and pat dry salmon. Sprinkle salt and pepper on salmon and marinate for 20 minutes.

2. Combine pasta sauce and diced tomato in bowl and mix well.

3. Put salmon into bowl and cover with sauce.

4. Put into microwave and cook for 20 minutes.

Serve with hot steaming rice. Serves well for packed lunch.

Funny One Liners - DGS

2009-05-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with "Guess" on it...so I said "Implants?"

If sex is a pain in the ass, then you're doing it wrong...

I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.

I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.

Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.

The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of payments.

Did you know that dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish?

How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly, and for the same reason.

The difference between an oral thermometer and a rectal thermometer is in the taste.

I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted paychecks.

I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.

Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Never hit a man with glasses. Hit him with a baseball bat.

If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea... does that mean that one enjoys it?

My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you're ugly too.

I always take life with a grain of salt, ...plus a slice of lemon, ...and a shot of tequila.

Laugh at your problems, everybody else does.

If God is watching us, the least we can do is be entertaining.

There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.

The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!

Crowded elevators smell different to midgets.

If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you!

Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

I got in a fight one time with a really big guy, and he said, "I'm going to mop the floor with your face." I said, "You'll be sorry." He said, "Oh, yeah? Why?" I said, "Well, you won't be able to get into the corners very well."

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

It's not the fall that kills you; it's the sudden stop at the end.

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

Hallmark Card: "I'm so miserable without you, it's almost like you're still here."

Women might be able to fake orgasms. But men can fake a whole relationship.

Sex is not the answer. Sex is the question. "Yes" is the answer.

A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it.

A bargain is something you don't need at a price you can't resist.

Good girls are bad girls that never get caught.

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.

Whoever coined the phrase "Quiet as a mouse" has never stepped on one.

Virginity is like a soap bubble, one prick and it is gone.

Updates

2009-05-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

Oops, haven't been updating my blog lately, so much so that Eudora had to email me to find out how I am doing.

Work: I am now working at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) as a staff nurse in the Day Ward. My main responsibilites nare to do pre-operative assessment for patients going for operation and teach the patients how to take care of their eyes after the operation.

Relationship: I am still with the same boyfriend (even I am surprised that I managed to stay so long in one relationship). Of course, we have the occasional squabbles, most of them revolving around the fact that we are not meeting enough (that is mostly my fault), thanks to the fact that he is living in Redhill and I am living in Woodlands, not forgetting the fact that this place is an all-girls' dormitory, so technically he is not supposed to come over although I used to sneak him in in the past. Anyway, I will be moving house once my contract with the current landlord ends in September, so I will be moving somewhere nearer to him and my workplace in Outram. I intend to rent a room where he will be allowed to move around freely (possibly a room for couples).

Health: I very healthy, no worries about that.

One more thing, I have moved all the entries from my LiveJournal blog to this blog, but I couldn't bring the comments over. It's too tiring to keep two blogs at the same time. I am still trying to decide what to do with the LiveJournal blog. I may use it for my next blog, or not.

If you ask me if there is anything lacking in my life right now, I would say that it is friends, very good friends who know me inside-out, whom I can talk to freely. I used to have so many close friends, but we don't really keep in contact anymore and that saddens me. Eudora is overseas (emailing is an option but I never liked emailing), Jing Yang is so busy with school that she hardly has time for herself. The same goes for Grace and >Mariem. Priyangi is overseas too. Jeanette and the rest are all working like crazy in hospitals.

Good thing I still have my books.

Constipation: Organic D.n.A

2009-05-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

This is one thing many people, including my best friend and my Sisterhood, do not know about me: I have been suffering from constipation for a really long time. I think it started in secondary school, when I started my 'second puberty', as my Mum puts it. I eat a hell of a lot of food, but I only pass motion once or twice a week, and it's painful business everytime. I never told anyone about it, because it did not occur to me as something wrong then. Besides, constipation is not something glamorous that you would want to share with the world.

I never took any medicine to treat this problem, because I feared the possible side effects the medicines might bring about. So I lived with this problem and the problems it brought on such as abdominal discomfort, protruding (and unsightly) tummy, frequent cramps and indigestion.

I thought that I would be having this problem forever, until a friend of mine introduced a product to me, called the Organic D.n.A.

So how does this product threat constipation?
Increasing intake of water and dietary fibre's the key to treating constipation. Organic D.n.A is fibre in powder form made from made from 56 vegetables and fruits, thus providing sufficient fibre to ensure a healthy digestive system. It is advised that you drink plenty of water when taking Organic D.n.A.

What does it contain? Will I get diarrhoea?
Organic D.n.A does not contain any laxatives, so you will not get diarrhoea. It contains 56 vegetables and seeds.

Will there be any side-effects?
As there is no chemical, drug or medicine invloved, there will not be any side-effects. But some people do experience bloatedness when they first take the product, but it generally passes in a month or so.

I was a little skeptical at first, but I decided to give it a try. I mean, it can't be too bad if it is HSA certified, HALAL certified, and my friend swears by it.

Oh man, I am so glad I made that decision. It was the best decision I have made so far. Passing motion is now a smooth 5-minute routine every evening. I don't have to worry about eating too much, because I know Organic D.n.A will help me to detoxicate. What's more, I have finally managed to lose that kangeroo pouch that is my tummy and many people have commented that I look more radiant. It's said that it can help to lose weight too, but I didn't bother to check my weight.

Books

2009-05-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

I love books, everyone knows that...

...but the books are giving me a big headache.

They are very bulky and hence a big headache when I have to move house. Any logical being will so the right thing by throwing/selling/donating them away and save themselves the whole trouble. I mean, with the National Library Board libraries situated all around Singapore (the Woodlands Regional Library is just next to the Woodlands MRT), I can hardly complain of having a lack of books to read!

However, I can't bring myself to throw/sell/donate all my books away. Some of these books are presents given to me by best friends, some are collections that I am still in the process of collecting, some are books that I spent lots of effort to find.

It's true that I can basically borrow any books that I want at a NLB library which is conviently located all around Singapore, but somehow borrowing a book for the library is different from actually owning the book.

However, there is one thing that I am very sure of. When I have my own house, such as when my boyfriend and I decide to settle down and we buy a house together (or I save enough to get a small apartment of my own), I will buy all the books I want and fill my house with all the books that I have ever wanted.

Now, back to the topic.

What should I do?

[Added on 21/8/09] I was wondering if I can find bookshelves and pack all my books compactly into them, so that I will not have such a hard time dealing with the books the next time I have to move house. When I have to move, I can just wrap the whole thing up in plastic wrap. Will it work?

《我的灵魂在古代- 恋上一只猫》

2009-05-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

roun

我最近正在写一个小说《刻苦铭心》。这是一个根据我和我前男朋友而编写而成的故事。我在写作的过程中遇到了一点小小的挫折，我不知道我应该用一个第三者的角度去写这个故事呢，还是以我作为女主角。为了寻找灵感，我决定去一趟图书馆，找几华文小说来读读。

我找到了一本叫《我的灵魂在古代- 恋上一只猫》，书名挺特别的，我就翻开来读了几页，故事内容很生动，于是我便决定借这本书。

这本书果然没有辜负我对它的厚望。故事内容环揉着女主角温芯，如何为了救一只黑猫而死于非命。黑猫是死神手下的一只猫，为了补偿温芯，决定帮她还阳。但是温馨却万万没有想到，她却投胎成一只猫，还是一只胖到不行、快要懒死的猫！最后她爱上他的主人南官棉，也因此便回了人，还和他生了一个小孩。

这本书写得实在太好了！作者以幽默的语言，把一只猫的内心世界写得有声有色。

我要买这本书！

Hilarious

2009-05-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

I was going through Benjamine Chang's blog on Discover Great Stuff and I found this hilarious post. Enjoy!

A daughter sent a telegram to her father when she passed her B.Ed exams, the father got the following message: "Father, your daughter has been successful in BED."

A husband, away on business in a remote area sent a telegram to his wife, his wife got the following message: "I wish you were her."

A heavily pregnant woman went to a railway station to return home. At the ticket counter, when her turn came, it was the last ticket. Taking pity on a very old lady next to her in the queue, she offered her berth to the old lady and sent a telegram to her husband which read: "Shall be coming tomorrow, heavy rush in the train, gave birth to an old lady."

A man wanted to celebrate his wife's birthday by throwing a party. So he goes to order a birthday cake. The salesman asks him what message he wants to put on the cake. Well he thinks for a while and says: Let's put, "You might be getting a bit older, but you are getting better". The salesman asked, "How do you want it displayed?" The man says, "Well, put 'You might be getting a bit older', at the top and 'but, you are getting better' at the bottom."
The real fun didn't start until the cake box was opened and the everyone at the party read the message on the cake: "You might be getting older at the top, but you are getting better at the bottom."

Life

2009-04-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Life is short
Break the rules
Forgive quickly
Kiss passionately
Love truly
Laugh constantly
And never stop smiling
No matter how strange life is
Life is not always the party we expected to be
But as long as we are here
We should smile and be grateful

Movie Reviews

2009-04-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

I watched a total of three movies this week and here are my reviews.

Bride Wars: (Actually, I watched this in my boyfriend's house.) Every women dreams of having the perfect wedding and this movie is exactly about that. Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Liv (Kate Hutson are childhood friends who ... are going to have their weddings on the same day, at the same place. That's when the war starts. By the way, Anne Hathaway looks gorgeous throughout the movie. Makes me want to live in with my boyfriend.

Knowing: This is a thriller movie about how one women predicted what is going to happen fifty years later. John Kostler (Nicolas Cage)'s son got a piece of paper full of numbers when his elementary school opened a time capsule that was placed in the ground fifty years ago. The numbers are in fact predictions - some have already occurred, and some have not. The movie says that a solar flare from the Sun will incinerate all life on Earth. I think this is very possible judging from the global warming. The Bible has said that there will be more disaster as the end of the world draws near. Judging from the disasters that have happened over the past years, it is not impossible that the end of the world is really drawing near.

Confessions of A Shopaholic: This is a hilarious film about Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher), who is a shopaholic. Becky lands a job writing for a financial magazine, which doesn't pay well enough to cover her shopping addiction. So she tries cutting-back and making-more-money, both of which didn't work out. The bills are piling up and Becky has no idea what to do. Things between Becky and Luke Brandon Hugh Dancy are going well until ... I shall not spoil the show for you.

I can't really understand the world of a shopaholic, since I am not one. When it comes to clothes, I am a minimalist. Even so, I have to admit that I really need some new clothes. My wardrobe is practically bare! I need a black jacket/blazer from either Dano or G200. I need to get a racer-top from FOX. I need one matt and one glossy skirt. I need to go shopping!

ThinkFamily Advertisment

2009-04-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

I have never been a fan of advertisements, but this one is really good. Cheers to the government for making such a beautiful and meaningful piece of art.

Everyone of us is searching for that someone whom we believe is "perfect" for us, and many of us still are.

"In the end, its these small things that you remember, the little imperfections that make them perfect for you."

Moving On

2009-04-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

I went back to the Bukit Gombak house today to pack some stuff that I have left behind in my haste to move out and it became a walk down memory lane.

The moment I stepped onto the train platform at Bukit Gombak MRT station, memories that I thought I have long forgotten rush back to me. I remember seeing someone who looks like Brandon from the corner of my eye when I was going down the escalator, but I didn't dare to turn around and make sure it is him because I am scared that it is really him.

As I exit the train station and walk towards the covered walkway, I remember the day I broke up with him. He sent me to the start of the covered walkway and told me that he would wait. He said that he's going to stop here because he's afraid that he will not be able to let me go if he sends me to the carpark.

As I cross the road and step onto the pavement underneath the MRT track, I remember the day he met my Mum and she accepted him. We hugged there as the countdown for the New Year started on the parade square across the road.

As I walk through the carpark leading to Guilin View, I remember how we will stop there when he sends me home. We will have a nice long hug and a quick kiss before he walks off. I will watch him until I can no longer see him, and I will turn around and walk home.

As I walk towards Guilin View, I saw the back gate and I remembered how we will sometimes go by the back gate and have long passionate kisses, covered by the shadows.

I went straight to my house and rang the bell. Aunt Anna opened the door and let me in. When I stepped into my room, I realised that I really missed my room. Although I did not actually get to design my room, but Mum did such a good job. I remember the time when we were both on my bed and he slept on my leg, my heart feeling so full of love.

As I packed my things, I realised that I seriously have a lot of possessions. Just my books can fill up three large bags! I will have to come back another day to get the rest.

OMG! Judging from the amount of things I have, I am going to have a big headache when I move house in September. I am going to hire one of those house-movers the next time I need to move house.

I think it was a good thing that I moved out. That place holds too many memories of me and Brandon. My Woodlands rental room will be a new beginning.

IKEA Catalogue

2009-04-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

Normally, I don't like catalogues. IKEA catalogues is the only exception. I absolutely love IKEA catalogues!

I was flipping through the IKEA catalogues that I have collected over the past few years and the strong urge to have my own apartment is back again.

I mean, I am happy with what I have right now, renting a room that has everything done up nicely for me...

but it's not what I want!

I want my own apartment which I know is mine, where I can do whatever I like with it.

I want to buy a brand new mattress and a nice bed-frame that doesn't creak like an old lady everytime I sit on it. I want to have a ceiling-to-floor bookcase and a walk-in wardrobe. I want to have brand-new quilts and bedsheets. I want to have a simple and stylish kitchen where I have matching bowls and plates from IKEA. I want to have have a big oven and an electric mixer so that I can bake all I want. I want to have a sofa-bed. I want to have cushions of various sizes littered all over my floor. I want to have a mini fridge where I can store all the ice-cream and foods that I love to eat. I want to have a bathroom with a bathtub so that I can have a nice soak after a tiring day's work.

The problem is, I am absolutely clueless about buying a property. I know that I will need to get a loan from a bank but I don't know how to go about doing that or what is required. I know that I must pay a monthly instalment for the property, but I have no idea how much I will need.

Can someone please teach me?

Message

2009-03-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you.

No man is worth your tears, the one who is, won't make you cry.

Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside them knowing you can' t have them.

Never frown, even when you are sad, because you never know who is falling in love with your smile.

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

Don't waste your time on someone, who isn't willing to waste their time on you.

Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one, so that when we finally meet the person, we will know how to be grateful.

Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened.

There's always going to be people that hurt you so what you have to do is keep on trusting, just be more careful about who you trust next time around.

Make yourself a better person, know yourselve before you try and know someone else and expect them to know you.

Don't try so hard, the best things come when you least expect them to.

Dreams

2009-03-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

Dreams

I was born a dreamer,
This, I have always known.
I love to dream,
Every bit of it.

I dreamt of own a bungalow,
Everyone living together.
Throw in a dog and two kids,
And my life will be complete.

I dreamt of getting paid,
Doing the things I love.
Eating, sleeping, loving, laughing,
All in a day's work.

But as I grew older,
The harsh realities of life set in.
I forgot how to dream,
And my dreams disappeared.

A life without dreams,
Is pretty meaningless.
What's there to love,
When all your passion's gone.

Then, an opportunity came by,
And I got to know new friends.
They taught me how to dreams,
And I was alive once again.

Thank You

2009-03-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

I would like to express my thanks to someone very special to me. He has done so much for me, although he may not have realised it.

Let's just leave out the boring bit on how we met and got to know each other. Let's just jump straight to the part where he asks me to be his girlfriend. I still find it very amazing how the timing fits in so perfectly! He asked me to be his girlfriend on exactly the day I broke up with Brandon one year ago!

I never knew that a break-up can cause me so much pain. For the first three months after my break-up with with Brandon, I was a ghost. The pain radiates to every fibre in my body, so much so that I was literally rolling in pain. It was so painful that I wished I could just stab my heart just so that I can stop that pain. I couldn't eat. Most of the days the most I could swallow was one cup of Milo, and I literally had to force myself to swallow that. I had no choice but to lie to my Mum everyday that I have already eaten outside, or else she would be worried about me. I couldn't sleep. Everytime I close my eyes, I see him and I start crying. I would wake up every morning with a pounding headache and his name in my lips. I don't dare to go outside. Everything and anything will make me think of him and I will start crying involuntarily.

It became slightly better by the forth month. I started going out a little and I could eat a little bit more. Then I started having dreams about Brandon every night. It would be a different scene every night, and I would wake up every morning with the dream fresh in my mind.

I could still remember the last dream I had of Brandon. We were at a train station. He told me that he is going to a place far away. I asked him if I could follow him. He gave me a sad smile and told me that he is going to a place I cannot go. And I woke up. That is the last time I dreamt of him, ever. It is a farewell dream.

By the sixth month, I could eat normally. I could go out for short periods of time without bursting into tears every few minutes. All that reminds of Brandon is a dull aching pain that I know will remain forever.

I made a promise to myself that I will move on with my life after our one year break-up anniversary (is there actually such a thing as a break-up anniversary?). On exactly the day I decided to move on with my life, he asked me to be his girlfriend. He held out his hand and I knew that I simply had to place my hand in his to say "Yes", but I was scared. After what happened with Brandon, I would be lying if I said that I wasn't scared. But then I thought: just give it a try. It can't get any worse than the last time. So I closed my eyes and put my hand into his big hand. And he did the smart thing. He closed his hand immediately. I have a sneaking suspicion that if he hadn't done that, I would have withdrawn my hand the next second.

So that hand-in-hand sealed my fate. And I am happy to say that I have made the right choice. I'm not saying that he is perfect. No one is perfect. He has his short-comings too. It's just that we compliment each other. We have a lot in common, and we also have our differences which makes life all the interesting. We poke fun at each other and we squabble.

But the best thing I love about him is his big heart. How many guys have the ability and confidence to love a girl who still cannot forget her ex-boyfriend? How many guys can tolerate the kind of nonsense I throw at him? How many guys have the strength of heart to love this imperfect me?

I have told him everything about me and my ex-boyfriend. From how we got together till how we broke up. He knows that I still miss Brandon and that I probably will always love him, but he still dares to love me.

I love you, my big teddy bear. I can't promise you that everything will be smooth for us, all I can say is: I have never regretted loving you. No matter what happens to us in the future, I will love you always.

Happy Birthday

2009-02-22T05:54:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday, as some of you may still remember. So before I go on, I would like to wish Happy Birthday to myself.

I had a great time with my boyfriend at East Coast Park today. We didn't do anything special, we just rented a charlet in East Coast Park and stayed there the whole time. I still didn't get to see sunrise or sunset. I really think the sun has something against me.

On this special day, I want to thank some very special people.

Firstly, I want to thank my parents for bring me into this world and raising me. I have to confess I am not the easiest daughter to raise. I always create problems for my parents and I used to lie all the time when I was younger. As a child, Mom would often complain that I am as stubborn as a bull and I think I have become more stubborn as I grew older. Thank you, Mummy and Daddy, for tolerating all my nonsense and still caring so much about me after all that I have done and said.

Next, I want to thank my best friend, Jing Yang, and my close friends (Jeanette, Kimberley, Kar Yin, Xiu Yi, Eudora, Mariem, Priyangi and Grace). You gave me the strength to live on when I felt worthless. You were there when I was in pain. You saw me through all the way. I won't be where I am right now without all of you.

Then, I would like to thank Brandon. It is you who taught me how to love someone wholeheartedly. You brought me into the beautiful world of magic and flourishes. You were the one who made my heart whole. Please believe me that it was never my intention to hurt you the way I did. I have always known that you have loved me from the very beginning and that you always will. My Mum used to comment that you are my "drug" and I am "addicted" to you. I think I understand what she means now.

Lastly, I would like to thank my current boyfriend. If Brandon is my "drug", then you are my "antidote". We got together on exactly the day of my one year break-up anniversary with Brandon. It's almost as if our meeting is fated, that you will be the one who will help me move on.

Thank you, everyone!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

Today is actually the first time I actually really celebrated Valentine's Day. The only other time I celebrated Valentine's Day was when I was with Brandon, but it wasn't a happy occasion because I just broke up with him not long before that.

We didn't go to a fancy restaurant to have a nice dinner and then have a moonlit walk along a river. We both decided that it was too boring, so we decided to go to East Coast Park to cycle.

I thought there was IHT grouping, so I was in formal wear, but it turned out that we were asked to meet early for the Saturday grouping, so I went off just before the grouping started. He came to pick me up at Clark Quay in a cab. He directed the taxi driver to drive us to Tampines Mall where we watched Underworld: Evolution (he booked the tickets the day yesterday). It's a nice show but there's no kick because I have already watched the sequels.

We took a cab down to East Coast Park. He actually wanted to bring me to eat at this barbeque restaurant, but it has closed down, replaced with a steamboat restaurant. We were both famished, so we had our dinner there. It's about $19++ per person and it's not really worth it. The soup base is made with the maggie mee seasoning and there's nothing much to choose from. But I still had a good time, because I was with him. I guess it is true that it is the person you are eating with and not the food which makes a great meal.

After dinner, we rented two bikes for overnight riding. On and off, we cycled and rested. Our initial plan was to bath in one of the public toilets and sleep by the sea, but we made a last-minute decision and booked into a small chalet for the night.

After taking a nice and relaxing shower, I couldn't sleep so I decided to do some night cycling. It was only then that I realised that I have left my handphone on one of the rocks when we were taking a rest. I went to look for my handphone on my bike and asked him to sleep first. But it was pitch dark and everywhere looked the same. While swerving past a group of Malays, I knocked into a ledge, sending me sprawling to the ground. I cut my palm and left knee.

After one hour plus of searching, I still could not find my handphone and the bruised parts were throbbing in pain. Just as I was wondering aimlessly on my bike, someone called my name and it was my boyfriend. He was worried about me and he came out to look for me. We searched through all the places we went to before, but we still could not find my handphone. I told my boyfriend that I want to stay out until next morning, so that I can start looking for my handphone at first light, but he refused to let me do so, so I went back to the chalet with him.

After washing up, we lied on the bed and he was groaning because his thighs are numb. When we first booked into the chalet, he was already telling me that his thighs are very sore from the cycling. Despite the pain in his thighs, he still went out to look for me and help me look for my handphone, and that made me feel very guilty and I started crying. I tried to hide my tears from him by turning away from him, but somehow he knew that I was crying and he comforted me. While comforting me, he said something really sweet:"If I don't protect you, who should I protect?"

We agreed that I would wait until morning to go out to look for my handphone, and he helped me set an alarm on his handphone for 5.30am. He fell asleep soon afterwards, exhausted from all the exercise I have put him through. His snores kept me awake. When the alarm went off at 5.30am, I turned off the alarm and went out to look for my handphone. I still did not find it. I went back to the chalet at 7.30am as we planned and we checked out the room. We had the complimentary breakfast, returned our bikes, and went home.

It's only when I was on the MRT did I realised that I have left my coat in the closet in the chalet room! When I called back, the receptionist said that nothing was found. I WANT MY COAT!

Although this Valentine's Day is anything but perfect, but I feel so sweet and fuzzy thinking about it.

I have always thought that specials days such as Valentine's Day must be celebrated with gifts for it to be meaningful, but now I have learnt that it's not so.

What really matters is that I got to spend some quality time with my boyfriend. That's all that matters.

Jasmine Women

2009-01-25T05:04:00.000-08:00

I have always admired Zhang Ziyi. She is very pretty, that's for sure. Plus, she has a figure to die for. But I have never thought that she can actually act ... until I saw this movie named "Jasmine Women". This show really brought out the true essence of a woman.

Meme: Gift

2009-01-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

Got this from Eudora:

The first five people to respond to this post will get something from me. It will be about or tailored to those five lucky "victims". The catch is that you have to put this in your journal as well, if you expect me to do something for you!

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I give you!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It'll be done this year.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be fiction. It may be poetry. I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

Smart Kid

2009-01-24T07:19:00.000-08:00

I visited Discover Great Stuff again and I found this:

A first-grade teacher, Miss Brooks, was having trouble with one of her students.

The teacher asked, "Harry,what's your problem?"

Harry answered, "I'm too smart for the 1st grade. My sister is in the 3rd grade and I'm smarter than she is! I think I should be in the 3rd grade too!"

Miss Brooks had enough. She took Harry to the principal's office. While Harry waited in the outer office, the teacher explained to the principal what the situation was. The principal told Miss Brooks he would give the boy a test. If he failed to answer any of his questions he was to go back to the 1st grade and behave.She agreed.

Harry was brought in and the conditions were explained to him and he agreed to take the test.

Principal: "What is 3 x 3?"
Harry: "9".

Principal: "What is 6 x 6?"
Harry: "36".

And so it went with every question the principal thought a 3rd grader should know.

The principal looks at Miss Brooks and tells her,"I think Harry can go to the 3rd grade."

Miss Brooks says to the principal,"Let me ask him some questions." The principal and Harry both agreed.

Miss Brooks asks,"What does a cow have four of that I have only two of?"
Harry, after a moment: "Legs."

Miss Brooks: "What is in your pants that you have but I do not have?"
The principal wondered, why would she ask such a question!
Harry replied: "Pockets."

Miss Brooks: "What does a dog do that a man steps into?"
Harry: "Pants"

Miss Brooks: What starts with a C, ends with a T, is hairy, oval, delicious and contains thin, whitish liquid?
Harry: "Coconut."

The principal sat forward with his mouth hanging open.

Miss Brooks: "What goes in hard and pink then comes out soft and sticky?"
The principal's eyes opened really wide.
Harry: "Bubble gum"

Miss Brooks: "What does a man do standing up, a woman does sitting down and a dog does on three legs?"
Harry: "Shake hands."

The principal was trembling.

Miss Brooks: "What word starts with an "F" and ends in "K" that means a lot of heat and excitement?"
Harry: "Firetruck."

The principal breathed a sigh of relief and told the teacher,"Put Harry in the 5th grade. I got the last seven questions wrong."

Adapted from:http://www.flickr.com/groups/stuffportraitfriday/discuss/106428/

Secondhand Smoke

2009-01-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

My friends and I were chatting and somehow our topic drifted to smoking and secondhand smoke. This topic got me very interested because my friend's uncle just got diagnosed with last stage of lung cancer. He is a very healthy man who doesn't drink or smoke, and yet he got last stage lung cancer.

So I went online and searched for lung cancer and this is what I found:

Secondhand smoke (also called environmental tobacco smoke) is the combination of sidestream smoke (the smoke given off by the burning end of a tobacco product) and mainstream smoke (the smoke exhaled by the smoker). Exposure to secondhand smoke is also called involuntary smoking or passive smoking.

Of the more than 4,000 chemicals that have been identified in secondhand tobacco smoke, at least 250 are known to be harmful, and 50 of these are known to cause cancer. These chemicals include:
arsenic (a heavy metal toxin)
benzene (a chemical found in gasoline)
beryllium (a toxic metal)
cadmium (a metal used in batteries)
chromium (a metallic element)
ethylene oxide (a chemical used to sterilize medical devices)
nickel (a metallic element)
polonium–210 (a chemical element that gives off radiation)
vinyl chloride (a toxic substance used in plastics manufacture)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP), the U.S. Surgeon General, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified secondhand smoke as a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent).

Inhaling secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in nonsmoking adults. Approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths occur each year among adult nonsmokers in the United States as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. The Surgeon General estimates that living with a smoker increases a nonsmoker’s chances of developing lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent.

Secondhand smoke causes disease and premature death in nonsmoking adults and children. Exposure to secondhand smoke irritates the airways and has immediate harmful effects on a person’s heart and blood vessels. It may increase the risk of heart disease by an estimated 25 to 30 percent . In the United States, secondhand smoke is thought to cause about 46,000 heart disease deaths each year.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, and more severe asthma. Being exposed to secondhand smoke slows the growth of children’s lungs and can cause them to cough, wheeze, and feel breathless.

The Perfect Husband

2009-01-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

I was going through blogs (was feeling bored) and I found this post on Discover Great Stuff.

Several men are in the locker room of a golf club.
A cell phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands free speaker-function and begins to talk.
Everyone else in the room stops to listen.
Man: "Hello."
Woman: "Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?"
Man: "Yes."
Woman: "I am at the mall now and found this beautiful leather coat. It's only $1,000. Is it okay if I buy it?"
Man: "Sure, go ahead if you like it that much."
Woman: "I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the new 2005 models. I saw one I really liked."
Man: "How much?"
Woman: "$90,000."

Man: "Okay, but for that price, I want it with all the options."
Woman: "Great! Oh, and one more thing .....the house I wanted last year is back on the market. They're asking $950,000."
Man: "Well, then go ahead and give them an offer of $900,000. They will probably take it. If not, we can go the extra 50 thousand. It is really a pretty good price."
Woman: "Okay. I'll see you later!I love you so much!!"
Man: "Bye! I love you, too."The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are staring at him in astonishment, mouths agape.....
Then he smiles and asks: "Anyone know who this phone belongs to?"

Adapted from:http://www.ticklemewithjokes.com/sport-jokes-13.html

The List

2009-01-19T02:48:00.000-08:00

I was reading my friends' blogs and I chanced upon one post by Nadiah named "The List". she made a list of 10 things she wants to accomplish before she turns 25. I thought it might be fun to do one, so here goes...

Travel to a foreign country all by myself and try to get the most out of it.
Drive my own Mercedes or BMW or whatever car I fancy.
Be able to rent a studio apartment and do it up the way I want it.
Watch sunrise and sunset with my boyfriend on my birthday.
Have all the books I have always wanted and turn one part of my studio apartment into a mini library.
Publish my first Chinese novel.
Have 500 friends in my contact list.
Get my own doggy.
Have a stable relationship.
Start my own bakery business.

Life

2008-12-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

I have often asked myself this question: What is Life?

I am much inspired after watching the show 'In Her Shoes' on television last night.

Life is never about how nice your car is, or how big your house is, or how prestigious your job is. It is never about what designer clothes you wear, or what you eat.

Life, with all its ups and downs, in all its splendor, is really a very simple thing.

Let me tell you the secret: Life is all about being happy. Life is all about achieving your dreams and goals.

At different stages of our life, we derive happiness from different sources. When we are children, we derive happiness from playing with our friends, from running around like crazy. When we start studying, we derive happiness from getting good results and getting recognised for our hard work. Life was simple then.

When we become adults and we step into the working world, things get a little more complicated... or maybe it is just that we have become more complicated.

Each of us have our own definition of "happiness". To some, having a loving family is all the happiness they need. For some others, believing in their faith is the way to happiness for them.

I am happy with my current situation. I have the freedom I have always dreamed of, I have a stable job that provides me with the money to support myself, and I also have a part-time job which provides me with the challenges to keep my life interesting.

Yap, I am HAPPY.

New Year's Meme

2008-12-30T12:59:00.000-08:00

I am now blogging with this second-hand laptop (DELL C640) that I just bought from eBay. Although it is a second-hand laptop, it is still the first laptop that is TRUELY and REALLY mine, which I bought with my own money. That feeling is simply incredible.

So 2008 has passed and we have come to a brand new year. Since I have not done a meme for a very long time, I thought it would be fun to do this New Year's Meme that I found on this random blog called Sweetney...

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Moving out and living on my own.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I can't even remember what were my new year resolutions, so I am not sure if I've kept them. I will definitely make more for next year, but I'll keep them simple.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Nope, not that I know of.

4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes, my grandfather.

5. What countries did you visit? China, to attend my grandfather's funeral.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More friends.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? 1 September 2008. It is the day when I broke up with my ex-boyfriend one year ago, and it also happens to be the day my current boyfriend got together. It's such a coincidence.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I have learnt how to carry on my life without him. It may not seem such a big thing, but it really took a lot for me to get there.

9. What was your biggest failure? For being too weak.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nothing very serious. Just a flu that lasted two whole months.

11. What was the best thing you bought? This laptop.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? The newly elected President Obama.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The general Singapore public.

14. Where did most of your money go? Mostly on food and books.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Christmas!

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? No idea yet.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? About the same.

b) thinner or fatter? Thinner. Everyone has been telling me that I have lost weight.

c) richer or poorer? I think about the same.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Loving my parents.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Making my parents upset and worried.

20. How did you spend Christmas? I had a wild time on Christmas Eve with 30+ of my friends in a suite in Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel. We had gift-exchanging and steamboat (it was absolutely delicious) and we counted down to Christmas together. Can't really remember what I did on Christmas day itself though. I think I just spent the whole day with my boyfriend. Spending some quality time together.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Yap

22. What was your favorite TV program? I have not been watching television.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Nope. I am a peaceful person.

24. What was the best book you read? The Olive Farm. It's a gorgeous book.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? I'm not exactly very musically-inclined.

26. What did you want and get? I got the freedom I have always wanted.

27. What did you want and not get? Too many things.

28. What was your favorite film of this year? High School Musical 3.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Nothing very special. I had a quiet celebration with my parents at home. I was 21 years old.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having all the money I need.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? I was a jeans-girl in the first three-quarter of this year, then it is more of office-wear in the last few months.

32. What kept you sane? Music.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Angelina Jolie. She's got the looks, she's got the height, she's got a happy family, she's got a career that brings her lots of money. What more can a girl want?

34. What political issue stirred you the most? I don't really care about all the political stuff.

35. Who did you miss? Someone I should not be missing.

36. Who was the best new person you met? My current boyfriend.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Treasure every minute you have with your loved ones, because you never know what is going to happen the next minute.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Haven't thought of it yet.

Interior Design

2008-12-30T00:46:00.000-08:00

This passion for interior design was sparked off when we were moving from our Clementi house to the Guilin View condominium. Mum told me that I could decorate my own room.

Decorate my own room? That's like a dream come true! Since then, I have been very much into interior design, but I didn't realise it then. I would make trips to the library just so that I can bury myself in all the lovely books and magazines and dream that my room will look exactly like the picture.

Although I didn't really get to design my room in the end (Mum designed it for me and she did a fabulous job), but that love for a beautiful interior stayed with me since then.

Since my blog should be a place where I share all the things I love with my readers, let me show you some really beautiful pictures and you will understand why I love them so.

Who would have thought that it would make such a big difference just by moving the furnitures around as demonstrated in Tips For Making Your Space Feel Bigger When It's Feeling Small.

Happy Birthday!

2008-11-12T03:55:00.000-08:00

Today is a very special and important day. Today marks the birth of someone very special to me. So I would like to wish him

Happy Birthday!

On the very day when I decided to let go of the relationship I have been holding onto for the past one year, unable and unwilling to let go, you asked me to be your girlfriend. I have no confidence that I can ever love anyone again, but I was moved by your sincerity and I accepted you into my life.

And I have not regretted this decision yet. At least not yet.

Our relationship have been one hell of a roller coaster ride for the two months plus that we have been together. I have no idea how this relationship will end (if it does) or what kind of problems we will face, but I want to see it to the end.

High School Musical

2008-10-30T22:10:00.000-07:00

"High School Musical" created quite a roar when it was first launched in Singapore. Everyone around me was talking about it. Everyone was telling me how fantastic it was, how good the songs are, how good the storyline is. I was like: what is so good about it? It's just a bunch of kids singing and dancing around.

Then my boyfriend got me to watch "High School Musical 3" and I am hooked. The plot might be a little original, but the actors and actresses really have substance. I think they are all professional dancers. The dancing is really good. The choreography is awesome. The choreographer must be really good to be able to incorporate the dances into the show so seamlessly.

Out of all the actors and actresses, I like Gabriella Montez, which is played by Vanessa Anne Hudgens. She is really cute, in that Princessy kind of look. She just looks so good in everything she wears.

I'm Not

2008-09-23T04:47:00.000-07:00

I'm not supposed to dwell in the past,
I have to move on, I know.
If so, why do I still hurt so much?

I'm not supposed to be thinking of him,
for it is impossible between us.
Why do I still think of him?

I'm not looking for Love,
but Love came knocking on my door.
So I accepted him.

I'm not supposed to feel afraid anymore,
because my heart is supposed to be dead.
Yet, why do I feel this way?

I'm not supposed to fall so fast and deep,
because I will only get hurt again.
Then, why am I still doing this?

I'm not the girl I was a year ago,
I have grown and matured.
For I have him.

Reasons I Love Him

2008-09-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

1. I love his smile.

2. I love his cute dimples.

3. I love his shiny white teeth.

4. I love his height.

5. I love his good looks.

6. I love his strong arms that will protect me from all evil.

7. I love his board shoulders.

8. I love his arms which had been my bloster for the past one year.

9. I love his big eyes (which make him look like a girl).

10. I love his spiky hair.

11. I love his attentiveness.

12. I love his carefulness.

13. I love his smartness.

14. I love his passion.

15. I love his thoughtfulness.

16. I love his concern for me.

17. I love his loyalty to me.

18. I love his sweetness.

19. I love his craziness.

20. I love his stubbornness.

21. I love him when he bought that The Dog deck of cards just because I said I like it a lot.

22. I love him when he came all the way from SMU to my school (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) just to send me home.

23. I love him when he came all the way from his home in Tampines to meet me at Jurong East just because it is more conveninent for me.

24. I love him when he gets all worried bacause I did not pick up his calls.

25. I love him when he get jealous whenever I mention other guys.

26. I love him when he says he wants to marry me and have kids with me.

27. I love him when he pouts.

28. I love him when he ends his messages with "... love ya lots".

29. I love him when he was so nervous when he was asking me to be his girlfriend.

30. I love him when he misses Satomi (his late girlfriend).

31. I love him when he shows me his new flourishes.

32. I love him when he creates flourishes for me (my favourites are still Stmphony and Bad Habit).

33. I love him when he wants "hug hug" as he puts it.

34. I love him when he acts all shy like a little girl.

35. I love him when he buys all those really rare poker decks just for me.

36. I love him when he says he wants to convert his driving license so that he can fetch me to and fro from work.

37. I love him when he came all the way to Bedok MRT just to bring me his white shirt (which I did not wear in the end).

38. I love him when he calls me in the middle of the day just to say that he loves me.

39. I love him when he send me all those sweet messages.

40. I love him when he introduces me to all his friends.

41. I love him when he remembers that my favourite colour is pink and he bought me the pink deck as our half-year anniversary gift.

42. I love him when he gave me the dog tag with his birthday engraved on it.

43. I love him when he murmurs into my ears.

44. I love him when he hugs me.

45. I love him when he cried when I broke up with him.

46. I love him when he wants me back after all the hurt I have put him through.

47. I love him when he get aroused whenever he is with me.

48. I love him when he never fails to send me back after every date.

49. I love him when he says that he can see himself having a family with me.

50. I love him when he calls me "sweety" (this is his pet name for me. It is Brandon-exclusive).

51. I love him when he looks at me and I see the love in his eyes.

52. I love him when he tells me that he feels very safe when he is with me, because he knows I will catch him if he falls.

53. I love him when he lies in my lap.

54. I love him when he kisses me.

Of course, there are a lot more reasons why I love this guy, but I decided to stop here, or else I will go on forever. There is no limit to the reasons why I love him so much. 54 is not just a number I randomly picked, it has its significance. Our relationship started with a deck of Ghost Deck and our whole relationship evolved around cards and magic. As everybody would know, there are 54 cards in a deck. That is why I chose the number 54.

I know I will always love him. Even when I eventually have a boyfriend and have my own family, a part of my heart will always be reserved for the first guy whom I loved so much, it nearly killed me.

Break-up Anniversary

2008-09-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

It has been a year since we have broken up. You would have thought that I would have gotten over you by now, but I still can't let you go completely yet.

The first three months after our break-up was really terrible for me. That sounds ironic since I was the one who initiated the break-up in the first place, but that's the case. My whole mind, whole heart is so filled with you that I feel really empty now that you are gone. I have lost my will to live and I've thought of ending my life many times. The only thing that is keeping me alive until now is the knowledge that you love me and that you would not have wanted me to give up so easily. I dream of you every night. I was literally a living corpse then. Everytime I think of you, the pain from my heart radiates to every bone and muscle in my body, till my whole body is consumed in agonising pain.

As the months passed by, the pain gradually became better. Now, I can listen to "our" songs without crying, I can talk about you with tears.

I don't think I will ever be able to forget you, you are so deeply engraved in my heart. Until now, I don't know why I love you so much, with all your mistakes and bad temper.

I have never doubted your love for me, nor have I ever doubted my love for you.

Whatever you do, wherever you are, I just want you to be happy. If you have a new girlfriend, just make sure that she is better than me, that she will know how to love you more than I did. I just want what's the best for you.

Well, at least I have kept one promise that I have made: I love you, always.

经验口袋

2008-08-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

This is more for myself, so that I can find this website when I want to. My Dad sent me this link to this very interesting website called 经验口袋。

This is a knowledge website, where the users will post posts on certain topics. The one that my Dad recommended me to read is by dalingkiss.

It is really quite interesting. They have things like 2008-05-31女人：暧昧要怎样才恰到好处, 情爱宝典：单身女人魅力增值10法则, “最欠揍”的爱情台词 and many other interesting articles.

A good site to visit when I am bored.

I Don't Know What To Think

2008-08-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

I met Justin through a mutual friend. We met at VivoCoty one day because I was there with my cousin and this friend of mine wanted to pass me something, plus he is meeting Justin there, so we met。

But I never thought I would see him again.

A few days ago, he started messaging me (he got my number through my friend) and we went out quite a few times.

He's a really nice guy. He is tall, humorous, good-tempered, knows how to dress appropriately, knows how to take care of people.

I know that I like him, enough to consider dating him. Even Jing Yang says that she is very certain that he likes me.

But there are some things about him that make me hesitate.

First. I don't know what he wants. Me, who have been in quite a number of relationships, who claim to understand guys better than some girls, don't know what he wants. I mean, he is very nice to me, but he will always stop at a certain point and refuse to move on. Either he is playing hard-to-get or he is holding back, for whatever reason. And I can sense that there's more to him than meet the eye.

Second. He is in the sales line, so his PR skills are rather good. Sometimes I am scared that I will wake up to find that he was just playing with me.

Third. Since he sells things for a living, I don't know if the reason he is being so good to me is because he wants me to buy his products or that he genuinely likes me.

You know what? I think I need to give myself some time to cool down. Maybe this is another Ezekiel-case, where everything will go back to normal after we do not see each other for some time. Hopefully, he will know what he wants by then.

Crunchyroll / Youtube

2008-08-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the influence of my friends, I have come to appreciate the wonder of watching shows online. It's FREE, you have over MILLIONS of choices to choose from, you can watch the LATEST shows before all the others does.

At first, it was YouTube. I was crazy over YouTube for quite a while. The quality is good, it has the latest shows, the episodes are uploaded faster...

Then Jing Yang introduced me to Crunchyroll and I was hooked.

But then, I was wondering if there is any difference between Crunchyroll and Youtube? Or are they really just two websites of similar content?

Now I have finally realised that the two websites are really very different indeed.

YouTube is better for music videos and video clips. Plus point for Youtube is its fast turnover rate and it's variety in terms of content.
Crunchyroll is better for drama serials. It allows you to save your favourite drama serials. You just have to type in the name of the drama serial you want to find and you can find the story synopsis, the episodes and the cast all in one page. That's the thing I really like about Crunchyroll. Plus, they have really good quality anime! I am sold.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

2008-07-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing that will tear families apart and destroy a perfectly good relationship, it is lies. You may think that you have everyone bluffed, but you will understand that the only person you are bluffing is yourself.

Lying not only destroys relationships, it is a very tiring thing too. You are constantly worried that someone will see through your lie. So you use another lie to cover up for your previous lie and so on and so forth, until it explodes.

This book, The Memory Keeper's Daughter, is an excellent example of what a lie can do to what would have been a perfectly happy family.

It should have been an ordinary birth, the start of an ordinary happy family. But the night Dr David Henry delivers his wife's twins is a night that will haunt five lives for ever.

For though David's son is a healthy boy, his daughter has Down's syndrome. And, in a shocking act of betrayal whose consequences only time will reveal, he tells his wife their daughter died while secretly entrusting her care to a nurse.

As grief slowly tears apart David's family, so a little girl must make her own way in the world as best as she can.

The Time Traveller's Wife

2008-07-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

This is the extraordinary love story of Clare and Henry who met when Clare was six and Henry was thirty-six, and were married when Care was twenty-two and Henry thirty. Impossible but true, because Henry suffers from a rare condition where his genetic clock resets and he finds himself pulled suddenly into his past or his future. In the face of this force they can neither prevent nor control, Henry and Clare's struggle to lead normal lives is both intensely moving and entirely unforgettable.

This book can be a bit confusing when you first start reading it. It took me a while to understand what was happening.

This is a really sweet love story. I wonder how it would feel like knowing who you will marry eventually. Although it might be nice to know, so that you know that you will eventually end up with someone, but it also takes the excitement of meeting new people and the joy of discovering things about that person.

Is it a good or a bad thing？

You decide.

Beach & Marche

2008-07-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

Eudora, Grace and I had a great day together today. I met them at Burger King, where they were having their lunch. After shopping for a bit, we took the Sentosa Express to Sentosa. We had a great time at the beach.

We had dinner at Marche ...

Good Service + Good Food + Good Ambiance = I will patronise again.

I really want to do this again. This whole Sentosa thing, ending with a good dinner at Marche's. Hopefully I would have toned my stomach and I can find and wear a bikini that look good on me.

Book Sale

2008-07-18T03:43:00.000-07:00

I was so very excited when I read about the NLB sale in the newspaper a few days ago. Chinese and English books are sold at $2 per book. This is like a dream come true! Although it is a little far to get there (Expo Hall 4a), but it's worth it for such a good deal.

But I forgot one thing: all NLB books have this huge barcode at the bottom of the spine. This is a great convenience when you are looking for a book among the millions of books in the libraries, but it's a different story when I am actually buying a book.

You see, I just cannot stand stickers or price tags of any kind on my books. My book means that I paid for that book and I own that book. Yeah, I know I am weird, but this is just how I am. How would you feel if someone paste all sorts of stickers on you? You wouldn't like it, would you?

Plus, I have gotten perfectly fine books without any of the sticker nonsense for about the same price. At book sales and second-hand bookstores.

That's why I love Bras Basah Complex (only the links in Chinese works). There are quite a few second-hand bookstores and many big bookstores such as POPULAR selling the latest bestsellers. There are also a lot of bookstores selling Chinese books imported directly from China, books find in the local bookstores. It's not called 书城 for nothing, I guess.

They had a book sale in March apparently and I missed it! Nevermind, there's always a next time.

It would be nice if the website could be updated more frequently. At least make sure that the links can be used and the pictures can be seen!

Hancock

2008-07-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

If you like Superman, or you got a little tired of boring-old-Superman and you want something with a twist, with lots of good laugh and very-touching kind of love, then "Hancock" is the movie for you.

Plus, Will Smith is hot.

It has been sometime since I enjoyed a movie so much.

Book Meme

2008-07-10T03:35:00.000-07:00

Found this on Eudora's blog and I thought it is rather interesting so here it is:

Look at the list below and

bold what you have read

italicise what you're going to read

underline what you love.

1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien

3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte

4. Harry Potter series - JK Rowling

5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

6. The Bible

7. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte

8. Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell

9. His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman

10. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens

11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott

12. Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy

13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller

14. Complete Works of Shakespeare

15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier

16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien

17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks

18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger

19. The Time Traveller's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger

20. Middlemarch - George Eliot

21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell

22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald

23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens

24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy

25. The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh

27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky

28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck

29. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll

30. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame

31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy

32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens

33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis

34. Emma - Jane Austen

35. Persuasion - Jane Austen

36. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini

37. Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres

38. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden

39. Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne

40. Animal Farm - George Orwell

41. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown

42. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

43. A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving

44. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins

45. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery

46. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy

47. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood

48. Lord of the Flies - William Golding

49. Atonement - Ian McEwan

50. Life of Pi - Yann Martel

51. Dune - Frank Herbert

52. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons

53. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen

54. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth

55. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon

56. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens

57. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley

58. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon

59. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

60. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck

61. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov

62. The Secret History - Donna Tartt

63. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

64. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas

65. On The Road - Jack Kerouac

66. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy

67. Bridget Jones' Diary - Helen Fielding

68. Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie

69. Moby Dick - Herman Melville

70. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens

71. Dracula - Bram Stoker

72.The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett

73. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson

74. Ulysses - James Joyce

75. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath

76. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome

77. Germinal - Emile Zola

78. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray

79. Possession - AS Byatt

80. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

81. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell

82. The Color Purple - Alice Walker

83. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro

84. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert

85. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry

86. Charlotte's Web - EB White

87. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom

88. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

89. The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton

90. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad

91. The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery

92. The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks

93. Watership Down - Richard Adams

94. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole

95. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute

96. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas

97. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl

98. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

99. P.S. I Love You - Cecelia Ahern

100. Nineteen Minutes - Jodi Picoult

I have read: 20 out of 100 books (that's exactly 1/5).

I want to read: 17 out of 80 books.

I love: 7 out of 100 books.

The last two titles are my own additions. I just can't stand having an incomplete list.

I really have a lot of reading to do. Okay, I am taking Jane Austen as my next read-by-author.

Perfect Match

2008-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it is not the right time for me to read this book yet, since I am not a mother, so I don't know what a mother would do.

But I have loved someone as much as Nina Frost loves her son. I love him, so I am willing to do anything for him.

But how much is too much?

As an assistant district attorney, Nina Frost prosecutes the sort of crimes that tear families apart. But when Nina and her husband discover that their five-year-old son has been sexually abused, it is her won family that is devastated.

The world Nina inhibits now seems different form the one she lived in yesterday; the lines between family and professional life are erased and answers to questions she thought she knew are no longer easy to find.

Overcome by anger and desperate for vengeance, Nina ignites a battle that may cause her to lose the very thing she's fighting for.

Nursing Report

2008-06-20T03:21:00.000-07:00

I suck as a nurse, and that's a fact. Since I've had three months of PRCP at TTSH, I expect myself to find my footing faster than others and do much better than the others, given the fact that I have been exposed to all these before.

But it seems that is not the case. I seem to be such an idiot and others are suffering as a result of my incompetence. There's always so many changes that I would miss out, so many things I did not follow-up on, so many things that I forgot to include in my report. There's so many things that I don't know how to do, I still don't know much about my patients.

But there's one area which I am very happy about: medications. I no longer feel scared of serving medications, which is probably one of the reasons I don't make that many medications errors anymore. Not making medication errors has given me confidence when serving medications, so I don't make that many mistakes. It's a positive cycle. I like that.

Well, about my incompetency, I guess I will just have to work harder. Since I don't have good memory, I should write down all the things that I have to do and follow-up on.

I have realised, quite long ago, that I am not someone who works well when under a lot of pressure. Give me too much pressure and I will go all haywire. So I should calm myself down and do my things peacefully.

Hopefully, I don't disappoint anyone again (including myself).

Lonely World

2008-06-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

I live in a lonely world.

Although I am surrounded by lots of people everyday, I still feel so lonely.

I don't have to work today, so I have been asking people to out with me today (I have been bitten by the shopping bug), but no one is free. Why is it so hard to find someone to go shopping with me on the day when I crave for some female companionship?

Having no one to go out with, I went to Suntec City by myself and got two bras at Carrefour. I found this really nice dress (I am very into dresses right now, probably influenced by Eudora, because she always looks so nice in all those dresses) at FOND, but it is a little expensive at $56, even after the 5% discount. I think I will go there with Eudora one day and ask for her opinion.

Flip-flops

2008-06-16T02:31:00.000-07:00

I just read an article in the Sunday Times (June 15) on flip flops and I agree with the author.

Young adults like my friends are wearing flip-flops everywhere nowadays, to the pub, to school, to restaurants, to their workplaces. I really don't like this trend. Although fans of flip-flops may say that they are very comfortable and that they are good for our hot climate, but I still think that they should not be worn everywhere.

I have never been a big fan of flip-flops. Fans of flip-flops say that they are very comfortable, but I don't find it so. I get blisters if I wear them too often. The only pair of flip-flops I have is the pair that I wear at home. Another reason I don't like them is that they are ridiculously expensive. For $26.90, I can get a pair of pretty decent heels.

Like what the article says, there are some places where flip-flops are not appropriate, no matter how you look at it, such as restaurants.

There is one paragraph in the article which I really like:

"Dressing correctly has to be cultivated, and most parents here probably don't teach their children that you have to dress appropriately as a mark of respect for yourselves and others."

This is one of the reasons I don't like Singaporeans. They dress sloppily, and they have a hundred reasons why it is absolutely acceptable to dress like that. They would be laughed at if they were to dress like this in other countries.

I must make sure I teach my children to dress appropiately.

Nursing

2008-06-16T02:01:00.000-07:00

I have finally managed to survive the three nights of my first night shift. Night shift is very different from the morning and afternoon shifts. The morning and afternoon shifts are more of following doctor's orders and making sure that everything that has been ordered has been completed on time, while night shift is more of the preparation phase to ensure that the morning and afternoon shift people on the following day can function properly.

Although night shift is more relaxed in a way, since there is no information coming at you left, right and centre, it is also busy because you have to top up the drugs, the IMR, the doctor's continuation sheet, the PCR and so on and so forth.

I was talking with my preceptor, Wenli, last night (or rather this morning) and she was telling me that she envy her friends in China. They all seem to be enjoying life very much. They often meet up to eat and chat. It just seems that they "have a life" and we don't. Everyone is busy with their own life, that we don't get to meet up very often, maybe once in a blue moon.

I don't know if it is because of my job, or is it because Singapore is too small, there doesn't seem to be a lot of things I can do when I am free. It's either eating, shopping, catching a movie or sleeping. Is life always going to be this boring? I want some excitement, some changes. I am feeling as if I am not really living, I feel like a robot who have been programmed to go through the routines of everyday life just like that.

Working

2008-06-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

When I was young and still schooling, I used to dream of going out into the workforce and providing for myself.

I wanted to move out and live on my own, because that to me means independence.

Everyone was telling me how different it is going to be in the "real" world. How everyone is very cunning and such.

When I finally started working, I don't really feel it's much different from when I was studying in Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Maybe it's because I am so used to doing all the nursing stuff, that the difference is not so significant to me. I guess the three months of PRCP really helped me a lot.

When I first got to know that I have been posted to 12C, which is an Orthopaedic ward, I was both disappointed and worried. Disappointed because I requested to go back to 9C, but I was not put back there. Worried because it is an Orthopaedic ward. It has been so long since my Orthopaedic posting, that I have forgotten most of the things that I have learnt. This is a whole new place to me. Everything is very alien to me, the work culture and everything else. Will I be able to adapt? Will I be bullied? What if the staff are very fierce? Will I make any friends? Are the Sisters good?

But my worries were unfound. Lay Hoon must have known that I can handle it, that's why she put me in a new ward, and I will not let her down.

Some of the staff there may look a bit fierce at first meeting, but I realise that they are all really nice and fun-loving people. Christine just commented that she likes my small eyes. She says they are very pretty. That's the first time someone actually admire my small eyes. She even said that if she has a child, she wants her child to have eyes like mine.

Although I have basically thrown away everything that I have learnt during my PRCP, and I made a disaster the first time I took 3 cases, I am sure I will be able to get confirmed within six months and become a competent staff nurse like all of them.

Hana Kimi (Japan)

2008-05-27T03:34:00.000-07:00

This is the Taiwanese version ...

... and this is the Japanese version.

I have watched both the Taiwanese and the Japanese version of Hana Kimi and I think that the Japanese version is so a much nicer.

I really like the Japanese cast. All the guys are so handsome, in their own way. Some are handsome in the more feminine way, while some, like Izumi Sano, are just plain good-looking. Aishiya Mizuki, who is really a girl, looks really cute with the boy clothes and cropped hair.

Crunchyroll has the complete series. Watch it here.

AjiTei Japanese Cuisine & Dessert House

2008-05-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

I have always loved Japanese food, but Japanese food is generally quite expensive, which was why I was a bit hesitant when Eudora suggested that we try out the new Japanese restaurant when we were at Plaza Singapura earlier today, but I am so glad we did.

My fear of having to burn a hole in my pocket was unfound. I spent only a total of $10.80 on the set meal itself, $1.80 of service charge. I think this pricing is really quite reasonable for the delicious food they serve.

I had the Seafood Omelette Rice Set. The set consists of a seafood omelette with tomato sauce, a side dish of two korokkes, Mocha Sundae and a green tea (hot/cold). The omelette is superb. There are pieces of prawns, octopus and I-don't-know-what-else. Normally I would expect the tomato sauce to be either too sour or too sweet, but this sauce taste perfect. Next, we come to the korokkes. They may look ordinary, but they taste heavenly. The outside is very crispy but the inside is as soft as butter.

All in all, it's a great restaurant. I will give it a score of 4/5.

Summer Clothes

2008-05-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

As much as I love jeans, I realise that the best clothes to be worn in summer are still shorts. Jeans may give the casual-smart look that I like so much, but it is too hot to be worn in Singapore's climate. It's even worse now that I am working as a nurse. I perspire so much after half-a-day of running up and down the ward, that it really feels like hell when I have to change back into my jeans.

When I get my pay, I am going to stock up on

Shorts: I only have one pair of denim shorts in my entire wardrobe.

Jeans: Jeans are still my favourite. I only have one pair left. I want to buy a few more pairs.

Tops: Be it tank-top, racerback top, spaghetti-strap top, even long-sleeve top.

Shoes: I need more shoes. Now, I only have one pair of track shoes, one pair of black crocs(the cheap version), a pair of Cinderella-style plastic heels (which is really painful to wear), a pair of light-brown boots, a pair of black pumps (which always become lopesided , two pairs of nursing shoes and a pair of black flats(which I bought when Kimberley and I met at Causeway Point today).

Jackets: I've always felt that a good jacket can make the most boring outfit look lip-smacking good.

Okay, basically I just need more of everything. Although I hate shopping (I don't detest it so much nowadays, I'm even starting to enjoy it at times.), but I am a girl and I like looking good.

Mercy

2008-05-15T03:41:00.000-07:00

It's kind of sad if you think of it. Many people do not marry the person they love, for various reasons. When I was young, I thought that everyone marries because the two persons love each other very much and they want to spend the rest of their lives together. But it seems that that's not the case for most people.

Jing Yang (JY for short) and I were just discussing about this the other day. JY says that may people marry for companionship. There are people who marry because they love each other very much but that is quite rare.

My theory is that you will love someone, but the person you love may not be the person you will marry and vice versa. It's more of a "being at the right place at the right time" kind of thing.

However, I do agree with JY on one thing: you find love when you least expect it.

This book "Mercy" by Jodi Picoult just about summaries everything I feel about this thing called "Love". Here is the summary:

Cameron McDonald has spent his life guided by duty. As the police chief of a small Massachusetts town that has been home to generations of his Scottish clan, he is bound to the town's residents by blood and honour. Yet when his cousin Jamie arrives at the police station with the body of his wife and the bald confession that he's killed her, Cam immediately places him under arrest.

The situation is not as clear to Cam's wife, Allie. While she is devoted to her husband, she finds herself sliding against Cam, seduced by the picture paints of a man so in love with a woman that he'd do anything for her...even if it meant taking her life.

Into this heated atmosphere drifts Mia, a new assistant at Allie's floral shop. When an inexplicable attraction leads to a shocking betrayal, Allie faces the hardest question of the heart: when does love cross the line of moral obligation? And what does it mean to truly love another?

I just realised that this book is talking about euthanasia. I was just wondering, if you were ill and you know that you are going to die soon, and you have someone who loves you very much. Will you leave so that he/she cannot find you and die alone, or will you tell him/her about your illness and let them watch you die?

P.S To all girls, always marry someone who loves you more than you love him.