Went out just now with vendor to buy mooncakes. She usually buys for us yearly but we get to choose which hotel we want. This time round, we tompang her to buy for our own as well so having a total of 9 boxes, I volunteered to go and help her carry.
The packaging for the Goodwood Park Hotel mooncakes is very nice for this year. Cun really remember how it looks like last year but heard that this hotel always has nice packaging and of coz their mooncakes too!
Met Peggy with sis to celebrate her birthday in advance as her actual day is next Monday and brother wun be around. After much discussion, we finally settled to have dinner at Novena Square so I took a bus down from office to United Square and walked over.
Actually have not got her a present coz dunno what she likes or lacks so browsed through the shops at United Square 1st since I was early but to no avail. Was thinking probably we can still get it b4 her actual day so as I reached Novena Square, went to the florist and bought a small bouquet for her.
We decided to go Ichiban Boshi and were surprised that it's actually quite crowded. Shopped around Novena Square and Square2 and came across this shop selling jap stuff at Square2. Actually the stuff dun look quite jap coz of the prices and we realised some were china goods. Anyway did spot some interesting and nice stuff there. They have "Forever Friends" shower curtains and washing machines cover at very cheap prices and "Doreamon" cushions, door knobs covers etc. 3 of us only bought some home essentials each.
We were walking aimlessly and was feeling quite tired by then. As Peggy wasn't feeling that well with her gastric earlier, we decided to call it a day and left for home.
Just back from lunch and feeling quite full and sleep now... and weather just nice to take a nap!
Started raining as we walked out for lunch ard 12pm and braved the rain (luckily we were prepared with umbrellas) as it gets heavier and went to "Miss Clarity" cafe for lunch. Initially should have a group of six, but end up one mc at home while the other one decided to abandon us due to the heavy rain. Left the cafe about 1.5 hrs later as were busy gossiping through lunch while waiting for the rain to stop. We then walked over to Raffles Hotel to collect our mooncakes and back to office ard 2pm.
Went to the hair salon with sis after dinner at home last evening but had to wait quite awhile b4 its our turn. Probably we went quite late and there were customers there already. Only managed to do scalp treatment coz no time for colour treatment. Anyway will probably go in about 2 weeks' time so its nearer to my AD.
Slept early last nite to try to recuperate my sleep b4 the weekends. Felt abit better when I wake up today but still left the bed very reluctantly. Nowadays dun have so good life to sleep until so late during the weekends (at new house) coz someone will sure wake me up. Most of the time also din sleep well through the nite coz of the thin mattress, making me sore all over. Hmm... have to endure for one more month, about 8 nights more b4 I can finally sleep on our new bed!
~
Going to have a celebration lunch with my colleagues b4 our boss-less holidays are over by next week. After that will need to go to Raffles Hotel to collect our pre-ordered mooncakes. Had bought a 1st round last week at 20% off (only through online orders) and this week only managed to get 10% off.
Sleepy day for me again, I never seem to have enough sleep... Its finally Wednesday and 2 days to weekend. That will also marks the end of our boss-less holiday!
Anyway last nite went shopping with sis and Yoki. Sis was telling me she going with Yoki to look at watches at one shop at The Bencoolen which sells watches rather cheap (at least 30% cheaper than most retail stores) so asked her to jio me along too.
I met sis 1st at Bugis mrt stn then walked to OG to buy a bag for mum's coming birthday. We then shopped ard then Yoki reached and we proceeded to have our dinner at Burger King. This branch at Burlington Square really jialat, quite a couple of items unavailable.
We finally went to the watch shop and sis bought a watch for mum. I cun find anything nice there as they dun have some models I was interested in. We then passed by another watch shop which also sells watches at almost the same price range as the one we went and I found the Casio watch I like. Bought it at ard almost half price than the Casio retail shop and got an alarm clock for my new house too. Surprising the clocks there are damn cheap, almost 40% off from what I have seen outside. One Casio digital clock was selling at $36 whereby I saw from outside at least $55 to $65. Was tempted to buy but probably wun need it coz will be bringing my existing one over to the new house when I move over.
Wanted to drop by Sim Lim to buy something but realised most of the shops were closed and its only almost to 9pm! Din know they close that early so probably have to make another trip again or get my vendor to help me buy that item.
Its Monday again and this week would be great coz the stupid boss is on leave! Gonna plan some celebration this week... hahaha...
Had managed to move some stuff over last Thur and packed abit after the food tasting last Fri. Was damn tired when we finally went to bed but as usual, din sleep well and enough. Woke up quite late on Sat, ard 11am and we packed food back. Continued some of my packing and watched TV then prepared to go out ard 5pm+. Web needed to go back to work at 7.30pm at Tampines Telepark thus we took a bus out to change to 72. Had some bites b4 he left for work while I shopped around.
Its damn crowded there as I managed to almost comb every area and shop at Tampines Mall and Century Square, even to the neighbouring shops and bought some household stuff. By the time the shops were closing, Web was still bz at work thus I bought a drink and hanged around at a crowded Mac until he knocked off ard 10.30pm+. We had wanted to buy KFC back then realised they closed at 10pm+ so shared a bowl of yong tau hu then took a cab home.
We finally managed to start using our washing machine for the 1st time while I cooked supper (instant noodles) for Web, who was still hungry. We then watched soccer until 2am+ then went to bed.
The next morning we took bus 163 to pay respects to my grandpa, then Peggy drove us to Bright Hill area to visit the big Buddhas and paid respects to Web's maternal grandparents' tablets. Next we went to the nearby temple to visit my cousin's urn and Web's maternal grandparents' urns. We finally managed to have lunch at Bishan when Peggy dropped us off.
I fell asleep as we were on the bus to our new house, and had to take a nap b4 waking up to clean the house as was having a headache, probably due to lack of sleep and the weather. Eventually only had to clean the master bedroom toilet coz Web had already vacuumed the house while I was napping and cleaned the common toilet. We decided not to mop the floor this week as both of us were quite tired and the house wasn't that dirty coz we haven't really moved in yet.
We then cooked dinner at home, watched abit of tv then pack up to leave. Finally had a good night's sleep with no disturbance but had alot of dreams until woke up quite late this morning.
Finally had our food tasting at the restaurant last Friday, and the food was great! Hopefully the dishes will turn out ok on the wedding dinner itself coz they usually differ a bit if cooked in bulk. Will have to take a risk on the chef's skills! Anyway by then we would not be able to enjoy most of the food as we would be bz changing, go up on stage and taking pictures + toasting etc.
1. Fortune Lobster Salad & California rolls (changed to Crab roll for actual dinner)Yeah its Friday and my boss is on leave, till end of next week!! Time to celebrate!!
Finally managed to move some stuff to my new home, with help of my bro and his car, plus the help of my family (excluding papa who had gone to watch getai himself) after an unplanned family dinner last evening.
Had a lift from bro after work back home, with his 2 pilot friends as well. They were supposed to have dinner at bro's house with Peggy cooking but due to some miscommunications on the no. of people, Peggy cooked more than enough so invited us up to eat. Me and papa already ate something so just went up to eat abit. Hanged around abit watching TV while bro sent his friends home then we proceeded to move my stuff, and it was raining quite heavily then.
Luckily reached Sengkang while the rain was coming down and managed to move all the stuff up in time. They were impressed with the house of coz, and bro jokingly said they should be changing some furnitures soon... My mama as usual started cleaning here and there in the kitchen, before sitting down and kept telling us its time to go home.
This weekend will be quite busy for me coz tonite is the food tasting at the restaurant, tomorrow probably need to go some tidying up for the stuff I moved over and planning for our wedding. Sunday will then be our cleaning day. So far haven't really gone into concrete planning so should be starting soon else will be too last minute like my bro :P
Its sad that we have lesser friends as we grow up. Of coz I do know of people who still have lots of friends but I guess I lacked that kind of energy to maintain my own. When I was still active in IRC (quite many years ago), I was busy with so many friends and activities that I was seldom at home. My sister always said that my home is like a hotel to me!
As years passed by, I have grown tired of organising activities coz I am always the one to do so only. Many friends were then lost in touch along the way and I only managed to keep in touch with those closer ones until now.
I admit I am not someone who is so enthu about contacting everyone else all the time so whenever one side dun make an effort, our friendship will be like history. Seems like I am more of the kind who needs to get pushed so to those friends whom I have not made an effort to stay in contact, my sincere regret and apologies.
I feel especially disappointed when I tried to invite some old friends for my coming wedding but sad to hear that they cannot make it, either coz too busy or probably some other committmentts which are more important to them. I cun really blame them coz everyone got their own way of life but coz these people used to be quite close with me so I cun help but feeling disappointed.
Of coz there are friends whom without any doubts will make an effort to attend my wedding, saying that they will come even uninvited. Its heartwarming to hear that and really appreciate the gestures.
~
I was looking back at some photo albums some time ago, done by me last time that brought back many nice memories. I even realised that I have unintentionally forgotten some of them ever since we lost touch or somehow just stopped contacting. Like people say, bad memories are always easier to remember, sad but true.
Its part and parcel of life for people to come and go. Some may stay forever, some crossed our paths for a while and some just slided through. I have been quite closed with some friends since my irc days and am glad that we are still good friends now.
Of coz some of them have drifted away from me at some point of time but I still treasure their friendship b4. There were also misunderstandings or incidents which pulled some friends apart and as time goes, its very difficult to get back the same kind of relationship.
~
My sister was telling me one day, when she was using my computer and realised that I have so few contacts on my msn. I did not tell her that even though there are already so few, most of them are in fact not in contact anymore. Or rather, some were never online anyway. Even in my handphone phone directory, most of the contacts were people whom were no longer in contact. Did not want to clear these people off coz who knows, one fine day I may get a message or call from them and I wun be asking "who r u?".
Technology also helped us to make friends, and inevitably made us lose some along the way. I was using ICQ long time ago and eventually switched to using MSN Messenger. Then came Yahoo Messenger but I seldom use anyway. Most of my friends are on MSN now but as I have limited access sometimes (esp in office), the chances of using that to maintain friends are restricted too. When I moved from ICQ to MSN, I lost touch with alot of nice friends coz I wasn't able to access ICQ in office then. When MSN was improved to escape firewall restrictions, I eventually used it most of the time. Now MSN is probably too widely used that connections are sometimes unstable and worse, my office is going to block MSN soon.
Friendster and Mulitply became more popular as everyone can set up their own website to share pictures and even their blogs now. I wasn't active in Friendster all along but managed to still login once in a few months at least to browse through my friends' sites. I became quite active in Multiply only sometimes late last year until now. Sometimes the only way I can know how people are getting on are through their blogs and photos, how weird. People dun even talk much anymore, just let the websites do the talking.
I think we all need some real talking, but with technology growing, making communications easier than ever, more personal communications seemed to be drifting away. I am making an effort to at least meet up with some closer friends once in a while to catch up but its always so difficult to co-ordinate.
~
Anyway to friends who are still reading this, thanks for being my friends and hope to keep these friendships going on forever.
Sick at home 2day and slept till almost 1pm+. Was feeling abit of headache this morning so decided to take the day off. Packed some stuff for moving after lunch and finally found my Sony photo printer. Been trying to look for it since Feb but just cun remember where I chucked it. Had wanted to have it serviced b4 the warranty expired in March but guess its too late now. Will probably try it again at new house, if not will get it serviced or changed.
Still yet to pack the major stuff like clothes etc. coz really dunno how to start off. Will probably try to pack some clothes over 1st later coz those currently wearing ones cannot be moved yet. Need to throw a lot of stuff too coz I have the habit of keeping old stuff for very long so its gonna be a big project for me.
Its back to some packing now...
Just home after watching "881" with my siblings. It was a nice show, very local and full of old memories of "getai". Most of the show was spoken in hokkien but luckily there's English and Chinese subtitles. It was also somehow like a musical show as many hokkien nos. were performed. This show made me realised how much society has changed whereby this trade is slowly disappearing and even existing ones dun have the gist of traditional "getais" anymore.
This show is actually dedicated to a male getai singer, who spent about 30 years on the stage, who died recently. The story is more or less about 2 gals who grew up in different environment but came to know each other and became as close as real sisters. They were then groomed to be getai singers and were very well-liked. One of the gals eventually surrended to cancer and we teared quite abit.
There were funny parts too and some parts were quite stupid with special effects with ridculous actions but still succeeded to win some laughters.
The hokkien songs were actually sung by a pair of sisters who were very famous last time (my aunt and mum will know them) - the Pearl Sisters. Those songs were really quite nice and meaningful, which I guess pop songs can never ever be able to compete.
A show worth watching, especially when its so familiar to us (people born b4 the 80s). I wun mind watching it again when the VCD is out...
More here
Aren't they cute!! Peggy got the plush toys from Sham Shui Po and the table mats from TrendyLand (by request).
Had wanted to use these Little Twin Stars plush toys in chinese wedding traditional costumes for my bridal car decor but on second thoughts, think better dun risk them being stolen or dirty so will just keep it at our new home.
Saw these on my last trip to HK but cun make up my mind to buy or not and eventually din. After searching quite long for nice placemats for our dining table, decided to get Peggy to help me get them since she's going to HK to join my bro. Cun rem ifs it the same design I seen b4 but they are still very nice!
Having a headache since morning, probably that time of the month coming again... Was starting to feel quite goggy as I am typing now... I miss my bed...
Went down to my BS last night and managed to go through all the artwork of our photoshoot. We went through page by page and they were all very nice. Little or no amendments required as we have already chosen the best of the lot and thanks to the nice artwork done by the boss himself. We managed to negotiate for another 8R table top framed picture as the artwork initially meant for our poster size was rejected by us. Not that its not good, just find that not quite match our living room wall so changed to another picture instead. Since the artwork was already done, he dun mind giving it to us. We chose another picture for our bedroom again coz the intended one doesn't match our room theme. The one we initially chosen now goes to the living room. Everything else seemed perfect.
Managed to try on my WG and EG again for final amendments, should be ready for fitting again in 2 weeks' time. Also managed to choose my hand bouquet and finalised the timing for the MUA to be at my place on the actual day. We left almost ard 9.30pm and they were packing to leave after us. Lucky thing there were no more appointments after us so we got full attention, else would have to rush through details.
My brother and sis-in-law had bought me a pair of cute toys from Hong Kong but I have yet to see them, Intended to use them for the car decor and will decide to go ahead after seeing them, probably tonite. We planned to go watch "881" tonite at Bishan GV. Web wasn't keen on this show so we are gonna catch it ourselves! In fact my parents already watched it last week, very kiasu!
Its yet another new week and almost coming to end of August! Time really flies... Just realised got not much time left for my wedding and till now, haven't really get started in planning for the day's programme yet! Will be going down to my BS this evening, to take a look at the draft artwork of our photo album and posters, as well as fitting of my gowns for any alterations.
Let me try to recap some happenings last week. Took half day off on Wednesday as the Starhub guy was supposed to be there ard 2-6pm for activation of the cable tv for all our points. Was supposed to go BS that evening but eventually postponed to tonight coz din want to rush down. The Starhub guy came ard 5pm+ and settled everything within 10 mins. We finally will not be bored by local channels!
Went to the Fireworks display at Marina Bayfront with Web and my family. The tickets were given by our company to each staff (one ticket per staff) but four of colleagues decided not to go (some last min) thus arranged for my parents and sis to go as well. It was however quite a disappointment as the fireworks only lasted about 15 mins, after waiting there since ard 7pm. Going home was a headache too and the human jam was horrible. We had to cut through Marina Square then walked back to City Hall Mrt via the Citylink. After sending my parents and sis, we walked to Clarke Quay MRT for the Northeast line to make our way back to the new house. It was almost 11pm+ when we finally reached home, after leaving the fireworks venue at 9.30pm+.
Saturday was spent with earlier part at Compass Point after lunch at our nearby coffeeshop. Had wanted to apply for the Singnet Broadband services but realised the promo ended just the day b4 and the guy suggested we wait till end of the month and sign up during the Comex show to get more perks and discounts or promotions. Guess will stick to the slow dial-up for the time being. We then took a train to Hougang Mall and bought stuff back from NTUC to cook for dinner.
Woke up quite late on Sunday morning as I had a mild fever the night b4. Went to bed early after taking some fever pills as was feeling so lethargic and cold. Went out to the coffeeshop few blocks away for lunch and had the new set of keys duplicated. It was surprising cheaper by at least $2 there then we did at Rivervale Mall.
I then spent the whole afternoon watching TV as Web went to take a nap as he couldn't get to sleep at all the night b4. He actually played Xbox games and watched TV all the way till 5am b4 finally sleeping on and off until 11am. I din sleep well too as I was awaken by any tiny noise. We then cook dinner again, watched some TV b4 making our way back to our own homes.
Its been a tiring weekend as we stayed over again. I finally had a good night's sleep last nite on my own familiar bed. The mattress at the new house really cannot make it but no choice.
Sunday
Woke up ard 10am, ate brunch then proceeded to clean the house. Was actually feeling abit giddy and headache due to lack of sleep (slept at 3am+ the nite b4!) but hanged on. Cleaned both toilets, kitchen, wiped all stuff with metal and glass tops (TV rack, shower screen, glass doors at master bedroom toilet and service balcony and dining table) and mirrors. Usually can do more (like vacuuming the whole house) but was dead tired by the time I finished my area of job.
Took a nap at the new L-shaped sofa which just arrived on Sat morning and woke up ard 4pm. We then took a bus out to the nearby Fernvale Point and had dinner, and Web had his haircut too. We also realised that the place will only be around for 3 years, until the new Fernvale Plaza is up just opposite.
We were so lazy of closing and opening all the windows that we decided to leave them open this time since the weather seemed very hot. Suay suay it actually rained while we were out, but luckily not big enough to wet our curtains and floors. Lazed around surfing net and watching TV until ard 9pm+ then made our way home.
Saturday
Woke up pretty early to wait for the arrival of our L-shaped sofa. It was delayed couple of times as the stock was not ready and that the material was wrong. We were then on the way out for breakfast then Web was recalled back to the office. Had a quick meal as I sent him to take a cab then back to the house and waited for the HDB guy to come.
We had submitted our door keys to them when we just got the keys for them to replace all the defects but after so long (since Apr), they had lost our keys. Very bizzare actually but no choice. At least the HDB officer was responsible enough to arrange for our locks to be changed.
Was cutting those anti-insects papers for the master bedroom wardrobe while waiting for them to come. Was bending down alot cutting and joining pieces together so had a mild backache after that. Barely got time to rest then the HDB guy came and replaced the locks and adjusted our door for about 45mins. Our main door was abit out of alignment resulting in difficulty when locking and opening the lock. We had to pull back b4 we could turn the lock but luckily the guy managed to fix it.
Had wanted to stay home and rest but Web was supposed to join his colleagues for KTV so I was coerced into going. It was a boring session coz I dunno his colleagues and one particular gal I really buay tahan coz she was like holding a concert there, selecting songs and singing non stop. Those guys also one kind, sit there and dunno how to sing. I only managed to sing few duets with Web coz really dun have the mood to sing by myself. Stayed until ard 7pm then we parted to have our own dinner.
Took a bus to Novena Ville and had chicken rice with some dishes. I remembered the last time I went there was like 7+ years ago b4 my company moved to Gateway West (was at United Square be) and really had no impression how the food taste like. Surprising it was good, other than judging from the really crowded restaurant. We had found another place with good food although its not that cheap.
We then shopped abit at Novena Square b4 making our way back to Web's place. It was the start of the new EPL (English Premier League) season and we could not watch it at the new house. We applied and took the Starhub cable TV digital cable box home, installed then realised it cun work! Reason was we were the 1st owner of the house and the main antenna was not switched to receive Starhub cable TV programmes. We had requested for HDB to turn on earlier but pointed to local channels only. Starhub technicians will need to switch for us so the earliest appointment will be only mid of this week (need to take leave again)
Reached his place ard 11pm and started watching an earlier match then I fell asleep on the sofa b4 the Liverpool match started. Was dozing on and off during the match but still managed to see when they scored. Hahaha... I think I am trained already coz most guys do that (only alert when someone scores). The match finished ard 2am+ then we took a cab back to the new house as I showered and prepared for bed.
Friday
Had dinner at Tunglok Signature restaurant at Vivocity as Web wanted to utilise the Tunglok $$ in his Tunglok card. He had applied it when we had our ROM lunch in June and managed to accumulate quite a no. of $$.
The food was quite nice, although the portions not fabulous. The atmosphere was not bad, chinese food in a western like setting. It was surprisingly quite full by the time we finished and left coz the food wasn't cheap. We had about 3 dishes with one soup plus desserts and spent about $90+. Singaporeans really know how to enjoy good food!
The appetizer (cucumbers) was quite nice. Din order but think came with the meal (have to pay still). The 1st dish was pan fried chicken and was good! The second one we liked best was prawns in dong fen. I almost scaped all the dong fen! The 3rd dish was some fried toufu and was good too. We then ordered desserts (very nice of coz) and I was already damn full then. Was too excited when our hot and sour soup came so did not take picture. Only realised when there wasn't a drop left! A very filling and sumptous meal!
We then went to the Starhub counter to subscribe and get the digital set top box. We saved at least $30 (excluding GST) if we take and install it ourselves. After that we went shopping at Giant while I bought a 3-tier mini shelf for the master bedroom toilet vanity top (to put all the small stuff than having them all over) then to the Selfix DIY store and got some nice stickers for our toilet bowls' covers.
Took the long train journey back to the new house and after fixing the Starhub cable digital cable box, realised there was no signal. After calling for technical support, realised the antenna was not switched thus made an appointment for them to come down. Web had wanted to watch the Liverpool match at 12am on Saturday that's why we rushed to get the cable box, else we would have waited till we move in, to save some cost.
Really damn pissed off with that fxxxking boss these few days. Just becoz she is in bad mood, she has to make everyone else the same. She is making noise over small, minor and unimportant things and pissing everyone off. The minute I heard her voice I feel like strangling her. Nabei~
This week wasn't easy for most of us. Lucky thing its holiday tomorrow so dun need to see that fxxxking face of that bitch!
Was in a foul mood yesterday but luckily feeling better after meeting sis for some shopping and dinner after work. Bought 4 nice colourful cups at Tangs, at 30% off retail price. We also spent quite abit at Aussino as they are having sale again, up tp 50% off!
Slept quite early last nite and sort of felt better (not so sleepy) this morning then that stupid fxxxking bitch had to spoil my day again... hai~
Friday
Headed to AMK Hub NTUC for some shopping (mattresses, pillows, rice cooker etc.) after dinner, b4 going down to the new house. Watched TV until almost 1am+ b4 hitting the bed.
Saturday
Woke up, went breakfast then waited for the guys to come over and change the curtains. We then took a nap b4 preparing to go out to visit the geomancer to get our wedding preparation and actual day timing.
Had dinner at Pizza Hut with Web's mum at Kovan b4 going shopping at NTUC again then headed to new house.
Sunday
Cooked breakfast with the food we bought the night b4 and lazed around b4 going out to AMK Hub NTUC again to exchange our rice cooker bought on Friday. The stupid cooker had a dent at the side which we din notice when we check. We then got more stuff as NTUC is having 4.2% discount until National Day.
We were then back to the new house, did some cleaning then took a nap. Woke up to cook dinner then watched VCD until making our way back to own home.
Last year on 29 Jul 06, my uncle passed away. This year on 31 Jul 07, my auntie - his 1st wife passed away. How ironic, their death anniversaries are just 1 year and 2 days apart. Vividly, I thought he had just passed away this year but checking back on my entries, a year had in fact passed. Time really flies...
My family just came back from her wake and heard from sis, she stood outside at the carpark area out from the wake location after she paid her respects to my auntie. She also mentioned she saw my brother tearing. After listening to her as she walked off, my tears fell. I couldn't control my tears just now in the cab home too after sis called me, and told me she had told auntie I cun go to her wake.
I feel very, very sad I cannot be there, even to just look at her and pay my respects. She will be cremated tomorrow and I cun be there as well. Guess I would have to wait till after my marriage to visit her and offer my apologies...
Thinking back, she used to visit us quite often after her church sessions on Sundays for a while b4 she headed home (in Woodlands). Although I wasn't that close to her, she was almost like a sister to my mum. I know my mum must be heartbroken athough she dun quite show it. I guess she is prepared and would think probably its good for my auntie to end her suffering and be united with her husband and daughter. My parents had been visiting my auntie almost every week when she was ill - in hospital or her home.
Its such a regret a woman who suffered so much hardship in her life and when its time to enjoy, she had surrendered to illness. Its not easy for her children too, to accept that they lost both parents just within a year. I am sure all who know her, will pray that she is happy now.
